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PRISONERS OF HOPE Nov 2009

EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMO
Over the last month, prompted by something that my wife said, I have begun re-reading Spirit of Proph-
ecy Vol 1. I am always amazed at how it is that whenever I cover previously covered ground in the Bible
or Spirit of Prophecy, new things tend to jump out at me. One such item that jumped out at me was the
following quotation taken from the life of Joseph in relation to the butler who forgot about Joseph for
two long years. “Ingratitude is regarded by the Lord as among the most aggravating sins. And al-
though abhorred by God and man, yet it is of daily occurrence.”
Ingratitude is a lack of thankfulness and appreciation. I will admit readily that all through my life,
probably as a result of my upbringing, I have struggled in both verbally relating my thankfulness to oth-
ers, and also in accepting thanks from them. It is not that I was never thankful nor never appreciated
what was done for me, that I definitely did. But, the words really struck me because without the expres-
sion of my gratitude, others have no fool-proof way of knowing what I feel. What made the words stick
even more, was the poem I had written a few days earlier, copied below, when thinking of my late father.
Now that dad is at rest
Awaiting the return of our Lord
Do you ever look back over time
Or find yourself a wandering
Whether you took time to thank him sufficiently
For all the sacrifices he made for you?
Did you thank him enough
For all the times he stood by your side,
Doing his best to help and support you?
Did you appreciate his concern for all your problems
And the way he encouraged and celebrated your successes?
Were you always grateful
For the manner in which he taught and led by example?
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The way he sought to inculcate in you
Editorial .............................. ……1
The virtues of hard work, good judgement,
Feed My Children ............... .….2
Courage, integrity and faith in God?
Thankfulness ...................... .….3
Do you pause to ponder, when upon your bed you lie First Gospel Promise .......... ..…4
Whether he knew you appreciated Fornication .......................... …..5
All the sacrifices he made Oh, How He Loves You ....... …..7
To let you have the very best he could? Demon Possession .............. …..7

Did he know you rejoiced in the simple things he did Daniel, Greatly Beloved ...... …..8
Honor Due To Parents ........ …..10
Like his cheeky laughter, his toothless smiles
And time spent sitting by the veranda?
If for some reason you never got the chance
Or plain neglected to make it known
Others you have dear unto you like dad
Let them know what they mean to you
For we know not what tomorrow holds
And scattering the roses after their gone
Availeth nothing, but to assuage the living.
Unfortunately it is those that are dearest to us who tend to bear the brunt of our ingratitude. Much hap-
piness is lost as a result of us not being truly grateful for what we have and what is provided for us. My
prayer and challenge for each of us this month is that we take the time express our gratitude to all
around us; especially so to those closest to us whom we tend to take for granted. My desire is that we
would note the sin of ingratitude and through the Holy Spirit‘s assistance, never be found at fault in this
area of our lives.
 FEED MY CHILDREN PART 2... BY SR T NKOMO
In the previous edition, you were introduced to two of the 11
widows we ‗found‘ here in Tanzania. As previously men-
tioned, there are MANY widows, especially because of the
HIV/AIDS pandemic, but of course, we cannot help every-
one. Only one of ‗our‘ widows is SDA and we pray that by
ministering to them, we can witness to them. It is not
enough to tell someone God loves them, we need to be able
to show them His love. A few weeks ago, the widows met
with the local agricultural officer, to learn how to plant and
grow their maize effectively-interestingly, the officer is also
female. She was very pleased to learn that these widows are
being helped, it is a project dear to her heart. And who
knows, maybe the truth will touch her life too.
a water tank that gives us water, think of the locals who use
wells. Truly rain is a blessing for them.
Our next widow is Leticia. Her husband died in 2004 and
she has 4 children. The oldest is a girl whose 17 years old
and the youngest is 4 years old. This poor hardworking
mother goes out into the bush to cut grass—the grass that
you find on traditional African roofs. She works hard and
earns less than the equivalent of R5.00 or US $0.52 per
bushel. It is a type of slave labour. When she‘s not doing
that, she asks people if she can work in their fields, plough-
ing them (By hand) etc. Like a few of the other widows, she
has maize, soybeans and wheat growing in her field.

Jane lost her husband about 3 years ago. For some unknown Leticia‘s 17 year old daughter is not unmindful of how much
reason, he took poison and killed himself. He left her with 7 her mother is suffering. She is determined to finish high
children, 2 of whom live with her, while some live with her school and get an education (As I type I think of how hard it
mother. She‘s currently caring for is to gain a good enough education
an 11 year old boy, and her 10 year to be of true economic value in this
old daughter. Jane belongs to the locality) so she can take care of her
Assemblies of God church and mother. This girl is so dedicated that
does housework for a living. In her when they run out of kerosene for
field she has planted maize, soya the lamp, which, due to their pov-
beans and wheat. Not much in erty is often, she lights a fire outside
terms of nutrition. where they cook, and she studies
outside at night. One of our fellow
Oh, did I mention that the rainy missionary families, on hearing of
season has come? A few weeks af- their plight, bought them kerosene
ter we gave the widows the seed and a lamp. So studying by wood
and manure, it started to rain. fire will not be happening again any-
Now for us as a family, this is not time soon.
great news. We use solar power to run our lights and to
charge the laptop (That‘s all it can manage) so to know that Being the ‗chairman‘ of the village doesn‘t make you im-
it will be cloudy for days, does not fill one with glee. And yes, mune from suffering. Our next widow, Tugavie, is chairman
as we thought, when the rains came, there was no power. of the village. Her husband died of HIV complications in
But it was wonderful because we knew that the widows 2007, and they had 5 children. She has one married daugh-
would start planting and eventually get some much needed ter and takes care of her other children, ranging from age 9
food that they didn‘t have to work very hard for. These ladies to 15.This Lutheran lady supports herself by making bricks
work so hard just to survive. When the rains came, I could and selling foods from her ‗shamba‘-sunflowers, maize,
not hold my tears back, and the next morning when we wheat and beans.
drove to the market and saw the villagers busy working in
their food gardens, the emotion welled up again. This is es- These ladies‘ stories are all similar. None of them have been
pecially because there are areas here in Tanzania that have left with less than three children. They all plant a maximum
been drought-ridden for three years. People are starving to of 4 vegetables in their fields and they all suffer to make
death. So we are grateful that the Lord is still showering us ends meet. Lemija‘s daughter, whose husband died in 2004,
with his blessings. Oh, and but there is selfish reason to be works in their field at home. Is this the kind of life the poor
glad about the rain. Standing outside in the burning heat to girl will have? They have no money to get her trained for
water our own food garden is NOT fun! Backache, time that anything else, and with the mother trying to earn money by
could be spent on another chore...At least now we can just selling tomatoes and other vegetables, they need her help at
watch God water our garden. We have been blessed to have home anyway...TBC
2
 THANKFULNESS... BY SR A WATERS
―Thankfulness‖ - a very familiar three months for delivery my mother was excited to try it out
word understood by both young only to find that the chair was damaged. The store was called
and old. Yet how many of us and she was told a new one would be ordered and she could use
really experience a thankful the defective chair until the new one was delivered. After sitting
heart in our day-to-day life? in the chair for a while my mother found it to be quite uncom-
When we say ―thank you‖ is it just fortable, so she thought, ―Maybe I‘m just used to my old chair.‖
a polite response out of habit, or a But on the next day, not only was it uncomfortable, it actually
true thankfulness from the heart? complicated her physical limitation problem. So she called the
It seems so simple, so basic, yet in furniture store and told them what had happened and asked to
reality true thankfulness is sadly return the chair and get a refund. She was told that since she had
lacking in practice. ―used‖ the chair, it could not be returned. Now when I called to
ask her if she got her new chair and how it was, she told me the
When someone gives us a gift it story. I assured her that I would call the store manager and see
may seem easy and natural to say, what I could do, even though it was the store manager who told
―thank you‖. But true thankfulness goes much deeper than an her she couldn‘t return the chair for a refund.
outward response to someone when they treat us nicely. It is a
deep awareness of appreciation for what has been done or said As I was preparing to call the manager I had the thought, ―Be
and expressing that to the other person. thankful that you have the opportunity to represent
Me.‖ I knew that God was calling to my heart. Even in this situa-
When our children were very young and learning to talk we tion I needed to be thankful - thankful that I could represent the
taught them to say ―thank you‖ when someone gave them some- Lord to the manager. What a difference that made in my heart as
thing or did something for them. The words were easy to teach I dialled the number! It wasn‘t about returning a chair or getting
but as they grew older we realized the words ―thank you‖ were a refund, it was about the precious opportunity to represent my
just that -words. We saw that there needed to be a deeper ―felt‖ Heavenly Father to the person on the other end of the phone. I
appreciation for what the words meant and that we must be an had peace to know that whatever the outcome, I could be thank-
example for them in experiencing true thankfulness. So we be- ful that He could be represented. Well, after much prayer and
gan to help our children and ourselves say what it was that we several minutes of talking with the manager, she told me they
were thankful for. ―Thank you for the new ball, I really like it would take the chair back and give a full refund minus the deliv-
very much‖. Throughout Scripture we see again and again how ery charge. Praise the Lord not only for the refund, but more im-
important it is to express a thankful heart. ―O give thanks unto portantly for the thankfulness I had in my heart for this oppor-
the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.‖ I tunity to honour Him.
Chronicles 16:34.
More and more I am recognizing my need to be more thankful
Expressing what we appreciate about something helps us to have even if the circumstances are perplexing or become a difficult
a deeper appreciation for what others do in the little every day trial. I remember one night as I was kneeling by my bed I real-
things that rarely get noticed in the busyness and self-focus of ized that my response to a letter we had received was not repre-
life. Often in our home someone will say, ―Thank you for clean- senting Jesus to my family. I asked God to forgive me for my
ing the bathroom, it really looks nice.‖ ―Thank you for making failure. As I lay awake I remembered ―every trial is weighed and
such a lovely dinner, it was delicious.‖ measured‖ and comes to us by the loving hand of our Heavenly
Wait! Isn‘t that their job? Shouldn‘t we expect that the bath- Father. ―Lord,‖ I prayed quietly, ―You trusted me with this trial,
room gets clean, or the meal is good? Yes, but why not express and I failed You. How can You trust me when it seems that I let
your appreciation for what has been done even if it is someone‘s You down so easily?‖ Then the thoughts came back to my mind,
responsibility? What a difference the expression of thankfulness ―Be thankful that I love you and want to show you your real
makes to the receiver as well as to the one giving it. The atmos- heart condition. It is only in this way that you will depend on
phere of the home becomes sweeter and the hearts are more in- Me.‖
clined to look for the good and positive in others. Love and re-
spect grows spontaneously in an environment of gratitude and ―Be thankful!‖ I was thankful, not for my failure, but for His
appreciation like a seed planted in fertile soil. Expressing thank- mercy to help me recognize my weakness and to confess, repent
fulness is also a powerful motivator for encouraging right and grow in His strength. Be thankful that He is working no
choices. Everyone receives a blessing by being thankful. matter what our circumstances or trials. Each one of us has the
privilege to honour God as we cooperate with Him and truly al-
True thankfulness is more than just being thankful for some- low Him to reveal His character in our daily choices. This is
thing received or a job well done. Our Lord challenges us, ―In something to be thankful for!
everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus concerning you.‖ I Thessalonians 5:18. This takes thank- Let‘s ask God to call to our hearts, to prompt us to true thankful-
fulness well beyond our human capacity to be thankful. In the ness and then choose to receive His grace to live it out in our
strength of Christ we recognize that every circumstance encoun- daily lives. If we‘re willing, we can truly ―enter into His courts
tered regardless of how it affects us, is an opportunity to express with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful
our thankfulness to our God by experiencing genuine Christian- unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy
ity. is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.‖ Psalm
100:4 & 5. Thankfulness: let‘s let God brighten our hearts and
Several months ago my brothers and I purchased a special chair homes with this powerful attitude - today, tomorrow, and for-
for my mother because of her physical limitations. After waiting ever! 
3
 THE FIRST GOSPEL PROMISE…..BY SR K NARANJO
(Deut. 11:16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not de- ing to do battle with the enemy and recover that which was lost.
ceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship
Let‘s back up and support some of these things. Notice what
them;)
Eve says in Genesis 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again;
Intro: Today‘s message is more like an in depth study of one and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God,
verse of scripture. Gen 3:15 said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of
Abel, whom Cain slew.
Many say this is a message to Adam and Eve and that‘s true but
only indirectly. These words were not spoken directly to Adam Obviously, from this statement, Adam and Eve overheard what
and Eve. They were spoken by God to the serpent but Adam God told Satan. And, they believed that their own children
and Eve were listening according to the scriptures. So, as they would be that seed…..
were listening, it became a hope and promise to them before
Q: Who is the serpent? Rev. 12:9 And the great dragon
they ever knew about the curses.
was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Sa-
Gen 3:15: And I will put tan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out
enmity between thee into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
and the woman, and be-
Who is the serpent’s seed? Jesus is talking to the Jews and
tween thy seed and her
they say…in John 8: 33: They answered him, We be
seed; it shall bruise thy
Abraham's seed, But at this point, they want to Kill Jesus
head, and thou shalt
and Jesus says to them….John 8:44 Ye are of your father
bruise his heel.
the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was
Notice carefully what God a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the
says (actually Jesus), to the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he spea-
serpent. There are several keth a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and
elements that we need to the father of it.
look at carefully. Enmity,
Notice how Satan always is so deceptive and uses others to work
thee [serpent], woman
his evil . He uses human instruments to do his work for him.
[strongs: every woman], thy
They are connected to Satan spiritually as their character is
seed, her seed.
similar.
The battle is between the
Another example showing who is the seed of Satan: 1 John
serpent & the woman. And between the serpent‘s seed and the
3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew
woman‘s seed. But the main conflict is not really between the
his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his
woman and serpent or between the serpent‘s seed and her
own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
seed…..
Wheat and tares: Matt 13:38 The field is the world; the
The real battle is in the last part of the verse…he[the seed of the
good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the
woman] shall bruise thy head [serpent‘s head] and thou
tares are the children of the wicked one;
[serpent] shall bruise his heel [the Seed of the woman]
Who is the seed of the woman? Gal 3:16: Now to Abra-
Let‘s review the battles: serpent – woman, serpent seed –
ham and his seed were the promises made. He saith
woman‘s seed, and the major battle is the seed of the woman
not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy
where he is going to bruise the serpent‘s head and the serpent
seed, which is Christ. Who is it? Jesus Christ Gal. 4;4
will bruise his heel.
But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent
So, God is saying to Satan that since he has taken dominion of forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
the earth from Adam and Eve and all their offspring, He is de-
In the bible genealogies are really a record of men who begat
claring war against Satan. He is going to send a seed and that
men. Gen 5 is a record of all the pre-flood men. Gen 11 from
seed is going to do battle with Satan. In the battle, Satan will
the time of Noah to Abraham are all men who begat men. In
bruise the seed‘s heel, and the seed is going to crush Satan‘s
Christ‘s line there were 3 women mentioned… Rahab, Ruth,
head.
and Mary. Notice how the list ends.
Now what might happen if you decide to lift your foot
Matt 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of
to crush the head of a snake? Isn’t it just possible that
Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
you might get bit in the heel?
What is different here? Jesus is actually born of a
God says he will send a seed to the world that is to be born of a
________? Born of a woman. But he is not born of Joseph.
woman and he will take the place of Adam as the 2 Adam. He
nd
This is because Jesus was the Son of God. God was his Father
will do battle on the same territory where the first Adam lost.
and not Joseph. Gen. 3:15 doesn‘t say that the seed is born
In this battle, the 2 Adam will be bitten but it will be a very
nd
from a man, or that he is born from a man and a woman but
expensive bite. Because after the serpent bites the seed‘s heel,
born of a woman.
his foot will come down upon Satan‘s head and crush him. And
the seed will return to Adam and Eve and all their descendants Now follow with me as I try and illustrate the last element not
the dominion of the earth which they lost. covered yet in Gen. 3:15. Enmity….. When I first read this
verse years ago I must admit I did not fully understand the con-
Now, Adam and Eve have hope that God is going to send some-
cept of enmity. Strongs translates it as hatred or hostility but as
one to rescue the world. A man born of a woman and he is go-
I substituted it into the verse it just didn‘t seem complete.
4
 Our God is fair but He requires holiness and perfection from
us. His expectations are extremely high. Compared to heav-
enly beings we are severely blind and disabled! Therefore,
God much change the rules and provide a way. He has made
it so that we can reach the goal. Now, let‘s look at enmity
and its deeper meaning for us.
This is a paraphrase of TMK p. 16, 308 and 361. Enmity is
supernaturally put by God. Satan heard this prophecy of
3:15 and knew that by some mysterious process, God would
restore man to his lost power and overcome Satan.
It is grace that Christ implants in the soul that creates
enmity. It is this power which Christ imparts that en-
ables man to resist Satan. This enmity between fallen man
and Satan is Christ Jesus. Jesus himself has established a
separating wall between our souls and the foe. But we
must open our hearts to this power and influence of the Holy
Spirit.
By faith alone we can let the heavenly power enter in our
hearts. Even the most blind and crippled and paralyzed per-
son can have the faith to accept Jesus.
To illustrate this in the bible go to Matt 16:21-23 From
that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disci-
ples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer
many things of the elders and chief priests and
scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third
day. 22: Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke
him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not
be unto thee.23: But he turned, and said unto Peter,
Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto
me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God,
but those that be of men.
In this case, Jesus is not rebuking Peter, He is rebuking Satan.
Jesus is putting himself between tempted man (Peter) and
Satan. As we look back at Gen. 3:15, we see that the enmity
FORNICATION PART2... BY BR E MUELLER
2. Literal Meaning
a. References to Historical Events
The NT contains several references to OT events in which forni-
cation occurred. In Heb 12:16 Esau is called a pornos. In Heb
11:31 Rahab, the prostitute, is found. Jam 2:25 also refers to
Rahab as a prostitute who, however, was justified. The Balaam
episode has been mentioned above (Rev 2:14). In 1Cor 10:8 the
same incident is related. Israelite men had committed fornica-
tion with Moabite women plus idolatry. As a result thousands
were killed (Num 25:1,9). Num 31:16 mentions Balaam‘s advice
to defeat Israel by means of fornication and idolatry. Fornica-
tion in these cases describes sexual acts unrelated to marriage.
They may be extramarital as well as premarital affairs. Jude 1:7
talks about Sodom and Gomorrah and the Cities of the Plain.
They engaged in fornication and ―went after other flesh.‖ The
latter term seems to stand for homosexuality. The OT text of
Gen 19:4-8 forms the background for Jude 1:7, and it clearly
implies homosexual acts. The inhabitants of Sodom wanted ―to
know‖ the men who visited Lot, that is, they wanted to have
sexual intercourse with them, although they were not aware of
the fact that these men were angels. Because of their homo-
sexuality unknowingly they ―went after other flesh.‖ Thus, in
Jude the phrase ―going after other flesh‖ points to homosexual-
ity, which is apparently also true for the term ―fornication.‖ The
same OT background describes what Jude calls committing
between the woman and Satan is Jesus Himself. He is that
Divine Wall of separation in the conflict. He is there to pro-
tect and empower us against Satan.
Conclusion:
Go with me for a short look at the Douay-Rheims Bible and
how they have translated this verse: Gen. 3:15 I will put en-
mities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her
seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for
her heel.
Notice how enmity is changed. The official interpretation
from The Second Vatican Council, in its document Lumen
Gentium, tells us that the woman of whom Genesis speaks is
the Blessed Virgin Mary and she will crush the head and Sa-
tan will wait to bruise Mary‘s heel.
Notice how Mary is to battle Satan and Jesus is taken out of
the picture totally. Every reference to Jesus is gone. And, it
appears that the lying in wait goes on for ever even after the
head is crushed. It is almost like the serpent was not really
killed….
The bible says in Rev. 12:9 And the great dragon was
cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,
which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out
into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
The point is, watch and pray and be not deceived…
How many of you want that promise of enmity creat-
ing a separating wall between you and Satan? This is
our only hope in Jesus Christ. 
fornication and going after other flesh. There is little doubt that
the latter phrase more clearly de-
scribes the former. If the word kai,
normally translated ―and,‖ is used
epexegetically, that is, with the mean-
ing ―namely,‖ then fornication is
equated with homosexuality. If it is
not used epexegetically, fornication
in Jude 1:7 would be a broader term
which, however, in this context seems
to include homosexuality.
In NT times, some incidents are reported in which fornication
occurred. In Mt 21:31-32 Jesus talks favorably about tax collec-
tors and prostitutes not because of what they had done in the
past, but because they believed John and repented. Uniting
with a prostitute (porn_) is discussed in 1 Cor 6:15-16. Obvi-
ously, church members in Corinth argued that this is permissi-
ble (vs. 12) and may have practiced it. The prodigal son is ac-
cused by his brother of having devoured his father‘s property
with prostitutes. Thus, fornication points to prostitution as it
was known from the early days of humankind until today.
A specific case of fornication is related in 1Cor 5, and fornica-
tors are mentioned in vss. 9-11. In this text the masculine form
of the same noun is used (pornos) which in 1Cor 6:15-16 refers
to female prostitutes (porn_).
5
However, the case starting with 1Cor 5:1 implies more than pros- understood literally. Only one
titution. In this text, a man commits fornication by having his fa- sexual deviation is named
ther‘s wife. This woman is not called his mother. She may be his among all the other sins and
stepmother. The case is very severe. It is an offense even to the that is fornication. It seems
gentile environment. Yet the church seems not to be disturbed by that in these cases fornication is
that. The act of having sexual intimacy with one‘s stepmother is a broad term including all
called porneia. Some verses farther Paul warns against fornica- other sexual evils, because
tors in the Christian church and counsels fellow believers not to other terms pointing to sexual
associate with them. The case of 5:1 is clearly spelled out in Lev misconduct are absent.
18:8. Lev 18 discusses unlawful sexual relations. First of all, it is
evident that Paul considered Lev 18 or at least parts of it as still c. Exhortations
valid for Christians. Secondly, the term porneia clearly stands for In 1Cor Paul devotes almost three entire chapters to sexual issues.
incestuous relations and may include all unlawful sexual activities The fornicator of 5:1 has been discussed. In 5:9-11 Paul first refers
spelled out in Lev 18, that is, different forms of incest, sexual rela-
back to a previous letter in which he admonished the church
tions with a woman during her period, sexual relations with the members not to associate with fornicators. The meaning of the
wife of another man, homosexuality, and sexual relations with term fornicator in vs. 9 is not restricted to incest. In the present
animals. letter he specifies his admonition by calling believers to totally
dissociate and withdraw from a fornicator, who is a church mem-
The issue of fornication was discussed and decided upon at the ber, and not to eat with such a person. Fornication in this case
Jerusalem Council–Acts 15:20,29; 21:25. Gentile Christians were may include incest, but certainly covers more than that. Although
ordered to abstain from fornication. Obviously, the Jerusalem fornication can never be an option for followers of Christ, they
Council did not discuss the validity of the Decalogue. The term cannot avoid all contact with fornicators in the world and obvi-
that they dealt with was porneia, whereas the Ten Command- ously should not do so, because these people must be won to
ments use the verb moicheu_. It seems quite certain that the dele- Christ.
gates to this Council and especially James had in mind Lev 18.
Paul then in the case of the Corinthian man followed the decisions In 1Cor 6b Paul continues his discussion of sexual topics. Vss. 13-
of the Council of Jerusalem. Porneia was referring to a broad 18 contain the word family -porn- five times. Because the body is
range of sexual deviations including prostitution as found in 1Cor a temple of the Holy Spirit, all fornication must be fled. Sexual
6. immorality directly affects the body. Because the body is a mem-
ber of Christ, it never should become one with a harlot. Joining a
In John 8 a dialogue between Jesus and the Jews takes place fo- prostitute is not an option for one who has joined the Lord.
cusing on the question whether or not Abraham is more than Whereas Paul in 1Cor 5 summons Christians to dissociate from
their physical father. In John 8:41 the Jews tell Jesus: ―We were fornicators that are church members, in 1Cor 6 he commands
not born of fornication‖ and may imply ―but you were.‖ If this is them not to commit acts of fornication. Thus, fornication is pros-
the case, then these people seem to stigmatize Jesus by implying titution as well as an extramarital or a premarital sexual act. In
that he was an illegitimate child. Consequently, the term porneia 1Cor 7:2 Paul‘s call to have one‘s own wife, that is, to be married
would include premarital sex. in order to avoid fornication, may define fornication as premarital
sex. However, the very next verse pointing toward the mutual
b. Lists of Vices marital obligation of the respective couples seems to form another
The NT offers a number of lists of vices. Among the elements of safeguard against fornication. Thus, to avoid fornication one may
these lists oftentimes fornication is found. However, frequently wish to marry and use the gift of sexuality in the God-given way
fornication is not the only element that refers to sexual devia- within the marriage. Apparently, fornication refers to premarital
tions. as well as extramarital affairs. The demand to avoid fornication is
In the long list of vices in Mt 15:19 and in Mk 7:21-22, Jesus men- repeated in 1Cor 10:8. Since the thousands that had been killed
tions adultery (moicheia) and (porneia). were probably not all unmarried men, fornication refers again to
premarital and extramarital intercourse.
Quite often the apostle Paul uses similar enumerations. In 1Cor
6:9-10 ―fornicators,‖ ―idolaters,‖ ―adulterers,‖ ―effeminate,‖ In 1Th 4:3 Paul declares that it is the will of God to abstain from
―homosexuals‖ and others are referred to. Twice fornication is fornication. This verse is part of a sentence which comprises vss.3
found next to impurity (akarthasia)––Eph 5:3,5 ; Col 3:5 —and -6. The passage includes the next two verses. It is a paragraph on
twice next to impurity and sensuality (aselgeia)–2Cor 12:21; Gal God‘s will, namely sanctification. It starts with God‘s will and
5:19. In the list of 1Tim 1:9-10, again fornicators and arsenokoitai sanctification. It concludes with the concept of God‘s will and the
are mentioned. The latter term is translated ―sodomites‖ by the same word sanctification, which is found a third time in the mid-
NRSV and ―homosexuals‖ by the NASB. Thus, in these lists of dle of the passage.
vices fornication is distinguished from adultery, impurity, and vs. 3 God‘s will: sanctification ➝ no fornication (porneia)
homosexuality and may not include these other sexual deviations. vss. 7-8 God‘s calling: sanctification ➝ no impurity (akatharsia)
The two lists in 1Cor 5:9-11 use only one sexual term, namely This seems to indicate that at least here fornication is identical
porneia. Certainly, the context of incest is very important, but with impurity. Within the large sentence of vss.3-6 fornication is
probably porneia is used here in a wider sense including all sex- mentioned first: We should abstain from fornication. Then it is
ual vices, especially since Paul‘s admonition was already given in spelled out what that means, namely ―how to possess his own ves-
a previous letter to the Corinthians before the case of 5:1 was sel [probably his own wife] in sanctification and honor . . . , and
known to Paul. that no man wrong and defraud his brother in this matter . . .‖
Thus, fornication is to have intercourse with the wife of a fellow
The Book of Revelation contains three lists of vices in 9:21; 21:8; believer. This as a clear case of adultery if the fornicator is mar-
and 22:15 in which the word family -porn- occurs. Probably, the ried. Therefore, fornication may include adultery and sometimes
terms in these lists, especially those in Rev 21 and 22, must be be called impurity. TBC
6
 OH HOW HE LOVES YOU... BY SR T NKOMO
Do you really know how much God loves you? When you wake
to birdsong, when you wake the lively chatter if your little ones,
are you impressed by the love He has for you? When you get
dresses, how often do you thank him for providing you with
garments to wear? When you‘re on your way to work, do you
thank Him for giving you economic stability-something He did-
n‘t have when He was on earth?
And if you are unemployed. Desperate for a job, do you ac-
knowledge that He cares? When He sends friends with food for
you, do you praise His name? Mothers staying hgome, raising
your children-are you mindful of the fact that you are blessed?
How many women are out there, bemoaning their (or their
husband‘s) infertility? Many are the sisters out there who long
to be the queen of their household, teaching their children to
love their Redeemer.
which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall
not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall
descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the arch-
angel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall
rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught
up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the
air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort
one another with these words.‖
Friend, He loves you. He has given us resurrection power-not
only the resurrection that He went through, but by His grace,
we have the power to be resurrected. Our faithful loved ones
will be raised up. Can you hear Isaiah telling us ―Awake and
sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs,
and the earth shall cast out the dead.‖ Do you see God‘s love in
the resurrection promise?

Oh how precious your Redeemer is. He loves you with an ever- He loves you. He has given you life and though you are unwor-
lasting love. He IS Love, love as espoused in 1 Corinthians 13. thy, He is willing to cover you with His robe of righteousness.
He forgives you when you come in true contrition and He When you are mindful of His tender compassion, His wonder-
promises to dwell within you, if you only have faith. He came to ful mercy, can you dare spurn His invitation? ―My child, my
this earth, lived a humble life, suffered much, because He loves nail-scarred hands were pierced for you. I love you so much
you. that I not only died for you but want to spend eternity with you.
I want to live with you forever, to show you joy unimaginable,
There are times when you feel forsaken. Times when friends to wipe away your etars. Please
are few, when loved ones betray you and your heart is torn. He surrender. Let me come in and
is the Bridegroom that will never break His vows. Lean on Him, live out MY life within you. I
He wil strengthen you. Yes, He cares when death has taken will never leave you nor forsake
your beloved away. He loved them just as much as He loved you. Together we can over-
Lazarus. And He will raise His faithful followers from the dead. come. Come as you are and MY
righteousness will transform
Let the promise of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 become a reality.‖ you. Your past is forgiven, it is
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning forgotten. Just come. Because I
them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which love you.‖
have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,
even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Great is His faithfulness.
15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we

DEMON POSESSION IN CHRISTIANS PART1... BY BR G HUNT

Mar 9:17 … Master … my son hath a dumb spirit; 18 And
wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth,
TESTIMONY OF Rob Lindsay 1987/05/25 (Tel 0437481868
and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to
robbie@sainet.co.za http://
thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
… 20 And they brought him and … straightway the spirit tare healing.through.deliverance.googlepages.com)
him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And I had been baptised at the age of 40. My father was a drunk, &
his father … said … 22 ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, I was resentful of my wife, Judy‟s tendency to make decisions
and into the waters, to destroy him … 25 Jesus … rebuked the without referring to me. Later we came to understand that to
foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I be nothing less than witchcraft. Our “ping-pong” re-actions,
charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 were a result of behaviour that was contrary to God‟s order in
And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: the home.
and he was as one dead … 27 But Jesus took him by the hand,
and lifted him up; and he arose. … 29 And he said unto them, I & Judy, were elders in a Charismatic church. We prayed in
This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.the Spirit, & had physically healed people & set some free from
evil spirits. It had never entered our thoughts that we our-
There is very little written about Demon possession & Exorcism selves needed to be delivered from demons.
by Sabbath keepers. Yet I find much written by the Charis-
matic members, possibly because „Speaking in false tongues‟, After a stressful day at the law office, I came home to find over-
can be a manifestation of Demon possession. Thus they seem night guests. I was angry, resentful, rude & sarcastic. Feeling
to have far more problems with Demons, and Exorcism is more a cold coming on, I went to bed. Suddenly an intense coldness
important to them. enveloped me, & I began to shiver. No amount of blankets
made a difference. (This is a common manifestation) Judy sat
I have attempted to look at the Process of Demon possession next to me & began to pray. There was a sort of stirring
& How to get rid of them. within ...continued p9
7
 DANIEL WAS GREATLY BELOVED OF GOD.... BY SR EG WHITE
Dan 10:7-11 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that at peace with all men, he would not permit any power to turn him
were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon aside from the path of duty. He was willing to obey those who had
them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left rule over him, as far as he could do so consistently with truth and
alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in righteousness; but kings and decrees could not make him swerve
me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I re- from his allegiance to the King of kings. Daniel was but eighteen
tained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I years old when brought into a heathen court in service to the king
heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, of Babylon, and because of his youth his noble resistance of wrong
and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, and his steadfast adherence to the right are the more admirable.
which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands. His noble example should bring strength to the tried and tempted,
And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand even at the present day. 4T, p 570
the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee
am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood Daniel loved, feared, and obeyed God. Yet he did not flee away
trembling. from the world to avoid its corrupting influence. In the providence
of God he was to be in the world yet not of the world. With all the
All who are truly sanctified will have a similar experience. The
temptations and fascinations of court life surrounding him, he
clearer their views of the greatness, glory, and perfection of Christ,
stood in the integrity of his soul, firm as a rock in his adherence to
the more vividly will they see their own weakness and imperfec-
principle. He made God his strength and was not forsaken of Him
tion. They will have no disposition to claim a sinless character; that
in his time of greatest need. 4T, p569
which has appeared right and comely in themselves will, in con-
trast with Christ's purity and glory, appear only as
Daniel dared not trust to his own moral power.
unworthy and corruptible. SL, p50
Prayer was to him a necessity. He made God his
strength, and the fear of God was continually
Daniel was a devoted servant of the Most High.
before him in all the transactions of his life.
His long life was filled up with noble deeds of ser-
Daniel possessed the grace of genuine meekness.
vice for his Master. His purity of character and
He was true, firm, and noble. He sought to live
unwavering fidelity are equalled only by his hu-
in peace with all, while he was unbending as the
mility of heart and his contrition before God. We
lofty cedar wherever principle was involved. In
repeat, the life of Daniel is an inspired illustration
everything that did not come in collision with his
of true sanctification. SL, p52
allegiance to God, he was respectful and obedi-
ent to those who had authority over him. SL
The character of Daniel is presented to the world as a striking ex-
20,21
ample of what God's grace can make of men fallen by nature and
corrupted by sin. The record of his noble, self-denying life is an
The spirit that possessed Daniel, the youth of today may have; they
encouragement to our common humanity. From it we may gather
may draw from the same source of strength, possess the same
strength to nobly resist temptation, and firmly, and in the grace of
power of self-control, and reveal the same grace in their lives, even
meekness, stand for the right under the severest trial. SL, p21
under circumstances as unfavorable. Though surrounded by temp-
tations to self-indulgence, especially in our large cities, where every
Although he was a man of like passions with ourselves, the pen of
form of sensual gratification is made easy and inviting, yet by di-
inspiration presents him as a faultless character. His life is given us
vine grace their purpose to honor God may remain firm. Through
as a bright example of what man may become, even in this life, if he
strong resolution and vigilant watchfulness they may withstand
will make God his strength and wisely improve the opportunities
every temptation that assails the soul. But only by him who deter-
and privileges within his reach. 4T, p569
mines to do right because it is right will the victory be gained. PK,
p489
Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet
identified himself with the really sinful of Israel, as he pleaded be-
The history of Daniel, if all was written, would open chapters be-
fore God in behalf of his people: "We do not present our supplica-
fore you that would show you the temptations he had to meet, of
tions before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mer-
ridicule, envy, and hatred; but he learned to master the difficulties.
cies." "We have sinned, we have done wickedly." He declares, "I
He did not trust in his own strength; he laid his whole soul and all
was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my
his difficulties open to his heavenly Father, and he believed God
people." GC, p470
heard him, and he was comforted and blessed. He rose superior to
In their behalf he confessed sins of which he himself was not guilty, ridicule; and so will every one who is an overcomer. Daniel ac-
and besought the mercy of God, that he might bring his brethren to quired a serene and cheerful state of mind, because he believed
see their sins, and with him to humble their hearts before the Lord. God was his friend and helper. The taxing duties he had to perform
RH, December 16, 1890 were made light because he brought the light and love of God into
his work. "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth" to such as
Daniel was true, noble, and generous. While he was anxious to be walk in them YI Aug. 25, 1886
8
my lower chest. It was as if there was a huge struggle going on Mar 1:32 … they brought unto him all that were diseased, and
within me – something needed to come out, yet did not want to them that were possessed with devils.
do so. My body was being contorted, something like knives dug
Act 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of
into my stomach ulcer & leg muscles.
many that were possessed with them: and many taken with pal-
After some time, I felt something rise up within my chest & de- sies, and that were lame, were healed.
part out my mouth. It was as if there was a huge belch, & I felt
But note: Possession has similar symptoms to Madness, Shak-
immediate relief & freedom from pain. This was the 1st demon
ing, Paralysis, & loss of control. Charismatic Christians think
to leave. Just as I was about to say I felt wonderful, there came
that ―Speaking in tongues‖, means the person is filled with the
another stirring from within. Again the same manifestation
Holy Spirit, and thus they can not have demons inside them.
started.
Thus Christians can only be influenced by evil Spirits from out-
After 2 hours, with cycles of icy cold shivering, followed by hot side their Bodies.
perspiration from the physical exertion, 10 demons had left,
Mar 3:14 And he ordained twelve … to preach, 15 And to have
each with a gut-wrenching gasp. The last was a ―strong man‖,
power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
which we had to ‗bind‖.
Act 1:17 For he (Judas) was numbered with us, and had ob-
Mat 12:28,29 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then
tained part of this ministry.
the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter
into a strong man's* house, and spoil (plunder) his goods, except Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot,
he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house. being of the number of the twelve. (Luk 22:3)
The house represents a person who needs to be delivered from John 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put
evil spirits. into the heart of Judas Iscariot, … to betray him;
Luk 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his Satan worked through Selfish theft (John 12:6), to create a heart
goods are in peace: ... 24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of emotion, of uncontrolled selfishness & envy.
a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding
But God works differently
none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the
Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more prophets.
wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the
Others say Christians can be oppressed by evil Spirits in their
last state of that man is worse than the first. (Luke 8:2)
Bodies & Souls, never in their Spirits.
When I tried to pray, to bind this strong man, suddenly, I found
2Co 7:1 … dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthi-
I could not speak. Judy prayed until my tongue was loosened,
ness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of
and together we commanded him to go. It required use of my
God.
whole spirit, mind & body to push him out of me. It felt as if a
huge octopus had a grip on me. Finally there was a great 1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I
wrenching inside me. A wonderful sense of God‘s peace was in pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved
the room. blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Subsequently, there have been many more deliverances for both Greek theology, taught that the Flesh is evil, The Spirit is pure, &
of us, but none of the magnitude of that night. Only Christians the deeds done in the flesh can never influence the Spirit. As
can retain their deliverance. long as Christians believe that they can not have evil spirits, they
can not be set free.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
In nearly every instance, Christ addressed the demon as an intel-
POSSESSED CHRISTIANS
ligent entity, commanding him to come out of his victim and to
The Scientologists teach that Demon possession, is only a mani- torment him no more. The worshipers … saying, What a word is
festation of sickness, (Mental or Physical). this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean
spirits, and they come out." [LUKE 4:36.] … None are in greater
The Watchtower organisation, teaches that a Demon can not be
danger from the influence of evil spirits than are those who, …
inside a person, neither the Holy Spirit either.
deny the existence and agency of the
ALL this is not Biblical, but based on this text: devil and his angels. So long as we are
ignorant of their wiles, they have al-
Luk 6:17 … a great multitude … came to hear him, and to be
most inconceivable advantage; many
healed of their diseases; 18 And they that were vexed with un-
give heed to their suggestions while
clean spirits: and they were healed
they suppose themselves to be follow-
But Sickness & Possession are listed separately ing the dictates of their own wisdom. …
as we approach the close of time, Satan
Mat 4:24 … they brought unto him all sick people that were
… spreads everywhere the belief that he
taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were
does not exist. (or is ) half animal and
possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those
half human. {GC88 516}
that had the palsy; and he healed them.
If you cannot control your reactions, then you need to
Mat 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him
deal with some spirit.
many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits
with his word, and healed all that were sick: (Act 19:12) TBC

PRISONERS OF
HOPE
This newsletter is authored by
members of the SDA church
whose desire is to provide a
thought provoking newsletter
for Adventists dwelling on the
banks of Jordan; in the process
appealing to entire fidelity to
the Bible and the Spirit of
Prophecy.
HONOUR DUE TO PARENTS
1. By what is every child known?
"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." Prov. 20: 11.
2. What is the duty of every child?
"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother." Prov. 1: 8.
3. What does the fifth commandment require of children?
"Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth
thee.". Ex. 20: 12.
NOTE - While this precept refers directly to our earthly parents, it also includes God, our Father in heaven;
for in honoring them we honor Him. To the child too young to know God, the earthly parent takes the place of
God. Learning to honor, respect, and obey his earthly parents is the child's first and most important lesson in
learning to honor, respect, and obey God, his heavenly Parent.
4. For how long a time should one honor his parents?
"Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old." Prov. 23: 22.
NOTE - As long as parents live, they should be honored and respected by their children. The duty enjoined in
the fifth commandment does not cease at maturity, nor when the child leaves the parental roof.
5. What is the character of a child who will not listen to his father's instruction?
"A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent." Prov. 15: 5.
6. What course on the part of children is well pleasing to the Lord?
"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is wellpleasing unto the Lord." Col. 3:20.
7. In what spirit should children obey their parents?
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this right.” Eph. 6: 1.
8. What is one way in which a child may dishonor his parents?
'He that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.” Prov. 28: 7.
9. What is said of one who robs his father or his mother?
"Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a de-
stroyer.” Verse 24.
10. How did Jesus honor His parents?
"He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them." Luke 2: 51.
11. How did the Jewish leaders in the days of Christ, for the sake of gain, make void the fifth command-
ment?
"But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be prof-
ited by me; and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of
God of none effect by your tradition." Matt. 15:5,6.
NOTE - The word translated gift in this text means a thing dedicated to God, and therefore not to be used for
any other purpose. In this way the Jewish teachers, by their traditional law, taught children that by saying that
their property was thus dedicated to the temple or to religious purposes, they were free from the obligation to
honor and support their parents, thus making void one of the commandments of God. This Christ condemned.
12. In what other way do some dishonor their father and mother?
"There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother." Prov. 30: 11.
13. What will be the fate of the one who curseth his father or his mother?
"Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness." "The eye that mock-
eth at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young
eagles shall eat it." Prov. 20: 20; 30: 17.
14. What will he the reward of those who honor their parents?
"Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth
thee." Ex. 20: 12.
NOTE - The fullness of this promise will be realized in the life to come, when the earth, restored to its Edenic
beauty, will become the eternal home of all those who have truly honored their parents and kept all God's
commandments.
15. What comment has the Apostle Paul made upon this commandment?
“Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee,
and thou mayest live long on the earth." Eph. 6: 2, 31
16. In what age of the world is disobedience to parents to be especially manifest?
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves,
covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy." 2 Tim. 3:1,2.
NOTE - Disobedience to parents is a marked characteristic of the present generation. Never before was it so
common or so widespread. The root of the evil, however, lies not so much in the children as in the parents.
Many of the latter are disobedient to God, their Father in heaven, and so have failed to bring up their children
in the fear of God and in the ways of righteousness. Bible instruction, lessons of faith, and prayer must not be
neglected in the home if we would see obedient, God-fearing children growing up in the world.
BE kind to thy father, for when thou wert young, Who loved thee so fondly as he?
He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue, And joined in thy innocent glee.
Be kind to thy mother, for lo! on her brow May traces of sorrow be seen;
Oh, well may'st thou cherish and comfort her now, For loving and kind bath she been.
 +27(0)21 557 4944 086 608 7075 +27(0)83 268 7575 www.thenkomos.com
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