C

Contending ontending
earnestly
June 2012

cetf Ffaith
for the

aith

Volume 18.2

Issue 60

Destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes Romans 3:16-18.

No Fear of the Lord

The absence of the fear of the Lord (Romans 3:18) is cited by Paul as the reason for: 1. The sin of a sinful world; 2. The failure of a failing Church; and 3. Divine intervention in salvation or judgment. Romans 3:18 is a summary conclusion of the first part of the great argument of Paul's Gospel (cf. Romans 2:16; 16:25 & 2 Timothy 2:8). He describes the heathen and the religious world as being both hopelessly lost in sin. Pagans, unlike Jews, did not have the law of God, but they did have intelligence and conscience, which though diminished by original sin were not destroyed by it. In my understanding of the Word of God and of human language this means that man outside of Christ is NOT totally depravedhe is not intellectually depraved. This I think is the clear conclusion of part of the argument of Romans chapter 1: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (suppress) the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has showed it to them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse Romans 1:18-20. Here Paul argues two things a) Every responsible human being has an internal witness about spiritual reality; and b) The created order testifies to the existence of God. Thus according to Paul, intelligencethe rational mindand consciencethe inner witnesswork in tandem so that pagan man is without excuse in respect of his attitude towards God.

Both the heathen and the religious worlds are hopelessly lost and in danger of becoming totally depraved, if men and women ignore what their intelligence tells them about the creator, what their consciences testify for and against in respect of good and evil and what the Bible says about God and man: ... when they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, norr were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up ... Romans 1:21-24. What advantage then has the Jew? ... Much in every way: chiefly, because that to them were committed the oracles of God Romans 3:1-2.

God does not act arbitrarily without reference to His created order, His Word and/or His acts of Grace. This is another reason why I cannot accept that man is totally depraved; depraved? yes in the sense that he is dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and cannot save himselfsalvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9) in every regard, but TOTALLY DEPRAVED? NO! all men are not totally depraved. Those who accept the so called TULIP doctrines of Calvinism have to rely on adopted definitions as distinct from dictionary definitions of words. It falls at the first hurdle viz. TOTAL DEPRAVITY and of course the whole edifice thus collapses. If the depravity is not TOTAL then election is not required to be UNCONDITIONAL or the ATONEMENT LIMITED or the grace of God IRRESISTIBLE. The perseverance of the saints does not hang on the Calvinistic argument but rather on the clear statements of the Bible about God's people being given ETERNAL Life in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Of course some men and women are totally depravedthose who are thrice given over by God, to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves (verse 24) to vile affections: for even their women exchanged the natural use into that which is against nature (verse 26) and to a reprobate mind, to do

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No Fear of the Lord.....................................................................1 The Loss of Conscience: How the West was Lost. .........................3 How To Teach Gods Good News In Easy English (Part 2)..............8 The Tenderness of God. ............................................................11 Though We With Giants Fight Lives & Testimonies from the Battlefield. .............................12 News, Views & Your Letters ......................................................14 CWM Resources .......................................................................17 Evil Men and Imposters Grow Worse and Deceive. ...................21 Doctrines of Classic Pentecostalism (Part 3) ..............................22 Tattoos (Part 2): The Forbidden Haircut .....................................26 Wisdom Cries Out From A Sinking Ship.....................................31 CWM Conference: The Church @ Christs Checkpoint ...............32

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Where there is no fear of the Lord the sin of homosexuality will abound

those things which are not convenient [morally acceptable] (verse 28); and this is really the low point, to which human kind left to its own devices inevitable come. It has happened before and it is happening again. However there is a ray of hopea light st shining through the 21 century mist. Recently I watched two television presentationsthe BBC's The Big Questions which was an open panel screened at York, UK on the topic Is Fundamentalism undermining Faith? and later the ABC's Q & A debate between Richard Dawkins, an agnostic and George Pell, Australia's Roman Catholic arch-bishop on the topic Is Religion Helpful in Today's Society? In my view the former, being broader based with opinions coming from liberal and evangelical Christianity, from Judaism, Islam and non-believers, was more helpful than the latter being mainly restricted to two talking heads with some questions from the in house and TV audiences. Sadly the position of biblical Christianity was not presented in the Q & A programme. George Pell is a committed Roman Catholic not a biblical Christian. He did more harm to the Christian cause than did Richard Dawkins. My vote in respect of the ABC programme would have been NO, which turned out to be the majority vote. If what Pell presented is religion then it is definitely NOT HELPFUL. It's a shame that biblical Christianity was not heard. Of course it's well known that Richard Dawkins refuses to debate young earth creationists. John MacKay and Jonathan Sarfati have issued their challenges in that respect, but Dawkins refuses to debate them. I wonder why? In fact Dr. Jonathan Sarfati has written a refutation of Richard Dawkin's famous, The God Delusion entitled The Greatest Hoax on Earth, (http://cetf.co/I0nzyT ) which is well worth reading. In short Sarfati demolishes Dawkins, countering his every argument. My challenge to the ABC is to at least allow a biblical Christian to enter the discussion. After all it is one of the BIGGEST questions of our time and the moral future of mankind may be at stake. I sug gested earlier there is an encouraging ray of hopea light shining. I saw it in the BBC presentation. There was an openness to discuss the matter of homosexualityby all the participantsby Bible Christians, Jews, Muslims and by one man who was a self confessed practising homosexual. This augurs well for our important freedom of speech ethos and is generally counter to the minority attempt to stop us openly expressing opposition to homosexuality, lesbianism and so called Gay Marriages etc. How ironic that society has so changed that what was, not so long ago, relegated to the closet and classed as 2
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illegal activity has become so acceptable that the very act of speaking against it has been threatened. Our friend and colleague, Mark L. R. Mullins participated in the BBC Big Questions discussion. He with the support of other participants spoke up for the Bible, including the young earth and the six literal days of creation theories. A woman professor challenged Mark: Surely you don't believe people lived as long as 800 and 900 years. How could they do that? Well, replied Mark, it's quite simple. They didn't die any earlier. He referred to his own father who didn't expect to live to 98, but he did and is still alive. He went on to explain that conditions etc were very different in those Bible times. It was a simplistic response that caught many people off balance. That element was sadly missing in the ABC presentation, because the Churchman who should have championed the cause of the Bible couldn't do so because of his own agnosticism. It was really a debate between two agnostics, which leads me to the main point of this editorial. Where there is no true fear of God, sin, and ultimately the sin of homosexuality and lesbianism, leading to gay marriages will abound. Why do I mention these two sins? Because the Bible mentions them and because they are different in that they are a direct attack on the creative genius of God, who made mankind male and female and specified that marriage was exclusively the right of a man with a womannot woman with woman and man with man cf. Genesis 1:27 & 28 with Matthew 19:46 and Mark 10:6-12. Too often in today's society there are unthinking appeals to science falsely so called (1 Timothy 6:20). Many of today's so called scientists have forgotten or they ignore the fact that Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived" (http://cetf.co/J7tuBD) spent more time studying the Bible and Theology (called in the middle ages The Queen of the scienceshttp://cetf.co/HUavyW - than he did of what we call science proper. The ultimate goal of Newton's studies was to know God and give Him honour & glory.[1] The principal of the Commonwealth Bible College where I studied (19571959) recommended the writings of an American Theologian, Dr Harry Rimmer, who was named as one of the top 100 scientists of America in his day. He wrote among other books The Harmony of Science and Scripture and makes, as I
Footnote:
[1] http://cetf.co/Jghay7

recall, some fascinating statements: For a growing science to criticise a fully-grown revelation is like a sevenyear-old boy telling a seventy-year-old man how to grow up, Again quoting an old Negro preacher he wrote: Science is a growing but the Bible's done growed! One of the unfounded and unchallenged statements made on the ABC discussion was that scientists accept the concept of Global Warming (Climate Change). On the contrary the whole idea, especially the effect of man's contribution, is questioned by many hundreds (some say thousands) of bona fide scientists some of whom are top in their fields http://cetf.co/J2EG7c http://cetf.co/HUKUnv http://cetf.co/JgfowU One thing is for surethe facts and forces of history will not be denied. If we don't learn from the past we are doomed to st repeat it. The last stages of the 21 century body socio-politico are with us. Widespread homosexuality in any society spells its doom. It happened to Sodom and Gomorrah, to ancient Rome and it will happen to the West. No fear of God spells the doom of any and every social structure. (Please read Al Dager's The Loss of Conscience pp. 3-7) The Church is no better and is more responsible on account of having the living oracles. There are many contributing factors to the failure of the failing Church but basic to them all is there is no fear of God before their eyes. The first thing to go is reverence for the Bible, God's Word - see Evil Men and Impostors Grow Worse and Deceive pp 21-22. The only hope is the salvation that comes from God in revival (see pp. 22-25) and if not by that means then in the certain return of Christ. Our Lord will intervene one way or the other. God bless you - please help us circulate the message by distributing CETF far and wide. We are grateful to the Lord's people for their prayerful and practical support that enables CWM to continue publishing and distributing CETF. Thank you in the Name of the Lord. May Jesus Christ be PRAISED.

Philip L. Powell
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For centuries Western Civilization progressed and encompassed the earth through colonization.

The Loss Of Conscience How The West Was Lost

By Albert James Dager - Media Spotlight Spring, 2012 - see www.mediaspotlight.org Our rejoicing is this: the testimony of our conscience, that we have conducted ourselves in the worldand more abundantly toward youin simplicity and godly sincerity, not with carnal wisdom, but by the grace of God - 2 Corinthians 1:12. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are aware of the need to be guided by His Word as revealed in the Scriptures; but the Lord has also given all men, believers and non-believers, an innate inner guide to help us know right from wrong. That inner guide is our conscience. Paul the apostle makes this clear: For when the Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, not having the law, are a law unto themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel - Romans 2:1416. Throughout history every civilization has developed a code of ethics by which it has been held together for a time. Yet each has devolved into a licentiousness that has led to its downfall. There have been noble individuals who have attempted to lead those civilizations in the right path according to their conscience, but their efforts have been overwhelmed by the vast majority that insisted upon their right to self-expression. Not surprisingly, it has been through the avenue of the arts especially that each culture has embarked upon the slippery slope leading to depravity. Just as out of the abundance of ones heart the mouth speaks, so out of the abundance of ones heart his art speaks. There is a point at which a culture, a nation, has gone so far in its debauchery that the righteous Creator God can no longer abide its existenceat least to the point of maintaining its standing among the nationsand it must be judged. When the Lord Jesus came to earth He saw how far the nation of Israel had departed not only from His Law, but from its own conscience. Outwardly it continued to impose the Law, thinking that going through the motions would somehow ingratiate it to God; but God revealed to Israel that the Law was meant to strike deeper than how one should act. He declared that if one even harboured a desire for a particular sin, one was guilty of that sin: Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him - 1 John 3:15. You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, that whoever looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart - Matthew 5:27-28. he is guilty: I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself, but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean - Romans 14:14. Such Scriptures demonstrate how important it is that men act according to their conscience. When Paul was taken to Caesarea to stand before Felix the governor, he stood in defence of his ministry by appealing to his conscience: But this I confess to you: that after the Way which they call heresy, I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets, and have hope toward God, who they themselves also allow that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And I myself strive herein to always have a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men - Acts 24:14-16. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul again defends his conscience: For our rejoicing is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you 2 Corinthians 1:12. With The Reformation came the casting off of certain Roman Catholic restrictions that went beyond the Word of God, although Protestantism did retain some Roman Catholic rules, and even developed its own code of ethics that it imposed on its followers but which are not mandated by Gods Word. Yet it was clear that, at least outwardly, Western Civilization had been so impacted by the Gospel that the conscience of the average citizen guided him in his conduct that tended toward godliness. For centuries Western Civilization progressed and encompassed the earth through colonization. Although not all colonization was altruistic, the truth remains that Western culture brought many material and spiritual blessings to the pagan nations that it oversaw. The problem was that western colonizers, and even the church missionaries that accompanied them, did not consider the people they colonized to be their equal in humanitarian terms. Converts to the faith were not allowed to become teachers without the supervision of the missionary, even after years of faithful walking with
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As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are aware of the need to be guided by His Word as revealed in the Scriptures
The Lord was telling the people that the Law is of no effect if men do not obey it out of a pure heart and conscience. Over the next two millennia as the Gospel spread throughout the world, the conscience of mankind was struck with the truth of Gods Word. As imperfect as it was, even the Holy Roman Empire adopted the biblical ethic that established right from wrong in the thinking of its citizens, at least in terms of morality; but the morality of the Roman Catholic Church went beyond the dictates of Scripture and resulted in the imposition of new laws born of the religious attitudes of the hierarchy. Roman Catholics were taught that it would be a mortal sin, deserving of eternal damnation, to eat meat on Fridays and other prescribed days of the year; it would be a mortal sin to miss going to Mass on Sundays; it would be a mortal sin to not be in submission to the pope as the head of all Christianity. Yet even then, conscience played a part. This imposition of mans laws over the consciences of believers is in itself a serious sin, but it has an effect on the spiritual condition of the masses because if a man believes something to be wrong and yet does the act (or even desires to do the act),

The western nations, which bear His name among the vast majority of its populaces, are not only rejecting His Word, but are losing their conscience?

the Lord. Still, the Lord deigned to grant to the West blessings that were, and are, unparalleled in human history. No doubt this is because, in spite of its failures on many fronts, Western Civilization maintained the biblical ethic and understanding of morality as the guiding principle not only for personal conduct, but for its jurisprudence. That did not preclude those who refused the Word of God from acting out their sins; but such were considered outcasts and the dregs of humanity to the majority of westerners. There were certain things that were not considered proper to be spoken of in public, let alone propagated within the culture; but through the gradual erosion of the Gospels influence via many avenues, things that were at one time considered taboo are now not only openly practised, but celebrated openly in society. As a result, there has also been an erosion of the conscienceeven a loss of conscienceamong a growing segment of western society. Millennia ago the Psalmist lamented Israels spiritual condition: The transgression of the wicked says within my heart that there is no fear of God before his eyes, because he flatters himself in his own eyes until his iniquity is found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit; he has stopped being wise and doing good. He devises mischief upon his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not hate evil - Psalms 36:1-4. This is true today even more than it was when the Psalmist wrote it. Not only the most base, but even the average person does not hate evil. Some might doubt this. They might point to Scripture and history to show how debauched ancient civilizations had become; but consider that, if not in quality, certainly in quantity, Western Civilization is exceeding the acts of depravity that have characterized pagan cultures of the past. What is worse, because of the advantage of Scripture that we have had for centuries, we have less of an excuse than they had. Non-Christian cultures have relied on the conscience of man to guide ita conscience that saw only the creation as evidence of a higher being to whom men may one day answer. Israel had the prophets of God to guide its conscience, and even then that nation failed miserably. Western Civilization has had the more perfect Word of Godcontaining both the apostles and the prophetswhich reveals the Father and His love through His only-begotten Son; and now we are failing no less than Israel and the pagan nations around us. THE WORLD The loss of conscience in the world is leading Western Civilization to the brink of destruction. The results of the wars in 4
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which the western nations have engaged in the past century have especially contributed to the loss of conscience. It was bad enough that western powers became greedy in their imposition of colonialism; what could have been a blessing for the world turned into a scramble for power of western nation against western nation. Men became commodities to be traded as slavery became commonplace. The competition for world domination among the western nations eventually led to Wo r l d Wa r I a wa r a m o n g Christianised nations that would be called the war to end all wars. That war resulted in over 15 million dead and some 20 million wounded and maimed, both military and civilian combined. When the war ended, citizens in these Christianised nations went on a spree which resulted in the Roaring Twenties and a breakdown in morality. Prohibition resulted in the rise of gangsterism and the glorification of alcohol, contrary to the

time granted through the influx of laboursaving devices did not result in more time spent with the Lord, in His Word, or in anointed ministry. The vast majority of free time was and is given to selfsatisfaction in one way or another. The vast majority of mans technology is used for personal pleasure rather than for godly pursuits; the vast majority of science is used for mans benefit rather than for the benefit of Gods Kingdom; and most ministry in the churches put mans needs before Gods Word. This has led to a spiritual malaise that has resulted in not only apathy, but rebellion against God. His Word appeals to those who call themselves by His name: Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things that are done by them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatever reveals is light - Ephesians 5:11-13. For centuries Christians understood that certain things were a shame to even be spoken of. These were things that related to sexual immorality. We must acknowledge that it is still a shame to speak of these things. Yet we cannot escape what is placed so blatantly before us, not only in the entertainment media but in the news media. Worse, these things are flaunted even in elementary schools, and threaten even pre-school children. Add to these the Internet and its wide assortment of perverse content, and the average child today is certain to encounter things that, as Paul said, are a shame for even adults to speak about. It pains me to even address these things here, but I believe the Lord is offering a warning to His people that His patience is wearing thin because the western nations, which bear His name among the vast majority of its populaces, are not only rejecting His Word, but are losing their conscience. Pornography For decades public officials have been reticent to ban pornography on many levels. The argument has been that pornography cannot be defined; what is pornography to one person may be art to another. That reasoning has led to insane and ungodly decisions in western society. Words have meanings, and the English language is clear on what is defined as pornography. According to Websters New Collegiate Dictionary (2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio), pornography is 1) writings, pictures, etc. intended primarily to arouse sexual desire; 2) the production of such writings, pictures, etc. As much as the ungodly wish to tell us that no one can define pornography, and that in the United States the First Amendment

Most ministry in the churches put mans needs before Gods Word
intentions of prohibitionists. Even so, God was gracious to this nation [USA] that had contributed greatly to the furtherance of the Gospel among the nations. He brought it to its knees through The Great Depression, which should have hindered citizens from expending the little they had on ungodly pursuits. Yet those that seemed to suffer least through the Great Depression were the entertainment and alcohol industries, as well as gambling and prostitution. Everything the mobs were involved in seemed to appeal more to the general populace as the Great Depression progressed. Then came World War II, an even deadlier conflict than its predecessor: over 60 million killed. That was 2.5% of the worlds population at the time. Consider: thats almost three out of every hundred people; and, again, after that war the Christianised nations went on a spree as technology began to provide more and more creature comforts that allowed for more free time to engage in pleasure. Now, it isnt that all personal pleasure is evil in itself. Much, if not most pleasure engaged in is morally neutral; but the free

Abortion is so well accepted that vending machines are now popping up on college campuses to provide the morning after pill for students.

to the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, they and the politicians whom they support with their money and media exposure know that they are promoting pornography. It has been tolerated within western society as something to be restricted from minors, but that restriction is hardly ever applied anymore. A case in point is the experience of a mother who took her ten-year-old daughter to the Seattle Public Library on Sunday, January 22 [2012]. Julie Howe went with her daughter to the DVD collection to find something suitable to watch with her. The computer (one among a bank of twenty) immediately next to the DVD collection was being used by a man viewing what a Seattle Times reporter called, Internet porn of the very nasty kind. In spite of their immediate retreat, Howes daughter saw the screen and couldnt compute what she was seeing. Howe emailed a manager at the library system to tell of her experience and how her daughter reacted: I had a 10-year old crying in bed last night because she doesnt understand what she saw on the screen at the library where the man in the blue jacket was sitting, and it makes her feel weird and scared inside. This is not right. Spokesmen for the Seattle Public Library system insist that it is not in the censorship business, and in spite of Howes efforts they have refused to do anything to shield the general public, including children, from their computers. This is a scenario that is being played out across the country, with testimonies of other parents concerned about what their children have seen on public library computers; but, we are told, that has no bearing on the administrations and staffs of the libraries, or on politicians who dont wish to infringe on the First Amendment rights of citizens. Sadly, it seems there are more people voicing their objections to parents who wish to protect their children than to the library systems that insist on pandering to fans of pornography. Abortion Fully half of Americans today believe that a woman has the right to choose whether or not to kill her baby in the womb. (In our special report, Abortion: Some Cogent Arguments, weve offered sufficient reasons why abortion has no ethical or logical merit. It may be ordered from Media Spotlight without charge.) The highly publicized decision of the breastcancer charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure to cut funding for Planned Parenthood created such a huge backlash by womens organizations and politicians that Komen reversed its decision within days. Even so, many pro-abortion advocates continue to rail against Komen

and have declared their unwillingness to forgive them for their sin. The vast majority of reaction to the news has been supportive of Planned Parenthood, the largest organization in the world that provides for killing babies. No politicians have taken a position in favour of Komens initial action, but many have lauded Komen for reversing that action. Abortion is so well accepted that vending machines are now popping up on college campuses to provide the morning after pill for students. It wont be long before the vendors start demanding the right to put them on high school campuses and, eventually, in elementary schools, all in the interest of reproductive health. Homosexuality For the past thirty years homosexuality has been gaining strength in the West. The entertainment media have played a huge role in this. As early as the 1920s and 30s, veiled references to homosexuality in movies brought the subject into the

interested in marriage, just the same rights and privileges under the law that married people enjoyed. That turned out to be a lie. There will be a ninth step: to prosecute anyone who says anything disparaging, not about individual h o m o s e x u a l s o n l y, b u t a b o u t homosexuality in general. All this has occurred over the span of about eighty years, but the last four steps have taken place within only the past twenty years. Same-sex marriage has been in the approval stage for the past decade. Same-sex Marriage Some twenty years ago I said that the day was coming when we would be reading in the newspapers, marriage announcements for homosexual couples. This was long before marriage between same-sex couples was legalized anywhere in the United States. Now, recent polls show that a majority (51%) of Americans approve of same-sex marriage. Throughout the history of mankind, no nation or culturenot even the most base of pagan cultureshas ever considered granting even so-called domestic partnership rights, let alone marriage, to homosexuals. To what, then, can we attribute the sudden surge in popularity and approval for same-sex marriage since 2001? and why is this popularity and approval so strong only in what would be considered Christian nations? I believe it is because the majority of our citizens have forgotten God (Romans 1:28). Since 2001, ten countries (all western, except Israel) have begun to allow samesex marriage nationwide: As well, some cities and states in Mexico, Brazil, and the United States have joined in. A few recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. Among those, only Israel would not be considered a Christian nation. (By Christian nation I mean a nation where the vast majority of citizens consider themselves Christians of one stripe or another.) Proponents of same-sex marriage have been willing to exempt religious institutions from being forced to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies; but they refuse to exempt individuals engaged in businesses that traditionally cater to weddings, such as florists, bakeries, rental halls, wedding planners, etc. Anyone who refuses to conduct business with homosexuals who wish to get married is subject to stiff fines and even imprisonment. In essence, the government is forcing people to act contrary to their consciences or face ruin. That, in a nutshell, is what really defines a police state: thought control. In a police state one may not express an opinion contrary to the states dictates.
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Since 2001, ten countries (all western, except Israel) have begun to allow same-sex marriage nationwide
consciousness of westerners. The ploy has been ingenious: the first step was to look at it askance, as something not to be mentioned, but acknowledged as existing; the second step was to address it with humour, even if it meant ridiculing homosexuals as different; the third step wa s to e n ge n d e r sy m p at hy fo r homosexuals as outcasts of society, doomed to hide in the proverbial closet; the fourth step was to beg tolerance for homosexuality, allowing to live-and-letlive. Part of this was to take the emphasis off the word homosexual and substitute for it the word gay; the fifth step was to accept homosexuality as normal behaviour, which should not be judgedfurther live-and-let-live; the sixth step was to promote homosexuality as something to celebrate (e.g., gay-pride parades, etc.); the seventh step was to insist that homosexuals should enjoy the same rights as everyone else, including domestic partnership privileges; the eighth step is now in progressto grant full marital recognition to homosexuals. When they were clamouring for domestic partnership privileges, leaders in the homosexual community stated that this was all they wanted; they werent

Mammon is the god of this world even to many right-thinking people

Today, it is freedom of speech to act out against biblical morality, but those who p ro te st a ga i n st state - m a n d ate d immorality are largely censored. Sadly, most people will comply with the states infringement upon personal conscience rather than suffer for conscience sake. At one time the Bible formed the basis for morality in many parts of the world. Now the morals of the immoral form the basis of morality. Is it not incongruous that those who insist that morality and truth are relative dare dictate to us what is moral? Almighty Mammon Mammon is the god of this world even to many right-thinking people who will betray their conscience to keep their livelihood. In truth, every one of the areas to which Western Civilization has lost its conscience relates to Mammon in one way or another. Pornography is a multi-billion dollar business that has the means to propagandise through the media and to buy politicians. Abortion is a multi-billion dollar business that also has the means to propagandise through the media and to buy politicians. Homosexuality is big business, not just for homosexuals who pander to other homosexuals, but to nonhomosexuals who see the benefit of pandering to the homosexual community that enjoys above-average wealth. Same-sex marriage is propped up by a class of peoplehomosexualswhose median income is considerably higher than that of the average person because of their connections to the entertainment and news media as well as to government. Add to this their discriminatory policies in promoting from within their sub-culture, and the deck is stacked against morally minded people. Now we are hearing how same-sex marriage is going to be a boon to the economies of states that adopt it, because of the increase in the wedding industrys profits that are expected to reach into the multi-millions of dollars. So, again, the adage follow the money is apropos. As this claim of financial benefit gets more and more impressed upon politicians in other states, its only a matter of time before the federal government mandates same-sex marriage (or at least recognition of ceremonies performed in other states) as a constitutional right. The love of money is truly the root of all kinds of evil. The god of this world is loved far above the true God who created the world. THE CHURCHES If we wish to lament the loss of conscience in the world, we must all the more lament the loss of conscience in the churches. After all, who voted and continue to vote into office the politicians who purposely enact legislation contrary to the very 6
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principles of Gods Word? Since the first century the enemy has been at work within the churches to undermine Gods Word just as he did in ancient Israel. And the people have been only too happy to accommodate him. Consequently, with few exceptions the religious culture in the West is not dissimilar to the culture of the world. Pornography This is an area that is still considered taboo among Christians, even in the most liberal churches. Thankfully, pornography is still frowned upon in general, although, lets face it, many Christians, including pastors and other Christian leaders, are hooked on it (research has put the number at 56% of pastors). Eventually they will have no conscience about this particular sin; but so far it is still kept in secret.

idea and realize the monetary benefits. Despite the best efforts of defence-ofmarriage organizations and citizen referendums, same-sex marriage is here to stay, and will become so normal that in a short time all the brouhaha (hubbub or uproar) will be forgotten. THE COMMON DENOMINATOR Notice that these national sins have one thing in common: they all involve illicit (according to Gods Word) sexual activity; and thats where huge sums of money are invested. It is argued, even by compromised Christians, that sexual sins are not the worst sins people can commit; stacked against murder, physical abuse, and even robbery, sexual sin doesnt hurt anyone. So let people do what they want. How does it hurt heterosexual couples, they reason, if homosexuals get married? and so on, and so on. Let the world believe that lie. Gods Word is our guide; not human wisdom. Homosexuality and abortion are sins against nature, which sets them somewhat apart from other sins. Pragmatically speaking, their arguments make some perverse sense to the seared conscience; but what does Gods Word say? For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who withhold the truth in unrighteousness, because that which may be known about God is apparent in them, for God has shown it to them. For His invisible things from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are madeeven His eternal power and Godheadso that they are without excuse. Because when they knew God they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became vain in their imagination, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselveswho changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile affections, for even their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also, the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust toward one anothermen with men, doing that which is indecent and

Homosexuality and abortion are sins against nature, which sets them somewhat apart from other sins.
Abortion Among the more fundamentalist congregations abortion is also considered taboo, but there in an increasing number of churches that are being swayed toward the leftist position in favour of a womans right to choose to kill her baby. Some even champion abortion and fight vigorously to keep it legal. Homosexuality Mainline Protestant denominations, as well as many independent churches, are increasingly becoming inclusive, which means open to homosexuals not for the sake of ministering Gods grace and help to overcome their sin, but to ensconce them in positions of ministry and other authority within their congregations. They even celebrate homosexuality as a gift from God, even though it is contrary to the gifts and fruit of the Spirit as well as to the written Word of God. Even among some fundamentalists there is the belief that homosexuals have no choice in their behaviour; they were born that way. Same-sex Marriage Many church groups have stood up to support same-sex marriage legislation, and have performed weddings for homosexuals. This will increase as more and more Christians become used to the

The loss of conscience toward God eventually leads to the next step: the loss of conscience toward righteous living.

receiving within themselves the return of their error, which was suitable. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things that are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, greediness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, quarrelling, deceit, bad character; whisperers, slanderers, God haters, spiteful, proud, boasters, contrivers of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, promise breakers, unmerciful, who, knowing the judgment of God that those who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in those who do them - Romans 1:18-32. The first step is to reject the knowledge of God which is impressed upon every persons conscience through the evidence of the creation. The loss of conscience toward God eventually leads to the next step: the loss of conscience toward righteous living. God has tolerated loss of conscience toward Himself, but the time comes when He no longer tolerates loss of conscience toward even the appearance of righteousness. There will be a price to pay. THE HAMMER OF GOD In 2009 I wrote a piece called The Hammer of God (Media Spotlight, Vol. 33 No. 1), in which I stated my belief that the Lord was preparing Islam to chastise the West. It is no coincidence that all the areas in which the West has lost its conscience are anathema to Islam: pornography; abortion; homosexuality; same-sex marriage. These are all punishable by death under Sharia. In this regard, Islam is more righteous than the Christianity of the West; and Muslim radicals take delight in pointing this out because it gives them excuse to denounce the West and Christianity. Thats not to say even some of these radicals might not engage in pornography and homosexuality in secret; or that they might not practise abortion in secret; but were they to be found out, they would forfeit their lives. Thats what gives the Lord legitimate cause to use Islam to chastise those who go by His name. He has given us numerous warnings of impending judgment, not the least of which are unprecedented natural disasters and growing terrorism. Since 9/11 it is reported that there have been over 30 attempted terrorist attacks in the United States. Do we think those attempts wont

continue? Do we think the Lord will not allow them to succeed? A February 10 episode of ABCs What Would You Do? provided graphic evidence of the problem with Western Christianity. Two actors, one in the role of a Christian counsellor and the other a homosexual teen, portray a conversation in a public restaurant in which the counsellor at the behest of the boys parents tries to convince the boy that his homosexuality can be prayed away. Onlookers became upset at the counsellor for abusing the boy. One man pulled out the cross he wears as evidence that he is religious and that, yes, the counsellor was wrong. One womans words to the boy were cryptic: Your parents might be confused; you arent. and the world is coming around to that. Only one couple, Muslims, suggested that the counsellor was rightthat prayer and upbringing in his religion can help him overcome his homosexuality.

about the author

Albert (AL) James Dager was born 1938 in Los Angeles, California USA and was raised as a Roman Catholic. He was born again in September 1964 and served as audiovisual engineer, graphic artist, and publications manager in a radio and TV ministry to Latin America - 19741980. In July 1977 he founded Media Spotlight, a biblical analysis of religious and secular media, being the first USA based ministry of international proportions to address the issues in the mass media both secular and religious that are affecting the lives of Christians. Al has appeared on many local, national and international television and radio programmes, and has been a guest speaker and teacher at Christian seminars, churches and Christian schools and colleges. He has had no formal Bible school or seminary training. His knowledge of Scripture has come through personal study since 1964, as well as careful attention to other teachers whose ministries reflect sound exegesis and purity of motives. He and his wife Jean (nee Lampman) fellowship in a House Assembly which has no affiliation with any religious institution and no professional clergy system, where he is one elder among a plurality of elders. Al has been a member over time of a number of "churches" including fundamentalist and Pentecostal. BOOKS Authored - 1990 Vengeance Is Ours: The Church in Dominion; 2001 - The World Christian Movement, A Great Delusion Leading to the ReligioPolitical State of the Anti-Christ; 2004 The House Assembly: Recapturing the FirstCentury Model for the Gathering of the Saints; 2004 What Do You Believe: Why Do You Believe It? 2005 What Is The True Gospel? 2005 A False Doctrine of Subtle Purpose RADIO - Media Spotlight radio programme KYMS Orange County, CA 1977-1979; KGNW, Seattle, WA 1992-1993. MEDIA SPOTLIGHT JOURNALS and special reports and commentaries are circulated worldwide through Christian magazines and newspapers and can be found on many websites. website is www.mediaspotlight.org
Want to comment on an article? visit http://www.cwm.org.au
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There is nothing true believers in Jesus can do about the direction our culture is heading except to pray
All these things are evidence of a seared conscience. There is nothing true believers in Jesus can do about the direction our culture is heading except to pray and minister to individuals with the intent to bring them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. If by the grace of God America and the West survive for a time, we should be grateful; but human nature has not changed. If anyone thinks that eventually the Gospel will result in the conversion of the world to a sufficient degree that society will become moral, and that evil will largely be restricted, they have another think coming. Human nature will never change; Mankind is sinful from the start. The Lord tells us that as evil increases the love of many will grow cold. This means that even those who have loved Him will turn away from Him. The only refuge we have is the Lord. If we look elsewhereto politicians, church leaders, even family and friendswe will be disappointed. When He returns He will set things aright.

There are many different beliefs in this world, and most of them are neither good nor helpful.

How to teach Gods Good News in Easy English (Part2)

By Keith Simons Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. HOW MUCH SHOULD A CHURCH LEADER SAY ABOUT SIN? In our previous part, we discussed sin (evil deeds), although we hardly ever used that word. We also did not mention hell, although the Bible teaches clearly about it; and we did not describe what happened to Adam and Eve. Clearly, there are a lot of important subjects that we could explain. Church leaders need to know how much they should explain about sin. It would be wrong not to mention it. People need to know the truth about the state of their lives before God. If people do not understand about sin, then Christs death would seem without purpose; and then people would have no reason to invite God into their lives. Something very strange happens when a church leader speaks about sin. People listen to his words but, usually, there seems to be no reaction. People act as if they do not care about these things. That is extraordinary. It is not the usual way for people to behave when they hear terrible news about themselves. When a judge sends someone to prison, that person feels the strongest emotions: fear, shame, anger. Only a person who has gone to prison many times does not care about the judges decision. But when a church leader speaks about God and His judgement, people seem not to care. That, too, is evidence of how terrible our state is before God. The Bible calls that attitude a hard heart. It is the attitude of people who do not care. God wants to change that attitude completely. His desire is to give people a right relationship with Himself: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh - Ezekiel 36:26. Actually, it is better if we do not usually see strong reactions and powerful emotions in our churches. Emotions can quickly become much too strong for anyone to control; and then it may be impossible for the person to hear about Christ. People may start to imagine that even God cannot save them. 8
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For this reason, a church leader should appeal to a persons mind and intelligence, not to the emotions. A church leader should consider himself a teacher, not an entertainer: These things command and teach 1 Timothy 4:11. An entertainer appeals to the emotions, but a teacher educates the mind. People who have learned the truth about God can then start to trust Him. Our work begins with the mind, but it should not end there. It is Gods desire to change people completely: Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God - John 3:3.

people whom he hopes to help. For the same reason, the leader must use Gods Word, that is, the Bible. Our words can only have an effect on a persons mind, but Gods Word is much more powerful: For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Hebrews 4:12. There is also another reason why we must use the Bible to teach about these things. There are many different beliefs in this world, and most of them are neither good nor helpful. We must show people that we are not merely teaching our own opinions, but Gods opinions. They have an important decision to make. So we must show them what God has said about these matters. However, if we explain too many Bible verses, people may find them too hard to understand. It is better to choose just one Bible verse, and to explain it well. We are now ready to answer our original question. How much should a church leader explain about sin? Of course, the answer is not the same for every group of people. Some people learn more quickly than other people do. So the leader should continue to explain until the people understand clearly these important facts: The people must understand that they have not obeyed Gods law. God considers each of them guilty; and one day in the future, He will be their judge.The people must understand that their lives need to change completely. They have been Gods enemies, and they must now become His friends. The people must know that they cannot save themselves. They cannot pay for their sins by means of good actions. Only God can change their lives; and He does it by means of Jesus death, when people invite Him into their lives. When people understand these things, the church leader has explained enough about sin. So then the leader can explain what God did to save people from their sin by the death of Jesus. HOW A CHURCH LEADER CAN EXPLAIN ABOUT JESUS DEATH It should be clear that people cannot save themselves. To do that, they would need to give themselves a right relationship

People need to know the truth about the state of their lives before God.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new - 2 Corinthians 5:17. It is especially in his spirit that the person needs a right relationship with God. The mind will die when the body dies. It is the spirit that can live always with God: But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect - Hebrews 12:22-23. That is why our own words and thoughts are not enough. We can, perhaps, educate peoples minds, but we are completely unable to change their spirits. Only God can do that. For that reason, regular prayer is essential for the church leader who carries out this kind of work. He must pray for himself as well as for the

The Bible records that God saw the terrible state of people on this earth. He saw that they had become His enemies.

with God. They have done many wrong things against Him, and they have become His enemies. So of course they cannot now become His friends by their own efforts. They cannot force God to accept them. Only God is able to save people. The Bible is Gods own account of what He did to save people. That is its subject, from beginning to end; but we cannot ask people to study the whole Bible before they trust Christ. That would be too hard for almost anyone to do. Instead, a church leader should use his knowledge of the Bible to select an important passage or verse. He then uses that passage or verse to teach how God can save people. So, although perhaps the leader only reads one verse, he uses that verse to explain the message of the whole Bible.

Those two subjects are essential knowledge for anyone who desires to have a right relationship with God. So let us think about Christ. First, we need to understand who He is. If Christ were merely a man like other men, then the Christian religion would be like any other religion. Its beliefs would merely be human ideas. It would be unable to give anyone a right relationship with God. Christ is, and always has been, God (John 1:1-2; Hebrews 13:8). He is God the Son, who, with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, created the world (John 1:3). The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the one and only real God (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 17:11). At a future time, all will recognise Christs greatness (Philippians 2:9-11); and Christ will rule both earth and heaven (Psalm 2; Luke 1:32-33; Revelation 19:16). The Bible records that God saw the terrible state of people on this earth. He saw that they had become His enemies. He saw their evil deeds and He knew about their evil nature. They did not care about God, but God cared about them. People deserved only punishment, but God wanted to save people. God is completely good; His nature is perfect. Because He is completely good, He always punishes evil acts. So, He is the perfect judge. However, because He is completely good, His love is very great. So, it is His desire to save people. Those two statements may seem to be opposites. It seems impossible both to punish and to save; but the Bible has always insisted that that is Gods character: And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation. Exodus 34:6-7. In the life of Christ, we see how God did both, together. Christ is God; but He chose to be born as a human baby. God was living among us (Matthew 1:23), but the people did not recognise Him (John 1:10-11). His life as a boy and a young man was like the life of any other young person. He studied. He learned a trade. He worked with His hands; but there was one important difference from us. Unlike us, Christ never did any wrong thing that was against Gods law: Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when

He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously - 1 Peter 2:22-23. That fact matters. Christ did not deserve the punishment that He suffered. As a man, Christ began to teach the people about God, and to do Gods work among them. He cured people who were ill. He declared Gods good news, even to the poorest people (Luke 4:18-19). Everything that He did was good; but still, people hated Him and wanted to kill Him; and in the end, that is what happened. Christ, the perfect Son of God, suffered a slow, painful and cruel death that He did not deserve. As we have already said, there is much cruelty in this world. It is a terrible fact, but many innocent people suffer in the most unfair manner. We do not remember Christs death just because it was so unfair. We remember Christs death because, by it, God was carrying out His promise to save His people. In order to save His people, God must punish their evil acts. When Christ died, He Himself suffered the punishment on their behalf. God the Son took upon Himself our evil deeds: Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousnessby whose stripes you were healed. - 1 Peter 2:24.

We remember Christs death because, by it, God was carrying out His promise to save His people.
The church leader must select that verse very carefully. Each verse belongs in a longer passage. The leader must consider the meaning of the whole passage before he selects the verse. Although he might not read the whole passage at the meeting, he himself should study it carefully. One especially useful verse for this purpose is John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16. However, because the whole Bible is about this subject, many other verses are useful for this purpose. John 3:16 explains why God acted to save people. It was because of His great love. It explains how God acted. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ. It also explains who benefits from Gods kindness. God saves the people who believe in Christ. Finally, John 3:16 tells us the results of Gods action. Those people will not suffer Gods punishment; and they will always live with Him. That is a most wonderful verse, and people can learn much from it; but John 3:16 does not explain everything that people need to know. In particular, it does not tell people how to believe; and it does not explain what Christ did to save us.

In order to save His people, God must punish their evil acts. When Christ died, He Himself suffered the punishment on their behalf
The punishment that can bring people a right relationship with God was upon Christ: Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD HAS LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US ALL. Isaiah 53:4-6. Christs death had a powerful effect on some of the people who saw it (Mark
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This surely is one of the main reasons why God allows extreme adversity ... It is to bring us into full dependence upon Him.

15:39-43); but, at the same time, something astonishing was happening that people could not see. Strange events happened across the city (Matthew 27:50-54). The first people (Adam and Eve) did not obey God, and we still suffer from the results of their evil deed today; but Jesus Christ obeyed God completely, even in His death; and the results of His good action in dying for us can save us now, and always: For if by the one mans offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:17. That one event Christs death can give us a right relationship with God that never ends: So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. - Hebrews 9:28. God wants us to trust Him. So He has provided evidence that Christs death did achieve these things. There is the evidence in the Bible (Luke 24:27; John 20:31). There is the evidence that Christ became alive again after His death (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). There is the evidence that God has given Christ the place of greatest honour in heaven (Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 1:3-4). There is the evidence of the people whom God has sent to declare His message (Matthew 28:18-20; Hebrews 2:3); and there is the evidence of the astonishing things that still happen as a result of the prayers of Christians (Mark 16:20). For all these reasons, people should believe Christ. They should confess their evil deeds to Him, and they should invite Him into their lives. 2012 Keith Simons

The Tenderness of God

By Roger Winter Smith And he said to him, My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die - Genesis 33:13. Jacob is returning to his own country. He has been away some 20 years. He left his parental home, having offended Esau, his twin brother to such a degree that Esau intended to kill him. Through his mother, Rebekahs influence his father Isaac sends him back to the ancestral home. He had stolen the blessing due to Esau the older brother. This was in addition to Esau bargaining away his birthright to Jacob. man of the Spirit and he is led by the Spirit. This is a qualifying hallmark of all Gods children. Romans 8:14, For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. In such a crisis he knows the answer is in God alone. This surely is one of the main reasons why God allows extreme adversity to sometimes confront His children. It is to bring us into full dependence upon Him. What a place of prayer Jacob enters at Peniel: And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved - Genesis 32:30. This prayer battle is recorded in Genesis 32:24-26: And Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaks. And he said, I will not let you go, except you bless me. Jacob is renamed Israel A Prince of God. Hell never be the same again. He is crippled. The old nature with its selfreliance is finally put to death. He has entered a new realm; he has attained a new and princely position. How vital it is that all Christians should pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). How often in the lives of Gods children is this option presented to uswhether to pray or to lose heart. Without exception all believers are confronted at times with the stark choice of battling through in prayer, or giving way to exhaustion and defeat. The battle for the survival of Jacob, his family, his servants, all his possessions, had been won on Jacobs knees. God had answered. Esaus whole demeanour is now transformed. He probably could give no account of the reason why he now welcomes and embraces the brother he loathed so much. God always respects our freedom of choice but He can cause us to find favour with the people of this world, as His purpose decrees. Esau seeks to help Jacob on his way. He proposes to leave some of his men with Jacob, as a sort of escort. However, Jacob just wants to see the back of Esau and his band. It is always so for

The old nature with its self-reliance is finally put to death. He has entered a new realm; he has attained a new and princely position.
The taking of the blessing was the crowning offence. All the honour and spiritual blessing that should have gone to the firstborn has now been secured by Jacob. He had prospered. He had gained two wives, two concubines, children, much livestock and, no doubt, a good number of servants. Esau learns of Jacobs return and gallops towards him with an army of four hundred men. Jacob is terrified; he was greatly afraid and distressed (Genesis 32:7). He is a man who has been opportunistic in getting the birthright and deceitful in obtaining the blessing but he is so very different to Esau. Esau is a man of the world. Jacob wants the blessing of the God of his fathers more than anything. He is resourceful, wealthy in a measure, strong and blessed but now everything he has, even life itself, is under mortal threat. There is only one thing for him to do. He must get through to God in prayer; he must petition Heavens throne. He is a

about the author

Keith Simons is a Bible Teacher whose work reaches across the world by the Internet, through his website www.usefulbible.com, which reaches some 2000 people monthly, in 60 countries. To aid second-language English speakers, he prepares courses and books in EasyEnglish, a system devised by Wycliffe Associates (UK). He has also worked extensively at Wycliffe Associates, and until recently led their EasyEnglish Bible Commentary team. He worships at Stockport Elim Church. Want to comment on an article? visit http://www.cwm.org.au

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How gracious is our God! This is His character but it is only the atoning death of Jesus that enables Him to show the mercy that is in His heart

Gods children. They cannot fellowship or make common cause with the ungodly. If they try to, it always becomes stressful. Issues will arise which illustrate, often painfully, that they belong to completely different worlds. Paul put the question, what accord has Christ with Belial? (2 Corinthians 6:15). The answer must be a resounding negative. Jacob tells Esau that the children are weak and they have little lambs and calves with them and to drive them for just one day will cause them to die. He tells Esau that his flock is very vulnerable and if driven too hard they will actually lose their livesforce them and they will die. They can only go at a certain pace. God knows this of us all. He knows the speed at which we can go in our spiritual development. Psalm 103:10-14: He has not dealt with us according to our sins; nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are 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 has he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities them that fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. What a tender God we have. Two dimensions are mentioned in the above psalmthe height of heaven above the earth, and the distance between East and West. Both dimensions are actually infinite. One speaks of Gods mercy, the other of His forgiveness. How gracious is our God! This is His character but it is only the atoning death of Jesus that enables Him to show the mercy that is in His heart. God is love but He cannot deny His justice in spite of the love that is in His heart. This has been so ever since man was created. The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8) has secured grace beyond measure. It is only because justice has been satisfied at Calvary that God is enabled to forgive, bless and protect any human being who comes to Him in repentance and who puts his trust in Christs precious blood. It also enables God to show the tenderness that is part of His wonderful character. There are scriptural examples which show how God is a Father who pities His children and does not drive them beyond their capacity. In Exodus we see that God heard His peoples cry and He came down to rescue them. But things got worse. Their taskmasters become more cruel. This happens so frequently when God really deals with souls. Sometimes it has to be drastic. The children of Israel had to be brought to the point where they could

no longer endure a state of servitude and cruel bondage. Are we so desperate to be finished with those things that hurt and spoil our spiritual life that we will take the way of escape in Christ no matter what it may cost us? We should never pray to be tried and chastened but we should seek and desire liberty in the Spirit, whatever it may cost us. But God knows what we can endure and what stage we have reached spiritually. When the Jews had left Egypt, they faced the battle of faith needed to enter the Promised Land, but they were weak, unbelieving even cowardly. What an amazing concession God makes to their flawed characters. And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt - Exodus 13:17.

issue. He was told that the Pharisees fasted, John the Baptists followers fasted, but His disciples did not. He gave two answers to this challenge. First, that while He, the bridegroom, is with them they cannot fast because it is such a joy to them to have His presence. He speaks of His departure from the earth and confirms that in that time the disciples will fast. However, He also makes the point that no-one puts new wine into old bottles. If they do they will lose both the wine and the containers and if old they could be cracked and worn and the new wine would pour through and be lost. The bottles must be new. God does not inflict on new converts an impossible regime of self-denial. First, He makes us all anew: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new - 2 Corinthians 5:17. When we are renewed in Christ, filled with truth and His Spirit, we are ready for a life of discipleship and self-denial. After Pentecost an army of spiritual men appeared - self-denying, zealous, totally committedready for fasting, and prayer, and great Gospel endeavours. How vital it is that every one of Gods children should experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit which is promised to all who believe. After Christs ascension, Pentecost came and all who believe can now receive what Jesus had spoken of on that last day of the feast. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirsts, let him come to me, and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water. (But this he spoke of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified) - John 7:37-39. This supernatural water was additional to the water of salvation, which had already been offered by Jesus before His ascension. In John 4, He speaks to the woman at the well and tells her if she had known who He was, and had asked Him, He would have then and there given her living water, the kind that springs up to Eternal Life: Jesus answered and said to her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that says to you, Give me to drink; you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a fountain of water springing up
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When we are renewed in Christ, filled with truth and His Spirit, we are ready for a life of discipleship and self-denial.
In effect God was saying to Moses, Dont make them face the Philistines yet. If they are faced with a fight they will give up and go back. How properly could this have been challenged. One could imagine some of the holy angels saying, But LORD, they have seen all these mighty signs and wonders. They have seen your supernatural plagues fall one after another on their Egyptian masters with terrible severity. They have seen how they were preserved from these Divine Judgments. They have known the protection provided by the blood of the lamb from your wrath when the avenging angel slew all the firstborn sons in the land. They must surely believe that you are with them and more powerful than all their enemies, the Philistines included. They should surely march forward in triumphant faith against their foes. How true. But God knows where people are. What level of faith and courage they have reached. What they can endure and what will be too much and will break them. When Jesus was challenged about his disciples not fasting He considered the

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So did Jesus mean to say to His hearers that the kingdom of God was inside them or in their presence?

into everlasting life - John 4:10, 14. We may now, in this day of Pentecostal power, receive the full baptism in the Holy Spirit with fire. This will make our weak hearts strong and brave , to quote the William Booth hymn.[1] We have been given all that we need for life and godliness as Peter tells us in the first chapter of his second epistle: As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us by glory and virtue: Whereby are given to us exceedingly great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust - 2 Peter 1:3-4. However, we have a tender, merciful, long-suffering God, who knows our frame and remembers we are dust. He carries us, we do not carry Him. Isaiah puts it so well in chapter 63, verse 9: In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bore them, and carried them all the days of old. Our Heavenly Father wants us to be victorious, loving, overcoming Christians, but He leads us so gently to a greatness that is all His own, so that we will be able to say with King David your gentleness has made me great. (Psalm 18:35)
Footnote:
[1] http://cetf.co/I0Nsz7

THOUGH WE WITH GIANTS FIGHT LIVES & TESTIMONIES FROM THE BATTLEFIELD
By Philip Bray Part 1 Then the king said to me, what do you request? So I prayed to the God of heaven - Nehemiah 2:4 (KJV). [1] Alike at work and prayer, to Jesus I repair: May Jesus Christ be praised![2] INTRODUCTION One of the wonders of the moment someone turns to the Lord Jesus Christ is that their sin, which forms an invisible and yet ever present and impenetrable barrier between man and God is removed. Every believer has boldness and access with confidence (Ephesians 3:12) to the holy throne of God. Alike at work and prayer a believer may speak to The King. What tales have been told of how God has swiftly answered the prayers of His people! Every answer, no matter how small, is exciting and brings joy to the Body of Christ. However, perhaps none is so exciting for others to hear of, as the answers which come to people in the greatest trouble when only Gods miraculous intervention will do. I would suggest that there is little to compare with the dangers faced by and the answers that have come to believers serving in the Armed Forces. Most accounts will only be told in heaven with great praise to God; but some have been recorded and have been kindly brought to my and others attention as an encouragement while in service with the British Armed Forces. This series of articles will record a selection of these accounts. Despite their spread in time and place, common to them all is the kindness of God, His ever present, and mighty power to help those who call upon Him in the name of His Son. The weapons may have changed from cannon balls to laserguided missiles, but the Lord is the same throughout! Many who read these articles will have no connection to the Armed Forces of any
Footnote:
[1] All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the KJV King James Version. [2] Hymn, 'When morning gilds the sky' translated by E Caswall.

country. But I trust that seeing the Lord at work in this specific area of the harvest field, might strengthen the hearts of labourers in others. Some might be of the conviction that a Christian should not take up Arms in the service of their country. Please allow this issue to be one for individual conscience to decide, so that together we may give glory to God for these accounts. Perhaps some readers are still undecided if the biblical record of Christ is true. It is my prayer that through these testimonies every reader might either for the first time, or once again, be able to, confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father - Philippians 2:11.

about the author

Roger Winter-Smith is the Pastor of Stroud Green Christian Assembly, a traditional Pentecostal church in North London where he has served for 21 years as the minister. He has also spent many years in the legal profession and is presently a Litigation Consultant to a busy London Legal practice. This is a part time post. Roger's main work is very much as a pastor and Bible teacher and in recent years Roger has travelled internationally to minister. He is married to Cheryl and they have three children who are now grown up, Wendy, Peter and Hannah. The Stroud Green website is www.sgcaonline.org where further details of the Church can be seen.
Want to comment on an article? visit http://www.cwm.org.au

This brief insight reveals the godliness, and magnificent joy of the Lord of this small body of believers even in the valley of the shadow of death
Finally, might we observe and follow the example of the holy lives recorded in these articles, which enabled them to overcome, though fighting with giants. THE LETTERS OF WILLIAM CLEMENTS AND JOHN HAIME Days of heaven upon the Earth Deuteronomy 11:21. The first testimonies are from Christians serving together in the British Army in Belgium in 1745 during the Austrian Wars of Succession. Their experiences were so wonderful, that two Methodists, William Clements and John Haime, wrote to John Wesley to describe the events. Even while at war, the letters reveal how the believers continued to meet regularly for fellowship and were full of love for both their brethren and the enemy. John Haime refers warmly to William Clements in his letter as, my dear brother

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To submit to Gods moral laws requires that people be given a new disposition to love God and their neighbours

Clements. The cities of Ghent and Alost, mentioned in the first letter, are around 20 miles apart in Flanders (later famous for its World War I battlefields). We know little of William Clements. On return to England in 1749, John Haime was discharged from the Army and became a Methodist preacher. The Wesleys were often quoted as saying our people die well! This brief insight reveals the godliness, and magnificent joy of the Lord of this small body of believers even in the valley of the shadow of death. They were men who could die well! THE LETTER OF WILLIAM CLEMENTS Reverend Sir, I shall acquaint you with the Lords dealing with us since April last. We marched from Ghent to Alost on the 14th, where I met with two or three of our brethren in the fields, and we sung and prayed together, and were comforted. On the 15th I met a small company about three miles from the town, and the Lord filled our hearts with love and peace. On the 17th we marched to the camp near Brussels. On the 18th I met a small congregation on the side of a hill, and spoke from those words, Therefore let us go forth to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach Hebrews 13:13. On the 28th I spoke from those words of Isaiah, Thus says the Lord concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face grow pale - Isaiah 29:22. On the 29th we marched close to the enemy; and when I saw them in their camp, my bowels moved towards them in love and pity for their souls. We lay on our arms all night. [3] In the morning, April 30, the cannon began to play at half an hour after four; and the Lord took away all fear from me, so that I went into the field with joy. The balls flew on either hand, and men fell in abundance; but nothing touched me till about two oclock: then I received a ball through my left arm, and rejoiced so much the more. Soon after I received another into my right, which obliged me to quit the field. But I scarce knew whether I was on earth or in heaven; it was one of the sweetest days I ever enjoyed. William Clements
Footnote:
[3] An old expression meaning that they slept all night with their weapons by their sides ready to fight.

THE LETTER OF JOHN HAIME Since I wrote to you last I have gone through great trials. It was not the least that I have lost my dear brother Clements [4] for a season, being shot through both arms. To try me further, J. Evans and Bishop were both killed in the battle, as was C. Greenwood soon after. Two more who did speak boldly in the name of Jesus are fallen into the world again. So I am left alone; but I know it is for my good. Seeing iniquity so much abound, and the love of many wax cold, adds wings to my devotion; and my faith grows daily as a plant by the water-side. April 30 The Lord was pleased to try our little flock, and to show them His mighty power. Some days before, one of them, standing at his tent-door, broke out into raptures of joy, knowing his departure was at hand; and was so filled with the love of God that he

(Haime later wrote: ..I told my comrades, the French have no ball made that will kill me this day. After about seven hours, a cannon-ball killed my horse under me. An officer cried out aloud, Haime, where is your God now? I answered, Sir, he is here with me; and he will bring me out of this battle.)[5] But that did not discourage me at all; for I knew the God of Jacob was with me. I had a long way to go, the balls flying on every side; and thousands lay bleeding, groaning, dying and dead, on each hand. Surely I was as in the fiery furnace; but it never singed one hair of my head. The hotter it grew the more strength was given me. I was full of joy and love, as much as I could well bear. Going on, I met one of our brethren, with a little dish in his hand, seeking for water. He smiled, and said he had got a sore wound in his leg. I asked, Have you gotten Christ in your heart? He answered, I have, and I have had Him all the day. Blessed be God that I ever saw your face. Lord, what am I that I should be counted worthy to set my hand to the gospel plough? Lord, humble me, and lay me in the dust! John Haime[6] NEXT CH Malan, Officer and Evangelist. An account of Gods great faithfulness and power to save.
Footnote:
[5] A True and Complete Portrait of Methodism by T Crowther, page 311. [6] The Journal of the Rev John Wesley, Sometime fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, volume III: 16th April 1742 to 30th Oct 1751, pages 226-227.

Have you gotten Christ in your heart? He answered, I have, and I have had Him all the day. Blessed be God that I ever saw your face.
danced before his comrades. In the battle, before he died, he openly declared, I am going to rest from my labours in the bosom of Jesus. I believe nothing like this was ever heard of before in the midst of so wicked an army as ours. Some were crying out in their wounds, I am going to my Beloved; others, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! and many that were not wounded crying to their Lord to take them to Himself. There was such boldness in the battle among this little despised flock that it made the officers, as well as the common soldiers, amazed; and they acknowledge it to this day. As to my own part, I stood the fire of the enemy for above seven hours; then my horse was shot under me, and I was exposed both to the enemy and our own cavalry.
Footnote:
[4] William Clements and author of the previous letter.

about the author

Philip Bray, since his conversion in 1995, has served the Lord at Stroud Green Christian Assembly, London, most recently as an elder and in the work of Christian Alliance Ministries. He is employed as an infantry officer in the British Army and has served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and most recently in Afghanistan. He is a member of the Soldiers and Airmens Scripture Readers Association, whose object is to encourage personal evangelism in the Army and Royal Air Force. Want to comment on an article? visit http://www.cwm.org.au
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God does not and never will forsake us!

News, Views & Your Letters

Letters may be edited for brevity. Editorial Comments unless otherwise specified are by Philip L. Powell (plp). ******* FROM THE CWM BLOG To comment go to http://www.christian-witness.org/blog/ Find the thread (topic) and make your comment at the end of that thread: ASSEMBLIES OF GOD: http://cetf.co/idmBN4 Other interesting posts may be viewed at the following: http://cetf.co/enIs1l http://cetf.co/ggIV3f FROM THE REGULAR MAILER To subscribe go to http://cetf.co/suBmJk And follow the prompts: ******* TATTOOS Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 4:12 PM http://cetf.co/IpEsAS You may have already seen the above. Have you considered writing a book on this subject for believers as well as nonbelievers? I will explore further myself where this craze is heading. I've heard about the mark of the beast connection; but think the enemy has something even more sinister in mind. Any thoughts? On a different subject I'm looking for a Holy Spirit Bible home church in the Tweed area, or further out. I'd go up to CWMFellowship but it's a bit far. A brother in Christ. JF. From Lance author of the series of articles - Certainly there is a link between Tattoos and the Mark which I will explore in Part 3. 14
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ED - Unfortunately there are very few fellowships that we can recommend with confidence. Those that we do re co m m e n d ca n b e fo u n d at http://www.cwmfellowship.org/network.html Dear Lance, I have read your article with interest and am troubled by where the logic instantly leads. To "cut to the chase", your endeavour to expose a trend that, I agree, is troubling within 'Christianity' introduces legalism. If we are to obey this command given to Israel, then we are responsible to keep all the Levitical lawsand for what purpose?certainly not salvation which is by grace through faith. The far greater need for the church today is faithful exposition of the teachings of The Apostles regarding how we, as believers, should live. In making these statements I hope that you consider the guilt/condemnation that many may be left under. Please do not misunderstand

predominated the church in the 80s & 90s. Today's professional tattooists, many of whom are artists with no religious views or practices (I can't believe that I feel a need to defend their practice) have Health Department regulations to follow, are simply seeking to make an income. Also, you defend your use of Lev. 19:28 by h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e p ro h i b i t i o n o f prostituting of our daughters, citing there is no NT equivalent. Not true. What about the law of Love? How could I prostitute my daughter in the light of the vast volume of instruction and commandments to love? ED The above is a combination of two comments, on the topic, made on our www.cwm.org website which has attracted over 1200 hits and where there are a number of other comments and responses (see http://cetf.co/IrjdC6 end of article). Your questions and/or comments are invited there and/or at our CWM blog (http://www.christian-witness.org/blog/) and FORUM (http://cetf.co/okRwwN) plp. ******* Thank you for the good article on tattoos. I have long felt they are demonic, and am uneasy to see so called Christian leaders sporting them. Now, can you do an article on the growth of Labyrinths, please? The Anglican Church is very keen on promoting them and their adherents follow without question! I am told there are 26 labyrinths in Shepparton aloneoutside the University campus and at schools as well. One of my friends has made a DVD on the history of them but I`m afraid the "powers that be" wouldn`t want to see it! Last week`s SS lesson had a big picture of one that the kids had to trace around with their fingers and find God in the middle!! We need to be warned! With best wishes, to you and Kath, from FM Victoria, Australia ******* The Psalm of the Cross Blessings Philip: With great and much awe I read the various comments in the magazines sent to me. One I lately have been looking at is the December, 2011

Never ignore what the Bible says or simply interpret a difficult text or passage arbitrarily on the basis of what we think or believe.
me; I am not in favour of tattoos. You must expose the reason God gave the Israelites these commands (not the Church - an important distinction); so they would not appear as the pagan idolaters around them. Why can't we keep the instruction to the church in the same vein as that of the Council at Jerusalem? You take one verse (Lev 19:28), from God's instruction to the Jews and imply an inherent sinfulness for today's believer, even potential demonpossession through skin puncturing? Are you saying getting a tattoo is a sin and gateway to demon-possession? Do you have a clear scripture for this? I am not aware of any such Bible verse, and it sounds dangerously similar to the heresy of transference of spirits that

We could not exist or survive without Christ and His death.

17.4 issue 58 viz. the writings and comments on pages 26/7 about Jesus on the cross. Yes Psalm 22 is a very beautiful prophetic Messianic Psalm. How true is your hermeneutic explanation that we must never ignore what the Bible says or simply interpret a difficult text or passage arbitrarily on the basis of what we think or even believe! Verse 1 My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me? We all know the original writing had no commas. So man in his wisdom placed the commas where we see them today. Let's place the comma behind the "WHY". We now have a totally new meaning to this cry. It becomes a painful cry of the God/man who is crying out in desperation, knowing what is about to happen. God does not and never will forsake us. Verse 6 has hardly ever been commented on: "But I am a worm...." WORM in Hebrew is TOLA. The juices from this grub were extracted and used as a colouring dye for royal robes. When ready to lay its young it would attach itself to the underside of a branch, lay its young and die. The young then immediately ate and drank of its parent's body thus starting new life. This is a prophetic analogy of what our partaking of Christ. John 6:51-56 - Jesus said, "Except you eat the flesh of the Son of God and drink His blood, you have no life in you." We would not exist or survive without Christ and His death. Brother Philip I would be most grateful for any comment. Yours in Christ Jesus, JH Australia. ED - You are right - Several years ago I preached on The Scarlet Worm focusing o n t h e ve rs e yo u c i te . I t ' s a n overwhelming TRUTH. The tape may be available through the CWM Resource. We now have provision for ON-LINE comments. Go to - http://cetf.co/IfoEXT Surf to the end of the page and make your comment. plp ******* Healing in the Atonement Hi Phillip thank you again for the CETF publication I am just reading through Sept 2011 Issue and refer to your article By His Stripes We Are Healed. I recall in 2005 when you first printed this piece and at the time I thought it was a good analysis of the scriptures in point. I remember however that while the article clearly explained the purpose and priority of Christ's death and resurrection, to heal and restore our severed relationship with God caused by sin, it did not however give answers for physical healing. I will try and

be brief with some comments in relation to this article, though it is not a simple subject. Physical healing, from my experience, is one area that is sadly neglected in the church today, especially when we see certain ones who sensationalise healing in look at me type crusades, so called, where there is no real healing at all. The main question for me when it comes to healing is Where does sickness come from? That is to say, what is the cause of sickness? It stands to reason that if we knew the answer to that question then perhaps we would be able to work towards dealing with the cause, not in our own strength of course, but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. One thing that we must conclude from the scriptures is that nothing in this world happens by chance - nothing happens randomly. God is a God of design, and pattern, and methodology and reason and purpose. If He didn't have input in the affairs of men then He wouldn't be God. When I have

today. I remind them that if we confess our sins then God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. My point is, if sickness comes as a result of sin, and I have not been able to come up with another answer to the above question, then it can be removed as a result of repentance and forgiveness of that sin through the blood of Jesus Christ our Saviour. There are numerous verses throughout the Bible that encourage and promote the Mercy of God, how bountifully merciful God is His mercy endures forever. A basic Christian principle is where there is sin, and the individual acknowledges the sin, repents, avails himself of the shed blood of Christ, and turns away from the sin, restoration with God or healing of relationship with God will come, just as you have said in your article. This then is the primary purpose of the perfect and sinless sacrifice of Jesus Christ the penalty for sin is paid and we are reconciled to God. Justice and Mercy kiss. Given that we are not perfect this is an ongoing process, but thank the Lord His Mercy endures forever. Something that can only be appreciated I think once we have experienced it I cannot say enough about the goodness and Mercy of God toward me. If then sin is the cause of sickness, restoration of relationship (covenant) with God should also remove curses and bring the blessings as described in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. At least one of the blessings and curses is in relation to our physical bodily health. (It seems different sins brought different consequences.) Of course under Mosaic Law there were different sacrifices for different offences and occasions, and these were also prescribed in the law, but we have our Saviour Jesus Christ the sinless, perfect sacrifice given once for all. The Jewish people of the Old Testament were restored to covenant/relationship through blood sacrifices and then the blessings flowed. We also are restored to covenant/relationship with God through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. With restoration of relationship, blessings will come including restoration of health. I can bear witness to this principle as I have had 3 healings in my body, (since Jan 2009) and I thank the Lord for His Mercy which He has shown toward me. With understanding of my shortcomings and genuine repentance and changed
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Never ignore what the Bible says or simply interpret a difficult text or passage arbitrarily on the basis of what we think or believe.
suggested to people that the cause of sickness is sin, I am either gently rejected or rebuked and scorned as if I am some kind of madman. Once, I too would have been affronted if someone had told me sin was the cause of sickness, especially if I was sick. Now that I know and understand a bit better the power and effect of Christ crucified, in one sense being a sinner is not life threatening as I have a Saviour who lives and cares for me. M y fo c u s h a s s h i f te d f ro m my shortcomings to the mercy and forgiveness of God. Not that I sin that grace may abound - please keep my comments in context. My response on a few occasions has been that we have a Saviour who paid the penalty for all sin and unrighteousness a Saviour who became a curse to redeem us from the curse of the lawand the power of that sacrifice is still effective

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To suggest that all sickness is attributable to personal sin, is neither biblical nor helpful.

behaviour, came complete restoration relational and physical. The healing then is not a right or obligatory (after an individual's initial salvation experience) as you point out, but once conditions have been met in relation to particular sins i.e. genuine repentance and restoration, God honours His Word and reverses any negative consequence that came as a result of that sin. I am working through another healing right now and the timing is the Lord's. In conclusion, I can agree with your article up to a point, regarding relational healing with God as primary, first and foremost, which it is. If however we only look to a glorious day in the future sometime when we will all have glorified perfect bodies and no longer need to worry about sickness and ill health, as an explanation for physical healing, that is not really "a lot of meat on the plate to eat while we wait. With all due respect to you, healing was common in the days of Jesus and His apostles, and if we as members of the groaning creation until Christ returns, are to only look to some futuristic day as the time when all believers will be physically healed, this could in itself be a form of Cessationism. I was trying to keep it brief as I know you have so much to read and respond to. I hope I have conveyed my thoughts clearly and have other scriptures (James 5:13-18 especially v 17-18) with comments that I can share with you if you think it would be beneficial. I have based my comments on my understanding of the scriptures so your feedback is also welcomed. An excellent book that released me is The Good News that No-one Wanted to Hear by Tom Hewitt an Anglican Minister from Tasmania, who I have personally met and who has experienced healings of hundreds of people during his life. Best regards - David Cohen - Geraldton Western Australia. ED thank you David for your good letter albeit a bit long. However seeing my article on the topic was even longer I felt it only fair to give you the space. You'll see that I have written what is in reality an extension to my earlier article http://cetf.co/IibMiE on pages 22-25 herein. As you say it's a big topic and I doubt we'll resolve all the issues. I'll try to keep my responsive comments brief: 1. Biblically Sin and Sickness are frequently connected who forgives 16
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all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases - Psalm 103:3 cf. James 5:15 etc; 2. Biblically all sickness came through Adam's fall, but is NOT attributable to personal sin in every case cf. 2 Timothy 4:20 with Philippians 2:25-28 see also 2 Kings 13:14 cf. Genesis 48:1 with 49:33; 3. Biblically neither Jesus nor the apostles healed everyone on every occasion cf. Mark 1:34 and 3:10 healed many with other occasions where it says He healed all or everyone. See also 2 Timothy 4:20 (above) cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9 afflictions were always of the body; 4. Biblically physical healing is the children's bread of a world to come. The redemption of the body is yet future cf. Romans 8:23;

biblical nor helpful. It has the tendency to produce a feeling of guilt by a person who already has enough to deal with in respect of the sickness. I was pleased to note that you did not fall into that trap plp. ******* Thanks for Quarterly Magazine Dear Phillip, Someone has been paying for me to receive your CETF magazine for quite a few years. To begin, I thought it was very negative and did not appreciate what you were saying. However over the years I have seen all the things you warned about come to pass and I am very grateful to you and your contributors. I was brought up in Australia in the Catholic Church and suffered a great deal of abuse, not sexually, although that happened to relatives but physically, verbally and spiritually, which eventually turned me into an atheist. But praise God He had His hand on my life. My youngest son, while studying at Armidale Uni., came to the Lord through an AOG church and as a consequence of that I was saved at Blenheim Elim Church (NZ) at the age of 51. I don't have to tell you what the state of the church is here in NZ. It is grievous. I pray Jesus returns soon, but in the interim, for revival. I was moved to tears by Aeron Morgan's pleas in your last publication, Dec.'11 [http://cetf.co/KcHnO1] I am writing to let you know my change of address .... . Could I send a cheque to the NZ address on the back page of CETF? Thank you for serving the Lord so faithfully. I am so grateful for the truth you have continued to preach. Your sister in Christ, PG (Mrs). ED Any financial help is much appreciated. It helps us tick-over financially, which is all that we ever do. Yes you can send a cheque made payable to CWM to the New Zealand address on the back of CETF. Thank you. ******* We really appreciate the work done by all the people involved in producing CETF, and all those who write the articles. We always look forward to receiving the magazines. We enclose our cheque as our donation towards the magazine. We pray God's abundant blessings on you all. Many thanks, W & F B Auckland.
Want to comment on an article? visit http://www.cwm.org.au

God has always sent revival in the darkest days. Oh, for a mighty, sweeping revival today!
5. Biblically we can partake of the things of a world to come based on what theologians call the proleptic principle see Romans 8:11; 6. Biblically your assertion that there is no such thing as chance is not correct. The idea and even the word is repeated throughout scripture cf. Ecclesiastes 9:11 with Luke 10:31 etc. To argue as you do that my article endorses a form of Cessationism is to disregard the facts of the New Testament. What I presented is no different from what happened to and through the apostles and even through our Lord. I agree with you that healing is a neglected topic. I trust my series will help bring it back into vogue and that we like our Pentecostal forefathers and pioneers will again see genuine divine healings and miracles occurring among us. To suggest that all sickness is attributable to personal sin, as some do, is neither

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CETF 60 June 2012

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According to John the Apostle, it is the spirit of antichrist that denies the Father and the Son.

Evil Men and Imposters Grow Worse and Deceive

By Heidi Swander Republished with the written permission of the author From blog March 2012. http://untiljesuscomes.org/?p=1982 I've been memorizing the tiny book of Jude in the last few weeks. It is amazing to me to think of Jesus' brother writing to first century Christians: For certain men have crept in unnoticed . . . ungodly men who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ - Jude v. 4. It sounds just like the DVD I've previeweda new and timely video entitled, The Submerging Church: How the Emerging Church is Drawing Multitudes Away from Biblical Christianity.[1] What we're observing in the 21st century was already prevalent at the inception of the church. Actually, Paul warned about it when he said his goodbyes to the Ephesian church elders: For I know this, that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves Acts 20:29, 30. The Submerging Church quotes Rob Bell, in his notorious book, The Velvet Elvis : What if tomorrow someone digs up definitive proof that Jesus had a real, earthly, biological father named Larry, and archaeologists find Larry's tomb and do DNA samples and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the virgin birth was just a bit of mythologizing the gospel writers threw in to appeal to the followers of the Mithra and Dionysian religious cults that were hugely popular at the time of Jesus, whose gods had virgin births?[2] What was it that Jude said? He said these ungodly men deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ, i.e. they deny Christ's Deity! For an Emergent pastor to suggest that Jesus Christ was not born of a virgin effectively denies the virgin birth and the deity of the Lord Jesus all in one fell swoop! Joseph Schimmel, the
Footnote:
[1] http://cetf.co/JIHdmi [2] http://cetf.co/JEE2ug

producer of The Submerging Church, says, This kind of comment shows that [Rob Bell's] faith isn't built upon Jesus Christ as God-in-the-flesh -- the God-man who came to die for our sins. [3] Rob Bell is a spiritual leader to thousands. To say the least here are shades of Paul's chat with the Ephesian elders: From among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things . . . Acts 20:30. Of course, the root cause of this kind of radical and heretical departure from foundational truth regarding God the Son is an obvious lack of respect for, and adherence to, the Word of Godthe final and objective truth regarding Jesus Christ. It is not surprising, therefore that a peer of Bell's, Tony Jonesa "theologianin-residence" at the Emergent Solomon's Porch located in Minneapolis, Minnesotais quoted as saying,

Eden when he queried Eve with, Has God said? Genesis 3:1. Another section of this DVD discussed the Emergent Church's overall sympathy for Islam. It was well publicized, when he first began this practice, that Brian McLaren chose to celebrate Ramadan. [4] . Ramadan is the Muslim holy month commemorating the time Muslims believe Mohammed received the Koran through divine revelation. Question: What is an alleged Christian doing celebrating the inception of a book that denies the deity of Jesus Christ, the truth of the trinity, and the fact that Jesus Christ actually died for our sins? According to John the apostle, it is the spirit of antichrist that denies the Father and the Son 1 John 2:22. This next fact really floored me: Do you remember the document that many Muslims and Christians signed a few years back -- A Common Word Between Us and You? [5] Both Jan [6] and Eric Barger [7] have covered the scriptural inappropriateness of this document. Well, here is the quote from the Koran from whence that document title originated: O people of the book! Come to a common word between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah, Sura 3:64. I was astounded to read the entire verse and realize that those who signed the Yale document were either ignorant of this Islamic passage or saw no problem committing to what the Koran plainly states. This is what Brian McLaren celebrates and that with which the Emergent Church sympathizes. The most disturbing, yet enlightening, information I gleaned about the Emerging Church was on the bonus DVD entitled, The Emerging Church and the Bono-Screwtape Connection. Phil Johnson, a pastor at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, was shocked to discover that Bono, the Irish Rocker, appears to be an icon of the Emerging Church Movement.
Footnote:
[4] http://cetf.co/ICU1Yv [5] http://www.acommonword.com [6] http://cetf.co/JEEnNp [7] http://cetf.co/J8mnqJ
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From among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things .....
So we must stop looking for some objective truth that is available when we delve into the text of the Bible (Postmodern Youth Ministry, p. 201). But that's nothing. In an article entitled, Why is the Emerging Church drawn to deconstructive theology, Jones explains that he believes the Bible to be a subversive text! He uses perverse language to express the degree of his displeasure regarding what he deems is, the transgressive nature of our sacred text. Producer Schimmel gives other examples of Emergent disregard for Scripture and likens it, appropriately, to Satan's questioning God's Word in the Garden of
Footnote:
[3] Ibid

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Ungodly men would turn the grace of God into lewdness.

If you've been tuned in to pop-culture anytime during the past two decades, and know anything about Bono, that might help you grasp something of the look and feel of the movement. Emergent types seem to quote Bono all of the time. I would say that he sometimes seems to be the chief theologian of the Emerging Church movement (Absolutely Not! Exposing the Post-modern errors of the Emerging Church by Phil Johnson.) [8] Indeed, this egotistical icon who, by his own admission, [9] denies any faith and exemplifies none of the fruit of the Spirit; regularly perverts Scripture in his music; and has praised and promoted the work of Satanists, is endorsed by Emergent leaders. Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo in their book, Adventures in Missing the Point, state, U2's lead singer, Bono, is using his wealth and celebrity to . . . increase the
Footnote:
[8] http://cetf.co/J8mC5f [9] http://cetf.co/I9WnBC

kingdom of God in the here and now. [10] A scanty perusal of Bono's life indicates lewdness and a propensity for the demonic. What was it Jude said? He said that ungodly men would turn the grace of God into lewdness; and so it is. I think what I appreciated most about The Submerging Church was that it repeatedly quotes Emergent leaders -either by video or in writing -- thus damning them with their own words; then, the producer saturates his topic with Scripture to show God's view on it. The DVD covers a wide range of topics including -- but not limited to -- Emergent & Purpose Driven; The Daniel Plan; Rick Warren's P.E.A.C.E Plan, and homosexuality. This documentary minces no words. My heart is grieved to learn yet more of the perversity of this faction that appears to be consuming churches and deceiving even some teachers we have so long respected. But this, too, Paul warned of
Footnote:
[10] http://cetf.co/Ibwf7A

when he told Timothy, But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived - 2 Timothy 3:13. The good news is that it also shows the lateness of the hour and provides hope for the soon return of our coming King! Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near Luke 21:28 (NKJV).

about the author

Heidi Swander lives in Maple Grove, Minnesota, and works with Jan Markell at Olive Tr e e M i n i s t r i e s
http://www.olivetreeviews.org

and is director of the Minesota Chapter of the Hollywood Prayer Network. Her website is http://untiljesuscomes.org Want to comment on an article? visit http://www.cwm.org.au

Doctrines of Classic Pentecostalism

Part 3
By Philip L. Powell Healing in the Atonement A message preached some time ago by Philip is now posted as a DVD at: http://cetf.co/IET1D6 . PLEASE listen-in and kindly spread the word. To Recap: In part 1 we looked at Healing in the Atonement (CETF #57 September 2011 pp. 9-11) - http://cetf.co/I9DMGa . Then in part 2 at the classic Pentecostal teaching about speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues and prophecy (CETF #58 December 2011 pp. 10-12) http://cetf.co/Ihri9Y . It would be too bold a claim to affirm that these doctrines viz. Healing in the Atonement and The Verbal Gifts (Manifestations) originated with the modern Pentecostal movement, but certainly Pentecostalism popularised and then to some extent distorted both of them, as we saw in the previous two articles. The distortion is largely an issue of perception, exaggeration and/or malpractice. Opponents of Pentecostalism dismiss our doctrine of Healing in the Atonement because they wrongly think that such implies that everyone should be physically healed and to remain sick implies personal sin. Such is not the case as we saw in part 1 of this 22
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series. We also saw that the healing provided in the atonement of Christ is not primarily physical but spiritual, as the biblical contexts and meanings of the original words that we examined, abundantly prove; but that does not mean that the physical, mental, emotional and all other forms of bodily healing are excluded from the atoning work of Christ. All of the redemptive benefits, both temporal and eternal, that accrue to us are directly derived from the atonement, which underpins everything in the Christian life now and on into the everlasting Kingdom of the Lord and of His Christ. The Atonement secured heaven and guarantees the rapture and with that position, generally speaking, cessationists and non-cessationists are in full agreement, I am sure. It is the area of the gifts of the Holy Spirit where the major disagreements arise and I think there are faults on both sides. GIFTS OF POWER To another [is given] faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles 1 Corinthians 12:9-10. Some time ago my classic Pentecostal

presupposition was challenged by the suggestion that the gifts of the Holy Spirit relate to the person who receives the benefit not the person through whom the benefit flows. In other words the person who is healed receives the gift of healing not the person used by God in the healing process. This seems to logically apply in some cases to the gifts of healings (the original implies a double plural), but consistency demands that it must apply to all nine supernatural gifts (manifestations cf. 1 Cor. 12:7), and of course it doesn't and cannot. For example the person with the gift of faith cannot transfer it to someone else. Also it must be borne in mind that when the lame man at the gate of the temple was healed, Peter did say, what I have I give to you Acts 3:6. Peter had something that was beyond his own natural ability to give. It would appear that the classic Pentecostal doctrine, that each of the nine gifts (manifestations) of the Holy Spirit is resident within the person is biblically correct, but that does not mean it is permanent and can be operated at will. Some in the Pentecostal camp have misapplied the Bible statement that the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). That statement has

He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

nothing to do with the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the function of the Church. It relates to the divine election of Israel. Classic Pentecostalism insists that all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the three power gifts of our present consideration are available to the whole Church throughout the entire Church age but only according to His sovereign will dividing to every man severally as He will - 1 Corinthians 12:11. This applied in the New Testament (NT), where very clearly the proper operations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit were on the initiation and at the instigation of God not man. Not every sick person was healed under Paul's ministry. We read that he left Trophimus sick in Malta (2 Timothy 4:20) and that there were special times of exceptional displays of miracles and healings by the apostles cf. Acts 5:12-15 with Acts 19:11. In fact the same is implied in respect of our Lord Jesus Christ cf. and the power of the Lord was present to heal them (Luke 5:17) with Mark 6:5: And He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. The following definitions which are discoverable in early Pentecostal literature, albeit not in these exact words which are my own, may prove helpful: The Gift of Faith is a divine impartation of exceptional faith which enables the recipient to believe for the naturally impossible. It is different from faith for salvation even though the source is the same. It is faith above the normal and therefore something different from and greater than faith for Christian living, which is part of the fruit of the Spirit cf. Galatians 5:22 and as such obviously something which all Christians possess in degree cf. Romans 12:3. The gift of faith is rare and is imparted according to God's discretion and for His purpose. The Gifts of Healing(s) note, while the KJV says to another the gifts of healing, in the Greek both gifts and healing are in the plural i.e. literally gifts of healings. Too often this has been misinterpreted to refer to a preacher or evangelist as having the gift of healing, by which is meant the gift to heal. That is not what the scripture teaches. This wrong emphasis has led to the unwarranted acclaim of men having the power to heal. The gifts of healings is a divine impartation for demonstrations of compassion in healing the sick. It relates totally to bodily needs. It was a vital part of evangelism in the 1st Century Church. There is no biblical indication that the gift(s) have been withdrawn. Divine healing through the gifts of the Holy Spirit is something that should be earnestly desired 1 Corinthians 12:31. Healing is a major part of the manifesto of the

Kingdom announced by our Lord cf. Luke 4: 17-19, where every human need is represented. It was an essential part of Christ's and His apostles' ministries and it was a vital element in the establishment of classic Pentecostalism. The Working(s) of Miracles Again it is the double plural that is used i.e. workings of miracles. All matters relating to bodily ailments are encompassed by the gifts of healings. The workings of miracles relate to matters outside of the area of the human body e.g. natural phenomenon, the forces of nature, the realm of demonic and satanic activity and such things. These three power gifts are obviously complementary and supplementary in their function. FAITH is a common and essential ingredient, but that is not to say that if healing fails to take place it can be attributed to a lack of faith. Other factors contribute not least the sovereign will and purpose of God. 1 Corinthians 12: 11 is foundational - dividing to every man severally as He (God) will

Then Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have; but such as I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and anklebones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God Acts 3:6-9. By comparing the above with the apostolic prayer for signs and wonders and healings, and the great evangelistic ingathering (multitude) that ensued, one apparently establishes a fairly convincing biblical basis for the Pentecostal practice, which has continued to some extent right up to our time. However definite differences may have been overlooked, which I think we should consider. A n d n o w, L o r d , b e h o l d t h e i r threatening: and grant to your servants, that with all boldness they may speak your word, By stretching forth your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of your holy child Jesus Acts 4:29-30. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul Acts 4:32. THE APOSTOLIC PATTERN Both Jesus and His apostles performed their healings and miracles mainly in the open air and without any prior publicity. In contrast 20th Century Pentecostal evangelists relied, at least to some extent, on advertising as they gathered in halls of varying size for their salvation/healing campaigns. This difference resulted in a n o t h e r n o ta b l e co nt ra st . N e w Testament wayside preaching and evangelism were essentially a do as you go performance. The Acts of the Apostles provides a number of great examples. While I have no doubt that the providence of God was at work, the story in Acts 3:1-11 is one of a chance encounter that developed out of a routine happeningtwo men walking to a prayer meeting being suddenly confronted with an obvious human sickness. A lame man is healed, the crowds gather, Peter preaches the Gospel and about five thousand people believe and join the Church cf. Acts 4:5. A similar example occurs in Acts 14 at a town called Lystra, where Paul, as he discoursed with the people saw a crippled man, whom he perceived had faith to be healed. So he commanded him to stand to his feet verse 10 and he leaped and walked. In this case the results were mixed, with the immediate adulation of Paul and Barnabas (vv. 11-13) followed by Paul being stoned by the very same people, who not long before wanted to worship him and Barnabas (v.19).
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The Gift of Faith is a divine impartation of exceptional faith which enables the recipient to believe for the naturally impossible.
HEALING CRUSADES Early 20th century Pentecostals conducted Salvation and Healing meetings as part of their evangelistic thrust. Ostensibly they modelled their practice on the earthly ministries of Jesus and His apostles of whom we read in the Gospels: These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter into any city of the Samaritans: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons: freely you have received, freely give Matthew 10:5-8. And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick Luke 9:2 cf. 10:9. And in the Acts of the Apostles:

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We have turned a divine principle into a human formula and God has left us to our devices.

In drawing these contrasts I am not seeking to condemn our Pentecostal forefathers for the method they adoptedfar from itnor am I suggesting that God did not bless their modus operandiHe most certainly did as I can bear testimony. As a very young child I recall my parents, particularly my mother, speaking with passion of the amazing miracles and healings that they saw in those early Pentecostal pioneer Salvation and Healing campaigns conducted especially by Welsh evangelist Stephen Jeffreys (1876-1943) [1] and his brother George Jeffreys (1889-1962), [2] when many people were converted to Christ and became foundation members of Pentecostal Churches, throughout Britain and further afield. (Both of the Jeffreys brothers were genuine converts from the Welsh Revival.) [3] I do not doubt the stories I heard even though I never personally saw convincing signs and wonders performed in public healing meetings. I do however bear witness to personal physical healing myself and have seen others healed during my fifty plus years of ministry.

talks about healing and miracles, tend to produce psychological and, at times, psychosomatic atmospheres and results; and 3. Reliance on publicity and testimony, even by word of mouth, has tended to produce unrealistic expectations. In presenting this I really am not being critical of our Pentecostal forefathers and pioneers, but rather of us as their successors. We have turned a divine principle into a human formula and God has left us to our own devices. By way of illustration I refer to a powerful and tear jerking story my friend, brother and veteran Pentecostal preacher, Aeron Morgan recently recounted to me about a man who was well known for his physical deformity in the Welsh valleys when he attended a salvation and healing meeting conducted by George Jeffreys in the 1920s. The following are Aeron's words: THE BLIND EVANGELIST GLYNNE THOMAS was born a cripple and a hunchback. He suffered from epilepsy, often having a number of fits during a day. Because he was incapable of strenuous physical work he took a job as a newsboy, selling newspapers on the streets of Swansea (South Wales). It was there that Glynne heard the Gospel in a Mission for newsboys, started by a brother from the Open Brethren, and Glynne was born-again. He often witnessed to his friend inviting him to the Mission, but he would never agree to go. One day the newspaper headlines told the story of miraculous healings taking place in the meetings of a Pentecostal Evangelist named George Jeffreys in Cardiff, the capital of South Wales, and that he was coming to Swansea to conduct similar meetings. Glynne's friend said he would like to go to the meetings, and asked Glynne to go with him. The Brethren leader had warned the boys NOT to go, that the reported miracles and healings were exaggerations and not true. However, because Glynne had heard that the Word of God was read in the meetings, he believed his friend could get saved through the reading of the Scriptures. So he agreed to go with his friend one evening. The place was packed out and it seemed there was no available seating, but Glynne's friend spotted a place and guided crippled Glynne through the crowd to it. Glynne sat on his friend's knee. After the evangelist had faithfully preached the Gospel Glynne's friend was one of the first to respond to the invitation and went forward to receive Christ as his Saviour. Afterwards, while George Jeffreys was praying for sick people at one end of

the platform, Glynne said that he distinctly heard God speak to him to go forward for prayer. He did so and found himself in a little crumpled heap, because of his physical condition, at the opposite end of the platform to that where the Evangelist was praying for people to be healed. Without any person laying hands on him or praying for him, Glynne suddenly stood up straight, completely healed, his clothes, which were specially made because of his crooked shape, just hanging on him. A woman who had previously looked on him and his hunched back with much compassion, suddenly seeing the miracle, excitedly cried out, It's gone; it's gone. The crowd that filled the Brangwyn Hall, with great rejoicing, took up the cry, It's gone; it's gone.

We have failed to recognise the sovereignty of God in the timing of movements and events
My point is that a dogmatic appeal to the New Testament for the pattern adopted by the early Pentecostals is too bold a claim. That aside, by perpetuating the model I think we have created some of the problems that we now face with men such as Benny Hinn and other deceivers who operate as televangelists. The progression (digression) from wayside evangelism as practised in the New Testament, to organised and widely advertised public or church halls and more recent television audiences may have generated some of our problems for at least three reasons: 1. We have failed to recognise the sovereignty of God in the timing of movements and events; 2. Confined spaces, no matter how large, combined with motivational
Footnote:
[1] http://cetf.co/IoxcZm [2] http://cetf.co/K0a2Gp [3] http://cetf.co/I9GUBY

Without any person laying hands on him or praying for him, he suddenly stood up straight, completely healed.
Glynne's friend took him home after the meeting agreeing to go into the house first to prepare Glynne's mother for the 'shock' of seeing her son completely healed. What joy and rejoicing! He never had another epileptic fit. God completely healed him that night. From then on he became a faithful witness and street preacher of the Gospel, and conducted evangelistic meetings in churches in the Welsh valleys. A few years later he was conducting a series of meetings in Stockton-on-Tees in the north of England, where a woman came to Christ and asked if Glynne would visit her husband in the hospital. He borrowed a bicycle to go there. On the way he collided with a large truck, the door of which flew open and one of Glynne's eyes was completely gouged out. He was taken to the hospital in a critical condition, badly injured and now without sight in either eye and not expected to live. The doctor requested that a message be sent to Glynne's mother to arrange for his body to be taken back to South Wales for burial. However, he lived, sufficiently recovered from the accident to return to Swansea, but now he was TOTALLY BLIND. At that point in time he was unable to travel around preaching being confined to his home for nearly two

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The Power Gifts like all the gifts of the Spirit are at the sovereign discretion and by supernatural intervention of God.

years. He would pray for God to heal him, and he had not a single doubt that God could do it. He had already known the mighty and miraculous power of God a few years previously. Often he would stand by the window in his bedroom, as though looking out through sightless eyes, expecting God to restore his sight. One day he felt God spoke clearly to him: Glynne, what is more important, your sight OR souls? After a little struggle eventually he responded, Souls, Lord, and God gave him a further commission to GO and preach. He did so obediently and fervently for the next 46 years, conducting evangelistic meetings, seeing great numbers of people coming to Christ through his faithful preaching. He was a student at the Swansea Bible College under the Principalship of the renowned Rhys Howells. He pastored at least four churches with the Calvary Holiness Fellowship, which later merged with The Church of the Nazarene, but he was Pentecostal in experience and uncompromising in his Pentecostal faith. He often preached with his close friend Leonard Ravenhill. He NEVER received his sight, though he believed God could heal him. He prayed for others and God graciously healed many of them. He was an incredible man of faith who fulfilled an effective pastoral ministry even though totally blind, including the regular visitation of members, getting around alone with the aid of his white stick. For six years he pastored the Church of the Nazarene in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, where it grew under his ministry so they built a larger building. Due to his blindness he could not physically assist with the building, but the folk said he was a great inspiration and encouragement to them as they worked. Glynne actually laid the last brick. He was greatly loved and highly esteemed. He came to three of the churches that I pastored in my early ministry in England - Thurscoe, Darlington and Radcliffe, and was guest speaker at my father's memorial service in Aberaman, South Wales in May 1972 after my dad went to be with the Lord while visiting with us in Toowoomba, Australia. Glynne Thomas was an amazing preacher, whom I knew from my childhood days. He became a close friend of our family, and often stayed in our home. We always referred to him as Uncle Glynne. He was a godly and beloved servant of Jesus Christa man of prayer (known as the praying preacher), and a passionate preacher of the Word of God. I personally heard him share the thrilling account of his life and ministry, and the miraculous healing in Swansea

and while totally blind through all the years I knew him, he never questioned WHY God did not heal him of his blindness. Yet he remained faithful in his walk with God and work for God. He inspired me by his praiseworthy example and his able preaching of the Word of God and imparted much to me that has helped me in my walk with the Lord and ministry. Precious and unforgettable are the memories of this early Pentecostal/Holiness preacher who went to be with Christ in February 1982. Even at his funeral service there were seekers who had been in attendance at his last preaching engagement a few weeks earlier.

confirming the word with signs following. Amen Mark 16:15-20. By taking the GO out of GOSPEL we have largely removed the possibility of the sovereign miraculous workings of God, which were never promised as a source of comfort and blessing to mere gatherings of God's people. 2. The Power Gifts like all the gifts of the Spirit are at the sovereign discretion and by the supernatural intervention of God. Miracles and healings are the stuff of God not of man. Glynne Thomas simply acted on the impulse of God, who sovereignly and supernaturally removed his hunched back and raised him upright upon his feet. Human manipulation can never achieve that or anything like it. 3. The Power Gifts do not function on demandthey never did in the NT or in early Pentecostalism and they won't in our world today. There will always be the question, Why am I or why is so and so NOT HEALED. Glynne Thomas who experienced a mighty miracle later became and remained blind. He like Paul the apostle was made to know that God's Grace is as great as God's miracle working power cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9. 4. The Power Gifts are for today and to say otherwise is to reflect our backslidden condition. Cessationism detracts from the Glory of God and deprives needy mankind of the operation of the gifts of healings and of the workings of miracles, which in the purpose of God are part of His plan to demonstrate His greatness to every generation. Oh Lord do it again. John Wesley in his sermon The More Excellent Way wrote: The cause of this [decline of spiritual gifts following Constantine] was not, (as has been vulgarly supposed,) because there was no more occasion for them, because all the world was become Christians. This is a miserable mistake; not a twentieth part of it was then nominally Christian. The real cause was, the love of many, almost of all Christians, so called, was waxed cold. The Christians had no more of the Spirit of Christ than the other Heathens. The Son of Man, when He came to examine his Church, could hardly find faith upon earth. This was the real cause why the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were no longer to be found in the Christian Church; because the Christians were turned Heathens again, and had only a dead form left. (http://ucmpage.org/articles/rtuttle1.html). Oh Lord fan the flame once again, Amen..
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By taking the GO out of GOSPEL we have largely removed the possibility of the sovereign miraculous workings of God!
In Conclusion: While we must always establish our doctrine (teaching) on Scripture and carefully guard against basing it on historic or current illustrations, it is quite legitimate to extrapolate biblical truth from illustrations and anecdotal evidence. So what do we learn about classic Pentecostalism from evangelist Glynne Thomas's story? 1. The Power Gifts are at the cutting edge of Christianity. This was certainly the case in the New Testament with Jesus and the apostles. It was so in Pentecostal Evangelism and was a major contributing factor in the spread of the Pentecostal message, which by the 1960s was being described as the Third Arm of Christianitythe first being the Early Church and the second the Reformation. The term Third Arm has been highjacked by the Charismatic Movement and especially by human manipulators such as the late John Wimber and the self-promoting Peter Wagner. One of the reasons the frequency of healings and miracles has diminished in our local churches is that we no longer evangelise. Our Lord's commission was, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ... And these signs shall follow them that believe .... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover ... And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and

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Leviticus 19:26-28 is a clear condemnation of pagan, witchcraft and heathen practices.

Tattoos - Making their mark

PART 2 - The Forbidden Haircut By Lance Goodall PART 2 - THE "FORBIDDEN" HAIRCUT One of the silliest and most childish arguments to justify the Christian tattoo is one that was raised by a CETF reader who objected to the recent series of articles entitled HellSong see CETF #56, #57 and #58 www.cwm.org.au. The argument could be condensed as follows: Tattoos and Razors Do you get a haircut or trim your beard? God condemned getting a haircut or trimming the beard in the verse before forbidding the tattoo. The tattoo is the same as getting a haircut. Believe it or not, this is a widely used argument. But if this were the case, then we should all be wearing tattoos, or else we should be seeing a lot more men with pony tails. So what do we make of all this? Leviticus 19:26-28 is a clear condemnation of pagan, witchcraft and heathen practices. Lets look at the context. You shall not round the corners of your heads, neither mar the corners of your beard - Leviticus 19:27. The condemnation found in verse 27 of rounding the corners of your heads" or marring the corners of your beard" was the forbidding of a common pagan practice that cut the hair as an act of worshipping, and honouring the hosts of heaven [15] Verses 27 and 28 forbid: 1) Cutting the head or hair 2) Cutting the face or beard 3) Cutting the flesh 4) Inscribing writing on the flesh The word for shave or cut is tah-kih-fu (Hebrew) and means, 'to surround, compass' 'to go or come round, of time'. [16] 'To make or let go around' 'with men taking turns' at hosting banquets. In the sense of surround or encircle'. [17]
Footnote:
[15] Harper's Encyclopedia of Bible Life, Madeleine S and J Lane Miller -Page 52 Also http://cetf.co/HS9Xrv [16] Benjamin Davidson, The Analytical Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1979), p. 562. [17] R. L. Harris, Editor; Gleason Archer, Jr. and Bruce Waltke, Associate Editors, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, vol. 2 (Chicago: Moody Press, 1980), pp. 599600.

'Hunting nets are cast, drawn around (Job 19:6) and Israelites are forbidden to shave or trim around the head (leaving a tuft of hair on top, emulating pagan cultists - Lev. 19:27)'. [18] To "round the edge of your head" means to cut off the hair around the sides of the head. Many exegetes associate this with the pagan "bowl-cut". A bowl-cut was an ancient haircut with pagan significance that was created by placing a round bowl on the head and cutting all the exposed hair.

However, when the prohibition to cut one's hair is repeated in Deuteronomy 14:1-2 we read: ...you shall not cut yourselves nor shall you place baldness between your eyes, for the dead. The phrase between the eyes" is usually understood as meaning the hair on the front of the head above the eyes. Bearing this in mind, we learn two things from Deuteronomy 14. Firstly, we learn that the prohibition is not necessarily a bowlcut, but making any baldness around the edges of the head. Secondly, we see that the prohibition is specifically in the context of mourning i.e. one is prohibited to make baldness in the head as an act of mourning "for the dead". In ancient times, when someone died the surviving relatives were so distraught that they cut their skin until they bled and shaved bald spots on their head. [19] The Mark of Rome In his exhaustive work The Two Babylons, Alexander Hislop writes of the Tonsure
Footnote:
[18] ibid. p. 600. [19] http://cetf.co/HH8NN0

(Shaved Head) as it relates to the Papal System. These celibate priests have all a certain 'mark' set upon them at their ordination; and that is the clerical tonsure. The tonsure is the first part of the ceremony of ordination; and it is held to be a most important element in connection with the orders of the Romish clergy. ....the acceptance of this tonsure as the tonsure of St. Peter on the part of the clergy was the visible symbol of that submission. "It was the mark," says Merle D'Aubigne, "that Popes stamped not on the forehead, but on the crown. Now, as Rome set so much importance on this tonsure, let it be asked, what was the meaning of it? It was the visible inauguration of those who submitted to it as the priests of Bacchus.Centuries before the Christian era, thus spoke Herodotus of the Babylonian tonsure: "The Arabians acknowledge no other gods than Bacchus and Urania [i.e., the Queen of Heaven], and they say that their hair was cut in the same manner as Bacchus' is cut; now, they cut it in a circular form, shaving it around the temples." What, then, could have led to this tonsure of Bacchus? Everything in his history was mystically or hieroglyphically represented, and that in such a way as none but the initiated could understand. One of the things that occupied the most important place in the Mysteries was the mutilation to which he was subjected when he was put to death. In memory of that, he was lamented with bitter weeping every year, as "Rosh-Gheza," "the mutilated Prince." But "RoshGheza" also signified the "clipped or shaved head." Therefore he was himself represented either with the one or the other form of tonsure; and his priests, for the same reason, at their ordination had their heads either clipped or shaven. Over all the world, where the traces of the Chaldean system are found, this tonsure or shaving of the head is always found along with it... The high antiquity of this tonsure may be seen from the enactment in the Mosaic Law against it. The Jewish priests were expressly forbidden to make any baldness upon their heads

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It was also an ancient superstitious custom to cut off the hair at the death of friends and throw it into the sepulchre on the corpse.

(Lev 21:5), which sufficiently shows that, even so early as the time of Moses, the "shaved-head" had been already introduced....the Pope, as the grand representative of the false Messiah, received the circular tonsure himself, so all his priests to identify them with the same system are required to submit to the same circular tonsure, to mark them in their measure and their own sphere as representatives of that same false Messiah. (Page 221, The Two Babylons, Alexander Hislop) In their commentary Jamieson, Fausett and Brown comment on Jeremiah 47:5 Baldness... cut thyself-Palestine is represented as a female who has torn off her hair and cut her flesh, the heathenish (Lev 19:28) token of mourning (cf. Jer 48:37). From this we see that the prohibition in the first part of the verse, 'not to cut' or 'shave' does not mean that men shouldn't cut or trim their hair but that it shouldn't be like what many youth do today. They shave or cut a patch of hair above their ears, encircling their heads. This is a pagan custom, most likely having to do with grieving for the dead.

nations lately discovered have their faces, arms, breasts, etc., curiously carved or tattooed, probably for superstitious purposes. Ancient writers abound with accounts of marks made on the face, arms, etc., in honour of different idols;

long enough to be plaited into a tail.[20] Freeman goes on to say that cutting the hair at death was an ancient pagan practice for the dead: It was also an ancient superstitious custom to cut off the hair at the death of friends and throw it into the sepulchre on the corpse. It was sometimes laid on the face and breast of the deceased as an offering to the infernal gods. [21] Wikipedia explains that in Hinduism, the underlying concept is that hair is a sy m b o l i c o ffe r i n g to t h e go d s , representing a real sacrifice of beauty, and in return, the offerers are given blessings in proportion to their sacrifice. In some traditions, the head is shaved completely, while in others a small tuft of hair called sikha is left. In some South Indian temples such as Tirumala, Palani and Tiruttani, it is customary for pilgrims to shave their heads in or near the temple of the god they are visiting.

Adam Clarke in his commentary is helpful, when he explains the relationship between verses 27 and 28. Any cuttings in your flesh for the dead That the ancients were very violent in their grief, tearing the hair and face, beating the breast, etc., is well known. Virgil represents the sister of Dido "tearing her face with her nails, and beating her breast with her fists. Unguibus ora soror foedans, et pectora pugnis. Aen., l. iv., ver. 672. Nor print any marks upon you - It was a very ancient and a very general custom to carry marks on the body in honour of the object of their worship. All the castes of the Hindus bear on their foreheads or elsewhere what are called the sectarian marks, which distinguish them, not only in a civil but also in a religious point of view, from each other. Most of the barbarous

James Freeman tells us that it could also be a form of divination: Among the ancients the hair was often used in divination. The worshippers of the stars and planets cut their hair e ve n l y a ro u n d , t r i m m i n g t h e extremities. According to Herodotus the Arabs were accustomed to shave the hair around the head, and let a tuft stand up on the crown in honour of Bacchus. He says that same thing concerning the Macians, a people of Northern Africa. This custom is at present common in India and China. The Chinese let the tuft grow until it is

Footnote:
[20] Rev. James M. Freeman, Manners and Customs of the Bible (Plainfield, NJ: Logos International, 1972; originally written around 1874), pp. 93-94, note 165. The word 'polled' is archaic and means, 'shorn of hair; bald); J. M. Sinclair, General Consultant, Diana Treffry, Editorial Director, Collins English Dictionary, Fourth Edition (Glasgow, Scotland: HarperCollins Publishers, 1998), p. 94-95, note 165.

There has been an Indian custom to perform on widows after their husbands' deaths. It is not uncommon to tonsure the head of a child after the death of a parent (usually the father). It is also usual for male relatives, especially the first-born son of the dead father, to have his head shaved in mourning. The corpse, too, often receives the tonsure after death. [22] Nowhere in the Torah are the sons of Israel ever told that they must never cut
Footnote:
[21] Ibid. p. 94, note 165. [22] http://cetf.co/I5mfvR Research on tattoos http://cetf.co/I1pm8w
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Up until a few years ago, virtually every commentary written understood Leviticus 19:28 as an open condemnation of the tattoo

their hair or trim their beards. What the sons of Israel are told to do is to refrain from participating in the ritual mourning practices of the pagans. These practices of cutting the flesh and cutting the hair on the head for the dead are always prohibited for Yahweh's people, whether priests or ordinary people There is one case in Scripture when a man is commanded not to cut his hair or beard. This is the Nazarite vow (Numbers chapter 6). In this instance, one who takes this vow is to do so for a predetermined length of time, after which, he may again shave and drink of the fruit of the vine. Note that as a Nazarite he was allowed to cut his hair (Num 6:13,18,19). But this is the only time when the Scripture commands one to refrain from cutting the hair or the beard (apart from the case of mourning for the dead). Heres how Matthew Henrys and Coffmans Commentaries reflect on the "forbidden haircut": Those that worshipped the hosts of heaven, in honour of them, cut their hair so that their heads might resemble the celestial globe; but, as the custom was foolish itself, so, being done with respect to their false gods, it was i d o l a t r o u s . ( M a t t h e w H e n r y, Commentary on the Whole Bible, Leviticus 19:27). Herodotus tells of the use of this type of haircut, forming what is called a tonsure, as the practice of pagan religious cults of ancient times who did so honouring one of their gods (Coffman Commentaries on the Old and New Testament, Leviticus 19:27). This then is the basis of Gods warning regarding the cutting of the hair. Not to mourn for the dead in this way, or more importantly cut, or mark yourself for the gods. 28
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Tattoos Trademark The facts are up until a few years ago, virtually everyone, including the most liberal Christian, KNEW the tattoo was clearly forbidden by the Word of God. Up until a few years ago, virtually every commentary written understood Leviticus 19:28 as an open condemnation of the tattoo. The Christian acceptance of a tattoo was not even considered for serious discussion. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown comment under Leviticus 19:28: nor print any marks upon youby tattooing, imprinting figures of flowers, leaves, stars, and other fanciful devices on various parts of their person. The impression was made sometimes by means of a hot iron, sometimes by ink or paint, as is done by the Arab females of the present day and the different castes of the Hindus. It is probable that a strong propensity to adopt such marks in honour of some idol gave occasion to the prohibition in this verse; and they were wisely forbidden, for they were signs of apostasy; and, when once made, they were insuperable obstacles to a return (Bible Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Jamieson, Faussett and Brown Leviticus 19:28).

James M. Freeman in his excellent book writes of Leviticus 19:28:

Tattooing Forbidden Both cutting and tattooing were done by the heathens, and so God forbade His people from doing so in imitation of them (James M. Freeman, The New Manners & Customs of the Bible, 1998 edition, p. 157). Coffman under Leviticus 19:28 states: The cutting of one's flesh also characterized pagan worship as attested by the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel in the contest with Elijah. Tattooing was also a device of paganism. . . Christians generally disapprove of tattooing, despite the fact of the widespread use of it by many even today. In the light of what God says here, and in view of the history of it, it seems strange that anyone would pay someone else to tattoo him. (Coffman's Commentaries on the Old and New Testament, Leviticus 19:28). But Naves famous Topical Bible puts it best. Under the topic Tattooing, Nave simply and bluntly writes: TATTOOING, forbidden, Lev. 19:28" (Nave's Topical Bible, p. 1312). 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 - Notice the warning against tr ying to have fellowship or concord with Christ and Belial (the devil). Verse 16 is very interesting in its reference to your body the temple of the living God. Dont be unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? And what concord has Christ with Belial? or what part has he who believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. In writing this I recognize that some socalled Christians couldnt care less what God says. Theyre going to do what they want to do no matter what; but there are many Christians who want more than anything else to serve God with every fibre of their being. It is for those good and faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ that this is written, but also as a warning to others. The Tattoo's Arch-enemy In the pages of history, whenever and wherever tattooing pagan tribes were converted to Christianity, without

I know what some are thinking. . . Sure, in the past tattoos were linked to criminals, depravity, and immoral behaviour, and idol worship but not today...

exception, one of their first pagan practices to pass away (cf.2 Corinthians 5:17) was the tattoo. Why? Because, unlike todays disobedient carnal tattooed Christians, the converted pagan KNEW the tattoo was against the Word of God. The Holy Spirit quickly "told" the converted pagan no tattoo. Just as occurred in other cultures with tattoo traditions, when these pagan tribes were converted to the Christian religion, their spiritual and cultural rites (which included tattooing, piercing and scarification) were outlawed... (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p.9). Whenever missionaries encountered tattooing they eradicated it (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 101).

Some contemporary tattooing and body piercing is done with pagan symbols and pagan intentions. If you do a web search for - tattoos + paganism - you will see ample verification of this. This does not mean that all contemporary tattoos have pagan meanings. However what it does mean, at the very least, a person should check out the significance of any tattoo design. Simply put, it is obviously wrong for a Christian to wear a tattoo that is pagan, obscene, immoral or sexually suggestive, and promotes or displays anything that is detestable to God. A booming testimony to the author of the tattoo is recorded by Steve Gilbert: When Cortez and his conquistadors arrived on the coast of Mexico in 1519, they were horrified to discover that natives not only worshipped devils in the form of statues and idols, but also had somehow managed to imprint indelible images of these idols on their skin. The Spaniards, who had never heard of tattooing, recognized it at once as the work of Satan (Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 99) Even though, these Spaniards had never

heard of tattooing they recognized it at ONCE as the work of Satan. Some of todays carnal, rebellious and disobedient Christians talk nonsense about marking themselves for Jesus... or argue it should be left to personal choice. Tattooed Delinquency Somebody says, Sure that was back in the dark ages. That was in heathen lands. Today that has all changed. Nobody seems to connect any kind of ritualistic or pagan spiritual rituals to a tattoo. Yet, the following is clear, These tattoos act as protective and empowering talismans for the wearer. There are even some body artists who perform ritual tattoos, piercing, brandings and cuttings. They may suggest you consult your astrological chart to pick the right time to get your body art. They will burn incense, light candles . . . (Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p. 29) I know what some are thinking. . . Sure, in the past tattoos were linked to criminals, depravity, and immoral behaviour, and idol worship but not today. Today, the tattoo is worn by celebrities, athletes, politicians and business people. Its adorned in high fashion magazines and sports magazines. Theres absolutely no data to even remotely suggest tattoos are linked to criminal or immoral behaviour. No sir. Todays tattoo is high-fashion. A very comprehensive study and analysis of tattoos, published in April, 2001, was performed by Dr. Timothy Roberts, a paediatrician at the University of Rochester Childrens Hospital. The detailed analysis was taken from a study of 6,072 young people, ages 11 to 21. It was done all over the United States, with different ethnic groups, from all economic and social backgrounds. In other words, very thorough and reliable data models were constructed for the study. In fact, this study is probably the most comprehensive and conclusive analysis of tattoos ever conducted. According to the study: Tatto o i n g i n a d o l e s c e nt s wa s significantly associated with sexual intercourse, substance abuse, violence and school problems in bi-variate* analyses, and in logistic regressions adjusting for socio-demographic factors and peer substance use (*Bi-variate analysis - shows the relationship between two variables) (Timothy A. Roberts, M.D. and Sheryl A.

Ryan, M.D., Tattooing and High-Risk Behavior in Adolescents, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Strong Childrens Research Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY) Dr. Roberts, writes in the "conclusion" of the study that tattoos have strong associations with high-risk behaviours in adolescents. It is worth mentioning, Dr. Roberts, himself has a tattoo. After evaluating the data, he wrote: A tattoo is a sign that doctors, parents, teachers ought to be asking about the teenagers behaviour.

Simply put, it is obviously wrong for a Christian to wear a tattoo that is pagan, obscene, immoral or sexually suggestive, and promotes or displays anything that is detestable to God.
According to study after study, a tattoo so personifies and establishes a "rebellious atmosphere" that one of the most important steps in prison rehabilitation is the removal of the tattoo. According to many serious studies, a tattoo is linked so strongly to criminal behaviour and delinquency, that without question, the mere decoration of the tattoo inherently contributes to the criminal behaviour pattern. Fading fast Although 'everyone' might be getting a tattoo, one of the businesses booming (along with the medical profession and pharmaceuticals thanks to the "hepatitis C-tattoo" alliance) is the dermatology industry. According to the American Society of Dermatological Surgery, over 50% of everyone receiving a tattoo want it removed. There are different treatments such as laser, creams, or light therapy that can get rid of tattoos. Tattoo removal via laser surgery is among the fastest growing areas of the dermatology industry. Depending on the size and colour of the tattoo the laser removal surgery can be very painful and very expensive. It takes between 10 and 15 laser surgery sessions to remove the average tattoo, but 25-30 sessions are not uncommon, depending on the
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One of the mysteries of the Christian faith can be found in Jesus warning that the way to life is found by only a few.

complexity of the tattoo. When you consider the average single session costs between $400 and $800, the removal surgery can be very expensive. Despite this enormous personal cost, many people are so disgusted with their tattoo theyll pay any cost to have it removed. Plastic Surgeon Tolbert S. Wilkinson, of San Antonio, Texas, who has removed tattoos warns: If people only realized how difficult it is to remove a tattoo, understood how costly and how painful tattoo removal is, and recognized that society as a whole still views tattoos as a stigma, maybe they would think seriously before getting one. [23] For someone like Mr Bentley with all over body 'art' removal is almost impossible. Thus the need for this warning! Although the popularity of tattoos is rising in some countries, the current financial woes in the Eurozone are causing tattoo removal to increase due to the battle for jobs. A Barcelona (Spain) clinic reports 81% rise in demand for painful laser treatment. [24]

use of unsterilised tattoo equipment or contaminated ink include surface infections of the skin, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and HIV, which was the case recently with an Australian tourist who contracted HIV from a tattoo studio in Bali, Indonesia. [25]

Tattoos in Hollywood Coco Chanel, the 1920's French fashion designer came home after a summer holiday in the French Riviera sporting a glorious golden tan. The idea caught on, and tanning underwent a transformation, a n d b e ga n b e i n g p e r c e i v e d a s fashionable, healthy, and luxurious. [28]

This article is intended to bring to light the 'dark' side of tattoos, but it is not meant to show distain or pharisaic morality toward those who wear tattoos.
Tattoos - A dying art Apart from the obvious difficulty of getting rid of tattoos, there are definite health risks associated with them. Since tattoo instruments come in contact with blood and bodily fluids, diseases may be transmitted if the instruments have not been sterilised. However, infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios employing single-use needles is rare. With amateur tattoos, such as those applied in prisons, however, there is an increased risk of infection. Infections that can be transmitted by the
Footnote:
[23] http://cetf.co/J1ZaII [24] http://cetf.co/HSihr3

The most common dermal reactions to tattoo pigments are granulomas [26] and various lichenoid diseases [27]. Other conditions noted have been cement dermatitis, collagen deposits, and other forms of eczema. Removing the Past We need to remember that what we feel okay with at one stage of our life, say, when we are twenty, we may not feel so okay with when we are thirty five. It is painful and costly to have tattoos removed. It is sometimes embarrassing in later life to find not only that one no longer really wants them, but also that because of a changed body shape they are no longer good to look at. This article is intended to bring to light the 'dark' side of tattoos, but it is not meant to show disdain or pharisaic morality toward those who wear tattoos. Having a tattoo does not make you a leper, or an untouchable. Many wear the scars of sin from their past, some more than others. The cigarette smoker, the alcoholic, those addicted to pornography, the murderer, so the Christian with Tattoos should never be looked down on, if they have repented and turned to Christ. In fact we have a few people in the CWM-Fellowship who have tattoos. There is not the slightest revulsion or judgement towards them, because these are marks from their past. It is those who testify that they love the Lord, and ignorantly or otherwise go ahead and get a tattoo that we have an issue with.
Footnote:
[25] http://cetf.co/IJiNTN [26] Sometimes bumps called granulomas form around tattoo ink especially red ink - http://cetf.co/HWIRM1 [27] A lichenoid eruption is a skin disease characterized by damage and infiltration - http://cetf.co/JgblVW

I made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? Does not He (God) see my ways, and count all my steps? - Job 31:1-4
In the 40s and 50s 'Old Hollywood' made smoking look glamorous. Both trends have compounded into an epidemic of skin cancers and lung disease. Today film stars such as Megan Fox, the Transformers actress, who helped to make tattoos fashionable are now leading a backlash against "body art". Other actors have been doing likewise. [29]

You have heard that it was said by them of old time, "You shalt not commit adultery":

but I say to you,

"Whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. If your right eye offends pluck it out, and cast it from you: for it is profitable that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell - Matthew 5:27-29.
Footnote:
[28] http://cetf.co/JbJt0B (http://cetf.co/HTgDrB) [29] http://cetf.co/IPkk00 See also http://cetf.co/I5tYtS And http://cetf.co/HRDeo4 And http://cetf.co/HSvC3J Continued on page 36

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Wisdom cries without, she utters her voice in the streets!

Wisdom cries out from a

By Bill Randles Adapted from Bill Randles' blog posted on January 21, 2012 with permission http://billrandles.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/wisd om-cries-out-from-a-sinking-ship/ Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets Proverbs 1:20. God's wisdom is always crying out to every generation, whether it be through the scriptures, the church, or Israel. There is always a divine witness to truth trying to get people's attention as life pushes them on to their final destination. I believe that one of the ways God's wisdom cries out to this generation, is in certain current events. It is true that for the most part the real message is lost on most people, due to the cacophony of other incidents, or the urgency of the mundane. Many of these events are like the writing on the wall in the book of Daniel. People know they are significant but not how to interpret them. God is speaking to this generation very specifically through the recent sinking of the Concordia, off the coast of Italy. What a statement it is to us, about where we are, where we have come from and where we are headed as a civilization. The way to hear Wisdom's message is by contrasting this event with another famous maritime disaster, the sinking of the Titanic, which occurred just over a hundred years ago on April 14, 1912. Before you can hear wisdom speaking you must banish from your mind director James Cameron's anachronistic version of the Titanic.

sinking

Ship

bravely, the stewards, all equipped with the white, ghostly life-preservers. Always the thing one tries not to see even crossing a ferry. Now only pale faces, each form strapped about with those white bars. So gruesome a scene. We passed on. The awful goodbyes, the quiet look of hope in the brave men's eyes as the wives were put into the lifeboats. Nothing escaped one at this fearful moment. We left from the sun deck, seventy-five feet above the water. Mr Case and Mr Roebling, brave American men, saw us to the lifeboat, made no effort to save themselves, but stepped back on deck. Later they went to an honoured grave. (Elizabeth Shutes, The Sinking of the Titanic - http://cetf.co/IlSpBD The world of the Titanic crew and passengers was yet steeped in a Judeo Christian outlook. The self- sacrificial actions of the men on the ship were informed by the chivalric ideal of the strong bearing the burden for the weak and helpless. These ideals came straight out of the Bible, and Christianity. Women and children first, even to death! Again from Shutes, Sitting by me in the lifeboat were a mother and daughter. The mother had left a husband on the Titanic, and the daughter a father and husband, and while we were near the other boats those two stricken women would call out a name and ask, 'Are you there?' 'No,' would come back the awful answer, but these brave women never lost courage, forgot their own sorrow, telling me to sit close to them to keep warm The life-preservers helped to keep us warm, but the night was bitter cold, and it grew colder and colder, and just before dawn, the coldest, darkest hour of all, no help seemed possible(ibid) Contrast this with the reactions of the feminist, post Christian passengers on board the sinking Costa Concordia, from an excellent article by Mark Steyn, On the Titanic, the male passengers gave their lives for the women and would never have considered doing otherwise. On the Costa Concordia, in the words of a female passenger, There were big men, crew members,

pushing their way past us to get into the lifeboat. After similar scenes on the MV Estonia a few years ago, Roger Kohen of the International Maritime Organization told Time magazine: There is no law that says women and children first. That is something from the age of chivalry. If, by the age of chivalry, you mean our great-grandparents' time.

In fact, women and children first can be dated very precisely. On Feb. 26, 1852, HMS Birkenhead was wrecked off the coast of Cape Town while transporting British troops to South Africa. There were, as on the Titanic, insufficient lifeboats. The women and children were escorted to the ship's cutter. The men mustered on deck. They were ordered not to dive in the water lest they risk endangering the ladies and their young charges by swamping the boats. So they stood stiffly at their posts as the ship disappeared beneath the waves. (Mark Steyn). Once again these are people steeped in a Judeo Christian worldview. I am not saying they were all Christians in the truest sense of the word, but that the then western ideals of leadership, sacrifice, heroism, the male as the protector, the female as someone to be protected, all come out of the Gospel, and the Torah of God's Word. These virtues are routinely scoffed at by our cultural influencers. Modern people vainly imagine that we through our science and technology and our recent social revolution, i.e. the rejection of the old moral and religious constraints, have constructed for ourselves a much more just, equal and compassionate world.
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When the Titanic began to sink, and it was discovered that there were half as many lifeboats as needed, women and children were put into them first, as this survivor recounts, No laughing throng, but on either side [of the staircases] stand quietly,

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The acceptance and practice of abortion has murdered the sense that children are special and worthy of special protection.

That illusion can be maintained as long as the ship of life is cruising, the buffet table is open, tennis and yoga classes are in session, and the sun is shining on the deck. But what happens when the ship starts sinking? There isn't anything sacred about women in post Christian society. Motherhood is just one option among many; a woman can be anything a man can be; for our cultural shapers have constructed an allegedly 'gender neutral' society. In the new godless society, there will be no more women in the life boats first. It is now only the strong survive. As another eyewitness on the Concordia reported, big, strong men were knocking over women and teenaged girls to get in the lifeboats. Children also have been debased in this brave new world. The acceptance and practice of abortion alone has murdered the sense that children are special and worthy of the special protection that Jesus insisted upon in His warning about millstones cf. Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2. Of course there were in the Costa Concordia some exceptions to the rule, for the Christian ethic hasn't been completely eradicated. Witnesses

observed a Hungarian violinist who took the time to help several crying children get their life vests on. He was not able to make it off the ship because of his delay. There is much more to this, such as the absurd behaviour of the Captain, who sent people to their rooms, knowing his recklessness had caused him to strike the rock that ruined the ship, who ordered dinner as the ship sank, and who eventually jumped ship leaving the ship and passengers to their fate. Could this be some kind of metaphor about our reckless, a-principled leaders these days? Perhaps we should consider Lady Wisdom's full admonition, Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets: She cries in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she utters her words, saying, How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit to you, I will make known my words to you. Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but you have set at nought all my counsel,

and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes; when your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: (Proverbs 1:2029)

about the author

BILL RANDLES came out of the Word of Faith Movement and is the founder and pastor of Believers in Grace Fellowship in Marion, Iowa which has been in existence since 1982. He is the author of 4 books: Making War in the Heavenlies, Weighed & Found Wanting, Beware the New Prophets, and Mending the Nets. He has travelled to Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, England, Australia, New Zealand, India, Russia and the Philippines preaching the gospel and contending for the faith that has been delivered to the saints. He and his wife, Kristin, have 6 children and 10 grandchildren.

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The Church @ Christs Checkpoint

September 13-16, 2012
This year there will be three new speakers two from New Zealand and one from Australia joining some of the regular team in supporting Paul Wilkinson our guest speaker from UK see pages 33 and 34. LAWRIE CORNISH is principal of his own accountancy firm. As member of a large Elim Church in Wellington he created a sensation by placing an advertisement in a National newspaper offering a large sum of money to anyone who could prove the genuineness of claimed miraculous tooth filling. A TV programme later exposed several claims as scams. Lawrie looks after our CWM Trust in New Zealand. The burden of his message is Christian Maturity based on Hebrews 5:12 - when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles. PAUL COHEN, Australian director of Ariel Ministries, was born in the Netherlands in 1963. His Jewish father had rejected God during the Shoah (the Holocaust). After finishing High School in 1983 he lived in Israel where he spent a brief period in Yeshiva (Jewish Theological College) and where he met his Australian wife Sue and later immigrated to Australia. Sue became a believer in Yeshua (Jesus) in 1984 and was instrumental in Paul becoming a believer in February 1987. Two years later they became home study group leaders. In 1992 Paul was elected president of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of Australia and later became an officer of the International Messianic Jewish (Hebrew Christian) Alliance (1992 - 1994). The theme of his messages at the CWM Conference will be Meeting the true Messiah @ Christ's Check Point. BOB BAILEY was saved in 1962 and has been involved in Christian work ever since. In 1975 he and his wife Helen went to work in South Africa with the All Africa School of Theology printing text books for the correspondence courses, marking English exam papers and teaching in pastors' seminars in Botswana, Lesotho and Venda Land. When they returned to NZ Bob became pastor for the next 20 years in two Auckland churches, one of which he and Helen pioneered, before moving to rural Te Kauwhata in North Waikato to pastor a local community church retiring 3 years ago. Bob continues to speak in various churches and house meetings. His theme will be Meeting Christ @ the Check Point when our Race is Run.
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CWM CONFERENCE

The Church @ Christs Checkpoint

September 13-16, 2012 Registration Form
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Register by 31 August and pay only $70 per person for the whole conference and receive discount on the FULL SET of conference DVD's please ensure you show your receipt to obtain the discount when ordering.

CWM CONFERENCE

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Paul Wilkinson, Paul Cohen, Lionel Letcher, Lawrie Cornish, Bob Bailey, Mark Mullins, Philip Powell and Aeron Morgan are the speakers that will participate at the 2012 Conference.
The full programme will be posted on: www.cwm.org.au
Christian Witness Ministries, 2759 Logan Road, (Entry off Millers Road), Eight Mile Plains Phone: (07) 3137 1031 Email: conference2012@cwm.org.au
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The Church @ Christs Checkpoint

September 13-16, 2012

CWM CONFERENCE

Paul Wilkinson
See www.christian-witness-ministries.com for full bio Also see centre pages of this CETF for Paul's FREE material For more about this year's Conference Theme and key overseas speaker view the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osIx3tmvioY and see http://cetf.co/ID4TFX

This is a four day Conference involving other national and international speakers (see pages 32-33). Full registrants and day visitors welcome. We recommend the following nearby accommodation (approx. 1 mile from CWM-F precinct);
when booking please be sure to insert code CWMCONF to receive 20% discount off the best advertised price. Telephone or email the Resort for Carvan availability.
Venue: Brisbane Gateway Resort (see page 35 for details) 200 School Road, Rochedale Qld 4123, Brisbane, Australia Phone (07) 3341 6333 Fax (07) 3341 8022

There will be a registration fee for the Conference, which is separate from accommodation costs, similar to last year's arrangements to meet administration costs see Registration Form - page 33 for full information including early registration discount. There is also a weekend Conference in MELBOURNE/Frankston September 7 to 9, 2012 No registration or administration fees. All offerings will go to the speakers to help with their travel costs. All inquiries to Clive Leembruggen: t: 07 4669 8438; m: 0408 784 900; e: clivendonna7@gmail.com
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???

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June 2012 CETF 60

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There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is the ways of death - Proverbs 14:12
Continued from page 30

PUBLISHED BY

Statistics suggest Fox is far from alone. Since 2008, the number of US tattoo parlours has fallen by 10 per cent and laser removal treatments are booming, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If these stars change their minds about their tattoos, it begs the question why should actors and celebrities be our yardstick for what is fashionable, right or moral? One of the most tragic stories surrounding this impetuous culture is the recent death of Amy Winehouse, the English singer who died last year, at the age of 27. Amy Winehouse is known for her bluesy voice, her wild behaviour and a baker's dozen of tattoos. Since her career began in 2003, Winehouse rapidly went

Christian Witness Ministries

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There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is the ways of death Proverbs 14:12
Sadly Winehouse sought protection from the god of the sky. She should have found solace and protection from the true kinsmen redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, instead she was 'struck' down, in the prime of her life. Is it coincidence that her abusive relationship, the excessive drinking, the drugs and the tattoos, all occurred over the same period? Winehouse's death was one foretold by gruesome pictures of bloodied sneakers, and near death experiences from drugs, publicly retold by her lovers. It almost seems unsurprising that, in death, Winehouse joins many of her heroes - Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison - all of whom died aged just 27. There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is the ways of death Proverbs 14:12 CONCLUDING NOTE - Todd Bentley's Australian Tour Jan 25 through to early February 2012 was cancelled. Australian Immigration denied Todd entry into the country. ED - Let the righteous rejoice. Next Part 3 - Tattoos - The Prelude to the Mark of the Beast

By Post: Write to your nearest CWM office (see addresses above) Web: (PDF, ePub and Kindle versions) http://cetf.co/tF5G1x LETTERS TO EDITOR By Post: see above e: editor@cwm.org.au RESOURCES For a full catalogue of all CDs, DVDs, media & books available, contact CWM Australia (see above) DONATIONS: Please make payment to Christian Witness Ministries EDITOR: Philip L. Powell e: philip@cwm.org.au ASSISTANT EDITOR: B. Michael Bigg e: bmbigg@cwm.org.au GRAPHIC DESIGN: Drew (Andrew) Caswell e: drew@cwm.org.au
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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you - Philippians 4:8-9.
from no tattoos to fifteen. [30] Depicting a large number of self-reflected objects, she said she painted her body when she needed a boost out of boredom, or a desire for more confidence.One of her tattoos was a lightning bolt. This symbol in mythology is the god Thor, the god of thunder and lightning. Thor, is supposed to be a provider and protector. But Albert Pike, the high ranking 33rd degree Mason, tells us on page 381 of his book, Morals and Dogma, that Thor was the Sun, the Egyptian Osiris, and Kneph, the Phoenician Bel or Baal. The Bible tells us that worshipping Baal is identical to worshipping the Devil himself. [1 Kings 16:30-33, 22:53; 2 Kings 17:16] [31]
Footnote:
[30] http://cetf.co/J8VOaJ [31] http://cetf.co/Il8RCO And http://cetf.co/J16erA Also http://cetf.co/IXX55c And http://cetf.co/I1yGt9 Read more: http://cetf.co/J8WHjA

about the author

Lance Goodall and his wife Norilyn left the Australian church growth movement in 2009. They both have a concern for the knowledge of God and His glory. They carry in their heart, a love for Gods honour, for His Word, and for the salvation of the lost. Lance can be contacted via email

lancegoodall21@gmail.com
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