Vol. 39, No. 7

July, 2015

SATAN’S CALL TO COMPROMISE

“Be like one of theirs.” (2Chr. 18:12).

Pastor George Mills

“Be like one of theirs and speak thou good.”

“Speak thou good.” “Don’t be so strong in speech. Speak what people want to hear.” This has been Satan’s call from the beginning. The Prophet’s answer MUST be our answer; “What my God saith, that will I speak.”

There is quite a drama in this text. The scene is quite old, but it is also up to date.

THE CHARACTERS…

King Jehoshaphat.

He is the King of Judah, the southern kingdom. He is one of the better kings.

In Ch. 17, he took away the high places and groves. These were the idols set up in the land. Altars, images, totem poles, and places of heathen worship in the land.

He sent Levites into the land to teach the Book of the Law. When the Truth is forsaken, men will fall for lies. This reminds us of this day and age. Truth has been laid aside, and multitudes are falling for lies.

King Ahab.

He is King of Israel, or, the northern kingdom. Some of his deeds are listed in 1Kings 16:30-33. He set up idols and groves and images. He married Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal and she established Baal worship in the land. Baal was the male counterpart of the female, Ashtoreth. The worship of Baal was wickedness indeed and is alive and well today!

The Prophets of the land. (v5, v11-12).

King Ahab wanted to unite with King Jehoshaphat in a war with Syria at Ramothgilead. King Jehoshaphat asked if the Prophets had heard word from the Lord about this battle. King Ahab stated that four hundred prophets had stated that God will deliver it into thy hands.” (2Chr. 18:3-5). These prophets had great position in the land and they did not want to say anything against Ahab and his desire. They wanted to “tickle the ears” of the king.

The Prophet of God, Micaiah, v6-8).

As king Jehoshaphat listened to the four hundred prophets give their report, he did not recognize God in their answer. He asked king Ahab, “Is there a Prophet of the LORD that we might inquire of him?” King Ahab answered, “there is one, but I hate him. He never says anything good about me.” He then sent for Micaiah. The prophets of Israel told Micaiah that they had told the king that he would prosper at Ramathgilead. “NOW, YOU BE LIKE ONE OF THEIRS AND SPEAK GOOD THINGS.”

“Tell him the same things that we said.” When Micaiah arrived on the scene he told the king, “Go up and prosper and they shall be delivered

into your hand.” (v13-15). The prophet’s answer troubled King Ahab and he shouted, “I told you that he hated me and that he would not say good things. The prophet then added, “I did see Israel scattered upon the mountains as sheep that have no shepherd.” Micaiah, the man of God told the truth, but they did not want to hear the truth. The same is true in our day, even more so. We have invented new ways, new methods, new bibles. We can make the bible say anything we want it to say.

THE CALL.

“Be like one of theirs.” This is Satan’s call. “Come down! This is a new age, new things. It is time to drop the old and pick up the new.”

BE LIKE ONE OF THEIRS IN DOCTRINE. There were four hundred prophets of Baal. That means there was at least four hundred versions he might choose from, if he was to “be like one of theirs.”

I like Micaiah’s answer: “And Micaiah said, as the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.” (v13). “I can only speak the words of God.” The Word never changes. Doctrine never changes. What was true in history is still true today, and tomorrow. I have had no call from Heaven for me to change anything. In fact, there is a solemn warning NOT to change, (Rev. 22:18-19). Thy Word is TRUTH, and TRUTH never changes.

BE LIKE ONE OF THEIRS IN CONCERN.

The prophets of King Ahab were concerned only in their position. They had things going their way. They had no prayer in seeking the Mind and Will of God concerning the battle at Ramothgilead. Their king was killed in that battle, as Micaiah had said, (v33-34). They had no concern for the condition of their nation.

BE LIKE ONE OF THEIRS IN POSITION.

Here is that unequal yoke, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness, and what communion hath light with darkness. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2Cor. 6:14-15) As the prophets of King Ahab tried to get the man of God to join with them, he stood separate.

And Satan’s call still goes forth today to “Say something good.”

“SAY SOMETHING GOOD about the slaughter of the innocent” “I can only say what God says,”He hates hands that shed innocent blood.” (Prov. 6:17).

“SAY SOMETHING GOOD about the homosexual invasion into society.”

“I can only say what God says, “It is Abomination” Disgusting, loathsome. (Lev 20:1-27).

“SAY SOMETHING GOOD about the booze industry.” “I can only say what God says.” “Wine is a mocker, and strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Pr. 20:1)(Hab. 2:15-16).

‘SAY SOMETHING GOOD about the clothing industry and styles of today.” “I can only say what God says. “In like manner also, the women adorn themselves in Modest apparel with shamefacedness and sobriety…” (1Tim. 2:9). When God said “dress modestly” He had your safety in mind.

“SAY SOMETHING GOOD about the flood of new “bibles” on the market today.” “I can only say what God says.” “Forever O LORD Thy Word is settled in Heaven.” (Ps 119:89). There is nothing settled in or about these new, ever changing “versions.” God is not in all of this confusion about the Bible. The bottom line in all of this is MONEY!. King James had the “plowman” in mind as he authorized the Bible that has withstood the onslaughts of Satan. Stay with the Book, (KJB).

I do have some GOOD THINGS to say. MANY good things to say.

I love to say GOOD THINGS about God’s Salvation. It is the Free Gift of God. Apart from any work I may do, what church I may join, or in whose pool I am baptized in.

I love to say GOOD THINGS about a new life in Christ. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Gal 5:1). What a joy it is to be free, in Christ!

I love to say GOOD THINGS about our Home in Heaven. With each passing day, we are closer home where we will live with Christ forever. (1Pet. 1:3-5).

I have some GOOD THINGS to say about the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He came into our lives at conversion and will be with us until God calls us home. He is that Friend that “sticketh closer than a brother.”

Yes, I have some GOOD THINGS to say. My life in Christ. Since I met Him in 1960, my life has been worth living. There is an inner peace with me. I praise God that He is my Saviour, Lord, and King.

THE COURAGE.

One man stood alone, (v13). The Prophet Micaiah made his stand. This is not always easy, but he stood! This cost him some time in prison, (v25-34). As time progresses, and things do not change, and government intervention into Church and religious affairs keeps on it’s current course, a stand for the principles laid clearly in the Word may mean a prison sentence for many. We cannot wait until that happens and then decide to make our stand. Daniel made his stand against the orders of the king. That stand did not begin at the time of the king’s order, that stand was part of Daniel’s life from years past, back in his homeland. (Daniel 1). “Wherefore, take unto you the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Stand therefore having your loins girt about with Truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” (Eph 6:13-17).

THE CERTAINTIES.

God fulfilled every promise.

King Ahab dies in battle as God had said. See v16, v34.

Israel lost the battle and every man returned to his own city. (1Kings 22:36), The nation was on it’s way down. Idolatry was in the land, corrupt morals, and prophets that promised much but delivered nothing and Israel was scattered, and became captives of Babylon, as sheep with no shepherd, (2Chr. 36:6-21). In like manner, our nation needs God, a real visitation from the Lord. Churches need revival. We need to return to the Old Time Religion. To every man of God who is reading this, Just remain faithful and true to your calling. Your work may be small and unnoticed. But God knows all. God will keep His every promise.

While Satan tries to get us to BE LIKE ONE OF THEIRS” There is that call of God, echoed in the voice of Micaiah; “WHAT MY GOD SAITH, THAT WILL I SPEAK.”

May our Dear LORD bless us one and all with strength and courage as we take our stand for Him.

May I ask before I close this, Do you personally know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Saviour? I am not asking “do you know about Him, but do you know Him?” If you have never received Him into your life, the Bible says, “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). He is there, wherever you may be. He is there, in the Person of the Holy Spirit as He speaks to your heart. While you have today, right now, in your own words, tell Him that your receive Him. Tell Him that you believe that He died on the Cross for your sin, that He was buried, and that He arose from the dead on the third day. He always hears the cry of the repentant heart.

Begin TODAY to live FOREVER!

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FROM MY HEART

By Mildred Mills

DRIFTING

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” (Heb. 2:1)

Here on the east coast of Florida where I was born and have lived most of my life, the beaches are beautiful and having lived in Cocoa, St. Augustine, and now Jacksonville, we are only a very few miles from these beautiful beaches. They are not only beautiful but very dangerous if the warnings are not heeded. The life-guards see that the warning signs are in place and they are ever watchful for the ones that are in trouble, thrashing about, yelling for help but still drifting farther out into the vast sea of danger. They were having such fun, but now the fun is no more and they are drifting out too far and need to be rescued. So many drownings every Summer, young ones, older ones, some that cannot swim and some very good swimmers drown each year at our beautiful beaches. Their day of sun, fun, and good times turned into a disastrous day, a day of a life lost, leaving behind sadness and grief for their loved ones. Drifting farther and farther from the shore and not realizing it until we are in deep trouble. Some are pulled out into the deep, they did not drift out, they were drawn out by the powerful under-tow or run-outs that are much too strong for us so we “Go with the Flow.” However, if we heed the warning signs we can avoid this danger. Some drift slowly and some are snatched out suddenly and without someone there to come to their rescue the end is always the same.

As Christians we are going to drift if we are not cautious. We can be drawn out into the deep waters of the world if we do not heed the warnings of the Holy Spirit. How many times are we warned but we step right over the Holy Spirit’s warnings and get in over our heads. The beauty of the ocean is luring and so much fun can be had there with family and friends., but we have to remember how terrible the outcome can be if we fail to heed the warning signs. The life-guards are there to warn us of danger. Take heed! Do you know some child of God that is drifting too far from the shore and may be in over their head? If so, throw out the Life-line, the Word of God and bring them back to Jesus.

“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” (1Peter 5:8).

Throw out the Life-line across the dark waves,

There is a brother whom someone should save,

Winds of temptation and billows of woe,

Will soon hurl them out where the dark waters flow.

Throw out the Life-line! Throw out the Life-line!

Someone is drifting away.

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PEACE

By Pastor George Mills

“Great peace have they who love thy Law.”

I gave myself to get much gain,

To set my soul at ease,

But these just added to my pain,’

No peace in none of these.

I gave myself to fun and mirth,

To fill my life with glee,

But there was not in all the earth,

Enough to set me free.

I gave myself to make ME known,

For all the world to see,

I found myself so all alone,

No peace was there for me.

I gave myself for world wide fame,

For everyone to know,

So all the world would know my name,

No peace was there, and so,

I gave myself to God above,

For my heart to enter in,

He overshadowed me with love,

And forgave me all my sin.

Now peace within, without a cost,

My troubled life is o’er,

My longing heart no longer tossed,

I search for peace no more.

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“HONOR THY FATHER” (Ex. 20:12).

By Pastor Mills

Many of you out there have been separated from your Father by some reason or another. Believe me, I know how some of you feel. There are questions in your life. There is a special place in your life that only a Dad can fill. I was separated from my Dad by divorce when I was three years old, and never saw him again. Believe me, down through the years I asked, “why?” so many times.. Since I did not have my Dad to teach me day by day, I must have made many mistakes as a Father myself. I regret each one. In recent years I have located the grave sites of my Father and Grandparents, and many relatives on my Father’s side of the family. I have learned that my Father’s people were humble, kind, christian people. I learned that my Grandfather, Thomas Mills was instrumental in the founding of two Baptist Churches; one in Early County Georgia, and one in DeLand, Florida. As a child growing up, I did not have a single photograph of my Dad so I had to imagine what he looked like, and in my boyish mind, I made a real hero out of him. Some years ago I was given a photograph of my Dad as he stood in the waters of baptism with about twenty others. Today, I have that glad hope that at some time there in his life, my Dad had placed his trust in Jesus Christ as his Saviour. I have that glad hope that I will see him face to face at last in Heaven one day, that I will hug him, and embrace him one day. I visit my Dad;s grave in a small country cemetery in DeLand, Florida as often as I can. I honor him as my Dad. I have an enlarged photograph of my Dad on my office wall. He is dressed as a soldier in world war 1. As I said, I respect and honor him. Without my Dad, I would not be here. Without him, I would not have had the privilege of spending my life with my Dear Wife. Without him I would never have known my sweet children. Without him, I would have never met the thousands of kind people I have met. Without him, I would not have had the opportunity to share the wonderful Gospel of our Lord Jesus. So, from time to time, as I stand by his grave, I have to say, “I owe you so much. Thank you for being my Dad. Without you, there would be no me.”

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DEMONS

Pastor George Mills

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” (1Tim. 4:1).

The Bible (KJB) calls these “devils.” I used the word “demon” just to gain our attention. In fact, the word, “demon” is not in the Bible. This is not meant to be a theological discussion on this subject. That would take much more space than I have. I just want to bring some things to our attention. Just to mention the word “demon” and we recall the many instances of fanatical exorcism, books, movies by unsaved producers, talk shows, and a host of other media have added to the confusion of this subject. I am sure that Satan himself is pleased with so much confusion in the world today. I once read about a pentecostal minister who strangled his wife trying to expel demons from her body. He wrapped his belt around her neck. She went limp. “I assumed the Lord would touch her,” he said After five days waiting for her to arise from the dead, he called his lawyer who called the police. What about this subject. Are there really demons, or devils? What is our responsibility. After a discussion on this subject I could not dismiss it from my mind. I made a list of things about devils, their origin, their work, etc. I read what some authors had to say. This is a condensed version of my study.

THE FACT OF THEIR EXISTANCE.

My authority is the Word of God (KJB). Apart from that which is recorded in the Holy Scriptures, we know nothing. There is much Biblical evidence to prove that devils really exist. Many a time in the earthly ministry of Christ we find Him face to face with demons, or devils. Notice carefully that the devils know who Jesus is. They acknowledged Him as The Son of God. “And they cried out saying what have we to do with thee Jesus, thou Son of God? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Mt. 8:29) “Thou believest that there is one God, thou doest well, the devils believe and tremble,(Ja. 2:19).

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,”(Eph. 6:12).

This verse reminds us that the enemy is unseen, we must see him through his work. Contrary to the opinion of some, Satan is not omnipresent. He is not everywhere at the same time. Right now, he has some access to God. Rev. 12:10 says, “For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” Thank God that while we have an accuser, we also have an advocate (1Jn. 2:1), who, by the way has never lost a case. Satan will lose that access and is cast down at the beginning of the Tribulation period. He comes down in great fury, (Rev. 12:7-10). At That time, the Church has gone to Heaven in the rapture.

THEIR ORIGIN.

Where did they come from? How did they get here? There seems to be two basic ideas about their origin…

Some say they are disembodied spirits from a pre Adamic race.

Some say the are fallen angels.

I believe they are fallen angels. The Books of Isaiah 14:12-17, and Ezekiel 28:12-19 give us the facts about the rebellion of Lucifer. Rev. 12:2-4 says, “a great red dragon, and his tail drew a third part of the stars of heaven and did cast them to the earth.” Evidently Satan led about 1/3 of the angels to heaven in his rebellion against God. Satan lost his position. Some of these fallen angels are now in chains, (Jude 6) (2Peter 2:4). The remainder of these fallen angels are now active servants of Satan. Air pollution is not new. The air has been polluted with the imps of hell for a long time as they entice men and women to sin. Just read your morning paper. You will see that something is wrong with society

THEIR VICTIMS.

Who is subject to demon activity or possession? The Bible says in John 8:44, “Ye are of your father, the devil, and the lusts of your father YE WILL DO.” The Bible says that at one time “We walked according to the prince of the power of the air,” (Eph 2:1-3). These verses clearly teach us that all unsaved are children of Satan and are subject to his will. However, not all unsaved are “demon possessed.” Let us note the prime targets for “demon possession.”

THOSE WHO LIVE IN HEATHEN DARKNESS. The influence of the Gospel has spared America of so much demon activity, however, rejection of the Gospel here in our homeland has opened the door for much demon activity. Missionaries report from foreign fields of great demon activity, witchcraft and Satan worship. And another group…

THOSE WHO REJECT THE GOSPEL It is dangerous for one to hear the Glorious Truths about Jesus and His Love for them and then not receive Him as Saviour. That act of rejection produces a hardening of the heart. This is where Satan can work. “Because they received not the love of the Truth that they might be saved, and for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie. That all might be damned who believed not the Truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2Thess 2:10-12). This text is true on this side of the rapture as well as on the other side of the rapture. People who reject the Gospel are placing themselves in a dangerous position. TODAY if you will hear His voice, harden not your heart, (Heb. 3:7-8).

THOSE WHO HABITUALLY VIOLATE GOD’S LAW. “In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not.”(2Cor. 4:4). Satan works on the MIND. That’s his avenue for possession. That’s the battlefield. Now, if Satan can only get a man’s mind. How? By getting him to commit things which God says “Thou shalt not.” For example…Take alcohol. It is clear that God pronounces strong judgment on those who make, sell, and drink it. A man drinks, becomes intoxicated, he drinks, again and again, and his MIND is like putty in Satan’s hands. He has opened himself for Satan’s ownership.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE. DRUGS, like alcohol

work on the MIND, blinding the MIND. Man becomes intoxicated on drugs and out of their MIND open themselves to demon possession. People do not need crutches like alcohol and drugs. Man needs Christ! He is the answer. What a tool Satan has to possess a man’s MIND, then his body.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE. Take fortune telling, dealing with familiar spirits, witchcraft, horoscope, astrological signs, Ouija boards, mediums, palm readers. God says “Thou shalt not in Dt. 18:9-14. This a multi-billion dollar business. There is also a psychic network. Satan has been able to possess many minds thru this media, Remember the young girl in Acts 16. She talked religious, like so many “mediums” of today. Paul wanted all to know that the god she spoke of and the God Paul served were not the same, so he cast the demon out of her.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE…Satan works on the MIND, blinding MINDS. Listen to today’s modern sounds. Listen to the beat, listen to the words. The beat hypnotizes the MIND while you listen to the words. They speak of drugs, Satanism. “Let me have your MIND while you listen to the words” Satan and his imps with hungry arms grasp our younger generation. Many have fallen victim to demon possession through the rock and roll beat.

Now, please do not misunderstand me. I am not saying that everyone who does these things is demon possessed. I am saying that if you do these things you are on a dangerous road. Christ is the answer for us all. Faith in Him will bring that deep, inner peace that man searches for.

Now, let’s review these things. We have established the FACT that demons do exist. We have seen their work as being totally opposed to God. We have seen their origin, and some of their tactics to gain complete possession. Now, where do I fit in this as a Christian? What is my obligation? I personally do not believe that I, nor do I believe that most Christians have the spiritual wisdom to accurately determine who is and who is not demon possessed. I do not believe that we should be trying to cast out demons. Many unscriptural fanatics are now deceiving and being deceived. I believe that all are sinners and in need of the new Birth, John 3:1-8. We should put first things first. First, we should get people saved. When one gets saved, that takes care of the demon possession. WHEN CHRIST COMES IN, SATAN GOES OUT. Let us be busy in getting people saved!

Now, there is one more question that plagues some people, and that is, “CAN A SAVED PERSON BE DEMON POSSESSED? Certainly not! “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. (1John 4:4). While the believer cannot be possessed, he can be influenced. This is why there are so many warnings about the DEVICES of SATAN. His tricks and traps.

My dear friend, are you on one of the roads that I have mentioned? And certainly there are others, and we have not discussed these in much detail. If you are on one of these roads, believe me, you need Christ. Ask Him into your heart today. He is there, where you are, waiting for your call. Do that just now. Begin TODAY to live FOREVER!

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KNOW YOUR BIBLE (KJB)

“For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” (Mt. 18:110

the above verse is quoted from the Word of God. The Authorized king James Bible tells the reason for the coming of Christ. He came to save that which was lost.

If you have in your possession one of the modern English per-versions your bible will probably have foot-notes or brackets this verse to reduce it to an apostate translator’s afterthought.. If your bible happens to be the RSV you will find that your bible reads like this: “……………………………………………………………..”

That’s right, this verse is omitted. Stay with The Book!

Like the old country preacher said; “Since I have been studying my Bible, I can understand those commentaries so much better”

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BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US!

We believe that the WILDERNESS Ministries are worthy of your prayers and support.

WILDERNESS Gospel tracts. This Ministry began in 1966. We have always offered our Tracts free to those who will prayerfully use them.

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We Praise God for opening doors for this Ministry, touching lives of people both here in our homeland and in foreign lands.

BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US!