Falling Away from the Simplicity in Christ

By: Larry R. Lasiter

"I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3)

There has always been false teachers preaching a different gospel and another Jesus whom the original Apostles did not preach. But the present age we live in presents dangers that may be more perilous than our Christian brethren who lived in earlier times.

Jesus said we would know false brethren and teachers by the fruits they would bear. For example, notice what fruits should follow those called by God and set as overseers or pastors of the congregations were to be. . ."husbands of one wife", "have children who believe", "manage their own households well", be "able to teach by rightly dividing the Word", "not be quick-tempered", and "in control of their emotions", not be "pugnacious (overly argumentative)", not "addicted to alcohol" be "hospitable", "gentle", "holding fast the faithful Word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict." (Titus 1 / 1 Timothy 3)

In times past one learned the Word through personal instruction from someone whose way of life they could observe. Just as it is easy to personally observe your local pastor and others who teach in the congregation today because you come to know them in a personal way. But today, there are so many avenues for learning. Literature from various "Christian" Ministries, an abundance of books covering a multitude of topics available off the bookshelves, to the tremendous amount of information on the Internet, -much of which is authored by teachers we may know little or nothing about personally.

Living in the INFORMATION AGE presents us with both benefits and problems. It gives the true followers of Jesus the ability to reach more people for the cause of Christ.But it also gives Satan the opportunity to not only reach the masses with his twisted brand of "churchianity", but do it under the cover of darkness with his false teachers unseen. The Biblical approach is to not only judge the teaching but also the teacher who brings the teaching. Notice that the Apostle Paul himself yielded to examination, -"Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is REQUIRED of stewards that one BE FOUND TRUSTWORTHY." (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) If an Apostle of Christ must be found trustworthy upon examination, then how much more any teacher today.

We must be very careful what we let into our minds. When it is not possible to examine a teacher personally, we should examine his message/writing very carefully. And not only on technical merits ensuring that it is in harmony with the spirit and intent of God's Word, but teaching that will help us grow in our relationship with God. And it should not be overly speculative in nature or divisive as Paul says.

Christians know how very difficult it is to accept Biblical instruction from someone they have come to believe is a hypocrite. As Jesus said, before one should attempt to remove a splinter from his neighbor's eye, he should first remove the plank from his own eye.

How devastating it must be for brethren who have trusted a pastor in leading them in the Holy Scriptures to find later that he himself was practicing immorality! Sadly, this is an all too familiar scenario, isn't it? The world is well aware of the scandals involving Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggert, Garner Ted Armstrong and countless others of lesser fame. And because of things such as these the holy name of God is blasphemed among unbelievers! But their supporters had once believed that God was leading them as they received spiritual guidance from them. Following the revealing of their wicked lifestyles however, most of their flock, although willing to forgive, understood that they could no longer trust them to lead them through the inspired Word of God.

Now notice what the Apostle John says, -"Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who PRACTICES righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who PRACTICES sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil. NO ONE who is BORN OF GOD PRACTICES SIN, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot (practice) sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious; any one who does not practice righteousness is not of God."(1 John 3)

This is why it is so important for pastors and teachers to exhibit conduct that is reasonably "above reproach" as the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus when sending them to appoint pastors in the gentile congregations. Simply put, any fleshly lust quenches the spirit of God. As Paul told the Corinthians, the "natural, fleshly man cannot understand the things of the spirit, and it is the spirit of God that understands the mind of God." A man may be trained in Bible Theology and have much experience and the ability to speak and deliver a message or produce a writing but if he is living a wayward lifestyle what you receive from him has no real inspiration from God through the holy spirit. One whose life is filled by the deeds of the flesh (Gal.5) is quenching the inspiration of the spirit of God, if indeed the person possesses the gift.

The Holy Spirit of Truth Must Be Active

If the holy spirit is not active in the message or writing, then there is susceptibility for lying spirits. The principle is, anytime we push the holy spirit aside by unholy conduct, we open the door for evil spirits to work. This is why Peter instructed us to "resist the devil". The most effective worker for Satan is one who had been called by God, and who had diligently worked for the cause of Christ, but fell away later succumbing to false teachings introduced by lying spirits! Notice 1 Timothy 4:1-2, -"But the spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron."

Now, just how does this happen? By what means do "deceitful spirits" introduce "doctrines of demons?" Is it through false teachers who themselves have been deceived by these lying spirits. Notice 1 John 4:1, -"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but TEST the spirits to see whether they are from God; because MANY FALSE PROPHETS have gone out into the world." Notice also by what means, "by means of the HYPOCRISY of liars." "Hypocrite" simply means "actor" in Greek. When Jesus pronounced the seven woes to the Jewish religious hierarchy in Matt. 23, He continually labeled them as "hypocrites" meaning "actors." You see, they wanted to have pre-eminence over the people. They liked to pray in public in order to be seen by men. They liked to sit in the most prominent seats in the assembly. But Jesus said they were merely "dirty cups" clean on the outside but filthy on the inside.

"Hypocrite" means "Actor"

They knew how to "act" holy in order to gain respect and a following, but they did not live a holy lifestyle. They did not practice what they preached to others. So Paul was telling Timothy that the tactic Satan used through the Jewish Scribes and Pharisees, is the same he uses in the Church of Jesus Christ. That brethren would receive "doctrines of demons" through the means of the "hypocrisy" of those who deliver the teaching.

"Can One Gather Figs From A Thorn Bush?"

False teaching is almost always presented by would-be teachers whose own lives are in disarray. Somewhere along the way in their Christian walk, Jesus has tried to take them through some bitter places and they have refused to follow. Rather than repent and accept the will of God and the terms of salvation which is bearing their own cross, they redefine the terms of their salvation.

Link To God Changes

Soon, simple devotion to Christ and living by His Commandments is replaced by "Deeper knowledge." Notice 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, -". . .Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If any one supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if any one loves God, he is known by Him."Their relationship with God turns from child-like obedience to God as a child looks to a father for guidance, to how much "knowledge" they can learn and impart to others. This in turn opens the door for the spirits of vanity, self-exaltation, hypocrisy and the spirit of division follows. Sadly, they become those prophesied of by Paul in 2 Timothy 3:7-10,-"ALWAYS LEARNING and never able to come to the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH. And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so THESE MEN also OPPOSE THE TRUTH, men of depraved mind, rejected as regards the faith. But they will not make further progress; for THEIR FOLLY will be OBVIOUS to all, as also that of those two came to be. . . .But you followed MY TEACHING, CONDUCT, PURPOSE, FAITH PATIENCE, LOVE, PERSEVERANCE." Our life in Christ is much more about WHAT WE DO, than WHAT WE KNOW. Knowledge also brings accountability, so what we learn we must put to practice in our lives.

God Is Never Impressed With What We Know

But unlike men, God is never impressed with what we know, but what we do, nor will we be judged worthy of life based upon what we know, -but on what we do. (Rev.20:12) Therefore, it is necessary to examine what we study. Is it understanding that I can apply to my life? Will it help me grow spiritually, producing the fruits of "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?" (Gal.5:22) Or does it produce deeds of the flesh such as "enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions.?"(Gal.5:20) In Verse 21 Paul delivers the warning that "those who practice such things shall not inherit the Kingdom."

Lying spirits can easily deceive us into believing we are "standing up for the TRUTH" or we are "Lifting high the Standard of God" when we turn to what really is "fruitless discussion."

Those that do this seem blind to the trail of casualties left along the way, who are hurt and confused and who had believed Christianity to be much less complicated. Many being the children raised in this environment who throw up their hands in frustration thinking "how can God's Way be so confusing?" This very approach is contrary to what Jesus called "the weightier matters of the Law", which are "JUDGMENT, MERCY and FAITHFULNESS."

Remember, Jesus constantly rebuked the Pharisees, and Scribes for making God's Commandments a burden to the people. Many of them fasted twice each week, prayed three times daily and were so carefully diligent in the giving of their tithes, they actually plucked every tenth leaf off their mint plants to give to God. They paid attention to details and felt righteous for doing so. But Jesus told them that by focusing their attention so intently on straining gnats, they were blindly swallowing camels. Gnats were the smallest unclean creatures in Israel, and camels were the largest of the unclean. Of course one could not accidently eat a camel, but could a gnat easily if it happened to get in their wine cup. Because of this, people regularly strained their wine before drinking. But one should ask, which would defile a man more, a gnat or a camel? And that was the essence of Jesus' rebuke. Their emphasis was unbalanced, and in so doing they were neglecting the weightier matters of the law. (Matt.23)

This unbalanced, self-righteous attitude and approach concerning the teachings of God led to a much more serious problem, -separation from the God they believed they were serving. Although Jesus told His disciples that these Jewish Religious leaders were sitting in Moses' seat, remarkably they had actually become agents of Satan the Devil! Notice John 8:44, -"You are of your father the DEVIL, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies." Before Jesus called the Apostle Paul into His ministry, Paul (formerly Saul) was a devout member of the Pharisee Sect, and severely persecuted the Church, dragging men and women off to prison. And it was he that probably presided over the stoning of the first Christian martyr, Stephen.(Acts 7:58/Acts 8:1-3)

Paul's Problem in the Ephesus Church

While imprisoned at Rome, Paul wrote to Timothy instructing him to stay in Ephesus to combat false teachers in the Churches there. Years earlier, Paul himself departed from Ephesus where he had lived and taught for three years. At his tearful departure, he warned the elders there that some of them would become wolves, enemies of the Flock, and begin to speak perverse things causing some to leave the true faith. (Acts 20) Sadly, Paul's words came to past and was still occurring when he wrote to Timothy.

Notice 1 Timothy 1:3-6, -"As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus, in order that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. . . .But THE GOAL of OUR INSTRUCTION is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. For some men, STRAYING FROM THESE THINGS, have turned aside to FRUITLESS DISCUSSION." Notice that Paul said strange doctrines leading to speculation did not further the administration of God which is by faith. Not only did it not further the Work of God, but actually hampered it, standing in opposition to it. I am convinced that these men in Ephesus did not believe that they were paying attention to lying spirits which gave rise to speculation, which in turn hampered the truth of the Work God had called them to. They believed that they were right and felt duty-bound to spread these "truths." But in reality they had already or were soon to fall away from the true faith in the simplicity of Christ.

Test Those who Come in Jesus' Name

It is necessary to test those coming in the Name of Christ, and it is your responsibility and mine to weigh their teaching against their conduct and the mighty sword of God, the Holy Bible. Apparently, the Church at Ephesus did finally put those "savage wolves" to the test, and judged them as false teachers.(Rev.2) But by this time, so much damage had been done, the Church had been robbed of its first love of the truth. Many years later in about 96 AD, Jesus sent a letter to the Church through the Apostle John. In it the Lord calls for them to recapture their first love, but also commends them for testing those who had come in His Name, finding them to be false.

Tares Among the Wheat

In Jesus' parable of the tares among the wheat (Matt.13) He says that Satan the enemy sows seeds in God's harvest which come up not as wheat but as tares. And says that at the Lord's return in glory His angels will gather them from among the wheat and burn them. At that time many will say, -"but I did miracles in Your Name", -"I cast out demons in Your Name, Lord." But Jesus will rely, -"Depart from Me, I never knew you, you workers of iniquity."(lawlessness) (Matthew 7:21-23)

Could it be that they had come to neglect the weightier matters of the law and the practice of pure religion? Notice James 1:26-17, -"If any one thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

Tares Resemble Wheat

The "tare", also known as a "darnel", is a weed that so closely resembles wheat, that it is virtually impossible to distinguish until the ear is developed. The difference? Like true Christians who remain steadfast in the faith, wheat bears FRUIT, and like false brethren tares do not. Notice also, that Jesus said these tares were sown in the Lord's Field while the servants slept. As Jude warned, false teachers can go unnoticed, -"For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." (Verse 4) This is why it is so important to be on guard as Paul warned the Ephesians, and to examine the fruits of those we are receiving teaching from. Do they exhibit the fruits of the spirit in their lives as defined in Galatians 5? And it's equally important to carefully examine ourselves regularly, making sure we stand in the faith, by measuring our attitude, motives and conduct. Remember, "wolves" don't usually know they are wolves, and "tares" don't usually know they are tares.

Biblical Examples of Fallen Brethren

Some fall away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits, who through the agency of men bring doctrines of demons. (1 Tim.4:1)

Some fall away by embracing foolish controversies or disputes about the Law. (Titus 3:9)

Some become factious, being bent on causing division in the Church. The Bible says to reject such a person after a second warning, knowing that they are perverted, sinning and self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11)

As Demas left Paul, some leave the faith because they love this present world.( 2 Tim. 4:10) James says that friendship with the world makes one an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

Hymenaeus fell away by believing the false teaching that the resurrection had already taken place. He was seduced by lying spirits. (2 Tim. 2:17)

Alexander fell away by opposing the authority and teachings of the Apostle Paul. (2 Tim. 4:14-15)

NOTE: Paul, in his first letter to Timothy made mention of both Hymenaeus and Alexander and said that they had rejected the true faith and good conscience, suffering "shipwreck" in regards to their faith. Paul goes on to say that he has turned them over to Satan, probably meaning he put them out of the Church of God. (1 Tim. 1:18-20)

Diotrephes fell away from the faith, but managed to gain control over brethren in the Church. He desired pre-eminence over the brethren and not only rejected the teachings of the Apostle John but put out of the assemblies any one who accepted the aged Apostle.

Some fall away from the faith because of their pursuit of riches. (1 Tim. 9-10)

As in the Church at Ephesus, some fall away because of losing their "first love" of the truth. Jesus warns those to return to the DEEDS they did when they first learned the truth. (Rev. 2:4-5)

As in the Church at Thyatira, some fall away because of immorality or tolerating immoral brethren in the Church. (Rev. 2:20)

As in the Church at Pergamum, some fall away because they embrace the teaching of Balaam. That is, like Balaam, they entice brethren to sin by teaching them to compromise the will of God, knowing that in so-doing God will reject them. (Rev. 2:14) Those who do this are tearing down what God is trying to build.

Some fall away from the faith by holding to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. "Nicolaitan" means "conquer the "laity" or "common people." In the Church it is the doctrine of a hierarchy which separates the brethren into two distinct classes, the "Clergy" and the"Laity", with the Clergy ruling over the Laity. This is the problem Paul was addressing in the Corinthian Church in 1 Cor. Chapters 1-4. The Apostles and Pastors are "overseers" of the Lord's flock but are told to serve as examples and ordered not to lord over the heritage of God. Sadly, some fall away by desiring to replace Christ with a human head and master, just as Israel rejected God by desiring a human king. (Rev. 2:15)

As in the Sardis Church, some fall away from the faith because they don't practice what they know. Their "deeds" are not complete, therefore Jesus says that although they profess the living name of Jesus, they are almost completely dead. Jesus warns those to return their focus to practicing what they know. ("strengthening what is left") (Rev. 3:1-3)

As in the Laodicean Church, some fall away because they neglect to carefully examine themselves therefore becoming "poor, blind and naked" without even knowing it. They blindly think they are in fine spiritual condition, probably because their righteousness is based on things other than the deeds of pure religion.(Rev.3:17)

Some fall away succumbing to the lying spirits of gossip and slander. Notice "These are grumblers, finding fault, following their own lusts." (Jude vs 16)

Some fall away due to persecution or worries of the world. (Parable of the Sower -(Matt. 13)

Some fall away because of the company they keep. Notice, -"Do not be deceived, bad company corrupts good morals." (1 Cor. 15:33)

Some fall away because they will not receive sound doctrine from God-appointed teachers, desiring instead to accumulate for themselves teachers that will tell them what is pleasing to them. (2 Tim 4:3)

Some fall away because they don't have a deep love for the truth, thus are easily deceived. (2 Thes. 2:10-15)

Some fall away because they allow a "root of bitterness" to develop in them. (Hebrews 12:15)

Some fall because they are seduced into straying from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.

Some DO's and DON'T's

"Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness." (1 Tim.6:11)

"Shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless." (Titus 3:9)

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5:16-18)

"Refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels." (2 Tim. 2:23)

"And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all , able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition." (2 Tim. 2:24-25)

"See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.(Col.2:8)

"Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

"I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ." (Gal. 1:6-7)

"So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father." (Ephesians 5:17-20)

"And from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. . .Therefore be. . .alert." (Acts 20:29-31)

"Therefore gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus." (1 Pet.1:13)

"False prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves." (2 Peter 2:1)

"Applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, Christian love. For if these qualitiesare yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble." (2 Peter 1:5-10)

The Apostle Paul said that there must be factions or divisions in the Church in order that those who are approved may be made manifest. Some will remain steadfast in the Apostolic teachings but many will fall away from the simplicity of being a Christian.

Jesus said, "there must be offences" that cause His little ones to stumble, but then added -"but woe to him who causes the offence, for it would be better had that man never been born." Jesus knew that those whom the Father called into His Church must be tested. And He knew that a part of that testing would come from those who had once pledged their allegiance and devotion to Christ. And Jesus knew they would come in His name preaching another Jesus and a perverted gospel.

These false teachers come in the name of Jesus with doctrines of demons, deceiving and being deceived themselves. My friends, earnestly contend for the faith, once and for all delivered. Keep the Ten Commandments and hold the testimony of Christ.

SPOTLIGHT: Euro $ Dollar

Even so you, when you see these things happening, recognize that the Kingdom of God is Near

"No one should be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.". . ."And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over "Babylon" because no one buys their cargoes anymore." (Rev.13 / 18) We believe this end-time "Beast" will be a ten-nation Europe.(Dan. 2)

Euro Launches, U.S. Feels No Threat?

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Monday, January 4th, the United States welcomed the launch of Europe's new currency, shrugging off fears the euro could pose a challenge to the U.S. dollar's status as the world's most sought-after reserve currency.

"We welcome the launch of the euro, an historic step that 11 nations in Europe have taken toward a more complete Economic and Monetary Union." President Clinton said in a statement. "A successful economic union that contributes to a dynamic Europe is clearly in our long-term interests." "A strong and stable Europe, with open markets and robust growth, is good for America and for the world," he added.

Clinton's endorsement of the euro, which Monday made a strong debut on the world's foreign exchange markets, followed a series of more guarded comments by other top U.S. officials.

Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin earlier Monday repeated his long-standing mantra that what is good for Europe will be good for the United States -adding that the euro's launch underscored the need for sound economic policies at home. "It will be a currency like all other currencies," he told reporters. "As we've said many times, if it's good for Europe then that's good for the United States. A strong Europe is good for the United States."

The 11 countries that adopted the single currency - Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, -- almost match the United States' economic might. Their total annual output of about $6.5 trillion compares to almost $8 trillion in the United States. And according to European estimates, the euro zone will form the world's greatest trading power, with 1997 exports, 25 percent larger than those of the U.S. and twice those of Japan.

The euro zone's weight in the world economy has prompted some to fear a shift of investor money out of the U.S. dollar into the euro. That would make it harder for the United States to attract the capital it needs to finance its rising trade deficit, eventually pushing up interest rates and putting a damper on growth.

"Some more or less sharing of international roles between the two (currencies) is quite likely," U.S. economist Fred Bergsten told Reuters in an interview. "The euro will move up alongside the dollar in what will amount to bipolar international monetary regime, replacing the dollar dominance of the past 60 or 70 years, I think it's a matter of a few years," he added.

"I think the euro could become a competitor to the dollar in the sense of looking for a safe haven in an uncertain world, but that would be some time down the road and there's bound to be a certain amount of uncertainty connected with the euro," former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker told Reuters TV.

Rubin and his deputy Lawrence Summers said the dollar's future would depend crucially on the pursuit of sound, growth-oriented economic policies in the U.S. "I think the euro just re-emphasizes how important it is that we focus on our own policies, and continuing to make the U.S. a place where people want to invest."Rubin said

Washington's cautious approach to the euro reflects U.S. concerns that Europe might turn inward to concentrate on making its currency union work while ignoring problems elsewhere in the still-fragile world economy.Knut Engelmann -"In the days of those kings the God of Heaven will set up a Kingdom."(Dan.2:44)

FOCUS: Intercessory Prayer

Warfare in Prayer opens Eyes to see and Ears to hear. Intercession prepares the way for the Lord.

How Far Will We Go?

From INTERCESSION, Thrilling and Fulfilling, By Joy Dawson

How deep we go in prayer is entirely up to us. It depends on how seriously we want to take this privilege of praying for others. Many prefer to stay in the comfort zones of the shallow waters; others choose to launch out into the deep.

It depends on how far we want God to take us. Make no mistake about it, there's a price; but it's far outweighed by the privileges and rewards.

Consider the following:

1. Time. Giving up doing other good, legitimate things. We have to decide to make intercession a priority.

2. Energy. Greater intensity of desire. It can involve weeping. groaning, travail of spirit, and fasting. "And there is no one who calls on Your name, who stirs himself up to take hold of You." (Isa. 64:7)

3. Sleep. It was when the disciples did not stay awake that Jesus asked them, "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" (Matt.26:40)

4. Purity of Motive. Intercession is mostly done in secret. "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then you Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matt. 6:6)

5. Great Faith. We seldom see results immediately. We may have to wait for years, or we may never see the answers. Therefore, intercession requires more faith than most other kinds of service.

Could it be that because of its great price, intercession is largely unpopular and neglected? "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." (Eze. 22:30)

It is very significant to note God's reaction to men's choices in this regard. It is a strong reaction. Ponder these verses: "He saw that there was no one, he was  appalled that there was no one to intervene." (Isa. 59:16) "I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold." (Isa 63:5)

Why is God appalled at the lack of intercession? He has made it clear from Genesis to Revelation that prayer is the match that lights the fuse to release the explosive power of the holy spirit in the affairs of men.

We can learn valuable lessons from biblical characters that will help us decide how far we'll go in intercession.

ABRAHAM had a burdened heart for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, so much so that the Bible says that the outcry against the sin, and subsequent concern for the judgment it would bring, got God's attention. (Genesis 18:20)

When the angels had finished speaking to Abraham and were headed toward Sodom, Abraham "remained standing before the Lord" (verse 22) The first sign of wanting to go deeper is when the others have finished praying and your burdened heart wants to press further into God. Abraham starts off boldly in his petition for God to spare the cities, presenting his case on the basis of the righteousness and justice of God's character. His highly commendable start, and subsequent conversation through to verse 30, then takes a different turn. Abraham suggests three times that God could be getting angry for his continuing requests to spare the cities because of relatively few righteous people in them, although nothing is coming from God that even hints of anger.

In verse 32, Abraham becomes timid and apologetic and finally terminates his conversation with God. He asked God only six times to spare the cities. (As many of you know) Seven is the number of completion in the Bible. What if Abraham had asked God the seventh time to spare the people, if fewer than ten righteous people could be found?

The effect of our intercession. . .will depend upon two things; 1. How desperate we are for divine intervention. 2. How acquainted we are with the character of God.

PRINCIPLES: for EFFECTIVE INTERCESSION

1. Praise God for who He is. God's power is especially released through worshipful song. "As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy, and they were defeated."(2 Chron. 20:22) When asked to prophesy by Jehoshaphat notice that Elisha asked for a musician, "But now bring me a minstrel" And it came about, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him." (2 Kings 3:15)

2. Make sure your heart is clean before God by giving the holy spirit time to convict should you have any unconfessed sin. "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." (Psa.66:18) "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psa. 139:23-24) And Job had to forgive his friends for their wrong judging of him before he could pray effectively for them. (Job 42:10) "...faith expresses itself thru love."

3. Acknowledge that you can't really pray effectively without the holy spirit's enabling. (Pray in the spirit.) It is only as the holy spirit is given access to pray through our cleansed, yielded, spirit-controlled lives that we will become and remain effective intercessors. Power in prayer is released through purity. "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, ...He will receive blessing from the Lord." (Psa. 24:3-5)

4. Deal aggressively with the enemy. Come against him in the all-powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the sword of the spirit - the Word of God. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

5. Die to your own imaginations, desires and burdens for what you feel you should pray. The need for this act of the will is clearly stated as follows; "Lean not on your own understanding" (Prov. 3:5); "He who trusts in his own mind is a fool" (Prov. 28:26); My thoughts are not your thoughts" (Isa. 55:8)

6. Praise God now in faith for the remarkable prayer time you're going to have.

7. Wait before God in silent expectancy, listening for His direction. "But My people would not listen to Me; Israel would not submit to Me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. If My people would but listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways" (Psa. 81:11-13); "For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from Him" (Psa 62:5); "But as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me" (Mic. 7:7).

8. In obedience and faith, take action on what God brings to your mind, (while in prayer) believing. "My sheep listen to My voice. . .and they follow Me" (John 10:27). Keep asking God for direction (in prayer), expecting Him to give it to you. He will. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psa. 32:8)

9. If possible, have your Bible with you should God want to give you direction or confirmation through His Word. "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psa. 119:105)

10. When God ceases to bring things to your mind for which to pray, finish by praising and thanking Him for what He has done, reminding yourself that -. . .from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

CLOSING COMMENTS BY THE EDITOR

When praying, it is important for us to understand that although God works ON TIME, He is not bound or restricted BY TIME. Jesus knew Lazarus was dying but did not depart until after his death. When He arrived He was told by Lazarus' sister that if only He had arrived four days sooner He could have healed her brother. Then Martha made a remarkable statement of absolute faith, saying -"EVEN NOW I know that whatever You ask of God, GOD WILL GIVE YOU." (John 11:22) Lazarus had been dead for four days, his body already decomposing, but Martha knew through God, Jesus was able to transcend all of that. Standing in her very presence was the "Resurrection" and the "Life", -Jesus.

Similarly, I once read of such an event, in the sense that it transcended time. A woman watching live TV saw firemen carrying people out of a burning building. She saw one fireman carrying a pregnant woman from the flames. Immediately she began to intercede in prayer for her and her unborn baby. Later, on the news, it was announced both had died. She prayed on anyway and also the next day. The next evening, it was announced that the previous announcement was incorrect. While in the hospital, and presumed dead, a faint heartbeat was detected, she was resuscitated and both survived.

Family Affairs: Raising Children

By: Larry R. Lasiter

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you." (Exodus 20:12)

"Well, you know, kids will be kids.". . ."Little Johnny does just the opposite of what I tell him too. .so I just tell him not to do what I really want him too, it's called reverse psychology.". . ."You can't live your kids lives for them, you just have to let them learn by their own mistakes." . . ."My kids never call or visit now that they have left home."

Do any of those comments sound familiar to you? Perhaps some of you have uttered similar words. In our society today, it is common to joke or say things such as these in a light way. But does the Creator take such attitudes lightly? The answer is emphatically "NO!"

The Scripture heading this article is the fifth great Commandment thundered from Mt. Sinai to the children of Israel, and later written into a tablet of stone by the very finger of God. (Exodus 20) The people were summoned to the foot of Sinai to meet their God and receive His Commandments regarding how they should live their lives. When they were all there and in place, the Glory cloud of the Lord descended from heaven with ten thousand of His holy angels, -it began to thunder and lightning, and the mountain began to shake violently! Suddenly the very voice of God spoke like the sound of a great trumpet, majestic and with awesome power, saying -"I AM the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." God then proceeded to announce ten great Commandments which were to be the principle foundations for His way of life. The first four Commandments pertaining to man's relationship with God, -the last six instructing how God wants us to deal with each other. The very first of these (the 5th) being the Command for children to honor and obey their parents.

In the Family Affairs of the Nov / Dec issue, my wife Treon wrote that the key to making marriage work is making sure Christ is in your marriage. She quoted Revelation 3 concerning Jesus' advice to the church at Laodicea, which was, "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears and opens I will come in and dine with him", and tied it in with marriage saying that marriage can only work in its fullness if Christ is in it and actively working.

How we view raising our children must be the same way. Christians should understand, -Christ must be active, working through parents in raising their children.

Ultimately, our children are not truly ours but Gods. He gives them to us to raise in His ways not in our own ways and will hold parents accountable.

Now, it does not please God when His children do not honor and obey the parents He has entrusted them to. And it does not please God when parents do not teach His children to honor and obey the office of parent.

Notice how strongly Jesus felt about this Commandment, -"For God said, Honor your father and mother', and He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death." (Matt.15:4) Notice that the men Jesus was speaking to were already grown, so the Commandment applies throughout ones life.

"Speaks evil of", -translated "curses" in some Bibles means literally to "take lightly" or "slight." Jesus is saying, the person that takes lightly their parents and their wishes is worthy of death! Yet sadly, we see this far too often even in His Church. In contrast, to "Honor" literally means to "weigh heavily." God is saying that what your parents say should weigh heavily to you, -more heavily than your own thoughts, wishes or desires.

Through the family structure, God is giving man the proper setting to prepare His children to learn to be honorable and obedient in their relationship with Him. Teaching them that God's will should weigh heavier than their own will in their lives. To allow children to take lightly or disobey what we as parents command, is to teach them to do the same toward their heavenly Father.

News, Letters & Odds n' Ends

Christian Music

"HOLY NATION" our Christian music group, played at Higher Grounds Coffee Shop from 10:30 p.m. to 12 p.m December 31. HOLY NATION was one of several artists participating in the Benefit which was given to raise money for a needy family.

HOLY NATION will be in concert January 16th at the Danville Community Center in Danville, Arkansas. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and the Cost is $3. HOLY NATION will be back at Higher Grounds January 23 to help raise funds for "Help Network", a network of mostly churches which help the needy.

HOLY NATION is available to present concerts around the country for the glory of God. Invite us, sponsor a concert, invite the public, and bring others to Christ.

Band Members: Sarah Lasiter, Treon Lasiter, Domenica Gordon and Larry Lasiter.

Greetings From Ukraine

Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Greetings from Ukraine! ! !(country in Europe after disintegration of the Soviet Union)

My name is Vladimir, I am 34 years old, married, have two childrens. I work a manager of computer laboratory in college. Recently in my life has taken place the unexpected and surprising event. I was convinced that Jesus Christ, about whom is told in Bible -alive, he rise from the dead!!!! Now I have my Savior and I am very glad, I want to sing and to dance!

My young friends play on a guitar in our church and on the streets. We want to sing and to play about the God, but we are not professional musicians. We must to play better! We have acoustic and electric guitars, but we need the decent strings. And it is necessary to us to study to play better. There are no professional teachers-guitarists in our town. The videocassettes with lessons and exercises for guitar, CD audio and other educational materials are especially necessary for us. The various musical styles (classic, jazz, folk, rock...) are interesting to us. We ask for help. If you can and want to help, we shall be very glad to receive the help from you. Sorry, but I cannot to pay (even for post charges on transfer), because my monthly salary $50 dollars.

We shall be glad to receive records of your (Seventh Day) performances. Thank You.

God will bless you completely in new year and ALWAYS! JESUS WILL COME SOON!!!!!!!!

Vladimir

God's Wrath is Real

A.B. Earle, a 19th century evangelist, insisted on preaching the judgment of God against sinners. He did so, he said, because people have to see themselves as lost before they seek salvation. They won't seek escape from God's wrath until they believe it exists.

Two hurdles must be overcome in convincing people that God is angry with unrepentant sinners. (1). The very idea that God has communicated with humanity is unacceptable in "sophisticated" company. They feel that we are nobodies who came from nothing; the little whimper left from the Big Bang. How could nobodies need to repent? (2). Human pride resents being called sinful. In this regard, the apostles may have had an easier task, as C.S. Lewis said. They preached to a people aware of their sins, while today, we preach to a people adamant in their self-righteousness. (Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations, by Virgil Hurley)

Strange but True, and Funny too

Defendant representing himself in Court:

Defendant: "Did you get a good look at me when I stole you purse?"

Woman: "Yes I did, and it was you that stole my purse."

Defendant: "I should have shot you while I had the chance."

Judge: "Don't I know you?"

Defendant: "Uh,. . .Yes, your honor."

Judge: "Where do I know you from?"

Defendant: "Do I have to answer that question?"

Judge: "Yes, you do! It might be an obstruction of justice if you do not."

Defendant: "I was your bookie."