Is That Gold Dust Real?

Twenty years ago I made my first visit to Calvary Campground in Ashland, Virginia. One of the speakers for their Winter Campmeeting was a Brazilian named Silvania Machado. After standing on the platform for about twenty minutes during praise and worship, Sister Silvania brushed gold dust out of her short blonde hair plus had oil flow from her hands. I didn’t dismiss these signs but questioned the purpose of them. A few people in the congregation later testified of being healed.

I’ve seen gold manifestations at other places. The year before during a church service in Oklahoma, the fillings in my mouth changed from black to a whitish-gold color. Other people supernaturally received gold teeth (I later met a man in Germany who received four of them). I’ve also seen gold dust appear on ministers such as Joshua Mills while they are preaching.

Although I don’t seek after signs like this, gold dust has shown up on my face and in my Bible. One time with the latter, I found some while looking up Hebrews 13:2 about entertaining angels. I believe the Lord used that as a reminder to look to Him as my source instead of a job I considered pursuing. Other friends of mine have seen manifestations of gems and angel feathers. During a house meeting in North Carolina, the host showed me manna that just appeared on her carpet.

Religious critics will mock these manifestations by asking, “Where is that in the Bible?” Manna appeared for the Israelites while they wandered in the wilderness. Why wouldn’t God do something like that today? I’ve been to Kaye Beyer meetings where manna suddenly showed up on her Bible and later disappeared. I didn’t notice anything that indicated this was fake. 

Unless you are close-minded to the supernatural, a better question to ask is “Does this sign point people to Jesus?” I remember hearing the late Bob Shattles testify of gold dust manifesting on himself in public. He used that as a witnessing tool and led many people to salvation. Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

It’s true people can fabricate some of these things. Charisma magazine recently published an article suggesting the oil flowing from a Bible during revival meetings in Georgia could have been a hoax. Still, we shouldn’t reject real signs and wonders. Nor should Christians worry about deception as long as they keep their eyes on Jesus. John Arnott often says, “We have to have more faith in God’s ability to bless us than in Satan’s ability to deceive us.”

Always remember: Signs follow believers but believers shouldn’t follow after signs.

“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” - Isaiah 43:19

Was Jesus Born Again in Hell?

As Christians, we should stand for biblical truth. Unfortunately, some defenders of the faith are too quick to judge certain ministers as heretics. A few months ago, a Facebook friend blasted a well-known preacher for proclaiming at a local church, “Jesus was born again in hell.” I was at that same service. The “born again in hell” comment generated question marks in my mind. Other than that, I didn’t hear this preacher say anything that would be considered heresy. 

While walking into the bathroom at this church, I pondered the “born again” comment. Suddenly, Romans 8:29 came to my remembrance: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Jesus is also referred to as “the firstborn” in Colossians chapter 1 verses 15 and 18.

Those of you familiar with the Apostles’ Creed will recall the phrase of Jesus descending into hell. Scriptures supporting that concept include…

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” - Matthew 12:40

“…he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth.” - Ephesians 4:9

“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades [“hell” in the KJV] and of Death.” - Revelation 1:18

The Greek word Hades and the Hebrew word Sheol are often used interchangeably with hell. One dictionary defines Hades as “the underworld; the abode of the spirits of the dead.” Prior to the Resurrection, Hades had two separate compartments. One was for the wicked such as the rich man in Luke 16. The other (sometimes referred to as “Abraham’s Bosom”) was inhabited by Old Covenant saints such as Lazarus. 1 Peter 3:18-19 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison.”

I would disagree with some ministers claiming that Jesus suffered in hell. Before they both died, Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) He went on to say,  “It is finished!” (John 19:30) It was on the cross Jesus received the punishment for sin that we all deserve. It also says in Psalm 16:10, “For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”

Perhaps religious watchdogs think the doctrine of Jesus “born again in hell” minimizes His deity. Personally, I don’t believe this is worth bickering over. Sinners don’t really care about the terminology used to describe what happened to the Lord during the three days following His crucifixion. They need to hear the Good News about the Risen Christ so they don’t have to suffer for eternity themselves.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Signs in the Sky

This past Monday, portions of the United States got to view a rare total solar eclipse. Later that day, my hometown newspaper ran an article on their web site that caught my attention. The Fargo Forum spotlighted two long-bearded brothers claiming the eclipse represented “a seven-year judgment on America.” My first thought was to dismiss Dean and Dennis Johnson as religious wackos. Then I decided to watch the accompanying video to hear what they had to say.

I agree with Dean and Dennis Johnson’s exhortation of our country’s need for repentance. However, they also stated that unless America repents, “another one [eclipse] is coming in seven years.” Astronomers have already determined the next solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024. I don’t see how national repentance will stop that from happening.

Now I do believe God uses signs in the sky to get our attention such as the wise men being led by a star to Bethlehem in Matthew 2. The rainbow in Genesis 9 was a sign that God will not flood the whole earth again. Acts 2 mentions signs of the end times prophesied by Joel…

19 I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

There’s another celestial spectacle scheduled to occur next month. On September 23rd (which happens to be on the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah), a combination of constellations and planets will come together that some prophecy buffs believe resemble the Woman, the Child, and the Dragon in Revelation 12. Regardless if any noteworthy event happens then, we should not allow phenomena in the heavens to be a sole source of guidance. 

Until the Lord comes back, let’s focus on fulfilling the Great Commission and show the world the powerful signs He wants to manifest here on earth.

“How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.” - Daniel 4:3

Resurrection Power

An objection some people bring up regarding the gospel is comparing Jesus to other religious figures such as Buddha and Mohammed. My usual response is quoting what Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” 

I also like to point out what happens when Christians obey the Great Commission. Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” I’ve yet to see someone healed in the name of Allah or Buddah.

Another commandment Jesus gave His disciples was to “raise the dead.” (Matthew 10:8) While I personally haven’t seen a dead body come back to life, I know of other ministers God used to restore life to individuals who briefly died. Romans 4:17 says that God “…gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.”

The resurrection of Jesus Himself is a key tenet of the Christian faith. Look at 1 Corinthians 15…

16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 

17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 

18 Then also those who have fallen asleep [died] in Christ have perished. 

19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

During Bible times, there was a religious sect called the Sadducees who denied the resurrection of the dead and the supernatural. As I’ve heard other ministers proclaim, that’s why the Sadducees were “sad…you see.”  

When Martha was grieving over the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus told her in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Lazarus was soon raised from the dead.

In the next chapter, Jesus said in John 12:24, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” Maybe the Lord gave you promises that haven’t been fulfilled yet and has even allowed some of them to “die.” But in His timing, God can bring those dead dreams back to life.

Romans 8:11 says, “…the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you.” Resurrection power is available for every area of your life. So if you know the Lord, then you can proclaim the words of an old Snap song, “I’ve got the power!”

“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.” - John 5:21

Oh My Stars!

Facebook is a convenient way to stay in touch with friends, reconnect with old ones and meet new people. It’s also provided me an outlet to minister to numerous folks at once plus share evangelism testimonies. But just like any other technological tool, Facebook can be used for ungodly purposes.

I’ve noticed a few friends posting horoscopes on their Facebook pages. Perhaps some of them are ignorant of what the Bible says regarding astrology and the occult. That’s why it’s important to read the word of God. There are numerous warnings about seeking counsel from astrologers and fortunetellers. Here are a few of them…

“And the person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people.” - Leviticus 20:6

“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.” - Deuteronomy 18:10-12

“You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, the fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, nor a fire to sit before!” - Isaiah 47:13-14

While Satan has some supernatural power, it is inferior to God’s. Look at Daniel 2…

27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. 

28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. 

Daniel then went on to interpret the king’s dream.

Some may argue the wise men in Matthew 2 were astrologers since a star led them to Jesus. The Lord can use physical objects to guide us. License plates from a particular state often appear at peculiar times whenever He wants me traveling somewhere. But that’s usually to confirm direction already given me. If we depend too much on outside circumstances for guidance and not the Holy Spirit, the devil can manipulate things to deceive us. That’s why it’s best not to put out “fleeces” when seeking divine direction. Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

Christians who think reading horoscopes is just harmless fun should recall the woman in Acts 16 who had a spirit of divination…

16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 

17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 

18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.

So if you have been dabbling in horoscopes or other occult activities, I urge you to stop!  Ephesians 4:27 commands us to give no place to the devil. We also don't want to be doing things that might cause other young believers to stumble. Instead of looking to the stars for guidance, people should look to the One who created the stars.

“And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the LORD your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage.” - Deuteronomy 4:19

A True Apostle

Normally I’m not quick to un-friend fellow believers on Facebook. I recognize all of us are at different levels of spiritual maturity. Still, one disturbing trend I’ve noticed is professing Christians posting profanity online. Earlier this year I issued a statement on my wall rebuking those who repeatedly engage in such activity. In response, a (now former) friend wrote, “I train my kids to say s*** like a true apostle.” I was shocked to read this. My mother would have washed my mouth out with soap if I said a word like that to her!

Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines apostle as “a person deputed to execute some important business; but appropriately, a disciple of Christ.” The Greek word for apostle is apostolos, which means “one who is sent”; “messenger”, “envoy”, and “ambassador.” Apostolos was derived from a sailing term meaning to send a particular ship or group of ships, a marine expedition, or the leader of such.

In Revelation 2:2, Jesus commended the church of Ephesus because “…you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars.” 2 Corinthians 11:13 also warns against “false apostles.” Years ago I briefly stayed with a man who insisted I address him as “Apostle So-and-so.” At the time, the only ministry I saw him involved in was occasionally helping out in a food pantry. One day when I worked with him there, another person asked how I could handle being around this self-proclaimed apostle who was really bossy (believe me, he was not an easy person to live with). 1 Thessalonians 2:6 says, “Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.”

The position of an apostle is not something one can aspire to obtain. At the beginning of his epistle to the Galatians, Paul called himself an apostle “not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead.” In his greeting to the Ephesians, Paul said he was “an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.”

So what is a true apostle? 2 Corinthians 12:12 says, “Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.” One walking in true apostolic authority obeys the Great Commission. His calling is confirmed with signs following that lift up the name of Jesus.

A true apostle also demonstrates humility. Paul is often considered Christianity’s greatest apostle. Yet he wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:9, “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” 

Some of you might remember “The Apostle”, a 1997 film written and directed by Robert Duvall, who also starred in the title role. Duvall played a troubled minister named Sonny who moves into a new town and starts up a church to be taken over by another pastor. A modern-day apostle typically functions as a church planter.

Nevertheless, some ministers will argue there are no apostles and prophets today. One man emailed me claiming, “There will always be 12 apostles...Period.” It would be helpful for him to read Ephesians 4...

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

The Body of Christ certainly hasn’t “come to the unity of the faith” yet. Therefore, God is still using apostles today. Some ministers referred to as missionaries are really apostles since they are sent out for the purpose of starting a new work for the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” All believers are representatives of Jesus Christ whether or not they are called to the five-fold ministry. 

How are you representing Him?

“in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” - Titus 2:7-8

Raised From the Dead

Recently I got together with an old friend for coffee. Her expressing interest in going to Germany inspired me to show her photos on my laptop from the times I went there. A few of the photos were from a Reinhard Bonnke meeting at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. During which, a Nigerian pastor testified of being raised from the dead after receiving glimpses of both heaven and hell. My friend’s attitude suddenly changed as she called that “satanic” and said, “I’ll bet you a million dollars this is not true!” When I mentioned Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 10:8 to “raise the dead”, she said that was for the Jews only.

I found out my friend believes “Paul’s gospel” and claimed the apostle didn’t raise anyone from the dead. In response, I reminded her of the incident of Eutychus falling out of a window. My friend insisted it was Peter who God used to bring that dead man back to life. Not wanting to debate doctrine with my friend, I changed the subject. But when I got home, I read the following verses in Acts 20…

9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.

10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.”

11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.

12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.

The next day I got together with my pastor for a prayer meeting. When I told Pastor Chuck what happened the night before, he reminded me of Paul himself coming back to life in Acts 14…

19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.

20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Paul also wrote about a third heaven experience he had in 2 Corinthians 12:2-5. Therefore, it is scriptural for Christians to receive glimpses of eternity before they leave this earth for good. During a hospital stay in 1986, my grandmother went into a coma and later revealed she saw deceased relatives in heaven who basically told her it wasn’t time to go yet (Grandma Post lived another fourteen years before she went home to be with the Lord in 2000). Since then, I’ve met numerous individuals who had briefly died but came back to life.

Again I don’t want to stir up strife with my friend. But it would be nice if she had the million dollars she offered to bet me. Then I’d have more than enough finances to fly back to Germany.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

- Hebrews 13:8