Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Will 2020 Be Ichabod For America?*

 
The series "United Shades of America" recently aired an episode concerning the racial injustices in the city of Pittsburgh. This is the home town of Dr. Stevenson, and the location of a satellite ministry of ECCE. The episode was personally disturbing and heartbreaking for these reasons. As the nation confronts racism, we need to understand the truth of the scriptures, rather than the prejudices and fears of man. Acts 17 states: "God that made the world and all things therein...and hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth...". Revelation 5, 7, and 14 says that those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Christ, is "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. It is time to take a look at this issue and others that are troubling our nation, and what they mean to our future if they are not corrected.
In Luke 21:7-28, Mt. 24, and Mark 13, Jesus prophesies to His disciples about the conditions that will be on earth before, and at the time of His return. He warns of violence that will occur as nation rises against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. The word used for "nation" is the Greek word ethnos, which refers to racial and ethnic identities. This passage also warns of great earthquakes, famines and pestilences, fearful sights and great signs in the heavens. There will be hatred and great persecution against believers leading to imprisonment and death. There will be betrayal at the hands of friends and family. Jerusalem will be at the center of contention in the hands of the Gentiles, until the age of the Gentiles is fulfilled. With the re-establishment of Israel, and with the control of both Jerusalem and the Temple Mount now in the hands of the Israelis, we see the fulfillment of this prophecy. Jesus went on to say that there will be distress and signs in the heavens, on earth and among nations, and in the seas. When we see these signs begin to come to pass, Jesus instructs us, "...look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (v. 28). We see the escalation of all of these conditions taking place now, including the ethnic hatred and violence of which Jesus spoke.
The prophet Hosea wrote of issues among God's people, including His priests and prophets, that would draw the judgment of God. In Chapter 4, the LORD tells Hosea the sinful conditions He sees among "the inhabitants of the land", which we also see today in America. The LORD said there was no mercy, no truth, nor knowledge of God in the land. Instead there is swearing, killing, stealing, adultery and bloodletting. His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge of Him. In America, our pulpits are refusing to teach the knowledge of God, and instead have "scratched the ears" of a people who are no longer interested in hearing the truth, or repenting of sin. In America, our trust is no longer in God, but in men. Hosea prophesies about a priesthood who has rejected knowledge of God, and fed themselves on the sins of the people instead. Therefore, God will reject them, and forget their children. The LORD said, "As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame." (v. 7).
The Book of 1 Samuel tells us of a similar condition in Israel. In Chapter 2, though the head priest is Eli, a man who knows God, even having witnessed the miraculous birth of the child Samuel, he does nothing to control his two sons, also serving as priests, in their predatory behavior against the people of God. God tells Eli that by not correcting his sons, Eli honors his corrupt sons more than he honors God. The sons even enrich themselves on the offerings of the people. God sends a prophet to tell Eli that his house will come to an end. His corrupt sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will not live. The sign to Eli from the LORD would be that both his sons would die on the same day. No one in Eli's family would live into old age. In Chapter 4, we are told that the two corrupt sons of Eli take the Ark of God into the battle against the Philistines. The Philistines win the battle and capture the Ark. Many are slaughtered, including the two sons of Eli, as God had prophesied. A messenger came to Eli to tell him that his sons were dead, and the Ark had been captured. Eli fell over dead at the news.  Eli had judged Israel for forty years (note 20 20, our present year). The wife of Phinehas, with the shock and sorrow of hearing of her husband's death, and the loss of the Ark to the Philistines, went into labor (travail) and gave birth to the child she was carrying. She named the male child Ichabod ("no glory") saying, "The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken." (v. 22).
According to both Hosea and Samuel 1, the sinful, violent, and corrupt behavior of God's people, including prophet and priest, caused the glory of the LORD to be removed from the nation, and exchanged for shame. America is in danger of Ichabod.
A man, Alexis de Toqueville, came from France to examine America to see what it was that made America great. This is what he said:
“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
America is in danger of Ichabod.  We can no longer teach righteousness from the pulpits. We cannot teach sin because it causes offence. We cannot teach or speak the truth of the Word in our land. Have many of our "priests" become like Hophni and Phinehas, seeking only to enrich and indulge themselves? A compromise of righteousness and truth now rule the land, which is causing America to stand in judgment before God.

*The above is based upon the 7/26/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8


http://endtimeschool.com/

everlastingcovenant@ymail.com

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
 
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:

NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling  


                                                                   Sean Stevenson

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Your Talk is Cheap: If You Don't Do HIS WILL*

 
 
So much has come against the Bible and Biblical Christianity (as opposed to "Churchianity"). There is a rise in anti-God sentiment, and a compromise of the truth in pulpits in the name of tolerance.
There is more to following Christ than attending church on Sunday, and singing hymns. The Word of God has greater expectations than that regarding those who name the name of Christ. Jesus said,
"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."   Mt. 7:21-23
Those referred to in the above verses did miraculous works in the name of Jesus, but the Lord disregarded those works and called them workers of iniquity. This is a remarkable statement, and Jesus said that it would apply to "many". Evidently, instead of doing the Father's will, these workers were doing their will in the Father's name. Although they tapped into the power of the Word of God, they lacked the relationship that Jesus has with His Father, and is looking for in us. Many of us in church desire to do these same miraculous works, but Jesus only knows those who press in to seek to do His Father's will in their lives.
Jesus described those who seek to do His Father's will as having the intimate relationship with Him as His true brother, sister, or mother, even more than those who could claim this familial relationship with Him in the natural (Mt. 12:49-50). What relates us intimately to Jesus is to have a desire likes His: to do the Father's will above all else.
As Jesus gave His instructions to His disciples, which we call the Great Commission, He made clear His expectations:
"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Grk. meaning is "age").  Mt. 28:18-20
First of all, the Gospel is to all nations. There is not a preferred ethnicity or race. The Church should not be one of the most segregated places in America, as it often is now. Secondly, the directive is to teach that we are to observe (do) all things which Christ has commanded. One of those things which Christ has commanded is that we do His father's will. Jesus assigns us this work to be done until the end of the age- the age which shall see the return of Christ to the earth. All signs indicate that His return is imminent.
In Mark 16, Jesus told His disciples that miraculous signs in His name will follow those who believe the Gospel of salvation, including casting out devils, speaking with new tongues, protection against those things that may come against them to harm them during this commission, and the recovery of the sick upon whom hands are laid (Mk. 16:16-18). These signs were to confirm the truth of the Gospel which they were commanded to preach to every creature in the whole world (v. 15, 20). The Gospel of salvation is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith...For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness..." (Rom. 1:16-20 excerpt).
As we believe the Word, we are expected to DO it, producing the works that follow it:
"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves....whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."  James 1:21-25 (excerpt)
James wrote of being doers of the Word, rather than hearers only, actively incorporating it into our lives. The Word is to make a difference in our lives. The Gospel of salvation is to be followed by signs confirming it.
Jesus told the parable of the Sower of the Seed (Mt. 13:1-23). He explained the parable to His disciples because He told them that it was given to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is the sower of the seed of the Word of God, He explained. However, not all soil will receive the seed. The various soils of the parable represent those who hear the Word, and their processing of it, or failure to do so. Some soil is stony, and the seed of the Word cannot grow deep roots, nor endure for long in the face of hardship. Some hearers of the Word are compared to thorny soil. The seed of the Word of God ends up being choked out by the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches.  For this kind of hearer, the seed will never bear fruit among those thorns. However, those who hear the Word and understand it, are like good ground that receives the seed, which grows and produces abundant fruit, multiplied many times, even a hundred fold.
As Jesus related in His parable about the Sower of the Seed, Isaiah also wrote about those who do not hear or receive the Word effectively, and consequently fail to understand it and be saved by it (Isa. 6:9). Our understanding and incorporating of the Word of God, must also be combined with the will of God. Those who seek the Father's will are the good soil indeed.
This is God's will for all of us who have received and understood the seed of the word sown by Jesus into the soil of our lives. That seed of the Word, and understanding the the will of the Father, bears much fruit.

*The above is based upon the 7/19/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8


http://endtimeschool.com/

everlastingcovenant@ymail.com

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
 
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:

NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling  


                                                                   Sean Stevenson
 
 


Friday, July 17, 2020

Church in America, Will You Hear?*

 
From our beginning, America was established with a dependence upon the Christian faith. One of the earliest founding documents, The Mayflower Compact, which was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony, was written and signed in 1620 before the settlers disembarked from the ship. This document says in part:
"IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten...Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and advancement of the Christian Faith..."
Subsequent American history, which includes slavery, tells us that the Godly foundations of America were violated at an early point, and continues to be violated by a people who have chosen to call evil good, and good evil, with abortion as just one current example.
This message seeks to reveal the steps that need to be taken for the repentance and revival that America needs.
There is a consequence for rejecting Jesus, and His commandments:
"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."   Mt. 21:42-43
Jesus delivered these words to Israel, but they are true for any people who reject the truth of God. The kingdom of God can, and will be removed from them. Even the American Church incorporates new age falsehoods and mysticism. Atheism and Humanism are acceptable in America while faith, especially the Christian faith, becomes more and more mocked and persecuted.
A nation that overflows with the blessings of God, as America does, can find that it will suffer the consequences of despising those blessings:
"For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned."
Heb. 6:7-8
We were abundantly blessed by God in this country in order to bring forth edifying spiritual fruit that benefits many, but instead, we have used those blessings to bring forth spiritual briars and thorns, of no desirability, or useful purpose.
We have seen calamity upon calamity befall this nation, as is warned of in the Psalms:
"Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law."  Ps. 119:53
As we read last week in Ezekiel 22, Isaiah 5, and Hosea 4, the LORD prophesies woe and destruction for the nation that embraces the shedding of blood, the oppression of the weak and poor, the corruption of governing leaders, and religious leaders, who compromise what they know is right for ungodly gain, and whose people follow the same corrupt example. Such a nation will reap the rewards of their unrighteousness. As this nation has turned its back on the mercy, truth and knowledge of God, and forgotten Him, He will also forget our children.
God cries out to America in the same way that He cried out to Israel:
"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the LORD God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the LORD God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye."   Ezek. 18:30-32
In what turned out to be a prophetic glimpse into the condition of America, Rev. D. James Kennedy said,
"Tolerance is the last virtue of a depraved society. When you have an immoral society that has blatantly, proudly, violated all of the commandments of God, there is one last virtue they insist upon: tolerance for their immorality."
Doesn't this sound familiar in America? America insists upon tolerance for all ungodliness, but shows little tolerance for the mention of God, neither His name, nor His Word.
Life and death hangs in the balance of America's decision regarding repentance for our iniquity and transgressions, although God does not desire any to perish. He is longsuffering, that we might yet repent, and live. The question is: Will America repent? We have been wrong about many things in this nation, so it is time to say we were, and are, wrong.
In a Psalm about the LORD's mercy to us, it is written:
"I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD."   Ps. 118:17-19
Turn and live America, while God is crying out to you.

*The above is based upon the 7/12/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 
To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8


http://endtimeschool.com/

everlastingcovenant@ymail.com

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
 
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:

NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling  


                                                                   Sean Stevenson
 
 

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Monuments, Men, and Movements**

National Monument to the Forefathers
Plymouth, MA
 
The three words used in the title of this message, monuments, men, and movements, have been in the news lately. Monuments have caused great debate, and some have been torn down. The lives of men, particularly African-American men, have been cut down for little or no reason. Movements have begun from Black Lives Matter to White Nationalists, and Antifa.
The monument pictured above, thankfully, is not one of those being talked about for destruction. It is the one referred to in the documentary, "Monumental", which is highly recommended if you have not seen it. The idea behind its creation and dedication, was to serve as a reminder to the American people of the foundational truths upon which our nation was founded, including the Word of God. This monument, called the National Monument to the Forefathers, was created in anticipation of a time when, as a people, America found itself falling away from its foundation which was established upon these Godly principles. This Monument serves as a signpost for the way back to our original purpose, promise, and identity as a nation. We have definitely found ourselves at such a point in our history when we need this help.
The prophets in scripture spoke to Israel of its similar sorry condition, as they left the knowledge and Word of God behind. What the prophets spoke to Israel could very well apply to our nation as well in this present day. Ezekiel 22 describes this condition that applies to the United States, as it did to Israel, with a sober warning from God. Some of those sins and abominations include:
*Cities that shed blood in the midst of them
*the making of idols
*being the receiver of reproach and mocking from other nations because of our wickedness
*corrupt princes who have shed blood and oppressed the weaker people
*despising the holy things of God and profaning His Sabbaths; forgetting God Himself
*abomination and defiling, lewd behavior against family members and neighbors
*bribery, usury, greed, extortion, dishonest gain
*devouring, lying prophets, priests and princes, who lie for gain
*the common people of the land following the same abominable and oppressive behavior as their political and spiritual leaders

It is obvious how similarly our nation has fallen away as had the nation of Israel spoken of here by the word of the LORD to the prophet. The prophet warned that the LORD's wrath would be released upon the nation (v. 13-22). We should consider that the same warning must also then apply to us and to our time: 
"Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst thereof."    Ezek. 22:21
Perhaps, though, the greatest tragedy of all concerning this corrupt, ungodly, and violent people can be found in the following verse:
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."  v. 30
Concerning America, God is looking for those who will stand up and make up the hedge; those who will, according to 2 Chron. 7:14, humble themselves, repent, pray, seek God's face, turn from their wicked ways, so God can heal our land. Where are those who will do that?
The prophet Isaiah also wrote of things that apply directly to America now. The LORD spoke, even sang, of the beautiful vineyard of His Beloved. He revealed this vineyard as being Judah and Israel, but again, the same could be said of America. The vineyard was well tended, and had the potential to be greatly fruitful. The LORD had the expectation that the best grapes would be produced, since those were the varieties planted, but instead, disappointingly sour, immature wild grapes were produced instead. There could not have been a more blessed and protected vineyard, but now that protection would be removed from it. It would cease to be a vineyard of grapes, and instead become overrun and trampled. Briars and thorns would grow in it, and no rain would fall upon it (Isa. 5:1-6).
The prophet continues to reveal woes that would come upon the people who are like this ruined vineyard. The LORD mentioned in particular that these people took land in a greedy grab for real estate (v. 8). We have done this throughout our history as well to indigenous people, those who could not stand up to an army, or have any remedy against a corrupt treaty. This land grab was excused in our nation under the banner of "Manifest Destiny".
The LORD also describes a people to the prophet Isaiah who no longer had consideration for the work of the hands of the LORD, casting it aside (v. 12). Although they are called to holy appointments with the LORD, they instead indulge in drunken and carnal entertainments. Because of these things the prophet wrote:
"Therefore hell hath enlarged itself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it."  v. 14
Woes are prophesied by Isaiah for those who "call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (v. 20). We have seen this in our nation like never before. Godly things are rejected, and sinful things are celebrated: "...they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel." (v. 24).
Hell is not a legend nor a joke. Wickedness had grown so pervasive across the land, that Hell had to be enlarged to receive those who engage in it. Ron Reagan, Jr., the son of the former president, mocked the idea of Hell, and defiantly claimed that he was not afraid of it, but it is something to fear indeed. It is for eternity.
Again, the question is asked in Isaiah 6: "...Whom shall I send, and who shall go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me." (v. 8). The LORD continues on to tell the one who will go, to give the warning to this people. The LORD is looking for someone to speak up in warning, and to intercede.
Judgment is real, and, unless America heeds the warning, we will see the consequences. The responsibility lays in the hands of God's people, who are called by His name.
 

**The above is based upon the 7/5/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8


http://endtimeschool.com/

everlastingcovenant@ymail.com

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
 
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:

NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling  


                                                                   Sean Stevenson

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

First Become Humble*

The Good Samaritan
 
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
2 Chron. 7:14
As I have discussed in many previous messages, our nation needs the healing that is found in the above chapter and verse from 2 Chronicles. The responsibility and call is to God's people, who are called by His name. The first thing mentioned above, in order to turn a nation's sickness into healing, is for God's people to humble themselves. However, rather than being an age of humility, this era has instead become one associated with pride. Pride has become connected with everything, including things which are against the Word of God. Pride on both sides of the racial divide is threatening to tear our nation apart. It is even more important then, for God's people to understand the need to be humble, but, unfortunately, I have not seen this in practice across the Body of Christ. Scripture teaches the value that God places upon the humble heart:
"...ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that he may exalt you in due time....Submit yourselves therefor to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" 
                                                                        1 Pet. 5:5-6. and James 4:6-7, 10
The Word also tells us that pride is associated with destruction, not healing:
"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit." Pr. 29:23
The prophets also revealed the spiritual power and blessing of humility:
"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  Isa. 57:15
God's promise is to dwell among His people, to tabernacle in their midst, restoring the relationship He had in the beginning with Adam in the Garden, through Jesus, His Son. This requires a humble and contrite heart in His people. He has shown us what is good, "...and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"  Mic. 6:8
We have seen very little justice and mercy. Those who are wounded, downtrodden, disregarded for racial or ethnic reasons, and even those just going about innocent activities, are being targeted and murdered. Sean Stevenson, my son, was a murder victim in Missoula, Montana, under mysterious circumstances. No answers are forthcoming from the authorities in regard to his murder. Each week, more victims are sadly added to the list, and there is no justice, no mercy, no humility, and certainly no repentance.
Jesus taught a parable, which we call the parable of the good Samaritan, in answer to a lawyer who was challenging Him about how to inherit eternal life (Lk. 10:25-37). Since the questioner was a lawyer, the Lord asked him to answer his own question based upon the Law of Moses. The lawyer answered, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus told the lawyer that this was the correct answer to his own question. Then the lawyer wanting to justify himself for not observing the Law he just quoted, asked, "And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus told the lawyer that there once was a man who, while traveling, had been viciously attacked by thieves and left on the road, half dead. Both a priest and a Levite saw him on the road, and passed by him, even crossing to the other side of the road to avoid him. Then a Samaritan came along the road. We know that Samaritans were considered ethnic "half-breeds", and religious heretics by the Jews. They were held in contempt, and were not to be associated with. Yet when the Samaritan man saw the wounded victim laying in the road, he ministered to his wounds with bandages, oil, and wine. The Samaritan picked the victim up, and took him on his beast to an inn, where he continued to take care of him. When the Samaritan had to leave, he paid the innkeeper to continue to care for the man, and promised to pay the innkeeper if there were more charges incurred in the care of this stranger. Jesus then asked the lawyer, which of the men was the neighbor to the wounded man, and the lawyer had to answer that it was the Samaritan, the one who had shown mercy to the wounded man. Jesus instructed the lawyer to "Go and do thou likewise."
Many people, even people who are "religious", and people of faith, find it easier to remove themselves, and not get involved in the face of injustice, or when confronted by uneasy situations, perhaps involving people not held in esteem for various reasons. However, Jesus made clear that the ones who do the Word and will of God embrace justice, mercy and humility concerning their relationship with all others. The inheritance of everlasting life is based upon these things. Where are the Samaritans today, who are willing to align themselves with the downtrodden?
It is not pride, but humility that fulfills the Word of God, and brings healing to our land.
 
*The above is based upon the 6/28/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 


To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8


http://endtimeschool.com/

everlastingcovenant@ymail.com

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
 
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:

NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling  


                                                                   Sean Stevenson