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.

O Taste and See!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Psalm 34:8 - "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."

David, the author of this psalm, had humble beginnings as a keeper of sheep. God had plans for his life and David prepared himself by developing a praise and worship habit in the back of beyond. He opens this psalm with an invitation to join him in praise to the Lord.

The world is an uncertain place. Blessed assurance is not going to be found there - there is only one place of safety, one refuge; it is Jesus!

David had purposed in his heart that the praise he was offering was going to be based on his personal experiences. He was convinced that if you could just understand how good his experiences were, you would want to try God for yourself. "O taste and see that the LORD is good!" Try it! You'll like it!

God's plans for His people are good - He has good things in his mind. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD..." (Jeremiah 29:11-14a) It's His desire that all would come.

Once we comprehend what He is, then we can understand who He is. He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

John the Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

Paul said, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." ( II Corinthians 5:19)

Trying Jesus opens whole new vistas, a whole new level of understanding, new realms of possibility... "O taste and see that the LORD is good!"

Some once tried and tasted, but they've forgotten how good He is. They wander off, and, like the prodigal, settle for corn husks and swine's slop. But when they hit bottom and find the grace to come to themselves, they see the need to arise and go home, where the Father is waiting with open arms. In the Father's house, a wondrous meal is prepared, the flavors of "home cooking" are beyond compare. Celebration and rejoicing ring the rafters as he, who was prodigal, but is no more, sings, "O taste and see that the LORD is good!

On the Furnace...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Daniel 3:1-30

In Daniel, chapter three, we find the story of the three Hebrew children and their adventure with a fiery furnace. You probably first heard it when you were a small child. It's been told and retold by pastors, preachers, parents, and teachers ever since. It's about three young men in a trying situation and an angry king whose will was crossed. Holding on was going to cost each of them something. There, at the intersection of unbending faith and an unbendable will, friction built; resulting in a fiery furnace which melted and purged the unbendable - and - purified and sanctified the unbending.

"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." (Isaiah 48:10) The Bible has much to say about furnaces, fiery trials, rods of correction, refining, purging, purifying, and the holy purpose behind such measures. Here are some things we can observe about the work of furnaces...

• Furnaces may be stoked to incredible temperatures by fury and vengeance. (Daniel 3:19)
• Furnaces may be lethal for their stokers and feeders. (Daniel 3:22)
• Furnaces are instruments of change and correction. (Job 5:17; Psalm 66:10; Hebrews 12:6)
• By design, furnaces can only destroy things of earth. (Job 28:1-2; Luke 3:17; I Corinthians 3:13-15)
• Furnaces purge things which are not good. (Psalm 79:9; Isaiah 1:25; II Timothy 2:19-21)
• Furnaces purify things which are good. (Proverbs 25:4; Malachi 3:2-3)
• Furnaces create an atmosphere of extreme discomfort, and thereby, the desire for change. (Psalm 17:3; 119:119-120; Jonah 2:7)
• Furnaces make what's being changed cry out during the process. (Jonah 2:1; Zechariah 13:9)
• Furnaces are not hell - though they may feel like it. (Jonah 2:2; Hebrews 12:25-29)
• Furnaces are a temporary measure, used at a specific time and season, for a specific purpose; but the fire doesn't go out until its work is complete. (II Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 12:11)
• Total submission to the will of God, (whether it be through the furnace of affliction, fiery trials, or chastening,) brings the confidence to speak faith and helps us conquer our human tendency toward struggle and fear. (Daniel 3:16-18; I Peter 4:19)
• A furnace offers the opportunity for a visible visit by God. (Daniel 3:25)
• When the work of the furnace is complete, the result is far more valuable than it was to begin with! (Job 23:10; James 1:17; I Peter 1:7; 4:12-14)

Rebellious children, a wayward spouse, conflict, persecution, physical affliction, traumatic experiences, crisis, chastening, and disobedience are just a few of the things that can bring us to an up close and personal understanding of the work of the furnace. In such times, please Lord, help us to remember... 1. Yielding shortens the process, (Ecclesiastes 10:4) 2. Your grace is sufficient, (II Corinthians 12:9) and, 3. You are always working all things together for good. (Romans 8:28)

Any Time, Any Where, Any Place...

By Joyce Stclair

Not long ago, I was so impressed as an eye witness to God's love for just one of His own, that I decided to share the experience...

One day, I got a pop-up memory of someone I love very much, but have not seen or talked to in over thirty years. I spent the next two days trying to brush off the feeling, but it just intensified. Why did she come to my mind so strong when I had not thought of her in so many years? I made a call and learned she was in the hospital and was not expected to live. In that moment I knew the two days I had ignored God's quiet voice could have cost me more than I was able to bear. God in His master plan had given notice to one child of another's need.

My husband agreed to give me a ride the next morning to the hospital. I got up with both sadness and joy that I might see what I believe to be one of the most important people of my lifetime. My husband was ready and still waiting on me to get dressed. Next, a second strange thing took place. I stood in that closet so long that my husband grew impatient with me. (In a typical day, it's usually the other way around.) He stood in the doorway and asked, "What is the problem? Do you realize you have been in here for more than a half hour? You may not get here on time, it's more than an hour's ride to the hospital."

With every word he spoke a tear would fall. I knew he was right, but every single dress hanging in that closet just would not do. I cannot even explain why. My fingers thumbed back and forth through every piece, each time stopping on a red dress with no sleeves. I would say, "That's crazy - you can't wear that - it's the middle of the winter and 20 degrees outside." Why would fifteen other dresses not work? I'd never had a problem picking a dress off the rack before.

With frustration, I told the Lord my husband was getting angry and I'm wasting precious time - help me, Lord. I turned again toward the rack and let the Lord answer my problem, thumbing one more time across the rack. Guess what dress I stopped on? You guessed it - the red dress! I never would have worn it of my own will. I was going to freeze because it was the Lord's will, if I heard Him correctly. Once again, if I would have listened to His still, small voice the first time I stopped on the red dress, I would have been out of the closet and would have arrived at the hospital thirty minutes sooner. Seeing my husband's impatience, I found the longest furry coat that wrapped all the way around in an attempt to stay warm, and we left.

The family was present and had been there for three or four days. We had never met before, so we spoke for a moment about who I was, and how I knew their mother. They had only known of my name because their mother had frequently mentioned a child that she loved and continued to pray for. Glad to finally put a face to a name, she said, "Mother always called you by my name." (We share the same name.) "Yesterday, Mother said she did not want anyone to cry at her funeral and she wanted everyone to wear red.

I thought my spirit would jump right out of me. I sprang up from my chair and flung my coat open to reveal my red dress. My husband stood over in the corner with his mouth open in silence, knowing what we both went through to get me in it. Her family was speechless. They said, "There is no way you could have known because Grandma just said it yesterday." But God heard it. In granting her wish, He set before the unbelieving present, His love for His own.

Her daughter told me her mother had stopped speaking just the day before and had not been responding to anything today. She said they felt she was waiting for something, but they didn't know what. I asked if she wanted us to find her brother, but knew that was not what it was. So I spoke up and said, "She is waiting for me." I hadn't thought of that until right then. She wanted to see me one more time to assure herself that the child she never let go of was now safe in God's hands.

For much of the time we've been apart, I was a backslider. Two years before this, I gave my life back to God. Her daughter, Joyce, and the family left the room to give her mother and I some alone time.

She looked so small and weak. Her face was raised to the heavens with her eyes closed. I laid my face close against hers and whispered in her ear that I had arrived as God told her, and "Thank you for your love and prayers that spanned fifty years. They've brought me back to the Lord. You are leaving me in His arms and I will see you again soon."

I felt a need to know that she knew I was there. When I stopped speaking, I felt her whole body react. It's hard to explain how she responded in words. It was as if she suddenly took a deep breath with excitement. She did not open her eyes, but I know she knew I was there. I said then, "You can go home now." That moment brought a peace that helped carry me through the sorrow of our loss.

This wonderful lady was my Sunday School teacher for all of my very young years in church. I can still hear her tell my favorite story of Zaccheus in the tree as if it were yesterday.

God bless the Sunday School teacher who trains up a child in the way of the Lord. Their arms embrace with comfort. Their prayers help keep you from harm. Their love endures for ever and they hand you over into God's arms. Well, that's the way it was with this special teacher. God fulfilled her prayers while she yet lived to know it. It was a close one, but God made it on time, and that is His promise, isn't it?

God bless the prayer warrior who prays for others. Those prayers may be the only thing standing between a soul and damnation. If I were to sum up my relationship with my Sunday School teacher, it would be this: Til death do us part. I was told she died within hours after I left. Her work was done. She fought a good fight, ran a good race, and was now ready to receive her crown of glory.

God made quite an impression on all that were present that day. Listen for the quiet, still, small voice of the Lord who directs all the steps of the righteous man or woman. What a conversation she and I could have had if I had listened sooner.

Author's note: I used no names in this testimony on purpose because God has never been a respecter of persons. We are all merely vessels. We do not draw our wisdom from people, but from the events as they occur; for in them is the power of God.

Waiting...

By Marjorie Kinnee

 

To renew my strength

To mount up with wings as eagles

To run and not be weary

To walk and not faint



 

To keep on keeping on

To stick and stay

To endure to the end

To smile and say, "Hallelujah anyhow!"

 

To go the second mile

To give my cloak also

To turn the other cheek

To love the unlovable

 

To decrease

To rejoice in others' increase

To by love serve

To keep hope alive

 

To abide in Christ

To let Christ abide in me

To be conformed

And transformed into His image.

 

To let patience bring experience

To let patience have her perfect work

To receive the desires of my heart

To walk worthy...

 

Till my change comes

Till Christ be formed in me

Till He comes

And I see Him face to face

 

O Lord, Teach me to wait!

 

 

Persevere!

By Rufus M. Parker

Text: Luke 18:1-8
Key Verse: Luke 18:1 - "And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint."

Do you ever get to a point that you wonder why pray? I'm sure that there are many who do; especially when they feel the wicked are getting the upper hand, or they feel God isn't answering them in a timely manner. What I find is that those who feel this way are usually focusing on themselves and their needs and not the needs of others.

In the Scriptures we find that Jesus prayed for Himself once - and that was in the garden before His crucifixion. He prayed, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." But He concluded, "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Jesus had a consistent prayer life, but it was praying for others.

Paul told Timothy to pray for others. (I Timothy 2:5) Jesus said that if we will pray, we too will not quit and lose heart. Here in Luke 18, Jesus impresses upon us two important things about prayer; faith and consistency.

The Berlin Wall came down because people were consistent. When people really want something, if they are consistent long enough, they will get others to hear them. Faith causes us to believe that Jesus will answer. Consistency says, "I won't give up until I am heard." If we are not consistent in our prayer life, we will not maintain the faith we need when Jesus comes.

Sing: "I will not be denied. I will not be denied. Til Jesus comes and makes me whole, I will not be denied."

Editor's Note: Bro. Parker, former missionary to Okinawa, now pastors Calvary Apostolic Church UPC in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is the author of several books and publishes a daily devotional called, "Morning Manna."

Are You Willing to Be a Hinge?

By Scott A. Phillips

"Big doors swing on small hinges."

I sat across the table from a retired missionary. He shared with me his original conversion. They were raised devout Baptist. His wife and he got hungry, they started praying and seeking God because they knew there was more. An Apostolic church planter moved next door.

God showed them the born again message and they became missionaries for over twenty years. The church that was their beginning is not even there any more. But these, the first converts of a home missions church, ministered around the world.

He told me, "We had a burden for this particular country. We got there and we accomplished one thing in two years, and then, due to the political situation, left, and we never lived in that country again. I wondered sometimes why God did not let us stay where He gave us a burden, but we know we accomplished one thing... We spent the rest of our life ministering in other fields."

I know another missionary who died a few years ago. Saved in a storefront Home Missions church, which also isn't there today; he ministered in another country and another language until his death.

We only read of Ananias once. However, that one time he was instrumental in the conversion of Saul/Paul. Much of the New Testament was written by Paul and much of the world was reached through Paul's ministry. I would say that is pretty good.

At times, it's hard to quantify what we are accomplishing. Some sow, some water, and others get the increase. The other day, I told my wife, "I know we are in the will of God, I expect more, but I know God is working."

The following Sunday, we were at a restaurant and a family we had spent months working with was there. I got to share Acts 2:38 with them. I got to baptize them. I saw them get the Holy Ghost. Then they moved and we lost contact. They told us they have been going to another Apostolic church. I was disappointed in my flesh, but it was like a confirmation. I am glad they are in an Apostolic church; I rejoice in that.

That is why the Bible says we are foolish to compare ourselves among ourselves. We really don't know the full extent of what someone else is doing - and no one may truly know what you are doing.

What if God sends one to accomplish one task and it seems they have failed, yet they fulfilled the exact and precise thing the Lord sent them to do? John the Baptist's ministry lasted nine months. I am sure he thought he had failed God as he sat in that cold prison. But we know he fulfilled his purpose.

Are we willing to be humble enough to see ourselves as part of God's plan... and maybe a small part?

Some want to pound their chest and be proud of what they can take credit for. Others hang their head because they are discouraged. Get your head up. Get your eyes on Him. He knows the score. He will be the One that rewards us. Are you willing to be a hinge?

Editor's Note: Bro. Scott Phillips pastors New Birth Church in Clinton, Mississippi. His ministry is far-reaching, in that he not only preaches the Word in Clinton, but he is also a prolific writer, with a blogsite and several books to his credit. Additional Note: Here are a few Biblical "hinges" - the widow who ministered to Elijah, the captive Hebrew maid who witnessed to Namaan's wife, the servant who persuaded Namaan to go ahead and dip in Jordan seven times, the little boy who shared his lunch, the Syro-Phoencian woman who wanted "crumbs," the good Samaritan, and the unnamed heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11.

Patience Until...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: James 5:6-7 - Be ye patient therefore, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

As we proceed through this year of "Sowing and Reaping," the theme for July is "patience." Pastor Foreman has taught several excellent lessons concerning the nature of and the need for patience. Each one has been a blessing and an eye-opener; we have benefitted from the Word of the Lord.

Life brings a multitude of situations in which one must go through. Although we'd like to go around, go over or under, or in some way escape it, we come to the understanding that there is nothing else to do but go directly through. As the game says, "Do not pass go, do not collect $200,00."

"...Patience works experience..." and, "Let patience have her perfect work" become like a mantra. Yet we find ourselves saying with the prophet, "How long, O Lord?"

What if God says that about us? We know that during His earthly ministry, Jesus had several "How long...?" moments. We know He became frustrated with the complaints and rebelliousness of the children of Israel, both in the wilderness and in their continual backslidings as they dwelt in the promised land. Obviously, the spiritual obliviousness of the disciples tried His patience. Yet, His Word tells us He is longsuffering, that He is in the business of transforming us into His image, and that this process takes time and much patience on His part. Is it any wonder then, that we too need a healthy dose of patience?

James telling us to be patient until... He says it twice: until "the coming of the Lord." Giving the example of the farmer who prepares the ground, sows the seed, adds the fertilizer, pulls the weeds, but has to wait until the process is complete before he can harvest the fruit of his labors, James leaves no doubt. Yes, there's much work involved, but nothing is finished until the wait is over.

We've long referred to the Rapture of the church as "the coming of the Lord" and there are numerous Scriptural reasons for that thinking. Moreover, all the waiting will come to perfection when the Lord ushers His Bride into His presence forever. But... there appears to be more than the Rapture involved here, much more...

Any time the Lord Himself comes into your situation, it is the coming of the Lord. Salvation, healing, deliverance, intervention, wisdom, understanding, godly counsel, and even death are all evidences that the Lord has come. Isaiah 61:1-3 speaks of the kinds of situations which bring about the coming of the Lord. Psalm 23 abounds with pictures of the trust and patience needed when the Lord is your Shepherd... "maketh me lie down, leadeth me, restoreth, with me, comfort me, prepares a table, anointest my head, goodness and mercy follow me, I will dwell." All these are indications of the need to be patient. We have heard of the patience of Job, he said, "...all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." (Job 14:14) 

In the process of time... If God can wait for the early and latter rain to be complete before catching His beloved Bride away unto Himself; then hold on, settle yourself. "...When that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away." (I Corinthians 13:10)

"Behold, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh!"

The Seed is the Word

Editorial by
Marjorie Kinnee

Text: "Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God." (Luke 8:11)

Both Matthew and Luke record the parable of the sower. Identifying four types of soil, Jesus spoke of things easily understood in an agricultural society. Farmers knew all about stony ground, about weeds and thorns, and about hungry fowls of the air. They also knew that fertilizer and crop rotation upped their chances of an abundant harvest, which was the goal of every farmer. But when He explained the parable to His disciples, Jesus likened the soil to the hearts of men. Thus, while the hearts of men varied in their ability to receive, grow, and bear fruit; He began His explanation with an absolute fact. "The Seed is the Word of God."

From the beginning, the Word of God was powerful. The very first record of the Word of God ia found in Genesis 1:3 - "And God said, Let there be light, and there was light." Hebrews 4:12 tells us "...the Word of God is quick, [alive] and powerful..." The apostle John launched his gospel with this truth... "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) And in his first epistle, John says, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us:..." (I John 1:1, 3)

New Life Apostolic Church has been immersed in our theme for this year; "Reaping the Harvest." Each month, throughout the year we're focusing on particular aspects of that theme. Bible Studies, sermons, and devotional messages highlighting various facets have blessed and inspired us to "sow the seed" diligently and in faith, expecting an abundant harvest.

One thing is sure - with good seed, a good harvest will follow. Even seed stored in Egypt over thousands of years in the tombs of the kings; once planted, it grows and flourishes. Jesus said, "Except a corn of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth alone." The laws of harvest are immutable. Though seed may lie dormant for a long time, even over centuries; but when planted in good soil, it will come to life. Why? Because the life is in the seed! Jesus also said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63b)

This is why you may plant a seed of truth in the heart of someone, then you and/or he moves away to a distant place. You never see each other again. Rest assured, that seed still has all the potential it ever had. Somewhere, sometime, in God's time, it will come to life! (See John 4:35-38.) It's God breathed!

Let's consider the breath of God. Genesis 2:7 tells us that God breathed into man's nostrils "the breath of life, and man became a living soul." That was the physical birth of man. Since then, every child born into this world has to take that first breath. Without it, the child is stillborn. Ezekiel related his vision of the valley of dry bones - a vast army of slain [dead] soldiers. Although the scattered bone were miraculously joined together and muscles and skin covered the carcasses, they were still a bunch of dead bones and skin until the breath of God came. As Ezekiel prophesied to the winds, they blew across the slain. The breath of life entered and they lived again - a great and mighty army. (See Ezekiel 37:9-10, 14.)

When Jesus talked with Nicodemus, (John 3:1-8) He drew a correlation between the natural, physical birth and the new birth - a work of the Spirit - and referred to the wind. Later, at the close of His earthly ministry, Jesus "breathed" on His assembled disciples and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22)

Is it any wonder then, that when the Day of Pentecost was fully come... "Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4)

We are laborers together with Christ. The work He began in the earth has been entrusted to us who believe and obey His commandments. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation, crying "Be ye reconciled to God!" (See Isaiah 55:8-13.) "So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

The Joy is Better Than the Victory

By John Broyles

Text:  II Timothy 3:1-5

Lots of teams play - but most don't get the victory.

Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy that was set before Him." Jesus said satan was a murderer and a thief from the beginning. You need to know that although the devil instigates difficulties and death for many - children, the innocent, elderly, etc., they are not his real goal. His real goal is the Jews and the church... both of which are living proof of the perfect plan of God, that it's on course, destined for Heaven. God's Word is true!

You can have joy in the worst of circumstances. You need to learn how to trust Him and His Word. God is never surprised by current events, even though we may be. See Daniel 11:2, and then verses 36-45. Persia is modern day Iran. Three kings (melech = kings and kingdoms) stood up: kings; Ahasuerus, Darius, and Cyrus, (all mentioned in the Bible,) kingdoms; Parthian, Scythian, and Muslim. Google the funeral of the Ayatollah Khomeni - a new wave started from this point forward.

Know that the word isn't headed for a bed of roses. But know also that God's plan will prevail!
Even better than the victory that has already been won for us through the power of the Holy Ghost and the blood of the Lamb, is the joy of knowing, embracing, and becoming a part of His wondrous plan and purpose.

Political parties and the philosophies of men cannot solve the world's problems. God's intent for Israel was that they would be a nations of kings and priests. They failed - so He brought the church (Gentiles) into being to be kings and priests unto God. Through His Holy Spirit He gives us power to become the sons of God!


Editorial Note: John Broyles attends Faith Apostolic Church in Troy, Michigan, (Pastor Marvin Walker,) serving his local church in multiple capacities. He is the brother of Sis. Marjorie Kinnee and Sis. Jill Friedman.

Christmas 2012

By Marjorie Kinnee

Before time began, God had a plan,
To redeem mankind from his sin;
Knowing man's dross would lead to a cross,
The price for cleansing within.
(Revelation 5:9-12)

God's perfect plan would require a Man,
Who'd embrace man's frail, weak form;
Yet live a life free from sin and strife,
While shielding man's soul from sin's storm.
(Philippians 2:5-11)

Meanwhile Adam, along with his madam,
Was choosing to walk his own way;
Disobedience' cost - Paradise lost,
Now death was the price they'd pay.
(Romans 6:23)

Genesis, chapters 1 thru 3, show God's plan for all to see,
Though sinful, man was not without hope;
The promise sublime, in the fulness of time,
Brought man what he needed to cope.

"Love drew salvation's plan, grace brought it down to man,"
"For God so loved... that He gave!"
Paid sin's price, made the sacrifice,
Man's sin-sick soul to save.
(John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8; I John 3:16)

"Born in a manger, to His own a stranger,"
Jesus came to save that which was lost;
"Obedient, lowly, serenely holy,"
He willingly paid the cost.
(John 10:10-11, 18; 14:6; Hebrews 12:2)

What must we do to bring into view,
And Salvation's requirements to meet?
The way was made, God's plan displayed,
As "death" was crushed 'neath His feet.
(Genesis 3:15; Romans 6:23; I Corinthians 15:55-57; I John 5:8)

We share in His death through repentance,
We're buried with Him in His Name,
Then rise to walk in newness of Life,
His power and glory proclaim!
(Acts 1:5, 8; 2:1-4, 37-40; 4:12; Romans 5:11; 6:3-5; Ephesians 2:4-7)

The Temple and the Tent

By Laurel D. Williams

The tent in the wilderness was designed by God. It was a heavenly plan, given to Moses, as he stood face-to-Face with God. God designed every aspect of it. He gave knowledge of craftsmanship to special men and women in the construction of the tent. It was a beautiful place, full of gold, silver, bronze, and fine, embroidered linens with golden weavings of cherubim. The tent was beautiful beyond measure. It was more magnificent than the temples of Egypt the children of Israel had left behind. The tent could be assembled and dis-assembled and moved; as God directed His children, it moved with them. The tent was the center of their camp; all Israel was camped around it, by tribes and divisions. Every person could look out of their dwelling and see the presence of God in their life. God was with them everywhere they went. He was in the middle of their life. He was acsessable to them.They could see the fire/light by night - every night, and the cloud of His presence by day - every day. It was tangible, visible evidence that He was their's and they were His!

The temple was David's dream. He amassed great stores of wealth and goods, had builders plan, and gave instruction in the construction of his dream. David helped his son, Solomon, follow the plan David developed from his heart out of his love of God. But God would not allow David to build the temple; he was a man of war and bloodshed. He even told David, "I don't need a house to dwell in." (II Samuel 7:1-7) And yet, David felt that God did. So, Solomon constructed the temple with skilled craftsmen. The glory of that temple was unsurpassed. God blessed it and filled it with His Presence. And yet, something was different...

No longer did the Presence of God move about with the people. God was placed in a stationary temple. If you wanted to meet with God, you must now go to Him. The place became more revered than the Presence. In Solomon's prayer, he requested that God would abide forever in that place. (I Kings 8:12-13) But, doesn't God reside in the entire universe eternally? (I Kings 8:27) So, in essence, the temple became a place man decided could house/contain God. No longer could every individual look from their dwelling to the evidence that God was in their midst. No longer did God move about with them, lead them. Man had contained God.

God has never desired a relationship with man that was campartmentalized. When Adam and Ever were in the garden, He had a personal daily relationship with man and woman. He talked with them and walked with them. God moved with them.

When the children of Israel met God on Mount Sinai, God desired a kingdom of priests. (Exodus 19:5-6) He desired to commune with every individual of the community He had chosen as HIS. Yet the people were afraid, and asked Moses to be their intercessor. And God granted their request. They could have had a relationship with God. like Moses', and see God face-to-Face. But their fear kept them from the desires of God.

God's plan from the very foundation of the world was to reside in the temple of man. Christ died and God's Spirit has been given as an unmerited gift to us! God desires to commune with us each and every day. God want to move in our life, be the very center of our life. God wants us to see the evidence of His presence in our life - each and every day. Where we go, God goes. God does not need us/man to design, improve on, beautify, or put our/his own ideas into HIS mighty plan! HE is the Master Builder, the Artist of creation. HE is above all, through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:6) Our hope is in the unmerited gift of Christ! (Ephesians 4:7) God designed the most beautiful temple, the one HE wanted to dwell in - it is you and I! What an awesome thought!

When we go to worship God in our respective buildings, let us remember something. The REAL temple is standing in the building. (I Corinthians 3:16) We do not have to ask God's presence to enter the building, HE is already in HIS temple! Wherever we go, if God abides in us, His presence is there. And oh, what a mighty Presence it is when all the temples of God are together as one body, fitly framed together! (Ephesians 2:21-22)

One day, my earthly temple will pass away. But instead of a temple, I'd like to be known as a tent... someone that moves with the Presence of God. When this tent passes away, then, my heavenly temple, made in His image, will begin. We will finally have the relationship God has desired all along! We will be ONE! We will be totally infused with His Light, His Fire, His Power, and His Presence.

"Whereas I have not dwelt in any house somce the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle." (II Samuel 7:6)

"Howbeeit, the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is My throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build Me? saith the LORD; or what is the place of My rest? Hath not My hand made all these things?" (Acts 7:48-50)

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing tha He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us." (Acts 17:24-27)

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you"(I Corinthians 3:16)

"And I saw no temple therein: For the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: For the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." (Revelation 21:22-23)

Editorial Note: Laurel Williams lives in Orange, Texas and attends the Eastgate Pentecostal Church in Vidor; Pastor George R. Edwards. Sis. Laurie says this article is "secondhand," because it was born out of discussion  between herself and her mother, (Sis. Betty Austin,) concerning a study that was taight at her mother's church (which is in Auburn Hills, Michigan). I find it amazing how the Word of God circulates, and like a pebble thrown into a pond, it's ripples reach around the world!.