Time Moves On

"Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:11-12

We are about to end another year and start another. As I look back at this year I can only sum it up like this, that things are fast approaching for the rise of the anti-Christ and world government. We see the U. S. economy continuing to slip and our morals erode, not only outside the church but also inside. The spiritual temperature in the church is sick and feverish, as a friend of mine recently described it America, as a nation will soon fall as a world power with the help of our leaders but also because of the prophetic times we are now in. I don't say not to pray for our beloved country because that would be contrary to scripture found in 1Timothy 2:1-3 which sways, "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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 2Timothy 2:1-4 There is nothing wrong for praying for p eace and even a bit of prosperity but that is not the end, salvation and work for Christ is the end as mentioned in verse 4 that says, " Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." The salvation of souls and their continual growth in Christ is our number one business as well as keeping the saints walking in the light of his Word.

 

 

The Bible is the only real book that will save America, if there is still time for it to be saved. The unadulterated word with the correct and upright translation (KJV) is imperative for our use. I do not want to go into a long detailed exposé' on why I believe this is true as I always try to keep these short only that I can tell you that basically, this English version was in general usage of the church until recent years when suddenly we felt we needed to upgrade the common version that has been used to spawn revivals and build the greatest country on earth.

No one really knows what next year will bring. I talked with an evangelist a day ago who does street preaching and was on his way to preach in Las Vegas then the Rose parade and Rose Bowl. As we discussed the possible future, one scripture kept coming to me that has always been brought to my heart each time I think of the uncertain future of this country. I challenge you to read and meditate on Psalm 91, especially the first few verses. I will print it below but as you read, keep in mind that every promise has a condition. Look closely at the conditions for fulfillment of promises in this Psalm. May God keep you and help you grow in Him this next year. (Underlines and notes, mine).

1 ¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (We must live in him. See John 15:1-7J)

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. (He can keep you from being led astray and misled by the word's system).

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. (Knowing and trusting in God's Word requires diligent reading of it and study. Instead of listening to the same commercials and news items over and over, read and listen to His Word over and over so you can have faith. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17)

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. (This covers about any kind of disaster, even those that occur that you have no control over. God can give wisdom and help to avoid or ride through these without harm IF you continually abide in him.)

9 ¶ Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; (A habitation is a dwelling place, or a place to live. Does Christ live in our heart? Read what he told his disciples the night before he went to the cross. "
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." You cannot abide in him or have him for a habitation until he abides and dwells in you. Does if live in you?

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

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.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

The last few verses are prophetic for Christ but in a sense can still be applied as he can keep us in "all thy ways" or the ways of Christ. He will answer our prayers.

Again, may you have a wonderful new year in Jesus Christ, our Lord!

Forgetting God

"They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:" Psalms 106:13

No group had seen the works of God like the children of Israel. They saw the plagues in Egypt and how, after the first couple, were severed from the rest. They saw the Red Sea part which allowed to cross on dry land while it covered their enemies. They saw the cloudy pillar by day and the fire by night to guide them. They even saw the tremendous magnitude of God's power and presence on Mt. Sinai – so much so that they plead for Moses to talk with God and relay to them what he wanted them to know. Yet, they soon forgot his works. It didn't take long, only a a few months. When they became hungry, they didn't call on God but instead looked to Moses and began to complain. Forgetting what God has done in our lives is a sure sign of backsliding. We must remember the things that he has done for us so we may be encouraged.

Such is America. She has been given more light than any nation on earth in these last several hundred years. Even today, Bibles are easily accessed. Gospel preaching is still on TV (so I'm told) and on the radio. There are countless books written about the Bible and commentaries are numerous, old and new. America has seen how God brought us through World War I and II and prosper in the 50's. While other nations were subjected to tyranny, we were free and prosperous. Many know what it's like to have the Holy Ghost move on them and be filled and healed. Yet, America, and the church, are forgetting what God has done for us. She's trading the sanctity of prayer and study of the Word of God for social works and many are now down right embracing socialism with a Godly twist.

The people of Israel did not wait for the counsel of God but lusted in the wilderness. God gave them their request but "sent leanness into their souls." Psalm 106:15 God gave them what they wanted but there was a price, lack of faith and lack of power. They wondered in the wilderness for forty years due to the leanness and are still a nation that does not embrace Christ. Yet, America is doing the same thing. God prospered the church and answered prayers for prosperity and wealth but sent leanness unto our souls. You want a socialist gospel, God will give it to you but will send leanness unto your soul which will eventually cause judgment. The church in general has become lean in soul and we are paying a price in our nation right now and will continue to pay a price. I'm afraid judgment for America is at the door unless we get serious before God. Christ is our only help for our nation and the church and if we reject him, where can we go? Remember what Jesus said, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." Luke 12:48

Our weekly podcasts are at Pentecostal Voice of Truth at 5:00 PM on Saturdays or 3:00 PM on Sundays, CDT. This week - John on Patmos and the Seven Churches.

Muzzling Our Speech

"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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

If there has ever been a time that we need to pray for our rulers, it is now. The reason is simple, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." That means that we can maintain our freedom of speech and expression so long as it doesn't hamper other people's freedom and is not offensive. While we must be sensitive to other people's feelings to a degree, how far do we go with the "offensive?" In this day of political correctness which is designed to keep all from being offended, it seems to only achieves one thing, providing the rights of the liberal and unbelieving the license to say what they will at almost any time but shut the rest of us up. Here is a frightening example that hit home recently in the work place. We all received an email from a second level supervisor since our immediate supervisor was out on extended sick leave. It basically said that open conversations in the office criticizing President Obama were found offensive by some coworkers. It continued by saying that if anyone wanted to discuss politics, religion or any sensitive subject, that it should be done in a private area.

Someone was offended when they heard several of us express our misgivings regarding the president's recent win of the Nobel peace prize. This person or persons were appearently offended and called the concerned party (whoever it was). Now we have sexual harassment laws that protect ladies from harassment. That's good. But like the political correctness that has plagued us since the Clinton years, they extend far beyond that so that when you receive the training on this you get the idea that just about anything is protected except good, descent, Biblical, Christian living.

When some of our staff talked against George Bush, or other conservative figures, no one complained or called anyone. I, along with others, debated staff members several times regarding these things but we always came away friends and could talk of other professional matters five minutes later without any problem. What is really disturbing about this is that this is not just an isolated problem but is the trend and spirit that is pressing throughout the whole nation. So why are the ones "offended" always the ones on the left and the Obamaites? After experiencing reading the above email, I know for sure why, even though I suspected the answer.

When I read the above email, I felt an attach of Satan that I hadn't felt for a long time although the person who wrote it probably felt they were doing their job and duty. I felt as someone had just kicked me in the stomache and was actually pushing down on my whole body. I knew it was demonic so while I wasn't frightened, it showed me that this was much deeper than just someone getting their feelings a little ruffled because we were criticizing their man. It wasn't that someone just disagreed on politics or even religion, it was an attack of Satan to frighten and silence all voices of opposition to not only Obama, but anything that would stand for Christianity and holiness. Yes, it did say "religion," but I know how that is played out as well. A religion is no problem in most places as long is Jesus isn't involved. I don't think I would have felt so concerned if the word "religion" weren't also there, as is not enough to muzzle the mouth of those why may dare criticize this president. God forbid! So, Satan uses these tactics to not only allow dictators to take control, but also stop all talk of the things of God. This is why we must pray even harder that we ever have for our country. Our freedoms are being shut down not inch by inch, but mile by mile and if we expect to have anything left for our children or even a chance to work for Christ much longer should He terry, we need to pray. Remember the scripture in Ephesians 6:: 12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." We are fighting the forces of this world. We must learn to pray in the spirit, speak and pray in other tongues as the spirit gives us utterance, and be able to groan in the spirit to break down strongholds of the devil. This is our only hope! It's what will help us love our enemies and win the battle. It's now or never!!!

In closing, I'm reminded of the statement of English martyr Hugh Latimer who said, "Whenever you see persecution, there is more than a probability that truth is on the persecuted side." We must walk in Truth and love and we can only do that with God's grace and help. May Christ help those who need their hearts truly cleansed by his blood.

The Family Institution

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)" Ephesians 6:1-2

The other day I heard a commercial that was very disturbing. It wasn't the message that it was bringing for the actual message was a very good one. It was one that we have all heard many, many times regarding putting out our fires when we're finished with them when out in the woods. We all remember Smokey the Bear saying, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires!" Yes, that's a good thing and a very good message, so that wasn't the problem. The problem was who was playing what part. To sum it up, the father and son were leaving a site where they had a camp fire and the father was the one that was playing the role of the careless one, while the son was the one with the wits and the common sense, giving instruction to the dad. This leaves a subliminal message that I believe is no accident. I have heard other commercials like this where the mother is played as the consoling one, the child is the one with the answers, and the father is the stumblebum who just doesn't get it right and needs the child to help him. Not saying that everyone that writes commercials like this has some conspiracy in mind as many are probably just following a trend. I challenge you, listen for this pattern as you'll surely hear it.

The above pattern, where the dad is the goof ball, the mon is the calm collected one, and the child is the wiz kid destroys the family institution in which God has ordained. While men do not always make the right decisions, they should still have the final authority in the home. While the wife does not always see things right, she is the keeper of the home, and the children are to obey the parents as mentioned above. When Benjamin Spock was asked by my college Humanities teacher in 1970 where he got all of his information, he replied that he learned from the children. What an answer from a man who was supposed to be able to tell people how to raise kids!

It is apparent that when the family system breaks down in a society, the society soon falls. This is what Satan is wanting to see done and is doing everything he can to achieve it. He will use every means possible to accomplish his goal. Don't get caught in the trap.

Does The Bible Teach Socialism?

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common" Acts 4:32

I was listening to a radio program this morning, enjoying the holiday when I heard a conversation between the announcer and a young man. The discussion was regarding the resignation of Van Jones, the environmental czar. After some dialog, the announcer finally asked the young man if he minded that Mr. Jones was a communist? He said he didn't. But then came the shocker. The announcer then asked if he would vote for him as present. He said he would. When asked if he know that communism meant that all land belonged to the government, he remarked that he understood that. I was shocked but yet, maybe I shouldn't have been.

I recall an experience I had when I was in Haiti a little over twenty years ago. We were riding with a young man from that country and he proudly proclaimed that he was a Christian Communist. I'd never heard of such of a thing. He claimed that, while he was a Christian, he also was a communist because the government would provide milk for his baby and food for his family.

From the above scripture, many conjure that the Bible teaches socialism and communism. It even goes on further and relates more in Acts 4:34-37.

"Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."

Here we have further cause for their belief where there is the account of Barnabas selling land and laying the money at the apostles' feet. Sounds like communism and/or socialism? Well let's see. First, let's define socialism. It is basically defined as, "a political theory advocating state ownership of industry, An economic system based on state ownership of capital." Communism is defined as, "a form of socialism that abolishes private ownership, A political theory favoring collectivism in a classless society." So, does the Bible teach socialism or communism? No! Here are some reasons why.

1. There were of one heart and soul: They were in a state of the most perfect friendship and affection. In all the 5000 there appeared to be but one heart and one soul; so perfectly did they agree in all their views, religious opinions, and holy affections.' Adam Clark This is unachievable in a communist state as man all have their own opinions. It will never be achieved until Jesus comes back to rule.
   
2. God is the provider: In Exodus 16:18 we read, "And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating." One may say that God was the perfect example. It's true that everyone had the same amount of manna however he didn't take it from one person to give it to another but God was the giver, not the state.
   
3. This was not continued: Paul brought alms to Jerusalem several years later.
   1 Corinthians 16:1 says the following: "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye." Also read Acts 24:17. "Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings." Again in Romans 15: 25-26 we read this. "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem."
   
4. It was all voluntary: When a nation is under a socialist or communism government, there is no choice as to what one gives, but in this case, there was. We see that in Acts 5:4. "Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God." Here Peter was talking to Ananias who lied about the price he received from selling a piece of land under the guise of giving it all. Peter tells him that the money was his to do as he pleased so why put on the show and lie to the Holy Ghost and the people. Paul further points this out regarding giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7. "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." Underscore – mine)
   
5. This practice was never later commended or spoken against in scripture.
   
6. Churches shared with each other later and helped each other but still with a willing mind. Read 2 Corinthians 8:10-15.
   
7. While this seemed to be the practice among the disciples and our Lord, it appears that some property was still retained. The apostle John seemed to have a home as we read in John 19:27. "Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." (underline mine)
   
8. This practice was not unusual for the Jews to do in times of the feasts. It was like a big camp meeting. Many Jews came from around the area to celebrate the feasts, three within a fifty day period therefore the Jews in Jerusalem were accustomed to provide for them. Remember, there were few inns and not enough to accommodate such a crowd.
   
9. This was also vital in that, due to the revival, many stayed longer. God needed time to get his church started so this was the technique used to provide for the masses during this time.
   
10. Even though the Jews provided for the people coming to the feasts, the new Christians may not get the same treatment by embracing Christ therefore it was more vital. It was customary for the Jews to give some of their sacrifices to the poor however this favor may not have been shown to new Christians embracing a Christ that the jewis nation as a whole did not accept.
    
11. It was the cause of the first source of murmuring: Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
    
12. Eventually corruption begins to loom when goods are centralized and under control of one or a few due to the lust for money and power.
    

 

This could go on further but we can conclude the following:

1. It has been the duty of the church to help their poor and even the poor in general. Gal 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
   
2. The love of money and possessions is addressed by giving. 1Ti 6: 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
   
3. The end of all things is Christ, and he must be the cornerstone in the church. Bringing one to Him is the most important.
   

The Bible does NOT teach socialism nor communism and there is no such thing as a Christian Communist. We act in love and our giving and receiving is done in thankfulness, not from entitlement. May God help America and send revival!!

 

 

 

 

 

The Peace of God

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Today the world mourned the death of a man they called "The King of Pop." I'm not a Michael Jackson fan and since I was saved at the age of 24 never listened to his music so I couldn't give you a name of one song of his since that time. However, I couldn't help but feel a little sad this morning when I read the headline on the Drudgereport that said, "Never Can Say Goodbye." I couldn't help hearing that small voice singing that song when I was a teenager. Surprising enough, I could still remember the whole tune. But what a tragic end! I don't have enough information to say that he didn't make it to heaven but the chances are pretty good that he didn't. Here was someone who in all appearance had everything but could not find the one thing he really longed for, peace.

God's peace passes all understanding and it should be our number one objective as Christians to have peace with God and our fellow man. To be at peace with Him is worth more than all the riches in the world. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26 The lesson that the world should learn from this is that riches and fame do not make happiness or peace, but they won't. Will we learn as a church? We constantly seem to want more and more only for it to add more and more pain and heartache. "When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?" Ecclesiastics 5:11

To have peace with God and be right with him is more important and more fulfilling than any other thing in life because when you have peace with Him, everything else works out well. Even in the valleys, God can guide you through. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 There can be peace in the home, at the workplace, when in the car, and there could be peace in our nation if the church would grab a hold of this truth. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" Isaiah 26:3-4

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