Coming Soon! “The Spirit of Elijah” A Biblical Study of Elijah’s Life, Ministry and Legacy.

I take great joy in announcing today that my first book is now underway and Lord-willing will be finished by the end of this year, possibly this summer.

The title is “The Spirit of Elijah.” The book begins with Israel under the wicked king Ahab. It will cover Elijah’s life, his successor Elisha and examine the many incidents and miracles in both men’s lives.

The second half of the book will examine the prophecy of Malachi that one would come before the Day of the LORD in the spirit of Elijah and turn again the people’s hearts back to Jehovah. This half will also deal with Elijah’s appearance on the Mount of Transfiguration and his future role during the Great Tribulation.

I never imagined how much there was to the story and how detailed the account was. Studying and writing the book has deepened my love for Elijah and strengthened my faith in his God, Jehovah.

In a mix of Biblical history and drama, The Spirit of Elijah will be a great read for any Christian adult. It is intended for a wide audience in hope of telling the full story and going far beyond the brief version we heard in Sunday School.

I could not be more excited and look earnestly forward to the day when The Spirit of Elijah hits the press.

Kenneth Willis

Fundamentalist Conservatives: Stop Apologizing For Being One

It’s amazing how few churches and “Bible Belt” fundamentalists truly are conservative. Of course the term “conservative” is a comparative term, so please allow me to define it.

When I say fundamentalist conservative, I mean what some might consider “old fashioned” but not quite. There are several key aspects to conservative fundamentalism.

I mean someone who holds to a high view of scripture–meaning they believe in not only inspiration but preservation. Many would say they take this view, but limit it to the original manuscripts. This is double talk. We know none of the originals still exist; therefore the preserved copies allegedly no longer exist and all existing copies and bible translations are by de facto unpreserved. This view is descended from apostate liberals such as the English clergymen Wescott and Hort and has been propagated sadly by many fundamentalists  and religious institutions.

The propaganda is so vast yet so wrong and frankly ludicrous. It is a direct attack on the authority of scripture, the person of Christ and I believe Satan’s  greatest assault on the church from within. This war of truth is rampant, overwhelming and waged by religious elites who use  dishonest and deceitful tactics. It highly resembles political mudslinging. (for more on this topic, see David Sorenson’s “Touch Not The Unclean Thing.”)

Another characteristic of a fundamentalist conservative is they take the proverbial high ground towards religious worship. The Scriptures are clear and emphatic that God is to be worshipped in a reverent way that places the focus on Him and not us; it does not resemble the style and methods of the world, but is sacred and reserved for God.

Of all the issues in this discussion, this is the most heated and most sensitive among younger believers. Music is important in worship, but is nowhere near the importance of preaching; but those on the fundamentalist left love to bring music up to the level of preaching or even above it.

As if that flawed idea wasn’t enough, the music of choice is decreasingly that of hymns, but CCM and the emerging power house of Sovereign Grace Music (SGM). Besides their obvious imitation of worldly styles and blasphemous “worship,” I have real difficulty understanding how a fundamentalist could advocate using music of a new evangelical – charismatic organization which attempts to use worldly styles to market their product. It’s absolutely impossible for me to reconcile such a dichotomy. Simply ignoring the issue of SGM is not enough; there is an increasing number of churches and organizations that refuse to name SGM and stand against it. This is weakness and perceived as consent.

The younger generation cries out for that style. And sadly, some of the older generation are all too ready and willing to give it to them. No wonder students come out running to SGM and CCM. The Old Testament shows time and time again where the younger, foolish generation demands the old generation to give in to their whims and fancies toward worldliness. The older generation needs to step up and do the hard, but right thing and hold firm to the ancient landmarks. As a young man, I plead that they would choose the latter over giving in to foolish young people, who historically have been attracted to the world. Wisdom must prevail over whims; principle must trump preference.

Music is a sensitive issue that permeates deep into our person–and is therefore a natural weak spot. Music is often. Trojan horse by which liberalism can sneak in so deeply it is almost impossible to root out.

I have said this in the past and will again reaffirm that once people give in to the modern bible version lie, music is next.

The final issue could also be considered the underlying issue of conservative fundamentalism: separation. If fundamentalists get this one right, it is very likely they will get the rest right. If we understand that biblical separation is mandated and is clearly explained, we would not have to with Wescott, Hort or SGM.

The number one complaint, or as I call it–cop out–is this: “we need to have more love and less focus on externals.” This is such a lame attempt towards liberalism. We know God looks on the heart, but He also commands external obedience and separation.

The funny thing, at least to me, is the people crying loudest are ones who should just admit they are liberals and new evangelicals. Why pretend to be a fundamentalist? Just save yourself the grief and leave the camp. Quit playing games and pick your side. People like that will jump all over me for saying this, but at least I am openly a fundamentalist conservative. Don’t play the liberal game of pretending and being a chameleon.

In closing, we need to do three things:

1. Acknowledge the battle exists and is here to stay.

2. Understand the liberals vastly outnumber the conservatives and will use every lame excuse and tactic imaginable and that we are fighting those who truly don’t believe our current bible is inerrant and preserved. (Why should we be surprised at anything they believe and push?)

3. Boldly draw the line between liberal and conservative and stand. Call liberals out for who they are and quit the chameleon games. The first thing they will say is “we are being divisive and causing division in the church.”

I end with this: such a charge is a lie and ludicrous. Such was the charge Ahab made to Elijah. Ahab accused Elijah of troubling Israel. Elijah pointed out correctly and without playing the word game that Ahab was the one trolling Israel because he had departed from the Word of God, His commandments and led the people in a way of worship that replaced God and offended Him.

So there it is. We as fundamental conservatives must stop apologizing for being conservative and stop tiptoeing around liberal fundamentalists and call them out on what they are and what they are pushing.

Revival Series: Part 3

1 Samuel 7

Before we look at this text, a little background information is necessary.

 In the previous two chapters we see that the high priest’s two sons lost the Ark of the Covenant in battle against the Philistines. The Ark was the very symbol of God’s presence and His glory. The Philistines captured it and placed it in the temple of Dagon. After being plagued by the ark for seven months, they had returned it unto the Israelites—hoping God would stop plaguing them.

In their joy over recovering the Ark, the Israelites who found it celebrated by opening it and worshipping its contents. God, angered over their idolatry and mishandling of the Ark, killed many of over three thousand men. Because of their fear of God, they placed the ark in a shed. It was later moved to Kirjathjearim and stored in the house of Abinadab.

 ¹And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.

 ²And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.

The presence and glory of God was absent, shut up for twenty years. Imagine such a somber sight. Israel was in a state of mourning, for twenty years they lived in spiritual silence and groaned within for God’s presence to return. This is the first step in revival: to realize God’s presence has departed or has been kept out. So many of God’s people today wonder why no revival breaks out and why we see such a dead and stagnant Church; it is because God’s presence has been missing. Ichabod—“the glory hath departed.” Many have been too busy with their outreach programs, building projects, polished sermons, youth activities and fascination with this world to notice that while they have accomplished great things and built many things, God is nowhere to be found. Oh that we had men who wept over the Church as Christ wept over Jerusalem and as Moses wept over the Israelites worshipping the golden calf!  We must have men of God to weep and to pray over the pathetic condition of His Church. You might be offended at my words, but if you are, you are blinded by the delusion that all is well in the house of God this hour. The Church lacks the power it could have and once knew!

There are several reasons for this: First, the preaching is all intellectual now. There is little room or time for passionate, Hell-fire preaching that boldly and fervently proclaims “Thus saith the LORD.” Preaching now is down to an art. All one needs is personality, quotes, stories, loads of illustrations, intellectual appeal and carefully worded statements that make Scriptural commands more like suggestions. Preachers are afraid of offending, of confronting and Heaven forbid—keeping people ten minutes too long. It is interesting that the disciples never once asked Jesus “teach us to preach,” but teach us to PRAY!” There is the power; there is the real test of the preacher. Homiletics is important, but can never replace bathing in prayer before the sermon. Second,  believers today are too busy in the world Christ died to save them from. We all talk of growing in Christ and “growing in the Gospel,” but who really wants to? To grow in Christ we must cut off our flesh, the world and be separate and holy. Those who refuse to separate from the works of darkness will never see God, only the pure in heart can see Him. Everyone wants to get to Heaven but nobody wants God to be there when they arrive. Such irreverence and blasphemy have permeated our youth today! So often people make statements like “ride on King Jesus” and “Jesus my buddy.” The way in which some people refer to Christ and God you would think they believe they will get to Heaven, run up to God and say “Hey buddy, thanks for everything.” They have no concept of God, for they are ignorant of His holiness, His purity and His terror. When you get to Heaven you won’t run up to Jesus and greet Him like your “homeboy,” you will plant your face on the ground and lie paralyzed in sheer terror at His awesome presence! Lastly, and these are only to name a few, we do not hunger after God’s Word. Oh there are parts of it we love to hear on feeling special, being blessed, building up, getting together for the Gospel, encouraging, fellowshipping with believers and our deliverance from Hell; but we never want to hear of recognizing our depravity, being tried and tested, tearing down strongholds, separating unto the Gospel, confronting, getting alone in a cave with God  and our deliverance from this evil world and all its entrapments.

Forgive me if I sound angry or accusing, my heart is truly broken and I want to see God’s hand bring revival. But how can He send it before we prepare our hearts and face the reality we are in?

 ³And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

Samuel heard their groaning, their mourning and their weeping. He confronts them to put feet to their prayers and prove they were truly repentant. What did he tell them to do? To put away the strange gods, prepare their hearts unto the LORD and serve Him only. What a sermon he gave in those few words! If we could only do the same, we might see revival. You might say, “but we don’t have strange gods.” Oh but we do! They’re everywhere. Television, facebook, twitter, movies, socializing, sports, music, pop culture; the list is endless. Not all these things are inherently bad, but when put above or equal with our passion for and time with God, they become idols. Dr. Ken Cassias made the statement at Bible Conference that facebook and twitter will be evidence on Judgment Day that we had all the time we needed and more to spend time thinking on God and growing in Him. We all have the same 24 hours in a day and get done what we need, and some get done what we want. Do we need God or not? If God is to send revival, we must rid ourselves of all false gods in our lives and prepare our hearts unto God and serve Him alone. We cannot hold onto our idols in one hand and claim to serve God simultaneously, it is impossible.

⁴Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

The Israelites genuinely repented and put away their idols. True repentance always goes beyond tears and empty decisions and promises. They did not just “make a camp decision” if you will. They cut off and plucked out. They proved their decision was a life changing one. That is was true repentance does; it brings about action.

⁵And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD.

Mizpeh was a sacred place where the people gathered when a special event or worship service. God’s people must be in His house before He can speak to them. Samuel says he will pray for them. As I already mentioned, we desperately need ministers that pray for their people. Praying for sicknesses and traveling safety and needs are fine, but more important is interceding prayer for the sinfulness and rebellion that floods God’s house.

 ⁶And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, we have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

Drawing water was a sign of repentance. They publicly repented and fasted. They weren’t fasting to impress others with their pseudo-spirituality; they were far too concerned with seeking God’s face than nourishing their physical needs. They confessed their sin to God. As humans, we hate ever admitting we’re wrong, let alone that we are wretched sinners against a holy God! When true revival comes, not some altar call that only lasts as long as the organ plays, men and women openly confess their sins to God and repent unto righteousness and holy living. I want to see it; we can see it. Oh that God would send it and give us grace to bear it.

⁷And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

The Philistines thought a national revival service would be an excellent time to wipe out all Israel. Mark it down, when God speaks and works, the Devil is mad and will try to counteract God. When a prophet of God speaks and preaches truth, the Devil will always stir some kind of resistance against him and his work. The preacher who knows nothing of resistance knows nothing of serving God and proclaiming the truth. Standing for God and proclaiming His word has never gone without satanic opposition, even from within the Church. Satan uses whoever he can to disrupt the working of God; he is not picky about who works for him.

 ⁸And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.

The Israelites cried unto the man of God that he might intercede for them. They knew Samuel had the power and blessing of God upon him and that his prayer life was alive and fervent. Oh that God’s people knew their pastors were men who knew what it was to agonize in prayer over their congregations. Oh that we all knew what it meant to have a prayer life so powerful and real that people could ask us to intercede on their behalf and know we would get a hold of God.

⁹And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.

The LORD “heard him.” What a testimony this is. We know that God does not always hear us when we pray—if there is sin in our lives. Samuel had a direct line to God and nothing hindered it. The LORD heard his prayer; and may He hear ours.

 ¹⁰And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.

If the Church had men who prayed as Samuel did, the enemies of God would experience the same fate; they would shake in terror at the awesome power of God and would fear and tremble. Sadly, the world and the enemies of the Church know little of this today. It is sadly the Church who trembles in fear and is smitten.

¹¹And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.

¹²Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

Samuel made a monument of the LORD’s intervention. Let us never forget His intervention for us and times where He has delivered us.

¹³So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

God’s enemies were subdued and no longer harassed the people of God. Oh that we might see that binding and loosing power promised by Christ! The hand of God was against the Philistines all the days Samuel lived. Why? Because that man had a walk and prayer life with God that was real and besought God and subdued His enemies.

Revival Series: Part 2

Exodus 33:2-23; Exodus 34:28-35

We left off last time with the Israelites mourning at the absence of God’s presence. Now we arrive at a suspense in the narrative where Israel is told to mourn and stay quiet while God and Moses discuss what He will do with them.

 ⁵For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.

This was surely a fearful and anxious time for the Israelites. Even though those untrue to God had been put to the sword, God was still heavily grieved with the remnant and I cannot imagine the sheer terror they faced–knowing at any moment God might destroy them as well. This only goes to show us how serious God is about disobedience to His word. Even something seemingly small to us is not small in God’s sight.

⁶And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.

The stripping of ornaments (jewelry) was not because jewelry is sinful. We know this because several chapters later we them wearing jewelry again. It was a sign of serious repentance. Jewelry was a status symbol; it meant one had wealth and brought attention to themselves and their financial standing. When God’s people truly repent, they will cast aside their pride and that which draws attention to themselves and humble their hearts and bodies before God. Such a display of humility was a somber sight.

⁷And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.

Moses set up the sacred tent outside the camp, “far off.” Sometimes we have to venture away from the camp and into seclusion to find God. Many examples throughout Scripture show us where men, even Christ, went out away from everyone else and all distractions to intensely seek the face of God.

⁹And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.

What a sight that must have been! The pillar was the sign of God’s presence and it descended where Moses stood. This confirmed that God was with Moses. Imagine a one on one conversation with the LORD! We can have intimate fellowship with God, but we cannot have such a conversation, at least not this side of Heaven. Moses got to do something only a handful of men have done: carry on a two-way conversation with Jehovah.

¹⁰And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.

As Moses talked with God, all the people stood in their doors and watched; they bowed in worship. Even though they were not speaking to God or hearing the conversation, they were overwhelmed by the awe of His presence and nearness. Do we have the same reaction? Maybe we’ve never known or sensed God’s presence in such a way. God’s presence is not a given. It must be sought and besought through prayer.

 ¹¹And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

What a description! Face to face. (We know Moses did not actually see God’s face, because later we see that no man can see God’s face and live.) What does this mean. It appears to describe the manner in which he and God conversed rather than the physical conversation. God talked to Moses as a friend talks to a close companion. What an amazing compliment that God would call a finite, sinful man His friend. As Moses left the tabernacle to tell Israel of the verdict, Joshua did not follow him; he stayed in the tabernacle. The Scriptures are silent on why or what he did. Perhaps he was so overwhelmed by what he had just seen he was too fearful to move. Maybe he was too excited to leave. The incident of Peter on the mount of Transfiguration comes to mind, which suggests that Joshua didn’t want to leave. Such is an encounter with God. We won’t want to leave. Oh that we might have such an encounter!

¹²And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

¹³Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

Moses prayed for God’s guidance. If only we would learn to pray such a prayer. If God is not guiding us, then we are at best unguided; at worst, misguided.

¹⁴And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

¹⁵And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.

The LORD promised Moses He would be with him. Moses then says that unless God remains with him he doesn’t want to go into the promised land. Moses didn’t want the blessings or the rewards, but wanted God’s presence. So many “Christians” today are more concerned with receiving a spiritual high, blessings, money, rewards and their spiritual reputation than they are with having God with them. They live striving to receive God’s blessings and benefits without Him. Some walk around in arrogant and spiritual pride wondering why no one recognizes them as God’s gift to their church or school. Here’s why: because God is not with them, they’re only using God’s way to bolster their own Pharisaic ego. We must seek God’s presence above all benefits! Moses got it; he didn’t care about what he got out of God, he just wanted God. God’s benefits without Him are worthless. God’s presence, regardless of benefits is priceless.

¹⁶For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

What makes believers different from the rest of the world? Simply put, God’s presence and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

¹⁷And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

Moses wanted all the nations of the Earth to know that Israel was different and had God. Does the world think so of us? That was God’s intention from the beginning, however, much of the Church and believers today look so close to the world, I seriously wonder if they could tell. We must be different; the world should see a stark contrast. So many of the Lord’s people have little time for being a testimony to the world because they are far too busy trying to play in it. Leonard Ravenhill asked a good question in his sermons when he would say, “Are you crucified to the world tonight or does it fascinate you?” It is a haunting question. Truly, so many of God’s people are fascinated by the very thing God desires and commands us to be separate from.

¹⁸And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

Moses wanted to see God’s glory even more than ever before. Do we want to see God’s glory? I don’t think many of us do, because if we did we would either go into shock or die from the sheer awe. So many people sing and talk about wanting to see God in His glory, but do they really know what they are asking? As Isaiah found out, the closer we get to God and the clearer we see Him in His glory, the more fearful and ashamed we become–realizing our horrid uncleanness before Him. Perhaps you want to see His glory, just make sure you know what you ask for and what may happen as a result. You may be changed forever, your life never being the same again.

¹⁹And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

²⁰And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

As mentioned earlier, no mortal man can see God’s face and live to tell it. Why? Because mortal flesh cannot contain the beauty and majesty of His glory and His pure holiness. Moses asked for the impossible, but God did not utterly refuse him.

²¹And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:

²²And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

²³And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

God would hide Moses in the rock and pass over him. Moses would only see the back parts. What does this mean and what does it signify? We cannot see God, but we can see where He has been and where His presence has passed by. I am not too encouraged when I hear someone say “We are going to have a revival service this week, etc.” Well, maybe you will, maybe you won’t. No one will know until afterwards. God does not automatically show up. Many quote the passage “Where two or more are gathered in my name there I am in the midst,” but many forget all about the “in my name” part. If we are not meeting in His name, with His blessing and His approval, we are wasting everyone’s time. God must be invited and His house must first be cleansed and ready for His visit. Jesus did not enter the Temple, His house, and worship immediately, first He had to get rid of the corruption and those misusing it. When Jesus comes back again He won’t cleanse the temple, he’ll cleanse the pulpits and pews.

Exodus 34

²⁸And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Moses miraculously was sustained by God during his lengthy fast. When God is near, Earthly matters and even material needs are irrelevant.

²⁹And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

Imagine the sight! When Moses spent that time with God, everyone knew it. He didn’t have to advertise it. So many people love to advertise their time with God and impress others with what they learned and how spiritual they are. I’m so tired of seeing people trying to impress others with their pseudo-spirituality. If they would meet God desiring to see His glory instead of their own, perhaps they would not need work so hard trying to convince others of their spirituality. Moses didn’t have to say a thing, his face shone with the glory of God. When you and I truly meet with God in secret, we won’t have to tell anyone; they will see it in our life and even our countenance.

³⁰And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.

The people feared to come near him. Have you ever seen someone so close to God and just having been in a meeting with God that you were in awe and feared disturb them?

³³And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.

In stead of advertising his encounter with God, Moses had to cover his face to keep from blinding the people. Modesty and humility are always so much better than flaunting one’s own delusion of spirituality. The LORD does not need us advertising His presence; when it comes, people will know it.

³⁵And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

After we encounter God in His glory, we will be different, think different, act different, even look different. Such an encounter with God should change us. If you think you have met God and don’t change, you met someone or something else. It is impossible to see the glory of God and not be drastically effected. That’s what revival is: seeing the majesty and holiness of God, seeing our own sinfulness and corruption and responding in reverent worship and an intimate fellowshipping with Him. When this happens, we will repent of our sins, put off earthly distractions, forsake idols and serve the LORD with our whole hearts. Revival costs nothing, but requires everything. We can’t buy revival, we can’t induce it. We can only pray for it and prepare our own hearts and then be willing to change everything in our lives should God send it. That is in essence why we never see it; most people don’t want the consequences of revival. They want to enter the promised land without encountering God.

Thoughts on BJU Bible Conference 2011

I have been attending Bible Conferences at Bob Jones University for eight years; four in the Academy and four in the University. While there have been conferences where a particular sermon stood out as powerful and memorable, never before in my eight years of attending have so many powerful and convicting messages been preached in a single week, and all with the same underlying theme.

The speakers were assigned no theme, but each message pointed us back to the power and sufficiency of the Word of God.

My favorite sermons were:

Jeremiah - Bud Steadman – The text was Jeremiah 1, a passage the Lord has used in my life many times. Jeremiah was chosen before birth as a prophet to Israel and the nations. The Lord chose him to spend 40 years preaching repentance and coming judgment, knowing that no one would repent. Jeremiah had hesitations about his calling–saying he was too young and inexperienced. The Lord comforted Jeremiah with the fact that He was with him and was the true source of his message.

Jeremiah’s Message – Bud Steadman – Jeremiah 7-10 was the text. This sermon focussed on the message of Jeremiah and his audience’s response. Jeremiah ministered faithfully for 40 years, suffering imprisonment, mistreatment, deportation, forsaken by family, friends, rejected, ignored, despised and depression. Most men today, even in our circles, would have considered Jeremiah a total failure. He never saw a revival, a response, an altar call, a mission board’s founding, a church built; he did however get two books written–Jeremiah, the record of his “failure” of a ministry and Lamentations, his weeping and wailing over Israel’s rejection of God’s warning.

Men of God  - Bob Potter – Psalm 78 – This message hit the proverbial nail on the head. The single most destructive and rampant weakness in Fundamentalism and the church in general is the lack of godly fathers who lead their homes spiritually and make sure their children are brought up in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

The Living Word of God – Rev. Innes – Hebrews 4:12 – This was the most convicting message to my heart. To see an elderly man so filled with passion and energy just over the fact that God’s Word is alive! How moving! So often we approach the Bible routinely and forget that it is literally alive with power–to either feed us and grow us in Christ-likeness or to expose and reveal the wickedness of our hearts. The Bible can pierce the deepest strongholds of the human mind and heart–cutting apart our pride and excuses with razor sharp precision. This message will be my most memorable  in eight years of Bible Conferences.

In addition to the blessing this message was to me, Dr. Bob Jones III said it was the confirmation in his heart of the Holy Spirit’s coordination of the theme “The Word of God” for the conference. He also said he was greatly moved and convicted by it and that he believed the Lord was telling us that we need to return to the old landmarks; he said that perhaps we have been too engaged in the culture and had lost our bearings.

I believe we and the church overall has been too concerned that we fit into the current culture and we do need a shift back towards the old landmarks. We must stop worrying about offending the culture and stay true to the Scriptures in spite of the culture.

This last week was a tremendous blessing to me, students, faculty and staff and I believe was specifically orchestrated of God to bring about reform and a return to the “old paths” spoken to us by the prophet Jeremiah.

Visit Zahal.org: The Israeli Military Store

(Click the Zahal image in the right-hand sidebar)

This is an awesome website / store that provides Israeli Defense Forces merchandise.

Zahal sells authentic:

IDF uniforms, apparel, gun accessories, holsters, t-shirts, patches, DVD’s and gifts.

Also on their site are Mossad products. (I especially endorse the Mossad watch.)

Support the Israeli Defense Forces and get great stuff doing it. Head to Zahal, the only licensed dealer of IDF merchandise.

Don’t Tread on Me: The TSA’s Crimes Against America

I know I have repeatedly posted links to stories about the TSA scans and pat downs, but these events are quite significant in our nation’s overall History and future. While I desire to have airlines that are safe and terror-free, I cannot but help suspect that the government is using terrorism and homeland security as an excuse to invade our privacy and to encroach upon our Constitutional rights.

Don’t label me an extreme conspiracy theorist for saying this, but every time you hear that the government is trying to protect you, you are about to lose freedoms and privacy. The patriot act was such a government move. Under the name of homeland security, the government now has every right to intrusively spy on its citizens.

While I believe terrorists truly exist and poise real threats, I am quite skeptical of the amount the government blows out of proportion to help itself to our freedoms and rights.

The pat downs that are going on even right now are horrendous violations of human privacy and are traumatic ordeals for most law abiding citizens.

I argue for stronger profiling. Why can’t we just follow the example of the Israeli security forces, who profile unapologetically and without hesitation. If you see a Muslim in full garb or other shady character, you should interrogate them, frisk them and do whatever you deem necessary to ensure they are no threat; but groping and patting down every American citizen you desire is not profiling but mass encroachment and mass violation of the 4th Amendment right of every American citizen.

The TSA is in violation of privacy, decency and the United States Constitution and must answer for their crimes against the American people. Lawsuits are being filed, flights being canceled, the air-travel industry banned. Good. If everyone rejects the tyranny, a difference can and will be made. How much more are we as American citizens going to take before drawing the line?

I may sound mad, well….I am! I hope you understand why and are just as outraged. This is an attack on freedom and the early stages of a tyranny the founding fathers fought to be rid of.

Replacement Theology: Antisemitism at its Best.

All three services today at Agnew Road Baptist Church, Greenville, S.C. were taught by Dr. Bob Shelton. Dr. Shelton is an expert and life long student of Bible Prophecy. During two of the services, he made reference to a theological concept known as “replacement theology” – which says,  “the Church and the Nation of Israel are virtually and practicably the same organization. That the Church was not founded in the New Testament but was in fact Old Testament Israel. Therefore the Nation of Israel is no longer dealt with by God but has transformed into what we know as the New Testament Church and all promises and prophecies concerning Israel have or will be fulfilled through the New Testament Church.

I am writing this article because some friends of mine were not really sure about what this “replacement theology really was. I am guessing that there were many others present who also did not know much about it. I hope this little blurb helps bring some light on the subject.

First of all, here is a link to the Dave Hunt’s website in regards to the topic: http://www.thebereancall.org/node/841

Dave Hunt is an extremely knowledgeable Church Historian and Theologian who holds the Scripture above all human thought and opinion. At the link location, you will find commentary, verse references and a downloadable mp3 on the issue of replacement theology.

Back when I was into Reformed theology, I heard very much and read very heavily on the idea that God had used the New Testament Church to fulfill the Old Testament promises to national Israel. I once believed such claims, but now see a very different message from Scripture alone.

To believe in replacement theology, one must twist Scripture and lift verses out of their proper context to make the “doctrine” work. The entire Bible is quite clear that the Church was not in existence in the Old Testament but was founded by Jesus Christ in at the close of His ministry on Earth. Jesus told Peter that upon the rock of Christ He would build His Church. He did NOT say that He had been building His church since the Old Testament and that the New Testament believers would be an addition to the previous construction. Again I would like to emphasize the clarity of the language which says plainly that the Church was a new thing founded personally by the Lord Jesus.

To suggest that God has ended His dealings with the Jews and turned the Church for Israel’s OT promises being fulfilled requires one to ignore Old Testament prophecy, mar the character of God, exclude Romans 11 and to embrace antisemitism.

I have met people who believe in replacement theology and have found them extremely antisemitic. It is no surprise to me, for it is quite hard to embrace replacement theology without already being antisemitic or without failing to soon become antisemitic. History tells us that such replacement theology had its place in the Protestant Reformation with Martin Luther as well. Luther wrote and said unprintable things about the Jews, who he said “murdered the Messiah and deserved to die for it.” It is commonly reported in secular Historical records that after Luther’s or his followers “sermons” against the Jews, the people listening would often run from the church and do violence and even murder to local Jews out of hatred for the ones who had murdered Christ. [On a side note, and I hope this shocks you; guess whose writings were used as the foundations as Adolf Hitler's Holocaust against the Jews in the 1940's? Martin Luther's. Hitler took Luther's 16th century writings and put them into 20th century practice. Denial of property, land, rights, marking with the star, extermination; all those things were derived by Hitler and the Nazis from Luther's writings.]

May God pity those who embrace replacement theology and engage in antisemitism against His chosen people. Yes, Israel is in darkness and rejection, but there are many who believe in Christ and in the Tribulation Millions will turn in a national revival! God will wipe out the enemies of Israel, He will give them there entire land title, and will solemnly judge all who made war or trouble against her, whether by weaponry or poor theology.

They are the apple of His eye. Love them, pray for them, reach them, weep for them; and at the end of time you will rejoice with them.

Please don’t fall for another trap of human opinion usurping the bounds of Scripture. Beware of replacement theology. The only thing replaced in that theology is Scripture.

Obama Is Anti-Israel: Netanyahu’s Brother-In-Law Speaks Out

This is an interesting follow-up article in regards to Obama’s pressure on Israel to stop construction on the East Jerusalem housing developments.

note: I have no idea why some of the words are spelled the way they are; this is from an Israeli news source, so the translation process may caused the mistakes.

Enjoy,

KW

Netanyahu’s Brother-in-Law: Obama’s an Anti-Semite by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu Bibi’s In-Law: Obama Anti-Semite

Dr. Hagai Ben-Artzi, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s brother-in-law, labeled U.S. President Barack Obama an anti-Semite in two radio interviews Wednesday. The Prime Minister immediately disassociated himself from his remarks and outright rejected them.

The time has come to tell the truth.†Dr. Ben-Artzi told Arutz-7 radio
(Hebrew). “I understand the Prime Minister’s reaction to me, but the truth must be told. Obama is an anti-Semite.†He said that Israel is dealing with “a president who was educated by anti-Semitic preacher Jeremiah Wright.â€

He also told IDF Army Radio that Wright (pictured) is “anti-Israeli, anti-Jewish and anti-Semitic.” Obama was a devotee of Wright for two decades but distanced himself from the preacher during the presidential campaign two years ago.

Dr. Ben-Artzi told Arutz-7 that the United States is important to Israel from both the economic and security standpoints, but when “the United States makes demands on Jerusalem, the time has come to tell the truth

God is Good, in the New Testament and the Old

I have been reading in the Old Testament over the last several weeks; both in Genesis and in Exodus. I must confess that closer and more thorough meditation upon the text, especially in Exodus, has shown me with a renewed fervor that God is not more harsh in the Old testament and more forgiving in the New; He is love, has been love and will be forever.

He is a God that values human life, that desires man to walk and talk with Him, but He also must be treated with reverence and must be viewed as the holy and righteous God He is.

Today I was reading in the passages where God lays out the specific laws of His covenant with the people of Israel; I used to think of these bylaws as boring and irrelevant to me, a New testament Gentile, but now see that those bylaws illustrate principles that are above the dimension of time (or cannot become outdated.)

I now see that those laws, as all of the Old Testament laws do, point to command of loving God. If we love God as He commands us to, all other laws and rules are taken care of.

I am thrilled and warmed within once again to see that my God is a loving and caring God who wants to know me on the deepest levels; May we all know and love the LORD as He intends us to.

God bless,

K.D.W.