MESSAGE FOR THE NEW YEAR 2010

Joshua 1:1-9 (King James Version)
1Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
2Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
3Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
4From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
5There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.
8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

BRETHREN:

As we begin a new year, let us face it unafraid and without fear .
Isaiah 41:10
10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Rather, let us always remember that we are people of faith
Romans 1:17
17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

and know in our hearts that as HE, our God and Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ was faithful in the whole year of 2009, so HE WILL AND MUST BE FAITHFUL this coming new year 2010.

Our God continue to speak (LORD spake, saying v. 1) to His people through His Pure Words in the KJBible. Let us allow Him to do so in the New Year 2010. When He do speaks, it will be consistent and in agreement with His Precious Pure Words. Never contrary!

The LORD commands (now therefore arise, go over v.2) His children to face the New Year 2010 with the assurance that His Divine presence is theirs to appropriate by faith every day of the coming new year.

The LORD gives (that have I given unto you v. 3) to His children through His Pure Words, exceeding great and precious promises that we can lay hold off everyday of the New Year to get us through the whole year ahead of us.

2 Peter 1:4
4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Romans 4:21
21And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

This is a promise that every authentic, genuine, true believer in the LORD Jesus Christ must appropriate and consider as his/her’s throughout the coming New year. Verse 5 “ as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee”.

Therefore, this is my bold confession: “The God of Moses is the same God I believe in, thus, as he was with Moses, so He will be with me, never to fail or forsake me every day of the New Year 2010. Praise His Holy Name!”

The LORD reiterates His command in verse 6: Do not be fearful of anything in 2010 but Trusts Him. He commands us to be strong and very courageous (v.7). We are to deliberately and intentionally obey the LORD for our own good. Never hesitate to respond always in obedience to His Pure Words for obedience always will and must bring the blessing of God in our lives.

I strongly suggest: memorize Joshua 1:7-9 at the start of the New year 2010. Make it a goal to deliberately memorize scriptures (in the KJV only). It will do you well to do so both physically and spiritually.

Proverbs 4:20-22
20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

A Blessed Happy and Bountiful New year To You All!

Note: All Scriptures Only in the King James Bible!

KNOWING GOD'S WILL

Brethren:

Am posting a message of David Cloud on "Knowing God's Will".

I pray that you, the reader be blessed, encouraged and more so
challenged in your heart and spirit to pursue this most important
aspect of the believers' life.

Don't fail to know and pursue God's Will for your life. It is the
only life worthwhile living and pursuing. The opposite is a waste
and will be full of regrets of what might have been.

Manny

KNOWING GOD’S WILL

December 8, 2009 (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org;

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:1-8).

We see here that God has a great work in this world and He has called on His people to participate. There is a perfect will of God for each believer. If you are saved, you are called.

We see that the will of God must be proven. Salvation is a gift but God’s will is a prize to be sought.

Further, the will of God is not a future possibility but a present reality. If you don’t do the will of God today you can’t know the will of God tomorrow.

Following salvation, there are four steps that are emphasized in Romans 12 for those who want to know God’s will.

1. KNOWING GOD’S WILL REQUIRES SURRENDER AND DEDICATION.

“that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Presenting one’s body as a living sacrifice to God is a free-will decision. God does not force us to be saved, and He does not force us to devote our lives wholly to Him after salvation. He wants us to do this from a willing heart. Thus, there are hard choices that must be made for those who want to know God’s will. I must choose to dedicate myself to Christ rather than to the pursuit of selfish desires. I must deny the flesh and pursue the Spirit. Most people devote their lives to money, pleasure, ease, comfort, security, prestige, and such things. The child of God has the privilege of pursuing a higher calling.

This is a decision that is motivated by God’s love. We love God because He first loves us. We do not pursue the will of God in order to be saved; we pursue it because we are saved and we want to please the One who has saved us by His grace through the great price that was paid on Calvary.

This is a reasonable decision. It is reasonable because knowing and serving God is the purpose of life (Ecclesiastes 12:13). It is reasonable because life apart from God’s will is vanity. That is the theme of the book of Ecclesiastes. It is reasonable to dedicate my life to Christ because God’s will brings great reward (Heb. 11:24-27). A missionary once said, “A man is not unwise to give up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

This is a personal decision. Young people are often deeply concerned about what other young people are thinking and doing. There is “peer pressure,” but if I want to know God’s will I must move beyond that and focus my attention on pleasing God alone.

This is also a daily decision. Dedicating myself to the Lord’s will is not something that can be done once; it must be done repeatedly. Many times a young person will get fired up at a church meeting or a summer camp or a youth or missions conference, and he or she will surrender to the Lord’s will, but due to the pressures of life and spiritual warfare this decision can fade away if it is not renewed daily.

2. KNOWING GOD’S WILL REQUIRES SEPARATION.

“and be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2).

At the very heart of knowing God’s will is the issue of separation from the evil things of the world. It is not optional, because God is a holy God.

The word “conformed” implies that we are weak and can be molded. The world is evangelistic. It is not content to mind its own business. It seeks to conform the believer to its philosophy and lifestyle.

Separation is thus absolutely necessary to know God’s will.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:15-16).

“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:12).

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11).

The world has poured into Christian homes and churches through the rock & roll pop culture, but the believer that wants to know God’s perfect will must reject it and pursue holiness and righteousness. We deal with this extensively in the new book “KEEPING THE KIDS” in the chapter on “Separation: Unplugging from the Pop Culture.”

There we have noted that according to 2 Timothy 2:22, separation is not just a “negative” issue.

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

We see, first, that separation is a matter of spiritual and moral protection. Timothy was told to “flee also youthful lusts.” That gives the image of running from some great danger. God does not want to take pleasurable things away from His people. He is the Author of every good gift (James 1:17). When He made Adam and Eve, He put them in the loveliest Garden one could imagine. He designed it for them to provide them with every wonderful and pleasurable thing. God is not some cruel person who wants to harass people with meaningless laws. His command to separate from the evil things of the world is designed to protect us from spiritual and moral destruction. It is designed to keep us out of the devil’s cruel clutches.

Second, in 2 Timothy 2:22 we are reminded that separation is a heart matter. Timothy was instructed to pursue holiness “with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” If the heart is right, the believer will respond positively to the Lord’s command to separate from evil. Before I was saved, I grew my hair out long as a flag of rebellion and pride. I refused to cut it for love or money, but after I was saved I cut it when I was challenged by an elderly woman that long hair was not befitting for a young man claiming to be a follower of Christ. I cut it because my heart was right with God and I wanted to do His will instead of my own. That is why I gave up smoking and quit listening to rock & roll and many other things.

Third, we see in 2 Timothy 2:22 that separation is a replacement matter. Timothy was instructed not only to flee from sinful things but also to “follow” godly things. It is not enough to give up sensual music and worldly fashions and friends that hinder one’s spiritual walk and such; the child of God must add godly friends and sacred music and edifying literature and wholesome activities.

3. KNOWING GOD’S WILL REQUIRES TRANSFORMATION.

“but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Knowing God’s will requires not only dedication and separation; it requires spiritual transformation. This is the way of victory over the world. By transformation the image of Christ can become fashioned in the believer so firmly that the world cannot mold him into its own foolish and corrupt image.

Spiritual transformation comes by the renewing of the mind, and the renewing of the mind comes through the Bible. We must learn to think God’s thoughts and that is what transforms the life, and that comes through the reading and study of and meditation on God’s Word.

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalms 119:9).

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).

It has been said that a dusty Bible indicates a dirty heart, and the Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from Bible.

Spiritual transformation comes by the power of the Holy Spirit. We must yield to Him, put Him in the driver’s seat. This is what it means to “be filled with the Spirit.”

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:16-17).

Further, spiritual transformation is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and persistence and dedication.

4. KNOWING GOD’S WILL REQUIRES MINISTRY.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...” (Romans 12:3-6).

To know God’s perfect will it is not enough to surrender to Christ and to separate from the world and to read the Bible; we must also get busy serving the Lord. Knowing God’s will is not a matter of waiting around for something to happen; it is a matter of getting busy doing what we know that we should do at any given time, and God leads us in His perfect will step by step, day by day, week by week, year by year. As we read the Bible we must obey the Bible, and if we do this we are walking in God’s will.

In Romans 12 we are reminded that there are two aspects to the ministry, general (Romans 12:9-21) and specific (Romans 12:6-8). Every believer has a particular gift and ministry, and we find that particular calling by getting busy in God’s general calling, which involves walking in obedience and holiness. As the believer obeys the things that he knows God wants him to do, such as obeying one’s parents and loving one’s wife and honoring one’s husband and being faithful to church and sharing the gospel, God leads him along and reveals His particular calling more and more clearly.

We see in Romans 12 that knowing God’s will requires sober thinking (Rom. 12:3). This means I must not think too highly of myself. It involves humility. I must not think that God has given me more than He has. For example, there is a three-foot-tall man in Nepal. He is currently the world’s shortest man. The Bible says that God made him, and if he were to put his faith in Christ and seek God’s will, he would find that he has a specific spiritual calling, but he would have to accept his place. If he were to aspire to be a professional basketball player, he would doubtless be sorely frustrated and disappointed! There are people who can’t sing well that want to be singers, and people who aren’t good with children who want to work in children’s ministries, and men who can’t preach who want to be preachers, and men who aren’t qualified to be pastors who want to be pastors. I have seen many men who have not been content to be what God has called them; they want to be something else, and as a result they cause frustration in their own lives and confusion in the church.

To think soberly also means the believer should not think too lowly of himself. Every believer has a special calling and an important place in the Lord’s work in this present world. In the human body there are many members, and each one of them is important to the overall function of the body. The same is true in the church.

We are also reminded in Romans 12 that the church is essential for knowing God’s will. Paul mentions “the body” in verse 4. That is a reference to the church. It is the pillar and ground of the truth and the house of God (1 Timothy 3:15). It is the God-ordained institution of training and discipling. It is the place of spiritual protection. It is the headquarters for world evangelism (Acts 13:1-4).

Knowing God’s will is not complicated. It simply means starting where you are and obeying God step by step. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23).

I have never met a person who regretted finding God’s perfect will, but I have met many that have regretted missing God’s perfect will. Young people, don’t be foolish and throw away the wonderful opportunity that you have to surrender your life to God in your youth and to pursue His perfect will.

To make major decisions, such as about marriage and job and education, apart from God’s perfect will is dangerous in the extreme.

____________________________

TEN EVIDENCES A TRUE BORN AGAIN BELIEVER POSSESSES

_The following is excerpted from the book, "How Can I Except Some Man Should Guide Me? A Plan and Program for Bringing Children to Faith in Jesus Christ," Pastor Kerry James Allen, Copyright 1996, Fox River Baptist Church, Box 1094, Oswego, IL. 60543. This gives some good, solid evidences of a person who has been born again. Jesus said, "By their fruits shall ye know them." Examine yourself against these criteria. The article on this site Who are You? is devoted to this same topic. God does not leave us out in the dark on this thing.
_______________________________________

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
I John 2:3-4

INTRODUCTION
I've pondered Matthew 7:21-23 more than once and I know that these will be terrifying words for those to whom they are spoken. Jesus says,
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father, which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

In this verse, Jesus does not say that a few misguided souls have a false hope of heaven. He says MANY. He is talking to people who think they are Christians. Nowadays there are a lot of people who say that they are Christians who will not enter heaven. These are people who think that they are going to make it in to glory on their lip service. But when they stand before the King and Judge, they will be rejected. When Jesus says "Depart" you can't appeal and try to get a second chance, you got to go. I KNOW they will be terrified.

Included here? All those who choose to "worship" God according to their own beliefs and not God's word. This includes, cultists who claim a Jesus/gospel different from the Bible, e.g., Catholics, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, Christian Scientists, hypocrites along with every Protestant denomination follower who puts their trust in their denomination, and church attendance (and all other religions other than Biblical Christianity).

To be a Christian, you must repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus.
REPENT means saying, "I'm sick of sin and living my own way. I want to live under God's commands!"

BELIEVE means believing that Jesus died for your sins, was buried and rose on the third day and accepting His sacrifice for you. It means saying "Yes Lord! I love you! I want to serve you!" James says the devils believe and tremble--saving belief is more than acknowledging that the claims of Christ are true.

Many people think getting saved means saying, "the sinner's prayer"--that is a lie. They believe some mystical thing happens at reciting some words. No! The prayer is a confession of belief on the Lord. Romans 10:9 says,
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, AND shalt BELIEVE in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Jesus said "Repent ye and believe the gospel." Throughout the whole Bible, we see God telling people, in essence, "Turn from your wicked ways unto me and live." (e.g., Ezekiel 33:11) This is repentance--forsaking the sin lifestyle and saying "Yes, I'll submit to God's ways". Doing some good deeds is not repentance. That's trying to be good enough and that ain't gonna work--Isaiah 64:6 says that even our righteousnesses outside of God are as filthy rags. Saying some words is not repentance. The Bible says, "By the works of the flesh shall no man be justified," so the act of speaking don't do it.

If you are a true believer, your life will demonstrate it and the Bible tells us that over and over again. For us Christians, I believe that in our zeal to stem the cults, we emphasize faith and do not put like proper emphasis on the evidences of saving faith which is a life of holiness. I can say, "I really want to go to Harvard." But if I skip school, don't do my homework, and go to sleep in class, do I really want to go? NO WAY! Anybody could see that because my actions betray my confession.

It is no different in confessing Jesus. People say, "I believe Jesus is Lord," yet they curse without abandon, don't go to church, love everything this wicked world has to offer, don't feel convicted of sin, and are uninterested in the things of God. Does this person believe to the saving of the soul? Good chance that the answer is no. Is this a matter of trying to be God and determine who will make it in? No! It is a question of life and death and telling people the truth!

Saving faith will manifest itself in good works. Just read James, Hebrews, I John, Romans--the gospels. If no change occurs in a person's life, we have plenty of scriptures to let us know that there is a VERY good chance true conversion never took place to begin with. Works do not save, but a saving faith will cause good works.

Another analogy--apples do not make an apple tree an apple tree. Before any fruit appeared it was an apple tree. With time, sunshine, water and other factors, the precious fruit cometh forth. Same thing with a saved person. They have Jesus Christ within. With the word of God, working of the Holy Ghost, the brethern and time, good works will come forth like fine treasure hidden from within an earthen vessel.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
We are not saved by our works, but when we are saved, our life will certainly reflect that decision by our good works. ("Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" James 2:17.) Do you have total 100% assurance that you possess eternal life, and if someone asked you to prove it to them from a Bible, could you do it?

DO YOU SHOW EVIDENCES OF SPIRITUAL LIFE?
Following are ten evidences the true believer in Jesus Christ possesses, all from the epistle of First John. These are what Jonathan Edwards called "holy affections." Please read these pages, and ask yourself how many of these are manifested in your life. If you don't have that kind of evidence and assurance, please seek someone out who can help you, or give us a call.

"But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you ... and things that accompany salvation..." Hebrews 6:9

I. SUBMISSIVE RESPECT
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8)
Do you respect God? Is your opinion just as important or even more relevant than His? Are God's pronouncements authoritative in your life? Is Jesus Christ your Lord?

II. SCRIPTURE OBEDIENCE
"But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him" (1 John 2:5)
Do you read the Bible daily? Do you read the Scriptures seeking to obey what you find? Are you in rebellion against God's Word or in submission to it? Do you love the Bible?

III. SOCIETAL REJECTION
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15)
Do you love the world, your money, and your possessions? Do they mean more to you than Jesus Christ and His approval? Would you be willing to give up all for Christ?

IV. STEADFAST FAITHFULNESS
"They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us" (1 John 2:19)
Are you faithful in regular fellowship with God's people in a local church? Are you able to be sparse in church attendance for weeks at a time without any real guilt about it? Do you long for fellowship with the saints in the assembly?

V. SECOND COMING ANTICIPATION
"When he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:2-3)
Are you living in the daily awareness that Jesus Christ will return for His own? Are you eagerly looking forward to His coming for you? Does your daily life reflect the fact that He may come today? Are you ready to meet Him at any time?

VI. SIN SENSITIVITY
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God" (1 John 3:9)
Does your sin bother you? Do you wish you sinned less than you do? Are you sinning less now than when you first made a profession of faith in Christ? Do you enjoy your sin, or does it affect your happiness? Do you realize God sees all sin?

VII. SIBLING LOVE
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death" (1 John 3:14)
Do you love other believers in Jesus Christ? Do you enjoy being in their company, or would you rather be with the people of the world? Are Christians your dearest friends?

VIII. SUPPLICATIONS ANSWERED
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight" (1 John 3:22)
Do you pray? Can you point to specific answers that could have come from no one but God? Do you find yourself conversing regularly with God as a trusted friend?

IX. SHARP DISCERNMENT
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1)
Do you find it easy to sort out the claims of various religions? Do you see all religions as the same? Do you understand the doctrine of Christ? Do you believe Jesus Christ is God?

X. SPIRIT AWARENESS
"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit" (1 John 4:13)
Do you have a conscious awareness that the Holy Spirit of God lives in you? Does He teach you things from the Scriptures on a regular basis? Does the Holy Spirit convict you when you sin, or can you sin with abandon?

WHICH BIBLE IS PRESERVED OF GOD?

WHICH BIBLE IS PRESERVED OF GOD?
By David Otis Fuller

The following is from a message recorded on audio cassette in the 1970s.
In every message of this nature we should begin with Scripture. I am now going to quote one passage from the Old Testament and one passage from the New.
Isaiah 8:19-20--"And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? to the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Revelation 22:18-19--"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

In this message I will seek to give as clear account of this whole complex question as I can, so that the ordinary layman who is not familiar with this particular area of knowledge can get it without too much trouble. Victor Hugo, the great French novelist, wrote upon one occasion: "Greater than the threat of mighty armies, or the barriers of isolation, is the irresistible force of an idea whose hour has come." You know what Thomas Edison did, don't you? Of course you do. He had an idea that electricity could be put to good use in light, and heat, and power, and look what we have today. That idea really was irresistible once it started on its course. And then there were the Wright brothers, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, who had an idea that they could fly a heavier than air machine, and they did, and look what we have today. We have a measure of good from that, but an awful measure of bad, too, when we think of the bombs that were dropped from planes, and what's happening today across the world.

Now, let's go back to 1859 when Charles Darwin produced his Origin of the Species. The intellectual world of that day grasped at it and swallowed it whole. Why? Because the carnal mind, or the mind that is at enmity against God, just does not want to retain God in his or her knowledge, but is willing to go to any length to try and banish Him from their minds, and indeed from this world, if it were possible. We know there is not one single shred of evidence to support organic evolution.

THE REVISED VERSION OF 1881
Then in 1881, the Revised Version of the Scriptures was published. Brook Foss Westcott, late Bishop of Durham, and Fenton John Anthony Hort, were both professors at Cambridge University, and without question were two of the most brilliant and erudite scholars of their day, and to this day, nearly a century later. They command the attention and admiration of textual critics, both liberal and conservative. The two together had been working for twenty years on a Greek text of the New Testament. Around 1870 there was a demand made for another version of the Scriptures. Westcott and Hort spearheaded this demand and influenced many scholars and theologians to form a committee for a revised version which appeared in 1881.

The Westcott and Hort text was based upon two of the oldest manuscripts extant, Codex Aleph and Codex Vaticanus. One was found in the wastepaper basket by the great scholar Tischendorf on Mt. Sinai. The other was found in an out of the way place in the Vatican museum with dust over it. The former was discovered around 1859; the later some centuries before that; I believe in the thirteenth century or thereabouts.

These manuscripts are two of the worse in existence. They are filled with contradictions and errors, and they contradict each other. In the Vatican manuscript all of Revelation is missing, as well as all the Pastoral Epistles of Paul, and from the ninth to the thirteenth chapter of Hebrews. They just aren't there. So it was quite a mutilated manuscript. But because they were the oldest, going back to the fourth century, there were those scholars that almost revered them and made much of the fact of these two manuscripts. The theory was that the oldest manuscript was nearest to the original autographs written by the Apostles and others.
But it so happens that this is not the case. The oldest manuscripts have proven to be the worst, because in the early days of Christianity a war was raging between Athanasius and Arius concerning the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot thank God enough that Athanasius won, even though he was banished five times by the emperor, because he was so tenacious and would not let this matter go. And when some of his friends came to him and said, "Athanasius, the world is against you," he drew himself up and uttered those famous words, "Athanasius is against the world." Arius and his followers were unitarian, and it is clear that many manuscripts in those days were corrupted doctrinally.

Both ideas, evolution and that of the Westcott and Hort theory, have no foundation whatever. They are made up of cobwebs, yet the Westcott and Hort Greek text was founded squarely upon these two manuscripts, with a few others, but in the main Codex Aleph and Codex Vaticanus were the ones that they relied upon the most.
Now this statement will make some of you who listen upset, but I'm going to make it anyway. You and I at the present time are witnessing the most vicious and malicious attack ever made upon the Word of God since the Garden of Eden. And this modern attack began in 1881 with the publication of the Revised Version.

In the ten years that it took the committee in the Jerusalem Chamber in England to produce this Revised Version, Westcott and Hort domineered, engineered, and dominated the whole committee from beginning to end. They issued their Greek text, which had not yet been released for publication, to all of the members and swore them to secrecy that they would not tell anyone what they had done until after the Revised Version was published. And if it had not been for Prebendary Scrivener, who was a scholar as great as Westcott and Hort and who fought tooth and nail against many of the things Westcott and Hort were constantly seeking to insert into the Revised Version from their two oldest texts, we would have had a far worse version of the Bible in the RV than we do now.

The vast majority of the people are confused, and you can't blame them, with a hundred versions of the Scriptures now extant. Some of them are good versions, but for the most part they are perversions, vagrant versions, and in some cases, plain bastard Bibles. If you, my friend, think that such a term is too harsh, then will you please let me turn to the read the King James Version in Psalm 22:16--"...they pierced my Lord and Savior, is it not? But what does the NEB say? It says, "... they hacked off my hands and my feet." That is blasphemy and comes straight from the pit of hell, and I don't care who knows it.

Satan has from the very beginning hated two objects more than anything else in this world and universe. One is the Bible, the holy, infallible, inerrant, inspired Word of God, and the second is Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. God has spoken once and for all in His Word, and He says in Proverbs 30:5, "Every word of God is pure." In Psalm 138:2, "Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." And in Exodus 34:14 we read these words concerning God Himself: "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."

When our Lord Jesus Christ was on earth, the Father's voice was heard from heaven, and it said in the plainest of terms, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." And what He has said about His Son, He also can and does say about His holy Word. When our Lord Jesus was in the wilderness, being attacked for forty days by Satan, our Lord used the Old Testament, God's holy Word, exclusively when meeting the attacks of Satan. That is exactly what we should do today. If we have a Bible riddled with errors, how in the world can we use it as our final authority? If all versions today have errors in them, including the KJV, then where is the doctrine of inerrancy gone?

INERRANCY WITHOUT PRESERVATION IS SENSELESS

But someone replies, We believe in the inerrancy of the original manuscripts. All right, I agree with you there. But then we ask the question, and it's a good one, too: Was God careless? Or didn't He realize that these errors were creeping in? Or was He impotent that He could not keep His Word even if He wanted to? Look out yonder into space, will you please? Listen to some of the Christian astronomers and scientists who study the stars and all the planets and constellations there in outer space, and they will tell you that God has so created them in such a meticulous fashion that they obey all the laws that He has laid down for His whole vast creation. If God is that careful to keep His universe, do you think He is going to be careless about His sacred, holy Word upon which hangs the destiny of the souls of men, whether for heaven or hell? You know good and well He could not possibly be careless about such a wonderful Book. But if you want to go ahead and believe in a God who has just let his book go and become filled with errors through the mistakes of men, you go ahead, but please count me out as of now.

I gave an illustration of how men are tampering with the Word of God in the New English Bible over against the KJV. Now let me give you another one. In the New American Standard Version, which has been heralded and advertised as the nearest to the originals, we find that in sixteen different places the name of Christ is left out of His title, and in twelve different places the name of the Lord is left out.
We are facing a gigantic, titanic battle that is raging all around us, and my prayer is that the sleeping, snoring, satisfied Christians will become aroused to the need of taking their stand for God's holy Word.

There are two books we have had the privilege of publishing, together over 600 pages, giving definite, positive proof, documented fully, that the King James Version is the nearest to the original autographs. They are entitled Which Bible and True Or False.. We are not making any money out of the royalties. I have ordered the publisher to make out the last two royalty checks to the Wealthy Street Baptist Church, and we are using the funds for the purpose of giving them to missionaries and ministers who cannot afford them, so they may have something solid to sink their teeth in and to stand upon when these so-called intellectual critics begin to expound from their ivory towers and look down their long noses at those who refuse to go along with them in their pernicious errors.

I just received recently a letter from a good friend of mine I have known for years. He's one of the best Bible teachers in this country, and if I mentioned his name I know that many of you would know who he was immediately. This is what he says:
"If I knew how to repent in sackcloth and ashes, I would begin immediately for the unpardonable delay in acknowledging receipt of two of the most helpful and timely volumes I have ever owned. I have carried these titles with me all summer and immersed myself in them. I have never underscored books so much as I have done in these. They enhanced my appreciation of the King James Version as the true revelation of God as no other writings. I appreciate so much your sending them to me. As a member of the editorial committee in the production of the Amplified New Testament, we honestly and conscientiously felt it was a mark of intelligence to follow Westcott and Hort. Now, what you have in these books strikes terror to my heart. It proves alarmingly that being conscientiously wrong is a most dangerous state of being. God help us to be more cautious lest we fall into the snare of the archdeceiver."

WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE KJV?
Now let's ask another question. What is right with the King James Version? I believe with all my heart that there was a time in the early church when God blessed certain men to choose the twenty-seven books which comprise our New Testament, and in this order we have them now. The proof for that is in the Bible. There they are. Twenty-seven books in that particular order. Just so, I believe God was very definitely in the choosing of the forty- seven scholars who came together at the command of King James I around 1605 to produce a new version of the Bible. We are bold enough to say that we don't believe there was ever such a collection of great, I mean truly great, scholars as these who were so chosen.

For instance, there was John Boys. What a scholar he was! At the age of five years old, he could read the Bible in Hebrew, and at the age of fourteen he was a proficient Greek scholar. And for years he spent from four o'clock in the morning until eight o'clock at night at the Cambridge library studying languages. You see, friend, listen, he was nor cursed with television, or telephone, or radio. He had time to think, and to meditate, and to study. He wasn't flitting from this Bible conference to another one, and being "oh'd" and "ah'd" at by an adoring crowd.
Another was Lancelot Andrewes, who was the overall chairman of the committee. He was the greatest linguist of his day. He knew, was familiar with, and spoke nearly twenty languages, including Arabic, Hebrew, and many others. He spent five hours a day in prayer.

Not only Lancelot Andrewes and John Boys, but practically all the other men chosen for this monumental work of the King James Version were men of note throughout, not only in their own country, but in other countries as well.
You see, God knows what he is doing. He always does, and He chose that particular time and age when the English language was at its zenith, to use these men for that purpose.

Something else of note should be mentioned here, too. I am sure some of you who hear this message know of William Tyndale. He was one of the greatest of scholars. He was the one who said the time will come when every plow boy in England will be able to read the Bible. William Tyndale was at home in eight languages. He translated all of the New Testament and some parts of the Old Testament. He did such a tremendous job that the King James translators kept well over sixty percent of his translation intact, just as it was, to be used in the King James translation. William Tyndale was hounded like a wild animal by those who hated him and wanted him burned at the stake. Finally King Henry VII, through one of his stooges, caused Tyndale to be betrayed. He was thrown in prison, and finally at Vilvord, just outside of Brussels, Belgium, he was strangled to death by order of the king, and then his body was burned. Now, the last thing he said before he died, was this: "Oh, God, open the eyes of the king of England!" And do you know what? God answered that prayer in less than a year, when all of England had the Bible in the English language. It has been my privilege to stand there at that small monument that was erected some years after in Tyndale's memory.

Another thing we need to note also is that practically every one of the committee of the revisers of the King James Version had been through suffering of one kind or another. Either they themselves had been apprehended and put in jail, or loved ones of theirs had the same thing done to them. Now such men had deep convictions and also a holy reverence for the Word of God which you don't find in modern-day scholars.

Many scholars of many versions this day, such as the Revised Standard Version, or the New English Bible, or the Good News for Modern Man, and many others, do not believe that the Bible should be approached in any different way from any other book. They refuse to accept it as the infallible, inerrant, inspired Word of God, and Westcott and Hort believed this same thing. Nowhere can you find in their writings a statement that they believed in the verbally, inspired Word of God.

Now let me say here before I go any further, I have never claimed to be a scholar. I do not claim to be one now, and I never expect to claim to be one. But there are two very definite claims that I make without hesitation, or trepidation, or reservation. One is I claim to have studied under some of the greatest scholars this country has ever produced, if not the world. It was my privilege to be a student at Princeton Seminary and to graduate from that institution just before the flood. I mean by that before the flood of modernism.

Today Princeton is modernistic in every sense of the world, but not then. There were giants in the earth in those days. Consider Robert Dick Wilson. He was one of the greatest linguists this country has ever seen. He was at home in, and knew, and spoke forty-five languages and dialects. He was a contemporary of the great scholar of Oxford, England, Dr. Driver, who claimed that the book of Daniel was wrong because of certain statements or phrases in it. Dr. Wilson spent years going through some 50,000 manuscripts to prove that Driver was wrong and that Daniel was right.

A second claim is that I can tell a true Christian scholar when I hear him, or read his works, or talk with him. By Christian I mean one who holds to and reverences the Word of God as being THE Word of God, and as being different from any other book that has ever been published because it is the only book that God ever wrote.
And the men of Princeton in my day believed just that. When we went out of their classes, we were strengthened in our faith concerning the Word of God to be just what it is. Today they tear it down, criticize it, emasculate it, make fun of it. May God help such men when they stand before a holy God.

ERASMUS
Some of you have heard the name Desiderius Erasmus. He was born in 1466 and died in 1536. He was known as a Renaissance humanist, born in Rotterdam, Holland, educated by the Brethren of the Common Life. He entered an Augustinian monastery; he was ordained a priest in 1492 and became secretary to the Bishop of Cambrai. Later, after studying four years of theology at the Sorbonne in Paris, he became disgusted with the decadent scholasticism. In 1499 he went to England where he became friends with John Colet and Thomas More. It was Colet that revealed to him his true vocation, the rejuvenation of theology by basing it on scientific, accurate documents, especially the Greek originals of the New Testament and the earliest fathers of the church.

Erasmus could do the work of ten men. He was that brilliant. And such an indefatigable worker. He was courted by kings. The reigning king of England offered him anything in his realm if he would become a citizen of that nation. The king of France did the same thing. Holland made great preparations to advertise him as their own native son.

He refused to take sides when the Reformation storm broke with Luther's 95 Theses, but I honestly believe that Erasmus was saved. He held in the deepest reverence the Word of God. We are told that he had access to Codex Vaticanus and was offered it to be used in his studies. He rejected it because he had found it untrustworthy. He was offered the cardinal's hat by the pope of Rome. This he refused. It is also said that he could have become pope if he had engineered it in the right way and pulled the right strings, but he refused to do this because in his famous book, In Praise of Folly, in a very satirical way he exposed the terrible sins of the Roman Catholic Church of that day.

Erasmus was responsible for the Textus Receptus, or the Received Text, that Greek text upon which the King James Version is founded. He made five editions of it, we are told, and in each one he made small changes that enhanced the meaning of certain phrases, or verses. Then the Elzevir brothers brought out several editions of it, and so did Stephens, and Beza, the successor of Calvin, who brought out nine editions. All in all there were some twenty-one editions of the Textus Receptus from Erasmus through Beza, but from the first edition to the last there were no major changes, but merely minor ones, which is another proof of the way in which God kept His Word all through the ages.

As I have said before so say I now again, there are those people who tell us today that there is no version of the Scripture that is without error. Very well, then, where does the doctrine of inerrancy go if there are errors in the Bible? They come back with that statement, Well, we believe that the original autographs were inspired, but not those copies of them. We agree that the originals were inspired, but my question is simply this: If God wrote this Book in the beginning, wasn't He able to keep it intact and pure and without error all through the ages? My answer to that is that He certainly was and He still is so capable. I would remind you again that God is jealous for His Word, just as much as He is jealous for His blessed Son, Jesus Christ.

If someone says to you that all manuscripts and all versions today have errors in them, then ask them in return what kind of a God they worship. A careless or impotent God in my book is a monstrosity. I believe that the King James Version does not have any errors.

Please remember this. You and I are facing, as I have said before, the most vicious and malicious attack upon the Word of God that has ever been made since the garden of Eden, and the modern attack began with the publication of the Revised Version of 1881. This is an unpopular cause at present in Christian circles. I have found this out again and again, and I am going to find it out in the future. But I can say as far as I am concerned it doesn't make any difference what happens to me, but it makes a whale of a difference what happens to the cause of Jesus Christ. And someday you and I, my friend, will have to stand before a holy God and give an account to what we did or did not do in seeking to open the eyes of people to the facts that have been covered up for so long concerning His holy, indestructible, impregnable Word.

The hour is late; the time is short; hell is filling; Christ is coming; and what do we had better do in a hurry. I have told my people, and I am telling you, if you are willing to sweep the television cobwebs out of your brain and put that boob tube down in the basement two, three, or four weeks, or even longer, as far as I am concerned, and sit down and study these books and other material, you will learn firsthand just what the score is. And it will increase your faith immeasurably, even as it has done mine.

I give all the credit to God Himself for having these books published. The material that we have collected for these books, I want to be frank with you, I marvel again and again at how God led me to this source, and to that source, and helped me to put it together. I don't want to take one bit of credit for this. I want to give God all of the glory and the honor, and I am hoping that those who are listening will get the vision of this whole situation, because if we do not have an infallible, inerrant, inspired Book to rest our weary souls upon for time and eternity, then your salvation and mine isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

This is the most important question anybody could ever discuss in Christian circles, far more than your salvation and mine. The reason for that is that the battleground is the Bible. Is it true, or is it not true? Is it without error, or is it filled with error? I maintain that the whole reason why there are nearly one hundred versions in print is because of one main reason: MONEY. And you can spell that with capitals, and you can underscore it, and put it in red, if you want to. May God help us! May God help you listening now to take your stand for what you know is right, and not budge or move for one single minute. You may be laughed at, scorned and scoffed at, and treated with contempt, but so what. If God be for us who can be against us? Those in the past who have done a tremendous work for God have had these same things to face. We need men, we need women, we need young people today with backbone made out of pig iron instead of wet spaghetti.

I want you to keep clearly in mind this, which is a basic essential to understanding something about this complex question, namely, the King James Version is founded squarely on the Textus Receptus, which is in 90-95% agreement with the five thousand extant Greek manuscripts. But the Westcott and Hort text is in disagreement with them just about as much, and is founded upon two of the worst of texts, Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus. Thus if you reject or look down upon the KJV, and settle for a mutilated Bible, you go ahead, but count me out. I do not say that you cannot profit from reading other versions. You can. But if they are based on the Westcott and Hort text, they are immediately suspect and you should be mighty careful that you check that version with the KJV as closely as possible.

Now practically all versions of the Scriptures today, with exception to the King James, are based upon the Westcott and Hort Greek text. So there you are; take your choice. When you see that the King James Version is nearest to the original manuscripts, in spite of what hundreds and thousands of others say, it's going to be an uphill battle and it's going to be a rough. But, then, who are we "to be taken to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas?"

There is so much at stake just now--the authority, the accuracy, the inerrancy of the holy Word of a holy God. And if ever the Lord needed those of His followers to take a stand for His Word and refuse to budge, it is now.

Over one hundred years ago, in 1863, a convocation of the bishops and archbishops of the Church of England was held. They were meeting to protest and censor the heresy of one of their number, Bishop Colenzo, concerning the Word of God. They issued the following statement: "All our hopes for eternity, the very foundation of our faith, our nearest and dearest consolation, are taken away from us if one line of that sacred book, the Bible, be declared unfaithful or untrustworthy."

And this man wants the world to know that he stands squarely with these great scholars of the last century on this all-important subject, the infallibility and inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures. It is true that God can use almost anything or anyone to bring souls to Himself. He used Balaam to utter some of the greatest prophecies, and God also used a dumb animal to rebuke the madness of the prophet (2 Pet. 2:16). And God uses perversions of His Word in the salvation of souls, but this fact does not for one moment warrant us in keeping quiet when the holy Bible is being treated in such a slipshod, untrustworthy manner.

These are desperate days. They are filling with fear and foreboding. The end is in sight. Multitudes of Christians are confused, with nearly a hundred versions, or paraphrases, of God's Holy Word in print. We dare not, if we truly love Him, play with the living Word of the living God. I urge my listener to keep before him the KJV as the one safe, sure standard to go by in measuring other versions.

GEORGE MUELLER ON SCRIPTURE MEDITATION

Soul Nourishment First
A Booklet by George Müller

May 9, 1841

It has pleased the Lord to teach me a truth, the benefit of which I have not lost, for more than fourteen years. The point is this:

I saw more clearly than ever that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not how much I might serve the Lord, or how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished. For I might seek to set the truth before the unconverted, I might seek to benefit believers, I might seek to relieve the distressed, I might in other ways seek to behave myself as it becomes a child of God in this world; and yet, not being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all this might not be attended to in a right spirit.

Before this time my practice had been, at least for ten years previously, as an habitual thing, to give myself to prayer, after having dressed myself in the morning. Now, I saw that the most important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the Word of God, and to meditation on it, that thus my heart might be comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved, instructed; and that thus, by means of the Word of God, while meditating on it, my heart might be brought into experiential communion with the Lord.

I began therefore to meditate on the New Testament from the beginning, early in the morning. The first thing I did, after having asked in a few words the Lord’s blessing upon his precious Word, was, to begin to meditate on the Word of God, searching as it were into every verse, to get blessing out of it; not for the sake of the public ministry of the Word, not for the sake of preaching on what I had meditated upon, but for the sake of obtaining food for my own soul.

The result I have found to be almost invariably this, that after a very few minutes my soul has been led to confession, or to thanksgiving, or to intercession, or to supplication; so that, though I did not, as it were, give myself to prayer, but to meditation, yet it turned almost immediately more or less into prayer. When thus I have been for a while making confession or intercession, or supplication, or have given thanks, I go to the next words or verse, turning all, as I go on, into prayer for myself or others, as the Word may lead to it, but still continually keeping before me that food for my own soul is the object of my meditation. The result of this is, that there is always a good deal of confession, thanksgiving, supplication, or intercession mingled with my meditation, and then my inner man almost invariably is even sensibly nourished and strengthened, and that by breakfast time, with rare exceptions, I am in a peaceful if not happy state of heart. Thus also the Lord is pleased to communicate unto me that which, either very soon after or at a later time, I have found to become food for other believers, though it was not for the sake of the public ministry of the Word that I gave myself to meditation, but for the profit of my own inner man.

The difference, then, between my former practice and my present one is this:

Formerly, when I rose, I began to pray as soon as possible, and generally spent all my time till breakfast in prayer, or almost all the time. At all events I almost invariably began with prayer, except when I felt my soul to be more than usually barren, in which case I read the Word of God for food, or for refreshment, or for a revival and renewal of my inner man, before I gave myself to prayer.

But what was the result? I often spent a quarter of an hour, or half an hour, or even an hour, on my knees, before being conscious to myself of having derived comfort, encouragement, humbling of soul, etc., and often, after having suffered much from wandering of mind for the first ten minutes, or a quarter of an hour, or even half an hour, I only then began really to pray. I scarcely ever suffer now in this way. For my heart, first being nourished by the truth, being brought into experiential fellowship with God, I then speak to my Father and to my Friend, (vile though I am, and unworthy of it), about the things that He has brought before me in His precious Word.

It often now astonishes me that I did not sooner see this point. In no book did I ever read about it. No public ministry ever brought the matter before me. No private intercourse with a brother stirred me up to this matter. And yet, now, since God has taught me this point, it is as plain to me as anything, that the first thing the child of God has to do morning by morning is, to obtain food for his inner man. As the outward man is not fit for work for any length of time except we take food, and as this is one of the first things we do in the morning, so it should be with the inner man. We should take food for that, as every one must allow.

Now, what is the food for the inner man? Not prayer, but the Word of God; and here again, not the simple reading of the Word of God, so that it only passes through our minds, just as water runs through a pipe, but considering what we read, pondering over it, and applying it to our hearts. When we pray, we speak to God. Now, prayer, in order to be continued for any length of time in any other than a formal manner, requires, generally speaking, a measure of strength or godly desire, and the season, therefore, when this exercise of the soul can be most effectually performed is after the inner man has been nourished by meditation on the Word of God, where we find our Father speaking to us, to encourage us, to comfort us, to instruct us, to humble us, to reprove us. We may therefore profitably meditate, with God’s blessing, though we are ever so weak spiritually; nay, the weaker we are, the more we need meditation for the strengthening of our inner man.

Thus there is far less to be feared from wandering of mind than if we give ourselves to prayer without having had time previously for meditation. I dwell so particularly on this point because of the immense spiritual profit and refreshment I am conscious of having derived from it myself, and I affectionately and solemnly beseech all my fellow believers to ponder this matter. By the blessing of God, I ascribe to this mode the help and strength which I have had from God to pass in peace through deeper trials, in various ways, than I had ever had before; and after having now above fourteen years tried this way, I can most fully, in the fear of God, commend it.

In addition to this I generally read, after family prayer, larger portions of the Word of God, when I still pursue my practice of reading regularly onward in the Holy Scriptures, sometimes in the New Testament, and sometimes in the Old, and for more than twenty-six years I have proved the blessedness of it. I take, also, either then or at other parts of the day, time more especially for prayer. How different, when the soul is refreshed and made happy early in the morning, from what it is when without spiritual preparation, the service, the trials, and the temptations of the day come upon one.

GOD'S DIVINE DELIVERANCE

Brethren: Authentic, Genuine, True Believers in the LORD Jesus Christ, born again, saved by grace & redeemed by the BLOOD of the Lamb of God (which taketh away the sin of the world)! Acts 4:12; John 3:1-8; Ephesians 1:7; Eph.2:8-9; Hebrews 9:22;

Let us now join our hearts and faith and come before God’s throne of grace with boldness in believing prayer to our Heavenly Father; Let us appropriate the mercy and grace we need for ourselves, families, and households freely offered to us by our God and Father the LORD Jesus Christ; and Let us lay hold of His Divine Protection promised in His Word in Psalm 91 day by day for our benefit.


PRAYER FOR DIVINE DELIVERANCE IN TIMES OF CALAMITIES!

“FATHER GOD, we come as your children through faith in Jesus Christ alone (John 1:12-13; 3:16-18) with boldness into your holy presence NOW (Hebrews 4:16; 11:1& 6) in the mighty & powerful name of our LORD Jesus Christ and by His BLOOD (Rev. 12:11). We join our hearts and faith in prayer NOW, declaring our complete dependence and reliance upon You. We acknowledge our need for You today more than ever.

FATHER GOD, we thank You that as your people, You are our refuge and fortress from all harm (Psalm 91:2; Psalm 46:1-3, 7, 10-11; Psalm 27:1; 5; Psalm 31:3; Psalm 34:1-8; 15; 17; 22). We thank You that You are our hiding place (Psalm 32:7-8). Therefore, You preserve us from trouble, You compass us about with songs of deliverance. Selah. You instruct us and teach us in the way which we go and You guide us with Your eye. Hallelujah!

FATHER GOD, we thank You that because we have made You LORD our refuge, there shall no evil befall us, neither shall any plague come nigh our homes (Psalm 91:9-10);

Therefore, FATHER GOD, we declare in Jesus most powerful name (Philippians 2:9-10), “No weapon formed against us, that is, instigated by the enemy of our souls Satan (John 10:10a) who is the god of this world (2Corinthians 4:4), shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17); NO, not storms bringing rain & floods, not sickness, not famine, not even death and destruction; NO, these shall not prosper against us because we are God’s people redeemed by the BLOOD of Jesus Christ our LORD! Therefore HIS BLOOD IS A SHIELD & HEDGE OF PROTECTION (Rev. 12:11) upon us all, our families & homes day by day; God’s Angels as promised in Psalm 34:7 & Psalm 91:11-12 are encamped round about us keeping, protecting & preserving us in Jesus mighty name; As our mouth declare and speak (Mark 11:23) God’s unchanging Word where His promises are clearly laid out for His people, His angels hearken to the voice of His Word (Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:13-14) coming out of our mouths in the name of Jesus Christ our LORD to deliver and preserve us from all calamities and harm! Hallelujah!

NOW, FATHER GOD, we speak life instead of death (Proverbs 18:21) over our families, loved ones and people within our concentric circle of influence; instead of destruction, we speak preservation over our properties and belongings in Jesus mighty name; instead of sickness and diseases, we speak healing, that we are healed and made whole in Jesus name because Jesus Christ is our Jehovah-Rapha, our LORD who healeth us, declaring that by His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5; Psalm 103:3; 107:20; 118:17; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24).

NOW, WE COME AGAINST YOU SATAN AND EVERY DEMONS ARRAYED AGAINST US IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME! WE PRESENT AGAINST YOU ALL THE BLOOD OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST FREELY SHED ON CALVARY’S CROSS 2,000 YEARS AGO;

SATAN, YOU HAVE NO LEGAL OR SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY OVER US BECAUSE JESUS CHRIST ALONE IS LORD OF OUR LIVES, OUR FAMILIES AND HOMES AND TO HIM ALONE WE SUBMIT;

NOW, TODAY SATAN, WE REBUKE and RESIST YOU IN JESUS NAME. WE COMMAND YOU TO FLEE FROM US, OUR FAMILIES, OUR HOMES AND WITH EVERYONE WE HAVE TO DO; TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF GOD’S CHILDREN REDEEMED BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST OUR LORD; (Ephesians 6:10-18; Luke 10:19; James 4:7)

FATHER GOD, because we have set our love upon You, therefore will You deliver us: You will set us on high, because we have known Your name; Thank you Father God that when we call, You will answer us: You promised to be with us in trouble, to deliver us and honor us, with long life satisfy us and show us Your salvation (Psalm 91:14-16).

FATHER GOD, WE APPROPRAITE BY FAITH NOW YOUR DELIVERANCE FROM EVERY WORKS OF SATAN AND WE PRAISE & THANK YOU IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME! THANK YOU LORD! PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD! AMEN & AMEN!!!” (Psalm 91; Hebrews 11:1; 6; Mark 11:24; 1 Thes. 5:16-18)


SUGGESTION: BELIEVER DO THIS EVERYDAY!
THIS IS “PREVENTIVE THERAPHY”!

Don’t wait for calamities to come before you do.
Rather, daily, again and again, bring before the hearing
of God His Words/Promises. As you do in faith, He will DO
(manifest) His Word(s) in your life especially in the matter
of Divine Protection! (Numbers 14:28; Isaiah 43:26).


Use Scriptures Only in the KJV Bible!

Evangelist Emmanuel P. Salvador
Email: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
Cell No. # +63928-774-5859

FELLOWSHIP IN THE SUFFERINGS OF SAINTS

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the most precious name of our God and Saviour
the LORD Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom we serve
until He comes again! Maranatha!!!

The world was witness through the TV news and internet about
the latest disaster that has affected hundreds of thousands in
the Metro Manila Area comprising of 13 cities & municipalities in the Philippines.

What you have seen in the TV is true all over the Metro Manila Area. In fact, it includes the immediate provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna & Cavite. There are no electricity & water in these areas now.

My family and I are all doing well in Jesus name. We live in Greenhills Area at the 6th Floor. This is a very safe place. The LORD has been very gracious and faithful. We praise God for His protection and preservation.

My home church, where I moved my Covenant Membership from Jersey City Wesleyan Church (pastored by Rev. Donavan
Shoemaker) is Cainta Wesleyan Church. Almost 100% of the Cainta Area were submerged in flood waters as well as San Mateo, Marikina, Pasig & Pateros.

The church sanctuary & parsonage together with the premises
of the Wesleyan Academy were in flood waters of less than 6 ft from saturday to morning of monday All the sound system has been in flood waters. Most of our members in Cainta were also affected. Their homes were under water reaching even the second floors. You can just imagine what the flood waters has done to all appliances and furnitures.

Everything in the ground floor of the church and the Wesleyan Academy were submerged in flood waters. All cars and vehicles were submerged in flood dirty waters too.This is true in the whole area of Cainta which was 100% under water.

Now that the waters has receded, the clean up is very slow because the water company has not yet fully restored service plus the fact that electricity is still to be restored hopefully at the latest next week. There is much garbage and trash all over the area.

The death toll is about 200 plus there are still many missing.

Remember to pray for many of our christian brethren in many churches within the National Central District of the Philippine Wesleyan Church.

If you sense and believe that you would like to participate in the fellowship of the sufferings of God's people here in the Philippines, I initiated personally to raise some funds to help our church and the other Wesleyan churches affected.

The Apostle Paul in God's Word, the Bible encourages and challenges believers in Christ Jesus to go out of their way to help in times like these. He writes in
Galatians 6:9-10 (King James Version)

9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Any donation can be sent designated for Flood Victims

To: Rev. Bayani Gabrillo
District Superintendent
National Central District
The Philippine Wesleyan Church, Inc.
# 18-1 Bulacan Street, West Avenue,
1104 Quezon City, Philippines

Or: Thru Bank Transfer
The Wesleyan Church NCD
METRO BANK, West Avenue Branch, Quezon City
Savings Account Number # SA 3-198503801

When you do, make sure that you email me so a proper acknowledgement and accounting can be made. Donations can be done thru the internet like www.Xoom.com (Xoom Global Money Transfer) for a very minimal fee.

Once again, thank you for remembering that as God's people, we are link and united by one Spirit. In times like these, we need to remember to pray and act upon the bidding of God. I only ask that you act as the Holy Spirit bids you do.

In Christ Love,

Pastor Manny
Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21;
Colossians 1:9-14; 3:16-17

Evangelist Emmanuel P. Salvador
"Man Must Be Born Again"
John 3:1-7
Ministry Blogsite: http://manny-knowthetruth.blogspot.com/
Ministry email: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
Personal email: emmanuel.tranquil@gmail.com

DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY

Brethren:

In this era of information technology, there is no reason why one is to be
uninformed much less ignorant of many issues especially pertaining to
God's Precious Word, The Holy Bible.

One need though to be very careful in choosing the resources one is to look into.
The challenge for the authentic, genuine, true believer in Christ is to find the time
and make the time if need be to read, study, and scrutinize many good, reliable
resources available through the internet.

It is a matter of making priority to the need to become informed. So, every one will
decide for himself even on matters that are so crucial, yes, possibly controversial.

Pastors and teachers of the Holy Scriptures truly called of God (Ephesians 4:11), are to be ever vigilant, studious, always teachable (for there is no such thing as knowing everything). We are to ever be a student of God's Word and the many issues surrounding it (2 Timothy 2:15) for the rest of our lives on earth.

Yet, it is my sad experience and observation that many so-called pastors/teachers are ignorant if not uninformed in many crucial issues that affects the lives of many christian. Possibly for the following reasons: laziness or just plain indifference or "I don't care" attitude.

Just this week, in response to one of my emails, a pastor emailed back saying that he has no time for such things and asked to be stricken out of my list. I immediately replied "will do" and deleted said pastor's email address.

Praise the LORD though, two pastors responded in the affirmative. One said, he will
share said information to his people. The other commended the sender
of crucial, even controversial information.

I do not seek popularity in what I do. I do what I do believing in my heart that I have a responsibility to share information that I have first personally read, studied and confirmed to be true. Such crucial information will and must help God's people become informed especially in matters of eternal consequence.

Such matter like the New Bible Versions and the people behind such endeavors. News like well-known so-called preachers of the Gospel, in fact & in truth denying the exclusivity of my LORD Jesus Christ being the ONLY WAY to heaven.

John 14:6 (King James Version)
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 4:12 (King James Version)
12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Yet, it is imperative, if I may say so, that believers in our LORD Jesus Christ, must
ever be vigilant, wary and ready to stand with conviction for God's Word, the Holy
Bible.

Suggested article (not mine) on Dynamic Equivalency. Visit www.wayoflife.org.
Search topic on Dynamic Equivalency.

I invite you to personally find the time to open, read, study and decide for yourself what you will do and not do in the light of such scholarly exposure.

For those who will receive this email and desires to be taken out permanently, let your intention be known. Your wish will be honored. Thank you!

Evangelist Emmanuel P. Salvador
“Man Must be Born Again”
John 3:1-8

SURALLAH HERE I COME!

Missions Report
Part II – Day 1

As I write this mission report, I want for the reader to clearly understand that the Christian life is to be lived in obedience to the Great Command of the LORD. This obedience then translate to a lifestyle of pursuing the mandate to fulfill the Great Commission as given to the disciples by the LORD Jesus Christ before He ascended back into heaven (Matthew 22:37-40; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). There are three words that must become very obvious to the reader of this blog, the words Deliberate, Intentional and Inconvenient, if such a lifestyle is to be achieved for God’s Glory and Honor alone! Ministry in a nutshell is “Inconvenient” to say the least.

Woke up early of July 17th. Was brought to the airport by my daughter Delight to take the Philippine Airlines Flight PR 453 to General Santos City leaving at 7:00 AM. Every time I fly, I request for a wheelchair because of my heart condition. I have an Implanted Cardio Defribilator (ICD Pacemaker). This help me a lot to be able to move with the help of someone. At the NAIA, I was helped by Leo, a family man. Talked to him about his need to be born again and make Jesus Christ LORD of his life. Gave him a good tip that morning.

The flight lasted for less than 2 hours. It was a smooth flight altogether arriving in GenSanCity airport before 9:00 AM. The man seated on my right in the plane was not in the mood to talk. He preferred to sleep throughout the flight. At the airport, a young man named Christian pushed my wheelchair. I let him know also his need to make Christ LORD of his life. Gave him a good tip.

I was met by Tyrone Felarca, one of the young people from Pastor Ben Pabellon’s church studying in the city. We took a taxi (P300.00) to the city. The trip from the airport to the city is about 30 minutes. Got to challenge Tyrone to make the Bible final ultimate authority in his life; to become a man full of God’s Words, thus making him a man full of faith.

Shifted then my attention to the driver of the taxi named Dodong. Confronted him with his need to be born again based on John 3:1-8 and encouraged him to go check out The Wesleyan Church in 28 Sineguelas Street, GenSanCity. He said that he already goes to a church. Asked him which, replied the Roman Catholic Church. I then told him the truth from God’s Words in the Bible that he was in a religion that was involved in the sin of idolatry and therefore is in truth and in fact, on his way to hell. I urged him to try for his own sake the church I suggested to him to go to. Encouraged him to get for himself a Bible and make sure that everything he believes in is in agreement, lines up and is not contrary to the written Word of God the Bible.

At the Yellow Bus Line terminal about 10:15 AM, I took a bus for Marbel, 50 kms going south, where I was to be met by Pastor Ben Pabellon in the terminal. The LORD was very gracious in preparing a young man of 26 years, named Jethro, married with two kids, who sat beside me in the bus. The trip was about an hour ride. As soon as this man sat beside me, I deliberately started a conversation. Asked him where he got his name. He did not know other than the fact that he was named such by his parents. I then told him that the name Jethro is in the Bible. Told him, it was the name of Mose’s father-in-law in the Book of Exodus. As we conversed, learned that he travels all over the Philippines, going from town to town making sure that it was during the town’s fiesta for he then tried to sell his product. He was away months at a time from his family who lives in Manila. What a way to try and provide for one’s family.

As we talked, learned that he was a member of the Iglesia Ni Kristo, a cult that teaches that Jesus Christ is just a man. I then got my cellphone which has an English & Tagalog Bible. For the next 30 minutes or so, I showed him God’s Words especially zeroing in on John 1:1-14. I let him read for himself God’s Words trusting that God the Holy Spirit will quicken & anoint His Words to open the eyes of his understanding. Challenge him to make sure that everything he accepts is in fact written in the pages of Holy Scriptures; that he is not to just accept anything even coming from his own pastor, without confirming for himself and making sure 100% that it is God’s very Words written in the pages of Holy Scriptures. Showed him what the Berean Christians did in Acts 17:11. This man just soaked himself in God’s Words. Before we reach Marbel, he gave me his cell number. Sent him outright 3 messages which he received the same minute. He was profusely thankful for the opportunity he was given to see for himself the truth of the Gospel of Christ, that Jesus Christ first and foremost is truly God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth.

At the bus terminal in Marbel, we shook hands and parted ways. My heart was filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for the privilege of opening God’s Words to help one who has been deceived by the Deceiver Satan but has now been set free. Truly, the LORD’s Spoken Word in John 8:31-32 is true. When the truth of God’s Words is heard, received and believed, it results in freedom. Praise the LORD!

Texted Pastor Ben informing him of my arrival. Met this brother for the first time for we have basically communicated only through email and text. Shook his hand as we greeted each other warmly. He was with two of the young people in his church Brother Richard and Sister Twinkle. These two rode with me in another YBL to Surallah, 22 kms from Marbel while Pastor Ben rode in his motorcycle back. Got to introduce ourselves to one another as I begun to speak to these two young people as to what they were to expect from me concerning ministry. The trip was about 30 minutes. Alighting from the bus in Surallah, we took a tricycle that brought us to the church and the parsonage. Praise God, I reached Surallah safely at about 2:00 PM. I then had a late lunch, prepared by the niece of Pastor Ben. Praise the LORD for appetite.

My bags were brought by Brother Richard to a room in the church parsonage. This became my “hotel” for the remainder of my stay in Surallah.

I was informed by Pastor Ben that we were to go and minister to the hospital staff of the Rhodeline Landero Hospital whose director is Dr. Eileen L. Afable, the daughter of the late Dr. Landero, a member of the church at about 3:30 PM.

After about 30 minutes of rest, Richard, Twinkle and I took a tricycle to the hospital. Pastor Ben went ahead of us in his motorcycle. At the hospital, we were warmly received by Dr. Afable with her staff.

In one of the bigger rooms in the hospital, a group of about 10 women staff led by Dr. Afable, we had a wonderful time with them for about an hour. Pastor Ben turned over to me the whole time to be able to communicate with these women about the importance of God’s Words the Holy Scriptures in the lives of people. Spoke to them of their need to really know that they have truly experienced the New Birth, if one is to be assured not only of eternal life, but God’s divine protection and provision in this lifetime. Spoke to these women for almost an hour from my heart, laying the foundation of God’s truths based on the Bible. As I looked at the faces of these women, I knew in my heart that what they heard from my lips, were words that they will not forget. That God will be faithful even to His promise in Isaiah 55:11 … that His words will not return unto Him void, that is uselessly. Rather, that those
Words will bring a change and transformation in their hearts and lives that will last for all eternity.

Pastor Ben encouraged them to ask questions. I took a number of those and gave them a biblical answer. Impressed upon their minds the following: “Every question that man has, God has an answer in His Word, the Bible; Every problem that man will face in this lifetime, there is a solution in the Bible”. I closed by challenging them to listen, read, study, memorize & meditate on God’s Words daily if they want God’s best for their lives and families. I then prayed for them and the hospital.

It was about 6:00 PM, as we headed back to church. I had been up for about 14 hours since 4:00 AM. My day had truly been very long. Yet, as I look back, a day worthwhile to have been lived with the view of eternity that is soon to be experienced when our LORD returns. MEANTIME, ONE IS CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL, WILLING TO BE INCONVENIENCED FOR THE SAKE OF SOULS THAT OUR LORD DIED FOR!

The night in the province, unlike in the big cities, promises to bring rest and renewal to one’s physical body. Praise the LORD!

MISSIONS TRIP TO SURALLAH, SOUTH COTABATO

Missions Report Part I
A JOURNEY BACK TO THE PLACE OF MY SPIRITUAL BIRTH

For quite sometime since I got back from the US last December, my heart and mind kept going back to the place where I got saved and born again almost 34 years ago. It was on September 1975 in General Santos City (formerly known as Dadiangas) where the LORD touched and transformed me and made me become a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17).

My spiritual birth had to be of all places in South Cotabato. I was then a 22 year old, working as a medical representative for United Laboratories, Inc. assigned to one of its ethical divisions Therapharma, Inc. I was given the territory covering then the whole of South Cotabato based in General Santos City.

My work brought me to all the towns of Polomolok, Tupi, Marbel, Banga, Surallah, Norallah, Isulan, Tacurong, Tantangan including the coastal towns of Glan, Kiamba & Maitum visiting all the medical clinics and hospitals in my territory with about 120 doctors & allied professions. This was from the period January 2, 1973 to April 1977. Our 1st & 2nd daughters were both born in GenSan.

I led a very wayward worldly kind of life up to August 1975. My wife and I were like “cat & dog” most of the time in our early married life. The fact was, she suffered three miscarriage because of emotional stress. My kind of work then “trained” me to be one.

But God Almighty had mercy on me. By His grace, He took the initiative to seek me out, saved and redeemed me by His Blood on September 1975. Since then, for the past 34 years, I have sought to center my life to obey the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) and fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) of my God and Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ even as He has called me as an Evangelist (Eph. 4:11).

And so, after more than 3 decades, to be exact 32 years, I journeyed back by faith to the place of my spiritual birth to pursue the call of God upon my life as an Evangelist. I acceded to the invitation of Pastor Ben Pabellon of Christ’s Community Church (SBC), in Surallah, South Cotabato to come and minister to his church and people trusting that the LORD would open other doors of ministry throughout my stay.

The LORD was gracious and faithful to provide for my plane ticket through the Philippijne Airlines Mabuhay Miles of my wife Delia. He moved her also to give without my asking her, the money for the said fare.

The LORD did and the report follows in detail. TO HIM ALONE BE THE GLORY! Isaiah 42:8.

A JOURNEY BACK TO THE PLACE OF MY SPIRITUAL BIRTH

The LORD has allowed me to travel back to the place where He saved & redeemed me almost 34 years ago. I was born again, saved by grace & redeemed by the BLOOD of my LORD Jesus Christ September 1975 in General Santos City, South Cotabato. I was then a 26 year old, husband to my wife Delia Angelina and new father to our eldest daughter, D.Anissia born April 5, 1975 and working for a pharmaceutical company.

I traveled back last month July 17th friday via PAL Flt to GenSan leaving Manila at 10:00 AM and arriving in General Santos City at almost 12:00 noon. This was primarily a Ministry Trip I undertook by faith on the invitation of Pastor Ben Pabellon of the Christ's Community Church, Surallah, South Cotabato.

I took a YellowBusLine from Surallah to General Santos City July 22nd wednesday late morning arriving in GenSan at about 1:00 noon. Took lunch in the bus terminal & proceeded to take a tricycle (motorcycle with a side car)to see my intended first stop, a christian doctor in his clinic.

My second stop at about 4:00 PM was the Wesleyan Church in the city. The pastor of the church was out, but the District Office being located in the same address, I was able to see, talk, share & pray for and with the family of the DS Marcelino A. Saura, Jr., with his wife and kids for more than an hour.

After my visit, I was graciously brought by motorcycle to the bus terminal by the DS.
I was back in Surallah that night at past 9:00 PM.

Meantime, I went on with the ministry that the LORD has brought me to Surallah to pursue in the next two weeks. I flew back to Manila August 4th arriving in my home in Greenhills at about 2:00 PM. My wife Dell was home and I ate a late lunch.

When I opened the computer to check my emails the next morning, I noticed an email from the DS I met in GenSan 2 weeks back. Read the email and was touched in my heart by the transparency with which a brother & fellow minister in Christ have written about their fears and desire for their kids. I knew in my heart why the LORD brought me back to GenSanCity that day and it was for this family to be encouraged and challenged to continually trust and believe that the LORD who called them into the ministry will and must be faithful to His people, more so to those called of the LORD in the five-fold ministry based on Ephesians 4:11.

I asked this precious brother in Christ if he would allow me to post his email in this my blog with my corresponding email reply to him and he graciously acceded because my & his intention in doing so, is to help encourage many of our people especially pastors in the provinces, who are discouraged and therefore need to be encouraged.

This alone is the intent of this posting in my blog of both the DS email and my reply.

Succeeding postings will be made as part of my ministry/mission report on my 18 days
journey back to the place where I experienced the New Birth based on John 3:1-8.

Manny


Letter of Thanks‏
From: Marcelino Saura (rev.marcelinosaura@yahoo.com.ph)
Sent: Mon 7/27/09 12:44 PM
To: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
Good evening Pastor Manny,

I am pastor Marcelino Saura Jr. the District superintendent of the Southern=
Mindanao District.

I and my wife want to thank you for our short time together in our district=
office last Wednesday July 22, 2009. you have encouraged us so much. speci=
ally in the aspect of our part as parents of our kids,

the morning before you come we have our sharing time with my wife and our t=
opic is about the future of our kids, and we are worried because we don't h=
ave any investment or even savings for their schooling, so my wife is telli=
ng me that we will just let them study in a vocational school.

But we thank you because you had come and minister with us. you have encour=
age us a lot at that time and we praise God for your time with us. you have=
reminded us that we have our God who could provide for the future of our c=
hildren.

thank you once again.

Rev. Marcelino A. Saura Jr.


From: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
To: rev.marcelinosaura@yahoo.com.ph
Subject: RE: letter of thanks
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 03:07:04 +0000

Dear Pastor Mar,

Greetings in the most precious name of our God & Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ
whose we are and whom we serve until He comes again! Maranatha!

I am sorry that I was not able to reply to your email sooner. I just got back yesterday afternoon from Surallah, South Cotabato after 17 days of ministry.

It was my privilege to have met you & your wife with your kids that 22nd day of July in General Santos City.

I have sought to live my life as one called of the LORD as an Evangelist

Ephesians 4:11 (King James Version)
11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

to follow the admonition of the Apostle Paul in
Galatians 6:9-10 (King James Version)

9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

as a way of life. And so, my business and the business of every one who name the name of Christ, is to bring and do good, to all that the LORD allows us to be in contact with in our daily sojourn in this earthlife until He calls us home or the Rapture comes.

I praise God that my short visit with you has brought encouragement to both of your hearts and I pray that, hencefort, you with your wife & kids will resolve to LOOK UP & TRUST in the LORD JESUS CHRIST ALONE for all of your earthly needs.

To HIM ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Isaiah 42:8

8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

We are called to be like Joses Barnabas known as the son of consolation, that is encouragement in
Acts 4:36

36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus.

We must seek at all times, when the opportunity presents itself, to put courage in the hearts of God's people especially HIS servants who labor in HIS vineyard. As we do, much can be accomplished to build the kingdom of our God in the hearts and lives of people within our individual concentric circle of influence for HIS GLORY ALONE.

It is good to remind ourselves that our God, the creator of the heavens & the earth, is the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob and of those who are believers in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We are assured of HIS DIVINE GUIDANCE, LEADING, DIRECTION, PROVISION & PROTECTION in every aspect of our lives as we daily trust HIM for whatever need may arise in our lives.

Let us remember and I highly suggest that you with your family memorize this Scripture
Ephesians 3:20-21

20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

As we daily seek to live for HIM a life of righteousness, holiness through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit living in the inside of our hearts, let us daily heed the teaching of the writer of Hebrews, that there is only one kind of life that will please HIM and that is the LIFE OF FAITH. We see this truth again & again emphasized in the scriptures as follows:

Romans 1:17 (King James Version)

17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 3:11

11But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Habakkuk 2:4

4Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Hebrews 10:38

38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

We must ask the question WHY? WHY FAITH? The answer is clearly taught in Scriptures specifically in

Hebrews 11:6

6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

As we seek to daily LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH, A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD, let us be assured of HIS PROVISION & PROTECTION AS WE FULFILL THE MANDATE OF HIS CALL UPON OUR LIVES.

As you, my dear brother & fellow minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ live this kind of life, a life completely/fully dependent alone on the Goodness & Faithfulness of our God and Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ, then you are assured of HIS ABILITY TO WORK ON YOUR BEHALF EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

Read, study & meditate on the following Scriptures:

Isaiah 1:19

19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Nahum 1:7

7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Isaiah 54:17

17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Revelation 12:11

11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
and PSALM 91 and PSALM 112.

Rest assured that as God the Holy Spirit bring you and your family into my remembrance, I will pray for you all.

In Christ Love,

Pastor Manny
Ephesians 1:14-23; 3:14-21;
Colossians 1:9-11; 3:16-17