FAITH AND WORKS

FAITH AND WORKS

It seems that many of our fellow Christians do not understand the role of Faith and Works in our relationship to Jesus Christ. As a result, many of us are confused, and wish we could sort out the differences in the two elements.

As believers in Jesus, most of us will acknowledge that we are saved by Faith in the finished work of Calvary. But, DO WE REALLY BELIEVE THAT?

Without being insulting, I seriously doubt that we fully understand the complete meaning of “SALVATION BY FAITH”.

Most of us seem to think that Salvation has to be augmented by some form of “works” to help the process along. We are NOT convinced that we can be COMPLETELY SAVED by FAITH ALONE. Our “Street-corner education” has had us convinced that if we indulged our desires to participate in any of the myriad forms of entertainment, we would “blow” our chances of Heaven. They were a “one-way” ticket to hell. Sure thing!

The Bible has quite a bit to say about many types of “works”, and some of them are DEFINITELY CONDEMNED. They have NO PLACE in the life of a Christian.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WORKS:

THE WORKS OF THE LAW (definitely condemned) These are the ceremonial laws imposed through Moses for the same purpose that Faith plays today in our relationship to God—WITH ONE OUTSTANDING EXCEPTION.
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the WORKS OF THE LAW, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: FOR BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED.

These works of the Law were the animal sacrifices, the observation of certain holidays (holy days), and rituals that folks were to go through in order to find favor with God. Each man was responsible for the welfare of his own family. THEY HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED BY SIMPLE FAITH IN THE ONE SACRIFICE OF JESUS ON CALVARY.

Under the Law of Moses, each man was responsible to take his sacrifice to the Altar at specified times, and hold his hands on its head while the Priest slew it. Neglecting to do it would result in his whole family being cut off from the Blessings of the Commonwealth of Israel.

Since Jesus caused the Veil of the Temple to be rent from top to bottom when He bled on the Cross, we can now approach our God without the services of a human priest or an animal sacrifice.

The ONE SACRIFICE OF JESUS eliminated the need for any future effort on our part, EXCEPT TO BELIEVE THAT IT WAS SUFFICIENT FOR ANY AND ALL OF OUR NEEDS FOR THE WELL-BEING OF OUR SOULS.

That sounds too simple for many of us to grasp, so we struggle with the necessary Faith, feeling that we must add something to it.

Such UNBELIEF is our greatest enemy, and must be dealt with if we are to have a prosperous Christian walk

WHEN WE STRUGGLE, WE NULLIFY HIS PROMISE

We MUST LEARN to put our trust in JESUS rather than in anything we can do. He gladly takes the responsibility for the welfare of our soul.

WORKS OF THE FLESH:

Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore CAST OFF THE WORKS OF DARKNESS, AND LET US PUT ON THE ARMOR OF LIGHT.
Rom 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.


WORKS OF FAITH:

Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Gal 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Rom 5:1 Therefore being JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have ACCESS BY FAITH into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Faith in Jesus for the well-being of our soul will produce a different lifestyle, but in no case will the different lifestyle add to or detract from Salvation by Faith. That is a GIFT from God, and is maintained by our CONTINUED FAITH in Jesus Christ and the Blood of Calvary.

Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

FAITH WILL, HOWEVER, leave a trail behind itself, mute evidence that something wonderful has happened in our life. Things that we once hated, we will now love, and vice versa. Our lives WILL take on a different flavor, but these things are a RESULT of salvation instead of a PART OF it.

Jam 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Jam 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Jam 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also


Joh 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Joh 8:40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

Joh 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Act 26:20 But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and DO WORKS MEET FOR REPENTANCE.

Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Rom 3:28 THEREFORE WE CONCLUDE THAT A MAN IS JUSTIFIED BY FAITH WITHOUT THE DEEDS OF THE LAW.

Rom 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

Rom 4:5 BUT TO HIM THAT WORKETH NOT, BUT BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT JUSTIFIETH THE UNGODLY, HIS FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
ROM 4:6 EVEN AS DAVID ALSO DESCRIBETH THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE MAN, UNTO WHOM GOD IMPUTETH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITHOUT WORKS,
Rom 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Rom 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

GOOD WORKS:

Tit 3:5 NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US, BY THE WASHING OF REGENERATION, AND RENEWING OF THE HOLY GHOST;
Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Tit 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

OUR OWN WORKS:

Heb 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Heb 4:11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

THE WORKS OF GOD

Heb 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I WILL MAKE A NEW COVENANT with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
Heb 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I WILL BE TO THEM A GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE TO ME A PEOPLE:
Heb 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
Heb 8:12 FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR INIQUITIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE.

Oh, if we could fully grasp the import of those verses! Most of us visualize God as a stern, unbending Being who is keeping track of all of our shortcomings and trespasses, waiting to “pop” us for each infraction of the rules. NOT IF WE ARE IN JESUS!

Jesus told Peter that Satan had desired him, in order to sift him as wheat is sifted, but that He had prayed for him. Had He prayed that Peter would finally “get it together” and stop being so up and down in his walk with the Lord? HE DID NOT!

Rather, Jesus had prayed “THAT THY FAITH FAIL NOT”. Without Faith in the shed Blood of Jesus and the Cross of Calvary, we would all be “high and dry” in our relationship to God.

Eph 2:8 For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are HIS WORKMANSHIP, created IN CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

TOUCHING JESUS

TOUCHING JESUS

"For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole." We have no record of anyone being turned away by Jesus when they came to Him for help except the man who wanted Him to make his brother divide the inheritance with him.

Everywhere Jesus went, people were brought to him for a touch, and as many as touched him were made whole.

He touched little children, and we are not told how their lives were affected by His touch. Can't help but wonder.

"And Jesus put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

"Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

"And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

"And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare [him] stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

"And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;

Blinded eyes, broken lives, torments, fears, disappointments. What do you have that Jesus can touch? Call on Him now. You will not be turned away, but He will help you.

THE PLANTING OF THE LORD

THE PLANTING OF THE LORD

Isaiah 61:1 The spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

The Prophet was moved (Swedish version says DRIVEN) by the Holy Ghost to write concerning the Ministry of Jesus, who was to come on the scene nearly a millenium later. God had ordained several aspects of the Ministry of Jesus-- more than giving His life on Calvary for our salvation, important as that was.

There is much remaining yet to be done by the Lord Jesus, and He WILL do it. We can depend on that, for He is FAITHFUL, and will not fail.

The WHOLE WORLD is destined to hear the Gospel, and MOST OF THEM will RESPOND and obey the Gospel of Jesus when it is preached with the ANOINTING which is destined to be given to those who qualify as REAPERS in the HARVEST of the Lord.

THE WORLD will be harvested. Not just a section here and a section there, but the WORLD.

I can not tell you exactly HOW it will take place, but my faith in the integrity of God and His Word is such that I am sure it will happen. The imagination almost staggers to think of Righteousness being the prevalent factor in the affairs of mankind, but it WILL take place as a result of what God is planning to do on this earth.

TREES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS-- THE PLANTING OF THE LORD. Church programs and machinery will have little to do with what will take place. It will be the HAND OF GOD, so that only He will receive the Glory for what is done. Man has tried for 2000 years, and has produced nothing better than more religious chaos.

God is fully capable of producing the desired results. And He will-- in His time and in His way.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Psalms 138:8 The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Jeremiah 31:33 But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jeremiah 32:39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

FOULED

FOULED OUT
Many years ago, when Marvin was in high
school, the family went with him to watch a foot
ball game at the ball park. The Grizzlies were
playing the Pirates, as I recall.
I am not given to outburst of enthusiasm,
but one team made a spectacular play, and one of
the boys was running about 70 yards for a
touchdown. I half stood and quietly said, "pour
it on, boy!". He was doing a magnificent job--
except for one thing which was being overlooked
by most everyone in the park.
One of the officials had thrown down his
white flag at the line of scrimmage, and was
waving his hands frantically. Some one of the
boys had done something wrong, (I don't remember
what--it doesn't matter) and the play was can-
celled at the spot of the white flag on the
ground. I was disappointed, and a little ashamed
for having urged the boy on.
As we sat back down, a scripture verse
came to me. II Timothy 2:5 And if a man also
strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned,
except he strive lawfully.
God has strange ways of getting at us. It
was impressed upon me that many times we "strive
for the masteries", and we go without a reward
for it. The rest of the game was ruined, for me,
wondering how many "White flags" there were
behind me, having been ignored as I rushed on in
my quest for excellence.
I Corinthians 9:24-- I therefore so
run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one
that beateth the air: But I keep under my body,
and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any
means, when I have preached to others, I myself
should be a castaway.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against
flesh and blood,--

HIS MASTER'S CRIB

HIS MASTER'S CRIB

Isaiah 1:2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Isaiah 1:3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

Isaiah 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

What a sad way to start a prophetic book to God's people. It is a story which has been told over and over, many times, during the history of God's people.

Humans almost never learn from the mistakes of others. We all seem to insist on making them for ourselves, in our own way.

In some ways, animals learn far more readily than humans do.

Continued disobedience has its consequences, as we see in a few scriptures further into the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah 5:13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because [they have] no knowledge:

Isaiah 6:8-10 tells of an event in the life of the Prophet. "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

WHAT A MESSAGE! Nothing but deafness and blindness for the Chosen Ones. The reward of disobedience!

If we don't want to hear, nothing will be spoken.

If we don't want to see, nothing will be shown to us. God seems to be very obliging. He does not cast His Pearls before swine, nor does He give anything good to dogs.

Psalms 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, [or] as the mule, [which] have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

Jeremiah 8:7 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.

Isaiah 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, [and] strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD [is] his treasure.

I Chronicles 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.

THE NAME OF JESUS

THE NAME OF JESUS


Conybeare wrote of Eusebius: “I have, after a moderate search in the works of Eusebius, found eighteen citations of Matthew 28:19, and always in the following form:

“Go ye and make disciples of all the nations in my name, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I commanded you”.

And Eusebius is not content merely to cite the verse in this form, but he more than once comments on it in such a way as to show how much he set store by the words ‘in my name’. Thus, in his Demonstratio Evangelica he writes thus (col 240 p 136)

“ For He did not enjoin them “to make disciples of all the nations” simply without qualification, but with the essential addition “in his name”. For so great was the virtue attaching to his appellation that the Apostle says, ‘God bestowed on him the name above every name, that in the name of Jesus every knee shall bow of things in heaven and on earth and under the earth. It was right therefore that he should emphasise (sic) the virtue of the power residing in his name but hidden from the many, and therefore say to his Apostles, Go ye and make disciples of all the nations ‘in my name’”’”

Further, Conybeare writes: “Of the patristic witnesses to the text of the New Testament as it stood in the Greek MSS. From about 300-340 A.D., none is so important as Eusebius of /caesarea, for he lived in the greatest Christian Library of that age, that namely which Origen and Pamphilus had collected. It is no exaggeration to say that from shis single collection of manuscripts at Caesaria derives the larger part of the surviving ante-Nicean literature. In his Library, Eusebius must have habitually handled codices of the great uncals that we have now in our libraries-- Hibbert Journal, Oct. 1902


The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics states:
The facts are, in summary, that Eusebius quotes Mat 28:19 twenty one times, either omitting everything between ‘nations’ and ‘teaching’, or in the form ‘make disciples of all nations in my name’, the latter being the more frequent.”

Note: The foregoing was copied from a booklet in my possession, written in 1915 in London England by A. H. Broughton. Eusebius lived from about 270 AD to 340 AD, and had access to the original writings before they were ordered burned in 303 AD. by Roman Emperor Diocletian during very severe persecution of the Christians.

We have no original writings earlier than those used by Eusebius. (M. Fretwell)

Mat 1:21 And she shall bri ng forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Luk 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Act 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Luk 9:48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

Luk 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Act 3:6 Then 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

Act 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Act 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Act 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Act 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Act 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Act 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Act 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

1Co 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Phi 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Jam 5:14 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:

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Joh 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

Joh 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Joh 15:16 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: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Joh 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
Joh 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Joh 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

ATTAINING TO KINGDOM STATURE

ATTAINING TO KINGDOM STATURE


The first thing we need to touch when studying about the Kingdom of God is the fact that it is a condition entirely WITHIN the heart of every individual believer, instead of an earthly government which endures for a thousand years. We must forget about those things that resemble our earthly governments, for, as Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU. Luk 17:20-21

It will be NOTHING LIKE any government we see in the world today.

IT IS SOMETHING THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN HAS OR DOES NOT HAVE, DEPENDING ENTIRELY UPON WHAT THE LORD SEES IN THEIR LIFE.

WE EITHER MEET HIS REQUIREMENTS, OR WE DON’T. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OBTAINING, OR MAINTAINING, SALVATION. THAT IS FREE!

Let’s look at a few of the requirements for attaining to Kingdom Stature.

Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation (LIT. pressure) enter into the kingdom of God. (Most of the pressure is from within our own hearts)

Luk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man PRESSETH into it.

2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought (agonized) a good fight (agony), I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (equitable character), which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH calling of God in Christ Jesus.


HIGH CALLING-- Used in a COMPARATIVE sense, contrasted to other levels. The verses following indicate that whatever level of Spiritual Maturity we have attained to, we should walk in that level, regardless of what others are permitted to do.

OTHERS MAY--- YOU CAN NOT

Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth (agonizes) for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly (straight for the finish line); so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection (weary it) (make it my slave): lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (unfit for the task at hand, but not necessesarily a lost soul)

Phi 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness (EQUITY OF CHARACTER), which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot (morally unblemished), and blameless (in His Sight).

Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Mal 3:3 And he shall sit as A REFINER AND PURIFIER OF SILVER: and he shall purify the sons of Levi (the He Goats before the flock), and PURGE THEM AS GOLD AND SILVER, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness (rectitude).

Luk 13:24 Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (those who do whatever feels good to the flesh)
Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

The “little Sister” who “hath no breasts” (saved, though undeveloped) might not make it into the Kingdom. What a shame.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

THE KINGDOM OF GOD
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

I’ve heard of, and read about, the KINGDOM OF GOD for the seventy years I have had the Holy Ghost. I even did an exhaustive study once about the difference between the KINGDOM OF GOD and the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. I spent days looking up every scripture containing the phrases. (There is no difference, by the way)

But, with all my studying, I still was unable to figure out the dynamics of the Kingdom. I did “know” that it would be a THEOCRACY instead of a DEMOCRACY or a MONARCHY as we know it, and that the prospective inhabitants would undergo a rigid scrutiny before they would be granted entry. I did “know” that nothing hurtful or destructive would be allowed to enter through its gates. I was also “aware” that it would be set up by Jesus Himself, and that it would endure for a thousand years.

Some things were a bit of a mystery to me, however. I wondered how Jesus would accomplish the feat in an instant when He returns to earth at the time of the “rapture”, and why the Kingdom would be necessary if the Saints were all gone, and only the Christ Rejecters were left on the earth.

But my reckoning was that if everyone else believed it that way, it MUST be correct, so I didn’t think it worth my time to ask too many questions, though I knew I didn’t have the answers myself.

Would we (for I was sure I would be granted entrance) have a City Council, a Mayor, a Chief of Police, etc., and if so, what were the chances that I would be chosen to fill an office?

An in-depth study has produced some startling facts for us to consider. BUT PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THEY PERTAIN TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD and NOT TO SALVATION.

They are two different subjects—separate and distinct from one another.

SALVATION IS FREE

KINGDOM STATURE IS VERY COSTLY.

I use the term KINGDOM STATURE deliberately, for I am seeing the Kingdom in an entirely different light than in the former years. I am now ready to state flatly that the Kingdom of God that Jesus taught about is a NURTURED CONDITION OF OUR HEART IN ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE WORD AND SPIRIT OF GOD.

IT IS THE STRAIT GATE AND THE NARROW WAY THAT COMPARATIVELY FEW SOULS FIND. The price of Character Refinement seems so unreasonable to many of us. We can not comprehend the need for such a stringent heart condition and life style.

And, indeed, those requirements are NOT laid on folks who aspire ONLY to the Salvation of their souls.

Mar 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Luk 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Luk 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.


Luk 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
Luk 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
Luk 13:20 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
Luk 13:21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Luk 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Luk 13:30 And, behold, there are last (least important—CEV) which shall be first, and there are first (most important—CEV) which shall be last.

Luk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

Luk 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
WHAT DID THEY SEE? Jesus had taken three of them to the top of a mountain, where He was transfigured before them. They experienced His Glory. They were “scared to death”, so to speak. The humanity of Peter expressed a desire to always be in the presence of the Glory, but he had too much “baggage” in his soul yet for that to be realized.

Most of us, and I include myself, also still have far too much of our “baggage” with us while we crave the Glory of God in our souls.

We have failed to understand the need of Character Refinement, and hence have either failed or refused to submit ourselves to the searing heat required to separate ourselves from “ourselves”.

We are NOT dealing with rules and regulations which our fellow Christians would lay on us. We are dealing with the Holy Spirit of God. HE IS THE REFINER OF SILVER AND THE PURIFIER OF GOLD---not our neighbor.

THE GREATEST DISPLAY OF GOD'S POWER

THE GREATEST DISPLAY OF GOD'S POWER

I read a little tract one day, long ago, written by a Greek scholar who was trying to get the word out to the public about the greatest display of God's mighty power ever shown to the onlooking spirits-- including Satan. Look at what I remember.

Ephesians 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM: The EYES OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED; that ye may know what is the HOPE OF HIS CALLING, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what [is] the EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TO US-WARD WHO BELIEVE, ACCORDING TO THE WORKING OF HIS MIGHTY POWER, Which he wrought in Christ, WHEN HE RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, AND SET [HIM] AT HIS OWN RIGHT HAND IN THE HEAVENLY [PLACES], Far ABOVE ALL PRINCIPALITY, AND POWER, AND MIGHT, AND DOMINION, AND EVERY NAME THAT IS NAMED, NOT ONLY IN THIS WORLD, BUT ALSO IN THAT WHICH IS TO COME: AND HATH PUT ALL [THINGS] UNDER HIS FEET, AND GAVE HIM [TO BE] THE HEAD OVER ALL [THINGS] TO THE CHURCH, Which is h is body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Right now, after having pulled in the scriptures from the Bible, I am going back and EMPHASIZE some key words, as given by the tract writer. (I don't remember the name)

The words and phrases which are capitalized do, according to the Greek scholar, show a combination of words which, as he explained, demonstrate the greatest display of God's ability and strength ever given.

The resurrection of Jesus seems to be the central theme of the portion of scripture recorded by Paul in his letter to Ephesus.

When Jesus was raised, incorruptible, He was placed in a position of absolute authority over all spirits, governments, organizations, etc..

"IN HEAVENLY PLACES" is a key phrase. Watch for it later.

"FAR ABOVE" is a key phrase. Bear it in mind as you read further in the Ephesian letter.

EVERYTHING is beneath Him. EVERYTHING is subjected to Him. NO EXCEPTIONS.

When Paul wrote the letter, he did not put verse numbers nor chapter numbers in it. That has been done by men who attempted to make it easier for us to understand. God's Word can NEVER be understood by the MINDS of men. God's truths must be DISCERNED BY THE SPIRIT which He has given to us.

Ephesians 2:1 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Here is the secret of the GREATEST DISPLAY, as recorded here. OUR SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL RESURRECTION WAS ACCOMPLISHED AT THE TIME JESUS CAME OUT OF THE GRAVE. It is a "done deal."

It is ours, if we will accept God's provision for the welfare of our soul in Jesus Christ. We could never pay for it, but it is ours for the asking if we will put our trust in Jesus Christ.

WOTTA DEAL!!!

FAMINE IN THE LAND

FAMINE IN THE LAND

When Joshua entered the Promised Land, he was soon met by some men clothed in deceit, (read about it in Joshua ch. 9) who said they had come from a very distant place. They lied, but Joshua didn't ask of the Lord, and made a league with them.

Within a few days, he was called upon to defend them against five other kings who were mad at them for having made peace with Joshua and Israel. God managed to turn the bad situation which Joshua had created by his mistake, into a victory for Israel.

God intends for us to keep our word-- even when it is costly. Psalms 15:1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. [He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not.

We learn, that over 400 years later, when Saul was king of Is-rael, Saul broke the National word of Israel to the Gibeonites, and slew some of them. Then, later, Saul died.

After David had been reigning about 35 years, II Samuel 21:1 Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, [It is] for Saul, and for [his] bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites [were] not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)

Think of it-- nearly 40 years had gone by since Saul's murderous breach of National honor. But God DOES NOT FORGET. Time DOES NOT HEAL a breaching of our word.

Bro. Clinton Brown used to preach that even if we missed God when we said we would do a thing, if it had not been God's Will at the time, it suddenly BECOMES GOD'S WILL for our life when we give our word that we will do it. God EXPECTS us to keep our word.

I have often wondered just how much of our National and personal distress has been caused by the breaking of our word of honor, which we have given at some time.

Our great nation is not yet 400 years old, and many different "administrations" have come and gone since that beginning. Have some of the reversals of policy by some of those administrations been contributing factors to the mess we find ourselves in today?

I wonder. What about my own life? Are some of my problems the product of my own makings?

COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE

COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Revelation 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

As near as I can tell, this message to the true Church is scheduled to be heralded on a world-wide scale near the end of the period of Grace as we know it today. It will be an unmistakable call, with very little chance of being misinterpreted or misunderstood by those who hear it. The urgency of the call will be similar to that of Lot, when the angels urged him out of Sodom-- almost irresistable.

Notice that it is NOT a voice from a MAN, nor a group of humans. It is a voice DIRECTLY FROM HEAVEN. It is directed to a specific people-- "MY PEOPLE."

Revelation 18:2 And he CRIED MIGHTILY WITH A STRONG VOICE, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

The conditions described here are indicative of a degraded condition in the midst of whatever is meant by the term "BABYLON." There is plenty of room for speculation about the identity of this "woman" called Babylon. Is it RELIGIOUS? Is it POLITICAL? Is it BOTH?

We are told that in 70 AD there were no Christians in Jerusalem. God had given them a time slot of a few days, while Titus regrouped his armies, and they all fled the city. And, I am old enough that I remember the way the Lord delivered the Allied Armies in a crucial time during World War II at Dunkirque, by sending a dense fog to cover the evacuation of the troops.

Is God ABLE to direct His People to a position of safety? Is God WILLING to direct His People to a position of safety? You know the answer.

The big question is whether His people will hear the call, and if so, how many will heed the call.

THE SPIRIT OF BURNING

THE SPIRIT OF BURNING

God has some wonderful things in store for those who 
diligently seek His Face for His cleansing power in their lives. 
That is, perhaps, the most needful activity we can be exercised 
in today. It is more important than being prosperous financial
ly. It is more important than being physically healthy.

Spiritual purity is the result of a working of the Holy 
Ghost in our lives. It comes from the Hand of God.

Isaiah 1:25 And I will turn my hand upon thee, and 
purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:

Oh! How we need the moving of the Hand of God in our 
lives. Ironically, as much as we desire the Purity of the Spir
it, we shrink back from the process which produces it for us.

Isaiah 4:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth 
of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of 
Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of JUDGMENT, and 
by the spirit of BURNING.

The Spirit of JUDGMENT is that which shows us what God 
sees to be important (that is what the Hebrew word means). His 
scale of values is much different than ours. His Ways are high
er. His Thoughts are higher. He is looking from a different 
angle (Eternity) than we do.

The Spirit of BURNING speaks to us of the FIRE and HEAT 
that is necessary to separate the dross and tin from our lives.

We MUST NOT forget that it is HIS SPIRIT that is produc
ing the heat and pressure that it takes to rid us of the impuri
ties in our lives. We blame the devil, and rebuke him, mistaken
ly.

Be encouraged. The process WILL come to an end when the 
desired result is accomplished.

Isaiah 28:28 Bread [corn] is BRUISED; because he will not 
ever (forever) be threshing it, nor break [it with] the wheel of 
his cart, nor bruise it [with] his horsemen.

God is not doing it for fun, but for our bene
fit.

Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, 
and ye shall be CLEAN: from all your filthiness, and from all 
your idols, will I cleanse you.

Ezekiel 36:37 Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet [for] 
this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do [it] for them; 
I will increase them with men like a flock.

Zechariah 13:1 In that day there shall be a FOUNTAIN 
OPENED to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem 
for sin and for uncleanness.

Psalms 51:10 CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O God; and RENEW 
A RIGHT SPIRIT within me.

Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, 
call ye upon him while he is near:

Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when 
ye shall search for me with all your heart.

FACTS VERSUS TRUTH

FACTS VERSUS TRUTH

When I was a small child, my school teacher drilled into us the phrase, "you stay by facts, and facts will stay by you."

I found this to be a very good principle in every phase of life except one. It will not work in our relationship to God. GOD DOES NOT OPERATE IN THE REALM OF FACTS. They will serve only to foul us up in our walk with Him.

GOD DEALS IN THE REALM OF FAITH AND TRUTH, and we have to deal with Him on this basis. Consider:

Abraham and Sarah were both too old, it was PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE for them to have a child. This FACT is irrefutable. But by FAITH IN THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD it was done. Also consider: 

I had committed many sins before I was drawn to Jesus by His Spirit. They are FACTS, and many of them linger in my memory yet, even though I have made my Peace With God, and have been forgiven by Him.

But one day I discovered the word "justified". It sent me on a search for a simple meaning which I could understand. It means to be ACQUITTED, or DECLARED INNOCENT, such as jury would find or declare.

I was in a dilemma. FACT insists I am GUILTY of the things I had done. TRUTH declares me to be INNOCENT. I CAN NOT BE BOTH GUILTY AND INNOCENT AT THE SAME TIME. Which one is correct--FACT OR TRUTH?

I chose to put my confidence in TRUTH. It brought Peace to my soul.

JUSTIFICATION IS ONE OF THE MIRACLES OF GOD'S GRACE. IT BLOTS OUT THE FACT OF GUILT, AND ESTABLISHES THE TRUTH OF INNOCENCE.

Jesus was stripped of His righteousness, and laden with my sin on the Cross. When it happened, He cried in anguish, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?" He carried my guilt when He died. He died a sinner in my stead. He has imputed His innocence to me by the miracle of Justification by Faith.

the earnest

THE EARNEST

Let me direct your attention to the great Salvation which is to be awarded to God's children shortly.

Comparatively few people realize that such a thing exists in the plan of God. It seems that our eyes have been directed to eternity and the skies whenever we have thought about the future as a Christian.

There are several references to the fact that we posses only a small fraction of what will one day be made available to His chosen ones.

Paul calls it the "earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession". Eph 1:14 He again calls it the "firstfruits of the Spirit" in Rom 8:23

We know that an earnest is a pledge given in leiu of the full amount, and pending further developments. The Holy Ghost Baptism is a wonderful thing, but we must not lose sight of the fact that it is but a small portion of a greater quantity being held in reserve for us.

Firstfruits speaks of some greater amount to follow. It serves as a sample. The firstfruits is but a small token of a vast ingathering. So, when that word is used to denote the Spirit given at our Baptism of the Holy Ghost, we may be sure there is some greater portion of that Holy Spirit being reserved for a time and a people.

1 Pet. 1:1-13 mentions the salvation which is being reserved and is ready to be revealed in the last time.(vs 5) We rejoice in the hope of this greater salvation, even if trials and sorrows be our lot while waiting.

If we hold steady through it all, we shall receive the ultimate end of our faith. It is this COMPLETE SALVATION, which the angels have desired to look into. It puzzled the Prophets who prophesied about it, and they tried hard to understand what they spoke about, but were unable to comprehend the glory which should come to God's elect as a result of Calvary. The glory is still future, and holy men are still grappling with a proper understanding of its meaning. We are admonished to be sober, and hopeful while waiting for it, for it shall come at a time known only to God. I believe it is near at hand.

A BETTER COUNTRY

A BETTER COUNTRY

Whoever wrote the book of Hebrews certainly had a good understanding of God's plan for His followers. The writer used a few terms to explain God's intent in a way that we can readily grasp with clarity.

In recalling the Heroes of Faith, (chapter 11) Abraham is used to demonstrate a blind obedience to the command of God. We also see the results of God revealing Himself to a man. A REVELATION of the SPIRIT imparts a knowledge to the soul and mind of a person.

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which HATH FOUNDATIONS, whose builder and maker [is] God.

Abraham had, by the Spirit, caught a vision of an Eternal City (one that had FOUNDATIONS). There are no cities of this world which will make the transition into the Eternal World, because they are all builded by man. They (everything we can see) all are to perish with the world. We can not trust in any government (city), nor in anything that pertains to them. All that we see and handle is temporal.

Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Each of us needs to ask ourselves, "Where have I put my confidence, what am I putting my trust in?" If it is fastened on anything which this world has or can produce, we are in deep trouble.

It is only natural for us to want to be located in a good neighborhood, near good schools and shopping centers, above the hundred-year flood plane, etc. etc. This is NOT WRONG, for God expects us to be concerned about such things. Prudence dictates that we take note of such things.

Prudence (WISDOM) also dictates that we be concerned about what awaits us beyond the dividing of this life from that which is to come. That is far more important than the natural things.

We are only on earth for a short span of time, but Eternity is in another realm altogether. I can not explain it to you, but I am convinced that it is even more real than what we are seeing in the here and now.

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, NOT HAVING RECEIVED THE PROMISES, BUT HAVING SEEN THEM AFAR OFF, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and CONFESSED THAT THEY WERE STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS ON THE EARTH. For they that say such things declare plainly that THEY SEEK A COUNTRY.

Hebrews 11:16 But now they DESIRE A BETTER [COUNTRY], THAT IS, AN HEAVENLY: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: FOR HE HATH PREPARED FOR THEM A CITY.

When God reveals Himself to us, we, like the patriarchs of old, catch a vision of an ETERNAL CITY, A STEADFAST CITY IN A BETTER COUNTRY. It is part of the package.

CHOSEN OF GOD

CHOSEN OF GOD

What caused Jesus to specifically call each of the disciples whom He chose to follow Him? Or, do you suppose the Lord just randomly spoke to each of them as He came upon them?

Why was each one WILLING to leave nets, tax rolls, etc. and immediately follow Him?

I have often wondered about this, and many other events which we read about. Did such things just "happen", or were they orchestrated by the Spirit of the Almighty?

I definitely lean toward the belief that the Lord is much more involved in the lives of His followers than we care to admit. The Spirit leads us in ways we do not recognize, many times. Often by circumstances beyond our control. Often by strong desires or inclinations.

One favorite example of God's direction in human lives is the account in 1 Kings 7 where the four leprous men were driven by desperation to hobble out toward the camp of the beseiging army in the twilight of the evening. These four men certainly did not make the noise which was heard by the Syrian soldiers.

Nor could the four lepers have caused the sudden, demoralizing fear that gripped the hearts of the warriors getting ready for supper. God can REALLY scare people when He wants to. Mile after mile was littered with clothes which the Syrians found to be too much of a hindrance to them in their flight from the armies they "heard". Four leprous men hobbling out through the twilight.

What caused the people to gather palm branches to wave, and to lay before Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem that day on the colt, the foal of an ass? Was it the result of a massive advertising campaign. Was He doing an "Elvis" on them? Why did the children run through the temple crying "Hosannah"? Who told them to do it? If our interpretation is correct, what caused suckling babies to pull away from the breast of their mothers and give glory to God?

How's come the young ass didn't buck and rear when Jesus got on his back? He had never had an experience like that before.

The Bible says that the "city was moved" (see Mat 21:10) when Jesus was making the triumphal entry? The word "moved" is also translated "earthquakes" in diverse places in Mat 24:7.

Without doubt, God's Spirit was active in these, and other events which are recorded for our encouragement and learning.

This brings up the question-- "What has God done in your life?" How many times has He been leading you, when you wist it not?

Be encouraged in the Lord.

TANGLED

TANGLED STRANDS

This morning I awakened with a few words of a song which we heard in McCall, Idaho in 1945-46.

"Dear Lord, take up the tangled strands, Where I have wrought in vain. And with the skill of Thy dear Hand,--" That is all I can remember.

My mind ran, rather quickly, back over my life, and I saw the many times when I was in need of Divine Skill to bring order out of the chaos I had, unwittingly, brought forth in my life.

The amazing part of it is-- He seemed to have been waiting in the wings, until I realized I had made a mess of things and would look to Him for a solution.

I was remided of a story told by an Evangelist who held us a 5 week meeting in 1943. He related how Paul Rader, in his pre-Christian life, had walked past the old J And P Coats sign in New York City. On the sign was a kitten who had become tangled hopelessly with thread from a spool. Once Paul remarked to the kitten, "Kitty, I'm about as tangled as you are."

But, one evening shortly after that, Paul stopped into a Mission. God spoke to his heart, and he responded when the invitation was given. He had a lige-altering experience with the Lord there that night. His later accomplishments attested to the genuineness of his encounter with Jesus that night.

After leaving the Mission, Paul again passed under the "Kitty" sign. This time he looked up and remarked, "Kitty, you're still tangled up, but I'm free!"

I have learned that, no matter how badly I have fumbled the affairs of my life-- no matter how miserably I have failed in my attempts to guide my life-- ALWAYS, if and when I turn to Jesus, He is there to help me straighten my life up again.

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms:---

He does not always erase the effects of my blundering-- some things I have to "live with" the rest of my life. But He forgives me for the sin of rebellion against His Leadings in my life.

Gradually, I am learning that the desire to run my own life actually constitutes a rebellion against Him, and the guidance of His Spirit.

Psalms 100:5 For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.

WHY PRAY

WHY PRAY?

I Timothy 2:1, 2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

It seems a little odd to me that the things Paul put the most EMPHASIS on are the ones we bestow the most NEGLECT on. It would appear that we are satisfied to have held another service, sung some more songs, and greeted each other in a friendly way. Then we return to our normal way of life until next Sunday (Morning), when we repeat the process all over again.

"HOLDING CHURCH DOESN'T CUT IT". The Spiritual condition continues to decline, and no one seems to notice. Or if they do notice, they are too engrossed in their own ways to do anything about it-- even in their own lives.

Jesus, angered at conditions in the Temple, vehemently declared, "MY HOUSE shall be called a HOUSE OF PRAYER." Today, in a similar fashion, we have corrupted His House with:

--PROGRAMS of our own ingenuity, hoping that God will add His Blessing to them. HE DOES NOT.

--PERSONALITY PARADES, men projecting themselves, their own abilities, rather than being the humble servants of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. THEY FAIL.

--WARDROBES AND POSSESSIONS. Church has largely become a fashion show. A RELIGIOUS CLUB HOUSE.

These things are more of a detriment than a blessing.

There are three ingredients that are necessary. They are:

PRAISE, PRAYER, PREACHING.

Of the three, prayer is probably the most neglected in our churches because it is difficult to bring ourselves down in humiliation before God in supplication (begging). No one likes to BEG anyone for anything. But that is what the word means.

Prayers and intercessions are costly activities in terms of time and effort. They do not gratify the flesh.

The DYNAMICS of the HOLY GHOST are ONLY produced by PRAYER. "--but prayer- without ceasing"

It is the "PRAYER FACTOR" which makes the difference in the impossible situations we face.

If we are going to see the miracle working Power of God--

SOMEONE HAS GOT TO START PRAYING.

Ezek 22:30 I looked for a man (who would BE AN INTERCESSOR.)

My ministry is not what I am DOING-- It is, primarily, what I am BEING--

The important thing is not "THE WORK OF GOD", but --THE GOD OF THE WORK". We must prevail on God to arise and give us the "bread" which we MUST HAVE.

1 Tim 2:1 FIRST OF ALL-- (MOST IMPORTANT).

What is the purpose of prayer? If He is absolute Sovereign, why pray? Wesley said, "God does nothing on earth except in answer to prayer."

ONLY MAN, OF ALL CREATION, HAS A WILL, TO OBEY, OR TO DISOBEY. WE ARE REBELS.

Prayer justifies Divine Intervention in the life of rebels.

When we pray,"Thy Will Be Done", it gives God permission to over rule our own desires-- to SUPERIMPOSE HIMSELF upon us, as well as others for whom we pray. "Thy Will" is a safe way to pray.

We can do nothing without His Will. We do not "call the shots." He will never "obey" us. "Not my will, but Thine."

Yet, He will do nothing in our lives without our will. Unless we give Him permission to SUPERIMPOSE HIMSELF upon us, There is no way we can know the blessing of walking with Him.

Oh, how much we need to repent of the multitude of ways and times we walk in our own ways, following the leadings of our own natures, which are rebellious to God. Walking the path of rebellion is the most natural thing we can do. Walking in an attitude of repentance is an absolute "MUST".

If we are to see God work again in our churches, we will have to begin begging Him to return to our midst in the power of His Spirit.

OUR METHODS ARE KILLING US.

Gen 19:27 God REMBERED ABRAHM, and SAVED LOT.

LORD, GIVE US INTERCESSORS.

PRIORITIES

PRIORITIES

Last night I was reading Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

My attention was drawn to the word "judgments". More often than not, we think of punishment or the metering out of justice when we see the word. But SUCH IS NOT THE CASE in the majority of places where the word is used.

A word which would more properly convey the true meaning to us today is the word "evaluate", or to place in proper order. We see it take place every Fall at the Fair, where the animals and exhibits are "judged" (evaluated, placed in proper order).

Paul was exclaming happily that God's prioritizing is "unsearchable". Humanity can not find fault with it. God knows the true value and meaning of everything which concerns us. We don't.

Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. Psalms 19:12 Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].

If and when we yield our lives completely to His Control, we become the beneficiaries of His Judgments-- His priorities-- His evaluations in our lives.

Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly ESTEEMED among men is ABOMINATION in the sight of God.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

We can not, we DARE NOT trust our own understanding and vision when we make decisions about the direction our lives will take. Life's shores are littered with the "hulls" of people who have "hit the rocks" while "self-steering" their lives. Their "sense of direction" was faulty because they had not received the counsel of the Lord. Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

The verse also says that "His Ways are past finding out". The fact sheet of the world will not provide you with a safe course for your life. But God will, if we ask Him, lead us in ways which we do not understand, and bring us to His appointed Will for our lives.

He is not obligated to explain His choices to those involved in His directives for their lives. He is Sovereign, if we will allow Him to be.

Psalms 139:24 And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Lamentations 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

SUCCESS

SUCCESS

Someone has said that SUCCESS happens when PREPARATION meets OPPORTUNITY. This may be more than just a catchy phrase.

Another has said that we are only young once, but if we use it right, once is enough.

There are some things you only get one chance to do in your lifetime. Our preparation is very crucial. The Psalmist gives a guideline for our preparation. Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.

A story is told of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, the flying ace of the first World War. Those early machine guns would occasionally jam, due to shell casings being a bit too large or out of round. An aviator without an operating machine gun was in real trouble-- a "sitting duck", as the saying goes.

While other fliers were resting between flights, Eddie was out in his plane-- testing EVERY SHELL issued to him for his next flight-- to make SURE it would fit into the chamber. Any that would not, were thrown away.

That little maneuver contributed to his success as an Aviator, and to his success in civilian life later. He habitually did his best to eliminate the odds in every aspect of his life.

Steel rails are worth, in narmal times, about thirty dollars a ton. But, that same ton of steel,when put through a series of refining processes, and made into watch springs, can be worth as much as a million dollars.

The same is true of our Spiritual lives, as well as our natural lives. We can be content to be of such a value that people can ride on us, or we can develop our potential to the point where we can run the whole works.

JONAH

JONAH
Here are a few random thoughts about Jonah, and our similarity to him on occasions.

Jonah, by his own words, would have rather seen God destroy the many thousands of people of Nineveh than to have his reputation as a Prophet of God tarnished. Think of it! Thousands of souls about to be plunged into hell, and Jonah was reluctant to risk his reputation as a Prophet in order to have them saved! Personal esteem ranked higher in his mind than the souls of thousands.

He knew there would be no fine stories to bring back home and tell to the other prophets of how God had brought to pass what he had prophesied.

To come home with a report of how God had shown them mercy would be of no personal value to Jonah. To be rated as a false prophet would be worse than to sit and watch while unwarned people were hurled to their doom. How selfish and carnal can a person be?

But wait a minute before we are too harsh on Jonah. Most of us have done the same thing at some time or other in our lives.

How many times, do you suppose, has there been someone in the congregation who needed a word from the the Lord, and you were anointed of God to give an utterance which might not have made sense to you personally? How often do you refuse to risk your reputation? How many times do you force other people to plod wearily along without the help that your obedience to the Spirit might afford them?

Here is another thought! Everyone knows that a dividing spirit in a congregation is like a rotten apple in a box of good ones.

Spiritual unity is one of the most important things each assembly must maintain, for in its absence Satan can move in and cripple or kill at his own pleasure. Yet it is a glaring fact that many times two or more people in a congregation will come to logger-heads over some trivial thing, and each one refuse to budge even an inch toward reconciliation.

Each one contends in his heart that he is right, and therefore has a reason for standing "pat". It is also true that each one will maintain his position while the rest of the congregation chooses up sides and start fighting over first one thing and then another.

The unity of the congregation has been sacrificed for personal esteem.

Sometimes unity is sacrificed over whether our particular brand of "truth" is being presented--while souls are headed for hell.

Other times unity is sacrificed over our approval, or dis-approval of the format of worship, and souls are lost.

That is all Jonah was planning to do.

--Marion Fretwell

WHO IS THIS ___ PHILISTINE?

WHO IS THIS UNCIRCUMCISED PHILISTINE?

I Samuel 17:26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying,.... for who [is] this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

Jesse had sent his youngest son with some supplies for his three oldest brothers who were with King Saul in a war with the Philistines. Jesse and David had not known that for 40 days there had been no fighting done. Instead, the giant Goliath had appeared daily with a bellowed challenge to Saul's army. If they would send only one man to fight with him, each man would fight for the respective army. The winner takes all.

It looked like a "lead pipe cinch" for the Palestinians. Their man was "bigger and better" than any which Israel could produce. It is always that way.

David found the soldiers terrified with fear. They knew they were doomed, but were going to "put it off" as long as they could. Nobody did anything, aside from wringing their hands, or biting their finger nails.

Fear has a paralyzing effect on people. Saul and the army had been in its vice-like grip for over a month.

I can hear those soldiers murmuring among themselves.

"They're gonna forbid us to hold Church services one of these days."

"They're gonna confiscate and burn our Bibles pretty soon."

"They're gonna force us into a cashless society, and we'll have to have a mark or a number to buy groceries. It'll be a tattoo mark, or a computer chip under our skin. The mmmaarkk of the bbbeast-- shhhure as annnythhing."

"Antichrist is gonna come and "sweet talk" us into following him. Then he'll double cross us after three and a half years, and we'll really be in trouble."

"The Sun's having Super Novas, and is about to burn out and go cold and dark. What'll we do then?

"The earth is wobbling on its axis right now, and the orbit is going egg-shape already."

"Boys, we might as well "call a spade a spade", and admit we're done. The only thing that'll save us now is for some force to come and snatch us out of here to keep us from being annihilated."

But, David hadn't heard about those things. He'd been out with the sheep, singing, worshiping God. He had experienced the Power of God enabling him to kill a bear, then a lion. He has learned to sling a stone into a "bull's eye" at fifty feet. He had learned what Faith in God could do. God was BIG, in David's eyes.

His God is invincible. His God will vindicate His Name. David's God will deliver His People in answer to their faith in Him. David will act on his faith, and attack the giant.

David doesn't know about the wobbling earth. He doesn't know about the Super Novas. He doesn't know-- he hasn't been told-- about antichrist, or the cashless society, or the "great tribulation" and the embedded computer chips.

David knows his God in a deeper dimension than the trained warriors do. He depends upon God's power instead of weapons fashioned and used by man. He isn't bogged down by teachings about doomsday and defeat. His faith is in the ability of his God, and the honor of His Name.

Any one of those soldiers could have whipped Goliath if their faith had been in God instead of themselves, and their weapons. Petitions, Marches, and Drives will not stop giants.

Who are these people and forces that we are afraid of today? Most of them are no more than "paper tigers" on stakes along the side of the path. They are not real, never have been, never will be.

Can even the real ones successfully defy our God and His people?

Not if our trust is in the right place.

THE ANOINTING OF JESUS

THE ANOINTING OF JESUS

Peter, at the house of Cornelius, made a statement which helps to explain some of the "why's and wherefore's" of the Ministry of Jesus on earth.

There seems to be some confusion about what it was that started Jesus out in His Ministry, and what ended it while He was on the Cross. Peter gave an explanation of what started that Ministry.

Acts 10:38 How God ANOINTED JESUS OF NAZARETH WITH THE HOLY GHOST AND WITH POWER: (emphasis mine) who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

I doubt that ANY of us can say, with any degree of certainty, what mixture of physical and Spiritual elements Jesus possessed BEFORE HIS BAPTISM in Jordan. I wouldn't argue that point-- even if I could. Except to say, that is, that JESUS WAS NOT GOD INCARNATE AT HIS BIRTH.

If He was INCARNATE AT BIRTH, the Catholics, with their "Mary, Mother of God" teachings, have had us whipped both going and coming.

Something happened in Jordan, which Peter called the ANOINTING. John had argued with Jesus about who should baptize whom before they went into the water. John KNEW who Jesus was before the ceremony took place. John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

John NEEDED NO SIGN from Heaven to know who Jesus was. Mark 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, [saying], Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

Jesus then began to speak the Words of God, though He referred to Himself as the Son of Man. John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him]. John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

Luke 4:17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

The earthly Ministry of Jesus ended as abruptly as it had begun, as He hung on the cross. Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard [it], said, Behold, he calleth Elias. And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Chronologically, Jesus cried in anguish of having been FORSAKEN of God BEFORE the moment of death. He died, laden with the sins of the world, not as an innocent, sinless man. The transfer of sins and guilt/innocence and purity had been made by God just prior to death. Isaiah 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

II Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

THE RIVER OF GOD

THE RIVER OF GOD

I know I have written about this before, but it seems to keep coming to me this morning, so I will touch base with it again.

The point which seems to want the limelight right now is found in Ezekiel, chapter 47. It tells about waters issuing out of the House of God-- coming from the right side of the Altar. I grew and grew as it progressed down the hill on its 12 mile journey. Before it was half way to its destination, it had grown to a river which could not be passed over-- "waters to swim in".

Ezekiel 47:5 Afterward he measured a thousand; [and it was] a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.

Most scholars agree that this prophecy is talking about an outpouring of the Spirit of God in the end time of this dispensation. We are probably correct in this interpretation is in line with what Jesus said about the the believer having a river of living water springing up unto Everlasting Life. See John 7:38 and John 4:14

There are other scriptures which speak about the river of refreshing which is to be expected from the Lord.

Psalms 46:4 [There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.

Psalms 65:9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

A few years ago, I was looking at the river found in Eze 47, and made a remarkable discovery from the Word.

THESE WATERS HAVE A DEFINITE DESTINATION AND A DEFINITE PURPOSE.

Ezekiel 47:8 Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, AND GO DOWN INTO THE DESERT, AND GO INTO THE SEA: [which being] brought forth into the sea, THE WATERS SHALL BE HEALED.

The first purpose is to bring life to the desert. It will do that.

The second purpose is to heal the waters of the Dead Sea. We all know that nothing lives in the Dead Sea. No plants, no fish, no animals. Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.

What a fitting way for the Lord to portray the "deadness" of humanity. Absolute depravity. Absolute helplessness to produce anything good. All life ceases at its borders. The "Black Hole" of life.

But God! But God has a plan in mind that can and will bring that condition to an end.

According to the Prophet, all of the Dead Sea but a few-- Ezekiel 47:11 But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.

No, not EVERY ONE will respond to the Spirit of the Lord when it is poured out as a DELUGE upon humanity. But God intends to snatch a generation or two from the kingdom of death, into the Kingdom of Life-- from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light-- from the kingdom of error to the Kingdom of Truth-- from the kingdom of sin to the Kingdom of Righteousness.

Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

God WILL have the last word.

REASONS FOR MY BELIEF

REASONS TO BELIEVE

I believe that your question was an honest one-- not looking for debate, so I will hurriedly answer, not laboring any proof. I will be out of town for a few days, but will check again when I return.

Perhaps the best way to explain my belief is to tell how it came about.

In the late forties, I did an in-depth study of the seven promises to the Overcomers of the seven Churches of Asia. In doing this, I discovered that our former teachers had not been able to steer us in the right course of believing-- especially about the whole group of believers being eligible for the great victory which is ahead for the Overcomers of the seven Churches.

Darby, who started the "Rapture" theory in the mid 1800's, included ALL believers in what he saw. But a careful study will show that Darby was wrong on some points.

A deeper study showed me that the general usage of the Greek word that is used in 2 Thes, and translated "taken out of the way", is a gross mis-application of the Greek words.

It was in the 70's that I was teaching from Hebrews, and discovered that the writer used up several chapters discussing the events of the most solemn day of the Jewish Levitical Year-- the Day of Atonement.

I discovered that the ceremonies of that day were a blue print of the major events of the entire Church age-- from the Crucifixion to the present and beyond. To follow the events of the Day of Atonement is to see the high points of the Church Age. Two or three points stand out in bold relief.

Every seven years, on this day, debts were cancelled, and servants who had sold themselves because of poverty were sent home again. I won't go into the implications of this.

Every fifty years, on this day, all possessions were restored to the original owner or his children,and to the original tribe. This speaks of a FULL redemption and restoration of ALL that was lost in Adam. Think of how much was lost-- Adam had Eternal Life (but not Immortality), and could talk freely with God, and God with him. He HAD dominion over all creatures.

The ceremony of the Scapegoat was not until AFTER the High Priest was finished with the ministration in the Holy of Holies. It was the scapegoat which acted out the part of Jesus taking Sin completely away from us. But the real work of Jesus in removing Sin (Adamic Sin, that is) from us is yet to come, if we follow the course of events on the Day of Atonement.

Our High Priest is STILL IN the Heavenly Holy of Holies. Weymouth, and some other modern translations render Heb 9:28 -- "not to deal with sin, but to make their salvation complete." This is speaking of when our High Priest APPEARS from His Ministrations in the Heavenly Holy of Holies.

If you want an interesting study, look at the three (3) appearings of Jesus, as found in the book of Hebrews.

A whisking away to escape anihilation is, in no sense of the word, Redemption from the Fall of Adam.

The nature of rebellion was injected into Adam at the time of disobedience. We are ALL REBELS TOWARD GOD, even though we are saved from the consequences of sin.

More later, if you are still interested.

God Bless

WHAT SHALL I RENDER

WHAT SHALL I RENDER

Psalms 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD [for] all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD.

Twice in the 116th Psalm David makes this same statement. Of course, there are other things he said he would do, but the term "Call upon the Name of the Lord" caught my eye, and I felt I needed to know more about what it means to do it.

I was surprised by what I found. It is one of those words (Strong's #7121) which could be, and has been, translated different ways. Early in the Bible it is found-- Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD.

It is translated "Call" about 500 times, but there are places where it might have been more properly rendered another word-- which, indeed, it was many times.

Three outstanding ways it was also translated are: "Proclaim" (Lev 25:10 et al.), "Publish" (Deu 32:3 et al.) and "Preach." (Neh 6:7, Jonah 3:2)

The two scriptures I have printed above are, in my estimation, two places where it might have been better if the translators had used one of the three alternate words.

It sure changed the face of things when I discovered that the Hebrew word could be, and had been, translated differently with these alternate words.

You will admit with me that there is a vast difference between simply "calling upon" the Name of the Lord, and "Proclaiming, Publishing, Preaching" the Name of the Lord. Yet, they all come from the same root word in the Hebrew text.

"What shall I render-- for all His benefits--? First, I should take the cup of Salvation. That is the first, and most important step.

Then, it would be fitting if I told others about the Name of the Lord, which has become my "Strong Tower, my Rock; my Shield, and the Horn of my Salvation, my High Tower, and my Refuge, my Saviour."

REFUGE

REFUGE BECAUSE

Psalm 91 has a few things which I want to touch on right now. It has been quoted many times by many people who were in bad circumstances, and has given them strength to hold up in those hard places.

Three times the word "because" is used, leading us to condlude that there is a reason for our safety in Jesus, and our being delivered when in time of trouble.

Psalms 91:9 Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my REFUGE, [even] the most High, thy habitation;

Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

It would seem, on the surface, that the matter of PRIORITIES enters into the picture, if we are to enjoy the privilege of entering into the REFUGE of the Lord.

Look at the word "habitation". We need to determine where our habitation is. Our TOP PRIORITY could well be the determining factor of our habitation.

The angel of the Lord asked, Judges 2:2 -- but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?

What would be the reason for us not obeying the voice of the Lord? Simply, that we place more value on something else besides the Word of the Lord.

It might be material things that hinder. It might be the good will (favor) of people, and the fear of losing it. It might be our feeling of being too important to do the things which a close walk with God would require.

These things can be lost or stolen from us. They are NOT RELIABLE refuges anyway. They are altogether temporal.

BUT REFUGE IN GOD is NOT TEMPORAL. It will NEVER fail. It is NOT TANGIBLE. It can NEVER BE STOLEN from us, nor taken by force from us.

It is REFUGE IN THE SPIRIT-- in GOD HIMSELF, who has never failed, and will not fail in the future.

Hebrews 6:18 That-- we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: On the Passover night in Egypt, the blood applied to the door of the house was the REFUGE of the children of Israel.

OBEDIENCE TO GOD caused the blood to be put there. OBEDIENCE TO GOD is what will constitute a sure place of refuge for us also today.

For Hezekiah, when Jerusalem was under seige, refuge was provided for him in answer to his prayer to God. The angel of the Lord smote 185,000 men with "Sudden (Infant) Death Syndrome" in a single stroke.

THE PUBLICAN

THE PUBLICAN

Jesus told a story one time to illustrate how our attitude of approach to God affects the response we receive from Him.

The story He told was that of the Pharisee and the Publican. The one recited to God all of his goodnesses--, the other smote his breast and called on God for mercy.

Jesus said that the Publican went to his house JUSTIFIED. The simple act of calling on God for mercy had changed the destiny of his soul.

This morning, as every other morning, in prayer, I was asking God to have mercy on EVERY ONE of our posterity. Specifically, I was asking Him to guide, protect, direct, and give health to each one.

Suddenly, it dawned on me that if the Lord can form chains of circumstances around the people we are praying for, and cause them to do what He sees to be best for them, He can also affect the destiny of their souls in much the same way.

I have often been guilty of asking God to cause people to do WHAT I THOUGHT WOULD BE GOOD, but not any more. Some time ago, I was made to know that praying that way can actually be detrimental to those I love.

My understanding of the Will of God is SO FAULTY that I dare not rely on it. But God suffers no such frailties. He knows the end of all things from the beginning. He knows where each course of action will lead. He knows that if left to our own ability to guide ourselves, we will end up in a "swamp."

I believe that the safest way to intercede for our loved ones is to call on God for His mercy to each one.

An old saint in the last church we served said, "God always gives HIS BEST to those who leave the choice to Him."

We can SAFELY intercede for others by calling of God for His Mercy to be extended to them. In this way, we can be assured of them receiving what God deems to be best for them.

THE ORDER OF THE PIERCED EAR

THE ORDER OF THE PIERCED EAR
Someone made the remark a while back that every Christian should have a BA degree. BA means "Born Again".

That is correct. Fact is, you can't really be a Christian without it.

There is a world of difference between a mental assent to Jesus Christ-- a hand shake-- a signed card, and a genuine heart-changing encounter (experience) with Jesus, where He comes into our heart and makes us into new creatures. It can, and must be, an EXPERIENCE that makes us KNOW we have been changed.

Then, we should all join the "Order of the Pierced Ear."

In the Old Testament law of Moses, when the slaves were all set free in the Year of Jubilee, provision was made for any servant who had come to love his master, and didn't want to go free could do so.

This was accomplished by having his master back him up to a wall or post and bore through his ear with an awl. That was a contract between them, and a sign to all who would later see the hole in his ear, that he had dedicated his services for the rest of his life to his master.

Each Christian needs that kind of dedication to Jesus!

Difficult times will, and do, come to each of us-- times which will test the sincerity of our commitment to Jesus. We need to have the Spiritual "hole in our ear" to remind us of our pledge to Jesus.

Let's all join the "Order Of The Pierced Ear."

Let's all get our BA degree.

NO TEMPTATION

NO TEMPTATION

I Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by circumstances which have come our way, and we wonder how we can possible bear up under them. Sometimes we wonder if the tests come because we are Christians, and the devil is persecuting us. While we must be aware that we are constantly being the target of satanic hatred, we have the statement of fact that we are no more a target than non-Christians all around us. What we experience is COMMON to man. We share alike. Not the same exact tests, but similar, in that flesh can be tested in that way.

But, we Christians have a promise which others may not have. God will not allow us to be given more than we can stand at any stage of our development in God.

To be sure, there are more severe tests ahead for each of us, but our strength in God is not sufficient today that we could bear them now. God lovingly stands guard, to prevent anything too difficult from getting to us today.

Whatever is happening to us today, God has deemed us to be able to bear up and endure them. Else they could not have come to us.

BELIEVE THIS! IT IS TRUE!

There will be NO ENEMY allowed into our lives which we can not conquer by FAITH in the FAITHFULNESS of God.

Keep your eyes fastened upon Jesus. Maintain your faith IN Him, and faithfulness TO Him, and you will win!

Ah! There is the secret! Do not battle the circumstances. They will overwhelm you.

Rather, fight to maintain your FAITH IN JESUS. I John 5:4 --: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

Sounds rather simple, doesn't it? But it is simple! EACH TEST IS A TEST OF OUR FAITH!

Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

THEN OPENED HE THEIR UNDERSTANDING

UNDERSTANDING

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.


Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.


Job 32:8 But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.


I Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

There are many things which God wants to tell our souls. The chief way for Him to do that is for us to speak the Heavenly language which He has provided for that purpose.

Often, after a session of speaking in the unknown tongue, we are able to mentally separate issues which have formerly been confusing to us. We can exercise our mind in Spiritual matters which we could not do before.

There are many people in Pentecostal churches who do not have the Holy Ghost. They have never spoken in tongues. That is the initial evidence.

They do not have freedom in the unknown tongue now. They are selling themselves short.

There is a communion, an instruction, an inspiration in tongues that can not be received in ANY OTHER WAY. It edifies the SOUL.

Education can not give UNDERSTANDING. It only enhances INTELLIGENCE.

Neither can ingenuity produce UNDERSTANDING. It shows itself in CLEVERNESS.

UNDERSTANDING comes to us as a result of HUMBLENESS before God. It is the result of OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL.

The Biblical explanation of UNDERSTANDING is "to put together". Possibly the vernacular phrase "get it together" is not so far out after all.

To UNDERSTAND also means to be able to COMPREHEND. The vernacular would possibly be "get a handle on it."

SELF DENIAL

SELF DENIAL
AN ANSWER TO A FRIEND

NalaP, you really laid yourself open to miriads of ideas about what constitutes self denial. Many of us have asked the same question, and received hordes of answers-- depending on what is the favorite subject of the people we are talking to.

Advice will run the gammut of ideas about the subject, such as long hair, long sleeves, high neck lines, no neck ties, no jewelry, no toe-less shoes-- you name it.

The best answer I have found is found in Titus 2:11,12. I have been satisfied to advise inquirers to let the Holy Ghost, which is the Grace of God, do the teaching and instructing of individuals about what they should deny a place in their lives.

His instructions are customized to each individual, and He will direct and instruct, and lead to the good life, WITHOUT ERROR.

Paul and Peter both wrote some very good general guidelines for lives that please God. They touched all of the bases-- fathers and mothers, children, husbands and wives, laborers and employers, citizens-- the works.

Let the Holy Spirit, who is the Author of the Word of God, lead you in each step.

You need have NO FEAR of following His leadings for your life.

God Bless!

JUSTIFIED!

JUSTIFIED

In Romans, chapters 3,4 and 5, the words "Justified, Justification, Justify" are used upwards of ten times in connection with our heritage in Jesus Christ.

The term means to be declared "Not Guilty," "Innocent," "Acquitted," "Righteous," and other such ways of expressing a right standing in the sight of God.

Often times people who are innocent of the crime they are accused of, are "declared" guilty by juries who are deceived. Likewise,people who are as guilty as sin itself, have been "declared" innocent by a jury which was deceived or prejudiced. Man's ability to discern absolute truth and honesty is seriously flawed.

But not so when we are dealing with the Creator of the Universe. He is Omniscient, and cannot be deceived. He has "concluded all under sin" in order that His Love can be extended to everyone alike.

If we were guilty sinners, and we were; there is no way we can be innocent, righteous, as far as human ability is concerned. We cannot be both-- we are either guilty or innocent, righteous or unrighteous.

But, something happened while Jesus was hanging on the Cross. It startled and surprised the man Christ Jesus, and He cried out in anguish, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

At that moment "He who knew no sin" was stripped of His Righteousness (right relationship with God), innocence, and purity, and the sin of the entire world laid on him.

Jesus had never known what the guilt of sin felt like. It was foreign to Him. He had never known the feeling of the lack of Purity, Righteousness, and Holiness. Suddenly he was in a different "world" than he had ever been in before.

God had to take away the Innocence from Jesus in order to lay on Him the guilt of the world. He could not be guilty and innocent at the same time.

So, at that moment on the Cross, provision was made for every human who will accept the work of Calvary. We may now, by putting our trust in Jesus for the safety of our soul, take advantage of the sudden transfer of innocence and guilt which happened that day.

Jesus offers us a "straight across trade" of our guilt for His innocence and rightness with God.

This is humanly impossible, as we all know. "We can't get there from here." But that is because we cannot perform miracles. God has no such limitations.

Justification is exactly that kind of a miracle, and it is available to any one and every one who will take advantage of it.

Facts are no always Truth. Facts tell me I am guilty. Truth declares me to be innocent. Whom shall I believe-- my knowledge, (facts) or what God says (Truth)?

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

LOVE, and all of the workings that it entails, is produced in our hearts ONLY BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

JOY, and all of its activities, comes ONLY BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

PEACE, (producing peace) can only be achieved BY GOD'S SPIRIT.

The same is true of all GOOD which comes through a person who has made his peace with God through Jesus Christ.

UNITY AMONG THE BRETHREN CAN NEVER COME ABOUT BY ANY OTHER MEANS THAN TO HAVE THE SPIRIT OF UNITY IN OUR INDIVIDUAL HEARTS. Legislation and resolutions simply cannot cut it.

While it is true that God loves ALL OF HIS CHILDREN, it stands to reason that a person who is producing fruit in his life is of more VALUE to God than one who is not.

What I am saying is: that if my life is full of the good works of the Spirit, or of Faith, I am maturing in God more than I would if I had not progressed in the WAYS OF THE LORD.

James tells us that good works are a natural result of having been born of God through Faith. Faith without works is dead. In other words, Faith alone will not fully please God. It calls for further steps of obedience to God-- Making Him Lord-- doing His bidding with our whole heart.

WORKS OF FAITH become a visible manifestation of the invisible Faith we have in God. This is the way Abraham pleased God--obeying when God spoke to him. His OBEDIENCE was VISIBLE EVIDENCE of his faith in God.

OURS WILL BE, ALSO.