The Dinner Hour
 By: Larry R. Lasiter

The Bible makes known by divine means that there will arise a king who will rule the world through conquest and deception. He will even claim to be God and will exalt himself above every form of religion, -he is called the "Beast" and "Antichrist." We see that the entire world will worship this man as God and will receive his mark. All that is, but the "very elect" which are true Christians whom he will persecute. The Bible divulges that a great religious leader called the "False Prophet" will arise and cause the world to worship the Antichrist. 

Through His Word, God also declares the End from the Beginning, letting us see past this time of trouble called the tribulation and into the future when Satan's reign will end and Christ's glorious reign will begin. 

SOME PROPHECIES WARN THE CHURCH

In his second letter to the church at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul wrote that before the Antichrist is revealed a falling away from the faith would take place among the people of God. Many will lose their first love of the truth and as Jesus prophesied, the "love of many will wax cold." Today there are various ideas and ways that we have come to believe as a proper measure in judging who is a true believer and who isn't. But let us never forget that Jesus said His true believers would be identified by their love for one another, -"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. BY THIS all men WILL KNOW that YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)

Paul told the Corinthians in his first letter (Chpt.13) that without love, "tongues", "gifts of prophecy", "knowledge", "feeding the poor" and even "martydom" is all worthless in the eyes of God. And says that true "love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away." (1 Cor. 13:4-10)

GOD GIVES GIFTS & FRUITS AND HE EXPECTS A HARVEST

As Paul says, many things are temporary but the true love of God will endure forever, and will never fail us. Love is the very essence of God's character and the first of the fruits of the holy spirit named in Galatians 5. Notice that through the holy spirit, God gives gifts to us. Gifts of Prophecy, Healing, Miracles, Tongues, Discernment of Spirits, Knowledge, etc., but without love the use of them is useless. Notice also that, unquenched, the holy spirit will produce in us the valuable fruits of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. 

PROPER EMPHASIS

Those of us who have accepted the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ should carefully examine ourselves occasionally to insure that we are walking in the footsteps of our Savior. It is easy to place our emphasis where Christ did not and swallow a camel while straining gnats. We may find ourselves placing a heavy emphasis on a single commandment and forget that all the commandments are summed up in the love of God and neighbor. In so-doing we may find ourselves neglecting the weightier matters. We may come to believe that we are "making a stand for the standard of God" and fail to see that the highest standard God has given us is to have a love that loves when wronged, and turns the other cheek. In our zealousness we may separate from others whom God has also called and adores, or even put a stumbling block in the path of one of the Lord's little ones. 

BE TOLERANT AS GOD IS TOLERANT OF US

Christians don't always agree, and that is where tolerance comes into the picture. Not tolerance for willful sin, but for differences in understanding. In the Church at Rome there were some who refused to eat meat because of the likely-hood that it had been a part of an idol-sacrifice before it went to market. These brethren believed that to eat this meat would be wrong. Others had the opinion of Paul who said -"Eat anything that is sold in the meat market, without asking questions"(1 Cor.10:25) and had no problem partaking of the meat. But Paul told them - "take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block" to those who felt it was wrong.(1 Cor.8:9) Love and concern for the brethren is more valuable fruit than perfect knowledge, notice,-"For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And thus, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble (fall away), I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble." (1 Cor. 8:11-13)

Falling Away from the Father and Son means falling away from what and who they are, and from the purpose they have laid before us to fulfill. Part of that divine purpose is becoming one with one another, serving each other, not only developing a one on one relationship with the Father and Son. (John 17:21) Without keeping God's commandments we cannot know God, (1 John 2:3-4) but neither can we without true love for one another, Notice, -"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and every one who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (1 John 4:7-8)

James says that those who transgress this Law are committing the sin of partiality and have become guilty of all, because all the commandments come from the same God. (James 2:7-13) In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul asks, -"Is Christ divided?" Sadly, the brethren had split into various affiliations with each holding the belief that their particular leader was superior. (Chpt.4) 

But God desires unity in His Church, as David wrote, -"How good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity and sweet harmony."(Psalm 133) Notice also Colossians 3:12-15, -"And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against any one; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect BOND of UNITY. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in ONE BODY; and be thankful." Notice that UNITY has a BOND, and the perfect BOND is LOVE. Who would build a house of brick or stone without mortar? How could it withstand the test of time? Likewise, the House of God built with "living stones" upon the "Chief Corner-stone" (1 Peter 2) must have a substance to hold the stones together. The BOND is LOVE and PEACE. Without this perfect bond Christians can find themselves separating from others whom are still in God's grace and of whom God has not separated from. God judges the intentions of our heart. 

My friends, let us never forget that there are many places that we can say "NO!" to God and His will and purpose and fall away. We may deceive ourselves into believing that we can withhold forgiveness, water-down a commandment, harbor resentment, forsake assembling, withhold the Lord's tithes or not LOVE one another with a love that "is not selfish", "seeks its own" nor "bears one another's burdens."

Brethren are "gifts" to one another and are to serve one another with the "gifts" God gives them. We should all ask ourselves the burning questions, - "Are we doing the Lord's service toward others?" "Are we using our spiritual gifts to build up the Household of God?" "Is our service making a difference in people's lives?" (1 Cor.12 / Ephesians 4:1-16) If not, then all the study, prayer, knowledge and outward appearance of commandment keeping will profit us or God nothing. Love requires action, it produces deeds of good fruit. Now notice,- "The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him." (1 John 2:9-10)

FIRST-FRUITS MUST BEAR FRUITS OF SPIRIT

The fruits named in Galatians 5 are, in order, (1) LOVE: A love that is patient, kind and cares for others equally as oneself. (1 Cor 13 / Philippians 2:3-4) (2) JOY: Jesus said if we will abide in His love we will receive His unspeakable joy. (John 15:9-11) (3) PEACE: It is a gift from Christ and allows us to be a "peacemaker". It stands in sharp contrast to the deeds of the flesh (Gal.5) such as "strife", "outbursts of anger", "disputes", "dissensions" and "factions."( John 14:27 / Philippians 4:4-7)(4) PATIENCE: Rendered "Long-Suffering" in the KJV. Gives one the ability to forgive, intercede and turn the other cheek. A patient Christian will not quickly desert his brethren and is not eager to retaliate when wronged. (1 Cor. 13) 

(5) KINDNESS: Rendered "Gentleness" in the KJV, in its root means "usefulness." A kind person is benevolent in his ways and in his approach to others. (1 Tim. 5:1-2) 

(6) GOODNESS: Is the purity of motives, in contrast to "strife" or "selfishness." (Philippians 2:1-4) (7) FAITHFULNESS: In this passage it means being found trustworthy. We must be trustworthy to carry-out God's purpose for us, saying "Your will, Father, not my own."

(Luke 16:1-13) (8) GENTLENESS: Rendered "Meekness" in the KJV, means having an unoffensive manner, -being mild-mannered. (2 Tim.2:23-26) (9) SELF-CONTROL: Rendered "Temperance" in the KJV. The holy spirit gives one the ability to control the desires and emotional surges of the flesh. The end result is the performing of the true circumcision, the separation of spirit and flesh, allowing one to begin to live in the spirit man in contrast to the natural man. (1 Cor 2) 

THESE WONDERFUL FRUITS PRODUCE SERVICE TO OTHERS. Others benefit from our "Love", "Joy", "Peace", "Patience", "Kindness", "Goodness", "Faithfulness", "Gentleness" and "Self-Control" and God is pleased and glorified. God does not give these fruits to be buried as the unfaithful steward buried his master's talents, but are to be used for service. 

"Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is firstpure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (James 3:13-18)

THE APPOINTED TIME

Every harvest has its appointed time. In Palestine it was first the Barley in the Spring, then the Wheat in the Summer, and finally the Vine and Trees of Produce in the Fall. As Christians planted in the Lord's field we also have an appointed time when the Master will require of us "fruit" from the "seed" He has planted in us. John the Baptist warned the Sadducees and Pharisees coming to him to be baptized that God has an "axe laid ready at the root of every tree not producing fruit!" And further counseled them to "bring forth fruits of their repentance." (Matt. 3) 

Notice the parable of the fig tree, - "A certain man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and HE CAME LOOKING FOR FRUIT ON IT, and DID NOT FIND ANY. And he said to the vineyard keeper, "Behold for THREE YEARS I have COME LOOKING for fruit on this fig tree WITHOUT FINDING ANY. CUT IT DOWN! Why does it even use up the ground?" And he answered and said to him, "Let it alone, sir, for THIS YEAR too , until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; and if it bears fruit next year; fine; BUT IF NOT, . . . CUT IT DOWN!" (Luke 13:6-9)

What a frightening and sobering warning from Jesus through this parable! The love and mercy of God is illustrated by His willingness to get into the dirt in order to help this person bring forth fruit, but the judgment of God is also clear, - those who will not yield will be removed from the Lord's field. 

THE DINNER HOUR - CROWNS ARE LOST

MANY ARE CALLED, FEW ARE CHOSEN

When asked by his disciples if MANY would be SAVED, Jesus answered, "Strive to enter the straight and narrow gate which leads to life, FEW will find and enter there." "But wide is the road to destruction and MANY will travel it."(Matt 7/Luke 13) 

Now notice the parable of the dinner in Luke 14:16-24, - "A certain man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many." The "certain man" represents the Lord, and the dinner is the Wedding Banquet. Notice that "many" were "invited" or called. "And at the DINNER HOUR he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, "Come; for everything is ready NOW." Notice that like the parable concerning the fig tree and its appointed time to bring forth fruit, the "invited' guests are expected to come at the "dinner hour" when "everything had been prepared and made ready." "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first one said to him, "I have bought a piece of land and I need to go out and look at it; PLEASE CONSIDER ME EXCUSED." . . .And another one said, "I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; PLEASE CONSIDER ME EXCUSED.". . .And another one said, "I have married a wife, and for that reason I cannot come."

Notice that God sees these reasons as the "excuses" they are. Notice also that at least two of the three believed they would be excused. "And the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the Head of the Household became ANGRY and said to his slave, "Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame." "And the slave said, "Master, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room." And the Master said to the slave, "Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, THAT MY HOUSE MAY BE FILLED. For I tell you, NONE OF THOSE MEN WHO WERE INVITED SHALL TASTE OF MY DINNER." 

In Matthew's account (Chpt 22) we see that the "King looks over the dinner guests" (vs 11) and finds one there without "wedding clothes"(fruits) and says, "Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?". . .Then the King said to the servants, "Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." For MANY are CALLED (invited), but FEW are CHOSEN." (verses 12-14)

In these last days leading up to the return of our Lord, let us be like the faithful servant that was found "so-doing" by the Lord. Let us "be about our Father's business" in fulfilling His purpose for us. And let us not neglect the truth that we were put into one Body through the holy spirit to serve and encourage one another. And let us not treat lightly our high calling, our heavenly invitation. As Paul said, "sin so easily entangles us."(Hebrews 12) 

Let's conclude first with the inspired words of the Apostle Peter followed by the Apostle Paul. "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. ABOVE ALL, keep fervent in your LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER, because LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a SPECIAL GIFT, EMPLOY IT in SERVING ONE ANOTHER, as GOOD STEWARDS of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:7-10)

"Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)

My friends, many of us are the "invited guests" and have come to our "dinner hour" when the Master is waiting for our answer. For some, it is the "appointed time" of harvest when the Master is checking for "fruit." God is patient and suffers long with us, but He will not always, -His divine purpose will be fulfilled even if He has to give someone else our crown. At the return of Christ we will ultimately be in one of two categories won't we? We will hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant," or "Depart from Me, you who practice sin."

Let us press toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, and by our deeds, insure that we will be there at the "Dinner Hour."

SP0TLIGHT: God is Real!

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1 

Science and the Bible 

Consider, for example, what the Bible says about our planet, the earth. In the book of Job, we read; "(God) is stretching out the north over the empty place, hanging the earth upon nothing."(Job 26:7) Compare this with Isaiah's statement, when he says, -"There is One who is dwelling above the circle of the earth."(Isaiah 40:22) The picture conveyed of a round earth "hanging upon nothing" in "the empty place" reminds us strongly of the photographs taken by astronauts of the sphere of the earth floating in empty space. 

Perhaps even more remarkable is the Bible's insight into the history of mountains. Notice this from a geology textbook,- "From Pre-Cambrian times down to the present, the perpetual process of building and destroying mountains has continued. Not only have mountains originated from the bottom of vanished seas, but they have often been submerged long after their formation, and then re-elevated." Compare this with the poetic language of the psalmist of the Bible,- With a watery deep just like a garment you covered (the earth). The waters were standing above the very mountains. Mountains proceeded to ascend, valley plains proceeded to descend- to the place that you have founded for them."(Psalm 104:6,8)
 

The very first verse of the Bible states,- In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."(Genesis 1:1) Observations have led scientists to theorize that the material universe did indeed have a beginning. It has not existed for all time. Astronomer Robert Jastrow, an agnostic in religious matters, wrote,- "The details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and Biblical accounts of Genesis are the same: the chain of events leading to man commenced suddenly and sharply at a definite moment in time, in a flash of light and energy."

Other scientists find it difficult to ignore the evidence of some kind of intelligence behind everything. Physics professor Freeman Dyson comments,- "The more I examine the universe and study the details of its architecture, the more evidence I find that the universe in some sense must have known that we were coming." Dyson goes on to admit,- "Being a scientist, trained in the habits of thought and language of the twentieth century rather than the eighteenth, I do not claim that the architecture of the universe proves the existence of God. I claim only that the architecture of the universe is consistent with the hypothesis that mind plays an essential role in its functioning." His comment certainly betrays the skeptical attitude of our time. But putting that skepticism aside, one notes there is a remarkable harmony between science and the Bible's statement "In the beginning God created the heavens. . ."

The Bible's high standard of hygiene even involved mental health. A Bible proverb says,- "A calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones."(Proverbs 14:30)

In recent years, medical research has demonstrated that our physical health is indeed affected by our mental attitude. For example, Dr. C. B. Thomas of Johns Hopkins University studied more than a thousand graduates over a period of 16 years, matching their psychological characteristics with their vulnerability to diseases. One thing she noted: the graduates most vulnerable to disease were those who were angrier and more anxious under stress. (From: The Bible, God's Word or Man's?)

Be a Light: The Resurrections

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks. . .for the reason for the hope you have." (1 Peter 3:15 

So many are literally tormented by their belief that this present life is the only day of salvation. It is sad that so many hold the conviction that everyone that has ever lived and died are presently suffering the fiery flames of hell, or living blissfully in heaven. The truth remains that most people who have been born, lived and died, have never known God, read a Bible nor heard the Name of Jesus. It is a liberating truth that there is another day coming when all who have ever existed will come to know their Creator and have the opportunity to choose between eternal life and eternal death. 

My friend Wayne Schatzle wrote such a liberating article for the Journal-News Newspaper in Hamilton, Ohio, and I would like to share it with you in this Newsletter. Mr. Schatzle serves in the Heartland Fellowship Church in West Chester, Ohio. My personal thanks and gratitude to Wayne and his family. 
 

Man must wait for Christ for his Reward
By: Wayne Schatzle

Did you ever take time to stroll through a graveyard? Especially an older one with inscriptions on the headstones? It can be very thought-provoking. 

Recently, I visited several cemeteries in this area and wondered about our departed ancestors. Most of these people are a mystery to us, all of what we know of them is engraved on their headstones. 

One from Indian Creek cemetery said, "My flesh shall slumber in the ground, till the last trumpet's joyful sound. Then burst the chains with sweet surprise, and in my Savior's image rise." (G. Vanausdell 1842) 

I thought how ironic this truth of man's fate be carved on a stone in an ancient graveyard. Most people are completely ignorant of this Biblical truth that man's fate is to die then rest in the grave until the trumpet sounds and Christ returns. Then those who died as true Christians will rise from the grave with new spiritual bodies and meet Christ in the air. 

There is so much misinformation concerning the state of the dead, from soul migration, returning as bugs, and animals, to floating to heaven and living on the clouds. A little study of the Bible plainly reveals God's plan does not resemble the popular beliefs of today. The truth of the resurrection permeates Scripture. "Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." This is promised four times in the sixth chapter of John alone. Graphic accounts of this wonderful day are also given in 1 Corinthians 15 & 1Thessalonians 4. Revelation 20 shows there is a first resurrection for those who will be ruling with Christ in His Kingdom here on earth (Rev 5:10) with subjects that survived the great tribulation. And then a second resurrection at the end of the 1000 year reign of Christ on this earth, for those deceived by Satan to finally have a chance at eternal life. This resurrection is depicted in Ezekiel 37. Here the dead are raised to a physical life, given breath and understanding with King David to rule over them. 

What a loving God to provide such a way by which men may be saved! "God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me." (Psalm 49) 

Death is an enemy we all must yield to, but it doesn't have to hold us if God finds us worthy of praise. For all the trials Job experienced he was confident he would see Christ in the last day here on earth. (Job 19) 

The Apostle Paul said he didn't want people ignorant concerning loved ones who had died. He explained the resurrection and said to comfort people with this truth. It's of no value to tell people fairy tales about the afterlife which is unbelievable. Believe the truth of God and be comforted and look forward to the exciting kingdom of God to come. A stone in Oxford, 1840-"Remember me as you pass by, as you are now so once was I. As I am now so you must be, Prepare for death and follow me."

FOCUS: The Bible

"All Scripture is inspired by God and Profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." 

BIBLE -insists we face reality: When the English managed to sabotage the German ship "Bremen", Joseph Goebbels saw it as a national disgrace. But how were German officials going to explain it to the people? They finally agreed to issue an arrogantly complacent report that politically disarmed the incident. 

Changing terminology or vocabulary in a disaster or crisis is a favorite tool of politicians and generals. If you are Japan in the 1930's and you want to invade China but don't want to use that term, you simply refer to the aggression as the China incident. All the horrors of war will be lost in that harmless word incident. Perhaps the 18^th Century German Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was right in saying, -"When our memory clashes with our conscience over a matter we wish had not occurred, memory often succeeds in silencing conscience." 

While this may be true for human judgment, it is not true for the Bible. It forthrightly deals with life, calling it what it is, whether good or bad, ugly or beautiful. Its heroes are no more exempt from it's stricture than are its villains. It does not gloss over Abraham's lie or David's sin against Uriah, making them less serious because they are so important to the scheme of redemption. The Bible has no problem at all in letting sin be sin and righteousness be righteousness. The purpose of Scripture is not to glorify mankind but to demonstrate the work of the righteous God among mankind. 

BIBLE -undiscovered treasure: Mr. N. Hartas rummaged through an attic in northern England and found "A Hare Among Plants, with a Robin, Lizard, and Insects", -the only existing painting of sixteenth-century German artist Hans Hoffman. Aside from the accumulated grime, the painting was in fine condition and looked exceptional when cleaned. Lying within reach of the homeowners for years, the painting simply gathered dust and went unappreciated. Only when an art expert discovered it did the owners reap the financial advantage they could have enjoyed long before: $610,500. 

How often the Bible suffers the same fate in millions of homes around the world. Perhaps it is kept in a safe place as the repository of family history and events, or it is placed carefully on the coffee table or mantle -always closed and unused. If we were to read it, we would find in its message of forgiveness the power to manage life confidently today and the hope to anticipate life tomorrow. We would find the wisdom to imitate the life of Christ rather than the manners of people. We would find the strength to climb to the high ground of committed discipleship and never descend to the fleshy nature, and never compromise. 

BIBLE -preaches unity of brethren: a March 1984 malfunction in a 500,000 volt Pacific Gas and Electric company line in Northern California triggered a chain reaction that eventually darkened lights for millions in six Western states. The blackout came at rush hour, with motorists backed up at traffic lights in cities of California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. The trouble originated at the Round Mountain, California substation, about one hundred miles south of the Oregon border. A circuit breaker tripped, and the concatenation shut down circuits all over the West as machinery protected itself from damage. 

How dramatically that breakdown expressed the interdependence of our country's power, transportation, and food production! One little circuit breaker tripped in a remote rural substation, and hundreds of miles away people's lives instantly changed. We are one people in more ways than we think. What affects one affects many, perhaps all. Interdependence characterizes us. 

The unity of the church is no different. An interlinking of interests, goals, and influences exists in which we all share. The good of one person will make righteousness easier for others. The bad example one sets negatively affects us all as well. God's people, wherever they live on earth, are linked into a grid of community interdependence from which they can never truly deny or escape. Being bound together by love through God's spirit, Christians are separate parts of the Whole,- Christ. 

Questions & Answers

QUESTION: "Hi, O.K. I am 14 years old and my homework is to decide whether moral/immoral is different from right/wrong? What do you think about this and any tips will be welcome. I have to give this in on Monday morning, so please email me on Sunday morning at the latest. Thanks, Neha, North Wales, Britain

ANSWER: Hi Neha, Warm greetings from Arkansas, USA, the Natural State! (Neha and family are presently Hindus)

Notice this definition of MORALITY from the World Book Dictionary, - "The RIGHT or WRONG of an action. (2) "Doing RIGHT; virtue, - "He ranks very high in both intelligence and MORALITY." (3) "A system of MORALS; set of rules or principles of conduct." (4) "A MORAL lesson or precept: MORAL instruction."

Isn't it interesting that we humans alone seem to possess a consciousness of right and wrong, moral and immoral? We don't find this trait in the animal kingdom. Animals don't seem to be emotionally moved by the pain and suffering they inflict upon another animal, do they? It is clear that animals are simply driven by survival instincts that are devoid of pity or mercy. I remember watching a house cat play with a mouse once. It was "fun" for the cat but "fatal" for the mouse. The cat played with the mouse until the mouse died. The cat wasn't hungry, nor did it seem to care at all about the horrific suffering it was causing the mouse, -it was just responding to its natural killer instincts of survival. And since it is necessary for some animals to kill and eat to survive, it is perhaps good that they don't have emotions that would cause them to feel pity for their prey. 

On the other hand, humans are very much different, aren't they? Even the most experienced and skilled hunters feel very bad when they only wound their target instead of delivering a shot that brings a quick and painless death. As humans, we feel pity for the animal if it suffers. Why is that? Why are humans so different than animals in this regard? Because, humans were created in the likeness of God, our Creator. We are like Him in various ways. We resemble Him in appearance, we feel emotions as He does. . .we care. And like our Creator, we possess creative abilities. Humans have a consciousness that animals do not. Animals do not ponder the same thoughts as humans do, -they never ask the questions,- "What am I?", "Why am I?", "Why do I exist?", "How did all things come into existence?", "What happens when I die?", "Is there a Creator?", "Is there truth?", "Is truth absolute or relative?", "Is it true that there is a right and a wrong?", "How can I know what is right or wrong, moral or immoral?" Animals never feel guilty or wrestle with the thought that they may have done something immoral. 

In the animal kingdom, the strong kill the weak, the big kill the small. Animals routinely raid the nests of other animals killing their young. It is the law of the survival of the fittest. In the human kingdom, the strong care for the weak, the big carry the small. The old are cared for in various ways by other caring people. Now, we understand that humans commit atrocities, but note also that most humans are always sickened by them. The recent tragedy in Littleton, Colorado committed by two boys must be viewed in the same light with all the tremendous outflowing of sympathy by many for the victims. If we humans were ruled by the same instincts as animals, we may not have malice, but we would routinely dispose of the old and weak, the strong and dominant would starve the weak and oppressed. We don't regularly behave this way, the reason? Because humans are endowed with a sense of right and wrong, good and evil, moral and immoral. This sense comes from God, our Creator. 

Though we humans have a sense of understanding that here is a definite right and wrong, moral and immoral, we don't have within ourselves the understanding of just what is right and wrong, moral or immoral. We cannot let our conscience be our guide alone, because we humans can convince ourselves that "anything" can be right or wrong. An Aztec Priest had no troubled conscience as he pulled the beating heart from his sacrificial victim. The ancient pagans offered their babies as burnt offerings to their idols and felt as though they had done the right thing, etc. 

The answer to what is right and wrong, moral and immoral is not found in our own minds, but from the mind of man's Creator who created us for a specific purpose, and has a specific way He wants us to live and interact, it alone is the right and moral way of conduct. God has left humans His instruction manual, it's called the Bible. It is the written word of God and defines what is right and wrong, moral and immoral. A conscience educated with this word of God can alone be found trustworthy, because our reference points go back to God's instruction, not man's, nor cultural. What is right and wrong today is the same as in the beginning. 

Remember, Hitler thought he was right, and believed that it was moral to extinguish millions of "undesirables." Just as a child must be taught by their parents what they can do and not do, humans must receive their instruction of what is right and wrong, moral and immoral from a higher, wiser source than himself, which is God. As you Neha are receiving instruction from your teachers, which are a higher and wiser source, we all as humans must receive likewise from God. Our quest for true morality will come from it's Creator. 

The Story of Man

Part One
By: Larry R. Lasiter 

The Story of Man series are transcripts taken from my POINTS OF TRUTH Radio Broadcasts. Audio of the broadcasts are available upon request. 

MOST PEOPLE ON THE EARTH SAY THEY BELIEVE IN GOD, 
BUT FEW IN HISTORY HAVE EVER COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH HIM.
WHY IS IT THAT GOD SEEMS SO FAR REMOVED FROM MANKIND? 

The Bible tells us that in the beginning God created man. Why? What was God's ultimate reason for creating man? And why was man, alone, made in the very image of the Eternal God? 

The book of Genesis reveals that God made man from the dust of the ground, breathed life into him and called him "Adam." God later took a rib from Adam's side and made the first woman, whom Adam named, "Eve." 

The first man and woman experienced a personal relationship with their Creator. God prepared a beautiful garden paradise for them to live in. This garden, called Eden, had everything they could desire. Luscious fruit for them to eat, a perfect climate, and a wonderful array of wildlife, all gentle and tame. 

Their Creator frequently walked with them in this utopian setting. They responded to His call, like young children would to a father. No doubt, they would come running when they would hear His footsteps coming. So why isn't God providing for man in the same way now? 

To find the answer to these foundational questions, we must examine two special trees mentioned in Genesis chapter 2, and the serpent that entered the garden. God caused two trees to grow that were distinct from ordinary trees found in Eden, -the TREE OF LIFE, and the TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL. The tree of life represented eternal life through the holy spirit, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil represented man's will in place of God's will. Of all the trees in Eden these two alone did God forbid the first man and woman to eat of, and said specifically that they would ultimately die if they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil! 

All went well until temptation arrived in the form of a serpent. The serpent told Eve that she would not die if she ate of the forbidden tree, but would in fact become like God, having both the knowledge of good and evil. Eve looked the fruit over, and after seeing that it was desirable to the eye, took and ate, then excitingly convinced her husband to eat also. 

Soon, they heard the footsteps of God in the garden but sadly instead of anxiously running to meet Him, they hid themselves! What a profound difference! When they heard God coming, they hid from His presence! They no longer truly desired to be in the presence of their loving Creator. By taking of the fruit of the forbidden tree, Adam and Eve chose the way of self-reliance. God had offered them reliance on Him, but in learning both good and evil, they chose to decide for themselves the way they would live, and the things they would do. They had chosen to rely on their own understanding.

Because of this decision, they lost their right to live in the garden paradise and to be near the tree of life. Instead they were forced to till the ground, plant and work their own garden. And more importantly, they lost their right to the tree of life, which would have eventually given them eternal life. Notice,- "Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, lest he stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." (Genesis 3:22) Thus, God removed them from the garden paradise. 

They had chosen to follow their own course, which was really the serpent's, or the devil's course who had deceived them. This placed a barrier between man and His Creator because God had given man a free will. The choice man took would lead to death. 

In effect, man was saying, "but out" to God, "I'll do it my own way." But in so doing, they were rejecting the only way to life. 

From this time on confusion reigned on the earth. Only a few recorded in Biblical history came to know God. The Jewish Talmud says that God would allow man 6000 years of self reliance. The first 2000 years would be confusion and void. This is the time period between Adam and Moses. Then about 2000 years more with the guidance of the Law. This is the time period between Moses and Messiah. Then the final 2000 years in the light of the Messiah. Following this period would be the great restoration of all things. 

Just what is it that God wants restored? Isn't it really His personal relationship with His children? Disobedience had separated man from God, because disobedience is sin and a reproach to God. It severs one from God. Sin would have to be destroyed for man to be reconciled to God. 

For many years following this original sin, confusion did reign on the earth. By the time of Noah, things had regressed so that God was even sorry that He had made man,- "And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart." (Genesis 6:6)

How far removed from Him His children had come since that fateful day in the garden. The ugly, devastating effects of sin had corrupted mankind so that our loving and merciful Creator's only recourse was to put them out of their awful state of misery and violence. By this time, only Noah of all the people on the earth stood righteous before the Lord. Notice,- "Then the Lord said to Noah, "Enter the ark, you and all your household; for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time." (Genesis 7:1)

As humans, we must realize that we have a different concept of time than God does. The Bible says that a thousand years is as a single day to God. God exists in eternity which transcends time and space. Though man and his Creator had been separated for well over a thousand years, it seemed as a mere day to God. To Him, it did not seem so long ago that these corrupt people He was about to destroy, had come running to meet Him in the garden paradise. How utterly tragic! All because they allowed Satan to deceive them into committing sin. 

Man has always wanted a long-distance relationship with his maker. They have often eagerly sought Him when they were in some distress, or if they coveted something they thought they might get from Him. Even in worship, man has often done things in order to "get" rather than "receive." Even today, people may attend worship services each week believing this will atone for living a life of sin, which is contrary to God's way to life. 

This is not pleasing to God, and He will never draw near to those who harbor this attitude. Many attempt to hide themselves from their Creator because of a sense of guilt and unworthiness. If you are saying to yourself,- I am not worthy!" You are right,- but Jesus is worthy. And upon repentance from sin, submitting yourself to God's will while denying your own, you can be washed clean with the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Then you may stand before your Creator innocent and blameless. You will remain in God's grace as long as you faithfully yield to God's will in your life as you learn. Upon repentance, baptism and receiving the holy spirit by the laying on of hands, you are clean and righteous. 

Picture yourself as covered by a spotless linen sheet. Under the sheet you have not reached perfection, but are growing in the knowledge and grace of our Lord,- Christ is being formed in you. But God sees you as that beautiful spotless, linen sheet.Dr. E. V. Hill terms the spotless sheet your "position" in the eyes of God, and the imperfect self under the sheet as your "condition" that is presently being transformed into the image of Christ. This is a life-long process as one grows in Christ. 

Adam and Eve made the wrong decision that fateful day in Eden. And because of it the legacy of man has been one of worry, strife, envy and pain. God's way would have brought peace and harmony. Man's way, which is really Satan's way, has given us a horrific history of violence, war and bloodshed. All because man, in effect, has told God to "butt out of his business!" 

In time of war or natural disaster we often hear the words,- "God, where are you?". . . "Why did you let this happen?" But God draws near to those who earnestly desire to restore that broken relationship with Him. So many want Him when they "need" Him, not realizing that they "need" Him always. Seldom do people examine themselves by the Bible to see if they are living a way of life that is acceptable to God. "And that from childhood you have known the Sacred Writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:15-16) The Bible is the "standard" by which we must live, and by which we will ultimately be judged by. Don't you believe Satan's lie that you can "live" outside the obedience of God's commands. 

Following man's rejection of God's way in the garden to righteous Noah, precious few ever came to know God. But today, God is calling many to "come back to Daddy." He has given us the right to address Him as our "Father." And through the blood of His Son, Jesus, God has made a way of reconciliation. (2 Cor.5) He wants to see His beloved children come anxiously running to meet Him again. He is near, even at the door, do you hear? 

NEWS, Letters & Odds `n' Ends

Dear Brother Lasiter, Love and greetings in Jesus Name. I pray all is well with you all. I thank you for your recent Newsletter. We are fine and working for the Lord. We are all fine, spirit and soul and body. I am planning on coming to the States this July. I need your financial help to purchase the ticket. The occasion for my visit is to attend meetings and visit brethren like you. The first camp meeting will be in Meridian, Idaho, and the second in Turner, Oregon. I hope also to keep the Feast of Tabernacles in America. It isn't safe to send money by ordinary mail, the safest way is through Western Union or by registered mail. I appreciate your love and support and prayers. Pass my love to you family and to the church. With much love and prayers, Your Brother in Christ, Pastor Joseph Kimani, Nakuru, Kenya

NOTICE: Pastor Kimani is a former Assembly of God Minister who God called into the truth of the holiness of the Sabbath Day. Since then, God has brought him and the brethren into much truth and understanding, and he has been a tremendous evangelical force in Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi. Although many of his Church left him initially, he now pastor's the striving Apostolic Church of God 7^th Day in Nakura, Kenya. Please help this faithful man of God financially in his visit to America. MAILING ADDRESS: Joseph Kimani, Apostolic Church of God 7^th Day, P.O. Box 2470, Nakuru, Kenya, East Africa. Or is you prefer, you may send your support to POINTS OF TRUTH Christian Ministries and we will send it to him. Many Thanks
 

Dear Pastor: Much thanks to you and the brethren of your fellowship. I'm saved! Jesus is my Savior and I believe in commandment keeping and that Saturday is the real and true Sabbath of our Father. 

I take this time to thank you for you Newsletter which you sent to me of Mar/Apr as my first letter from you. Yes, I love the paper very much and the language is very good since it is easy to understand, it's plan is also very good. Please can you continue to be sending it to me? Plus if you can, please send me the following literature, (1) Gossip and Slander, the Devil's Poison, (2) Receive Your Healing, (3) This Blood is for You, (4) Why Were You Born?, (5) Adultery, Fornication and Immorality, (6) Food and the Bible. Please much thanks for your service. D. Muchiri, Endarasha, Kenya
 

SWEET POISON? MS and lupus have been tied to the us of Aspartame. Lecturer Nancy Markle said,- "When the temperature of Aspartame exceeds 86 degrees F. the wood alcohol in Aspartame converts to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis." She said that if you "suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms, spasms, shooting pains, numbness in you legs, cramps, vertigo, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, joint pain, depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, or memory loss,- you probably have Aspartame disease!" One Neurosurgeon said,- "When they remove brain tumors, they have found high levels of aspartame in them." Aspartame is used in over 5,000 different products. It is produced by Monsanto Corp. (Common Sense for Today, Ringgold, GA)
 

VOODOO IN THE WHITE HOUSE? Historian and marine archaeologist Joel A. Ruth investigated President Clinton's alleged involvements in the practice of Voodoo and reported that Clinton staffers were introduced to the idea of invoking Voodoo, casting spells and divining the future during conversations with Jean-Bertrand Aristide who was living in exile in Washington, D.C. Clinton visited Haiti in March, 1995 and headlines of the Mar.19 Haiti Observateur read,- "Clinton to assist in a Voodoo Ceremony in Haiti." Haitian officials confirmed the story. A "Magic Well" site near Aristide's residence at Tabarre was prepared, ritually dedicated and visited by Clinton. In July the same year, Aristide convened a Voodoo Congress attended by 300 houngans and bocors (Black Magicians), some known to practice human sacrifice. (Intercessors for America, Newsletter, Leesburg, VA)
 

BIG BROTHER RETREATS: The FDIC withdrew the proposed "Know You Customer" rule which would have forced local banks to track daily transactions of all customers amid over 200,000 email protests. Congressman Rick Hill, of the House Banking Committee, said,- "I am pleased that the Clinton Administration has gotten the message and retracting this rule that would invade our privacy." (Agri News)