2,000 years ago our Lord Jesus came to us as the Suffering Servant. He came as the Bridegroom to the bride, bringing His dowry, His gift, His offer of redemption and hope.

His return will be quite different. He will return as Conquering King, Creator of the Universe and Righteous Judge.

Our L-RD, The long awaited Messiah will return to this earth - Jesus the Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach will bring closure to the holy history of this age.

The 7th seal will follow bringing in the final establishment of His glorious Millennial Kingdom.

Are you ready?

"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trail which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth."Revelation 3:10

I will preserve you from [ek = from; Strongs 1537], in, through and out of the hour of trial.

""Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28

Which road have you chosen ~

The wide, popular road that pleases the world and brings earthly success -- or the narrow road so despised by the world? Only those who choose the latter will know the wonder of His eternal riches, the joy of His presence, and the peace that surpasses all human understanding.

In a world that has forgotten God's Word, refuses to surrender to God's Will while rejecting God's Way, we can expect intolerance, hostility and persecution. That's why Jesus warned us,

"If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.... If they persecuted Me they will persecute you... for they do not know the One who sent Me." John 15:19-21

Following Him, we have nothing of lasting significance to lose, and we have everything to gain! Walking with Jesus in His lowly path -- never ceasing to demonstrate His love, yet never compromising His truths to win approval -- we enjoy a peace and joy that far surpasses all earthly thrills. Our lives will be full of challenges, but He has promised to provide all the resources we need.

“My grace is sufficient for you," he assures us, "for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Hopefully, you and I will echo Paul's heartfelt response:

"Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Twilight, Harry Potter and.....

"Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?' And the woman said to the serpent, '... God has said, ‘You shall not eat it [the fruit of the tree], nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ "Then the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die.... So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate." Gen. 3:1-6

If my goal were to undermine Christianity, incite rebellion against parents, eradicate Biblical values, and spread moral chaos, I would urge teens to read the Twilight, Harry Potter book series. I would prompt them to immerse their minds and emotions in the dark, emotional whirlpool of sensual occultism. And I would not warn them of the consequences.

If my goal were to expose this assault on Biblical faith then I would equip potential readers with information that enables them to resist the temptation to join the collective journey into the mind-changing realm of the occult, I would expose the raging spiritual war that is intensifying even as I write.

Bella's passionate love for the mysteriously handsome Edward may be fiction, but the obsession felt by teenage readers who "resonate" with Bella is very real! Young super-fans (Twilighters) identify with her plight, sense her fears, and "feel" her passion. They love the story because it arouses strong, unforgettable emotions -- the kind of enchanting thrills that can best be shared within the peer group, not with parents.

Harry Potter's wizardly world is becoming strangely familiar to today's youth. No longer do mystical incantations, transforming potions, dark omens or "the noble art of divination" (as Harry's divination teacher called it) shock or alarm those who call themselves Christians. Popular magic -- real or imagined -- has become a normal part of our postmodern culture.

Whether impulsive or planned, each magical spell performed by Harry Potter is an expression and extension of Harry's will," says a former occultist. "That's a foundational occult reality, and it clashes head on with Biblical truth." God calls His children to trust and submit to Him and His will, not their own. "Not My will, but Thine, be done," prayed Jesus. "I can of Myself do nothing," He told His disciples earlier."... I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." Luke 22:42, John 5:30

God' Word clearly tells us ~

"...have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret." Ephesians 5:11-12

"For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?... Therefore 'Come out from among them and be separate,' says the Lord." 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

Popular fantasies, with their boundless thrills and unforgettable images, bypass logical thinking. Their subtle suggestions face little conscious resistance. Designed to stir feelings and produce strong emotional responses, they create new realities in today's "open" minds!

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:6

God tells us to "abhor what is evil" and "cling to what is good." (Romans 12:9) When today's youth love the emotional thrills of popular occultism, they are desensitizing their hearts and minds to its evil. They are turning God's truth upside down. And they, with a little help from the marketing industry, are turning America's values upside down.

Few Twilighters see their new passion as evil. After all, Edward is a relatively "good" vampire, isn't he? Though he lusts for Bella's blood, he restrains his craving. Other vampires, and some of the werewolves, in the saga are downright murderous, but he's a good guy! Isn't he? Lovers of the Harry Potter series increase daily as parents, grandparents, teachers and friends suggest the series is "harmless."

When we choose to follow the ways of the LORD, He gives us a heart to love Him, spiritual eyes that can know and love His Word, the comfort of His presence, and a confidence in His constant care - no matter what happens around us.

But, when we refuse to follow Biblical teachings...

"...the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you, be watchful in all things..." 2 Timothy 4:2-5

Survivor of Socialism Has Warning for America

The South Dakota Family Policy Council sponsored a speech at First Assembly of God in Rapid City by Kitty Werthmann of Eagle Forum in South Dakota.

Werthmann is the head of the South Dakota chapter of Eagle Forum, and was born in Austria. Werthmann lived for seven years under the Nazi rule of Austria, eventually coming to the United States in 1950 to become a naturalized citizen in 1962. She said conditions in 1930’s Austria were very difficult. Unemployment was high, food was short, and many businesses were going bankrupt. Austrians were looking to Germany where they saw prosperity and law and order, while they had near anarchy in their own country.

With only a border between them, speaking the same language and having a similar culture, they believed the promise of prosperity from Adolf Hitler. Politically in their country, on one side was the National Socialist Party (Nazi) and the other was the Communist Party.

The communists were growing stronger as a party because of their promises, as well. When the country had to decide between Nazis and Communists, most of the people came to the realization they were a country with a Christian background and could not bring themselves to vote for the atheistic communists. Austria voted the Nazi Party in to power. Once the Nazis took control, the people no longer voted for government positions anymore; all positions down to the local level were filled by appointment. In the interest of a supposedly more efficient government, the Nazis decided to centralize all government between Germany and Austria. Hitler nationalized (socialized) the banks, health care, automobile production, education, and more.

Werthmann said they had prayer in school and religious instruction, but “this all stopped overnight” once the Nazis took over. Instead of praying, they started singing praise songs about the state. Children were instructed to report to state education on Sunday morning instead of church. If parents failed to comply with this political education on Sunday, they received a stern warning first, followed by a stiff fine for a second offense. Children were told to listen only to Hitler and not to listen to their parents. The children were allowed to play sports after political education and the boys could do things like ride motorcycles and learn to fly gliders. This resulted in the children enjoying this time, and if their parents didn’t like it, the children would argue with their parents because the state had told them they had many rights beyond what their parents allowed them. Werthmann said her mother eventually took her out of the public school system and enrolled her in a private school. She said at the time she almost hated her mother for doing this, but her mother told her that she hoped someday she would understand. Werthmann said now she thanked her mother 1,000 times over for doing this.

Austria had private health care prior to the Nazis, and the quality was good. But the government took over the health care system, and when health care became “free” the doctors quickly became overloaded by frivolous use of the system. Surgeries of a more important nature, however, had waiting lists of about 18 months because of all the “hypochondriacs” abusing the system. Werthmann said that if a doctor prescribed a medicine not on the government-approved list, the government would take the cost of the medicine out of the doctor’s salary.
Welfare became a “huge apparatus,” said Werthmann. Everyone had access to subsidized housing, food stamps, heating subsidies and many other benefits until everyone–regardless of salary–reached the prescribed standard of living.

Within about five years, Austria had gone from a free country to an absolute dictatorship.

“That’s called socialism,” she said. Werthmann cited the exchange between Joe the Plumber and then Presidential Candidate Obama about “spreading the wealth” as a sign of things to come - and now President Obama works toward those goals.

In examining the attacks from socialists that have come against America, Werthmann recalled an incident in1985 she was invited by President Ronald Reagan to attend the summit between himself and Soviet President Gorbachev in Switzerland. While there, she infiltrated the “peace movement,” which was there just to support Gorbachev. She marched with Bella Abzug, Barbara Boxer and Jesse Jackson while dressed “like a hippie.” She said Abzug greeted a woman who was in the German Parliament and told her there was a private meeting the next day with Gorbachev and she was invited.

Werthmann said she talked to a woman there who told her she and her fellow communists were working their way against the U.S. starting in Nicaragua, Honduras, and eventually with an eye to attack the U.S. through Mexico. The woman told her they would do this by getting massive numbers of illegals into the U.S. and pushing the sanctuary movement. Werthmann said when she saw illegal immigrant marches in California carrying the Mexican flag and trampling the American flag, she knew this was actually happening.

Werthmann said America is the greatest country in the world…if we can keep it.

Werthmann calls herself an optimist, believes that we are still a Christian nation, and knows that God is still on His throne. Werthmann ended her speech by saying:

" when the people fear the government, that’s tyranny, but when the government fears the people, that’s liberty."

The website of Congregation Shema Yisrael says this in an article -

"Jesus warned several times about end time deception saying;

'See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name saying, I am the Messiah, and will mislead many'" ... "Many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many"... "For false Messiahs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders; so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect." Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 24

Rabbi Shaul, the Apostle Paul, assures us that the Last Days will be characterized by apostasy, not revival. We are not to be deceived into thinking that the apostasy won't come; it must come first, or Messiah simply will not return! Therefore the teaching that there will be a world wide revival in the Last Days, however well intentioned, is biblically untenable. Paul's prediction can only mean that in the Last Days many professing believers will reject the biblical teaching that apostasy is inevitable."

We are warned of the deception that is coming, a deception difficult to discern. Many who truly love the LORD have believed a lie that masqueraded as truth and are now, unaware, walking in deception.

Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38, Luke 22:46, Luke 22:40 - all admonitions from our LORD tell us to:

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

In Mark 11:18 we are told: "...the chief priest and scribes heard this, [Mark 11:17], and began seeking how to destroy Him [Jesus] for they were afraid of Him..."

Mark 11:17 quotes the Words of Jesus: "MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS, BUT YOU HAVE MADE IT A ROBBERS DEN."

What has been stolen from the HOUSE OF PRAYER: faith, hope, joy, BUT most importantly - truth

Wake up and strengthen the things that remain, which are about to die; for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God." Revelation 3:2

The Evil Side of Religion
By: M.E. Townsend

"...concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes, When he finds out his iniquity and when he hates. The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; He has ceased to be wise and to do good." Psalm 36:1-3

Be it Methodist, Baptist, Charismatic, or Catholic, throughout the ages, time and theologies have taken what they perceived as Biblical and molded and shaped it into the gospel according to…

Now, in the twenty first century we have religions that are evil in thought, in word and in deed, in that they no longer teach truth but espouse to doctrines of devils which lead their congregations into error and ultimate destruction. The evil side of religion has no bounds, crossing all barriers to envelope the church of today, the body of Messiah.

What began with Charles and John Wesley and the “Holy Club” in England through their “method” of Bible study and prayer, the Methodist church has evolved into a religion, which justifies abortion in some “tragic” instances, condones homosexuality, teaching homosexuality is compatible with “Christian” theology and endorses the good work of the United Nation.

Out of a desire to purify the Church of England of all Roman Catholicism, the Baptist movement was born. A core belief that the Bible, not the church, was the guide in all matters of faith and practice and the belief that the church be made of believers has been replaced by the subtle deception of freemasonry. Over one million freemasons belong to the Baptist church, with many holding positions of authority. Godly men have succumbed to the snares of the enemy and are bringing this dark side of evil through the front door of their church.

“Just as they have chosen their own ways, And their soul delights in their abominations, So will I choose their delusions, And bring their fears on them; Because, when I called, no one answered, When I spoke they did not hear; But they did evil before My eyes, And chose that in which I do not delight.” "Hear the word of the Lord, You who tremble at His word: “Your brethren who hated you, Who cast you out for My name’s sake... they shall be ashamed.” Isaiah 66:3-5

The Pentecostal movement grew out of the holiness revival, birthed in the early 1900s out of a commitment to the theological doctrine of perfectionism. Pentecostals focused on soul winning and looked upon politics and national events as dangerous divisors. The movement has gone from Pentecostal to Charismatic to Word of Faith and base their doctrine on an experience rather than a relationship with God. Leaders within the movement teach Jesus became a sinner as He hung on the cross, that Jesus was no more God than you or I and that the “Trinity” consists of nine members. They have exchanged godly discernment for deception, holiness for hollowness and no longer recognize truth from error.

With its roots going back to the time of the Apostles, the Roman Catholic Church does not claim to be ‘one’ valid expression of the church which Christ founded, it claims to be ‘the’ valid expression of the church which Christ founded. It claims that it has faithfully preserved the “traditions” given to us by Christ and the apostles, which ‘although not’ written in scripture have binding authority upon all who ‘wish to enjoy God’s favor.’

"You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or what is on the earth beneath or in the waters under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them." Exodus 20: 4-5

The Roman Catholic Church teaches the gospel that all false religions teach:
that Jesus the Christ is not the only way to God,
that Jesus the Christ is not the only mediator between God and man and
that Salvation is by works.

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.” I Timothy 2:5

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:1-5

"Though his hatred covers itself with guile, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.” Proverbs 26:26

The death of any one at the hands of those who hate is shameful and should be punished – and it is. There are laws already within every state to bring to justice those who took the lives of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, and those laws were enforced in both cases.

There was no need for the president to sign such a bill – attaching it to the $680 billion defense authorization bill.

What lies behind this bill shrouded in secrecy and deception ?

“Your dwelling is in the midst of deceit, through deceit, they refuse to know Me declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:6

By signing the bill, Obama has signed a law making it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.

The expanded federal hate crimes law, hailed by supporters as the first major federal gay rights legislation, was added to a $680 billion defense authorization bill.

The hate crimes measure was named for Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming teenager who died after being kidnapped and severely beaten in October 1998, and James Byrd Jr., an African-American man dragged to death in Texas the same year.

Several religious groups have expressed concern that a hate crimes law could be used to criminalize conservative speech relating to subjects such as abortion or homosexuality

- perhaps there is cause for concern.

To loud applause, Obama hailed the hate crimes measure in the bill as a step toward change to "help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love, how they pray."

When the bill won final congressional approval last week, Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese called the hate crimes measure "our nation's first major piece of civil rights legislation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people."

Earlier this month, Obama told the Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest gay rights group, that the nation still needs to make significant changes to ensure equal rights for gays and lesbians.

"Despite the progress we've made, there are still laws to change and hearts to open," he said in an address at the group's annual dinner. "This fight continues now and I'm here with the simple message: I'm here with you in that fight."

When the bill won final congressional approval last week, Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese called the hate crimes measure "our nation's first major piece of civil rights legislation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people."

"Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire. Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject the LORD 'authority, and insult His glory." Jude 1:7-8

Obama said - “Today, I’m proud to say that we have proved that change is possible”

“You therefore beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness.”
2 Peter 3:1

"Therefore I said; "Surely these are poor - They are foolish; for they do not know the way of the Lord, The judgment of their God.

...Because their transgressions are many; their backslidings have increased. How shall I pardon you for this? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by those that are not gods. When I had fed them to the full, then they committed adultery and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots houses." Jeremiah 5:4-6

“...unless you repent you will all likewise perish." Luke 13:3, 5

Because Jesus is both the Son of God and the Son of Man, He has been appointed to judge mankind. Our Saviour said:

"For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth -- those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me" John 5:26-30

What fools are they who, for a drop of pleasure, drink a sea of wrath - Thomas Watson

Hitler seemed to win the first few rounds by his shrewd timing and deceptive propaganda aimed at the needs and wants of the masses. "Change" he cried - "Change!"

Faithful pastors were dismissed, arrested, imprisoned in harsh concentration camps. Into the empty pulpits stepped "German Christian" ministers -- handpicked puppets of the state, who preached Nazi ideology that replaced Biblical truth with utopian doctrines cloaked in Scriptural promises.

The people who called themselves Christians fit into three categories:

1. those who would rather face death than deny their Lord;
2. those who delighted in the new positive gospel of Nazi Germany; and
3. the complacent masses who couldn't tell the difference between the two.

From the start, one of the main leaders of a secret Christian resistance movement was the esteemed Pastor Martin Niemoller. His God-given wisdom and gentle strength spread hope and courage to the troubled souls that had counted the cost of resistance and could no longer remain silent or turn back.

In the early years of this intensifying spiritual war, God's soldiers seemed to be losing ground. But under God's sovereign hand, their early "defeats" awakened thousands of complacent Christians to the unthinkable Nazi hatred for God and His ways. This deepening awareness led to an underground fellowship that God used to encourage His faithful people to take their stand in Him, hold fast to His Word, draw strength from His Spirit and, if necessary, be ready to die for His name's sake.

Under Pastor Niemoller's leadership, the movement became known as the Confessional Church.

Their beloved pastor was arrested well before World War II began, but his message was multiplied during the dark years of Nazi tyranny through thousands of fellow warriors for Christ.


Today, we do well to remember Pastor Niemoller' sober words ~

"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionist, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, there was no one left to speak for me."

The Sign of the Tsunamis
by Alan Kurschner

The sixth seal informs us that there will be this "huge earthquake" accompanied by a cluster of celestial signs:

"Then I looked when the Lamb opened the sixth seal, and a huge earthquake took place; the sun became as black as sackcloth made of hair, and the full moon became blood red;" - Rev 6:11-12 (cf. Isa 13:13)

I don't believe this will be some regional earthquake; instead, it will be a global (pole shift possibly?), since "every mountain" will be moved from its place. Given the magnitude of this earthquake, it makes perfect sense why the Bible suggests tsunami language in two passages on the sign of the Day of the Lord:

"And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth nations will be in distress, anxious over the roaring of the sea and the surging waves" - Luke 21:25.

Interestingly, the Greek term for "surging waves" (salos) can mean "earthquake." Also, the text indicates that the nations on the earth are not so much distressed and anxious over the celestial signs as they are with the roaring of the sea and surging waves.

The other text is Revelation 6:14, which reads: "and [every] island was moved from its place."

Mere ten foot waves do not accomplish this. No wonder Scripture prophecies that "people will be fainting from fear and from the expectation of what is coming on the world."

This is a sober truth. Do not fall into the Amos syndrome, in which his audience was deceptively self-assured that they were right with God and that the Day of the Lord was for those "other people."

"Woe to those who wish for the day of the LORD! Why do you want the LORD's day of judgment to come? - Amos 5:18

Today is the day for self-examination.

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2:17-18

It seems that the only Scripture a Bible-believer knows about good works is that we are not saved by them and that they are virtually insignificant. But James' argument is simple... People act according to their beliefs. He minces no words in describing the specific spiritual actions expected of Christians.

"And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged, each one according to his works." Revelation 20:12-13

Judged by works? You gotta be kidding?

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4

It's getting darker and darker. It's time to get to work

Excerpt from The Strength of God & the Problem of Evil
by Greg Koukl

Let's pretend that you claim to be the strongest person in the world. More than that, you are the strongest person in the universe. You can pick up an entire building. You are so strong that you can pick up an entire city. You are so strong you can pick up an entire country. In fact, if you had a place to stand, you could lift the entire planet, even the solar system. You have so much strength, you can do anything that strength allows you to do. This is your boast to me.

"OK," I say, "let's see if you can prove it." "Just give me any test you want" you respond. "If you are so strong, then make a square circle." "I can't do that." "You're not very strong, are you?"
"This has nothing to do with strength, does it? Because no matter how strong I am, I could never make a square circle, because making a square circle has nothing to do with power. It is a self- contradictory concept, having square circles. They can't be made by anybody regardless of how strong they are. This test is unrelated to the issue of power."

Now, how does this tie into our discussion of the problem of evil? Simply this. God certainly is strong enough to obliterate evil from the earth or to have prevented it in the first place. No question about that. But let me ask you a question. Is it a good thing that God created human beings as free moral creatures, capable of making moral choices? It strikes me that the answer to that is yes. Because God is good--which is one of the things in question here--God created free moral creatures.

But this changes everything, doesn't it? What makes you think that strength has anything to do with God creating a world in which there are genuinely free moral creatures and no possibility of doing wrong?

You see, now we're back to square circles. It's just as ridiculous to ask God to create a world in which we have genuinely free creatures with no possibility to do wrong, as it is to ask Him to create a square circle. The task has nothing to do with His strength. It has to do with the nature of the problem. If you're going to have morally free creatures--that is, human beings that can make moral choices for themselves--and if God is good, then He is going to create creatures that will be truly morally free. But that entails, of necessity, at least the possibility of evil in the world.

This has nothing to do with God's power. It is unrelated to the issue of power just like making square circles is unrelated to the issue of power. It relates to the nature of the good universe that God created, a universe that was populated by beings that were morally free. Morally free creatures by necessity, by definition, have the possibility of going bad.

Now you know why this is not a good argument against the existence of God. It just doesn't apply. One could even argue there's a kind of category error here because in this particular case, according to Christianity, dealing with evil has nothing to do with strength. It has to do with the nature of the game itself.

What's neat about the Christian point of view, is that God did the good thing by creating morally free creatures that went bad, yet still did the loving thing by cleaning up the mess man created in such a way that greater good results. Now that's the result of a Master mind.

BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS OF OUR TIMES!

"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near." Revelation 1:2-4

America has been blessed with unusual freedom for more than two centuries. But now -- as multitudes reject God's Word, justify immorality, laugh at evil, and embrace depravity -- the protective walls of justice and integrity are fast eroding. In their place, we see a rising tower of global tyranny.

Americans are no longer safe from the persecution that has tested the faith of Christians through the centuries. In fact, God warns us that the global battle against Biblical Truth will surely intensify. While we don't know His timing, He tells us to be alert -- always ready to follow His way, trust His grace, and demonstrate His strength -- no matter how fierce the foe.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:12-18

Are You Clothed in Jesus?
By: A Fellow Believer

The storms began to hit hard at the end of my first year as a Christian

They took me by surprise.

After a delightful year of learning to know Jesus and discovering the marvelous resources of His Kingdom, I thought I had a handle on the Christian life. Ignorant of spiritual warfare, I didn't guard against the perversity of my flesh (the old human nature) nor against Satan.
Suddenly neither my outward circumstances nor my inner struggles fit my vision of the Christian life.

Disappointment, failure, and loss happens to everyone, but in me they opened the door to doubts and despair.

The questions in my mind reflected the confusion in my heart: If Jesus is my Shepherd, why doesn't He take better care of me? If God is my sovereign King, where is His power to provide strength and peace? If He is my Father, why isn't He gentler with me?
Of course, the problem was me, not God. I just hadn't seen all that He offered me, nor had I applied all that He had shown me. My royal wardrobe hung unused in the closet.

I had pictured both a vertical love-relationship with my LORD (His hand and heart reaching down to me) and a horizontal friendship with Him (walking and working side by side). Both became real and precious to me, but I had missed the very best -- the intimate union in which He joins me to Himself. He remains my LORD and Savior, but we are always together.

Jesus said: "In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you" John 14:20). In other words;

Jesus is in the Father - I am hidden in Jesus - and Jesus is in me.

Thus, whatever touches me must first pass through both the Father and the Son. Not only does Jesus the Christ cover me with Himself, He and I become one. In His garments, I am not only protected, but I am also united with Him.

Are you ready and willing to put on Jesus the Christ?

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. --1 Chronicles 29:11

Evangelism: Man-centered Christianity
by A. W. Tozer

Christianity today is man-centered, not God-centered. God is made to wait patiently, even respectfully, on the whims of men. The image of God currently popular is that of a distracted Father, struggling in heartbroken desperation to get people to accept a Saviour of whom they feel no need and in whom they have very little interest. To persuade these self-sufficient souls to respond to His generous offers God will do almost anything, even using salesmanship methods and talking down to them in the chummiest way imaginable.

This view of things is, of course, a kind of religious romanticism which, while it often uses flattering and sometimes embarrassing terms in praise of God, manages nevertheless to make man the star of the show.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7

Why Must Everything Change?
By: Jan Markell

The false teachings among some prominent church leaders have no end nor seemingly does the race to unify all religions. My thanks to Mark Tooley of the Institute for Religion and Democracy, World Net Daily, and author Joel Richardson for some background here. Fasten your seat belt because now we have Christians observing Ramadan. This goes miles beyond Muslim-Christian dialogue, which is bad enough. This is actually giving respectability to those who killed 3,000 innocent Americans who are even more on our mind in this season of 9/11. Once again, I have to ask, where is the outrage?

Emergent Church leader Brian McLaren is fasting during the Islamic Ramadan but is he fasting so that Muslims would come to salvation in Jesus Christ alone? And Tooley asks, "Would McLaren organize a similar fast on behalf of persecuted Christians and other victims of radical Islam? Or would that be too culturally confrontational for the post-modern evangelical who has shunned his conservative past and prefers creating common ground that creates alliances for the Left?"

McLaren says: "Ramadan is the Muslim holy month of fasting for spiritual renewal and purification. It commemorates the month during which Muslims believe Mohammed received the Quran through divine revelation, and it calls Muslims to self-control, sacrificial generosity, and solidarity with the poor, diligent reading of the Quran and intensified prayer."

He continues, "But as Christians, we want to come close to our Muslim neighbors and to share this important part of life with them."

Here we go honoring Islam again, just as they did in 2007 and 2008 with "A Common Word Between Us and You." Today's bunch of short-on-discernment leaders now observing Ramadan prove my point: Slippery slopes go only one way -- down -- and never turn around. And please tell me as an evangelical, what is it we will learn from Islam?

McLaren states, "We, as Christians, humbly seek to join Muslims in this observance of Ramadan as a God-honoring expression of peace, fellowship, and neighborliness. Each of us will have at least one Muslim friend who will serve as our partner in the fast. These friends welcome us in the same spirit of peace, fellowship, and neighborliness." None of that counts for eternity, Brian.
It stretches credulity to watch the religious Left continue to forge unholy alliances with some who are sworn enemies of the gospel and who are burning down Christian villages around the world and cutting off the heads of other Christians. And they will continue to do the same until they hear and respond to the "good news" of Jesus Christ, which is not the purpose of the Christian Ramadan effort! Yet an underlying motive with all such efforts is to declare the God of Christianity and the god of Islam as the same. If you get nothing else, remember that when such words come out of the pulpit in your church and renounce it!

Some are asking if we don't have a virtual endorsement of Islam by liberal Christianity today with a few evangelicals thrown in for good measure. Signers say, "Peaceful relations between Muslims and Christians stand as one of the central challenges of this century." If you hear one of them say this, challenge them with, "No, saving the lost while there is time is the central challenge and that won't happen by joining with Muslims during Ramadan." Author Joel Richardson, who has been on my radio program "Understanding the Times" on several occasions, asks the right question: "Is such an 'observance' actually tantamount to an endorsement of Islam?"

In McLaren's recent book, "Everything Must Change," he suggests that evangelicals must turn Left to be relevant and atone for past myopia. Many of us are grieved that churches have taken his advice, and the advice of other church leaders with skewed ideas or theology and have thus destroyed evangelicalism as we once knew it.

But it's not just all about unity! McLaren believes that evangelical support for Israel is an obstacle to interfaith harmony. While largely unwilling to criticize radical Islam by name, he has condemned the "terrible, deadly, distorted, yet popular theologies associated with Christian Zionism that create bigotry and prejudice against Muslims." He urged Christian Zionists to bravely abandon their prejudice, just as white segregationists had to shed theirs 50 years ago.

Mark Tooley concludes appropriately by saying, "McLaren's interfaith ritual just further evinces the Left's chronic misunderstanding that all cultural and international conflict can be remedied through apologies, folk songs, Western guilt, and flamboyant sentimentality."
That "old-time religion" we once loved is evaporating because guys like Brian McLaren and his Emergent buddies have convinced people that "everything must change."

The one-world religion is literally on the horizon. Look over a fence and you will see it approaching.

No Scar?
By: Amy Carmichael

"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29

Hast thou no scar?

No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?

I hear thee sung as mighty in the land; I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.

Hast thou no scar?

Hast thou no wound?

Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent,
Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent
By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned.

Hast thou no wound? No wound? No scar?

Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,
And piercèd are the feet that follow Me.
But thine are whole; can he have followed far - Who hast not wound or scar?

Amy Carmichael, Missionary to orphans in India.

She suffered much -- and bore much eternal fruit.

In the 1920s, Amy rescued hundreds of orphaned children -- especially little girls that would be dedicated to Hindu gods for use in sexual temple rituals. By God's wonderful grace, some had miraculously escaped from such pagan slavery and were led to the Irish "mother" who lovingly cared for each child God sent her.

In 1931 she prayed, “God, please do with me whatever you want. Do anything that will help me to serve you better.”

That same day, she fell, suffering fractures that would cripple her for the rest of her life. Not one to be discouraged or bitter when faced with pain or persecution, Amy now had the opportunity to demonstrate God's faithfulness before a much larger "host" of witnesses.

While her growing children had continual freedom to enter her bedroom and share their hearts with their beloved "mother," she now had the quiet times that allowed her to write books, poems, and letters that were translated and shared around the world.

"Great is Thy faithfulness," O Lord!

The Dumbing Down of the Church
By: M.E. Townsend

In the early 1900’s, Germans were taught the Bible could not be trusted, but human reasoning could. Higher Criticism, rationalization, liberal philosophy filled the hearts and minds of the German populace paving the way for Hitler and the Holocaust – man’s inhumanity to man.

Dr. David Breese explains how this was possible:

“The initial effect of German rationalization upon a Christian culture was on the schools, churches, and scholarship of Europe…Even so, religion still continued in Europe. There were still large churches, burning candles, beautiful choirs, lovely stained glass windows, congregations…all of that was still there…The Bible was only empty pages written by men who were now dead, rather than revelation of the living God. European Christianity was destroyed from within while still possessing the external form by which it had been known for centuries…the leaders quoted everything but the Bible and preached everything but the gospel, and reality was gone…It was because of religious liberalize that Europe lost its soul.”

As we see the dumbing down of the church in America we cannot help but see a parallel emerge.

The church in America has exchanged Diving morality for moral relativism, and secular humanism, allowing pansies in the pulpit while politically correct congregants sit as paupers in the pews. “Christians” have become willing participants of complacency and passivity instead of warring powerhouses of truth with a Holy boldness of intolerance to compromise and accommodate.

“Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation, Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.”
Luke 6:24-25

Just as in Germany immediately preceding Hitler’ reign, the German people allowed false teaching to impact German culture. In order to regain national pride, financial abundance and stability they resolved to go along with the message and the means proposed by Hitler.

The masses followed blindly -

“For certain men have crept in unnoticed…ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only LORD God and our LORD Jesus the Christ.” Jude 4

- while the remnant stood strong.

Albert Einstein exiled from Germany for being Jewish noted:

“Being a lover of freedom, when the Nazi revolution came I looked to the universities to defend it, knowing that they had always boasted of the devotion to the cause of truth; but no, the universities were immediately silenced. Then I looked to the great editors of the newspapers, whose flaming editorials in the days gone by had proclaimed their love of freedom; but they, like the universities, were silenced in a few short weeks. Only the church stood squarely across the path of Hitler’s campaign for suppressing truth. I never had any special interest in the church before, but now I feel a great affection and admiration for it because the church alone had the courage and persistence to stand for intellectual and moral freedom. I am forced to confess that what I once despised I now praise unreservedly.”

“But I say, did Israel not know. First Moses says: I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will anger you be a foolish nation.” Romans 10:19

Stand strong child of God. Provoke to jealousy those who do not know our LORD.

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong…” I Corinthians 16:13

This can be our finest hour church – be brave, stand strong!

[Thanks to Brannon Howse for the wealth of information and superb research found in his WorldView Weekend Digest which led to the writing of this article. To God be the glory.!!..]

Missing It
by: Oswald Chambers

"And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. "So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done." Acts 4:18-21

"...much of what is called Christianity today is not the Christianity of the New Testament; it is distinctly different.... Jesus is not the fountainhead of modern Christianity. He is scarcely thought about. Christian preachers, Sunday School teachers, religious books, all without any apology patronize Jesus Christ and put Him on one side.

"We have to learn that to stand true to Jesus Christ's point of view means ostracism -- the ostracism that was brought on Him. Most of us know nothing whatever about it.

"The modern view looks upon human nature as pathetic; men and women are poor ignorant babes in the wood who have lost themselves. Jesus the Christ's view is totally different. He does not look on men and women as babes in the wood, but as sinners who need saving, and the modern mind detests His view.

"Our Lord's teaching is based on something we violently hate, namely His doctrine of sin; we do not believe it unless we have had a radical dealing with God on the line of His teaching.

"Remember that a disciple is committed to much more than belief in Jesus, he is committed to His Lord's view of the world, of men, of God and of sin."

The Unrighteous Shall Not Inherit
By David Servant

Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. I Corinthians 6:9-10

Jesus foretold it:

“Many will say to Me on that day, LORD, LORD, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” Matthew 7:22-23
Jesus obviously revealed only the climax of a much longer story, but from this short segment, we can deduce other tragic details.

First, we can safely assume that the arguing we just read of the many who stand before Jesus is their final defense. They obviously had already been denied entrance into the heavenly kingdom. Now, with hearts beating wildly and minds spinning, they make their last desperate attempt to convince the LORD of His error.

To debate with God! How outrageous! What could drive a person to be so insane as to hope he might win such a dispute? Only pure desperation. Like a drowning man who grasps at anything, these panicked people pathetically hope to change the decree of the unchanging One.
What was going through their minds when they heard His decree for the first time? He was their Savior, or so they thought. They loved Him, or so they thought. They had been looking forward to this day for a long time, expecting to hear Him say, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave...enter into the joy of your master’. Matthew 25:21

They had served Him in ministry, experiencing the flow of His power, or so they thought. They had been on the cutting edge of Christianity, prophesying, casting out demons, and performing acts that they considered to be miraculous. It would be safe to assume they had studied parts of the Bible, attended church, and perhaps even attended special seminars on spiritual warfare?

Now, marveling at His glory and filled with joyful anticipation, they listen intently as He is about to speak. Every word will be more precious than gold. Time stands still. Eternity has begun.

His voice breaks the silence: “You are denied entrance into My kingdom.”

Did He really say what I think I just heard Him say? Surely not, this could not be. This is my LORD and Savior. “LORD, I must be so excited that my hearing has gone bad. Could You repeat what You just said?”

Again, He speaks. “You are denied entrance into My kingdom.”

"What? No! No! No! This cannot be happening. LORD, I am a Christian! I am Your own! I belong to the family of God! I accepted You as my Savior! I have gone to church for years. LORD, You must be mistaken! Somehow, there has been a misunderstanding! I believed in You! You are supposed to let me in!"

“You were deceived because you ignored much of what I said through the writings of Paul and Peter, James, John and Jude. I repeatedly forewarned you of this. I said,

Not everyone who says to Me, LORD, LORD, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” Matthew 7:21

“You did not do the will of My Father while you were on the earth, proving that you did not truly believe in Me. Sin was your practice.”

LORD, LORD, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?

“Your prophecy was not inspired by My Holy Spirit, but from your own mind. Much of what you prophesied contradicted My Word. The demons you thought you cast out of your fellow false Christians did not exist. You were trying to deal with their sin by blaming it on a demon, when what they needed was repentance, faith and the new birth. The miracles you thought you performed were a sham. You accumulated teachers who told you what you wanted to hear. They proclaimed a false grace, misleading you into thinking you could get into heaven without holiness. You thought you were saved, but you were not. I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”

Will such a scene as I have just described actually occur?

There is no doubt that it will. Although I have obviously added some details to what has been foretold in Matthew 7:21-23, nevertheless, those standing before Jesus one day will be many people who have called Him LORD, who have been involved in ministry, and who expect to enter heaven. Yet, shockingly, they will be denied entrance.

Now, rather than later is the time for self-examination.

Now, rather than later is the time to change! Later it will be too late.

You may be saying: “But, I am certain I am not deceived!” Do you realize that is what every deceived person would claim? Deceived people do not realize they are deceived otherwise; they would no longer be deceived.

Better to say, “LORD, am I being deceived, I want to know. NOW!”

Consider what Scripture says, and as we do, examine ourselves to see if we are truly in the faith. II Corinthians 13:5

As For Me and My House, we will serve the LORD."
By: M.E. Townsend

"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." (2 Corinthians 5:20)

A wise man has written -

He sent His prophets and we stoned them. He sent His Son and we have ignored and trodden Him underfoot. Our sins have reached to Heaven; we have grieved His Spirit and perverted His message. God’s wrath has been coming to a slow boil and it is ready to spill over. In the great and terrible day of the Lord, He will, in the same measure that we glorified ourselves and lived luxuriously, give us torment and sorrow.

We have spent countless hours looking upwards and been so totally immersed in our squabbling about the positioning and names of the stars that we have failed to see the blazing meteor bearing down on us. We have walked the sandy beach and have been so engrossed in counting the grains that we have not lifted our eyes and seen the enormity of the tidal wave that will soon engulf us.

Worse- The centuries past have all had their share of Oracles, Seers and Shamans. The few that others usually feared respected or burned at the stake. Sadly, the situation today is not confined to the gypsy at the local fair, with everyone and his brother jumping on the bandwagon. Fools that rush in where angels fear to tread.

With our newly found Spirituality and all manner of meditation, visualization, channeling, spirit guides, goddess worship and Gaia, all we have succeeded in doing is throwing the doors open to every evil, despicable, diabolical force of the enemies of our God. We have openly invited evil to cross the threshold and one of these days the doors will be wide enough for them to make their move.

The church that should have been a bulwark against evil has, with many fools for leaders and a Biblically illiterate population, latched on to the coat tails of the world and come up with Christianized versions of venturing into areas strictly forbidden in Scripture. With contemplative prayer, meditation, labyrinths, yoga etc. we have endorsed the invitations and are along for the ride, and what a ride it’s going to be.

As Einstein once said "only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."

God Almighty will descend one final time from His Holy Hill and one last clarion call will ring out and woe to the man who stops his ears... Let us never forget that this time around He will not come as God the Creator or God the Redeemer, but God the Destroyer and God the Judge. All our knowledge, all our technology, all our good works will not save us.

“her plagues will come in one-day death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.” (Revelation 18:8)

Come out of her lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

Sacrificed Saints and Satisfied Sinners
By: M.E. Townsend

“IF My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

Stain glass windows surround the chapels and cathedrals of the world. Pious parishioners faithfully line the halls each sabbath morn, reclining on padded pews in indifference and ambiguity. With hardened hearts they watch the clock, anxiously awaiting the stroke of twelve.

From the pulpit springs forth messages of encouragement and hope:

“God wants His people successful in all areas of their lives, especially financially and materially. God wants to increase you financially. Go further – get rid of the small-minded thinking and start thinking as God thinks. Think Big! Think Increase.”

Discontentment grows alongside dissatisfaction – they press on, continuing to believe:

“God wants this to be the best time of their life. Experience His goodness in physical, material and social ways – here and now.

Attempting to focus on all they have heard, struggling to teach their mind to think proper ‘success producing’ thoughts, being taught the desire for material blessing is pleasing to God, they seek more.

God did promise prosperity – to an “obedient” Israel.

God cares little if one lives in a cave or a condo – His desire is that those called by His Name obey His Word. His desire is that His children should bring glory and honor to His Name and that the true gospel be taught to others making disciplined disciples and conscious converts of many:

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I AM – LORD, exercising loving kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

In his book: The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer stated:

“What you think, when you think of God, is the most telling thing about you. Your concept of God will do more to shape your thoughts and actions than any other single concept in your life. It is no wonder God used so much of the Bible to emphasize His attributes. He wants us to know what He is like so that we may live a proper life. If our view of God is flawed, it will necessarily lead to a life that is also flawed.”

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, you whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23

Reaching out in an attempt to feel better about themselves, their circumstances or life choices, desiring to have ears tickled and egos stroked parishioners hang onto words of comfort coming forth from the "man of God" admonishing they to try harder, aim higher, give more.

The Bible teaches that a Christian is to separate from the world, from false teachers and disobedient brothers. Yet many within the church promote tolerance and love, failing to warn against false teachers or denounce false teachings. Refusing to discern the truth from the lie, the church of today compromises the fundamentals of the faith – the Word is watered-down, altered and bent to conform to individual circumstances. Scripture interprets scripture, scripture means what it says yet scripture continues to be misrepresented in order to fit man-made theologies until now the Word of God is unrecognizable to those who do not seek to know the truth, choosing instead to sit in contented ease amidst the error.

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our LORD Jesus the Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which comes envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wrangling of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain, From such withdraw yourself.” I Timothy 6:3-5

Dead Men Have No Rights
by: Darren Smith

Are we dead to sin and the world as scripture teaches or do we continue to hold tightly to what we see and what we hear?

This is a question the Body of the twenty-first century must ask. We should all stand back, and take a long, hard look at our walk with the Lord.

If we are dead why do we live within the boundries of the world system? Why does the world and all it offers continue to hold us under its power? Colossians 3:3 says for you have died and your life is hidden in Jesus the Christ with God. Do we realize the power this should unleash in all our lives? If we are dead we no longer have rights. A dead man cannot be offended, you can't kill a dead man, he is already dead.

The problem with the Church today is we have failed to recognize that we are dead and continue to live, holding onto this world with all of our strength - feeling we are entitled to most of what the world has to offer and if we don't get what we think we deserve then we are offended.

In Philippians 4:11 Paul states that he had learned to be content in whatever state he found himself - whether well fed or hungry. Paul could speak with conviction because he had become dead to the world.

Verse 13 tells us "I can do all things through Jesus the Christ who gives me strength."

Once dead to this world the sense of entitlement passes away, along with our old nature, and the reality of our eternal inheritance takes hold.

Inheritance from the Lord is far greater than entitlement from the world.

One of the saddest things our culture has done is increase the sense of entitlement. Entitlement programs have convinced people to trust their government instead of their God. There is little difference between the bondage of today and the bondage of Egypt that the Hebrews were under? When God took them out, at the first sign of trouble they wanted to go back.

Get out of Egypt, but most importantly, get Egypt out of you, and remember:

"If then you were raised with [the] Christ, seek those things which are above, where [the]Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3

The Re-Making of America
by: Bill Wilson - Daily Jot

The "remaking" of America continues at breakneck speed. The man who occupies the Oval Office (OOO) has made an appeal to the American people that the time for discussion is over and that socialized medicine in the form of so-called healthcare reform must be passed now. He said, "This is a problem we can no longer wait to fix."[sound familiar? Hurry, Hurry, Change, Change!]

Deferring reform is nothing more than defending the status quo - and those who would oppose our efforts should take a hard look at just what it is they're defending." Of course, there have been several news stories that the 1,018 page healthcare legislation has not even been read by the Congressmen who will vote on it.

If people would read the healthcare bills before Congress they would be astonished. The legislation mandates the use of taxpayer money to fund abortions. The legislation calls for a government tribunal of political appointees--not even elected officials--to determine who receives healthcare and under what conditions. This healthcare reform is tantamount to euthanasia for senior citizens. OOO told ABC News on June 24th that older people who didn't have much longer to live were maybe "better off not having the surgery, but taking the painkiller." Meaning that if you are no longer productive to society--translated, paying taxes--the government will decide you cannot receive life-prolonging treatment.

But that's not all the government will control with this brand of healthcare reform. Page 16 of the healthcare bill specifically outlaws individual private coverage. In other words, you will not be able to buy insurance apart from a government-approved plan. Indeed, if you do not want to participate in socialized medicine, you have no choice. The IRS will have authority to fine you thousands of dollars a year if you cannot prove you are insured by a government approved plan. Small businesses will be required to provide the government health insurance at a tremendous cost, resulting in price increases on goods or closing the doors at unprecedented job losses.

Killing the pre-born; Euthanizing the elderly; government appointed tribunals determining healthcare; forcing government healthcare upon reluctant citizens; destroying jobs and causing inflation--these are just a few of the results of HR 3200--America's Affordable Health Choice Act of 2009.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:13, "You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."

This healthcare bill is immoral. And we have a commission to stand for righteousness and morality. Let us speak boldly to all who will lend an ear, and having done all, stand.

A CALL to BOLDNESS-
by: Nanci Marshall

God is calling an army of holy warriors who are being prepared for the front lines of His battle.

There is a gap the size of the Grand Canyon between these holy warriors [minority] and the rest of the world/church [majority].

The church in Ephesus had left its first love, the church in Pergamos had not held to the truth of doctrine and teaching of scripture, the church in Thyatria allowed/tolerated false teachers and false doctrine, the church in Sardis had an appearance of being alive but was dead, the church in Laodicia was neither hot nor cold. Only two churches were spoken of, Sardis and Philadelphia, that had a good word spoken by the Holy Spirit, but they too had work to be done.
Revelation 2 and 3

We are not to be afraid..!!...

Remember in Numbers 13 and 14, when Moses was commanded by God to send 12 spies to scout out the area surrounding the Promised Land - 10 returned frightened to the point of recommending they not try to take the Land Promised by God, only Joshua and Caleb were fearless (see Numbers 13:30)

Numbers 13:30-32 - "And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be notable to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel..."

Joshua, Caleb and their descendants were rewarded for their courage while the remaining 10 spies (the vast majority) were severely punished as were their descendants.

So be encouraged - if you feel frustrated, fearful, discouraged or defeated take heart and walk in the fullness of your calling:

"You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9)

Remember we are the called - ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE (Ephesians 1: 7-13; 1 Timothy 1:9; Romans 8:28)

WE ARE BLESSED.!.

I pray you will take the time to listen to this brief message by John Macarthur.

http://www.ltwleadstory.com/

"See that ye refuse not He that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from Heaven." Hebrews 12:25

By faith, Noah being warned by God.....we can do no less.

On Christ - the solid Rock I stand. met

Spiritual Darkness and
Counterfeit Connections
by: M.E. Townsend

Spiritual darkness and counterfeit connections loom bigger and brighter in churches and meeting rooms across our nation and around the world. Heretical teachers filled with goody gospels offer little hope for the hopeless, with truth too often, nowhere to be found. False prophets speak messages they claim come through inspiration of the Holy Spirit – their words ring true, yet never come to pass.

Remember according to scripture - a prophet must be 100% correct 100% of the time.

We have become a nation of perplexed and bewildered pilgrims trudging through life the best we can; so many without hope, without joy, without fear or reverence for God. We are ships without a rudder; we are boats without an oar.

Many a weary pilgrim has forgotten that our LORD told us:

“You are the light of the world, a city set upon a hill...”

He spoke clearly saying: “You are salt of the earth…” Matthew 5

We must grasp and hold tight the Truth – weighing all that we hear and see with the Word of God. We must put our faith, our hope our future in the Hand of our Creator. Who better would know the creation than the Creator?

Is what we are hearing what God has spoken or has man twisted and turned the message to fit his own program and agenda? Do not be deceived; remember that whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Lies breed lies, deception produces more deception – but when we know the Truth, the Truth will set us free.

Jesus the Christ prayed for all who would believe on His Name –

“I have revealed You to those whom You gave me out of the world. They were Yours; you gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word. Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. For I gave them the words You gave Me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they are Yours. All I have is Yours, and all You have is Mine. And glory has come to Me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your Name—the Name You gave Me—so that they may be one as We are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that Name You gave Me. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me." John 17

Read carefully the Words of our LORD. Lean not upon your own understanding. Do not trust in the teachings of man but trust in the faithfulness of HE who is faithful. Hold fast to the hope that is within you and mark well that -

“There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.

Have nothing to do with them.” 2 Timothy 3

“And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. And he said to me: “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues and kings.” Revelation 10:10-11

Each day grows darker. Clouds gather across this vast expanse of land we call home. Each day we are confronted with wars and rumors of wars, ‘men’s hearts failing them for fear’- daily it appears we are on the edge of loosing one more precious freedom. Struggling with feelings of depression, hopelessness, anger and pain, attempting to balance all that is happening in our world -

We are un-prepared to meet our Master -

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trials which is to try you, as though some strange thing has come upon you. I Peter 4:12

We are un-prepared to greet our King –

“But rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’ sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” I Peter 4:13

Many reach for the good times instead of the good news, the bottle instead of the Bible to cover their scars – wounds left to fester, scab over and fester again – but never to heal. Where is the good news? Where is hope to be found - ABC, CNN, Fox?

GROW UP! Refuse to live on milk; reach for the meat, the pure meat of the Word. Anyone who lives on milk is still an infant and is not acquainted with the teachings of Truth and Righteousness.

Cry out - "Restore us to You, O LORD, renew our days as of old." Lamentations 5:21

Do not remain as children in your thinking, take your place alongside those who have gone before.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1

...and grow in grace and knowledge of our LORD and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. To Him be glory and honor now and forever. 2 Peter 3:18

HOPE! Here is our hope:

“Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” I John 3:2-3

Scripture has been so Americanized that we believe God owes us a place in His kingdom – we deserve to receive blessing and honor and the praises of men. The gospel has so long been watered down that whether spoken from pulpit or television it is scarcely recognizable as “good news” by those who would have ears to hear.

We have taken as “gospel” all that we have seen and heard and must face the sad reality – we know neither our God nor His Word.

Who are we but sinners saved by grace through the death, burial and Resurrection of our LORD, Jesus the Christ.

What are we but sinners saved by grace through the death, burial and Resurrection of our LORD, Jesus the Christ.

“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man – and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things.” Romans 12:22-23

Look around – see how the incorruptible God has been changed in the twenty-first century to fit the corruptible mindset of modern man. Man-kind no longer worship birds and four-footed beasts or creeping things – but instead worship the works of their hands. While false teachers who preach and teach heresy are leading the world astray, the church seeks experience rather than relationship and many have exchanged the truth for a lie, worshipping and serving created things rather than the Creator.

We must stop putting our selfish interest above all that is God. If man will not worship God as God, God will leave man to his own devises and man will drown in a sea of misplaced loyalties, surrendered freedoms, apostasy and lies.

“IF My people who are called by My Name [He is talking to the church – not the world] will HUMBLE themselves, and PRAY and SEEK My face and TURN from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

Israel has not followed these teachings, but neither has His church, His body, the grafted in ones, but we as individual believers can -

The time to begin is NOW.

The Emergent Church Myth
By: M.E. Townsend

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”- II Peter 2:1-3

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” - Romans 16:17-18

Just imagine if you awoke to realize that the church in which you had invested time, effort, finances, love and trust, had slowly slipped into spiritual disrepair? What if it occurred to you that the trustworthiness that you believed would never change was gone and it had become clear that your denomination, yes, even your own local church, had adopted doctrines, practices and beliefs that were not only questionable but were active and useful tools for the devil? What if you, like so many of our brothers and sisters across America and around the world, were faced with the agonizing decision of either turning your head to attempt ignoring reality, fleeing to a safer place to worship, or standing up to expose and resist error?

Today - these scenarios are exactly what many within The Body are facing.

Brian McLaren, leader in the Emergent Church movement reveals a shoddy understanding of God’ sovereign power over His creation when he states:

“Perhaps all along, my deepest joy has never been to have all my dreams come true, but rather to have God’s one dream come true, that this world will become a place God is at home in, a place God takes pride and pleasure in, a place where God’s dreams come true.” [??]

The Word of God clearly tells us:

“Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other, I am God and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning. And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, My purpose will be established and I will accomplish my good pleasure “Isaiah 46:9-10

Francis Schaeffer, during his lifetime, fought courageously and compassionately to defend orthodox Christianity from the ideas that are now labeled post-modern or emergent. Dr. Schaeffer taught and wrote that the only way to preserve a Christianity of reason that truthfully addresses all of life was to adopt sola scriptura, the Reformation view of Scripture. He warned about the despair that results when ideas takes us away from the validity of God’s self-revelation in Scripture.

Sadly today this is exactly what has happened. The serious seeker of truth stumbles into Emergent churches unaware that what is found inside in no way resembles the authentic, biblical Gospel of Jesus the Christ. They remain in a liberal chasm, drowning in their ignorance, while the fate of their lost soul remains the same, and their beliefs become even more twisted. The Emergent Church movement is an association of individuals linked by one very important, key idea: their belief that “God is bringing history toward a glorious kingdom of God on earth without future judgment. Our hope is not in Jesus’ resurrection that furnished proof to all men and thus makes us accountable, but in Jesus’ resurrection as a view of history with a ‘hopeful future.’’

We all must decide what to believe, because competing truth claims can result in disastrous outcomes – especially if one believes the wrong message. It is the our belief that judgment IS coming, and we must have our sins washed away by the blood of Jesus the Christ so that when that day comes we shall be saved rather than damned. McLaren and those who follow the teachings of the Emergent Church claim that the kingdom is coming gradually through social action and we need NOT be concerned about such matters as God’s wrath and the need for the blood atonement.

We cannot have it both ways.

Thankfully, there is a remnant, a growing band of resistors who are standing strong against the tidal-wave of false teaching in their midst. While intellectuals relentlessly attempt to marginalize and demean the Bible-believers among us, true servants of the LORD continue to stand exposing cultic beliefs, liberal theology, and Emergent Church philosophies that contradict the Word of God. We realize that for the sake of both saint and sinner we have no choice but to sound the alarm and blow the trumpet of warning, to stand as "a watchman on the wall." While many Christians relax, thinking everything is okay in their camp, the core values of the Christian faith are under assault by individuals who have become so enamored with their own intellect and human reasoning that they have silently abandoned belief in the Bible and reject the very heart of the Christian Gospel while teaching others to do the same.

Regardless of the cost, if we do not come alongside our fellow Christians who revere the Bible and are battling for the life of their church, then we need to check our own apathy level and repent appropriately.

[Our deepest gratitude to Eric Barger and Bob Dewaay for invaluable information and truth found in their books and articles which led to the writing of this article. To God be the Glory.]

What Do You Need?
By: M.E. Townsend

The early preachers and teachers of the faith shared the truth and revelation of God’ Word and His will, turning the world upside down, spreading the gospel throughout the known world.

How strange that the same is not happening today. The gospel shared today from many of our pulpits and television screens is far different than was taught then.

Today we hear -

“What do you need? Start creating it. Start speaking it into being. Speak to your wallet, Say: “You big, thick wallet full of money.” Speak to your checkbook. Say: “You’ve never been so prosperous since I’ve owned you.” You’re just jammed with money.”

“Repeat after me: “The wealth of the wicked is mine.” One more time – one more time.”

“I’m sick and tired of hearing about streets of gold. I do not need gold in heaven, I gotta have it now. I mean, when I get to glory, all my bills will be paid. I won’t have bills in glory.”

“Give $10 and receive $1000, give $1000 and receive $100,000 – give one house and get a hundred, or a house worth one hundred times as much. In short, Mark 10:30 is a very good deal.”

“You need to hear about money, because you ‘ain’t gonna’ have no love and joy and peace until you get some money.”

So, obviously, Peter, Paul, Matthew, even the LORD Himself had it wrong. They were, according to today’ televangelist, to have lived a life of affluence, dressed in the finest, eating the best food, drinking the best wine; but as Jesus the Christ Himself attested when speaking of John The Baptizer; “What did you go out into the wilderness to see - a reed shaken by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who are clothed in fine garments, in gorgeous apparel, living in luxury are in the king’s court.”

Does not the Word of God tell us -

"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days." James 5:1-3

"For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world." 1 John 2:16

Paul had more revelation of the truth than any other disciple and yet, once he gave his life to Jesus, his life was neither glamorous, nor pleasant, nor prosperous!

These men of old labored tirelessly for the LORD, pouring out their lives for Him and, with the exception of John, all were eventually martyred.

Do the preachers and evangelist of today really believe they deserve such immense wealth, oppulant life styles - blessings and big salaries? Most prosperity teachers boast of their wealth saying God has blessed them – yet in reality, their wealth has come from the pockets and purses of many who can ill afford to give. Far too many give out of poverty hoping desperately for a better life.

They are not taught the principles of giving unto the LORD - they are taught - give to get.

Prosperity teachers tell you that you can expect a BIG return on your “donation” or your “seed faith offering.” They create a spirit of greed and discontentment within the body by saying that God wants you to be wealthy, that you will become wealthy if you will only give to their ministry and have faith. The Bible teaches the opposite -

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20

If we will be faithful to dedicate ourselves to the reading of God’ Word, studying to show ourselves approved unto God – a workman that need not be ashamed – God will provide all we need – not all we greed. If we will seek His righteousness, living lives that bring glory to His Name, He guarantees there are treasures stored up for us in heaven – and, He Who has promised IS faithful – The Lamb of God.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

“Then Peter spoke saying:

“ Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give unto thee; in the Name of Jesus the Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” Acts 3:6

The Simple Sinners Prayer

By: M.E. Townsend

‘You can receive God’ grace offered to you by believing in Jesus to be all that God said and all that you need.

If you are not saved and want to be, just repeat this simple prayer:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I invite you into my life, I believe with all my heart that God raised Him from the dead. Please forgive me from all my sins. In the Holy Name of Jesus I ask You. Amen.”

Congratulations! You are saved and on your way to heaven if you prayed that prayer and sincerely meant it – or are you?

Walking out of the church, the unrepentant sinner basks in the knowledge that where he was once lost, he now is saved. He no longer fears the wrath to come, but breaths a sigh of relief – not fearing judgment or hell - he has prayed the prayer – he is on his way to heaven, or is he?

“Therefore if any man be in Jesus the Christ, he is a new creation, old things are passed away, all things are become new.” II Corinthians.5:17

Have all things become new for the one who prayed the simple ‘sincere’ prayer? Are they a new creation after believing ‘with all their heart’? Do they profess ‘Christianity’ yet continue in their sinful lifestyle? Have they seen the darkness of their own soul – the self-deception of their own heart? Have they acknowledged the wilful disobedience of their sin and their desperate need of a Saviour? If not, then they would be wise to remember that the demons in hell sincerely acknowledge and believe that Jesus is the Son of God. They know far better than we who Jesus is, yet this has not brought them to salvation.

This theology of praying a simple prayer, asking Jesus into your heart, reflects a broader assumption among many evangelicals today that one is saved by making a decision to have a personal relationship with God. This gospel of “submission, commitment, decision, sincerity or having a personal relationship with God” is not scriptural and fails to comprehend that everyone has a personal relationship with God –

A relationship as one condemned who will stand before the Righteous Judge. Stand to receive punishment due the unrighteous, unregenerate, unforgiven sinner, or stand as the redeemed covered in the Righteousness of the LORD, whose heart was broken as we acknowledged our sins, sins that are now forgiven by the King of kings and LORD of lords – there is no other way.

“How can I be right with God?” is no longer a question that need be ask when happiness rather than God’s holiness is the issue at hand. Salvation is not a matter of divine rescue from the judgment that is coming on the world, but a matter of self-improvement in order to have the best life now. The Bible makes it clear that all men must repent and place their trust in Jesus the Christ. Every man’s heart problem is righteousness. Instead of preaching that Jesus fulfills, that Jesus will give us the desires of our heart, we must preach that God will judge and Jesus has satisfied God’s judgment…if man will repent [turn] and place his trust in the LORD who alone is Mighty to save.

We can take our place before Almighty God with the prostitutes and publicans or with the tax collector who entered the temple, but stood afar off. Not raising his eyes toward heaven but beating his breast he cried unto the LORD: “have mercy on me a sinner” or we can stand before God as the Pharisee who entered the temple and approached the altar with head held high, in pride and arrogance thanking God that: “I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector” - who then proceeded to give God a list of his virtues - 'his works' of righteousness.

“…Jew and Gentile both are under sin. For as it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one, There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all gone out of the way, they have together become unprofitable, there is none who does good; no not one. Their throat is an empty tomb; with their tongue they have practiced deceit; the poison of asps in under their lips, whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace, they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes” Romans 3:9-19

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins might be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the LORD.” Acts 3:19