Where Are the Men of God? :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: by RR10 Category:General Articles, Nathele Graham

What is a man of God? How can we recognize him? My husband was one, and I have friends who are Godly men. Unfortunately, I also know many who are the opposite of Godly men. We all want our daughters and granddaughters to meet Godly young men, marry, and raise families, but where are those young men?

They are out there, but it seems as if they are few and far between. Many Godly men have moved on to be with the Lord, and they are missed. We need replacements for them here on Earth. Of course, if women are willing to settle for a man who doesn’t love the Lord his God with all his heart, soul, and mind, they settle for less than what God desires for them. Many women have taken over the God-ordained position of men, and Godly men are becoming extinct. New Christian men, need discipleship from older men who have surrendered to Christ and have followed Him for years.

God’s word is the standard by which Christians need to measure life; it never changes. The Apostle Paul encouraged older men to teach younger ones and to be the leaders of congregations.

“If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless; as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:6-9).

Many congregations near me seem to be unable to find God-fearing men to lead the congregation, so women are taking over leadership. That’s a very sad comment on the men of this area. We can recognize Godly men by the way they honor God and serve Him.

It’s the responsibility of every born-again believer in Christ to stand firm on the word of God and encourage all Christians to be focused on Christ. Every Christian needs to know Scripture and honor God by obeying His word and using it as the guide in life. Women aren’t to be in authority over men but need to encourage others to be Godly in their way of life. Men are to lead congregations.

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience” (Titus 2:1-2).

Women have an important place in Christianity, but it isn’t as a pastor or church leader. “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). When Godly men won’t step up to their Christian duties, then women step in and take authority. We need Godly men who aren’t ashamed to be the men God wants them to be.

A Godly man will simply base all of his decisions upon Scripture. He’s the head of his family, and his wife and children can respect him. We all sin and have made poor decisions in life, but a Godly man will have repented and surrendered his will to God’s. After coming to Christ, his decisions are uncompromisingly based on Scripture, from the first verse in Genesis to the last in Revelation. He will be sure his children understand that God’s word is their guide in life. He will understand how seriously God sees sin, but he will also see the power and love of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). A Godly man walks after the Spirit.

Not all men are called to be pastors, but all Christian men are called to be the spiritual leader of their family. He will encourage Bible study in his children and will love his wife just as Christ loves His church.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself” (Ephesians 5:25-28).

Using Christ as an example, you will see that a Godly man will not abandon his family but will be a leader. He will be sure his children know Jesus. “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). 

I can tell you from experience that being married to a Godly man is a blessing. Satan and his minions are trying to destroy families, and it’s not a coincidence that these verses regarding family are followed by verses admonishing us to put on the full armor of God to fight the spiritual fight against evil.

Ladies, when choosing a husband, remember to consult God about it. You’ll probably have children with him, and if he isn’t a Godly man, your children will have a very poor example to follow. Children aren’t fooled; many dads talk the talk, but when it comes to walking the walk, they stumble, and their children notice. Fathers, do your children try to talk to you while you’re looking at the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, or do they find you studying Scripture? If you follow the first option, your children will see a double standard of living… saying one thing while living another way. They will learn to disrespect you and God.

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

A Godly man makes a Godly father, and the children are blessed. A son will look to his father to learn to be a man. If that father doesn’t stand firm upon God’s word, the son won’t take God seriously. He’ll grow up to compromise truth. Do you sidestep the law of the land? Do you lie when it suits your purpose? That’s a poor example for both your sons and your daughters. Just as a son learns from his father, so does a daughter. Are you the type of man you want your daughter to marry? That’s a lot of responsibility on a man’s shoulders, but God will help you and guide you.

I watch the news and compare it to prophecy found in Scripture. People in general seem to have lost sight of God. There are riots happening because we finally have a president who is upholding the law of the land and deporting criminals. As I watch these riots, I can only wonder, “Where are the Godly men”? Where are the men who should have taught their children to respect authority and the law?

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” (1 Peter 2:13-17).

Fathers need to lead their children to understand that God’s law is superior to man’s law, but the laws of the land need to be obeyed as long as they don’t conflict with God’s law.

Prophecy is being fulfilled quickly, and the Rapture will happen soon. Men, don’t let your family slip away from honoring God. If there’s any question as to whether you or any of your family have truly accepted Christ for salvation, resolve that question right away. Don’t wait.

GODLY MEN

Words & Music by: Buddy Davis
http://www.answersingenesis.org

Lord, we need more Godly men
Who’ll stand on Your Word till the end;
Men who are strong, men that won’t bend.
Lord, we need more Godly men.

Lord, we need more Godly men
Who aren’t afraid to call sin sin,
‘Cause the world is desperately looking for them.
Lord, we need more Godly men

Lord, we need more husbands in love with their wives
And Daddies to cherish their kids;
Grandpas and uncles who’ll set an example
And tell them who Jesus is.

May the world see our eyes in the Bible
And our knees bent in prayer again,
From the senior preacher to the high school teacher.
Lord, we need more Godly men.

Lord, we need more heroes to praise the name of Christ
Instead of using it in vain;
Men who’ll place Jesus at the head of their homes
Like the family that You ordained.

May the world see us as Your disciples,
Reaching out to the world as a friend,
From the factory worker to the Wall Street broker.
Lord, we need more Godly men.

Lord, we need more Godly men
Who’ll stand on Your Word till the end;
Men who are strong, men that won’t bend.
Lord, we need more Godly men.

There are many Godly men who have been called Home and will receive a crown. My husband was one of those men, and he left behind three children, four grandchildren, and a wife who all loved him and respected him. He instilled a love of God into his family and set an example. Where are the men of God today? Where are the men who honor God without compromise? I’m sure there are many out there. Let me encourage you to make your presence known.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

 

Looking At Israel :: By Brother Bill Oldham

Published on: by RR10 Category:General Articles

The whole world has its eyes on Israel right now, but it has been watching them ever since they were re-established as a nation in 1948. But more than that, the nations have been watching Israel ever since they saw God bring them out of Egypt. And it would be fair to say that the hatred for Israel began when the world saw God choosing them to be His elect beloved people. And, just as Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith, so Satan is the author and finisher of all that hate.

In looking at Israel and their future, I see two plans laid out for them: the first is God’s plans, and the other is the world’s, which is drawn up by Satan himself. Iran’s plan for Israel, publicly stated, is simple: annihilate them, utterly destroy them. Earlier, that was Yasser Arafat’s plans; before that, Hitler pursued that plan. But approximately 3,000 years ago, those same plans were announced:

“O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those You cherish. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.’ With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You…” (Psalms 83:1-5).

If you have ever wondered where the hatred for Israel comes from, this passage makes it clear. The world hates God, and it hates those He cherishes. Jesus made this progression of hatred clear to His disciples:

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own…. Whoever hates Me hates my Father as well…. They have hated both me and my Father…. This is to fulfill what is written in their law: they hated Me without a cause” (John 15:18-25).

But those words were directed to the church of God. What about the Jews who rejected Christ? He was their long-awaited Messiah and King, and they had the Romans nail Jesus to a tree. By that very act, did God cast them off forever? Did they cease to be God’s elect chosen people? On that day, did God cease to love Israel? If that were the case, then Israel would then belong to the world, and the world would love it. Evidently, the devil has a better understanding of God and Israel than many Christian folk do.

The apostle Paul had a good understanding of Israel’s position with God after they crucified Christ. He explained:

“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’ As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable” (Romans 11:25-29).

The point I want to make here is that the world’s continuing hatred for Israel and the Jewish people is proof that they are still His chosen people and are loved by Him. The world has spoken: it indeed plans to destroy Israel completely, but the Lord God Almighty has spoken also, and He has plans for Israel and the Jewish people.

Through several prophets, God gave very specific and detailed plans for the future of Israel. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah reveal the Lord’s plans for Israel. I will attempt to present some main points from one or two of them. I remember the first time I read through the Bible and began to read these prophecies. I was in awe at what the Lord was foretelling, and then I thought most of this is yet to come.

One specific prophecy, found many times in the prophetic writings, has been literally fulfilled. And that is the gathering of the Jews from every part of the world where the Lord scattered them, and bringing them back to the land of Israel. Listen:

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them” (Ezekiel 37:12-13).

“Hear the word of the LORD, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd’” (Jeremiah 31:10).

“Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,’ declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 31:28).

For the better part of 1,800 years, the land of Israel lay desolate, barren, and not fit to live on. Many took this to mean Israel had ceased to be God’s chosen people. But little by little, Jews started going back and buying property in the land.

“This is what the LORD says: As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them. Once more fields will be bought in this land of which you say, ‘It is a desolate waste, without people or animals, for it has been given into the hands of the Babylonians.’ Fields will be bought for silver, and deeds will be signed, sealed and witnessed in the territory of Benjamin, in the villages around Jerusalem, in the towns of Judah and in the towns of the hill country, of the western foothills and of the Negev, because I will restore their fortunes, declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 32:42-44).

In May of 1948, the declaration of Israel being re-established as a nation was a literal fulfillment of the word of the Lord. But there is another word of the Lord that is yet to be fulfilled, but it’s coming.

“The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,’ declares the LORD. ‘This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people’” (Jeremiah 31:31-33).

God doesn’t have a different plan of salvation for the Jews. He will sovereignly open the hearts of the remnant nation and reveal Jesus to them. We have a beautiful and perfect picture of this in Genesis when Joseph revealed himself to his brothers who hated him, intended to kill him, but sold him into slavery. Jesus, who they have rejected for 2,000 years, will be revealed to them as their Savior, Elder Brother, and King.

Zechariah describes a time when this will happen. He foretells of a day when all the nations of the earth will be gathered against Jerusalem. He tells how the Lord will step in and strike those who attack, but “watch over the house of Judah.” He describes how the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And then the Lord says this:

“On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem…. And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son” (Zechariah 12:9-10).

Now come my thoughts concerning a time after that. I believe the thousand years of Revelation 20 will begin. I believe that the apostles and the church of God will serve as judges over the house of Israel during that time. I base that on this:

“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel’” (Matthew 19:28).

“…Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?” (1 Corinthians 6:2).

I believe Isaiah describes the blessedness of that time in his prophecies.

What about the war raging between Israel and Iran right now?

Gabriel revealed the vision of the 70 weeks determined for Israel to Daniel. When he spoke of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, he said this: “…And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined” (Daniel 9:26).

I believe it has been determined that Israel will face wars until that final war, when the Lord steps in. This I know for sure: no nation or all the nations together will ever annihilate Israel. The Lord said,

“Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves” (Zechariah 12:2-3).

God has Israel’s future all planned out:

“…I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Brother Bill Oldham

bboldham@sbcglobal.net