Walking In the Love of God

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Ephesians 5:1-2 - "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."

Children tend to follow their parents just because they are their mom and dad. If we are truly a child of God, we will want to be "like daddy." (We cry, "Abba - Father!") Because He has loved and blessed us, we need to want to give back to Him in return.

Love takes risks... "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) That's one of the greatest things about Jesus... "But God commendeth His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

• Walk in Love - do it until it feels natural.
• Guard Your Love! - "And because wickedness shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matthew 24:12) 

The apostle John tells us... "God is love," (I John 4:8, 16) and that "love is of God." (I John 4:7)  Moreover, John said, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us..." (I John 4:10) and, "We love Him, because He first loved us." (I John 4:19) Let's take a closer look...

1. The Origin of Love - God. God IS love! John 3:16-18 and chapters 13, through 17 are outpourings of the love Jesus had for His disciples, the church they were going to gather for His Name's sake, and us, who would believe on Him through their word. Families have falling outs - it's normal. Yet Jesus said, "Love one another." Everybody needs love. If you say you have the Holy Ghost but don't love - somebody's lying - and it's not God! It takes the Holy Ghost to produce the fruit of the Spirit; (Galatians 5:22) and the first fruit mentioned is love.
2. The Focus/Object of Love - God first. Then, thy neighbor as thyself. Neighbors include your family, your church family, (the brotherhood,) your friends, co-workers, and those in your neighborhood. And don't forget your enemies! We're to love them too!
3. The Nature of Love - It's found in I Corinthians 13... It suffers long, it's kind, it envieth not, it's not puffed up, it is not easily provoked, it thinks no evil, it rejoices in the truth, and it beareth, endureth, and hopeth all things. "Love covers a multitude of sin." (I Peter 4:4)
4. The Blessings [Results] of Love - The Lord has promised a "crown of life" to them that love Him. (James 1:12) Furthermore, we are also promised that "all things will work together for good to them that love God." (Romans 8:28)

The enemy of your soul wants to thwart the love of God to you, for you, and in you. His purpose is to derail the love in your heart for God and for others. He's a thief and a robber - don't let him steal your love!

Room to Grow?

By Bishop Charles R. Grisham

Scripture Base: Philippians 3:12 - "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which I am also apprehended of Christ Jesus."

Do you still have room to grow? One of the most dangerous things that can happen is to feel we have "already arrived." There are those in this world who continually measure themselves by foolish comparisons to others they think are far below their standard. Paul issued a strong warning concerning this; "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measure themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise." (II Corinthians 10:12)

Jesus warned repeatedly of the leaven of the Pharisees; (spiritual pride,) the attitude that is afflicted with the infectiousness of arrogance, the idea that "I have arrived." or that, "I am perfect." He said, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Once they obeyed all their own rules to their own satisfaction, they set out to impose themselves upon others. Jesus warned about three leavens. They were...

• the leaven of the Pharisees - spiritual pride
• the leaven of the Sadducees - power and control
• the leaven of Herod - the kingdom of self

These three Jewish political sects thought only of perpetuating their own power base. Jesus' warnings were well documented. (See Matthew 23.) Interestingly, these leavens became the apostasy of the New Testament church.

There are those who have obeyed a set of rules and now feel they have the right to "look down" on others they feel are less perfect. When a person begins to pride themselves with being the best, or the holiest of all, they have placed a lid on their potential to grow. After all, they think they are the best, greatest, and holiest in every way. It's like the old popular song that said, "Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way." They are blinded to reality...

• "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods,and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked;" (Revelation 3:17)

When we think we have already arrived we cannot grow and progress. There seems to be a necessity of need in order to progress spiritually. The apostle Paul never stopped reaching... pressing... striving. He always kept a pace of trying to get nearer to God. He made it clear he didn't think he had arrived. He said he was still trying to grow.

• "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)

Do you think you have already arrived? Or, do you think there is still room to grow? It's a serious matter!

Why Hadn't They Heard?

By Donna Franklin

Texts:
Mark 1:1 - "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
Mark 1:4 – "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
Acts 19:1-6 – "And it came to pass, that…Paul…came to Ephesus, and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 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."

Mark tells us that John the Baptist was “the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Luke tells us, in the book of Acts, that Peter required every baptism to be in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter had been given the keys to the Kingdom and knew what Jesus had taught. And the other eleven apostles stood up with him in agreement.

Nowhere in the Acts of the Apostles did they baptize any way but in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 4:12 says "there is no other name..." Yet, here we learn that John the Baptist — from the very beginning — did NOT baptize in the titles, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. If he had, his disciples would not have told Paul they hadn’t so much as HEARD whether there be any Holy Ghost. He certainly would have explained to them about “the third person in God,” if he believed in such a thing.


What about Matthew 28:19, you say? Tell you what. Find someone who teaches the English language, and ask that person to diagram that sentence. They will show you how that “in the name” is a prepositional phrase and below it there will be three more prepositional phrases that belong to it. Do notice that “name” is SINGULAR. What does that mean? It means that all the titles listed below it are referring to a single name! Go back to the book of Acts, and I’m fairly sure you will be able to figure out what that name is. Yes, it is JESUS!

Edtorial Note: Sis. Donna Franklin is a faithful member of the United Pentecostal Church in Paoli, Oklahoma (Pastor Terry Erwin). She loves to write and is a strong believer in Bible truth. 

Raise His Banner High!

By Jill Friedman

Whenever Bro. Charles Wilson came to the platform,I knew he was going to cheer me up by preaching faith and a positive message like no one else could. In my mind he is still preaching. There are no limits to Charles' God, who is everywhere and everything wonderful.

I'll never forget his story about the difference between an optimist and a pessimist: "You can put a pessimist in a room full of gold and he'll find a flaw in something; but if you put an optimist in a room full of horse manure, he'll say, "Oh boy! There must be a pony in here somewhere!"

I considered the home in which the Wilson boys were raised. The steadfast, quiet assurance in God of Bro. Wilson, Sr., must have had a profound influence on his sons because his steady faith is found in them also. There's no shadow of wavering. This friendly man wants to serve God. He has no hidden agendas. He is cheerful, willing, and quick to respond to needs as they arise. His joy is in the Lord. Nobody can take that away. Although Sis. Wilson has gone on home to glory, her excited testimonies and zeal for the Lord linger. her cheerfulness and kind words helped me many times. Her calm understanding had a steadying effect on her home. She busily worked on a job until she retired, but still managed to put God first. She based her family on a good foundation, the Word of God. With her husband, they two pulled together for over fifty years. Faithfulness and authority stabilized their efforts.

This family caught a glimpse of the gold in the hills of God. The extreme riches that are hidden to most have always been open to their eyes. The Wilsons visualized the beauty and romance, pageantry and great adventure of being a Christian while some cannot get past the drudgery of every day life in the wilderness.

Jesus, please anoint our eyes with eye salve and let us buy this gold. May we too wear the garments of the Christian life with grace and hope and joy. Let us lift Your banner high (as Bro. Charles was taught, believed, preached, and lived,) and "do exploits" in Jesus' Name!

Editor's Note: Sunday School Teacher, leader of our puppet ministry, saxophone player, and singer of unique songs - Sis. Jill is a multi-talented lady and a willing worker in the Kingdom of God.

A Few Good Men

By Don Warfield, Sr.

If history proves anything, it proves that there has never been a great supply of good men. It's the few who overturn the tyrant, rebuild the nation, or cause people to fall on their knees before God in repentance. Throughout history, God has always found these few good men who would rise to His cause and defeat the enemy.

The Jews of Jesus' day referred to the fathers of their nation; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as three good men. In our own country, a few good men signed the Declaration of Independence, which was considered an act of treason by the king of England. Years later, during World War II, God had prepared a few good men to lead the world to victory. Some of those [first] names were Ike, Winston, and Franklin.

All through the Bible you will find records of a few good men; Joseph, Joshua, Caleb, all those listed in the book of Judges: down through time they march. Jesus had only twelve disciples, yet they turned the world upside down with the Gospel. What ingredients made these men good men?

Daniel, chapter one, tells us that Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king's meat or drink. It was this same purpose of heart that made Joseph turn down the pleasures of Egypt, which eventually saved his entire family from starvation, and made Joshua declare, "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." This same purpose made the disciples say, "We ought to obey God rather than man."

We need to look for good men to follow after. I thank God for my earthly father, who was a good father. When I was a child, he took me fishing and hunting. He always showed an interest in my schooling. He fathered me right up until his death. He was there when I needed him. He taught me to work because I never saw him hanging around the house without a job. He taught me to give by his generosity to others. But even with all the things he taught me - I will never be my father. Rather, I am to be an extension of my father, striving to be the man God wants me to be.

If we are ever to be one of the few good men, it won't happen automatically. You won't be a good father, a good husband, or a good neighbor unless you purpose in your heart as all good men before you have done. You will have to keep renewing that purpose in the face of all hell. Only as we stay in submission to God can He make us the man He wants us to be. Then, and only then can others say, "There goes one of the few good men!"

Editor's Note: Leader of our Home Bible Study ministry, a member of our adult Sunday School class teaching roster, and a faithful usher, Bro. Don Warfield is a blessing to the New Life Apostolic Church family. We are privileged to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in such company.

For What Purpose was I Born?

By Charles C. Kirby
(A radio message dated November 11, 1945)

Inasmuch as all are born without their own consent, can it be that we are the helpless victims of Nature? Is it not more probable that those who are unhappy in this life have failed to fulfill the purpose of their birth?

When Christ was born, the Jews believed that He had come for the purpose of overthrowing Roman power and establishing the throne of David. When He failed to do that for which they thought He had come, they were sorely disappointed and immediately began to prepare to kill Him. Nevertheless, the Voice of God spoke from Heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Evidently, Jesus was fulfilling His Heavenly purpose in life. What then was the purpose for which He was born? When we discover that, we have the key to every problem in our life; for Christ is and was the great example to all mankind. Pilate asked Him, "Art Thou a king then?" Jesus answered, "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth." (John 18:37) He being an example unto us, therefore, let us also bear witness unto the truth.

Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah revealed the plan and purpose of God coming into the world to be born of a woman. Practically all things in the universe act according to the law of cause and effect. The cause for the coming of Christ is found - a deplorable condition upon earth that required the aid of a Saviour from Heaven. "And judgment is turned away backward and justice standeth afar off, for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey. And the LORD saw it and it displeased Him that there was no judgment. And He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor. Therefore, His arm brought Salvation unto Him and His righteousness it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of Salvation upon His head; and He put on garments for clothing and was clad with zeal as a cloak." (Isaiah 59:14-17)

I have little or no confidence in any man's religious profession when it is not put into practice with a good supply of zeal. Christ Jesus came to the world and found the nations bound by their superstitions, ignorance, and fear, even in the children. The rulers of the Temple and synagogues were bound by sinful habits, which, although they condemned them in others, they condoned them in themselves. The lies of the satanic being who had deceived mother Eve into sinning had thoroughly schooled the inhabitants of the earth in his evil teachings and cunning ways: men living in sin without shame. Yes, they worshipped gods that were not real. They defiled themselves and all who came in contact with them. Jesus told the Pharisees that they compassed land and sea to make one convert, and when he was converted to their belief he was without doubt a confirmed child of the devil and headed for hell. In the midst of such gross darkness, sin, and shame, Christ stood forth as the world's only hope. And, please be informed that Christ is still the only hope for the world of today. When men could not penetrate the darkness of sin and unbelief, Christ was the light. When they knew not which course to pursue, Christ was the way. When they were dying physically and mentally, (dying in body and soul,) Christ was the life. And when they could not discern between right and wrong, Christ was the truth. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

How weighty the words of Christ, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth."

• "O Truth,Thou art the guide to all that stumble in darkness; Thou art the hope of all who perish today in the pangs of death and sin; Thy lamp of light is the beacon that guides life's lost sailors into the Haven of rest. Thy Word is the bread that makes the weak strong. Thy Spirit is the garment of righteousness that is given to clothe the naked. And, Truth, Thou art more precious than the gold of Ophir. Thy Words are like apples of gold in pitchers of silver. Thou hast escaped the search of the wise and prudent." [Source unknown]

And even those who brought the atoms under control, making possible the discovery of the atom bomb have been unable to find and analyze truth. But, thanks be to our Great God, this secret has been given to the meek of the earth, God having passed by the door of the high and mighty, chose rather to dwell in the hearts of the meek and lowly. Christ Jesus came from the glory world to bring truth to the earth. Even though His personal ministry was limited to but a small portion of the earth, earth's billions have been privileged to hear His gentle voice, "Come unto Me." He stands out today as the light of the world and the personification of truth. So far-reaching has His life and ministry been that millions down through the centuries of time have been set free through His Word and Spirit.

The miraculous success of the apostles of the early church was built upon this foundation. They were filled with the Spirit of Truth, which is the Holy Ghost. The souls of the apostles were as burning torches touched by the fire of the Spirit of Christ, the light of life, and the more abundant life. Just before Jesus went away, He said unto His disciples, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures and He said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved 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. And ye are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:44-48)

Why was I born? Well might the apostles have asked this question of themselves until the day when Christ filled them with His Spirit and sent them forth to bear witness to the truth. Here was the answer to the eternal question, "Why was I born?" Here was the fulfillment of life and living. Here was a purpose, here was a mission and a goal - to bear witness to the truth. The lives of the apostles, like all true Christians of this generation, were filled with the life of Christ. His purpose was their purpose. His mission was their mission. His truth became their truth. "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, to bear witness unto the truth." The God who made the universe, He who made man in the beginning and breathed into him the breath of life - yes, God,our Great Creator, came down through more than forty generations of His children and was born of a woman to bear witness to the truth. Before the light of His Spirit, before the piercing light that burned in His eyes; the hearts of men melted to the point of public confessions. The healing eyes of the Spirit of Truth, like the balm in Gilead, healed again the hearts that were torn and bleeding.

At Jacob's well this man of truth drew from the depths of a Samaritan woman's heart the confession of a life wasted in sin. And there, this great Son of Jacob offered her the water of life that could wash away each guilty stain. This was the ministry of all Spirit-filled preachers in the apostolic era. That is exactly what Jesus did when He sent forth His ministers to make disciples of all nations. The powers of darkness were greater than the men who were to be sent against it. Therefore, Jesus said unto them, "Behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you. But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49)

Now turn to the second chapter of the book of Acts. There you may read the account of the coming of the Holy Ghost Fire. This, of course, was the Pentecostal Fire. When the multitude that gathered heard the apostle Peter preach unto them that in Jesus Christ was the redemption for all mankind, they became convicted of their sins and asked, saying, "Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent!" Then and only then will God answer for you that eternal question, "Why was I born?"

By your first birth you were born in sin, therefore Jesus said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." (John 3:3-5) By virtue of the second birth, a birth of the water and Spirit, which is baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, you become a child of the Kingdom, a witness of the Truth, and you will also know the purpose for which you were born.

Servant, Friend, Steward, Son

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: John 15:14-15 – “Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends: for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.”

God's Word uses many examples to illustrate levels of service in His Kingdom. He speaks of bearing fruit and bearing much fruit. He also speaks of of a harvest yielding thirty, sixty, and a hundred-fold and vessels of honor and dishonor. Talents are disbursed as five, two, and one – each recipient is expected to work with what he's been given. Diligence and faithfulness add to that and reward or punishment is administered accordingly. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, works are divided, depending on whether they survive the fire of His scrutiny; gold, silver, and precious stones, versus wood, hay, and stubble. Let's compare servants, friends, stewards and sons...

Servant – The American Heritage Dictionary says a servant is: 1.) One who is privately employed to perform domestic services, [cook, butler, housekeeper, maid, etc.] 2.) One who is publicly employed to perform services, as for a government [civil servant]. [Elisha was servant to Elijah. Gehazi was servant to Elisha.]

1. Jesus said a servant doesn't know the mind of his master. (John 15:15)
   
2. Jesus came to serve – He made Himself of no reputation. (Philippians 2:7-8)
   
3. For Kingdom servants, the way up is down. (Matthew 20:27; I Corinthians 9:19)
   
4. Kingdom servants do so by love. (Galatians 5:13) Old Testament – Love-slaves (Exodus 21:2-6)
   

Friend – A friend is a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. [David and Jonathan were friends.]

1. Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatsoever I command.” (John 15:15)
   
2. Friends are informed about what's going on; they hear and heed. (John 15:15; Romans 12:2)
   
3. Friends learn to be of one mind (unity) with each other. (Philippians 2:5)
   
4. A friend loveth at all times. (Proverbs 17:17)
   
5. Abraham was God's friend. (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23) Moses too! (Exodus 33:11a)
   
6. Friends Believe Friends. (Romans 4:3; James 2:23)
   

Steward – A steward is one who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs.

1. At one time, Abraham asked if his steward, Eleazar, would be his heir. (Genesis 15:2-6) Later, faithful Eleazar was sent to bring back a wife for Isaac. (Genesis 24)
   
2. A steward must be faithful. (I Corinthians 4:1-2)
   
3. Faithful stewards are rewarded. (Luke 12:42-44)
   

Son – A son is one's male child; one's son may be so by blood or by adoption. [Solomon was David's son.]

1. Isaac, not Ishmael, was Abraham's son of promise. (Genesis 21:12; Romans 9:7-9)
   
2. A son inherits, he is his father's heir. (Galatians 4:7; I John 3:1-3) We are too! (Galatians 4:28-29)
   
3. A son learns obedience. (Hebrews 5:8; 12:7)
   
4. A son is disciplined (with love) while learning obedience. (Hebrews 12:5-13; Proverbs 3:12)
   
5. Sons love fathers. (John 5:19-20) Fathers love sons. (John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10)
   
6. Sons of God are those who are led by His Spirit. (Romans 8:14-17)
   

Amazing that we need not be limited to any single one of these categories! James says we can be “perfect and entire, wanting [lacking] nothing.” (James 1:4b) Peter speaks of an “abundant entrance.” ((II Peter 1:11) This is how it's done: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrew 13:20-21)

May we each hear Him say, “Well done!”