September 2013 Posts

MORE OF YOU JESUS, LESS OF ME -TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER

TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER
By Ashley Stevens

MORE OF YOU JESUS, LESS OF ME

It is common to get wrapped up in our busy lives. We tend to get selfish and the only person we think about is ourselves. The first step to overcoming selfishness is to admit it and to be honest with yourself about it. This can often be the hardest step of them all. It is not very easy for us to look at ourselves in the mirror and honestly recognize we are selfish. The importance of admitting we are selfish is to take all of that weight off and

Vol. 37, No. 10 THE UNPARDONABLE SIN. WHAT IS IT? WHO CAN COMMIT IT?

Vol. 37, No. 10 October, 2013

THE UNPARDONABLE SIN. WHAT IS IT?
WHO CAN COMMIT IT?
Dr. George Mills

“Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him. Neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” (Mt. 12:24-34)).

This question comes to me in many ways; “Preacher, do you think that I have committed the unpardonable sin?” This publication goes into many prisons, jails, and various institutions where men and women are housed for years and some for life. “Have I gone too far?” some want to know.”Have I reached the place where God will not hear me if I call on Him?” It is not uncommon for me to receive this kind of questioning. Let me say this, and then I will say some other things about this subject…If this is bothering you…if you are concerned about this, then, in my opinion, I do not believe that you have gone too far. If you had reached the place where God no longer speaks to your heart, then I do not believe you would have any concern about God, or yourself or eternity whatsoever. So if you are concerned about your relationship with God, my answer would be NO! You have not committed the unpardonable sin. However, I would not wait another moment. I would, “Call upon Him while He is near.” We do live in bad times. People do commit terrible things. The lives of so many are in such disarray that we wonder how this could happen to anyone, BUT IT DOES!
Let me say this; The only convicting Power that God has on earth to lead man/woman to forgiveness is the Holy Spirit., (John 16:7-15). The verses in Matthew 12 clearly teach that a man who rejects every plea of the Holy Spirit can be brought to the place in life where God will no longer deal with him. Other than the things I have just said, I am nobody’s judge. I cannot tell. I cannot read hearts and tell when someone has reached that state where he/she has “crossed the line.” I believe that this text is a clear warning about our responsibility to receive Christ, TODAY! Let me mention some of the sins that seem to be troubling to so many…

MURDER. Is murder the unpardonable sin?
This is a great growing problem in our society. It would be easy for me to choose any paper from any city and print the shootings, the stabbings, the acts of violence by man against man. One human taking the life of another human is condemned in the Law Of God. “Thou shalt not kill.” Just recently here in our city, a vehicle stopped in front of a residence, and shots rang out as the home was peppered with bullets. Two innocent teen-age girls were left dead. That same night a lady waiting at a bus stop had her purse taken away and an innocent man was shot down. A customer in the local Post office was robbed and shot. Unsafe streets, unsafe neighborhoods, crime, violence, Murder for hire. It is nothing to hear about killers who have been proven guilty of committing many murders. You read your papers, you listen to the news reports, and you know what I am speaking about. This is a day of violence. Murder is being committed by children. Drugs, video games, unsupervised young people form gangs. As the Bible says, “blood touches blood. Three teenagers in Colorado shot and killed a jogger just because they were bored. A child in a baby stroller was shot in the face while his mother was being robbed. MURDER, MURDER, MURDER. Without Christ, man is capable of anything. When a nation forsakes the foundational truths on which it was founded,well, we see the results. But I do have some good news, the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! The Gospel tells us of God’s Love. King David was “a man after God’s heart.” King David was one of the greatest men of history, but he committed some of the greatest sins against God; Adultery and Murder. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, then he had her husband Uriah killed. He suffered much for his sins. You can read about his confessions in Psalm 32, Psalm 51. He was forgiven by the Grace of God, but there was much reaping for his wrong for the rest of his life. The Apostle Paul was another of the great men of history. Paul confessed his hatred for this new movement called the “Church.” and went out to stop it. He confessed that he imprisoned and beat the ones who believed in Christ and that he consented to the death of Stephen, (Acts 22:19-20). Although they were guilty of murder, David and Paul found GRACE. I have heard and read the testimony of some who have been convicted of murder , who were on death row in prison,who heard, or read about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and found forgiveness of their great sin. I have no reason to doubt their conversion. I know that some confessions are not real, but some are! God is willing to forgive all who trust in the Finished work of Jesus Christ. “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). The problem is the heart, not the weapon. Jesus said, “For out of the HEART proceedeth evil thoughts, MURDERS, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnesses, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man.” (Mt 15:19-20). This comes from the heart, but murder is not the Unpardonable sin.

ABORTION. Is Abortion the unpardonable sin?
This too is a horrible blight on society. When I think of the millions of abortions, the “doctors” who perform such, the clinics, and not caring for the unborn, and women who say, “it’s my body, I can do what I want to do with it.” NO YOU CAN’T! There are many laws, still in the books that say NO, YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR BODY. “These six things doth the LORD hate yea, seven are an abomination unto Him. A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.” (Pr. 6: 16-19). Nothing could be more innocent than a child in it’s mother’s womb! When does life begin? Life begins at conception! When the seed is planted in the womb, with that seed the genetic make-up of both parents comes alive in the womb and begins it’s journey from there to eternity. Read Psalm 139:13-19, Psalm 22:9-10, Luke 1:41-44. Life is in the womb! Many a young girl, after a lustful encounter, perhaps in the back seat of an automobile has found herself with child and sought help, and through the efforts of some abortionist, her child was killed, aborted! She knows that she has done wrong and wonders, and wonders. Questions come to her mind. Will God forgive me for that? Will I ever get over this? Is my child still alive, somewhere? YES! Sometimes these questions are so troubling that they lead to other things, things like alcohol, or drugs. Anything to soothe a troubled mind. When we do wrong and seek forgiveness from God, He is there to forgive! I am so glad of that ! “ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” When we receive Christ as our Saviour, He forgives, He forgets, and He gives peace of mind and heart. The encounter in the back seat was wrong, the abortion was wrong, but a turning to the Loving God we serve is God’s answer for our sin, no matter how bad our sin may have been. Abortion is WRONG, but abortion is NOT the unpardonable sin.

ADULTERY. Is Adultery the unpardonable sin?
This is the common thing today. It is practiced secretly, and sometimes openly. Sexual relations and affairs with someone other than the one to who you are married. This is a great heart breaker. More than just two people are involved in so many ways. God knew the endless results of such a relationship so He placed in His Law, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”(Ex. 20:14). But this goes on and on, but very few ever stop to think about the results. We could mention the unwanted children,(there is no such thing as an illegitimate child, illegitimate parents, yes, but no illegitimate child) the deadbeat dads. On and on the list goes. But there is hope for the adulterer. Read John 8:3-11. A woman caught in the act of adultery was brought to Jesus. If she was caught in the act, that means there was a man involved. (I suppose he is still running). Christ told her accusers, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” They were convicted by their own conscience and left one by one. “Where are thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said no man LORD. Jesus said, Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more.” Yes, there is always hope in Christ.

HOMOSEXUALITY. Is Homosexuality the unpardonable sin?

I do not believe that homosexuals are born homosexual. “Male and Female” created He them” God made man and God made woman. Homosexuals are made by society. We learn from our environment. A child must have a Father and a Mother in his/her life and he/she learns from the parents just what his/her position in life is. So many of the children in this society have been left with only one parent to learn from. Now, let me thank the single parents out there who have been left to raise children alone and are doing a great job. However, you are in the minority. This has been presented to this generation as an acceptable alternate lifestyle. Even the military, and all areas of government promote this as “acceptable.” It is reported that 13% of men and 5% of women are practicing homosexual. But what does God say about this?
God destroyed civilizations in the past because of this sin.(Romans 1:21-32. “God gave them up, God gave them up, God gave them over to a reprobate mind.”

God will destroy again because of this sin. “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overflow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.” (2Peter 2:6).

This sin is condemned in the Law of God. Take a few moments and read Leviticus 20. The Law is very clear concerning sexual sins…..

Lev. 20:10.Adultery…
Lev. 20:11.Sexual relations with stepmother
Lev. 20:12 Sexual relations with daughter in law.
Lev. 20:13…..
Lev. 20:14.Sexual relations with mother-in-law.
Lev. 20:15-16. Bestiality.
Lev. 20:17..Sexual relations with sister.
Lev. 20:19. Sexual relations with Aunt.
Lev. 20:21. Sexual relations with sister-in-law.
ALL OF THESE ARE WRONG!

I believe that we can look at the above list from the Law of God and agree,. These sins are wrong! They pollute society, produce unhealthy births!

Now, take a look at the very middle of the Law of God in Leviticus 20:13,
“If a man also lie with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.”
The same Law that condemns the sexual acts in the above verses condemns the sin of homosexuality also. These Laws are NOT “Readers Choice!!”All are sin as clearly written in the Law of God. May I say that there is hope, in the Bible, Hope in Christ for the Homosexual. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived, neither fornicators nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (Homosexual) nor abusers of themselves with mankind…shall inherit the Kingdom of God. AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God.” (1Cor. 6-9-11). According to these verses there is hope in Christ for everyone. Some of the Corinthian believers were saved and delivered from the homosexual lifestyle. No one has any animosity or ill-will toward anyone who has adopted this, or these lifestyles. It is the SIN, and not the sinner. We are glad to share with you the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ who said, “I am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.”

SUICIDE. Is Suicide the unpardonable sin?
Every day over 1,000 people in America commit suicide. This is the 10th most common cause of death, and the second most common cause of death among teens. Among the group that should be the happiest, some are turning to suicide. Pressures of life, jobs, family problems, finances., sickness, mental disorder, grief. Physical pain, broken heart. The list keeps on and on. Many see only one way out. But this is never the right answer.
“How about Christians. Do Christians take this way out?” I am afraid that some do. This has happened among my own kin folks. Some who knew Christ and publicly made their stand for Him, took this route. I believe they were saved, but some of the pressures of life listed were just too much. So they took their life. I believe that we will meet again on Heaven’s shore, because of their Faith in Christ. While they were here we walked together and talked about Christ, and there, we will do that again! Thank God for His GRACE! NO, I do not believe that suicide is the unpardonable sin.

WITCHCRAFT, CULTS, Is this the unpardonable sin?
I must bring this to a close because of space. I wanted to give everyone assurance that CHRIST IS ABLE! TRUST HIM ALONE!
Some have said that they have dealt with witchcraft,and made vows which were blasphemy. “Have I gone too far?” Please take a few moments and read Acts 16:16-20. A young girl at Philippi who was demon possessed and practiced forms of witchcraft was saved, and probably one of the first members of the Church there. In Acts 19, many at Ephesus who were involved in witchcraft, sorcery, magic, called upon the name of the Lord Jesus, and brought their articles, books, curious art works together to the apostles to be burned. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed. (Acts 19:13-20).
If these things are not, what then, is the unpardonable sin?

The unpardonable sin is a sin of the HEART!

The unpardonable sin is a willful rejection of Christ!

“Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded. But ye have set at naught all my council, and would none of my reproof. I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, BUT I WILL NOT ANSWER, they shall seek me early but they shall not find me.” (Prov. 1:24-33).
Today, if you are not saved, Christ has been there for you all of your life. He has been calling, knocking at your heart’s door. If you continue to refuse Him, Tomorrow, He may not be knocking.

An old song says…

There’s a line that is drawn by rejecting the Lord,
Where the call of His Spirit is lost,
As you hurry along,
with the pleasure mad throng,
Have you counted, have you counted the cost?

“TODAY if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”(Heb. 3:7-15)
Everything that I have mentioned in this message, and so much more are things that God has no problem in forgiving and making life anew. The worse thing that a man or woman can do is to live here and die without Christ.
That’s the UNPARDONABLE SIN!

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THINK ABOUT IT..The last thing Christ did while He was here on earth was to save a THIEF hanging on a cross next to Him, and take him to glory.

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FROM MY HEART
By Mildred Mills

FORGETTING THE PAST

So many of us as Christians dwell on the past and are burdened down with the “only ifs” in our lives. We stay so busy thinking about the “woulda,” “shoulda,” “couldas,” and especially the “if onlys,” and all these thoughts keep us from going forward in our Christian walk. We are stuck in the past and can’t get moving to do a work for the Lord. Forget the past and go forward for the Lord! Satan uses the “if onlys” and the “woulda”, “shoulda,” “couldas” to keep us down with a sense of defeat and a “what’s the use” attitude. Our past is forgiven, the future is ours, and The Lord wants us to go forward serving Him with all our hearts, never looking back and facing the future with a smile. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” (Phil. 3:13).
If you have never trusted Jesus Christ for forgiveness, tell Him now that you believe He died on the cross so you could have forgiveness for your sin. Ask Him now to come into your heart and He will forgive not only your past sin, but your present sin and your future sin. Lord Jesus we are so thankful that “Calvary Covers It All.”

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THE BEAUTY OF JUSTIFICATION

“Be it known unto you therefore men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. And by Him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses.”

Justification is the act of God whereby He calls the sinner Just, or, Justified, or, just as though he never sinned. Through the work of Christ, God can justify the sinner, and not violate His Law. The debt of sin has been paid for at Calvary. Now, that’s Beautiful!

THE BASIS OF JUSTIFICATION…Paul stood and preached his message;

The Death of Christ. Acts 13:28-29.

The Burial of Christ. Acts 13:29.

The Resurrection of Christ. Acts 13:30-37.
There you have it, the BASIS of Justification. May I add that you cannot leave out one of these and be Justified. (1Cor. 15:1-4, Ro. 10:9-10)

THE BLESSINGS OF JUSTFICATION. (Acts 13:38). Forgiveness of sins. “In who we have Redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His Grace. (Eph 1:7). “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven.” (Ro. 4:7). FORGIVEN, what a beautiful word.

THE BENEFITS OF JUSTIFICATION. “Justified from ALL things.” The Law could not justify us. Paul states in Ro. 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified in His sight, for by the Law is the knowledge of sin.” The Law could only show our condition but it could do nothing about our condition . The Law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. (Gal 3:24). The Beauty of Justification.

THE BOUNDS OF JUSTIFICATION. Acts 13:39 says, “All that believe.” There are not bounds, no limits, no barriers in Justification. We are not partly justified, but JUSTIFIED! It matters not what a life may have been. It matters not about race, or gender, age or creed. The rich man, the poor man, the beggar, the Doctor, the Judge, the moral, the immoral and all in between. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. There are no bounds or boundaries. The invitation includes you.

THE BITTERNESS OF JUDGMENT. In the midst of this great text Paul reminds the Jews of an awful history.“I work a work.” (41) refers to the Book of Habakkuk, 1:5-6). God told the prophet that He is working a work. In that, He said that the Chaldeans will come down upon Israel and utterly destroy the land. The people did not repent so God raised up that army. The land was leveled by the invading forces of Nebuchadnezzar. People are still talking about that work of God these centuries later. In our text in Acts 13, God says to the nation again, “Beware.” (v40).”Turn to God. . Believe the message about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Of course, the nation did not turn to Christ. The Roman General Titus came and leveled the city again. This is part of that “Work of God.”

THE BEAUTY OF JUSTIFICATION. Our text in Acts 13 tells of the gentiles turning to God. V47 says that “Salvation is unto the ends of the earth.” The Great Commission is to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the uttermost part of the earth. Take it to the islands of the sea. Take it to the jungles, to the cities, to the great and small. Take it to the heathen lands where people are living in ignorance and idolatry. And wherever you take this Gospel, whoever will believe the message of Jesus Christ are Justified from all things, from all sin. Oh the BEAUTY OF JUSTIFICATION!
How about you my dear friend. Have you turned to Christ in faith, believing all about His finished work on the cross for you? If this is true, I rejoice in that fact. If this is not true in your life, this could be the greatest day of your life. If you are troubled, or confused about the Gospel. Trust the Holy Spirit to end your trouble and confusion now. Open your heart to Christ. Tell Him that you receive Him, NOW! He is there, where you are. You may ask, “How do I receive Him?” The Bible says, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” Do that now, and begin TODAY to live FOREVER. That’s the BEAUTY OF JUSTIFICATION!

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You can spell Justification like this….
“JUST-IF-I’D”never sinned….Oh the beauty of it all!!

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TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER
By Ashley Stevens

MORE OF YOU JESUS, LESS OF ME

It is common to get wrapped up in our busy lives. We tend to get selfish and the only person we think about is ourselves. The first step to overcoming selfishness is to admit it and to be honest with yourself about it. This can often be the hardest step of them all. It is not very easy for us to look at ourselves in the mirror and honestly recognize we are selfish. The importance of admitting we are selfish is to take all of that weight off and throw it away. This will bring great relief.
The next step to overcoming selfishness is at the end of the day examine yourself to see if you were selfish towards the people around you. You need to take the time to examine your thoughts, words, attitude, and actions. Start by being honest with yourself and stay away from blaming others and making excuses.
Lastly, walk in love. Make First Corinthians 13:4-8 a daily reminder. Memorize it until it becomes big in your life and every time you tend to become selfish, make it the first thing that pops into your mind. Remember, love kills selfishness.
Remember the saying, “More of you Jesus, less of me.” Let the light of God shine within you, and allow God to take your hand and help you not to focus so much on yourself, but more of Him, the One who laid down His life for you.

Until next time, Ashley Stevens

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THY WORD IS SETTLED! (KJB)
As I was stopped at a traffic light I saw a small drinking cup in the intersection. Traffic would pass by in one direction and the wind from vehicles would cause the cup to spin in one direction. The light would change and the cup would spin in another direction. There it was..just spinning. I said, that is the way of so many today. Just spinning with whatever wind of doctrine that blows. “Lord, help me not to just spin with the wind but to be settled in Thy Word.”

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WHAT SALVATION IS NOT
Pastor George Mills

If you are not genuinely saved today I trust that you will take a few moments and read this message. If you are saved, perhaps you may see some things that will help you to reach someone for Christ. Recently I was listening to a radio preacher who was making light of “Just receiving Jesus.” He evidently thinks that there is more, or something else, or some work we must do.. The preacher went on to say that “Salvation is a process.” By that I suppose that he believes that there are several “steps” in receiving Salvation. The question is, did Jesus suffer all of the pain of Calvary, did He take upon Himself the sin of every man, did He suffer so, and then make salvation so complicated that you cannot understand it? NO! Let me say that Jesus Christ paid for ALL SIN in His Finished work of Redemption.. As I said, the Work is finished. All that we can do is receive it, or reject it. There is nothing we can add to that or take away from. Follow me closely as I share with you WHAT SALVATION IS NOT.

SALVATION IS NOT REMORSE. Remorse; “a deep sense of guilt.” I believe that when we receive Christ we will have that deep sense of guilt in realizing that our sin placed Him on the cross. But we are not saved by a deep sense of guilt. Some insist that we must continually be remorseful. Not so! Salvation sets us free, at liberty , free, in Christ.

SALVATION IS NOT IN REGRET. Regret; “to feel sorry about, or, to mourn.” Since the moment I received Christ I have regretted the life I lived before I was saved. I have regretted every ungodly deed and every wasted day. But I cannot spend my time there in “regretsville.” Let me move on to “forgetsville.”

SALVATION IS NOT IN REFORM. Reform; “to make better by removing faults.” Stopping things, quitting things, changing things, doing better, giving more. When we receive Christ we will stop some things, and start some things, and change some things, and rearrange some things. We will “turn over a new leaf” and quit and turn and turn and quit. These things have their place in our growth as a Christian but they do not add a single thing to Salvation.

SALVATION IS NOT IN REFRAINING. Refraining; “to keep oneself from doing.”If you vow never to do that again, if you stop, determined never to do that again. If you say that I will never, never, never do that again. If you have REMORSE, or REGRET. If you REFRAIN or if you REFORM, no matter how good your intentions may be, these will never save you. All of these things mentioned, (and so many more) are HUMAN EFFORT, and HUMAN EFFORT never saved anybody.

SALVATION IS RECEIVING CHRIST! The greatest text in the Bible is in the third chapter of John’s Gospel. Jesus said to a good, moral, religious, teacher of the Law, “Ye must be born again.” That;’s it, “BORN AGAIN!” How then are we born again? “Is it not in doing these things?”NO! Now, get this verse, “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 I receive Him?” Again, the Bible is very clear, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” Christ is wherever you are. His Holy Spirit is there, bidding entrance to your heart and life. He will never knock down the barriers in your life and come in unbidden by you. He will hear the cry of the repentant heart.
Remember, you cannot be remorseful enough, regretful enough, reformful enough, or refrainful enough. Now, That’s a little bit of what Salvation is and is not. Have you got it? Then enjoy it, share it, rejoice in it.
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“A real Christian is an odd number anyway. He feels supreme love for one he has never seen, talks everyday to someone he cannot see, expects to go to Heaven on the virtue of someone else, empties himself in order to be full, goes down in order to get up, is strongest when he is weakest, he is richest when he is poorest,he dies so he can live, forsakes in order to have, sees the invisible, hears the inaudible.” …A.W. Tozier

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BECAUSE HE LIVES
By Pastor George Mills

“.. Because I live, ye shall live also.”
(John 14:19)

On His Cross He sealed my pardon,
He died to set the sinner free,
For He purchased my Salvation,
Shed His blood for even me.

In the tomb He sweetly rested,
Satan’s host had sealed the door,
Satan’s victory was established,
Christ was dead for evermore.

On a lovely Sunday morning,
Just about the break of day,
Satan’s hopes were doomed forever,
For the stone was rolled away.

Now He lives on high in Heaven,
Now He lives within my heart,
Now He is alive forever,
For His Salvation to impart.

Precious Saviour we are longing,
For that day is sure to come,
When the Church will be completed,
And we’re safely gathered home.

Every Word will come to fulfillment,
We will see the One who forgives,
There to live with Christ forever,
All is well, BECAUSE HE LIVES!

TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER -THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN

TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER By Ashley Stevens

THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN

“Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come.” “Her candle goeth not out by night.” “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” This month’s article is centered for all the ladies out there. Recently I got involved in a young woman’s bible study. We meet once a week to discuss how to be “the virtuous woman” that is portrayed in Proverbs 31. The “Proverbs 31 Woman” shines like a bright and beautiful light in the Old Testament Book of precepts and warnings. Today we see women of all ages, following the wrong type of role models in their lives. However, we are refreshed to find and see a timeless example of virtue, responsibility and good sense. In Proverbs 31, we are painted a picture of a woman who shows the qualities which every believing woman should strive to be like in her personal life, appearance, family life, and in her daily duties. Being a Proverbs 31 woman is not about being “perfect.” It’s about living life with a purpose, diligence, forgiveness, and repentance. She is, just to name a few traits, noble, trustworthy, hard working, generous, fears the Lord, honors her husband, and speaks with wisdom. My goal for you and for all the young women out there is to strive to be a virtuous woman. Read your Bible, study and understand what God has provided for us. Strive in your life to be a Godly example of the “Proverbs 31 woman.” Until next time, Ashley Stevens. <><><><><><><><><><><><>

FROM MY HEART- HE IS NEAR!

FROM MY HEART By Mildred Mills HE IS NEAR! Jesus is always near and listening to hear the lost sinner call on Him, asking for forgiveness of sin and trusting His finished work on the Cross for Salvation. He is near and no matter where you are He will hear you when you call upon Him. Maybe you are sick and in a hospital room, maybe you are in a prison cell, or maybe you are in your home or car, it doesn’t matter, Jesus is near! If you are in a bad situation and feel like you have no one to talk to, remember, Jesus is Near! Tell Him you need a friend, and He will be that friend. Tell Him you need help and He will be your help. Jesus Christ is all you need! Jesus is near! “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His Temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears.” (Psa. 18:6). When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, He longs to hear from us, He waits for His children to tell Him our troubles. He wants to give us the desires of our heart, so talk to Him and walk with Him. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.”(1Pet. 5:7). If you have a problem that seems to be hopeless to solve, just remember that all things are possible with the Lord. There is nothing too big for God and He has the answers to any problem we might have, Talk to Him, read His Word, trust Him and then watch Him work things out for your good! God is good and loves His children, just trust Him today. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” (Prov 3:5-6). Wherever you might be, shine for Jesus! Brighten the corner where you are and always remember “Jesus is near to comfort and cheer, just when we need Him most..” <><><><><><><><><><><><>

Vol. 37, No. 9 THE TWO WAYS; THE DYNAMIC, AND THE DEMONIC

Vol. 37, No. 9  September, 2013

THE TWO WAYS; THE DYNAMIC, AND THE DEMONIC.
By Dr. George Mills

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

I well remember trying to witness to a County Commissioner in Georgia who owned a large farm in that county. “Now preacher,” he said, “I know what you are saying about being right with God, but I have my own ideas about it. You see, it’s like this; I have to make frequent trips to Atlanta, you know, personal and County business. Now, there are two ways for me to get to Atlanta. If I am in a hurry, I can take Interstate 20 and be there in less than two hours. However, if I am not in a hurry, I can take the back road through the farm country and enjoy the scenery. But both ways will lead me to Atlanta.” I can understand that, but I am not speaking about going to Atlanta, I am talking about going to Heaven, about being on the right road to eternity. There is the RIGHT way, and there is the WRONG way. I spoke to another man who was trying to help his preacher friend find a church. I asked, “Is he Southern Baptist, or is he Independent Baptist?” “Oh,” he answered, “He is Southern Baptist, but he can go “EITHER WAY.” When I think of these incidents I believe they fit the general theme of this subject. There are choices. You can go “EITHER WAY.”
The choice is yours. You see, in reality,
There are;
2 God’s. (A) The God of Heaven.
(B) The god of this world
2 Christ’s. (A) The Lord Jesus Christ.
(B) The antichrist.
2 Spirit’s. (A) The Holy Spirit
(B) The spirit of antichrist.
2 Gospels. (A) The Gospel of Grace.
(B) Another gospel.
2 Kings. (A) Grace
(B) Sin
2 Plans of Salvation. (A) By Grace.
(B) By works
2 Foundations. (A) The Rock.
(B) Sand
2Destinys. (A) Heaven
(B) Hell

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

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

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

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

(B) THE GOD OF THIS WORLD. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2Cor. 4:4). Yes, just as sure as there is a God in Heaven, there is a “god” of this world, or, “This world system.” Of course, I am speaking about Satan and his army. If you cannot see the mighty conflict raging, he has already blinded your mind. He is known by many, many different names and titles. But he is active, busy, in governments, in media, in education, in religion, deceiving, and blinding the minds of men. The Bible, (KJV) says in Ephesians 2:2; “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR.” Before we were saved, we followed this “god,” as does the unsaved world follow him, his teaching, his philosophy. He has a vast army, unseen, but as real as you and me.
As GOD the Father exists in three distinct personalities, so does the “god” of this world. Pictured in various ways in the Scriptures, but culminates in the Book of The Revelation, Chs. 13-19. Briefly, the Dragon of Rev. 13:1-2 is anti-god. The Beast of Rev 13:3-4 is antichrist. He apparently receives a deadly wound, and is miraculously resurrected, to copy the real Christ,(Rev 13:3, 12, 14). The Beast out of the earth in Rev. 13:11-18 is anti-spirit. In the “god” of this world you have a COPY of God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit. May I take this moment to caution, to warn again about the subtle tricks of this satanic trio. Heaven looks down and sees them as Beasts, in their beast-like character. The world looks at the same trio and wonders, and marvels in amazement. Now, let this sink down deep in your heart today; If the Real Christ, and the anti-Christ were standing before us today, the only way we could tell them apart is by the witness of the Holy Spirit who lives in the believer. He would point out the real Christ,(Jn 16:12-15). That’s how subtle the “god” of this world is.
2. THERE ARE TWO CHRIST’S.

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

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

3. THERE ARE TWO SPIRIT’S.

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

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

4. THERE ARE TWO GOSPELS.

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

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

5. THERE ARE TWO KINGS.

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

(B) There is a king called SIN. “That as sin hath reigned unto death,” (Ro 5:21)
Sin has reigned for a long time, even since Adam. Sin reigns today. Christ paid for us the wages of sin, and now, death no longer reigns in the life of the believer. If physical death comes today, the believer will live forever in the Presence of our Lord. Christ reigns. Does He reign in your heart today? Or does sin still reign.? Dethrone this king called sin, and submit to the King of Kings and Lord of lords.

6. THERE ARE TWO PLANS OF SALVATION.
We have already discussed these plans in the fourth point. But just to refresh our minds, there is,

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

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

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

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

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

8. THERE ARE TWO DESTINIES. Atlanta is quite a place, with quite a history, but Atlanta is not included in the final destiny of men. Heaven, the Beautiful City of God as described in the Book of Revelation, Chs, 21-22, that’s Home! That’s where Jesus lives, and where the Redeemed live. “Enter ye in at the strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Mt 7:13-14). Two destinies…

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

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

9. THERE ARE TWO PREACHERS.

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

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

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

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

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

CHOICES, CHOICES. The CHOICE is up to you. God has set forth choices in His Word. You make the decision. God will never break down the barriers in your life, you must open your heart and invite Him in. I urge everyone from the depths of my heart to accept the Christ of the Bible (KJB), to learn to study, and Love your Bible, and don’t let men deceive you by their “correcting” it while saying at the same time that they believe it. Makes no sense. Oh well, If ignorance is bliss, I’ll just stay Blissful.

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

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FROM MY HEART
By Mildred Mills

HE IS NEAR!

Jesus is always near and listening to hear the lost sinner call on Him, asking for forgiveness of sin and trusting His finished work on the Cross for Salvation. He is near and no matter where you are He will hear you when you call upon Him. Maybe you are sick and in a hospital room, maybe you are in a prison cell, or maybe you are in your home or car, it doesn’t matter, Jesus is near! If you are in a bad situation and feel like you have no one to talk to, remember, Jesus is Near! Tell Him you need a friend, and He will be that friend. Tell Him you need help and He will be your help. Jesus Christ is all you need! Jesus is near! “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His Temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears.” (Psa. 18:6). When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, He longs to hear from us, He waits for His children to tell Him our troubles. He wants to give us the desires of our heart, so talk to Him and walk with Him. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you.”(1Pet. 5:7). If you have a problem that seems to be hopeless to solve, just remember that all things are possible with the Lord. There is nothing too big for God and He has the answers to any problem we might have, Talk to Him, read His Word, trust Him and then watch Him work things out for your good! God is good and loves His children, just trust Him today. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” (Prov 3:5-6). Wherever you might be, shine for Jesus! Brighten the corner where you are and always remember “Jesus is near to comfort and cheer, just when we need Him most..”

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TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER
By Ashley Stevens

THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN

“Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come.”
“Her candle goeth not out by night.”
“Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
This month’s article is centered for all the ladies out there. Recently I got involved in a young woman’s bible study. We meet once a week to discuss how to be “the virtuous woman” that is portrayed in Proverbs 31. The “Proverbs 31 Woman” shines like a bright and beautiful light in the Old Testament Book of precepts and warnings. Today we see women of all ages, following the wrong type of role models in their lives. However, we are refreshed to find and see a timeless example of virtue, responsibility and good sense. In Proverbs 31, we are painted a picture of a woman who shows the qualities which every believing woman should strive to be like in her personal life, appearance, family life, and in her daily duties. Being a Proverbs 31 woman is not about being “perfect.” It’s about living life with a purpose, diligence, forgiveness, and repentance. She is, just to name a few traits, noble, trustworthy, hard working, generous, fears the Lord, honors her husband, and speaks with wisdom. My goal for you and for all the young women out there is to strive to be a virtuous woman. Read your Bible, study and understand what God has provided for us. Strive in your life to be a Godly example of the “Proverbs 31 woman.”
Until next time, Ashley Stevens.
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GOD BLESS AMERICA!
By Pastor George Mills

“Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.” (Psa. 90:1)

AMERICA my home, may forever you be,
The home of the brave,
And the land of the free.
May tyranny crumple and turn into dust,
And weapons formed against you,
Be devoured by rust.

From ocean to ocean , from mountain to plain
May all hearts be united,
In single refrain.
In seeking the face of our Great God above,
Who has showered this nation,
With His Wonderful Love.

God is our help as in all ages past,
God is our refuge,
From the enemy’s blast.
And may it be known among all nations,
That God is our help,
As in all generations.

May our flag ever fly, may freedom ring,
And love, peace and joy.
Fill each heart as we sing,
Our praises to God, the Builder of nations,
And tell of His help,
Through all generations