August 07 for email

SENDING
THE WORD
Our NEW WEB address: thehourofgraceandpower.org A Godly Man
me void but it shall accomplish that whichI please, and it shall prosper in the thingwhereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10,11).
HO is a godly man or woman? What evidence exists that reveals them?
W
Who makes them? “For this shall every one that is godly pray unto Thee” (Psalm 32:6). I was disturbed when entering the ministry how many churches weresatisfied just to get people saved and then spend time with the new converts pressing Spiritual Growth
them to get others saved. If faith is our portion as a result of hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), such teaching is vital to our spiritual growth. “The prudent are crowned with knowledge” (Proverbs 14:18). The man of God is growing in knowl- edge of His eternal provision for His children. Since God has chosen a Book in which to reveal Himself, we had better bathe our mind and heart in it. Remember, everything God wants you to know about Himself is in this Book. Oh, how thankful we should beside this, giving all diligence, add to be for such revelation! Although Paul met Christ and knew Him by divine revelation, hear his continued aspiration: “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10). A godly man lives by faith in the revelation of God declared to him in His Word, the Bible.
To believe God is to rest upon His declared promises. Where are these found? How often do you read them? The greater knowledge of God, the easier it becomes charity, for if these things be in you, and to believe Him. Does He have sufficient power to perform as per His promises? If so, faith is no longer laborious. Paul was conscious of this fact. “For I know whom I have ther be barren nor unfruitful in the knowl- believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto edge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (II Peter Him against that day” (II Timothy 1:12).
Love and Respect for the Word
A godly man will read it. The noble Bereans searched the Scripture daily. (Acts tion is called “the power of God to salva- 27:11) The Bible states that Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures (Old Testament).
tion” (I Corinthians 1:24). When one is We will meditate upon it. “It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). In study, he places the promises within his heart and mind. The benefits are tremendous. “Your claimed, it is coming direct from God.
word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). We must be reminded that it is His holy Word that makes sin offensive to us. It should be more important than our food. “I have esteemed the word of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). “The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver” (Psalm 119:72).
A godly man or woman places themselves under the absolute authority of the godly man will recognize the difference.
Scriptures. They recognize its origin and purpose. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for ber the first scripture used in this mes- instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16). The power of this Book is never ending in accomplishing God’s purpose and plan. Here is the explanation for this is conscious of God’s nearness and talks ministry. We believe God’s Word, so we send it far and near. “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth fruit and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto THE CHALLENGER
ADDICTED (continued from page 4)
Personal Word (continued)
In I Corinthians 6, and Galatians 5, we are given clear instruction as to those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. They are not saved people. Most all of us would have no problem understanding this when we relate it to the people to do these things, and it certainly sodomite who claims to be saved. But when it comes to the control of alcohol, it seems to take on new meaning. Both are equated with not inheriting the kingdom of God — as well as others in those lists. They choose to do this and the record of their practice is not a slipup — it is habitual. They are devoted tothese things in a continuous manner. They are addicted. Before salvation, we all were addicted to sin. First Corinthians 5 tells us that there are people who reported the benefit of those prayers. Now even claim to be saved who act in this manner. The genuine Christian is given a clear command: “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any
son, John, said he was coming to Sebastian man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a
to live so he could care for his parents.
railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” The
purpose is, of course, to have the person realize what he is doing is wrong. This is done by separating yourself from him. If saved, he would lose all fellowship, that. Now he assists in driving me around be left to himself outside of the local church — given to the destruction of theflesh, in order to bring him to the place of repentance and confession to the Lord, and restoration. If lost, he will find a home somewhere else with people of like mind, saving the church from possible havoc.
The Bible speaks of addiction in only one way, and in only one place: “I
beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits
of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the
tive friends and relatives. My sister and saints,)” (I Corinthians 16:15). The world has turned a blind eye and a deaf ear
to their own definitions, in order to give man a way out of facing the conse- quences of their choices. Many churches, seminaries, colleges, denominations, and preachers have done the same thing, but worse, for they have done it withthe perfect Word of God. Make sure, predetermine, now, that you will not be All who are born-again have the same opportunity to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, to determine to persistently, continuously and habitually to be devoted to serving Him and His people. It is the least that we could do for our Lord and Savior Who redeemed us in, and took us out of, the marketplace of sin upon salvation. Be addicted to the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and His saints.
It’s the clear choice for blessing and glorifying God.
area people have been most gracious.
Not knowing one person upon arrival,God gave us wonderful people to whom Personal Word (continued from page 3)
we could minister. Recently, they havenow ministered to us. This is the Lord’s what their skills are worth on the open market has come up with a figure for the variety “Based on a survey of more than 40,000 mothers, Salary.com determined that the time mothers spend performing 10 typical job functions would equate to an annual A Godly Man (continued)
salary of $138,095 for a stay-at-home mom,” the company said. The companymatched the 10 job titles and salaries that most closely approximated what moms do for their families: housekeeper, day care center teacher, cook, computer operator, sults with God about everything he does.
laundry machine operator, janitor, facilities manager, van driver, CEO and affects his relationship with his spouse,children, neighbors, relatives, and fel- A Pleasant Surprise
The outpouring of interest, prayer support, and personal assistance was quite a surprise when it came my way from all over the nation. Phone calls, emails, letters, to accomplish God’s plan and purpose in and sympathy cards came for a long time. Some were late in hearing of my wife’s passing. Churches and individuals brought food to us. Neighbors came with a sincere will have an entire eternity to thank God desire to help me, not only through my spell of deep grief, but on into the days that for the privilege of being a godly man.
followed. Different friends came by to check on me, to see if I needed help. Phone calls came often, asking if I needed anything. Many mentioned the great times we had August 2008
THE CHALLENGER
Personal Word
CHAPLAINS!
We will mail you a bulk
order of this publication
around the world can view our available items listedon our web-site on the Internet. Over 75 printed each month. How many?
messages can be read on their screen and can be What address?
downloaded on their printer to read or share with Dwight Porter
their neighbors, church friends, or relatives. Each , Box 400,
copy of The Challenger can be read. Many mes-
Roseland, FL 32957.
sages on our audio section can be heard. Ourliterature sheet can be read and downloaded. If onefills out this sheet requesting items, they will be senttheir way. All things are without any hidden catches, Personal Word (continued)
no guilt trip about sending money. Everything iswithout cost, solicitation, or obligation. One can read our messages and publication without anyone knowing it. You can hear our audio chats without anyone else in the room. No offering will be taken. Here is hoping you will get excited about this ministry. Read and listen for yourself. Tell others of this and wife’s place is in the home, not in the opportunity. Our messages come straight from their Bible. Special web-site-printed cards are available. How many can I send you? Each month we add another issue of mother’s ability entitle her to join the The Challenger and an audio message which I prefer to call “chats.” Meet me at our
web-site: thehourofgraceandpower.org.
your greatest responsibility is the rearingof your family. Your children are to be The Word of God — the Bible
first, second, and third in your time, tal- This is the message we are to teach and preach. Here is the method God has chosen ent, and ability. I hear it over and over: to communicate the riches of His grace to sinners everywhere. This Book reveals “But I am just a housewife.” There is no spiritual growth for His children. What a privilege has been mine to proclaim it for about 64 years. Today, as when I began my ministry, my one passion is to proclaim it earth. Every time I approach this subject in the power of the Holy Spirit and in language that can be understood. This is evident in all of our free offers on our web-site, literature, and audio chats. A big thank you to those who send us gifts for printing, postage, and equipment. I thank God we are not burdened down with an appeal for funds. I am praying that many more will catch this burden from the Lord and help us. Hundreds of thousands of prisoners have never heard living for her family. It’s too bad and sad the gospel from God’s Word. Many more outside of our penal system know not the that some relative won’t pick up the tab.
Christ of the Bible. Some of them are in our churches across America What a price mothers pay for being ab-sent in their home when children are Global Warming
Millions of dollars have been invested in trying to convince us of an impending disaster due to the rising temperature causing the ice caps to melt and the sea level to rise. They blame pollution caused by industry, vehicles, planes, and gasses we produce, despite the fact that the average temperature has risen and fallen for centuries. How conceited to think that mere man’s action is going to change that which God has created their husband, to love their children, to be and maintains! One biblical verse dispels such nonsense: “While the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter . . . shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). God informed us in Job 38:8-11 that God determined the shorelines and “here shall thy proud waves be stayed.” The shores will not be changed by rising phemed” (Titus 2:3,4). Every mother oceans! Hebrews 1:3 states that the Lord Jesus is “upholding all things by the word of needs a career. She already has one in His power.” To fear global warming is to be deceived by men. God has plainly stated His absolute control. Eventually the world will be destroyed by fire, not by man’s action that causes the ocean to roar over its assigned banks! (I Peter 3:10-12) Stay-at-Home Moms
As a young man I observed the devastation of mothers going to work in the defense factories during the second world war. Family relationships changed. Mothers, so they August 2008
THE CHALLENGER
FROM THE DESK OF . . . DR. MICHAEL ECCLESTON THE CHALLENGER
Dwight Porter, D.D., Editor
ADDICTED
“And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine,
and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine.
“But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our
father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons
for ever:
“Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in
all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our
sons, nor our daughters.”
Jonadab was alive during King Jehu’s reign some 300 years earlier. The Rechabites were a people closely associated to the Kenites and Midianites. They were certainly not Jewish, but they were friendly during the wilderness wander- publication will be sent to you monthly.
ings of the Israelites, and asked to go with the Israelites. By the time of the Judgesthey had become part of the Hebrew nation. In II Kings, they assisted in going Address The Challenger mail to:
after the idolatrous house of Ahab. For the whole time of their association PO Box 400
together with the Jewish people, they remained strangers (Jeremiah 35:7).
Roseland, FL 32957-0400
Jonadab made four decrees that were still being obeyed in Jeremiah’s day: 1) todrink no wine; 2) to not build houses to live in; 3) to not sow seed, nor plant WE DEPEND 100 PERCENT UPON
vineyards; and 4) to dwell in tents. All this was in order for them to live in the the gifts received from those
land for many days. By not consuming alcohol, they contributed to preserving who receive spiritual benefit
their health and prolonging their lives. By not engaging in Israel’s main from our ministry. Make check
occupations, they didn’t solicit any jealousies from them as competing with or money orders payable to
them, with the distinct possibility of kicking them out of the land. The only THE HOUR OF GRACE AND POWER.
reason that they were in Jerusalem at this time was because of the invadingarmies of the Syrians and Chaldeans. They were a nomadic people.
OUR OPERATION
We needed this background to get to an important point to assist us into our subject. I truly believe that the Rechabites were a picture of a time when the saved Gentiles would be grafted in with the saved Jews to make one body in the New Testament — the church, as manifested by the local church. With that said, it is clear to me that the Rechabites were an addicted people — but not according their time and energy in this ministry.
Addiction is a word with multiple associations today. I seriously want us to understand the secular and the biblical definitions of the word and the ramifi- cations afterward. Webster’s Dictionary defines addiction this way: 1) to give
or devote oneself persistently or habitually; and 2) to cause to pursue or
practice continuously. The Word of God gives this definition: to determine, to
arrange, to set. Both agree to something that has been lost or ignored in dealing
with many problems. Addiction is willful and a continual behavior toward
some end. Not exactly the scenario painted by many voices today with their
“you can’t help yourselves,” “you’ve got a disease,” or “you’re hopelessly addicted,” unless you submit to long treatments and dragged out counseling.
Look at Ephesians 5:18, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess: but be
filled with the Spirit.” We who are born-again have been given a double
“Be you steadfast, unmovable, always
command: one is negative and one is positive. The standard explanation of the abounding in the work of the Lord . . .
first is that this is forbidding the misuse of wine, in getting drunk, while it is You know your labor is not in vain
allowing for social-type consumption of alcohol. And the point is noted. But, the in the Lord” I Corinthians 15:58
verse is a direct contrast of negative and positive. If the above explanation is true, then it is also true that a Christian can be content with being 85 percent filled withthe Spirit, or 10 percent, or not at all! Obviously, that is not the proper ~ AVAILABLE ~
explanation. What the verse is talking about is CONTROL. One kind of control
is prohibited, while the other must be embraced. We who are saved are forbidden to be controlled in any degree by another spirit (in this case, alcohol), while commanded to be controlled in every degree by the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. By the giving of the command, all Christians have been given the divine power to obey both: to be addicted to both!

Source: http://www.thehourofgraceandpower.org/Docs%20and%20Literature/Challenger/Chall08/Aug%2008.pdf