Remnant Magazine by John Powell

REMNANT juLY 2011

Vol. 1 No. 4

JOIN THE R EVOLUTION

is jesus enough?

The Christian magazine for the rest of us.

faith for

desperate days A Word for Those Who

FEEL LIKE QUITTING

2 |

Remnant

www.remnantmagazine.com

compassion.com/youcan

8 is jesus

juLY 2011 Volume 1 | Number 4

enough?

FEEL LIKE 13 QUITTING A Word for Those Who

REGULAR FEATURES: Questions of Jesus

Portraits of Christ

faith for

The Last Word 22 What Must I Do to be saved?

desperate days

REMNANT JOIN THE R EVOLUTION

JOHN POWELL Publisher | Art Director | Webmaster john@remnantmagazine.com Find this issue and more at www.RemnantMagazine.com Also visit my sister site: www.JesusCaresAboutYou.net Access on your mobile phone: www.JesusCaresAboutYou.param.mobi Dedicated to my sons Brandon and Caleb, to my Mom and mentor in the faith, and to

Jesus Christ

in whose name I cast this bread upon the water. www.remnantmagazine.com

give your Bible a workout

B1BLE

see page

Challenge Day

take 30-day the challenge! Follow this plan to read the entire Bible in 1 month.

Beginnings

BUILDING A NATION

Poetry and Wisdom

Prophets

New Testament

Genesis 1-11

1 Samuel 1-8

Psalms 1-8; Proverbs 1

Isaiah 1-8

Matthew 1-7

Genesis 12-20

1 Samuel 9-15

Psalms 9-16; Proverbs 2

Isaiah 9-16

Matthew 8-14

Genesis 21-28

1 Samuel 16-24

Psalms 17-22; Proverbs 3

Isaiah 17-24

Matthew 15-20

Genesis 29-36

1 Samuel 25-31

Psalms 23-29; Proverbs 4

Isaiah 25-32

Matthew 21-28

Genesis 37-45

2 Samuel 1-10

Psalms 30-34; Proverbs 5

Isaiah 33-39

Mark 1-8

Genesis 46-50

2 Samuel 11-18

Psalms 35-37; Proverbs 6

Isaiah 40-48

Mark 9-16

Exodus 1-11

2 Samuel 19-24

Psalms 38-41; Proverbs 7

Isaiah 49-57

Luke 1-6

Exodus 12-18

1 Kings 1-11

Psalms 42-46; Proverbs 8

Isaiah 58-66

Luke 7-12

Exodus 19-24

1 Kings 12-16

Psalms 47-50; Proverbs 9

Jeremiah 1-6

Luke 13-18

Exodus 25-31

1 Kings 17-22

Psalms 51-57; Proverbs 10

Jeremiah 7-12

Luke 19-24

Exodus 32-40

2 Kings 1-10

Psalms 58-64; Proverbs 11

Jeremiah 13-20

John 1-6

Leviticus 1-10

2 Kings 11-17

Jeremiah 21-26

John 7-12

Leviticus 11-20

2 Kings 18-25

Jeremiah 27-31

John 13-21

Leviticus 21-27

1 Chronicles 1-9

Psalms 73-77; Proverbs 14

Jeremiah 32-38

Acts 1-7

Numbers 1-10

1 Chronicles 10-16

Psalms 78-83; Proverbs 15

Jeremiah 39-45

Acts 8-14

Numbers 11-17

1 Chronicles 17-22

Psalms 84-89; Proverbs 16

Jeremiah 46-49

Acts 15-21

Numbers 18-27

1 Chronicles 23-29

Psalms 90-92; Proverbs 17

Jeremiah 50-52

Acts 22-28

INSPIRE

IGNITE

Psalms 65-68; Proverbs 12 Psalms 69-72; Proverbs 13

EMPOWER

Remnant

| 3

questions of

jesus

b y john powell

Will you also go away?

any of today’s churches seem only interested in attracting large crowds, following the latest trends and promotions just to get people within their doors. A good-hearted individual boasting to me about his church said, “We have rock music in our services. We have a coffee shop with donuts right outside the sanctuary. You can come dressed as you are—we are very casual. We are like a church you’ve never seen before!” I found that last statement especially interesting, for it seems that many new churches and older established congregations are all turning to that same formula. It’s a little like saying, “We’re different, just like everybodyelse!” Sadly, never once did he boast about the presence of the Holy Spirit in their services and how Christ is lifted up, if at all. Jesus, on the other hand, sought to thin out the crowd and remove those who weren’t interested in true discipleship. While He desires that all come to repentance, He also knows that the way is narrow and few there will be that will find it. It’s better to be hot or cold than lukewarm, our Savior warns. When many of Jesus’s followers became offended and turned and walked away, He did not run after them and beg them to reconsider. He did not offer any incentive for them to come back. Jesus never apologized, and

(John 6:67)

He had no Plan B. He simply turned to the twelve and asked, “Will you also go away?” The Gospel of Jesus is simple, but it isn’t easy. It’s offensive and divisive, and weeds out the sheep from the goats. If you believe an easy gospel, then it isn’t the one Jesus preached. To Jesus’s inquiry Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that You are that Christ, the Son of the living God.” When the trial get too difficult, when the wait seems too long, when the way get too narrow and lonely, when the words get too hard, will you also go away? What is your response? R

In this series, “Questions of Jesus,” we will take a closer look at some of the questions Jesus asked those who followed Him. Then, and now, He never asks a question He does not already know the answer to. He simply asks to see if we know the answer, and to cause us to look deeper inside ourselves.

tornado outbreak Remember in your prayers the victims and families suffering from the tornado outbreaks across the mid-west and southern United States this spring. Photo source unknown

You can help:

www.redcross.org 4 |

Remnant

www.remnantmagazine.com

B 1 BLE Challenge Day

give your Bible a workout

take 30-day the challenge! Follow this plan to read the entire Bible in 1 month.

Beginnings

BUILDING A NATION

Poetry andWisdom

Prophets

New Testament

Genesis 1-11

1 Samuel 1-8

Psalms 1-8; Proverbs 1

Isaiah 1-8

Matthew 1-7

Genesis 12-20

1 Samuel 9-15

Psalms 9-16; Proverbs 2

Isaiah 9-16

Matthew 8-14

Genesis 21-28

1 Samuel 16-24

Psalms 17-22; Proverbs 3

Isaiah 17-24

Matthew 15-20

Genesis 29-36

1 Samuel 25-31

Psalms 23-29; Proverbs 4

Isaiah 25-32

Matthew 21-28

Genesis 37-45

2 Samuel 1-10

Psalms 30-34; Proverbs 5

Isaiah 33-39

Mark 1-8

Genesis 46-50

2 Samuel 11-18

Psalms 35-37; Proverbs 6

Isaiah 40-48

Mark 9-16

Exodus 1-11

2 Samuel 19-24

Psalms 38-41; Proverbs 7

Isaiah 49-57

Luke 1-6

Exodus 12-18

1 Kings 1-11

Psalms 42-46; Proverbs 8

Isaiah 58-66

Luke 7-12

Exodus 19-24

1 Kings 12-16

Psalms 47-50; Proverbs 9

Jeremiah 1-6

Luke 13-18

Exodus 25-31

1 Kings 17-22

Psalms 51-57; Proverbs 10

Jeremiah 7-12

Luke 19-24

Exodus 32-40

2 Kings 1-10

Psalms 58-64; Proverbs 11

Jeremiah 13-20

John 1-6

Leviticus 1-10

2 Kings 11-17

Psalms 65-68; Proverbs 12

Jeremiah 21-26

John 7-12

Leviticus 11-20

2 Kings 18-25

Psalms 69-72; Proverbs 13

Jeremiah 27-31

John 13-21

Leviticus 21-27

1 Chronicles 1-9

Psalms 73-77; Proverbs 14

Jeremiah 32-38

Acts 1-7

Numbers 1-10

1 Chronicles 10-16

Psalms 78-83; Proverbs 15

Jeremiah 39-45

Acts 8-14

Numbers 11-17

1 Chronicles 17-22

Psalms 84-89; Proverbs 16

Jeremiah 46-49

Acts 15-21

Numbers 18-27

1 Chronicles 23-29

Psalms 90-92; Proverbs 17

Jeremiah 50-52

Acts 22-28

Numbers 28-36

2 Chronicles 1-9

Psalms 93-100; Proverbs 18

Lamentations 1-5

Romans 1-8

Deuteronomy 1-10

2 Chronicles 10-20

Psalms 101-106; Proverbs 19

Ezekiel 1-11

Romans 9-16

Deuteronomy 11-20

2 Chronicles 21-28

Psalms 107-110; Proverbs 20

Ezekiel 12-20

1 Corinthians 1-8

Deuteronomy 21-26

2 Chronicles 29-36

Psalms 111-118; Proverbs 21

Ezekiel 21-28

1 Corinthians 9-16

Deuteronomy 27-34

Ezra 1-10

Psalm 119:1-88; Proverbs 22

Ezekiel 29-39

2 Corinthians 1-13

Joshua 1-12

Nehemiah 1-13

Psalm 119:89-176; Proverbs 23

Ezekiel 40-48

Galatians; Ephesians

Joshua 13-21

Esther 1-10

Psalms 120-134; Proverbs 24

Daniel 1-6

Phil; Col; 1,2 Thess

Joshua 22-24

Job 1-3

Psalms 135-139; Proverbs 25

Daniel 7-12

1,2 Tim; Titus; Philemon

Judges 1-8

Job 4-14

Psalms 140-145; Proverbs 26

Hosea

Hebrews

Judges 9-12

Job 15-21

Psalms 146-150; Proverbs 27

Joel; Amos; Obadiah

James; 1,2 Peter

Judges 13-16

Job 22-31

Ecclesiastes 1-6; Proverbs 28

Jonah; Micah; Nahum

1,2,3 John; Jude

Judges 17-21

Job 32-37

Ecclesiastes 7-12; Proverbs 29

Habak; Zeph; Haggai

Revelation 1-11

Ruth 1-4

Job 38-42

Song of Songs 1-8; Proverbs 30-31

Zechariah; Malachi

Revelation 12-22

see reverse Download THE READING PLANside for other options using this flexible plan

other options letyou Read the bible in 2 months or up to 5 months.

www.jesuscaresaboutyou.net/pdfs/biblereading.pdf www.remnantmagazine.com

Remnant

| 5

The Incredulity of St.Thomas by Caravaggio ca.1601

6 |

Remnant

www.remnantmagazine.com

you do not need more of the lord because he has already

given himself completely to you already. you just need less of everything else. www.remnantmagazine.com

Remnant

| 7

8 |

Remnant

www,remnantmagazine.com

IGNITE

jesus enough? is

“After they had eaten, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these other things?’” (John 21:15).

by Chip Brogden The School of Christ www.theschoolofchrist.org

If Jesus was all you had, would Jesus be enough for you? Many precious believers are in love with the things of the Lord, but they are not in love with the Lord Himself. Many Christian workers and ministers are in love with the Lord’s work. Almost without realizing it, the work of the Lord becomes more important than the Lord of the work. There are prophets and teachers who hold words from God in higher esteem than the God Who speaks the words they attribute as being from Him. People seek these words and teachings. The more they receive, the more they want. Before one word is digested they are craving another. They are seeking “things”—words, prophecies, teachings, visions, dreams—but they are not seeking the Lord Himself.

Is Jesus enough? www.remnantmagazine.com

Remnant

| 9

hen the saints gather together most of the activity is focused on “one another”. This is important, but it is not the most important thing. Fellowship is good: but is Jesus enough? Gatherings are good: but is Jesus enough? Meetings are good: but is Jesus enough? Special speakers and special music are good: but is Jesus enough? Even with praise and worship it is possible to sing “about” Jesus and not truly worship Jesus. With preaching and teaching it is possible to talk “about” Jesus and not truly meet Jesus in what is shared. In prayer it is possible to talk “about” our needs and never actually commune with Jesus Himself. Among Christians I have discovered something. There is Jesus, and then there are all the things about Jesus that are not Jesus. Jesus Himself occupies only a small portion of what is said and done in Christian circles. Most of what is said and done is merely about Jesus, but it is not Jesus. I have learned that stress, strife, disillusionment, dissatisfaction, bitterness, anger, hurt, misunderstanding, and confusion comes from everything said and done by religious people about the Lord, and in the name of the Lord, that does not, in fact, have anything to do with Jesus Himself. How much of your focus is directed to the things of God, and not to God Himself? How much of your discussion centers on things about Jesus, and not Jesus Himself? Just look around. This brother is focused on end-time events, and that sister is devoted to inner healing. This brother is primarily concerned with prophetic things, while another sister is keenly interested in spiritual warfare. That brother is deeply involved with theological discussions, while that sister is in love with Christian music. One movement emphasizes this particular thing, and another group stands for another thing. There may be diversities of gifts and callings. There may be various and sundry things to be involved with. There may be many topics to study and discuss. Many things compete for our time, attention, affection, energy, and money. But there is only one Lord Jesus. Just as some people cannot see the forest for the trees, I believe most sinners cannot see Jesus for the Christians. And I believe most Christians cannot see Jesus for the “church”. Is Jesus enough? Whenever I am ministering to pastors, whatever they think their calling is, I always have them turn to Mark 10 |

Remnant

remember what it was like to be passion & love wanted nothing

at his feet and

3:14: “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that He might send them forth to preach.” You are called to be with Jesus. That is your calling. That is the primary thing, the highest ministry. Going forth to preach or do anything else is of secondary importance. We should be with Jesus; after that, He might send us forth to preach. But before Jesus said, “Go into all the world” He said, “Be with Me.” The call of the Lord is not more important than the Lord of the call. The work of the Lord must not replace the Lord of the work. No amount of ministering for the Lord will make up for a lack of ministering to the Lord. And knowing the Word of God does not necessarily mean that we know the God of the Word. Everyone wants to go and do something for God, but few people are willing to stay and do “nothing” for Him. Jesus asked Peter, “Am I enough for You? Do you love Me more than everything else? Do you love Me more than you love the things about Me?” A few weeks later, when Peter stood with John before the religious rulers to explain the healing of a man who had never walked, “...they marveled; and they took knowledge of [Peter and John], that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13b). If we will be with Jesus, then Jesus will be with us. The reason the New Testament church had power was not because they spoke in tongues, or held meetings in their living rooms, or had a certain system for planting churches. The secret was they had been with Jesus. But some Christians are more in love with methods and ministries than they are in love with the Man. The prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch were gathered together: not to have a house church conference, not to begin a new ministry, not to discuss the latest prophetic word or the newest teaching, not to exchange ideas on how to grow the church, not to fellowship, not to share a meal, not to minister to one anwww.remnantmagazine.com

so filled with for him that you more than to sit

d hear his word.

other. But “as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said...” (Acts 13:2a). Paul and his fellow workers had many souls to save, many disciples to make, many churches to plant, many places to visit, many messages to deliver, many letters to write. There were many needs to be met, many doors of opportunity before them. But the work was suspended. Activity ceased. Ministry came to a standstill. Fellowship and food were forgotten. The prophets were there, but the prophets did not prophesy. The teachers were there, but the teachers did not teach. Instead, they ministered to the Lord. The focus shifted from horizontal to vertical. The emphasis was directed away from man and man’s needs, and onto the Lord and His Need. They were busy being with Jesus. They were at His feet. So when the Holy Ghost finally spoke, they were ready to go forth. Thus began the first missionary journey of Paul. When apostles love church planting and mission work more than Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. When prophets love their prophecies, dreams, and visions more than they love Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. When evangelists love traveling, preaching, and holding meetings more than they love Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. When pastors love their church services and building programs more than they love Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. When teachers love their teachings more than they love Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. When preachers love their preaching more than they love Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. When ministers love their ministry more than they love www,remnantmagazine.com

Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. When musicians love their music more than they love Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. When writers love their writings more than they love Jesus, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. And when the simplest disciples grow tired of “just” being with Jesus, and begin to long for something bigger, something better, something greater, something more powerful, something other than what they have in Jesus already, then they are saying that Jesus is not enough. If Jesus was all you had, would Jesus be enough for you? Or do you have to have all the “trappings” of Christianity, all the bells and whistles, all the toys and trinkets? Make no mistake: there is no life in the things that are about Jesus. There is life only in Jesus Himself. May I speak candidly? If you are dissatisfied and disappointed with your Christian walk today, it is only because of one thing: Jesus is not enough for you. Somewhere along the line, something else became more important than Jesus. Maybe you have become focused on the things about Jesus that are not Jesus. There is only one solution. You do not need more of the Lord, because He has already given Himself completely to you already. You just need less of everything else. Remember. Remember what it was like to hear His Voice, to be so filled with passion and love for Him, that you wanted nothing more than to sit at His feet, and hear His Word. Remember when you were so infatuated with Him that you did not want to do anything else. Remember what it was like to just be with Jesus. Go back to when Jesus first called you to be with Him. Go back to the time when all you had was Him. Go back to the time before you were planting churches, speaking prophetic words, preaching to the unsaved, pastoring the congregation, teaching the people, or leading worship. Go back to the time when there was no work, no ministry, no vision, no special calling - except Jesus calling you to be with Him. Remember when you said, “He’s all I need!” So what happened? I pray the Lord will draw us after Himself and make us thoroughly sick and tired of things - especially the things that are about Him, but are not Him. God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son, Jesus. Well... is Jesus enough? R

Remnant

| 11

none of self & all of thee Theodore Monod

Oh, the bitter shame and sorrow, That a time could ever be, When I let the Saviour’s pity Plead in vain, and proudly answered— “All of self, and none of Thee.” Yet He found me; I beheld Him Bleeding on the cursed tree; Heard Him pray, “Forgive them, Father,” And my wistful heart said faintly— “Some of self, and some of Thee.” Day by day His tender mercy, Healing, helping, full and free, Sweet and strong, and ah! so patient, Brought me lower while I whispered— “Less of Self, and more of Thee.” Higher than the highest heavens, Deeper than the deepest sea, Lord, Thy love at last hath conquered: Grant me now my soul’s longing— “None of self, and all of Thee”

LOST?

hurting? don’t know whichway to turn?

Jesus caresabout you www.jesuscaresaboutyou.net 12 |

Remnant

the Christian magazine for the rest of us.

Join the REVOLUTION www.remnantmagazine.com www.remnantmagazine.com

TIMES SQUARE

CHURCH tscnyc.org

“A GREAT MULTITUDE OF ALL NATIONS AND KINDREDS AND PEOPLES AND LANGUAGES” (REV. 7:9).

VOL VII / ISSUE 1 / JANUARY 2011

LETTER FROM CARTER CONLON Dear Friend, You have no reason to fear the days ahead! Let me tell you why. The story of Jonah is all about fear. Jonah had deep reservations about the things that God was asking him to do and this fear caused him to flee on a boat bound for Tarshish. A violent storm arose and while Jonah slept, the other sailors began to panic and look for a way to save the ship from capsizing and being demolished. Jonah knew that he had the answer so he said to them, “Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you” (Jonah 1:12). In effect, Jonah was saying, “God has given me the power to bring calm to your storm. He has not called me to hide from your troubles, but to be cast into the midst of them for your comfort.” As the church of Jesus Christ, we are not called to hide in times of trial but to bring the comfort of Christ into the crisis. When Jonah surrendered to God’s call upon his life, he received courage not only to face but also to bring change to what had formerly been the deepest fear of his heart. Take courage, your finest days are just ahead. Yours, in Christ,

Carter Conlon Senior Pastor www.remnantmagazine.com

A WORD FOR THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE QUITTING by Carter Conlon

If you feel like quitting, this word is for you. Beloved, you are so close to something in God—so close to the victory that your heart has longed for. This is not the time to quit! “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: but we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 1:8–11).

It is not uncommon to suddenly and inexplicably face violent opposition while serving Christ. Paul was saying, “I don’t want you to be ignorant of this. We were on a divine commission from the Lord to bring life and liberty to people who needed to know there is a Savior.

When we were involved in this, trouble came against us so suddenly and powerfully that we could not stand against it.” “…pressed out of measure…” (2 Corinthians 1:8) means the opposition was stronger than any resistance they could find within themselves. They didn’t know how to handle it, which eventually brought them to a point where dying looked better than living. Have you ever reached that place? Many people today can probably testify, “When I first came to Christ, I had such optimism. Things around me were changing for the better, and the future appeared to be full of great promise. I was given a new heart, a new mind, a new spirit. But suddenly, without warning, things seemed to grow dark— circumstances changed, and threatening voices from without and within grew so loud that I could hardly hear the promises of God. Now I am afraid to go on. I can hardly see hope ahead of me anymore.” n SUDDEN OPPOSITION

It is not uncommon to suddenly and inexplicably face violent opposition while serving Christ. However, it is important to remember that in reality, none of it can conquer you, no matter how it looks. It is like walking through a dark alley and being surrounded by vicious junkyard

Remnant

| 13

TIMES SQUARE

CHURCH tscnyc.org

A WORD FOR THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE QUITTING

dogs—yet their chains stop them just short of being able to hurt you.

The only potential power the devil has is when we fall into agreement with his reasoning and embrace his threats. The devil’s whole tactic is to convince you that the evil around you is going to overpower you. However, he really has no power to stop the work of God in your life, for he was defeated on Calvary. His reign, the law of sin and death, and all the power that he had was cancelled on Calvary. There is nothing he can do but stand on the shores and watch the people of God go through the seas of impossibility into every promise given in Christ Jesus. The only potential power the devil has is when we fall into agreement with his reasoning and embrace his threats. “I don’t think I will ever change. I don’t think I can make it.” In contrast, consider the words of Paul: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31–32). Only someone who has come through everything that we must face today could write such words. Paul had to get to the point of understanding that these things were more powerful than he could ever hope to be. His only recourse was quitting and he finally realized that his only help was in God. “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are 14 |

Remnant

accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, not angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:36–39). I am persuaded! It is easy to be persuaded when you’re on the mountaintop, but being persuaded down in the valley is where you find the difference. n A SEASON OF MIRACLES

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied…. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul” (Acts 19:5–6, 10–11). For at least two years in Ephesus, Paul had experienced unimpeded preaching and miracles. People were receiving the Word of God in unprecedented measure and Scripture says that even handkerchiefs were taken from Paul and placed on people who were deathly ill, and they were healed. “And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious (magical) 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” (Acts 19:18–19). There was no religious deception here—people were honest with God and put away their evil practices. They came to an understanding of the depth of Christ on Calvary—the depth of the forgiveness that was bought there. It was an incredible revival!

I think most of us would have been happy to live during that time—to see the things that Paul and those who ministered with him saw. However, it soon became evident that it was time to move on. “After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season” (Acts 19:21–22). After sending Timothy and Erastus on, I believe Paul took just a moment to relax and reflect on all the wonders God had done. Have you ever done that? Have you ever just put your feet up and thought about all the miracles that have happened in your life since you became a Christian? We can picture Paul doing that here—just sitting back for a bit to savor the moment. Then the next day, all hell broke out! Most commentators agree that this season was what Paul was referring to when he spoke the words of our opening text— “…pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life…” (2 Corinthians 1:8). A local silversmith began to stir up the other idol makers whose trade was in danger due to Paul’s preaching, and they all became infuriated (their profit margin was being affected). It grew into an uproar in the arena, and the people shouted for two hours straight, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” Can you imagine being a Christian in the midst of that cacophony—a roar of voices trying to shout down the Word, claiming that something else is greater than the God that you serve? But that is the tactic of the devil. He was trying to convince Paul and his associates that there was a power greater than the God they were walking with, the one who www.remnantmagazine.com

TIMES SQUARE tscnyc.org

had begun to manifest His glory. This uproar lasted for quite a while, and Paul was in the midst of it. We don’t have all the details, we just know that it was violent and that society had suddenly turned. The turning point seemed to have been when their god of gold was touched—their god of income and prosperity. At that time this great revival turned inward and turned against the believers.

Some of you go to a workplace where those around you tolerate the fact that you are a Christian...until it begins to affect their livelihood. Similarly, you and I are going to experience opposition from a kingdom that is being overthrown by the presence of God in us. We may know victory for a season, but keep in mind that we are standing for God in a world that is against the ways of God—a world filled with people who, in their own ignorance, are opposing their own salvation. Some of you go to a workplace where those around you tolerate the fact that you are a Christian, and some may even be interested in what you say. That is, until it begins to affect their livelihood—because you are walking honestly while they are not. Then suddenly all hell begins to break out around you. This world will profess tolerance toward us until their sense of wellbeing comes into question—until they www.remnantmagazine.com

CHURCH

A WORD FOR THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE QUITTING

realize the church is a force in the nation. Then we will find ourselves in the midst of this incredible war, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians! Great is Dow Jones of the United States of America! Great are our corporations and our image of ourselves!” n ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD

I don’t know what you are facing today or what kind of voice is coming against you, but I do know that you do not have to be overcome by it. You are not walking in a kingdom made by the hands of men but rather fashioned by the hand of God Himself. After the apostles witnessed Jesus feed the multitudes with the loaves and fishes, they got into their boat to cross to the other side. Suddenly a violent storm arose and it seemed the elements themselves were trying to throw off the testimony of what Christ had just done. Why did that storm come? The enemy knows that the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ is something he must oppose with everything he has. This was not a chance storm in the apostles’ day and this same storm will come against every believer today. If you find yourself losing strength in a storm, you are a partaker of what others before you have gone through. Search the Scriptures and you will see that those who walked with God ended up facing all types of opposition. Daniel was thrown into a den of lions and Elijah had to flee from a wicked king. King David, mighty king of Israel, had a great anointing on his life and had won many victories in battle. Yet suddenly he found himself completely alone—the only ones who came near were those who were against him. But he did what you and I need to do in such seasons—he encouraged himself in the Lord. You must go back in your mind and remember how good God has been to

you. David remembered how God’s anointing had come upon him. He remembered victories in his life— fighting the lion and the bear and running into the valley to face Goliath. He also remembered picking up his harp and singing to King Saul, binding the devil so that he was no longer able to torment him. David thought about these things and encouraged himself in the Lord. David went into the closet of prayer, and God showed him a way through. That is why he could write, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4). God was saying, “I am not going to take you out immediately; I am going to take you through. I am going to show you where strength is.” With his few men, David pursued what was lost, and although the odds were overwhelmingly against him, everything was restored—“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit…” (Zechariah 4:6). David concluded, “I will not get through this by reasoning or by figuring a way over or around. I will get through it just the way I started—by the supernatural power of Almighty God.”

How are we going to get through the days ahead? How are we even going to get through the present time? When you get to the end, you will have a song, but that song will not be about how you figured it all out. That song will be, “Jesus took me through, Jesus saved me, Jesus carried me, Jesus walked with me, Jesus defeated my enemies, Jesus took me over the finish line.” You are more than a

Remnant

| 15

TIMES SQUARE

CHURCH

A WORD FOR THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE QUITTING

n BECAUSE OF PRAYER

Look again at Paul’s words: “…he will continue to deliver us. He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people’s prayers for our safety have been answered” (2 Corinthians 1:10–11, NLT). Paul acknowledged that God would rescue them because people prayed, and as a result many would give thanks to God. I believe one of the greatest victories we will know in our time is simply the awareness that we are not walking this journey alone. It is not just about me, and it is not just about you, it is about the whole body of Christ. We spend so much of our time praying for ourselves, don’t we? “Lord, help me; Lord, bless me; Lord, keep me; Lord, why me?” But the Lord says, “Would you let Me expand your thinking a little bit?” As you pray for those presently going through a tough season, when God brings them through, they will pray for you when your time comes. Then there will be great rejoicing, and many will give thanks to God.

and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go… Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind” (Exodus 10:9, 26). As the church—the Bride of Christ—we are going to make it to the other side. We are heading out of here—going home! Today you may feel “pressed out of measure, above strength,” as Paul wrote. People are facing serious battles. Some have lost children; some don’t know where their next meal is coming from; some are fighting for their sanity; marriages are falling apart. I want you to know that we are standing with you—you are not alone. We are praying for God’s grace and strength to be yours. You are not going to be overwhelmed; you are not going to go down—we are fighting this together, and we will walk in the victory Jesus has already secured for us. Hallelujah!

How are we going to get through the days ahead? How are we even going to get through the present time? We will get through because we are going to pray and believe the promises of God. We will get through because we are moving together as a body—nobody will be left behind. That was the cry of Moses, “We will go with our young This newsletter is an edited version of “A WORD FOR THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE QUITTING,” a sermon given on October 3, 2010 in the sanctuary of Times Square Church in New York City. Other sermons are available by visiting our website at tscnyc.org. You are welcome to make additional copies of this sermon for free distribution to friends. However, for all other forms of reproduction or electronic transmission existing copyright laws apply. This sermon cannot be posted on any website or webpage without permission from Times Square Church. Unless otherwise noted, all scripture references are from the King James Version.

16 |

Remnant

CARTER CONLON Carter Conlon is senior pastor of Times Square Church, where he has been on the pastoral staff since 1994.

TIMES SQUARE CHURCH Times Square Church was founded in 1987 by Pastor David Wilkerson, author of “The Cross and the Switchblade.” It is an interdenominational church located in the heart of New York City.

Founding Pastor David Wilkerson

Senior Pastor Carter Conlon

Tel: 212-541-6300

Fax: 212-541-6415

Church Location: 237 West 51st Street Between Broadway & 8th Avenue

Mailing Address: 1657 Broadway, 4th Floor New York, NY 10019

e-mail: info@timessquarechurch.org

WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Sunday

10:00AM 3:00PM 6:00PM

Tuesday

7:00PM

Church Service

Thursday 7:00PM

Prayer Meeting

Friday

Church Service

7:00PM

tscnyc.org www.remnantmagazine.com

design: hybridstudios.com

conqueror! There is no prison door that can hold you. There is no roaring voice that can drown out the voice of Almighty God, and no plan of hell formed against you can prosper. You are a child of God, and Jesus said, “I am taking you through to the other side.” Hallelujah!

faith for desperate days

EMPOWER

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

b y l . b . cowman

he faith for desperate days. The Bible is full of such days. Its record is made up of them, its songs are inspired by them, its prophecy is concerned with them, and its revelation has come through them. The desperate days are the stepping-stones in the path of light. They seem to have been God’s opportunity and man’s school of wisdom. There is a story of an Old Testament love feast in Psalm 107, and in every story of deliverance the point of desperation gave God His chance. The “wit’s end” of desperation was the beginning of God’s power. Recall the promise of seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sands of the sea, to a couple as good as dead. Read again the story of the Red Sea and its deliverance, and of Jordan with its ark standing mid-stream. Study once more the prayers of Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah, when they were sore pressed and knew not what to do. Go over the history of Nehemiah, Daniel, Hosea, and Habakkuk. Stand with awe in the darkness of Gethsemane, and linger by the grave in Joseph’s garden through those terrible days. Call the witnesses of the early Church, and ask the apostles the story of their desperate days. Desperation is better than despair. Faith did not make our desperate days. Its work is to sustain and solve them. The only alternative to a desperate faith is despair, and faith holds on and prevails. There is no more heroic example of desperate faith than that of the three Hebrew children. The situation was desperate, but they answered bravely, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning, fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” I like that, “but if not!” I have only space to mention Gethsemane. Ponder deeply its “Nevertheless.” “If it is possible...nevertheless!” Deep darkness had settled upon the soul of our Lord. Trust meant anguish unto blood and darkness to the descent of hell—Nevertheless! Nevertheless!! “When obstacles and trials seem Like prison walls to be, I do the little I can do And leave the rest to Thee. “And when there seems no chance, no change, From grief can set me free, Hope finds its strength in helplessness, And calmly waits for Thee.” R

www.remnantmagazine.com

For your personal journey Think about trials you have faced during your lifetime. What did you learn? How did God change you during your trial? Part of the learning process involves how you react to times of suffering and hardship, and how others see you react. Did you react with words of faith and praise? or with anger and doubt? When the apostle Paul prayed that his “thorn in the flesh” be removed, Jesus did not do it. Instead, Jesus changed Paul through the thorn. Paul learned that His grace was sufficient for every need, and would later say, “I boast in infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. His strength is made perfect in my weakness!” (2 Cor. 12:7-10) If you have prayed many times for God to remove a trial from you and so far He has not answered, what should your response be? What lesson(s) do you think God is trying to teach you through the trial? Do you know of anyone going through a similar situation? How could you help and lift up one another?

Remnant

| 17

18 |

Remnant

www.remnantmagazine.com

i heard the voice of the lord saying,

whom shall i send and who will go for us? then said I, here am i; send me. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;isaiah 6:8 www.remnantmagazine.com

Remnant

| 19

portraits of christ

CARPENTER

b y john powell

Isn’t this the carpenter? (Mark 6:3)

ot much is known about our Savior regarding his childhood or early adulthood. The Scriptures are mostly silent. But the few things that are revealed shed some light on what life must have been like for Jesus. We do know his earthly parents were poor, for they offered two turtledoves as a sacrifice in the temple, and this was one of the alternative sacrifices for those who were lacking on money (Luke 2:24; Leviticus 5:7; 15:14). The question asked by the crowd gathered to hear Jesus in his hometown also reveals much about Jesus’ early life, “Isn’t this the carpenter?” And Matthew records this scene with a different twist, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” (Matthew 13:55). So from this we know that Joseph was a carpenter, and that Jesus as the firstborn son took over the business and support of his family after Joseph’s death. His hands were rough and calloused from years of making the wood obedient to his skill. His grip was hard, like a vice, the kind of grip that would immediately gain trust from burly fishermen whom he would call to be his disciples. And he no doubt faced many of the fears and problems common to anyone who works and runs a business. Did he deal with irate customers who were unhappy and refused to pay? Did he have to borrow in lean times to keep the business afloat? After a long, bone-weary day in the shop, did he have to sit at a desk long hours into the night pouring over the books trying to figure out how to make ends meet? Did he go to the shop on mornings when he didn’t feel well or was just tired, but the pressure of feeding a family forced him to get out of bed? On some days did he just felt like leaving it all behind? There must be more to life than this! 20 |

Remnant

Like any artisan, Jesus was proud of the products he created, be it a piece of furniture or a wheel or a yoke. He created each piece with great care and attention to detail, and put of little bit of himself into every project. Some could look at his finished creation and say, “I know who made that.” In Jesus’ later years, no doubt the carpentry shop began to lose its luster. The calling and urge to go was becoming greater and greater each day. After all, running a carpentry business was not why he was here. Perhaps it even wore on his patience at times, especially when dealing with business problems or unruly clients. Then the day came when he knew it was finally time. He would visit the carpentry shop one more time to make sure everything was in order for his family to keep the business going. Would he miss it? Of course he would. He would recall fond memories of himself and Joseph working together on a project. He would think of all the life lessons and stories he learned here. He would pick up the hammer one more time, the handle smooth and worn from years of use. He would pick up a spike and gently press the point into his hand. What will it feel like? And then he would walk out the door for the last time into the sunlit street and never look back. Before he was a carpenter on earth, he was the architect and carpenter of the universe. The strong rough hands that shaped wood forged a planet, flung the stars into space, put thunder into the hoofbeats of the horse, and put a song in the sparrow’s throat. Paul wrote in his letter to the church at Colosse, “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth.” (Colossians 1:15). The apostle John added in his gospel, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3). And after his earthly ministry was fulfilled, Jesus traded in his hammer and saw for a golden sceptre. Now he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Jesus is preparing a place for us, and he has promised to come again and receive us that we may be where he is (John 14:1-3). He is building a church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it. He is building up our faith, shaping each one of us into His image, and piecing us together to form a church without spot or wrinkle. We are his building, and we are laborers together with him in the construction upon the foundation which Jesus has laid (1 Corinthians 3:6-13). And he will personally inspect and test our work to see if it can stand the test of time. R

In this series, “Portraits of Christ,” we will take a closer look at some of the many names of Jesus used throughout the Old and New Testaments. www.remnantmagazine.com

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21)

bible Promises When you need

GUIDANCE

www.remnantmagazine.com

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” (Psalm 48:14) “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

“And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in the paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16) “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Psalm 73:23,24) “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalm 32:8)

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

Remnant

| 21

last word The

k INSPIRE

b y john powell

THE

“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me.” (Daniel 6:22)

silence of the lions T

he impatient lions had not eaten in days and were starving. Suddenly, a scent in the air and a noise outside the den captures their attention. Looking up, the lions see their next meal dangling over the edge. Daniel. There is a loud thud and groan as Daniel hits the floor of the cave, and the little shaft of light slowly disappears as the guards roll a stone over the entrance to seal his tomb. The lions immediately move in for the kill. They circle. They size up their prey. They joust over who goes first. They growl and roar, and paw the dirt. And then something marvelous happens. Just before the lions were about to pounce, God sends an angel down into the cave and shuts the lions’ mouths! Notice that the angel did not grab Daniel and pull him out of the cave. No, the angel left Daniel in the cave with the lions where he stayed all night. Why? So that others could see how God delivered Daniel when the stone was rolled away. The lions found themselves muzzled. They circled. They stalked. Their stomachs growled, but they could not. They were powerless to do anything against Daniel. You see, the trial you are facing now is determined by God to last a certain amount of time, and He has drawn a line in the sand marking how far the enemy may come against you and what he can do to you. God is allowing that trial in your life, whatever it may be, to perform a wonderful work in you that will bring you forth as pure gold. He wants to do something marvelous in your heart, to cause you to grow in faith, and to perfect you. Peter instructed us in his first epistle to cast all of our care upon Jesus, for He cares for us. Be sober. Be vigilant. Why? Peter says, “Because your adversary the devil, as

22 |

Remnant

a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith.” (1 Peter 5:8). After you have suffered a while, Peter says, the God of all grace will make you perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you (1 Peter 5:10). God did not say He would pull us out of the fire. But He did promise that we would not be burned while we walked through the fire. God did not promise that He would pull us out of the depths. But He did promise that He would be with us when we pass through the waters (Isaiah 43:2). And like Paul, God may not remove our problems from us immediately, though we may cry out and pray over and over (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). But He did promise that His grace would be sufficient. We may still have to spend the night in a dark cave watching the lions circle us, be we can rejoice in knowing that God has shut their mouths! They cannot harm us! R

www.remnantmagazine.com

What must I do

to be saved?

his is the most important question in human existence and one whose answer is clearly outlined in scripture. In order to be saved we must first realize our true state of sinfulness before God and know that He alone can save us, cleanse us, and give us eternal life. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the only way and we can not have access to God through any other means. In fact, in John 14:6, Jesus plainly stated, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” God loves you! God loves you so much that he made a way for you, through the shed blood of his son so that you might be able to spend eternity with Him. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have Everlasting Life” (John. 3:16). Man is a sinner, and sin has separated him from God! You may think you are a good person but being good is not enough! Every man has sinned and there is none that is righteous before God! “For there is not a just man upon Earth, that doeth good and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). “For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Jesus Christ is the only remedy for sin! Jesus Christ is the only remedy for sin. We can not be good enough to get into heaven, nor can our good works get us there. There was no other way for God to erase the effect of sin except by blood. The shedding of Christ’s blood indicated that the penalty for sin had been paid; a perfect sinless life had been sacrificed for the lives of all who have sinned. “. . .Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22) “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God . . .” (I Peter 3:18).

www.remnantmagazine.com

“Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). You must receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior To be saved, a man must confess that Jesus is Lord, while acknowledging in his heart that Christ must have full rule over his life. This confession of Christ as Lord assumes that it is Christ who will work and fulfill His own righteousness within man, as man is unable to attain righteousness of his own accord. Jesus calls this experience the “new birth.” He told Nicodemus: “. . . Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3). We invite you now to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name” (John 1:12). Pray this prayer and mean it with all your heart Dear Lord Jesus, I realize that I am a sinner and have broken your laws. I understand that my sin has separated me from you. I am sorry and I ask you to forgive me. I accept the fact that your son Jesus Christ died for me, was resurrected, and is alive today and hears my prayers. I now open my heart’s door and invite Jesus in to become my Lord and my Saviour. I give Him control and ask that He would rule and reign in my heart so that His perfect will would be accomplished in my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Congratulations! If you prayed this prayer in all sincerity, you are now a Child of God. However there are a few things that you need to do to follow up on your commitment. 1. Get baptized ( full immersion) in water as commanded by Christ 2. Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ (including us!) 3. Spend time with God each day through prayer and Bible reading 4. Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus.

Remnant

| 23

Pray for

America

“We are becoming the type of nation we used to send missionaries to.” —william

b e n n e t t , f o r m e r s e c r e ta ry o f e d u c at i o n