or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer o f times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a con- suiter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a ne cromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. For these nations which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do” (Deut. 18:9- 14). Israel was commanded not to suffer fortune-tell ers and false prophets to live. God’s pronounce ment against them was the death penalty. Of course, the church today does not live within Old Testament economy. We are not to be witch-hunt ers. We are not out executing false prophets. On the other hand, we are to discern the spirts. “Dear ly loved friends, don’t always believe everything you hear just because someone says it is a message from God: test it first to see if it really is. For there are many false teachers around” (I John 4:1, Living Letters). We are to be alert to the signs o f the times which include the increase o f false prophets. We are to understand that the performing o f miracles and the making of predictions are in no sense conclusive evidence of either the work or the wis dom of God. We are to look to the Word o f God alone for instruction concerning coming events. His Word is the Alpha and Omega o f our faith. “But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Stay always within the boun daries where God’s love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in His mercy is going to give you. Try to nelp those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but fear the possibility o f being pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace o f their sin while being merciful to them as sinners. And now —glory to Him who alone is God, who saves us through Jesus Christ our Lord; yes, splendor and majesty, all power and authority are His from the beginning; His they are and His they evermore will be. And He is able to keep you from slipping and falling away, and to bring you, sinless and perfect, into His glorious presence with mighty shouts of everlasting joy. AMEN” (Jude 20-25, Living Letters). Oil
by Gordon Chilvertt T wo people were walking along the road one evening, deeply concerned about recent hap penings. Local events had dis couraged them. The p o s it ion seemed hopeless. Nothing could be done about it. Not a flicker of joy was on their faces. Their heads were drooping on their chests. Their sh ou ld e rs were slumped. They were carrying a heavy burden. Their hopes had been Everest-high ; now they were below sea level. Their conversa tion revealed how downcast they were. Most o f us know days when joy has flown away. The world is dark. Meeting someone who is
The author of this article is a Biola alumnus and is the Associate Director of The Evangelical Alliance Mission.
THE KING'S BUSINESS
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