Vol. 34, No. 12  December, 2010

To all of our readers, both here in our homeland and those in foreign lands, we wish for each of you a Blessed and Glorious Christmas Season! While we enjoy this season of giving, let us not forget the Greatest Gift of all, the Gift of our Lord Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn.3:16).

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CHRIST, THE PROMISED SHILOH
 Dr. George Mills

“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh come, and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.”
(Gen. 49:10).
I know that this is a strange place to find a Christmas Message, but I believe that this is one of the greatest promises of the coming of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus.
This is a lengthy study. I will try to be as brief as I can.
In the text in Genesis 49, Jacob is dying. He calls for his sons that he may give them his final blessing. This is not a very pleasant sight. These sons of Jacob are a motley crew. Jacob does not have very much good to say about them. Just a few examples;

V2-3, “Reuben, thou art my firstborn.”  Then he continues, “Unstable as water.” No doubt Jacob has in mind the sin of Gen 35:22.

V5-7. “Simeon and Levi are instruments of cruelty.” He probably has in mind the slaughter of the Shechemites in Gen 35:1-34.

V17, “Dan shall be a serpent by the way.”

V22, “Joseph is a fruitful bough.” This is the son who rescued the family. Jacob loved him and called him fruitful. But the remainder of these sons, not much good can be said.

 In the midst of these blessings, JUDAH is mentioned. Judah means, “praise.”  The Tribe of Judah becomes the kingly tribe. V8-9 speak of the kingly line of Judah. Judah would rise to be feared by his enemies. His scepter or baton he held symbolized his mastery in the role of a warrior. Judah is identified with the lion.  Rev. 5:5 says, “And one of the elders saith unto me, weep not, behold the LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, the root of David hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof.”

Now. Let’s see just a few things about CHRIST, THE PROMISED SHILOH, and His coming through the tribe of JUDAH.

1. THE MEANING OF SHILOH. 
Shiloh has several meanings.

(A)  Shiloh means, “A messenger, or, one who is sent.”  Just think of the many times our Lord Jesus told us that He was the SENT ONE. At the beginning of His Ministry Jesus read Isaiah 61:1 to the nation; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor, HE HATH SENT ME to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives…” (Lk. 4:18). GOD HATH SENT ME.  “My meat is to do the will of Him that SENT ME.” (Jn. 4:34).  “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him who HE HATH SENT.” (Jn 6:29) “For I came down from Heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that SENT ME.” (Jn. 6:38). “As the Living Father hath SENT ME.” (Jn.6:57).  “My doctrine is not mine, but His that SENT ME.” (Jn.7:16). “I must work the works of Him that SENT ME.” (Jn. 9:4).  “But when the fullness of time was come, God SENT FORTH HIS SON, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem…” (Gal. 4:4). At the right time, when world conditions were right, when languages were right, when prophecies were right, when governments were right, when all things were in order, God sent His Son.
SHILOH, ONE WHO IS SENT. At this Christmas Season, when we see and enjoy all of the activities, displays, the trees, lights, and all of the joyous things of this season, let us remember that GOD SENT HIS SON! That’s Christmas!

(B) Shiloh means, “Peace-maker.”
Since the Garden of Eden when man sinned, there has been enmity between God and man. A battle has been raging. (Gen. 3:15). Do you really know what’s wrong with the world? Why all the killing? The crime? Violence? Wars? The answer is simple; Man needs peace.
Peace with God. Peace with man. And peace with himself. I am so glad that Shiloh, the peace-maker has come! “For He is our PEACE who hath made both one, (Jew and Gentile) and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” (Eph 2:14).  “And having made PEACE through the blood of His cross.” (Col. 1:20).
At His birth the angelic multitude sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, good will toward men.” (Lk. 2:14). “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and his Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, THE PRINCE OF PEACE. Peace with God, peace with man, peace with self.
SHILOH, PEACE-MAKER!

(C). Shiloh means “Prosperous Saviour.”  “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him. He hath put Him to grief, when thou shall make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed. He shall prolong His days, the pleasure of the Lord SHALL PROSPER in His hand.” (Isa. 53:10) Isaiah 53 is a condensed account of the coming of Shiloh, the prosperous Saviour. When you read Isaiah 53, it looks like weakness, it looks final, but not so. “He shall prolong His days (Resurrection) He shall see His seed.” As One who prospers, as One who has conquered death and the grave, He alone possesses the qualifications for the saving of souls. Not Buddha, not Mohammed, not some religious founder, CHRIST ALONE!
SHILOH, PROSPEROUS SAVIOUR!

2. THE MANIFESTATION OF SHILOH.

He Came to Bethlehem, in fulfillment of Micah 5:2, “But thou Bethlehem Ephratah though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall HE come forth unto me that is to be the RULER IN Israel whose goings forth have been of old from everlasting.”

He came from Egypt. “When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt. And was there until the death of Herod that it might be FULFILLED which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet saying, out of Egypt have I called my son.” (Mt. 2:14-15).

He came from Nazareth. “And He came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth that it might be FULFILLED which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”  To be called a Nazarene was to be called “despised one.” People who lived there were not highly regarded, to say the least. Phillip met the Lord Jesus. He told Nathaniel, “We have found Him, of whom Moses in the Law and the prophets did write Jesus of NAZARETH, the son of Joseph. And Nathaniel said unto him, can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Phillip said unto him, come and see.” (Jn 1:45-46).

He was sent to the tribe of JUDAH. Some 1700 years before Christ was born Jacob said that SHILOH would come from JUDAH, the kingly tribe. In all of that you can clearly see the INSPIRATION, INFALLIBILITY, and PRESERVATION of the Word of God. Read about the birth and lineage of Christ in Mt. 1:1-16. Matthew gives the lineage forward from JUDAH (Judas) to Joseph, the husband of Mary.
 And in Luke 3:23-34, Luke gives his lineage backward from Joseph to JUDAH (Juda).
 In Rev. 5:1-6 Christ is referred to as the LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH. So backward and forward, anyway you want to trace Him Christ alone can show his lineage through the Word of God. Christ alone can show His earthly lineage through the Tribe of Judah. He is the PROMISED SHILOH.

3. THE MAJESTY OF SHILOH.
“Unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.” (Gen. 49:10). Born in weakness to become King of kings, and Lord of lords. “The government shall be upon His shoulders.” “Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.” (Isa. 9:6-7). “Shall the gathering of the people be.” Perhaps Paul had that in mind when he wrote; “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might GATHER TOGETHER in one, all things in Christ both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him.” (Eph. 1:10).
“And if I be lifted up from the earth, will DRAW ALL MEN unto me.” (Jn. 12:32).
All men of all ages will one day be GATHERED TOGETHER, and will confess that Jesus is Lord to the Glory of the Father. (Phil. 2:10-11).
This then is the Christmas message. SHILOH HAS COME! His earthly lineage was through the tribe of JUDAH, in fulfillment of the prophecy of Jacob, (Gen. 49:10). He came at the right time, in the right manner, to the right place. God moved families, upset towns, and cities, and governments. God upset thrones and kingdoms. God changed the face of the skies and sent Heavenly messengers to tell the story of Christ, THE PROMISED SHILOH. Everything was done in such minute detail that if anyone misses Christ, it cannot be God’s fault.

Now, what will you do with a Saviour like that? You know, you must do one of two things. You must receive a gift, or reject it. If it is a gift, then there is nothing you can do to earn it.
 Jesus Christ is God’s Christmas Gift to the world. You must receive Him, or reject Him. Which will it be? You must make that choice, NOW. You may never have another opportunity. How do you receive Him? He is there, where you are. He has been knocking at your heart’s door all of your life. He will not come into your life unbidden by you. He will come in when you ask Him in. “For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.”

       MERRY CHRISTMAS!
THE PROMISED SHILOH HAS COME!

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS…It is no friend to the Christian. The world wanted nothing to do with Christ at His first coming 2000 years ago, and nothing has changed. There was no room for Him then and there is no room for Him now. As the world celebrates Christmas they see lights and trees. As the Christian celebrates Christmas he sees the Light of the world who was nailed to a tree.

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Do you have in memory your favorite Christmas present? I do. My favorite present is now 56 years old. It was given to me by my wife on our first Christmas as husband and wife. It is a family Bible, (KJB). On the first page she wrote:

    To: “My precious husband “Sonny”
                  From: Mildred
              Christmas Day, 1954

On that first Christmas day, I was not saved. I was not a Christian when I received it. I thought that it was a very good idea for us to have a Bible in our home. After all, just about everyone else had one. I thought that now, since I do have a Bible, it would be a good idea to read it. And so beginning on that Christmas night back in 1954 we started reading that Bible. We started in Genesis, Ch. 1:1. One chapter each night. I did not understand a lot of what I read because I did not know the Author. As I look back over my life I can see things more clearly now. “So then, Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”  “Being born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible seed, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” As I look back, I have to say that this Book, this Gift is the thing that brought me to Christ just a few years later. Just reading and the Word being sown in my heart brought me to Christ. I was saved in 1960. I have no doubt that the implanted Word of God, given to me as a Christmas Gift brought me to Christ.
Yes, I love and cherish every gift I have ever received. This one GIFT stands out over all the rest.
What is the best gift you ever received? What is the best gift you can ever give?
   THANKS FOR THE MEMORY!

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BEHOLD, IT’S CHRISTMAS
By Pastor George Mills
“For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord.”  (Lk. 2:11)

Behold the Babe in a stable there,
   In a manger where He lay.
Behold as Glory filled the air,
   Where Christ was born that day.

Behold the Chorus as they sang,
   To announce the Saviour’s birth.
Behold as loud the anthem rang,
   “Peace to all the earth.”

Behold the Child in Nazareth town,
   As He grows in stature, strong.
Behold the Grace of God came down,
   To save man from all wrong.

Behold the Man beside the sea,
   As multitudes were fed.
Behold as doubters eyes did see,
   When He multiplied the bread.

Behold the Lord beside the tomb,
   Of Lazarus, where he lay.
Behold the empty, barren room,
   As Lazarus lived that day.

Behold the Lamb as He bears our loss,
   The sin of all the world.
Behold the Christ upon the cross,
   On Him, all sin was hurled.

Behold the Babe in the stable there,
   In a manger where He lay.
Behold Salvation’s plan is here,
   Emmanuel came that day.

And now man lives with hope above,
   Sin’s debt is rolled away.
God came down to prove His Love,
   Behold, IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY!

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   GOD HAS AN IMAGE IN MIND
“To be conformed to the image of His Son.” (Ro. 8:29)

I love painting, that is, I love to try to paint landscapes, flowers, trees, a lake, that kind of painting. Occasionally I will paint something. Recently I painted a scene. It is perhaps the worst painting I have ever seen. It is nothing! It is colorless, or that is, mostly green. It has no balance to it and nothing about it catches the eye. I plan to place it in a trash can and hope the garbage man will have mercy on me and take it away. Now, the reason my painting turned out so bad is simply because I did not have an image to go by. I just started painting. “Let me see, a bush here, a tree there, some water there. No, a rock should be there and not a bush. No, that doesn’t look right, a tree should be there. No! No! No!” And so on it went.  The painting turned out so awful because I did not have an image or pattern to go by. And so it is with many lives today. There is no image, no pattern and things are not turning out right. That’s the way my life was before I met Christ. The day I met the Saviour, God began a wonderful work in me.. But as the little song goes, “He’s still working on me.”
Sometimes I do not understand the way He does, or the why He does. Sometimes it seems to me that He should do this, or that, or in some other way. Perhaps a little color here, or something else there. But He is the Artist. He has an image in mind. He works, He moves, He rearranges things that we, as Christians may be “Conformed to the image of His Son.” He is trying to make us a little more like Jesus every day.

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            FROM MY HEART
               By Mildred Mills

                 HE IS ABLE

We are hearing on the news and reading in the newspapers every day just how bad things are in our country. The alarmists are telling us we need to stock up on food because soon and very soon the price of groceries will be so out of sight we will not be able to buy them. My view on this is, how in the world can you stock up when groceries cost so much now one can hardly buy enough for today! Relax and don’t allow the alarmists of the news channels to cause you to be fearful! Child of God, you have a Heavenly Father that will take care of you no matter what. You have trusted Him with your soul and you can certainly trust Him to take care of you in any situation. In my life this truth has been tried and proven! Early in my husband’s ministry when our four children were very young, times were hard for us. We were in small mission churches that paid very little if any at all. Our cupboards were empty at times, but we were never hungry. God supplied our every need in one way or another. We found bags of groceries on our door steps and never knew who brought them. God took care of us because we belonged to Him. We didn’t panic and we were never alarmed, we just knew that OUR GOD WAS ABLE and He would see us through, no matter what. So many times He has come to our rescue and I would love to tell you about each and every one of them, but I would have to write a book, and I might just do that! No, we didn’t eat steak but we did have donuts! Now, that was just fine with me because I prefer donuts over steak! The reason for the donuts was my husband worked part time in a bakery while in Bible College and he was allowed to bring home the out dated ones, Yum! Yum! Of course, the kids loved them too! We have been so cared for and blessed in our walk with Him and I have no plans to panic, worry, be alarmed or stock up! I’ll just continue to trust my Heavenly Father.
 HE IS ABLE and willing to save you and keep you safe and secure in every situation. Trust Him today! Ask Him to come into your heart. Tell Him you know He died to pay for your sin and you know He came forth from the grave and is alive forever more. He will save you if you will just call on Him. Trust Him with your soul and then trust Him with your future. He will never leave you nor forsake you, no matter what.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19).

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THINK ABOUT IT…Since God knows what He is doing in my life, it would make more sense for me to yield my life completely to Him. I wonder how much my stubborn will has cost me in knocks, bumps and bruises. Oh well, we grow old so soon and smart so late.

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS…It is no friend to the Christian. The world robs us of our joy and peace. God moves in wondrous ways to show us who and where our REAL FRIEND is, and seeks to make us more like HIM!

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TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER
          By Ashley Stevens

   THE BEST GIFT OF ALL

Let me start by saying Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. I know you are probably planning on some very exciting things to do with your family and friends this holiday season! I know that I will be enjoying this time with mine.
While I know that we are creating some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime, I hope that all of you would make sure to remember the true reason that we celebrate Christmas. While giving and receiving gifts is nice, we tend to forget the best gift that was ever given; the gift of salvation from our Lord Jesus Christ. God sent this gift to anyone who will just ask. You could ask for worldly things that most of us teenagers desire, like money, cell phones, ipods, etc, but none of that will matter in Eternity.
His gift to us, His only Son, Jesus, was given so that one day we can live in a wonderful place called Heaven. That would be the greatest gift you could give yourself or others. Imagine telling your parents that you have changed your entire life because you have accepted the gift of salvation. Imagine a parent telling a child, “I will no longer do bad things in my life, and our family will change because I have now accepted the gift of salvation.” It is the gift that keeps on giving!
I was listening to the song, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE today, and while listening to those precious words I couldn’t help but picture in my head what Heaven would look like. I can truly only imagine! I just cannot fathom how much love that God has for us to send His Son to die on a cross for us. If just one person that reads this article would accept the gift of salvation, I would be the happiest person on this whole earth! When you accept God into your life it changes everything!  It will change your attitude, your mood, and the people that surround you. When this happens you can help others receive this wonderful gift! Enjoy this Christmas time with your family and friends, but never forget the real reason for the season! Don’t forget to say MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holidays!

May God bless your life each and every day.

        MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Until next time, Ashley Stevens

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THINK ABOUT IT… I made mention of the Bible my wife gave me on our first Christmas together. At that time, 56 years ago she was a young teenager. When she went to purchase that Bible, she did not have to say; “Now let me see, what “version” should I buy him? Should I buy the ASV, TEV, NIV, NASV, GNT, NAB, NLT, NKJV, NIRV, RSV, AMP, CEV, NCV, NRS, etc?” Most of these were not out back then. The market has been flooded with “versions” since that day, 56 years ago. She did not have to take a careful look. The King James Bible was about the only one available.
The retail market has been flooded with phonies, false advertisement, and things that just don’t last. This happened in the case of the “Bible market.” Let us borrow from the advertisers of the cola that says. I HAVE THE REAL THING!

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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS…

“I pray for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit but nothing happens. It is wrong for me to pray for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Ans…If you are saved, such a prayer is both wrong and unscriptural. The Bible tells us in First Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” This is not water baptism; this is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This happens the moment we receive the Lord Jesus as Personal Saviour. This is a once-for-all baptism. It is wrong for us to pray for something we already have.  The Christian is to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, (Eph. 5:18). To be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by The Holy Spirit. As alcohol controls the drunkard, the Holy Spirit is given to control our lives. This is done by our surrendering to His control daily. The Holy Spirit is our best friend on earth. We should know His fullness in our lives every day. This is a matter of faith and Prayer. The Holy Spirit is given to empower us to live for Jesus. May God grant His fullness to each of us today.
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OUR SINCEREST WISHES FOR EACH OF YOU IS FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Vol. 34, No. 11   November, 2010
    IT IS FINISHED 
       By Pastor George Mills

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, IT IS FINISHED, and He bowed his head and gave up the Ghost.” (John 19:30).

It is great to work on a project and see it through to completion; IT IS FINISHED.
I just wonder, is there any other three words in one sentence in the language of man that can compare with the value of  these three words; IT IS FINISHED? Certainly not! There is just too much involved with these three words, “IT IS FINISHED.” They range from eternity past, to eternity future. Let us for a few minutes look into the depths of these three words, “IT IS FINISHED.” This is the Saviour’s cry upon the Cross of Redemption…Just what was finished?

1. SUFFERINGS WERE FINISHED. We cannot begin to understand the pain and sufferings of our Lord. I have heard men try to describe His sufferings, but nothing in the language of man can explain the depths of His sufferings. His sufferings did not begin at Calvary, they ended there. His sufferings began the night He was born. He suffered through life in at least three ways…

(A) Mentally. He was born with all the make up of every human. He knows everything we suffer. Think of His humiliation, of His rejection. Think of the times the Jews mocked His birth.  Just try to walk in His steps and you will see mental suffering. The things that hurt us hurt Him. All of this ended for Him on the cross. I know men still mock Him, but He is the risen Lord, victorious over death. Nothing man can say now that can cause Him mental sufferings. He knows all about you. He cares for you.

(B) Physically. The physical pain Christ suffered was indescribable. Please read all of the 19th Chapter of the Gospel of John. The beatings, the scourging, the crown of thorns, the mockery trial, the nailing of Him to the cross, His crucifixion. Please read the 22nd Psalm, Isaiah 53. There is so much more. These verses give us a glimpse into His physical sufferings. He knows all about our physical pain. He has been there. He cares about you.

(C) Spiritually. “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” was His cry.

This is the only time when the God-head was ever, or will ever be separated. All the sin of all the ages was placed upon the Saviour on the cross as He suffered there. He bore our sin, our pain, our loss. But now, the sufferings are finished, “Who His own self bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we being dead to sins should live unto righteousness, by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1Pet. 2:24). Healed “by His stripes” goes far deeper than physical healing. Everything that separated man from God was healed by His sacrifice upon the Cross, and His resurrection from the dead.
The SUFFERINGS were finished! Mentally, Physically, Spiritually, He suffered for you, and for me. He knows us, He cares about us.

2. SACRIFICES WERE FINISHED.  Jesus died as our Passover Lamb. Sacrifices started in the Garden of Eden when God slew an animal and clothed Adam and Eve with coats of skin. Sacrifices were offered all through the Old Testament. The Passover lamb in Egypt. The scape goats, bullocks, birds, all pictured, or pointed to the One Sacrifice for sin; “The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the Holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was standing, Which was a figure for the time then present in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him that did service perfect as pertaining to the conscience. Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings and carnal ordinances imposed on them until the time of reformation. But CHRIST being come a high priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say not of this building. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but BY HIS OWN BLOOD He entered ONCE into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Heb. 9:8-12). ALL of the sacrifices demanded by the Law were fulfilled and finished on the Cross.

3. SCRIPTURES WERE FINISHED. I know that the New Testament was written after the Saviour’s death on the Cross. But the Cross is the central theme of the whole Bible..

(A) Mosaic Law was finished. Christ fulfilled every demand of the law, and took it all away, nailing it to His Cross. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way nailing it to His cross.” (Col 2:9-14).

(B) Messianic prophecies were finished. There are many, far too many Scriptural references to Christ as Messiah to print here. As stated before, read Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, 23, 24, Zech, 12:10-14. All Messianic prophecies in the Bible (KJB) were finished, fulfilled in Christ.

4. SATAN WAS FINISHED. In Genesis 3:15 God said that a battle would rage. God told Satan that the seed of the serpent would bruise the heel of the seed of the woman, (Christ). This came to fulfillment at Calvary. Satan tried to cut off God’s plan of redemption. Satan was at Christ’s baptism, (Mt. 3) and he heard God say, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” Satan tested Christ in Matthew 4, and the battle raged. Satan tried to destroy Him again and again. He finally so stirred the crowd on crucifixion day. “CRUCIFY HIM, CRUCIFY HIM.” Little did Satan realize that he was sealing his own doom. “Which none of the princes of this world knew, for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.” (1Cor. 2:8) “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself took part of the same that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Heb. 2:14-15). I know that Satan is alive and active today, but his doom was settled at Calvary. His doom is sealed. Jesus came forth from the tomb alive! “I am He that liveth, and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell and death.” (Rev. 1:18). When Christ said, IT IS FINISHED, Satan was finished.

5. SIN WAS FINISHED. God made an end for sin at the Cross. God’s only payment for sin is death. Christ died for us. He died under the penalty of sin that we might live forever.

(A) Sin’s payment was finished. As Paul wrote, “The wages of sin is death,” (Ro. 6:23). Christ paid the price for sin in full by His sacrifice for sin on Calvary.

(B) Sin’s penalty was finished.  All of our sin was placed upon Christ on the cross. “All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.”  (Isa. 53:6).

(C) Sin’s power was finished. Every sin was placed upon the sinless One on the Cross. “He took our sin away.” Sin’s power is broken. There is no sin that has man bound that the blood of Christ cannot overcome. Whatever has man bound; hate, drugs, alcohol, sexual sins, lust, desires of the flesh, whatever has man bound, the blood of Christ has power to overcome. Trust His finished work today! Let Him prove to you His power in your life today. Multitudes have found victory through Faith in Christ.

6. SALVATION WAS FINISHED. It is complete in Christ. You cannot add anything to or take anything away from His salvation. Man likes to add his part. He adds baptisms, works, robes, candles, rituals, Church membership, and a thousand other things. But Salvation is a done deal. The only thing we can do is to receive it. “But 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). How do you receive Him? Just tell Him that you receive Him. He is there where you are. He will hear your heart’s cry.
SALVATION IS FINISHED!

My wife makes beautiful quilts. She had no lessons, she taught herself. Her needlework is very precise. Every piece of her quilt must fit in proper order. She has made many quilts for family and friends. Each one was done with much care. I well recall her making a special quilt for our daughter. She had to cut with her scissors thousands of small pieces of material. Each piece had to have a particular shape and size. When she had cut enough pieces, she began to sew them all together. I believe the pattern she made was called “Pin-wheel.” Carefully she sowed her material together. Some of these pieces formed the background, and some of these pieces formed the beautiful pattern. JUST LIKE GOD’S PLAN OF REDEMPTION. From time to time she would show me her work on this beautiful quilt. Finally one day she said to me, “IT’S FINISHED!” I saw the beautiful handwork, every stitch, every thread was all in place. FINISHED!  A beautiful work of art done by her own hands, FINISHED!
And so it is with Salvation. God had been busy putting all the pieces together and in order. The background, the types, the shadows, but the Cross; that’s the FINISHED WORK! It cannot be improved. Accept it as is, there is no other way.
We can shout for Joy today, Hallelujah,
What a Saviour!

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              IT IS FINISHED
           By Pastor George Mills

“It is finished, it is finished”,
   Hear the dying Lamb’s decree.
“It is finished, it is finished,
   My blood is shed for thee.”

Forever it is finished,
   The battle of the seed.
It is finished, it is finished,
   Christ is conqueror indeed.

Gone forever is the conflict,
   Satan’s head beneath Christ’s feet.
It is finished, it is finished,
   Salvation’s plan is now complete.

Gone the guilt of sin forever,
   Paid in full at Calvary.
It is finished, it is finished,
   Christ’s blood has set us free.

“It is finished, it is finished,”
   To His Father, He did call.
“It is finished, it is finished,”
   Precious Lamb, Thou paid it all.

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WELCOMETO OUR WEB-SITE…

       thewilderness.org

This, our HOME PAGE lists the various outreaches of this Ministry.

Our MAIN MENU lists what we believe and what our purpose is.

Check our PUBLICATION ARCHIVES and you will find years of printed messages on many Biblical subjects.

Click on “CHURCH IN THE WILDWOOD BROADCAST” or “MORE SERMONS” for voice messages on many Biblical subjects.
Church In The Wildwood Broadcast began in 1966.

We are always glad to hear your comments about this world outreach ministry.

The WILDERNESS Monthly publication is sent in bulk to many prisons in Florida, and is sent to individual inmates in other states.

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS…It is no friend to the Christian. This world is a barren place, a thirsty place. A drink from the well of salvation quenches our thirst. What the world offers is temporal. Salvation and what it brings is eternal.

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THINK ABOUT IT…Christ’s Work is a finished work. We cannot add anything to it. It must be received or rejected.

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“SWEET BABE, THY SPIRIT NOW HAST REST”

 By Pastor George Mills

The above phrase is the inscription on the tombstone of a small child. It touched my heart when I read it. You see, it is, I believe on the tombstone of my father’s baby sister.
I was separated from my father when I was just a three year old child and never saw him again. My father died many years ago. I never saw a picture of my father until I was in my late twenties. In the last few years I have made it a goal of mine to find the gravesites of my father’s people. I have found the graves of his grandparents, parents, and some of his brothers and sisters. Someone told me that my father had a baby sister who died many many years ago while the family lived in Georgia. I began to search for her grave. After searching, and speaking to some who knew my father’s people, I searched several small rural cemeteries in Southwest Early County Georgia. Then one day in a small cemetery there I found it. There it was. The name on the tombstone was

             LULA KATE MILLS
              With the inscription;
 SWEET BABE THY SPIRIT NOW HAST REST.

 I wept when I found the gravesite. From the inscription, I believe that this little girl was born sickly or had contacted some childhood disease, and had suffered much before she died. I think that she was about five years old when she died. I stood there in silence and pictured in my mind that funeral service so many, many years ago. I pictured my grandfather standing there probably with his arm around my grandmother trying to comfort her. I could picture my dad there. He would probably be about the age of fourteen then. He was probably tall, skinny, and trying to hold back tears. I pictured his brothers and sisters as they wept at the grave.of their little sister. In my mind I attended that funeral and wept with them. They were not there with me, and the funeral took place many, many years before I was born. But I stood there and wept with them.
You know, life down here is just a small span. Sometimes life deals much pain and suffering. But to the redeemed ones, the end of this life will reveal to us the fulfillment of that sweet little phrase;

 “SWEET BABE THY SPIRIT NOW HAST REST.”
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Sweet Babe, thy spirit now hast rest,
   All pain and suffering has past.
Safe on that shore,
Where we suffer no more,
   Sweet Babe, thy spirit now hast rest.

And in memory of our dear loved ones who have gone on to be with our Lord…

Sweet one, thy spirit now hast rest,
   Now home with the faithful and blessed.
You gave us your all,
Then you answered His call,
   Sweet one, thy spirit now hast rest.

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         ANSWERED PRAYER
          By Pastor George Mills

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.” (Ro. 8:26)

I prayed a Prayer the other day,
   But I could not find what words to say.
When the answer came I could clearly see,
   That the Holy Spirit had prayed for me.

He knows the thoughts that rob my mind.
   That makes right words so hard to find.
So for His kindness, love and care,
   I thank my God for Answered Prayer.

With Thanks I prayed the other day,
   And knew what words that I must say.
From a grateful heart when I knelt there,
  I said Thank you God for answered Prayer.

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY AMERICA. NOVEMBER 25th.

“Be thankful unto Him and bless His Name.” (Psa. 100:4)

A few moments ago I was reading Romans, Ch.1. There is a long list of indictments listed there. I believe that the source of the condemnations listed is found in the phrase in Ro. 1:21, “Neither were they thankful.”
I just jotted down a few things for which I wish to express my Thanksgiving to God.

1. SALVATION. His plan of Salvation included me. I could never do anything to earn, or to help earn Salvation. In God’s Love and Mercy He sent His Son to purchase our Salvation by His death on the Cross. God saved me when I received His Son by FAITH alone. I THANK HIM FOR SAVING ME so many years ago. THANK YOU GOD!

2. SERVICE. I thank and praise Him for the years He has given me in His service. Fifty years ago I was saved by His GRACE. As far as I knew I had no talent, or ability to serve Him. However, it was just a few months later that I was preaching, Sunday School Supt. and soon off to Bible School. I THANK HIM FOR THE TIME HE HAS GIVEN ME IN HIS SERVICE! Today, my voice, my writings can be heard or read anywhere in the world where a computer is available. THANK YOU LORD.

3. SECURITY. Oh how many times I have failed and not lived up to what I should have been. I am so grateful that my security is NOT in me, but in Him. His GRACE found me, and His GRACE has kept me. There was nothing that I could have done to secure myself. My trust is in GOD ALONE! THANK YOU GOD FOR KEEPING ME IN YOUR HAND, Safe, and Secure!

4. SPIRIT. The Spirit that opened my heart to receive Christ is the Spirit that has guided, taught, and helped me in my Christian life. The HOLY SPIRIT is God’s great Gift to the Christian. Words are insufficient to express the value of the Indwelling Holy Spirit. I wish to THANK GOD FOR THE FELLOWSHIP AND GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

5. SCRIPTURES. Thank God for the Bible. Someone sent me a picture of my Great Grandfather, perhaps dated about the end of the civil war. He is sitting in a chair holding a large book with HOLY BIBLE on the cover. My Bible, and his Bible, dated about 150 years ago are the same, word for word. I thank God for His preservation of His Holy Word. Of course, I do not agree with the stacks of new “versions” on the market today. These versions do not agree with each other, except in the fact that they disagree with the PURITY and PRESERVATION of the Word of God as given in the King James Bible. Many new schools are opening today with the clear stand upon the authority of the Received Text from which we get the King James Bible. THANK GOD FOR HIS WORD. Without which we would be as helpless and hopeless as those listed in Romans 1-3. THANK YOU GOD!
The only way that I can express my appreciation to my Heavenly Father is to continue my best in the five brief points I have listed in this message today. God Bless you! God Bless America! And may we serve Him with a grateful heart!

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      FROM MY HEART
         By Mildred Mills

    THE ALL SEEING EYE

He sees us when we are sleeping, He sees us when we are awake, He knows when we are bad or good and I am not talking about Santa Claus!
Our Heavenly Father sees our every move, He hears our every word and knows our every thought! Nothing is hidden from Him, He sees all. What a wonderful truth to know our Heavenly Father watches over us. He guides us with His eye and promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Remember, we take Him with us wherever we may go. He is the unseen guest in our home and is in on all our conversations.  He is always with us!  We love to talk about God’s watch care and His ever presence in our lives, but we forget all about His presence when we take Him into places that are ungodly and we seem to forget He is present when we speak harsh, hateful words that hurt others. When we break the law and speed, run red lights and stop signs, we forget, He is right there with us.
I was telling my son that just happens to be a Policeman, that every time I get caught speeding the policeman is hiding behind a bush or in the trees. I can’t see him and I get caught! I asked my son, “Why do they hide?” Well, I was in for a sermon. He proceeded to tell me, “Mom, it’s sorta like God, you can’t see Him but He is watching you, so my advice to you is to slow down and remember the eyes of the law are upon you and so are the eyes of God!” I said to him, “Well said my son, well said.” To be honest I needed to be reminded that my Heavenly Father is with me at all times and sees my every action whether it be right or wrong. After all, if His eye is on the sparrow, I know He is watching me and I thank God for His all seeing eye!
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers.” (1Pet. 3:12).
“Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His Mercy.” (Psa. 33:18).
“I will guide thee with mine eye.”
(Psa. 32:8)

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   TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER
              By Ashley Stevens

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!
There is a song I truly love that says, “There is none like you, our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other, our God is healer, awesome in power, our God!” There is definitely no one like our God. Our god is truly amazing!
We should be thankful all of the time but there is something about the Thanksgiving Holiday that really causes me to pause and reflect on how God has blessed me all year. As a teenager sometimes I find myself complaining a lot. I know that is wrong because I have so much to be thankful for. I remember one day recently when I was riding my bike and just complaining in my head. As I continued riding I looked and saw a girl about the age of 15, confined to a wheelchair. She had a severe physical disability. At that point God convicted me and revealed to me that I really have a lot to be thankful for, and I needed to stop complaining. God truly brought my minor problems into perspective.
I serve an awesome God; I have a great family, a roof over my head, and good health. I honestly have no room to complain. With Thanksgiving coming up, I strongly encourage you to stop and think about all the things God has blessed you with! I think you will probably find a lot that you should be thankful for. I am thankful that I live in a free country, and that I am able to walk around with my Bible and worship my amazing God. I am grateful that I can share my faith with others. There are little things that we can be thankful for too, like shoes on our feet, great friends and our family.
I hope that you and your family have a safe and a great Thanksgiving. Be sure to give thanks to God!. Remember He is the reason we all should be thankful. He died for our sins and one day we will have the opportunity to live with Him in an amazing place called Heaven if we put our faith and trust in Him. I trust that if you are not saved that you will ask God into your heart today.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Until next time, Ashley Stevens

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We wish to express our Thanksgiving to God for the opportunity He has given us in reaching out with the Gospel Message with this monthly Publication, now 34 years old. We wish to say thanks to each of you who pray and support this Ministry without which we could do nothing. THANKS!

Vol. 34, No. 10 October, 2010

THE CHURCH AND THE TRIBULATION.

    By Dr. George Mills

This subject is both fascinating and mysterious. Denominations have been born because of differing views on this subject. Some seem to think they have everything in proper order, but then it’s “but…but…but,” etc. “Is there a clear teaching on this subject?”  Yes! I most certainly believe so. As I approach this message today I will try to shed some light on every side of the issue.  There are several different views concerning the Coming of Christ and the Tribulation.

First, the Preterist. (meaning “past.”) These believe that Christ returned in 70 AD. They believe that Nero was the antichrist, and that Christ returned to witness the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Armageddon happened in 70 AD and that God replaced Israel with the New Testament Church. They believe that Matthew 24, which describes the tribulation, was fulfilled in 70 AD. Of course we DO NOT AGREE with any of this theory.

Second, the Pre-Tribulation doctrine. These believe that there will be a time of tribulation on earth such as never before, or will ever happen again. These believe that the tribulation period is seven years, divided into two, 3 ½ year periods. The first half of this period is relatively peaceful as the antichrist rises to power. The second half of this period will be the time of the great Tribulation as recorded in Mt. 24, Mk 13, Lk. 21, plus many Old Testament references.
This Preacher, this Ministry has always, and will continue to believe in the pre-tribulation doctrine.

Third, the Mid-Tribulation theory. This group believes that Christ will return for His Church at the end of that first 3 ½
year period, or, in the midst of the seven years as previously mentioned. Of course I do not agree with this view.

Fourth, the Post-Tribulation theory. These believe that the Church will have to go through this entire seven year tribulation period and endure the wrath of the antichrist. I do not agree with this view.
With these few, brief statements in mind, let us turn to the Scriptures, (KJB) and see what the Bible says about the

 CHURCH and the TRIBULATION.
I believe that most groups agree that the Tribulation period is that seven year period as recorded in Daniel 9:24-27. The seventy weeks of that text are a period of four hundred and ninety years, or, seventy weeks of years. Four hundred and eighty nine of those years were fulfilled at the rejection and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus, leaving one week, or,
a seven year period remaining. There is a gap between the 489th and 490th week that has lasted for 2000 years. When the antichrist signs a seven year peace pact with Israel, that will signal the beginning of that 70th week, known as, the Tribulation period, (Dan 9:27)
Now, let me show you some differences..

There is a difference between the
RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH, and
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. They are not the same.

FIRST, THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH. I am well aware of the fact that the word “rapture” does not appear in the Bible. The word rapture means “a catching away,” The Church will be “caught up” to meet Christ in the air, (1Thess. 4:13-18). (1Cor. 15:51-58). The subject matter we have before us is, “will the Church go through the great tribulation? Will the Church have to bow before the antichrist? Will Christ allow His Bride to be bruised by Satan?” Some are preaching that the Church will have to face the antichrist. One defiant preacher said, “Bring on the antichrist.”
I do not believe that he is really aware of the terror of that period. The believer’s hope is the Rapture, or, the catching away of the Church. “Looking for that blessed hope and the Glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13). This is our hope. The Rapture of the Church will be:
(A) SECRET. The time of Christ’s coming for the Church is not known. Be careful of date setters, and of new “revelations.”

(B) SIGNLESS. There is much talk about the “signs of the times.” Keep in mind that the signs listed in Mt. 24, Mk. 13, Lk. 21, are signs of Christ’s coming back to earth, and not signs of the Rapture of the Church.

(C) SILENT. The coming of Christ in the Rapture will be silent. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” (1Cor. 15:52).

(D) SELECTIVE. Only born again believers will be taken into Heaven at the Rapture. Believers who have died will have their body resurrected and changed. (their soul went on to be with the Lord at their death. Their body and soul will be reunited at the Rapture.)
The Rapture of the Church is for the Church only. (1Thess 4:13-18). Before the revelation of the antichrist and before the Great Tribulation period. (2Thess. 2:1-13).

(E) SUDDEN. The Rapture of the Church will be complete before you can blink an eye. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”

SECOND, THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. This is different from the Rapture. When Christ returns He will bring His armies with Him, (Rev. 19:11-20:1-15) He will then destroy the armies of the antichrist and begin His reign of 1000 years. His second coming to earth is NOT secret, signless, or silent. “Every eye shall see Him.”

And then, there is a difference between;

TRIBULATION, and the
THE GREAT TRIBULATION.

Christ told His Disciples, “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  (Jn. 16:33). The Church has endured almost 2000 years of tribulation and trials. In fact the 20th century was the bloodiest century for Christians. Here in our homeland, we have been spared of much persecution and tribulation, but believe me, Christians around the world suffer for their faith today.

THE GREAT TRIBULATION;
1. THE PROPHECY…

  Throughout the Word of God many passages refer to this time of Great Tribulation. This time period is known by several different names…

(A) The time of Jacob’s trouble. (Jer. 30:7).This is a time of Israel’s trouble.
The Church is not in Old Testament prophecy.

(B) The time when Israel will pass under the rod. (Eze. 20:37.

(C) The day of the Lord. (Joel 1:15, Joel 2:1)

(D) The 70th Week of Daniel. (Dan. 9:24)

Verses that refer to the Great Tribulation refer to Israel, and NOT to the Church. The Church is a mystery, not known in other ages but revealed to the Apostles. (Eph 3:1-11).

God has a plan for the Church, a plan for Israel, and a plan for the nations that reject Christ.

2. THE PURPOSE. The Tribulation will be for a purifying in Israel when God deals with the nation “FACE TO FACE,” (Eze. 20:33-44). Certainly, the nations left behind at the Rapture, (1Thess. 4:13-18) are involved. They refused God’s best, (which is Christ) they will accept Satan’s best which is antichrist. You can read all about man’s best, without God, in Revelation, chs 6-19. Daniel saw the Tribulation as revealed to him by God. The terror of that awful time made Daniel sick for several days. (Dan 8:23-27). At the end of the seven year Tribulation period, Christ will return to the earth, (Rev 19:11-21). The purpose is for the purifying of Israel.

3. THE PROGRAM.

As I have previously stated, FIRST THE RAPTURE. The “catching away of that great “called out assembly.” The Church is that Blood washed, born again body of believers. These have heard the message of Redemption, and have by Faith alone received the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. (John 1:12). Jesus said, “I know them and they know me.” “I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (Jn. 10:28). This is the same crowd that Jesus spoke of when He said, “The gates of hell shall not prevail against them.” (Mt. 16:18). Now, are YOU part of that vast assembly of born again believers?  Please make sure that you have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ alone for your Salvation. And remember this, not everything that calls itself “church”
has any part in the Church of the Living Christ. There are many false voices, false doctrines, and false Christ’s. I believe in the eminent return of Christ in the Rapture. He could come at any moment. “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

After the Rapture, this world will be in chaos. Satan will use the antichrist, also known as the beast, (Rev. 13) to make a seven year peace treaty with Israel (Dan. 9:27). THE SIGNING OF THIS SEVEN YEAR PEACE PACT WILL SIGNAL THE BEGINNING OF THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD. The antichrist “seems” to have answers and solutions for the world’s problems. Political, economical, world hunger problems will be his avenue to rise to be the leader this world has been looking for, (Dan 7:24-25, 8:23-25, Rev.13:7-9).
 He is the deceiver of all deceivers!

In the middle of the seven year peace pact, the antichrist will break his covenant (peace pact) with Israel, (Dan. 9:27) and declare that he is God (2Thess 2:1-11). This is also called “The abomination of desolation,” (Dan. 9:28, Mt 24:1-1-51, Rev. 13:1-18). This begins the second half of the seven year period. This will be the worst period in the history of man. (Mt 24:22).

And then, the visible return of Christ at the end of the Tribulation when He defeats the armies of the antichrist, (Rev. 19:11-21). This is called the battle of Armageddon. The remnant of Jews that came through the Tribulation will see their Messiah, and the nation will be born in a day, (Ro. 11:26-36) (Isa. 66:8).

4. THE PERSON. The antichrist is a person. He is not a system, he is not a computer, he is a real person. He will use lies and deceit to gain his rise to power. He will use apostate religion. He will use world economy. Who is he? I do not know, nor does anyone know. He will be revealed AFTER the Rapture. I have heard various ones try to identify this person. No one knows, and I am not interested in knowing who he is. I met the REAL CHRIST one day. I claimed Him that day as my Saviour. He has fulfilled every promise to me. He is a loving, kind, Wonderful Saviour. The antichrist is “anti” or, against Christ, so I really do not care to know who he is. I am interested in introducing the REAL CHRIST to as many as I possibly can, before it is too late.

5. THE PROMISE. Will the Church go through the Great Tribulation Period?
NO, NO, NO! His promise is sure; “He hath delivered us from the WRATH to come.” ((1Thess. 1:10) The Tribulation is that time of WRATH, (Rev. 6:17). “He hath not appointed us to WRATH, (1Thess 5:9). “I will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth.” (Rev. 3:10) Jesus prayed for me on His way to Calvary. He prayed, “That Thou should keep them from THE EVIL.”(Jn 17:15). The Lord Jesus did not tell His Church to look for the antichrist or the Tribulation Period. He said “Look for Me” “I will return.”
Do not be carried away with the winds of doctrines that are blowing today. Stay with sound doctrine. The Holy Spirit is the Administrator of the Church. He keeps the Church. The PRE-TRIBULATION coming of Christ in the Rapture is not a doctrine invented in the last one hundred years or so. This is not a doctrine dreamed up by some girl in Scotland. This is sound Bible (KJB) doctrine as recorded by Paul, Peter, and John. The RAPTURE is a PROMISE. This is HOPE where there seems to be no HOPE.
There is NO HOPE in looking for the antichrist.
There is NO HOPE in looking for the Tribulation Period.
There is NO HOPE in “seeking signs.”
The only HOPE is the BLESSED HOPE, the Return of Christ for His Church.
Eternal Salvation and the Pre-Tribulation Rapture are not doctrines made up to make us at ease, or to relax and let go. These great doctrines give the Believer HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT to live for Jesus the best we can, to ever be ready for His Coming. If we live in the attitude of His coming we will be busy, active, and trying to win the lost to Jesus.

There is so much more to share with you about this subject, but my space is limited. If the Lord tarries, perhaps later I can take this subject up again. Just be sure that you are ready for Christ’s Return. You are ready when you receive Him. “But as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” If you are not saved, Christ is there, where you are, in the Person of the Holy Spirit. He will hear your heart’s cry. Tell Him that you receive Him, Now! Tell Him that you believe that He paid your sin debt in His Crucifixion and Resurrection. “Ask and ye shall receive.”
BEGIN TODAY, TO LIVE FOREVER!
“Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

“And to wait for His Son from Heaven whom He raised from the dead.”

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        WONDERFUL CHRIST
“His Name shall be called Wonderful”
                    (Isa. 9:6)
           By Pastor George Mills

Wonderful Christ who came to earth,
   He came to reveal God’s Plan.
He came to earth,
By the Virgin Birth,
   To rescue fallen man.

Beautiful Babe, Oh Glorious life,
   Touched with the feelings of mankind.
Rejected in life,
And debated in strife,
   But no error of fault could they find.

Wondrous Cross, that place of shame,
   Where Christ our Dear Saviour died.
Bearing such pain,
All for our gain,
   Where there, He was crucified.

Glorious Tomb, that empty place,
   Where the Saviour was laid to rest.
But that empty space,
Is the Gift of God’s Grace,
   The Gift of Heaven’s Best.

Wonderful Christ to bring us His rest,
   Wonderful Cross, what shame,
Now wonderfully blessed,
The tomb gave up it’s guest,
   Wonderful, He lives again!

Oh the wonder of the empty grave,
   The world cannot be the same,
Oh the Love that He gave,
And His Power to save,
   Wonderful, He’s COMING AGAIN!

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Yesterday, today, and forever, He is always the same!

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         FROM MY HEART
           By Mildred Mills

                 “AS IS”

Buyer beware if we see a sign that says “AS IS.” We can’t return it if it doesn’t work, we have no recourse to get our money back and it will probably cost us more to have it repaired than it would to buy a new one. A used car is usually trouble and off to the junk yard. Used appliances may last for a few months and then they are out for the garbage pick up. Anytime we buy “AS IS” we are running a risk of being stuck with a product that will not work and we lose in the long run. We need provision for some sort of recourse so we will know we are not going to lose and that is called a guarantee, a warranty. Yes, a guarantee that will assure us that we are safe and secure with the purchase that was made. We need to have a written guarantee that we can rely on when things just don’t work anymore. No, we can’t get a guarantee on an “AS IS” purchase but I do know One who did make an “AS IS” purchase and it does come with a written guarantee. His Name is Jesus! He bought us “AS IS” when He paid for our Salvation with His Blood! When we accept His Gift of Salvation, He also provides us with a written guarantee. He gives us full assurance that we can come to Him with any problem at any time and He will make things right with us. He has given us a written guarantee that He is ours and we are His forever and forever. He bought us with His Blood “AS IS!” What a wonderful Saviour! If you have never trusted Jesus to save you from your sin, come to Him today and ask Him to come into your heart, accept His free Gift of Salvation that comes with a guarantee and He will surely accept you “AS IS!”
“For ye are bought with a price” (1Cor.6:20).
“And I give unto them Eternal life and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
(Jn. 10:28).
“For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the lord shall be saved.”
(Ro. 10:13).
“He that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (Jn. 6:37).
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1Jn. 1:9).
“While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Ro. 5:8).

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            WINNING WAYS
“I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. (1Cor 3:6).

Sometime ago, I was witnessing almost daily to a man in the hospital. I could not lead him to Christ. I talked to him, I left tracts for him to read, but I could not lead him to Christ. After a few days, a preacher friend of mine told me that he had just left the hospital and had won a man to Christ there. This turned out to be the same man that I had been witnessing to. Why couldn’t I have led him to Christ”? After all, I had been witnessing to him. Oh well, the most important thing is that the man got saved! Please take a few moments and read 1Corinthians 3:5-11. We will not win everyone we witness to, but we must tell everyone about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Christ the SOWER and the REAPER are rewarded the same.

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TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER
              By Ashley Stevens

HOW MUCH TIME DO WE GIVE GOD EACH DAY?

For everything that God gives and blesses us with, how much of our time are we going to give back to Him? As a teenager myself, I know that we have to worry about our education, our sports and other activities, but can’t we take at least ten minutes out of our day to give to the King? He was nailed to a cross and a spear driven in His side for us. If we think about it, how much time we spend on face book, or texting, or doing other activities, shouldn’t we give God the same amount of time, or even more? I think so! He laid down His whole life for us. I can’t even imagine the pain He went through on Calvary just for YOU so you can one day spend your life with Him in a beautiful place that He has prepared for us called Heaven. Oh what a beautiful place it will be! We are always thinking about being popular or fitting in, but in God’s eyes, we are all equal. God doesn’t care if you’re popular or not! You are popular in His eyes, and that is all that matters. I have recently found out that if you start your day off with a quiet time with God each day, your day just seems to be brighter and just so much easier because you started off your day on the right foot. The Lord has blessed my life in so many ways and I am very grateful. I know that He can do the same in your life also. If you are worried about taking a test tomorrow, or maybe something is going on in your family, of if you just need someone to talk to…God is there! He will get you through whatever you need. Hard times, times of worry, times of sadness, GO TO GOD! He is always there with open and loving arms. God cares about YOU! So today, right now even, go to God and spend some time with Him. I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed.
May God bless your life each and every day.

Until next time…Ashley Stevens

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     TWIXT TWELVE ‘N TWENTY
We welcome to our writing staff, writing to the youth of our time..

            ASHLEY STEVENS

I know that you will enjoy and be blessed by her writings.

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                   MANNA
Your kind words are like MANNA to us. Thank you for taking time to Pray for this Ministry. Every time someone stops by to tell me that they are praying for us, well, THAT’S MANNA!  Thank you for every letter, every call, for every encouraging word. Thank you for every offering you send! This Ministry goes into places around the world we could never go physically. Pray that lives may be touched, and souls will be saved. This Ministry reaches into many Correctional Institutions. We frequently hear from inmates who have been helped by this Ministry. We greet each one of you in Jesus’ Name and appreciate hearing from you!
We need your prayers, you need our prayers. We need to pray for one another. Thanks for everything… In Christ, Bro. Mills

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GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
             Lam. 3:23

AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS; it is no friend to the Christian. As I make my journey through this WILDERNESS, I can only claim the Faithfulness of God. Even though I may not be able to understand some things, I still claim His faithfulness.

1. He is Faithful to His creation.  (Heb 1:1-2) (Col 1:15-17).

2. He is Faithful to His Word. (Psa 119:89) (Psa 12:6-7)

3. He is Faithful to deliver the Christian in the time of temptation and testing. (1Cor 10:13).

4. He is Faithful to keep us. “And the very God of Peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. FAITHFUL is He that calleth you and will do it.” (1Thess. 5:23-24).

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AND…The things you do which you ought not to do, you do because you do not do the things you ought to do.

Vol. 34, No. 9 September, 2010
 BLESS HIS HOLY NAME
          By Dr. George Mills

  “Bless the LORD O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.”
                    (Psa. 103:1)

I would urge each one of us to carefully read the 103rd Psalm. It is rich indeed! The Psalmist is overwhelmed at the Greatness of our God and the Wonder of His Name.  By the way, The Name of Jesus has attracted much attention in these last days, however, not for the best, but for the worst. The Name of Jesus is the most despised Name by unbelievers. Here in our own city, the chaplain of the city council cannot pray in Jesus’ Name. In fact, opening prayer at city council meetings will be offered in the name of Buddha, Mohammed, Allah, or one of the other “gods” of imagination. Not praying in the Name of Jesus is not only local on our part, but this is gaining momentum across the land. It makes you wonder; what has Jesus done that was so bad for His Name to be so despised? What has He done? He healed the sick, He cleansed the leper, He opened blinded eyes, He raised the dead. He

 took our sin in His own body and paid
the debt for sin that we could never pay. He went to the grave and came out alive and victorious! He offers Salvation to anyone who will receive it as a free gift. And today, He is still saving souls, still actively changing lives and mending broken hearts, it seems to me that everyone would want to praise His Name. Could one of the “gods” I have mentioned have done just one of these things? NO! Men today worship “gods” that men made with their own hands. Well, anyway, I love the Name of Jesus. This is the only Name that will gain the ear of Almighty God. Praying in any other name is futile. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (Jn. 14:6). Anyway, will you join in Worship with me as I seek to share with you some of the riches of Psalm 103? The Psalmist David lists some of the things he is thankful for;

 1. v1-5, Personal Blessings.
2. v6-10, National Blessings.
3. v11-14, Intimate Blessings.
4. v15-22, Eternal Blessings.

1. PERSONAL BLESSINGS. V1-5.
“Bless the LORD O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord

 O my soul and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy
diseases. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Who
Satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that
thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

King David expresses his gratitude for God’s deliverance. It is not clear about the time in David’s life he is speaking about. Perhaps this was the time when he confessed his sin concerning Bathsheba. If we read Psalm 51, Psalm 32, we can readily see that David was going through an awful time when God was dealing with him about his great sin. David confessed his sin, God, who is always faithful forgave David’s sin, and the joy of his salvation was restored. I believe that Psalm 103 was written about that time in David’s life. He praises God for several things…

(A) “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities.”
(v3) The very first thing David mentions is forgiveness. What an awful burden the weight of sin is for one to carry about. David knew that he had sinned against his Lord and nothing will be right until he talks to God about it. He readily said, “Against Thee, Thee only have I sinned.”(Ps. 51:4). If forgiveness of sin would be the only thing that our salvation brought us, believe me, this would be worth the trip. What a wonderful thing it is to feel as free as “the eagle” that soars high above the cares of this life. God does not selectively forgive this sin, or that sin, He forgives ALL sin. David knew that within man there is no power to forgive sin. God alone is the Great Forgiver of sin.

(B) “Who healeth all thy diseases” (v3). A careful reading of Psalm 32, along with Psalm 51 will reveal that David was a sick man. His sin had affected his
entire being, his body, his mind, and his spirit. When David confessed his sin, he was healed and made whole. I do not mean to imply that if someone is sick, this is because of sin. This is the case of some, but not of everyone who is sick. This text does not imply a blanket healing for everyone. Some still get sick and some still die. I am so grateful that I have been touched by the Great Physician. I am grateful for His healing Grace in my life. The 32nd Psalm goes from SIN, to SILENCE, to SONGS, to SHOUTS. No wonder he says “Bless the Lord O my soul.”

(C) “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.” (v4) It is not clear as to what David is referring to here. Many dangers crossed his path through life. Perhaps some great catastrophe was averted, or an enemy had been dispelled, or some disaster was avoided. We do not know. I wonder how many times in my own life God has so miraculously moved and spared me from some tragedy or disaster. The same is true in your life. We serve a Good and Gracious God.

(D) “Who crowneth thee.” (v4) David had been crowned King of Israel. But he was so grateful that he had been crowned with Lovingkindness and Tender Mercies.” Faithful Christians who work to please our Saviour will one day receive a crown for faithfulness. This will happen at the Judgment Seat of Christ, (1Cor. 3:11-15). But for the Believer, every day He crowns us with His Lovingkindness. He woke me up this morning after a night of rest. He gave me a bright new dawn, and another day to see his Goodness and Grace. Yes, He crowns us daily with His Grace.

(E) “He satisfieth thy mouth with good things.” (v5). Have you ever had a delicious meal, but you were not satisfied? Have you ever taken a vacation just to “get away,” and still not satisfied? Food, friends, family fellowship, fun, all meant to satisfy sometimes seems so empty. But to think of our God and how just a walk and talk with Him just brings that inner satisfaction that nothing else can bring.

(F). “Thy youth is renewed like the eagles.” (v5). The Psalmist has discovered the secret of a rich, full life. Life down here is filled with cares, anxiety, fear and worry. Sometimes one thing gets settled and two more things are lined up waiting for you. When we think of the eagle, we are reminded of the words of Isaiah, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
“They shall run.” Speaks of the “race set before us.”
“They shall walk.” Speaks of our “walk of faith.”  In order for us to be winners in the race of life we must learn to wait upon God for answers, and He causes us to soar, as the eagle, high above the cares of this life.
No other “god,” not the “gods” of this world can do what our God can do. He alone is worthy of our PRAISE. He alone answers PRAYER! Yes, the Psalmist is thankful for PERSONAL BLESSINGS.

2. NATIONAL BLESSINGS, (v6-10)
“The Lord executeth Righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made His ways known unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful, and Gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide, neither will He keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us according to our iniquities.”
God had been very kind and patient with Israel. The nation had murmured, complained, they looked to other “gods” they did not keep God’s Law. But He had been so kind to the nation. David is quick to recognize that “He hath not dealt with us according to our iniquities.” If the nation got what it really deserved, God would have stopped dealing with them and turned to another people. But He is patient and kind. I am so very grateful that He has not dealt with me concerning my iniquities. I deserve nothing. But I have everything I need to get from here to eternity. Yes, I join in with the praise of David, “BLESS HIS HOLY NAME!”

3. INTIMATE BLESSINGS. (v11-14).
“For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His Mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we are dust.”

The Psalmist had no way of knowing about the heights of the heavens. He knew nothing about space, and light years. All he knew was that he could stand upon the highest point and look up into all that vastness and say “God’s Mercy reaches much higher.” He knew nothing about the distance between east and west. He did not know that these distances were infinite. But he could say with blessed assurance “so far hath He removed our transgressions.”
“Like as a father pitieth his children.” When I read that, my mind went to the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The son in that story took his father’s money and went to a far country and spent all on riotous living. He ultimately found himself caring for hogs and starving. He came to himself and remembered his father’s house and began his journey home, hoping to become a servant there. BUT HIS FATHER saw him returning and ran to him with open arms and hugged and kissed his son and welcomed him home. “Like as a father pitieth his children.” I can just imagine the intimacy of that meeting. What a blessing. You know, God dealeth with us as with sons. He loves His own. We have that deep, intimate, personal knowledge of God. We do not just know about Him, we know Him!

4. ETERNAL BLESSINGS. (v15-18
“As for man, his days are as grass, as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone, and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the Mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children. To such as keep His covenant, and those that remember His commandments to do them.”

His Mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. As David looked as far to the east as he could see, he said His Mercy reaches farther. As he looked to the west as far as he could see, he said His mercy reaches farther. And to the north and to the south, the same. His power, His blessings reach beyond and beyond that. “From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”
Now, I am acquainted with that God. My God is not a statue, or a symbol, or a picture, or an idol hanging around my neck. My God is real. He sent His Holy Spirit to a small Church, now 50 years ago. That Holy Spirit convinced me of my sin and of my need of Christ. I received Him that day. I am so glad that I did. I am still learning about Him. I love Him today. I love to serve Him. If you are not acquainted with Him, may I say unto you that He is near you in the Person of the Holy Spirit. If you call upon Him today, He will come into your life to make life worth living. “For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.”
The Psalmist is so caught up in his praise to God he invites all to join in with him. He calls for the whole universe to praise God. He calls for the praise of angelic beings that do his commandments to join his praise service. He calls for the hosts of Heaven and all His works to”
“Bless the LORD O my soul.”

Now, why would anyone settle for a lesser “god.” Why would any home, school, city, county, state or federal government have our God to stand in line to be called upon in prayer? May I say that He will not take that position. He should be first and last, and everything in between, and HE IS!
He is worthy of our praise and our worship. I trust that Christians everywhere will voice our opinions every time the Christian Faith comes under attack. We cannot be silent any longer. One by one we have seen our government take the Bible and prayer from our schools, courts, and halls of justice. The history of Israel is that they turned to “lesser gods” and ultimately were scattered among the nations. Let us learn from history.
As for me, I will “BLESS HIS HOLY NAME.” God bless you!  God bless America!

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AND THE WILDERNESS…It is no friend to the Christian, it is no friend to Christ. The only real Friend this world ever had was Christ, and it crucified Him. Is there any wonder what it will do to those who love Him?

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BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL
 (Psalm 103)
     By Pastor George Mills

Bless The Lord O my soul, bless His Holy Name,
   The Name that ALL will confess.
       Above all other names,
       It forever remains,
That Holy Name we do bless.

Bless The Lord O my soul for His benefits free,
   To never be forgotten by His own.
      For Redemption’s Great Plan,
      To lift fallen man,
His benefits came down by His Son.

Bless The Lord O my soul, for forgiveness of sin,
   When He gave us Heaven’s best.
     And for that wonderful day,
     When He sent sin away,
As far as East is from the west.

Bless the Lord o my soul, my strength is renewed
   As the young eagle, now I soar.
     To fly above strife,
     Above the cares of this life,
At peace until this life is o’er.

Bless the Lord who remembers all the oppressed
   For true judgments so tender and mild.
     Great work He has done,
     For He gave us His Son,
Like a father who pities his child.

For the flow of sin that touched every life,
   And brought death to all Adam’s race.
     His Mercy did flow,
      And His Kindness bestow,
Bless the Lord for the Gift of His Grace.

Bless the Lord for Mercies and kindnesses true
   Each day they are the same.
     For His sweet release,
     For our cares to cease,
Bless the LORD O my soul, bless His Name.

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THINK ABOUT IT…What’s in a Name?  “His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6) What more do we need?

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         WHAT’S IN A NAME?
 

“That at THE NAME OF JESUS every knee should bow of things in Heaven and things in earth and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is Lord to the Glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:10-11).

What’s in a name? Your name tells who you are and what you are. The mention of your name may give you access to many places, or your access may be denied, according to your name. The Bible (KJB) says “A good NAME is rather to be chosen than great riches.” (Pr. 22:1). I will never be able to leave my children much of an inheritance. Most of my ministry has been in Missions work, and believe me there is no money there. The one thing I want to leave them is a good name. I do not want any member of my family to be embarrassed when my name is mentioned. So I have tried to live my Christian life like that. Speaking of Christ, “His NAME shall be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” I am proud to be associated with That Name. “Thou shalt call his Name Jesus.” There’s just something about that Name. Today let me share with you just a few thoughts about the Name of Jesus.

1. THE NAME OF JESUS HAS POWER TO ATTRACT. Like a magnet, His Name attracts.
(A) His NAME attracts the heart of God in our cry for salvation. “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) (Ro. 10:13). “These things have I written unto you that believe on the NAME of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the NAME of the Son of God.” (1Jn. 5:13). There is no other name, no, not religion, no name like Smith, Jones, Young, Buddha, Mohammed, no, not some eastern religion, not Islam, can attract the heart of God.

(B) His NAME attracts the ear of God in supplication. “And whatsoever ye ask in my NAME that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my NAME I will do it.” (Jn 14:13-14). Now, we do not have to dial some “prayer warrior” or some earthly prayer “Hot Line.” Christians have access to the Father In the NAME of His Son, JESUS.

2. THE NAME OF JESUS HAS POWER TO DISPELL.
“To scatter.” Forces of evil flee at the Name of Jesus. “Then Phillip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached CHRIST unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Phillip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice came out of many that were possessed with them, and many that were taken with palsies, and that were lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:4-8). Forces of evil have to scatter at the NAME of Jesus. There is Power in that NAME.

3. THE NAME OF JESUS HAS POWER TO SURMOUNT.
“Power to overcome.” The enemy opposes. The NAME of JESUS gives victory in persecution and opposition.
(A) Persecution. “And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the NAME of JESUS.” (Acts 4:13) Peter answered, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” They just kept right on preaching in that NAME, and the Gospel went to the nations of the world.
“Through Thee we will push down our enemies, through Thy NAME we will tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But Thou hast saved us from our enemies and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long and Praise Thy NAME for ever.” (Ps. 44:5-8)

(B) Temptation. “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape that ye may be able to bear it.” (1Cor. 10:13). That way of escape, I believe is in the NAME of JESUS. There is Power in that NAME. Learn to use that NAME. Many a mother has used that NAME to cool the fever of a child after the midnight hour… Many a man has used that NAME to gain victory over some habit. Many a young man has left home in haste, only to remember that NAME. His NAME has POWER, learn to use it. “His NAME through FAITH in His NAME hath made this man strong.” (Acts 3:16).
NOT SAVED TODAY? Call upon Christ to save you. His NAME is at the tip of your tongue. (Ro.10:8-13).

“All hail the Power of Jesus’ NAME,
   Let angels prostrate fall,
Bring forth the Royal Diadem,
   And crown Him Lord of all.”

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              FROM MY HEART
                By Mildred Mills

          GOOD MORNING LORD
Lord, help me to think positive today and every day in every situation. Help me to always see the glass half full instead of half empty, to keep a smile on my face regardless of any sadness that I may be feeling. Help me to help others all the days of my life. Help me to love and not hinder. Help me to trust you more and more and to remember that you are constantly watching over me. Remind me that I am your child and no good thing will you withhold from me. You are my help, my Salvation, my strength, and I thank you for every blessing. I thank you for saving my soul and your faithfulness to forgive me daily. Help me I pray in Jesus’ Name.
     Hope you don’t mind me sharing my prayer with you this morning. I asked the Lord to let me know what I should write about this month and a sweet voice, (not audible) said to me; “Why don’t you just talk to Me this month?” So I did. Now, I talk to the Lord every day but this morning He made it clear to me that I could share the desires of my heart with you as well as Him.
  What a privilege to be able to talk to Him and to know He hears us when we pray. That privilege comes only when we have accepted Him as our Saviour. Ask Him to come into your heart today and start TALKING! He is listening and waiting to hear from you! And this is from my heart!
“The LORD is my strength and my shield, my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped, therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth and with my song I will praise Him” (Psa. 28:7). “My help cometh from the LORD which made Heaven and earth.” (Psa 121:2).

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         IF YOU DIED TODAY

If you died today, where will you be tomorrow?

Others will be preparing your body for burial, but you will still be alive SOMEWHERE…

 IN HEAVEN WITH THE REDEEMED,
                      OR
IN HELL WITH THE DAMNED.

What you have done with Jesus Christ determines where you will be tomorrow, IF YOU DIED TODAY!

If you died today and Christ is your Saviour, you will go immediately into His Presence and live there forever and ever. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth on me, though he were dead yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me SHALL NEVER DIE. Believest thou this?” (Jn. 11:25-26). (Phil. 1:21-23)

If you died today and Christ is NOT your Saviour, you would immediately go to Hell where there is no hope for eternity. (Luke 16:19-31) The rich man in that story went to Hell where there is no hope for ever. My friend, don’t die without Christ.

Make sure that IF YOU DIED TODAY, or if you live for many years, that WHEN YOU DIE you will go to be with our Lord.

Just make sure of these few simple but absolutely necessary things…

1. REALIZE that you will die. Today, or tomorrow we have an appointment that we all must keep.       

2. REALIZE that you will meet God in judgment. “And I saw the dead small and great stand before God.” (Rev. 20:12).

3. REALIZE that Christ bore all of God’s judgment for sin on the cross. “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for us.” (Ro. 5:6)

4. REALIZE that Christ alone can make you ready for life and death. “I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” (Jn. 10:10).

5. RECEIVE CHRIST TODAY—NOW!
If you receive Him today, in just a moment of time, you will pass from DEATH unto LIFE. Your destiny will be changed from HELL to HEAVEN, and you will have HOPE where there was NO HOPE.
You receive Christ by Faith alone. You must receive Him as a FREE GIFT. “But 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). You receive Him when you trust Christ alone and ask Him to save you. “Ask, and ye shall receive.”
When you receive Christ, then and only then are you ready, IF YOU DIED TODAY!
     Begin TODAY to live FOREVER!

Vol. 34, No. 8  August, 2010

OH TO GRACE HOW GREAT A DEBTOR.          (Titus 3:3-7)

           By Dr. George Mills

“That being Justified by His GRACE we should be made heirs according to the hope of Eternal Life.” (Titus 3:7).

As always, I enjoy the study of the Word of God. It is work however, but it is always rewarding. I would like to share with you some precious truths from the Book of Titus. This Book contains only three chapters, but it offers much to the believer in Christ. Titus was Paul’s helper. Paul called him “my partner and fellowhelper.” (2Cor. 8:23). Paul left Titus on the Island of Crete to..
(a) Set things in order, (1:5) and to
(b) Ordain elders.
It is evident that there were saved people on Crete, but they were not organized. It is not clear as to how the Gospel got to these on Crete. This must not have been a very pleasant assignment, for it is evident that Titus wanted to leave Crete. Two major problems faced the believers there…
1. The Judaizers.   “They of the circumcision,” v10-11). They taught that believers in Christ must be circumcised.

2. Those that used Grace as a license to Sin. (2:12). Paul knew that the churches must be organized and that sound doctrine must be taught, (2:1). In these last days sound doctrine is a thing of the past.  Notice the motivations that Paul used to encourage the young man to stay on the job at Crete. He reminds Titus of some things..

1. WHAT WE WERE.  (v3) He reminds Titus, and us, of what we were before we were saved. “Ye were sometimes.” In the past, before you were saved.

(A) FOOLISH. This does not necessarily denote one as an idiot, or one who is devoid of reason, but one who reasons wrongly, (Mt. 7:24-27). He states HOW we were foolish..

(a) WE WERE DISOBEDIENT. We disobeyed the Law of God. He can write with full meaning, “For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God. (Ro. 6:23).

(b) WE WERE DECEIVED.
We were deceived about GOD. We had our own idea about God and Who He is and what He demands of us.

We were deceived about SIN. If you asked the Cretians about sin and their definition of sin, you would get different
 answers. “Sin is whatever you think it
might be,” “If you think it’s wrong and do it anyway, then that’s sin.” or “sin is anything not done in moderation,”

We were deceived about SALVATION. They had their own ideas just as man has his own ideas today. “Salvation is by works, by baptisms, by church membership, by hope, or think, or maybe.” I most certainly had my own idea before I was saved. I pictured myself as holding out faithfully until the very end. My dear reader, if you are not saved, I am sure that you have your own idea about what Salvation is all about. Salvation is all about a Person; Jesus Christ. We must receive Him alone as God’s only way of Salvation. If we try some other way, that makes us a thief, or a robber.
More ways we were foolish…

(c) WE WERE SERVING DIVERSE LUSTS AND PLEASURE. Whatever the flesh lusted for was the thing we went after. The “flesh” meaning the old Adamic nature we were born with.

(d) WE WERE LIVING IN MALICE AND ENVY. “Having a desire to cause pain or injury to others. To harbor grudges.”

(e) WE WERE HATEFUL AND HATING ONE ANOTHER. Hate is rooted in envy.
This world is a hateful world. We were part of that before we were saved.
There is Political hatred.
There is Religious hatred
There is Racial hatred.
Before we were saved we were identified with some or all of these. Perhaps religious hatred is at the worst of these.
All of these describe, in various degrees, what we were before we were saved.

2. WHAT GOD DID. “He saved us”(v5).
That’s right, “He saved us.”

(A) He saved us from the PENALTY of sin. “For the wages of sin is death.  Death came into the world by way of sin. “Wherefore as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world and death by sin..” (Ro. 5:12). Christ bore the full PENALTY of sin for us by His sacrificial death on the Cross and His bodily resurrection from the dead. This is so wonderful. My heart is full and warm as I think of His Sacrifice for my sin on His Cross. He did that for you too!

(B) He saved us from the POWER of sin. Today. Sin has the world entangled. All seems so hopeless for so many. I believe that there is still Power enough in the Gospel of Jesus Christ to “Set at liberty them that are bound.” May I say to you that whatever may have you bound; Faith in Christ has the power to set you free. Millions have been set free. This is meant for everyone. Sin reaches everyone, Salvation sets everyone who trusts Christ free!

3. HOW GOD DID IT.

(A) First, on the negative side. “NOT by works of righteousness which we have done.” (v5). There is nothing within man, or about man that has the means, or power, or the ability to save himself. No man can ever boast before God that he, or that he AND God worked it out. Salvation is of the Lord! If you are depending upon your good works, your good life, your baptism, your church membership, your giving, your going, your teaching, all will not do. Christ came and did for us that which we could never do. HE PURCHASED OUR SALVATION FOR US! It’s FREE! It’s the Gift of God! We must receive it as a free Gift, or reject it. There is no other way.

(B) On the POSITIVE SIDE. How God did it.

(a) IT IS BY GRACE. “That being justified by His GRACE,” (v7) “For the GRACE of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared to ALL men.” (2:11). Our Salvation is totally by His GRACE.
GRACE is the wonderful attribute of God that gives the repentant sinner that which we do not deserve.
Verse 5 says, “But according to his MERCY He saved us.” His MERCY is the wonderful attribute of God that keeps us from getting what we rightly deserve. We deserve nothing. What WE WERE, as stated in this message is proof enough that we deserve nothing. Oh, Praise Him for His GRACE! Let’s note the two agents God used to bring about His Salvation in our lives.

(1) The Washing of Regeneration. (v5). This washing is NOT water baptism. Water baptism is a work that man does. The physical cannot produce the Spiritual. (John 3:1-7). The WATER is symbolic and pictures the Word of God.
“That He might sanctify and cleanse it (the Church) with the washing of water by the Word.” (Eph 5:26).
“Being Born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1Pet. 1:23).
“Of His own will He begat us with the Word of Truth.” (Ja. 1:18)
The washing and cleansing is the WORD of God. We are born of His Word. As a lost sinner, we must first hear the Word, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Ro10:17). The Word opens the Way.

(2) “The renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (v5). The Word of God, and The Spirit of God. These are the two (only two) agents God uses to bring about in our lives the GIFT of His GRACE. When we hear about our Lord Jesus and His wonderful Sacrifice of Himself for full payment for our sin, the Spirit of God takes that Word of God and the Word convicts us of sin and convinces us of Christ. Don’t add, or take away anything from that. Just believe it, receive it, and enjoy your trip to eternity.

4. WHAT WE ARE NOW.

(A) As already stated, we are NOW saved! Saved from the PENALTY and POWER of sin. It’s a done deal!

(B) We are NOW Justified. (v7). “That being Justified by His Grace…” “Justified” is a legal term meaning, “to be declared Righteous.”  To be made as though you had never sinned.

(C) We are NOW Heirs. (v7). “And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.” (Ro. 8:17). THINK ABOUT IT…Everything that Christ has is ours. A Free Gift! When we received Christ we received all that He is and all that He has. I was born into a poor family. There are no wealthy merchants or lawyers in my family lineage. But the moment I got saved, I became rich. I do not mean that Salvation brings a check to the mail box every day. I have enjoyed 50 years of His Grace. My need has been supplied. When He comes to receive the Church and we are called to our eternal home, then we will come into our inheritance in it’s fullness.
Now, how about you, my dear friend? Have you by Faith alone, received the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? There is none other; there is no other way to God. If you have never received Him, He is there, where you are, in the Person of the Holy Spirit. He will never come into your life unbidden. You must ask Him to save you. He has been there all of your life. I trust that you will receive Him today. “How do I receive Him?” The Bible says, “Ask and ye shall receive.” Just tell Him now in your own words that you believe and that you receive Him. Begin TODAY to live FOREVER!

Now, for just a few more thoughts about GRACE from the Book of Titus, Ch 2..

1. GRACE IN THE PAST.
 “For the GRACE of God that bringeth Salvation HATH appeared to ALL men.”
(2:11) His Grace appeared in the Person of Jesus Christ, for ALL men to receive.

2. GRACE IN THE PRESENT. Grace teaches us, (v12) that we should “deny ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.” Grace does not give a license to live in sin as some at Crete were saying, and as some have said through the ages. Grace changes a man from the inside out. Grace places within the Christian a desire to please Christ, and not to be conformed to this world. If that desire to please Christ is not present in your life, something is wrong. Make sure that you are saved. Read this message carefully.

3. GRACE IN THE FUTURE.
Grace has appeared in the Past in the Person of Christ.
Grace appears now in the hearts and lives of His own.
And Grace will appear in the future.
“Looking for that Blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (v12).
Grace teaches us not to be conformed to this world.
Grace teaches us to look for our Dear Saviour. He is coming for His own in His time. Until He comes, enjoy each day as partakers of His GRACE!

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THINK ABOUT IT…Where else could such a plan of Salvation come from except from the heart of The Holy God. Could man come up with a plan to include everyone? I think not. The rich man would have left out the poor man. And the poor man would have left out the rich man. Somebody would have been left out if man had anything to do with it. But God’s plan is “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life FREELY.” Now, that’s Grace.

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS…It is no friend to the Christian. What the world offers is PASSING, what Calvary offers is PERMANENT.

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“Forever O Lord Thy Word is settled in Heaven.”

              GRACE
   By Pastor George Mills

“For by GRACE are ye saved
 through FAITH ..”   (Eph. 2:8)

Grace reached far deeper,
   Than my deepest sin.
Grace is my keeper,
   Making me pure within.
Grace reached far higher,
   Than my highest plan,
Grace to inspire,
   To lift fallen man.

Grace reached far wider,
   Than man can e’re tell,
Grace is my hider,
   From the onslaughts of hell.
Grace reaches longer,
   Than man can conceive,
Grace is far stronger,
   To all who believe.

Grace was my refuge,
   Grace was my all,
Grace was my rescue,
   When on Christ I did call.
Sufficient Grace for every day,
   And Grace for every need,
Grace for every step of the way,
   Grace, my refuge, indeed.

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS..
It is no friend to the Christian.
For a short time GRACE Tabernacled here. The world is no friend of Grace. So the world rejected Grace. But God is able to make all Grace abound. While the world is no friend of Grace, Grace is available for the world. But the same world that rejects Grace will find too late that Grace was their friend. Sound complicated? Just trust His Grace.

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AN ODE TO THE SHOPPING CART
              Pastor George Mills

While driving over a bridge on my side of town, I glanced over my right side and saw a Shopping Cart at the very top of the bridge. The cart was in the emergency lane. I said to myself that this Shopping Cart is in a very dangerous position. Just a little nudge or puff of wind from a passing vehicle and that cart could roll down the bridge, possibly causing much damage or injury. Right after that I started taking notice and I saw abandoned Shopping Carts everywhere. I saw some kids playing with Shopping Carts in a parking lot. I saw another cart abandoned on the side of the road, and another one abandoned and turned over in a ditch. I saw some more carts behind a store near a dumpster. I saw who I believed to be a homeless person pushing a Shopping Cart laden with just junk. I saw three or four turned over in a ditch behind the Post Office. If you take notice I believe that you will see abandoned Shopping Carts everywhere. Some turned over, some damaged, and some just abandoned not serving any purpose. But a Shopping Cart is one of the most useful things we have today. Recently I went into a store just for an item or two, and before I realized it, I had to go for a Shopping Cart. They are very useful and helpful items. I hate to get a cart that has a flat spot on one wheel, or squeaks, or hard to turn, or one of the guiding casters is stuck. Yes, Shopping Carts are very useful. But abandoned, ditched, filled with junk, idle by the road, all serve no purpose. Shopping Carts are vessels designed to carry good things like Milk, Meat, Bread, potatoes, fruit, cookies, and all the good things we use every day. But can we see a greater picture here? A picture of countless lives that were intended to be vessels of use, now discarded. Does this picture your life?  Perhaps you feel like that. Your life once filled with so much useful potential. But now you feel, well, sorta like one of these abandoned shopping carts with a broken wheel. God is able to make all things new. I am afraid that this pictures the lives of so many Christians. We are saved to serve, to be useful vessels, but too many are just idle, some are just carrying around so much “stuff” Some used to be active, happy serving Christ, but now, are just like a discarded Grocery Cart. Some of these Carts are in good condition; they only need to get back in line for the next customer. Others need a little help. A little oil on the wheels, perhaps a new bearing, maybe just a new caster, or just a real cleaning, and back in service. Let us just discard some of our junk today and let us be a vessel with good purpose all for the Master’s use. Let’s be filled with,

MILK……..1Pet. 2:2
MEAT…….Heb. 5:14
BREAD…..Mt 4:4
FRUIT…….Gal. 5:22-23

Is your life today like an abandoned Shopping Cart? Really no use to anyone? God has been in the “junk business” for a long time. He does wonders in making things over. Talk to Him about it. Who knows, a few squirts of oil, and some cleaning the string from the wheels, and you’re back in service.

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We invite you to our web-site. You will find several years of messages, our Broadcast site, history and other info.
WWW.thewilderness.org
Please remember to pray for us as we try to reach folks with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Purpose and Stand never changes. We have and will stand on the Inspiration and Purity of the Bible as given in the Old King James Bible. We “accept no substitute.”

1. WILDERNESS Monthly Publication.
    We are now in our 34th year.
2. WILDERNESS Tracts, booklets,
     to help get started right.
3. WILDERNESS Internet Ministry.
    This Publication is posted on our web-
     Site monthly. There you can find
     Many messages on various subjects.
     Every month we reach into many
     Nations of the world…From China to
     Russia, from Canada to South  
     America, from Africa to Europe,
     And points between. We praise God
     For this great opportunity.
4. WILDERNESS Broadcast Ministry.
    The “Church In The Wildwood
     Broadcast can be heard anywhere
     in the world where a computer is
     available.
5. WILDERNESS Prison Ministry. We
    are privileged to send this Publication
    in bulk to many Prisons, jails, in
    Florida and inmates in other states.
6. WILDERNESS Bibles for Africa. We
    try to send at least two small bundles
    of Bibles, tracts, booklets each week
    into Africa. This is a work of Faith.

We have never had any kind of a financial backing. We have no large bank account. This all has been done through the generosity of good friends of this ministry. Thanks to everyone who has, and continues to send gifts to this Ministry without which we could do nothing..Thanks, and Keep Praying!!

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         FROM MY HEART
            By Mildred Mills

          BUSY BUILDING

You can be sure of two things when the hot summers arrive in Florida! Bugs and thunderstorms! The wasps begin to build their nests and the ants begin to build their abodes for the summer. We also have an abundance of grasshoppers that stay busy eating the leaves off my flower bushes. I have watched the wasps and ants as they worked tirelessly building and nothing seems to slow them down. They are busy building! The grasshoppers don’t give up either! A lot of hard work going on but one day we get out the wasp spray and with one squirt; their nests are gone, destroyed. They worked day and night building and now it’s all gone. The ant poison is next, and their summer home is gone. Now the grasshoppers don’t stand a chance when the Grand Kids get here with their bug catchers, but they were busy for awhile.
Then we expect the thunder clouds to begin to build, and build they do! In the afternoon hours, the rains begin to fall and the lightning and thunder comes with it. Sometimes severe! In our city we have had three homes struck by lightning and burned to the ground in the past month. Needless to say, we certainly acknowledge God during a thunderstorm! We are no different when it comes to building. Moms and Dads are busy day and night working to build that beautiful home they have always dreamed of having and we work for years to build a retirement fund for our “Golden Years!” (that means old age). Always busy working and building. Then the rains come, the lightning strikes and the beautiful dream home burns to the ground! Then the stock market takes a dive and goodbye retirement, it’s all gone! Everything we have worked for, gone! What about our health? We seem so healthy today but what about tomorrow? We exercise and take vitamins and try to eat healthy as we should, but young, seemingly healthy athletes get sick. The rains will come. The truth is, we should be busy building, but make sure you are building on the right foundation, and that is the Lord Jesus! There is victory in knowing Jesus! The rains will still come and we may lose everything we worked for on this earth. Sickness may come but we are still on the winning side! No losers in God’s family! Be wise and build your house upon the Rock. This Rock is Jesus, and when the rains come down, and they will, we will be standing firm. “The Foundation of the Lord standeth sure.”(2Tim. 2:19). Ask Him to come into your heart and include Him in every phase of your life. Live for Him! He died for you. My husband and I celebrated our 56th wedding anniversary on July 31 and we have been asked how we made our marriage last for so many years. My answer is short and simple, “Only God!”  Seriously we have tried to honor our Lord down through the years and we have seen an abundance of sunshine with many blessings and many happy times, but we have had some “rains.” Actually I would call them “down pours” and we have had a few lightning strikes and the thunder has roared many times in the past 56 years but God is the answer on “how did we make it work?”
When the rains came we stood firm because our house was built upon the Rock! “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1Cor. 3:11).

        Happy Anniversary Hon!

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AND THE WORLD IS A WILDERNESS..
It is no friend to the Christian, and it is no friend to your Bible, (KJB).
Today, the battle still rages. There has been no change. In the very beginning Satan told Eve about an “up-dated version.” “Ye shall NOT surely die.” He just added a little here, and took out a little there. (Gen 3:1-24).
Every ‘bible’ that attacks the PERSON and WORK of Jesus Christ is NOT “BIBLE.”

KJB.. “God was manifest in the flesh.”
            (1Tim. 3:16)
NIV..  “He was manifest.” Same verse.           
           Just Change “GOD” to “HE”
           And destroy His Deity.
KJB…  “Dost thou believe on the Son of
             God?” (Jn 9:35).
NIV…  “Do you believe in the son of
             MAN?” Same verse.
KJB..  “In whom we have redemption
           Through His Blood.” (Col. 1:14)
NIV..   “In whom we have redemption.”
           Through His blood, LEFT OUT, 
            Same verse..
Hundreds of attacks against the Person and Work of Jesus Christ in these new ‘versions.’ The battle lines are clearly drawn. “Is the Bible the Word of God? If so, which bible? I will stay with the Book that brought us this far. I am sure it will take us the rest of the way.