Putting the GOODNESS and GLADNESS back into the GOSPEL

[b]EUAGGELIZO[/b]

The Gospel is from the Greek word [i]euaggelizo[/i] which means, to bring [i]good[/i] news, or to announce [i]glad[/i] tidings. It was used in the Old Testament for [i]any[/i] kind of good news, especially of the joyful tidings of God's kindness, in particular, of the Messianic blessings. In the New Testament it is used especially of the glad tidings of the coming kingdom of God, and of the salvation to be obtained in it through Jesus Christ, and of what relates to this salvation.

Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and report to John what you hear and see: the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. "And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me."

When the Gospel comes-off as 'bad news' someone is not doing their job. When the Gospel does not bring a sense of 'gladness' you can bet that God is going to shut the person down. REVIVAL is when men respond rightly to the revelation of the [i]good news[/i] of the Gospel. This is an opportunity for men to hear the Gospel as it should be presented with an ample opportunity to respond rightly.

In our times many who wish to see revival and repentance have hair-trigger denunciatory tendencies. Many people hear their denunciations before they ever hear the true Gospel. Ministers in an attempt to 'correct' the easy-believism of our times are postured for conflict from the start. I used to work with an older man who used to say at the end of day that he was in a hurry to get going, because, "he needed to get home before the fight starts." Him and his wife obviously did not get-along or were not getting-on as some would say. It was an attitude of preemptiveness. I have to ask, why would anyone preach the Gospel like this?

When Jesus came preaching the Gospel His ministry was loaded with goodness. It was strikingly different to the way in which John Baptist preached. We have heard it said, "John did no miracles." Yet, our Lord performed many miracles in demonstration of the goodness of God. So did the early church.

I wonder how we can solve this problem; we have a fundamentalist church that is almost militant against the supernatural and a Pentecostal/Charismatic movement that has to a great degree lost its holiness and power and in some cases have substituted them for flakiness and falsehood. We actually have Baptist churches inviting Pentecostal churches for fellowship in our parts. I would like to say it is due to great love and willingness to accept differences, but I wonder if it is merely evidence of a weakening Pentecostal movement.

When I was a child I can recall a mixture of preaching in which holiness and sin were preached, miracles took place, and folk received the Gospel with Gladness and served God out of JOY. Folk were filled with the Spirit and services would last until they ended. The Holy Spirit would move among the people and many great works took place. Many ministers were called of God in those days right out of our church and youth camps. Many are still in the ministry to this day.

In the early 1960's Leonard Ravenhill's book, "Why Revival Terries" made a great impact upon the Pentecostal Church of God in our state and beyond. The message of the book, coupled with the deeply held Pentecostal tendencies, coupled to produce a people who sought the Lord afresh for a renewed Pentecost. Back then folk did not care how they were perceived or ridiculed. They did not care that they were called 'cult' or any such thing. But something has happened in Pentecostal Circles, and is not revival.

Who has more missions on the mission field than full Gospel believers? Who has more Indian Missions Missionaries than full Gospel ministries? IHOP is often criticised for their odd beliefs, but perhaps it would be good to note that they have ministry to the largest group of homeless folk in our city 3 times a week. Is the devil driving them to minister? I don't condone all their practice, but who do you know that prays 24/7 365? I know of or have ever heard of anyone else save possibly the Monastics.

In summary, we have a powerless Gospel being preached as 'bad news' with no real signs and wonders and goodness following. We need to put down the bad news that hits people and pick up the good news that heals people. When the bad news don't work, many then compensate by ratcheting up the tone and trying to arm twist folk into getting saved. If that don't work, the denunciations start flying.

We need a fresh look at the scriptures. We need a revelation of the GOOD NEWS of the Gospel. We need a people that will rise up in the midst of criticism and friendly fire and proclaim that God is a miracle working God. We need to lay hands on folk, led of the Spirit. We need to bind up the broken hearted and set at liberty them that are bound. We need to do goodness that folk would glorify God in the day of visitation. As the scripture says, [i]these signs SHALL follow them that believe... [/i]

[b]EUAGGELISTES (EVANGELIST)[/b]

Theoretical ministry and evangelism will not do in our times. We need a life of ministry that moves beyond the chalkboard into into the highways and hedges. If it don't work there it was false in the classroom. I hear the same story over and over of little results and closing doors. I hear messages proclaimed on paper, but will those messages work in the streets?

We need a 'right now' message. We need equipped with a Gospel that will meet folk where they are 'right now'. I recently heard of a man who had not been churched and knew little of the Gospel. Upon it having been explained to him in detail through the use of the story of the prodigal son, the minister attempted to lead the man in prayer. As he began to pray suddenly the other man was praying for himself! He prayed along the lines of the story presented. When he was through he told the minister, "I feel like shouting and jumping HURRAY!! HURRAY!!" Not having been churched that was his response. The minister just encouraged him, "Go ahead and shout HURRAY!" No doubt this man felt conviction of Sin. But when he surrendered all the Holy Spirit lifted that conviction and poured in the joy, the man wanted to release in great exclamation!

What good is a Gospel that does not leave a person with JOY to draw from the wells of salvation? Joy does not come from the devil. If a person has JOY, why trifle with the Holy Ghost? We know that happiness and JOY are not the same. Why do men press on to place upon a people a spirit of heaviness? The LORD has come in to perfect the work and the evidence is the fruit of the Spirit.

I had the priviledge of hearing one of the few true Tent Evangelists left in this country just last Sunday, Sam Rose. Sam and his wife have been to all 48 of the continental United states preaching the Gospel. While many tarry and wait, they have been about the Master's business. While others have formulated theories and processes, they have been out in the fields. Having forsaken all, they have lived by faith for nearly 20 years preaching the GOSPEL in America.

They did not come with a message of closed doors or low attendance; they came with a message of God's provision and mighty works. Raised in holiness circles as a Classical Pentecostal, he spoke of preaching a message of [u]no compromise[/u], yet with an added necessity of the true Gospel of the Kingdom. They told of folk coming up to the Bus in rest stops wanting to hear about God even. Folk knocking on their doors asking for prayer. God is doing mighty works!

I can almost hear the 10 spies report, "there are giants in the land, giants of rejection, giants of closed doors, giants of low attendance..." and yet there was that voice of reason that saw the circumstances through God's eyes and said, "We are yet WELL ABLE to take the city!" God only needed two witness and the thing was established.

Imagine folk coming to the tent meeting so deep in sin that you had better have the goods and I don't mean a harsh word of 'REPENT'. I mean the unction of God in your life that backs His word and delivers the captives from their bondage. Imagine people coming up and asking for deliverance from their sin. What then? Legion came up to our Lord and begged for help. Many Christians, sad to say, don't believe in demonic spirits having power over people. Yet, I have heard with mine own ears men tell me on the streets that when they shoot meth in their veins its like a DEMON takes over them. Do we have GOOD news? Do we have a prayer of power and deliverance? Do we send them down the street bowed down under the load of their sin and bondage? Do we add to this the heavy word "repent or be damned?" What did Jesus do? What did Paul do? What did the disciples do?

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4)

The same God that raised up Christ from the dead can likewise DELIVER you from the death of your Sin! Turn unto Him and be ye saved! But do we have the unction and power of God to back such a message? How long will we continue to plan out new ways to bring revival? These signs shall follow them that believe.. [i]in MY NAME they shall cast out devils and lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.[/i]

Didn't want to let this slip off the main page...

Uh-Oh,

Someone has been communing with God again. Who is it? It is Robert!

Excellent word brother. Thank You.

Murray

good word
Dom

[b]WE WOULD SEE JESUS[/b]

I was listening to a message some time ago that I keep coming back to. Ron Bailey was ministering and at a point told the story of some years ago when he would step behind a certain pulpit to preach; there on a plate for the eyes of the preacher only were these words, [i]We Would See Jesus[/i]. I can't help but wonder, caught up in the doctrines of the Bible, wanting to preach holiness, righteousness, repentance, and so on, if we forget the most important thing; [i]Sir, We would See Jesus.[/i]

"I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:2)

This is the lifelong attitude of Paul, [i]that I might [u]know[/u] Him..."[/i] Many people have their 'version' of who Jesus is. Most of them fail miserably in their attempt to rightly represent His person. Paul simply said, "that I might know Him..." Paul's first real revelation of who Christ is made a dramatic effect upon his life. He had heard of Him by the hearing of the ear, but somehow, something, was lost in the translation. Even when the majestic preaching of Steven, whose angelic like countenance poured forth the reality of the Prince of Life, it was but a foretaste of Glory Divine.

We often hear of pictures of the Majesty of God brought forth and solemn pictures of fearfulness gripping even the Saintliest of men. John the Revelator comes to mind. Here was a man that some have said heard the heartbeat of God, but yet fell at our Lord's feet as dead. Sadly, all too often many want to stop right there and take a 'portrait'. Here is John lying prostrate on the ground before the LORD trembling under that thunderous voice as he dare not look into those piercing flaming eyes. As if some would summons a Rembrandt, Leonardo, or a Van Gogh to capture that pitiful moment and forever enshrine the image. Hoping to add to the terror of sinners and folk that would come to Christ- ministers may well had nailed that portrait to the pulpit to [i]add[/i] to the effectiveness of the sermon.

Yet, those words keep haunting me and echoing through the corridors of my mind, [i]Sir, We would See Jesus.[/i] I recently heard of a preacher who had wrongly accused one of his teenaged daughters and interrogated her thinking she had broken a rule in the home. Believing he was right, he leveled upon her every possible means of gaining a [i]confession[/i]. Finally he resorted to preaching to her a most fierce sermon, dangling her (as it were) right there in the bedroom over the pits of Hell with his words. At last he was convinced she was a liar, though she insisted her innocence. He SPANKED that teenaged girl and sent her to her room. About that time the little sister came in his room and confessed to the crime. And if I might so say, a lot of Saints have been 'spanked' and held over the pits of hell when they were innocent of the crimes. This is the folly of always throwing stones at the goats, invariably you wound the sheep in the process.

What did our LORD say to John when he fell at His feet as dead. Did He say, stay there that I might show forth an example of thee throughout all the ages?

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And [i]he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, [u]Fear not[/u]; I am the first and the last:[/i] (Revelation 1:17)

At once the comforting hand of Christ was extended to drown John's fears and strengthen Him that he might come boldly. Yet, some would say, "Stay down John, fear and tremble before His Majesty"... yet our Lord says, [i][u]Fear not[/u]; I am the first and the last[/i]. And this is the missing element in repentance preaching today. Folk are preached onto the ground under the awesome Majesty of Christ, but rarely made to see that right hand that is so utterly willing to stretch forth and comfort. As if to almost intentionally misrepresent who Christ truly is in our relationship to Him, bore out on the cross. The [i]reward[/i] of the Lamb's suffering is that He might stretch forth his right hand as we tremble before his flaming eyes and say to us [i]justly[/i],... [i][u]Fear not[/u]; I am the first and the last[/i].

[b]LOVE LIFTED ME[/b]
James Rowe and Howard Smith (1912)

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Refrain

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!

All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling
In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.

Refrain

Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.

Refrain

THis is very good, Robert.
Thanks for posting this.
God Bless you
Nellie

[b]OUR RESPONSE TO PERSECUTION; [u]THE[/u] TEST OF OUR LOVE[/b]

I have been musing over the sermon of Steven of late. I marvel again and again at how this man was willing to wait on tables for the widows and then God so powerfully used him. I have often wondered how many times Paul the Apostle reflected back on the experience of watching Stephen preach and die.

They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them!" When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59, 60)

I see in this passage an important truth as it relates to the 'spirit' we are of as ministers of the Gospel (I say 'ministers of the Gospel', as a friend recently pointed out to me, that is what we are. If we preach only repentance, we are not preachers of the whole Gospel). You will recall the reaction of Peter and company when the people 'rejected' the LORD when He determined to take a different route. He stated to them, [i]"Ye know not what manor of spirit ye are of"[/i]. Why? They had proposed calling fire down from Heaven. This is frustration at rejection talking and is not the attitude we encounter with Steven who was [i]FULL[/i] of the Holy Ghost.

How do we react when we are railed upon? Do we return railing for railing? If we are empowered and 'fueled' by the Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit will be the 'spirit' in which the unction is coming forth. What had happened if Steven had broke into an argument and nearly fist fought with these people? The story likely would not have made it into the record.

Paul once lashed out at the High Priest and immediately repented when he found out who the man was. This is the 'spirit' in which Paul preached, even in the midst of brutal persecution. He was not determined to 'win arguments' but to [i]win souls[/i]. Imagine Paul's bloodied lip as he spoke the words, "... I wist not that it was the high priest, for it is written, thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people..." (para)

How do we react to 'persecution' (so-called)? When folk shut us out or speak evil of us? Do we react with a, "Lord lay not the sin to their charge!" Or do we react, "Lord, shall we call fire down from Heaven?"

An honest confession is good for the soul. I recall as a young believer reacting in the wrong spirit to the things I had seen of the highhandedness of our times. There was a war movie I saw years ago in which the commander radioed to the air support that, since the enemy had overrun the camp, he may as well just drop all he had left inside the parameter! Believe it or not, I have actually prayed that way. Lord, the enemy has overrun the camp! We are overcome on the right hand and on the left! Just let your fire fall inside the parameter! Just destroy all of it and me with it! Sound radical? You bet. I wist NOT what manor of 'spirit' I was of. Thank God He ignored that prayer!

We have to get our 'spirit' right before we head out to minister. We need to know that God is in the [i]saving[/i] business. Why would you or I care, we didn't die on the cross for them? That's why were so quick to rain down threatenings and slaughter. We have a relatively 'minimal' investment in the souls of men.

Solomon taught us a great story when the two women came before him and the one had rolled over and smothered her baby. BRING ME A SWORD! We shall divide this baby and give each half to each woman. The question comes to this, "which woman are we?" When it comes down to applying the sword, are we those that would say, because we had no real investment or love, "DO IT!" or would we be moved in great compassion and love? Steven loved the souls of the men that killed him more than he cared for his own personal suffering.

I am persuaded to believe that the LAST action he would have wanted for them would have been, "Lord let us call fire from heaven." No, but why? Because he was an [i]intercessor[/i]. REAL love, as found in Moses will stand in the GAP and make up the HEDGE. Could we step between an Angry God and a sinful people and say, "Lord, lay not the sin to their charge" or as Moses who exclaimed, "Lord if you blot them out- blot me out of the Book!" Or Paul who wished himself "accursed from Christ" for his kinsman according to the flesh.

What was the difference? They loved the people they were ministering to with the love of God and their hearts were broken for them. They wept as Jesus wept. It is a common saying in our circles given before prayer is made for requests that when we pray we should pray as if it was [u]your[/u] spouse that was lost. As if it were [u]your[/u] son or daughter that was lost. PRAY as if it were [u]your[/u] mother or father in the throws of death and in need of salvation. How do you pray for your loved ones? Your close friends?

Strangers to whom you minister are as close to the Lord's heart as those whom YOU and I love. If it were your mother or father, how would you preach the Gospel to them? What about your sister? What if the whole congregation you were speaking to was you own beloved family dear to your heart? Would you preach to them like you do total strangers? If not, why not? Because you love them and they are close to your heart. Your objective would be utterly to the intent of winning them to saving faith in Christ. Not winning an argument or anything else. Your [i]tone[/i] would be a lot different if that were [u]your[/u] grandmother or sister.

[b]HE BROUGHT ME OUT[/b]
Henry J. Zelley (1898)
1859-1942

My heart was distressed ’neath Jehovah’s dread frown,
And low in the pit where my sins dragged me down;
I cried to the Lord from the deep miry clay,
Who tenderly brought me out to golden day.

Refrain

He brought me out of the miry clay,
He set my feet on the Rock to stay;
He puts a song in my soul today,
A song of praise, hallelujah!

He placed me upon the strong Rock by His side,
My steps were established and here I’ll abide;
No danger of falling while here I remain,
But stand by His grace until the crown I gain.

Refrain

He gave me a song, ’twas a new song of praise;
By day and by night its sweet notes I will raise;
My heart’s overflowing, I’m happy and free.
I’ll praise my Redeemer, Who has rescued me.

Refrain

I’ll sing of His wonderful mercy to me,
I’ll praise Him till all men His goodness shall see;
I’ll sing of salvation at home and abroad,
Till many shall hear the truth and trust in God.

Refrain

hi robert, you have writen most of what the Spirit has been telling me for the last 24months or so. i thank you for doing it and doing it well. jimp

[b]A MESSAGE OF MISERY[/b]

I have observed a thing under the Sun in my days and it is the destruction of beauty by two things: 1) Sin 2) Legalism. In Independence, MO where I live the city is known as the 'meth' capitol of the world. Meth is a most terrible drug, as it siezes upon the person and locks them into a most horrible devilish way. The signs are obvious, faces that were once radiant and beautiful and now sunk in and lifeless. Bodies that were once youthful are now aged well beyond their years. This is Sin and the death it brings.

I have seen another thing that has stripped folk of their natural beauty also. I recall once in the early 90's attending a family gathering of a distant relative. I knew only a few of the attendees. As with most gatherings there were a host of different people. I was a new born believer and met for the first time a certain family of 'holiness' people. They lived stict lives. This was not new to me as I came from a family that held such strict legalisms that most of them could not 'live the life' and backslid. But, I believe I saw something on this day that would change me forever. It happens that there were two teenaged daughters that were born of this holiness family. The mother had her hair in a bun and was intentionally plain and unattractive. She was at an unhealthy weight also, if I might say respectfully. The daughters were eating their meal slow and deliberate like. Small portions, etc. They were naturally beautiful girls who carried themselves in modesty and shamefacedness. At once mother enters the room and says, "girls would you like some pie or cake?" They replied, "No, thanks mom." With a look of irritation and disdain almost, as a school teacher would look over her glasses to correct a wayward student, the mother answered back, "Don''t worry, honey, when you get married- you'll eat!"

It was then that I realized something. Sometimes folk are not what they are because they are disciplined or are trying to be 'holy', they are what they are for reasons quite unbiblical. Under the [i]pretense[/i] of holiness a person would let themself go and take on an a careless and miserable look. I could not reckon with this. Was that in store for me? Was my beautiful wife going to cast off all restraint in the name of religion and sup and feast until the God given beauty was lost to a life of carelessness? "You are married now, and married folk live miserable lives!" "You are married now, no need to take care of yourself and look beautiful for your husband!" I then understood many things family members would say as a child and understood why so many people who are supposed to be emulating the Kingdom of God had plunged into ruin.

So, I made a determination. I knew I could not always look young and vibrant, but I knew I could do unto my wife as I would have her do unto me. Why? Because I felt carelessness was taking advantage of her commitment to me and to do that would be sin. I want to be as much as I can the man God wants me to be. GOD FORBID that I should take on an attitude, "Now I'm married, I don't have to care about myself any more" and then cloak that attitude in 'holiness' garb.

And this takes us to the crux of my point. So many things that get categorized as 'holy' or 'sanctimonious' are [i]not[/i] really that at all. Some things are personal 'hang-ups' people have that have nothing to do with God or the bible. People have 'personal preferences' and these become 'convictions' and soon they get preached. Some people like to be miserable. They are miserable and they are working to make a theology to promote it.

I shall close with a final story. When I was a teen I worked at a gas station (petrol station). I met many men who were married and looked miserable. They would throw their tools around and cuss. They would carry on about their miserable life at home and how the 'old lady' was such a problem. "Wait till you get married, boy!, you'll find out!" I could not possibly recount all the horror stories they would tell. What was I hearing, "I was happy till I got married"... "I was happy till I got married..."... "Don't get married.. you'll be miserable!!" It was as if marriage had been reduced to a bunch of 'do's' and 'don'ts'. What's marriage like Bill? "Well, son, let me tell you... you can't do this and you can't do that..." My wife locked me out of the house last night and I had to sleep on the porch. Gotta hurry home!

With preaching like that its a wonder anyone ever gets married. A friend of mine recently reminded me of how preachers pray, "Holy Ghost, turn the search light of heaven on and show them their sins..." He then asked, have you ever heard it prayed, "Holy Ghost, turn the search light of heaven on and show them what your PLEASED with!" No, I have not, I said. Why not? Could it be because, whether we mean to or not, we have reduced and depicted the Christian life to one of the utmost misery? With preaching like that its a wonder anyone ever gets saved.

[b]O HAPPY DAY, THAT FIXED MY CHOICE!"[/b]
Phillip Dod Dridge (1702-1751),
Published in 1755

O happy day, that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.

Refrain

Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray, and live rejoicing every day Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away.

O happy bond, that seals my vows
To Him Who merits all my love!
Let cheerful anthems fill His house,
While to that sacred shrine I move.

Refrain

’Tis done: the great transaction’s done!
I am the Lord’s and He is mine;
He drew me, and I followed on;
Charmed to confess the voice divine.

Refrain

Now rest, my long divided heart,
Fixed on this blissful center, rest.
Here have I found a nobler part;
Here heavenly pleasures fill my breast.

Refrain

High heaven, that heard the solemn vow,
That vow renewed shall daily hear,
Till in life’s latest hour I bow
And bless in death a bond so dear.

Refrain

[b]OVERTHROWING THE WORKS OF GOD BY EXCESSIVE CRITICISM[/b]

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock in his brother's way, or an occasion of falling. I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: save that to him who accounteth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no longer in love. Destroy not with thy meat him for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men. So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another. [u]Overthrow not for meat's sake the work of God[/u]. (Romans 14:13-20)

The issue at hand is that of [i]liberty of conscience[/i]. One of the dangerous things about having a group of folk always giving their opinions on topics is that invariably folks confuse [i]personal convictions[/i] with biblical mandates. By the time everyone gives their convictions there had scarce been a person left that had not been constricted into a state of [i]joylessness[/i]. Reason being is that as folk take on other folks personal convictions they part company with what God is doing in them and bring an imbalance in their life that could lead to their ruin. This works both ways. It works for 'positive' convictions and 'negative' convictions. What is tragic is that when we set at naught one another as we don't line up with each others convictions.

It is important to understand that one is not spiritual because they live the strictest life possible; one is spiritual because they follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit and the word agree. God knows how to bring a person into equilibrium spiritually. He has a unique calling for each of us and the most spiritual thing we can do is cooperate with God as He leads us into it.

Long ago I set aside the stumbling block of spiritual competitiveness. I learned that competitions of who spends the most time in prayer and in the word is nothing more than Pharisaism. It leads to prayers like;

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, [u]that I am not as the rest of men[/u], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. (Luke 18:11 ASV)

This is the heart of the Pharisee, [i]that I am not like the rest of men[/i]. Holiness is not our ability to 'out do' one another in our personal convictions, holiness is emulating the person of Jesus Christ. He was the holiest man on earth. There was nothing weird about Jesus. The striking thing is that there were actually people around who accused him of doing things they thought were 'unclean' or as we might say, 'unholy'. You eat with sinners? You don't wash your hands? Don't you know that cleanliness is next to Godliness, Jesus? What said He?

And when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled (that is to say, unwashed) hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat, unless they wash their hands oft, holding to the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, they eat not unless they wash; and there are many other customs which they have received and hold to, as the washing of cups, pots, brazen vessels and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?" [u]He answered and said unto them, "Well hath Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written: `This people honoreth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.[/u] Therefore, in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.' (Mark 7)

This is man trying to make themselves 'holier' by traditions. Again, spirituality is based not on these outward things but on our fulfillment of the plan of God for our life. Imagine how these Pharisees challenged the Holiest man on earth? Now if the Pharisees wanted to wash and wash and keep this between them and God that would have been fine, but that is not what men do. Once they sense they are going above and beyond 'other men' they are swift to make it a new law and attempt to enforce it upon others.

Dr. Aaron Wilson author of [i]Basic Bible Truth[/i] once made a statement in a sermon that at the time really upset me. He said to the effect, "It is [u]NOT[/u] your job to play the Holy Spirit and clean people up- that is the Holy Spirit's role." I began to get figity in the seat as if to say, "How dare he tell me that?!" Surely it IS my job to clean folk up! They need to be HOLY. What I did not realize is that God brings folk along step by step and areas that I might be worried about God was not at all concerned about at the time. What a mess I could have made of [i] the work of God[/i]. Not my work, [i]the work of God[/i]. This is HIS work. He, is the author of eternal salvation. My legalistic mind was unable to see the working of the Holy Spirit and His prerogative in the work. I wanted them straitened out NOW and in my order.

I thank God that He limited the people who 'input' into my life when I first came to Christ. My life was a complete mess. It was in such shambles that [i]one wrong move[/i] and the whole thing could have collapsed. The Holy Spirit persuaded me of my error one part at a time and worked these things out in me. And this is where Finney and I are increasingly parting company in our views of God dealing with convicted sinners. It is God's prerogative to bring up before the mind and heart that point of contention that He wants to deal with at the time. He has a controversy and He will point it out. What point would it make to list out such a list of christian perfection for a person to repent up to and line up with in order to be saved? God will change the nature of the person and empower them for sanctification. We must not destroy the work of God by userping the authority of the Holy Spirit.

[b]A 'BOOK OF ACTS' REVIVAL[/b]

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. (Acts 8:4-6)

Philip seemed to be content staying at home ministering to the local crowd when all the sudden Saul of Tarsus commenced going from house to house macking havock of the church (8:3). A local minister once said, "When the man of God won't move, sometimes, [u]God[/u] will move him." Saul, breathing out threatenings and slaughter, going from house to house arresting and imprisoning folk, merely scattered a nest of on-fire believers.

Yes, Philip was heeding the call. He had preached in Judea and now it was Samaria's turn. No doubt the Finger of God was with him, [i]For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them]: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.[/i] Many folk in our time need just that; they need the devil cast out of them. Philip arrived in Samaria with such an arrival that the devil had to step back because the power of God was manifest in that place (D.L. Burch). Folk had not seen such a demonstration of authority since the Lord Himself had cast devil's out.

And the results? [i]And there was great joy in that city.[/i] Here was a people that [i]with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.[/i] When the finger of God is near, the cooperation of the people is not far off. These people were ready to hear and do what the man of God had to say.

Simon the Sorcerer had met his match. He had bewitched the people until they actually believed he was the oracle of god. He had these people deceived from the least unto the greatest. That means from the slave to the highest eschelon's of government the people had been 'giving heed' to this man. But he saw his tenure fading and fading fast. When Philip opened his mouth the power of God manifest and men and devil were subject to the word of God.

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. (12, 13)

If the passage said he believed, I think it safe to say he [i]believed[/i]. Not only did he believe, he was baptized. Yet, here is a man that was not changed in spite of his confession and baptism. You see there was something to this laying on of hands that he thought to purchase with money. This man understood power and he was witnessing something taking place that he felt worth trading off his business and starting up a new. Here was a man that had bewitched a city from the least to the greatest and yet, he wanted to purchase this 'power' that when he laid hands on folk they would receive the Holy Ghost.

Peter gives us insight into his covetous ways; [i]But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. (20, 21)[/i] The gift of the Holy Spirit was [i]free[/i] and yet this man, perhaps wondered, "How much could I charge per person for them to receive this Holy Spirit?" Notice he saw something in this 'laying on of hands' that he knew was special. His error was to think he could make merchandise of it. Merchandise of what? Would Simon offer us money for what we profess we have? I think this is a powerful insight into understanding the magnitude and effect the receiving of the Holy Spirit had on folk in the Book of Acts.

[b]LED OF THE SPIRIT LEADS TO CONVERSION[/b]

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

Philip had gone into the villages and ministered and now he was waiting on his next assignment. It's been said that when God speaks and sends us some place we ought to stay until we receive [i]fresh orders from God[/i]. What's the use in looking around at inaction when God's next great design is right around the corner. Imagine if Philip had grown weary in well doing and stepped OUT of the perfect will of God at this moment. I had a Sunday School teacher tell me once concerning life changes, "When you don't know what to do- don't do anything." It may not be true 100% of the time, but it's good wisdom most of the time.

Philip arose when he heard from God. God had been working on a man leading him step by step towards Himself and Philip was about to be sent to the scene of the plan.[i] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship...[/i] There are not many mighty and noble saved, but this man was one of the few. He exercised great influence and it can be deduced had tremendous resources with which to aid in the work.

[i]Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias,...[/i] I can almost [u]see[/u] the BOLDNESS of Philip as he approached this dignitary.[i]Understandest thou what thou readest?[/i] And the man, right at the point and time God had worked out, his heart having been prepared to receive the word [i]said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.[/i]

This is a picture of the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. God knows who He is working on and where they are at in that work. He knows who is ready to receive the word. Sometimes there are other purposes involved so this is not a rule, but it is certain that a great many times God would work just like this if we would be sensitive to the Spirit.

The results? [i]Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?[/i] (35, 36) This is a man that has become assertive in his obedience. His belief was at such a level that the time was NOW;[i]what doth hinder me to be baptized?[/i] And here is where our theology gets all messed up. Surely Philip told him he needed to confess all his sins? Surely this man had to be broken down? What happened next? [i]And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.[/i] What was Philip's prerequisite for water baptism?

I dare not presume, but we are left to believe that this man likewise received the Holy Spirit at baptism. [i]And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.[/i]

This is revelation, power, and obedience in [i]symphonic equilibrium[/i]. Before it was over the persecution from house to house had led to revival from city to city.

[b]LIVING IN DENIAL[/b]

And the people with one accord [u]gave heed[/u] unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. (Acts 8:6)

The word we have for 'gave heed' is the Greek [i]Prosecho[/i] which in this construction meant they were 'spell bound' by the word. [i]They kept on giving heed or holding the mind on the things said by Philip, spell-bound, in a word. [/i] (Robertson's) When the Finger of God is near the words of the Lord's messenger take on a whole new effect. This was not a take it or leave it type message. This was a message that carried Divine Authority in a way we rarely see in our times.

When Jesus came preaching He was setting forth a message that was quite contrary to what the people had been taught by their accestors. Over time, the message of Moses and the Prophets had suffered greatly. The Old Covenant was birthed in the Fires of God's Holy Spirit. God was speaking on the right hand and the left. There was evidence of His presence during the sojourn in the Wilderness and during the days of the Kings, His prophets were never far off. But something happened tragically and folk began to see religion as something all together different than before.

No more was this true than when the Jews went 400 years without a prophetic voice. The scribes and Pharisees arose and soon adopted a religion that could subsist apart from God's Holy Spirit. They 'competed' with one-another to see who could be the most pious looking and acting. They disfigured their faces when they fasted and would hurl their coins into the offering receptor making a most raucous of a sound; Jesus called this, "sounding the trumpet." (Matthew 6:2) This competition was certainly a stinch in the nostrils of God. The greatest evidence of God's displeasure was their lack of unction.

God will [i]back[/i] His message, He will not back ours. God will anoint His agenda, but He will not anoint ours. God will move when we are ready to [i]give heed unto the word.[/i] The Pharisees had already written the word's of our Lord off even before He spoke them. Why? Because their purpose was to maintain a pious look. They wanted the people underneath them in terms of spiritual things. So they made a show of all they did and kept a record of their pious deeds and sufferings.

A lot is said about 'confession'. Charismatics talk about confessing the word and yet others talk about confessing sin. One word for confession is [i]exomologeo.[/i] This word means to confess joyfully. It has a hint of a [i]public[/i] acknowledgement. This is what many did in the New Testament at repentance (Matthew 3:6, Mark 1:5, Acts 19:18); yet we also have this as a directive coming from James in 5:16;

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Not [u]to[/u] a priest or a pastor, but when appropriate, 'one to another'. To confess is to [i]say the same thing as[/i] or to make an 'admission'. The word 'faults' is [i]Paraptoma[/i] and means to slip off the right path. The purpose of the confession is for prayer and healing. This is something the Pharisee's would have never done. They would not admit their faults. They had to maintain an image of perfection.

Lets look again at the word 'confess'. This is found also in I John 1:9 and likewise means to 'acknowledge' or to 'say the same thing after'. God's says this and that and we say this and that. This is a coming into open unabashed agreement with the truth of God's word. We may be embarassed that we did not line up with what God said, but we willingly and openly acknowedge the truth no matter how that truth casts us in our own eyes or the eyes of others. If God says, "YE have sinned against Me" the right 'confession' would be, "Indeed, I have sinned against Thee." Not making excuses and not changing the standard. No pointing fingers. This is almost a "repeat after me type thing..." it is not whitewashing or anything else. It is FULL ON acknowledgment of what we have done. No believer is above this truth.

Many years ago I was involved in a Federal Lawsuit in which a corporation had franchised to a local company their name and trademark for the sale of their product and that 'company' had been caught red handed allowing illegal activities to be done by its employees. The corporation was concerned for its reputation as the events were spread all over the news and the company name was at stake. There was mounted evidence that the company was guilty. Eyewitness testimony, video taped activities, etc. having been subpeonaed myself, I had to ask the investigator a troubling question. I asked him, "With all of this evidence before us- why does the company keep fighting this and asserting their innocence." His answer, "Its an age old problem known as [u]denial[/u]."

Denial is a psyclogical defense mechanism that comes into play when a person cannot come to terms with the results of a truth and refuse to allow it to come into their consciousness. It's a mental block. The admission will have consequences- so they maintain a state of denial. What did God require for His forgiving us? That we acknowledge our sin. Its hard to do this when your making excuses. Its hard to do this and point the finger at others.

The PRESSURE to act like nothing is wrong when there are clear shortcomings is incredible at times. I think about John Wayne and how he always had to come off as if he had it all together. Many think they are spiritual John Wayne's. They are struggling and will not admit it for one reason or another. Everything they do has a stamp of perfection. What is even more sad is that preachers will ask folk to come forward and repent of their sins and yet they will not acknowledge their own side slips. This is a terrible tragedy. Soon, without the power of a 'Church Authority' another type of authority is jockied for. This is what the Pharisees did, they 'lorded' their piety over the people.

Denial is the great enemy of healing. Just yesterday a man checked into the hospital in our city with his legs BLACK from the knees down. He has diabetes and the legs are going to be lost. What is worse is that they don't know if he will survive the surgery because the kidneys are failing now. He needs prayer for sure. He needed prayer a [u]long time ago[/u]! And so it is with many who stay in denial until a CRISIS arises. I'm OK, I'm OK. Are you really? [i]Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.[/i]

When the Gospel comes-off as 'bad news' someone is not doing their job.

I had another thought along this line. If the Good News is preached as [i]Good[/i] News and it is received as 'bad news' the hearer is a pure pyromaniac. I'm reminded of Leonard Ravenhill's story of Charley Peace and how if he said that if one had truly believed in hell, one could crawl on broken glass across England to save just one soul and it would be a noble deed. Truly the Gospel is 'Good News' to anyone with a sober mind.

I'm OK, I'm OK. Are you really?