WOS 11-27-23 Caring or Careless?  

I speak unto you this day and I ask you, do you care for My Will and seek to put the same as the utmost burden and purpose in your lives? Or, are you among the careless who are pursuing their own wills above My Will then blaming Me and My messengers when things go wrong? There are multitudes who are in the latter category and who want to accuse Me when things do not turn out as they want.

Then they carry an attitude of ingratitude and are despising those who have given themselves to the attitude of gratitude and are caring about pleasing Me above themselves. Those who are refusing to measure up are always wanting to blame someone or something else for their failures. However, their failures come about because of their own willfulness and stubborn resistance against Me.

So, where do they go in the end of it all? They literally end in a heap and want still to act as though their situations and circumstances are the result of others and the failure of such ones to carry the load for them. I do not expect that My people would remain as babies and yet they do. Repeatedly they remain immature and unwilling to accept accountability and responsibility for their own spiritual lives.

These ones are a grief to Me because they want only to have things the way they want them to be and like spoiled children, they want to throw fits and get angry when things do not go as they desire. Am I pleased with such ones? Not at all, because of their carelessness in respect of Me, My purpose, My Will, and My intentions for their lives. They have never yielded their lives to Me rather they have kept their lives for themselves and are always expecting to have things their way, rather than My Way.

Of course these are insane times and times when every one is eager to do things “the way they want them to be”. However, such is nonsense before Me because to do things only as people want them to be is to deviate from My will. People go into the way of the dull, the dumb, the ignorant who are foolishly attempting to make gain off of things that they have not labored for, as they are promoting their way rather than Mine.

I want you to stop and realize that such efforts for “self” are careless and not at all respectful of the sacrifice of My Son Jesus. Jesus did not grow careless nor was He lazy. He kept up with diligence the labors that He was called to perform. He likewise suffered persecution every where He went and He kept Himself faithful unto Me.

Constantly the religious Jews of His day were attempting to prove Him wrong, because He exposed their hypocrisy and their attempts to make the people into religious robots with no needs or desires for Me. All that these religious leaders wanted to do was to see Jesus destroyed because He did not make peace with them because they were crooked in their dealings. The way that they treated My people was not right before Me for they wanted only to make gain off of them and they did not care for the condition of their souls. They were pretenders, and hypocrites putting on their false facades while their own lives were full of sin.

There is no way that I want My people to fall into the hands of the many careless religious leaders of today who are making gain off of those who are My sheep and My lambs. No, I want shepherds who will care for My people and guide them forth by a plain path. Be alert to the fact that My people are sick, diseased, crippled, deaf, and blind. Do their shepherds remind them that I sent My Son Jesus who by the laying down of His body and the shedding of His blood opened the door to Divine Healing?

No, instead, the majority of these religious criminals simply leave My people in their neediness and demand more and more money from them. How absurd is such conduct when My people as well as the multitudes of sinners are needy and desperate for the Healing Touch of the Great Physician. I do not want those who I love to believe that there is no healing, deliverance, or restoration for them when I offer the same in great abundance. I want My people to be directed to Jesus who is the One who has given His all that they would know His delivering hand in their lives. Be aware that there are ways that men will go carrying heavy burdens that I want them to lay down. While all the time those who are meant to guide them into the miracles of Jesus, prefer to keep them caged in false doctrine and slavery to the doctrines of devils.

It is the time and those who are careful to listen to My Spirit are going to hear Me repeat it over and over that My Miracle Power is still here. The healing and deliverance are available to any and all who will cry out in their neediness. It is My time to pour forth My miracles upon the ones who are crying out and longing to see My power revealed.

Yes, modern medicine has made great advances and there are many who can benefit to a degree from these advances. However just as there is evil in the religious circles, so does evil exist in the medical field and many spend all and gain nothing from it. I do not want such ones to be left helpless and hopeless when there is hope in and through Me. In accordance with the faith of those looking to Me, so shall I reveal My miracle powers and so shall they see that I AM the Living God whose miracle power is Now!

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        WOS 11-28-23 TRUSTING & TRIUMPHANT!

I speak unto thee this day and I say that it is Me the Living God who desires you to be trusting in Me as your source for I am the One who is able. The more that My people submit themselves to Me in trust, the more that they will be able to receive the infinite mercies that I provide.

It is not My intention that My people would be vulnerable to the wiles of the wicked one and be taken down by the same. It is My intention that My people would learn to steadfastly resist, refuse, and refute the enemy and come forth ever rejoicing in the power that is found in Jesus which makes them triumphant and victorious over darkness.

The more that My people are being found abiding in Me the more they are enabled to see that I am the God who is ever present and I hear the cries of those who are desperately needy of Me. I am the One who sent My Son Jesus to reveal the Power that is inherent in My Kingdom. The miracles that were brought forth through the ministry of Jesus were brought forth to show the power that is found in My Kingdom. That same power is available today and I want people to partake of the same because I am indeed well able and there is none who can compare to Me.

I do not delight to see people in suffering and anguish while all the while they spend up their monies on physicians who cannot do them any good whatsoever. Then they are left hopeless, helpless, and penniless, all because the enemy desires to see people so devastated as they are in these times. Be aware that I want any and all who will trust in Me to know that I AM who I say that I am and that My Healing and Delivering power are available today to those who are needy of the same.

It is senseless for people to live their lives in the throes of death when they are meant to enjoy the benefits of health that I provide to them. Therefore, do not be discouraged, depressed, despairing and in the throes of death. Rather look to Me for this is My Time to pour forth My Healing and Delivering power to all who desire to partake of Me and be restored to the Life that is available thru Me.

Far too many in these times are locked into deadly doctrines that teach them that the days of healing, deliverance, and speaking in tongues are passed. Those days are not passed, they are ever present to those who are not afraid to receive My Holy Spirit and the precious treasures that accompany the same. Why would I do away with My Spirit, with Divine Healing and Deliverance when people are still under suffering, anguish, and great agony? I do not and I will not do away with the very things that are the remedies to all of their sufferings? No, rather I will give to those who are aware of My virtues the very things that they need to be uplifted, restored, and brought forth rejoicing in Me.

It is not My intention that people would continually be under the control of demonic spirits which want them dead or suffering to the point that they want to be dead. It is My intention that people would be free of the evil devices of the wicked one and not be bound in continual pain and agony. Why would I want My people to suffer continually when I am the One who gives healing and deliverance?

Therefore believe Me for I have not changed and just as I showed My healing power in the “olden days” so do I want to show forth that Healing Power even now. Do not hide in afflictions and sickness, rather rebuke, refute, and refuse to be swallowed up in the serpent's tactics and maneuvers to cause you perpetual pain, agony, and anguish.

I am well aware that people need to live in the presence of My Spirit in order to perceive and receive the benefits of My Kingdom in their lives. Therefore I supply them with the Holy Spirit infilling if they will be accepting of the same. When you see the ones who resist My Spirit, despise speaking in tongues the heavenly languages I give, refuse Divine Healing and Deliverance, know that they are living under the lies of the devil. By their acceptance of demonic lies, those lies will bring them more misery in their lives. Some who are puffed up on the pride of their false knowledge are literally Spirit haters and are filled on demonic delusions.

Thank Me that you do not need to be under demonic delusions, rather you can be found adhering to My instruction, direction, and correction each and every day. Such truths as I give to you are meant to enlighten you as to the infinite goodness and mercy that I want people to partake of in their earthly journey. Be glad that you are given the privilege to believe, to receive, and to bear witness of the facts that I give to those who believe in great abundance that they can know Me as the One who wants souls to be saved. The salvation that I offer through the obedience of My Son Jesus is not only the salvation of their souls, but it is likewise full of the power of Divine Healing and Deliverance for those in need of My mercies.

As you are walking close to My Spirit so shall you be made clear in your perceptions of Me. I do not leave you in desolation and isolation, I bring you forth in the sweetness of My mercies and goodness. Likewise I give you the opportunity to be full of the Holy Spirit power and the boldness to bear witness of My Healing and Delivering powers that are available now. Rejoice that you are not subject to demons, you are subject to Me.

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                                                   The Miracles of Christ         

                             From the Holy Bible                                

1. Turning the Water to Wine  

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. John 2:1-11

2. Nobleman's Son Healed

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. John 4:46-54

3. The Draught of Fishes

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken. Luke 5:4-9

4. Healing the Demoniac

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. Mark 1:23-28

5. Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. Mark 1:29-31

6. Healing of the Leper

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. Matthew 8:2-4

7. Healing the Paralytic

And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy.) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. Mark 2:2-12

8. Healing the Man at the Pool

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. John 5:2-9

9. Healing the Withered Hand

And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Matthew 12:9-13

10. Healing Many Near Galilee

But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known. Mark 3:7-12

11. Healing the Centurion's Servant

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. Luke 7:2-10

12. Raising the Widow's Son

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. Luke 7:12-16

13. Healing the Dumb Demoniac Man

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. Matthew 12:22

14. Calming the Tempest

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! Matthew 8:24-27

15. Healing the Gadarene Demoniac

And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. Mark 5:1-20

16. Healing the Afflicted Woman

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. Luke 8:43-48

17. Raising Jairus' Daughter

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. Matthew 9:18,19,23-26

18. Healing the Blind Man and the Dumb Man

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He eastern out devils through the prince of the devils. Matthew 9:27-34

19. Feeding the Five Thousand

When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. John 6:5-14

20. Walking on the Sea

And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. Mark 6:45-52

21. Performing Many Miracles

And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. Matthew 14:34-36

22. Healing the Syrophoenician Woman's Daughter

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. Matthew 15:22-28

23. Healing the Deaf and Dumb Man

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. Mark 7:32-37

24. Performing Many Miracles

And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 15:29-31

25. Feeding the Four Thousand

In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.

And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away. Mark 8:1-9

26. Healing the Blind Man at Bethsaida

And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town. Mark 8:22-26

27. Jesus' Transfiguration

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen. Luke 9:28-36

28. Healing the Demoniac Son

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:14-21

29. Healing the Ten Lepers

And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. Luke 17:11-19

30. Healing the Blind Man

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.

The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. John 9:1-41

31. Raising Lazarus

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. John 11:1-46

32. Healing the Woman's Infirmity

And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. Luke 13:10-17

33. Healing the Man With Dropsy

And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;

And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? And they could not answer him again to these things. Luke 14:1-6

34. Healing the Two Blind Men

And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. Matthew 20:29-34

35. Cursing the Fig Tree

And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:12-14

36. Healing in the Temple

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. Matthew 21:14

37. Healing the Servant's Ear

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Luke 22:50,51

38. The Draught of Fishes

And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. John 21:6

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ACTS And MIRACLES Of The Holy Ghost
~PART ONE~
By: General James Green

ONE EVANGELIST THAT GOD USED MIGHTILY in years gone by rightly said that the four Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John--could aptly be called "The Acts of the Lord Jesus Christ." Truly He performed many incredible ACTS OF THE SPIRIT!

Did you know that Jesus never did a miracle, never healed anyone, never cast out a devil until the Holy Spirit came upon Him? Matthew 3:13-17 gives us the account of Jesus' water baptism AND His Spirit baptism.

Why was Jesus, our sinless Lord, baptized in water, seeing that He was not a sinner as other men? Well, there are several good reasons:

1. "To fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15; Luke 16:4; Galatians 4:4-5). Jesus Christ, thru His water baptism, publically consecrated Himself to His Heavenly Father and thus fulfilled the Father's righteous requirement.

2. To identify Himself with sinners. We know it was an act of identifying, for Jesus did not need to repent of any sin (II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:24).

3. To officially associate Himself with the powerful new movement of God that was calling everyone to sincere repentance (John 1:23, 32, 33).

The Spirit upon Him
Matthew 3:16 gives us the account of Jesus' Spirit baptism. Everything Jesus did--His powerful preachings and acts--He did by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit (Ghost). He could not do anything apart from the Spirit's workings (Luke 4:1, 14, 18; John 3:34; Acts 1:2; 10:38). You see, dear readers, it was and is the Holy Spirit that equips us for real ministry, not our own power (see Luke 3:22).

Our Spirit Baptism
Jesus Himself, after His own Spirit anointing, would later baptize His followers in or with THE HOLY GHOST AND FIRE! in order for them to effectively preach and do the Acts of the Spirit (see Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:4).

The Book of Acts
The book of Acts is a continuation of "all that Jesus began both to do and teach" (Acts 1:1). The four Gospels were concerned with Jesus' ministry before His ascension into Heaven, and Acts is concerned with His ministry after His ascension.

John 14:12 tells us that "He that believeth on me, the WORKS that I do shall he do also; and GREATER WORKS than these shall he do." Some say that this was spoken only to the first-century Church or to Jesus' first apostles/disciples. NO! That's like saying that Jesus and the Holy Spirit would only abide with the first apostles/disciples. Matthew 28:20 tells us that Jesus and the Holy Spirit would be with His followers, "even UNTO THE END of the world (lit. 'age')" (cf. Hebrews 13:5).

The Five Hundred
The 500 who personally saw and heard Jesus after His resurrection were commanded to wait for the Holy Ghost to be poured out upon them. Luke 24:36-49 tells us that Jesus appeared to His disciples, and in verse 49 Jesus says, "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." This was referring to the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

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BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

Acts 1:5 "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."

"ONE OF THE CARDINAL DOCTRINES of Scripture is the baptism in the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1:4-5...[and note that v. 5 may be rendered] 'baptism in' rather than 'baptism with' the Holy Spirit). Concerning the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the Word of God teaches the following.

(1) The baptism in the Spirit is intended for all who profess faith in Christ, have been born again, and have received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

(2) One of Christ's key goals in His mission on earth was to baptize His people in the Holy Spirit (Mat. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33). He instructed His disciples not to begin witnessing until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5,8). Jesus Christ Himself did not enter His ministry until He had been 'anointed . . . with the Holy Ghost and with power' (Acts 10:38; cf. Luke 4:1,18).

(3) The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an operation of the Holy Spirit distinct and separate from His work of regeneration. Just as the sanctifying work of the Spirit is a distinct work complementing the regenerating work of the Spirit, so the baptism in the Spirit complements the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Spirit. On the day of Christ's resurrection He breathed on His disciples and said, 'Receive ye the Holy Ghost' (John 20:22), indicating that regeneration and new life were being given to them. Then later He told them they must also be 'endued with power' by the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; cf. Acts 1:5,8). For the disciples it was clearly a post-regeneration experience (see Acts 11:17). One can be regenerated and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but still not be baptized in the Holy Spirit (see Acts 19:6).

(4) To be baptized in the Spirit means to be filled with the Spirit (compare Acts 1:5; 2:4). However, this baptism occurred only at and after Pentecost. Concerning those filled with the Holy Spirit before Pentecost (e.g. Luke 1:15,67), Luke does not use the term baptized in the Holy Spirit. This would occur only after Christ's ascension (Lk 24:49-51; Jn 16:7-14; Ac 1:4).

(5) The book of Acts presents speaking with tongues as an initial sign accompanying the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 10:45-46; 19:6). Baptism in the Holy Spirit is linked so closely with the external manifestation of speaking in tongues that this should be considered the norm when receiving that baptism.

(6) The baptism in the Holy Spirit will bring the personal boldness and power of the Holy Spirit into the believer's life in order to accomplish mighty works in Christ's name and to make the believer's witness and proclamation effective (cf. Acts 1:8; 2:14-41; 4:31; 6:8; Rom. 15:18-19; 1 Cor. 2:4). This power is not some impersonal force, but is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit by which the presence, glory, and works of Jesus are present with His people (John 14:16-18; 16:14; 1 Cor. 12:7).

(7) Other results of a genuine baptism in the Holy Spirit are: (a) prophetic utterances and praise (Acts 2:4,17; 10:46; 1 Cor. 14:2); (b) enhanced sensitivity to sin that grieves the Holy Spirit, a greater seeking after righteousness which conforms to Christ, and a deeper awareness of the judgment of God against all ungodliness (see John 16:8; Acts 1:8); (c) a life which glorifies Jesus Christ (John 16:13-14; Acts 4:33); (d) new visions (Acts 2:17); (e) a manifestation of the various gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4-10); (f) a greater desire to pray and intercede (Acts 2:41-42; 3:1; 4:23-31; 6:4; 10:9; Rom. 8:26); (g) a deeper love and understanding of the Word of God (John 16:13; Acts 2:42); and (h) an increasing awareness of God as one's Father (Acts 1:4; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6).

(8) The Word of God cites several conditions by which the baptism in the Holy Spirit is given. (a) We must accept by faith Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and turn from sin and the world (Acts 2:38-40; 8:12-17). This involves surrendering our wills to God ('to them that obey him,' Acts 5:32). We must turn from that which offends God before we can become 'a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use' (2 Tim. 2:21). (b) We must desire to be filled. Christians should have a deep hunger and thirst for the baptism in the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39; cf. Is. 44:3; Mat. 5:6; 6:33). (c) We often receive it in answer to definite prayer (Luke 11:13; Acts 1:14; 2:1-4; 4:31; 8:15,17). (d) We should expect that God will baptize us in the Holy Spirit (Mark 11:24; Acts 1:4-5).

(9) The baptism in the Holy Spirit is sustained in the believer's life by prayer (Acts 4:31), witness (4:31,33), worship in the Spirit (Eph. 5:18-19), and a sanctified life (see Eph. 5:18). However powerful the initial coming of the Holy Spirit upon the believer may be, if this does not find expression in a life of prayer, witness, and holiness, the experience will soon become a fading glory.

(10) The baptism in the Holy Spirit occurs only once in a believer's life and points to the consecration of the believer unto God's work of witnessing in power and righteousness. The Bible teaches that there may be new fillings with the Holy Spirit after the believer has been baptized in the Holy Spirit (see Acts 4:31; cf. 2:4; 4:8,31; 13:9; Eph. 5:18). Thus, the baptism in the Spirit brings the believer into a relationship with the Spirit that is to be renewed (Acts 4:31) and maintained (Eph. 5:18)."

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Have you received this powerful infilling? The promise is for YOU! (Acts 2:39). YOU can experience the real TONGUES OF FIRE! Thank God, over 51 years ago, when my wife and I were led into a prayer of salvation by a lone evangelist, we received this miraculous baptism; we spoke in tongues. We were never taught that it had CEASED after the first century. Don't ever BELIEVE it has!

Spirit-filled Ekklesia
The first Ekklesia (Body of "called-out" ones) was a Spirit-filled assembly that showed forth abundant supernatural acts. Sadly, nowadays, too many churches are "DRY BONES," unable to glorify God by demonstrating in the Spirit. Most churches are content with THEIR--not God's--programs, doctrines, Bible schools, degrees, methods, and personalities. We need God's way! We need to demonstrate in the Spirit and continue to show forth abundant supernatural acts.

"This is That!"
The prophet Joel prohesied about this Spirit outpouring that I'm writing about. Read Joel. God's outpouring is HERE. Acts 2:4 says, "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit enabled them" (NIV). ALL received the baptism in the Spirit and spoke in tongues.

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SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Acts 2:4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

"SPEAKING IN TONGUES OR GLOSSALALIA (from Gk. glossais lalo) was considered by N.T. Christians as a God-given sign accompanying the baptism in the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:4; 10:45-47; 19:6). This Biblical pattern for the Spirit-filled life is still valid for us today.

TRUE SPEAKING IN TONGUES. (1) Tongues as a manifestation of the Spirit. Speaking in tongues is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit, i.e., a Spirit-inspired utterance whereby the believer speaks in a language (Gk. glossa) he has never learned (Acts 2:4; 1 Cor. 14:14-15). It may be in existing spoken human languages (Acts 2:6) or in languages unknown on earth (cf. 1 Cor. 13:1). It is not 'ecstatic speech,' as rendered in some translations, for the Bible never uses the term 'ecstatic utterance' to refer to speaking in tongues.

(2) Tongues as a sign. Speaking in tongues is an inspired utterance whereby the spirit of the believer and the Holy Spirit join in verbal praise and/or prophecy. God linked speaking in tongues with the baptism in the Holy Spirit from the very beginning (Acts 2:4), so that the 120 believers at Pentecost, and believers thereafter, would have an experiential sign or confirmation that they have indeed received the baptism in the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 10:45-46). Thus this experience could be objectively validated as to place and time of reception. Throughout the history of the church, whenever tongues as a confirming sign has been denied or lost from view, the truth and experience of Pentecost has declined, been distorted, or been ignored entirely.

(3) Tongues as a gift. Speaking in tongues is also described as a gift given by the Holy Spirit to the believer (1 Cor. 12:4-10). This gift has two main purposes: (a) Speaking in tongues accompanied by interpretation is used in public worship services to communicate the content of the utterance to the congregation, in order that all may enter into the Spirit-directed worship, praise, or prophecy (1 Cor. 14:5-6,13-17). (b) Speaking in tongues is used by the believer to speak to God in his or her personal devotions and thus to build up one's spiritual life (1 Cor. 14:4). It means speaking at the level of the spirit (14:2,14) for the purpose of praying (14:2,14,15,28), giving thanks (14:16-17), or singing (14:15; see 1 Cor. 14).

FALSE SPEAKING IN TONGUES. It must be recognized that the mere occurrence of speaking with 'other tongues,' or any other supernatural manifestation, is not absolute or uncontestable evidence of the work and presence of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues can be counterfeited by human initiative or demonic activity. The Bible cautions us not to believe every spirit, but examine whether the spiritual experiences we have really do come from God (see 1 John 4:1).

(1) Speaking in tongues, in order to be valid, must be 'as the Spirit [gives] utterance' (Acts 2:4). To follow the norm in the book of Acts, speaking in tongues must be the spontaneous result of the initial filling of the Holy Spirit. It is not a learned phenomenon, nor can it be taught by instructing believers to speak incoherent syllables.

(2) The Holy Spirit explicitly warns that in the last days of this age there will be, within the Church, hypocrisy (1 Tim. 4:1-2), signs and wonders from satanic powers (Mat. 7:22-23; cf. 2 Thes. 2:9), and deceitful workers disguising themselves as servants of God (2 Cor. 11:13-15). We must heed these warnings from the Holy Spirit as they relate to counterfeit spiritual manifestations and signs (Mat. 7:22-23; 2 Thes. 2:8-10).

(3) In order to discern whether our speaking in tongues is genuine, that is, truly of the Holy Spirit, we must look for the Biblically defined results of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If someone claiming to speak in tongues is not committed to Jesus Christ and the authority of the Scriptures, and is not attempting to obey the Word of God, whatever manifestations he may have are not of the Holy Spirit (1 John 3:6-10; 4:1-3; cf. Mat. 24:11,24; John 8:31; Gal. 1:9)."

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It was eight years after Peter's great, powerful, Holy Spirit inspired ser/mon at the day of Pentecost that the Holy Ghost was still being poured out. Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, was gloriously filled with the Holy Ghost, along with his family--they ALL spoke in tongues (Acts 10:44-46).

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit does not describe God's work of regeneration in the believers but His coming on them for power (Acts 11:15, 17). Salvation comes first, then Holy Spirit baptism.

Cornelius and his entire family spoke in tongues as the convincing sign or evidence to Peter and the other Jewish believers that the Holy Spirit had certainly come upon them in baptism. So it remains today. Holy Ghost tongues are the evidential sign of Spirit baptism. Don't ever let anyone tell you that tongues or the Holy Ghost manifestations have passed away! These manifestations will be here till "that which is PERFECT" is come--and "that which is perfect" is not the canonized Bible. Some actually believe that all we have now is the written Word. How foolish!

Now If...
Now if Jesus Himself was filled with the Holy Ghost for service, don't you think all Christian ought to be filled too, especially ministers? Listen to this: "...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and POWER, and...He went around DOING good and HEALING all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him" (Acts 10:38).

Receive, Be Filled, Be Baptized...Which?
The confusion over various terms the Bible uses may seem to have no end, but the truth is quite simple: there is NO difference between "receiving" the Holy Ghost from that of being "filled" or being "baptized." The Holy Ghost can "come upon", "fall upon", be "poured out", be "given", and one may "receive the promise of the Father."

Acts 1:4-5 The blessed "promise of the Father" mentioned in verse 4 is being "baptized with the Holy Ghost" in verse 5.

Acts 1:8 How exactly is a Christian "baptized" in the Holy Ghost? (i.e., How does a Christian receive "the promise of the Father"?) The Bible clearly says it is by the Holy Ghost coming "upon" the believer.

Acts 2:1, 4 What actually happens when true Christian believers are "baptized in the Holy Ghost"? God's Word says they are "filled" with His Spirit (2:4).

Scripturally, there is no difference between receiving "the promise of the Father" (1:4), the baptism in the Holy Ghost (1:5), having the Holy Ghost "come upon" you (1:8), or being "filled" with the same (2:4).
They are ALL the one and same experience.

Acts 2:16-18 In these verses we read about God pouring out His Spirit. This pouring out of God's Spirit is when God gives His Spirit to believers that they may be "baptized" with/in the Spirit, be "filled", receive "the promise of the Father" and have the Holy Ghost "come upon" them.

Acts 2:33; 2:38; 2:39 For further clarity, read these three texts. They are all speaking of the same thing (i.e., the promise/gift of the Holy Ghost).

Baptism of the Holy Ghost at Samaria
Acts 8:5-20 tells the account of Phillip's preaching at Samaria. The Samaritans mentioned were already real born-again believers (i.e., they were saved) but had not been baptized in the Holy Ghost--THEY CERTAINLY NEEDED TO BE!

You see, Matthew 28:19 tells us that we are to make disciples (i.e., get the unsaved saved!) and then baptize them (in water). The order is also plainly specified in Acts 2:38. After salvation, the new Christian may be baptized in the Spirit.

Baptized in Water, but not the Holy Ghost
Those who believe that every Christian automatically receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost at conversion must read Acts 8:6, 12, 15-17. Many converts do get the Spirit baptism at conversion, but many do not.

One must be saved before water baptism is experienced. Likewise, one must be saved before one can be baptized in the Holy Ghost. The Bible NOWHERE teaches the doctrine that every Christian convert automatically receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost at conversion.

Note: Even after one has been genuinely saved by the blood of Jesus and been baptized in water, one can still be constantly tempted to do iniquity. Take Simon for example (Acts 8:9-13, 18-24). In fact, even Spirit-filled Christians are capable of committing sins. Therefore we must ALL continually keep up our guard against sin.

Pentecostal Experience
This wonderful work of the Holy Spirit is given to FILL Christians, causing the believer to be identified with Christ and His great power.

Note: The Holy Spirit is a Person, not some nebulous substance. Jesus declared, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him (not 'it') unto you" (John 16:7).

New Work--New Power
Peter's striking sermon to the curious crowds declared, "Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by MIRACLES and WONDERS and SIGNS, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know..." Praise God! Now Christ has a new Body on earth to do His mighty work through--the many-membered Body of Christ. The Bible says we'll do GREATER works than Jesus did!

My dear readers, where, oh where, are the mighty works of God in today's Church? "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name (Jesus Christ) they will DRIVE OUT DEMONS; they will SPEAK IN NEW TONGUES; they will PICK UP SNAKES WITH THEIR HANDS; and when they drink deadly poison, IT WILL NOT HURT THEM AT ALL; they will PLACE THEIR HANDS ON SICK PEOPLE, and they WILL GET WELL" (Mark 16:17-18, NIV).

Trust me, I have seen many real miracles over the years. I have used the power of God to heal the sick and to cast out devils. Once, and only once, I prayed for a dead child in Mexico City, Mexico, and she came back to life--truly a miraculous deed done by the power of the Holy Ghost!

All these signs and miracles are meant to announce the Gospel of the Kingdom (see Matthew 10:1; Mark 3:14-15; Luke 2:2; 10:17; John 14:12). Now let me add this: not everyone prayed for gets healed. Why? Don't know why. Only God knows for sure.

Don't be Fooled!
The Bible does speak of false or demonic manifestations. The Bible does speak of false prophets/teachers that are able to perform miracles (see II Cornithians 11:13-15). Sadly, these are deceitful workmen, masquerading as true apostles of Christ. I believe that much that is passed off in churchianity, especially in charismatic circles, is demonic. I've seen and heard too much to believe everything "is the Lord" as they say. Some of the teachings that have gone forth in the last 50 years or more are just fake. For example, all this "prosperity" teaching is very misleading, to say the least.

Working in deliverance for years now, I have witnessed so many demonic spirits working in and thru Church people, ministers included. I wish I didn't have to write this, but it is so true.

All this "attractive" preaching today is nothing short of demonic. Where is the real Holy Ghost power? I mean POWER TO HEAL, CONVICT, EXPEL DEVILS, EXPOSE HIDDEN SINS, EVEN JUDGE? Honestly, this Church age has become Bloodless, Spiritless, and powerless!

In light of all this truth, should we not ALL strive to become men and women "approved of God"? Remember: Spiritual blessings and Godly deliverance cannot come from unholy sources.

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ACTS And MIRACLES Of The Holy Ghost

~PART TWO~

By: General James Green

MIRACLES CONTINUE

CHRISTIANITY SHOULD BE DEMONSTRATED--not only by Gospel preaching/teaching and ethics, but also by the miraculous. The Scriptures are replete with miracles of every sort--Praise God! If you do not believe in miracles, then you do not believe in the Bible.

God Anointed Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus did plenty of miracles. This we do not have to dispute. And as I stated in part one, Jesus did no miracles, healed no one, cast out no demons, UNTIL the Holy Ghost came upon Him. Acts 10:38 tells us, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him."

Anointed
The word "anointed" (Gk. "chrio") signified that God "smeared or rubbed Him with (Holy Ghost) oil and consecrated Him to the office" of Priest, Prophet, and King. Jesus the man was anointed with Holy Ghost POWER! With this anointing, Jesus was enabled to go about doing Spirit-led GOOD things, healing ALL that were sick, demon possessed and oppressed.

When Jesus ascended up to Heaven, He sent the Holy Ghost to continue His work in earth, through the believers. (Acts 3:1-11 gives us the account of the first miracle after Pentecost.) The day of Pentecost "kicked off" the miraculous. Read Acts 2:1-47. And tongues were the sign that the Holy Ghost had been given.

Filled with the Holy Ghost
What was the significance of this wonderful Pentecostal experience? Here are five main points:

1) It meant the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise, spoken in Joel 2:28-29, to pour out His Spirit upon ALL people (every race) at the end times (see Acts 1:4-5; Matt 3:11; Lk 24:49; Jn 1:33).

2) Since the last days of this age had begun (Acts 2:17; Heb 1:2; I Pet 1:20), everyone must now be clearly confronted with the decision to REPENT from their sins and BELIEVE in Jesus Christ the Lord (Acts 3:19; Matt 3:2; Lk 13:2; Acts 2:17).

3) The disciples were "endued with power from on high" (Lk 24:49 cf. Acts 1:8), enabling them to witness for Christ (and this meant more than mere preaching--it meant performing the miraculous too!) and bring great conviction upon the lost in relation to sin, righteousness, and God's judgments, thus empowering the disciples to turn the lost from sin to salvation in Christ (Acts 1:8; 4:13, 33; 6:8; Rom 15:19; Jn 16:8).

4) The Holy Ghost revealed His Divine nature as the Spirit who desperately longs to see the lost saved, and the sick, diseased, and oppressed set free--and we who are filled with the Holy Ghost ought to feel the same way He does. Don't you long to see the lost saved? the sick, diseased, and the demon oppressed set free? (See Acts 2:34-39; 4:12, 33; Rom 9:1-3; 10:1.)

So, dear readers, Pentecost was the beginning of WORLD MISSIONS! Don't settle for just a church "song and dance" and a small spiritual meal once or twice a week. Look to be FILLED with Holy Ghost POWER!!

5) The disciples in the early Ekklesia became genuine ministers of FIRE and POWER--Praise our God! They preached a crucified, resurrected and ascended Christ, but also taught about the Holy Ghost and the Holy Ghost gifts. HEAR ME! The Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Holy Ghost did not "die out" after the disciples died (as too many teach!). NO! Acts 2 tells us, "For the promise (of the Holy Ghost) is unto you (Peter's immediate audience), and to your children, AND TO ALL" --A-L-L!-- "that are afar off (this is you and I), even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (v. 39).

The baptism of the Holy Ghost is for ALL peoples thru ALL centuries--ALL subsequent generations. This miraculous experience DID NOT DIE or CEASE with the first century outpouring. I got it in 1971! My wife got it in 1971! Everyone here at ACMTC has got it! It is the birthright of EVERY Christian to seek, expect, and experience it. Why not get some real HOLY GHOST POWER in your life, Christians?

Holy Ghost Power--The First Recorded Miracle
Acts 3:1-11 records the first miracle done by the believers--a crippled man from birth healed by the power of God. The incredible healing of the beggar stunned all who witnessed it.

***
"Don't settle for just a church 'song and dance' and a small spiritual meal once or twice a week. Look to be FILLED with Holy Ghost POWER!!"

***

Mark 16:17-18 tells us that we too can lay hands on the sick/diseased and they SHALL recover. I believe this! The Ekklesia continued to use Jesus' mighty name, coupled with Holy Ghost power, and demons lost their homes, sicknesses and diseases lost their control. All this was done and is being done, even this day, thru faith.

Peter stated that he had no silver or gold, but would pray for a miracle. Isn't it a real SHAME (and SHAM!) that today's churches, for the most part, go for the gold and not for God? They "profess" so much but "possess" so little. Amen. But we have POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.

Where is the miracle-working power among God's professed people today? Even the Charismatic and Pentecostal churches have lost their focus of the miraculous and have gotten their eyes on money. DAMNED CHURCH!

The Birth of Christ
Jesus' birth was a miracle (and the birth of the Ekklesia was a miracle). So, in that sense, miracles were a part of Jesus' coming, right from the very beginning.

Jesus taught His disciples by Word and deed. The most vital part of His ministry was that of the MIRACULOUS. Don't you think you've gone on long enough without the baptism in the Holy Ghost?

Forgiver of Sins
To prove He could forgive sins, Jesus worked miracles (see Matt 9:6; Mk 2:10; Lk 5:24). It is truly a divine miracle for sinners to be forgiven and delivered from Satan's kingdom--this is done only by the miracle-working power of the Blood.

His Earthly/Spiritual Body
Christ Jesus set His Body in order as a miraculous Body. He gave gifts to men and women to enable them to do the miraculous (see I Cor 12:28). He NEVER withdrew those gifts. Men, in their sheer rebellion and ignorance, have stopped much of the moving of God's Spirit, but God still has "a people out of a people" who do the miraculous!

These gifts, both supernatural and natural, are certainly with us until He returns (I Cor 3:1-5). But look at the modern Church: sick, diseased, demon oppressed, weak, compromising, rebellious, ignorant, greedy, dull, dumb, sleazy, worldly . . . SINFUL!! Where is the power? Where are the miracle-working ministers? the believers? I think of II Timothy 3: "...that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be LOVERS OF THEIR OWN SELVES, COVETOUS, BOASTERS, PROUD, BLASPHEMERS, DISOBEDIENT to parents, UNTHANKFUL, UNHOLY, WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION, TRUCEBREAKERS, FALSE ACCUSERS, INCONTINENT, FIERCE, DESPISERS of those that are good, TRAITORS, HEADY, HIGHMINDED, LOVERS OF PLEASURES more than lovers of God; having a FORM of godliness, but DENYING THE POWER thereof: from such TURN AWAY" (vv. 1-5).

Did you hear what Paul said?--"...from such TURN AWAY!!!" Get out and away from those dead and dry churches, those houses of ill repute. I did years ago and I've got the power of God still. I've got my faith still.

Friends, if you belong to or help support a church or a group that does not believe or operate in the miraculous, for Heaven's sake, FORSAKE IT AS FAST AS YOU CAN! Paul issued the above warning (II Tim 3:1-5) in order to fortify those ministers and their assemblies who remained loyal to Christ and His miracle-working power and revelation. We're to hold fast to what the Bible teaches, not what false teachers teach.

For sure, we live in an age of "lovers of their own selves", and the sin has caused an overwhelming deluge of ungodliness. The modern Church is so sick and sleazy that it makes Jesus SICK!!

Material and money lovers!--the churches are full of them. Oh, sure, they appear (I said A-P-P-E-A-R) to be godly, but they sure lack Holy Ghost conviction and power! Dead and dry! Cold formalism! Dry routine! Churches produce children of the devil--DAMNED and PROFANE. There isn't enough power in most modern churches to save one soul from selfishness, immorality and SIN! Bastard children, children of whoredoms who RESIST the Gospel truth always!

***
"Friends, if you belong to or help support a church or a group that does not believe or operate in the miraculous, for Heaven's sake, FORSAKE IT AS FAST AS YOU CAN!"

***

Pentecost and Persecution
The outpouring of the Holy Ghost brought genuine interest, attention, real conviction, and converts. It will do the same today. But be WARNED, my dear readers, this will also bring lots of persecution! We here at ACMTC KNOW this to be a fact! We've had dozens of hate articles written against us in the newspapers in many states. We are slandered, wrongly accused and labeled as a "cult" and as "hate messengers". TV, radio, internet and word of mouth have carried many allegations thru the years in order to STOP us! We've been raided by the police many times (usually after a false report by our "church" enemies), but God has seen us thru it all. Every lie out of the pit of Hell has been hurled at us. (Spent time in jail/prison also!)

Just lately in our corp, we had a dispute (we're not glorified saints yet!) which resulted in having the law pay us a visit. The officer had been to our camp several times before on friendly terms, but because he is a Roman Catholic he apparently saw the perfect opportunity to make our whole camp look bad. He manipulated several key members to fill out complaints against me, which they did--but later we found out that he USED those reports to cause me lots of trouble with the county officials. He had these members exaggerate the problem which later was picked up by the local newspaper. The first news report was totally exaggerated and biased. After I personally talked to the newspaperman and explained the real situation, he apologized and printed several more realistic articles. However, this did not stop our hateful enemies (who make it a hobby to monitor our camp!) from spreading the first article all over the internet and by word of mouth. Of course the enemies never give the more true accounts, even if they are eventually printed. This type of persecution has been going on with us since 1983.

One police officer (state policeman) that tried to destroy us (having over 3 dozen police in our Headquarters) lost his job and was made to be the FOOL! The fabricated story that he had been motivated by was so exaggerated that it was more than hard to believe--but our enemies believed it UNTIL the person who started the BIG LIE was sought for to be arrested. The person left the state to escape the authorities!!

So, dear ones, when you hear or read something about us, always remember that the reports are highly exaggerated and biased. We're not angels, we do make mistakes, but the Devil and his (usually "Christian") agents work to destroy this work that God has given us. But praise God, this is WAR! Now our camp is stronger than ever before. God is doing MANY MIRACLES for us, and our enemies are our footstool.

Persecution is all part of Christian growth and fruit-bearing. Time and space limit me from writing about the times we have endured persecutions similar to what I have already mentioned. Yet we can look back over the years and count many souls that God has struck down because of their attacks against us. Some are literally dead, others confined to a wheelchair, others have cancer and heart troubles, and so on. God is our protector. Of course, we always seek to forgive our enemies, and leave the rest to God and His divine justice.

Thank God for the Holy Ghost! He (not It) leads and guides us thru our trials and tribulations. He anoints us with spiritual power to tread down our enemies when necessary. He gives us power to prevail. Persecution is part of a godly Christian life. When many believers get persecuted, they fall away. But we should never let persecutions get us down--except ONTO OUR KNEES!

The early Apostles prayed for greater power and boldness (Acts 4:23-31)--the thing that got them persecuted. Acts 4:29-30 tells us, "And now, Lord, consider their (the enemies') threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform MIRACULOUS SIGNS AND WONDERS thru the name of your holy servant Jesus." Yes, Lord! Give all of us more boldness to preach and teach your Word and perform the MIRACULOUS. The devils HATE THIS!! Yet we must face the enemies of Christ that breathe out criticisms, persecutions, rejections, and threats. Don't let fear cause you to be stopped.

The Churches today NEED signs, wonders, healings, miracles--these confirm the Gospel. Be encouraged, dear Christian, greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. If more MIRACLES were wrought today, notable miracles, even the dying world would take earnest notice that we are of Christ. We have seen many come to Christ because of divine MIRACLES.

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If you do not then you belong to the anti-supernaturalism class. There are those who claim Christianity as their faith/religion yet do not believe in the Supernatural/miracles. I just can’t wrap my head around this, for the very God, Son, Holy Ghost they espouse are supernatural beings.

Invisible

To start, God is the invisible God: “Now He is the exact likeness of the unseen God – the visible representation of the invisible; He is the Firstborn – of all creation.” -Col. 1:15, Amp. Bible. This text is speaking of the Son. Jesus, before His birth as a human being, was with His Father in Eternity, the Christ, invisible also. Please read vv. 16-20, see if these texts do not describe the “Supernatural.”

Now to the King of eternity, incorruptible & immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor & glory forever & ever – to the ages of ages.” -1 Tim. 1:17, Amp. Bible; see also Heb. 11:27.

Invisible: Greek, aóratos (Strong’s #517), from #3707, horatos, the opposite of 517, “to appear, behold, perceive.” So, the “invisible God” can be perceived; He can be seen (as written in Jn. 10:30; 14:9).

Anti-Supernaturalism

The definition of Anti-Supernaturalism is disbelief either in God’s existence or HIs intervention in the natural order of the universe.

Did you know that in the O.T. (Pentateuch) we read where God SPOKE to Moses, as He COMMANDED Moses to do something; it is explicitly stated no less that 235 times (according to Strong’s). Other men/women were spoken to by God (or an angel) as well. The invisible God SPEAKS = supernatural in itself, not to mention the miracles alone He performed.

Even men/women of the world defines the “Supernatural” as info., theories, beliefs, & practices claiming origins other than verifiable experience & thinking, or events contrary to known processes in nature.

I can understand those who do not believe in a God, but I can’t understand those who claim to be “Christian” and have Bibles. How can any Christian NOT BELIEVE in the “Supernatural” (“S”)?

Fact!

I believe in miracles, the “S”. I read where Prof. J.W. Montgomery had commented on the issue of unsound presuppositions, it went something like this:

If you hold unsound presuppositions with sufficient tenacity, FACTS will make no difference at all, & you will be able to create a world of your own, totally unrelated to reality & totally incapable of being touched by reality.” He said that such a condition (which the philosophers call “autistically psychotic,” & lawyers call “insane”) is tantamount to death because connections with the living world is severed.

The very salvation of a soul is a miracle/supernatural; Jesus’ blood washing away sins!!!

The whole book of Acts is accounts of the “S”/ “miracles.” “Be healed,” “Arise and walk” - words spoken in BELIEF: WORDS performing miracles; Spirit Words! The resurrection of Jesus from the dead = Supernatural miracle. There are “great men of God” who do not even believe in the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Case-in-Point: Prof. Rudolph Bultmann, one of the foremost proponents of Form criticism has written, “The historical method includes the presupposition that history is a unity in the sense of a closed continuum of effects in which individual events are connected by the succession of cause & effect. This does not mean that the process of history is determined by the casual law & that there are no free decisions of men whose actions determine the course of historical happenings. But even a free decision does not happen without cause, without a motive; and the task of the historian is to come to know the motives of actions. All decisions & all deeds have their causes & consequences; and the historian method presupposes that it is possible in principle to exhibit there & their connection & thus to understand the whole historical process as a closed unity.”

He went on to write that this closedness means that the continuum of historical happenings cannot be rent by the interference of “supernatural,” “transcendent powers” & that therefore there is NO MIRACLE in this sense of the Word. Such a MIRACLE would be an event whose cause did not lie within history. He also stated that it is in accordance with such a method as this that the science of history goes to work on all historical documents. And, he adds, there cannot be any exception in the case of Biblical texts if the latter are at all to be understood historically.

So says this UNBELIEVING “Christian” professor. He believes /presupposes that 20th/21st century men & women take it for granted that the events of nature & of history are nowhere interrupted by the intervention of “supernatural powers.”

It gets WORSE. Bultmann has put in print that an historical fact which involves a resurrection from the dead is UTTERLY INCONCEIVABLE! He also writes that miracles cannot be contemplated. Really dude? I can not only contemplate them but have seen plenty of them in my 53 years of Christian service; raising the dead is one of them in which I saw with my blue eyes in Mexico City in the mid-1970s. (see Bultmann’s anti-supernatural book, Jesus Christ & Mythology – he disbelieves because miracles do not fit into his twisted theology.) Bultmann has a hissy fit over raising the dead, which is clearly in the Bible, even spiritual raising of the dead (read Eph. 2:1: “And you [He made ALIVE], when you were DEAD by [your] trespasses & sins.” Amp. Bible... “And He RAISED (resurrected) us up together with Him & made us sit down together,” v.6

Who do you believe, UN-believers or the Bible?

The God of Heaven, the pre-existent Christ (God also) & the Holy Spirit (also God) are Heavenly Beings... and the raising the dead (human beings), the removal of a dead male/female into a Heavenly sphere/realm/kingdom of LIGHT, LOVE & LIFE is not impossible with Them!!! NO sin! The clothing of a man, woman, child in a Heavenly body is “miracle-working-power.” Unbelievers like Rudolph Bultmann, who claim it is not only rationally unthinkable but also is meaningless. Meaningless? Tell me, professors of Satan, why did Jesus come to earth (as a human being, God in flesh), die on the cross & resurrect from the dead IF He/They did not have the will & power to CHANGE a sinner to a saint?

So, rationalist criticism is not of God but of Satan. Period! These “smart/learned” theologians/Bible experts are DUMB as HELL!!! Their philosophic theories are merely verbiage garbage. Most of their propaedeutics (set of introductory ideas or principles required for the study of a subject or subjects) are founded upon Unbelief in the “Supernatural.” All their studies on the supernatural, e.g. feeding of the multitudes with very, very little, the healing of bodies, the raising of the dead, the casting out of demons et al. are all scrutinized by their UNbelief. The question of the “Supernatural”/ “Miracles,” then, must be solved in the realm of historical investigation –did they actually happen? - not in the realm of philosophical speculation.

Are miracles (“M”) a violation of the laws of nature? Nothing is esteemed a “M” if it ever happens in the common course of nature, some believe.

One author wrote (in his review of “The Historian & the Believer”): “If God exists, miracles are not merely logically possible, but really & genuinely possible at every moment.” Thank you, brother.

Prof. Ron Sider (whom I read some of his anti-Christ writings) clearly states that the historian qua historian of course could never PROVE that an unusual event was inexplicable in terms of natural causes, much less that it was due to direct divine activity... But he could never rule out the possibility that future scientific knowledge would be able to EXPLAIN the event as one instance of a regularly recurring pattern... But the historian’s inability to PROVE that the unusual event is a “Miracle” does not preclude his ruling on its facticity. He goes on to say that in the case of the ALLEGED resurrection of Jesus, the historian qua historian could never demonstrate that God raised up His Son, Jesus but he might, if he found the evidence adequate, conclude that Jesus was PROBABLY alive on the third day.

Well, for your info. Mr. UNbeliever, Jesus was resurrected. Not only this miracle but His body was changed. Furthermore, Mr. UNbeliever, Jesus was seen for 40 days after His resurrection.

A.H. Soyce, author of Monuments, facts & Higher Critical Fancies, wrote, “if there was no record of miracles in the O.T./N.T., it may be questioned whether so much zeal would have been displayed in endeavoring to throw doubt on the authenticity of their contents.”

Fin

The anti-supernatural bases his/her thinking on the presupposition that God has not intervened in history. Therefore he/she reject evidence indicating the supernatural no matter how convincing,” so writes Josh McDowell in his book Evidence That Demands A Verdict, vols. 1 & 2.

The Scripture Witness

Jesus Himself declared that He worked miracles: “Go & report to John what you have seen & heard; the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, & the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the Gospel preached to them.” -Lk. 7:22.

Need more proof that Jesus was God (Emmanuel = “God with us.” -Mt. 1:23; Mal. 5:2. Jesus was Emmanuel, literally, “The Strong God with us.” The same as what John wrote in Jn. 1:1,14 - “The word which was God – was made flesh...” 1 Tim. 3:16 says, “And God was manifest in the flesh.” All these imply God incarnated – God in human nature (a miracle!). (These ought to be read in Heb./Gk.)

Divine & human nature united in ONE, a miraculous union. Jesus’ conception was a miracle – Mary was a virgin, impregnated by the Holy Spirit: “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself...” 2 Cor. 5:19, hence, God with man – God in man – God with us. When we have Jesus the Son, we also have the Father & the Holy Spirit. Both the Father & the Son are called God: Greek, theos, "the supreme Divinity” God: Hebrew, ’elôahîym, "the supreme God,” from ’elôahh, "the Deity.”

Jesus was fully human & fully God. So, when Jesus said what He said in Luke 7:22, it was God working in & through the man Jesus. (note: this verse is a catena of phrases from Isa. 35:5-6 & 61:1; see also Lk. 4:18)

Jesus allowed the Holy Spirit’s power to flow through Him... healing manifestations for body, soul & spirit of the people. The beneficent miracles of Jesus were anticipations, proleptic manifestations, of the GREAT salvation which would be consummated only in the age to come... which we now enjoy. By & through Jesus the Christ, God began His New World Order. Praise The Lord!

Jesus demonstrated power over nature, over disease/sickness, over demons, over death itself. Go thru the N.T. and count the times in which He demonstrated the Divine Supreme power of God. He demonstrated a power that could belong only to God. It was the miracles authenticating the Christian faith. They were real, not miracles of apocryphal fiction. We too have this power within us.

Jesus was both a natural man & a supernatural person in ONE.

"Miracles are harmonious with the character & consciousness of Jesus; they were not for mere “show” but for confirmation of who & what He was. They were displays of both anger (cursing the fig tree) & love, mercy & grace for lost & hurting humankind. Even Jesus’ enemies, the “religious,” had to recognize the power He had within – but they attributed His miracles to Satan/magic. In A.D. 95 Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus of Lydda spoke of Jesus’ “magic arts” (Stauffer, Ethelbert. Jesus & His Story, 1960). Around this same period (A.D. 95-110) we encounter the ritual denunciation: “Jesus practiced magic & led Israel astray” (Sanhedrin 43: a). In Jesus & His Story we further read that around 110, a controversy among Palestinian Jews centering upon the question of whether it was permissible to be healed in Jesus’ name: “Now, miraculous healings in the name of Jesus imply that Jesus Himself performed such miracles.”

Roman Emperor, Julian the Apostate, (361-363), one of the most gifted enemies to Christians & Christianity stated: “Jesus... has now been celebrated about 300 years; having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it a very great work to heal lame & blind people & exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida & Bethany.” (the Person of Christ, 1913, by Philip Schoff). This antichrist unwittingly ascribed to Jesus the power to heal & cast out demons!

Jesus did most of His miracles, not in private, but in public, why? They were done before the public for open investigation & scrutiny so the “religious” & skeptics could behold them. The raising of the dead –Lazarus- was witnessed by many. His enemies did not deny that miracle, but, rather, as the Bible says, tried to MURDER Him before all men believed on Him (see Jn. 11:48; see also Mt. 12:24,25,26).

Miracles, therefore, are against nature & reason.

By now you realize that I am a firm believer in miracles.

It is time to start believing in the miracle working power of the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit & God the Father.

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 Miracle Evangelism                                     

General James Green

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost...” (Acts 1:5).

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me...shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matt. 3:11).

WATER BAPTISM...FIRE BAPTISM, what do they mean? The first, we understand, as being baptized in water, but the latter, few understand...and fewer have had that baptism.

FIRE BAPTISM! SPIRIT BAPTISM! A BAPTISM WHICH GIVES GREAT MIRACLE POWER TO LIVE AND WITNESS FOR OUR CHRIST!

My wife and I both have received this “fiery baptism,” seen plenty of miracles, and performed miracles by the Spirit’s power. It is literally a shame to see God’s professing people “fireless!”...yet churches are FULL of people in this state—cold as ice cubes, dead in cold religion, and even cold towards the one who redeemed them. The Holy Ghost baptism is REAL; seek for it!

If more Christians were to get on fire for God, the whole world would be transformed. I believe this! In this generation, the churches, with her colleges and seminaries, could send out “fire brands” instead of graduates insidiously imbecile with atheistical ideas. Christ baptized His own followers with the Holy Ghost. This was promised by the prophet Joel (2:28), and reaffirmed after Christ’s resurrection in Luke (24:49) and Acts (1:4-8). The fire fell on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4).

One female (under 20 years of age when she went to the missions field of East Equatorial Africa) has aptly written (after 25 years in that land): “Some people think that any person with a fair show of piety, a form of godliness, and a reasonable aptitude for acquiring a foreign language, is properly endowed for the foreign missions field. But, how can men and women deliver the message of the regenerating Gospel of the Grace of God if they have never been regenerated themselves? How can they lead a poor ignorant savage to a knowledge of sins forgiven through the precious blood of Christ if they have never had that sin-cleansing blood applied to their own soul? How can they be witnesses to the heathen of the verities and consolations of their religion of Jesus Christ if they are uncertain as to their own state before God?” She asked then, and I ask the same now. “Church” membership will never do what “Heaven” membership will do. We need, you need, and ALL NEED the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire...NOW!!

Let us not be shaken by all these infiltrations of perversion (homosexual upheavals), change (including the Holy Bible— so as to fit the “Politically Correct” agenda), compromise, family break-ups, or worldly entertainment,....all this adds up to the wrecking of our moral standards, ethical thinking, and our social and spiritual behavior. All this effects the evangelism and missionary work in and among the lost. All this internal fighting certainly effects the outward warfare. Satan, devils, and demons have a very “wonderful and successful” war campaign against the church. Why? Because the believers lack the Holy Ghost Power. Let me clarify, the real Holy Ghost Fire is not the modern spirit/charismatic/best life now movement which is mixed with all manner of worldliness and religious deception.

Since the liberal church is bent on trashing the Holy Ghost, and rejecting the “Sword that Cuts and the Fire that Burns,” she is becoming more and more unhealthy and unholy. This sets in motion the drifting of the modern mind from its moorings of settled conviction (which the Holy Ghost brings on) and purpose. We will not miss anything of value by refusing to drift with the ever-madding currents of floundering thoughts, i.e., Politically Correctism. If we drift with them, we gain nothing and lose a lot. These filthy dreamers show one nothing but contempt!

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities” (Jude 1:8). The apostle Peter also speaks about those who “...walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government (God’s). Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities” (2 Peter 2:10). Here, Peter speaks of unrighteous and immoral people who, like the vile homosexuals of Sodom (see verse 6-8, as well as Gen. 19:4-11), despise all manner of authority which restrains evil, including Christ, His Word, and His messengers.

Because believers refuse to walk after the Spirit, they can do nothing but walk after the flesh, fulfilling its sinful lusts, (see Gal. 5:16-26). I don’t see how any Bible-believing Christian can choose the way of the FLESH when the Word condemns it. These ones have been filled with God’s Spirit, yet walk contrary, are deluded at best.

The crisis we now face in the Church is this: will the professors of the Christian faith WHOLLY surrender to the inclinations of the “flesh” (i.e., sinful nature) and return to the full dominion of sin, or will the Church yield to the demands and commands of the Holy Ghost, walking under the dominion of Christ Jesus the Lord (as “master”)?

The judgments of God are ready to be poured out upon the rebellious Church, but He is pleading for REPENTANCE (read Rom. 8:4-14). It boils down to this: the battlefield is within the believer, and the conflict must continue throughout their earthly life if they are to reign with Christ (Rom. 7:7-25; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 12:11; see also Eph. 6:11). Either we surrender to do God’s will or we fight against His will in order to do our will. It is one way or the other.

THE MODERN CHURCH IS AS SICK AS THE WORLD IS. Accept it, it’s true! But, I firmly believe that if any hungry and sincere soul throws itself open before the Lord, and accepts His diagnosis, prescription, and His treatment, the soul, could be made well. A good dose of Holy Ghost fire will do wonders for the sick soul.

Dead and formal religion has never been God’s plan for man. Fire moves, burns, glows, destroys (impurities), and changes things. The Bible plainly tells us that OUR GOD IS THE GOD OF FIRE! (Deut. 4:24; Heb. 12:29). God IS SPIRIT, and a person with dead religion is only a mockery. But, heart religion is a very dangerous weapon in the hand of God...and in the home, Church, school, and society at large.

The Christian faith requires a second birth: “ye must be born-again.” Jesus tells us in John 3:3 that “...except a man be born again, he (or she) cannot see the Kingdom of God.” He tells us in verse 5 that: “...except a man (or woman) be born of water and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.” But, we also need to be FILLED with the Holy Ghost after we are regenerated by water (which is referring to the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth). In Titus 3:5 it speaks of “the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 4:31 tells us that after the born-again believers prayed, they were ALL FILLED with the Holy Ghost, and spoke the Word of God with boldness. They also spoke in tongues—a language they never learned, a Spirit gift mentioned in 1 Cor. 12:7-31. This experience is still available today.

Miracles! Yes! We need to see more of them, and the world needs to see them. I FEEL SORRY FOR THE POOR SOULS THAT BELIEVE THAT GOD’S MIRACLES HAVE “PASSED AWAY!” HOW UTTERLY STUPID. The reason we don’t see them much is because people do not believe in them. Too many supposed “Christians” have drifted away form the Lord of miracles.

Hebrews 2:1 WARNS ANY AND ALL AGAINST DRIFTING FROM THE FAITH...read it for yourself. The writer of Hebrews asks in verse 3: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him.” Then in the following verse, the writer says that, “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers (many) MIRACLES, and gifts of the Holy Ghost...”

If you want to believe that all the above has passed away, go ahead, but I’ve seen them happen for over 52 years now. The Holy Ghost, thru the writer of Hebrews, reaffirms that God confirmed and supported the Gospel message with signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost (read Acts 2:2). After Jesus arose from the dead, He promised that the miraculous confirmation of the Gospel message would follow ALL WHO BELIEVE. Do you believe?

The Gospel message is more than “dead letter” teaching and preaching, it is ALIVE and ACTIVE. The Lord desires that evangelism be accompanied with miracle power, not just religious words (read Acts 4:30; 1 Pet. 1:12; 1 Thes. 1:5; Gal. 3:5; 1 Cor. 2:4, 5; Acts 2:22, 43; John 10:25; Mark 16:20).

The inner witness/inner voice, is missing in most modern evangelism. Holy Ghost power has been replaced with religious respectability...and it has all but killed the church. When the Church loses its desire for lost souls to be won, and members to become fruitful, it is out of touch with God entirely. The WORD OF GOD AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD MUST work together.

How it grieves the Lord when His ministers (at least those who use His name) speak only dead words, void of any Spirit life! The modern church has a form of godliness, but has LOST the vision, passion, and action by denying His power. Some even claim demonstrations of God’s Spirit Power are demonic. How utterly blind. No wonder the Church is going to HELL in a Wal-Mart shopping cart!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ needs no proving—it is what it is. It is men that God needs to prove, for many are unworthy to carry His Gospel. The truth of the matter is that this generation has gone a whoring after the gods and goddesses of this world, and has prostituted itself with MANY lovers. This calls for REVOLUTION!...the overthrowing of the existing “religious” government that holds some of God’s true saints hostage.

True miracle evangelism has NO substitute. It operates exclusively in its very own field. Its roots are firmly and deeply planted in God, through Jesus, by the Holy Spirit. It is vain to attempt God’s work without a saving faith and trust in Christ Jesus. Yet, religious men and women in this hour, and in this generation, don’t give a DAMN for God’s way of doing things. NO! They have their own WAY.

The poor tithe-paying Church-slaves are not even aware that many preachers, pastors, and ministers, of all types, are of the same spirit and life as the corrupt and false teachers of God’s law in Jesus’ day. I know ministers (so-called) who are vile liars, sex perverts, frauds etc. that carry on Church work as though God approves them. Outwardly they may appear “righteous” unto men (Matt. 23:28), but are nothing but “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matt. 7:15). How very “professional” many are in our generation...and RICH TOO!

But don’t be fooled, because God WILL judge them. You see, many are fooled by their messages that, at times, are based solidly on God’s Word—even proclaiming high and holy standards/ethics. They appear sincerely concerned (if you pay good tithes!) for your well-being and the Lord’s work. Then, at times, even show great interest in the salvation of the lost (numbers and $$ count in the church system), professing love for all peoples. They may be commendable spiritual leaders in your community, even winning awards and recognition, they may be very successful and have multitudes following them, but unless the Lord builds the house (by the Holy Spirit’s Power and guidance), they labor in vain. Such deceit makes up “Religious Babylon.”

Don’t be fooled by all this religious fervor that is out there. Where DO they stand in God’s sight? IS THE HOLY GHOST DOING THE WORK, OR IS IT MEN, MONEY, AND MACHINERY? Closer to home, let us examine our own selves, evaluate our faith and our works: are we just religious or are we righteous?

Let us ask the Holy Ghost to BURN, to CUT, and to DIVIDE the precious from the vile. Let us ask God to use us as a weapon of war, and a vessel of honor to the glory of His name. Amen.

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                                    Spirit Evangelism

                                 General James Green

EMILIO CASTRO, missionary to Latin America in the early part of the 1960's, made this profound statement: “The greatest obstacle to evangelization is the Church which is preoccupied with its own existence. It would be amusing, if it were not pathetic, to see entire denominations concerned with wholly secondary questions of form or doctrine—the pastor’s clothing, women’s adornment in Church, the possibility of having a cross in the sanctuary—while the revolutionary ferment is raging in the streets and countryside of Latin America.”

What do you think of that? Is Mr. Castro perceptive? Forward his profound statement to today, and it would be even more profound! Not only is there revolutionary activity all around the world, but murderous terrorism, wickedness, and evil at all levels of society…all while the Church plays church. Pathetic alright!

Having been to the mission fields for a number of years myself, there is no doubt that the GREATEST OBSTACLE to evangelization is the CHURCH which is PREOCCUPIED with its own existence. May I ask, “Who and what are you taking to the world: Jesus Christ, or your particular church denomination/organization?” Surely too much “church” is preached, and not enough Jesus Christ and HIS Kingdom. Church bodies certainly have their place, but that place should always be in subjectivity unto the ONE who died to bring forth the Church (Ekklesia)—the body of Christ.

Sadly, poor leadership, lack of Spirit-anointing, consecration, dedication, and even separation (from the sins of the world!) hinders true evangelism. TOO MANY “GO” JUST TO MAKE RELIGIOUS CLAIMS, NOT TO MAKE GODLY DISCIPLES FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Territorial jealousy is another obstacle to the evangelism task. It is just sinful to see denominations fight over territories and what “name” will win out. But I ask: “What about the name of Jesus Christ the Lord??” Be honest, I find it literally repulsive when I see “Americanism” being preached to the pagans instead of “Jesus.” As if the U.S. Church is so great with all its money, machinery, and men! We are cheating the lost by giving them such a self-centered witness. I’m all for organization, but not dead and man-made organizations. Money, men, and machinery should be assets, not hindrances; but these have become gods! Idolatry!!

When the Church puts away her idols, her leisure time, her lack of concern for lost souls (souls in her very own midst!), it is the beginning of the Spirit Revolution we need today. I cannot believe how shallow missionaries/ministers are that we’ve met while out in the fields. I would consider some totally UNSAVED themselves. Worse yet is that they preach worldly sermons at best: no anointing, no Spirit, no impact! DEAD MEN PREACHING TO DEAD MEN.

To evangelize is to bear witness to the reconciling power of Christ between parties, races, and nations.

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath COMMITTED UNTO US THE WORD OF RECONCILIATION” (2 Cor. 5:19). If we go back up to verse 18, it says: “…Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION.” May I ask: “who is the centralized person: Paul, or Jesus Christ?” Without being reconciled to God by and through Jesus Christ, none of us would be saved. Sinners NEED reconciliation, not just to be attached to a church denomination. The sinner needs restored fellowship with their Creator...Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit make this possible, not Church. Men have made their church an end in itself.

The apostle Paul states in 1 Cor. 1:23 that: “…we preach Christ (not Paul!) crucified…” Again Paul states in 2 Cor. 4:5 that “...we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord…” WE SIN WHEN WE PREACH ANY OTHER NAME. This is not to say that we cannot be organized, and have a name, but it is the name of Jesus that is the “winning” factor, not our name. The Church is so occupied and preoccupied with its own self-interest and self-importance, it is failing to win the field of battle- and demons and devils laugh...and souls perish and go to an eternal fiery Hell FOREVER...while the Church plays church!

Presenting our “church” does little for the saving of souls. It is through Christ’s atoning death and His glorious resurrection that God removes the barrier of sin and opens a WAY, THE WAY, for the lost sinner to return to God, not our church. (read Rom. 3:25; 5:10; Eph. 2:15, 16).

Reconciliation becomes effective for each person through his/her repentance and faith in Christ...not joining a church. Church has its place, but it is NOT the mediator, Christ Jesus is: “For there is ONE God, and ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for ALL, to be testified in due time.” (1 Tim. 2:5-6). Verse 7 states plainly that the apostle Paul’s ministry was to preach and teach this. He was not lifting up himself, but Christ. A church (as a building or denomination) can play a vital role, but not THE ROLE.

If all religious institutions could forget about THEIR OWN preservation (even praise of it!) and existence, and seek the will of our Lord for the lost, we would discover that more souls are Biblically and spiritually saved, and that the Christian body could fulfill its role in Christ-like unity.

True, the Church has been given the ministry of reconciliation—calling ALL peoples to be reconciled to God, but it is Christ that we are to lift up, not we ourselves. Jesus said in John 12:32, “...if I be lifted (upon the cross) up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” It is Jesus, not any particular church or person, that is to be preached. Only He saves!

Also, the grace of God is NOT EXCLUSIVE, i.e., for some and not for others, as some teach. Salvation is available to ALL men, not just the special “elect,” while others are sent off to Hell. This is why it is important to “GO AND TELL” the good news! Jesus died for ALL, but not ALL will respond, some will, by their own choice, refuse that call. Because some love their sins, they nullify the grace of God (Matt. 23:37, John 3:19).

The church in this generation has stooped so low as to “sell” the gospel. It is easier to extend our particular church organization than to LIVE the Gospel. Actually, the Church in this hour is nothing more than a dead system reaching out to the dead. The basic criteria is not in numerical results, but dynamic SERVICE AND WITNESS in the Church itself! Unfortunately we see little of this. AMEN!!

Various systems of evangelization are not formulae to be applied indiscriminately. No. They develop within the framework of a given situation, and are determined by the reality of the existing churches. But usually these systems are carnally-minded, not Spiritually-minded. Unfortunately again, we have evangelism promoted, arising out of a church situation characterized by envy, strife, and division, with the merits and defects inherent in such a situation. Once souls are “saved(?),” we bring them into this kind of religious confusion.

One wonders if it is the SYSTEM OR THE MESSAGE THAT IS IMPORTANT. Which one helps or hinders? True, we, at times, need a system/a method, but we must strive to let the Holy Spirit be in control—not a church staff with differing opinions and goals in mind. Our method of witnessing may change in changing circumstances, but the Gospel message itself is to remain comprehensible and relevant. Look at what this satanic “Politically Correct” bull has done all around the world—calling good evil, and evil good...all for the sake of not shaking the boat.

THE GOSPEL IS THE SAME, BUT SERMONS MAY BE DELIVERED DIFFERENTLY, A TECHNIQUE TO BRING FORTH RESULTS IN THE MAX:

* Preach salvation to the lost.

* Preach and teach doctrines to the saved.

* Preach and teach the consequences of sin to both the lost and the saved disciple.

* Preach His promises and His commands in such a way that the sinner will get saved, and the saved will accept his/ her godly responsibilities in the world.

* Preach the message of REPENTANCE to the unsaved, [and the same to the believer]—sorrow for sins, and a radical change in our Christian walk.

You see, the modern Church is full of “religious sinners” that feel no need of repentance...could it be that the Holy Spirit has departed, and that is what is bringing on that conviction of wrong-doing?

Don’t you feel that the word “witness” must regain its original meaning: “one who witnesses for the King”?

...and ye shall be witnesses unto me (Jesus)...unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The “power” to do this would come, not by the power of men, money, or machinery, but by the Holy Ghost: “But that ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come unto you...” (v. 8). Just about every Christian out there thinks they are full of the “power” of God, but in reality, most are no better than empowered by religious flesh.

That Greek word “power” (dunamis, G1411), means more than just mere human strength or organizational abilities, but means SPIRIT POWER, especially power in operation/in action. Preaching with Spirit Power is not the same as human spirit power. This is one reason that so little is being done eternally. Collecting church members is not too hard if one offers the poor riches—especially American riches! Much could be written here advocating the BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST, which so few have these days!

The word “power” also denotes or implies the ability to work miracles, which is also very much missing in today’s evangelism. Heal the sick, cast out devils, even raise the dead at times: did not Jesus and His apostles/disciples/missionaries do miracles? Sure! There are missionaries, both past and present, that have NEVER even seen, yet performed, a real “Power miracle.” But aren’t miracles Biblical? For sure; I’ve seen many myself.

But again, the Church gets in the way. In fact, whole denominations teach that “all this miracle and power stuff has passed away.” Really? When? You see, the Church in this hour relies upon their men, money, and machinery to do the job for them, and regretfully, it is the Church that becomes the redeemer, not Christ.

IT IS THE BETRAYAL OF GOD’S PURPOSE AND PLAN FOR MAN TO BECOME THE SAVIOR AND SOURCE OF NOURISHMENT FOR THE CONVERT. Sure we are to be laborers together with Christ for the redemption of souls, and also to feed them, but without the “Power of God,” we labor in vain. The church thusly becomes a “religious” organization, preoccupied with her message, method and means.

Let us all passionately seek to be a true witness for Christ, to the complete transformation that He desires, not we ourselves. This will take some dying to self, but “SELF” MUST DECREASE, AND CHRIST MUST INCREASE. Amen.

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SUFFERING AND DIVINE HEALING

By: Prof. J.W.Kanoy   

There is an age old question that always comes to mind when considering the thought of suffering and divine healing. "Why do the righteous suffer?" "Why do the wicked go unpunished?"

David said in Psalm 73:2, "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped" Why did David say this? The answer is found in the third verse. Job, you will remember, after his three friends came to him and wouldn't speak to him for a week, reasoned with God about his suffering. Job knew that his friends misunderstood his trial of faith. They argued that Job was a secret sinner and God was dealing with him in judgment. Of course, they believed like so many people today, the reason people suffer is because of some sin which they or their parents have committed. Jesus Himself said this wasn't true, for He declared in John 9:3a, "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents." So you can see that a man does not always suffer because of some sin that has been committed, or his parents, nor does the wicked always suffer in this life because of the way he lives. I was reading a book one day that had a very good illustration that went something like this: "A farmer wrote to a news editor and said that he had been trying an experiment on his farm. The farmer went on to tell of how he had a field of corn which he planted on Sunday, plowed on Sunday, hauled to the barn on Sunday, and found he had more corn than ever before, even more than his neighbors. The farmer sent his letter to the editor sure that he could have no answer to the sneer implied in it. In the next issue the editor printed his story and at the end made this remark, "God does not make full settlement in this life or in October when you gather your corn."

Before we take up our subject let us ask ourselves a few questions and then answer them from the Word of God. God has a message for those who suffer and for those who are afflicted.

1. Why does God permit this affliction upon me or somebody else? a. For Jesus sake.

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." Phil. 1:29.

b. To bring you close to the Lord Jesus.

"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." Ps. 119:67.

c. To make you a real strong Christian.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” II Cor. 12:10 2. Does God heal our afflictions?

"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." Ja. 5:15

3. What should we do about our afflictions?

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Ja. 5:16

In Revelation 2:9 notice the words "I know", the plight was well known to the Lord Jesus who came walking in the midst of the church in Smyrna as well as the seven churches mentioned in Revelation. Their tribulation, suffering, sorrow, agony, and their poverty so far as the world's goods were concerned. But He says, "Thou art rich". They have treasure in heaven. Their suffering came from within, as well as the enemy of religious character which caused them to suffer. On the outside there was the pagan world.

The name "Smyrna" means bitterness. Many times our suffering comes from within, and many times our suffering is from without.

Sometimes we suffer because of our ignorance. Sometimes we suffer because of our carelessness. Sometimes we suffer because of evil speaking. Sometimes we suffer because of evil thinking. Sometimes we suffer because of evil whispering. Sometimes we suffer because of our evil plotting. Sometimes we suffer because of our evil working.

To keep us from thinking that suffering is something foreign to us when we are called upon to suffer, we should remember:

1. What we are. (A child of God) I Jn. 2:1-2

2. Where we are. (Enemy Territory). Jn. 17:14 3. What our destiny is. (Heaven) Rev. 21

4. What our present is. (Secure in Him) Rom. 8:28

It is natural for people to say if God is just and good, why does He permit all this suffering that is going on in the world. But God reminds us as He did the church in Smyrna "Be Thou Faithful." The old song says:

Days of darkness still come o'er me

Sorrows path I often tread

But the Saviour still is with me

By His hand I'm safely led.

Remember Hebrews 13:5b, "and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

NOW LET US NOTICE THE QUESTION OF SUFFERING:

I. IS GOD CONCERNED WITH SUFFERING?

God is always concerned about his children in every age. God has always tried to be close to His people. At one time God was for the people, helping them win battles, supplying them with Manna from Heaven forty years. Then when Jesus came it was God no longer for the people, but it was God among the people in the person of Christ. Now since Jesus has finished the work He came to do and ascended back to heaven, the Holy Spirit has come and it is God in us through the person of the Holy Spirit.

God reminds us many times in His Word about how concerned He is for us. He tells about the birds that fall to the ground and how concerned He is. He tells about the hairs of our head and how they are numbered. If God is so concerned about such little things as this, don't you suppose that He is much more concerned when one of His children suffers. What would you think of a mother who would have no pity when one of her children suffers? So we can believe and be sure that God is concerned.

II. THREE THINGS WE CAN DO ABOUT SUFFERING.

First: Suffering is real. It is something that is in the game of life. God in His Word plainly tells us this and gives us many illustrations of this fact. We can say that suffering is only in the mind and that we are going to stop thinking this way and be healed, but this is only ignorance on our part. Because of sin, our bodies are subject to disease and a man is a fool to look around him and think suffering is not a reality.

Second: We can have self pity. This is what thousands of people are doing today. They are always thinking of themselves and no one else. Someone once said, "I wept and cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet."

Third: We can let the devil take charge of our lives. We can say God is not what He claims to be, and blame Him for our suffering. This will lead to holding a grudge in our hearts against God. We shall become backslidden and out of fellowship with Jesus and the devil will sit back and laugh.

One thing I admire about a boxing match, is not only the man that can give it out, but also the man who can stand in the ring and take it.

III. SUFFERING AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

The Ten Commandments are God's moral laws. The first four are related to God and man's relationship to God. The fifth commandment is a man's relationship to his parents. The last five are concerned with a man's relationship to other people.

You do not have to tell people that they do wrong when they break God's laws. Man suffers if he breaks God's moral laws. Not all the time does the one who breaks the laws of God do the suffering but at times someone else will suffer. Ill. An auto wreck in which a man is killed when a drunk driver runs through a stop sign. Any time men break the laws of God, they suffer. Gal. 6:7

IV. WAYS OF DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM OF SUFFERING.

The most terrible thing about sin is that it brings suffering. Look at the jails, orphanages, etc.

First: Try to get rid of it, see if we can find the source of the problem. For instance, if we have the stomach ache, maybe it is because we have eaten some green apples. If our feet hurt it might be because we bought our shoes the wrong size. If we have a cold it might be because we went out in the rain bareheaded and etc. Paul tells us in I Cor. 11 to examine ourselves.

Second: Pray and ask God to heal us by His power. But we are not to ask God to do this until we have examined ourselves. The reason Paul says what he does in the Corinthian letter is because some had failed to judge themselves and for this reason many were weak and sickly.

Third: Go see a doctor. Luke was a doctor of medicine and was used of the Lord to write the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. God has given doctors knowledge of our bodies and of medicine, and through medical research have been able to correct many ailments which cause us to suffer. A man is a fool who refuses to go see a doctor and not use common sense.

In some cases God preferred, and was pleased to cure the sick without means, yet in other instances He both appointed and approved means. For the bitter waters of Marah (Ex 15:25) Moses cast in a tree "which the Lord showed him." When God promised to heal Hezekiah who was sick unto death, Isaiah bade the King to "take a lump of figs" and we are told "they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered" (1 Kings 20:7). So with Timothy in I Timothy 5:23.

The cures we have today (and we have many) are uncertain, indefinite and unreliable and differ in many ways from the miracles of our Lord jesus. Notice the following in Lk. 17:11-19:

1. He cured all who came.

2. He cured them instantly.

3. He cured them perfectly. 4. He cured them permanently.

5. He cured them without charge.

The wondrous work of Jesus had a threefold value:

1. They were "signs" attesting His claim to be the Messiah. 2. They were acts of compassion and deeds of benevolence. 3. They were enacted parables, each of them having some spiritual lesson to teach.

That some saints are called to live all their lives in suffering is a well known and undeniable fact. To even hint that they are not in God's will, or lacking in faith is mere ignorance. Many are raised up in answer to prayer, so let those who suffer continue to pray the prayer of faith. Then let us remember that James says, "Is any among you afflicted (Ja. 5:13a), Is any sick among you (Ja. 5:14a)." Affliction is from without, sickness is from within. God heals some in time, some are permitted to suffer, but God will heal all his people in the resurrection (See Romans 8:23, John 5:28-29), These sicknesses, suffering, and death are still permitted by God, and are overruled to serve His purpose in our lives. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath, shalt thou restrain." (Psalm 76:10:)

Fourth: Learn to live with it. After we have examined ourselves, pray and do all we can to find the trouble, and we still suffer, we must by the grace of God learn to live with suffering. Do you remember that in Il Corinthians 12 Paul prayed three times the thorn in the flesh would be removed? God told Paul that He could use him better like he was, and that His grace was sufficient for Him. The Lord knows how much we can suffer and will not allow any more than we can stand. An example of this is Job, the perfect one. Fanny Crosby who was blind from birth learned this truth, as did James H. McConkey and other saints of the Lord Jesus. So we must remember that when we suffer, there are two that enter into suffering, namely both God and man.

V. GOD CAN USE SUFFERING.

When we speak of the sufferings of God we stand on holy ground, but we know the Word tells us of the suffering of our Lord. God can use suffering because He used it first in Himself on the cross. The cross was not the starting place of the sufferings, nor is it the end of His sufferings. When Christ suffered He looked to the glory beyond. All our sufferings and trials are nothing to be compared to what Jesus went through on the cross to save a soul from hell. So we see God can use suffering because He used His own suffering.

NOW LET US NOTICE THE QUESTION OF DIVINE HEALING:

Let me say first of all that any healing is divine. No Bible believer can help but acknowledge the power of the Lord to heal these bodies, as well as save the soul. God has healed. God can heal. He heals in answer to prayer. He has often healed in answer to the prayer of another individual. He heals where there is no prayer at all by the recuperative power of nature.

I. IS DIVINE HEALING IN THE ATONEMENT?

First: In Matthew 8:16, 17 we read, "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."

Now I will admit that this passage seems to prove that the Lord Jesus bore our infirmities and sicknesses on the cross in the same sense that He bore our sins in His own body on the tree...that is, He suffered instead of us. But a more careful study of this passage will show that the inspired writer is not referring to the atonement of the cross, but explaining something that happened during the earthly ministry of our Lord. To refer the bearing of sicknesses to the cross instead of linking it with the life and ministry of our Lord on his way to the cross, is to misunderstand grossly His entire mission. If we can find in the Word any instance whatever where christians were allowed to be sick, and were not miraculously healed, then the whole theory above falls through. There are four mentioned in the scripture.

First there is the Apostle Paul himself. You will recall that he had been stoned and had been caught up to the third heaven. Upon his return to the earth there was sent to him a thorn in the flesh, "a messenger of Satan to buffet him" lest he be exalted above measure. There was no danger for this saint in the third heaven, but there was a great danger when he came back to earth and be lifted up in spiritual pride by the great things that he had seen. Do you remember that Paul prayed about this thorn three times and was never healed from it. Since God did not heal him he learned to say, "I will glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me." II Co. 12

Second, there is the case of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25-30. We learn that he was unselfish, faithful and a fellow soldier and companion of Paul. He was sick, very sick, so sick he was about to die. He was sick so long that his condition was heard about all the way from Rome to Philippi, and the people were very concerned about him. No divine healer appeared on the scene to lay their hands on him. Neither was he rebuked for his lack of faith in God. His companion had prayed for him many times I am sure. His illness was permitted to run its course, and at last God saw fit to cure him.

Third, is the case of young Timothy. Paul loved this young son in the ministry. The climate and polluted water had affected his health. Instead of sending a divine healer to Timothy he gave him a common sense prescription. He wrote, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." I Tim. 5:23.

Fourth, and last which deals with Trophimus. In II Timothy 4:20 we read, "but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick." The Bible does not tell us much about this man, but when Paul went down to Troas on his second missionary journey he was in his company. We do know that he was sick, so sick that he could not accompany Paul to Rome. Thousands have been in the same circumstances in spite of the fact that Christ died on the cross. So we see from these Bible examples that none of these mentioned knew anything of this modern doctrine of Christ bearing our sicknesses on the cross and therefore Christians should never be sick.

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A Diagnosis: SIN SICK!

  General James Green 

I’VE BEEN RECEIVING MANY WORDS of the Lord (prophecies) from all over this country. I read them carefully since the Spirit has been giving us prophecies, telling us about His soon coming judgments. This started way back in the 1970’s.

What the Spirit has spoken to us and what these current Words are saying all point to His Wrath, Fury, and Indignation that will be poured out upon the sons of men worldwide. We’ve seen much in the past but I’ll assure you the WORST is yet to come.

Since we live in America, the Spirit has told us much in regards of what He is going to do to this “sin-sick” nation.

While it may be the besetting tendency of every age to see itself storm-tossed and churning with all kinds of subversive forces, nothing will compare to God's furious Wrath when unleashed.

Severe Chastisement Approaches

THIS MAY INDEED be scoffed at, and it is, but I assure you God is fed up with men’s pride and rebellion. Both national and religious leaders here in America (in the world in general) have grown arrogant, proud, rebellious, and very distant from God and His Word. As in the days of ancient Israel, so now; “But the Levites who went far away from Me (God), when Israel went astray, who went astray from Me after their idols, they shall bear [the punishment for] their iniquity and guilt” — Ezek. 44:10 (read vv. 6-8 also).

Just as Israel “abandoned your (God's) Commandments, which you gave through your servants the prophets” (Ezra 9:10-11), so has America abandoned His Commandments, replacing them with Political Correctness & Wokeness that does not condemn men in their sins.

Spoiled Fractious Children

ARE WE NOT rather fractious (unruly and cross) children in the market place of life- rebellious, contrary, difficult, with mingled puerility (childishness) and precociousness (premature development, pertly forward)?

It would do Americans good to cast a shoulder-glance back to the days of Israel: “Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, and only evil, behold, is come. An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come. The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains. Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.”

Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded. Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither shall there be wailing for them. The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof” (Ezek. 7:5-8, 10-12).

Gloss it over if you will, be priggish all you want, you’ll see what I’m writing about sooner or later.

This “sin-sickness” spares no one. Its force is tremendous, tragic, even the Church’s citadels have been and are being crashed down….sin is crawling slowly but surely and irresistibly into every nook and cranny of American life. No one is safe!

This Is Non-Fiction!

AMERICANS HAVE HID themselves in fiction so long we consider His judgments as just another scary end time movie, enjoyed with pizza and beer. But this is no Steven Spielberg movie of a fatal infirmity of contracted minds, of terror-stricken neurosis, in whose friends turn out to be foes and the battle is lost thru fright.

Heaven and Earth QUAKE! (Joel 3:16)

THERE IS NO DOUBT in my mind WHY there are so many earthquakes and terrible heavenly quakings/shakings (tornados, hurricanes etc.), it is because God is trying to shake men in order to awaken their consciences, shake them out of their delusional mind-sets, to wake them from the sleep of death. But if these quakings/shakings aren't enough, then expect terrible catastrophes.

As the earth opens, trembles, shakes, quakes, these are signs that men’s hearts have grown hard (like the earth) and obstinate. As volcanoes erupt, again God wants men’s hearts to open up and allow praise and love for Him to flow once again. Men’s hearts have become hardened, frozen (—could “global warming” be a sign that God wants hearts to melt like icebergs?). As molten lava flows freely, should we not allow our love to flow freely? But Jesus said of the Laodicean Church, “you are neither cold or hot” — Rev. 3:15. And what of fires, are they not signs that we should burn again with love and zeal for our Savior?

And though the heart of this age has grown cold, inarticulate; it complains, questions, hopes, conjectures, desires, objects, sighs and sorrows; but rarely does a cry “I want all of God!” rise from its depths.

I meet dozens and dozens of both “Christian” and non-Christian that say “I don’t know what to believe or do”. This is the soul’s perplexity. And yet, too many souls flutters on an aimless wing, seeks strange (queer!) alliances, curious nestlings.

Sin makes men mad! It nibbles at one’s conscience. Nothing is more conducive to sin-sickness than man’s preoccupation with sin itself.

Jesus Has the Right

MANY CHRISTIANS complain when He judges. They think He isn’t showing love. Isn’t this arrogance? They have become Jesus’ counselor. I’ve got news for all you liberals, He has ALL the right in the world to judge the world, anytime, any way, since He IS KING and LORD over ALL NATIONS! And it is about time both the Christian Church and the world recognized His Divine King/Lordship.

Change Your Ways!

WE FIND THIS WARNING call in both Testaments….the call to CHANGE! (read Joel 2:11-14 for a good example). Have we soon forgot about God's terrible judgment, the flood? [Gen. 6:5-7, 11-13.] “WATER”! And then we have “FIRE” (Gen. 19:24) being rained down upon those sodomite/homosexual centers. Consider Numbers 16:30 where the earth opened up and swallowed the Israelite rebels, Korah and gang. Certainly we can’t miss the terrible plagues God brought upon Egypt (Ex. 6:6; 12:12); God even smote Israel’s enemies (when Israel was right with Him) in Ezekiel 25:11, 28:22 and dozens of other places; And where He uses the Babylonians/Assyrians/Romans to be a weapon against His very own people—look up those accounts. - Sheer TERRORISM!!!

Warning Before Destruction

GOD ALWAYS GIVES AMPLE warning before He strikes. We’ve been warning America for over 50 years now- His terrible wrath will be released in fury soon upon this sin-sick, sin-loving nation.

Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah and many lesser prophets warned God's people, and pagan nations as well, of God's impending judgments. The accurate accounts are there to read for yourselves.

Will America receive an Ezekiel 23:46-48 judgment? Israel received what was coming to them. This is history (Ezek. 9:4-8). I don’t think the Jews will ever forget 70 A.D. (Lk. 21:5, 6; 20-24), nor will they forget what Hitler did to them.

Sin’s Cure

YOU DON’T REALIZE it but His chastisements is His LOVE!....to drive out the devils that cause the sin diseases. He hopes to deliver His people and bring them into repentance and obedience.

The nations of the earth are His regardless if they refuse to be His. Regardless if nations and men want to serve and obey their gods. Nevertheless, He still pleads for their repentance. His love calls, His Spirit draws. Most don’t even understand what I say here. He reproves and chastises both the good and evil; the good for their growth in Him; the evil for their destruction if they refuse to repent. This is how He has always worked (read Rev. 3:19 and Heb. 12:5-13 to start with).

DEMONS = DEGRADATION / DEGENERACY!

DEMONS HAVE SENT multitudes and multitudes to their final destination: HELL FIRE! They have sent the best minds, the bravest hearts into the slums of degradation and degeneracy….minds and hearts that once loved and obeyed their Lord, but allowing a little sin here and there took them on a full course of SINNING! Therefore they have grown calloused and brutish.

Americans are who I’m describing. They eat from the devil’s trough every day, refusing the Bible’s bread of life! Vulgarity and heartlessness, course selfishness and unveiled sensuality resulting.

BASTARDS! BASTARDS! (Heb. 12:5-13)….won’t take God's correction. These are a menace to a healthy society. The rebels who make up the Emergent Church have become point men/women in the War against God's standards, ethics, morality etc. their demonic stupefaction and demoralization is a stench in God's nostrils….and this nation who ONCE recognized the Holy One now have an aversion, a repulsion to what is good, holy and pure.

Men everywhere are feeling “pink”, they’re catching the “sin-sickness”. They feel the hollowness of soul, the contradictions, the spiritual bankruptcy of America’s sleek and well-to-do culture. So, God warns then punishes. He allows mankind to experience the consequences of sin.

The LORD’S terrible judgments are not for total destruction but for re-construction; to get men to repent and CHANGE their doings.

We Want to Be FREE!”

SO SAY MOST. While I realize that we are free-will agents, we also were created to serve and obey God. These two things, service and obedience, are all but gone from today's Church. Now the Church tells God how and when they will serve and obey Him. Is not this arrogance and pride? If the Church has grown UGLY and DESPITEFUL, and it has, where does this leave the non-Christians? In greater darkness! First Timothy 2:4 tells us that God/Jesus “will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

The Church has divided God's will into His “permissive” and “perfect” will. (see Matt. 7:21; Lk. 7:30; 13:34; Jn. 7:17; Acts 7:51). His perfect will does desire ALL men to be saved, not willing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance (see 2 Peter 3:9). This of course reflects His heart’s desire, not necessarily what He permits.

His “permissive” will reflects what He allows or permits, not what He desires of a people. You see, we can CHOOSE to remain FREE (lost!) and God permits it. This is not to say that He does not try to bring men/nations unto repentance/salvation; hence judgments.

Freedom” Is Killing Us!

WHILE MEN/WOMEN cry out for “their” freedoms, these same freedoms are killing us….free to sin at will, unrestrained. Hello America! Most troubles and sorrows that befall men is the direct result of their freedoms, or as the Bible says, we reap what we sow.

Slowly but surely we are learning that rejected Biblical truth causes all kinds of guilt, sorrow, all kinds of cruelty to body and soul….the demonization upon a civilization which patronizes Christianity. Men/women of this sick and sinful generation have buried themselves beneath a melee of fictitious and vicious values. And though incurable neurosis gives a crude and rasping touch to America’s revolution [against God], yet these rebels see this as NOBLE and worthwhile. This is sickness!

Few today voice their opinion (or speak God's Word), make complaint of the decay, the rot, the “pink” stink! The pitiful smallness of spiritual hunger is nothing short of insanity.

Matter-of-Fact

IN SHARP CONTRAST to the backslid and DAMNED contemporary Church comes the clarion call to REBEL LIKE HELL! from the anti-Christs. The “sin-sick” Church, dying of spiritual AIDS/STDS shudder in bewilderment and helplessness of soul before the evil forces of nature and of man. They are petrified to call nature’s upheavals as judgment. Poor sick souls! The Bible is full of such things. Read it.

We Are ALL Guilty!

ALL! ACCORDING TO ISAIAH 53:5-6. Since Jesus was WOUNDED, BRUISED, WHIPPED and MURDERED! for our transgressions, our iniquities, He should now have the right to judge both sin and sinners.

The BIG Picture

SECOND PETER SPEAKS of “the destruction of sinners” and the “earth for fire” (3:5-7). Only the truly spiritual man and woman, who sees behind the outer ostentatiousness of our America’s culture sees that it is sick-unto-death. They see boasting, striving, unlimited ambition and vanity which we characterize of this nation’s people.

Running to and fro, always pressing and pushing for the BIGGER, the BEST, the MOST…..feverishly exercising their constitutional rights and privileges all for what? DAMNATION by FIRE!!

Always showing off our stuff, America (Church included) has become a huge burlesque show. “Stuff-and-things”- intoxicated!!....most potently fructifying but rotten.

What Must I Do to Be Saved?...

IS A WHISPER, a mere whisper on the lips of a precious FEW. You had better raise your voice America, a most FEARFUL PUNISHMENT is close at hand. When judgment strikes it will be too late for many for they will descend into hell’s flames eternally!

Perhaps the most salient feature in the present thought-scape is the conviction that “it won’t happen to me!”. While evil men make gallant efforts to protect themselves from the “Bully God”, their efforts are in vain. Either we become love-slaves in the service of our Lord Jesus, or we will be delivered ones to be ruled by the despotism of men.

Church Swashbucklers

OH, THEY ARE OUT there- on the “cutting edge”, tattooed, pierced, rebellious, unkept and unclean, rocking and rolling, rapping and clapping….they are the new generation who trash everything that is sacred and holy….exalting their fractious behavior, licking up the droppings from demons, these spiritual giants (dwarfs in reality!) pride themselves on their potencies and capacities.

Well, we’ll see eventually who is of God and who isn’t.

As for me and my house, we’ll serve the Lord….in fear and in obedience. Why not do the same?