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What was Paul's "thorn in the flesh"?

2008-11-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure..."
(2 Corinthians 12:7)
If all I had to go on were those few words, I would simply say Paul's 'thorn' was "a messenger of Satan" sent to beat up on the apostle Paul. But as to how Satan's messenger actually manifested himself, I would be unable to say--that is, if that one verse were all I had to go on...
Amazingly, there are those who seem to draw from those few words, the idea that the 'thorn' was some type of disease; most likely because it was described as a thorn 'in the flesh'. But 'thorn in the flesh' was a figure of speech in Bible times, just as it is now. A similar phrase was used several other places in Scripture (Numbers 33:55, Joshua 23:13, Judges 2:3), but it never had anything to do with disease. In those particular situations it referred to ungodly nations. God warned Israel that the pagan inhabitants of the promised land would become 'thorns in your sides' or 'thorns in your eyes' if they were not driven out.
Some have thought Paul's 'thorn' was an eye disease. That idea was apparently derived from two scriptures in Galatians. In Chapter 6, verse 11 (KJV), Paul wrote, "Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand."
This has been somehow interpreted to mean that Paul's vision was so bad, he had to write in LARGE LETTERS. Even in several modern paraphrases, the word "letter" is changed to "letters". The original New Testament Greek, however, does not bear out the change. The word 'gramma', according to Strong's Greek Dictionary, means "a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc." It does not mean "letters" as in 'letters' of the alphabet.
The other scripture in Galatians used by some to 'prove' Paul's eye disease is in Chapter 4, beginning in verse 13...
"Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.."
(Galatians 4:13-15 KJV)
Two phrases from this scripture are used as a basis for the 'eye disease' theory. One--"infirmity of the flesh", and two--"ye would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me". Again, the latter phrase was a figure of speech. When someone says today, "I would give my right arm for my friend"; it does not mean the friend must have a disease in his arm.
The "infirmity of the flesh", Paul was referring to, was his state of mental humility when he ('at the first') approached the Galatians with the gospel. He made a similar statement about his first encounter with the Corinthians (the best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself)... "And I, brethren, when I came to you... was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. (1 Cor. 2:1-3).
The Greek word, 'astheneia', translated "weakness" is the exact same word which is translated "infirmity". It is defined as 'feebleness or weakness of body or mind'. Whether or not, the implication is a mental state or a physical malady, depends entirely on the context. Though the word 'infirmity', usually refers to a 'weakness' in the body, the phrase 'infirmity of the flesh' is used only twice in the New Testament--both times by the apostle Paul--and in both places it refers to a mental, rather than physical state.
In Paul's letter to the Romans, he explains his method of teaching by saying... "I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh" (Romans 6:19). Obviously, the entire Roman community to whom Paul was writing, did not have an eye disease, or any other kind of disease. Other translations more clearly interpret "the infirmity of the flesh" in modern terminology, i.e., "the weakness of your understanding".
Paul clearly defined his thorn in the flesh as a "messenger of Satan". Contrary to what many have taught, God was NOT the source. This was a messenger sent by Satan. And this messenger's purpose was not to train, teach, humble, or in any way bless the apostle. His clearly defined purpose was to "buffet", or as one translation says, "deal blow after blow"--to consistently 'beat up' on him and hinder his work in the ministry. One need only to back up a few verses to see exactly how the 'thorn' manifested. Paul wrote out a long list of troubles, hindrances to the ministry, which he had suffered up to that point...
"From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness...
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.
(2 Cor. 11:24-30)
Notice, in this list of troubles which Paul refers to as his "infirmity", there is no mention of any kind of 'disease'. He goes on, in the next chapter, discussing the wisdom in boasting not in visions or revelations, but in those things which concern his suffering for the gospel's sake--his "infirmities"...
"Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Theerefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake..."
(2 Cor. 12:9-10)
Again, there is no mention of sickness or disease in this second, summary list of "infirmities". The 'thorn in the flesh' was a Satanic messenger (an evil spirit) whose sole purpose was to destroy Paul's ministry--to stir up 'perils' and persecution in an attempt to silence the apostle. How many times could this 'thorn', if he were an actual person, have been tried and convicted of attempted murder?
Did God give Paul the 'thorn'? No. Satan did... Did God allow it? Absolutely. The question now, is "Why?"
I wondeer how many times Paul asked that question, before going to the Lord in earnest prayer, asking God to simply remove the thorn from his life. And when he prayed this way--three times--God was silent. Contrary to what some have taught, the Lord did NOT say "No" to Paul's request. He said nothing. And I am of the opinion, I suppose, from lessons I have learned in my own experience, that God did not answer Paul the first two or three times he prayed because Paul's mind was too noisy--too much in a panic to be able to hear. God was silent until Paul got silent--silent enough to listen.
When Jesus answered, He needed only to say a few powerful words, for Paul to arrive at a tremendous awakening. Jesus said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9)
Perhaps as Jesus spoke those words to his heart, Paul was reminded of previous words the Lord had spoken, such as... "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." (John 15:20)
Maybe the memory of the prophet Ananias who brought a message from Jesus, three days after Paul's conversion, suddenly arose in his consciousness. Included in that message were these words, "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:16)
somehow in the process of seeking god for intervention concerning the constant bombardment of the enemy, Paul fully awoke to the fact that this 'thorn' is part of the package... Along with the marvelous revelations and wisdom... Along with the holy unction and the ability to preach such a powerful gospel, that it breaks Satan's bondage over humanity; would come exposure to the same type of peresecution Jesus Himself endured. And lest Paul be 'exalted above measure, due to the abundance of revelation' this 'thorn in the flesh' would be allowed... 'The servant is not greater than his Lord'. Paul later confirmed that this 'gift' of the opportunity to suffer for Christ would be part of the package, not only for himself, but for you and me as well...
"For unto you it is 'given' in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me."
(Philippians 1:29-30 KJV)
So the same 'thorn' which was 'given' (allowed to operate) in Paul's life, is also 'given' to us who believe in Jesus. It's obviously not an 'eye disease', it is an opposing spirit. And in direct proportion to the depth of revelation, and the extent of our ministry of that revelation to others, we will face that same opposing spirit. The good news is this... Jesus' message to Paul is the same to you and me. His "Grace is sufficient". If you do but a cursory study of the Book of Acts, you will note the many occasions of the 'thorn' in the life of Paul. You will also see, however, how on each of those occasions, the "grace" of God brought deliverance.
When Paul was stoned to death, God's grace raised him from the dead (Acts 14:19-20)
When he was incarcerated for preaching the gospel, God's grace shook the place, broke the chains and set him free.
(Acts 16:26)
When the apostle was shipwrecked, God's grace brought him safely to shore on the island of Malta.
When on the shore, he was bitten by a deadly snake, but God's grace caused him to feel no harm, and thus, opened a door to the evangelism of the entire island. And the resulting favor from the people of the island led to a huge financial gift to Paul--enough to get him to his destination (Rome) and pay for his rented house for the next two years, in which he preached the Word to all who would come and hear (Acts 27, 28).
Grace is not merely 'unmerited favor' as some have defined it... Grace (charis) is defined by Strong's Dictionary as "the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life". The grace of God is what brings you from point 'A' to point 'B'... It's what takes you from despair to triumph, from defeat to victory. Grace is the enabler... It's the reason you can truthfully say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". And God's grace is sufficient.
It will not keep the devil out of your life... It will not eliminate the challenges you face for the gospel's sake... But it is sufficient to lift you out of the mire of failure and set you above the circumstances, giving you glorious victory over trials.
This revelation sunk in, ever so deeply, as Paul heard Jesus say those powerful words, that he suddenly knew how to respond to the 'thorn'. He would laugh in his face. He would become 'a fool in glorying' whenever persecution came his way--in order, he said, "...that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Cor. 12:9).
From that point on, though the 'thorn' remained constant, deliverance from that 'thorn' by God's grace and the 'power of Christ' was also constant, as Paul continued to rejoice in his union with Christ in both sufferings and resurrection power. In his last letter, written to Timothy, we find testimony to this fact...
"But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me."
(2 Timothy 3:10-11)
"Out of them ALL", he said... "The Lord delivered me". Paul got his deliverance from the 'thorn' alright... But it was manifest in a way that would bring glory to God over and over again. And it seems he just couldn't wait for that next opportunity to see the Lord glorified... I so want to be there--don't you?

Israel and the Church?

2008-11-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

"In that He says, 'A new covenant', He has made the first obsolete..." --Hebrews 8:13

The 'Dispensational Theologian' would say his main opponent is the 'Replacement Theologian'. That is because the dispensationalist's number one mark of identification is the belief in a clear distinction between Biblical Israel and the church of the Lord Jesus. The so-called 'Replacement Theologian' supposedly teaches that the church replaced Israel, as God's 'covenant people'. As one who would be thus labeled, I can honestly say, I do not teach that... I do, however, teach that the New Covenant replaced the Old Covenant. Thus, the reason for the descriptive terms "Old" and "New".
Contrary to what dispensationalists as well as many nondispensationalists teach, the church did not have its beginning on the Day of Pentecost. The church received new life on that day... The church was spiritually born (from above) on Pentecost... But just as the individual who receives new life (eternal life) when he or she is is born again, does not mean that individual came into existence at that moment--neither did the church come into existence at the moment she received new life and became the body of Christ. The church actually had its beginning in Egypt as the first 'called out assembly' of God's people convened. The church not only existed, but was referred to as such, even in NT Scripture, prior to the resurrection of Jesus and the Day of Pentecost.
The word 'church' in the New Testament was translated, in every case, from the Greek word, 'ekklesia'. 'Ekklesia' is simply defined as 'a called out assembly'. The implied meaning, or connotation, is not provided in the word itself, but only in the context in which it may be used. The scriptures which equate 'the church' with the 'body of Christ' are very obviously referring to the post-Calvary, Christian assembly of believers. But there were times when Jesus Himself referred to the church in an obvious pre-Calvary context (i.e., Matthew 18:17), and thus, could not have been referring to the post-Calvary 'body of Christ'.
'Ekklesia' is also the word used three times for the 'assembly' of the cult who worshipped the mythological god Zeus, and the goddess Diana (Acts 19:32,39,41). It was the English translators who chose to translate the word using "assembly" instead of "church", but 'ekklesia' equals 'church' regardless.
The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek. And in both cases, the words written were inspired of the Holy Spirit.
Whether the Hebrew word 'qahal', which means a 'called out assembly', was used; or the Greek word 'ekklesia' which has the identical meaning--those who by inspiration of the Holy Spirit penned the Scripture, apparently knew they were one and the same by definition. For example... Psalm 22:22 (KJV) reads, "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation ['qahal'] will I praise thee".
When the same is quoted in the New Testament, it reads, "...I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church ['ekklesia'] will I sing praise unto thee" (Hebrews 2:12 KJV).
It was the Holy Ghost who inspired the Hebrew writer of Psalm 22 to use the word 'qahal', and the same Holy Ghost also inspired the writer of the Book of Hebrews, to use the Greek word 'ekklesia' to say the same thing. On the other hand, it was the decision of the English translators, and not the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to translate the Hebrew word 'qahal' with the word 'assembly' or 'congregation'; and to translate the Greek word 'ekklesia', using the word 'church'. Nevertheless, 'the church' had its beginning upon Israel's deliverance from Egypt, and is first mentioned in Exodus 12:6. That same 'church in the wilderness' was referred to as such, in the New Testament (Acts 7:38)... It was also mentioned by Jesus, prior to Calvary (Matt. 18:17), (and the disciples apparently understood what He was saying)... And it was 'the church', the remnant of true Israel, who had come to believe in Jesus Christ, their Messiah--who received new life on the Day of Pentecost and became "His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all".

2008-11-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Nature's Designs

ONE CONTINUAL TRIUMPH

2008-10-16T00:15:00.000-07:00

"Now thanks be to God, who through our union with Christ, leads us in one continual triumph and uses us to spread the sweet savor of the knowledge of Him in everyplace..."
--2 Corinthians 2:14 TCNT

When asked to describe his or her life, the average Christian today would not answer as the apostle Paul, "One continual triumph".... It would more likely be something in the order of, "One continual train-wreck". I hate to say it, but, listening to the 'testimonies' of some of my beloved brothers and sisters, tends to bring on a depression only the power of God can relieve. And it doesn't help when the poor victim of life's everyday trials attempts to disguise his murmuring and complaining by adding some religious cliché, i.e., "Oh, but I just rejoice that God is showing His love towards me in sending these trials---He just wants to teach me something, and it will all work together for good---somehow."

What really gets me is when they boast of all their troubles, all the while blaming God for them, and then equate themselves with the apostle Paul, or some other exemplary saint from the pages of the Bible. The sometimes painful truth, however, is this...

Paul had enough sense, first of all, NOT to attribute his many trials and afflictions to God, but accurately refer to the source as, "the messenger of Satan" (2 Cor. 12:7).

Secondly, when his complaining and murmuring to the Lord about it, was met first with silence, and then the strong reminder of the sufficiency of the grace of God (to deliver from any trial); he had enough sense to rejoice. He rejoiced not in the trials, as if God had 'sent them to teach him something', but he rejoiced in Christ---in His finished work of redemption and in the free gift of righteousness and grace, which are plenty sufficient to enable one to REIGN IN LIFE (Romans 5:17).

That's obviously when he began to identify himself as 'more than a conqueror' and a 'fool for Christ', giving thanks continually for the 'victory' (1 Cor. 15:57) given him on a regular, never-ending basis.

Paul was smart enough to realize that when trouble comes, he would rejoice all the more, knowing the power of Christ would rest upon him and deliver him in every single case (2 Cor. 12:9-11). Thus, his testimony would ultimately be summarized in the fact that though he had suffered more for the gospel's sake than any man on the planet, God had been faithful and delivered him from every single trial (2 Tim. 3:11).

The modern Christian who attempts to equate his life of misery and woe with the apostle Paul, needs to take another look at the Bible in respect to the lessons Paul learned concerning the God-ordained life of victory for the believer... He needs to learn the same lessons, shake off his doubt and unbelief, quit blaming God for his problems, and humble himself with a true humility (instead of the phony humility he has been so steeped in) and begin to 'reign in life' through the accomplishments of Christ Jesus---to His glory.

MAJOR, GLORIOUS, NEWS FOR ALL MY FRIENDS

2008-10-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hopefully this will be the beginning of a series of victory reports concerning the miraculous reconciliation of all my family members. Since the mid 80's there has been very little meaningful communication and a lot of animosity, obviously making it quite impossible to be pleasing to God in our relationships with each other.
Simply put, the blame for this non-existent family relationship goes to none other than myself and the time came, for long overdue apologies and repentance on my part, to each and every family member, including my former wife.
Once again, the goodness of God and His mercy was clearly manifest through the mercy and forgiveness extended to me by my family. A TRUE MIRACLE WAS WROUGHT!. Restoration has happened, and God has been glorified.
During this coming Thanksgiving holidays, a get-together is being arranged (the first in twenty years or more). Each of my children, plus all six of my grandchildren will be here, in the Morgantown area.
Three of the children (two of which are now in their thirties) are coming all the way from California, my former wife, Karen, from Columbus, Ohio, and my oldest daughter (Deana), her two children and her husband, from San Antonio, Texas. Needless to say, it will be quite an undertaking and even the expenses will be covered by them (including Karen).
I welcome your Email, letting me know you are still praying, standing in agreement with me, for even yet another notable miracle and the continued good results from it
You can do that at.....edwhughes@hotmail.
Many many blessings, to you and yours...

In Christ,

Eddie Hughes

More Reunion Pictures!

2008-10-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

Great pictures of some of the prettiest (if not the nr one prettiest grandkids in the world (Reagan and Nick too) ---sorry Brother Tom, but I will hand it to you I may be a bit biased)---

WHAT A RESTORATION/REUNION!

2008-10-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

What a JOY it was indeed, to have this long awaited restoration! God's hand of blessing was on this little meeting for sure. The photo was taken at the Waterfront Hotel in Morgantown, WV. on Sat., Oct. 25., by my sister Annie.

From left to right, is: Deana --- my eldest daughter (35) who lives in San Antonio, Texas --- her younger child, Nicholas, who is one year old --- yours truly, (the proud-looking, old guy) --- and then Reagan, Deana's older child, who is five (going on fifteen) ---what a couple of beauties! Last of all is Jacob, my youngest, (28).

This coming weekend will be the second chapter, when I get to re-unite with Jodi and Jamie and their boys.

Dylan is the oldest grandson, belonging to Jodi, and will be 16 in December. Jodi also is the mother of Trey. And then Jamie, who is the mother of Damian, (another 5 year-old), who we call "Tank". I am greatly looking forward to that reunion as well.

Glory to God, forever!.... Stay tuned for updates!

Health Update

2008-10-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since my last update so I am way overdue...
The bottom line to what the 'experts' are saying is this:

The "tumor markers" (CEA levels) are a lot higher than ever before. They are showing a reading of 78 (a good bit higher than the .03 they once had gotten down to). That, along with continued weight loss (I now weigh 165 lbs., a total loss of approx. 150 pounds in the past 18 months), and consistent lack of strength, growing pressure on the bladder and other organs, etc., etc.---all gives indication of a very active and deadly tumor.

Joie and I, of course, are not just accepting this, as we know the God Who is 'More than enough', Who heals 'every disease', and Who has taken 'every' sickness and pain upon Himself at Calvary... On Him we fully rely and in Him we rejoice. Rejoice with us and keep up those faith-filled prayers.

We love you and would like to hear from you soon. We haven't heard from anyone for months, though we know you are still there for us... God bless you richly.

A Little Extra Health & Wealth Never Hurt Anyone!

2008-08-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

IT'S JUST A JUICE!!! But it has more whole food ingredients, phitonutrients, antioxidants, etc., than any food on the planet. Containing a special blend of 19 powerful fruits, it provides the body with just exactly what it needs (nutrition-wise) to function. If you currently have to deal with lack of sleep, soreness in the joints, soreness which has resulted from injury or such maladies as arthritis and so on, you need to try this juice. If you are in the baby-boomer age group and are interested in anti-aging products, especially---you DEFINITELY need to contact me.

Secondly...

If you could use more time at home, extra money for bills, pleasure, etc.... If you have looked for ways to earn money from home through your computer and have been disappointed so far, you really need to contact me. What have you got to lose? All I need is your name and mailing address and I will send you a packet of free information you will find VERY INTERESTING.

IT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!

For me---I know God wanted me to get hooked up with this. I have a family to provide for but I am on doctor's orders to abstain from working (at any type of normal job). When I heard about this business that even several (well-known) ministers of the gospel are doing, so as to lighten the burden on their church or ministry concerning their responsibility to 'pay the preacher', it definitely got my attention. You may have prayed recently for something to come along in your own life that God would use to provide the necessary financial breakthrough... This might be the answer to your prayer. How could you know unless you at least investigate?

I'm not trying to be secretive here, but there are certain FTC rules, Company policies, etc., that I have to cooperate with, which prevents me from divulging trade-marks or copyright information on this private blog site... So just email me, with your name and mailing address and I will send you a load of interesting information. And I give you my word---I will NOT use your information for anything else, neither will it be passed on to any companies or marketing firms.

Again---What have you got to lose? Email: edwhughes@hotmail.com

DO IT TODAY !!!!

Further Cancer Treatment a No-Go At This Point

2008-08-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

Joie and I drove to Pittsburgh today for a special consultation with UPMC Radiation/Oncologist Dr. Burton. Our specialist here, Dr. Miklos Auber felt it would be good to look into a rather rare and effective procedure called "Cyber Knife" which is a highly focused radiation procedure, targeting the tumor in it's various locations without burning other organs or tissues...

Though very compassionate, Dr. Burton was also clear (after looking at all of the available Xray images that the procedure could not be used in this case without significant damage to bowel tissue. Again, we felt good in this respect... Our trust is in God and Him alone. We are at perfect peace and ready to be about the work God has provided for us to do in order to provide for my family. My focus on working on this blog site is also due for increased effort on my part in order to put in writing those things God has laid on my heart to deliver to the church.

So when you pray, don't forget to mention us occasionally. Patience is having its perfect work and we are truly counting on being 'perfect and entire, wanting nothing'. I thank God for his miracle touch, for sending His word and healing, for additional strength, and length of days. To God be the glory!

Reminiscing Revival

2008-07-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

I remember so well my introduction to the Holy Ghost outpouring of the nineties. Not talking about the 'Toronto Blessing', but actually that which led up to it as well as subsequent moves of God, i.e., the Pensacola outpouring at Brownsville Assembly, and even the latest---the Todd Bentley revival currently being broadcast nightly on Godtv.com.
Oh yeh, man is still managing to mess things up, as he did in the revival of which I wrote first, the 'joy' outpouring introduced to America through the ministry of Rodney Howard-Browne. God in His infinite mercy loves us so much, He allows us to have such wonderful adventures in His manifest presence, knowing we're going to mess things up by ultimately moving in the flesh. Still He gives us these "times of refreshing" (Acts 3:19) in order to prove to us once again just how great is that love He has for us... Shame He has to prove that---I'm just glad He does.

I, for one 'reminisce' and rejoice in these wonderfully 'refreshing' times, all the while praying for another. Too bad, it seems, so many are too busy criticizing the men and women God chose---I said, "GOD CHOSE" to use, that they scarce have time to stir up some of their own memories (if they have any). If they have no such memories of their own, they remain busy trying, in vain, I might add, to steal the joy of those memories from people like myself... Fat chance!

Could I but put in words, what it was like to be in special meetings in a church in Charlotte, in 1993, just prior to my stepping out in faith to pioneer a church in Charleston, WV. As the revival was 'breaking out' in this particular church, I stood, worshipping, like the rest of the saints there, that night... Skeptical of the things I had heard concerning this outbreak, mostly due to the fact I had been unable to attend the meetings until that night, I just enjoyed the wonderful praise and worship and CHOSE to 'enter in', seeking God for whatever He had for me.

On the platform, with our worship team, was Maurice Sklar, (click on the link for more photos and to experience his music) violinist virtuoso, graduate of Juliard---but filled with the Holy Ghost and very much a part of the revival, ministering nightly, not only during that special series of meetings at our church, but for the rest of the weeks, months, and years that were soon to pass, at Rodney Howard-Browne's services and Camp Meetings. As Maurice played, the notes of his violin suddenly seemed to be visible to me, and I watched, as the rest of the room grew more cloudy. I watched the notes swirl through the room as if they were searching me out. They found me and wrapped around me, taking me to a place where I could see no one or nothing but the cloud. And in this wonderful vision, I began to dance, myself swirling and twirling, until I crashed into something---something firm but not hard, and draped with a fabric, as it were. The fabric turned out to be a garment, like a robe and I had buried my face into the bosom of a huge bodily form---shoulders so wide and strong but a manifestation of love like I had never experienced, flooded my soul. I realized I had danced into the embrace of the Almighty. I clutched His garment with both hands and buried my face deeper yet into His bosom. As I did, He slowly put His majestic arms around me and doing so, I burst into flame. I heard His voice say to me... "You have danced into My presence, now dance with me and He took my hand and spun me---sending me spinning across the floor, through the cloud. As this happened, little bits of the flame that had engulfed me flew off of me, landing here and there in the cloud.

He continued to speak, saying, "This is how I am sending you to Charleston. Whomever becomes part of your ministry will be touched by the same fire, as it flies off of you, for as long as you dance with Me, in my Presence.

I had hardly opened my mouth and began to testify and preach, in the very first worship service of our new church (several months later) when 'joy like a river' began to break forth in my brand new congregation of 22 people, most of whom I had never met. They had only heard of me through my weekly radio broadcast, which I had been producing in my home in Statesville, NC and sending to Charleston's Christian Radio Station. Actually, I had not even moved there yet. I commuted back and forth from NC on Wednesdays for three weeks before moving my family to St. Albans, WV, just outside of Charleston. We started the church in a clubhouse in Cross Lanes, WV in May of 1994.

Just like God would have it, it started through a child---an eight year old boy, normally very quiet in his nature, but that night was different... He just started laughing. And laughing. His parents and grandparents looked a little embarrassed, but could not quiet him down. Then an older lady, at the other end of the same row of seats began to laugh... and laugh... later testifying that such a thing had never happened to her. That first Wednesday night service revealed what church could be without any of my plans in operation. God knew how to 'break the ice' in a room full of strangers, who very quickly became no strangers at all. Nothing 'breaks the ice' any better than a few tongues of 'fire', sent by the Holy Ghost.

Oh what a season of Joy in the Holy Ghost. By the way, dear brother or sister... Should you be one of those sad souls who cannot accept God's supernatural joy, or perhaps one of those who do not even believe God does such things; let me encourage you to pick up that Bible of yours, dust it off, and read it... "In the presence of the Lord, there is fullness of joy"---that's the deal. Get yourself in His presence---experience His joy. C'mon now, it can only do you good.

The 'wells of salvation' contain all the blessing of God, He has intended for you... "Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" JOY IS THE BUCKET!! It is the 'bucket' with which you 'draw' those blessings from God's well. Get with it, you sad, sad person you... A little laughter never hurt anyone. But you say, "I just can't bring myself to laugh or rejoice, or be happy, just on a whim or something. Why not?... It doesn't take so much to make you grumpy. Please forgive me if I just made you mad. I love ya... Just want to tell you the truth. It really is, good for what ails ya.

It comes my way now and then---a little dose of supernatural joy, that is---reminding me of the mercy of God and just how marvelous is His touch. Please don't find yourself a critic of those whom God is still touching in such manner today... You may find yourself outside of His wonderful plans for His church in these last days.

By the way...
If you did not click on the 'Maurice Sklar' link, by all means do so and if it takes a few minutes for the music to start, be patient, wait for it, and set your heart in position to hear something special from God Almighty---something personal and powerful for you, TODAY! Check out his itinerary and if you ever get a chance to be in one of Maurice's meetings, don't miss it, by any means.

More Missionary, Medical, and Miracle Updates

2008-07-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

Our 'Missionary-in-training' daughter, Andrea had apparently recovered enough to motivate her back to work. We delivered her to the Pittsburgh YWAM Base recently from where she was to travel to Baltimore with the team, to help in a 'Joshua Generation' event... But such was not to be, as there turned out to be a lingering weakness in her bones from the disease (Dengue Fever) she picked up in Samoa. This lingering weakness was instrumental in her receiving a broken bone in her foot as she was teaching a dance move, which was part of a drama team gospel skit. So, we found ourselves back on the road to Pittsburgh to bring her back home, where she is recovering again---rejoicing in Who Christ is and in His amazingly sufficient grace.
Keep her in your prayers, that patience---not discouragement---have its perfect work.

CANCER UPDATE...
I humbly request your continued prayers in my situation as well, as tomorrow, July 7, I am scheduled for a PET/CT Scan. The cancer is obviously still there, and whereas the tumor had shrunk significantly in previous months, there have been consistent signs recently of the opposite. But Joie and I also, are consistently rejoicing in the prevailing power of God's amazing grace and its sufficient ability to destroy the works of the devil. God is still good... His Word still heals... And His anointing still shatters all forms of satanic oppression, including cancer.

Physical and Financial Breakthrough!

2008-06-17T04:09:00.000-07:00

In my fifty plus years, I have seen some good products, for which I, personally, had no need; and I have seen some lucrative business opportunities, that, for some reason, were not for me, due to lack of investment capital, necessary knowledge, skills, right timing, right location, etc.. And I have known preachers or Christian authors who have landed perfect opportunities through which they could fund their ministry, providing all the time they needed to do the work God had called them to... But none of those seemed available for, or accessible to, me---until now.

I have often dreamed that I would someday discover a product, people would really want (and need) that could be marketed with a fair, legitimate, marketing plan, that even I could follow---a plan that required no loss of needed time for ministry; and a plan that required no investment capital, no direct selling, no tricky approaches to people, no 'meetings' or 'parties' to which I had to invite (or coerce) people to come, and finally, a business with absolutely no stigma or bad reputation of any kind. Could there really be such a deal? ... Yep. I found it. Actually I really do believe the Lord directed me to it. And He may be directing you the same way. There's only one way to find out.

To learn more about it, CLICK HERE.

Afterwards, if you have questions, or if you have seen enough and wish to join me---Email me at edwhughes@hotmail.com.

"And he shook off the beast...and felt no harm."

2008-06-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.
And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
--Acts 28: 1-5 KJV

When Paul continued to 'feel no harm' the natives changed their minds, no longer thinking Paul was cursed of God, but on the contrary, was equal to God. After Paul corrected that thought, he allowed them to bring to him, the king's son, sick of a deadly disease. Paul laid hands on him and he was miraculously healed. The king and the people then responded by 'honoring Paul with many honors' and loading him down with everything he would have need of. (Acts 28:10)

Apparently, that was enough to allow Paul to 'rent' a house for two years, in which he preached the gospel to all who would come and hear him (Acts 28:30). This assumption is arrived at, considering the fact that the shipwreck in Malta left him with absolutely nothing... All he had was the money the king and the native people sent him on his journey with.

In following up with the last update, our daughter Andrea's recent experience (on her second 'missionary journey') with 'Dengue Fever', a sometimes deadly disease, was not quite as dramatic perhaps as was Paul's experience with the deadly viper. And though she did begin to be deathly sick, her recovery, subsequent to all the prayers of the saints, was tantamount to 'shaking off the beast into the fire and feeling no harm'. Since then, she indeed, has 'felt no harm'. Praise the Lord forever!!

Pray for me tomorrow (June 14-Father's Day) as I preach the Word at Victory Church in Reedsville, WV. It's been a while, so I am extremely excited about it and looking forward to that wonderful anointing, and surge of the life of God, meeting the current needs of God's people.

I also pray that Pastor James Sabin will be further blessed, comforted, and strengthened during this period of grief with the departure of his mother, just a few days ago. He is very strong in his relationship with the Lord and his knowledge of the Word, so I know that is already taking place, but godly love and compassion, inherent in that relationship also intensifies that period of grief that comes to anyone, in the loss of loved ones.

Thank you again for your continued prayers.

Andrea's Home... Bearing a Few 'Marks' of the Ministry

2008-06-13T03:34:00.000-07:00

After long hours of travel, from Samoa back to Fiji, and from the Fiji Islands back to Los Angeles, CA---and then, of course, the long flight from L.A. to Pittsburgh, as well as the drive from Pittsburgh to the YWAM Base where graduation ceremonies were conducted last night, followed at last, by the final hour of this tedious journey to Morgantown, WV---we are, to put it lightly, very glad to have our missionary-in-training daughter, Andrea, back home again.

As I noted, however, in the title, she bears 'a few marks of the ministry'. That, which had it not been for the overwhelming joy and sense of accomplishment, could have robbed her of the same, comprises the remaining symptoms of what is known in Samoa as 'Dengue fever', a wicked disease, spread by the bite of a 'wicked' mosquito, which attacked our little giant in the enemy's feeble and vain attempt to mar the otherwise gloriously successful mission, as Andrea was continuing her preparation for the ministry of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

For days, doctors, nurses, and other experts in the medical profession in Samoa, Fiji, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh, indicated to Andrea that 'she is a very sick young lady and would probably need to be bedfast for a while and was in for a very tough recovery' (not exact quotes).

This morning, however, (Friday, June 13, 2008), we are taking Andrea to a local physician, where, we believe, she will receive a clean 'bill of health'. Her recovery, within just the past two days has been phenomenal to all concerned, except those of us who were expecting the same and would accept nothing less. We are just plain, ordinary, believers---Christians---who have 'no better sense', as it is said, than to simply believe, 'nothing shall by any means harm us (Luke 10:19, Acts 28:1-5); especially as we endeavor by the faith of the Lord Jesus, to cooperate with His holy calling... So actually, there is really nothing (by worldly standards anyway), that is 'plain and ordinary' about believers, and the glorious gospel of Christ, in Whom we believe.

Amen??? AMEN!!!

Part 2 - God's Financial blessing---Nothing Short of a Miracle as far as we're concerned!

2008-06-05T03:32:00.000-07:00

She never ceases to amaze me! That lovely woman to whom I am married, that is...
Reckon I would probably be dead by now, after having been diagnosed with advanced, inoperable colon cancer, had it not been for the faith and patience of one Joie Lee Hughes.

Oh, I know that sounds pretty negative to some of my faith-filled prayer partners, but if that is the case please forgive me. It's not that it takes any more than faith in God and His goodness, manifested in His completed work of redemption. But faith works hand-in-hand with other things like love, wisdom, patience, etc. If you are truly a 'Word' person, you know that. And sometimes we (or at least 'I' seem to fall short in one or two of those other departments. It certainly isn't God's fault. Neither is it (as many have erroneously proclaimed) God's 'timing' or His 'special plan for your life' through which God intends to 'teach you something' that will make you stronger or more 'effective' as His witness, etc.... I STILL DON'T BELIEVE GOD HAS ANY 'BETTER' PLANS FOR YOU THAN THAT FOR WHICH HE PAID SUCH AN HORRIBLE PRICE AT CALVARY!

Nevertheless the fruit of true faith in God's Word and His redemptive Work would not be fully seen without the cooperation of key people, in the 'love', 'wisdom', and 'patience' departments. Joie's committed exercise of patience in working with me in the nutritional/dietary departments (and with me, 'patience' is hardly the word for it) has been not only essential to my survival but very fruitful already, concerning my physical well-being and improvement.

Perhaps you are beginning to wonder where this is going... I Don't blame you.

Getting right to the exciting point of this post; God, in His infinite wisdom has, not only through the love and patience of my wonderful spouse, shown me common-sense methods of eating the right kind of foods to facilitate my physical recovery, but has, through many other people, and some not-so-common methods of business; shown me how the financial needs (and desires) of my family, as well as the entire costs and funding of my ministry (including travel expenses, new vehicles, equipment, and much, much more can, and will, be provided for, using the same nutritional and dietary wisdom and knowledge... In other words---that which God is using to bring about full recovery in my body, He is also using to bring about a financial miracle in my pocket book.

Not only are Joie and I walking into and taking advantage of God's wisdom and provision in this area, but for the past two years there have been others within our own circles of fellowship and ministry who are using the same tool to fully fund their lifestyles and their ministry as well. One name you may recognize is Rodney Howard-Browne---recently recognized at one of the higher levels of success in this enterprise. At his recognition ceremony, the keys to a new Mercedes were handed to he and his wife Adonica. Not really sure of the rest of the details of his particular level, but for the surrounding levels of achievement, bonus checks are also given in the amounts of $100,000.00, $300.000, $500.000, and $1,000,000.00 respectively.

No, I'm not talking about some questionable MLM business, or even one of the old stand-bys with proven success records. This has only been around for a couple of years, but has already become the topic of national news programs (CNN, FOX News, Etc.).

The company is simply involved in marketing a naturally intense beverage product comprising of 18 different fruits and vegetables, plus the acai berry (number 19), which has the highest concentration of antioxidants of any other natural fruit or vegetable on the planet.

The other great thing about this whole deal, according to my 'obvious' opinion, is the company's extremely clever, as well as generous marketing plan. People who have become extremely successful in this have invested little time... They are still able to do their normal career or activity. Rodney Howard-Browne, for example, says he only spends approximately 2-3 actual hours a week with this and has not taken anything away from his full-time ministry. There are others in other professional fields, such as Race Car hero Geoff Bodine who have become whopping successes at this, drawing 6-figure bonus checks, and receiving allowances for expensive cars, motor homes, etc.

If I suddenly sound materialistic, let me assure you... This has nothing to do with materialism, or as far as I'm concerned, motor homes, Mercedes, or any other luxurious extravagance. For me, it has to do with paying bills and the living expenses necessary to provide for my wife (she deserves a lot more than I've ever been able to give her, and for the rest of my family as well---not to mention the expenses of preaching the gospel through radio, itinerant meetings, the written page, publication of books, newsletters, etc.

To find out more...

Simply Email a brief message to me at edwhughes@hotmail.com
Tell me you want to know more about this.
Be sure to include your complete mailing address and telephone (or cell phone) number

All I am going to do is send you a copy of one of the recent "Success from Home Business" Magazines, which includes a DVD, explaining the business opportunity. (It's really interesting, even if you have no desire to do anything else.)

After watching the DVD, if you still want to know more, contact me again and we'll go on from there.

Until then.. Be blessed!

In Christ,
Eddie Hughes

"The BLESSING of POVERTY..." Uhhh, What chapter and verse was that again???

2008-06-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

Truth is---you probably know this as well as I do---there is no such blessing. No, not even the proverbial 'blessing in disguise' ever manifests in the form of poverty---at least not as revealed in Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation; neither in the Bible reference pages, the margins, nor maps, can we find any hint to such an idea. The only place where we can 'learn' that poverty can be, and often is, a 'blessing from God' is in church Only not from the Bible.

How sad.

Here we go now... At least one reads thus far and determines with deep chagrin---"Oh no! Brother Eddie has turned out to be one of those 'prosperity, name it/claim it, hyper-faith, you can have what you say, superficial, financial gospel kind of preachers!"

Actually, I am NONE of those; and I am ALL of those. What do I mean?...

Someone asked me, back in the eighties, "Are you one of those 'hyper-faith' preachers?"

I said, "Yeah boy! I'm not only 'hyper-faith', I'm 'super-hyper-faith'! And to borrow from Lester Sumrall, I'm 'super-hyper-DUPER-faith!"

How can a man have too much, in the faith department? How could anyone really be too 'hyper' in his faith? "Without faith it is impossible to please [God]", the Scripture says (Heb. 11:6). Could we ever 'please God' too much? Would God ever rebuke a man in the form of such a question... "Are you one of those 'HYPER-PLEASING TO GOD' kind of preachers?

Let me make this clear... Nothing comes closer to nauseating me than to hear one of the famous, celebrity preachers preaching their 'seed-faith' message, bragging about their million dollar homes and their private jets---lying to people, saying, "You can have these same blessings if you'll plant your thousand dollar 'seed-offering' in this ministry today". Not that I have such a big problem with the concept of reaping what we sow, even in the financial realm. My problem is the fact that the 'seed-faith' concept seems only to work if you sow into that particular ministry---the ministry of the one who is preaching the message at the time. Have you ever heard a preacher make such a promise to you, if you will but give your 'seed' to your own church, pastor, or some other ministry? Actually I only know of one. There are without a doubt, more than that. But for years, on the "Voice of Triumph" and the "Back to the Word" daily radio broadcasts which were heard throughout the eastern United States, one preacher---the host of the program (yours truly :) )---offered his tapes and literature free of charge. And when I taught on 'giving and receiving', I challenged the radio audience to plant their 'seed-faith' offerings in their local church---to OTHER ministries---not to me.

I know this sounds like I'm bragging about 'sufferin for Jesus', but frankly, I would rather have the Lord's financial blessing in return for any generosity on my part, than all the 'seeds' people are out there just awaitin' to give. His return is always better and He is a whole lot more faithful. For years, my daily radio broadcast was heard in as many as ten states simultaneously, and the 'bill' was $4,000.00 per month (plus). The Lord supplied that cost faithfully, along with the cost of equipment, blank tapes, labels, postage and postage materials, etc. And I never had to ask anyone but Him for that.

No, I'm afraid I would never be known as a 'prosperity, faith teacher'. My text scriptures for my very first 'prosperity message', which I taught in 1982 was this...

"...and having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
--1 Timothy 6:8-12

Believe it or not, there was at least one 'strong-in-faith', 'uncompromised Word' (or so, she claimed), kind of person in that Sunday morning congregation, who later confided... "When I heard you reading your 'text scripture', and knowing the title of your message was 'Biblical prosperity', I almost got right up and left... I thought you were going to really get on my case for simply trusting in God for my finances".

She was later glad she didn't leave. But the sad truth of the matter is this... Far too many Christians are bound up with such a shallow 'faith' message, they never allow themselves to hear and understand the true message of faith, and how to successfully and victoriously 'fight the good fight of faith'. They never really 'lay hold on eternal life' and therefore never walk in all that 'life' has to offer. There is a vital part of the biblical 'faith message' that few want to hear, let alone meditate in, and come to a full, heart-felt knowledge of. It includes understanding those basics Paul was referring to, in his above quoted letter to Timothy---righteousness, godliness, love, patience, etc..., ALL of which are essential ingredients to that overcoming, mountain-moving kind of faith we so desire.

The young King Solomon was approached by God Almighty with this proposal...

"Ask! What shall I give you?" (2 Chronicles 1:7)

What a deal! God is prepared to give you WHATEVER you want. Just "ASK"!

What would you do?... What would I do?

Here's what Solomon did...

"And Solomon said to God: You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. Now, O Lord
God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
Now give me WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?"
--2 Chron. 1:8-10

What?

'Wisdom and Knowledge'?

What about that new house, car, jet, etc?

"Then God said to Solomon; Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life---but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have make you king---wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like."
--2 Chron. 1:11-12

Such is a prime example of the fruits of the "good fight of faith". We are not necessarily going to get the same deal, when we get down to details, however, our God is same faithful God as the God of Solomon---the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And He still responds to true faith in the same manner. He also still, does NOT respond favorably to the carnal desires of his people... As if God---the creator and owner of a thousand hills and a thousand cattle on those hills is not able to know, understand, and MEET your needs, when you are faithful to Him, cooperate with Him, and simply trust Him.

I have more to say, which I will post on my very next blog---a testimony of recent events involving God's wisdom and favor in showing me, my wife, and at least two of my children, a business method, through which my family needs as well as all the financial needs of my ministry is going to be met, to the glory of God. More on the next blog, but there are many realities of the gospel truth of God's provision that come to light, in the testimony of these recent events. So by all means...

Stay tuned :)

Local Preaching Itinerary...

2008-05-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to preach the Word on Father's Day, SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2008 at VICTORY COMMUNITY CHURCH in Reedsville, WV.

If you are unbound by previous commitments for that particular Sunday, allow me to extend to you a personal invitation to come and hear the word. Until then, may God's richest blessings overflow in your life, in Jesus' Name!

God's AMAZING PLAN for Sanctification

2008-05-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

It's called 'sanctification'... And It's called 'transformation'---referring to transformation that comes as a result of conforming no longer to this world, but yielding to the power of the gospel of 'Christ in you, the Hope of Glory', and conforming to the image of Christ. This 'sanctification' or transformation' of course, is the marvelous result of the believer, meditating in the message of the gospel, reckoning himself to be dead (crucified with Christ), yet alive, through the resurrection power of God, wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead, seating Him in heavenly places at His own right hand---far above principalities, powers, dominion, every name that is named, not-to-mention all spiritual wickedness in those 'high places'...

It (sanctification) is also referred to as a 'second' (or 'third') work of grace in the heart of the believer. And oftentimes it is defined as part and parcel of salvation.... It happens suddenly---or it happens gradually---as the believer more deeply readies himself to receive the fullness thereof.

However we ultimately define this supernatural work of God in the believer, one thing is certain---we need it. And with that in mind, it is most disturbing that we don't have it.

Some may say... Now, wait just a minute there, brother---speak for yourself. Oh, and I know there are doubtless many who have traveled much farther down the road of 'sanctification' than I. Though, I dare say there must be a much smaller number of those who have desired it to any greater degree. Getting there, is the where the challenge lies and a full understanding of just what it is, comprises the greatest part of that challenge. Looking it up in a good Bible Dictionary seemed to me to be a good place to start. And before I had spent an inordinate amount of time doing a 'word study', the plain and simple definition boiled down to 'made holy---set apart for use in the Kingdom of God'... 'Set apart' is a simple, two-word summary.

Now then, as we advance in our study of the word's usage in the Bible, we find it has yet a lot more depth to it.

Paul's prayer, for example, was simple yet obviously replete with some of that depth...

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you [set you apart] completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."

--I Thessalonians 5:23-24 NKJV

'He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it'... I like that. My becoming 'set apart', first of all in my spirit (all things have been made new, and all things are of God (2 Cor. 5:17-18)---and then secondly, in my soul and body (mind, will, emotions, actions, etc.)---is not only my new plan for living, but seems to have become the project of God Almighty for my Christian maturity. And knowing God is completely 'faithful', willing, and fully able to "do it", gives me plenty of additional assurance that there will be no failure here---this transformation will surely be accomplished, to the glory of God.

A little more on the seriousness of this concept...

Just prior to offering the ultimate sacrifice at Calvary's cross Jesus prayed earnestly, interceding for His disciples---all His disciples---including you and me. And it was not for financial prosperity, healing, or other blessings which would ultimately become included in the blessing of full salvation... It was not for wisdom, knowledge, a 'good education', etc.... It was for SANCTIFICATION. And again, not simply for spiritual sanctification that would be included in the free gift of salvation, but for that kind of sanctification of soul and body as well---that kind of sanctification that God Himself must be personally involved with, before it can be successfully accomplished. He prayed for you and for me, asking the Father to provide for us, that type of sanctification that should we NOT be taken out of the world (in the face of Tribulation), we would be able to face any onslaught of evil in full confidence of total victory until the end. Specifically, He prayed...

"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, just as I am not out of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth..."

--John 17:15-19 NKJV

Notice how many times Jesus, in this final and most relevant and powerful prayer, uses the term, "sanctify" (or some derivative thereof). How it boosts my faith, knowing that Jesus Himself would have never prayed a prayer outside the will of God and thus, would never have prayed a prayer that would go unanswered. As He said in another place "I know you always hear me" (John 11:42). This definitely confirms that which Paul proclaimed, that 'God is faithful, who also will do it'. God Almighty will become personally involved in your sanctification.

Secondly, the John 17 prayer tells us clearly, just how it will happen... God uses His uncompromised, infallible Word to set us apart and make us 'useful' for the Master's work. As is clearly pointed out in His Word many times... It is through meditating (not just studying) His word, that it becomes part of our very being. When we meditate in His Word we are changed (transformed) (sanctified). We are conformed into His image and to His glory. (James 1:21, 2 Cor. 3:18). As Jesus said, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17).

And then lastly...

In this same prayer, it is revealed just what specific change that 'sanctification' brings about, having such a profound effect on the world around us...

"...that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."
--John 17:21

Is it any wonder why the apostle Paul, as Jesus did; prayed so earnestly for this 'sanctification' that comes only through an inward knowledge and growth in the Word of God. Jesus said, 'that the world may believe that You sent Me'. In other words, the world will never know true awakening until the church walks in unity---as Paul brought out; not just unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:1-3), but unity of the faith (Eph. 4::11-13), which comes by collective submission to the 5 fold ministry gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers), growing up in the knowledge of the Word, the fullness of Christ; and not be 'tossed around anymore by every wind of doctrine' that comes our way, or becomes popular on the best-seller racks in the Christian bookstores.

Join with me and others who simply refuse to believe that God has not abandoned His 'faithfulness' and His power to accomplished this 'sanctification' in us has not been diminished; and believe with all your heart that He 'will do it' in you. Complete sanctification, that is, spirit, soul, and body, will become within us, through our union with Christ, a definite and glorious reality.

The Struggle for AN AWAKENING in America

2008-05-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Beginning in Daniel, Chapter 7, the prophet is given a vision of the coming Tribulation---the time referred to as the 70th week, and that period of time prior to the bodily return of Jesus which is divided into two subsequent 3 1/2 year periods, totaling 7 years. Interestingly, that same period of time, both in the book of Daniel and in Revelation is never referred to as a '7 year' period, but two '3 1/2 year' periods (totaling 7). This is indicative of a major prophetic event which takes place halfway into that 7 year period. What is that event? Is it the resurrection?... No.
Is it the rapture?... No. (Thus, I am eliminated from the so-called 'mid-Trib' rapture people).
The Scripture is clear, via several witnesses...
"And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days" (3 1/2 years) (Daniel 12:11)
"So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?' And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months (3 1/2 years)" (Revelation 13:4-5)
So from the introduction of the antichrist (in person) until that event spoken of by Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John (the 'abomination of desolation') there are 3 1/2 years.
The only other major prophetic events that take place during that first 3 1/2 year period is the great "falling away" (apostasy)---also described by Jesus as many being "offended" (Matthew 24:10), and the severe persecution which begins with the introduction of the antichrist, and worsens as he comes to full power, ultimately establishing his throne within the church system (the spiritual temple). This great 'offense' is caused, and also worsened by the reality of the persecution and great Tribulation which is underway by that time, and the fact that many believers are being killed for the gospel's sake (this could not happen if the rapture had already occurred).
Please note also, that the number which 'no man can number', who show up almost simultaneously in heaven, are not 'raptured'. They are 'slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held' (Rev. 6:9). This same multitude cry out for vengeance and judgment upon their slayers, who are still (at that time) dwelling 'on the earth'. God's answer to them may be a bit troubling to some, but it is exactly clear...
"it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be KILLED AS THEY WERE, was completed." (Rev. 6:11).
Up until the 'abomination of desolation' ('desolation' refers to the mass murder of thousands of believers--Rev. 13:7,15) the ONLY 'fast track' to heaven is NOT via the 'rapture express'---it is through persecution. The 'rapture' occurs shortly AFTER the 'abomination of desolation' and is described in the very next chapter... It is that righteous remnant, symbolized by the 144,000 (Rev. 7:4, 14:1)...
It is also that holy remnant of the church, symbolized by the 'Inner Court' and 'Holy of Holies' Christians whose character and spiritual maturity far surpass that of the carnal-minded majority of the church, living in and symbolized by the "Outer Court" which does not 'measure up' to the Standard, and for 3 1/2 years are 'trampled underfoot'. (Rev. 11:1-2)...
And it is also that holy and powerfully anointed remnant of the church, represented by the 'two witness' who boldly prophesy for 'one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth' (Rev. 11:3-12). Though at least a portion of these, represented by the two witnesses are ultimately 'slain' by the antichrist, I am convinced they also include those who are yet living at the time of the resurrection of the saints and are 'caught up' together with them, 'ascending to heaven in a cloud' as their enemies watch (Rev. 11:12).
Still, it is the 144,000 which most clearly represents the remnant who are 'raptured'. The previous descriptions of this group shows them preaching/prophesying on earth. The Revelation 14 description has them no longer on earth, but in heaven and is thus pictured...
"...they sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand WHO WERE REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH." (Rev. 14:3).
"Redeemed from the earth"---NOT 'redeemed from sin, sickness, poverty, etc.'---"Redeemed FROM THE EARTH". That can only mean one thing. They were delivered from this planet---raptured. And ONLY that 144,000 could sing the new song, because ONLY they were REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH.
I know many get hung up on the symbolism, insisting that these MUST be physical (as opposed to spiritual) Jews. [Actually, they are never referred to as "Jews" period... They are referred to as 'Israel'. And if we are going to be 'physical' here, then we must also acknowledge that these will all be men---single men, who have never been with a woman sexually---never been anything but faultless, etc. Let us get real, shall we? Spiritual Truth is certainly no less true than physical truth. And I use the word, 'physical' vs. 'literal' because Spiritual Truth is just as true (literally) as any other kind of truth. Truth is truth.

When Daniel began to see progressive visions of the things that would one day begin to happen to 'his people' (NOT physical Israel---spiritual Israel---God's people), he progressively got 'physically' sick about it.
First of all, he writes, "...my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart." (Daniel 7:28)
Then, following the next vision, he wrote, "... and I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king's business." (Daniel 8:27)
After the last and most vivid picture of horrific end-time events, through which the majority of the church will surely endure, he wrote, "...In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
He goes on to explain, "...because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength..." (Daniel 10:2-3, 7-21).
Thus, he describes his physical condition of near death, as clearly the result of seeing a vision of things that are to happen to that 'outer court', carnal, majority of Christians in these soon-coming last days.
All of this makes me wonder, and seek the Lord about the reason I'm apparently not as sick and troubled as Daniel was. Especially when I am reminded on occasion, that some of my friends and relatives are very much a part of that carnal, 'outer court' Christian, segment of the church who will suffer the very worst the Tribulation has to offer---and that without the remedy of a strong faith in God, to save and deliver from the associated trials.
May God quickly bring me to the end of my 'tolerance' level, the next time I hear a professing Christian bragging about their sinful escapades and using the foulest of language to do it.
God help us. Bring an awakening like this nation has never seen, I pray, in the Mighty Name of Jesus.

Another Update on Andrea's Mission Trip to Fiji/Samoa

2008-05-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

The team with whom our daughter Andrea is traveling is definitely in a situation where true faith in God, the One who sent them, is vital.

Please continue to be in agreement with us for their safety, but also for that type of strong anointing of the Holy Ghost which proves their vital connection to a living and powerful God, willing and able to be all He has promised to those who will believe.

What follows is the main segment of the forwarded message from Corrinn Jamir, YWAM, Pittsburgh Base...

______________________________

>> Subject: Update from the DTS team
>> Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 22:14:28 +0000
>>
>> Hello Everyone,
>>
>> I just heard from Lima today and he gave me a quick update on the DTS team in Fiji.
>>
>> They are doing well and everyone is healthy.
>>
>> Last Friday, they took a 4-hour bus ride and then a 17-hour boat ride to a remote island where they are currently doing ministry. Their travels went well. The team is still 16 hours ahead of Pittsburgh time, so they did not have to cross the International Date Line (sorry, Lima was mistaken).
>>
>> There are 12,000 people on the island where the team is. In the past week, the team has visited every home in 2 different villages to share the Gospel. There are many Hindus and Muslims on the island, and people have been responding to the Gospel message. Lima noted that 2 Muslim families received Jesus as their Savior. To God be the Glory! The team has been received well, and the pastor that is hosting the team is very happy with them. He said that the team is well prepared and organized in doing outreach.
>>
>> The team will be on this island until the 22nd. Please pray for good weather as the team continues to minister.
>>
>> Thank you very much for your prayers.
>>
>> God bless you all,
>>
>> Corrinn Jamir

Israel, The Church, and more 'End-time Prophecy stuff'

2008-05-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

There really is no reason to complicate plain and simple Biblical doctrine by assigning various name tags to various truths, i.e., "Replacement Theology", "Cessationalism", etc. Let me encourage you to read this brief article of mine, (from the archives)--- Back to the Word: Israel and the Church? ---and see if this 'plain and simple' discussion, using God's infallible Word alone, is not enough to at least offer a serious challenge to the 'Dispensational' view concerning Israel and end-time prophecy.
Let's do a real Bible study on the subject and see just how interesting and enlightening, a 'new-to-you' approach to an ancient truth can be. I dare you---in the spirit of love for God's Word---to not only read it, but submit (in the 'comments' section) your feedback and/or questions, rebuttals, etc.

Our Missionary Daughter, off to Fiji Islands

2008-04-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

Andrea leaves us tomorrow, headed for the Fiji Islands in the West Pacific. After about 18 hours of flying plus who knows how many hours of layover time, our tired but enthusiastic little girl ( with a very BIG GOD) should arrive once again in a foreign land, ready to preach and assist other preachers---delivering the message of eternal life to a people whom God has prepared to receive.
She is scheduled to be there a couple of months, finishing this phase of missionary training with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), Pittsburgh Base. After that? Only God knows, but when the time is right, we are trusting God will have both Andrea and her parents ready.
Please pray for Andrea, as her heart grows continually and more deeply in tune with the Holy Ghost and His holy calling.

Victory Community Church in Reedsville, WV...

2008-04-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, I felt led to help another brother who felt called into full time ministry as pastor, but though he had served in the past as an associate pastor, his contacts from those days were gone and he had nobody to help him as far as building a new, start-up church. That has been my calling and occupation since 1982 so I offered to set up his charter, articles & by-laws, etc., and showed him how to file the necessary papers. I provided his sound equipment initially and led his church in praise/worship...

I am not writing this to draw attention to anything I did. I gladly did it and did not charge anything, knowing that God repays and I figured the day would soon come when I would be getting a church started here and anything I gave this brother would be a seed planted in the work God was preparing for me. That is simply how God works, and I discussed it many times with the pastor of that new little church. Some of the conversations we had were helpful to him but many were not. Sometimes men have their own ideas how things should work and choose to learn the hard way that they just don't work that way.

Without going into detail as to why---this brother's choices to do things his way led to the failure of his church. In the last few months of his church, and during the time it was going 'out of business', I had reluctantly given up on the idea of being able to help, so we thought the time was right to go ahead and start the new church we had been [not too] patiently waiting to start.

We had already tried once in Morgantown, but decided the timing was wrong; and part of me (the part I should have been listening to) was trying to tell me again... 'It's still not right'---not only the timing, but the place. The most revealing sign that we were still missing it, concerning God's timing, was just about to come to light...

It was but a couple of weeks after we had purchased a new sound system (to replace the one I had given away) and had begun holding worship services; I decided to pay a visit to the V.A. Hospital/Clinic in Clarksburg and was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. That was in the beginning of August, 2007. I had a tumor as large as a grapefruit which was later determined to be inoperable. The rest of that is history, recorded in various health 'updates' throughout the recent 'blogs' dating back as far as November.

Our church had not had time to do any growing so I knew I could not afford to devote time, energy, finances etc., to anything other than this new challenge and my family's well being. We thus, began our quest once again for a church in which we could not only sit and be fed ourselves, but fill a vital role in helping the pastor and the church to grow. After visiting many churches (some of them, many times) the Lord has finally led us to one, I believe we can be a part of...
Victory Community Church, in Reedsville, WV.

James Sabin is cut out of the same preacher mold I was. To some, that may not be a good thing, but I cannot say it any other way. He is a Word Man---A God-taught man. That does not mean he has not submitted to others in his life for learning and spiritual growth/development. But it does mean that he does not allow his doctrinal viewpoints to change with 'whatever is popular'---he is not moved by 'every wind of doctrine'. He changes only as God reveals the meaning of His Word in deeper stages. His desires---his vision for the church becoming more of a Spirit-led, than a purpose-driven church are the same as mine.

A few days ago, he came by the house to visit by appointment, just to 'go over some things about the church and answer any questions we may have'. We initially set the appointment for 7PM but moved it up to 6PM as he needed to be home early, in order to pack for an upcoming trip to a conference. He showed up right on schedule. And as we began to get acquainted, we got into one of those extremely enjoyable (in my opinion) conversations about everything in God's global church, not to mention just about every Chapter of the Bible.

As 12 Midnight approached, he was about ready to go, so we enjoyed 15 or 20 minutes of prayer, most of which was 'in the spirit' and reluctantly we let our 'meeting' come to an end. Wow! There are only about 2 or 3 others, with whom we enjoy fellowship like that.

I know that I know that I know---God has good things in store for Victory Community Church and for our relationship there.
If you happen to be local and looking for a church... Get yourself out there! They meet Sundays at 10:00 AM at the Vol. Fire Hall, on Route 7 in Reedsville. Can't miss it... Well, you can---but you shouldn't.

Healing Update... The GREATEST REPORT YET !!!

2008-04-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Got a great report today concerning my health situation. I read it and re-read and it still thrills me as it did the first time I read it. You see it's a copy of an old report. And I wish I could remember it verbatim so I could quote it to you, as I don't have it sitting right in front of me. But as my memory serves me, it goes something like this...

A rather unusual procedure was performed to remove this malignancy once and for all. It hasn't been totally removed yet but as His 'resident assistants' continue to apply the associated treatments, the cancer is losing its dangerous and deadly effects and will continue to do so until any remnant of the tumor has been rendered harmless.

This radical procedure is not surgery, as we have previously announced in our updates, surgery is not an option. It is, however, actually more effective than surgery could have been, considering the limited surgical skills in removing this type of tumor---and considering this particular Physician's success rate with every single procedure he has ever performed, believe it or not...

He's awesome! So much so, they call him 'The Great Physician'.

Anyway, back to the report...

I wish I could have him talk to you about this, himself, as he did to me... He's much better at making it clear and understandable, in layman's terms. That might be arranged, by the way---let me know if you would be available for a personal, one-on-one session with him and if you don't know him already, I might be able to introduce you.

His official report goes something like this:

He (the Physician himself) somehow, was personally wounded on behalf of my wrong attitudes and actions (he told me he had to get to the root of the cancer or any other disease). Then he subjected himself to the deepest and most deadly forms of hematoma, somehow connecting those to my wrongful attitudes which, contrary to what many believe, directly affected my physical body in every area, becoming the source of every form of malady and disease... His procedure, however, reversed that terrible effect and brought healing to those areas, even though it left wicked looking scars on him, resembling 'stripes' and bruises.

According to the official, summary statement of his report... I have been cured. I believe that report.

By the way... I found (and believe) a similar report about your situation.

If I have totally confused you by now, take a good, long, meditating look at ISAIAH 53: verses 1 and 5.

[ Follow-up NOTE: ] In light of at least one response to the above and possibly the 'lack' of response as well, I am moved to make it a little more clear, that the "Great Physician" I wrote about is NOT my cancer doctor (literally speaking). The "Great Physician" represents the Lord Jesus Christ. He was the one who was 'wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, [suffered deep "hematoma" for my sins, wrong attitudes, actions, etc.); and it was by His stripes we are healed'.
And Isaiah's prophetic account of this awesome event is none other than "the report" I have 'read and re-read'---it is that 'report' I believe and put my full trust in (Isaiah 53:1-5). And lest my earthly doctor awaken some morning with CNN, FOX, National Enquirer, etc., along with a multitude of reporters and camera men (however unlikely that is), I thought it wise to clarify.

The Spirit of Antichrist at Work... Producing an 'OBAMA-NATION'

2008-04-16T03:17:00.000-07:00

It tears at my heart just a little more, every time I listen to, or read the words of one Barak Obama, as he persists in referring to himself as a "devout Christian" and furthers his campaign, not merely for the office of president, but as the champion of so called 'gay rights', same-sex marriages, abortion 'rights', etc.---when he continues propagating the lie that Jesus would be on his side, in those things.

What is so absolutely nauseating about this is the fact that his endeavors are only as effective as they are, because there are so many Christians who are so ignorant of the Word, they have become duped by the senator's fancy words and have unwittingly become soldiers in an army spawned in hell and empowered by the very spirit of antichrist. And no, I am not saying Obama is THE antichrist; but as the scripture says, even in the days of the early church, there were (and are) "many antichrists" in the world (1 John 2:18). But, as the number of those whose message is 'antichrist' in nature increases, the number of Christians who can, or are willing to, recognize agents of the same, is decreasing at an alarming speed.

So many Christians know just enough of the Word to make themselves vulnerable targets of the enemy---prey to the 'beasts of the field' (Ezekiel 34:5). Ezekiel, Chapter 34, along with Jeremiah, Chapter 23 and several others, too numerous to reference at this point; make clear the main reason for that vulnerability---that lack of knowledge, through which God's people are 'destroyed' (Hosea 4:6)... That reason is the failure of pastors (shepherds) to 'feed the flock'. And in spite of the fact that God's Word emphasizes over and over again the necessity of it, and our responsibility to be obedient and do it, we have become involved with everything BUT feeding the church with the uncompromising, infallible Word---thus producing mega-churches, full of thousands of weak, compromising, and VERY fallible Christians, who will believe the likes of Barak Obama, as he convinces them that his social agenda and the mission of Jesus Christ are one and the same. So guess where thousands of votes will be coming from?

How ironic it seems, that one of the leading (and largest) churches in the 'emerging church', 'seeker-friendly' movement, Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, provided one of Obama's biggest crowds to whom he could speak and present his ungodly, antichrist ideas concerning homosexual 'rights'. It makes me wonder just what 'purpose' is driving this 'purpose driven' church and others like it, who are all too 'tolerant' of Obama and his phony Christianity. [Read Obama's letter concerning this event]

Well, really now, Brother... Aren't you a little too 'intolerant'?... Would Jesus have that kind of attitude, just because someone presents 'the gospel' in different terms than you would?...

I'm glad you asked... Just what then, would be a godly, biblical response should the likes of Barak Obama desire to present his 'agenda' to my church?...

"As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed."
--Galatians 1:6

The apostle John put it even more clearly...

"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;
for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
--2 John 9-11

I suppose I could write pages, defining "the doctrine of Christ"... But for the sake of brevity, let me just say, Jesus taught that His 'doctrine' simply means believing in Him (John 6:29, John 7:16-18)---not believing 'about' Him, but believing in Him for who He is... He was not just another good man who taught certain principles by which, to live. He was not one of many ways to God as Obama and his 'progressive, emerging church' crowd believes... He was (and is) the Way, the Truth, and the Life; and the ONLY way to the Father. 'Believing in Him' means forsaking all others. Only one can be 'Lord'.

Jesus Christ is Lord. And to suggest that salvation can possibly come through any other name is heresy---blasphemy. And such an idea or suggestion should not be welcome in any house, especially in the house of God.

As I have already pointed out, it breaks my heart to hear the comments of more and more of my Christian friends, relatives, etc., who are falling prey to the articulate-but-deadly rhetoric of Obama and other politicians who have found the ignorance of the church to be their means to power. And though I do not suggest that Obama is THE antichrist, I would submit that when that wicked one is ultimately revealed, he will be one who has taken his stand in God's Temple (2 Thessalonians 2:4)... But the 'Temple' is not a building, yet to be built some day in Jerusalem. It is the 'House' of God---His dwelling place. And just like Stephen (Acts 7:48-59), Paul (Acts 17:24), as well as other apostles and church leaders made the Devil mad and triggered intense persecution when they presented this fact in their preaching; so it will be in these last days as more and more preachers begin to realize that the 'Temple' in which THE Antichrist will present himself as 'God' is none other than the 'church of the Firstborn', the True House of God, Heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22,23)---the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ. And due to the vast numbers of spiritually immature and scripturally unlearned members in this great and godly house, the stage will be set for the greatest, most tragic 'abomination' of history---the 'desolation' of the House of God.

Don't think it won't happen. The 'Day of the Lord' will not be a party day. And sadly, the church will not be ready for it. Thus the warning of the prophets... "Woe unto them who are at ease in Zion" when that day comes. There is nothing we can do about it. The prophets of old warned us... Jesus warned us (Matthew 24)... Paul and Peter, James and Jude warned us.... John, in the Book of Revelation warned us... And Eddie Hughes (along with a few others) are warning the saints today.

Even though we cannot stop what Jesus Himself said would happen in the last days---"evil men will grow worse and worse" and the great multitudes we see in heaven, through John's 'revelation'---those who will come out of 'great tribulation'---will not arrive there via the rapture. There will be another, more widespread and less enjoyable means of travel to that final destination, summarized in Revelation 6:9... But I digress.

Victory in Jesus will surely be manifest, but that victory will be on an individual believer basis, instead of a church-wide basis, until that glorious moment when Jesus appears in all His glory.

The bottom line?... Get back to the Word. Go after wisdom---God's wisdom---and don't be deceived by the many deceivers out there, competing for your soul as well as your vote.

In Christ,
Eddie Hughes

Feedback and comments welcome.

The Doctor Says... "Your Prayers are Working"

2008-04-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

It wasn't even the main Oncologist, Dr. Auber, who is in charge of my case and with whom we have a good talking relationship... It was a resident assistant whom we had never met, who came into the consultation room today with results from Thursdays PET/CT Scan. After introducing himself and telling us he was assisting Dr. Auber today, etc., he said, "I understand you have been praying... I just want to tell you to keep it up because it is working."

He then read the results from the PET Scan, which are as follows (in layman's terms)...

1. Since the last Scan (February) there has been additional shrinkage of the tumor. As I reported in my 'Healing Update' (posted Feb. 28) the tumor had shrunk from its largest measurement of 13 cm (in November) to 9 cm. Today's report said this: "the tumor mass... continues to improve in size... now measuring about 4.2 X 3.5 cm in axial diameter as opposed to prior measurement of about 6.5 X 9 cm" (in Feb.).

2. The former PET Scans revealed live cancer cells in the lymph nodes located in the immediate area of the tumor. Today's report says... "persistent significant stranding around the mass has actually improved since the most recent scan and no focal lymph nodes are now seen" which basically means all cancer which had previously extended into surrounding tissue and lymph nodes is gone.

3. When surgery to remove the tumor was unsuccessfully attempted in January, it was confirmed by the surgeon that the tumor was attached to (not just pressing against) the bladder wall. Both the surgeon and the attending urologist also confirmed that had they been able to remove the tumor, the bladder would also have to be removed. Today's report says this... "The hypermetabolic portion of the mass is now also free from the superior bladder wall".

After the assisting doctor finished giving us the above results, Dr. Auber came in and offered his "congratulations". He also said, as he did before, that this is very highly unusual. For the shrinking to continue past 6 or 7 weeks after radiation treatment is unlikely in any case... It has now been 6 months and the shrinking continues. He said they know it is not due to radiation, and medically speaking there is no reason for it... It must be God's miracle in progress.

He said to tell everyone to keep praying and to focus on CEA levels (tumor markers) which have been way down but have recently risen a few tenths of a point. If this were to continue and become a consistent trend, it would indicate an "awakening" of the tumor and the increased possibility of spreading. Aren't we glad that Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. His Love and Power---His character and His mercy never changes. And His Word is forever settled in heaven.

Once again... "Thanks be unto God, who ALWAYS causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest, the savor of His knowledge, by us in every place."
--2 Cor. 2:14

"The Life Surrendered"... An awesome book by a Morgantown author

2008-04-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

This book, "The Life Surrendered" by Jad Jabbour should be required reading in every Christian School. I HIGHLY recommend it for every young person and parents as well.

Read my complete review on Amazon.com.

A Recent Attempt at Some Therapy

2008-04-06T02:59:00.000-07:00

I recently decided to treat myself to some scriptural 'therapy'. I know it's scriptural, even as the apostle Peter, after some very trying and stressful events in his life announced... "I GO A FISHING" (John 21:3). Actually, I think that makes a pretty good caption for this picture, taken last Monday at South Mill Point Lake, Petersburg, WV. The 'therapeutic' session would have been even more effective had I caught something---I mean, they had just stocked three days before... What's the deal? Oh well, it was good for me anyway. In spite of my somewhat intense look, I was having fun.

There was no trout for supper that night, but on the way home, at this little Dairy Queen in 'downtown' Petersburg, Joie seemed quite happy with nothing more than a hot dog and an ice cream cone (she's so wonderfully easy to please). I hadn't fully recovered from my bounty-less trip but I was on the way, thanks to my 'rejoice evermore' wife and her loving reminders to me to do the same.

How About 'Calling Those Things That Be... Just Like They Be ???

2008-04-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

"(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."
--Romans 4:17 KJV

It usually never fails, if I voice my faith to certain friends or acquaintances, concerning healing or righteousness, etc... My friend will respond with something like, "Yeah, that's right, Brother; we have to be like Abraham and 'Call those things that be not', as though they are".

I don't presume to correct them there on the spot. That would be rude and non-productive. And actually, I used to believe the same thing. I heard it preached by some of my favorite preachers and never bothered to take a serious look at the Scripture from which they were basing their preaching. It doesn't take long, however, when one looks carefully at Romans, Chapter 4, to realize---perhaps we've had it wrong.

In the first place, the Bible does NOT say, "Abraham was strong in faith, calling those things which be not, as though they are".

It says he believed GOD, "who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were" (Romans 4:17 NIV). Or, as the 'New King James Version' puts it, [God] "calls those things which do not exist as though they did". Abraham's faith was in God---not in a formula. God is the One who speaks that which does not exist, into the reality of existence. It is up to us to rest fully in what He has said. Even when we cannot see that reality with our natural eyes, it doesn't make it any less real.

When I testify to the fact that I am 'righteous', for example, I am NOT calling that which is NOT as though it is... I am calling that which IS, just like it is. God is the only one who could speak such a blessing into reality, (while I was yet a sinner). And it is incumbent upon me to believe Him (Who calls those things which are not, as though they are). Jesus, Who knew no sin, was made to be sin, that I could be made the 'righteousness of God, in Christ' (2 Cor. 5:21). That 'righteousness' is a blessed reality.

My healing is a reality as well... 'By His stripes I am (have been) healed' (1 Peter 2:24). It's a done deal! And when I say to my friends, "I am healed of cancer" (or any other malady), I am NOT 'calling those things which be not' as though they are... I am calling those things that ARE---just like they are! This is not to deny the reality of the existence of a particular sickness in my body, at that particular time. It is, however, to deny its right to be there and remain in my body; and to voice my faith, in agreement with the Word of God, that Jesus, 'Himself, took my infirmities and bare my sicknesses' on Calvary's cross (Matthew 8:17).

It's to express my faith in that current reality.

We need to remember... We are on the other side of the cross from where Abraham stood. His faith was indeed, awesome. It was because of his faith, God counted him righteous. But his faith was also looking ahead to something that had not yet become a reality---something that had not actually happened yet. Our faith, on the other hand, is looking back to that which is done---that which is a most definite reality. Your salvation, which includes your righteousness before God, your healing, your freedom and deliverance in Christ, your authority, and EVERY spiritual blessing in heavenly places is a DONE DEAL!...

That's the reason you are so happy and joyful all the time, right? (Now, I just might be 'calling those things which be not, as though they are'). Oh well... I didn't say there's no place for it at all :)

Hey... It's up to you... Make that joyfulness a reality!

NATURE'S DESIGNS

2008-03-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

If you or anyone you know might be interested in personally handcrafted, rustic style furniture; made from hand picked pieces of quality hard woods from the Shenandoah Valley, you need to contact my brother, Jim. His website is now up and running, and you can 'click' on the caption underneath the photo and go there; or you can contact him by Email, telephone, or postal mail..

Nature's Designs
Contact information:

Jim Hughes, 2028 S. Loudoun St., Winchester, VA 22601

Telephone: 540-662-6060 Fax: 540-662-0075

Email: Jimwh1@shentel.net

Keeping FAITH and WORKS in Perspective

2008-03-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

I was reading an approximately one-year-old article by Alan Keyes today, criticizing the words and lack of 'thoughtfulness' of President Bush shortly after the President had made a statement saying people of all religions 'pray to the same God'. And though I have been a strong supporter of George W. Bush, I remember being disappointed and embarrassed when I heard him say that, as well as some of the other similar statements he has made. I believe the President's testimony of his personal faith in Jesus Christ, and knowing that true Christians do not believe such things, I have always assumed that such statements of his were politically motivated---that in reality, he knows better. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, the Life, and is the ONLY Mediator between God and man; the ONLY way to the Father is through Jesus... Christians know that. Even the sinner, praying his first prayer of repentance, seeking salvation, MUST come to the Father through faith in Jesus Christ His Son, or his prayer is not heard.

Getting back to the article by Alan Keyes... I remember the many times I have wished and prayed that his popularity during his former campaigns for the office of President would grow enough to earn him the votes needed. Other than Ronald Reagan, no other candidate have I more desired to see elected, than Mr. Keyes. In years gone by, I have read many of his publications, articles, political statements, and segments of his Christian testimony; so as to develop a deep respect for him. I was rather disappointed today, however---not in his article about the President, but in the very next archived article of his, I subsequently read...

This one concerned 'Mother' Teresa, and was entitled: "Teresa's agony: A Meditation on Walking by Faith" by Alan Keyes, dated September 3, 2007.

I consider it rather ironic, that immediately after reading Mr. Keyes' article on the President's lack of 'thoughtfulness' manifest in his statement that people of all religions pray to the same God; I was moved to search for, and read some of his archived articles, and the very first one I came to was this article about M. Teresa. I will explain, in the next few paragraphs, the reason I consider it 'ironic'...

In brief summary of the article, Keyes makes reference to a Times Magazine piece which mentioned the fact that Teresa often bemoaned her inner feelings of separation from the Lord---the sense of "being without God"---that condition Christians normally refer to as being "lost". Keyes maintains that this 'travail' normally associated with the inward knowledge of pending 'damnation', indicated something entirely different in the case of M. Teresa. He makes, in my opinion, a completely vain attempt at drawing a parallel between Teresa's inward travail and that of Christ Jesus on the cross of Calvary---made known in His cry, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?".

"It is as if these words" Keyes goes on to say, "are written above the gateway of a spiritual wilderness through which Teresa wandered in her heart, even as in her body she walked ever more faithfully in the footsteps of our Lord."

Here's the irony...

Alan Keyes obviously knows, as does any Christian, that only those who believe in Jesus---those who have 'received' Him (John 1:12)---have the right to be called 'children' of God; and have audience with Him in prayer. Yet, he tries to change Teresa's lack of that essential relationship with the Father, through Christ---a relationship she, in her own words, denied having---into the equivalent of the sufferings of Christ. Teresa's works, though noble and more self-sacrificial than any I can even imagine myself doing, could never earn her way to heaven... Every true Christian knows that.

Her works and her devotion to the poor and suffering in this world, though noble and 'notable', however, were NOT "in the footsteps of our Lord" as Mr. Keyes maintains. Contrary to much popular misconception, Jesus did not spend the three years of His earthly ministry, feeding the financially poor and poverty-stricken. Actually, there is not a single case of that type of 'social welfare' ministry recorded in the gospels. And before the question even arises, concerning His feeding the 5000, on one occasion, 4000 on another---in neither case were these crowds composed of the 'poor and poverty-stricken'. The crowds of people Jesus miraculously fed had followed Him far from their homes, hearing His words, observing His miracles, etc., to the point they were all hungry. And rather than sending them home hungry, he multiplied the lunch of one young boy and miraculously fed them all. The ministry of Jesus, however, was not about meeting the physical needs of the people; it was about providing for their spiritual poverty and lack... It was about preaching the gospel... It was about converting the sinner, giving them eternal life.

When 'Mother' Teresa was asked if she ever converted people, rather than just helping them physically, medically, emotionally, etc., she replied, "Of course I convert. I convert you to be a better Hindu or a better Muslim or a better Protestant. Once you've found God, it's up to you to decide how to worship him."

Are these the 'footsteps of Jesus'? Can any true Christian ever even imagine Jesus wanting to help someone to be a better Hindu, or a better Muslim? I am not Teresa's judge; nor do I have the slightest bit of satisfaction in the thought that Teresa's eternal fate is the same as anyone else who has only his or her own works, on which to rely, for salvation.

Neither myself, nor Alan Keyes, nor any other Christian, has the right to ignore the cries of a person's heart that stem from their inward knowledge of their own lost condition. We certainly have no business equating it with the suffering of Jesus and the 'travail of His soul'. Our one duty and obligation before God Almighty is to offer that person the gospel of free salvation through faith alone in the finished work of redemption by our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have no way of knowing if anyone ever took Teresa down off the 'good works pedestal' long enough to expound the Truth to her and successfully offer her the only answer to the consistent darkness that plagued her soul. I only know of the lack of testimony to that in her own words, even up until the end of her life. And I know that Mr. Alan Keyes, as much as I respect him, has no business criticizing the President for his carnal, politically motivated, theologically erroneous statement; just to turn around and exalt 'Mother' Teresa's life and works as an example to be followed in order to gain favor with God. When Jesus was asked what works we can do [to please God], He replied...

"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent"
--John 6:29

Our 'good works' can only be the fruit of that faith and our relationship with the Lord Jesus. Faith comes first---obedience and good works are the following results. And there are many servants of the Lord and ministers of the gospel in the world today and in years gone by, who are much better examples of that, than one who never enjoyed the 'peace that passes all understanding'---that peace with God that accompanies true salvation.

Watching Out for those 'APOSTLES'

2008-03-21T01:59:00.000-07:00

Back in 1982, when I moved from Virginia Beach, VA, to Parkersburg, WV and planted the first church of my ministerial career; things seemed a little easier. Oh, it was definitely a step of faith... Some would even consider it 'daring'. But when the Lord Jesus, the 'Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls' is in charge, it makes for a tremendously exciting, fulfilling, and thrilling ride, to say the least. One thing that was 'easier' was the fact that your potential congregation members listened to your message and observed the fruit thereof, to determine what their support and participation levels would be. They did not have to place any 'blind trust' in a man, but they seemed to have enough basic knowledge of the Word to be able to determine whether they could afford to place true confidence in the Holy Spirit, working through the man.

Though they may have never seen it done exactly this way, they somehow knew this was the way it's supposed to work. And as they learned more of the Scripture, they could see this was the way God had worked since the beginning... He put His Spirit on a man to do a specific work, 'sent' the man to the place and the people where He wanted that work to be done, and 'confirmed' His Word and His calling with 'signs following'. He did it that way with Moses (Exodus 3:10-12)... He did it that way with Jesus (Luke 4:18, Acts 10:38)... He did it that way with the apostles of the early church (Mark 16:15-20, Acts 13:2-5)... And He does it that way today---except where envy and vain religious tradition prevail and hinder His plan.

Today it seems that neither the fruit of a ministry, the message of the minister (and it's source), nor even the supernatural, heaven-sent signs of confirmation are enough to determine that ministry's validity... The question now, is, "Who is your covering?". What famous minister or organization endorses you? Or sometimes---"What NON-famous (but official-sounding) organization or ministry endorses you?... What kind of 'degree' do you have, etc., etc.

This is a major problem and it has robbed the church, not-to-mention the multitude of individual church members, of the manifested presence and power of the true Head of the church and the ONLY Scriptural 'covering' of any man (or ministry)---the Lord Jesus Christ.

A few years ago, I wrote and published a little book entitled, "APOSTOLIC COVERING?", which I believe, thoroughly addresses this problem...

If you would like a copy of the book, drop me an offering in the mail (enough to cover costs and to show me you're interested enough to actually read it) :) and I will send it to you via First Class Mail. My mailing address is:
Eddie Hughes, PO Box 794, Morgantown, WV 26507

Proper training, experience, mentorship, etc., without question, have their place and are essential in the developmental stages of a pastor, evangelist, Bible teacher, and so on. But the idea that a man or woman can never reach the point where he or she can be trusted in ministry without a continuous 'covering'---a mentor, or especially one who calls himself an 'apostle' is preposterous. I am in my fifties, for example, and the mentors God placed in my life have all reached their final reward. Is it reasonable that I should seek out a new 'mentor'? It is not only unreasonable---it is impossible.

The current 'apostolic movement' has all but destroyed the ability of God-called, God-equipped, Holy Spirit led ministries to flourish. What happens all too often is this...

A relatively new, but growing church or ministry is approached by 'apostle' so-and-so and is delivered the sales pitch... "Every pastor needs a pastor... You cannot have any authority unless you are 'under' authority, etc." A scripture verse is taken out of context and thrown in occasionally to support their pitch and then the 'credentials'---the 'signs of their apostleship' are laid on you. These 'signs' usually comprise a list of other small churches over whom this 'apostle' presides and a signature or two of some better known, senior 'apostles' within their particular hierarchical system. And all that is required of you, once you have signed up with this 'apostle' is a certain monthly or quarterly payment of some agreed upon amount (usually a tithe or tenth of the church income), and viola... You have your official 'covering'!

How sad! How ridiculous! Can you imagine the apostle Paul approaching a church in which he had no investment of his time, his labor, his blood, sweat, and tears---selling his name and reputation for a 'covering' to supposedly help that church grow? In the first place, though Paul 'magnified his office' of apostle and gladly served the Lord in that calling; he did not consider himself to be the apostle of any particular church he, himself, did not plant. And in every church he planted, he also served at some point, as pastor, teacher, evangelist---as well as greeter, janitor, 'chief cook & bottle-washer', etc. The 'signs' of his apostleship was not some list of churches who blindly considered him as their 'apostle', nor did they include the purchased endorsement of some nationally known ministry... The 'signs' of his apostleship, at least in part are listed in his first letter to the Corinthian church (which he planted) as the following...

We are 'fools' for Christ; We are 'weak'; While you are honored, we are 'despised'...
We are 'hungry', 'thirsty', 'naked', 'beaten'... We 'have no certain dwelling place'... We 'labor to exhaustion'... 'Men curse us', 'persecute us'... We are made as the 'filth of the world', the 'offscouring of all things' (1 Cor. 4:10-13).

May God Almighty deliver His people (including His pastors) from the extortioners---those who are in this wonderful profession for personal financial gain or reputation---the phonies, the thieves---those who despise the idea of 'suffering with Christ'; who could never experience the joy of displaying the true credentials of Christ's calling---the 'stripes', the 'scars', the 'bruises'; but would instead have you in awe over their jets, their mansions, and their celebrity status.

Good Confirmation of this 'Blog' Ministry... ALL THE WAY FROM SINGAPORE

2008-03-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

'Richard' from Singapore left a complimentary comment on one of my articles. When I visited his blog, http://www.richtheman.blogspot.com I found the following additional comments at the top of his opening page...

QUOTE BEGINS...

TUESDAY, MARCH 04, 2008

http://backtotheword.blogspot.com/
i came across this blog.. and.. its like.. a little treasure chest of insight :)

"It was obviously important to the Holy Spirit that the church be taught concerning His gifts. And may I say, I am not referring to some kind of substitute 'gifts' that are not listed in the rest of that chapter (or anywhere else in the Bible). It's appalling to me how certain 'Bible teachers' have added 'gifts' to the Bible, and fail to even mention the gifts of the Spirit expounded on in three chapters by the apostle Paul. Sometimes just a word or two is changed, but in so doing, the true definition is totally distorted... For example... There is no such gift as "spiritual discernment". The correct terminology is "discerning of spirits" and there is a big difference in how the two would be defined. There is no gift listed, such as the 'gift of wisdom' or the 'gift of knowledge'... It's the "word of wisdom" or the "word of knowledge". Again, there's a big difference."

i've never realised that i've been asking for the wrong things all the while... the gift of wisdom and gift of knowledge... i tried searching this on biblegateway.com and i really couldn't find and gift of wisom or gift of knowledge...
thanks once again Hugh!
posted by God bless and guard those who love him @ 7:56 AM 0 comments

END OF QUOTE

... I thought that was real nice, and I am thanking God for sending my articles to the far reaches of the world, i.e., Singapore.

A Deeper Look at His 'Passion'

2008-03-18T04:57:00.000-07:00

"... to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs..."

--Acts 1:3

The only place in the King James Bible where the word "passion" is used, it translates the Greek word, "pentho", which is defined as an 'extremely painful experience'. Most translations, i.e., the "New King James Version" use the word 'suffering' instead of 'passion'. Luke, the writer of the Book of "Acts", as inspired by the Holy Spirit, found it necessary to refer to the suffering of Jesus (not merely His death) as the event that lends proof to the resurrection. In other words, the 'many infallible proofs', such as the fact that He was seen by over 500 on one occasion (1 Cor. 15:6); He ate with His disciples; the scars of His wounded hands and side were physically touched, etc., would not have been proof had He not really died. And it was more than the cessation of vital signs, or even the appearance of blood and water from His spear-pierced side that proved to the witnesses of His crucifixion that He was truly dead... It was the incredible suffering that no human could possibly survive.

This indescribable suffering was what made a believer out of the Roman Centurion (Luke 23:47). It was pain that could only be inflicted by God Himself (Isaiah 53:4,10), as He punished His only begotten Son in your place, and mine---a punishment so terrible, it disfigured His physical appearance 'more than any man' (Isaiah 52:14) and the witnesses turned their faces from Him. They turned their faces from Him, though, refusing to look at His suffering, before it had gotten to the really bad part... God, the Father, in His love for His Son and in respect for His willingness to endure such an experience, obscured the worst part of this terrible scene by darkening 'all the earth' for three hours (Luke 23:44)... This was no thunder storm, solar eclipse, or any other such natural occurrence---'all the earth' was darkened. Only the sounds of Jesus' painful cries pierced the darkness... "My God, My God.. Why have You forsaken me?"

Today, people (even Christians) turn their faces from the sufferings of Jesus and refuse to see and understand the incredible price, paid for their salvation. A severe lack of understanding was evidenced in the popularity of Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion" and its portrayal of the mental and emotional suffering of Jesus. The movie opens with Jesus in Gethsemane, praying in agony, sweating blood, over the anticipation of that which men were about to inflict upon Him. May I submit, however, that nothing any man or group of men could do, in the way of torture or physical abuse (or the anticipation thereof) could have caused Jesus Christ to fear, tremble, and sweat blood. Real men have laughed in the face of worse, and no one can convince me that Jesus was not a 'real man'.

The 'cup' He so agonized over---the 'cup of suffering and death' of which He was about to drink, had absolutely nothing to do with what any man was going to accomplish by acting out the human part of His painful experience... As bad as it was---and I do not make light of it---it did not compare with the wrath you and I deserved, which Jesus willingly suffered for us. The suffering of Jesus---the suffering, that is, of His soul---that which would ultimately so disfigure His appearance as He hung on the cross, began days before Calvary, as described in the Gospel of John...

"Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.

Father, glorify Your name...

Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

--John 12:27-28, 31-33

That which troubled the very 'soul' of Jesus did not have to do with the pending punishment of men, but it had to do with the fact that He was about to be joined with the sinful state of mankind and for the first and only time in eternity, be literally 'cut off' from the Father---forsaken by Him---and suffer the outpouring of His wrath on the sinfulness of man. When He said, "If I am lifted up from the earth", He was NOT referring to being 'lifted up' in praise, as many today have thought... He was referring to being 'lifted up' on the cross. And as He explained to Nicodemus (John 3:14-15), if salvation was to be made available to believers, He must be 'lifted up' as 'the serpent', as prophetically indicated by God's instructions to Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21). The 'suffering' that bought our salvation was not physical, it was spiritual...

"He shall see the labor ['travail' - KJV] of His SOUL, and be satisfied. By His knowledge 'My righteous Servant shall justify many, FOR HE SHALL BEAR THEIR INIQUITIES"

--Isaiah 53:11

The suffering 'of His Soul' (not body) was brought about by the fact that 'He bore our iniquities'. Paul, in the New Testament, says it this way...

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him"

--2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus, who 'knew no sin'---never committed any act of sin or disobedience to the Father---as He was 'lifted up' on the cross, drew all of mankind to Himself, becoming one with our sin. And as He became 'the serpent' (the symbol of sin--not Satan)---as He became one with the sinfulness of mankind---He began for the only time in eternity to suffer separation from His Father, and receive the most severe outpouring of wrath that would ever take place---that which you and I deserved.

It is this Biblical portrayal of His 'passion', not the Hollywood version, we need to turn back to, praying earnestly for vision and understanding of the awesome price, paid for such a wonderful salvation. The greatest revival---the greatest outpouring of the Spirit and grace of God---happened on and following the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), when the full remnant of true Israel (by the thousands), as well as the first multitudes of Gentiles, began to be saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. This was prophesied by the prophets of old, including Zechariah. But it was part of Zechariah's prophecy which revealed that it was actually the suffering of Jesus, witnessed by those who watched His crucifixion and told of it, that brought about such a great repentance, especially on the part of the Jews...

"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn...

In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness"

--Zechariah 12:10, 13:1

Zechariah's prophecy was fulfilled, according to the gospel of John, beginning when Jesus was actually hanging on the cross...

"For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, 'Not one of His bones shall be broken.' And again another Scripture says, 'They shall look on Him whom they pierced."

--John 19:36-37

If the view and revealed understanding of the suffering of Jesus (His 'passion') initially brought about such a great awakening---doesn't it stand to reason, that if we can just come back to the Word, seriously revisit that revelation, and allow the Holy Spirit to renew our understanding; then true revival can happen again?

Please let me encourage you, not to 'turn your face away' any longer from this most important truth concerning His suffering, but allow the Holy Spirit to give you such a graphic picture of it that you will, as the Scripture says...

"... be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height---to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

--Ephesians 3:18-19

He May not be a Muslim--but a Christian?

2008-03-15T03:40:00.000-07:00

Four years ago, I was listening to part of a speech given at the Democrats' National Convention (I refuse to use the word 'democratic' when referring to the 'democrats')--a speech given by none other than Barak Obama. And these words came up into my consciousness... "Right there is the next President (2008)". Whether those words were prophetic (God help us) or derived from a sudden attack of fear, time will tell.

The obviously fearful thought that struck at the same time, concerned the possibility that American Christendom had fallen to such a level of ignorance, as to be duped by such a speech and the articulate speeches that were to follow in the years to come, leading to this next election. For a long time since that day in 2004, I refused to believe that was the case. Sadly, I think I may have been wrong. I hear so many voices--many from professing Christians--accusing anyone who thinks Senator Obama might still have ties to Islam, of being 'stupid'. "Obama is NOT Muslim", they say, "he is Christian".

I say... "GIVE ME A BREAK"!

To believe the Senator's claim to be 'Christian', just because he is a member in good standing of the 'United Church of Christ' is ignorance--'gone to seed'. In the first place, that particular denomination is built on anything BUT the Bible, as it's standard of faith. It is one of the favorite denominations (if not the favorite) of the homosexual/lesbian community, and as evidenced by the now widely disseminated sermons of Obama's former pastor, it is as anti-truth and anti-Christ as an organization who calls itself a church could possibly be. And how insulting it is, to the intelligence of any true Christian, when Barak Obama tries to justify his perverted beliefs about the Gay rights issue with Scripture, referring people to the 'sermon on the Mount', rather than some 'obscure passage in Romans'...

'Some obscure passage in Romans' ?

I submit that the entire Bible is 'obscure' in the minds of Obama and any other professing Christian who agrees with--even entertains--his philosophies... The whole Book, Genesis to Revelation, must surely be 'obscured' through the ignorance prevailing in the minds of anyone who makes such a stand for 'homosexual rights', 'abortion rights', etc. I know many think I am too tough on certain things and my words are way to harsh. But before you join those of such sentiment, please consider the Holy Ghost-inspired words of the apostle Paul...

Paul the apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote many things (nothing 'obscure', however) concerning the abomination of homosexuality, as well as the holiness and godliness of proper husband (a man) and wife (a woman) relationship. And though 1 Corinthians, Chapter 14 deals mainly with instructions for the use of spiritual gifts in the church, there is also some instruction concerning husbands and wives there too. Following those instructions, is this admonition...

"If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant"
--1 Corinthians 14:37-38

The definition of this type of 'ignorance', in my words, is "Chosen stupidity".
I am convinced the Bible is saying, if you choose to believe words from the 'sermon on the Mount' that DO NOT EXIST, over words that are not only actually there, but very clear, in all those 'obscure passages', you are ignorant indeed--definitely a victim of 'chosen stupidity'.

I have been, for the past thirty-some years, a diligent voter in every national election. My votes, however, have usually amounted to a selection of the 'lesser of the evils'. This coming election is the first in my experience where the 'lesser of the evils' is not easily determined. Many Christians are choosing to not even dignify the awful choice provided us, with a showing at the polls. And honestly, I have yet to decide if I will even cast a vote (for president anyway). Should that be the case, my vote will be cast, however (in a sense), for the conservative candidate the Republicans so miserably failed to nominate (whomever that may be).

I do wish to make it clear to anyone who cares to know, how insulted I am, that a political candidate (in this case, Barak Obama), with such ungodly views, would have the nerve to ask for my vote, based on Scripture. And I would encourage all my brothers and sisters in Christ to make it known, somehow, that we are not all as 'ignorant' as Senator Obama would like to believe.

A Popular (end-time prophecy) Misconception Corrected

2008-03-07T05:12:00.000-08:00

"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn...
In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness"
--Zechariah 12:10, 13:1

Contrary to the erroneous teaching of many end-time prophecy teachers today, that prophecy does NOT refer to the second coming of Jesus. Sadly, many are misled into believing there will be people (specifically Jewish people) who will repent when they see Jesus coming in the clouds---when they 'look upon Him, who was pierced'. The Bible does not teach that. The Bible teaches only judgment awaits those who fail to receive Him as Lord prior to the rapture and the resurrection of the saints.

Zechariah's prophecy was fulfilled, according to the gospel of John, beginning when Jesus was actually hanging on the cross...

"For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, 'Not one of His bones shall be broken.' And again another Scripture says, 'They shall look on Him whom they pierced."
--John 19:36-37

"They shall look on Him whom they pierced" was clearly 'fulfilled' as Jesus was crucified. It refers to that which took place at Calvary 2000 years ago, NOT to that which will take place when Jesus comes again 'to judge the quick and the dead'.

Secondly, The other related part of Zechariah's prophecy that many wish to reserve for the last days is... "In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness" (Ch. 13, Vs 1). This prediction corresponds to the 'New Covenant' prophecy of Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36...

"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. I will put My Spirit within you cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses." --Ezekiel 36:26-29

Again, this is not a prophecy to be fulfilled in the last days, when Jesus comes again. There will be no 'fountain' of mercy opened up for the forgiveness and cleansing of anyone in those days of wrath. The 'fountain' was opened 2000 years ago, when once the crowd of Jews who cried, "Crucify Him!", began to 'look upon Him whom they pierced', be sorrowful and mourn. By the time the Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost, the 'fountain' was fully open and that same crowd, along with thousands of others, were ready, at the preaching of Peter and the other apostles, as well as Philip, Steven, etc., to fully open their hearts and receive Jesus Christ as Lord.

Please don't be misled into believing that there may be yet another chance to be saved when Jesus comes again... Sadly enough, there are many 'end-time prophecy' teachers that would thus mislead you (especially if you happen to be of Jewish descent). But I can promise you, based on the Word of God, there will be no such opportunity... TODAY is the day of salvation... RIGHT NOW is the only acceptable time to give your heart to Jesus.

HEALING UPDATE - Are We Witnessing a Miracle?

2008-02-28T23:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks once again, to all who have been diligently praying concerning my health situation.  I have seen marked improvement in many areas.  Pain and discomfort have been reduced to a minimum level and I am able to function, at least to the point of writing and posting articles on this 'blog' site (be sure you check 'em out).  Lately, it seems, the Lord has awakened me just about every morning at around 2:00 and I've been able to sit at the computer and write without distraction.  It's left me a little tired at times but God is good and restores me daily.

Not only have your prayers enabled me to "function" but I am convinced we are witnessing the progressive manifestation of a notable miracle.  Consider this...

Four months after my last radiation treatment, the tumor continues to shrink significantly.  The Oncologist says it is normal for that to happen for maybe six or seven weeks past the end of treatment, but it is unusual for it to continue this long.  In addition to the shrinkage, the CEA levels (tumor markers), which were the primary initial indication that this was indeed, colon cancer, are way down.

Back in August, when this was first diagnosed, the CEA level was 50.  Now it is .9 (nine tenths).  Since the expected rise in those levels (after the conclusion of the first course of chemo and radiation treatment) has not been happening, but they have continued going down and remained at such a low level, it had been determined a few days ago, that we would wait on the previous plan to begin a new and lengthy chemotherapy course.  We would simply keep a close eye on things, making sure there were no signs of the CEA levels rising again, and the tumor becoming more 'active'.

After the most recent CT scan, the oncologist and the surgeon, both, have now determined that a new biopsy should be performed.  Why?  It was so clear with the previous CEA levels, the location of the tumor, and the partial biopsy that was performed in August, that the diagnosis would be advanced colon cancer---no reasonable doubt whatsoever.   Now there seems to be some doubt---not a lot, but some doubt---that this is actually colon cancer at all, or even malignant cancer of any known type.

In other words, there seems to be evidence that the tumor was not (or is no longer) what they thought, and though they still cannot remove it surgically, evidence of shrinking shows that it may be on its way out of my body anyway.   We are still counting on a miracle, plain and simple, just like we always have been, and the manifestation of that miracle could very well be what we are currently observing.  In any case it is rather thrilling to me, to hear all the medical and scientific facts, testifying to the goodness and apparent intervention of Almighty God.

At work on my blogs in the 'wee hours' of the morning

Why it's all about getting "Back to the Word"

2008-02-26T00:40:00.000-08:00

According to religion in America 'experts', quoted on a recent msnbc news video, there is currently, a major "shift from people belonging to a church because of a specific teaching, to people looking for a church with specific programs that meet their current needs".

Put in those words, this kind of news item stirs a sense of excitement in the minds of many Christians---certainly no alarm. After all, doesn't it simply mean that people are searching... And isn't that good news?

Put in different words, however, such as the words of Amos the prophet, predicting a "famine of hearing the words of the Lord" (Amos 8:11 NIV), there is definitely a stirring of the sense of alarm, especially for the Christian who may be a little more connected to 'the world' than to 'the Word'. This is particularly true, considering the fact that we may very well be living in the day of which Amos prophesied. And even the 'searching' factor offers nothing to be overjoyed about, when we note how the same prophesy addresses that, in the very next verse, saying... "Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it" (Amos 8:12 NIV)

In other words, this major 'shift' we hear about and are witness to, in the church, is born of carnal desires for a more enjoyable lifestyle, rather than a more consistent and vital flow of the life of God which provides all our true needs and has its source in God's Word. It's not good, when this 'shift' causes people to abandon any quest for the revealed knowledge of Christ in exchange for 'programs' that supposedly meet their current, individual needs. It leaves the few who are still actually 'searching' for revelation knowledge of the Word, 'staggering from sea to sea and wandering from north to east---searching, but not finding'.

My prayer is that more and more of us will 'abandon' our fixation on our carnal well-being and come 'back to the Word' (while we still can), knowing that in it, we will rediscover God's provision for our needs along with the spiritual maturity and strength to overcome in the really tough days that lie ahead for many.

"REDEEMED FROM THE CURSE" (According to the Bible)

2008-02-23T00:59:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular doctrines in our circles has to do with the believer being 'Redeemed from the curse of the law' (Galatians 3:13). This particular doctrine was first taught by a former medical doctor---turned preacher, Lillian B. Yeomans, somewhere around 1930 and then made popular through the teaching ministry of Kenneth E. Hagin (left) in the 70's. The doctrinal basis is scriptural, but the verse on which it is based was taken way out of context and the true revelation of Paul's message in Galatians chapter 3 is all but lost in this widespread misinterpretation.

Allow me to summarize the modern misinterpretation as it is (or has been) taught by nearly every well known 'Word of Faith' preacher of our generation---plus many not-so-well-known, such as myself (I know how easy it is to merely parrot someone for whom you have great respect, instead of 'searching the scriptures to see if these things be so') (Acts 17:11).

"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree') that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." --Galatians 3:13-14

It's taught that the "curse of the law", from which we have been redeemed, along with the "blessing of Abraham" which comes upon us (who believe) are fully outlined in Deuteronomy, Chapter 28, as Moses was presenting the law to the children of Israel...

"Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these BLESSINGS shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.

Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.

Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out..."

--Deut. 28:1-6

Thus, begins a long list of 'blessings' which are referred to, by the previously mentioned teachers, as the "blessings of Abraham". This list of 'blessings' continue on through verse 13 and include every type of prosperity, health, favor with all people (including enemies), etc.

So essentially, Deuteronomy, Chapter 28, verses 1-13 comprise (according to Lillian Yeomans' interpretation) what Galatians 3:14 calls, "the blessing of Abraham"; and anyone who has put his faith in Jesus, has the right to claim these 'blessings' by faith, and walk in them as well.

Beginning in verse 15 of Deut. 28, and continuing all the way through verse 68, we read of a ton of curses which would be the result of disobedience to the law. Everything having to do with poverty, sickness, despair, failure---even mold and mildew---unfaithfulness of spouses, marital break-ups, etc., are listed. Many specific diseases are listed, along with "every sickness and every plague, which is NOT written" therein (Ch. 28, Vs. 61).

The whole idea behind this teaching is that if Christ 'redeemed us from the curse of the law' then all of these 'curses' that are listed no longer apply to the believer. When someone comes down with a certain disease, in other words, then the one who is praying for that person would base his prayer on the idea that this disease is 'under the curse of the law', and since we have been 'redeemed from the curse of the law' we have basis for our faith that this person will be healed.

Before I go further, let me make myself exactly clear on something....

Without a shadow of a doubt, the born again believer does indeed have a scriptural basis for faith that Jesus has provided for our healing and deliverance from every form of sickness, disease, poverty, despair, etc., through His redemptive accomplishment at Calvary... As a matter-of-fact, we have MUCH scriptural basis for that. But the Word on which we stand, for healing and deliverance, is NOT Deuteronomy Chapter 28. On the contrary...

Deuteronomy 28 represents the 'curse' from which we have been delivered. Let me explain, in the same way, I believe, the Holy Spirit explained it to me...

If the Lord approached you today, and said, "I have a deal to offer you... From now on, the answers to your prayers for healing, deliverance, prosperity, etc., will NOT be 'according to your faith' in the FINISHED work of Jesus. If you are to be healed, for example, your healing will be based on whether or not you have 'hearkened diligently to the voice of the Lord your God and successfully OBEYED ALL HIS COMMANDMENTS (Deut. 28:1,15). If you have not, then healing will not be yours... On the contrary, ALL the curses listed, will come upon you until you are destroyed. Or... You can remain in the grace provided at Calvary and walk totally in the faith you have placed in Christ's finished work of redemption... Which do you want?"

For me, there would be no question. I wouldn't have to think about it---not even for a moment.

Here's the real deal...

The 'curse of the law' (notice he does not say 'curses') is the law itself, not individual 'curses' resulting from disobedience to that law. Reference is made to only one 'curse' and again, that 'curse' is the law, as a means of righteousness. If people would read more than one or two verses of Galatians Chapter 3, they would see that...

The law itself is good, but when the law was given, it ministered death to the hearers (2 Cor. 3:6). And though, Jesus did not 'do away' with the law, He DID put (or 'become') an end to the law FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Romans 10:4). So the reason we can truthfully say that the 'curse of the law' is the law itself (as a means of obtaining righteousness), is simply this... No one has the ability to successfully obey the law and thereby stand before the Father in righteousness. Therefore, because of that fact, no one who relies on the 'Deut. 28' system will ever qualify for the 'blessings' listed in Deut. 28.

What I am saying here, is further explained and/or summarized thus: "For as many as are of the works of the law ARE UNDER THE CURSE: for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in ALL things which are written in the book of the law, to do them" --Galatians 3:10.

So please...

Don't offer me the system of works outlined in Deuteronomy 28 in order to get me healed. That system was a curse to the most holy of those who were under it. They could NOT obey the law, so it was NOT good news, it was a curse. But you and I have indeed, been redeemed from that curse, in order that we might be partakers of the 'blessing' (not 'blessings') of Abraham; which is righteousness, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This is actually what qualifies us for answered prayer... And it is through faith alone in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Don't give me Deut. 28---give me Matthew 8:17 or 1 Peter 2:24. Don't tell me that my healing or any other blessing depends on my perfect obedience to the law---I'll never see those blessings. Tell me what Abraham told me, and what he tells you...

"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven. And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin." --Romans 4: 7-8

"Don't Desire the GIFTS, Desire the GIVER" ... Really?

2008-02-11T01:29:00.000-08:00

Recently, due to my challenge with cancer and my decision to hold off indefinitely, on any plans to pioneer another church, my family and I have found ourselves in the rather unfamiliar situation of looking for a church where we can simply fellowship and be used, not as a pastor, but as any other member---in any way the Lord chooses to use us. I would have thought that would be a relatively easy quest... After all, we are not novices. We have been around a while and we know what we're looking for. We just want a church where the Word of God is taught, line-upon-line/precept-upon-precept in an uncompromising and loving fashion---and, where Jesus Christ is exalted as the Chief Shepherd and Lord of the church. We also simply desire a church where the Holy Spirit is free to move and the people of the congregation are free to worship in Spirit and Truth and flow in the gifts of the Spirit, according to the Bible and a proper teaching of the Word, concerning those things. We're just looking to fellowship in a good, New Testament church. Why are we discovering that such a church is so difficult to find?... And how many others are 'out there' looking for the same and becoming discouraged, to the point of staying home and joining the ever-growing television congregation?

The problem seems to surface when we get around to asking a pastor or church leader to describe how their church stands concerning the Holy Spirit---His gifts, tangible presence, and freedom to move in and through the congregation, etc. This is the kind of answer we usually receive...

"Oh yes, Brother... We definitely 'believe' in those things. We 'believe' in the gifts of the Spirit, (even tongues). We 'believe' in divine healing, miracles, etc., and we most definitely consider our church a 'Spirit-filled' church, 'cause we certainly 'believe' in being 'filled with the Holy Spirit'...etc."

If we get far enough in conversation to ask why all those things they 'believe' in are not manifest in worship services, this is the kind of response we receive...

"Well Brother... We are a 'Christ-centered' church and our emphasis is on Him. And though we 'believe' in all the 'gifts of the Spirit', for example; and we even 'believe' those gifts are for today---we do not emphasize those things (especially 'tongues'), nor do we encourage the pursuit of those things. We don't want to confuse anyone, you see, and since we are 'seeker sensitive' we don't want to engage in any such worship practices that might confuse or 'offend' our first time visitors or those of our congregation who are less knowledgeable about those things. Now, we do allow some of those things like prophecy, tongues & interpretation, laying on of hands, etc., to be practiced in some of our more private settings, i.e., home cell groups or Bible studies."

The bottom line, summary explanation we usually hear goes like this...

"After all, Brother... Since we are "Christ centered" we teach and encourage our members 'not to seek the gifts, but rather to seek the Giver'."

Seems like I always come away wondering... Don't they realize how cliché they have become? And please, pray tell, from what chapter and verse came the way over-used, worn out admonishment to "Seek the Giver, NOT the gifts"?

Before you waste your time looking for your concordance while saying under your breath... "Where IS that verse... I KNOW it's in there somewhere?"

Maybe I can help you... It's not. On the contrary, the Bible addresses that subject like this...

"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts..." (1 Cor. 14:1)

We are told 'emphatically' to "desire" not only the 'Giver', but the 'gifts'. And two chapters previous to that, we read...

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant" (1 Cor. 12:1)

It was obviously important to the Holy Spirit that the church be taught concerning His gifts. And may I say, I am not referring to some kind of substitute 'gifts' that are not listed in the rest of that chapter (or anywhere else in the Bible). It's appalling to me how certain 'Bible teachers' have added 'gifts' to the Bible, and fail to even mention the gifts of the Spirit expounded on in three chapters by the apostle Paul. One particular, well-known pastor/author said, (to quote as exactly as I can remember), "I know there is no such gift listed in the Bible, as the 'gift of intercession', but I HAVE ADDED IT"...

My question to that person is, "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?"... You have "ADDED IT"?

Sometimes just a word or two is changed, but in so doing, the true definition is totally distorted... For example... There is no such gift as "spiritual discernment". The correct terminology is "discerning of spirits" and there is a big difference in how the two would be defined. There is no gift listed, such as the 'gift of wisdom' or the 'gift of knowledge'... It's the "word of wisdom" or the "word of knowledge". Again, there's a big difference.

If it is indeed important to the Holy Spirit that His people are not 'ignorant' concerning these gifts, why are the saints so ignorant? Why aren't all these pastors who say they definitely 'believe' in the gifts, teaching on them? And how can the church really believe they are 'Christ-centered' and seeking a deeper relationship with the 'Giver' when they know nothing, nor want anything to do with the 'gifts' He has given?

Let me make it clear concerning the 'desire' of 'me and my house'... I want the Giver... And I want His gifts. I want His presence manifested and His power demonstrated in the place where I choose to worship. And I hope I speak on behalf of a multitude of unchurched believers. I believe I do, and I pray for a major awakening among our pastors.

"...ALL Israel will be saved..." Understanding the Romans 11:26 mystery

2008-02-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

Before we get into the promised series on 'end-time' events, I want to introduce what I have found to be a major key that unlocks a treasure chest of understanding regarding that subject.

Many would agree, Israel is very central to biblical end-time prophecy, but many would also disagree concerning the true identity of Israel. My teaching on the subject is invariably tagged as "replacement Theology" and prematurely dismissed in the minds of those within the 'dispensational theology' circle. By popular definition, however, I do not teach 'replacement Theology'... I do not teach that 'the church replaced Israel'. But it is the New Covenant (God made with Israel) that replaced the Old. This is clearly confirmed in New Testament Scripture...

"In that He says, 'A new covenant', He has made the first obsolete." (Hebrews 8:13)

How clear is that? Israel was not 'replaced'. God's covenant, through Moses, however, was replaced by His covenant in Christ Jesus. The "Deliverer" came, as was promised and every prophecy concerning Israel's deliverance and restoration was fulfilled at that time, including those prophecies many interpret as being applicable to the 'latter days' or the millennial reign of Christ... It was in 'one day', for example---the 'day' of Christ's resurrection, that a 'Nation was born' as was prophesied. [Actually, the 'day' of the resurrection was when the fulfillment of the prophecy was made possible---the 'day' of Pentecost was when the fulfillment was manifested; when new life sprung forth in the remnant of Israel, becoming available to the entire Gentile world as well.]

"Who has heard such a thing? Who has when new life sprung forth in the remnant of Israel, becoming available to the entire Gentile world as well. such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children..." (Isaiah 66:8).

Contrary to popular belief, this prophecy had nothing to do with political Israel becoming a political nation in May of 1948. In the first place, God said this Nation would be "born" (not politically established). Israel (Zion) already existed as a nation, as the Scripture indicated, but gave "birth to her children" when she travailed in labor. Secondly, God's 'Nation' of Israel was not established in 1948, it was established and first referred to as a "nation" hundreds of years prior to that...

"Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, 'Jacob, Jacob!' And he said, 'Here I am.' So He said, 'I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there." (Genesis 46:2-3).

Many other scriptures, as far back as Genesis 12:2, indicate this same truth---that God's "Nation" of Israel was actually 'established' long before 1948. And concerning the argument that says, "Well, maybe the Nation of Israel was not initially established, but it was 'restored' to national status in 1948..."---that doesn't work either. You see, God had also declared, (through Jeremiah this time) that not only had He established Israel as a "Nation" during their 400 year stay in Egypt, but He would never allow Israel to 'cease from being a Nation'...

"Thus says the Lord, Who gives the sun for a light by day, The ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, Who disturbs the sea, and its waves roar (The Lord of hosts is His name); If those ordinances depart from before Me, says the Lord, Then the seed of Israel shall also cease from being a nation before Me forever." (Jeremiah 31:35-36)

Here's the 'kicker'...

If God initially established Israel as a nation while in Egypt, thousands of years ago; and then declared that only if the sun, moon, and stars quit shining (last time I checked, that had not happened yet)---only then, would He allow Israel to 'cease' from being a nation---and how then, if the Nation of Israel never 'ceased' from being a nation, could Israel have 'become' a nation in 1948? And again... That which was prophesied, said nothing of Israel 'becoming a Nation' anyway. It spoke of the (already existing) Nation being 'born'---receiving new life---that life which was promised and would be manifest through the death, burial, and resurrection of Israel's Messiah and the 'Savior of the world', the Lord Jesus Christ.

I know we have just come, as it were, the 'scenic route', but we now arrive back at the prophetic words of the apostle Paul recorded in Romans 11... Concerning Israelites, who had been 'cut off' from a covenant relationship with God, due to their unbelief; Paul writes...

"Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins."
--Romans 11:22-27

There are several things I would like you to keep in mind here...

First of all, Paul is writing specifically about those who at one time actually lived under the Mosaic covenant (the Old Covenant). At the risk of sounding over simplified here... What he said could not apply to people who were (or are) Jews by choice of religion, or Jews because their parents were Jews (ethnic Jews). It ONLY applied to those who had lived in accordance with the Old Covenant while that covenant was still in effect---up until the death and resurrection of Jesus, in other words.

There is no one today who could have been 'cut off from', or 'grafted in AGAIN to', the original 'olive tree'---through the Old Covenant---unless that person is over 2000 years old. Paul was addressing those of his own generation, both when he wrote of some being 'cut off' as well as those who could possibly be 'grafted in again'. He was not applying this to Jews and Gentiles of later generations.

The 'blindness', he said, would continue until 'the fullness of the the Gentiles has come in'. Again, the problem in interpretation here, is not over-simplification. It is over-complication. How is it, that so many modern end-time prophecy teachers get by with taking that phrase and making of it a certain latter day---a prophetic period of time---or a 'dispensation' if you will? The word 'fullness' (of the Gentiles in this case) does NOT mean, 'all Gentiles who will ever be saved' as some have proposed.

It simply means, 'when ENOUGH GENTILES' (the fullness of the Gentiles) have come in (to the Kingdom of God), then the rest of 'true' Israel, those circumcised of the heart (Romans 2:29) would be 'provoked to jealousy' and be saved, "For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them." --Romans 11:13-14. This, by the way, is the only way that Romans 9:27 (a remnant would be saved) and Romans 11:26 (ALL Israel will be saved) could both be true.

Paul explained it even more clearly when he wrote, "... it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham..." (Romans 9:6-7)

It bears repeating... "For they are not all Israel who are of Israel.."

Simply put, ALL Israel does not refer to everyone in Paul's day or ours, who are called 'Jews'. 'ALL Israel' refers to that remnant---that remnant of the Israel of Paul's generation, who once had a covenant with God through Moses but were temporarily cut off when that covenant became obsolete, and who later (some of them, much later) would come to know Jesus as Lord---even if it took some 'provocation to jealousy' to bring them around.

The plain and simple, not to mention 'correct', interpretation of Romans 11:26, "all Israel shall be saved" is this---it's a done deal! It happened... "as it is written: The Deliverer will come out of Zion [He came already] And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob [that happened at Calvary]; For this is My covenant with them (vs 27), when I take away their sins [that is the NEW COVENANT in His blood that took away the sins of the world---which also happened, once and for all, at Calvary].

Israel was not 'replaced'... Israel was saved. And beginning a few months after Calvary, at Antioch, these new believers, thousands of whom had been called 'Israel' were now being called by a new name (Acts 11:26) which was also prophesied (Isaiah 62:2)---'Christians'.

Your comments are welcome and strongly encouraged.
--Pastor Eddie Hughes

For some additional reading and study on this topic, check out this article by Dr. Sam Storms (Those Spirit-filled Southern Baptists can sure put some Word out in depth, now) :)

ANDREA HUGHES... Off to ministry training and the mission field.

2008-01-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

Joie and I are excited, to say the least, about the opportunity to send one of our own (Andrea) off to missionary training with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), Pittsburgh base, this Thursday, January 24. God has blessed her through the love and support of Covenant Evangelical Methodist church in Morgantown, WV, in meeting the total financial cost, not to mention their confidence in the genuineness of Andrea's calling and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Andrea on mission trip to Mexico with Mayan kids
Andrea has been brought up to believe the 'great commission' of going into all the world and making disciples, preaching the uncompromised Word of God, casting out devils, healing the sick, etc., is just as much in force today as it was 2000 years ago in the streets of Jerusalem, Samaria, Judea, and all the world. And the modern movement to 'spare' people of the message designed to convert the sinner (proselytize, if you will), is not a movement blessed by God. Modern ministries who have chosen not to target Jews, in particular, for conversion, are totally missing the mark. They need to return to our first love, for sure.
YWAM's experience in Israel is exemplary of a true missionary organization, committed to preaching the gospel, converting the sinner, and being obedient to the expressed will of God instead of the will and weakness of the modern, 'seeker sensitive', people-pleasing 'ministry' organizations, so prevalent in today's American church society.

Click on the following video link and watch... You'll see what I mean.

Surgery update... 1/21/08

2008-01-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

As of early afternoon on Monday, January 21, I am home from the hospital. Surgery was done on Tuesday, the 15th. Only a colostomy was performed, with the idea of preventing future obstruction/perforation of the colon. Removal of the tumor (through surgery) was not possible as it has become attached to surrounding tissue, including bone, small intestines, abdominal wall, prostate, etc. Only Doctor Jesus can do that, and I remain at rest in his power and willingness to do so. Great comfort comes from knowing that 'He [Jesus] Himself, took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses' (Matthew 8:17), and believing the 'report' of the prophets and the apostles, that 'He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and by His stripes, we were healed' (Isaiah 53, 1 Peter 2:24).
I remain greatly comforted, edified, and appreciative of your continued prayers of faith.
Many thanks also, to those who took the time to call or personally visit me in the hospital, send cards, flowers, etc. May God's blessing be fully realized by you who have been such a blessing to 'the least of these, His brethren'.

IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?... (A relevant 'must-read' from the archives)

2008-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Considering the present state of the church--the 'famine of the hearing of the Word of God'-- and the current trials of our faith, a preacher friend of mine recently stated, "It seems as though the true worshipers, those who love God's manifest presence and the uncompromised preaching of His Word, have lately been 'taking a beating' ".
Thus, I thought it worthy of time and effort to republish the following blog from the archives...

(This is especially dedicated to my wife, Joie, and my very best friends and co-laborers in ministry--Bill & Janny Grein, and Tom & Beverly Springer, who, along with myself, are facing giants, sent to sideline us and thwart God's true plan for our lives.)

IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?...
It was young David's response to his elder brother, Eliab. Eliab had overheard his teenage brother considering aloud, the possibility of facing off with Goliath. The older brother accused him of being prideful -- 'to big for his britches', so to speak, and he tried to send him home. David's first response was in the form of a rhetorical question, just about any older sibling has heard at least once or twice -- "What did I do now?" But then he asked a much more mature and weighty question... "Is there not a cause?" (1 Samuel 17:28-29)
Israel had been challenged by a huge and fearsome enemy... One that no one wanted to take on. But David trusted in the power of his God alone, and all he needed was the knowledge of the fact that this enemy was not just an enemy of God's people, but of God Himself, and God would fight the battle. He did... And He won.
The church of the living God is under assault today by an enemy much more vicious, crafty, and dangerous than Goliath. The very source of our strength and effectiveness as ambassadors for Christ -- the Word of God is the target. Attractive programs and popular, seeker friendly methodology designed for numerical growth has usurped our "first love", the proclamation and teaching of the uncompromised gospel of Christ.
'Diversity' and 'tolerance' have become more important than "speaking the truth in love". And learning to be 'purpose driven' instead of "led by the Spirit" has become paramount.
Novels, movies, and best selling books, though thematically Christian, are replete with unscriptural basis and distract from the inherent motivation to read, study, meditate in, and understand the Bible. Paul's warning to Timothy, concerning the latter times (if we aren't there, we are certainly closer than anyone has been), was that many would turn away from sound doctrine and be turned aside to fables. This is why he said, "Preach the Word" -- "in season or out". We have definitely come to a place in time where the Word is 'out of season'. We have come to the time Amos prophesied -- 'a famine of the hearing of the Word of God'.
May God begin to reclaim his pulpits once again. May the 'program administrators' -- the 'mega-church CEOs' -- be replaced forever, with God called, God taught, God ordained, Spirit filled, expository preachers of the Word. May His congregations begin to be fed and equipped as He intended, instead of merely gathered, entertained, -- and "destroyed through lack of knowledge".

On a Personal Note... SURGERY scheduled for Tuesday, January 15.

2007-12-28T20:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks again to all of you prayer warriors, who have been diligently offering up the 'prayer of faith' in agreement with my family and me for a miracle.

In my last update I passed on the not-so-encouraging information from my surgeon, who, in his professional opinion, will likely be unable to remove the tumor from my colon, due to the amount of tissue to which it has likely become attached. His only recourse is to perform a 'colonostomy' eliminating the immediate danger of severe restriction and perforation of the colon, but leaving me faced with yet a 'terminal' condition.

Please understand... My wife and I, along with several prayer partners, are praying AND BELIEVING for much better success, as we have much more to rely on than the professional skill and noble efforts of the surgeon. We do believe the "report" of the Lord so wonderfully spelled out in Isaiah 53---that He (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquity, chastised for our peace, and by His stripes, we are healed. We have no problem with the team of surgeons and staff who have been, and continue to use, all their learned skill on my behalf, and that with much compassion as well. As a matter-of-fact we have much confidence in the accuracy of the surgeon's report, which simply states the details of my physical condition, along with the limitations of his ability to make me well. He has expressed no doubt that I CAN be healed... He only doubts his own ability to accomplish that feat. I have no problem with that, and my wife Joie and I are both very confident that this doctor will do what he promises and use all the time necessary and skill available to him to better explore his possibilities once surgery has gotten underway. And once he gets a better look at the situation, he will do absolutely everything he can, to completely remove the cancer.

Hospital staff from two major medical facilities tell me I have the best surgeon available for the task. He is a very successful colon specialist with an impeccable reputation. Still it comforts me even more to know that he will be dependent on the power and abilities of the 'Greatest Physician' and expects Him to be at his side as he fights to save my life. Of that, Joie and I also, have no doubt.

As for us, it doesn't really matter whether this turns out to be a completely successful removal of this demonic invader by the hands of the doctor, or the Lord simply removes it first, and the surgeon is but a mere witness, qualified to document the event... In either case it's going to take a miracle. But, once again, let me go on record... That is EXACTLY the kind of God we worship, serve, and believe in--the miracle working kind! The One who 'sent His Word and healed them, delivering them from their destruction!' And we are praising Him for that even now, with every fiber of our being (even that which will soon be removed)!

I want to add a special note of appreciation to those who have gone out of their way to come, visit, and personally lay hands on me--and for those who have stretched themselves financially to bless us that way as well. All of our needs are being met miraculously--never too early it seems, but always on time... Glory to God!

Another special thanks to our special friends, Bill and Janny Grein, who recently came all the way from Dallas, Texas (a very difficult trip for them as they face their own time of trial). Our visit with Bill and Janny was wonderful and refreshing, beyond words. God is so good!

May Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, richly bless all of you who have reached out to minister to one of 'the least of those, His brethren' according to the Word.
In doing so, you have ministered to Him. He will return abundantly!

God bless you! Thanks for being in agreement with me and believing with me. And "Thanks be unto God who ALWAYS causes us to triumph in Christ" (2 Cor. 2:14)

Eddie and Joie

The Latest on my Health Situation

2007-12-22T07:35:00.000-08:00

In August of this year I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.
After the latest series of tests, CT scans, Doctor consultations, etc., I was informed by the surgeon on Wednesday, November 28, that the tumor is inoperable--that due to the size thereof and the fact that it has attached itself to too much surrounding tissue, he would not be able to successfully remove it with surgery.
The bottom line, medically speaking is that this is a "terminal" situation. The highest hope modern medicine has to offer is a possible delay of the process through chemotherapy.

The good news however, is found throughout the Scriptures, such as...

"Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases..."
--Psalm 103: 2-3

I have absolutely no intention of forgetting His benefits. If I can believe, as many Christians do, that He can, and has, 'forgiven ALL my iniquities', I can also believe He can, and has, healed ALL my diseases.

My plan is to live and not die, and declare the goodness of the Lord, to the glory of God, for many years to come. I know my
God is still in the miracle business. Thank you for your agreement and your prayers of faith.

In Christ,
Eddie Hughes
PO Box 794
Morgantown, WV 26507

Whatever happened to knowledge of the 'JUDGEMENT' to come?... More response to John Hagee's 'end-time' doctrine

2007-12-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

From whence comes the idea that Jesus will assume the role of a Messiah who 'delivers' Israel 'from their enemies' when He comes the second time?
I realize this is John Hagee's teaching (as well as 'dispensationalists' in general) but it certainly did not come from Scripture. To borrow one of Dr. Hagee's favorite phrases--"He is EXACTLY WRONG".
Israel's 'DELIVERER' came 2000 years ago. When He comes the second time, He will come as a Judge, not a deliverer. And with the flaming sword He will smite ALL nations remaining on the earth, giving their flesh to the fowls of the air. "ALL people" (Rev. 19:18) who were 'left behind' and had no part in the 'marriage supper of the Lamb'--those still living on earth instead of coming WITH Him on white horses (Rev. 19:14)--Whether they are called Gentile or Jew--will be slain. As a good friend of mine, Bill Grein, says... "He's coming again--soon--but this time it's 'No more Mr. Nice Guy'!"

Dr. Hagee (along with other dispensationalists) also have a completely unscriptural idea of what it means to be 'ruled by a rod of iron'. They think it has something to do with coming under a strict form of government, the Lord being the ruler. The Bible, on the other hand, clearly defines it differently... "You shall break [destroy] them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel." (Psalm 2:9).

Jesus absolutely and completely fulfilled His Messianic promise to Israel (as well as to the Gentiles) when He went to Calvary. Those living on this earth who have not believed and received Him as Lord by the time He comes again will be the recipients of His wrath. He is coming not to save but to 'tread the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God' (Rev.19:15).
The promise Hagee offers to unbelieving Jews that they will repent when they see Him and that He will deliver them is an absolute lie. I would think someone who loves the Jews, or any other lost people, would want to tell them the Truth--straight from the Bible, instead of some false promise--giving false hope--and encouraging them to continue on the broad path that leads to destruction.

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS--Considering the Source

2007-12-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why the Christmas story was never referred to, by Jesus or the Apostles? And why were the events surrounding the birth of Christ never part of any of the preaching recorded in the book of Acts, or written about, by any of the writers of the New Testament Letters? Actually, only two of the four Gospels (Matthew & Luke) bear any record of Jesus' birth.

No one, in those days, made Christmas shopping lists, decorated the halls with holly, or trimmed the trees. The first nativity scene on record was displayed more than 1200 years after the birth of the Christ-child. Yet, for all the apparent joy expressed at Christmas time, even today, it still does not compare to that which people of faith and hope in the coming Messiah experienced in and around Bethlehem of Judea in those days.

It was not the ringing of bells or the singing of carols that brought such joy to the old prophet Simeon, for example. Simeon, who had long before, heard a message from God, telling him he would not die until he had seen the Christ; was asked by Mary and Joseph to formally dedicate the baby Jesus in the Temple. And just as he had done for other families so many times, the old man took the baby in his hands to bless him... But this time it was different. With Baby Jesus in his arms, Simeon lifted up his tear-filled eyes to heaven as indescribable joy fill his soul--and he blessed the Lord.

His joyful prayer, as recorded years later by Luke, revealed his heart...

..."Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation...
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."
--Luke 2:29-32 NKJV

As Simeon looked at the infant Jesus that day, he did not see a sweet little baby who had just been 'away in a manger, asleep on the hay'... He saw God's marvelous gift of salvation. He saw the Light of the world, the very personification of righteousness, truth, and eternal life--and unspeakable Joy overwhelmed him.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, had experienced the same a little over a year prior to that day, even while the baby was still in her womb... And she expressed that joy in powerful and prophetic words...

..."My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior...
He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things...
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever."
--Luke 1:46-55

Like Simeon, Mary could only think of, and rejoice in the reality of full salvation, humbly wrapped in the tiny human form within her... And her joy also, flowed like a mighty stream.

The salvation in which Mary and Simeon both rejoiced, would not actually be accomplished for yet another 33 years, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, but the miraculous conception and the birth of the Savior were enough for them to consider it 'as good as done'... The Savior had arrived. Their celebration then, as well as any future celebration, would be in appreciation of what was to happen at Calvary, not Bethlehem. Even the prophets of old, who prophesied the birth of Jesus, gave no reason to celebrate the details of that birth through songs, drama, festivals, etc... They were excited about WHO was to be born--not HOW He would be born. Their prophecies foretold what the Man, Christ Jesus, would accomplish in His death and resurrection. His birth, and the details surrounding it, would serve only as a marvelous sign, that redemption had come in the person of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah was one of those prophets who rejoiced in advance at not merely the birth of Christ, but in the fact that His birth would signal the soon fulfillment of all that God had promised to Israel...

..."The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light...
You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before you according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For you have broken the yoke of his burden...
FOR unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given...
--Isaiah 9:2-6

In our day, the Christmas season and the Christmas celebration grows bigger each year. Some major department stores in America begin displaying their Christmas decorations as early as August. By the end of Thanksgiving weekend, houses are lit up, trees are trimmed, and lawns are full of ornamental Santas, snowmen, reindeer, etc.

Churches and Christian ministries begin their month-long Christmas celebrations and pastors start preaching their month-long 'Christmas message series'. Some Christian radio stations cease playing songs about the cross, the blood of Jesus, and the resurrection; and only play Christmas songs... And sadly, some of those songs have nothing to do with Jesus. For an entire month, the message that 'Jesus is coming soon' is all but replaced with 'Here comes Santa Claus.' As the celebration grows, the reason for that celebration is more and more diluted with worldly mentality. The number of those 'walking in darkness' increases, while the number of those who have 'seen a great light' grows ever smaller.

Should we be satisfied with our weak declarations of "What Christmas means to me"?... I don't think so. I think we should boldly proclaim to our lost neighbors, "What Christmas means to THEM". And what about our 'testimonies' of how 'Christmas serves as a reminder of God's love'?... Where are our thoughts for the other 11 months of the year, if we need such a major 'reminder' of God's love and His 'unspeakable gift'?

It is really not my intention to dismiss the Christmas celebration, but I pray that God will give us renewed revelation, to see as Simeon and Mary did. When that happens, there will be unending, fullness of joy on a daily basis--throughout the year--until the day comes when we stand where Simeon, Mary, and Isaiah stand now, looking fully into the glory of God's true 'Star of Bethlehem'.

Merry Christmas!

"THE WAY OF CAIN"... From the Archives

2007-11-24T01:11:00.000-08:00

Back to the Word: The Way of Cain... Notes on Genesis, Chapter four

FINALLY! Hagee Catching the Flack Over Recent Absurd and Heretical Statements!

2007-11-11T19:17:00.000-08:00

I'm so often tempted to think I must be the only preacher on the planet who sees things the way I do. But that can be dangerous in more ways than one. It could lead to self isolation, bitterness, arrogance, and a host of other things I just would not want to be.
I've been speaking out about what I consider to be the most damaging false doctrine ever to become popular in the church for some time now, and having a very difficult time finding anyone who agrees. I'm referring mainly to popular end-time prophecy teaching which is centered around the idea that modern Judaism and its children (those who are called Jews) have preeminence and divine blessing from God---even above Christianity and the the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
There is such a vital connection between understanding biblical end-time prophecy and the true identity of the main characters in the whole prophetic scheme. In other words, if prophecy concerns primarily the saints of God who live out the 'Day of the Lord'---those who 'endure till the end'---and if those saints are related to, or possibly synonymous with the church of Jesus Christ, or the Israel of God, the elect, etc.... Then certainly, we cannot come to any significant clue of what lies ahead unless we know exactly who those people are.
It has long been my contention that we should not separate what the Bible clearly links together, in particular the identity of this last days church. Hebrews chapter 12, verse 22 and following, for example, absolutely equate the Old Testament congregation (church) with the NT, referring to it as 'Mount Zion', the 'Holy City', 'Heavenly Jerusalem', etc., as well as 'the General Assembly and CHURCH of the Firstborn'.
For as long as I've been teaching on this (over 25 years), John Hagee, for an even longer period of time, has endeavored to claim absolutely no link between God's Covenant, Chosen people of old and the saints and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, keeping with the foundational, albeit erroneous tradition of dispensational theology. But it is the church, the saints of God, who is consistently warned in both Old and New Testament prophecy of the extreme dangers of the "Day of the Lord" and the 'Great Tribulation', prior to the outpouring of God's wrath which clearly DOES NOT HAPPEN until the latter days of the Tribulation. And one cannot teach the false 'peace and safety' doctrine or the pre-Tribulation rapture theory, unless he can convince his followers that Israel of prophecy is a completely separate people---a people who are not born again, thus, they miss the rapture but somehow have a second chance to repent and become the "saints" mentioned throughout Revelation.
Now that Hagee has gone over the edge, messing with not only the identity of Israel and the church, but with Jesus Christ Himself (saying He was not the Messiah), many well-known and respected ministries (as evidenced by the flood of new Internet messages, blogs, etc.,) have all but completely disfellowshipped him. He's really catching the flack.
Maybe... Just maybe...those same ministries, as well as Truth-hungry Christians all over America will begin to find their way back to the Word.
May the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ begin to work within the church once again, bringing us all back to the full knowledge of the Lordship (and Messiahship) of Jesus, and open our eyes to the treasure found therein.
I'm beginning to feel not quite so alone. Glory to God!

John Hagee's Latest Heresy Goes Way too Far

2007-11-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

There was a reason Jesus rejoiced so, in spirit, at Peter's response to His question, "Who do you say that I am?". Certainly no one was more 'Jewish' than Peter and it stands to reason that he was representative of the whole of Israel when he said, "Thou art the Christ (Israel's Messiah), the Son of the living God". Jesus confirmed the absolute truth of that answer when He revealed the source of that revelation as being the Father Himself.
John Hagee's claim that Jesus was NOT the Messiah and never claimed to be the Messiah is absolutely absurd. Actually it's blasphemy to deny the true identity of Jesus. The message is clear in 1 John 2:22, "Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son."
You may say, 'well surely, John Hagee would not say Jesus is not the Christ', and you would be right. But to teach the heresy that Jesus is only the Christ (or the Messiah) for the Gentiles but not for the Jews is still messing with the basic Biblical doctrine---that "rock" upon which the church is being built---the revealed knowledge of 'Who Christ is'.
I fear for the number of those who have been led by Hagee's teaching to believe their Jewish heritage keeps them in covenant with God... I shudder to think how many will spend eternity in hell because Hagee has used his reputation and notoriety to convince thousands of Christians to avoid preaching the gospel to the Jews, saying they (the Jews) have their own covenant with God and we should not interfere with God's plan of salvation for them. Never-mind the fact that the 'covenant' the Jews had (through Moses) is "obsolete" (Hebrews 8:13), and the only 'plan of salvation' God has for those who call themselves Jews is the same as it is for any other sinner---righteousness which comes by faith alone in Jesus Christ, who is the way, the Truth, the Life, and no one (Jew or Gentile) comes to the Father except through Him.
Israel's Messiah has come---2000 years ago---and the remnant Isaiah spoke of (Romans 9:27), which comprises ALL of true Israel, has already been saved, just as Paul said they would be (Romans 11:26,27). That salvation was completed in that generation, when, as it is written, 'the Deliverer came out of Zion' and took away their sins.
Indeed, Israel's Messiah has come. He is coming again, but not to save... He's coming to judge. He's coming to 'strike the nations' (ALL the nations), to 'rule' (dash to pieces') with the rod of iron, and 'tread the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God'.
John Hagee and his huge following have totally missed the mark and are lost in the wilderness of gross error. I for one have decided to break my silence about this nonsense and exhort with all that is within me... Get back to the Word and quit neglecting our first love. Don't be ashamed of the gospel. It's still the power of God unto salvation, for EVERYONE who believes---the Jew first and also the Greek. (Romans 1:16).

Pastor Eddie Hughes
Morgantown, WV

Introducing End-Time Prophecy Series... You won't want to miss it!

2007-09-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

Lord willing, I will be writing a series of teaching articles on end-time prophecy and the order (sequence) of end-time events. Unlike popular teaching on the same subject today, this will be according to Scripture, not according to other published works of other men and women. Don't mean to sound arrogant here, but really... All one needs to do is pick up just about any book on end-time prophecy and look at the bibliography. You will find a list of references to other books written by men. In each of these books there is little reference to Scripture. And when there is, it is easily determined with little effort that those scriptures were taken out of context.
The big problem is this... You cannot add error to error and eventually arrive at truth. I cannot think of even one popular author on the subject who has not attempted this. You may say, "How can so many be wrong?"
The answer is simple... They parrot one another. It's a marketing thing---it's what sells---and it's sad.
The plain simple Truth of the Word of God has been so distorted. Jesus is portrayed as one who is coming again, not as a Judge, but to extend forgiveness and salvation to the masses who have rejected Him. Such will not be the case. He is coming again for sure. But when He comes He will "strike the nations", ruling with a 'rod of iron', and 'dashing to pieces' those who rejected His offer of free salvation. It is also taught that many will have a second chance during the millennial reign to come to Christ. This is plain and simple---heresy.
There is so much error that I will address in these future posts, I cannot begin to list them now, but with the Holy Spirit's help I will, and will also pray the readers be open to Bible Truth regardless of its popularity... It can only do you good.
I have begun this series already, by going back a year and gathering the articles I wrote concerning true Israel. I would encourage you to read each one of them (long as they are) and see how the Scripture speaks for itself regarding the identity of Israel. This is definitely prerequisite to understanding Israel's place in prophecy.
I welcome your comments and or Email.

A Biblical Look at Judaism

2007-09-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

"For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers."
--Galatians 1:13-14

As previously pointed out, most references to "the Jews" in the New Testament, particulary in the four Gospels, seem to connote more than simply those of Hebrew descent. It becomes obvious that "the Jews" were those deeply involved in 'Judaism', or as the King James Version translated it--"the Jew's religion". The apostle Paul, being formerly a Pharisee, was the only writer of the New Testament to have been educated in, and notably experienced in, formal Judaism.
The former 'Saul of Tarsus' was so seriously involved in 'Judaism', he did what any good Jew who did not believe Messiah had truly come, would have done... He persecuted Christians. He had them arrested, beat up, and even killed. He was not a 'radical', he was "advanced" in Judaism and more zealous than anyone else concerning the "traditions" of his fathers. And in those last few words, there is clarification as to the meaning of 'Judaism'--both then, and now.
The 'traditions of the fathers' is the basic definition of Judaism. With that, the rabbis of today would agree. The 'Talmud'--not the 'Torah' (OT Scriptures)--is the basis of Judaism. The Talmud comprises primarily the 'Mishnah', which is a collection of rabbinical traditions, and the 'Gemara', which is rabbinical commentary on the Mishnah.
According to Jewish tradition, not only the written law (Old Testament Scripture) was given through Moses, but also the 'oral laws'. The oral laws were not to be written, but passed on verbally from generation to generation. Thus, the oral laws, the Jews say, were to remain more 'fluid' and conform to varying situations throughout the process of time. After the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD, and then more completely in 130 AD, going so far as to literally plow it under and totally depopulate the former land of 'Judea'; certain rabbis decided to write the 'oral traditions' down. This written compilation of rabbinical traditions was called the "Mishnah".
Though it is claimed that these laws and traditions were passed down orally from Moses, there is no evidence of it. The earliest appearance of the rabbinical traditions as evidenced in history was around 200 BC. The oldest actual quotations, recorded in the Mishnah, according to Jewish historians, date to around 100 BC. The Gemara commentary was added from about 200 AD to around 500 AD. These writings, which form what is called the "Talmud", have replaced the Old Testament Scriptures and have become the standard for modern Judaism. This is why there are no blood sacrifices nor priestly ministries.
Many of these rabbinical traditions were in place in Jesus' time and even then, formed the foundation of the Judaism of His day. But neither Jesus, nor any of the apostles ever based any of their teaching on oral traditions--only Scripture. As a matter of fact, the only time Jesus referred to them at all, was to soundly denounce them, telling the Pharisees that through these 'traditions' they were "making the Word of God of no effect" (Mark 7:13). Obviously, Jesus did not consider the rabbinical 'oral traditions' to be the Word of God. And thus, the primary foundation of 'Judaism' in the time of Christ, and the ONLY basis of modern Judaism was condemned by Jesus.
Many contemporary pastors, evangelists, and church leaders have jumped on the bandwagon of incorporating Talmudic tradition into Christian worship. One example of those now popular traditions, is the practice of wearing the prayer shawl (tallit). It has also become a good selling item in Christian book and novelty stores--and even in churches.
How do you get people to spend lots of money on a nice towel?.. You tell them that Jesus wore a prayer shawl; that the apostles wore prayer shawls. Even more effective, is to explain that when Jesus said "go into your [prayer] closet", He was not referring to a little room. He was referring to covering your head with the 'prayer shawl'. You also count on the fact that most people will not be well read enough, in the Bible, to know that none of that is true.
Neither Jesus nor the apostles covered their heads when they prayed. How do I know?.. The former Pharisee--Paul the apostle--made it clear...
"Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head... For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God"
(1 Corinthians 11:4,7)
From the time of Christ, to modern times, well-mannered men would always remove their hats when someone was offering a public prayer--keeping with true Biblical tradition. It was common knowledge all over the world, that to keep your head covered during such a time was a sign of dishonor to your head, who is Christ (1 Cor. 11:3). Now, even many in the church seem to be willing to trade a Bible based, Christ-honoring tradition, for such a vain, unscriptural, modern Jewish tradition.
It has become a matter of deep concern and prayer for me, that so many in the church have become caught up in novelty and vain traditions--and have become seriously distracted from the great commission. Some, I fear, are bordering on idolatry; worshipping a dead and invalid religion, the foundation of which, Jesus Himself condemned.
Contrary to what many are preaching, the roots of Christianity are not found in Judaism. Christianity is based on the gospel of Jesus Christ--the good news of a righteousness that comes only through faith in Christ, apart from the works of the law. This gospel was first declared to Abraham, hundreds of years before it would be put in effect...
"And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached 'the gospel' to Abraham beforehand, saying, in you all the nations shall be blessed."
(Galatians 3:8)
This promise did not apply specifically to the Jews, it applied to all who would be justified (made righteous) by faith. According to Paul, it was the first proclamation of 'the gospel'.
Abraham knew nothing of Judaism. The system of obedience to God's law, as a means of righteousness (Judaism), would not come into effect until hundreds of years later. Even then, it would serve only as a TEMPORARY system, to preserve righteous lineage, through whom, the Savior would come, and fulfill those original promises made to Abraham and his seed...
"Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, 'And to seeds', as of many, but as of one, 'And to your Seed,' who is Christ. And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect."
(Galatians 3:16,17)
So the law, which gave birth to Judaism and established the Jewish nation was not 'replaced' by Christianity, really--it was preceded by it. Abraham's right standing with God was based upon his faith in a promise that would be fulfilled only in Christ. And the 'system of law as a means of righteousness', to which Christ would put an end (Romans 10:4), was to be added later and serve as a "schoolmaster" (or 'tutor') to bring Israel to Christ...
"What purpose then does the law serve? It was 'added' because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made... Therefore the law 'was' our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
(Galatians 3:19,24)
The only true 'Judaism' had a very important, though TEMPORARY, purpose. When the New Covenant was established in the shed blood of the perfect Lamb of God, the Old Covenant (the Mosaic Covenant) became obsolete (Hebrews 8:13). This is why Paul went on to write, in summary...
"There is neither Jew nor Greek... for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
(Galatians 3:28-29)

Biblical Jews - Modern Jews... Is there a difference?

2007-09-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Who is a Jew? Is it a certain religion that makes a person a Jew, or is it the natural bloodline? If one is a Jew by definition of modern Judaism, is that same person a Jew, Biblically speaking? If a person is a Jew by modern definition but not by Biblical definition, would Bible prophecy concerning 'Jews' apply? Are there actual Bible prophecies which specifically concern 'Jews'?
These questions may seem ridiculously simple and unimportant, but bear with me, as I present a case for investing serious thought and research into answering them.
In the Bible, the remnant of the southern Kingdom of Judah, consisting of the descendants of the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin, were the first to be called "Jews". The northern Kingdom of Israel, comprising the other ten Tribes, had been dispersed and forever melded into the pagan societies of the world, 700 years before Christ. They were rejected by the Lord, who had "afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of plunderers, until He had cast them from His sight" (2 Kings 17:20). About 586 BC, Judah was taken into Babylonian captivity, until 538 BC, when the remaining 'Jews' were released and allowed to return to their homeland, where they ultimately came under Roman government until Jerusalem was totally destroyed by Titus, in 70 AD.
During Old Testament times, one was a natural 'Jew' by virtue of birth. His or her father had to be a Jew, which is the only way the lineage could be traced. According to modern Judaism, this is not the case. One is a natural-born Jew today, only if his or her mother is Jewish, making it impossible to trace one's lineage back to the patriarchs.
In Bible times, one could also be called a 'Jew' if he were a "proselyte"--a Jew, not by birth, but by virtue of circumcision and adherence to the law. Circumcision is also required in modern Judaism, but circumcision alone, was never enough according to the Old Testament, for one to become a member of the household of Israel. All of Abraham's physical descendants circumcised the male children in obedience to the command passed down by Abraham. This practice was followed not only by Isaac and his seed, but the descendants of Ishmael, as well as the descendants of Abraham's six sons by his second wife, and the descendants of his sons by concubines--all of them, including Muslims today, practice the rite of circumcision. But circumcision does not, nor did it ever, make them 'Jews'.
Adherence to the law of Moses, which was a strict requirement for the Jews of old, is not required by even the strictest of orthodox Jews today. If the Jews of old ceased to cooperate with God's method of atonement--the blood sacrifices--they were 'cut off' and no longer in covenant with God. Today, those Old Testament laws and ordinances have been replaced in modern Judaism by the Talmud--the 'oral traditions'. Thus, modern Judaism has absolutely no validity. Nor, did it ever. Even if the Messiah had never come and the Old Covenant was still in effect, the Jews of today would be completely outside that covenant, and without any relationship with God.

Jews in the time of Christ...

By the time of Christ, the term "Jews" usually referred to those who strictly adhered to the religious laws and ordinances. While it is true that Jesus was a Jew, the disciples were Jews, and the multitudes to whom they preached were Jews; nearly every reference to "the Jews" in the New Testament was concerning the religious leaders, not the Jews-by-birth. Examples include statements such as, "When the Jews saw the multitudes", or "the Jews sought to kill Him (Jesus)", or "the disciples were in fear of the Jews", etc.
The number of references to "Jews" in the Gospels and the Book of Acts far exceed the number of references in the rest of the New Testament. And though many are preaching today about the 'Jews in Bible prophecy'; even the Book of The Revelation makes no reference to "Jews", except in the letters to the seven churches (Chapters 2 & 3). And in those letters, Jesus only mentions those "who say they are Jews and are not" and He calls them the "synagogue of Satan" (Rev. 2:9, 3:9).
No Bible prophecy concerning the latter days, Old Testament or New Testament, includes any mention of "Jews". Prophecies do mention "Israel", but there is a difference. The "Jews" refer simply to those of the religion of 'Judaism'. "Israel", on the other hand, refers to the seed of Abraham--the chosen people of God. The only 'Israel' in Biblical, end-time prophecy, comprises those who are also described as having a "new heart", "righteous", "saints"; those who have "the testimony of Christ", those who "follow the Lamb", etc. Another name for them would be "Christians".
What about this "synagogue of Satan"? To whom was Jesus referring, and is there a valid application today?
Consider this... By the time the aged apostle John heard those words from the resurrected Lord Jesus, he had been banished to the Isle of Patmos and nearly all of those with whom he had once enjoyed fellowship had gone on to glory. Decades before, the young apostle was one of the 120 Jews who believed in Jesus and were gathered in an 'upper room'. They were 'in one mind and one accord', waiting for the 'promise of the Father'--the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
With a roaring sound and the manifestation of flames of fire upon each of them, the Holy Spirit filled the house and everyone in it. The first part of the remnant of Israel had received a new heart and a new spirit within... They had been fully cleansed of their iniquity and God had become their God, and they, His people.
This band of 120 believers went immediately to the streets of Jerusalem and began to preach Jesus and the resurrection. On that very day, three thousand Jews came to Christ (Acts 2:41). A few days later, Peter had another opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus to another large crowd of Jews. The result? Five thousand men, plus women and children became believers. What did they call these thousands of Jews who were coming to Christ? At first they simply called them "believers" (Acts 5:14). Then they called them people of "the Way" (Acts 9:2). Finally, at Antioch, a name was given to them that stuck--"Christians" (Acts 11:26). The Jewish king Agrippa was obviously familiar with the term, as he accused the apostle Paul of attempting to persuade him to become a "Christian" and Paul readily admitted to the same (Acts 26:28-29). Even the apostle Peter used the term "Christian" referring to himself and other believers (1 Peter 4:16). The name change was no accident. It was in fulfillment of prophecy... "You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name" (Isaiah 62:2).
The apostle John witnessed this and was a vital participant in all of it. And in the years that followed, John ministered the Word, just as Jesus had commanded, first to Judea (the Jews), then to Samaria and beyond. Many of the Jews believed John's message and became Christians. Some did not believe and ultimately died in their sin. It was the latter, John referred to when he wrote... "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us (1 John 2:19).
Further addressing the true nature of these Jews of his day who had ultimately rejected Christ, he wrote... "Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also." (1 John 2:22-23)
Keep in mind, these were Jews who actually lived while the Old Covenant was still in effect. They had heard the New Covenant preached and had plenty of opportunity to believe and receive Christ--but they were obviously not (as John explained) true 'Israel'--they were not the 'elect'. They were Jews by blood or religion only, circumcised of the flesh, but not the heart--as Paul also explained, "They are not all Israel who are of Israel" (Romans 9:6).
None of the Jews who once were legally in covenant with God through the law, were automatically covered by the New Covenant... It had to be by faith. The Old Covenant was made obsolete when the New was established (Hebrews 8:13), thus, anyone who rejected the offer of the New Covenant remained uncovered--without hope of salvation or any relationship with God. And to continue to claim covenant with God was tantamount to 'blasphemy'. It was undoubtedly these, who continued calling themselves "Jews", even though they had completely rejected the King of the Jews, that Jesus renamed "the synagogue of Satan" and judged them blasphemers.
Jesus had confronted that same spirit, manifest in the Scribes and Pharisees. They were, physically speaking, just as much the 'seed of Abraham' as anyone. Jesus acknowledged this. But He also told them that in reality--in the way God sees it--they were NOT Abraham's children, nor were they God's children. Their father was not God--their father was the devil (John 8:37-44). In other words, they were also, "the synagogue of Satan". Why? His explanation was so simple, yet they did not want to hear it; and few want to hear it to this very day...
"And He said to them, You are from beneath; I am from above, You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (John 8:23-24).
According to the New Testament, no one who rejected Jesus christ would have any part in the Kingdom of god. The warning was clear--even the warning written specifically to the Hebrew people--saying that to go on in sin (instead of coming to Christ for salvation) means that "there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation..." (Hebrews 10:26-27).
The significance of this warning being directed especially to the Jews in this case, is even more apparent as the warning continues...
"Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. And again, 'The Lord will judge His people" (Hebrews 10:28-30).
The Jews, to whom, "Hebrews" was written, once had a covenant with God through Moses. That covenant was now obsolete ("In that He says, 'a new covenant', He has made the first obsolete..." --Hebrews 8:13). And unless they repented, acknowledged the Truth, and received Jesus as Lord and Savior, they could expect nothing but "judgment and fiery indignation". Today, there are those who are called Jews, but receive no such warnings from many who know the Lord. Well known church leaders, such as Rev. John Hagee, pastor of Cornerstone Church in san Antonio, Texas, teach thousands of Christians that the Jews should not be 'targeted for conversion'--that preaching the gospel to them is wrong--that they have a covenant with God through Moses, which is still in effect...
If I may borrow one of Pastor Hagee's favorite phrases... "He is exactly wrong!"
No person living on earth today is under the Mosaic Covenant unless that person is two thousand years old! What part of "ob-so-lete" does Brother Hagee and so many others not understand? "Obsolete" is part of the core of the message written to Jews who were old enough to have been under the Old Covenant, and the message was loud and clear to them--The Old Covenant is no longer an option... It's the New Covenant, or No Covenant.
Why is our message not as loud and clear to Jews today, who have never been under any covenant with God to begin with?

Since when, is the gospel anti-Semitic?

2007-09-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

It goes against my grain to attempt to explain in essay form, that which should be expressed in nothing less than a treatise--line-upon-line, precept-upon-precept. But to borrow a phrase from the apostle Paul, "Necessity is laid upon me". It is becoming more and more difficult to have fellowship with other believers, or to take part in home groups or Bible studies without the subject of Israel or modern Jews and Judaism coming up. And the popular doctrine espoused by so many today is leading much of the Body of christ away from the Truth of Scripture--further into confusion. It has infiltrated sound Biblical teaching concerning the end-times, and it has robbed so many believers of their true identity in Christ.
I am referring to the popular teachings concerning the Israel of Bible prophecy, and the relationship between Christians and modern Jews. To some, there seems to be no question about this. They are unaware of any controversy. Others, however, will read just this far and claim to know exactly where I'm going... They will affix one or more of the popular labels to me and toss this publication aside, saying, "I've heard it before". My doctrinal stance will be labeled "secessionist", "replacement theology", or even "anti-Semitic"--none of which is true (especially the last one).
Let me say, before I go any further, that the number one reason this discussion is such a "necessity" as far as I am concerned, is because the love of God mandates the telling of the Truth of the gospel to every person. "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (John 3:36).
That's the deal. Regardless of one's natural or religious heritage, whether he is a Muslim cleric, a Buddhist monk, or a Jewish Rabbi; if he or she does not come to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ and receive Him alone, as Savior and Lord, he will not see life. His or her portion for eternity will be nothing but the unending wrath of God. That is nothing but plain, old-fashioned gospel; yet, an ever-increasing number of Christian churches and ministries have ceased proclaiming that message--especially to Jews.
"Proselytization" has become a bad word, these days, particularly when used in connection with the efforts on the part of Christians who are attempting to convert Jewish people to Christ. Those of us who still believe and express the Truth to the Jew, that without Christ, he or she is in sin and bound for hell just as any other sinner, are now being labeled as "anti-Semitic". In other words, to proclaim the same exact message to modern Jews, as Jesus and the apostles proclaimed to Jews of old, has somehow become wrong.
Well known pastors of large churches in America have gone so far as to amend their church constitution and By-laws to include a policy against the evangelism of Jewish people. They say the Jews 'have their own covenant' with God, passed down through Moses... And they claim that covenant is still in effect. Literally thousands of Christians in America are being taught by their pastors, to support political Israel, financially and otherwise, and to avoid any participation in the few evangelical missionary works which still focus on converting Jews to Christ. The result?.. While more and more Jews from poverty stricken Nations may be receiving funds from Christian ministries to 'make Aliyah' (move to Israel); many more are being cut off from the only Truth that offers them eternal life. This is not paving the way to the 'promised land'--for all too many lost souls, it is paving the way to hell.
I, for one, have had it. I have tried the 'sweet, silent' approach. I've tried to smile, listen for points to agree on, and 'agree to disagree' about the rest. But I just cannot be silent anymore about this. Jesus Christ came to Israel, in fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to redeem them from all iniquity--to restore Israel to a right relationship with God Almighty--and to make that same salvation available to 'whosoever will believe' in Him. He did not fail. He did not do anything halfway. He is surely coming again, but this time He is not coming to redeem, deliver, save, or rescue anyone from the wrath of God. He is coming to "strike the nations"--to "tread the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" (Revelation 19:15).
When Jesus bodily returns to this earth, ALL the saints will be with Him. From the beginning of time, those who were deemed righteous by the Lord--all those were in covenant with God Almighty--those who had died and were buried, along with those who were still alive on earth and were caught up (raptured) when God's resurrection trumpet sounded--the entire family of God--the 'whole house of Israel'--the 'general assembly and church of the firstborn'--Yes, ALL the saints will be with Him when He comes to execute wrath on ALL who dwell on the earth. And ALL who are still dwelling on the earth when He comes will violently and utterly perish (Revelation 19:17-20).
I know there are those who quote Zechariah's prophecy which says...
"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplications; then they will look on Me whom they pierced, Yes, they will mourn for Him".
(Zechariah 12:10)
They try to apply it to Jesus' second coming, saying the Jews who have not received Christ up till that time, will see Him coming (look upon Him whom they pierced), mourn, repent, and be led safely into the Millenial Kingdom. Zechariah's prophecy however, will not be fulfilled when Jesus comes again... It has already been fulfilled. According to the ONLY New Testament scripture that specifically refers to that prophecy, it was fulfilled when Jesus actually hung on the cross... "For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, 'Not one of His bones shall be broken.' And again another Scripture says, 'They shall look on Him whom they pierced." (John 19:36,37). And it was while Jesus yet hung on the cross, that the "spirit of grace and supplications" also began to be poured out, and even those who pierced Him began to mourn and repent, saying "Surely this man was the Son of God" (Mark 15:39). It was this spirit of grace that opened the door to the conversion of thousands of Jews on the Day of Pentecost and shortly thereafter.
Jesus Himself also referred to another portion of Zechariah's prophecy, saying it would be fulfilled that very night, following His betrayal and arrest... "Then Jesus said to them, 'All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered..." (Matthew 26:31/Zechariah 13:7).
There are several other prophecies which people today are mistakenly applying to the end-times, in spite of the fact that the writers of the New Testament, who wrote by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, quoted the same prophecies and specifically explained how they were fulfilled either in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, or in the establishment of the Christian church. Nowhere are these particular prophecies referred to, as 'yet to be fulfilled'. Among them are the prophecies concerning, 'the rebuilding of the Temple', the salvation of the 'whole house of Israel', the 'restoration of David's throne', the 'return to the promised land', and the 'fullness of the Gentiles'. All of these are related to God's promises to Abraham and his seed, and contrary to what many church leaders are teaching today, the early church leaders, Peter, James, John, and Paul taught that all of these promises were fulfilled in Christ, and the establishment of His Kingdom.

A review of "Jerusalem Countdown"

2007-09-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have read "Jerusalem Countdown" in its entirety, along with other books by Rev. Hagee, and though I acknowledge his research effort and do not doubt the accuracy of his estimation of Iranian war capabilities and intentions; I am thoroughly convinced he goes way beyond scriptural boundaries in his association of modern Jews, Judaism, and Zionism with the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.
First of all, "Jerusalem Countdown" is generally based on the faulty premise that geographical Israel of today must be protected and undivided, as it was given to Israel by God. "Grave consequences" are promised to any who would "divide up the land" with the Palestinians or any other people (page 194). This sets aside the fact that modern Israel is but a small portion of the geographical land given by God. If we must support Israel's occupation of the original God-given land, as Rev. Hagee insists, then Israel must occupy Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon with our blessing.
Secondly, "Jerusalem Countdown" is full of inaccuracies, such as, the many references to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, etc., as "Jews". Abraham was not a 'Jew'. Jews did not exist in his day.
Hagee also manufactures end-time fulfillments of prophecies concerning Israel's salvation, which were all fulfilled in Christ, when He came the first time.
Most importantly, Rev. Hagee reveals throughout the book, his heretical idea that "Torah Jews" have no need of Christ--that they are forgiven and their names are written in the 'book of life' (i.e., page 129)--and that anyone who would teach that modern Jews (outside of faith in Christ) have no place in the family of God are 'antisemitic'.
All of this, in my opinion, is most dangerous, especially to Jewish people who would want to know the truth, concerning the Messiah.

Cancer update #1 and Amazing Grace Fellowship (church information)

2007-08-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

Less than a month after launching this new church in Morgantown, I decided to visit a doctor due to persistent abdominal discomfort and a few other symptoms. This medical 'visit' became a series of visits, tests, x-rays, CT scans etc., all of which resulted in the diagnosis of colon cancer. I appreciate the many who have already begun praying for me and standing with Joie, my family, and me in agreement for a complete recovery and healing.

Until this calamity has passed, we are post-poning worship services of Amazing Grace Fellowship. Be watching for further updates on this blog site. If you have any questions, comments, or personal messages for us, be sure to Email us at AGFministries@hotmail.com.... Or you can mail your correspondence to me at...

Eddie Hughes
PO Box 794
Morgantown, WV 26507

2007-06-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

Where's the River?

2007-05-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

"There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God..." Psalm 46:4

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive..." John 7:38-39

"...for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.." Acts 1:5

The sign out front said "First Colonial Baptist Church" and underneath the name were the letters, "S.B.C" (Southern Baptist Convention). I was just shy of 21 years of age on that sunny Sunday morning in Virginia Beach, as my wife, one-year-old daughter, and I visited this church for the first time. It was May, 1974--Mother's Day, to be exact.
I was there at the invitation of Sam Samson, my Navy Communications supervisor. I had only agreed to come if Sam could answer yes to three questions...
"Was this a Baptist church?" (At the time I would not have darkened the door of any other).
"Is the pastor a good preacher?" (Sam's answer to that one was actually, "Dynamite", but it qualified as a "yes".)
The third question was, "Would he meet us out front before church?".
Sam answered right and met us out front just like he promised. In his wisdom, however he had not volunteered any other information concerning how this church would likely be very different than what I expected.
I was saved when I was eight years old and though I rededicated my life to the Lord when I was thirteen, I had subsequently slipped away from Him, into a carnal lifestyle. I had not been attending church for years, but still, the Baptists were the only ones I trusted.
Inside, the church seemed normal by all appearances... The differences became obvious during the worship service. There was no slow, dreary, organ music that sounded more like a funeral service than a call to worship. And the hymns were all lively and powerful songs, i.e., "Standing On the Promises", "Victory In Jesus", etc.
After singing one or two from the "Baptist Hymnal" the song leader directed us to pick up the other hymnal, that 'little red one' and we sang one or two from that one. These had lyrics I had never heard before, such as...
"Lord, as of old at Pentecost, Thou didst Thy power display... With cleansing purifying flame, descend on us today...
Lord, Send the old time power, The Pentecostal power... Thy floodgates of blessing, on us throw open wide...
Lord, Send the old time power, The Pentecostal power... That sinners be converted, and Thy Name glorified."
After a hymn or two like that, everyone just put down their hymnal and the song leader led in choruses like, "Oh, How I Love Jesus", "He's All I Need", or "He is Lord". Hands were raised across the congregation, in obvious surrender and adoration of the Lord--Whose presence I was feeling, like never before.
At sometime during a pause between choruses, a man behind began to speak out in a language I had never heard. He continued for a minute or so and stopped. Then a lady across the sanctuary spoke out in English, a message from the Lord.
I knew in my heart, that the man was speaking a language he himself did not know, that he was speaking by the power of the Lord, and that by the Lord's power, the lady was interpreting. It was not till after the service, I asked Sam about it, and he showed me Scripture that I never read or heard discussed--1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14.
Other obvious differences I noticed during that worship service, were these:
I could feel the presence of the Lord when I entered the building. There was an atmosphere of joy and the smiles and friendliness of the people seemed genuine.
The youth of the church did not sit together in the back, they sat with their parents or in the front pews. And it was their hands that went up first in worship.
Sam could not have been more correct in his "dynamite" description of the pastor's preaching.... Dr. George T. Stallings had one of the warmest smiles and made you feel very welcome and comfortable, yet his preaching was powerful and by the Holy Ghost, stirred within the believer's heart that desire to enter in to a full relationship with the Lord and to become more acquainted with His mighty power. When his message was ended, his invitation was not only for people to come forward to be saved or rededicate, but to come for prayer--for healing, or to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Over the next five years, I learned about and experienced the baptism with the Holy Ghost. And I saw how God can become very real to His people and touch them in ways they never forget. I saw first time visitors break into tears of joy, sometimes as they stepped through the doors. I saw new Christians baptized in water, and as they came up out of the water they were also baptized in the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues. No one told them to, or even suggested they try--the spiritual atmosphere was simply right for an encounter with a living God.
My own mother, for example, had such an encounter on her first visit to the church. For over a year, I had tried several times to explain the fullness of the Holy Spirit, His gifts, etc. This always just seemed to upset Mom, and as much as she loved the Lord, she just didn't want to talk about those things. When on a visit from WV, she agreed to come to church with us, I was glad and simply prayed (privately), "Lord, my mother has the same Spirit of God living in her as I do... Please make your presence known and felt to her today, the same as you did for me, on my first visit."
As we walked back to the parking lot after church, I asked her, "Well, what did you think?".
She stopped, looked at me, and said, "That was the closest to God I have ever felt in my life."
Since those days, I have had the joy of being part of great moves of God and I have seen some great things happen in the churches I have pastored... But here, in 2007, I seriously miss, and have of late, been unable to find a church where He is welcome and manifest in such a marvelous way.
People seem to be more interested in entertainment. There are plenty of good musicians and singers, but many of the songs talk more about personal emotional needs, than the glorious attributes of Almighty God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When the music team comes on stage and the lights go down--the show begins. And like God told the prophet Amos... You can gather all the musicians you want, sing all your favorite songs, and have church in your own way--but I won't be there, it's just noise to me (Amos 5:21-24 paraphrased). So His absence in church declares the same message today.
Where is the river of life? Where is the living Word? Where are the changed lives and testimonies thereof?
As for me..
I still believe the Holy Spirit has put within me, the desire and the calling to start and pastor a church here in the Morgantown, WV area. I have been on hold for quite a while, however, and at times have thought--even tried--to move somewhere else. Only recently, have I begun to realize what the delay really is... I need--I must have--the FULLNESS of His Spirit in the very first worship service, and in every function of this new church. And I need confirmation of revival in me, personally, before I step back into a position of ministering the same to others. Like Moses, when God said He would not go with the people into the promised land (because of their iniquity); Moses responded, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here" (Exodus 33:15). I am ready to announce the opening of a new full-gospel church--just as soon as I am fully persuaded in my heart, that God's fully manifested presence will go with me and meet every single person that steps through the door in a powerful and unforgettable way.

The Missing Gospel

2007-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

It seems one should be able to sit in any Christian church, especially in America, and hear the 'gospel' preached. Don't mean to sound critical here, but I can't help but fear, the gospel, as the central theme, has been replaced. New words, describing the contemporary pastor's message have become popular, i.e., 'relevant', 'inclusive', 'tolerant', 'seeker friendly' etc. The 'gospel' has been reduced to anything that could be deemed 'good news' by our present culture. How to deal with stress, depression, financial problems, etc... How to develop and maintain 'relationships', or how to simply 'get along' with everybody, and so on... These are the types of 'good news' messages people want to hear. Remove the line-upon-line, precept-upon-precept wisdom of the Scriptures and insert the Psychology. We don't need to hear the Word taught and preached from someone who has spent most of his learning time and effort on his knees, with only one Book as the source. [We think] we need to hear from one whose learning came from the halls of godless intitutions of higher learning--one who meets the 'qualifications' and owns the credentials of a psychiatrist, or at least, a 'counselor'. The Bible is just not enough anymore.
God, help us!
Some of my pastor friends, I'm afraid, have been caught up in this so-called 'emerging church' spirit. They have become 'purpose driven' instead of 'Spirit led'. The psychology behind their methodology is basically, "If we can't draw the younger generation (18-30 year olds) to church, then we won't be able to reach them with any of the Truth at all. So it's better to conform to their culture and life-style, thus, making church interesting enough for them to come; than to sacrifice all opportunity to reach them."
So now, we have mega-churches with congregations full of young folks, sipping their Starbucks, and enjoying the contemporary 'worship' music, and the culturally 'relevant' message... But there is something missing...
It's absence won't be noticed by the many who have never experienced it, but the life-changing power that is manifest in the heart of a believer who feeds on a steady diet of the 'gospel' of Christ seems to have no appearance in this post-modern, emerging church experience.
Have I not seen change? You ask?
Oh, I've seen some change... I've seen church leaders, staff, and much of the longstanding members of the congregation, change to the point they blend in completely with the new and unlearned members, just off the street. Torn and sloppy jeans, tatoos, and body piercings have been added to the appearance of the leadership. Oh, I know... I sound legalistic, critical, and chock-full of condemnation, now, don't I.
But seriously... If you know and believe the Word, you know there is something wrong with this picture. Please wake up. We (the church) are to be the 'salt of the earth'... Instead, the world has become the 'salt' of the church. Contrary to what some have taught, Jesus was not referring to the 'preserving' power of salt--He was referring to it's 'savor' (flavoring power) (Matthew 5:13). Salt is supposed to have an 'influence' on that, to which it's added.
No, we are not to condemn the sinner, be critical of their dress, etc... We should never reject the tattooed, body-pierced, souls who dare to darken the doors of the church, but receive them with open arms into the faith and the family of God. God's Word (if it is proclaimed), and the Holy Spirit will, in time, provide any and all necessary motivation to change and become on the outside, more and more like that which God has made on the inside. But we should cooperate with God and allow Him to stir within the immature, the desire to grow up. We don't do that by adorning ourselves like those who do not know Him. And I'm not referring merely to clothing styles. Many who stand in leadership positions in the church today, not only dress like the most rebellious of the world's cultures, but talk like them, drink like them, watch filthy movies with them, listen to foul, ungodly 'music' with them, etc.
Jesus also said, in the very next verses, that we are to be "...the light of the world", and to "...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16). Again, He was undoubtedly referring to more than your clothes, or whether or not you have a tatoo. The 'good works' have to do with the ministry of the believer and should manifest enough of the glory and power of God, so as to cause men to "glorify" the heavenly Father. But pray tell me... Can anyone expect to 'shine' to that degree, when the 'light' has only been hidden to those around? When foul, vulgar, language is heard from the 'Christian' as much as it is from the agnostic sinner of the world? And please don't kid yourself, "...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" --Jesus (Matthew 12:34)
Jesus prayed intently, the night before He hung on Calvary's cross, that God Almighty would 'sanctify' (set apart, make holy) those who would one day believe in Him... He prayed, "...Sanctify them by Your Truth. Your Word is Truth" (John 17:17). He also gave the reason in the next few verses, summarized and paraphrased by this... That we who believe would come into godly unity by becoming more like Jesus, not by becoming more like one another. And this godly unity would happen through the process of 'sancification' by the Word. And the reason for that? "...That the world may believe that you sent me." (John 17:20-21).
This kind of unity--the kind that gives witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ--is not obtained by human efforts to 'unify' with those we are trying to reach. The 'culture' may come into the church house, by the thousands--but that does not mean they have been 'reached'.
This kind of unity only comes as we hear the gospel, which is the power of God (Romans 1:16/1 Cor. 1:23,24), on a regular basis, "...till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine...
...But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ"
(Ephesians 4:13-14, 15)
There will be at least a remnant of the church (as a whole) who gets there, before it's all said and done. But it will not happen in your church--if the 'gospel' is, and remains, missing.

The Way of Cain... Notes on Genesis, Chapter four

2007-01-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

"Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain..." (Jude 11)

Genesis, Chapter Four tells us just about everything we can learn about Cain, the first-born son of Adam and Eve. So the 'way of Cain', Jude mentions, obviously has something to do with the events described in that chapter.
Nothing is written about Cain's childhood or adolescent years.
He is born. His younger brother Abel is born. And the next we know of them, they are grown men with occupations. Cain was a farmer (a 'tiller of the ground'), and Abel raised sheep (Ch. 4 Vs. 2).
They apparently had been doing this for a good while (one cannot raise a 'flock' of sheep overnight) and in the 'process of time' Cain brought an offering of his crops (the 'fruit of the ground') to God. Abel followed suit by bringing a young lamb to the Lord. There is no reason to believe that both men did not bring the very best they had. But God let them know that He appreciated Abel's offering only--not Cain's.
From Scripture, this is all we know... Cain brought an offering of the "fruit of the ground"--grains, vegetables, etc. Abel brought a lamb--a blood sacrifice--and the 'fat' of the lamb--a burnt offering. Another thing we know from Scripture, is that Abel acted in "faith"... "By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks." (Hebrews 11:4)
With what we know now, concerning the gospel, it's easy to understand why Abel's sacrifice was "more excellent". It was prophetic--a foreshadowing of the 'offering' God Himself would give for the salvation of the world.
But how could Abel have known that?
I really don't think he did. Perhaps he did remember his parent's story, though, of how God had no respect for their hand-sewn, fig leaf, garments, with which they had attempted to cover their nakedness and shame... And how God Himself was the first to spill the blood of animals, then use their skins to make coverings for them instead. Maybe, it was from that little bit of knowledge, that there arose in the heart of Abel, "faith" that the sacrifice he would bring to God would be pleasing.
There is, of course, some speculation in all of that. And speculation, apart from Scriptural evidence, is something we cannot afford to rely on. But many have 'speculated' that there was something wrong with Cain's initial motivation or attitude. And I have been unable to find any Scriptural evidence for that... But the very fact that according to the Bible, Abel was acting in "faith", leads me to believe that Cain, on the other hand, was acting on his own 'reasoning', not necessarily selfish motivation.
I believe Cain brought the very best he had, and 'reasoned' that surely God would appreciate his effort. When it became known to Cain, that God was not pleased with his offering, but with Abel's only... That's when the problem began.
"...Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. So the Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it' " (Ch. 4 Vs. 5-7).
Oh, the power and wisdom of God! But what a critical moment for Cain! He was faced with such a great opportunity--such a crucial decision.
I'm convinced, God had no problem with Cain's effort, nor did He question his motives. He questioned Cain's reaction to the praise Abel received. He questioned Cain's anger and his sad, whiny expression, over the fact that his act of 'worship' was not what God was interested in... 'After all', Cain must have thought, 'What had Abel done, that was anymore of a sacrifice than his was?'
I believe this was the first case of someone being 'hurt in church'. It's like the lady who works for weeks making a big tapestry or something, that she wants to bring to church and hang on the wall--as her gift to the Lord. Or maybe it's like the man who feels he is to offer a song solo in Sunday morning church. If the tapestry is just plain ugly, and the soloist has absolutely no musical skill, someone is going to have the rather unpleasant task of lovingly and diplomatically as possible, saying 'thanks, but no thanks'. Hopefully, that loving response would be enough, but in spite of everything, there will be times when the person gets 'hurt' and never darkens the church door again. In days to come, the only answer they would offer as to why they no longer attend church?... They were 'hurt'--the 'church hurt them'. But was it the lack of skill in singing or interior decorating that caused the problem? Was it that 'mean spirited' deacon, who would not allow the tapestry to adorn the wall of the sanctuary?
No, it was their 'anger' and 'fallen countenance'--and the 'sin that lay at the door, ultimately ruling over them'.
I'm sure I could have come up with better analogies, and there are much more serious situations than those. But even in the cases of spiritual abuse, religious legalism, obnoxious personalities, etc., there are better ways to deal with it, than to assign blame to 'the church' in general, and allow sin to rule because of your 'hurt'.
Cain was not without God-given options. He was offered the opportunity to "do well" and "be accepted" also. He could have taken some of those good vegetables of his to Abel, purchased a lamb, and made an offering to God, which he now knew would be well received. But he made the wrong choice, thus, inviting sin to rule. His anger grew in him to the point he finally said to his brother, "Meet me in the field" (paraphrased--Ch. 4 Vs. 8), and he murdered him.
The blood of Abel, the Word says, cried out to God from the ground (Vs. 10). God punished Cain by banishing him to the wilderness, to be a "fugitive and a vagabond" for the rest of his days. Cain left, along with his wife, and dwelt in a place called "Nod", east of Eden. (Vs. 16).
[ NOTE: Some have attempted to challenge the integrity of the Word by asking, "Where did Cain get his wife?" The answer to that, is simple... He brought her with him from Eden. Cain's wife was one of his sisters. Cain and Abel were only two of many "sons and daughters" of Adam (Ch. 5 Vs. 4). And incest was not an issue prior to the giving of the law (which forbade it), especially considering that it was also prior to any possible degradation of the human gene pool. Thus no spiritual nor physical ill-effects would have resulted. ]
In the story of Cain and Abel, the disastrous progression from hurt feelings, to sinful, murderous actions, vengeance and misery is told. Yes, the blood of Abel "still speaks" and tells the story...
But now, the blood of Jesus speaks, and tells the rest of the story-- speaking "better things than that of Abel" (Hebrews 12:24).
Abel's 'blood' cries out to God for vengeance... The 'blood' of Jesus cries, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do".

The Fall, the Curse, and the Promise... Notes on Genesis, Chapter Three (part 2)

2007-01-01T05:55:00.000-08:00

Before Adam and Eve sinned, the Bible says, "...they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." (Ch. 2 Vs. 25). After they sinned, the Word tells us, "...the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings." (Ch. 3 Vs. 7).
I do not believe they suddenly realized they were not wearing clothes. I think the term "naked" has a deeper meaning than that. God had said, that in the day they would disobey, and eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil (blessing and calamity), they would "surely die" (Ch. 2 Vs. 17). Adam did not die physically at the time he ate of the fruit--he died spiritually. Ultimately, this spiritual death would result in his physical death as well. But many other changes took place within the man and the women beginning at the moment of spiritual death. They were suddenly cut off from the source of true life. This is the reason they "knew" they were "naked". The glory and presence of their Creator had been manifest within them prior to this--to the point, they had also been 'clothed' in the same. No one, since that day, has ever seen the appearance of a man in whom was no sin or corruption--whose outward appearance was arrayed in the glory of God from within... That is, until Jesus allowed three of His disciples to see Him on the Mount of Transfiguration--when He literally shone with the brilliance of the sun, allowing the glory within, to adorn Him without (Matt. 17). To some degree at least, I am convinced Adam and Eve had been 'clothed' in similar fashion. And of this glorious 'clothing', they were stripped, and found themselves naked.
Fear, shame, and the vain attempt to hide from God and 'cover' themselves were also immediately manifest. To this day, unregenerate man, those who are lost, without true faith in Jesus Christ; make the same vain attempts to 'hide' from God, or to 'cover' (justify) themselves in their own minds through good works or false religion.
In addition to spiritual death, out of which would eventually come sickness, mental and emotional torment, aging, feebleness, anger, envy, jealousy and every other physical and mental problem--would be the necessity of toil and trouble due to God's curse on the very ground (Ch. 3 Vs. 17, 18). Cursed also, was the woman's general relationship with the man--to whom, apart from the God's blessing and mercy, she would become subservient. In addition, she would be cursed with 'much pain' in childbirth.
[ In Christ, according to her faith, the Christian woman can be free of the effects of that curse. (1 Tim. 2:15). ]
Only through a relationship with Christ and faith in His Word, can we now have victory over the physical, mental, and earthly problems of life. Those problems have not been eliminated, but according to our faith, we can overcome, to the glory of God. The promise of this is revealed in the New Testament, as a result of the finished work of redemption in Jesus Christ, but it was foreshadowed in this prophetic Word, given directly from God to the serpent...
"...and I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." (Ch. 3 Vs. 15).
It would be through much pain and suffering, endured by Jesus at Calvary, but the 'Seed of the woman' (Christ) would there, 'bruise the head' of the serpent--taking back from him, the authority over mankind he had gained through Adam's treasonous transgression.
Thus, the gospel of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus was actually first proclaimed in God's message to the serpent in the garden of Eden. It would come to fruition when Jesus rose from the dead, having 'spoiled principalities and powers' (Col. 2:15), and declared to His disciples, "..All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth..." (Matt. 28:18). That means Satan no longer has any authority (his head has been crushed). "All authority" now belongs to Christ, in heaven (as the Lord, the Head of the church) and in earth (in His body, who IS the church). It was in this "authority" Jesus then commanded His followers to go into all the earth (until He comes again) and make disciples.

The Serpent, the Lie, and the Sin... Notes on Genesis, Chapter Three

2006-12-31T19:28:00.000-08:00

The Serpent...
In the days of creation, there was no fear between man and animals. And since the man and the woman had full use of their mental capacities, they must have been able to communicate with one another, as well as with the animals, through means other than simple, verbal articulation.
The serpent was more cunning and beautiful than other animals, and this particular serpent was invaded by the satanic spirit. Only Adam and Eve was created with, and assigned usage of, authority and dominion over all of God's creation. When the serpent approached Eve with his lying scheme, Adam, who apparently was there with her (Ch. 3 Vs. 6) could have exercised that authority and expelled Satan from their presence. After all, he was trespassing. God gave the earth and everything therein to Adam. But because of Eve's initial response to the serpent (no excuses, here), Adam did not interfere, and eventually came to participate.
Being cunning and under satanic influence, the serpent approached Eve with a question... "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" (Ch. 3 Vs. 1). Every spiritual deception begins with the questioning of God's Word.
Eve responded with a second-hand version of that which God had originally said to Adam--but she added to it... She said, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die' " (Ch. 3 Vs. 3).
"Nor shall you touch it..." was added by Eve. It was not part of God's command to Adam. And simple and harmless as it may seem, it is nevertheless unwise to add to God's Word. I am of the opinion that this gave the serpent (Satan) a clue that Eve was vulnerable to deception, due to her incomplete understanding of the Lord's instruction. So the temptation was presented...

The Lie...
The serpent said (this time not in the form of a question), "You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
The first part of the lie, "You will not surely die", has been, and is today, repeatedly communicated to the minds of people all over the world. Every major non-Christian cult has based its diabolical philosophy on this lie. Only the Bible, and those who preach it, proclaim the pending judgment of God against the sinfulness of any who fail to believe the gospel and recognize Jesus Christ, and Him alone, as Lord and Savior. Only true Christian doctrine teaches the finality and eternal aspects of that judgment--the consequence of spiritual death, referred to Scripturally, as "The second death" (Rev. 20:14,15).
Oh sinner... Thou shalt indeed, surely die.
The second part of the serpent's lie, is that which took advantage of Eve's lack of understanding of God's Word...
"For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Ch. 3 Vs. 5).
The 'lie' was so cleverly disguised as truth, that even many Christians today are confused about it. I've heard it taught a thousand times... "Satan tempted Eve with the false idea, that she could become 'like God' ".
I don't think so.
In the first place, the serpent did not end with the claim that Eve could 'become like God'--he said she could 'become like God, knowing good and evil'. That part of the serpent's statement, verbally, was accurate. When Adam and Eve ultimately ate of the fruit, it is God Himself who would say... "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil" (Ch. 3 Vs. 22).
Hidden within the serpent's accurate claim that Eve would become 'like God' was the deceptive notion that, in some significantly desireable way, Adam and Eve were not already 'like God'. Did Eve not know that God had made them in His "likeness"--to be 'like Him'? Had God not said, "Let us make man in Our image, according to Our 'likeness'..." (Gen. 1:26)? Not His 'equal' by any means, but in every way important to the well-being, authority, and perfection of man--Adam and Eve were already 'like' God.
It was not some inherent, sinful, pride which rose to the surface in Eve and caused her to sin. Her 'desire' to which she succumbed was actually based on two ideas--truth, and a lie. The truth was in the fact that the fruit of this tree was "pleasant to the eyes" (Ch. 3 Vs. 6), which was true. And there was nothing wrong with that--everything God made was good and undoubtedly 'pleasing' to look upon. But her wrongful desire was also based on the lie, that the fruit would make her 'wise'... That it would give her something good--something she needed, that she did not already have. Eve believed the serpent's lie--she was deceived.
Eve ate of the fruit and gave to Adam, who was 'with her'. "Adam was not deceived" (1 Tim. 2:14). He knew what he was doing. His overwhelming desire was not for the fruit, nor was he persuaded that any good would come of it. His desire was for the woman--to please her--again, not a wrong desire, by any means. But the fact that Eve's desire was based on deception, Adam's decision to please her resulted in his sin.

Adam and Eve... Notes on Genesis, Chapter Two

2006-12-31T14:08:00.000-08:00

Their Creation...
In the summary of the creation of all things, in Chapter 1, the first man and woman are mentioned as well (vs. 26-30). More detail concerning their creation, however, is revealed in Chapter 2. Adam was "formed" of the dust of the earth (vs. 7), received the 'breath of life' directly from God, and became a living (life-having) soul. Unlike the animals, which had only natural 'breath', Adam's vital force--his spirit--was more than that which his lungs inhaled and exhaled... It was his inner man, through which he was able to communicate and fellowship with his Creator... It was the connection between God's immortal life and the man's mortal body. Through that connection, Adam would have lived pain-free, disease-free, and would have never known mental or emotional weakness. He was made to have domion over all of God's creation.
The only thing Adam was missing, was a 'mate', fit for him. So in God's amazing wisdom, He chose not to 'form' another human from dust... He chose to remove something from the man's perfect and complete being and made him temporarily 'incomplete'. Then from that which He took from Adam (the rib), God made a woman, gave her back to the man, thus, making him 'complete' once again.

The Tree...
The instruction from God, given directly to Adam (prior to the creation of Eve) was to freely eat of any tree in the garden except the tree of the "knowledge of good and evil"... "for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" (Ch. 2:16-17). That 'vital connection' to the continual flow of God's life, in the spirit of man, would be 'cut off'--Adam would die spiritually, in other words, 'in the day' that he ate of that forbidden fruit.
This is not some kind of fairy tale... The forbidden fruit was not an 'apple'. It was literal 'fruit' on a literal 'tree', however, that would give the partaker thereof, an experience with, and an understanding of good and evil. By that, the Scripture is not referring to a knowledge of 'right and wrong'... The words 'good' and 'evil' are translated from two Hebrew words that mean 'blessing' and 'calamity'. In this paradise world, where Adam and Eve enjoyed dominion and freedom from all woe, there would be no need for 'blessing'--that is, of course, unless they were to experience 'calamity' and trouble. But it was the expressed will of their Creator, for them to never experience 'calamity', and thus, never be in need of 'blessing'.

Six Days? Or a Million Years.. Notes on Genesis, Chapter One

2006-12-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

The Genesis account of the creation of all things (ch. 1:3-31) is very
specific, in both the timing (six days), as well as the sequence.
Some claim to believe both the Genesis account and the "old earth"
theory too. The latter stretches the 'six day' period into 'millions
of years', thus, going along with 'scientific' evidence of the age of
the earth. The plain and simple truth, however, is that if 'old earth
creationists' are correct, then not only is the Biblical timing (six
days) incorrect, but the entire sequence of the creation events
described in Genesis is completely untrue as well--metaphorically and
otherwise.
While one could argue (supposedly) that each creation 'day' actually
represented a period of time that may have stretched over millions of
years, it could not justify nor explain the Biblically claimed
'sequence' of things created. For example, the Bible says that
daylight and the darkness of night were in existence beginning with
the "first day" of creation--but the sun, moon, and stars were not
created until the "fourth day". So even if those 'days' were actually
'millions of years' long, it would only make it more difficult to
believe the Genesis account. Creation happened just the way the Bible
describes, or the Bible is wrong--it's that simple.
The more science discovers the complexities of nature, the more
evidence there is of a Creator--One who 'spoke' and things
became--rather than one who 'intelligently designed' the universe,
through a process of eons of evolution. Man came up with that idea,
not God. And man (even much of the church) is constantly trying to
ignore the necessary ingredient of 'faith' in his understanding of
truth... It's not going to happen... Faith is not only required, if a
man is to be 'pleasing' to God (Heb. 11:6), but it is the first
requirement, if a man is to understand how "..the worlds were framed
by the word of God" (Heb. 11:3). One can choose only to 'believe' or
'not believe' the writer of Hebrews very next words... "...that the
things which are seen were not made of things which are
visible"--simply put... They did not 'evolve'.

Paul's Revelation (conclusion) The 'System of Truth'

2006-07-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

Is a walk of holiness really possible? Has it really happened to anyone?
Paul says it has. It had happened to many of the people to whom he was writing...

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin ye became the servants of righteousness."
--Romans 6:17-18

I am convinced he was not referring to when they first got saved. He says, at one time they were [still] slaves to sin. In other words, just as many Christians have done today, through ignorance of the revelation of our 'union with Christ' in His death and resurrection, they found themselves yielding to sinful temptation on a regular basis--thinking they had no choice.
"But", he says, you have, as one translation says, "Yielded a hearty obedience to that 'system of truth' we delivered to you".
Notice, he does NOT say, "You have been obedient to the law"; but to that 'form of doctrine'--that 'system of truth' which we have taught you. And now--you have become 'slaves of righteousness'.
Just what did they 'obey' if he is not referring to the law?
Once they 'knew' they had been 'crucified with Christ' and 'raised up together with Him', they began to obey the simple formula given to them by the Holy Ghost through the apostle Paul...

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
--Romans 6:11-14

How simple, yet profound. Allow me to review the steps to that 'system' again...

1. You need to 'know' that you were united with Christ in His death--crucified with Him, in order that you may be freed from sin... And you need to 'know' you were 'raised up with Him' that you may be free to walk in righteousness.

2. You need to 'reckon' yourself to have died (past tense) to sin. Consider it a fact--a done deal. DEAD MEN DON'T SIN. They don't respond to temptation.

3. You also need to 'reckon' yourself to have been made alive to God... Dead to sin--alive to God. Many Christians say they never hear God. Why? Because they do not expect to hear Him. They don't 'reckon' themselves (on a regular basis) to be 'alive' (responsive) to Him. Begin to consider it a fact. When God speaks, I hear--where He leads, I follow.

4. Don't let sin 'reign' in your mortal body. Understanding the gospel brings you to know that sin no longer can have dominion over you unless you let it... Don't let it!

5. Instead of yielding your 'members' (your eyes, ears, hands, mind, mouth, etc.) as instruments of unrighteousness, begin to 'yield' them as instruments of godliness, as 'those who are alive from the dead'. If you 'reckon' you are 'alive unto God', and you now hear Him as He leads and directs according to His word; then the next step would be to 'yield' to His direction. Allow God to take you from where you are, to where He wants you. He will not force you--you have to 'yield'. Here is a powerful word... "Cooperate". He has done all the work, made all the sacrifices... He has set you up and ordered your steps. All He asks is your 'cooperation'.

Each letter Paul wrote to the churches addressed somewhat different problems or situations, but the answer to those problems was only delivered in one package--the gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and our identification or 'union' with Him, at every point. As he said to the Corinthians, "I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (1 Cor. 2:2).
Even with all the problems the Corinthian church had, they needed only one message--the message of the cross, with the resulting revelation that, "...if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17)

Reckon it to be so.

Paul's Revelation (Part 3)

2006-07-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."
--Galatians 2:20-21 NKJV

With those words, as recorded in the letter to the Galatians, Paul summarized his message to Peter, and thus, drove home the central point of the fullness of the gospel message.
As Paul wrapped up his encounter with Peter, the apostle Peter must have begun to realize like never before, the true mystery of the gospel, as revealed by the Holy Spirit--that Jesus Christ did not die alone on Calvary's cross... We died there with Him.
We could not have been 'just forgiven'... Our 'slates' were not merely 'wiped clean'.
We were beyond repair... We had to die. And there, on Golgotha's hill, divine judgment took place, as we were drawn into 'union with Christ'--and died.
For the first time, Peter may have understood the words Jesus spoke just before going to the cross...

"Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth [on the cross] will draw all men unto me.
This he said, signifying what death he should die."
--John 11:31-33

Peter would come to understand the revelation that when Jesus was lifted up on the cross, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" ['drawing all men unto Him] (2 Corinthians 5:19), and it was this 'union' of the crucified Lord, with the sinfulness of humanity, that brought us into His death, and therefore into His resurrection and righteousness as well...

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
--2 Corinthians 5:21

We died with Christ, and we were raised with Him. We were united with Him in His death and in His resurrection--and in union with Christ we (who believe) shall remain, throughout eternity. This is why the term "in Christ" ('in union with Christ') is so prevalent in Paul's letters. We are 'in Him' and He is in us.
Any success in our Christian life, including our obedience to His commandments, can only be attributed to our 'union with Christ'. We stand before our Heavenly Father, 'in Christ' completely righteous, and pleasing in His sight.
This is why Paul said that to attribute righteousness to our works, or to our obedience to the law, does nothing but frustrate the grace of God. As he also pointed out, "... If righteousness comes by the law, Christ died in vain" (Gal. 2:21).

The Fruit of Holiness...

As previously mentioned, Peter acknowledged Paul's teaching of this truth, calling 'all' of Paul's letters, "scriptures" (2 Pet. 3:16). But, it is also important, that the reason Peter referred us to Paul's letters; and to this revelation of the gospel, is to aid us in reaching our goal of holy living. Essentially, Peter is reminding us that God expects us to be victorious over temptation and walk holy before Him. And the way to do that, is to lay hold of the truth found primarily in Paul's Epistles.
The revelation of our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, becomes a 'system of truth' which, when received fully, yields the fruit of obedience and a life pleasing to God.
As Peter indicated, this marvelous truth is found in 'all' of Paul's letters, but for an example; and to assist me in bringing this message to the conclusion--may I draw your attention to Paul's letter to the Romans...

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
--Romans 6:1

"Shall we continue in sin," he asks?
If you were raised in a very typical church of just about any Denomination today; your response might be... "How can we help it?" Many are taught that due to our 'old nature', we cannot avoid sinning. Yet Paul goes on to say...

"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
--Romans 6:1-4

May I say, first of all, that I know of no person living on earth who could honestly say, "I never sin". And if there were such a person, it would certainly not be me. But error prevails in much preaching today, when Christians are told they 'have to' sin--that they are still under the control of the old nature. This error is directly related to a shallow understanding of the message of the cross.
How shall we (now here is the key) THAT ARE DEAD to sin, live any longer therein?... Dead men don't sin!
One may say, "Well, I didn't know I was 'dead' to sin... I sure don't feel like it".
Exactly! And this is the reason for Paul's next question...

"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?"
--Romans 6:3 NKJV

The word 'baptized' here, does not refer to water baptism. It simply means 'immersed' or 'united with'. There are basically three types of 'baptisms'... There is water baptism, where one is 'immersed' in water as a testimony to having died to sin and been 'born again' to new life in Christ. There is also the 'baptism' in (or with) the Holy Spirit, which happens to a Christian when he or she yields fully to Jesus and allows Him to fill them with, or 'immerse' them in, the Holy Spirit; for power to effectively give witness to the resurrection of Christ. And there is the 'baptism' into Christ, which actually happens first in the believer's life, when that person first becomes a Christian, and by the Holy Spirit is 'baptized' into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
I listed those 'baptisms' backwards in the order of when they take place because the last one listed is what Paul is referring to in Romans 6:3--"as many of us as were 'baptized' into Christ..."
The reason so many Christians struggle beneath the thumb of sin and temptation is because they 'do not know' that to be 'in Christ' means to 'have died (in all our weaknesses) with Him'. It also means that to be 'in Christ' means to 'have been raised with Him (in all of His power and glory)'--to walk in 'newness of [His] life'.
And as far as the 'old man' still having control--this also needs to be 'known'....

"...that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin."
--Romans 6:6-7 NKJV

The "Amplified Bible" says it more clearly...

"We know that our old unrenewed self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin. For when a man dies, he is freed (loosed, delivered) from [the power of] sin..."

When the message of the cross is revealed to us--that is, the fact that not only was Jesus crucified for us, but in that He was crucified 'for' us (as our substitute), then we, in the mind of God, and in a very real sense, were 'crucified with Him'. By coming to an understanding of that, we are brought into the explosive reality that we are truly free from sin's tyranny, and free to walk in holiness. To one who has desired that freedom--it is most definitely, 'good news'.

Paul's Revelation (Part 2) Union With Christ Revealed

2006-07-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

"But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen: immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
--Galatians 1:15-19

One might think that after such a dramatic and sudden conversion of a former arch enemy of the church, the Lord would have led him back to the elders of the church for discipleship training. Especially, since that one was also destined for the ministry. But the wisdom and revelation Paul was to receive, could not be obtained even from those who 'were apostles before him'. There was no Seminary, no University, no institute of higher learning, where Paul could learn this marvelous truth. It had to be revealed from the source.
Jesus had long before, in response to Peter's declaration that He (Jesus) is 'the Christ, the Son of the Living God', assured Peter that this was not something that could be taught by 'flesh and blood' but that it had to be 'revealed' from the Father (Matthew 16:17). And this 'revealed knowledge of who Christ is', Jesus went on to say, is the 'rock'--the foundation, upon which, the church was to be built.
During Paul's experience in the desert, God would 'reveal' more than just 'who Christ is'... He would reveal, in Paul's words, "His Son in me". And this revelation of the believer's 'union with Christ' would prove to be the very power behind Paul's ministry. It was not more education, Paul needed (he already had more than anyone else)... It was the revelation of 'Christ in me' that was necessary and would enable him to effectively preach the gospel to the nations.

Paul's meeting with Peter, James, and John...

Not much happened in Paul's first visit with Peter and James (Galatians 1:18-19). Though Paul had already been preaching for three years, many of the disciples and even some of the other apostles were still avoiding him because of his notorious history of persecuting the church.
After another fourteen years had passed, however, Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles, specifically, James, Peter, and John (Galatians 2:1-9). And contrary to what some seem to think, Paul's return trip to Jerusalem was not merely to report to those apostles. Neither was it to seek permission to preach what he had already been preaching for over fourteen years.
This trip was at the instruction of the Holy Spirit, and the plan, clearly, was not to learn from those other apostles, but to teach them...

"Then fourteen years after, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
--Galatians 2:1-2

Paul's mission, there in Jerusalem, was to quell the mounting confusion, stirred up by some who had reverted to preaching the law, as a means of righteousness; and to gain from Peter, James, and John, the 'right hand of fellowship'. These church leaders held such authority and credibility in the church, that if they were to come against Paul's ministry, it would great hinder it.
The only way for Paul to accomplish this, was to set up a private session with these men and preach the fullness of the gospel to them, which he had been preaching from city to city and house to house.
This was not to be an open discussion, or some kind of 'presentation' to a panel of elders who would vote on whether or not Paul's message would be approved. This was a time to pass on to the leaders of the church, that revelation Paul had received directly from Jesus; with full assurance that they would also receive an inward witness from the Holy Spirit, confirming the message in their own hearts...

"...for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contriwise...
And when James, [Peter], and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship..."
--Galatians 2:6-7, 9

Though successful up to that point, Paul's divinely commissioned task was not entirely complete, until he met again, with the apostle Peter, and addressed the specific problem which had arisen in the church. Then again, he more clearly presented his revelation of the gospel as the solution...

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation...
--Galatians 2:11-13

Some ten years prior to this event, Peter received a vision from the Lord (Acts 10). In the vision was a sheet, being lowered by the corners, and containing all types of animals which under the law of Moses were 'unclean'. God's voice came to him, in this vision, and told him to kill and eat the animals. Peter objected, saying, "No Lord, I have never eaten anything comon or unclean".
But the Lord responded, "Do not call what I have cleansed, 'common or unclean'".
Through this vision, the Holy Spirit led Peter to the house of Cornelius (a Gentile) to preach the gospel to them. Cornelius and all the other Gentiles there, who believed, were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost to the utter amazement of the Jewish believers also present.
This was when Peter first realized there would be absolutely no distinction between Jew and Gentile in the eyes of God. Salvation, in its fullness, was just as available to one as to the other. In the years that followed, however, Peter began to lose sight of that; and he began to cave under the pressure of other Jewish leaders of the church--those, who were insisting that Judaic ritual, such as circumcision, must be enforced.
The tendency, that exists yet today, to return to a legal system of 'obedience, for righteousness', was already at work in the church in Jerusalem. Thus, the Holy Spirit, in His wonderful wisdom, sent Paul on a crucial and timely mission to gently remind Peter of these things, and to more clearly present a deeper spiritual truth, forever sealing within Peter's heart, the true vision of the gospel of Christ...

"But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor..."
--Galatians 2:14-18

This was not an argument between Paul and Peter, but it was loving correction, through Paul, by the Holy Ghost... And Peter received it well. We can tell by Peter's subsequent teaching of the same revelation, not to mention his own words, honoring Paul's ministry (2 Peter 3: 15-16), that Peter was not merely tolerating Paul's loving rebuke--he was receiving something that would change his life forever, and preserve both his ministry, and the church in general.

To be continued...

The Significance of Paul's Revelation (Part 1)

2006-07-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

The 'Mystery of Christ' was revealed to the former Saul of Tarsus (the apostle Paul) beginning with his dramatic encounter with the Lord Jesus on the 'road to Damascus.'
This deeper revelation, which the apostle called "my gospel", completed the foundational truth of the gospel of Christ; and though expounded in the fourteen books of the New Testament written by Paul; it has become a 'missing link' in popular Theology, to the overcoming, triumphant life intended for the Christian.
Summarized in Galatians 2:20... "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me"... This mystery revealed, unlocks a deeper understanding of the Christians's ministry potential, and the many inherited benefits 'in Christ'...

"But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ."
--Galatians 1:11-12

One of the most essential tenets of our faith is the belief that the Bible, in its entirety, is the authoritative and inspired word of God. And in spite of all the doctrinal differences within the body of Christ, the potential for 'unity of the faith' (Eph. 4:13) will always remain, as long as we hold to that one basic truth.
A pastor friend of mine recently told his congregation, "You won't hear me say, 'this is what the Bible means to me..."
To that, I yield a hearty 'Amen'. What the Bible says, is what it means. And it means the same to one, as it does to another. There are varying degrees of understanding of the Bible, however; and because of that, there are many incomplete or altogether incorrect interpretations of the same. But the Bible is the revealed word of God and is neither flexible, nor conformable to man's way of thinking.
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God".
--Romans 10:17
The moment there arises a question as to the source and authority of the Scripture--faith disappears. True faith in God cannot occupy the same space as the belief that perhaps only part of the Bible is divine inspiration. That would mean the Scriptures are partially contrived through the weakness and fallacy of human intellect. It would then be up to you and me to determine which is divine inspiration and which was spawned by mere human philosophy.
Everyone has heard of a 'half-truth'. But whoever heard of a 'half-lie'? There is no such thing. A 'half-truth' equals a 'whole lie', and a lie is a lie... There is no 'half-lie'.
The majority of the New Testament comprises a collection of fourteen letters written by the apostle Paul, to various churches and or segments of the body of Christ in general. Contained in those letters, is a marvelous exposition of the depths of the gospel of 'Christ, and Him crucified', not found (except by reference) in any of the other Books of the Bible.
There were also the same effectual truths in Paul's preaching (as recorded in Acts). These truths concern the spiritual aspects of the death and resurrection of Christ, and were scarcely alluded to, even by those who were apostles before him. Paul's application of the Old Testament law and prophecy, as well as Israel's historical record; were not only part and parcel of, but essential to, his explanation of the gospel of Christ.

JESUS, the Source of Paul's Revelation...

Prior to Calvary, Jesus told His disciples...
"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth..."
--John 16:12-13

Several significant points are presented in that one promise. First of all, Jesus indicated that in addition to what He had already taught them, there would be more to follow.
Secondly, that He (Jesus) would be the source.
And thirdly, that they (His disciples), would not be able to received nor understand these additional truths until they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit, through Whom, He would reveal those truths.
It was that same Jesus, who well after His ascension, appeared to Saul of Tarsus (Paul) on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). During that spectacular encounter, Saul was converted and received his calling to preach the gospel. Beginning at that point, and for an undetermined period of time spent in the desert of Arabia, Paul began to receive direct revelation from the risen Lord Jesus of that which the Lord had promised. Those 'many things' the Lord had promised to reveal to His disciples, were revealed to Paul in the desert, and then in Damascus for the three years that followed. This 'revelation' is what began to be referred to, by Biblical scholars, as the 'Pauline revelation'.

The Apostle Peter's Endorsement...

Though Paul's revelation composes the majority of the New Testament, it has been avoided, ignored, undermined, and even ridiculed by many professing ministers of the word. Apparently, this attack began even in Paul's day, as the Holy Spirit inspired Paul's defense of 'his' gospel and the written 'certification' that the message he was preaching was not learned in a class room, or from any mere human source; but by direct revelation of the Lord Jesus Himself.
Ultimately though, the leaders of the church at Jerusalem--James, Peter, and John--received Paul and recognized the source and power of his ministry, as that of the Holy Spirit. Peter's last written words to the church in general, as also inspired by the Holy Spirit, were a clear endorsement of Paul's writings--referring to them as "scriptures"...
"Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures."
--2 Peter 3:14-16
Additionally, Peter points out, in the same statement, that due to the fact Paul's revelation ("the wisdom given to him") cannot be understood with the intellect, there would be some who choose to twist the meaning thereof to suit themselves. These would-be teachers, whom Peter calls "untaught and unstable", do so, to 'their own destruction' and to the detriment of their followers.
There are, of course, many within the church today who have no part in the refusal to recognize Paul's letters as any less divinely inspired than the rest of the New Testament. But, within that vast majority of the Christian church, there are also few who realize the existence of such controversy, and even fewer who realize just what doctrine, in Paul's writing, would stir such a contoversy. Yet that very revelation, which Paul referred to as 'the wisdom of God' and 'the power of God' is what so delivers the captives, and so upsets the devil who held them captive.
It is this marvelous revelation that renews the mind, brings spiritual maturity, and introduces a steady flow of victory into the life of the believer. Without it, the church would have ceased to exist within the first century.

To be continued....

Does God really 'intervene' miraculously? A Testimony of a Miracle in Marilla Park..

2006-07-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Bible tells us that God is a "very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1), and the following personal testimony is but one example...
Sunday afternoon, June 4, 2006, my 15 year old son, Daniel, along with his 18 year old sister, Andrea, and her friend, Michael went to a local skate park. It had been raining and the skate ramps were still wet. Daniel 'forgot' to take his helmet with him as well, and against his sister's better judgment, attempted some minor moves on the 'half pipe'.
His roller blades slid from under him slamming the back part of his head to the metal surface. A resulting seizure sent him into convulsions and unconsciousness.
Andrea and Michael rushed to his side calling his name, to which there was no response. Michael called 911 on his cell phone as he was running to the park's administration building, where he thought he might find a policeman or other emergency personnel. Finding no one, he stood at the buiding and conversed with the 911 operator. Back at the scene of the accident, Andrea gently held the side of her brother's head with one hand as her other hand rested on his chest, trying to calm his convulsions. He was groaning, with labored breathing, and Andrea could feel his heart beating rapidly and violently. Suddenly, the heartbeat stopped.
Frantically, Andrea felt for a pulse and could not find any. Daniel's breathing had also ceased and his body had gone limp. From the other side of the park, Michael heard a chilling cry as Andrea screamed, "NOOO!!... NOOO !!! ... DANIEL !! YOU ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE !!! JESUS HELP HIM -- JESUS HELP HIM !!!" Words you won't find in any prayer book... Words that would not be considered eloquent, pierced the gray overcast sky and echoed through the hollows of the near-empty Marilla Park.
This was not a traditionally religious prayer, but neither was it a prayer of desperation from a person who had previously rejected God and His Word... It was a prayer that burst forth from the heart of one who knew her God and her Lord Jesus was there--that He could hear her cry, and He could (and would) answer. And He did.
Just as Michael arrived from across the park, Daniel took a quick and deep breath, and for the first time in approximately ten long seconds, his heart beat again. This time it began to beat at the proper rate, and his breathing was no longer labored or in any way abnormal. Andrea put her head down on her brother's shoulder and began what would turn out to be hours of nearly continuous giving of thanks to her Lord, and the One who saved her brother's life.
The ambulance and the paramedics arrived at just about the time Daniel had regained full consciousness and was able to speak clearly. A CT scan at the hospital revealed no skull fractures or hemoraging, though the evidence of a major concussion was definitely there. Daniel spent the night and the next morning under observation and was released on Monday afternoon, with no restrictions. Daniel, Andrea, and Daniel's twin sister, Ashley (who was at home) are all very quick to proclaim their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And as evidenced in what happened this weekend, their faith is genuine. Jesus is alive, full of power, and a very present help in a time of trouble.

Why does God allow suffering?

2006-07-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most often asked questions in the world. And it is disturbing how few Christians (even pastors and teachers) can offer a Biblically correct answer. Books have been written on the subject, and even graced the best seller shelves in Christian bookstores. And if I've heard it once, I've heard it a thousand times--it goes something like this... "God uses trials and suffering to make us strong, teach us to trust Him, prepare us for the future, teach us to slow down, etc., etc." We are taught to thank God for all our problems, because "if we didn't have them, we couldn't see Him solve them", and so on.
There are also those who go to another extreme...
In a West virginia town nearby, the last of twelve victims of a mining disaster were recently laid to rest. Outside the church where the memorial service was being conducted were members of a certain church group who have been taught that God causes pain and suffering as a form of punishment. These people traveled several hundred miles to protest the funeral. They held picket signs saying things like, "God killed the miners", and "This was God's punishment".
Ridiculous? Of course it is. Jesus rebuked His own disciples once for even thinking along those lines, and I am sure His message for the picket sign holders would be the same... "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." (Luke 9:55-56)
God is in the saving business--not the killing business.
But what about that first list of typical answers? Actually, they are also examples of Biblically incorrectness.
The basic reason for suffering is found in Genesis. It was not the plan of God that man would ever know suffering, sickness, pain, or any form of torment. Adam and Eve were given dominion over all of creation (Gen. 1:26, Ps. 8:6). Their bodies would have lived forever, every cell reproducing itself without the corruption we now call 'aging'. Even the knowledge of good and evil was not permitted. It was not until after Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the tree of knowledge, that they experienced evil (calamity) and longed for good (blessing). God warned Adam that spiritual death would be the immediate result of disobedience (Gen. 2:17), and the earth would subsequently fall under a curse.
Adam and Eve fell from their relationship with God and were cut off from the constant influence of His life and nature. The dominion over creation they once hand, was lost. Provision would now be by the 'sweat of the brow', child birth would be in pain, and out of their new inward nature of spiritual death would ultimately proceed fear, strife, torment, pain, and suffering of every kind. Only by His meercy, would God in future times intervene and bless the man or woman who exercised faith and obedience to His Word.
The man and woman who at one time were without sin, had become its captives. Every child born to them and to their children throughout all generations (except for the one born in a manger in Bethlehem) would be born with the tendency to sin and the constant need for God to intervene and give refuge from the trials of life. Since the time man, by his own choice, walked away from the trial-free life god had given him, the earth fell under the curse of a growing hardship. Why do we face suffering? We were born into it.
The good news is, that in spite of the sinful condition of man, God still loves the world so much He sent His Son to die for us and to be raised from death's grip in victory for us. Through faith in His redemptive accomplishment, we have once again gained favor with God and free access to the 'Throne of grace', that we might receive help in any time of need.
Instead of spending all our time asking "Why", we should be praising God for His love and salvation, and praying in faith for help in our times of trial--not for an understanding of the trial itself. Jesus gave the answer to the question in a much more concise way, when He said...
"These thing I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
The answer really is simple. We see so much suffering because we live in a world where, but for the mercy of God, we would have long ago been annihilated. As long as our focus is on the world and its suffering, we have no peace. But since we, through faith, now have a relationship and right-standing with the One who has overcome the world and the very source of suffering, we have a peace that surpasses natural reasoning. For that reason we can choose to change our focus, following after that peace, and rely on Jesus to intervene in our individual situations.
The bottom line?
Suffering is common in this sin-tainted world. Jesus is not the source of tribulation, He overcame the source of tribulation. Trials are not sent by God to His people for training, strengthening, or any such thing. He sent His Word for that, and for deliverance from the trials of life (Ps. 107:20). We are taught in the Scriptures to give thanks, not 'for' the trials, but in the midst of them--to give thanks to God for Who He is and what He has done for us, in order to provide a victorious life here and eternal life beyond. To God be the glory, forever!

Why so many Christian Denominations--so little unity?

2006-07-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

The one primary cause for so many sects or Denominations in Christendom is the low and varied levels of knowledge and understanding of God's Word. The Roman Catholic church is built almost entirely on church tradition and very little Scriptural foundation. The Protestant church began in the 1500s when Christians, led by Martin Luther began 'protesting' that very problem and moved back toward a Bible-based faith. Yet, over the centuries of Protestant church history, there have been many factions, resulting in a large number of modern Denominations--again, all as a result of differing levels of knowledge and trust in the Bible.
Denominations, as they currently exist, were not designed by God. They are the product of man. In most cases, someone gained some level of understanding of a particular Biblical principle and essentially tried to build a wall of protection around it. A name was assigned to the group of people within the wall and thus, a Denomination was formed. Others were gaining some understanding about different Bible Truths, but they were also building their own walls at the same time. This has been problematic, in that through our attempts to protect a little revelation, we alienated ourselves to a lot more. We seem to have missed a major point... God's Word does not need our protection. God intended for His Word to be proclaimed, not protected.
There are two types of 'unity' discussed in the 4th Chapter of Ephesians. There is the "unity of the Spirit" (Eph. 4:3). And there is the "unity of the faith" (Eph. 4:13). Unity of the Spirit is a gift of God... "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body" (1 Cor. 12:13). And it is applied in the lives of two or more believers who make the conscious decision and effort to 'walk' in that unity.
The "unity of the faith", on the other hand, is that which comes only as two or more believers gain knowledge of the Word and come into agreement doctrinally. There have been movements and revivals in church history which have motivated us to draw near to the presence of the Lord and to one another in unity of the Spirit, yet we seem to have moved farther from unity of the faith.
The solution to this problem is also found in Ephesians, Chapter 4:11-14...
"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine...
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ."
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers have some different functions, but they all have this in common... They were given to the church to preach/teach the Word until the church ceases to be 'blown about by every wind of doctrine' and comes into a true unity of the faith. People change. The Word of God does not. When the ministeres come back to preaching the Word instead of religious philosophy, unity will follow.

Bible Questions and Answers

2006-07-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

One of the most effective ways to spread the Word of God other than from the pulpit, is through one-on-one communication. Though the church sadly lacks Biblical expository preaching, which by God's design, builds faith and develops godly maturity in the believer, there remains yet another way.. It is the ability to give Biblical answers to simple questions. This also, has become rare. People in general, never seem to run out of questions, but Christians in general, seem to have run out of readily available answers.
God's message to Christians (not just pastors) through the apostle Paul, is to 'walk in wisdom, especially toward the unchurched or unlearned, and to know how to give answers to their questions' (Colossians 4:5-6 paraphrased). People came from great distances to Solomon, simply to ask questions and receive godly answers. Jesus also, spent much of His ministry time, answering questions, not only from His disciples, but even from those whose motives were deceitful. And to some of the latter, He followed His answer by telling them the reason they did not already know the answers to their questions... "You do err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God" (Matthew 22:29).
It applies today. Many Christians (in pews and pulpits) have never even read the Bible. They are also in great error, because they do not know the Scriptures... Neither do they know the power of God, manifest in His ability to turn 'head knowledge' into revelation and an ever-deepening understanding of His Word.
In my Christian experience, I have had the opportunity to disciple new or less seasoned believers on a one-on-one basis, especially during times when I was not pastoring full time. In each situation, these people would come to visit at our house, but instead of just chatting, playing games, or being otherwise entertained; they would bring questions. If I did not have the answers, we would search the Word until we found the answers. One couple would bring a legal pad with them, with previously written questions, every time they came to visit. Even if our planned agenda that day was a picnic or a birthday party, etc., we would always end up feeding on the Word through a question & answer session.
Many of the questions I have had, and many I have heard from others are to be added to this 'blog', along with Bible-based responses. The purpose is not to provide the answers to all of life's probing questions, but to at least steer the inquirer toward God's Truth and away from the error of worldly wisdom and vain philosophy. It is also to motivate the seeker of Truth to pull the Bible off the shelf, dust it off, open it up, and turn a little curiosity into a tenacious, daily quest for the treasures of godly wisdom.