LAST LESSONS #225 — BOOKS

BOOKS

I’m sure you have prayed for revival. I know I used to pray for revival in this country because I observed so much sin. Sin in the world, sin in this country, sin in the church, and sin in me! I implored God to do something about so much sin. I knew that my prayers could not bring revival. God brings revival when and where he decides.

Then I read a book that helped me know how revival fits into God’s plan. He may use revivals sometimes, but the book explained to me what I needed to see about myself; that is, that God mostly uses ordinary people (like me!) and his ordinary churches (like mine is) to sanctify his people and to do his work.

The book is OR-DI-NAR-Y by Michael Horton. The book is not new. It was published in 2014, but it is more relevant today than ever. Knowing Mike Horton, it does not surprise me that he was able to write a book that would be a good read more than ten years later. Mike has written a number of books. The first one PUTTING AMAZING BACK INTO GRACE is a classic and was written when Mike was only in his early 20’s. He is brilliant but very humble.

You would be edified by reading any of Michael Horton’s books, but OR-DI-NAR-Y is the one I suggest today.

In the meantime, keep reading your Bible. That’s the best book ever! 

LAST LESSONS #224 — SIMPLY TRUTH — 7

I spent a little time with a couple of our missionaries recently and they told me that in Africa many self-proclaimed prophets make themselves visible on billboards and television. We know there are self-proclaimed prophets in every country and also in every religion—including Christianity. However, in Africa, they put up large signboards on the roads and invite people to their prophecy meetings. So I thought I would write about it.

True: In Africa self-proclaimed prophets are quite visible.

Although there are self-proclaimed prophets in every country, they seem to make themselves more visible in Africa. In Africa they put up billboards on the highways inviting people to come hear their predictions. These are people who claim to have special knowledge or ability to make predictions about the future for the world and for individuals. They prey on those who are gullible enough to give them money.

The Bible is clear about being mindful of false prophets. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15

Not true: False prophets can predict the future including the timing of the Lord’s return.

False prophets do not know when the Lord will return. Matthew 24:36 makes it clear that no one knows the time of the return of Jesus: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”

The Bible says that in the last days many false prophets will come. “And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” Matthew 24:11 Therefore, care must be taken in listening to those who say they have been given the gift of prophecy. The only sure person to listen to is Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 1:1-2 states, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Therefore:

Read the Bible to see what Jesus and those to whom he spoke about the future such as John in the Book of Revelation have to say about the future.

Also make sure you go to a good church that teaches the Word of God. Do not go to a Pentecostal church that encourages its members to be baptized by the Spirit in order to receive the gift of prophecy.

LAST LESSONS #223 — SIMPLY TRUTH — 6

Here is an issue that needs to be addressed because it is prevalent in Africa.

True: Some churchgoers believe in the “prosperity gospel.”

It is true that many people who think that they are going to a good church go to a church that teaches that if they give their money to the church, they will become prosperous and wealthy. Some of these churches teach that their givers will be healed from infirmities. What is true is that the people who attend these “health and wealth” churches are deceived.

Not true: Giving to churches who teach the prosperity gospel will make you rich.

The “prosperity gospel” is taught especially in Winners’ Chapels or the Living Faith Church Worldwide. Winners’ Chapels began with one man in Nigeria, and have spread to the USA and throughout the world. They are charismatic churches that teach that the more a member gives financially, the wealthier he will become. Many attend Winners’ Chapels because they are exciting. The preaching promises health and wealth, the singing is rousing, and their praying anticipates immediate answers. Their services are like big pep rallies and the attendees enjoy them. The problem is that these services are deceiving. These churches do not deliver what they promise. They do not, and cannot, give wealth, nor health.

Therefore:

Do not be deceived. Going to a Winners’ Chapel or any other church that has similar teaching will not make you healthy and wealthy. Beware of this kind of teaching. 

LAST LESSONS #222 — SIMPLY TRUTH — 5

Our children in Africa who are old enough to understand are often confused about sin. We don’t talk to the little children about “sin.” But the older children are often willing to say they made a mistake (and it’s always somebody else’s fault!), but they don’t want to admit that what they did was a sin. Hopefully this Simply Truth will help.

True: All have sinned

The Bible is clear in teaching that all people have sinned. We were born in sin (Psalm 51:5) and we continue to sin throughout our lives (Romans 3:10; Romans 3:23; Jeremiah 17:9). We will never become sinless in this life. That is why we should ask God for forgiveness and repent of our sins every day. 1John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Not true: All sins are equal

Not all sins are the same. Some sins have greater repercussions than others. That is because they are committed by those who have influence over other people. Sins committed by pastors or teachers are worse because they affect church members or students and because pastors and teachers should know better. James 3:1 says that those who teach others will be judged with greater strictness (James 3:1).

Therefore:

We must remember that we don’t just make mistakes. We sin. We should confess our sins to God every day. Furthermore, if we hold any position of leadership, teach others, or have influence over others in any way, we must remember that we will be judged more strictly.

One last “therefore”—church members should pray for their pastors and students should pray for their teachers. If we do, they will be blessed and so will we!