“Established in the present truth” (2 Peter 1:12).
There seems to be a concern in some quarters of the Church today about the words present truth. This is an unnecessary fear, one which must be dealt with lest it deprive us of God’s revelation knowledge for our time.
It seems that those who are resistant to the use of the expression “present truth” object to it on the grounds that it suggests acceptance of “a new gospel not founded on the Bible.” This is a needless anxiety. There is no real danger in the Christian Church that the Bible will ever be replaced by a “revelation” given to some modern-day guru or cult leader.
The problem is a misunderstanding of the words “present truth.” In the original Greek, this was one word, pareimi (par’-i- mee), meaning “the truth at hand” or “the truth for the time being.”
In each period revival, a new aspect of well-established scriptural truth has come to the forefront and received a Spirit-inspired focus and emphasis: In Luther’s day it was “justification by faith”; in Wesley’s age it was “today is the day of salvation”; during the Holiness revival period it was “without holiness no man shall see God.”
The Pentecostal’s “present truth” is Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 3:22). God’s Word is forever settled in heaven and will never be replaced. The Holy Spirit, however, has something to say to this age. Just as He does to every age. He delivers that message by speaking to believers. Be listening for God’s eternal, everlasting, “present truth”!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.