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People of The Living God |
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September 2021
WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS
LEARNING FROM CHILDREN
Alfred King
Several years ago when my wife was teaching first grade at a Christian school, she would have prayer before lunch to thank God and to bless the food. Many times the children would want to pray. On this particular day, one little girl asked if she could pray. My wife allowed her to offer thanks. During her short prayer, she ventured off into her personal concerns. She prayed, “Lord, help me to be safe on my motorcycle.” She paused and then added, “Oh, I forgot, I have training wheels. I’ll be okay.” Very amusing and my wife and I still chuckle when we recall that little girl’s prayer.
There is a very important lesson in that prayer however, which all of us should reflect upon. How often do we get serious in prayer when we are in a crisis, but when there is no crisis, we pretty much depend upon ourselves. We are much like this little girl, only needing God when things get tough and unable to handle things by ourselves. Our independence comes out and we go through our days, weeks, and possibly even months with little need of God. We can handle our lives, so we’ll “be okay” so we think.
Fortunately for us, God is very loving, patient, and merciful, even though He knows where we are heading. When we think we are in control, He allows us to go our way until we learn that, without Him, we will wreck on the highway of life. It is at these times that Jesus shows His love and grace to us.
How often is it that we see the alcoholic or drug addict who thinks he can stop anytime he decides to? How often do they refuse to admit that they are addicted? We who stand by desiring to help them and see them delivered realize that they must hit bottom before they will finally admit they need help. In most cases, freedom from their additions only comes when they admit they are addicted and agree to go somewhere for help. Situations of addictions are extremely stressful to family and friends and, sadly, many end their lives before they are free, all because they refuse the help that is available.
On September 11, 2011 America was shocked by the attack on the New York Trade Centers and the Pentagon, and we all waited in fear for news of where the destruction of the fourth plane might be. Fortunately, word had reached the passengers on board of the American Flight 93, and some brave people decided to thwart the terrorists’ plans. While all the passengers on Flight 93 died in that crash, they saved the lives of many others by their heroic actions, and we honor them for their sacrifice.
Now I have jumped from a humorous prayer of a first grader to the catastrophes of nine-eleven and you may wonder how these two are connected. They are connected in one important area. After that day of terror, people all across America were shaken. There was a sudden patriotism and a unity that had not been seen in decades and has not existed since. All across America, the churches were filled and people who never attended church showed up. There was fear in people’s hearts, not knowing what disaster would be next. The unexpected had spread fear and uncertainty across the land and there was a sudden calling out to God, much like the little first grader who wanted God to protect her while she rode her “motorcycle.”
The seriousness of America’s vulnerabilities had brought people to the reality that men are unable to survive these types of enemies without someone bigger than they. Two things stood out: There was safety and security in unity, and there was a need for God’s intervention. The terror which came upon men and women that day drove them to these two places of refuge and comfort, unity and God.
Yet, how short-lived it was. As soon as things began to come together and the immediate threat passed, men returned to their previous lives. The new church attendees dwindled away rather quickly and the patriotism slowly diminished to the point that twenty years after, America is more divided than at any time since the Civil War, and church attendance continues to decrease. Over the past twenty years, Christianity and the Bible have been under violent attack as more and more anti-Christian philosophy and indoctrination flood our schools and universities. Not only has God and scripture been attacked in a most aggressive manner, gross and abominable immorality has taken America further and further from God.
It was acknowledged in the latter part of 2011 and early 2012 that America needed God, but once people began to see things were returning to “normal,” God was no longer needed. Men can solve their own problems without God.
So, here we are in 2021 with a new terror, Covid-19. Men and women cower in fear of the new threat. Businesses have been destroyed and people’s lives have been turned upside down, and this threat is real. As thousands died, men thought they could stop the virus with some medication they concocted and decided to call it a “vaccine,” although it is not actually a vaccine. But whatever you want to call it, it was supposed to stop the virus so we could all return to normal. Things were looking fairly good and then a variant sprung up. Now it seems we are back to square one. Starting all over with the government encouraging everyone to not only get two shots but a third one, also, because the first two have not solved the problems Covid has presented. Again, like the little first grader, men say, “Oh, I forgot, we have a vaccine”.
Jesus spoke of the days just prior to His return and He said, “… nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” The word translated “nation” in this portion of the Gospel of Matthew is “ethnos.” It has to do with ethnic groups, or races. The radical, illogical, and moronic propagation of racism in America and around the world, is the very sign Jesus spoke of over 2000 years ago. Jesus did not stop with these signs but states, “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matt 24:7-8) In other words, “Things are going to get a lot worse.”
Warning: Evil spirits are behind CRT, the PRIDE movement, the BLM movement, many of our political leaders, the division caused by the problems America faces. And those caught up in these causes are opening themselves up to evil spirit activity. They operate through fear, hatred, lies, deception, greed, strife, and other evil devices of Satan. Flee from any of these movements and get alone with God, so you will not be enslaved by the evil that permeates these movements.
The very idea that is being promoted by many politicians, states, school boards, etc., for teaching “Critical Race Theory” is a rejection of God and His word. A genuine Christian is not racist. The Bible teaches against racism, and we who follow the teachings of scripture refuse to be racist.
Consider just a couple of scriptures in the New Testament (there are many in the Old as well) which clearly show that God welcomes all races to Himself:
Gal 3:8: “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen (ethnee – ethnic) through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations (ethnee) be blessed.” (emphasis mine on all verses)
Acts 17:26: “And hath made of one blood all nations (ethnee) of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;”
Notice the “Great Commission” in Matt 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations (ethnee), baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
There are many more such statements in scripture. So the question must be asked: “Who are the racists?” Not genuine Christians. It is those who reject scripture and refuse to live by God’s word. As long as men think they can solve all the world’s problems apart from God and His word, they are deceived, egotistical, ignorant, poor, miserable, wretched, naked, and blind, and are on the path of self-destruction. God created men, and God is the only One who can solve men’s problems. America has rejected God and His word and she will reap what she has sown. She has, and is, sowing to the flesh and will of the flesh reap corruption (which we vividly see already) and final destruction. God is the answer. Turn back to Him while there is still time.
DISCIPLES INDEED
James Sanderson
Just before His ascension, our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to His apostles and gave them some vital instructions, commonly called the Great Commission. “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain…and Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (Matt. 28:16, 18-20). The words teach and teaching in this passage of Scripture do not come from the same Greek word. The word teach means “to disciple, to make disciples.” One can find this same word used in Matt. 13:52: “…discipled into the kingdom of heaven” and in Acts 14:21 “having discipled many.” Our Lord Jesus Christ commissioned the apostles to go into all nations and make disciples.
What is a disciple? The word disciple in Greek comes from another word which means “to learn.” A disciple is a learner, pupil, or follower of the teachings of another. The full significance of this word has been lost to the modern Western mind. In ancient times, those who became disciples of a certain teacher or philosopher did not merely attend classes or lectures presented by that teacher. They lived the same kind of life that teacher lived. “The disciple is not above his master (teacher): but every one that is perfect shall be as his master (teacher)” (Luke 6:40). The goal of the true disciple was to become like the teacher.
The present day concept of discipleship is totally foreign to what Jesus and the apostles defined as discipleship. It is actually possible to call oneself a Christian and still not be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The Christian world is full of church members, but one cannot find many genuine disciples. Most people want a no-strings-attached religion – a religion that offers an escape from hell and a guarantee of heaven with few demands. Although they would not openly advocate such a view, their lives demonstrate that they have no intention of meeting the biblical standards of discipleship.
True discipleship involves complete surrender and full devotion to the cause of Christ. When an individual decides to become a disciple (and it must be understood that it is a costly decision), his life will never be the same again. He now views this short span of human existence as merely a golden opportunity to offer his body as a living sacrifice in total allegiance to his Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord set forth some very stringent requirements for those who would become His disciples. Every would-be disciple must earnestly strive to meet those requirements. It might be well to examine some of the qualities of a true disciple.
Has An Intense Love For Jesus Christ
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). A true disciple loves the Lord Jesus Christ with a love so intense that it transcends all other earthly attachments. That love for Him will be so deep and abiding that it will willingly meet any demand that Heaven might place upon it.
The greatest commandment of all is to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30). There can be no other gods before the Lord. A true disciple will make Jesus Christ first in His life in everything he does. Abraham faced the most severe test of his life when the Lord commanded him to take his only son Isaac, “whom thou lovest,” and offer him as a sacrifice to the Lord. There on Mount Moriah, before all the hosts of heaven, Abraham demonstrated his supreme love for God. This same devotion must possess the heart of every true disciple.
Has A Fervent Love For Others
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Here is a verse of Scripture that must be written on the doorpost of every heart. The one outstanding quality that should characterize every Christian is love. Jesus said that the second greatest commandment is “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Mark 12:31). Jesus is not advocating self-love as some would suppose. Man by nature already loves and defends himself. “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh” (Eph. 5:29). A disciple of Jesus Christ replaces this self-love with love for others. The Christian who is filled with the love of Christ will seek to esteem others better than himself. He desires to reach out to the lost and has compassion on the needs of others.
The Apostle Peter felt that love was of such supreme importance that he declared, “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves…” (I Peter 4:8). An individual may espouse all the right doctrines, fulfill every religious obligation, demonstrate mountain-moving faith, and even possess supernatural powers; but if he lacks that one divine quality called love, he has gained nothing. The true disciple will labor earnestly to cultivate those attributes of love recorded in I Corinthians 13.
Deliberately Chooses To Bear His Own Cross
“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). There are many choices that one must make in life. Man naturally tends to choose the easy way by taking the course of least resistance. “The great sin of man has always been in this direction, a preference of his own will to the will of God; a preference of his own inclinations for God's obligations” (Mantle, Beyond Humiliation, page 11). The way of the cross is God's provision for crucifying one's own will and embracing the will of God.
What is this cross that every true disciple is obligated to bear? What does it mean to bear one's cross? “Many Christians accept adversity or tribulation with a sigh and call it their cross, forgetting that such things come alike to saint and sinner. The cross is that extra adversity that comes to us as a result of our obedience to Christ. This cross is not forced upon us; we voluntarily take it up with full knowledge of the consequences. We choose to obey Christ and by so doing choose to carry the cross” (A.W. Tozer, “Marks of the Spiritual Man”).
The way of the cross is the way of death. The Apostle Paul declared, “I die daily” (I Cor. 15:31). Paul understood the true value of the personal daily cross. It is on the cross that every disciple must crucify his own plans, ambitions, and goals in life. “They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Gal. 5:24). Although Crucifixion is a painful process, it is actually the way to real life in God. “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24). Each day affords the Christian many wonderful opportunities to crucify the flesh and put on the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
Lives A Life Of Self-Denial
“And he said to them all…if any man will come after me, let him deny himself” (Luke 14:32). Selfishness is the greatest barrier to fellowship with the living God. Man by nature loves himself. He defends self, pampers self, and exalts self. The Bible says that the heart of man is desperately wicked. Why does this condition exist? The reason is very simple. Self rules. Any individual who desires to experience a truly intimate relationship with God must dethrone self and allow Christ to occupy the seat of authority in his life. God's answer to selfishness is to “deny self.”
The word deny means “to abrogate, forsake, renounce.” In other words, to deny self is to show a complete disregard for one's own interest. Jesus Christ chose the narrow way of self-denial. “For even Christ pleased not himself” (Rom. 15:3). John the Baptist declared, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). The daily heart cry of every true disciple should be “…not I, but Christ” (Gal. 2:20).
Is Steadfast In His Obedience To Jesus Christ
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31). The word continue (the same as abide in John 15:4) means “to remain, not to depart, not to leave, to maintain unbroken fellowship with, to persevere.” This portion of Scripture demonstrates that mere belief is insufficient to identify one as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Certain of the Jews whom Jesus addressed had taken that essential first step of believing on Him. Nevertheless, that first step was not enough. If they expected to be counted among His actual followers, it was necessary that they begin to practice what He had to say.
The New Testament writers placed top priority on obedience to the sayings of Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself declared, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The Apostle John said, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” (I John 2:3).
A true disciple is not ashamed of the words of Jesus. On the contrary, he is willing to risk his reputation or social standing in order to obey the teachings of his Master. The praises of God are of far greater value to him than the praises of men.
Bears An Abundance Of Spiritual Fruit
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8). The primary purpose of the Christian life is to produce spiritual fruit. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…” (John 15:16). When growth and fruit-bearing cease in the Christian's life, death sets in. Nature itself attests to this simple truth. Many Christians are so “choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life” that they bring “no fruit to perfection.”
The production of fruit is a joint venture between God and the individual Christian. God has given to every Christian a certain measure of faith. It is the Christian's obligation to add to that faith various divine qualities with the help of the Holy Spirit. “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (II Peter 1:5-7). The Apostle Paul calls these divine qualities “the fruit of the Spirit.” As the true disciple yields himself to the influence of the Holy Spirit, “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” will abound in his life.
Forsakes All For Jesus' Sake
“So, likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 13:33). The Greek text renders this verse, “thus therefore everyone of you who does not take leave of all that he himself possesses, cannot be my disciple” (Berry's Interlinear). This call to forsake all is probably the most unpopular and most ignored of all the requirements of discipleship. Did Jesus really mean what He said? A brief consideration of some other radical statements Jesus made concerning wealth and possessions will demonstrate that Jesus meant exactly what He said. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth” (Matt. 6:19). “Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again” (Luke 6:30). “…lend, hoping for nothing again…” (Luke 6:35). “…a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matt. 19:21). “Sell your possessions, and give to the poor…” (Luke 12:33, NIV).
These disciples of Jesus Christ understood a plain, simple reality: one cannot serve both God and mammon. The choice is either one or the other. Man gravitates toward possessions. For this reason, Jesus warned, “Beware of covetousness” (Luke 12:15). Covetousness has been the downfall of many, even godly men, down through the ages. “Possessions are a snare and source of endless anxiety. Anyone living with possessions will find following Jesus in a truly committed fashion an immense struggle…The renunciation of Mammon in the heart must be absolute and issue into a voluntary giving and sharing of possessions” (Saxby, Pilgrims of a Common Life, pp. 44-45).
Jesus Christ Himself, the Supreme Example, chose a life devoid of earthly possessions. The accumulation of things was totally foreign to our Lord. “Poverty was part of the Master's perfection, part of that mysterious discipline of self-denial and suffering through which it became God to perfect Him…What does this mean? Jesus was Lord of all. He might have lived here on earth in circumstances of comfort and with moderate possessions. He might have taught us how to own and to use, and to sanctify property…But He chose poverty.
“If our Lord found poverty the best school for His own strengthening in the art of perfection, and the surest way to rise above the world and win men's hearts for the Unseen, it surely need not surprise us if those who feel drawn to seek the closest possible conformity to their Lord even in external things, and who long for the highest possible power in witnessing for the invisible, should be irresistibly drawn to count this word as spoken to them too: 'If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and…follow me.'” (Andrew Murray, Be Perfect, pages 59-60,62).
Discipleship Is A Heavenly Calling
One must understand that disciples are not perfect. They are merely born again Christians who have caught a view of what God has in store for those who love Him and have determined to meet those qualifications established by our Lord Jesus Christ. No longer satisfied to live as nominal “Christians,” they have embarked on a way of life that leads to that perfection that their souls desire.
As one can see, this call to discipleship is a call to full-time service for the cause of Christ. There is no higher calling, no more honorable career, nor a more worthy occupation in this life than to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. This holy calling provides a more lasting satisfaction than all the fame or fortune that this world could ever offer. Is it not time that every pulpit in the land lift up the biblical standards of discipleship?
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Donna Kupp
Shakespeare said: “What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.”
Shakespeare's irrefutable logic can also be applied to the “Rose of Sharon.” Jesus by any other name is just as sweet. Our Lord is still the Savior who died on the cross whether we call him Jesus or Yahshua.
As I was writing this, I thought about my brother whose given name is Ronald. I have always called my brother “Buzzy,” but he has never cared. What matters to him is that I'm his sister. As a child, I would try to say “brother,” but it would always come out “Buzzy.”
Other people may call Buzzy by his right name, but that has nothing to do with our relationship. Our fellowship does not depend upon how I pronounce his name but is based upon our family ties, mutual affection and trust.
It doesn't matter to us if there are hundreds of scoundrels around the world named Buzzy…when I say “Buzzy” even the family dog knows who I'm talking about.
Friends, wouldn't it be nice if things were this simple in the household of faith? The fact is that things are just that simple. “Our Lord Jesus does not care if I call Him Yahshua, nor would Yahshua care if I called Him Jesus. Our relationship with our Savior is based upon the intent of our heart, not phonetics!
IDENTIFYING ENEMIES
Alfred King
One of the most important endeavors in the security of a nation is recognizing potential or eminent dangers and enemies which threaten its safety. This is why governments invest so much into their military and are always looking and evaluating the movements, agendas, and mindsets of other nations, especially those nations which are most likely to pose a threat to its security. They keep their eyes upon those nations, track their movements and their political positions in order to evaluate the degree of danger they pose. Sometimes it is advantageous to be the first to engage in a war rather than waiting until the enemy attacks. In World War II, America joined the war against Germany before she was attacked. There were many reasons for that but ultimately, it was because if Germany had gained the victory over all of Europe, America would then be Germany’s next big conquest and America would find war on her own soil. Engaging with the allies in Europe was the wisest move to make at the time, for it was securing the safety of her homeland.
It is wise to do likewise in one’s spiritual walk with God. There are many enemies which lurk within and without, and as Christians we must always be alert and watching the movements of those enemies and also know their devious intentions. The Apostle Paul stated, “we are not ignorant of his devices” (II Cor. 2:11). But sadly, many Christians are ignorant of his devices and allow themselves to be taken in his snares. I’m sure all of us at one time or another have experienced Satan’s devious attacks and have been caught in one of his snares. But we learn from those experiences and God, in His mercy and grace, delivers us. Such is the love of God to His people.
Enemies Without
We are reminded by the Apostle Peter that the devil is as a roaring lion who goes about seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8). His roar has many different tones. Sometimes he roars with enticing words, much like those he spoke to Eve in the Garden of Eden. He questioned God’s word. He sowed seeds of doubt while at the same time extoling the value of eating of the forbidden fruit. Eve was seduced by the smooth and slick words of the great deceiver, so much so that she convinced Adam to also partake. The results of that one deed changed the world, and the effects of that one deed have brought many violent and deadly catastrophes throughout history and, grievously, continue to this very day. One deed caused the world to become a place where sin reigns in the lives of all men unless and until they come to Jesus Christ and find deliverance from the curse of sin.
Satan also uses excitement to lure people into his control. The lure of the world, the glamor of fame, the drawing power of riches often cause men to think that they can have God and the world. Little do they realize that Satan has just sold them a bag of rotten goods. The excitements endure for a time but, gradually, the excitement begins to fade and the naked truth begins to be seen as they are now so drugged by the world, if not caught in the drug culture, they are addicted to the lifestyle and cannot turn from it. It has a hold on them from which they cannot free themselves. How many very gifted young people have started down this road to find it ends in self-destruction? How many have ended upon the dung hill of history when their fame fades and their lives are taken away by drugs or some other reckless choice, such as suicide? How often have we seen innocent young people go to Hollywood or be picked up by “Disney Theatrical Productions” and feel grief as another young boy or girl has begun on a road that leads to destruction? How many parents of those whom “Disney” has put on the stage, ever saw where their child would end up? As parents (even Christian parents) encourage their children to succeed and obtain the “American Dream,” how many see the dangers, the pit falls, the destruction that possibly await them? Satan’s snares and devices are real and deadly, and we need to see them for what they are, and we need to recognize them before they take us or our children unaware.
When Jesus came, He made the way where the curse of Adam’s transgression could be removed. He came to set free those who were captive to Satan and sin. Jesus came to save us from our sins. Paul stated, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid” (Rom. 6:1-2). In the fourteenth verse of this same chapter Paul writes, “For sin shall not have dominion over you.” What do we conclude then about the enemies that are all around us and are in the process of destroying this nation? How is it that our enemies have gained the high ground in America today? America was once considered a Christian nation, a nation that believed in God, a nation that believed in the Holy Scriptures and used it as a pattern of her way of life. How has she fallen into such degradation and disgrace? How has she become a nation of harlots, homosexuals, deception, perversion, and lies? How has she elected officials who are power hungry and care not for the people whom they were elected to represent? How is it possible that what God calls abominable (homosexuality) has become a movement of PRIDE? And what is just as evil is that America has begun to embrace this abomination as an acceptable lifestyle, creating laws to promote this abomination. It’s not that we are to hate homosexuals. We are not. God has saved many homosexuals who were once in bondage to this lifestyle.
Let me break here and give one testimony of a man who was delivered from homosexuality in order to show that God does love homosexuals and desires to free them from its bondage.
In Jim Cymbala’s book entitled, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, he records the conversion of a drag queen who propositioned himself in Brooklyn, NY, making as much as $500 a night, and this was back in the eighties. Yet he would get up the next morning and dig through garbage cans searching for food. His earnings were spent on drugs to support his addition. Night after night this was his life. His story can be found here: https://gcmwatch.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/an-ex-transvestites-story/ Let us not limit the power of the Gospel to change lives.
It was at Brooklyn Tabernacle that Ricardo (Sarah) found Christ and his life was forever changed. That change began one night when he went to the altar and called upon God. The church continued to minister to him over the next few months and years. Ricardo is just one of many transvestites who have been changed by the Gospel of Christ. It is not an easy transformation and it is not done in one night but when one falls down before the cross of Christ and calls out for salvation, a work is done in that heart that sets him on the path to eternal life. Ricardo had contracted AIDS and passed away several years later but, when the time of his passing came, he expressed his appreciation to Jim Cymbala and the church for reaching out to him, for now he was not afraid of dying. “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Rom. 5:20).
Whether one has the deplorable life of a homosexual or is just an average person, trying to make a living in the world, all are sinners and in need of a Savior. Jesus is that Savior and is waiting for any who will call upon Him. The church is to be a refuge and an oasis from the onslaught of the world and its culture. May the church rise to her honorable position and calling in Christ.
How Did We Get Here?
How we arrived at the place we are today did not happen overnight. It was the relentless but patient work of Satan’s subtle plan. The call to the church was to affect the culture around it. Sadly, the culture has invaded the church and the church has conformed to the culture. American Christianity is no longer the Christianity with which this country began and certainly not that of the early church. All of us are affected by this gradual backsliding. The Christianity of today has become the normal and acceptable form, in spite of the fact that it falls far short of what it was when it began in the early church. This fact has left us destitute of the power that was clearly a part of the early church’s ministry. It’s not that we don’t see miracles at times, but they are sadly few and far between. We read of the power of the early church where the very shadow of Peter falling upon the sick brought healing (Acts 5:15). When we read such gifts offered to God’s people, we long for that power to be again restored. However, the enemy has convinced most Christians today that the power exhibited then was only for the early church and not for today. (This lie is a tactic which Satan has propagated and, like Eve, Christians accepted.) Christians have been taught that the power offered to the early church was only to “jump start” the Gospel and once things got moving and people were being brought into the church, that we now only need the scriptures and the doctrines contained therein.
If the church had been faithful through the centuries, America would not be where she is today. But we have lowered God’s standards. We have compromised His teachings and His laws. We have watered His word down and brought entertainment into the church and replaced genuine spirituality. We have attempted to gain souls through worldly means rather than by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have more “Christian Clubs” in America today than true Christian Churches. And we wonder why the world is on the broad way that leads to destruction.
Enemies Within
While there are so many enemies without that threaten our nation, our children, our security, and every Christian throughout the world, it is the enemies within that are most dangerous to our eternal salvation and that have allowed the enemies without to destroy all that is holy and righteous. It is the enemy within that has caused us to surrender and succumb to the attacks of the devil. It is the sin nature that we are called to wrestle and fight against that often wins the battle. We succumb to its desires and demands. We do not like war and, especially, when the war is against our own wills. We want the flesh to be comfortable and happy and have its own way. Like Eve, we believe the devil’s enticing words and believe that if we crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts, we will be unhappy and miserable. Yet, amazing as it may sound, scripture teaches us the way to the greatest happiness and contentment is by living according to God’s word. The truth is that if we will deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus Christ, we will find joy unspeakable and peace that passes all understanding.
God created man in His own image and He knows what will make this creature most satisfied and contented. To be conformed in the likeness of Christ is where one finds true satisfaction. For any who have experienced the presence of God, they know for certain that there is no place that even comes close to being in fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, while most Christians know this, we still find ourselves believing the lies of the enemy rather than standing upon the word of God and believing what He has declared. God’s way is the best way, but this enemy within does not want to pay the price that is required to obtain these blessings from God.
Every Christian must recognize this enemy within and be on guard of his evil devices which we are to resist and rise above. This is done by being aware of his snares before one falls into it.
When God gave the greatest commandment in the law, He gave it so we might understand that if God’s love rules in one’s heart, he will desire to please God above all else and will be willing to sacrifice for that One Whom he loves. He is willing to pay any price to obtain fellowship with Him. While it is not in man to create this love, yet God in His mercy has made it so the Holy Spirit within can shed abroad the love of God within the soul. God’s love is a motivating force against this enemy within that resists God’s will. God is looking for those who will serve Him out of love rather than that of duty. Those seeking only to avoid hell will walk a long and burdensome road. But when one finds the love of God, it melts his stony heart, and he willingly and exuberantly takes up his cross and follows Christ. Let the church of the 21stCentury cry out that God will send His Holy Spirit into His church and shed abroad this love in the hearts of His people.
HOW TO JUST SAY “NO”
J. Grant Swank
During the Reagan years, Nancy Reagan challenged us all to “Just Say No” to drug misuse. However, the follower of Jesus has known this for years. And we have been saying “No” to satan, not only about drug abuse, but every other temptation.
The Christian knows that spiritual victory remains when he lives a lifestyle of refusing the devil's bait. It is in spiritual growth that we soon come upon that lesson.
James 4:7 reminds us: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Jesus has set for us the example. When He was in the forty day temptation, He forthrightly told the devil to get behind Him. Further, Jesus detected the devil's misuse of Scripture; so He told the devil to mind his own business when it came to religion. Jesus, in other words, knew better than the devil as how to interpret the Word.
Paul wrote to the early Christians: “Neither give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27).
Those of the first Christian band knew that if the church was going to witness powerfully to the Roman world it would have to be holy, permitting no sign of wickedness. It was in this might that the believers planted the cross.
Peter, who knew from experience, wrote: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (I Peter 5:8).
How many times had Peter confronted that beast of hell? And how many times had the devil done Peter in? Yet, after the Spirit got complete control of Peter, the devil no longer had the power he once had. It is the Spirit's indwelling which gives us, today, the gusto by which to topple satan.
Again, Peter wrote: “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished” (II Peter 2:9).
God is on our side. He is pulling for us every moment of the day. He is more anxious to deliver us from evil than we are to pray for such. Therefore, come boldly to God in requesting His abiding, overcoming power. He will provide it.
Today, many believers are being beset on every side with temptations. They are tempted to stay away from church or not give sacrificially to the work of the church. They are tempted to worldliness or to compromise biblical teachings.
When Christians yield to these baits, the whole Body of Christ is weakened. Keep the Body strong by all of us dwelling in the Spirit's holiness. This is only possible when we say “No” to satan every day of our lives.
An old gospel song sings it: “Yield not to temptation, For yielding is sin. Each vict'ry will help you some other to win…” (Horatio R. Palmer).
It is indeed a fight that we are in. But Christ is joining us in the battle. Therefore, lift up the cross of Jesus and go forward. Claim His presence in your heart. Know His Word. Stay close to God in prayer. Enjoy the fellowship of the believers. Covenant with one another to uphold each in intercessory prayer. We can overcome with the might of the Lord!
The next time the devil whispers into your ear, remember all of the saints who have gone before you. They were winners. They stayed close to the holy heart of the Savior. And so can you! Determine to join their happy band.
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good,” Paul wrote to the Romans (Rom. 12:21). When satan badgers you, overcome his lures by getting right into kingdom work. Do something good in the face of his evil. You will be surprised how that move will trick him; believe that God in you can actually push back the devil.
“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death” (Prov. 13:14). Maintain a holy reverence before God. Fear Him by keeping His commandments above all else. Run to Scripture to gain your present insight when pestered by satan. Keep that sensitive spirit before the Lord.
You can know victory in your soul. Just say “No” to the devil. And always say “Yes” to Jesus.
The following are practical means by which you can experience spiritual victory over the devil:
Read your Bible every morning and night. Stay in the power of the Word. It is like no other Book in the world. The more you master it, the more you will put satan to flight.
(2) Pray to God along with your Bible reading. Designate a quiet place where you live to pray. Go to it frequently. Mothers can pray when their babies are taking naps. Fathers can pray after children have gone to bed at night. Couples can pray together after a meal. Children can pray before going to sleep.
(3) Fellowship with Christians. Stay close to the spiritually alive. These should be your dearest companions. Worldly persons will drag you down spiritually. Spirit-filled believers will lift you higher in Christ.
(4) Worship faithfully. Take Sabbath seriously for God. Keep that day different than the other six days. Set it aside for Bible study and worship in God's house.
(5) Fast mealtimes when in prayer. Jesus said that there are some spiritual exploits which are not possible without fasting and prayer. Fasting proves that we mean business. It shows that we are earnest concerning the spiritually lost, especially.
(6) Meditate on God. The Psalms speak frequently about meditation. Secular persons give themselves to hours of secular meditation. The people of God are called to meditate on Scripture, prayer and the presence of Christ in their lives.
(7) Read spiritually enlightening literature. Devour good, biblical material. Make it available to your family. There is much being printed today which will aid you in growing in the Lord.
(8) Slow down. Spiritual laxity enters in when church people are running too much. Cut out a lot of merry-go-round antics in your daily schedule so that you can walk and talk with Jesus more than you have.
(9) Witness for Jesus. Putting your Christian testimony “on the line” before others will help you to withstand satan when he lures you at work or school. Keep a consistent Christian life to support your witness.
(10) Beware that the devil taunts us. The first move satan sets into operation is to convince us that we can forget him. Do not ever count yourself “home free.” Always maintain a vigilance which is as wise as the serpent himself. In doing such, be victorious.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Alfred King
It seems it would be negligent to let this month’s Testimony of Truth go out without at least mentioning the tragedy that is occurring in Afghanistan. The reports we are receiving from the area are heart-wrenching. Let me just insert a few reports that I have read of these catastrophes.
From “The Daily Wire” from an article entitled “Taliban Going Door To Door Seeking Christians, Searching Through Phones For Bible Apps: Report”– “Afghan Christians are reportedly fleeing to the mountains in a desperate attempt to escape the Taliban who is going door to door trying to kill them.” The title of this article sums up the dire circumstances Christians in Afghanistan are facing.
This is reported from an underground church that is associated with “Frontier Alliance International (FAI). The article from “The Daily Wire” goes on to state that the Taliban has a hit list of known Christians for whom they are searching in order to torture and kill. While these Christians' lives are in danger, they are standing firm in their faith. According to the report, the Taliban is going door to door looking for Christians, while Christians are deleting apps from their cell phones that are Bible apps or apps that might incriminate them or expose them to the Taliban. They are also destroying any Christian literature or emblems of Christianity in their homes. They are in grave danger. If these are found, it is likely that the father will be killed, the daughters and wives, if young, will be taken and used as sex slaves or sold as slaves. The young males will be pressured and indoctrinated in hopes to add to their military as fighters.
One Christian brother, videoed with his image blurred and his voice distorted for his protection, made the following statements. “All of our work over the past 20 years has been lost overnight. Only God understands how much pain we have and how broken our hearts are. We are not crying out of fear, but because our hearts ache for our beautiful country. It has now been destroyed by this savage and extremist group.” He continued, “The whole world has abandoned us, we are not leaving the field, we will fight harder and will continue in God’s work.” He then broke down and cried and, after regaining his composure, he said, “I’m sorry I cried and became emotional; my heart hurts.”
Another report from “The Daily Wire” included in “Conservative News” gives a sad account of the crowd desiring to get on a plane out of Afghanistan. Women far from the front of the line and unlikely to be evacuated, pass their children to others in the crowd telling them to pass the child to the front so their children can be free, even though the mother will not. As bad as this is, the account reported even gets worse. Let me give you the account from “Sky News.”
Stuart Ramsey reported for Sky News, “A senior officer told me they had no choice because the situation was out of control, but said the blockade will live with some of his soldiers for the rest of their lives. ‘It was terrible, women were throwing their babies over the razor wire, asking the soldiers to take them, some got caught in the wire,’ he told me. ‘I’m worried for my men, I’m counselling some, everyone cried last night.’”
Testimony of Truth endeavors not to get into reporting news. There are many others doing that. Our focus is on the Gospel and truths presented in scripture. Our desire is to search for truth, live it, and present those truths as we understand them. But the events of the past eight months with America’s present administration destroying this nation compels us to at least draw the attention of our readers of how quickly a nation can collapse. As the editor, I feel it my duty bring awareness to the times, for the events of the past year and, especially the last eight months, reminds me of a scripture in Revelation 18. Three verses state, “… in one hour is thy judgment come” (Rev. 18:10), “For in one hour so great riches is come to nought…” (Rev. 18:17), “… “for in one hour is she made desolate…” (Rev. 18:19). (emphasis mine)
I realize that many Christians teach Babylon is the Catholic Church. This is not true. The Catholic Church is only one part of Babylon. Babylon consists of all that is carnal, worldly, and that which man has built, concocted, prided himself with, as well as all the debauchery, immorality, and all other evils that man so foolishly, and yet proudly immerses himself in. Babylon is the whole world system. Compare it to that recorded in Genesis eleven: The Tower of Babel was an attempt by men to do away with God. They determined that God would never bring a flood and destroy as He did in Noah’s day. Their attempt was to be independent from God. Sound familiar? Hmmmmm!
We have not only taken the Bible out of our schools but have forbidden Christians to even mention God. We have removed the Ten Commandments from our court rooms, and legalized same sex marriages, while we daily blaspheme God’s holy name and promote the LGBTQ+ abomination, even introducing such lifestyles to our children as young as kindergarten. All of this is Babylon and Babylon will fall “in one hour,” and the results will be worse than what we see occurring in Afghanistan.
People of the Living God does not believe that America alone is Babylon. It includes all nations, religions, governments, societies, and economies. It goes beyond the United States of America but the United States is the most prominent, the richest, the most influential, and the greatest superpower. She is considered the most affluent, therefore, placing her as the symbol of the Biblical Babylon. She is like the head of Babylon.
Look at what has happened to America in just the last eight months: The border crisis, the economic disaster – inflation, price increases (especially gas prices), the Coronavirus and the confusion, division, and strife surrounding it, as well as our hospitals being filled to capacity. (Didn’t Jesus say there would be plagues in the last days?) Then there is the crime rate that has outrageously increased, and we want to defund the police and set prisoners free (Such a reasonable solution!). “Black Lives Matter” and Antifa are anti-Christ, concocted in hell and their movements are demonically inspired. All lives are precious to God, for He died for the sins of the “whole world”, not just white, black, brown, yellow, red, or any other color. The whole ideology of BLM as well as “Critical Race Theory” are anti-biblical. anti-Christian, and anti-Christ. Jesus taught us to love all people and to take the Gospel to every nation and every race.
Then there’s the issue of the fact that America has shown herself to the world to be weak. She has become the laughing stock of some nations while others fear because, when America can no longer instill fear to evil nations, their countries and citizens fear those evil nations. Nations that once feared America, now see the greatest opportunity in a century for them to advance their agendas. When America rejected God, they rejected their source of strength, their honor, and their security.
All of the decisions of the present administration makes sense to those who have given themselves over to the demonic spirits which are controlling many of our political leaders. Friends, this is a spiritual battle and if you study the scriptures, you will see that this is beyond mere blindness and stupidity of men, this is demonically influenced. Our country has rejected God and God is sending this nation “strong delusion.” Like the men of ancient Babylon, they think they can outsmart God. They think they can reject Him, blaspheme Him, curse Him, and solve the world’s problems with science and their human intelligence, all without any consequences. Oh, the depravity of the human heart! They are deceived. They are blind. They refuse to acknowledge God. They are taken in their own snare. God will be God and He will not give His glory to another.
God encourages His people and gives hope in His words to Isaiah, chapter 59, verse 19, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” The enemy is coming in and this is clear to see. But let those who trust in the Lord draw nigh to Him while we can, for God will keep His promise. He will “lift up a standard against him.” As Christians, we need to prepare ourselves to be used of God as He lifts up His standard. Our future as Christians depends upon what we do today. Maybe the standard that is to be lifted up will be a revival. Maybe it will be the beginning of the last days, which Jesus foretold. Whatever will transpire, it is crucial that Christians everywhere lift up holy hands and call upon the God of our salvation. He will come and He will deliver His people, for He has promised to do so. Let us hear His voice at this time so He can finish His work in the earth. May God draw each one to His heart. Remember to pray for those in Afghanistan who are facing a great tribulation and are not being raptured out. God bless.
For those interested, links to the reports contained in this article are:
https://www.dailywire.com/news/afghan-women-throwing-babies-over-barbed-wire-to-save-them-report