All Over the World!

By Bishop Charles R. Grisham

What's all this talk about the Holy Ghost?

"Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" This question was asked by the Apostle Paul in Acts 19:2, and it is the question we wish to ask you today... It could be the most important question of your life!

Joel, the Old Testament prophet foretold, "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; and also upon the servants and the handmaids in those days will I pour out of My Spirit." (Joel 2:28)

In the New Testament, John the baptist, speaking of Jesus, said, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; ...but He who cometh after me shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Matthew 3:11)

Further, we see that Jesus commanded His disciples, "...not to depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, Ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:4-5)

This faithful band of believers obeyed the command of Jesus and they received the promise. Thus the church was born. We can read the powerful story... "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 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)

Jesus had told them it would happen. Prophecy had been fulfilled. Jesus had sent back His own Spirit to fill the hearts and lives of true believers!

This immediately caused a stir among many devout men who were dwelling at Jerusalem. They were amazed and inquired, "What meaneth this?"

Peter replied, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel."

As Peter preached, "they were pricked in their hearts and said, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Peter's answer contains the plain, simple, positive plan of salvation for our dispensation...

"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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:38-39)

In Romans, Paul declares, "But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Romans 8:11)

The Holy Ghost is actually "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27). Jesus said, "Except a man be born again of water and of the Spirit, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." (John 3:3). The Holy Ghost is that spiritual birth.

Jesus could come today! We need to examine our experience to make sure we are ready. We must have the Holy Ghost if we are to be caught up to meet Him in the air.

Repent... Be baptized in Jesus' Name... and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!

You're Not an Egyptian!

By Marjorie Kinnee

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

You were raised as a child of the Light.

Though you run far and wide,

You can't escape, cannot hide,

You will never be out of God's sight.

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

And your heart of hearts knows this right well.

You can bury yourself,

Put your heart on a shelf,

But the knowledge continues to swell.

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

Sin's stains look ill on your face.

Its' chains drag you down,

Soil your white wedding gown,

And frustrate the dove of God's grace.

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

Too much time's been invested in you.

By those who have cared,

And have willingly shared,

Teaching you to be loyal and true.

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

Though in Egypt's dominion you roam.

His voice you once heard,

In song and in the Word,

And His voice is still calling you home.

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

Though bewitched by Egypt's facade.

So the war rages on,

'Twixt God and Dagon,

But my trust's in the promise of God!.

Just a Touch...

By Don Warfield

Did you ever have someone touch you when you were so down you thought no one knew you existed? Do you remember what that touch meant to you? Let me tell you a true story...

I knew a young man who was walking with God and God was with him in his life. But the young man sinned. he went to his pastor and confessed his sin: the pastor told him he must sit down in all church services and take no part. Eager to be forgiven and to obey his pastor, the young man complied.

As time went on the young man continued to come to church every time the doors opened. His pastor withdrew from him to help him understand how sin had made a separation line between him and God.

He still kept coming, feeling very low. It seemed nobody cared or even knew he was there, and that even God had withdrawn from him: for he felt nothing when he came. But the young man thought, "If God is ever going to return to me, I will have to be in church where He can."

After a long time of going, he began thinking, "What is the use?" But then, on a Sunday night as he left his office to go to the platform.to start the service, the pastor walked down the aisle where the young man was sitting. As he passed, he laid his hand on the young man's shoulder.

To the young man, that touch said all the things the pastor could not yet say. Through the touch, the young man heard the words, "I know you are here. I see you come every service. I do care, I still love you. God still loves you. Keep coming. Stay faithful. God is restoring you."

The next time you feel at a loss as to how to comfort someone and can't think of any words to say, think of all the words the young man heard that night with just a touch!

Editor's Note: Bro. Don Warfield leads our Home Bible Study Ministry and teaches in the Adult Sunday School Class each month in rotation. He is a student of the Word and a blessing to the Body of Christ.

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!

Listen and Hear!

By Pauline Foreman

There was a Man named Jesus, you see,

He was born to save you and me;

Born of a virgin, begotten of the Spirit,

Everyone who has an ear should want to hear it.

We were made in His image,

But through sin we were blemished;

Nevertheless, He had a plan,

To redeem sinful man.

He went about healing the blind, halt, and lame,

His love and compassion soon gained great fame;

They came from the north, south, east, and west,

He delivered them all from all their tests.

He that has an ear – listen and hear.

Opposing forces came against this Man,

But for the love of people He took a stand;

He defeated the devil on every hand,

And took the punishment of sinful man.

For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross,

So that mankind would not have to be lost;

When life to you seems dark and grim,

Take up your cross and follow Him.

Wherever He leads, be willing to follow,

And your life will never be hollow;

Your void He will fill,

Give new life, He will.

He that has an ear – listen and hear.

Repentance of sin is where you begin,

Baptism in His Name is the next step to claim;

He promised to give you the Holy Ghost,

You will be filled to the uttermost.

In another tongue, you will speak,

When it is Him wholeheartedly you seek.

He that has an ear – listen and hear.

To give your life to Him is very smart,

Righteousness to you He will impart;

A broken and contrite heart He will in no wise cast aside,

But is faithful to complete the work He began inside.

No longer a slave to sin,

You will have peace within;

Every time you kneel,

He will begin to heal.

All the hurts of the past,

Will be gone at last.

Read your Bible and you will find,

How to be like Him – so good, so kind;

He is high and holy, yet so meek and lowly,

To be like Him is a process – slowly.

Continue to run this race,

He will guide you at His pace;

For the race is not given to the swift or strong,

But to the ones that endure the whole course long.

He that has an ear – listen and hear!

A Message to a Lukewarm Church

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Revelation 3:14-22

Most everyone in the United States of American can remember where they were and what they were doing when "9/11" happened. Moments that change history have the ability to indelibly imprint themselves in our minds and hearts. We were all violently and rudely awakened to the need to be prepared. In the days following, everyone was calling for and talking about prayer. The urgency of the crisis, refocused many minds God-ward, but as is so often the case - when the pressure eased, prayer returned to closet , out of sight, out of sound, and out of mind. Preachers of all denominations hastened to assure their congregations that God was still in charge and He would protect the nation because we were founded on trust in Him.

In many ways, the U.S. can be likened to the church in Laodicea. Lukewarm, neither cold not hot, the church in Laodicea was on the fence. God wanted them to decide, which side they were on. This isn't the first time God has pressured men to make a choice.

• Moses called Israel to make a choice between blessings and cursings
• Joshua cried, "Choose ye this day whom you will serve!"
• Elijah cried, "How long halt ye between two opinions?"
• Joel declared, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision."
• Regarding Laodicea, God said, "I would that you were either cold or hot - because you're neither I will spue you out of My mouth."

The signs of a lukewarm church...

1. Prayerlessness (no communication)
2. Unstirred/Uninterested (God's Word transforms!)
3. Disobedient
4. Forgetful hearers
5. Bored
6. Don't care about the lost
7. Don't attend church regularly
8. Dull - Don't hear or heed warnings

The good news is, "I counsel thee..." God warns anyway, giving the lukewarm a chance to get it right. His desire is to heal, to restore, to reconcile.

The way to heat up the lukewarm - "Buy gold tried in the fire."  Step one is repentance - the opportunity to turn the tide before it's too late. Baptism in Jesus' Name washes away sin, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, brings the power to become an overcomer! Overcomers are not lukewarm!

Wife of a Bandit - A Testimony

By Jill Friedman

My husband was unsaved, but he would say... "I'm coming; you can't change a bandit overnight." (but God can!)

For years, my husband would hum verses and choruses to old gospel songs he did not know. I started to notice what they were... "An Old Account Settled" was one, another was "Marching to Zion" (like our choir used to sing when I was a child). He also would whistle "I Remember When My Burdens Rolled Away." Hearing these gave me hope down through the years.

Then one Saturday, after 34 years of marriage, I was thinking of buying something at the store and felt a check in my Spirit - so I did not go.

My husband came home heavily burdened like never before. He felt that if he did not act, something horrible would happen. Feeling deep grief and heavy conviction, he didn't know how to rid himself of it, or what it was. He tried to talk to his mother - that did not help. Then he talked to me and I encouraged him to talk to Pastor and come to church.

When he came that Sunday morning, he was desperate, crying and repenting. He returned for the evening service and felt he had to be baptized in Jesus, Name that night to get relief from the weight bearing down on him. He didn't want to wait until the following Sunday for Bro. Grisham to get back into town - felt he had to deal with this right away. So, he was baptized immediately and has faithfully attended ever since (eight years now). His joy over being forgiven was great - so was his worship. He didn't know many of the choruses we sing, so he would whistle along. As he did, his face reflected the gladness in his heart. 

About a year later, he was still seeking the Holy Ghost, we went to Michigan Camp Meeting. I would get to the tabernacle early to save a front row seat, waiting and lifting my hands in worship as people entered for service. On the second to last night of camp, Bro. Lee Stoneking prayed for my husband. However, he did not receive the Holy Ghost that night. The next night, the last night of camp,my Jewish husband received the Holy Ghost in a miraculous way, speaking like a warrior or an Old Testament prophet in a very unusual dialect I had never heard before. Since then, he has been used many times by the Lord in witnessing to his Jewish friends and relatives. Seeds are being planted - God will give the increase. 

Never give up! God is able! "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes!"

P.S. The next song God gave him was, "Bringing in the Sheaves!" Hallelujah!

The Benefits of True Repentance...

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Hosea 14:4-8; John 15:1-5
Key Verse: Matthew 4:17 - "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Repentance is both a mercy and a privilege extended to mankind because of the grace of God  Every other part of man's relationship with God hinges on this essential first step. Repentance is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. David's Psalm of repentance (Psalm 51) has become a model prayer. Job 33:26-30 provides a clear definition of what true repentance entails. Every Old Testament prophet issued calls for repentance, and both John the Baptist and Jesus inaugurated their ministries with "Repent ye!"

But repentance is more than just acknowledging our sin and asking for forgiveness. Repentance leads us to cleansing and clearing and making things right with those we have sinned against - including and especially God! Once man's heart is reconciled with God, he begins to understand the benefits associated with a right standing in the eyes of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Hosea provides a list of them...

1. I will heal their backsliding.
2. I will love them freely.
3. My anger [against their sin] is turned away. 
4. I will be as the dew.
5. He [the repentant one] shall grow as the lily,
6. and cast forth his roots.
7. His branches shall spread.
8. His beauty shall be as the olive tree.
9. His smell as Lebanon [cedar trees].
10. They that dwell under his shadow shall return [extends to repentant's sphere of influence].
11. They shall revive as corn,
12. and grow as the vine.
13. The scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon [which has great drawing power].
14. All this comes at Jesus' expense! He said, "From Me is thy fruit found!" (John 15:1-5).

The old song says, "Oh, what peace we often forfeit! Oh, what needless pain we bear! All because we do not carry - everything to God in prayer." He bore our sins in His body on the cross of Calvary. The price for our peace has already been paid. The benefits of true repentance are so great that it makes no sense to continue in sin any longer. Jesus said, "Behold I stand at the door and knock." Open the door of your heart to Him today!

Heavenly Kisses

By Marjorie Kinnee
Editorial

Text: Psalm 85:10-11 - "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven."

Mercy is God's business. At man's best, his kind of mercy is flawed, dependent upon God's example to be of any effect. Proverbs 16:6 says, "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD, men depart from evil." As God's mercy comes down to us, we begin to see the truth of our lack and our need. A repentant heart is the seed bed of truth.

David's condition was grave, his sin was egregious. In his prayer, (Psalm 51,) we can identify twenty-one key words or phrases. They are the facets of true repentance...

1. Have mercy,
2. Blot out my transgressions,
3. Wash me thoroughly,
4. Cleanse me, 
5. I acknowledge my transgressions,
6. Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned,
7. I was shapen in iniquity,
8. Thou desirest truth in the inward parts,
9. Purge me, and I shall be clean,
10. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow,
11. Make me to hear joy, and gladness,
12. Hide Thy face from my sins,
13. Blot out all mine iniquities,
14. Create in me a clean heart,
15. Renew a right Spirit within me,
16. Cast me not away,
17. Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me,
18. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation,
19. Uphold me with Thy free Spirit,
20. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness,
21. Open Thou my lips.

David's spiritual condition was desperate. Without God he was in total darkness, as if he were dead. Hedged in by his sin, he had nowhere to go. His prayers went no higher than the ceiling; God wasn't listening. Condemnation lie in wait like a predator. His strength and hope had perished. He saw and heard the snide remarks and derision of all those around him. Sitting in misery and affliction, David felt cut off, estranged from every good thing he'd ever known.

But God! (See II Peter 3:9.) As the mercy of God flowed down toward David's need, truth rose up to meet it. "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Right there, at the conjunction of mercy and truth, righteousness and peace, David found himself squarely in the center of a heavenly kiss! Though his sin had separated him from God, mercy like the morning dew embraced the truth of what true repentance is. It is the great reconciler! You too can find the joy that comes from placing yourself in the center of a heavenly kiss!

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." (II Corinthians 5:20) 

Missed Opportunities...

Editorial
By Marjorie Kinnee

Texts: Jeremiah 8:20 - The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
Hosea 8:7a - For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind."

These are arguably the saddest verses in all Scripture. They speak to the grief of those who have not heard, and to the sorrow of those who have no more hope. There will come a day when mercy's arm will no longer be stretched out. Judgment is certain and unavoidable, but it's not here yet.

There is a charitable organization called the "Forgotten Harvest." It provides food for the hungry. They provide food for the physical man. Jesus focused on the harvest of souls, saying harvest time was not off in some time in the distance, but it was already ripe. His only prayer request was that we pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers into His fields. He also charged us to "work while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work."

The Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel, said that judgment upon the wicked is determined, but if the wicked one is warned, and if he repents, the mercy of the Lord is available. Both Old and New Testaments declare that God desires repentance - and that turning away from sin in repentance is the one thing that turns God's wrath against sin into His mercy and grace.

The kingdoms of Israel and Judah had repeatedly turned away from God, choosing their own wicked ways despite the warnings and alarms of many prophets. They would not listen. What's more, they  imprisoned, tortured, and killed those who warned them of God's wrath and their impending judgment. They were so set in their wickedness they sacrificed their own children to gods of wood and stone; gods who could not see, hear, or rescue them from their folly.

So many opportunities... so many chances... to turn away from sin, to turn away God's wrath. And what about those children? Harnessed to the sins of their fathers and mothers, children of a corrupt generation; their innocence and future hopes were forever ruptured by the ever-present evil that colored every facet of their miserable lives. Talk about a forgotten harvest! What a picture!

History really does repeat itself. We live in a generation like that of Israel just prior to its judgment. We also live under the mandate to live as lights in a dark world. Ezekiel's warning is no less clear today. If we refuse to warn, to sound the alarm; their blood will be required at our hands. The only way to turn the wicked and to bring about God's power to save is to warn them. To speak the truth clearly and in love is both our hope and theirs'.

Daniel prayed a prayer of repentance for the entire nation. (See Daniel 9:3-19.) Prayer and fasting according to the instructions in Isaiah 58:4-9, must be married to the promise of the harvest... The law of sowing and reaping remains in full force. This is the fast God has chosen!

1. to loose the bands of wickedness
2. to udo the heavy burdens
3. to let the oppressed go free
4. to break every yoke
5. to deal thy bread to the hungry
6. to bring the poor and them that are cast out to thy house
7. to cover them that are naked
8. to hide not thyself from thine own flesh

"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward... And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, abd thy darkness be as the noonday." (Isaiah 58:8,10)  

A Fresh Start

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Luke 15:11-32

The purpose of medicine is to cure an illness or address its symptoms. Jesus' blood is the only medicine (antidote) for sin and sin's poison. Note that it's not how you start the race, it's how you finish it.

New Year's Eve is celebrated all around the world with the idea that in the passing of the old year and the entrance of the new, mankind has a "fresh start."

The prodigal son had an older brother, a father and mother,and a number of servants. This younger, prodigal son wanted his inheritance, got it, and went out to celebrate. In the process, he blew it all! He wound up bankrupt; physically, emotionally, financially, and most of all, spiritually. A fine, young, upstanding Jewish boy, hired to feed pigs, and so hungry that he thought about eating the slop he was supposed to be feeding those pigs!

Then, he comes to himself. Why, at home, even the servants have more than enough to eat! He decided, "I'm going home. I'll ask to be hired on as a servant."

Here are three keys to a fresh start...

1.) Have Proper Priorities - Matthew 6:33

• Not just exisiting -- but having abundant life!
• Not off in some wrong place -- but being in the right place!
• We need proper priorities physically and spiritually.
• "Flesh" wants the "easy" way -- leads to death!
• "Flesh" cannot be allowed to rule us!
• Our soul and Spirit desires God -- leads to life everlasting!

2.) Practice Good Behavior - Psalm 146:5

• Practice does make perfect!
• Train up children -- they need the practice!
• Maintain a good example -- children, grandchildren, and others are watching!
• The prodigal's father never stopped being a father... he kept hoping.
• He closed the door, but not his heart.
• Papa was watching -- when his son showed up, he ran to his son, embraced him, and celebrated his return with the robe, the ring, and the fatted calf.
• Be aware that 2013 will have bumps in the road; good days and bad days... BUT...
• Overcome evil with good!

3.) Be Willing to Worship God - Isaiah 1:19

• The older son was jealous of his brother; he saw the celebration as an affront.
• He pouted in anger -- only willing to celebrate on his terms.
• We need to think about Who HE is, and how worthy HE is.
• Worship in Spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
• We need the Spirit of God indwelling -- cultivate the fruit of the Spirit.
• We need the heart of a servant -- to be great in God's eyes, be a servant.
• The father reminded his pouting son, "Everything I have is yours!"

Choices

By Pauline Foreman

Often we have too many choices, they're daily - choices, choices, choices, bringing perplexity. Which way do I turn? Which path do I choose? Options are the list of many from which you make your selection. If there's only one thing to eat, you're reduced to one choice - eat, or not eat.

Why does God want us to choose? He knows ahead of time what we will do. He made everything that is and He saw that it was good. He formed man from the dust of the ground in His own image, then breathed the breath of life into him, and man became a living soul. ("Male and female created He them.") Nothing else in creation had this living soul. Animals have no choice; they are what they are. Being created in God's likeness meant the power of choice and dominion over all else, but not dominion over man. The only forbidden thing was the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (A choice.) The consequences of disobedience were made clear. But the choice was man's.
The tree of life - caused one to live.
The tree of knowledge - caused one to die.

Cain and Abel also had a choice in the matter of a sacrifice that would please God.

God gave us the power of choice to show that His love was unconditional. Consequences, yes. But whatever you choose, He will still love you. Even after Adam and Eve sinned, He clothed them with animal skins -- covered their sin with a blood sacrifice. God drove them from the garden because if they had continued to live there and eat of the tree of life, they would live forever in sin. So He barred the way to the tree of life.

The ground was cursed -- it would require sweat and blood to eke out a living for Adam, Eve, and their posterity. Eve's conception was multiplied and would be full of sorrow. The serpent was cursed above all animals -- forever to crawl on its belly and be at enmity with Eve and humanity in general.

Jesus' death on the cross was proof of His love. (Romans 8:38-39) You cannot separate Him from His love. God knows the heart's thoughts and intents. You can't hide anything from God.

Many things affect our choices; fear, ignorance, willfulness, lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life, peer pressure, (fear of man,) feelings, perceptions, time pressure, and our experiences. Even when we make the wrong choice/s, "...He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

Look at the lives of the Three Hebrew Children, Joseph, and Moses. (Hebrews 11:13-14) Study them carefully and prayerfully. Obedience to the Word of God helps us make the right choice/s.

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)

Pride

By Donna Franklin

Hidden in secret places,
where only God can see,
The killer sin lies silent,
destroying humility.

Lurking in the shadows,
rebellion and self-will
Crouch and plot destruction
as haughty spirits thrill.

Hearts filled with pride,
Eyes full of lust,

and imaginations vain.

 

Pride grows when fed on boasting,

Giving only self all praise.
The "I" gets ever bigger;
God's no longer in their ways.
The answer? If His people,
Those called by Jesus' Name,
Will humble themselves, pray, repent,
faces covered with shame;
God's promised He will hear,
forgive,
and restore our land again.

 

 

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin writes as the Spirit moves on her. Author of a number of poems and articles, she is a faithful saint in the Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Paoli, Oklahoma - Pastor Terry Erwin).

But God...!

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:9-11)

What a litany! Sin, like fractions, seeks the lowest common denominator. It weighs you down, It drags you down. It matters little whether one is guilty of one sin or the whole list, a corrupt tree can only bear corrupt fruit. It's destiny is bound up in it's corruptness. The thing many simply refuse to acknowledge is that one sin is enough to receive sin's penalty, (wages,) which is death! Most of us are guilty of way more than just one. Since you can only die once before facing eternity, how in the world can one person pay the penalty for multiple sins? Of course, the answer is... it's impossible... and that leaves us in an awful mess! But God! It's in the midst of this dither, this heavy load of condemnation, that Jesus comes, bringing hope and salvation!

"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked acccording to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:1-7)

John said, "God so loved... that He gave..." Our sins branded us as ruined, worthless. But God's plan was a sinless substitute, Jesus Christ - the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world! Under the law, the blood of bulls and goats could only roll man's sins ahead another year, But God, knowing the need, was already pointing the way to Calvary and the sinless, spotless sacrifice that would once and for all cover all sin - backward to the dawn of man's existence and forward to eternity. Isaiah saw how the heart of God yearned to reconcile sinful man to Himself... "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil... Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow: though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:16, 18)

No matter how bad it was... no matter how low... no matter how far... But God, who is rich in mercy and grace is still reaching. Repentance and remission of sins is the way He chose for us to come to Him. (See Acts 2:37-38; 3:19; 22:16.) Based on John 3 and I John 5, G.T. Haywood penned these words...

"In sin I wandered sore and sad,
With bleeding heart and aching head;
Til Jesus came and sweetly said,
'I'll take your sins away!'

I gave my heart, my life, my all,
To Him who drank the cup of gall,
In saving sinners from the fall
And took their sins away.

The Water, Spirit, and the Blood
Agree if we but understood,
In making sinners pure and good,
And take our sins away.

Thank God for the Blood!
Thank God for the cleansing flood!
Thank God for the Blood!
It washes white as snow!"  

Repenting For Others

By A. Brocc Chavis

In Jeremiah 31, the writer speaks of Rachel, who refused to be comforted while her children were lost to the land of the enemy. The Lord mentions the lamentations and bitter weeping of this resolute voice from Ramah. The city of Ramah was where Jacob's wife Rachel was buried. In life, she was a woman barren for many years, who pined for children. She was only blessed with two in her latter years, dying soon after the birth of the second.

In verse 16 and 17, the Lord says there is hope because her work (of weeping for her lost children,) would be rewarded and that they would be restored...

Daniel repented for Jerusalem for 17 verses in Daniel 9. Bear in mind that he was faultless, blameless, and he wasn't even in Jerusalem; he was in Babylon.

Job was said to make sacrifices for his children "continually," for in his words, "it may be that they have sinned against God and cursed Him in their hearts." (Job 1:5)

On the Cross, some of Jesus' last words were, "Father, forgive them..."

The Biblical precedent is there. Although an individual must repent for themselves, God can begin to restore them through the repentant, intercessory prayers of other.

Begin repenting in daily prayer for lost family members, backsliders, and souls you are reaching for... Repent for your community. Like Daniel, ask God to forgive your community.

My prayer for you who read this is: "Lord, give us a spirit of Rachel, that we will refuse to be comforted knowing we have lost family in the land of the enemy."

What could happen if your entire church began to repent for specific souls and our community? God will not turn a deaf ear. He has given us the ministry of reconciliation. He will begin to touch lives and set in motion divine actions that will result in backsliders praying through and lost loved ones being saved. There are hungry souls in our community who have a desire to change. We are laborers together with Christ in His harvest field.

What could happen if you really believe God can? If God honored Rachel, Job, and Daniel; and if He prayed for the forgiveness of others Himself, then what have we to lose?

_______________________________________________________________

Editor's Note: A. Brocc Chavis pastors the United Pentecostal Church in Spring Lake, North Carolina, and serves as District Youth President. First written as a letter to the church in Spring Lake, this article was submitted to Apostolic Writers Online! for publication.

Get Back Again!

By Joyce Stclair

The world does not believe in suffering and it taught me how to find relief through medicine, mental therapy, and body reconstruction. I pushed the angel of the Lord off my shoulder to my back side, and there it stayed. with every bumpn the road of life it would swing around to the front and punch me in the gut of my spirit, but I would puch it to the backside again.

As my body bore the battle scars of life, the angel cried with a loud voice, "Lord, Lord, how long will Your child rebel against You, that I should see the destruction of Your Spirit within them?"

The Lord said unto the angel, "Depart not from them for they were Mine from the beginning. In them shall the sight of the Lord be seen in all generations."

The world's attempts at relief were at best temporary. I could find no joy. I screamed to the world, "Where is your joy?"

With this great opportunity, the Lord's angel swung around and whispered in my ear, "Get back again."

I threw down the world's so-called deliverance, accepted the suffering for Christ, and found joy for my soul, joy for my spirit, and peace for my mind. "Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." (Luke 15:10)

Now the countenance of my joy radiates like a flame of fire. It is in these moments that the world gets a glimpse of the glory of God. My suffering became everlasting joy.

It was once said, "better late than never." I say, if you are late, you are already at never. You never were at first. Those who hesitate are lost. "For he sayeth, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee; behold, now is the day of salvation." (II Corinthians 6:2)

Your call is to get back again - now!

Editor's Note: Sis. Joyce is the daughter of Bro. Don and Sis. Carol Warfield. Bro Warfield heads our Home Bible Study program and teaches the Adult Sunday School Class in rotation each month. A beautiful smile that radiates the peace of God adorns Sis. Joyce's face and she has been instrumental in bringing others to Christ. She's a blessing to the New Life Apostolic Church family!