POINTS OF TRUTH CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

POINTS OF TRUTH
Newsletter

Crusade Church of God

What is Man's Ultimate Destiny?

As you read this article, you are doing so on a tiny blue ball called Earth suspended in a Solar System with other planets revolving around a star we call the Sun. Not only is the Earth revolving around the Sun, but it is revolving itself, creating gravity, without which we and everything else not anchored down would float off into space. We seldom think about these things as we busily go about our daily business, do we?

This Solar System is only one of a estimated 100 Billion in our Galaxy, the Milky Way. The Milky Way is then only one of an estimated 100 Billion galaxies in the known Universe.

Our Sun is 95 Million miles from Earth. If we were a little closer all vegetation would perish from heat, if we were a little farther away it would perish from cold temperatures. My friends, we are delicately placed for human survival in our Solar System.

Is this mere chance? A Cosmic accident?

Or was Man placed here by a loving and almighty Creator?

Was humanity created and put here on the earth by an intelligent and Almighty Creator for a definite purpose? And if so, WHAT IS THAT PURPOSE? And WHY is humanity so totally unaware of it?

TWO POSSIBILITIES

There are two possibilities for the origin of life, the theory of evolution and the belief in a supreme Creator who made all things for a definite purpose.

Those who accept evolution must still wrestle with the fact that in this process something of a lower level of existence evolves to a higher level of existence. It still does not answer the mystery of how matter itself came into existence.

Evolution begins after the fact, it does not attempt to explain how something could come from nothing. Although Scientists don't always agree on the age of the universe, they do all virtually agree that the universe has an age. It had a definite beginning at some point in prehistory.

Some find it extremely difficult to believe in a Divine Creator that they have not seen with their own eyes. Yet could something suddenly come from nothing? That PHYSICAL MATTER suddenly appeared where there was NO PHYSICAL MATTER, and that LIFE sprang from NON-LIFE? And not only something from nothing coming into being of itself simply by chance with no intelligent force involved, -but then must accept that as this happened it produced perfect order and balance,. . .by itself?!

THE SPLENDOR OF IT ALL

When one looks around at the beauty and splendor of the earth, the plant life, the animal kingdom and the realm of man, the inquisitive mind can't help but wonder WHO placed them in such perfect balance and harmony.

In his monumental book "The Two Babylons", Alexander Hislop wrote,- "There is this great difference between the works of men and works of God, that the same minute and searching investigation which displays the DEFECTS and IMPERFECTIONS of the one, brings out also the BEAUTIES of the other. If the most finely polished needle on which the art of man has been expended be subjected to a microscope, MANY INEQUALITIES, much ROUGHNESS and CLUMSINESS will be seen. But if the microscope be brought to bear on the flowers of the field, NO SUCH RESULT APPEARS. Instead of their beauty diminishing, NEW BEAUTIES and still more DELICATE, that have escaped the naked eye, ARE FORTHWITH DISCOVERED."

It is obvious that the creation around us is awesome and far superior to anything the mind of man can design and the hands of man can make. And everything that was made, was made for a definite purpose.

UNIVERSE IS GOVERNED BY LAWS

Given the fact that the universe shows itself to be governed by fundamental laws that keep it hanging in perfect balance and order, . . .is it more REASONABLE to believe that the universe just happened by chance? Or is it MORE REASONABLE to conclude that there is a DIVINE MASTER MIND at work which transcends the dimensions of time and space?

MANY SCIENTISTS BELIEVE IN A CREATOR

Perhaps because the teaching of evolution has been such a staple in the classroom for some time now, many harbor the erroneous concept that only the "simple-minded" and "uneducated" could possibly believe in creation. But in reality, this is not true at all. In fact, many of the most brilliant scientists of the past 150 years were convinced that it is more reasonable to believe in a Creator than not.

ALBERT EINSTEIN

"Quantum Mechanics is certainly imposing, but an inner voice tells me that it is not yet the real thing. The theory says a lot, but does not really bring us any closer to the SECRET OF THE OLD ONE. GOD does not play dice."

STEPHEN HAWKING

"We could still imagine that there is a set of laws that determines events completely for some SUPERNATURAL BEING."

SIR JAMES JEANS

"The existence of objects arises from their subsisting in the mind of some ETERNAL SPIRIT. . .GOD is a mathematician and the universe begins to look more like a great thought than a great machine."

SIR FREDERICK HOYLE

"A common sense interpretation of the facts suggests that a SUPER-INTELLECT has monkeyed with physics, as well as chemistry and biology, and that there are no blind forces worth speaking about in nature. The numbers one calculates from the facts seem to me so overwhelming as to put this conclusion almost beyond question."

WICKRAMASINGHE

"The probability of life forming from non-life (or without a Creator) is like having a tornado whip through a junkyard and creating a fully functional 747"

JOSE N. REYES

"The probability that life should exist due to random processes is incredibly small, one may say impossible, yet here we are! What are we to conclude? When considering the formation of the universe, it is reasonable to believe that an intelligent Creator acted to set its initial conditions and control parameters."

WERNHER VON BRAUN

"To be forced to believe only one conclusion- that everything in the universe happened by chance would violate the very objectivity of science itself. What random process could produce the brains of a man or the system of the human eye?"

FROM THE EDITOR: The human eye contains a hundred million nerve cells which work together perfectly to allow you to see close up, at a distance, and in color.

DR. VON BRAUN AGAIN

"Atheists all over the world have called upon science as their crown witness against the existence of God. But as they try, with arrogant abuse of scientific reasoning to render proof there is no God, the simple and enlightening truth is that their arguments boomerang. For one of the most fundamental laws of natural science is that nothing in the physical world ever happens without a cause. There simply cannot be a creation without some kind of SPIRITUAL CREATOR."

The distinguished Dr. Von Braun (NASA Director, and father of the American Space Program) realizes that there is an intelligence working in the universe that transcends the four dimensions of scientific understanding,- a CREATOR who is SPIRIT by nature.

THE BIBLE'S PERSPECTIVE OF GOD

The Bible's perspective of God does describe a Being who transcends our four dimensional space-time concept.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)

"But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8)

"For I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning." (Isaiah 46:9)

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Revelation 22:13)

The Bible reveals that God created much by speaking,- "Let there be light, and there was light," - "Let dry land appear, and it appeared." (Genesis)

Could it be that several billion years ago an awesome Creator living in an existence of spirit and timelessness with other lesser spirits called angels, determined to create a universe from another substance we call matter?

That one day this Creator spoke the words, "LET THE UNIVERSE APPEAR IN ALL OF ITS SPLENDOR!?"

And with blinding light and unfathomable power, in an instant it appeared?

EVERYTHING WAS DESIGNED FOR A PURPOSE

The following examples are from "The Collapse of Evolution", by Scott M. Huse.

Gardening Ants: A fascinating relationship, which has been observed in nature, concerns the Bull's Horn Acacia tree of Central and South America. This tree is furnished with large hollow thorns that are inhabited by a species of ferocious stinging ants. Consequently, the ants get food and shelter from the tree. The tree, for its part of the bargain, receives complete protection from all animal predators and plant competitors.

The ants viciously attack any and all intruders. But the truly remarkable aspect of this symbiotic relationship is the fact that these ants are gardeners!

They make regular raids in all directions from their home tree, nipping off every green shoot that dares to show its head near their tree.

As a result, this particular tree always has plenty of sunlight and space which is a rarity in the tropical jungle where the competition for such things is intense.

Experiments have shown that when all if the ants are removed from one of these trees, the tree dies within 2 to 15 months!

Evolutionist casually label this type of symbiotic relationship as an example of co-adaptation.

Of course, they never attempt to explain just how such an intricate relationship might have developed through the evolutionary process.

Hence, the evolutionary viewpoint continues to be a matter of faith or presumption, not science.

But how much more reasonable and logical is the faith of the creationist who perceives that these wonderful relationships are the purposeful and intelligently designed handiwork of an omniscient Creator.

WHAT IS MAN'S PURPOSE?

Everything that has been created was designed for a specific purpose.

If the plant kingdom, the animal kingdom and the insect world have their own reasons for being, then what about man?

Certainly man is God's crowning achievement.

Man alone was created with the ability to think and plan to bring his dreams into being.

Just what is God's ultimate purpose for man?

The amazing truth is that all who hear the call of God were created to become what God is, to actually be born into the Divine Family of God which consists now of the FATHER and the SON, both God, one Family.

God is expanding His family to soon include what once were human beings.

Yes, those called and chosen are destined to not only be like Christ, but share in His glory and inheritance. Jesus is the first-born of MANY SONS God is calling to glory, honor, dominion and eternal life.

"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to BECOME CONFORMED to the IMAGE OF HIS SON, that He might be the FIRST-BORN among MANY BRETHREN; and who He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, THESE He also GLORIFIED." (Romans 8:29-30)

Now notice this from the beloved Apostle John, "See how GREAT A LOVE the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called CHILDREN OF GOD; and SUCH WE ARE. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are CHILDREN OF GOD, and it HAS NOT APPEARED as yet WHAT WE SHALL BE. We know that, when He (Jesus) appears. WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM, because we shall see Him just as He is." (1 John 3:1-2)

If those called and chosen prove to be faithful and obedient to God, they will share in His likeness and glory. Their appearance will ultimately take on His glorious appearance as described in Revelation 1:14-16,- "And His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire; and His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been caused to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters."

My friends, do you begin to comprehend?

God is not calling everybody to become the very BRIDE OF CHRIST

Some who receive salvation will INVITED GUESTS to the marriage of the Lamb (Luke 14:16-24)

Not everyone is being offered a part in the First and better Resurrection

(Rev.20:6)

Throughout time, God has called and made Himself knowable to only a few. The vast majority of humanity have never had the opportunity to come to know Him.

Though SALVATION is offered to all, past, present and future, the right to be a part of the First Resurrection is not. There has always been some who were prepared beforehand as vessels for glory, to become a Kingdom of Priests of the order of Melchezedek. (Romans 9:21-24) (1 Peter 2:9)

Jesus declared,- "No one can come to Me unless the Father draw Him, and I will raise him up at the last day."

  But if you hear His call to receive the holy Seed through the agency of the holy spirit, then understand that God knew you before you were born. He planned the day of your birth. He saw your form before you were in your mother's womb.

And it is His desire that you fulfill your ultimate destiny of being a part of the ROYAL FAMILY OF GOD, born of spirit, composed of spirit and blessed with eternal life.

God only knows the things He has planned for us in eternity. The Bible says that it has not entered into man's mind the wonderful things God has planned for him. BUT IT IS NOT AN EASY THING!

You must lay down your will, your selfish wants and desires and submit to God's will, your heavenly Father knows best.

God was willing to lay down His very life for you, in order to bring you to eternal glory, are you willing to cooperate with Him by submitting to His will in your life?

God, the Son had to come to earth as Jesus, a mortal man. Why? In order that He may die for you and me and for all who will believe and accept His sacrifice.

Why? Because we broke the rules, and breaking the rules is called sin by God. Sin requires a penalty, and the penalty is eternal death. (Romans 6:23) Because God loves us so much, the Father willingly sent His Son to die in our place, and Jesus, the Son willingly laid down His precious life for that purpose. You see, Jesus, the man, also had a purpose to fulfill while on the earth.

ENLIGHTENING SCRIPTURES

"For OUR CITIZENSHIP is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; WHO WILL TRANSFORM THE BODY OF OUR HUMBLE STATE INTO CONFORMITY WITH THE BODY OF GLORY, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." (Philippians 3;20-21)

"He who overcomes, I will grant to him to SIT DOWN WITH ME ON MY THRONE, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne." (Revelation 2:26)

"For all who are being led by the spirit of God, these are SONS OF GOD." . . . "And if CHILDREN, HEIRS ALSO, heirs of God and FELLOW-HEIRS with CHRIST, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be GLORIFIED WITH HIM." (Romans 8:14 & vs 17)

"For the anxious longing of the CREATION waits eagerly for the REVEALING of the SONS OF GOD. For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be SET FREE from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the GLORY of the CHILDREN OF GOD. For we know that the WHOLE CREATION groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for OUR ADOPTION AS SONS, the redemption of the body." (Romans 8:19-23)

Isn't that absolutely incredible?!

The entire creation has been suffering corruption since the beginning because of sin, and is now anxiously awaiting the revealing of the glorified children of God who will set it free from corruption.

We see in the prophecies of Isaiah (Chapters 2, 11) that even the animals will drastically change at that time. The Lion will eat grass and will lay down with other animals of the herd. The pain and suffering will come to an end. The Lord declares, "There will be no harm on My Holy Mountain."

WONDERINGS FROM LONG AGO

A young shepherd boy who would later become King of Israel pondered the mystery of man. "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place; WHAT IS MAN, that you are mindful of him? Yet You have made him a little lower than the angels (for a while) and do crown him with glory and majesty. You do make him rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet." (Psalm 8:3-6)

If you earnestly seek to know the answers to

"WHAT AM I?"

"WHY AM I?"

And truly have a burning desire to please God.

God is calling you to Himself.

You are the workmanship of the Divine Creator, God. You are living in the flesh in order to learn to submit to the will of God. He wants you to be a part of His family, His team.

He wants you to share in His glory and receive eternal life.

You have two choices, Life and Death.

God will not allow those who choose rebellion against His government to receive eternal life. They will suffer the second death in the Lake of Fire. Contrary to what you may have heard or been taught, you do not have an immortal soul, you are mortal.

Right now you are being tested to see if you have the "right stuff' for adoption into the Divine Family. God desires that all would change and submit to His will, but He knows this will never happen, but the door is open for you.

You don't have to be a part of the many who will perish in the flames of the Lake of Fire.

Jesus said,- "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and MANY ARE THOSE WHO ENTER BY IT."

"For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to LIFE, and FEW ARE THOSE WHO FIND IT." (Matthew 7:13-14)

Through MAN, GOD IS REPRODUCING HIMSELF! EXPANDING HIS FAMILY!

This is YOUR PURPOSE for being if you hear His call and submit to His will.

"For if the world spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, . . .HOW CAN WE ESCAPE is we NEGLECT so GREAT A SALVATION?" Hebrews 3:2-3 By: Larry R. Lasiter

Receive Your Healing

May God Receive the Glory!

By: Larry R. Lasiter

We are Healed by Faith - By Our Belief that God is Faithful to His Promises

"And Jesus rose and began to follow him, and so did His disciples. And behold, a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I shall get well." (Attitude of sincere faith). But Jesus turning and seeing her said, "Daughter, take courage; YOUR FAITH has MADE YOU WELL." And at once the woman was made well." [Matthew 9:19-22]

Jesus Healed All Who Asked, Even if They Were Undeserving of Themselves

"And Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. (Very wicked pagan cities involved in sacrificing their children to Idols)

And behold a Canaanite woman came out from that region, and began to cry out, saying, "Have mercy on me O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed."

But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came to Him and kept asking Him, saying, "Send her away, for she is shouting out after us." (Notice how even when the Lord did not answer her readily, she persisted in her appeals to Him)

But He answered and said, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and began to bow down before Him, (worshipping Him) saying, "Lord help me!"

And He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

But she said, "Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their master's table." Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman YOUR FAITH IS GREAT; be it done for you AS YOU WISH." And her daughter was healed at once." (Her PERSISTENCE paid off)

FAITH is Formed in Us Through Hearing the Word of His Promises

"However, they did not all heed the glad tidings; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has BELIEVED our report?"

So FAITH comes from HEARING, and hearing by the WORD OF CHRIST." (Romans 10:16-17)

Will you simply receive the glad tidings that you were healed by His stripes?

"Now FAITH is the ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, the CONVICTION OF THINGS NOT SEEN." (Hebrews 11:1) Faith allows you to believe God regardless of what your eyes see or your body feels.

King Jehoshaphat's Prayer turned FEAR into FAITH through Praise and Thanksgiving, and Remembering the Faithfulness of God.

"Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat.

Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, "A GREAT MULTITUDE is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Syria and behold, they are in Hazazontamar."

Have you received a bad report?

"And Jehoshaphat WAS AFRAID and TURNED HIS ATTENTION TO SEEK THE LORD; and proclaimed a FAST throughout all Judah.

So Judah gathered together to SEEK HELP FROM THE LORD; they even came from all the cities of Judah to SEEK THE LORD.

Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord before the new court, and he said, -"O Lord, the God of our fathers, art Thou not God in the heavens?

And art Thou not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Thy hand so that no one (or disease) can stand against Thee.

Didst Thou not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Thy people Israel, and give it to the descendants of Abraham, Thy friend forever? And they lived in it, and have built Thee a sanctuary there for Thy name, saying, "Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, OR PESTILENCE, or famine, we will stand before this house and before Thee and cry to Thee in our distress, AND THOU WILL HEAR AND DELIVER US."

And now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom Thou didst not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, behold how they are rewarding us, by coming to drive us out from Thy possession which Thou hast given us as an inheritance.

O our God, wilt Thou not judge them? FOR WE ARE POWERLESS BEFORE THIS GREAT MULTITUDE (Problem) who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, BUT OUR EYES ARE ON THEE."

"Then in the midst of the assembly the SPIRIT OF THE LORD came upon JAHAZIEL the son of Zechariah.....and he said, "Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat; THUS SAYS THE LORD to you, "DO NOT FEAR or be DISMAYED because of this GREAT MULTITUDE, for the BATTLE IS NOT YOURS BUT GOD'S......YOU NEED NOT FIGHT IN THIS BATTLE; station yourselves, STAND AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD ON YOUR BEHALF, O Judah and Jerusalem. DO NOT FEAR or be DISMAYED; tomorrow go out to face them, FOR THE LORD IS WITH YOU."

"And they rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD YOUR GOD, and YOU WILL BE ESTABLISHED. PUT YOUR TRUST IN HIS PROPHETS AND SUCCEED."

And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those WHO SANG TO THE LORD and those WHO PRAISED HIM in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, "GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HIS LOVINGKINDNESS IS EVERLASTING."

Notice that Thanksgiving and praise was given in ADVANCE for God's lovingkindness and deliverance.

"And WHEN THEY BEGAN SINGING AND PRAISING, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed." (2 Chronicles 20:1-22)

A Personal Note: While I was writing this paper, my youngest son Matthew, who is nine years old came in asking to be anointed. He was coming down with the flu which I had been suffering with for almost two weeks, and was experiencing a terrible headache. After a reminder, I told him I would be with him in a moment. I approached where he was lying with my wife and oldest son and knelt down before him. Then I explained a certain amount of suffering was necessary to sometimes get our attention, and that we often neglect to thank God each morning when we feel good. I told Matthew that common illnesses come and pass on their own, but that I would still anoint him if he wished. Although I have had the privilege to witness some magnificent and wonderous healings, I honestly did not expect him to be healed of this flu, though I am now ashamed to admit it. Somehow it just didn't seem that important to me, after all it would eventually pass and he would recover. To my surprise, he was completely healed! Then I realized that although I was working on this paper concerning healing, it still took a little child to teach me that we must come before our heavenly Father with the faith of a little child. All Matthew knew, and needed to know, was that he was suffering and God could stop it. It was so simple and pure to him. And I learned an important lesson, even though his healing of a common sickness didn't seem that important to me, it was to his heavenly Father. Thank you Father for this revelation, and thank you Matthew for your faith. What a great and wonderful God we serve!

To review this study in its entirety CLICK HERE

Can You Be Deceived?

By: Wayne Schatzle

The Apostle Paul warned that Satan has transformed himself into an angel of light, and that he also has ministers who appear righteous. (2 Corinthians 11)

He is trying to pawn himself off as Christ, the Messiah. He and his ministers appear to be God's servants.

He won't look like the traditional devil, with the horns, tail, red body stocking, spade beard and evil grin. That wouldn't fool anyone into thinking he was Jesus.

No, if he wanted to fool people he would have to appear like the traditional Bible story picture we have come to accept as what Jesus looks like.

And what would his ministers look like? Well, they would have to appear friendly, polite, knowledgeable of the Bible, be called "Reverend" or "Father", be trustworthy and be good respectable citizens.

A good counterfeit is hard to detect. What are we to do, and how can we be sure our church, minister, and the one we follow is the true Savior?

The simple answer is given by Isaiah,- "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (8:20)

It's as simple as that, preachers must speak according to the Bible and people must hold them to that standard. The people of Berea were commended for receiving Paul's message and also for searching the Scriptures daily to prove his words. (Acts 17)

We study for school and work. We read all we can about sports. We watch our favorite stars on TV for hours. We listen all we can to the great names in the singing profession. We spend so many hours in vain pursuits and so little time searching for God and salvation.

The most important things of life are put on the "back burner" and we blindly trust our minister to lead us to the "promised land", without really knowing if he is on the right path,- without being assured by God's Word that he knows the right direction.

Jesus spoke of just this situation,- "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?" (Luke 6)

He also said narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life and there are few who find it. "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7)

When you trust a man more than the Word of God, you are in effect following a man instead of God, which is the very foundation of a cult.

The good news for Americans is, we are a land flooded with Bibles and Bible helps. A good start would be a New King James version with marginal references, a Strong's or Young's Concordance, and maybe a good Bible Dictionary. You can be skilled in the Word in just a short time with study and effort. All these and much more are available on computer disks at very low prices.

All we need now is the determination to put forth the effort to study to show ourselves approved unto God.

And we also need to ask God to lead us in His truth, and give us the willingness to make the necessary changes in our lives.

Jesus promised that if we seek God with all our heart we will find Him. "Your Word is a lamp to may feet and a light to may path." (Psalm 119:105)

NEWS, Letters & Odds `n' Ends

Greetings from UKRAINE: Dear Pastor Larry, Greetings from Ukraine! I hope all is well with you and your family. Your last Newsletter (March issue) is very interesting for me, especially your article about "three days and three nights." I want to discover this question to have clear understanding.

But my main question to you is another. One of our brother from our church began to visit meetings of Seven Day Christians. Now we have problems with this our brother. Therefore I ask you about consultation.

He begin to speak that observance of Sabbath is necessary for salvation. When we ask him, "What means speaking observance of Sabbath?" He answered that we must to keep Moses rules about Sabbath. But we know that Christians are not under Moses rules, isn't it? Therefore we ask him, "What work is prohibited to do at Sabbath? His answer shocked us, "All work, we must do nothing during Sabbath. We asked "How about nurse a child or patient? To wash? To strike match to heat up food? His answer,- "It is forbidden! We can't to understand these strange rules. This question is an stumbling stone for our brother now. He worry about his salvation, he thinks he can't be adopted by God if he does not to keep all the rules about Sabbath. Can you explain this situation? Is these rules usual for all Seven Day Christians worldwide or only in our town? Thank You! God bless you completely!!! SAVCHYSHYN, the UKRAINE

Dear Friend,

WARM GREETINGS IN THE HOLY NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON!

I am sorry your brother has made Sabbath observance a burden. Jesus said, the Sabbath was made for man, not man made for the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a blessing not a curse. Jesus was accused of breaking the Sabbath when He healed the sick on that day, but He said that it is right to do good on the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:12) Isaiah 58 says observing the Sabbath is to be a delight, a happy time.

Sabbath-keeping churches do good on this day. They fellowship, assemble for services, visit the sick and elderly, etc. It is not wrong to nurse a child or care for a patient, to wash yourself or prepare your meals. But the Bible says that the Sabbath is holy.

Some think that the Sabbath is only a Command given to Moses but the Sabbath was commanded long before Moses, in the very beginning of time. Notice Genesis 2:3,- "Then God BLESSED the Seventh Day and SANCTIFIED it," To "sanctify" means to "set apart", the Seventh Day was "set apart" for HOLY USE because God blessed it.

When God made Himself known to Israel, He gave them His Way of life, the Ten Commandments. When God gave the Commandment to observe the Sabbath, He told them to "REMEMBER" the Sabbath. "Remember" because God had already given man the Sabbath in the beginning but man had forgotten it.

Christians are not bound to observe the BOOK OF THE COVENANT which God gave Moses in Exodus Chapters 21-23. But we must understand that the BOOK OF THE COVENANT containing 613 laws was ADDED because Israel rejected the Abrahamic Covenant, which included the TEN COMMANDMENTS but not the 613 Laws of the BOOK OF THE COVENANT.

The Apostle Paul said that the BOOK OF THE COVENANT was added because of the sin. (Galatians 3:19) As Christians we are partakers of Abraham's Covenant, a Covenant that was given 430 years before Moses, and are his children born of the Holy Seed of Jesus. (Galatians 3:29) Paul said those who go back to the BOOK OF THE COVENANT are under a curse. (Galatians 3:10) And are cut-off from Christ. (Galatians 5:4) But we must understand that the TEN COMMANDMENTS were given before the BOOK OF THE COVENANT. The TEN COMMANDMENTS were written by the very finger of God into TABLETS OF STONE and placed into the ARK of the COVENANT. The BOOK OF THE COVENANT was written on animal skins and placed on the OUTSIDE of the ARK. So, the TEN COMMANDMENTS are PERMANENT, and the BOOK OF THE COVENANT TEMPORARY.

Jesus said, "Never think that I have come to destroy the LAW or the prophets. I have not come to destroy but to fulfill, and until HEAVEN AND EARTH PASS AWAY not one comma shall pass from the law. . .whoever relaxes a SINGLE ONE OF THESE COMMANDMENTS and TEACHES OTHERS TO will be RANKED LEAST in the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5:17-19) My friend, "heaven and earth" has not "passed away", so the Ten Commandments should still be observed.

Notice also that all mankind will be required to observe the Sabbath after the return of Jesus, "For just as the new heavens and the new earth which I make will endure before Me" declares the Lord, "So your Children and your name will endure. And it shall be from new moon to new moon and from SABBATH to SABBATH, ALL MANKIND will come to bow down before Me" says the Lord. (Isaiah 66:22-23)

It is exciting to me to know that I have a weekly APPOINTMENT with my Creator even though I bow before His throne each day in prayer. Notice Leviticus 23:2-4,- "The Lord spoke again to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, and say to them, The LORD'S APPOINTED TIMES which you shall proclaim as HOLY CONVOCATIONS, -MY APPOINTED TIMES are these; For six days work may be done; but on the SEVENTH DAY there is a Sabbath of complete rest, a HOLY CONVOCATION. You shall not do any work; it is a Sabbath TO THE LORD in all your dwellings. These are the APPOINTED TIMES OF THE LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them." Notice that the Lord said that the Sabbath was HIS APPOINTED TIME.

My brother, God is very merciful and kind and it is Him that gives knowledge and understanding. We are accountable for what we know and understand. I believe there are many who do not observe the Sabbath because they were never taught to, they are not lost. They are serving God as they understand. None of us have perfect understanding.

But Jesus did say He did not come to destroy the commandments. And we do see that all mankind will worship on the Sabbath after the return of Christ. And we see by the Bible that it was given to man at the beginning.

Finally, John said that "SIN is breaking the Law." (1 John 3:4) This law referred to here is the Ten Commandments. God not not write "NINE" Commandments into Tablets of Stone, but "TEN." Can we, my dear brother erase a commandment of God? Can we open the Ark of the Covenant remove one the the tablets and chisel away the fourth commandment? The answer is, man was not even allowed to touch the Ark much less open it and remove its contents.

John said that we cannot be God's children if we PRACTICE SIN. We cannot break a commandment on a regular basis on purpose and remain a child of God. (1 John 3)

Notice these powerful Scriptures, -"And by this, we know that we have come to know Him, if we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. The one who says "I have come to know Him" and DOES NOT KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, is a liar and the TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM." (1 John 2:3-4)

"By this we know we love the children of God, when we love God and OBSERVE HIS COMMANDMENTS. For this is the love of God, that we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS; and His Commandments are not burdensome."(1 John 5:2-3)

"And the dragon (Satan) was enraged with the woman (Church) and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring, WHO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus." (Revelation 12:17)

"Here is the perseverance of the SAINTS -WHO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD and THEIR FAITH IN JESUS." (Revelation 14:12)

Notice that the Saints are identified as those who keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus.

Christians are saved by the precious blood of Jesus, but we are to walk according to His Commandments in love. If a Christian understands that he should observe the Ten Commandments, then he should understand that he should observe all Ten of them not just nine.

My dear friend, I was raised in a Sunday keeping church. I grew up worshiping on Sunday. I never even thought about the Sabbath and did not even know that Sunday was not the Seventh day. After I reached my teenage years I lost interest in church and stopped attending services. But at age 19 God called me into a relationship with Him. I began to study the Bible carefully every day and I noticed that Sabbath observe was one of the Ten Commandments. I had heard of the Ten Commandments but had never really thought about the Sabbath Commandment.

Upon study, I realized that Sunday was not the Sabbath day, so I asked some Pastors who said they believed in keeping the commandments why they did not observe the Sabbath. They said that it did not matter which day you worshiped, so I asked, "Why then did God Command that we assemble on the Seventh Day, if it did not matter?" They had no real answer, but said, "It is just tradition." I asked, "Whose tradition, God's or man's?" Upon further study I saw that Sunday observance did not replace Sabbath observance until 400 years after the death of Jesus, and was instituted by the Roman Catholic Church and the Roman Empire because of hatred for the Jews.

I came to see the Sabbath as a very precious and beautiful thing and was very grateful that God gave me a day to do nothing but good, think only of Him and His way of life and fellowship with His saints.

But we do not worship the day. We do not SERVE the Sabbath, but allow it to serve us.

I have already mailed you the May Newsletter. In it there is an article entitled, "Did Jesus Teach the Ten Commandments?" I think it will be helpful to you.

Please have your friend write to me, and I will explain to him that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, and that the Seventh day churches do not make the Sabbath a burden but a delight.

May God richly Bless and Keep you always, my friend, Pastor Larry

Greetings from India: Dear director Larry R. Lasiter. Hearty congratulations in the Name of Jesus Christ. I received your point of truth newsletter. It was a useful wonderful tool for the Gospel. Thank you very much. I kindly request that you continue to send the point of truth. We are doing every Saturday worship. So many people are gathering to our Saturday worship, good singing, . Your tracts are necessary in our Gospel areas. Do you can possible, Please send me more to Grace orphanage children home. You must pray for them. Then next academic year children more children will join in our orphanage home. Their needs. I humbly request you to kindly please consider. Pray for the Grace children's Orphanage Food, Clothing, and School stationery materials are their Important needs. We are sincerely praying for your prosperity and your ministry. I humbly request that you kindly please pray for us. I am awaiting for your kind reply. Pastor David, United Church of God, INDIA

Dear Brother David, We have already mailed you and the Orphanage a care package. Hopefully you will have already received it by the time you receive this Newsletter. We had to send it via ship.

Thank you for the selfless work you and your dear wife are doing in serving to provide both the physical and spiritual needs of the brethren, may God bless you richly. Many of the brethren were lovingly involved in putting the package together. And the pleasure is ours dear Brother, it is more "blessed to give than to receive." We will continue sending you the tracts, Newsletters, tapes and literature for use in your ministry. Your Friend in Christ's Service, Pastor Larry.

Coming Disease Epidemics? Many people have forgotten that mosquitoes are more than just pesky bugs that are annoying. There's no polio, no malaria. And people just don't worry anymore. We try to emphasize that mosquitoes are pests, but they also can kill you! Most people don't know that yellow fever, borne by mosquitoes all but wiped out New Orleans in 1905. The recent West Nile virus should serve as a wake-up call that we can still get sick and die from a mosquito bite. The mosquito-borne disease that threatens Americans the most is encephalitis. Last year, 62 New Yorkers were infected with a new strain of the disease called the West Nile Virus and 7 died. The West Nile virus is unique in the world of infectious diseases because there are known ways to protect ourselves. There are two basic steps for prevention: remove stagnant water from your property and use mosquito repellent that contains DEET. "It's been said that mosquitoes are the deadliest animals alive because of the diseases they carry," said Roger Nasci, an entomologist with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Join us for

FEAST OF TABERNACLES 2000

Yorktown Bay Retreat

Near Hot Springs, Arkansas

October 14-21

Nestled in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of Central Arkansas, this retreat offers the Feast goer a true family atmosphere in a beautiful, serene setting. Yorktown Bay will become a small community of Brethren all living and sharing meals together in fine fellowship, activities and worship. This retreat is surrounded on three sides by the crystal clear waters of Lake Ouachita which offers swimming, fishing and boating. Feast goers will be only minute from the famous resort city of Hot Springs.

The Festival is sponsored by Points of Truth Christian Ministries along with the Church of God at Little Rock. Points of Truth Christian Ministries is associated with the Church of God Fellowship, an unaffiliated congregation in Russellville, Arkansas. Points of Truth Christian Ministries will provide Sail boats, Canoes and Paddle Boats daily completely free for feast goers. We will also provide shuttles to and from the three tiny Bay islands on two afternoons via Party Barge. Special meals will be served at no cost following services on the first and last Holy Days.

Those of you who enjoyed observing the Feast in times past at Big Sandy, Texas, will love Yorktown Bay. Brethren will experience a true feast atmosphere as collectively, the family of God comes before Him in fellowship and worship for eight days. Hope to see you there.Register soon to insure that you get the accommodations that you need.

By TELEPHONE: 501-498-4524

By MAIL: Points of Truth, P.O. Box 102, Russellville, AR 72811 By EMAIL: lasiter@pointsoftruth.com

BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH YOU

There are lots of photographs and detailed information at our Web Site: www.pointsoftruth.com


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Email: lasiter@pointsoftruth.com