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People of The Living God |
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May 2025
WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS
JUDGMENT BY THE SPIRIT
Harry Miller
It is important for every child of God to realize that there are two great powers at work in the earth: the power of GOOD and the power of EVIL. These are both powers of the spirit, and actually manifest themselves in many similar ways. Through the processes of human reasoning it is difficult at times to determine just which of these powers is being manifested. The devil often works as “an angel of light,” and at times has possessed some who have appeared to be very pious individuals.
The prophetic scriptures indicate that there will be great spirit activity in “the last days,” and it would be wise for every Christian to secure all possible knowledge about things supernatural. Only those who are “willingly ignorant” can deny that there are unseen forces working about us. Every genuine Christian is aware of these “powers,” and many times finds himself torn between good and evil.
According to the Word, we are to expect the “restoration of all things,” and that, of course, involves supernatural things. It would be the grossest of sins to attribute the things of God to “the power of the Devil.” But, on the other hand, to believe that certain things are of God when they are actually demon-inspired is no better.
Most religious organizations of our present day have been so busy bringing forth “babes” that they have neglected “the meat in due season.” But it will be those who have been “weaned from the milk” that God will teach and “make to understand doctrine.” Many will be “ashamed” in the judgments of this last day, and the “houses” shall be “broken up” and swept away because the “workmen” were unprepared for the manner of His coming.
In the days of “The Nazarene”, a whole nation looked daily for the coming of the Messiah. It was the one bright hope for a people disgraced and in bondage to a foreign power. Yet when He came, they received Him not. Why? Was He not the King of Glory? Did He not walk among them, and manifest all manner of miracles and supernatural powers to confirm His authority? Did He not speak as no other man ever spake? Why was it, then, that they did not recognize Him? The answer to these questions is: “The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (I Cor. 2:14).
Human judgment relative to spiritual things is like a man trying to pick music out of the airwaves without a radio.
Even the high priest of the Jewish nation did not recognize Jesus as the Son of God; but the humble shepherds looked for Him, and found Him in a stable. He had no halo about His head, and there was no visible proof of his divinity. These men knew Him by the Holy Spirit within them: they literally had “inside information.”
The aged brother, Simeon, who looked for “the hope of Israel,” came into the temple “by the Spirit”, and there he saw a poor carpenter with his wife, and the child in their arms being presented to the Lord. Their offering was the oblation of the poor: a pair of turtledoves. At once, Simeon knew “the Lord’s Christ.”
Shortly after this, Anna, an 84-year-old widow, also came in and immediately recognized Him as the Saviour. She, too, praised the Most High for the child.
How did they know Him? Certainly not by human reasoning. They knew by the Spirit.
The utter spiritual stupidity of man is manifest in his futile attempts to solve spiritual problems by human means. God often uses physical forces in accomplishing His purposes, but He is not confined to the animation of matter in performing His word. The scriptures contain many accounts of miracles that have no explanation from a physical standpoint. For example: The disciples “took ship” to go to Capernaum, but because of the rough sea, they made no progress. Suddenly they saw the Lord Jesus walking on the water, and as he drew near them they were afraid; “But he sayeth unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went” (John 6:16-21). By the Spirit we know that this is true; by reason, there is positively no explanation.
In order not to be found “blaspheming the Holy Ghost”, men should beware of passing too hasty a judgment on spiritual manifestations. A brass snake hung on the end of a pole was once used by the people of God for the healing of snake bites – and this was a Divine institution. It certainly was an odd affair, but it worked. Those who “looked,” lived: that is the only explanation.
The Lord has often used very strange methods and things, to accomplish His work. True prophetic utterance never caters to man’s ego, yet history confirms the fact that down through the years God has often chosen to speak through vessels of flesh. Once, He spoke through the mouth of a donkey. The little long-eared animal became a vessel of Divine expression; it did not just appear to talk, it actually spoke, and spoke by the Spirit of the Lord. No wonder the apostle Paul admonished the Thessalonians: “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings” (I Thess. 5:19,20).
The Pharisees of Jesus’ day claimed to believe in supernatural things, but they were positive that anything of Divine origin could only take place under the jurisdiction of their own religious group. They had assumed that their own sect was the right one and, therefore, they felt sure that IF God spoke, He would speak through their own ministers. Because they were not spiritual, but carnal, they tried to make the institution responsible for things that they alone were responsible for. Each and every man must be responsible for the salvation of his own soul. To try to transfer this responsibility to a church is one of the grossest of errors, yet there have been men who have practiced this in every age.
Because Christ did not belong to the right synagogue, He was classed as an impostor; and His works of the Spirit were judged as being “of the devil.” There is no record of any man ever denying that Christ worked miracles. From wicked king Herod, on down, men believed that He had supernatural power, but most men attributed His power to “Beelzebub, the prince of the devils.”
The religious men of Christ’s day were not ignorant of prophecy. But they had so much of the unreliable sort that they were most skeptical of all such spirit manifestation. The Old Testament speaks of many “false prophets.” Many of these did have spirit power, but not of the right spirit. Jesus declared that in the Day of Judgment there will be many who will say to Him, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” and He will say to them – “I never knew you” (Matt. 7:22,23). Without a doubt, there are many miracle workers of our present day whom the Lord has never known. They work by the spirit but not by His Spirit.
The chief product of hell is deception. The evil spirit not only deceives men through these human agents, but also often deceives the agents themselves. Many false prophets do not know that they are false prophets. The many, whom Jesus will tell that He never knew, certainly are deceived creatures. Such people are going to be very much astonished “in that day” when they discover that they are not “sheep,” but “goats.” At the judgment, as they stand before Him, they will still contend that they belong to Christ. They will still call Him Lord, and they will use every argument in an attempt to prove their discipleship.
Concerning false prophets, Ezekiel says: “Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing” (Chapter 13, verse 3).
The majority of these “foolish prophets” have never had a supernatural vision or supernatural revelation of any kind. They “work up” religious emotion, and while in a state of extreme psychic tension they begin to utter a lot of words that they think is prophecy.
A certain man in Montrose, California, when asked how he received his prophecy, stated that the spirit had told him: “open your mouth and the Lord will fill it.” Such “prophecy” as this is just plain “Hot Air.”
Many quote the prophecy of Joel which says: “your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” Many of these poor, deluded individuals seem to think that they are honoring the Lord by helping to fulfill the prophecy of Joel. Such people gradually become victims of their own deception. Soon they become such addicts to this spurious manifestation that even the written word of God is set aside in preference to their “spirit talk.” It is these types of people Ezekiel speaks about in the thirteenth chapter.
Balaam “saw the vision of The Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open” (Num. 24:4). This fellow was a mercenary, self-willed, totally unscrupulous miracle worker. He actually “saw the vision of the Almighty,” but his greed had so blinded his eyes that he considered it a perfectly legitimate thing to use the powers of the Spirit to gain his own ends. The man was a victim of his own lawless heart. He was a complete fool; for any man who would be stupid enough to attempt to outwit God is a fool. Any gifted man who lacks the judgment that Balaam lacked is certainly deceived.
The question is this: How can the person know whether his prophecy is of God or of Satan? Is there a marked difference – some outstanding characteristic about the prophecy itself, or about the manifestation of it?
Unfortunately, there is no distinguishing mark that labels these false prophesies as such. There is often very little in the prophecy itself, or in its manifestation, that would reveal its origin.
Matthew, in speaking of false prophets, says, “ye shall know them by their fruits,” and goes on to explain that “a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,” etc. (Matt. 7:15-20), but this cannot be spot judgment: it takes time to determine the type of “fruit” that is being brought forth.
It is also well to remember the words of Jeremiah (chap. 17,vs.9): “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” So it is possible for the prophet himself to be deceived by his own selfish motives.
And so clever is the work of hell, so cunning the deception, that unless the prophet himself has the gift of discernment, he has no way of determining what spirit is speaking to him.
Every person who has ever received any legitimate prophecy or revelation knows beyond a doubt that what he received was not of himself. The prophet is fully aware that what he sees is supernatural. He feels the presence of the spirit (either a good spirit or an evil spirit); a feeling which is definitely not attributable to any natural source: the sensations that attend spiritual manifestations are unique.
There is no way, apart from discernment, for the prophet himself to know of a certainty the identity of the spirit; but there is a test the people can make while the spirit is on the prophet.
We are exhorted: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirit whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (I John 4:1).
It is possible, and also scriptural, to try the spirits and to “prove” the authenticity of the source of the prophecy. However, this must be done while the prophet is “in the spirit.” This should never be done presumptuously. First, those wishing to “try” the spirit should prayerfully claim the covering of the blood of Christ, and then command that spirit by which the prophet is actuated to answer the question: “Has Jesus Christ come in the flesh?” (See I John 4:2,3). If the spirit is of God, the answer will be “yes,” but if the prophet is moved by an evil spirit the answer may be evasive, or the question may be completely ignored.
Anyone who feels it necessary to “try” a spirit should decide, before he asks the question, that he WILL get an answer; then with real determination, contend for the answer. The spirit MUST answer, but the questioner must insist. If the spirit is an evil one he will eventually cry out “no,” and can then be dealt with accordingly. The devil should be cast out in the name of Jesus Christ, and there should be great rejoicing in the hearts of those who have been freed from the influence of a false prophet.
Evil spirits, however, seem to be quite clever in the art of evading any circumstances that will allow their “medium” to be subject to interrogation.
It is very seldom possible for anyone to have a chance to put the question to the prophet; so in most cases it is necessary to judge by other means.
The people in the early church were protected (to a degree) from false prophets by those who sat in the assembly as judges of prophetic utterance. Paul explains this in I Corinthians 14, verse 29: “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.”
Those who judged were men of discernment. By the Spirit of the Lord, they knew the counterfeit from the genuine. Their gift of discernment was as supernatural as the gift of prophecy. No group of Christians should ever allow spiritual manifestations in their midst unless someone who has the gift of discernment is present.
Spiritualism has virtually taken over Pentecostalism because the people have refused to accept the government of the kingdom of God, and without discernment, there is no possible way to prevent evil spirits from taking over spiritual affairs.
We read in First Corinthians twelve that “God hath set some in the church: “... prophets ... miracles ... healings ... governments,” and He also says that “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge ... to another faith ... to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits ... all these worketh that one and the selfsame spirit.” The early church was a family of gifted believers; their safety was in the process of the church functioning as a body. Their gifts were not for entertainment or for religious excitement, but for Christian edification. While they walked in God’s order, there was enough spiritual discernment in the church to detect the antichrist spirit, and they knew how to deal with it quickly. But most of the present-day churches are so far from the apostolic order that it is almost spiritual suicide to enter into any religious service where spirits are making a manifestation.
There are two more proofs of the genuine, God-called prophet: Test his message by the scriptures. “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20). No prophecy will ever contradict the words of Jesus. No message “through the spirit,” if divinely inspired, will ever discredit the written word. But the scriptural test is not always a satisfactory test, because many will judge the message of the prophet by what they think the Bible teaches.
The other test, briefly mentioned earlier, is the most satisfactory: “By their fruits ye shall know them.” There is one thing very certain, and that is that sweet water and bitter water cannot come out of the same fountain. A prophet of Christ should be a holy person. Real, genuine godliness is exceedingly hard for an impostor to imitate. Any individual who proclaims Christ, yet lives a self-centered life, is undoubtedly an impostor; beware of his message.
True prophets of the Lord are to be found even in this, our day. They are humble individuals; they live quiet, consistent lives; they are clean, holy souls who have no love for self, or for things. Such people are always found to be honest, dependable, and kind. They never have an “up-and-down” Christian experience, but have a deep and consecrated walk with the Lord.
RELIGIOUS CLEANSING IN AMERICA
Curtis Dickinson
As Christians today, we find ourselves with minority status in a culture that is determined to homogenize all religions into a pagan philosophy. While most people are horrified at the ethnic cleansing that has taken place in some nations, they seem to think that it’s okay to negate the fundamentals of the Christian faith – in the name of pluralism – and reduce it to nothing more than another powerless world religion.
Christians love peace, as Paul admonished: “As much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men” (Rom. 12:18). Christians seek the welfare of others, regardless of their religion. We do no harm to our enemies, but pray for them, and try to return good for evil. Why, therefore, is there such hostility to the Christian faith, and why, of all religious people, are Christians targeted for ridicule and persecution?
Could it be because, of all religions, the Christian faith is the one that cannot be homogenized and, therefore, the creators of a pluralistic society must eradicate it?
The Reason
1. The Christian faith is exclusive. Jesus said, “No one comes to the father
but by me” (John 14:7). The apostles declared, “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent” (John 17:3).
Those who uphold these claims are labeled as bigots, and are regularly under attack in the media by Jews, Muslims, and others. Many noted evangelists and church leaders, to escape such criticism, now say that there are, after all, other means of salvation, which, if true, would make the Christian faith redundant.
2, According to Jesus, all sin is under condemnation. All have sinned and,
unless forgiven on God’s terms, will ultimately suffer the punishment of final death. Such forgiveness requires belief and admission that Jesus is Lord and Savior. No other religion has as part of its doctrine a day of judgment and final destruction of those who reject God. Therefore, the Christian faith cannot be combined with any of the other religions to form a synthesis of world religion.
3. Jesus demands repentance and a change from the practice of sin in order to
be forgiven. The homosexual community knows that as long as Christians are free to speak, we will label homosexuality as evil, just as God does, and will try to protect children from their influence. Hence, they militantly oppose Christians and any church that stands for biblical truth.
4. By His resurrection Jesus upstaged all the religious leaders of the world
and gave proof of His claim that God has given Him all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). If Jesus has all authority, then none is left for the Talmud of the Jews, for the Koran of Islam, or for the book of Mormon.
His claim leaves nothing but to either acknowledge Him as Lord or to live in rebellion against Him. To confess Him to be Lord is to admit that He is to be obeyed. It also means that we will not commit ourselves to the world leaders to support their plans to build a worldwide Babylon, or New World Order.
Ultimately, the question is whether one will serve God or the state. In ancient Rome, the officials didn’t care how many gods one worshipped, as long as his final allegiance was to the Emperor. When Christians put Christ before the state, with allegiance only to Him, it was seen as treason, and worthy of death, so that they were hunted down and put to death in the cruelest manner. Today, the state has become god to a vast number of citizens, including many church members who seek the approval of the world and the security which the state promises. The time may come when even some who profess to be Christian will look upon the faithful disciples of Jesus as radicals and enemies of society.
5. Evangelism is an integral part of the Christian way. It was Jesus who told the
disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19,20). It is the clear teaching of Jesus that all who are not reconciled to God through Him are without hope. It is not possible to be a Christian and still be silent concerning this truth. Once a person realizes that the only way to have eternal life is through Christ, he is compelled by a fervent compassion, as well as a sense of duty, to warn those who are still unforgiven and thus in mortal danger of dying in that condition. To refuse to do so is not only disobedience, but it indicates that either one doesn’t believe Jesus’ message, or he is shamefully unconcerned with the fate of his fellow man.
The implications of this message are not welcome to the unbelievers and, consequently, they are opposed to any evangelistic efforts. They say that Christians should shut up about our faith and just keep it to ourselves. Many churches have yielded to this pressure, and now “market” the church as an activity and entertainment center with “show time” every Sunday morning. Faith is presented as a means to improve one’s image, raise one’s self-esteem, and help one reach a goal of worldly success, influence, and happiness. Instead of calling for repentance and obedience as did Jesus and the apostles, the sinner is told to “invite Jesus into your heart.” Churches are building huge assemblies, without bringing people to humble obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Response
In view of the hostility to the Christian faith and the effort to reduce it to the level of the other world religions, our task is clear. In praying for His disciples, Jesus said, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil one … Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world even so sent I them into the world” (John 17:15,17,18). To “sanctify” means to “set apart.” We are to saturate our minds with the truth that we may be able to stand firmly and decisively on that which God has revealed. We are not to be like the world around us, but to be lights for that world. “That you may become blameless and harmless children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life” (Phil. 2:15,16).
It is the truth of the gospel, the good news revealed by Jesus, that changes hearts and minds, and through these, whole nations. The lies of pagan religions can be displaced only by the truth found in the revealed scripture. This doesn’t mean that one has to become an erudite Bible scholar with a solution to every puzzling verse of scripture. I don’t understand every verse in the Bible, and I don’t know anyone who does. I’m still learning and at my age I’m sure there are not enough years left to learn it all. But I understand that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that He died and rose again, that God made Him Lord of all, and that there is an appointed day in which God will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus “whereby he has given assurance to all men in that he has raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).
We must stop relying on an ordained clergy to get this message across. The truth does not depend on skilled oratory or entertaining sermons. It can be told by anyone who has come to know it, and once proclaimed, the gospel takes care of itself. Paul said it is “the power of God unto salvation.” But it has little power as long as it is restricted to a thirty-minute display inside a church building once a week.
The promotion of “pluralism” and “multiculturalism” gives believers in Christ an opportunity to present a well-defined contrast between the Way of Jesus and the ways of the world’s religion.
Peter and John were thrown into jail for preaching the crucified and risen Christ, and when they were released, they were charged not to speak any more in the name of Jesus. But when they met with their company of believers and noted how the scriptures had been fulfilled concerning the opposition to their message (Psalm 2:1,2), note what they prayed for. “And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness…” (Acts 4:29). No fear. No anxiety. Just the desire to make known the truth of the Christ.
Later, Peter was to write: “But sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, wherein you are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ” (I Peter 3:15-16).
Paul’s word to all who face opposition and persecution for their faith is: “But, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Rom. 8:37).
MY TESTIMONY
Shelia Rankhorn
This may be difficult for some to read, but it is about God's grace and healing. It is not meant to harm anyone. I want to share a portion of my personal testimony with you.
Throughout my life, I have faced various forms of abuse, beginning in my early childhood. The trauma started when I was just a young child, experiencing both physical and emotional abuse. At the tender age of seven, I was subjected to rape, and by the age of ten, I endured further violation through fondling. It was at twelve that I found solace in my faith, giving my heart to Jesus after being inspired by Corrie Ten Boom's "The Hiding Place."
In my quest for healing, I sought assistance from Focus on the Family’s counseling services, only to be met with the discouraging advice that I should identify my issues and resolve them independently. The impact of this experience shattered my resolve and deterred me from pursuing any further assistance regarding the abuse I was suffering.
At nineteen, I entered into marriage and became a mother to two beautiful daughters, yet I found myself in a relationship marred by mental abuse and my husband's addiction to pornography, which I viewed as a form of infidelity. Regrettably, I was not fulfilling my role as a Godly wife, neglecting my spiritual practices and church attendance. I do not attribute the entirety of my divorce to my husband, as I recognize that my own shortcomings played a significant role in our relationship. Furthermore, both of us were ill-equipped to navigate the effects of the abuse we experienced during our childhoods, which contributed to the challenges we faced together. Although we attempted counseling, it only exacerbated the mental abuse, leading to our divorce after thirteen years.
Following the separation, I was burdened with feelings of condemnation, being misled into believing I was destined for hell due to my divorce, which prompted a reckless phase in my life characterized by alcohol and prescription drug abuse and promiscuity. Eventually, I entered into two additional marriages, both of which were marked by significant physical and emotional abuse. Through one of those unions, I was blessed to welcome a son into my life when I turned 40. During this marriage, my husband was a severe methamphetamine user, and his addiction nearly cost me my life while I was pregnant with our son. At that time, I had no prior experience with meth and was unaware of the signs of its use in others. This was an extremely abusive relationship, and I obtained full custody of my son and a permanent order of protection in my divorce.
Regrettably, after I resumed my job following the birth of my son, I succumbed to my previous patterns and began to experiment with meth myself. Tragically, I experienced rape on four additional occasions, the last of which occurred six years ago. I made several attempts to stop using meth, but ultimately, I found myself evicted from my home. In a moment of desperation, I turned to my oldest daughter, asking her to take care of my son while I sought help. Her response was harsh: “You made your bed, go lie in it.” This was particularly painful because she had previously warned me that if I relapsed into meth use, she would take my son away from me. Yet, in our time of need, she refused to assist him.
This experience shattered me completely, prompting me to quit meth cold turkey and for good. Experiencing homelessness was a significant challenge in my life, yet I found solace in the unwavering faithfulness of God, even during my moments of unfaithfulness. In this difficult time, I was blessed with friends who assisted me in acquiring a used camper, which became my temporary home. This was five years ago, during which I reached out for assistance again and received a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), along with major depressive disorder, major panic disorder, and major anxiety disorder.
Eventually, God guided me to a compassionate Christian counselor who recognized my need for deliverance and connected me with a deliverance minister, an experience that proved transformative. Since then, I have been striving to deepen my relationship with God each day, navigating the inevitable struggles and trials that arise. While there are moments when I align with God's will, there are also times when I succumb to the adversary's and my own carnal nature’s influence. The most significant challenges I face as a result of my past traumas are pervasive feelings of fear, anxiety, and worry. I have learned to wield the Sword of God using various scriptures. One particularly impactful verse is 2 Tim. 1:7, which states, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
My mother discovered a profound prayer that incorporates this scripture, and I make it a point to pray it daily. If you are interested in utilizing this prayer, I have shared it at the following link: https://circleofscripture.wixsite.com/circle-of-scriptur-1/prayer-6. I can attest to its transformative power, as it has significantly impacted my life. Another scripture I find particularly empowering is 2 Cor. 10:5, which encourages us to cast “down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” This verse serves as a vital tool whenever I face mental attacks from the enemy or the residual effects of trauma. A year ago, I faced further hardships with my camper, including difficulties in maintaining warmth, the hot water heater and air conditioning malfunctioning, yet once again, I witnessed God's provision in my life, as support and resources emerged just when I needed them most. God led me to go where I am today.
I am continually improving and growing in my faith each day. I urge you not to lose hope; my life stands as a testament to the belief that with God, all things are indeed possible. He is perpetually by your side. My own experiences serve as a testament to this truth, as I have faced countless moments where my life hung in the balance, and yet, through divine intervention, I was spared from peril and the depths of hell. God’s protective hand was preparing me for the future when I would ultimately yield my entire being to Him.
In this moment, I am overwhelmed with the joy that comes from the Lord, a joy so profound that I feel compelled to proclaim it from the rooftops! It is through complete surrender to God that we can truly attain the peace that transcends all understanding. I pray that I will continue to surrender to Him daily, no matter what comes my way, because this peace and joy are too wonderful to let go of.
“THE WILL OF MY FATHER”
Matt. 7:21
Randall Walton
“Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will (the desire, the pleasure) of my Father which is in heaven.”
If Jesus stated the above as an absolute fact, then we are compelled to believe that the kingdom of heaven will not be overcrowded. The will of the Father seems to be the farthest thing from the mind of most people today. Making a profession of Christianity (calling Him Lord) has no real value at all – unless the person doing so is committed to and is practicing the Father’s will.
And what is the Father’s will? Can one really know what the Father’s desire is?
Jesus said that He came to this earth to do only the Father’s will (John 6:38). The Father’s will can then be known by observing the life and activities of Jesus. He consistently reached out to the hungry, the poor, the sick, lame, blind, and helpless (Matt. 25:31-46). “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
He also said that the words He spoke were not His own but were those of the Father (John 14:10; John 5:19; John 5:30; John 7:16; John 8:28; John 12:49). Therefore, if we truly want to know the Father’s will, we need only to read and study the words and teachings of His precious Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
And once we KNOW His words, we are obligated, yes, required to DO (obey, follow, heed, observe) them, for only those who DO the will of the Father will make it into heaven! Those are the clear words of the Master – don’t forfeit your eternal life with God by rejecting the words, sayings, and commands of Jesus of Nazareth, who is truly the Lord (Supreme Commander).
LEFT BEHIND
Randall Walton
The above is the title of a best-selling book by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, which has also been made into a movie of the same name. Though both the book and the film are listed as fiction, it is amazing that crowds of people consider them both to be based upon fact, i.e., Scriptural.
The doctrine known as “the secret rapture of the church” has no foundation in the Scriptures at all. It is one of the many last-day fables which is being heralded worldwide by several evangelical denominations. It is promoted to scare people into “accepting” Jesus Christ and becoming members of a church, in good standing. After all, if millions of church folks are going to be evacuated from the earth just before hell breaks loose in a global tribulation, why wouldn’t they want to be counted in?
Three and a half or seven years’ vacation in heaven is nothing to ignore, right? And especially when you consider that those who are left behind are to be subjected to all the diabolical machinations of the antichrist.
It sounds great, and would be if only it were true. The sad fact is, this doctrine cannot be found on the pages of the Holy Bible. There are a few verses which are referred to – yanked out of context and twisted beyond recognition. Nowhere is the return of Jesus to this planet spoken of as a secret. To the contrary, repeatedly the advent is described as a worldwide-known event, witnessed by all persons who have ever lived, as well as all those who are alive at the time of His appearing. Note the following:
“For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matt. 24:27 (no secret here).
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” Rev. 1:7 (no secret here).
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: (no secret here) and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” I Thess. 4:16,17 (no secret here).
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” Matt. 16:27 (no secret here).
“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory; and before him shall be gathered all nations (all races, Gk.): and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.” Matt. 25:31,32 (no secret here).
You may search the Scriptures from cover to cover, and you will not find any reference anywhere to a secret, pre-tribulation coming of Jesus Christ. In fact, just the opposite is stated by Jesus Himself: “Immediately AFTER (not before) the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened ... then shall all the tribes (families) of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:29-30).
These verses not only declare the universal knowledge of Jesus’ return, it places His return after, immediately after the time of the tribulation.
In the light of these plain statements of Scripture, how can anyone teach that the second advent will take place in secret before the time of tribulation? It is obvious that such teachers are not knowledgeable of the truths of God, or have not received a love for truth (II Thess. 2:10-12), or are deceivers. It is not for us to judge them, but we are obligated to declare the truth in order to rescue some from the dangers of error.
The greatest problem with the secret rapture fable (in addition to being unscriptural) is that it fails to include the absolute necessity of readiness. People are not being told that there is any need for spiritual or moral preparation in order to be transferred directly into the courts of heaven. Evangelicals state that one should be a believer, or born again. The Pentecostals say that only those who are baptized in the Holy Spirit are eligible for the secret flight. (Note their emphasis upon speaking in tongues.)
But sadly, none of the above is sufficient to carry anyone through the horrific time of trouble and tribulation which Jesus said is destined to fall upon “all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Luke 21:34-36). Being a “good person”, or a religious person, or a born-again person, or one baptized with the Holy Ghost is not sufficient to carry one through the time of darkness which seems to be just over the horizon.
This supposed Christian nation is more concerned about football, baseball, basketball, the Olympics, TV entertainment, and the GNP (Wall Street, etc.), than about a close personal walk with God. The megachurch has made consecration and sanctification obsolete. The religious clientele demands entertainment and jamboree with plenty of modern dance and pageantry to satisfy the thirst of its inherent carnality.
Where is “The Faith” once delivered unto the saints? Where are the Daniels, the Abrahams, the Samuels, the Stephens – men of God who devoted their lives to the service of God? What about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, or Job, or John the Baptist?
What they had is what it is going to take to make it through the perils of these last days. The Bible does not support the idea of a secret express to heaven before trouble begins. The time to prepare for the trouble is now. It is time to reevaluate one’s standing with God and make the necessary changes in one’s habits of life in order to meet the challenges of readiness. We exhort you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to seek God as never before, and consecrate, rededicate, and surrender your heart and soul unto Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory.
JOHN MATTHEW SANDERSON
December 2, 1953 – April 3, 2025
We are sad to announce the passing of Brother John (Johnny) Sanderson, a long-time member of People of the Living God church. As a member, Brother Johnny contributed to the publication of “The Testimony of Truth” which is sent out each month by the church. He has written several articles over the years for the publication and has at times helped in the print shop when needed. Johnny has functioned in many parts of the work and ministry of People of the Living God over the years. Johnny joined the church in the mid-seventies. Shortly afterward, he met and married Eda Mae Brown, and they have been dedicated to one another and to the church throughout their lives together. Johnny was always willing to help in any way he could. When in New Orleans, he worked in the school cafeteria as a busboy and ran the furnace for burning trash. After moving from New Orleans to Tennessee, he became the official plumber, running water and sewer lines for some of the buildings and installing plumbing fixtures. Later, he moved to the dairy operation run by People of the Living God until 2016, when the dairy was closed.
However, about two years ago, Brother Johnny was diagnosed with cancer which spread into his bones. Once the cancer reached the bones, there was no remedy for his condition except God to bring healing. While many prayers went up in Johnny’s behalf, God has seen fit to take him. Scripture tells us that it is appointed unto man once to die, and this was Brother Johnny’s time.
While we will miss Brother Johnny, we know that God has a time appointed for each of us, and what is important is that we are ready when that time comes.
Below is an article written by Brother Johnny a few years ago and is reprinted here in remembrance of him, which I pray will be a blessing to all who read it.
A LESSON IN DAVID’S VICTORY
John Sanderson
The battle lines were drawn. It was all or nothing. Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, stood proud and defiant. For forty days, he mockingly said to the armies of Israel, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together” (I Sam. 17:10).
His fierce threats and visual impact alone were enough to keep the armies of Israel paralyzed. After all, he was over eight feet tall and wore much armor. He had a personal shield carrier. To fight against this giant was pure insanity! This man was MEAN! The armies of Israel were losing without a fight.
Young David had just come upon the scene. He was bringing bread for his brothers and cheese for the captain. When he heard the challenge, David could not bear to see the Israel of God humiliated. He said, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (I Sam. 17:26)
David could easily have backed away from this situation, as most of us would. He, justifiably, could have said, “Look, King Saul, I am not a soldier. I think I will just go back home to take care of the sheep. That, I can handle. This guy is just WAY too big for me. I am sure you will be able to find someone to fight that character. Goodbye and good luck!” The God of Heaven was exalted because of the stand young David made.
David confidently killed Goliath with power from the Lord. The Philistines were overcome and defeated (I Sam. 17:52). David’s confidence never did waver. He knew that “with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26).
We must be the same as David. When we become a Christian, we are instantly drafted into God’s army. We must fight! Too many times, we let Goliath run over us. Goliath of today has to be destroyed.
We have much to learn from David when it comes to facing our own Goliath. Using him as an example, let us look at a few important things we will need for victory.
David Knew The Enemy
David knew who the Philistines were even before he was confronted by the giant, Goliath. He must have heard many stories about these people and their paganistic way of life. David knew that this giant had to be defeated. He had confidence that his Almighty Father of Heaven would help him in the fight.
I must make one thing absolutely clear. Satan is out to destroy the child of God. Even though he was made powerless at Calvary, Satan can still work through his many agents. He, therefore, sends out one of his giants to defeat the child of God. Somehow, he seems to know which giant to use. I am not talking about flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12). I am talking about the spiritual giants. Have you ever heard of these Goliaths – Pride, Unbelief, Depression? These are not the only giants that have to be defeated.
The Lord has given us the weapons and armor to fight the giants. To go against Goliath would be utter suicide without the full armor of God.
David Took The Whole Armor
Can you imagine what would happen to a soldier in the midst of a battle without his weapons? He could expect certain defeat. A soldier has been trained to make sure he has full battle gear.
The Lord has given us everything we need to overcome the giants of our day (See Eph. 6:14-18). Our biggest problem is that most of the time, we leave part of our armor behind when we meet the giant. Maybe that is the reason we cannot overcome this guy. We must make sure that we have on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:13), or we will be defeated.
David knew exactly what type of weapon he was skilled with when Saul offered his own armor. David said, “I have not proved them” (I Sam. 17:39). In other words, David had not tested the type of armor a regular soldier used. The only protection David needed was his sling and the Lord. His ammunition was one smooth stone.
In order to be victorious, a soldier must know how to use his weapons. He is taught how to keep his weapons in top working order. Every day, the soldier is shown how to use the weapons he has been given.
We must keep in order the weapons God has given us, also. We cannot expect to defeat the giant if part of our armor is collecting dust from sitting in a corner. The Lord has provided all the things we need to be victorious; it is up to us to use them. Also, we must not get to the point where we think God is no longer needed in the fight. Without the Lord, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Remember where we were before the Lord picked us up!
There are many weapons that we can use against the giant. The best of all is the blood of Christ. The enemy suffered a humiliating defeat at Calvary.
Satan knows that he was defeated at the Cross (See Heb. 2:14,15; Rev. 12:11).
Another very powerful weapon we can use is the name of Jesus. The apostles in the Lord’s time realized the power they had in the Lord’s name. “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name” (Luke 10:17). Talk about power!
The next time you have problems with the giant, call upon the name of the Lord. Do not be ashamed to call upon the Lord. Satan wants you to think that the Lord will not be there to hear you. The Lord said that He would be there, always (Matt. 28:20).
And, as Paul said, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17).
David Knew God
God desires to have a more personal relationship with man, but man thinks he can do a better job by himself. This is why the world is in such a bad condition today. Man has been trying to do things without the Father for thousands of years.
If we are going to serve God, we must put forth every effort to serve Him seven days a week. A walk with the Lord one day a week will not be enough to survive these days. God must have our all, or nothing (Mark 10:30). If He is to have our all, what is left for our own use?
David had a very personal relationship with the Almighty God of Heaven. He cherished the good things of God to such a degree that he arose early in the mornings to be with the Lord (Psalm 5:3). We would much rather sleep! We need to decide which is more important – the rewards of the flesh or the rewards of the Lord. We cannot have both.
David’s Reward
As long as David “dwelt in the secret place of the Most high” (Psalm 91:1), he was victorious over the giant. In return, he received the riches of the king (I Sam. 17:25).
Did you know that “it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32)? Everyone who is born again into the Kingdom of God becomes an heir of God (Rom. 8:13,14,17). One big problem of ours is that too much of the time, we live far below our inheritance.
The rewards from our Heavenly Father to the overcomers are beyond our human comprehension. To the overcomers God has promised:
1. Rev. 2:7: “to eat of the tree of life”
2. Rev. 2:11: “not be hurt of the second death”
3. Rev. 2:17: “eat of the hidden manna”
“a white stone”
“a new name”
4. Rev. 2:26:“power over the nations”
5. Rev. 3:5: “white raiment”
“I will not blot out his name out of the book of life.”
“confess his name before my Father”
6. Rev. 3:12: “make a pillar in the temple of God”
“write upon him the name of my God”
“write upon him my new name”
7. Rev. 3:21: “grant to sit with me in my throne”br>
8. Rev. 21:7: “shall inherit all things”
“I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”
The only rewards which Satan offers are “the pleasures of sin for a season” (Heb. 11:25). In other words, they are here today and gone tomorrow. They are not permanent. The rewards of Heaven are everlasting.
In Conclusion
Carefully consider each point before moving ahead into action. The most important thing to remember is that we must have the help of the Lord. We can do nothing in ourselves. We must have Him! Only then will we have the power and anointing needed to defeat the giants. In our weakness, Christ can work. He wants to use each of us in a special way. The Lord is the only one who will get the glory. With the Lord, victory is ours. Can we refuse to step out and take it?
FAITH VERSUS PRESUMPTION
We read with dismay the account of a couple in Colorado who have lost two children because of their refusal to provide medical care for them. Their explanation is that their belief in the power of prayer to heal prevents their providing medical treatment.
There is no doubt that God answers prayer and heals the sick. We have witnessed the healing power through prayer again and again. However, we have not had every prayer for sickness answered affirmatively for reasons unknown to us.
We follow the words of James in 5:14,15: “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
But if for some reason God does not “raise him up,” we recommend that he seek help from the proper medical source. The line between faith and presumption is very thin and we cannot advise walking in presumption. God is omniscient and has reasons for everything He does or does not do, and it requires faith to believe that.
We anticipate the day when the “gifts of healing” are restored to the church as it was in the days of the apostles. Prayer was unnecessary when that gift was in operation, for the power of healing rested within the person so blessed of God.
A good example of this is found in Acts 3:1-11. Peter and John found a man who was born lame and was lying at the gate of the temple begging for alms. Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping and praising God:”
That ministry must be restored to the church before Jesus returns (Acts 3:19-21). We pray for this each day; sickness and disease have taken a tremendous toll upon God’s people and many suffer needlessly. When the church returns to the way of the Lord, repents of its evil doings, and commits itself to the perfect will of God, we will see a restoration of the power and the glory of God as it was in the days of the early church.