INSIGHT

On Religion, History & Society:

A Forum for Conservative Christian Thought

Volume 4, No. 3, September 1998

In This Issue:

• Editor:   A Personal Note

• ECHOES OF THE END-TIMES:   "A Major Act of God in September 1998?"

• Feature:   "World War II: God Was With Us," by Paul A. Hughes (reprint from the February 1996 edition)

• Letters:   Responses to the June Edition

• Interesting Links

A Personal Note

Previous to this resignation, I had already begun to mention to friends and family that I had a sense that my work there was finished, and the Lord might be about to move me. I discussed this with Pastor, and we agreed that this would be an appropriate time for me to resign from staff, as well.

I am now seeking an open door to effectual ministry. This might be a position such as pastor, associate, etc, or in the fields of Christian education, teaching, or music -- or I am considering a traveling preaching and music ministry. I hope, as always, to be sensitive and pliable to the Lord's perfect will. Please help me pray for direction, discernment, and patience in my search.

Your prayers are appreciated.

Paul

Echoes of the End-Times

A Major Act of God in September 1998?

Likewise, those who hear a prophecy delivered must exercise wisdom and discernment. "Who is this person?" is an appropriate question. "Is he/she a known and experienced prophet?" "Has he/she been shown to be reliable and accurate?" Many other questions come to mind. The validity of a prophecy must often be judged by who gives it.

Then the ultimate proof of a prophecy is whether it comes true -- perhaps a matter of waiting expectantly until the time comes. So it is with a prophecy recently delivered on the Trinity Broadcasting Network in regard to world-changing events to begin this September.

I never got his name. He is not well-known, but has been seen on the periphery of TBN broadcasts. He seems quiet and self-effacing, not one for the limelight. Nevertheless, he was allowed to approach the pulpit microphone a few months ago in order to iterate a prophetic word he reported to have received. In September of this year, he said, there would be a bombing or other terrorist action, related to the Middle East, which would turn the hearts of the American people. My recollection is that he mentioned Kuwait and Iraq. This event would so shock and demoralize the American public that there would be an outcry against U.S. involvement in that region. The U.S. would withdraw, leaving the way clear for Muslim aggression against Israel. This would eventually culminate in the realization of cataclysmic end-time events. Is this prophecy true? Is the prophet reliable? It would appear that we will not have long to wait.

I write these thoughts on August 20. Two weeks ago, U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by terrorists. This got me to thinking about the prophecy I had heard. Earlier today, U.S. forces retaliated against purported terrorist facilities in Afganistan and the Sudan. We can expect bloody reprisals. Will they be more than we can bear? We will have to wait and see. God help us.

One more thing: The Lord is trying to bring revival in the United States. I believe that. Sure, there are extremes, but also a lot of petty carping that there is too much of this and not enough of that. Most Christians are still asleep, spiritually speaking. Their mantra is, "The Master delays his coming." In light of impending doom, should we not be about the Master's business? Will it take a cataclysm to wake the Church? Or will we at last get with the program?

--Editor

World War II: God Was With Us

by Paul A. Hughes

(This article is found in the February 1996 edition of INSIGHT.)

Responses to the June Edition

To:   RevHughes

Thank you for your report. I have serious concerns about this "revival" and I appreciate getting first hand observations which report objectively rather than subjectively.

You noted that you attended the first night to receive "a touch from God." This bothers me somewhat. According to Scripture, you receive a touch from God (i.e., grace) through the preaching of the Word, reading His word, communion and baptism. You don't go to a special place to get "touched," you get touched through the routine of Word and sacrament.

The other thing which you rightly point out is that the message of the revivalists must be tested by the only proper objective standard of faith and conduct -- the Word of God. Subjective feelings and "changed lives" can be induced by hypnosis, psychosocial suggestion, even cultic practices. But, only those things that line up with the Bible can without hesitation be declared to be "of God."

I am pleased to hear that the sermons line up with the Word of God. I question, though, how this practice of "slaying in the Spirit" lines up with the Word. Nowhere in Scripture is it taught as something to be sought or even something to accept as a "blessing." In every instance where a saint has fallen under the power of God, it is out of extreme fear in seeing the Lord or an angel, and then the saint is commanded to "be not afraid" and to get up. I encourage you to not only measure the sermons by the Word, but also every activity attributed to God and every reaction or manifestation attributed to Him. Jerking, howling, and acting drunk just do not measure up to the Word, which tells us to be decent, in order, sober, and having self-control -- a fruit of the Spirit.

Changed lives and "getting blessed" are nice experiences. But, those in the Mormon church, Scientology, and New Age religions have the same reports. What they do not have, though, are experiences and messages that line up with the Bible.

En agape,

Sean Cowdrey

(Editor's note:   If one defines "a touch from God" as "grace" [Gk. charis], then I would certainly expect to be touched by "grace-gifts" [Gk. charismata, lit. "graces"], wherever they are active and genuine.)

Dear Rev.:

This was just excellent! I was thoroughly blessed! Thank you for your continued obedience to His wooing, which ultimately blesses the Body for His sake!

. . . .

REVIVAL IS HERE!

God's Richest Blessings on your life,

a brueck
naperville, IL

Paul,

Really enjoyed your current "Insight" reporting on the Houston/Brownsville revival meetings. Must admit I was a little skeptical about a "roadshow" version. I forwarded your article to my son . . . who has struggled with the Brownsville "phenomonen" due to the Hank Hendergraff (sic.) reports he hears on radio. Really appreciated your balanced, well-written report.

Regards,

J Lee
Anchorage, Alaska

To:   RevHughes

Greetings!

I really enjoyed your article concerning the Brownsville revival. It was honest!

What a novel approach!

Blessings

Rev. Robb Hawks
AG missionary to the children of the world
Brussels Belgium

To:   RevHughes

Thank you for the sharing of balance and waiting on the Lord.

Heroes of the Faith are the servants more than the showboats.

May God Bless you more,

Maranatha

Tom

Dear Rev Hughes,

Amen brother, Amen!!!!

Thanks so much for the info. etc. We desire to see this happen in Peru as well!!!!

In His service in Peru,

Sam and Evelyn Klingler

Interesting Links

Associates for Biblical Research

The Page of REVIVAL

Biblical Arts Center

International Christian Embassy, Jerusalem

Turning Point Ministries International

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