Glad Tidings: Issue 14.3

Glad Tidings

But when he, the spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own initiative, but whatever he hears, he will speak; and he will disclose to you what is to come.

John 16:13 Volume 14, Issue 3

May/June 2010

Glad Tidings May/June 2010

Glad Tidings

Something to Consider ....................... p. 3

is published six times per year by

by Vince Finnegan

Living Hope International Ministries

Holy Spirit ............................................ p. 4

by John Cortright

458 Old Niskayuna Road,

Speaking In Tongues .......................... p. 8

Latham, New York 12110 USA

by Vince Finnegan Knowing The Distinguishing Difference

Office

518.785.8888

In a Name ............................................. p. 9

Fax

518.785.1990

by Angela Moore

E-mail

info@kingdomready.org

Demonology IV ................................ ... p.12

Website www.kingdomready.org

by Vince Finnegan Congo Connection .............................. p. 14

by Richard and Cheryl Elton

Glad Tidings is mailed free to anyone who requests it.

Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.

May 23rd Pentecost Celebration _____________________________________ June 27th - July 3rd

mark these important dates on your calendar!!

Family Camp 2010 at Silver Bay _____________________________________ July 4th - 10th Untried Passage Week (UP) _____________________________________ July 25th - 30th Teen Camp 2010 at Silver Bay 2

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

Pentecost and Spirit

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pring is always a great time to focus on the topic of the holy spirit because the feast of Pentecost, which followed our Lord’s ascension, was the first outpouring of the holy spirit for the Church. This year, we celebrate Pentecost on May 23. A select few in the Old Testament received the spirit, but it was nothing like that which came on Pentecost. During our Lord’s teaching at the last supper, he placed great emphasis on the spirit of truth that was to come after he ascended. He called it “another helper,” which implies that the holy spirit will replace him who served as their helper. The holy spirit is the replacement for Christ himself on earth! He actually said that it was better for his disciples that he would go away so that the spirit could come. Some of the other things he said about the spirit that glorious night are following.

The spirit of truth helps the disciple very similar to the way Jesus did before his ascension. It will be with his disciples until the end of the age and equip the believers to be just like Jesus. The spirit enables Jesus to nurture each disciple as a father does his children. The oneness relationship with God, Christ, and the believer is available and understood by means of the holy spirit. The spirit of truth is a teacher of all things and a reminder of the things Jesus taught. Christ is now in each person who has spirit which enables him to teach his disciples more effectively than when he was here on earth. It convicts people concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. The holy spirit has no separate will or personality; rather, it serves as a means for Jesus to communicate with and empower his disciples. It guides the believer into all the truth, and the spirit always brings glory to Christ and God. To gain a comprehensive understanding about the holy spirit, a complete study of John 13-17 as well as the book of Acts will be helpful.

In this issue of Glad Tidings, John Cortright’s article on the holy spirit is featured along with an article on speaking in tongues. We have a class on CDs available in the bookstore on the same subject, and soon a book will be released also.

God Bless You,

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Holy Spirit

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by John Cortright

here is much theology today regarding the holy spirit. Some teach that the holy spirit is God Himself, one part of a three part Godhead. Other groups teach that this anointing of the holy spirit which occurred in the first century was only temporary until the written Word of God was completed.

Yet, other groups put tremendous emphasis on the holy spirit and exalt its importance beyond its biblical significance.

Genesis 1:1-2 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.”

The spirit of God has existed since the beginning. It is God’s spirit. This is God’s nature. It is His influence.

John 4:24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

God is spirit. He dwells in the spiritual – a realm outside of the natural.

What is spirit? The Hebrew

word for spirit is ruwach. This word is translated “spirit” 232 times in the KJV. It is translated into many other English words as well. Besides the word “spirit,” in the KJV it is translated “wind” 92 times and “breath” 27 times. These are different uses of this one Hebrew word ruwach. The spirit of God is not breath. It’s not wind.

Yet, there are similarities to breath, wind, and spirit. What is wind?

Where does it come from?

Where does it go? What gives a soul life? Breath! Can you take a human body into a laboratory and find the breath of that body? When a person dies, what’s missing? Where does the soul go?

The spirit of God is outside of the five senses. You can’t see it; you can’t feel it; you can’t smell it; you can’t hear it; and you can’t taste it. It is outside of the natural realm. In order to see, taste, touch, feel, or hear the spirit of God, it must come into manifestation. It must be evidenced in the realm of the senses. Without the spirit of God, man is left to his own devices. He is blinded by the spiritual realm around him, and he cannot know the things of God. I Corinthians 2:12-14 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the 4

Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.”

Throughout the Scriptures, when men became filled with the spirit of God, they had the influence of God upon their lives. With the spirit of God, they had great insight and wisdom.

They received supernatural power, and by the spirit, they spoke the Word of God. It was the spirit of God that gave Joseph the insight to interpret Pharoah’s dream and inform him of what would happen in the future.

Genesis 41:38-39 “Then Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?’

So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you (Continued on page 5)

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are.’”

With the spirit of God upon him, the man Bezalel had the wisdom to build the tabernacle.

Exodus 31:3 “I have filled him [Bezalel] with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship,” The judges of Israel were able to rule properly with the spirit of God. Judges 3:10a “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him [Othniel], and he judged Israel.”

It was not his hair, but rather the spirit of God upon him, that gave Samson his great strength.

Judges 14:6a “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him [Samson] mightily, so that he tore him as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand;” When the spirit of God came upon King Saul, he prophesied.

1 Samuel 10:10 “When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them.”

After David was anointed, the spirit of God came upon him.

This enabled him to be king of Israel 1 Samuel 16:13a “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward.”

It was by the spirit of God that David spoke the words we now have recorded in the Psalms.

2 Samuel 23:1-2 “Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, The man who was raised on high declares, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel, The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.”

Through the spirit of God, 5

Micah the prophet was filled with power, giving him courage and insight to discern truth from error and to stand against the false prophets of his time.

Micah 3:5-8 “Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray; When they have something to bite with their teeth, They cry, ‘Peace,’ But against him who puts nothing in their mouths They declare holy war.

Therefore it will be night for you – without vision, And darkness for you – without divination. The sun will go down on the prophets, And the day will become dark over them.

The seers will be ashamed And the diviners will be embarrassed. Indeed, they will all cover their mouths Because there is no answer from God. On the other hand I am filled (Continued on page 6)

Holy Spirit Continued. . .

(Continued from page 5)

with power – With the Spirit of the LORD – And with justice and courage To make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin.”

Also, it was the anointing of the holy spirit that gave Jesus the power to heal all that were oppressed by the devil.

Acts 10:38 “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” In the Old Testament, the spirit was available to a limited few only. Prophets, kings, priests, judges of Israel, and certain others received this special anointing from God. However, God desired a day when all of His people would be filled with the spirit of God. When Moses led the people out of Israel, at the first, he was the only one with the spirit of God and was bearing the burden of the people.

However, Moses prayed to God for help, and then God placed His spirit upon 70 elders in Israel.

Numbers 11:24-29 “So Moses went out and told the people the words of the LORD. Also, he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people, and stationed them around the tent.

Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took of the Spirit who was upon him and placed Him upon the seventy elders. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do it again.

But two men had remained in the camp; the name of one was Eldad and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them (now they were among those who had been registered, but had not gone out to the tent), and they prophesied in the camp.

So a young man ran and told Moses and said, ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’

Then Joshua the son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, said, ‘Moses, my lord, restrain them.’

But Moses said to him, ‘Are you jealous for my sake?

Would that all the LORD'S people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!’”

The prophet Joel spoke of a day in the future when the spirit would be poured out on all flesh, not on just the prophets and a select few, but rather on all of God’s people.

Joel 2:28-29

“It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.

Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”

After his resurrection, Jesus spoke about the promise of the father, the baptism of the holy spirit.

Luke 24:49 “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."

Acts 1:4-5 “Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’"

(Continued on page 7)

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With this promise from the Father, they would be clothed with power from on high. The disciples would be baptized, immersed with the holy spirit.

Jesus continued speaking before his ascension about the power of the holy spirit that was coming.

Acts 1:8 “’but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’"

These are the last words recorded before Jesus’ ascension. After saying this, he ascended to the right hand of God. Next time he comes back, he will be coming to rule over the kingdoms of the earth.

Until that time, we have been given the promise of the Father, the baptism of the holy spirit. Also now with the holy spirit, we are empowered to be witnesses for Jesus Christ to the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 2:1-4 “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.

And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

And there appeared to them

tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them

“Here in the last days of this age, before the kingdom of God begins, we have been given an enablement of the spirit.” utterance.”

This is the record of the day of Pentecost. It was on this day, ten days after the ascension, that this promise of the father was first fulfilled. On this day, the disciples were filled with the holy spirit, and they spoke in tongues.

They brought forth a manifestation of the spirit of God within them.

The precedent set here in chapter two can be seen throughout the book of Acts.

When the gospel was preached and when people believed, they were filled with the holy spirit and manifested.

You cannot see spirit. You can, however, see its manifestation.

After this event, Peter stood up with the eleven and declared an amazing truth.

Acts 2:14-21

“But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: ‘Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words.

‘For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy.

'AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. 'THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME. 'AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’” Peter declared, “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.” A little more than 50 days earlier, Peter was afraid (Continued on page 9)

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Speaking In Tongues

By Vince Finnegan

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hree of the most significant events in the development of the early Church are marked with the manifestation of speaking in tongues. The first is the commencement of the Church on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:4 KJV “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Many supernatural things happened on that day, such as a noise as if a violent rushing wind filled the temple area and tongues of fire distributing themselves on each one of the apostles; but the thing which God used to mark the importance of this great event was speaking in tongues. The multitudes that gathered after the original outpouring were amazed and perplexed because of the speaking in tongues, not anything else. God’s stamp which signified the beginning of the Church was speaking in tongues.

The second occurrence pertains to the inclusion of the Gentiles and is recorded in Acts 10 and 11.

In

Peter received instruction by the spirit to go to the house of Cornelius, the centurion. Peter had a problem with this command because, as a Jew, he was restricted from associating with Gentiles.

Starting with Abraham, Gods’ chosen people were limited primarily to Israel and not the Gentiles. However, after Christ ascended, Gods’ call expanded to include the entire world. Peter went to Cornelius’ house and spoke the gospel, which everyone present readily received. They all spoke in tongues.

Acts 10:44-46 “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message.

All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. “ The apostles and brethren in Judea heard that Peter had been with the Gentiles, so they called him in question. When Peter and the Jews who were with him explained that the Gentiles spoke in tongues, all doubts regarding their acceptance were eliminated. The tongues proved to be the undeniable proof that God accepted the Gentiles as believers.

The third incident took place at Ephesus. Paul taught the disciples about the baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus, after which they spoke in tongues.

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Acts 19:6 and 7 “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.

There were in all about twelve men.”

Starting with this event and these original 12 men at Ephesus, within two years and three months, “all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” A complete transformation of their society took place.

Acts 19:19 and 20 KJV “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.“ Each of these three events was vital to the rise and expansion of the Christian Church, and God marked each with the manifestation of speaking in tongues. Apparently, this evidence of the spirit was very common among the believers in the first century.

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he gave instruction on how to operate this manifestation properly in the Church. It seems everyone there spoke in tongues but did not understand the correct utilization in the Church.

1 Corinthians 12 -14 provides much information about this manifestation and reveals that every believer can speak in tongues.

Knowing the Distinguishing Difference In a Name

By Angela Moore

M

any Christians probably never give this a second thought, but this is a little pet peeve of mine. It’s the comingling of who God is, versus His Son. You see, God (YAHWEH) is God, and His Son is Jesus. You might think this is very clear, but it can get pretty muddled at times, when God Himself exalted His Son Jesus and “bestowed on Him the name

which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). So, in some cases, God has given Jesus HIS Name, and with it, all the authority, power, and glory that comes with such an amazing association!

Yet, I find that the Scriptures are still very plain who is who, and some names that are God’s technically do not belong to Jesus. Let me give you a few examples, so that you follow what I’m trying to say here!

GOD ONLY Names: 1. YHWH This is God’s official, real, personal name. Jesus is never called YHWH in the Bible. Not (Continued from page 7)

Holy Spirit Continued. . . even to acknowledge that he knew Jesus and denied him openly. Now, on Pentecost, he stood up in Jerusalem and boldly declared the truth. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel. Here in the last days of this age, before the Kingdom of God begins, we have been given an enablement of the spirit.

once. It belongs to God alone.

2. ADONAI This is the Hebrew word for Lord and is translated as such but is never attributed to Jesus. Not once. It belongs to God alone. Now Jesus has his own Lord Messiah title. That is “adoni.” This adoni word for Lord is never used for God because it is a human title. Jesus makes it very clear in Mark 12:29 where he is quoting the shema from Deuteronomy 6:4, “The LORD our God is one Lord.” God is called “Lord,” and Jesus is called “Lord,” which obviously makes two Lords, but only one of those Lords is God. God is not adoni Messiah.

3. “Who Is and Who Was and Who Is To Come” This is a title that is used of God alone. If you read through the book of Revelation, it is always used in reference to God and never Jesus. Not once is it used of Jesus. Why? Because it speaks of God’s eternal existence. He has always existed and never had a beginning. Jesus did.

He was born, begotten, or created in the womb of Mary by God’s supernatural power, the Holy Acts 2:38-39 “Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

‘For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.’”

This is the requirement: repent and be baptized in the name of 9

Spirit. In Psalms 2:7, God prophesies of Jesus’ birth, “Today, I have begotten you.” This cannot be said of God, who always was and is and is to come. The Bible keeps this distinction throughout.

You will not find this name attributed to Jesus.

4. Heavenly Father This is a title that only God uses, never Jesus.

Jesus is not the Father. There is only “one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6). There is only one God, and He is the Father. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (I Timothy 1:17).

Also, in Galatians 1:1, “Paul, an apostle, (not sent from men, nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ AND God the Father, who raised him from the dead.)”

5. Ancient of Days I love this title and the word picture it gives us in Daniel 7:13-14 of God giving His Kingdom and dominion to Jesus. “And behold, with the (Continued on page 10)

Jesus Christ, and you will receive the gift of the holy spirit. This promise of the Father was not limited to only the people that were present on that day. But it was for them, their children, and for all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.

Since Pentecost, whosoever will call upon the LORD will be saved and can be baptized in the holy spirit.

Knowing the Distinguishing Difference In a Name Continued. . .

(Continued from page 9)

clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; and his kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.”

6. “I AM WHO I AM” This is the name God told Moses in Exodus 3:14 at the burning bush.

The Hebrew transliteration is “Hayah,” meaning to exist or perhaps, “I am He who exists” which is “Ego eimi ho on” as in the Septuagint. Jesus is never called this. Some people introduce confusion here, when they refer to John 8:28, 58 while they are discussing who Jesus is. But, Jesus is merely answering, “Yes, I am he, the Messiah” in these passages, which is also the same as John 4:25-26; John 8:24, 28. It is accurately translated from “ego eimi” – I am he. If Jesus were claiming to be God with the official name “I AM,” it would be from the original “ego eimi ho hown,” which it is not. It does not help when some translations capitalize this “I AM” or leave off the word “he” to distort and mislead people of the true meaning of what Jesus was saying. “I AM WHO I AM” is the Almighty God’s name, only, consistently throughout the entire Scriptures.

that in the name “Jesus Christ,” that “Christ” is Jesus’ last name or that it was used for Jesus alone. Not so. “Christ” is a generic title for the anointed king.

Many were called “Messiah” or “Christ” in the Bible. Jesus, however, is THE Messiah − the one who will sit on the throne of David for eternity. You could say that he’s special!

2. Son of Man Jesus claimed this title for himself, actually more than the Son of God title.

Son of Man was a reference to Old Testament prophecy. This title is never used in reference to God.

JESUS’ Names (that God does not ever use for Himself):

3. Son of God This is a title that is used for only two men in the Bible − Jesus and Adam. In Luke 3:38, Adam, too, is called “the Son of God.” This is a little clue into Jesus and Adam sharing the distinctive trait of being uniquely created by God. No one else can claim this title, although in a more generic sense, we, too, become the “sons of God” when we are adopted into the family of God as co-heirs with Jesus (Galatians 3:26).

1. Messiah; Christ; Anointed One Some mistakenly believe

4. Mediator God is never the mediator. Only Jesus is the me10

diator between God and man, as is found in I Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

5. High Priest God is not a priest unto Himself. Jesus is the High Priest, serving God as indicated in Hebrews 3:1-3, “Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.

He was faithful to God who appointed him, as Moses also was in all his house.

For he has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses.”

6. The firstborn of all creation This title is found in Colossians 1:15. How can Jesus be called the ‘firstborn of all creation’ when Adam was first? The answer is found a little further down in Colossians 1:18, “He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he, himself, might come to have first place in everything.” Just as I Corinthians 15:20 explains, “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.”

This man, Jesus, was the first to die and be raised from the dead to immortality. This catapults him into the seat of the firstborn son, with all the rights, blessings, privileges, and promises that a father could bestow upon his firstborn. Revelation 1:5 states this, “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.”

7. Lamb of God Only Jesus is the sacrificial, spotless lamb that was provided to take the sins of the world away by his blood.

This title is never given to ad(Continued on page 11)

Knowing the Distinguishing Difference In a Name Continued. . .

(Continued from page 10)

dress the Almighty God. Names that are God’s, but can legitimately be attributed to Jesus also The following names are titles for God, but also names that He shares with His Son, since He has exalted him and given him these names: 1. Savior Now many wonder, how can we have two saviors?

We only believe in one God. Why should we believe in two saviors? How can that be? It’s very easy to explain! God saved us through His Son. John 3:17 tells us, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

2. Redeemer This is the same type of situation. God is the ultimate Redeemer of my sins. He redeemed me through Jesus.

This makes Jesus my Redeemer also. Both can be called this title, and there is no problem that arises because of it. Here it is in Scripture: Job 19:25 “And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” This is a reference to God. God redeemed us through Jesus, shown in Luke 1:68 as the angel speaks to Zacharias: “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people.” How did God accomplish this? By begetting His Son, supernaturally, in the womb of Mary. If you look up this title/name, you will find it not called of Christ in the New Testament, although it states a few times how he “redeemed” us, such as in Gala-

“. . .makes it quite clear that we (you and I and Jesus) all share and worship and adore the same Almighty God” tians 3:13. Therefore, it would be totally acceptable and biblically accurate to call Jesus your Redeemer.

3. God When I write this word, I am using the generic form of “God” as in elohim or theos. To my understanding, this word is attributed to Jesus only twice in the New Testament and is never referring to the “Almighty LORD God, Yahweh,” but used in the more generic fashion that was also used in reference to angels, Moses, and judges. One such instance is Thomas, after he sees the resurrected Jesus, he exclaims, “My Lord and My God.” He is not saying here that Jesus is the one LORD GOD, YHWH, but in fact, reinforcing that Jesus is the Lord Messiah and has been elevated to take on such a high honor as “Theos” or “God.” This reference has disturbed many who have studied this; yet, it needn’t confuse us.

The New Testament writers take great care in distinguishing who they are addressing in their writings when talking about God (our Heavenly Father) and Jesus, His Son. John 17:3 KJV makes this very clear: “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and 11

Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.”

4. “The Alpha and the Omega” This is the first and last letter of the Greek Alphabet and is attributed to God in Revelation and to Jesus, also. In Revelation 1:8, it is God’s title, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

And also God, in Revelation 21:6, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” But then attributed to Jesus in Revelation 22:13, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” This title has clearly been given to Jesus, and he can claim it as the beginning of the new creation, the firstborn from the dead, and the last Adam. It is God’s title, for God truly was in the beginning of all creation, and He will finally dwell with mankind in the end, when the earth is restored and sin and death are removed by Jesus and then God will be all in all.

5. Judge God will judge all mankind at the end through His Messiah, Jesus.

6. King of Kings Both can wear this title, but ultimately God is the one in authority, and Jesus submits to His rule and reign as the ultimate King of Kings (I Corinthians 15).

Jesus says in Revelation 3:1112, “I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it (Continued on page 13)

Demonology IV

By Vince Finnegan

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he Old Testament has limited information regarding the devil, demons, and the entire spiritual realm.

The great patriarchs of our faith such as Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets were engaged in the spiritual warfare but did not seem to understand much about the subject.

The book of Job contains one of the few occurrences that mention the devil in the Old Testament. The first chapter declares that the devil is the cause of all Job’s suffering. From chapter three through 32, Job and his three friends discuss ad nauseam why these terrible things happened to Job. They considered every possibility imaginable; yet, no one made any mention of the devil. Elihu brought great insight to the conversation recorded in chapters 32-37, but he too failed to say anything about the devil. They did not know what we now understand about the devil and his evil ways. Trials and tribulations besieged David constantly; yet, in all his writings, he did not acknowledge the adversary nor the spiritual realm.

Knowledge regarding this subject apparently progressed with time, as is common with many other areas of knowledge. In the first century during our Lord’s time on earth, many people in Israel knew about demons and their devastating, evil influences upon people. Jesus fully understood the spiritual realm and exposed it for all to see. He was the first one to confront demons and cast them out of people. Before Jesus, the devil operated in almost complete secrecy, which is why the people of God in the Old Testament times dealt with wickedness in a completely different fashion than Jesus commanded.

They killed the wicked! In the Sermon on the Mount and the many other teachings of our Lord, we are commanded to handle evil entirely

differently. We now have a much fuller understanding regarding these matters and are equipped with the holy spirit which truly empowers us to deal with these things in a spiritual manner.

seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation.’”

On one occasion, the Pharisees asked Jesus to show them a sign. Jesus responded with the following:

So common was the understanding about demons that he used it as a comparative illustration to teach another point. It will be worse for the generation that rejects Jesus than a person who has a devil spirit returning with seven more wicked than the first one.

Matthew 12:39-45 “But He answered and said to them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

‘The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

‘The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

‘Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it.

‘Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order.

‘Then it goes and takes along with it

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We can also learn some other important points from this discourse. Demons consider the people they inhabit to be their home. They want a place to live, and people are most desirable. Evil spirits will be here until the day they are locked in chains and then thrown into the lake of fire. In the meantime, they want to inhabit people. If a demon is cast out of a person, it can return if the person does not do what is necessary to close “the door” by which they enter.

Demons cannot just enter any person they chose to inhabit. Individuals must allow them to enter which may happen when we have unresolved emotional wounds or habitual sin.

We can allow demon occupation without knowing we are doing so.

Casting unclean spirits out without changing the mind may open the person up to more problems with more unclean spirits. The house cannot be left empty, which means a lifestyle change of putting on the new man is necessary and not optional.

(Continued from page 11)

Knowing the Distinguishing Difference In a Name Continued. . .

anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.”

The beauty of this lesson is that it makes it quite clear that we (you and I and Jesus) all share and worship and adore the same Almighty God − Adonai YHWH. It also makes very clear that Jesus holds a special position as the esteemed, exalted firstborn Son of God, the firstborn from the dead, through whom God will judge

and rule as King, through whom He has redeemed and saved us – through His obedient Son! Jesus came in the name of His Father (John 5:43) with all His authority and power, as if he were God Himself. It didn’t mean that Jesus WAS God, but he was the image and reflection of God, and Jesus had the power as if God Himself were standing upon the earth when he spoke and performed miracles to the glory of His God. And when we look closely, we realize that we, too, at the return of Christ and through the establishment of his coming Kingdom will be exalted and given a new name, just as God gave Jesus His Name! What a glorious hope we share as believers in the name of Jesus.

So next time you hear a worship song on the radio or at church or see a poster with all the “Names of Christ” upon it…, I want you to pause and reflect on its Biblical accuracy and realize that this sloppiness by the authors of such material muddles and clouds our real hope as believers and obscures who our God is and who our Messiah is! There is magnificent beauty in knowing the distinguishing differences in a NAME.

Of course, there are many more names in the Scriptures that I did not include, because of time and length constraints.

GIFT OR MANIFESTATION The gift of holy spirit was first given on Pentecost and is graciously bestowed upon every believer ever since. The manifestation of the spirit is the evidence in the senses realm of the gift.

1Corinthians 12 listed many of the manifestations – word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing of spirits, various kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. All of these things are manifestation of the same gift. If you have the spirit, you have the ability to operate all of these manifestations and more. Failure to acknowledge the difference between the gift and the manifestation of the gift has hindered people from exercising their God given power. If you have the gift, you are empowered to manifest it forth in your life.

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Congo Connection

By Richard and Cheryl Elton

C

ommunicating with

doing well in their studies, ac-

our brothers in the

cording to Kennedy and Kael.

are appreciated.

lenging since we speak different

In January, we received a large

Living Hope International Ministries of the Congo

languages. Even a simple email

donation from someone who

Rev. Armel Ngo and his church

exchange can take a week or

asked to remain anonymous.

have established fellowships in

more, as they don’t have the

The money was used specifically

three additional cities in the Re-

ease of internet access that we

to buy new clothing for all the

public of the Congo. In addition

do and every email requires

sponsored children in Kennedy’s

to the seven house churches in

translating. Ive Carlo of Puerto

fellowship.

Brazzaville, believers are now

Congo can be chal-

Rico helps with the translations,

meeting in Point-Noire, Dolisie,

and we are so thankful for her

For many of the kids, their

and Sibiti. He has been teaching

labor of love!

school uniforms are their best

the class on His Story - God’s

piece of clothing, and they end

Purpose for the Ages.

In the past six months or more,

up wearing them everywhere.

God has provided some addi-

The uniforms were wearing out,

The Way Restored

tional help. Three wonderful

and the children were in need of

Rev. Kennedy Kutukwa Nsilulu

Christian believers from - of all

new clothes for everyday use.

recently visited fellowships in

places - the Congo!, are now

the lower Congo region, known

actively attending Living Hope

With the money, Kennedy

as Bas Congo. One of these cit-

Community Church in Latham.

bought new clothes and shoes,

ies is Matadi, a major seaport at

which was a great blessing to

the mouth of the Congo River

the children and their families.

where there is a sizeable fellow-

We are making occasional phone calls to Kennedy with their help

ship of saints.

in speaking to him in French.

Zoe Church

This assists greatly in exchang-

Rev. Kael of Zoe Church has

In April, Kennedy conducted a

ing information and finding out

organized an outreach program

multi-day seminar with teach-

the current needs of the people

called Ministers of Reconciliation.

ings on “Three Days and Three

in his church. Thank you Fran-

People are committing to wit-

Nights of Prayer and Interces-

cesca, Bernardo, and Lucia!

ness and preach the gospel in

sion.”

New clothes for the children

the city of Kinshasa.

Enjoy the photos and keep in

The 35 children being sponsored

Your prayers for open doors of

your prayers our brothers and

to attend school this year are

outreach for these ambassadors

sisters in the Congo !

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1. Kennedy and some of the children with their new clothes.

1.

2. The kids wanted to wear their new clothes right away.

3. Each child was recognized individually.

4. New clothes and shoes – what a blessing!

2.

3.

4.

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Nonprofit Org. US Postage Paid Latham, New York Permit No. 128

458 Old Niskayuna Road Latham, New York 12110 USA

But I [Jesus] tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [the spirit of truth] will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

John 16:7 16:7