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The Present
Truth Magazine (Email)
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FROM THE EDITOR’S HEART
My kids—ages 15, 13, and 9—seem to think they are social butterflies, wanting to flutter from one social event to another. Some days I spend a great deal of time responding to their requests to go hither and yon. “Who’s going? What are you going to do? Where will you be exactly? When will you be home?” I gather the information, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, and give the affirmative or negative. Yes, as the parent, I can (and often do) say “No.” Recently, my husband and I have been telling our kids to ask the Lord first, before they come to us. This saves all of us time and energy, and we want them to realize how important it is to be good stewards of their—God’s—time. Many in our society fail to consult the Lord in their daily decisions and look for fun and stuff to fill the void in their lives. Constant pleasure-seeking does not fulfill us or edify others. True fulfillment comes when we receive revelation from God and then give it to someone else. Apostle Paul told his beloved son Timothy: …the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2). Paul imparted truth by living a kingdom lifestyle and declaring to his students, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1; see also 1 Cor. 4:15-16; Gal. 4:12; 1 Thes. 1:6, 2:8; 1 Tim 1:16; 2 Tim. 1:13). As we give truth/life away, more is given to us, and our culture is changed—one person at a time. My husband and I encourage our kids to follow the Lord and His delegated authorities, because someone will be following them.
Sincerely in Christ,
THE LAST DISCIPLE is a well-written novel that
is a good alternative to the left-behind series. It is written from
what we consider a partial-preterist viewpoint; i.e. that the
great-tribulation and most of the book of revelation was written about and
fulfilled in the first century. Reading it is an excellent way to both
enjoy a novel and gain a scriptural understanding of how Jesus' and His
apostles prophecies were fulfilled in the first century.
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We are glad to have you as a subscriber to our Present Truth Magazine. Below you will find articles from individual authors who have written for our magazine. Our prayer for all who receive read these articles is that the Lord "...may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:17-18).
Apostle Paul’s
Gospel Scripture declares that after his conversion experience, Saul, a Pharisee from Tarsus in Cilicia, became an apostle of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. His name was changed to Paul, and around 58 A.D., he wrote his inspired, God-breathed letter to the Roman Christians, whom he had not yet met in person. He desired to preach his gospel to them in order for them to have a “mutual faith” (Rom. 1:12). There was an urgency in Paul’s letter because the day was close at hand when God was going to judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to “Paul’s gospel” (Rom. 2:16, 16:20, 25). Later when Paul was about to die (expire physically), he wrote to his true son in the faith Timothy from a prison in Rome. He wrote, Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained (2 Tim. 2:8-9). The religious establishment of Paul’s day resisted Paul’s gospel. We face the same problem in 21st- century America. Many modern-day Bible scholars and theologians preach and practice a different gospel than Apostle Paul’s gospel. In this writing, I want to discuss some of the important truths of Paul’s gospel that will help Christians better understand their gospel beliefs and convictions. Firstly, Paul’s gospel teaches that we are “sinners in Adam,” and through baptism or new birth, we become “saints in Christ.” It’s a non-sectarian gospel (Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22, 45-49). All who are spiritually joined to God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—have the same Father. When we pray, we say, “Our Father in heaven” (Luke 11:2). Secondly, “in Christ” there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for we are all one “in Christ.” That should solve the gender and racial issues in American cultural Christianity (Gal. 3:28; 1 Cor. 6:17). The problem lies in the belief that American political religion should rule over the kingdom of God, which is contrary to both Jesus’ and Paul’s gospel (Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29, 28:30-31; Rom. 13:5-7). Thirdly, grievances that Christians have against one another should be resolved by the judgments of the saints in local churches and not by the judgments of civil courts (1 Cor. 6:1-11). Paul believed that everything on planet earth belonged to God. God’s people are stewards of God’s truths and material things (1 Cor. 4:1-2; Ps. 24:1, 115:16). Covenant relationships must be monitored in local assemblies (Matt. 18:15-20). Paul learned this from the Master (Gal. 1:11-12). Fourthly, new creation believers in Christ are joint heirs with Him as true sons and daughters. We have an equal standing with Christ before the presence of Father God (Rom. 8:16-17; 2 Cor. 5:11-7:1; Gal. 3:29-4:7). Jesus is not ashamed to call us brethren (Heb. 2:11). Fifthly, all Christians who will set their minds on things above, not on things on earth, can walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh (Col. 3:2-3). As we identify with Christ’s death and die to our past, God’s Holy Spirit empowers us in the present—for like Jesus we have been resurrected from spiritual death (Rom. 6:5-14). Believers in Christ pass from spiritual death unto spiritual life through baptism into Christ; some prefer to say reborn into Christ. True spiritual believers in Christ will never die spiritually. One day they will transition into spiritual bodies in the heavens (2 Cor. 5:1-4). Sixthly, the saints who are in Christ co-reign with Him as overcomers in the affairs of this life (Rom. 5:17). Paul said that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37). We are seated with Christ on our Father’s throne alongside our Master and Savior (Ps. 115:16; Eph. 2:6; Rev. 3:21). Lastly, God sovereignly calls His covenant people by His mercy and grace and places them in the body of Christ as it pleases Him (1 Cor. 12:18). Those God anoints to become apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers should follow the pattern Son, and then they in turn are patterns like Paul was. He said, “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern” (Phil. 3:17). Peter (an apostle of God who
was “in Christ” before Paul) said some of the saints
who were untaught and unstable were twisting the
Scriptures to their own
Father God judges us all by Jesus Christ according to Paul’s gospel. This is the hope for God’s covenant people in the first and succeeding generations. It’s “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27-28). Truly, the best is yet to come! A. Wilson Phillips is the co-founding and senior pastor of Abundant Life Covenant Church.
MOTIVATION Motivation has always been and will continue to be a central issue in life. What the whole world wants to know is—what is the reason that people do what they do? Motivation flows out of our programming, and it can be conscious or unconscious. Billions of dollars are being spent every year to stimulate people to buy, sell, eat, sleep, work, and play. Governments try to encourage people to obey the laws of the land. Parents devote years to putting their values and priorities into their children. Virtually every person on this earth is in the inciting business. As a pastor for some thirty years, I know that the standard by which we influence people is the real concern. If man is left to his own sin-death nature, he will always be aroused for purely selfish gain. Those of us in Christ are called to a life-long assignment to be transformed (reprogrammed) into the image and likeness of Christ; this assignment obviously encompasses what moves us to action. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom. 12:2).
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Cor. 3:18). This transformation requires submission to God’s authority and a lifestyle of obedience to God’s standards, yet much of this ongoing change must take place deep within our spirits, minds, wills, emotions, and consciences. This work is primarily accomplished by the Lord in a miraculous way as we learn to unreservedly embrace His Word and Spirit in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Jesus told His disciples, “I and My Father are one,” and “I always do those things that please Him” (John 10:30; 8:29). Father God was Jesus’ motivation. What may not be so clear is how Jesus the “man” got to that place. It was through His intimate communion with His Father’s Word and Spirit. As a man, Jesus was transformed from glory to glory into the image and heart of His Father, and He proved it with His life. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. No one has seen God at any time. the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him (John 1:14, 18). God Himself is the only source for pure motivation. He brings us from death to life through Jesus Christ by His divine will and purpose, and the Holy Spirit and Word will monitor our hearts for eternity. The more our desires become one with Christ our life is less about struggling to “do” and more about “who I am.” My devotion is because I love Him, not merely because He can give me what I want and need.
Richard K. Clark is an associate pastor of Abundant Life Covenant Church.
A
Better Covenant with Better Promises Every new covenant minister of the gospel should have as the foundation of their preaching and ministry the truth that we have a “better covenant which was established on better promises” (Heb. 8:6). Reading Hebrews 8:6 by itself begs the question, “Better than what?” The answer is that our new covenant in Christ is a better covenant than what the nation of Israel had under Moses. According to the Hebrews writer, old covenant ministers served a “copy and shadow of the heavenly things” (Heb. 8:5). A comparison can be made to having a blueprint for a home versus having the home itself. The blueprint is good for building the home, but once the home is built, the blueprint’s value and usefulness fade away. In the same way, once the new covenant was established in Christ, the old covenant became “obsolete” and vanished away (Heb. 8:13). Sadly, many new covenant ministers are still calling for a day when the old covenant temple will be rebuilt and national Israel will rule the world from Jerusalem. There are whole movements to go visit the land of Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem so that this can take place. This thinking is flawed in its foundation because it would be a return to the old covenant copy and shadow. In reality, we who are in Christ are God’s spiritual Israel. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9). In Christ we make up the new Jerusalem, and we are His spiritual temple. But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem… (Heb. 12:22).
…you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Eph. 2:22). Faulty thinking about the return of Christ and end-time events can keep new covenant ministers from understanding the good news we truly have to minister in the new covenant. It leads to such sayings as “Christians aren’t perfect, just sinners forgiven.” In reality we are “complete in Him,” for “by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Col. 2:10; Heb. 10:14).
Benjamin Davis is an associate pastor of Abundant Life Covenant Church
COVENANT INVESTING Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever (Ps. 112:1-3). “Investment thinking.” The Lord has been showing me that He wants me to be an investment thinker. More specifically, He wants me to think in terms of covenant investing. To “invest” is to put something of value to use with the expectation of generating an increase. By definition, investing requires three things: 1) Something of value—usually thought of in terms of money or any item that has monetary value; otherwise known as an asset. 2) The act of putting something to use—the valuable item has to be “working” if it is to create more (e.g., in CD’s, real estate, stocks, bonds, etc.); idle money cannot produce anything. Stashing money at home is not investing. 3) The resultant generated increase—the one who does the investing “risks” the valuable item for one purpose…the investor expects to end with more than what was originally invested. Investments are presently a hot topic in our country because most retirement plans are investment plans, and traditional company pension plans and government benefit plans (Social Security, Medicare) are often under-funded or phased out. Many individuals are realizing that their retirement plans are worth little or are non-existent, so they are taking matters into their own hands and learning how to invest. The goal of most investors is to have a measure of financial security, both now and for the future. It is often assumed that financial security can come through amassing assets, thereby giving the individual a large estate of high net worth. Others look for financial independence by using their assets to generate enough monthly cash flow to pay their bills. If someone wants to become an investor, the conventional wisdom is to be a “systematic saver.” One must have money to invest if one is to be an investor. If the would-be investor makes just enough money to pay the bills, that person will have to either 1) make more money, or 2) cut expenses in order to have money left over for investment purposes. A strategy commonly advised in saving is to take the paycheck and immediately set aside a certain amount or percentage (often 10%) for investment purposes…and then learn to frugally live on what is left over. The money set aside in savings is then invested in investment vehicles (stocks, CD’s, etc.), and through the miracle of compound interest over time, a nice nest egg may possibly be generated. As I better understood the concept of investing, the Lord showed me how I must make investments into His covenant. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant (Ps. 25:14). God initiates and establishes His covenant with me. His covenant will be lived out in my life through accountable covenant relationships in a local church. I have benefited from this concept for many years. I have come to realize that God Himself is the ultimate investor. Investing for a return through good stewardship is God’s idea, explained by Jesus in the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-29). He has been committing His time, energy, money, and resources into His people for a long time. Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold (Gen. 13:2). As I learn God’s ways, I can then make covenant investments into His kingdom in tangible ways. Every time I pay tithes and offerings (gifts above 10%), I am investing by keeping His covenant. Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness (2 Cor. 9:10). To be a covenant investor with God and His people, I must also be willing to invest assets of value that are more intangible—my heart devotion, my total dependence, and my time (just to name a few). As I am willing to make the commitments that God’s covenant requires of me, the covenant increase will come in many different ways—wisdom, knowledge, peace, joy, righteousness, proven character…and security. His covenant benefits are far superior to any benefit plan that I could receive apart from His covenant. His covenant investments pay better dividends than any other investment plans. Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits… (Ps. 103:2). God is the covenant financial planner/ broker. His financial plan: take the paycheck and set aside 10% for tithes; additional offerings can be given as the Spirit leads; then learn to live by faith on what is left over. His goal is not that we are financially independent but rather financially dependent—on Him! The interesting thing about God’s covenant finances is that there may or may not be money left over at the end of the paycheck for savings and investing. However, for the covenant keeper, the investments have already been made (tithing, offering, giving, time, discipleship, service in ministry, etc.) The covenant keeper is continually increasing in both intangible and tangible ways. Covenant investors’ net worth is secure, and their cash flow is secure. I have been young and now am old; Yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread (Ps. 37:25). Covenant investors are generational investors. The person who fears the Lord will have covenantal wealth to pass on to their children. May the Lord give you increase more and more, You and your children (Ps. 115:14).
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children… (Prov. 13:22). The covenant investor understands that his/her work is a sacred and high calling, not to be avoided. In all labor there is profit… Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings… (Prov. 14:23, 22:29). The covenant investor is a
lender (of tangibles and intangibles), partnering with
Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God… all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you…The Lord will open to you His good treasure…You shall lend to many nations…And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail... Jonathan Clark is an elder of Abundant Life Covenant Church and a physician in Springfield, Missouri.
Out of Spiritual Prison and into the Light It was as if I was living in a very dark, damp spiritual prison. I was cold, lonely, and full of fears and deception. I occasionally heard a small faint voice inside of me trying to give me direction, especially at times when I felt I couldn’t go on. Sometimes I just wanted to get in my car and never come back. Turmoil, strife, fear, anger, loneliness, sadness, and unworthiness were my daily companions. Things were always my fault. No matter how hard I tried to make things right, things were never good enough. I found myself getting up early each morning just to get to work to escape the chaos in my life. Work was my only refuge. Then on February 16, 2005, the Lord unlocked my prison door, took me by the hand, and led me into the light. I was at work and had received a phone call from my daughter stating that my husband at the time was in a life-threatening situation. (We had been separated for approximately two months.) Hearing the news over the phone sent me into such a deep shock that I barely remember what happened next. I remember being surrounded by coworkers and then looking into a friend’s eyes—it was like looking into God’s eyes. All I heard were words asking me if I had a pastor. I felt like God had put His loving arms around me and started carrying me; I really don’t remember much of anything that happened for a while. I then heard my friend, Byron, say to me, “Donna, I have called one of my pastors, and he is going to meet us at my house at noon. He will be there to help you through this.” That’s when God intervened in my life, led me out of prison, and began placing a solid foundation under me. “Behold I lay in Zion, A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but, to those who are disobedient, “The Stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense” (1 Pet. 2:6-8). God was showing me that in every situation He is in control. He broke the chains that bound me in prison, led me out into the light, placed a solid foundation under my feet, and then began the process of taking the prison out of me. God showed me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). I had been walking in darkness and so filled with fears for such a long time that I didn’t realize how deep in bondage I lived on a daily basis. I had been transferring those fears and insecurities to my children and creating crippling co-dependency. God’s love began releasing my fears and the need for control; it was like rays of sunshine leading me deeper into the light of God. He has now led each of my children out of their own prisons of bondage. We have all been set free! It is by God’s love, mercy, and grace that He placed people in our lives to put a solid foundation under our feet. We are now able to walk daily in His light and no longer have to live in prisons of deception, fear, loneliness, anger, or co-dependency. I am truly a new person. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17). God continues to reveal to me different levels of the old thought and behavior patterns and the impact these have had on those who were a part of my life. As I yield to Him and learn more of God’s infinite Word, I continue to grow more into the image of Jesus. The cell door is shut and locked. Praise God I’m on the outside. I realize that now I am on a journey with God, and His love, patience, kindness, mercy, and grace continue to bring me out of that internal prison and into His marvelous light. Donna Rucker is a medical billing specialist at the Family Medical Walk-In Clinic in Springfield, Missouri.
PREPARE A PLACE FOR ME Several years ago, one of my pastors spoke to me about a passage from the book of Philemon. Every day for a few weeks, I read this short letter that Apostle Paul had written to his brother in Christ. Paul desired that Philemon receive Onesimus, a new believer in Christ, back to himself, for Onesimus had offended Philemon. Paul also wanted Philemon to prepare a room for him, that is, Paul. During the weeks I was studying Philemon, the Lord gave me a busy schedule. Whenever I would stop and think about the Lord, His Spirit would say to my spirit, “Prepare a place for Me.” As I cleaned the church, He said, “Prepare a place for Me.” When I spoke a word of truth to a coworker, He said, “Prepare a place for Me.” He spoke this phrase to me as I practiced for the ladies’ dance, corrected my children, worshipped at church, and awoke in the morning. I began to think about the change of heart Philemon was going to have to make in order to take Onesimus back. The place the Lord wanted me to be preparing was my heart. I cannot serve the Lord by cleaning, speaking, dancing, correcting, or worshipping, unless I have a changed heart (Ezek. 11:19). All work that is done unto the Lord is sacred. I am not my own; I have been bought with a price. As a wife and a mother of three, I have lots of things to do in a day as well as opportunities beyond my homemaker duties. In order to avoid becoming too busy to hear the Lord, I have to stop and find out what He is saying so I will know what to be doing. The answer to the proverbial question “Which comes first?” is “He does.” In order to prepare for each day, I must take time to spend with the Lord and meditate on His Word—then my heart will be prepared for whatever He has planned for me.
From the dawn of morning
From the birth of new beginnings
As you walk along life’s highway
As you fly upon an eagle’s wing
When you bless Me with your praise
When you honor Me with worship
When you’ve hidden My word inside your heart Lisa Krueger is a homemaker in Springfield, Missouri.
ARE
YOU A KING? When Pontius Pilate, a Roman procurator, was questioning Jesus Christ about His identity and function as a leader in Israel, he said, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered him with a question, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” (John 18:33-34). Of course, Pilate did not understand the kingdom of God because he was not reborn. …unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 5). Jesus further said, My kingdom is not of this world (kosmos). If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here (John 18:36). The kingdom that Jesus obviously was speaking of was the “spiritual reign” of God through His covenant people on planet earth. Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37). The question that we should ask the members of our American political religion is, “Are you a king?” If so, “Are you living a kingdom lifestyle today?” The current dominant thinking of professing believers in Christ is far removed from the gospel of the kingdom that Jesus’ first-century apostles preached and lived. Apostle Paul would say, I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:6-7). Paul knew his gospel by revelation and not by parroting or intellectualizing someone else’s gospel. Revelation simply is illumination or Spirit-taught truth. By our identification with Christ, we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of His love. As joint heirs with Christ, we reign as kings over the affairs of this life (Rom. 5:17, 8:16-17). Apostle Peter would say, Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:10-11). Apostle John would summarize our kingship in Christ by saying, To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (Rev. 1:5-6). Today, the kings who rule over the affairs of this life do so through the empowering presence of God’s Holy Spirit, who indwells us. The kingdom lifestyle is one of prosperity, righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). As a reigning king in our Father’s kingdom I proclaim, “The best is yet to come.”
New Creation House
“New Creation House is a great place for newcomers to feel a place of security…It gives me the opportunity to share what is in my heart, and it helps our youth grow closer…It has helped me form stronger relationships in the Lord…spiritual relationships are stronger than any worldly relationships.” Kelsey Rucker, 11th grader at Kickapoo High School, Springfield, Missouri
“New Creation House is a really good place to invite your friends and just hang out. You get to listen to great music and hear really good testimonies.” Patricia Frater, 10th grader at Glendale High School, Springfield, Missouri
“I love New Creation House at Nu Brew on Friday nights…The people who speak help me to learn what God wants me to not try…and what I can do to keep my high school years clean for His plans for my future… (I also love) hanging out with friends.” Kealy Spain, 9th grader at Glendale High School, Springfield, Missouri |
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destruction,
and they should be instructed in Paul’s gospel (2
Pet. 3:14-18). 
As
the years have passed, the Lord has confirmed to me that love for God and
His people is the basis for all life. God is
love and so are we. Apostle Paul said that he
could speak with the tongues of men and angels, prophesy, understand all
mysteries, obtain all knowledge, and have faith to move mountains, but if
he did not have love, it was useless. He called the love of God “a
more excellent way” and made the exclamation point when he wrote,
“Love never fails” (1 Cor. 12:31-13:8).
A
gospel with a faulty end-time view can actually stop being a gospel (good
news) when it places the thinking of God’s people in bondage about their
future. Such a gospel is looking for things to get worse so the rapture
can take place and Jesus can return. It ignores the truth that we have a
“better covenant which was established on better promises.” Those
who understand this truth will begin to proclaim the best is yet to come
in Christ for His people.
God
in the process of transforming His people from liabilities into assets. At
the end of the day, people are the covenant assets. Deuteronomy 28
explains: