When Men Have No Words*

This week, there was a tragic shooting of nineteen children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. Not long before this event, there was a shooting in Buffalo, New York that killed ten. Both of these shootings were done by teenage boys armed with military style weapons. The parents of the children in Texas would gladly have died in their children's places. The police had actually put a mother in physical restraints before eventually releasing her. After she was relesed, she ignored police warnings and entered the school to successfully remove her two children. The Russian warfare in the Ukraine has also purposefully targeted women and children as well as the Ukrainian men who are engaged in the combat. Upon hearing of these ungodly crimes against the defenseless and the innocent, men have no words. They are shocked and speechless. How do we respond to such things? When men have no words, however, God does have Words, and in His Words, we find the true cause of this situation, and His provision regarding it. Before the flood of judgment covered the earth in Noah's generation, the LORD looked upon man: "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man upon the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man and beast...for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of theb LORD." (Gen. 6:5-8). Grace is the gift from God, and even the faith to believe it is a gift from God. Grace is not earned. That grace of God created a difference between Noah, and the evil hearts of every other person on earth. The Prophet Jeremiah wrote of the difference between those who trust God, and those who don't: "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters...neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jer. 17:7-10). Jesus pointed out the fulfillment of a prophecy from Isaiah: "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." (Mt. 15:8, Isa. 29:13). Again, as we have seen all the way back in Genesis, this is a "heart" matter. The evil comes from within the heart of man. Jesus corrected the religious people who believed that they were defiled from the outside, by what they touched or ate, as men had taught them in error (v. 9, 11). However, Jesus told them that their defilement came from within their own hearts: "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blaspemies...covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." (Mt. 15:18-19, Mk. 7:20-23). It's everybody. It's every heart. This is the importance of grace in the life of a man. When men have no words, go the the Word of God. Psalm 53 says that God looked down from heaven to see if there was any man who understood and sought God. The LORD found "...there is none that doeth good...Every one of them is gone back, they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." Paul also wrote that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Sin is in our hearts. Solomon, said to have been the wisest man, wrote of the evil that is among all things under the sun: "...yea, also, the hearts of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead." (Eccl. 9:3). Solomon also wrote that because it seems that evil is not punished quickly, evil in the hearts of men is encouraged by this to continue. However, Solomon says, that no matter how long it seems that the evil doer gets away from punishment and seems to flourish, and their days are prolonged, it is well with those who fear God (Eccl. 8:11-12). Job also points out that although the wicked may enjoy wealth, in a moment, they go down to the grave. The wicked say to the LORD, "Depart from us", and they have decided that there is no benefit in prayer (Job 21). Peter pointed out to the church in order to stir up their pure minds, that God has given His Word to us through His prophets, and His apostles (2 Peter 3:1-2). When man has no words, God has Words. Does the church accept those Words? If these Words brought by the prophets and apostles are of God and therefore true, then obedience is required of us. When we speak His Words, He answers. This has been our experience. As Peter prophesied in this chapter, scoffers will come in the last days, not only scoffing at the Word of God, but at the promise of Christ's coming, and the judgment that will deal with the ungodly. Not only will the judgment by fire come, but the whole earth, and all physical elements will be consumed in fervent heat (v. 3-7). Some refuse to hear that we are in the last days because they like their lives just as they are. The last days bring us to the valley of decision. Peter wrote that knowing these things that are to happen, our manner of life should reflect that knowledge. We are to "be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless", and to "beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (v. 14-18, excerpt). Peter also answered the wicked whom Solomon and Job spoke about, who believe that since punishment has not yet come to them, it is not coming, and they are free to continue in their wickedness: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (of judgment and return), as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (v. 9). The Hand of Grace is extended still to all. When man has no words, God has Words: "...yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged...For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;" (Rom. 3:4,23). How wicked and corrupt our system has become! What will it take for people to stand up and say "enough is enough"? The nation needs the help of men and women who will stand up and speak the truth - His Word is truth. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/29/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and theshroudofturin.org.

Whose Report Will You Believe?*

Not all who claim to prophesy or minister in the name of the Lord are really doing so. In this time, we are hearing from many various people who say that they have a Word from the Lord. How do we know what to believe? Jesus described this situation: "Not every one who 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). Jesus pointed out that the people were listening to the wrong voices, and ignoring the voice, Himself, that was sent to them from the Father, and in whose name He came. The Father attaches His honor to those who truly represent Him, and not themselves, Jesus said (see Jn. 5:43-44). Prophecy from the flesh or the will of men does not represent the will of God. The Apostle Peter warned the church: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you..." (2 Pet. 2:1-3). By these words of Peter's we learn that we must be careful of what we speak, that our words must represent the truth of God, and not of ourselves. There are those who teach doctrines regarding how one must be saved. Keep in mind, that Jesus died for all. He was crucified between two thieves. One mocked Him, but the other asked Jesus to "remember me". There doesn't have to be a set sinner's prayer according to a denomination or doctrine. The thief cried from his heart with just two words, and Christ assured him that his request would be given to him. The Lord knows how to reach hearts. Paul wrote to Timothy regarding the importance of truth versus falsehood: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (2 Tim. 4:1-2). We are to be always ready to teach God's Word, not doctrines of men or denominational precepts that do not line up with the Word. We are to deliver correction according to the Word, even if it is not popular. Paul wrote that we would see the time come when the Word of God would not be welcome: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (v. 3-4). There is a limited amount of time when the true Word of God will be received when spoken. We are already seeing it. Ezekiel wrote the Word of the LORD concerning false prophets, and their lying reassurances given to the people of God: "Prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD...Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!...mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and divine lies...Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar...the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the LORD God." (Ezek. 13:1-16, excerpt). Prophets were assuring Jerusalem that the LORD sent a Word of "Peace" towards it, but that was not the case, and the people were misled. Prophets were not prophesying upon the direction of the LORD. What men think will bring peace, especially concerning Jerusalem and Israel, which is a division of Jerusalem or the nation, is not what the Lord says. Jeremiah also brought the Word of the LORD concerning the false prophets and a nation that was happy to be misled into believing that their enemy would not overcome them: "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" (Jer. 5:30-31). In the end times, we need the Word from God, not man. Jeremiah also wrote that the people wandered from God, preferring the lies of the false prophets. Because of this, the LORD would not hear their cries to Him, or accept their offerings. They would suffer instead: "...I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence." (Jer. 14:12). We are also experiencing this in our own nation now. Jeremiah sadly pointed out to the LORD that the people had followed the false prophecies saying that the LORD had assured them of peace. The LORD then said regarding the false prophets: "The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart." (v. 13-14). The Lord said to Jeremiah and Ezekiel the same Word of truth. To Jeremiah, the LORD promised that both the false prophets, and the people who listened to them would be consumed and disposessed by the same sword and famine that they refused to believe would happen: "I will pour their wickedness upon them." (v. 15-16). Preferring to believe false prophets because they seem to bring a more desirable word brings consequences. In another part of Jeremiah, the LORD gave His Word concerning the strengthening of evil and lack of healing repentance as a result of believing the false prophets: "I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem a horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah." (Jer. 23:14). Are we also rushing to Gomorrah? The LORD said that the false prophets say to those who walk after their own imaginations, "No evil shall come upon you." (v. 17). Haven't we seen evil growing stronger, and a complete lack of repentance in this age? The LORD said, "Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD has gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind...The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days, ye shall consider it perfectly." (v. 19-20). In the latter days in which we live now, we will see the culmination of the anger of the LORD, and we will understand its cause because He has warned us with this Word to His true prophets. However, the LORD also spoke to Jeremiah regarding what the people can do, what we can do. Even as these false prophets are not uncovering our iniquity as they should, which would turn away our captivity, Jeremiah remembers that there is a hope: "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is they faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him....both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD." (Lam. 2:14, 3:21-26). The Word of the LORD promises that if His people, who are called by His name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways; then He will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land (2 Chron. 7:14). False peophets discourage people from repenting of their sin, but the people who believe the true Word of the LORD, are still given the promise in hope that the LORD will receive a humble and contrite heart of repentance, and work healing because of it. Whose report will you believe? *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/22/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and theshroudofturin.org.

Search, Study, Show*

I am convinced that we are living in the time of the coming of our Lord. I pray that the church is prepared. Second Timothy says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." (2 Tim. 2:15-16). If we don't know the Word of God, then all else is profane babblings that lead to ungodliness. The Word and voice of God and Christ impact our everlasting life. Jesus said, "...he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life...The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live...for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." (Jn. 5:24-29, excerpt). Jesus told His listeners strongly that they did not have the Father's Word abinding in them because they did not believe the one that the Father had sent to them, Himself. He said, "Searh the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (v. 38-39). Jesus said that Moses would accuse them, because his writings testify of Jesus, whom they refused to believe. Jesus observed a truth about them. He said that while they wouldn't believe or accept one, such as Himself, sent from God, and of whom God has testified, they would receive any other man who testifies of himself, rather than of Christ or the Father (v. 43-47). Today also, many reject God and His Word, but believe anything man tells them. The Prophet Zephaniah received the Word of the LORD concerning the corruption and shamelessness of Jerusalem. He called it filthy, polluted, an oppressive city and unashamed (Zeph. 3). He wrote, "She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God (v. 2). Her princes, her judges, and her prophets were unjust and treacherous. Of those who served in the house of the LORD, God said, "...her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law." (v. 3-4). Anyone searching and studying the scriptures would also have seen the serious consequences brought to Judah because of their worship of the false god, Baal: "And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I have commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin." (
Jer. 32:35). Many of our own children have been offered to this false god as well, as abortion became the law of the land almost fifty years ago. Regarding this offering of children in Judah at the time of the prophet, the LORD called it an abomination that He never imagined, and that the sin weighed against the whole nation. However, after the LORD's prophecy of a judgment of desolation for their corruption, and refusal to hear the voice of the LORD, the LORD brought this promise to Judah also: "For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent." (v. 9). We will see more about the restoration of the Hebrew language later. Zephaniah also prophesied the command of the LORD to the daughter of Zion and the daughter of Jerusalem to sing, be glad and rejoice with all their heart, because the LORD, the king of Israel, promised to restore Israel, and dwell within her midst: "...thou shalt not see evil any more...The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing...At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all the people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD." (v. 14-20). We have seen Israel restored as a nation after almost 2,000 years. The world would have never expected the nation of Israel to rise again from the ashes of history, but for those who searched and studied the scriptures, they knew that the prophets made clear the intention of the LORD to do so. Also the Hebrew language, the pure language, has been restored as prophesied by Zephaniah. Hebrew is the only language that has been brought back from the dead. For those who study the scriptures, looking into the original Hebrew word meanings, and even the meanings of the individual Hebrew letters as well, offers a wealth of understanding into the depth of the Word of God. The prophet Jeremiah also prophesied the restoration and revival of Israel, as Zephaniah did, even while the Babylonian army was at the wall of Jerusalem. The LORD said, "Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built..For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God." (Jer. 31:4-6). The individual Hebrew letters that make up the word "mount" used above are beth and reysh, which have the meaning when combined "the revelation of the Highest". The individual Hebrew letters used in the name Ephraim combine to mean, "The Head, or Adonai, is the beginning, the mouth that opens the door to the cross". This is the revelation of the Highest found in the phrase "mount Ephraim" in these verses above. In this revelation the LORD also said, "I will surely have mercy upon him" (Ephraim my dear son). Not only does the LORD promise to restore Israel, but to also establish a new covenant with them: "Behold the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers...which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Jer. 31:31-33). The written Word was to become a living, inward work in us, to become part of our substance. Also, as part of this new covenant the LORD prophesied through Jeremiah, "And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, , from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (v. 34). Again we see the results of the new covenant, which was accomplished by the blood of Jesus, in the forgiveness of our iniquity and the forgetting of our sins. Again a Word of comfort and hope went forth from the LORD to His people: "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins." (Ia. 40:1-2). The LORD's Word is not finished with Israel, but here promises to bring them to a new level of comfort, completion and peace in Him. This weekend the Second Passover took place, as allowed in scripture, for those who were unable to participate in last month's Passover because they were defiled or a journey away. God gives a second chance to come to His table for those who have been defiled, or have found themselves far away from God and our Passover Lamb, Jesus. This weekend we are also seeing another unusual sign involving a blood moon lunar eclipse. As a prophesied part of the new covenant, the Word is meant to dwell in our inward parts, and in our hearts. It is time for the church to search, study and show forth the Word of God. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/15/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and theshroudofturin.org.

Mother's Day 2022*

We, at Everlasting Covenant have always had very special Mother's Days. God worked, and still works, many miracles through, and on behalf of, mothers. The first mention of "mother" is found in Genesis: "And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living." (Gen. 3:20). The three pictographic Hebrew letters that make up the name "Eve" mean fence, peg, covenant: or protection, secure, unbreakable promise. The root word meaning is "to breathe, bring forth (declare or show)". God breathed into Adam's nostrils to create a living soul. The mother is the bond of the family, who fences and secures it. The woman gives life, and Yeshua, Jesus, is called "a life-giving Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45). Later, we see that Jacob's first wife, Leah, although she was unloved, bore children, while Rachel, Jaacob's much-loved second wife, was barren (Gen. 29:31). However, as Rachel cried to the LORD, He heard and answered her: "And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb." (Gen. 30:22). God is the One who opens the womb. We believers in Christ have been called to bring forth spiritual life in the earth. It is the seed of the Word that we plant. God brought forth living things whose seed was in itself, according to Genesis. The man has seed, but the woman is necessary to bring it forth. Society and so-called science are trying to change this rule of creation in these last days. It is God's creative will, however, concerning His people: "Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle." (Deut. 7:14). Male and female created He them, although the world says differently. It was considered a reproach among men when a woman could not bear children, although the LORD said that barrenness could be present in either the male or female. Faced with this reproach for years, a priest's wife, Elizabeth, who was barren, conceived a child in her old age, who would be John the Baptist. Elizabeth had known that it was the Lord who had dealt with her (Lk. 1:24-25, 36). Six months later, the angel Gabriel would inform Mary, an unmarried virgin, that she also, like her cousin Elizabeth, would conceive a child. Even though her circumstances would speak otherwise, the angel assured her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, and she would conceive as a result. The holy thing born, the angel said, would be called the Son of God (Lk. 1:35). The Holy Spirit gives us the power to conceive and bring forth life, both physical and spiritual life. After His resurrection, Jesus stood in the midst of His disciples, and began to open their understanding of the Law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms, which He had fulfilled with His suffering and resurrection. He further instructed them, because they were witnesses to these things, to preach repentance and the remission of sins to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem (Lk. 24:44-47). Jesus added: "And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be indued with power from on high." (v. 49). The prophet Daniel also wrote about the people who know their God and do great exploits. Of this same truth, the Apostle Peter wrote of the divine power that has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness. This same divine power, according to the precious promises which God has given us, enables us to be partakers of the divine nature. About the importance of having the characteristics of this divine nature he wrote: "...if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:1-8, excerpt). Everything concerning our walk of faith incorporates the fruitfulness of motherhood: "...Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren, that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath a husband." (Gal. 4:26-27, see also Isa. 54:1). The fruitfulness associated with motherhood is such a foundational truth that even evil powers steal it to spread wickedness in the earth, and in the spirit. One of the powers of wickedness in the end times is called the Whore of Babylon, who will be subjected to the judgment of God. She encompasses such a large territory that she is described as sitting upon many waters, or peoples. She has committed fornication with kings, and all of the inhabitants of the earth have gotten drunk on the wine she has given to them. The scarlet colored beast that she sits upon is full of blasphemies. She is arrayed like royalty in purple and scarlet, and adorned in wealth with gold and precious jewels. She holds a cup in her hand "full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (Rev. 17:1-5). She is a mother of harlots like herself, so she will bear fruit, although it is wicked fruit, and abominations. The drunkenness associated with her and those who partake with her, is not the drunkenness of wine as we know it, but it is drunkenness with the blood of the saints, and their martyrdom. She is associated with a city that sits upon seven hills. Those who wonder (with admiration) at her and the beast from the pit that she rides upon, are those "whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is." (v. 8). The kings who are given power to rule by the Beast will make war against the Lamb, the King of Kings, and those with Him, but He shall overcome them (v. 13-14). The people and nations who are under the power of the Beast spoken of, accomplish God's purpose, whether they know it or not: "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled." (v. 17). It is time for the Chruch to bring forth godly fruit and life, by the power of the Holy Spirit, given to those who believe Christ and will receive the Spirit promised by God. Church traditions, and the traditions and doctrines of men, don't bring forth that kind of life, but only the Life-Giving Spirit, Jesus. This Mother's Day, call your mother, and do something nice for her in appreciation of her. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/8/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and theshroudofturin.org.

The Missing Weapons of Our Warfare*

Recent events have created a discussion about weaponry: nuclear weapons that are being developed by nations, and other weapons needed to fight or defend current wars such as in the Ukraine, but there are also spiritual weapons that are necessary here and now for use by believers in the spiritual warfare that is all around us. We are not using the right weapons in our spiritual warfare, and we are therefore not being effective. As Jesus described the condition of the kingdom of God that would be found before His return, He commented that only half of those who were supposed to attend the wedding of the Bridegroom were prepared, having oil for their lamps. He called this half, "wise", and the unprepared, He called "foolish". All of them, however, were found to be asleep when the moment of the Bridegroom's arrival came (Mt. 25:1-5). In our warfare, we are often reacting to situations that have already occurred, like trying to close the barn door after the horses have already gotten loose. Paul also saw the problem of spiritual slumber in the Church writing: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light..." (Rom. 13:11-12). We are now even closer to the moment of Christ's return than Paul was at the time he wrote this. We need to make a change. Paul refers to Isaiah in telling the Church: "...Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:14-17). Again there is a call to the Church to wake up, even from being dead. Paul also described the weapons of warfare that we may be neglecting: "Speaking to yourselves in songs and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God..." (v. 19-20). Praise is a powerful weapon in the hands of the believer. Scripture says that God is enthroned, or inhabits, the praises of His people. (Ps. 22:3). How often, rather than giving thanks to God in the middle of trying circumstances, we begin complaining instead? God has given us promises that make provision for us through every trial, and we should be remembering those promises before God with thanks. The Israelites continually murmured and complained in the wilderness despite the miraculous provision and deliverance of God. We have those great promises combined with thanksgiving to Him as part of the weapons of our warfare, but are we using them? Paul told us to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, but often, we rely upon our own strength and understanding instead. Paul wrote that each believer has access to powerful spiritual armor, but we must put it on. This armor is the only thing that can keep us standing in the evil day, such as exists today. It is necessary to put on this spiritual armor because our enemies are not flesh and blood, but they are principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:10-13). This armor consists of having our loins girded about with truth, against this age of lies and even the father of lies, the devil; having on the breastplate of righteousness at a time when all, especially those in political, religious and business leadership, have been found unrighteous; having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace when peace in this world is so rare; taking up the shield of faith which quenches the fiery darts of the enemy, especially when faith and the name of Jesus are mocked as they are now; the helmet of salvation, the hope and assurance of which sustains us through every threat and trouble; and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, which is the truth that never fails us (v. 14-17). Putting on this armor, Paul wrote that we are to be praying always in the Spirit, and watching - not sleeping and unprepared (v. 18). Paul again refers to the armor of God in the warfare of the believer, whom he says are "the children of light" (1 Thess. 5:5-8). He again wrote "...let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober." All of these things are given to us by God because "He hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ..." (v. 9). Paul wrote, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (v. 16-21). He said that we were to abstain from all appearance of evil (v. 22), and to flee evil things, and rather to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Tim. 6:11). These things are all part of "fighting the good fight" and laying hold of eternal life (v. 12). The Apostle James also wrote of the great value of prayer in all things, including spiritual warfare: "Is any among you afflicted (meaning to suffer evils, hardships, and troubles)? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:13-16). As a ministry, we have always prayed for those who have made requests, and we have sent prayer cloths to minister to those who were at a distance. We have received many miracle testimonies as a result of this. The church and believers in general, however, have been using the wrong weapons in warfare. Our warfare is not won by anger, or through political powers, but we and our nation are healed by prayer, waking from spiritual slumber, watching, pursuing righteousness and godliness. The LORD promised: "If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 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. 7:13-14). *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/1/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and endtimeschool.com.