Remnant Magazine

The Christian magazine for the rest of us.REMNANT

LOVEJOIN THE R UTION

December2011

Vol. 1No. 9

LIfE & DEaTH aT

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www.remnantmagazine.com REMNANT | 3

December 2011Volume 1 | Number 9

REMNANTJOHN POWELL

Publisher | art Director | [email protected]

find this issue and more atwww.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 ChRisTin whose name I cast this bread upon the water.

JOIN THE R UTIONLOVE

EMPowERigNiTEiNsPiRE

k

13REGULAR FEATURES:Questions of Jesus 4

Portraits of christ 20

The Last Word 22

What must I Do to be saved? 23

takethe

Follow this plan to read the entire Bible in 1 month.

Day Beginnings BUILDING A NATION Poetry and Wisdom Prophets New Testament

1 Genesis 1-11 1 Samuel 1-8 Psalms 1-8; Proverbs 1 Isaiah 1-8 Matthew 1-7




5 Genesis 37-45 2 Samuel 1-10 Psalms 30-34; Proverbs 5 Isaiah 33-39 Mark 1-8


7 Exodus 1-11 2 Samuel 19-24 Psalms 38-41; Proverbs 7 Isaiah 49-57 Luke 1-6

8 Exodus 12-18 1 Kings 1-11 Psalms 42-46; Proverbs 8 Isaiah 58-66 Luke 7-12

9 Exodus 19-24 1 Kings 12-16 Psalms 47-50; Proverbs 9 Jeremiah 1-6 Luke 13-18


11 Exodus 32-40 2 Kings 1-10 Psalms 58-64; Proverbs 11 Jeremiah 13-20 John 1-6

12 Leviticus 1-10 2 Kings 11-17 Psalms 65-68; Proverbs 12 Jeremiah 21-26 John 7-12


14 Leviticus 21-27 1 Chronicles 1-9 Psalms 73-77; Proverbs 14 Jeremiah 32-38 Acts 1-7

15 Numbers 1-10 1 Chronicles 10-16 Psalms 78-83; Proverbs 15 Jeremiah 39-45 Acts 8-14



18 Numbers 28-36 2 Chronicles 1-9 Psalms 93-100; Proverbs 18 Lamentations 1-5 Romans 1-8

19 Deuteronomy 1-10 2 Chronicles 10-20 Psalms 101-106; Proverbs 19 Ezekiel 1-11 Romans 9-16

20 Deuteronomy 11-20 2 Chronicles 21-28 Psalms 107-110; Proverbs 20 Ezekiel 12-20 1 Corinthians 1-8


22 Deuteronomy 27-34 Ezra 1-10 Psalm 119:1-88; Proverbs 22 Ezekiel 29-39 2 Corinthians 1-13

23 Joshua 1-12 Nehemiah 1-13 Psalm 119:89-176; Proverbs 23 Ezekiel 40-48 Galatians; Ephesians

24 Joshua 13-21 Esther 1-10 Psalms 120-134; Proverbs 24 Daniel 1-6 Phil; Col; 1,2 Thess

25 Joshua 22-24 Job 1-3 Psalms 135-139; Proverbs 25 Daniel 7-12 1,2 Tim; Titus; Philemon

26 Judges 1-8 Job 4-14 Psalms 140-145; Proverbs 26 Hosea Hebrews

27 Judges 9-12 Job 15-21 Psalms 146-150; Proverbs 27 Joel; Amos; Obadiah James; 1,2 Peter

28 Judges 13-16 Job 22-31 Ecclesiastes 1-6; Proverbs 28 Jonah; Micah; Nahum 1,2,3 John; Jude

29 Judges 17-21 Job 32-37 Ecclesiastes 7-12; Proverbs 29 Habak; Zeph; Haggai Revelation 1-11

30 Ruth 1-4 Job 38-42 Song of Songs 1-8; Proverbs 30-31 Zechariah; Malachi Revelation 12-22

B1BLEChallenge

see reverse side for other options using this flexible plan

30-daychallenge!5

give your Bible a workout

see page

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whAT kiNd of

fAThER is This?

JesusCares_4u

17

LIfE & DEaTH aT

Christmas

4 | REMNANT www.remnantmagazine.com

a “Son of the Law.” Mary’s and Joseph’s bedtime sto-ries to a wide-eyed little boy telling of Samson and Moses, of Jericho and Solomon would be replaced with more formal training from teachers and doctors of the Law.

There comes a time when a mother has to let her son go, and let them find their place in the world. for Mary, who nursed Jesus, who bathed Him, who fixed a broken toy, who brushed away a tear and ban-daged a skinned knee, that time would come much too early.

quEsTioNs of JEsus?Did you not know

that I must be in my father’s house? (LUkE 2:49)

There is mostly a void in the scriptures concerning the childhood of Jesus. But a little insight is given in Luke’s gospel when we find a distraught Mary and Joseph in a state of panic, looking for their

missing son. They both breathe a sigh of relief when they see the One entrusted into their care sitting in the temple in Jerusalem. Luke states, “after three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them ques-tions; and all who heard him were amazed at his un-derstanding and his answers.” (Luke 2:46-47).

a relieved and somewhat angry Mary, heart pounding in her chest, runs up to Jesus and asks Him, “Why did you do this to us? We have been so anxious looking for you.”

I have found - perhaps you have too - that when we question God, His will, His motives, His purpose, He does not respond with an answer, but with a question of His own. “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my father’s house?” I can sense surprise and amazement in Jesus’ response. “Did you not know? after all you have seen and heard, you still did not know I would be in my father’s house? You searched this city for three days and it never occurred to you I would be in the temple?”

Mary and Joseph had searched the caravan, they went to see family and friends, they searched the streets of Jerusalem and inquired of strangers for three days before by chance they came across Him in the temple. You see, Jesus is often absent from places we think He is supposed to be, and is often found in places where we expect Him not. We expect Him in the fire and the thunder and the whirlwind. But the still, small voice goes unnoticed and unheeded.

Jesus was no longer Mary’s little boy, for he being 12 years old had stepped over the threshold dividing childhood from adulthood. Jesus was Bar Mitzvah, or

b y J O H N P O W E L L

R

Heart toHeart

JesusCaresAboutYou.net/blog

From God’s Heart to Your Heart

V I S I T M Y B L O G

When Heavenis Silent

Finding Hope in Our Scars

Read online or downloada FREE PDF

www.jesuscaresaboutyou.net/whenheavenissilent.html


takethe

Follow this plan to read the entire Bible in 1 month.

Day Beginnings BUILDING A NATION Poetry and Wisdom Prophets New Testament







7 Exodus 1-11 2 Samuel 19-24 Psalms 38-41; Proverbs 7 Isaiah 49-57 Luke 1-6

8 Exodus 12-18 1 Kings 1-11 Psalms 42-46; Proverbs 8 Isaiah 58-66 Luke 7-12



11 Exodus 32-40 2 Kings 1-10 Psalms 58-64; Proverbs 11 Jeremiah 13-20 John 1-6



14 Leviticus 21-27 1 Chronicles 1-9 Psalms 73-77; Proverbs 14 Jeremiah 32-38 Acts 1-7




18 Numbers 28-36 2 Chronicles 1-9 Psalms 93-100; Proverbs 18 Lamentations 1-5 Romans 1-8

19 Deuteronomy 1-10 2 Chronicles 10-20 Psalms 101-106; Proverbs 19 Ezekiel 1-11 Romans 9-16



22 Deuteronomy 27-34 Ezra 1-10 Psalm 119:1-88; Proverbs 22 Ezekiel 29-39 2 Corinthians 1-13

23 Joshua 1-12 Nehemiah 1-13 Psalm 119:89-176; Proverbs 23 Ezekiel 40-48 Galatians; Ephesians

24 Joshua 13-21 Esther 1-10 Psalms 120-134; Proverbs 24 Daniel 1-6 Phil; Col; 1,2 Thess

25 Joshua 22-24 Job 1-3 Psalms 135-139; Proverbs 25 Daniel 7-12 1,2 Tim; Titus; Philemon

26 Judges 1-8 Job 4-14 Psalms 140-145; Proverbs 26 Hosea Hebrews

27 Judges 9-12 Job 15-21 Psalms 146-150; Proverbs 27 Joel; Amos; Obadiah James; 1,2 Peter

28 Judges 13-16 Job 22-31 Ecclesiastes 1-6; Proverbs 28 Jonah; Micah; Nahum 1,2,3 John; Jude

29 Judges 17-21 Job 32-37 Ecclesiastes 7-12; Proverbs 29 Habak; Zeph; Haggai Revelation 1-11

30 Ruth 1-4 Job 38-42 Song of Songs 1-8; Proverbs 30-31 Zechariah; Malachi Revelation 12-22

B1BLEChallenge

see reverse side for other options using this flexible plan

30-daychallenge!

Download THe reADING PLANother options let you read the bible in 2 months or up to 5 months.

www.jesuscaresaboutyou.net/pdfs/biblereading.pdf


Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria). And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

THe GoSpeL of Luke CHApTeR 2

In those days


8 | REMNANT www,remnantmagazine.com

to earth as a baby, the reason we celebrate the nativity, is so that we can live forever with Him in heaven. That’s why my father could face death with such assurance. He believed what the Bible says: “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

The reason Jesus came


igNiTE

by LUIS PaLaU

LIfE & DEaTH aT

Christmas


It was one week before Christmas. I was 10 years old. Was I contemplat-ing what gifts may await me under the tree? No. My mind was consumed

with worry that I would not get home before my father died.

I had just taken my final exams at Quilmes Preparatory School, a private British boarding school I attended near Buenos aires, argentina, and was get-ting ready to go home for the holidays when my grandmother, who lived near-by, called.

“Luis,” she said, ignoring any ame-nities, “your dad is very sick. We really have to pray for him.” She gave me no details, but I had a terrible feeling he was dead or dying. The next morning, December 17, 1944, Grandma came to put me on a train bound for home.

“It’s serious,” she said. “Your mom wants you to come and see your dad.”

The three-hour trip seemed intermina-ble. I couldn’t stand it. I wished I could have engineered the train myself and sped things up. I loved my dad more than ever. although we had been apart more than half the time the past three years while I attended school, we had talked at length and made many plans.

But now I couldn’t shake this ominous feeling. I was sure my father was already gone.

I sat in silence on the train, staring ahead, yet seeing nothing. There was no way I could ignore the dread, the certainty that I would arrive too late to say goodbye to my father.

I didn’t even know what was wrong with my dad. I wouldn’t learn until lat-er that he had suffered for just 10 days. Bronchial pneumonia had been diag-nosed and nothing could be done. De-cember 1944 was not a good time to need penicillin. It was all locked up in Europe and the Pacific, helping mop up the end of World War II.

When the train finally reached Inge-niero-Maschwitz, the town where I lived, I was out of my seat and pressing against the door. I bounded down the steps and ran toward home.

any shred of hope I might have har-bored in the back of my mind during the long train ride quickly dispelled when I

LIfE & DEaTH aT

Christmas

www,remnantmagazine.com REMNANT | 11

came within earshot of my house and heard the tra-ditional wailing.

I ran through the gate and up to the house; I was in the door before my mother even knew I was home. and there was my father: yellow, bloated, still secreting fluid, blood drying, lips cracked. His body had dehydrated.

I ran to him, ignoring my sisters and all my other relatives. My father was in bed, as if asleep. He had died just a few hours earlier.

I tried to steel myself in the midst of all the crying and sobbing, but I began to shake. I couldn’t be-lieve this! I would never talk with my father again. He looked terrible, but I wanted him to be all right. I hugged him and kissed him, but he was gone.

My mother, stunned but not crying, stepped be-hind me and put her hands on my shoulders. “Lusito, Lusito,” she said softly, pulling me away. “I must talk to you and tell you how it was.”

She took me outside, and I tried to stifle my sobs while listening to her account. “When the doc-tors realized they weren’t able to do anything else for him, we decided to call you so you could hurry home. It was obvious he was dying, and as we gath-ered around his bed, praying and trying to comfort him, he seemed to fall asleep. He was struggling to breathe, but suddenly he sat up and began to sing.” I looked up at my mother, hardly believing what she was telling me.

“Papito began to sing,” she said, “`Bright crowns up there, bright crowns for you and me. Then the palm of victory, the palm of victory.’ He sang it three times, all the while clapping in time as you children did when you sang it in Sunday school.

“Then, when Papito could no longer hold up his head, he fell back on the pillow and said, ‘I’m going to be with Jesus, which is far better.’” a short time later, he went to be with the Lord.

It was painful for me to mull over my mother’s story of how my father had died, but I couldn’t push it out of my mind. That he was sure of heaven was the only minutely positive element in the whole ordeal. That

picture is still so vivid to me that I sometimes almost feel as if I had been there when he was singing. It was such a contrast to the typical Latin american scene, where the dying person cries out in fear of going to hell.

That Christmas season death became, to me, the ultimate reality. Everything else can be ratio-nalized and wondered about and discussed, but death is there, staring you in the face. It’s real. It happens. He was there, and now he’s gone, and that’s it.

Today, I often use my dad’s story during evange-listic campaigns. What better way to show people the victory Jesus Christ offers even in death. But I almost never get all the way through without chok-ing up. as soon as I start clapping my hands, sing-ing, ‘Bright crowns up there, bright crowns for you and me. Then the palm of victory, the palm of vic-tory,’ my voice fails me.

My father was a living and dying example of Christ’s power at work. and I know that power is available to everyone. Death doesn’t have to be feared because you and I can have the assurance of eternal life through of the birth, death, and resur-rection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

The reason Jesus came to earth as a baby, the reason we celebrate the nativity, is so that we can live forever with Him in heaven. That’s why my fa-ther could face death with such assurance. He be-lieved what the Bible says: “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

That is the living hope of those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior. We don’t have to fear death, unsure of what will happen in the after life. We don’t have to stand condemned before God be-cause of our sins. We don’t have to spend eternity separated from God. all because Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again. The blood He shed for us on a Roman cross provides forgiveness for our sins. and His resurrection assures us of a home in heaven forever. R

of those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior. We don’t have to fear death, unsure of what will happen in the after life. We don’t have to stand condemned before God because of our sins. We don’t have to spend eternity separated from God. all because Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again. The blood He shed for us on a Roman cross provides forgiveness for our sins. and His resurrection assures us of a home in heaven forever.

That is the living hope


That night when in Judean skies the mystic star dispensed its light,

A blind man moved in his sleep, and dreamed he had his sight.

That night shepherds heard the song of host angelic choiring near,

A deaf man stood in slumber still, and dreamed that he could hear.

That night when in cattle stall slept Child and mother cheek to jowl,

A cripple turned his crippled limbs, and dreamed that he was whole.

That night when to the mother’s breast the little King was held secure,

A harlot slept a happy sleep, and dreamed that she was pure.

That night when in the manger lay the Son of God who came to save,

A man moved in the sleep of death, and dreamed there was no grave.

A u T h o r u n K n o w n

That Night...

THERE IS A SONG IN EVERY BARREN WOMBby Carter Conlon

1 Samuel 2:27–36: And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? And did I choosehim out of all the tribes of Israel to bemy priest, to offer upon mine altar, toburn incense, to wear an ephod beforeme? and did I give unto the house ofthy father all the offerings made byfire of the children of Israel?

Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I havecommanded in my habitation; andhonourest thy sons above me, to makeyourselves fat with the chiefest of allthe offerings of Israel my people?Wherefore the Lord God of Israelsaith, I said indeed that thy house,and the house of thy father, shouldwalk before me for ever: but now theLord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour,and they that despise me shall belightly esteemed.

Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thyfather's house, that there shall not be anold man in thine house. And thou shaltsee an enemy in my habitation, in allthe wealth which God shall give Israel:and there shall not be an old man inthine house for ever. And the man ofthine, whom I shall not cut off frommine altar, shall be to consume thineeyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.

And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, onHophni and Phinehas; in one day they

shall die both of them. And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and heshall walk before mine anointed forever. And it shall come to pass, thatevery one that is left in thine houseshall come and crouch to him for apiece of silver and a morsel of bread,and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.

This is a message for all who find themselves in a time of discouragement. By the close of this word, however, I believe you will be rejoicing in the Lord.

� A BARREN RELIGIOUS SYSTEMNow in times past, the people of God had taken the testimony he determined they should have of himand turned it into a false religion.When that happened, that generationwas dealt with by God. God has a pattern of dealing with his people inhis Word and it does not change fromgeneration to generation. We read inthe book of Samuel that the religiouscondition of Eli’s day had producedimmoral and self-seeking sons. Eli was a type of backslidden priesthood.He was a priest in Israel who had losthis authority and with it the people’srespect because he could not correcthis sons. The previous scripture versestell us that Hophni and Phinehas, Eli’ssons, were flagrantly promiscuous andrandomly fornicated with women whilein the service of God. Furthermore,they were no longer content to live byfaith. Instead of being satisfied withregular meat offerings as provided by

the Lord, they demanded the choicestcuts. This resulted in abhorrence forthe Lord’s offering by the people.

Before we completely castigate this priesthood and say how immoraland religiously corrupt it was, let us remember that in the Book ofRevelation we, too, are called kingsand priests unto the Lord. The question we are then forced to ask ourselves in this hour is: “How am I representing Christ before my generation?” It’s easy to criticize those who have gone before us whilefailing to realize that we, in part, mightbe following in their very footsteps.

Undoubtedly numerous warnings hadcome to Eli and his sons that had goneunheeded. Then one day a man of Godappeared. This is the way God does it;he finds a vessel on whom he can placean anointing. This anointed man wasfearless in bringing stern warnings ofimpending judgment, saying God wouldno longer tolerate those who refused tolisten to his warnings. Ironically,1 Samuel 2:25 tells us that the sons of Eli couldn’t hear godly instructionanymore. And the reason they couldn’thear was because God had determinedto slay them. Their reckless misrepre-sentation of his life and character hadrobbed those people seeking knowledgeof who he was. Their disregard of this

“A GREAT MULTITUDE OF ALL NATIONS AND KINDREDS AND PEOPLES AND LANGUAGES.” REV. 7:9 www.tscnyc.orgVOL I I / ISSUE 9 / SEPT 06

It’s easy to criticize those who have gonebefore us while failing to realize that we might, in part, be following intheir very footsteps.


TIMES SQUARE CHURCH

sacred trust sparked the flash point ofGod’s judgment. He was literally goingto remove them out of the picture.

� THE LOSS OF WISDOMBehold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thyfather's house, that there shall not bean old man in thine house (1 Samuel2:31). This judgment of God speaks ofthe loss of wisdom and of a people whorise and lose respect for those whohave gone before them. There wouldnot be an old man in the house, nograndfather, no father of the faith.Young, inexperienced men, perhaps intheir late twenties or early thirties, ledlargely by their ambition and fleshlylusts and desires for success, are leading the house of God. Look around today and you will see the system that is under the justice of God.They cast away the old as if they wereno longer of any value to the house ofGod. I thank the Lord that in thishouse of Times Square Church, wehave and have had men of maturityand experience such as Pastor DavidWilkerson, Ben Crandall and the latePastor Jack West who have all spokenwords of life, encouragement, anddirection to this body of believers.

The scriptures speak of this a secondtime: And thou shalt see an enemy inmy habitation, in all the wealth whichGod shall give Israel: and there shallnot be an old man in thine house forever (1 Samuel 2:32). God said, “Eli,you are going to see an enemy come inand take away all the wealth that Iwould have given you: the knowledgeof God, the life of God, the treasure ofGod.” Eli lived to see this when thePhilistine army came in. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons ofEli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain(I Samuel 4:11). The shock of it allcaused Eli to fall backward off hisseat, break his neck and die (v. 18). It’snot as if the Word wasn’t there withhim; it was, but he could not hear itclearly anymore. Perhaps it wasbecause Eli had become comfortablein his priesthood, and then overnight

everything he cherished was suddenlytaken away, including his own life.

This warning of God continues unto allfuture generations. In verse 33: …shallbe to consume thine eyes, and to grievethine heart: and all the increase ofthine house shall die in the flower oftheir age. Young men full of ambitionwill rise in this type of ministry justmentioned, and remove the true visionof God from before your eyes. They seeyou as possible donors for their causeand not as precious members of thebody of Christ. But as these young menbegin to look like the new rising starsin the church of Jesus Christ, they willsuddenly fall. God will not let them gobeyond a certain point since they donot truly represent him. Technicallyspeaking, a man should be at hiszenith as he grows older. What an incredible judgment of God.

� GOD WILL RAISE UP A MINISTRYTO REPRESENT HIMAnd I will raise me up a faithful priest,that shall do according to that which isin mine heart and in my mind: and Iwill build him a sure house; and heshall walk before mine anointed forever (1 Samuel 2:35). The judgment of God is not complete until a ministrywith his heart and mind is raised upagain. It’s just as he does with us.When you come to Christ, the HolySpirit takes the old away, and bringsin the new. This is the pattern of God:he begins to remove your old way ofthinking and he gives you a new mind;he takes away your old selfish heartand gives you a heart that has his lovein it; he removes confusion of mindand then sets a clear pathway beforeyou; he takes the old away, and bringsin the new. So judgment is not fullycomplete until God establishes thenew order. This has been God’s pattern all throughout history.

� A BARRENNESS RESERVED BYGOD FOR A DAY OF HIS CHOOSINGIn the midst of the backsliddenpriesthood, God had reserved awoman with a barren womb for

himself. This was his plan right from the beginning. This woman came with her husband yearly to the temple to offer a sacrifice and the scripture says, … for he lovedHannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb (1 Samuel 1:5). It is important to note that Hannah’sclosed womb was not caused by amedical problem. It wasn’t the devil.God shut her womb. He had destinedthis woman to bring life at a certainpoint in history. He forewarned Eli ofhis judgment and had a plan to raiseup a faithful priest (1 Samuel 2:35).

And as he did so year by year, when shewent up to the house of the Lord, so she[her adversary] provoked her; thereforeshe wept, and did not eat (1 Samuel1:7). Despite the railing of her adver-sary, the lack of “fruit” from her wombhad put a cry within Hannah; part ofher life had not been satisfied. So shefaithfully came to the house of God inShiloh to seek the Lord. We should beencouraged by this example. Sheremained undistracted by the partycrowd led by Hophni and Phinehas andmade fervent, heart-wrenching intercession to God that bewilderedbackslidden Eli. You must remember itwas God who kept this woman barren,from the life that she wanted—untilshe uttered something that God wantedto hear: …she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord ofhosts, if thou wilt indeed look on theaffliction of thine handmaid, andremember me, and not forget thinehandmaid, but wilt give unto thinehandmaid a man child, then I will givehim unto the Lord all the days of hislife, and there shall no razor come uponhis head (1 Samuel 1:11). Hannah’svow to God came at great personal cost;giving up the chiefest cry of her heart,the life God would give to her—shevowed to return it to him.

THERE IS A SONG IN EVERY BARREN WOMB www.tscnyc.org

The life God would giveto her – she vowed toreturn it to him.


TIMES SQUARE CHURCH

www.remnantmagazine.com REMNANT | 15www,remnantmagazine.com REMNANT | 15

� GOD WAITS TO HEAR THE SAME CRY FROM YOUProphetically speaking, some of you reading this have been kept from receiving what you want until,like Hannah, you say something Godwants to hear; something that willtouch his heart, something that is of great personal sacrifice. Perhapsyou have been touched by God andwill be called to give what you haveeven in places where it is not appreciated. But God says, “I amwaiting for this cry.” He knows thereis a spiritual void in many of you, and that an increasing desperationhas come into your heart. Now he iswaiting for the cry to come from you,“Lord, touch me; God, if you raise meup I will bring it all back for you touse.” She had longed for this child,and it was the deepest cry of herheart. Hannah knew of the great personal sacrifice she would have to make. She knew she would have tobring this little boy back and give himinto this place that did not appreciatethe anointing of God anymore.

� SARAH’S BARREN WOMBThis is not the only time that God had used a barren womb to accomplish his purposes. AfterAdam’s fall and the degeneration of subsequent generations, God used Sarah’s barren womb. And it was through this lineage that theMessiah was brought forth into theworld. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, andwas delivered of a child when she waspast age, because she judged him faith-ful who had promised (Hebrews 11:11).Through Sarah’s life we learn to waitfor the promise of God. If God makesa promise to you, he will fulfill it.

On another occasion God found awoman called Elisabeth, who also

had a barren womb. After a period of400 years of silence between the OldTestament and the New Testament,God used Elisabeth’s womb, barrenand past the age of child-bearing, tobring forth John the Baptist—a voiceto announce the coming of God’sMessiah. When Mary arrived atElisabeth’s home, the babe insideElisabeth’s womb leaped (Luke 1:41)and Elisabeth began to sing and glorify God. Mary joined the chorusand declared the goodness of God.Even Zacharias eventually burst intosong! Oh, it’s amazing when you seeit—the song that comes from a oncebarren womb now made fruitful! Therejoicing that hit Zacharias! Thischild was to be a voice that wouldannounce the coming of the MostHigh (Luke 1:67–79)!

� WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF GODJesus said, …wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me (Acts 1:4). There is a time and season that God hasforeordained that the Holy Spiritshould come. You cannot rush thepromise of God. You cannot make it happen. It does not come out of the minds of men, nor from the ingenuity of human strength, butrather, it is something that God doesthrough his sovereignty. However,before he does it, he has to have apeople that are set apart for himselfand who are willing to wait for him to bring about the answer.

In Acts 2:1, the scripture says, …they were all with one accord in one place. They were there for a very specific reason because Jesushad told them to …wait for the promise of the Father (Acts 1:4).There were 120 of them in the upper room crying out like Hannahand Sarah for God to fill the emptiness within them and to empower them to stand in their generation. They were in one accordwith God and his purposes. Suddenly,the sound of a rushing mighty windcame and God filled them: And thereappeared unto them cloven tongues likeas of fire, and it sat upon each of them

(Acts 2:3). And they burst out of theirbarrenness and fear and steppedthrough the doors of this upper roominto the marketplace where there werestill angry people in the midst of thecrowd. Yet on that day 3000 soulsbent their knee to God. And the deepest desire of God’s heart and of their heart was fulfilled.

� STEPPING INTO THE MARKETPLACEWhy is there a church such as TimesSquare Church in our generation? I believe with all my heart that it is because the Lord wants to fill thishouse and every house where the truegospel of Christ is being preached. He wants to fill men and women who gather together with his Spiritand send them into the marketplacewith the power of God, and alive with the mind of God. The new life that has burst within you has not come from human effort. No! You have been touched by the Spirit of God and are stepping out of obscurity. Your life, your voice, your song, your eyes, yourhands are a clear declaration thatthere is a Christ who rose from thedead and who sits at the right hand of Almighty God!

The scripture says that …he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, evenfrom his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turnto the Lord their God (Luke 1:15–16). Again Jesus declares, But ye shallreceive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the

THERE IS A SONG IN EVERY BARREN WOMBwww.tscnyc.org

He wants to fill men andwoman who gathertogether with his Spiritand send them into themarketplace with thepower of God.

Hannah knew of thegreat personal sacrificeshe would have to make.

TIMES SQUARE CHURCH


uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).God says, “When you have the cry forGod in your heart, when you walktogether in one accord, and when youare willing to be set apart for my pur-poses, then I am going to come to you,and I will fill and empower you to bewitnesses for me.” God has a planand purpose for this generation anddesires that none should perish.

� SAMUEL - ASKED OF GODAnd she [Hannah] said, ‘Let thinehandmaid find grace in thy sight.’ Sothe woman went her way, and did eat,and her countenance was no more sad.And they rose up in the morning early,and worshipped before the Lord, andreturned, and came to their house toRamah: and Elkanah knew Hannahhis wife; and the Lord remembered her.Wherefore it came to pass, when thetime was come about after Hannahhad conceived, that she bare a son,and called his name Samuel, saying,‘Because I have asked him of the Lord’(1 Samuel 1:18). The name Samuelmeans “asked of God.” Hannah wentto an altar and received a word fromGod and the scripture says, She wasno more sad (1 Samuel 1:18).

Can you imagine the entire worldaround her asking, “Oh, Hannah, areyou sure this is a good thing? Areyou sure you want to give your childup to Eli who could not even raise hisown sons in the fear of God?” ButHannah persisted. This was what shehad cried out to God for. This waswhy she had borne a child. AndSamuel, Hannah’s son whom she had yielded to God, walked closelywith God. And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground(1 Samuel 3:19).

Think of what happened to Eli’s house where a false representation of God had found root and had flourished; he died and so did hissons. A false religion will always ultimately produce death. But nowlook at the song that’s coming out ofthis vessel, Hannah, who was oncebarren and bereft of children. Canyou imagine the rejoicing in her homeas she returns thanks unto the Lord?Look again at her anointed song ofpraise. And Hannah prayed, and said,My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, minehorn is exalted in the Lord: my mouthis enlarged over mine enemies; becauseI rejoice in thy salvation. There is noneholy as the Lord: for there is nonebeside thee: neither is there any rocklike our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancycome out of your mouth: for the Lordis a God of knowledge, and by himactions are weighed (1 Samuel 2:1–3).

God took the barren womb of a womanwho cried out in desperation to himand at an appointed time, created newlife within her. Like Hannah, you toocan have a song of praise. God willbring new life in every barren heartof those who call out to him becausehe wants to have a testimony in theearth. You will be that testimony.Hallelujah!

Carter ConlonApril 23, 2006©2006 Times Square Church

REV. CARTER CONLONCarter Conlon is senior pastor atTimes Square Church, where he has been on the pastoral staff since 1994.

TIMES SQUARE CHURCHTimes Square Church was founded in 1987 by Pastor David Wilkerson,author of “The Cross and theSwitchblade.” It is an interdenomina-tional church located in the heart ofNew York City.

Founding PastorRev. David Wilkerson

Senior PastorRev. Carter Conlon

Tel:212-541-6300

Fax: 212-541-6415

Church Location:237 West 51st Street,Between Broadway & Eighth Avenue

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

e-mail: [email protected]

WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

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

Tuesday 7:00PM Church Service

Thursday 7:00PM Intercessory Prayer

Friday 7:00PM Church Service

www.tscnyc.org

THERE IS A SONG IN EVERY BARREN WOMB

This message is an edited version of a sermon given in the sanctuary of Times Square Church in New York City. Other sermons are available by visiting our website www.tscnyc.org or calling 1-800-488-0854. You can also write to: Times Square Church, TapeMinistry, 1657 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. 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. However, you are free to provide a hyperlink from a website to the Times Square Church website by notifying Times Square Church in writing.

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www,remnantmagazine.com REMNANT | 17

what kind offAThER

is this?

him with one eye on his work, the other focused down the road, looking for the familiar gait of his beloved son. One day he spots him, even though he would have been emaciated with hunger and hunched over in hu-miliation. “That’s him! That’s my boy!”

What does he do now? Does he stand on the porch with arms crossed waiting for his son to walk all the way to the house humiliated, then fall down in the dirt and grovel for his next meal? That’s what I might have done. I would even have practiced my I-hope-you-learned-your-lesson speech. Not this father. Without hesitation the father jumps off the porch and runs down the road. What kind of father is this?

Can you imagine what his son must have thought when he finally looked up and saw his father bearing down on him? Could he tell if he was joyful or angry? He must have thought the latter, for he launches into his pre-pared speech even before his father gets there. “I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.”

But his words are not even acknowledged by the fa-ther, as he reaches his son and swallows up the words with hugs and kisses of delight. Not a hint of anger comes from the father, nor would he talk one moment about his offer to be his servant. He was too overcome with joy; the son he’d always wanted had found his way home.

Moments later the father’s servants arrive. They must have seen him running down the road and chased after him, anxious to see what the father would do to his selfish son. What a shock it must have been for them to come upon such a festival of celebration. The father turns to them too. “Get a robe, a ring, and a new pair of sandals. Stoke up the fire and let’s get ready to celebrate.”

a party? for the son that squandered the family inher-itance on his own selfish pleasures? How could this be? The son deserved punishment not a party! What kind of father is this?

anyone hearing Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son for the first time would be shocked at this fa-ther’s actions. His arrogant son dishonors him by asking for his inheritance while the father is still

alive, and who by all indications is nowhere near death’s door. What kind of son claims his father’s inheritance while he’s still alive? How dare he even ask! as rude as the son’s request might be, we can at least understand it. We all know what it is to want to get our hands on dad’s money, even if most of us are too civil to pursue it. But it’s this father who defies comprehension.

What does the father do in response to this out-rageous request? He gives it to him. This is even more shocking than the son asking. He divides the inheritance between his two sons and lets him go. How many fathers would do that, especially when they knew the younger son was up to no good? What kind of father is this?

The son squanders his inheritance on his own plea-sure, instead of investing it for the future. But the father does not go and nag him. He finally loses it all and ends up destitute. But the father does not try to rescue him.

Where is the father? He is back on the farm, waiting. He doesn’t chase after his son to tell him that he’s foolish nor does he rush off to buy him dinner when famine hits. He waits. What kind of father is this?

Is he indifferent to his son’s plight? any parent who has ever watched their son or daughter make bad choices, knows that waiting is far more difficult than prodding or nagging. But wait he does, for a marvelous thing to hap-pen-to let the son come to his senses.

We soon find out, however, just how expectant that waiting was. Years later when he returns the father spots him while he is still a long ways off. The only way that would have happened was if the father had been con-stantly looking. He probably never walked by the road without looking down it, hoping against hope that today would be the day his boy would come home. I can see R

it has been said that we can become so earthly minded

heavenly good.that we are of no

but, can we also become so heavenly minded that we are of no


heavenly good.that we are of no

but, can we also become so heavenly minded that we are of no



heavenly good.

but, can we also become so heavenly minded

earthly good?that we are of no

bECoME woRldly MiNdEd.

Go into all the woRld and preach the gospel to all creation. —mark 16:15


heavenly good.

but, can we also become so heavenly minded

earthly good?that we are of no



The woRdHis name is the Word of God. (Revelation 19:13)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made 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. (John 1:1,14)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, so Solomon penned (Proverbs 18:21). Words have swayed empires, preserved the freedom of peo-

ples, or enslaved them, and have drastically altered the course of history. History bears out the fact that the pen is often mightier than the sword.

In the Greek language, in which much of the New Tes-tament is written, there are three words used for word. One means the sound of a voice, and another means the sound revealing a mental state. The third, logos, combines the thought of expression and wisdom, It means a word which embodies a concept or idea.

as the Word, Christ was the spoken Word. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” ( Hebrews 1:1-2). No longer


PoRTRAiTs of ChRisT

would prophets come and go, slowly revealing and un-folding the Divine message. for God would now speak His message completely, once and for all, through His Son. Paul wrote to the Colossians that in Christ “dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9).

as the Word, Christ was the visible God. Christ portrayed the mind and heart of God, and everything that God is was embodied in Him. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. “He who has seen me has seen the father,” Jesus spoke (John 14:9).

five wonderful truths can be gleaned from John’s statement opening his gospel:

1. Christ’s eternity: “In the beginning”2. Christ’s fellowship in the Godhead: “the Word was

with God”3. Christ’s deity: “the Word was God”4. Christ’s work in Creation: “all things were made by

Him”5. Christ’s incarnation: “the Word became flesh”

Jesus is the “image of the invisible God,” Paul wrote to the Colossians. “for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things con-sist. and he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. for it pleased the father that in him should all fulness dwell.” (Colos-sians 1:15-19). R

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CoMfoRT“Come unto me, all ye that la-bor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9).“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14).

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalms 147:2).

Promises“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the wa-ters thereof roar and be troubled, though the moun-tains shake with the swelling thereof.” (Psalm 46:1-3).

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” (Psalm 138:7).

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliv-erer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buck-ler, and the horn of my sal-vation, and my high tower.” (Psalm 18:2).

“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:24).

“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But the salva-tion of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” (Psalm 37:39).

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22).

“These things I have spo-ken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribula-tion: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

graceJesusCaresAboutYou.net/thirtydays.html

That night when in Judean skies the mystic star dispensed its light,

A blind man moved in his sleep, and dreamed he had his sight.

That night shepherds heard the song of host angelic choiring near,

A deaf man stood in slumber still, and dreamed that he could hear.

That night when in cattle stall slept Child and mother cheek to jowl,

A cripple turned his crippled limbs, and dreamed that he was whole.

That night when to the mother’s breast the little King was held secure,

A harlot slept a happy sleep, and dreamed that she was pure.

That night when in the manger lay the Son of God who came to save,

A man moved in the sleep of death, and dreamed there was no grave.

aUTHOR UNkNOWN

ThelAsTwoRd


But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son. (Galatians 4:4 KJV)

Crowds pour into Bethlehem, filling every inn and hotel, as the people reluctantly obey Caesar’s census decree, stirring this normally sleepy vil-lage into an anthill of activity. But still, amid

such chaos, life pretty much carries on as usual in this little town. It is just like any other typical evening.

Over there in the synagogue, a couple exchanges vows as they begin a new life together. Over here, a boy passes the age into manhood as his family celebrates. In the marketplace, merchants buy and sell, while shoppers fill the streets eager to spend what the Romans haven’t taxed. Tucked away in a modest house, a woman pre-pares the evening meal, as her husband and children play together in the living room.

and over there, just outside the city on a Judean hill-side, a mother groans with the pangs of childbirth.

The delivery room is a stable, bathed in the glow from a strange star. The midwife is replaced by an anxious husband. Caring nurses and doctors are replaced with indifferent cattle and sheep. and the warm, sterile crib is replaced with a feeding trough filled with hay. Surround-ed by a horseshoe of farm animals and wide-eyed shep-herds, God has quietly come.

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,” the prophet Isaiah penned, “and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

God with us. Think about that statement.

amid the chaos and uncertainty of life, with its failures and heartaches, God speaks to you today so clearly just as He did almost two thousand years ago, “Don’t worry, I’m here. Everything will be alright.”

AN oRdiNARy dAy

R

iNsPiRE

k


When Heavenis Silent

Finding Hope in Our Scars

Read online or downloada FREE PDF

www.jesuscaresaboutyou.net/whenheavenissilent.html

This is the most important question in human exis-tence 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 Begot-ten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not per-ish, 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 forgive-ness 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).

“Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, where-by 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 as-sumes 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 experi-ence 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 sepa-rated 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 command-ed by Christ

2. Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ (in-cluding us!)

3. Spend time with God each day through prayer and Bible reading

4. Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus.

whAT MusT i doTo bE sAvEd?


Pray forAmerica

“We are becoming the type of nation we used to send missionaries to.”—w i l l i a m 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 cat i o n

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