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Editorial: HVS

                                            DO YOU HEAR THE CALL FOR REVIVAL?

When I read of the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti and read that an estimated 500,000 might have died, I wondered how many of the dead and dying were ready to meet God? For those who were not ready, there was no second chance. The Bible says, And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, (Heb 9:27 NASB)
     This natural disaster is a vivid reminder that God can come at any moment to claim our soul. No one anticipated that a 7.0 earthquake was about to hit them on January 12. One moment it was life as usual and the next moment the ground began shaking. It happened so fast that many were unable to escape the buildings and homes as they collapsed. One moment they were alive, the next they were expired. For many, there was no time to get right with God. What a tragedy this has been with not only the loss of life, but the loss of souls who were not ready to meet God.
I wonder how many people in the world will recognize that (1) God is reminding us through this disaster and others that mankind is not in control of nature and that there is an omnipotent God who is in control of not only planet earth but the infinite reaches of the universe. And (2) that life can end at any moment for any of us and we must be ready to meet God at any moment.
     In our modern age if there ever was a time for revival it is now. Just look at America. As it drifts away from God, the problems multiply. Our corrupt national leaders no longer recognize that their offices of power have been established by God. “...For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” (Rom 13:1b NASB) They rule according to their fleshly selfish interests and lust for power. They set themselves up as God. This inevitably results in a weakened and corrupt nation. Haiti, Somalia, Yemen, North Korea, the Muslim nations to name a few, are an example of nations where governments have no time for God and we could name many more.
Do we need revival? Yes, we need it desperately. Where should revival start? It needs to start with you and me. Then, we need to pray for revival of the clergy, our seminaries, Bible schools, and congregations. Let me give you some startling statistics from the Barna Group poll that proves the need for revival.
50% of Americans who call themselves Christian do not believe Satan exists
33% are confident Jesus sinned while on earth
40% say they do not have a responsibility to share their Christian faith with others
25% dismiss the idea that the Bible is accurate in all it teaches
By a margin of 71% to 26% adults “noted that they are personally more likely to develop their own set of religious beliefs than to accept a comprehensive set of beliefs taught by a particular church,” the report noted. Nearly 66% of “Born again Christians” adopted that stance.
     The report stated, "In the past, when most people determined their theological and moral points of view, the alternatives from which they chose were exclusively of Christian options - e.g., the Methodist point of view, the Baptist perspective, Catholic teaching, and so forth," Bama noted. "Today, Americans are more likely to pit a variety of non-Christian options against various Christian-based views. This has resulted in an abundance of unique worldviews based on personal combinations of theology drawn from a smattering of world religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam as well as secularism."
It is time for preachers to focus on preaching Biblical Truth and not the wisdom of man. The emphasis needs to be on preaching and teaching Biblical Doctrine so the believer can recognize the deceiving schemes of the devil and understand his/her position in Christ. As one writer put it, “We need to be making disciples, not just adding souls to the church roll.”
     Who can deny we desperately need revival? Brethren, if you are not praying daily for revival, please join with me in praying daily for America to experience a revival that will shake the land. Pray for preachers and teachers to experience revival so they will be ready when the revival comes. Don’t forget to pray for personal revival. It is so easy to grow apathetic. We need to pray for God’s revival fires to light a Gospel blaze first in our own heart in order for us to spread revival fires to others.
Pray Brethren, Pray! Pray for REVIVAL!



The Two Spirits of Christmas

Do you have the “Christmas Spirit or the Christmas spirit?” During the Christmas Season we frequently hear this term mentioned. For most people the Christmas spirit usually includes showing love, good manners, helping others, the giving of gifts, and being in a joyful mood. Both Christians and non-Christians can exhibit these characteristics. However, from a Christian perspective, the Christmas spirit is not just outward behavior, it is rooted in the Holy Spirit of God and has a far deeper meaning than just the outward showing of love, good manners etc. If we remove the Holy Spirit from Christmas, than there would be no Christmas at all.
The Bible says that Mary “was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.” (Mat. 1:18) After Jesus entered the wilderness He was “full of the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 4:1) After the devil presented his last temptation to Jesus, “...Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,” (Luk. 4:14) These are just a few examples showing how intertwined the Holy Spirit is with Jesus. You can’t have one without the other.
So, how does one acquire the “Spirit of Christmas?” It begins with accepting Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. We read in Acts 2:38, Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Only in Christ can we have the true Spirit of Christmas in our heart. Only then can we begin to experience the true meaning of Christmas and the “Christmas Spirit” joy that God wants us to share with others. “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 14:7)
When we have the Holy Spirit in our hearts it bears “The fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Gal. 5:22-23 It is with this God     given fruit that Christians exhibit the Christmas Spirit.
What is the deeper meaning of these characteristics that bring so much joy to our lives and truly define the Christmas Spirit?
LOVE:- 1Jn 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. How wonderful it is to experience the unconditional love of God in Christ so we might experience forgiveness of sin.
JOY:- Joh 16:24 "Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. What a joy it is to know that God answers prayer and gives us everything we need to lead a happy and joyful life.
PEACE:- Joh 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” These blessed words of encouragement from our Lord and Savior are just what we need as we walk through a very troubled world.
PATIENCE:- 1Ti 1:16 “Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” Show appreciation for God’s patience with us by being patient with others.
KINDNESS:- Rom 2:4 “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” If we appreciate God’s kindness to us, we will be kind and tolerant toward others who offend us.
GOODNESS:- Eph 5:9 “for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth” This is the goodness of Christ that we are to exhibit to others in our lives.
FAITHFULNESS:- 1Ti 1:12 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” Faithfulness to Christ is essential to carry out the will of God for our lives and to be of service to others and is possible only through the strength of God.
GENTLENESS:- Col 3:12 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;” Gentleness is an essential quality in dealing with the lost, the hurting, and all who need spiritual encouragement and counseling.
SELF-CONTROL:- 1Co 9:19 “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.” Paul is a good example of one who exercised self-control by putting aside his own desires in order to win souls for Christ.

It’s not enough to have the Christmas spirit, we need to have the CHRISTmas SPIRIT, the Holy Spirit of God. If you have not asked Jesus into your heart, you may get into the Christmas spirit this Christmas Season but you will not experience the true and eternal joys of having the true Christmas Spirit that come from Christ, active in your life.
During this Christmas Season I urge you to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and exhibit the true SPIRIT of Christmas.

GO!
“Reaching the Lost for Christ”

     And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." -Mat 28:18-20 NASB

When we examine the Scriptures, we read about ordinary men called by God to perform extraordinary feats. We think of Noah, not a ship builder who built the Ark, of Gideon a farmer who with 300 men defeated an army many times his size, of David a sheep-herder who defeated a giant with a sling-shot and many others who accomplished feats far beyond their normal capabilities.
How about you and me? Are we ready to step out and go under Christ’s authority to “Reach the Lost for Christ?” Not all of us are called to become missionaries and preachers but everyone is called by Christ to play a part in the Great Commission. God calls certain people to go to the Mission Fields and He calls others to provide the financial support for mission activities.
In the U.S.A. it is easy to forget the need for missions. We live a life-style filled with conveniences. We have access to many things that satisfy the flesh. The end result is that we tend to focus on self instead of the work that God has put before us. Things, recreation, dining out, etc., are not evil in themselves but when they take our attention away from what is really important and stand between us and God, they become evil.
The motto of the ELBF and HHM is “Reaching the Lost for Christ.” Whether in Kenya or the U.S.A., this is our objective. We strive to accomplish our goal through evangelism, preaching, teaching, long distance learning, publications, and personal ministry. If you have not done so, please respond to Christ’s command and become our Partner in Ministry.


                                                                    JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY!

BEWARE OF THE DEVIL’S SCHEMES

As Christians we need to be constantly on guard against the schemes of the devil. Satan the master liar and deceiver, has many diabolical schemes to draw the Christian off the path of righteousness. He has the ability to convince people that evil is good and good is evil. Same sex marriage, sex outside of marriage, pornography, perverted sex, cheating on your spouse, lusting, etc. is considered OK by many and promoted by others. These are secular world views to be avoided at all costs. Satan is able to enter into any home via the internet, TV, and the written word. Satan is a most formidable enemy. He is out to steal your soul!

As Christians, how are we to react to an ever-increasing onslaught by Satan? The Bible says, “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.“ (Jam 4:6-7 NASB)
First we are to humble ourselves before God to receive His grace and power in our lives. Then when the devil shows up on our doorstep via the TV, internet, etc., we are to resist or stand firm in the power of God through Jesus Christ. Resisting or standing firm is to reject and turn away from all temptation at the moment it appears. If we take but a moment to indulge in the temptation, it is more than likely we will be hooked. Therefore we must immediately resist in Jesus’ name, and then the devil will flee.

Setting our mind on biblical truths and allowing our hearts to be directed by the Holy Spirit, will give us the spiritual tools needed to recognize the devil’s traps. In Pro 13:14 the Bible says, “The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.” The law of the wise is God’s holy Word that exposes the snares of the devil. It is God’s Word that is a light shining on our path, exposing all the evil schemes of the devil. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Psa 119:105

BEWARE THE DEVIL’S SCHEMES: Evaluate all things from a Biblical World View, that is, look at all things through the filter of God’s Word. Then humble yourself before God and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, resist Satan, and you will not fall prey to his schemes.

                                              CALL FOR REVIVAL

What a wonderful promise God gives to His people in 2 Ch 7:14. For us today, this verse is a call for Christians to repent. As we observe the Christian Church of today, we see it slowly losing its focus on the salvation of lost souls and the preaching of the Word. The preaching in many cases does not mention sin and its consequences. Don’t mention the word Hell because it might offend someone. And what about the common practice of living together out of wedlock, the preacher better not touch that subject or he will come under the wrath of parents and relatives. Most church goers today want their ears tickled. They want to hear about all the good things the congregation is doing in the community and in the world. They want to hear that they are good people so they can feel good about themselves.
You might have heard of the Emerging Church Movement. (If you have a computer and have access to the Internet, type in your Google search window, “emerging search movement” to access information concerning this dangerous religious trend.) -Editor

The Emerging Church tends to discount the inerrancy and infallibility of the scriptures. It opens the Word of God to liberal interpretation. Wikipedia, an online Encyclopedia states; “Emergents believe it is necessary to deconstruct and reconstruct (redefine and reshape) Christianity in order to engage post-Christian Western culture in this two-way conversation rather than proclaim a message that is alien to and unpopular with that culture.” Eastern mysticism is also often times is brought into the mix.

We need the old fashioned preaching of the Law & Gospel. As my seminary professors would always say, “Preach the Law in all its severity and the Gospel in all its sweetness.” We need preachers who are not afraid to preach from the Word of God rather than from the empty philosophies of man. We need preachers who will stand behind the pulpit (a missing piece of furniture in many churches today) and proclaim, “Thus says the Lord!” and uncompromisingly preach about sin and God’s redeeming grace.

When it comes to music and hymnody, the beautiful Hymns of the past are being discarded for praise music and songs. While I have nothing against good, well written praise music, I believe it wrong to remove the old hymns with their deep meanings that address the sinful condition of man and the redeeming grace of God. Hymns such as, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed”, “Have Thine Own Way Lord” and many more that speak to our heart and remind us of our sin, the need to repent, and the forgiving grace of God, are never sung in many churches and others only occasionally. The new Hymnals no longer include many of the old hymns.

I do not believe Post Modern era trends are good for the Body of Christ. When I leave the morning worship service, I want to leave with a sense of how wicked my flesh is and the power of God’s grace to overcome the sin in my life. I want to hear the comforting words that in Christ my sins are forgiven when I confess them. I don’t want to feel good about what I’ve done but feel good about what Christ has done for me and in me. It is in Christ where we find hope that never dies as contrasted with self where hope fades away, leaving us spiritually destitute and without direction.
Let us pray for revival. First, pray for revival in our own hearts and then pray for revival in church. Pray for the pastors who no longer preach the full counsel of God, who are leading people astray with their false teachings. Pray for the people to search the scriptures and be given discernment to recognize truth from falsehood. Yes, pray for the Holy Spirit of God to bring a Revival to our nation, but, don’t forget, we too must do our part.

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.     (2Ch 7:14 NASB)

                                                  ARE YOU PREPARED TO LEAVE?

You have been reading about the wildfires in California. One of the headlines today said, ”1M FLEE.” I wonder how many were ready to leave their home and property at a moments notice?
I’m sure we can safely assume that most of the displaced home owners were not prepared for the fires that burned their homes. Most of them would have thought about the possibility but then put it out of their mind. Then when the fire came over the mountain ridge, it was too late and many barely escaped with their lives. All their possessions and things they treasured, were burned to ashes.
From a spiritual perspective, a Christian understands that his earthly possessions are but temporal. His true treasure is stored in heaven, where there is absolute and eternal security.

Mat 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
Mat 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

The California wildfires also reminded me of the fires of judgment that will come upon the wicked. The fires in California will eventually be extinguished but the fires of hell are eternal. Suffering the pain and trauma of an earthly fire is severe indeed but can you imagine suffering in the fires of hell forever and forever?

Mat 25:41 "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;

Proper preparations for a coming event is always essential. The day will come when we will leave planet earth to enter eternity. Will our destination be heaven or the fires of hell? If we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we need not fear, but those who have not, face impending eternal doom. The California fires have destroyed the temporal treasures of many but the fires of hell destroy the souls of the wicked, an ongoing punishment without end. Jesus described it this way;
Mar 9:48 where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.
Worms and maggots feed on dead and rotting carcasses and when the flesh has been eaten, the worm dies but the picture here is of the eternal pain the wicked suffer in hell eternally. The physical and mental pain never ends. The “fire” or God’s holy wrath against sin and the wicked in hell is also eternal and never ending.
ARE YOU PREPARED TO LEAVE? Is your spiritual house in order? If it isn’t my friend, get right with God. Confess your sins and ask Jesus to come into your heart and take over your life. He is the only one who can prepare you for eternity. Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels and all those who follow him, but heaven is prepared for those who walk with the Lord. If you do not walk with the Lord on earth, you will not walk with Him in heaven. If you have questions concerning your salvation, see your pastor or contact this office. Do not delay, your soul is at stake.