Vol. 29, No. 1  January, 2005
  FOR THIS CAUSE
 (Eph 3:14-21)

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named. That He would grant you, according to the riches of His Glory to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto Him be Glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

This is a most Glorious passage of Scripture. We have been studying this Great Book of Ephesians in our Church for the past several weeks. This third Chapter was a special blessing to me, so I thought that I might share with our readers some of the things that we learned. I cannot begin to recall the number of sermons I have heard, the messages I have read, and the many times I have preached from this text. So let us share some of these great truths with you.

This is the second prayer of the Apostle Paul recorded in this Book. The first prayer is in Chapter 1:17-23. Paul prayed for us that we might “KNOW.” He listed some wonderful things that God has given us. Perhaps the greatest is in 1:7, “In whom we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace.”  “To the Praise of the Glory of His Grace, wherein He hath made us   accepted in the Beloved”  Paul Prayed that we might “KNOW” the riches of Redemption in Christ. Now, in our text, Paul prays that we might “BE.” Paul prays that we might be everything we can be for Him. His prayer consists of five parts:

1. That we might be strengthened in the inner man.

2. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.

3. That we may be rooted and grounded in love.

4. That we may be able to comprehend the love of God.

5. That we may be filled with the fullness of God.

In the first verses of this chapter, Paul  

refers to this age, (since Calvary) as a “Mystery.” The Church age is NOT in the Old Testament. We are in the age when God is calling from the nations of the world, a people for His Name.. Christ tore down the wall of partition between Jew and Gentile and brought us all together in one body, called the Church, (Ch 2:11-18). Again, this is not in the Old Testament. Israel rejected The Messiah, and has been set aside, as a nation, and now, God is calling from the nations, through the preaching of the Gospel of Grace, a people for His Name. God will deal with Israel, as a nation, AFTER the Church has been taken to Glory.  

Paul says, “I bow my knees.”  The bent knee. I do not believe that the Bible is clear on what body position we must assume in order for us to pray. Sometimes the Bible mentions, “When ye stand praying.” Other places,  prayers are offered “Upon your bed”   And sometimes the person praying is “On his face.?” Or, “with face between his knees” So it is not clear as to what our body position might be in when we pray, I believe that it is clear that we must assume the most humble position. To me, that position is on my knees. Paul kneeled down and prayed with the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:36-38. But, we cannot always get down on our knees when we pray. Sometimes we pray as we drive our automobile, or when we are working, or when we are busy with other daily activities. So, although we may not always be able to get on our knees and pray, I believe that we must assume THE BENT KNEE ATTITUDE.We assume that attitude now as we attempt to share these great truths with you. Paul prayed;

1.”THAT YE MAY BE STRENGTHENED IN THE INNER MAN” This is the “new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (  Eph 4:24). This is where we are to be strong. This is where we live. We spend our time in making the “outer man” look as good as we can. We exercise, diet, and clothe the outside as well as we can. We check ourselves one more time in the mirror, just before leaving our residence. Yes, our hair style, our clothing, our outer man looks real good. But the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT empowers us from within. The WORD OF GOD, (KJB) empowers us from within. In verses 20-21, Paul states that the Holy Spirit works IN US as we PRAY. Let us spend our time drawing our Spiritual strength by partaking of the “Divine Nature” Inside us, (2Pet 1:4). There is greater strength IN YOU, than there is on the outside. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”1Jn 4:4)

2. THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH.

(A) It is true that Christ indwells every believer.   “Christ in you, the hope of Glory.” ( Col 1:27) “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” (Gal 2:20) Christ came in to dwell within the moment you trusted Him.

(B)DWELL has the meaning of “feeling at home.” While it is true that Christ lives in the believer, does He feel at home? Is He welcome in every corner of your heart? Or do you have those places where you just rather He not visit? Christ loved to visit His friends at Bethany. He felt at home with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Let us not have those places in our lives where Christ is not invited. Take inventory today. Would He feel at home in your living room? In every room of your home? Your choices of entertainment, literature? We should begin our day by acknowledging the fact that Christ lives in me. He is Lord. He is my Guide. He has that special place in my heart.

3. THAT YE MAY BE ROOTED AND GROUNDED. This speaks of our stability. We are to be rooted and grounded in Christ and not be carried about with every wind of doctrine that blows. And believe me, the winds of doctrines are blowing today. The airways are filled with new and strange doctrines.  Paul uses two words to illustrate his point.

ROOTED, that which was planted.

GROUNDED, that which was built.

(A) Rooted. Our roots are to be in Christ. We should be able to withstand every wind that blows. I remember an illustration from a guide in the Grand Canyon. The guide took his tour group to the edge of that vast canyon. He pointed across the canyon to that solid wall of stone over 1000 feet high. “Look across to a certain area. What do you see?” “A wall of rock was the reply.” “look again at that certain area, and tell me what you see.” The group looked again and it dawned upon them that across the canyon, growing out of that solid rock wall was a pine tree, about 100 feet tall. But there was no soil there, only rock. How could that pine tree grow out of a rock wall? Years before, the wind carried a pine seed along the canyon walls. The seed landed on a small ledge. That seed found just a small amount of soil and began it’s process of sending roots. Those tiny roots found small cracks in the stone wall and began to make their way through the cracks and found soil and began to grow. Today, those roots are deep in the rocks and find abundant food and water deep in the soil. And there it stands, rooted in the rocks. Sometimes the winds come through that canyon at great speed, but the pine tree stands, rooted. Sometimes the cold winter storms blow and beat against the pine tree, but there it stands, rooted in the rocks. And that is where we should be; ROOTED IN THE ROCK. Nothing moves us.

(B) Grounded. This is taken from a building. The builder did not build his house on sinking sand, but he built upon a rock.(Mt 7:24-27). We know that the foundation we build upon is Jesus Christ. He is the Rock, The Stone that the builders rejected.(Psa 118:22). He is The Foundation. “The foundation of God standeth sure.”(2Tim 2:19) “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1Cor 3:11). Today, many storms are beating against our Foundation, but our Foundation has withstood every attack, every storm of the ages. Liberalism, modernism, new “versions” new movements, all attacking and beating at the Foundation, but our Foundation will withstand. And, we are ROOTED and GROUNDED in Him

4. THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO COMPREHEND THE LOVE OF GOD. (V18-19) To comprehend means “to lay hold of” Paul wanted us to have an understanding of the immeasurable Love of God.

(A) The Breadth Of God’s Love. Just how broad is The Love of God? It is broad enough to encompass every tongue, every race, every tribe, every man, woman, regardless of race, color, moral or social standing, rich or poor, well known, or forgotten, the Love of God includes all the human race. It includes YOU. It matters not what your life may have been, God?s Love is broad enough to reach to you.

(B) The Length Of God’ s Love. How long is God’ s Love? It is long enough to cast our sins as far as the east is from the west. It is my understanding that scientists have located galaxies far greater than our own at the distance of more than twice five hundred million light years there in the east. And there in the west, other galaxies far greater than our own at a distance of more than twice five hundred million light years. More than twice five hundred million light years in each direction. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” (Ps 103:12)

THINK ABOUT IT..Just a single light year is the distance light travels at the speed of186,000 miles per second for one year. Just one light year is beyond our understanding. Thank you God for removing our sin so far that they can never be found. That’s the length of His Love.

(C) The Depth Of God’s Love. How deep? God’s Love is deep enough to reach into the lowest part of the darkest heart of the worst sinner, and to forgive that sinner, and make him/her as though he or she had never sinned. That’s the Doctrine of Justification. Justification is a legal act where God declares the sinner, any sinner, Just, or, just as though he had never sinned. God’s Law has been satisfied in that, “While we were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Ro. 5:6-9). Christ paid the debt of sin for us. All sin was placed upon Him. He paid a debt that He did not owe, that we might be set free from the Penalty, the Power, and finally from the Presence of sin. That’s the depth of God’s Love.

(D) The Height Of God’s Love. God’s Love is high enough to reach the Heaven of the Heavenlies. His Love is high enough to “Raise us up together and make us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:6).

Picture in your mind, a cross. The vertical of the cross reaches up to God, and reaches down to man. The horizontal reaches east and west. In other words, God’s Love is in the shape of a Cross.   Paul wants us to comprehend, to lay hold of, to claim all the riches of God’s Love.

5. THAT YE MIGHT BE FILLED WITH THE FULLNESS OF GOD. (v19-20) He is able to do exceedingly abundantly, above all that we ASK or THINK. Paul tells us in Ch. 5:18, to “Be filled with the Spirit.” And in Ch 4:30, “Grieve not the Spirit whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” We grieve the Spirit when we commit the things Paul listed in Eph 4:17-32. We are to “Put these things away from us.”  We are to be filled with the Spirit. Some have the idea that we use up the Spirit, like we use the gas in our tanks and have to go and get some more gas. The Spirit of God is not like that. We have all of the Holy Spirit we have ever had, or will ever have. To be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. As the spirit of alcohol controls the drunkard, so the Holy Spirit is to control the believer. He knows the way, let us follow Him. A river at low tide is still a river, but it only covers the river bed. At high tide, the river overflows it’s banks and fills the ponds and streams, and creeks, and waters the lowlands. My life is useless   unless it overflows to touch your life, and others. Your life is to overflow and touch others, and so on. To be filled with the Spirit is to be empty of self.

Paul’s prayer is for the “Whole family (of God) in Heaven and earth.” (v15) Not under the earth, or in purgatory, or in limbo, the family of God is not there. The family in Heaven knows in full the Love of God. They are in His Presence, and feasting in His Love. Down here, we only get a glimpse. “Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face.” (1Cor 13:12). Let us, as Christians enjoy the things of God. Let us live every day to the fullest in service for our Blessed Lord Jesus. We will be so glad we did when at last we see Him face to face.

Let’s Begin TODAY to Live FOREVER!

   FOR THIS CAUSE

 (Eph. 3:14-21)

       By Pastor George Mills

For this cause, I bow my knees,

    To the Father of our Lord,

For His Great care, recorded there,

    On the pages of His Word.

For this cause, I bow my knees,

    To His Love for every race,

For every man, Salvation’s plan,

    And for His saving Grace.

For this cause, I bow my knees,

    For the Gift of Heavens Best,

On Him sin lay, And He sent them away,

    From the east unto the west.

For this cause, I bow my knees,

    For Grace that came to me,

In depths of sin, His Love reached in,

     And now I am set free.

For this cause I bow my knees,

   For work that reaches high,

To lift our plain, to a Heavenly gain,

    To bring us ever nigh,

So nigh to God, His Face to see,

    To praise Him without a pause,

For Love so deep, and Grace to keep,

     I praise Thee FOR THIS CAUSE.

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THINK ABOUT IT..Since our past is all forgiven. All sin cast as far as the east is from the west, and His Blood continually keeps the believer clean, and Christ is our Eternal High Priest, always on the job, why would we ever worry about our security. This kind of Salvation causes the believer to seek to please Christ in everything we do, daily.

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THERE IS DEATH IN THE POT

 Pastor George Mills

“And Elisha came again to Gilgal, and there was dearth in the land, and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, and he said unto his servant, set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets. And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and he gathered thereof wild gourds, his lap full and came and shred them into the pot of pottage, for they knew them not. So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, THERE IS DEATH IN THE POT. And they could not eat thereof. But he said, then bring meal and cast it into the pot, and he said, pour out for the people that they may eat, and there was no harm in the pot.” (2Kings 4:38-41)

One of the students thought that he could improve the pottage, so he brought some wild gourds and added them to the pottage. Of course, they could not eat the poison pottage. This reminds me of the many “pots” that men eat from today that are, like the pottage, poison. I could mention Alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, tobacco, literature, music, and a long list of things that are poison,   and the end is DEATH. “The wages of sin is DEATH.”   I could mention some “Pots” within the “church” that mean death. Hypocrisy like Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. They lied to the Holy Ghost, and they died. And then there is the Lord’s Table in 1Cor 11:23-30. There was an abuse of The Lord’s Table, and some were sick, and some had died. Yes, there are many “POTS” men partake of today that lead to death.

Let me share with you today about another “POT” that men are partaking of today and the end is death. I am speaking about the Perversions of the Word of God. More than 50 “versions” are in pulpits across the country today, and religious educational institutions are turning out preachers with “poison pots”  Think of the hundreds and hundreds of changes, substitutions, and omissions in these new versions. God is NOT in this confusion. Everybody has their own idea. Everybody wants to “mprove the pottage.”  Let it alone! Why try to improve that which is already perfect? “The Law of the Lord is perfect,”(Ps 19:7) “Every Word of God is Pure.” (Pr 30:5) And “Forever O Lord Thy Word is settled in Heaven” (Ps 119:89). Perhaps the most popular of these “Pots” is the NIV( New International Version). It is poison. Any Bible version MUST respect, honor, and dignify the Person, Position, and Perfection of Jesus Christ. He is the Central Person of the Bible. Think about His Eternality. He always was, is, and will ever be. The KJV (King James Version, concerning His eternality says, “But thou Bethlehem Ephratah thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel whose goings forth have been from of old from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2). The same verse in the NIV says, “Out of you will come for me one whose origins are from ancient times.” To change everlasting to  “origins” is poison. This attacks the Eternality of Christ. The Bible,(KJB) says, “And Joseph and his mother marveled.” (Lk 2:33) The same verse in the NIV says, “The child’s father and mother marveled.”  Joseph was NOT the father of Jesus. More poison. The Bible, (KJV) says, “In whom we have redemption through His Blood.” ( Col 1:4) That same verse in the NIV says, “In whom we have redemption.?” The Blood of Christ was omitted. The Bible, (KJV) says “God was manifest in the flesh.” (1Tim 3:16) That same verse in the NIV says, “He appeared in a body.” The question is, “Who appeared?”  Why change God to “He”? These few verses, along with dozens of others in various ways, sometimes subtle, and sometimes blatant attack the Eternality, the Virgin Birth, The Blood atonement, His Bodily ascension into Heaven.

Why try to change that which God has given, and so richly blessed? I will tell you why. The antichrist will need a “bible” to unite the apostate church during the tribulation period. He has one now. This did not happen overnight. With each new version a word was dropped here, and a word added there, and little by little we have a “Poison Pot” or many “Poison Pots” Preachers today, when they wish to support their doctrines, try to cite certain areas of mistranslation, or the original  Greek or the original  Hebrew.   There is death in that pot. There is nothing wrong with our Bible. The “Thee’s” and “Thou’s” are self explanatory.   The Bible is clear, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophesy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophesy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things that are written in this book.”  (Rev 22:18-19). The pottage was made alright when meal was added. Meal pictures Christ. He is the Bread of Life. We need Him! Lets just preach and teach about Christ. The Bible is all about Him. Fall in love with Christ and you will love His Word. Love His Word and you will Love Him. The NIV, and other Versions. THERE IS DEATH IN THAT POT.

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                MY BIBLE
                     (KJV)
         By Pastor George Mills

“The Words of the Lord are Pure Words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth purified seven times.?”(Ps 12:6)

I believe that the Bible is a Gift of God,

     And that every Word in it is pure.

Although many debate it, and others may hate it

    It is Truth that will ever endure.

Refined more than Silver, or more value than Gold,

     More treasure than man can afford.

Though often tried, and daily denied,

    It’s Treasure is Christ, The Lord.

It’s Words are inspired, each one is true,

    No error or fault can one find.

To trust and obey, it’s commandments each day,

    Will give one real peace of mind.

It told me of Christ and His Great Love for me,

   No other book can compare,

It tells of Salvation, for each generation,

   It speaks of a Heaven to share.

So I’ll stay with the Bible, the Book Divine,

   The Book that tells of Christ’s Love

It seeks to refine, and a new life design,

‘Til at last I’m in Heaven above.

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS..it is no friend to the Christian. And the world is no friend to your Bible. Recently, a lady said to me, “My preacher’s bible doesn?’ read like my Bible.” My answer; “Get out, leave, find a good, Bible believing (KJV) Church and serve the Lord there. In that other church, THERE’S DEATH IN THAT POT.”

Vol. 29, No. 2  February, 2005

MARRIAGE, the MEANING, and ME

The greatest issue facing America today is the decay of our homes. I know that some have the idea that the problems we are facing today are the result of removing the Bible from our classrooms. And others say that it is all because we have had prayer removed, or the Ten Commandments removed from our society. And other things could be mentioned. Something else happened before these things came along. These things, along with crime, drugs, violence, immorality, and the general decay we see are just surface symptoms that indicate a far deeper problem. To try and fix these things is like putting a band-aid on a cancer. The problems lie deeper. There can be no greater work today than to work on our homes. Now,

the things that I wish to share with you today, I speak from the Christian point of view. If you are not saved today, saved from the penalty, and power of sin, the only thing that I can say to you is that I do sincerely pray that today you will receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour. The things I wish to share with each of you today are

the teachings of The Word of God, (KJV). We cannot force the things of the Bible on those who are not Christian. That is not what we are attempting to do. The Christian, however, should want to please God in all that we do. So the message today is for those of us who name the Name of Christ. It is difficult to know just where to start, so let us start at the beginning?

1. MARRIAGE.   The oldest Divine institution is Marriage. In the very beginning, God CREATED Man and Woman, brought them together and instituted Marriage. This is God’s Plan. It cannot be improved, it needs to be maintained. Please read the verses that are listed in this message. We do not have the space to print them all. Read Genesis 1:26-30, Gen. 2:18-25. “And the rib which the Lord God had taken from man made He a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said this is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called woman because she was taken out of man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen 2:22-24) See Matthew 19:1-6, 1Cor. 11:3. Now, there is NOT the first hint, nor can one form any kind of asensible opinion from these and countless other references concerning Marriage, that people of the same sex are to be married. This sin is strongly denounced in the Bible.  This is just NOT in the plan of God. The Bible, and nature itself teaches different. So, Marriage is the joining together of a MALE and a FEMALE   in Marriage as instituted by God in the Garden of Eden.

2. the MEANING.  Let me share with you some of the things that Marriage is Meant to be.

(A) Marriage is MEANT to be life’s closest relationship. Man and Woman complement each other. “And the Lord God said , it is not good that the man should be alone. I will make an help meet for him.” (Gen. 2:18). Man and Woman were made for each other. Our bodies, our temperaments, our minds complement one another.  The closest thing on earth that illustrates  the relationship between Christ and His Church is the happy union between Husband and Wife. “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.” Eph 5:31-32). One Man, and one Woman united in Marriage for life is what Marriage is meant to be.

(B) Marriage is MEANT for the propagation of the human race.

Children are to be recognized as a gift from God. See Psalm 127, 128. We have generations of fatherless and motherless children. Children who are victims, who were brought into this world by parents who had no concept of God and His plan for Marriage and reproduction. I believe that the worst thing that can happen to a child, apart from abuse, is to be separated from parents. A great number of children are born out of a lustful relationship that lasted for a few weeks, or for a few months. This is not God’s plan for propagation of the human race.

(C) Marriage is MEANT for the proper use of sex, that it may serve human life and not pollute it. (Genesis 2:24-25) “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but whoremongers and adulterers, God will judge.”  (Heb 13:4).

See 1Cor 7:2-5, v9.

Marriage demands fidelity in the husband-wife relationship. “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.What? Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? For two saith He shall be one flesh. But he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body, but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s.” (1Cor 6:15-20). Flee fornication. Think of Joseph in Egypt as he flees from Potiphar’s   wife as she tried to seduce him. (Gen 39).

(D) Marriage is MEANT to be monogamous. It is meant to be a lifetime partnership. The bond is not to be broken. Mt 19:4-9, “Have ye not read that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female. And said for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” V9 says that Fornication is the only reason that the marriage bond may be broken. See 1Cor 7:10 ,11. Divorce is easy to obtain, but hard to live with. Someone has rightly said that in time, you can get over the death of a loved one, but divorce is for life. I am well aware that some of you who read this just now are victims of a broken marriage, and have re-married. Remember ,  God is a loving and forgiving God. Give Him your heart and marriage, and make the best marriage you can with God’s help. You can make it work. For those of you who may be living together apart from the marriage bond. Get out of if, today. Get married. Make it right at the beginning, and it will end up right. Many, many have tried living together without marriage only to find out that it does not work.  

3. ME.Marriage, the Meaning, and “Me.”

Lets us look at ME  as the husband, and MEas the wife, and MEas the child, and see what the Bible says to each of us.

(A) ME. The husband, or, the male part. Let “ME” assume my role as husband as taught in the Bible. Again, I know that this is not politically correct, but I am not trying to be politically correct. I am to be the Example of Love, Spirituality, and training.

(a) The Example of Love. “Husbands, love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it.” (Eph 5:25) “So ought men love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ the church.” (Eph 5:28-29). Spousal abuse is a horrible crime. Recently, a man in California was convicted of murdering his wife and unborn child. I cannot begin to imagine such. What a horrible crime. The example of love is Christ’s Love for the Church, and He gave Himself for it. In like manner, I am to love my wife, my children. Let every husband consider these great truths in relationship to our wife:

Understanding.   A woman is different. She goes through cycles, mood changes. We must be understanding. “Likewise ye husbands   dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife as the weaker vessel.” (1Pet 3:7-8)

Tenderness. Col 3:12-14.

Honesty. Eph 4:23-25.

Kindness, Eph 4:30-32.

I am not to spend time in trying to change Her, I should try to change ME.

Never be abusive to your wife, or treat her like some door mat. Love her. She will respond to love.

(b) The example of Spirituality. “But I would have you to know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.” (1Cor 11:3) See also vs 7-9.   There is a Divine order about creation, about nature, about the animal kingdom, and there is Divine order about the home. Please see   Gen. 3:16,

Gen 18:19, Eph 5:23, 1Peter 3:1, God looks to the husband and father to be the Spiritual leader in the home. The husband is to be the leader in Bible Study, in family prayer, and in public worship. It is the man’s responsibility to lead his family in spiritual matters. It is the man’s responsibility to see that his family is in Worship services at the proper time. The growing problem is that few men assume their responsibility and leave this to the wife. This is not right. God is not well pleased, and many prayers are hindered because of such. See 1Peter 3:7.

(c) The example in training. “And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”(Eph 6:4)

Nurture, meaning “care, training, upbringing.”   It pictures the care of plants. Proper care of plants makes the difference   between a poor plant and a good plant.

Admonition, meaning “To warn, to reprove.”  We are to train our children to fear God, to reverence God and to obey His Word.   (Pr. 13:24, Pr. 19:18, Pr. 22:15, Pr 23:13, Pr. 29:15, Pr. 29:17. Children are to be counted as people, and not as  “things. ” The father who honors the Lord will have very little trouble in gaining the love of his wife and respect of his children.

(B) “ME,” the wife, or the female part.

The wife is to be in subjection to the husband. You can read that in Eph 5:22-24, 1Peter 3:1-6, Gen. 3:16. I can almost hear the words; ?” Me, be in subjection to him? You must be kidding.”  I am only telling you what the Bible, (KJV) says. You just do your part, and be a sweet submissive wife, and see just what God will do in your life. Don’t try to assume his role. And remember, you are not just submitting to your husband, you are submitting to God’s Word. He will honor that. And by the way, there is a mutual submission. The husband is to do “Likewise” (1Peter 3:7) Remember, the purpose for woman’s creation was to be a wife, (Gen 2:18-24) Equality with man is a terrible burden for a woman to bear. Women are different. Women are wonderfully good at being women and superior at being female, but not so good in assuming a man’s role. Some women have this burden placed upon them, and they have a heavy burden in life, this should not be so. Spend time in reading what the Bible says about a wife. There are many good books by Christian authors for you to read, and read a good book on marriage written by a Medical Doctor. God bless every wife and mother who is doing her best to live according to God’s plan.

(C) “ME,”the child in this marriage.

What does the Bible say?   “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honour thy father and mother which is the first commandment with promise. That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Eph 6:1-3). There are at least three things listed in these verses for every child.

(a) This is right. This is the responsibility of every child. If a child does not learn to honor and obey his parents at home, he will not obey the teacher in school, he will not obey the stop sign, or the speed limit, and so on in life. Respect for authority begins in a child’s obedience to parents.

(b)This is a Commandment of God. It is not a suggestion. See Ex. 20:12.

(c) It brings blessings. “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”(Pr. 1:8-9).  

I must bring this message to a close for now. There is so much more. I am still learning. In fact, I have been married to the same girl for over 50 years. The things that I have tried to share with you will NOT work if you are not a Christian. You must first ask Christ into your heart. You must believe with your heart what the Bible says about you, that you are a sinner, lost without God. You must believe what the Bible says about Christ; That He paid our debt of sin by His death on the Cross, and by His Glorious Resurrection to be our Living Saviour. You believe these things the Bible says, and you receive Christ by telling Him that you receive Him. The Bible says, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” Do that just now. God will hear the cry of a repentant heart. And then, build a happy Christian Home and Marriage. The things that I have shared with you are NOT emergency room ” fix-it’s” but a lifestyle. I have seen many marriages begin to fail, and that couple adopts the idea that they must begin to attend church somewhere. So they attend a church for a week or two, and things never get better. This again is a lifestyle.

This is a life of me learning about her, and her about me. This is me learning that she is different. That her feelings are tender, that her moods are changing. This is a life of me learning , praying, and seeking the will of God in every problem of life.

Yes, the problems of America are great and varied, but the basic problem is the decay of the American Home. Work on your home. Sacrifice, and give it your best shot. Gibbon, in his Book, “The Rise And Fall Of The Roman Empire” listed five things that brought the empire down. The top of that list was; “The rapid increase in divorce, the undermining of the sanctity of the home which is basic to society.”

God bless your Christian Home. God bless my Christian Home. THINK ABOUT IT?The sweetest place on earth is a Happy Christian Home.  

Vol. 29, No. 2 February, 2005  A TSUNAMI WARNING

                 Luke 13:1-9

“There were present at that season some that told Him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering, said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they had suffered such things? I tell you, Nay, but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay, but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. He spake also this parable. A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said He unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and found none, cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto Him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it and dung it. And if it bear fruit, well, and if not, then after that, thou shalt cut it down.”

Every one of us were certainly awed and amazed at the great tragedy when the Tsunami hit the shores of Asia earlier this month. Over 200,000 have lost their lives. Property damage is in the billions of dollars. People are looking for answers. WHY? Is the great cry of the ages when some tragedy of this magnitude strikes.  When an earthquake strikes, the earth moves. The earth opens, and closes. If an earthquake strikes under the sea, as it did this month, such movement of the earth causes a great movement of the water. A great wave is sent out from the center of the quake. This wave is invisible on the surface. It is not seen until it begins to approach land. Then disaster for all those in it’s path. This is an act of nature. This reminds us that even the “Whole creation groaneth and travaileth   in pain together until now,” (Ro. 8:22) Creation itself groans, waiting for the day of redemption when the earth is made anew. Let us take a few moments and look at the scene in our text in the Gospel of Luke. The thinking of many in that day was that some unusual calamity was the result of some Divine judgment. Jesus uses three things in this text to get their attention on their condition.

1. The Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. (V1). This was probably the result of some disturbance in the Temple courts. Pilate sent soldiers to curb the situation, resulting in a bloody battle in the Temple area.

2. The tower in Siloam fell and eighteen were killed. This was probably another recent tragedy that had been the news of that day.

3. It is quite possible that Jesus had in mind the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70 AD in the parable of the fig tree in v6-9. Jesus did not go along with the idea that these victims were more sinful than others. He simply stated that similar judgments were ahead of everyone. Jesus said “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Let us use this tragedy as a time to look at ourselves.

1. A TIME TO REGARD. The word “regard”  means,  to consider, to look at,  to pay attention to.  I was thinking about the indictment against the land in Isaiah’s day, “My people doth not consider.”(Isa. 1:3) Isaiah was trying to get the nation to see the awful Spiritual condition of the land. Totally polluted with idolatry. God was preparing a “Tsunami” a great army, a flood will be coming from the north to devour the land. An army called the Babylonians. Ample warning had been given. But the nation did not REGARD.

2. A TIME TO REFLECT.   “Reflect” has to do with an image, such as looking into a mirror. Christ was saying, “Don’t look at these situations, or tragedies. Don’t try to figure these things out. Look at yourself. Look at your condition. Get your eyes on the real problem. If some great thing happened in your life today, if a Tsunami comes your way today, and it very well could come today, where will you be tomorrow? That’s the great question you must answer.

3. A TIME TO REPENT.   Jesus warned, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”  REPENT means, to change your mind. To change your mind about yourself, to change your mind about Christ, to change your mind about Salvation. Jesus is telling these that they must see themselves as sinners also. We must come to this place in our lives where we see ourselves as God sees us. “All have sinned.” Don’t look at some tragedy and say, “they must have been great sinners.”  Judgment is ahead for all of us. A great “Tsunami” if you please. Judgment is coming. You MUST prepare. Repent, Change your mind about yourself, about sin.

4. A TIME TO RECEIVE. It is time for you to receive Jesus Christ. He is God’s only refuge in judgment. Those who are in Christ are eternally safe from all harm. The Bible is clear, “Today, if you will hear his voice.”  ” Today is the day of Salvation.” When we wait, we usually wait until it is too late. It is too late when judgment comes. It is too late when Christ comes for His Church and you are not ready. NOW is the time to receive Christ. The warnings have been posted in the Bible. We cannot stand before God and say, “We had no warning.” Today, I am asking you to REGARD, to consider yourself, your condition, your destination. I am asking you to REFLECT, to see yourself. Don’t  look at others, look at yourself. I am asking that you REPENT, to change your mind about yourself, about sin, about Christ. I am asking you to RECEIVE Christ as your only hope of Salvation. Judgment is coming. You will be safe in Christ. You may ask, “How then, do I receive Christ?” The best way is to tell Him that you receive Him. The Bible says, “Ask and ye shall receive.” The Holy Spirit of God is there, where you are. He will hear the cry of the repentant heart. Call upon Christ today. Begin TODAY, to live FOREVER.

THINK ABOUT IT…  wonder how many people would have responded to a warning that a Tsunami was on it’s way? I wonder.

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS?It is no friend to the Christian. ? And the world passeth away and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.? (1Jn 2:17)

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After all the warnings that God has given, Have YOU listened to Him?

Vol. 29, No. 3   March, 2005

ANY TWO THINGS USUALLY COME IN PAIRS.             

              By Pastor George Mills

“Can TWO walk together except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).

Today, the emphasis is on variety. You have as many choices as you like. This is especially true in the  religious world.. You may have it any way you want it. I well remember some time ago when I resigned the Pastorate at my Church. A man contacted me and asked some questions. He stated that his friend was a pastor, and that he was going to start a Church somewhere, however, since my Church would be seeking a new pastor, Why not call him. I advised the man to contact the Trustees. I also asked the man about the church his friend attended. He told me the name of his church. I replied, “Isn’t that a Southern Baptist Church This is an Independent Baptist Church.”  “Oh,” he answered, ” He’s a Southern Baptist alright, but he can go either way.” I had to laugh to myself at his answer.   But how true his answer is. We have a multitude who can go “Either way.” I just happened to  think of that incident. I believe it fits the general theme of this subject. There are choices. You can go “EITHER WAY.”

The choice is yours. You see, in reality,

There are;

2 God’s.       (A) The God of Heaven.

                     (B) The god of this world

2 Christ’s.  (A) The Lord Jesus Christ.

                    (B) The antichrist.

2 Spirit’s.    (A) The Holy Spirit

                    (B) The spirit of antichrist.

2 Gospels.   (A) The Gospel of Grace.

                    (B) Another gospel.

2 Kings.        (A) Grace

                    (B) Sin

2 Plans of Salvation.   (A) By Grace.

                                     (B) By works

2 Foundations.             (A) The Rock.

                                     (B) Sand

2Destinys.                    (A) Heaven

                                    (B) Hell

2 Preachers.               (A) God called.

                                   (B) Man called.

2 Bibles. (A) Our God Breathed Book, or,           (B) The antichrist bible.

On and on this list could go, but I  trust that you can clearly see with me that there are choices. TWO THINGS USUALLY COME IN PAIRS.

Let me take a few moments and share with you some characteristics of these  Pairs. Don’t  get them confused. Many have. It is recorded in 1Chr 12:32, “The children of Issachar which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” We need today to understand the times.  Of course, I do not have the space in this small publication to go into much detail on every subject. I trust that you will take your Bible, (KJV) and study for yourself.

1. THERE ARE TWO GOD’S. Yes, the Bible clearly teaches us about two God’s.

(A) THE GOD OF HEAVEN. The Great Creator, Redeemer, of lost mankind. The Scriptures are very clear on the Personality of our God. His Name is NOT Buddha, NOT Allah, NOT Mohammed, NOT one of the “god?s” of the Middle East, or of the Far East.   I love the Scriptural description of our God,   “Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” (Psa. 90:1-2). Our God has eternally existed in Three Persons, God, the Father, God, the Son, God the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures, (KJV) refer to each member of the Trinity as GOD.

(B) THE GOD OF THIS WORLD. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2Cor. 4:4). Yes, just as sure as there is a God in Heaven, there is a “god”  of this world, or, world system.  Of course, I am speaking about Satan and his army. If you cannot see the mighty conflict raging, he has already blinded your mind. He is known by many, many different names and titles. But he is active, busy, in governments, in media, in education, in religion, deceiving, and blinding the minds of men. The Bible, (KJV) says in Ephesians 2:2;  “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR.” Before we were saved, we followed this “god,” as does the unsaved world follow him, his teaching, his philosophy. He has a vast army, unseen, but as real as you and me.

As GOD the Father exists in three distinct personalities, so does the “god” of this world.   Pictured in various ways in the Scriptures, but culminates in the Book of The Revelation, Chs. 13-19. Briefly, the Dragon of Rev. 13:1-2 is anti-god. The Beast of Rev 13:3-4 is antichrist. He apparently receives a deadly wound, and is miraculously resurrected, to copy the real Christ,(Rev 13:3, 12, 14).  The Beast out of the earth in Rev. 13:11-18 is anti-spirit. In the “god” of this world you have a COPY of God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit. May I take this moment to caution, to warn again about the subtle tricks of this satanic trio. Heaven looks down and sees them as Beasts, in their beast-like character. The world looks at the same trio and wonders, and marvels in amazement.   Now, let this sink down deep in your heart today; If the Real Christ, and the anti-Christ were standing before us today, the only way we could tell them apart is by the witness of the Holy Spirit who lives in the believer. He would point out the real Christ,(Jn 16:12-15). That’s how subtle the “god” of this world is.

2. THERE ARE TWO CHRIST’S.

(A)  THERE IS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST who gave His Life for our sins on the Cross, who was buried, who is alive forever. What can I say about Him? He is My Lord. My Saviour, My King, My All in all. I think of the billions of ways the notes of the musical scale have been arranged, and yet, the most melodious tune about Christ has yet to be written. Think of the letters of the alphabet, and the billions of ways these letters have been arranged by those who have attempted to adequately Praise Him. And still the most beautiful song, most beautiful poem, or sermon about Christ and His Work of Redemption   has yet to be written or spoken.

(B) THERE IS ALSO ANTICHRIST. Revealed so clear in the Scripture. In Type, in Prophesy. Take a few moments and read 2Thess 2:1-17. The antichrist will one day enter the Temple, present himself as god, and demand to be worshipped.   Satan is a deceiver, a copier. Everything that God has, Satan tries to duplicate. God has His Christ, Satan has his anti-Christ. “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ” He is anti-christ, that denieth the Father and the Son.” (1Jn 2: 18-22).

3. THERE ARE TWO SPIRIT’S.

(A) THERE IS THE HOLY SPIRIT. He SOUGHT us when we were sinners. He led us to Jesus Christ. He SAVED us when we asked Christ into our heart. We are “Born of The Spirit.”  He SEALED us with His presence. He SECURED us eternally. “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” He SEEKS to be our guide through every day. He is that “still small voice that speaks to the believer. So much could be said about the Holy Spirit.

(B) THERE IS THE SPIRIT OF ANTI-CHRIST. Just as God uses the Holy Spirit to shine, to illuminate Christ, so, the spirit of antichrist illuminates the systems of this world. His artists paint a beautiful picture of the “Far country.” He blinds the minds of men to the reality of Christ. “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ  He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father, but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.” (1Jn 2:22-23). Any “spirit” that does not magnify Christ is not of God.

4. THERE ARE TWO GOSPELS.

(A) THERE IS THE GOSPEL OF GRACE. “For by GRACE are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the Gift of God.” Grace says that Salvation is a free Gift. “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”  (Ro 10:9). Salvation is a free Gift. You cannot earn it, buy it, work for it, pray enough to merit it. The Gospel of the Grace of God is open for everyone who will receive Christ. By GRACE plus and minus nothing!

(B) THERE IS “ANOTHER GOSPEL.”

This “Gospel” adds things. Things like Baptism, circumcision, church membership, holding out, holding on, legalism, and a thousand other things that men can do. Things like robes, burning candles, priestly confessions, catechisms, oaths, and so on. Anything that adds to the Gospel of Grace, one single “work” that man must do in order to gain favor with God and help earn his salvation is “Another Gospel.” There is a strong condemnation against this “gospel” Paul says in Galatians Ch.1, That ?”f any man preach another Gospel, Let him be accursed.”  “Another Gospel” is very popular today. Do not let anything or anyone take your eyes off the Gospel of Grace..

5. THERE ARE TWO KINGS.

(A) There is a King called GRACE. We have already discussed Grace in the previous point. I just want to add this verse; ” even so might Grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Ro 5:21). King Grace wants to reign in every heart.

(B) There is a king called SIN. “That as sin hath reigned unto death,”(Ro 5:21)

Sin has reigned for a long time, even since Adam. Sin reigns today. Christ paid for us the wages of sin, and now, death no longer reigns in the life of the believer. If physical death comes today, the believer will live forever in the Presence of our Lord. Christ reigns. Does He reign in your heart today? Or does sin still reign.? Dethrone this king called sin, and submit to the King of Kings and Lord of lords.

6. THERE ARE TWO PLANS OF SALVATION.

We have already discussed these plans in the fourth point. But just to refresh our minds, there is,

(A) God’ s Plan of Salvation. God’s plan is “Look and live”  As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” The text refers to the time when Israel murmured against God as He was leading them through the wilderness. God told Moses to make a serpent of brass and to hang the serpent high on a pole. God sent serpents into the camp, and many in Israel were bitten by these serpents. Moses told the people who were bitten by the serpents, to look at   the brazen serpent on the pole, and they would not die. All they needed to do was to Look and Live. And so it is with Christ. We look to Him, in faith, believing what the Bible,(KJV) says about Him, and we live. That’s God’s Plan.

(B) Man’s plan of salvation. Man’s plan adds to, or takes away from God’s plan. If you stray from simple Salvation By Grace through Faith, plus or minus nothing, then you are submitting yourself to man?s plan, and that will NOT get you off the ground.

7. THERE ARE TWO FOUNDATIONS.

I believe that most of us are familiar with the Story that Jesus told in the Book of Matthew 7:24-27. Two men built their houses.

(A) The solid Rock Foundation. I believe that both of these men took care to design and build their house. They used the best material they could afford. They selected a good neighborhood. They worked, they planned, and stayed with their building until it was finished. And then one night, a storm came. It was not just another rainy night, this was a violent storm with rain, wind, and a flood. One of these builders had taken care to build his house on a solid foundation. After all, a building is no better than it?s foundation. His house stood the test. The Bible, (KJV) says that “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ.” (1Cor 3:11-15) The Foundation of Christ is sure. He is the Rock upon Whom we build. This Foundation will never fail. Are you building your life, your future on the Foundation of Christ? Or are you like the other builder.

(B) Sand. Now, I feel sure that this builder did not just begin his building without doing some checking first. In a dry season, sand can become very hard. It can become very much like brick. This man probably saw something like that and came to the conclusion that this will make a fine foundation. But, when the waters begin to fall, and the sand began to soften, the foundation began to just  “float away.”  It looked so good in fair weather, But, life is not always fair weather. Storms come. Both of these men faced the same storm. One foundation stood the test, the other foundation failed. Which foundation are YOU building upon? If your foundation is not Christ, your foundation will fail. But, the choice is yours. Where you see the real, the false is not far behind.

8. THERE ARE TWO DESTINIES. “Enter ye in at the strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”  (Mt 7:13-14). Two destinies!

(A) Life..Eternal life. For those who have followed the leadership of the Holy Spirit as He brought us to Christ. We believed His Gospel. We accepted His plan of Salvation, we have the guarantee of eternal life. Our destiny is sealed.

(B) Destruction. For those who reject Christ, who build upon the sand of time, will see everything fall, and great will be the fall of it. Why take any chances? Accept Christ, today.

9. THERE ARE TWO PREACHERS.

(A) There is the God-called Preacher. He is the MAN described by the Apostle Peter in 1Per 5:2-3, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight, thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” This is the Godly preacher who is concerned about the Spiritual welfare of his flock. He is concerned about his community and town. His is not preaching for money, or for prestige.

He is sincere, honest, and trustworthy. He will take his stand upon the Word of God, (KJV) and will not move.

(B) There is the man-called Preacher. He is in business for money only. He too is described in 1Peter 5, as one preaching for filthy lucre (money). He is described in various places in the Scriptures.   Paul writes, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his minister also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.” (2Cor 11:13-15)

These two preachers are very active, preaching their Gospel message. Just make sure that you examine their message.

10. THERE ARE TWO BIBLES. I mean that, there are only two bibles.

(A) There is our God-breathed Bible, the King James Bible. God gave this Book to the English speaking people of the world. God has Blessed it, Honored it, Protected it. I believe that every Word is inspired. I have found no fault in it, and I have no problem with the italics. This Book will explain Itself, if we just study it. The Bible says in Prov 30:5, “Every Word of God is PURE.”    “The Law of the Lord is PERFECT.” (Psa 19:7). And , “Thou shalt PRESERVE them from this generation for ever.” (Psa 12:7) PURE, PERFECT, and PRESERVED.   How can you possibly improve that? Perfection cannot be up-dated.

(B) There is the Antichrist bible. This “bible” comes in many colors, and with many different names. Names like, ASV, NASV, NKJV, Good News, Living Letters, TEV, NEB, NIV, RSV, TLV, and the list keeps growing. There will probably be another “translation”  on the market by the time this publication is mailed. God is NOT in all of this confusion. This “bible” is never completed. It keeps changing with every new edition. Man keeps on searching, looking. He searches GREEK and  HEBREW always searching but never finding, and always changing. In the very beginning, Satan used the hiss of a serpent to pervert the Word of God as he spoke to Adam and Eve. Today, he uses the minds of educated men. If these bibles  listed above, and many not listed above attack the Person and Work of the Christ as presented in our God breathed Book, then these ?bibles? are Antichrist “bibles.” Satan has been busy down through the centuries just adding a little here, and taking away a little there until he has managed to confuse the masses. Years ago when I first started in the Ministry, I wondered just how will there be a famine of hearing the Word of God in the last days, (Amos 8:11), seeing that the Bible was always on the best seller list. We did not have this mass of confusion in those days.  Since we have seen this flood of antichrist “bibles” I can clearly see how. We are in that time of famine now. Oh yes, we have crowds, noise, movements. We have entertainment, comedians, laughter, medicine shows, but no revival. And there will be no revival apart from the Word of God.

The message then, is simple, Let the right Preachers, take the Right Bible, and preach the Right Gospel, and lead the people in the Right way, to build on the Right Foundation, being led by the Right Spirit.

Now there is no way that I can cover this subject in such a short space. I have tried to show you that there are CHOICES. The CHOICE is up to you. God has set forth choices in His Word. You make the decision. God will never break down the barriers in your life, you must open your heart and invite Him in. I urge everyone from the depths of my heart to accept the Christ of the Bible (KJV), to learn to study, and Love your Bible, and don?t let men deceive you by their ?correcting? it while saying at the same time that they believe it. Makes no sense. Oh well, If ignorance is bliss, I?ll just stay Blissful.

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THINK ABOUT IT…Where you find the REAL, the FALSE is not far behind.

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS…It is no friend to the Christian, nor to his Bible.

WE WISH FOR EVERYONE A HAPPY EASTER SEASON. I PRAISE GOD FOR THE GLORIOUS FACT OF THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS. HE IS ALIVE! I SPOKE WITH HIM JUST THIS MORNING! HE IS RISEN!

TODAY, MANY ASK THE QUESTION; “IS HE RISEN?”  LET US SEE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS..

1. IS HE RISEN? Is His Tomb empty? Remember that He said that He would raise His Body in three days. Did that happen?

2. IS HE RISEN? Is His Body there? Or, what happened to His Body? Did his enemies take it?

3. IS HE RISEN? Were there witnesses to His Resurrection? Did anyone see Him? Or talk with Him?

4. IS HE RISEN? Is His Church alive and well? Remember that He said, “I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

5. IS HE RISEN? Are souls being saved today? Do lost people all over the world hear and believe the Resurrection?

6. IS HE RISEN? Is His Gospel of Grace being proclaimed all over the world?

7. IS HE RISEN? Do you have daily answered prayer? Remember that He said that He would return to the Father, and that “Whatsoever ye ask the Father in My Name, that will I do that the Father may be Glorified in the Son.” 

8. IS HE RISEN? Do you have that inexplicable inward hope deep inside your heart that says above all the doubts, and debates, “I know that He is alive. He lives in my heart.”

I say “YES” to all of these questions. He is risen, as He said. Let all the skeptics be forever silenced. There are too many infallible proofs. Of course, the greatest proof is that personal knowledge that Christ went to the Cross and bore my sin, all sin, in His Body on the Cross. The sin debt is paid in full. Christ was buried, and on the third day, He arose in victory over the grave. I have claimed that for myself. And in order for you to be saved from the penalty of sin, you must do the same thing for yourself. Ask Christ to come into your heart. Believe that He paid your sin debt on the cross, and that He was buried, and that He arose from the dead. At your invitation, He will come into your life and prove to you every day that, “I am He that liveth, and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore.”

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    RESURRECTION RESULTS

Nothing ever has so effected mankind like the Glorious Resurrection of Christ. The results are too manifold to mention. Here are just a few..Mt. 28:1-20.

1. GREAT COMFORT, v1-9. The Disciples needed comfort. They found it in “He is not here, for He is risen.”

2. GREAT COURAGE, v10, “Be not afraid.” They faced kings after the Resurrection.

3. GREAT COMMISSION, v19-20. “Come and see, go and tell. Tell the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations of the world.”

 Vol. 29, No. 4   April, 2005   LIVE, AND LET DIE

               By Pastor George Mills

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat, I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink.” (Mt 25:41-42).

I have been very troubled at the situation here in Florida where a young woman has been denied the RIGHT TO LIFE. Courts, Lawyers, Legislators, and citizenry itself have bound together and have been determined to let Terri Schiavo starve to death. We all had our breakfast this morning. We had our coffee, or juice, or water, but we all had something to eat and drink. And so this will continue through the day. Convicted murderers on death row will be fed and watered very well. Our system will see to that. They will have the best of care. Animal rights groups have passed laws which will be enforced, concerning the care of animals, a mangy cur dog that has given birth to a brood of puppies will be rescued, fed, and watered. Stray cats, birds, eagles, turtles, snail darters,

Horned owls, wolves, whales, and a thousand others of the animal kingdom will be protected, watered, and fed. But the Parents of a helpless woman are denied the right and privilege of giving their daughter a drink of water. “Oh”  they say, “Terri will just fall asleep, drift into a coma, and die. It is painless.”  Others who have been through similar situations testify differently. As I have pondered this situation, I would first of all like to say thank you to all those who have been in the fight for Terri. Thanks to  President Bush who was willing to help some. Thanks to Gov. Jeb Bush, and to the Congressmen who were willing to help, and to friends and neighbors. It is very hard for me to know a starting point, but let me share with you some thoughts that have come to my mind lately..

1. LIVE AND HELP LIVE.

2. LIVE AND LET LIVE.

3. LIVE AND LET DIE.

These three thoughts have been in my mind lately. I have seen these three philosophies in my lifetime. I believe that they describe the trend of our Nation, and I do not see any change in the future. I am not God, nor am I a Prophet. I can only see the future through the revealed Word of

God, (KJV). I do not have much of an outline as I type this, I am trying to

share with you the things on my heart today. Allow me to review some of my life, and bring these three philosophies into focus.

1. LIVE AND HELP LIVE.  I was born in 1931. That puts me at age 73. This seemed to be the philosophy of those days. That is, the days between world wars 1&2. I was born at the height of the depression. People today have no earthly concept of how things were in those days. But people had the mind to LIVE and HELP Live. Our neighborhoods were poor, very poor. We had the usual neighborhood squabbles, and quarrels, but they only lasted for an hour or so, and things were back to normal. People helped one another.   I do not believe that a court, or a Judge, or a Legislature would knowingly allow someone to starve to death even in those hard times. As a boy   in our summer months, we had to spend our time on a farm in southwest Georgia. We lived in a sharecropper’s cabin. There was no indoor plumbing. There was an open well in the back yard. The interior of the cabin was not sealed. It was just a shell of a house. You can still see one of these cabins in some rural areas. But even there, in those days, there was the philosophy of LIVE and HELP Live. There was no money in that farming community. There was about a dozen or so farms in our area, but there probably was not ten dollars in the whole community. But people were bound together to help one another. If a farmer got sick, his neighbors would take care of his crops. LIVE AND HELP LIVE. That?s what I saw in my early years.   Well, I could go on and on about those days, but I just wanted to bring to mind the philosophy of the early days of the 20 th century. The days of great heroes. This is  the time in history when young men who were raised with this philosophy bound   together, and met the Germans, and the Japanese and won the battles of world war 2. This is known as the “Great Generation.” LIVE AND HELP LIVE. I am proud to have lived through those days, but I saw those days slowly slip away, only to being in the next philosophy,

2. LIVE AND LET LIVE.  As the days that followed the war slowly slipped away, the next generation had this idea. “I just want to Live and Let Live. I don’t want to bother anybody, and I don’t want anybody to bother me. You just go your way, do your thing, and I’ll do the same.”   It is hard to be a neighbor with this idea in mind. This guy will not help you. He will not help you put out a fire, or help rescue your loved one. “Just LIVE and LET Live.” So your teen age daughter got pregnant, so what?” We’ll just pass laws that will allow her to abort her pregnancy. After all, she just wants to Live and Let Live. She has her life ahead of her. And that boy, he had a part in this, but, that’s life.” “Let’s just live it up. There is no sense in wasting our time on marriage vows, let’s just live together. “Just let everybody do their own thing, LIVE and let LIVE.” Life began to take on a different meaning. Many laws were passed in those days. Laws concerning abortion, parental rights, teachers rights, senior citizens rights, marital and moral purity. They even made it illegal to pass out a simple Gospel Tract. “Don’t bother me with that.”  It also happened in Churches. Personal concern for the unsaved is a thing of the past.   LIVE AND LET LIVE IS SELFISH. “I don’t want to get involved.” This attitude ushered in our present philosophy;

3. LIVE AND LET DIE.

This is where we are today. This did not happen overnight. This brings me to the points I want to make concerning Terri Schiavo. In 1990 at age 26, Terri Schiavo suffered a heart attack. I believe that is right. Her brain was without oxygen for several minutes, leaving her with brain damage. Terri has been in that condition for 15 years. She is NOT on life support systems. Her lungs, her heart, her blood pressure, her digestive system all work, so we are told by the media.   Some Doctors have stated that there are possibilities that Terri can improve with proper rehabilitation. However, she has not been given the privilege of such. Her “husband” will not allow her any help. Michael Schiavo abandoned his wife when she became ill. He moved in with some immoral woman, and fathered some children with her. I can well remember when this would probably mean a jail sentence. But, remember, Live and Let Live? Certain laws were passed that made this alright, even the proper thing to do. I believe that Mr. Schiavo probably stood with Terri before an official and swore “Till death do us part.”  But remember, Live and Let Live? After all, I have MY life to see about. I have no respect for a person like this. I have seen married people stick together in good times, and when one mate got sick and helpless and the other mate stayed by the side to take care of that loved one. Michael Schiavo should have stayed by the side of his wife, held her hand, and whispered to her over and over again, “Sweetheart, you can make it.” Mr. Schiavo gave up any right to have anything to say concerning her treatment when he abandoned her. But the courts, the laws, the philosophy of our day, LIVE AND LET DIE, well, you know. What kind of person, court, lawyer, judge, or society would refuse a cup of cold water? Prisoners are well treated, but the helpless? I have seen the public opinion polls. One poll said that 67% of the American public believes that the feeding tube should be disconnected and Terri allowed to starve to death. That’s 67% of the American public. This is not a passing thing, we are in the middle of LIVE AND LET DIE. You ain’t seen nothing yet. Euthanasia is right around the corner. The Bible (KJV) has strong indictments against a people who knowingly forsake the Living God and His Law. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Ps 9:17). Some questions that trouble me today are;

(A) Why all this mad rush to put this woman to death. Is someone trying to cover up something?

(B) Where is a document signed by Terri that she would wish to end her life at this time.? Banks insist on a valid signature before granting a loan, But in this case, courts take the word of an infidel.

(C) Why would the courts take the word of her “husband?” I wouldn?t believe him on a stack of Bibles.

(D) I wonder what law Terri violated that would cause people to be crying for her death. Did she kill someone? Did she rob someone? I think of a killer in Homosassa, Florida. He kidnapped a child, raped and murdered her. Chances are he received food and water today. What did this woman do?

(E) We hear much about “the Law” and  “the courts have spoken, so that’s final” . Are we of the opinion that the courts have the final word in everything? God forbid. We have elected officials. They make the laws. The courts are not the law of the land. The silence of the people, and willingness of the Legislature to accept the courts final decisions have caused us to take that route, but the Constitution does not give the courts that power.

I wonder just what did this helpless woman do? I wonder just what kind of an authority would refuse parents the right to give their child a drink of water.

(F) To the 67%, and possibly more by now who think that this woman should starve to death, Just what did she do to you?  I just can?t help but wonder.

(G) I just cannot help but wonder about the Legislators who refused to vote one way or another on this issue. Are you afraid to make your stand known by all?

LIVE AND LET DIE. This philosophy has saturated our society. Life means little now. Violence fills our land. Unsafe neighborhoods, unsafe streets. Gangs will kill you for a quarter. On our highways, ROAD RAGE. “Get out of my way, or I?ll kill you.” And the slaughter of the innocent unborn, well, that’s another subject, Let’s Live and let die.

 These and other questions come to mind today.

“Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed.” (Isa 10:1)

 In the small space that I have left, let me speak to those of us who claim to be Christian. These same ideas have crept into our congregations. Let us LIVE and HELP Live. I am so much afraid that in our services, the emphasis has been so focused on”ME” that we have, like the world adopted the LIVE AND LET DIE philosophy. Help spread the Good News of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I do not know about the spiritual condition of Terri Schiavo. I hope that someone has led her to Christ. Let us tell the world that “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” (Jn 1:12). Christ gave His life that anyone who would believe, trust, receive Him would be saved from the penalty and power of sin.. Ask Him into your life today. He will hear the cry of the repentant heart. “Ask, and ye shall receive.”

Begin TODAY to live FOREVER!

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             SUFFICIENT GRACE

             By Pastor George Mills

“And He said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”(2Cor 12:9).

I suppose that the sweetest, strongest, most meaningful word in the language of men is the word “GRACE”  Grace is Love in action, Grace is Mercy in action. But still, this brief definition falls far short of the real meaning of Grace. I suppose that the best definition comes from the Word of God, (KJV) itself: “For ye know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, they ye through His poverty might be rich.” (2Cor 8:9) Grace is the unmerited favor of God. Grace gives us that which we do not deserve, and keeps us from getting that which we do deserve. Now, let us see how God’s Grace is sufficient.

1. GRACE IS SUFFICIENT BECAUSE OF IT’S SOURCE. It is God’s Grace. Far beyond the capacity of men. God’s Grace appeared in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ; “For the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared unto all men.”  (Titus 2:11). The source of all Grace is God; “But the God of all Grace who hath called us unto His eternal Glory by Christ Jesus…” (1Pet. 5:10) The manifestation of the Grace of God is the Cross of our Lord Jesus. “God commendeth His Love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Ro. 5:8). Grace is sufficient because of it’s Great source.

2. GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR SALVATION. Grace is all you need. It is not Grace plus something. Works, baptisms, giving, quitting, changing are not sufficient for our Salvation. If they were, then The Sacrifice of Christ would be meaningless. We are saved apart from all of these things. After we are saved by Grace, we will want to work, to change, to be baptized, to live a dedicated life for Him, but we must remember that we are saved by Grace apart from these things. “For by Grace are ye saved through Faith and that not of yourselves, it is the Gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9). Grace is all you need. If you trust anything else, then it is no more Grace, and that will never work.

3. GRACE IS SUFFICIENT IN IT’S SCOPE. Again, the verse in Titus 2 says, The Grace of God hath appeared unto ALL MEN.” (Titus 2:11) Grace includes all. That’s the scope of Grace. I thank God for that. Grace includes me, and you, young or old, rich or poor, black or white, morally good or morally bad, the drunkard, the harlot. No one gets left out when we rely wholly upon the Grace of God. Take the letter ‘G’ from the word “Grace” and you have “RACE” That’s what man has done. We limit Grace to a few, or to our group. But God’s Grace is sufficient in it’s scope, it is available to ALL MEN.

4. GOD?S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR SERVICE. “If only I had more talent, more ability, or a better personality, etc, I could really do something for God.”  I have heard that from people down through the years. We seem to think that our service for God depends upon our ability. Not so! We must learn to rely completely on the Grace of God. God will give you all the Grace you need in order to do His will. He just needs willing vessels. “My Grace is sufficient for you,”  Paul, or John, or Mary, or whatever your name may be. Grace has transformed the most unlikely vessels into marvels of His Grace. Is He calling you into His service? Or is there something or somewhere you believe that He is leading you? Trust Him, moment by moment, day by day, and His sufficient Grace will be with you. His Grace is sufficient for service.

5. GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR SEPARATION. The Bible, (KJV) commands us to be a separated people, and the world expects us to be a separated people. “But,” we say, “I find it very hard to live a separated life in these days.” Well, that just proves that you are not trusting in the Grace of God for your help. In one of the darkest periods in the history of this world, when man had no morals, when the earth was filled with violence, when the judgment  of God threatened, “Noah found Grace in the eyes of the Lord.” (Gen 6:8). Grace was sufficient in Noah’ s day, and Grace is sufficient for separation in our day. Read Titus 2:11-12. Paul says that Grace teaches us, and controls our lives that we may be able to live a holy, separated life to honor our Lord Jesus.

6. GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR OUR SECURITY. The same Grace that saves us, keeps us. I am glad of that. I do not have the ability to keep myself saved. None of us have that ability. Our security is not in our endurance, or in our holding on. God did not tell Noah to build an ark for the saving of his family, and then drive some pegs on the side of the ark, and tell everyone to “grab a peg, and hold on.” He said, “Get inside the ark.” And so it is with us. We are “In Christ.”   That’s our Security.

7. GRACE IS SUFFICIENT UNTO THE SECOND COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Not only does Grace help us to live a holy life for His Glory, Grace teaches us to look for the Coming of Christ. “Looking for that Blessed hope, and the Glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ.” We are not to be looking for the Antichrist, or for the tribulation period, or for some great religious movement or experience. We are looking for this wonderful Blessed hope. What a day that will be. What comfort, what hope, what assurance. Grace is all we need unto that hour. It is God’s Sufficient Grace, Saving Grace, Serving Grace, Sanctifying Grace, and Satisfying Grace. My dear Christian Brother, or Sister, God’s Grace will meet you where your need is. I know. I can sing with John Newton as he wrote, ‘Tis GRACE hath brought us safe thus far, and GRACE will lead us home.”

And my dear friend, if you do not know Christ today, why not, right now, wherever you are, open your heart, and ask Christ into your life today. He will hear the cry of the repentant heart. He will make you ready for life, and for eternity. His Sufficient Grace will cause you to, Begin TODAY to live FOREVER.

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS…It is no friend to the Christian. For a brief period, Grace Tabernacled here. The world was no friend of Grace, the world rejected Grace. But God is able to make all Grace abound. While the world is not a friend of Grace, Grace is still available for the world.   But the world will one day find  that the Grace they rejected was their greatest friend, but too late!

WANDERING THROUGH THE WILDERNESS..Answers to questions people ask from time to time.

Question, ‘What do I believe about Faith Healing, or Divine Healing?”

Answer. I believe that ALL healing is Divine healing. If we get healed from some sickness, it is because God did that for us. While I do believe in Faith Healing, I do not believe in these “Faith Healers.” The airways are filled with religious charlatans, money grabbers, tricksters, who promise much, but deliver nothing. I believe that the prayer of faith shall save the sick, (Ja. 5:15) All fundamental Bible believing people believe in the power of prayer in praying for the sick. I well remember back in 1994, my Wife, my Daughter, and two Granddaughters gathered around my sick bed. Doctors were going to take me to an operating room. These sweet loved ones of mine gathered around my bed and prayed for me, They asked that God would give the Doctors wisdom to do the surgery. There was Faith in that hospital room. We believe in the power of prayer, and about 10 days later, in answer to prayer, God raised me up. I praise God for that. He is our healer. Now, some related questions.

1. “Is Salvation a cure-all?” Since I am saved, does that mean that I will never be sick again? Salvation is a cure-all in the sense that we are safe and secure in Christ, but that does not guarantee that we will never be sick again. We all get sick, and we will die, unless Christ comes first. We will live in a new body one day. The body we have now is frail and corruptible.

2. “Why are some Christians sick?” Many a saint of God has lived in a sick body for years. There are many unkind accusers who try to convince them that there may be sin in their life, or, that they just “think that they are sick”

(A) Some Christians are sick because of natural birth defects inherited from parents. A heart, or liver condition may be inherited from our parents.

(B) Some Christians are sick because of other natural causes. Christians get Measles, Chicken Pox, etc

(C) Some Christians get sick because of lousy eating habits.

(D) Some Christians are sick because of sin. A familiar verse would be 1Cor. 11:30.

3. Should a Christian go to a Doctor? Yes, of course.   Jesus said that the sick need a Physician. I believe that you should see your Doctor regularly, and that you should follow his advice.

4. Is it always God’s will to heal? NO! If that were true, no one would die. As I stated, I believe that we should pray and ask God to heal, and to accept His answer. I am a product of that very thing.

So much could be said on this subject, but I have limited space. Let’s face it. As Christians, we live in a body that has not been redeemed. This body is weak, and subject to sickness and death. We live in a world that has been cursed. This world is filled with disease, germs, viruses. One day, we will live in a new body, like the Body of Christ. Let us take good care of the body we have while we are here.

Don’t be carried away with the religious “hucksters”  of our day. Even the  “faith healer” dies.

5. No, if you are sick, you have not lost your Salvation. The preaching of some today would leave you with that idea, but the Doctrine of By Grace alone, through Faith alone refutes that idea. Salvation is eternal. Be HAPPY, Be HEALTHY!

Begin TODAY to live FOREVER!