"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

 By

 Charles Lee Emerson, Minister

Order now THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE.

JESUS IS LORD

         This is the testimony of: Charles Lee Emerson.  This is the story of my life.  I write this only with the thought of passing it on to my fellowman, to help them as I have been helped; and to lift up and glorify my dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I promise you; if you will read this complete testimony, your life will be changed forever!

         I was born and raised in a Brethren home, which I am very grateful in many ways.  I had a normal childhood, was taught right from wrong and went to church on Sunday, as best as I can remember, which is a tradition of the church.  Then one day: I Lost My Lure!

          I will here borrow another mans vision, as an illustration to explain my loss!  I found myself in a large, very deep body of water.  The water was crystal clear and a perfect temperature.  Simply being in the water was one of the most pleasurable sensations I have ever had.  However, without realizing it, I was being drawn deeper and deeper into the water until the surface could barely be seen.  Yet, the bottom was undetectable.

           At this point a certain reverential awe and fearfulness began to emerge in me.  As Scriptures point out, the Lord  dwells in deep darkness.

           And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.  Exodus 20:21

           Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in thick darkness.  1 Kings 8:12

           Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.  2 Chronicles 6:1

           In this place, one is completely vulnerable and at the mercy of God.  It was both exhilarating and terrifying.  It is a place where a human meets with God without pretense or disguise.  I remained at that depth for a few contemplative moments until I felt the need to return to the surface.  I wasn't out of breath, though, for it was as natural to breathe in this water as it is to breathe in a cool breeze along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico.

           As I began to make my way back toward the surface, I was drawn to an underwater rock ledge.  There I discovered a fishing lure resting in one of the crevices.  I could tell it had once been a very productive lure, but the line had been broken, and the lure had been lost. This lure represented an evangelistic mantle that had been worn with considerable success; it had drawn many sinners to Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven.  Unfortunately, the carrier of the anointing had been ensnared in a trap of the enemy and had lost the "lure."

           I contemplated seizing the lure and taking it back, but I was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to touch it.  Instead I was  instructed to return to the surface and bring a man back to the location of the lure; only he could retrieve and restore it.

           Later I was told the lure specifically represented a powerful evangelistic mantle worn previously by someone else.  Unfortunately, the lure, or mantle, had been lost when the line had been broken, severing the flow of grace essential for that commission.  The Lord was now preparing to recapture it.  That gift would rest upon someone-or a company of people-who have discovered God in deep darkness.  Their character and nature are being groomed by Him.

           The enemy thought the anointing had been lost for ever in the depth of the water.  However, the Lord caused it to rest upon a ledge so it could be reassigned.  This symbolic lure is representative of the mantles of evangelism that have been stolen by the evil one and held in heavenly places until they could be restored.  The ministry of Gods justice will see to that.  (1)

           This is exactly what happened to me.  For Gods word says:

           The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?  Jeremiah 17:9

           When I was about 7 or 8 years old, I heard the word "SIN."  Don't get me wrong, I surely heard it in Sunday School and Church, but this time was different.  Let me explain.

           My friend Billy and I were out back of the barn in the barnyard.  We had climbed over the fence into the neighboring field and again crossed into the next neighboring field where there was a chicken-coop with turbine vents on top and windows all along the south side.

          For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

           My mother and grandmother had always warned me about the devils devices.  But the lure of sin can overrule in ones heart.  I did not want to be different than most of the other boys so I suggested we throw rocks and stones at the windows and see how many we could break out.  That's when Billy shouted "NO THATS A SIN!"  Well, He (God) got my attention.  This was the first moment in my life when I begin to check myself when SIN would pop up its ugly head!

           I remember being outside the kitchen window of our home.  My Grandmother had the radio on.  I remember the radio announcer say something like: We interrupt this program to bring you this special news flash.  It is reported today that five missionary men were speared to death in Ecuador, South America.  I remember as an eight year old boy hearing this tragic news, praying.  I mean really praying, probably for the first time something like: God, what can I do to help?

           Jesus said: For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. Matthew 15:19

           Now boys and girls, every where, please take this kind warning, from one who has been down the broad road of destruction, and by the grace of God has returned.  Don't throw that first rock or stone, don't take that first drink, drug or cigarette which will lead you to more sin and hell!  The devil says, oh but one stone, one drink, one drug or one cigarette won't hurt, but one will lead to a thousand more!

           Jesus also said: For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders. Mark 7:21

           As I grew older, I continued to go to church and learn about the Word of God and what I should and should not do.  But deep down inside of my heart was an awful fear of I knew not what.  I had an empty, lonely, guilty feeling within.  Simply going to church did not give me any peace.

           Jesus said, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  Ye must be born again. John 3:5, 7

           On June 4, 1968, my first wife and I were married, and I hoped marriage was the answer.  Others had married and settled down, but this did not work for me.  Six months later, I was drafted into the Army and sent off to Vietnam. 

           As I said earlier on, I was raised in church, knew right from wrong, but I never acted upon what I knew the Holy Bible said we must do to be born again, to ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins.

          Two weeks in Vietnam, I was flying as a pilot.  We were carrying soldiers on board our Huey Helicopter and were just dropping down over the tree line to insert the troops into combat when all Hell brook loose.  We began taking fire or bullets from both sides and to our front.  Our radios came alive, full of chatter: TAKING FIRE, TAKING FIRE, TAKING FIRE!

           Deep inside my soul, I remember praying something like: Oh God, Jesus save me now!

           All of a sudden, the fear of death departed from me.  Everything seemed to slow down to a snails pace.  I could see the tracer bullets coming at us but they did not hit us.  They were miraculously deflected left, right and over our heads.

           I then remembered the verse that said: The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Psalms 34:7

            I thank God for saving me!

            Within the year the devil raised up his ugly head again and SIN entered in causing our marriage to end in divorce.

           Then one day, I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? Job 31:1

           On December 4, 1971, my second wife and I were married; we have two wonderful sons.  We had a good life, or so I thought!  Then here came that SINful nature that is in the heart of every man and woman and boy and girl!

           For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

           Dear one, if you are enslaved by any sin let me tell you now, that the answer is in Jesus Christ.

           The Bible says, If we (you and I) confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, (all of them) and to cleanse us  from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

           Praise God!  Praise God!  Praise God!

           And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? Matthew 9:4

           For the next five years of our married life we settled in for what we thought was the good life, or so I thought!  Then on December 24, 1976, I committed SIN again.  That SINful nature I had not dealt with had again rose up and over took me.  At that time, I put my pregnant wife, a few close brothers and sisters in the faith and myself through much shame and disgrace.  It was a living hell on earth for us.  The heart is deceitfully wicked, who can know it. Jeremiah 17:9.  SIN is a hard master.

           How think ye?  If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? Matthew 18:12

           Getting through this took almost 15 years.  Then on February 14, 1991, I came to the end of myself.  Things started to happen I had no control over.  God allowed things to take place in my life, which eventually led to my being excommunicated from our church and rightly so.  At this time I still had terrible fears of I knew not what.  I thought I was losing my mind.

           For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3

           By this time, I would lie, cheat and steal to cover up what I was doing.  I would not face reality, but lived in a false world.  No one knew what I had gotten into this time, or so I thought!  I had tried to commit suicide back in 1971 because of this thing called SIN.  Now I hated myself so much I thought of trying to commit suicide again.  But God is merciful.  He led me into a different direction.

           For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. Galatians 6:3

           I knew I had to repent.  I knew I had to confess my sins to God, I knew I had to ask Jesus to forgive me of my sins, and I did.  Thank you Jesus! 

           I told my wife and two sons what I had done and ask for their forgiveness.  My wife and I went to counseling.  I made a public confession before our church of 25 years, and they unanimously voted me back into fellowship with them.  I even went through group therapy and fellowship with other Christians who had similar stories to tell, by helping others they receive help for themselves.  I was asked if I believed in God and if I wanted to quit what I was doing.  I said yes.  I went on the road all alone and traveled all over the US and Canada for four years. 

         Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

         Oh, I tried to be a good father to our sons.  When our oldest son called me in Canada to ask my permission to trade grandpa's truck for a newer car, I told him that I gave the truck to him; he could do what ever he liked with it.  But inside, I got a sick feeling, realizing I was letting go of my Dad all over again.  You see I had just lost my Dad to death in February 1990.

         One time our second son called me in New York.  He said his car would not start in the parking garage of the collage he was attending.  He ask me to come help him.  I told him I was only about 12 hours away and I would be there!

         The next day we had to tow his car to a garage to get the starter changed.  It turned out the engine had locked up and needed to be fixed.  We discussed it and decided to rebuild it ourselves.  I told him that every son should rebuild an engine at least once in his life to see what it is like.  We did and it worked just fine.  Months later he sold the car and moved up to a better and newer car.

           James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

           But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

           Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:  But the rich, in that he is made low:  because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.  For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

                   Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:  for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.  Do not err, my beloved brethren.

             Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

           Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

           But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

           Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:1-27

           Then God told me to go home.  I did, and everything seemed to go wrong.  I lost my job; debts were pressing, and I had fears within and without.  But we tried for five years and lived in the same house together, yet all alone.

           Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 1 Peter 4:12

           She finally asked me to leave.  I did and I lived in what I call a cave (apartment) for two years all alone.  No one from the family or our church of 25 years came to visit me even once.  Our marriage ended in divorce.

           I here share with you a poem that deep in my heart cried out because of my past sins.

 I sinned, I sinned, I really had sinned!

           Deep in my spirit I knew the way.  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

           I am here today to say the old Chuck Emerson is dead to sin and gone.  The new Charles Lee Emerson is alive and well to the Glory of God!

           I know what I did was displeasing to God.  Now in these twenty-four months, I had turned over a new leaf and God was dealing with me.

           What shall we say then?  Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.

           Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  What then?  Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?  God forbid.

           Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

           For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 6:1-23

           I started writing to a Christian woman named Virginia.  She is an Evangelist according to what God has told me through her writings and words.

           Evangelist Virginia began to tell me things that she could not possibly know.  God told me in my spirit, He told her these things and she is Prophetess Virginia!

           One day she suggested: Maybe God is bringing you out, to bring you in!  Maybe God is delivering you from the sins of your past to bring you into a new relationship with Him!  Maybe God is bringing you higher up and farther in!  

           I was attending church again, at the request of a dear brother John Oliver that I worked with.  He was faithful to put me on his church prayer list about six weeks before I know what was going on.

           If we (you and I) confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, (all of them) and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

           About this time Pastor Jeff Burke preached a message that was entitled: "Bringing you out, to bring you in. from Deuteronomy 6.

           This was God confirming to me, what Evangelist and Prophetess Virginia had already told me.

           Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.  Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.  And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD:  that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers.  And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. Deuteronomy 6:12, 18, and 23.

           As time went on, I realized I was trying to work my own way into heaven.

           If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

           Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be  equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the  likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the  death of the cross.

           Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have  always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.