May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 5

Inside this issue:

The Simplicity of the Word 2

Following Gods Plan

And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them. (Numbers 14:6-9 ESV)

by Josie Davis lives. Of all the spies who went to check out the land, two men remembered Gods plan and desired to carry it out. These two men chose to pursue their future on the basis of Gods command. The value of their future is founded in the personal knowledge they had of God. At some point, these two men decided they were going to be obedient and not rebel against Him. Ten men chose their future based on the anxiety and unbelief stored up inside of them. Having seen the size and strength of the enemy, they began to doubt the plan God had laid out for them. They chose to remain content in the desert, rather than reaching for the blessings the Lord had for them in the land. As a result, God prohibited the people from entering the land of Canaan. Twelve men had to make a choice in Hebron when they surveyed the land and its inhabitants. Ten reported that the people against Israel were too strong. They were named Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, and Geuel. These names are not passed down through the generations. Two of the spies encouraged the Israelites to pursue the Will of God with full commitment. Caleb and Joshua whole-heartedly followed God, and their names are still heard throughout the world. We need more devoted followers like Caleb and Joshua. When time comes for us to make that decision, we should encourage Gods people to strive for his promises. Caleb and Joshua helped the people see that Gods ways are always the best ways; and, until we make His ways our ways, we will not receive His blessings. Once we begin to believe in His power, we will see God defeat our greatest adversaries, those that stand between us and the blessings to come.

Holiness and Glory

To the Glory of God

A Firm Foundation

Gods expectations and plans may not always make sense, but we can be assured that we will have provision. Should we, those who are unable to know fully the future ahead, fear the path God calls us to? Should the twelve spies have trembled with worry at the sight of those who dwelled in Canaan? God knew those who lived in the land and their abilities in battle, yet He promised they would be delivered into the hands of the Israelites. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Living by faith and not by sight is a challenge, but we can see the example set by two spies who had not feared the future to come. The only thing we should fear is ourself. We must be watchful that we do not allow our self-seeking ways interfere with our futures that God has planned for us. Our humility and submission keeps our focus on Gods purpose for our
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The Simplicity of the Word

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:12 KJV)...

by Josh Wilson

siduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor) attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually). (Strongs Concordance).

and accomplish things that are far beyond our nature. He begins to work out problems in our lives and overcome them in a way that we never thought possible. Marriages are healed. Hope is alive in those that were dead. Peace becomes real to those who lived in constant turmoil. Satans power has no place in our lives because we live in and commune with

The simplicity of Gods word amazes me. You hear many who say they dont read it because they cant understand it. Some feel the whole of the Word of God is not relevant for today, and still others who struggle so much in their pursuit of God. Many attend the right events, talk the right way, or know the right things to do to make it appear that there is a relationship with God. Even though we can make things function in the Church, or at home, or work - wherever we may bewe easily miss Gods power at work in our lives when we begin to ignore the simplicity of His Word. God calls us to be constant in prayer. The Greek word used in Romans 12 is proskartereo meaning to be earnest toward, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend as-

I believe most of our struggles are a direct result of complicating the gospel. God calls us to seek Him and constantly pursue Him devoting ourselves to prayer. When we do this God becomes clear to us. His word that we may have never been able to really grasp becomes something that is not just stories to sort through and piece together hoping that the end result is some understanding of an infinite God, but it becomes a living extension of that God as the Word is empowered by Gods Spirit to transform our lives. We begin to have a clear picture of God because we are pursuing a relationship with Him through communication (prayer). A God who maybe seemed distant begins to empower us to live

I believe most of our struggles are a direct result of complicating the gospel.

one who is greater than all things. His power is unfailing. All we have to do is simply live out the simplicity of the gospel.

E.M. Bounds said this Gods revelation does not need the light of human gen-

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ius, the polish and strength of human culture, the brilliancy of human thought, the force of human brains to adorn or enforce it; but it does demand the simplicity, the docility, humility, and faith of a childs heart. If we are to ever see a serious move of God, a move that shakes the world and His church, you can be sure it will begin in those who are fully surrendered with the faith of a child. Revival will begin in people who resolve to live in the simplicity of the gospel and stop following the ideas of man. Again, E.M. Bounds says God commits the keys of His Kingdom to men who think that praying is their main business, and devote time to it according to this high estimate of its importance. By these men, He works His spiritual wonders in this world. Great praying is the sign and seal of Gods great leaders. It is the most

earnest of the conquering forces with which God will crown their labors. Let us consider the simplicity of Gods Word If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV). Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1:7-8 ESV). How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it ac-

cording to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:9-11 ESV).

This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.

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Holiness and Glory

by Bruce Wilson

"Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you-- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" (Exo 15:11 NIV) Here is a song of praise and worship, after Pharaoh and his army had been defeated, and the Israelites were delivered from 430 years of bondage. This is a song showing the spectacular power and unrivaled supremacy of God. The focus of the song is on God Himself. The song is divided into two themes here in the 15th chapter of Exodus, the retrospective description of the overthrow of the Egyptian forces, and the prospective prediction

or (figuratively) magnificent. If we are seeing an object or a person in the same light as we would see Gods glory that would mean we are seeing its value or excellence, or its magnificence. To glorify then is to worship or elevate so as to remove anything and everything that could hinder the full revelation of that excellence. Holiness is more than just an attribute of God, it is who He is, His magnificence. So therefore, we need to see God in all His glory as clearly as possible. He needs to be elevated and worshipped so anything in our way would be put aside to focus on Him and His magnificence. Just as Christianity is a way of life, it is who we are and not something we turn on and off. So it is with Gods holiness, it is who He is. Holiness is God! For those who are in ministry, that is all Christians, holiness needs to be a lifestyle. When we glorify God in all we say and do, in our personal conduct and the way we relate to others, His holiness will be revealed in us, to us, and through us to others. Our desire will always be to be more like Him and to have more of Him and less of ourselves. "Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together." (Psa 63:3 NIV) "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you." (Psa 34:3 NIV) "I will praise God's name in song and

glorify him with thanksgiving." (Psa 69:30 NIV) "I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever." (Psa 86:12 NIV) In everything God has done since the beginning, as we know the beginning, Gods holiness and glory is also revealed in many other ways. For example, Gods glory is revealed in His mercy so men and women can be redeemed. The great triumph in salvation in not just being saved from eternal damnation, although that is a wonderful benefit. It is not just being delivered from the bondage of sin either, although that is a great benefit, it is also the indwelling of a Holy God through His blessed Holy Spirit. The full glory of God can only be manifested with His indwelling, and thats why Jesus sent the Spirit. We can only show proper worship and recognize the glory of God if He is dwelling within us. We know that there is the indwelling through salvation, and then there is the setting apart and the second cleansing from sanctification. Thats when we are able to gain a higher understanding of God. We cannot ever bring an infinite God to our finite level. We need a desire to see how great God really is. The Scripture says, "In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." (Exo 15:13

Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like youmajestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
of entrance into the Promised Land. We want to focus on vs. 11 where the Scripture talks about God's "majesty in holiness." God is glorious in holiness and it is to the dwelling place of His holiness that He is guiding His people. The word glory in the verse we are examining means, to be great

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NIV) What an awesome place to be, in Gods holy dwelling! The habitat of God's holiness is where God will dwell with and in His people. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you (John 14:16-17 NIV)." I cant help but think about that picture in Revelation of those who are around the throne of God singing a new song. Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth (Rev 14:1-3 NIV). That number 144,000 is the symbolic number of all of Gods people, and they are singing a new song, thats because they (we) are basking in the glory of God with His presence and His indwelling through the Holy Spirit. Praise God!!! It is only through redemption that Gods holiness can be found. Only through redemption are we able to experience the indwelling of the Holy

Spirit. Only through redemption is there a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Only through repentance and godly sorrow can there be redemption. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. When one comes to God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we are washed in the blood, we are cleansed and we are changed forever and that is what gets God excited. In other words, we are singing a new song(2 Cor 7:10 NIV)! One songwriter has written, His favorite song of all is the song of the redeemed. When lost sinners now made clean, lift their voices loud and strong. When those purchased by His blood lift to Him a song of love. Nothing more He'd rather hear, none so pleasing to His ear as His favorite song of all." Only under the influence of high spiritual elevation and joy can Gods holiness be fully apprehended or rightly worshipped. (Andrew Murray; The Believers Secret of Holiness pg. 47) When the angel came and announced to the shepherds that

Jesus had been born their announcement included, "Glory to God in the highest.." (Luke 2:14 NIV) And when Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians again we see Gods glory, for Paul was implying that they would or should see Gods glory in the church! Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph 3:20-21 NIV) In other words, Gods people need to reflect the glory of God. In closing let me say that we are to be living in the glory of God, recognizing His glory and letting others see His glory in us. Through our speech, our attitudes, our countenance and especially our love for God and one another we will be able to lead people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. God bless you on your holiness journey!

It is only through redemption that Gods holiness can be found. Only through Redemption are we able to experience the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

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To the Glory of God

by Henry Scoff

What does it really mean to be a full person? Is that something that is achieved through personal accomplishment? Many people achieve amazing things in their lives. I have always been amazed at great athletic achievement. When the runner finishes the marathon no matter what their time happens to be, Im totally amazed at their endurance ability in finishing the race. While that is an amazing accomplishment, I have experienced people who finish but their personal life doesnt necessarily reveal anything that I would want to follow. There must be something else to being a full person that brings glory to God. There must be something in our very created nature that reveals what it means to be a full person. In John chapter 17 we are all familiar with the great high priestly prayer of Jesus as He is praying for the disciples and all who will follow through believing in Christ. Sometimes in our study we may not think about everything packed into a very familiar passage. There in Jesus' prayer, we are also confronted with what it really means to be a person. If we notice, Jesus is speaking to the Father just as you and I speak to someone we know intimately and with whom we have deep conversation. He speaks to the Father, not as if He is simply impersonal power off in some distant place, but Jesus speaks as person to person. In verse twenty Jesus says that He's asking not only on behalf of the disciples but for those who believe through their word. Then the depth of His discussion with the Father is that we might all know intimacy with Jesus and the Father in the same manner that Jesus and the Father share life together. The importance is summarized for us then at the end of verse 21, So that the world may believe that You sent Me. So in reality, how we come into full Biblical personhood will reflect to the world the message of Jesus. We are right, of course, in seeing unity in this message of Jesus. The unity of the church reflects this message. What is it that keeps us out of unity? When we arent in unity we are on our own agenda and our own agenda quite often originates out of a distorted self. So that brings us back to this pursuit, What

does it really mean to be a full person?" Here in this conversation between Father and Son we see the perfect reflection of personhood as they communicate and share life. Earlier in John 16 Jesus, in teaching about His departure, explains the coming of the Holy Spirit. In His explanation He never refers to the Holy Spirit as if He is only some sort of force or impersonal power. From verses 5 through 15 Jesus unfolds the nature of the Holy Spirit and as He does, it is very clear that He is talking about a true person, not an impersonal power. But a person who, though the third person of the trinity, comes to us as Helper and guide. In fact the relationship between the Holy Spirit and man is to be a relationship of the most intimate nature. Yet the Holy Spirit doesnt come to bring glory to Himself, He lives out the full meaning of submissiveness illustrating for us submission unto the Lord. His mission is to bring glory to Jesus. The three persons of the trinity reveal to us what real personhood looks like. It may seem the communion and the submission lived out by them is beyond us. But what we discover is they are the perfect example of what our eyes should be focused on. Dennis Kinlaw tells us that the definition of personhood is found in the trinity and one important part of being a person is the consciousness of identity. Kinlaw stated, Jesus makes his claims to divinity yet is very clear that he is not the Father. When he speaks of the Father, he always speaks of him as other than himself. He likewise acknowledges the individual existence of the Spirit and promises that he himself will give the Spirit to the disciples distinct from himself as a gift. He tells them the Spirit will take his place in their lives. Therefore, he is not identical with the Spirit. Yet he insists that there is oneness with the Father and the Spirit that makes him

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inseparable from the Father and the Spirit. He is one person in that Godhead. If Jesus is an example of a person, then a human person should have a similar awareness of his or her own unique, individual, incommunicable personhood (Pg. 79, Lets Start with Jesus). The glory of God in our lives is found then to begin within understanding who we are by design. The starting point must be in creation. In Genesis 1:26, Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. Genesis is revealing that man isnt the byproduct of random chance but a very specific design integral to who we really are. Sin itself reveals this special design as we understand that sin isnt simply making mistakes or, as Dr. Kenneth Jones taught, it isnt a sin just to be human! Sin is choosing to do something other than obey God. It means to choose the way of your own design or following that of someone else. Made in the image of God to be a full person after the manner found in the trinity, then the question, of course, many will ask is, "Isnt this beyond us?" The answer is a definite yes, it is beyond us but not beyond God. In Romans 8:29 we are told Gods plan for us is to conform us into the very image of His Son. Beyond us, yes. Beyond God, absolutely not! We are confronted with the purpose of God that fallen man would be redeemed and conformed into the image of the Son. Eph. 3:14-21 reminds us that God is committed to working in us with His great power to bring about this conforming and shaping us into the image of the Son. In fact in verses 20-21 it comes to a peak that is almost unimaginable when I think about it. In verse 20 it is made clear to us that He is able to do more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think through His power at work within us. When we think we would like to come closer to God in our walk and we pursue the Lord with a sincere and open heart, then whatever we have imagined that will look like it isnt good enough because God will reveal His Glory to us and we will realize that something beyond our understanding has taken place and then we will be like Moses and ask for more. You know the encounter Moses had with God. And as great as it was, he wanted more. Thats the true nature

of really knowing Jesus. Satisfaction is in knowing there is always more and we should pursue Him with a heart of anticipation. To become a full person in Jesus Christ reveals the reason to pursue revival. Gods desire is to be glorified in His Church. When the Church is alive in the Spirit of God, then people are coming into the full experience of being conformed into the image of Jesus. When this is happening, unity is present because Gods people are acting on His truth. We need to understand the prayer of Isaiah 63:19-64:4. First he confesses that we have become like those who dont really know the Lord and lived like those over whom he doesnt rule. Thats another way of saying that we are all going our own direction and choosing our own thing over Gods will. But in the desperation of the moment the prophet cries out, Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down. I like to say we need a move of God in this day, one that awakens the Church from her slumber and shows the World that Jesus has come. So revival begins with us individually coming into full submission to the Lord. This submission is evident when we are able to pray, Please, God work in me abundantly more than I can ask or imagine, conforming me into the image of your Son and then show the world that you are the head of your Church. Come Lord Jesus in the fullness of your Spirit, rend the heavens and awaken the land to turn to you. Bring revival that shakes the very foundation of society and draws the masses to you. We are made in the image of God and in His image we are designed for fellowship with Him. Revival is the renewal of that fellowship cleansing our hearts of stagnation that comes from too much participation in the world and uniting His people in the Spirit that the world will be convicted of Jesus and drawn to Him. When a move of God that revives us and conforms us into the image of the Son, it will truly be to the Glory of God!

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A Firm Foundation
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied, Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. But what about you? he asked. Who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in Heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ (Matthew 16: 13-20). Peter was a man of God. So much so that Jesus directed the promise of the church to him. What was it about Peter that set him apart as a believer and an apostle? Let us take a look. First and foremost was Peters Confession of Christ. Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Peter knew this not by man, but it was revealed to him by God himself. Peter wasnt afraid to say who Jesus really was. Oh, to see that boldness in the world we live in today. Instead, we hear the question, who is Jesus to you? The Mormons believe He was a man who achieved great things. The Jehovahs Witness teach that Jesus is a created being, but not the almighty God. This person believes this and that person believes that.

by Jon Spencer

My bible tells me that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one comes to the Father except by him. That Jesus is the second person in the Trinity, and that He came to save us from our sins; and that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Peter knew who Jesus was and he wasnt afraid to confess it. When we are faced with the question Who is Jesus to you? our answer should be like Peters, He is the Christ, the Son of the living God! Peter confessed Christ. Peter had faith like a rock which is why Christ gave him that name in the first chapter of John when he called him into ministry. Jesus said to Peter And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Jesus wasnt calling Peter the rock that the church was going to be built on. Jesus was that rock. He was promising Peter that He would build the church and Peter was going to be one of the founding fathers of the faith. Jesus is doing the same thing here with Peter that God did with Abraham and David. The Old Testament promises were given immediately to particular people of eminent faith and holiness, Abraham and David, which didnt give them any supremacy or equality with God or any of their successors. Just like the Old Testament promises, the New Testament charter is being delivered to Peter as an agent, to the benefit of the church then and in the ages to come because of his faith that is like a rock. Peter recognized who the church belonged to and was built upon.

Ephesians 2:19-22 says, Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with Gods people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Peter knew that he and the other apostles and prophets would be very influential in laying the foundation of the church. Revelation speaks about the apostles being the foundation of the New Jerusalem in Chapter 21:14. The wall of the city had 12 foundations, and on them were the names of the 12 apostles of the lamb. We can thank Peter today for the firm foundation he helped lay all those years ago. Peters example of faith is one we can surely look to for inspiration. What set Peter apart was without a doubt his confession of Christ as Lord and savior of all. His rock solid faith in which he was given the name Peter. And

last but surely not least was his recognition of who the church belonged to and also what it was built upon. Peter lived by these 3 things and what a difference it could make if we follow his example in the church today.

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Walking An Ancient Path

Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it. -Jeremiah 6:16 Have you ever looked around the places where you store old things? It could be a basement, an attic, or maybe even a barn or storage shed. I would imagine that as you look at the things that fill those places you would very likely find a lot of things that are completely obsolete technology that is no longer in use and things that, while once very useful, have become little more than relics from days gone by. For years I refused to by a digital camera. I have a number of 35 millimeter cameras, and even the equipment for a darkroom. I was sure that those cameras would not be replaced. To this day the resolution is better than all but the very best (and most expensive) digital cameras, but at the end of this past year I had to admit that the technology I was using was obsolete and needed to be replaced. This is a normal part of life. We live in a day when the rate of advancement in society is unmatched in all of human history. From the cars we drive to the computers we use there is not a year that goes by that something of value to us is replaced with some-

by Nick Wilson vice that will bring us closer to God. He cannot conceive of anything that will forgive sin, or restore the relationship that God wants to have with Him. It is easy to lose sight of this fact as we immerse ourselves in the society in which we live. Everything around us serves to turn our attention from the things of God to the things of the world, and as time goes by we forget what it means to walk the ancient path that leads us to God. Our obsession with the modern world has obscured our view of the One who has provided for, and sustained man since ancient times. We are not much different from the people of Israel during the time of Jeremiah. We (yes, even Christians) have become so enamored by the world around us that we have forgotten the one who transcends this world. We believe we have moved beyond the need for Scripture as a rule for the church and have replaced it with marketing strategies and business models every invention of man that may provide us the modern shortcut we are looking for to entice people to be a part of the church. While many look to these sophisticated methods of doing church we must always keep in mind the place to which those things have led us: 43% of Americans believe it doesnt matter what

thing more efficient, more powerful, or just better. Things are happening today that were unthinkable only a few years ago. Most of us keep track of much of our life with smartphones that have more powerful computers than those on board the Apollo space missions. Some of the advancements we see are great, many are helpful in the things we do each day, but in the midst of all the excitement about what our society can do or achieve, it is important that we make sure we are not losing things of great importance in the middle of all the changes that are taking place around us. I do not mean things like cameras or cars. It seems that in this modern day we have lost something much more important. As we use whats available to us to continually accomplish more and do it better with the limited time we have it is easy to forget about the things that go beyond our society that places so much value and emphasis on human ingenuity and achievement. We get so caught up in the advancements of the world around us that we forget about the things that exist and go beyond this world. In our day it is possible to be better and more efficient in our work, our hobbies, our sports and almost every other aspect of our worldly life. But for all that man has done, he has never and can never come up with an invention or de-

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religious faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons. 50% of Americans believe God will save all people no matter what they do. 41% of Americans are unable to identify an individual who they consider to be a strong Christian example or leader We may have all the technology we could possibly need, but when it comes to knowing the Living God we are completely lost. We have forgotten that no matter how advanced we become the platform from which we approach Him is still one of holiness. We no longer seem to remember that the mind of God is still revealed through the Scriptures and that Gods power is still appropriated through our prayers. Year after year we look in vain for the work of God in His church but see nothing more than the limited results achieved by the weak methods of man. We have lost our way to God and His power. The Christians of America today who spend their time and efforts groping hopelessly for something to hold onto and some way to find even a little of Gods power can be described by Rudyard Kiplings poem, The Way Through the Woods: They shut the road through the woods, seventy years ago. Weather and rain have undone it

again, And now you would never know There was once a road through the woods. As the church flounders in this country, and we struggle to see the work of God among us, we have to wonder if we are more like the Israelites than we realize. God asked through the prophet Jeremiah, Have you not brought this upon yourself by forsaking the Lord your God, when he led you in the way (Jer. 2:17)? As we have allowed all of our modern conveniences to take over our lives we have decided to use the extra time we have found to pursue more worldly pleasures, and given up our pursuit of the ancient path to God. We become enslaved to our hobbies, our lifestyles, our sports and jobs and forget that God has more for us. If we were only willing to step back from the busyness of this life and assess the way we live in relation to God we may see that God has set before us an ancient way that leads us not to stress, and an early death from hypertension but a good way that leads us to His peace. It provides a rest to our souls and a joy that the world can never offer. The Description of the Path Scripture tells us that this is an ancient path. It goes against

many of our modern ideas and priorities. The world tells us to value the materials that are offered here while the path God has set before us is one that leads to righteousness. It does not always give us the things that are valued by this sinful place, but shows us how to walk in harmony and fellowship with the one who transcends all these things. The world tells us to pursue human achievement while the ancient path shows us that all we may achieve pales in comparison to what God can do through our lives if we will surrender to Him. We are not talking about restoring the traditions created by the generation or two that came before us, but restoring something that came long before that, something that was given by God Himself. Too often we convince ourselves that if we make the church the way it was when we got saved everything would be better, and we would see God move once again. That is not what the Bible is teaching when it calls us to walk in the ancient way. We are looking to go beyond all of the things that have become distractions, all of the inventions that man has added to the church throughout its history and get back to a vibrant relationship with our Holy Creator. Back to the path He created for us when Jesus Christ fulfilled His proclamation that I will build my church. No modern invention or

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method that we have devised can ever replace the fact that the church was bought with the blood of Jesus Christ. It belongs to Him, and if you are to bear the name of His church the Church of God then you belong to Him. He paid the price for your soul and ransomed you from all these modern things to which we are so willing to place ourselves in bondage. Look at the history of the people of God and you will see that the church is at its best when the society around us (and even our modern conveniences) affects fewer of her decisions. When the desire of Gods people is to seek His will and follow it the church thrives. On the other hand, when man decides that his modern inventions have become good enough to take the place of the power of God and the guidance of His Word and Spirit we always see the same result: APOSTASY! Every time we stray from the ancient path we see a fallen church, one that is not fit to carry the name, nor the power of God. This is why this path that God has provided us is called the good way. It originated with God, completely independent of the flawed, errant reasoning of man. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go (Isaiah 48:17). In contrast, the Bible teaches that even what seems to be the best of

mans advancement is not necessarily Gods way. A mans ways are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit (Proverbs 16:2). If we are EVER to see God work in power within the church it will be when we look beyond our modern conveniences to the ancient path. God will move when we put Him before the things that have overtaken our lives, the hobbies, sports, activities and general busyness. We will see His power when we seek it above all the technology and advancement the ingenuity of man can offer. The Bible tells us of this path, and then tells us how to get there. The Directions to the Path Jeremiah did not simply tell the people of Israel to walk the ancient paths when they found themselves distracted by the idols and culture of the people around them. He told them to stand by the roads. The people of God were specifically told to put themselves in a position to find the direction of God. We sometimes act like God will just strike us with a divine revelation of His Word. We get the idea that, like John on Patmos, God will show us great miraculous visions of His will. But if your name is not John and your home is not Patmos it is very likely that you need to put yourself in a position where God will speak to you through His

Word, and His Spirit. We have forgotten how great the Word of God can be in directing us toward His will. This is His revelation to us, and it shows us the way that He relates to, and works in the lives of man. It shows us what He has done throughout history, and it reveals what we can expect from God in the circumstances that we face as we journey through this life. If we take the time to search Gods Word we will find the answers to many of the questions we face in this life. Thats why Solomon said, Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way (Proverbs 23:19). We also hear the Word of God when we are part of Bible studies, Sunday School, and even listening to a sermon. God will speak through those whom He has called to teach and preach the Word. By being a part of the gathering of Gods people we are putting ourselves in a position to begin to see the ancient path that God has placed before us. We cannot separate ourselves from the places we know God will speak and expect to see the path. Jeremiah also told the people that they had to look. Through prayer and meditation on Scripture we discern Gods will. We have come to the point today that we have almost lost these spiritual disciplines among all the modern gadgets of the world. Why pray when the answer to every question we could

Bringing the Truth into Focus Proverbs 23:23

Nick Wilson 2479 Mercer Rd. Stoneboro, PA 16153

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Walking An Ancient Path...continued

possibly have is on Google? Do I need to go to God when I have a problem? I can just ask my iPhone.
Jeremiah also told the people to ask. We seem to convince ourselves at times that God is trying to hide something from us. We act like He really doesnt want us to walk with Him, so He is working to obscure Himself. We struggle to find Gods way while forgetting that James told us, you do not have because you do not ask (James 4:2). God is revealing Himself all around us, even in nature the Bible tells us. We just dont see it because we are caught up in other things. We have set our sights on a destination that is contrary to that of this ancient path. The Destination There are people in this country today who are wearing themselves out trying to keep up with the torrid pace of this world. They are determined to do everything they want to do, anything that might be even a little bit fun or exciting. They are sure they need to have 25 hobbies and their children need to play every available sport and join every club. They want to experience everything the world has to offer. There is nothing wrong with enjoying this life, but we will someday pay for this attitude that we can never be fulfilled unless we have everything we want. We try to fulfill this expectation at the expense of the rest that God promises for our soul. When Jesus told us, Take my yoke upon youfor my yoke is easy, and my burden light, He did not mean that He was giving us an excuse to fill our lives with every worldly pleasure we can imagine to the neglect of our relationship with God. Jesus did promise that He would take our burdens on Himself and help us along this ancient way. But He did not tell us to create unnecessary burdens to place on Him. Jesus has empowered us and enabled us to carry our cross, and do Gods work in this world. He has saved and sanctified us for this end. He has provided us with a better way to walk through this journey; a way that ultimately leads to eternal life. But we must remember that this ancient path leads to a destination where all those worldly things will do no good. When we arrive at the gate at the end of the path we cannot carry with us our achievements. Our hobbies and worldly activities will not pass through that way. Thats why this path is for a specific kind of traveller; one who seeks Gods presence and His

goodness above all else. The Travellers The ancient path about which the prophet spoke seems to be one that goes contrary to all the things the world values today. It leads in a completely different direction than the paths of man. But though this road looks difficult maybe even impossible we must remember that it is the same path that has been trod by the saints of all the ages. For John came to you in the way of righteousness (Matthew 21:32) He [Apollos] had been instructed in the way of the Lord (Acts 18:21) Throughout the ages countless men and women have sought and found this ancient path. They chose to give up some of their worldly ways and follow an ancient path that rises above all the turmoil and struggles of this world. It transcends the progress and ingenuity of humanity and rises to the very heavens and presence of the God who inhabits them. The way of God is laid out before us. It continues to wind its way through the lives of men and women. If we will seek His way out from among all the ways of

the world, we will find a good and better way. We will find rest for our souls. God calls us today to an ancient path. Will we follow that path, or will we as Israel say, We will not walk on it?