Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

NOT THE AGE OF AQUARIUS, BUT OF PHARMACY

“Pharmacy” is transliterated from the ancient Greek language (taken bodily from one language to another). There it appears as “pharmakeia.” It means the dispensing and use of drugs, but mainly in a bad sense. In both Old and New Testaments, this term, and its Hebrew equivalent “kashaph” are translated in English as “witchcraft(s) and sorcery.” It is a practice that plays a major role in the lives of men as the age comes to a close. This idea is not to be taken as an accusation of evil toward legitimate pharmacies whose purpose is to aid in the treatment of the ills and pains of men in their physical infirmities. But it denotes the ages-long abuse and misuse of drugs in what is called recreational, and mind altering abuse. Moreover, the Biblical terms “witchcraft” and “sorcery” have definite metaphorical denotations in their usage throughout history.

Sometimes a drug is a physical substance. Sometimes it is a strong line of falsehoods meant to alter the thinking from that which is ultimately true, especially the Word of God. In ancient times idolaters used both. They used physical drugs as they knew them, but the aim and purpose was to captivate, and alter the minds of men with forms of doctrine and ceremonies that originated in hell itself. Why did this happen, and why does it continue to happen? It is as old as good and evil, God and Satan. It is Satan’s design and purpose to destroy the very images of Almighty God (people) as much as possible. He is the destroyer, and that must not be forgotten.

The apostle Paul named “Pharmakeia,” translated “witchcraft,” as a work of the sinful flesh in Galatians 5:20. Additionally, as the false religious systems of the world, termed metaphorically as Babylon, are destroyed, their just and righteous charge among several other things is the practice and dissemination of (pharmakeia). sorceries, Revelation 18:23. It is by these things that false religion has been drunk with the blood of God’s people from the death of righteous Abel, to the prophets, and onward to New Testament times. Presently, the explosion of “Pharmakeia” in literal and metaphorical senses is bringing about the destruction of myriad lives, this nation, and the world at large. It is imperative then to the wellbeing of every person to have the firsthand, knowledgeable standing place. If it is deemed wise to avoid the literal “Pharmakeia,” it is many times more wise to avoid the metaphorical “Pharmakeia.” It is the inerrant, infallible Word of God, and not the word of religious men or the alignment of stars that offers the only acceptable alternative. How dare anyone to let it collect dust in their homes and lives.

Let those with ears to hear, hear the admonition to abandon the drunken course of this world and its influence on eternal verities. God offers to all sobriety, but those in “pharmakeia” will meet the sure judgment already set forth in clear terms of Holy Writ!

FOR THOUGHT: So called “recreational drugs” are taken for their mind altering qualities, but do you think having one’s mind altered is a good thing? What happens when the alteration becomes permanent? Which do you think inflicts more damage: physical drugs or false religion altering thinking away from the Bible to please humanistic mindsets?

OH, I BELIEVE THERE ARE ANGELS AMONG US

A few years ago, a popular religious song carried the line of this title in its lyrics. The words went on to say….. sent down to us from somewhere up above. To be sure, there are angels among us. I do not refer to saintly mothers, darling children, or that those become angels upon physical death. Rather reference is made to the myriad of intellectual, spiritual creatures made by the Lord for specific purposes of ministry to Him. These remain in the invisible dimension except when commissioned to visit the visible world on special errand from God. Definitely, there is much going on in the unseen world which requires no sleep.

Just take a quick survey of angelic appearances in the past. The angel of the Lord appeared to Abraham, Hagar, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and to the prophets Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, and to Mary and Joseph, as well as to the shepherds to announce Jesus’ birth. The angel Gabriel was dispatched from the Lord with special enlightening messages for Daniel, but an evil angel hindered his mission for several days. It was then that the Angel Michael was sent to overcome the evil angel, and allow Gabriel to fulfill his mission.

When the city of Dothan was apparently doomed by the advancing hosts of Syria, a huge amount of angels with chariots of fire appeared encircling the entire area. The Syrians were smitten with blindness, and sent home humiliated. 2 Kings 6. Then, of course, in New Testament times an angel brought Peter out of prison when he was secured both by chains and guards. An angel told Paul that he did not have to fear drowning in the shipwreck at sea. Moreover, Paul was told that everyone on the ship would also be spared, and that he would indeed stand before Caesar. It is interesting to note that Holy Writ also declares that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them. Psalm 34:7. Yes, indeed there are angels, very real angels among us.

But perhaps the most notable activity of angels will occur just before the end of the age. During the great tribulation, they will sound trumpets, pour out vials of wrath, preach the everlasting gospel, etc. Much is going on behind the veil that blocks human sight. Some of these things may be seen by humans, but only with the eyes of faith as one relies heavily on the ingested Word of God. How truly marvelous it is that there are angels among us!

FOR THOUGHT: Do you realize that guardian angels are among us, and you are never really alone? Does that give you pause about thoughts, actions, and places where you go? What are angels observing about you?