“To kill in the name of God is an absurdity… but each religion has its dignity, there are limits. If a good friend speaks badly of my mother, he can expect to get punched, and that’s normal. You cannot provoke, you cannot insult other people’s faith, you cannot mock it. Freedom of speech is a right and a duty that must be displayed without offending.” [Pope Francis].

Rather than condemn ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Boko Haram, Hamas or ‘radical’ Islam, Pope Francis chose instead to condemn the victims. Those left without a voice. The Charlie Hebdo murder victims, those beheaded, raped, crucified, murdered for their faith in Jesus Christ or Jewish heritage throughout Iraq, Europe and the Middle East; what was their offence? How did they provoke, insult or mock?

Islam’ defines offense as being Jewish, sharing Jesus with a Muslim, being in possession of a Bible, gathering with other believers to worship the LORD. Did Charlie Hebdo go too far, perhaps. BUT there is never justification for murder.

Standing in solidarity with religions across the globe, Pope Francis’ prayer intention for January 2015 is: “That those from diverse religious traditions and all people of good will may work together for peace.”

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." 2 Timothy 2:15

　
‘From Billy Graham and John Stott in the 1970’s to today’s evangelical influencers, The Lausanne Covenant has connected thousands of individuals passionately committed to world evangelization. By God’s grace this has led to the formation of hundreds of networks, ministries, and partnerships.’

Today, “world evangelism” seems to be secondary while ecumenicalism becomes front and center as one reads the latest post by Steve Haas, vice president of World Vision US, in the latest issue of Lausanne Global Analysis:

‘For over 60 years, many evangelicals have clung to a very narrow theological narrative that weds Christian theology with a political ideology known as Zionism.’ The article went on to compare Christian Zionism to the Spanish Inquisition, the Crusades, Apartheid South Africa. A recent gathering in South Africa urged Christians to repent for their role in “Palestinian suffering” as a byproduct of support for Israel.

Billy Graham believed in a “Christ” who called him to build bridges across the Reformation, and unite Protestant and Catholics. Mr. Graham found it more important to honor both presidents and popes rather than The King of the Jews and preach The Word without compromise.

John Stott taught among other things that the Bible does not demand a 6-day creation, that the authority of science must be taken into account when examining the Word of God and that the words creation and evolution are not mutually exclusive.

An upcoming conference schedule includes; “speakers Dr Kang-San Tan (Director of Asia CMS, Kuala Lumpur, and Lausanne Senior Associate for Buddhism) and and Professor Ruth Powell (Director of the National Church Life Survey, Sydney, Australia). They will speak on the topics of ‘Global Challenges’ and ‘Local Responses’ - Breakout sessions will follow on the same two topics as well as ‘Equipping for Mission’- The conference will include ample time for informal networking among participants.”
[Lausanne.org and News that Matters]

In all my research, I found little mention of repentance, sin, or reconciliation. Forgetting the great commission, I found upcoming conferences with plans to teach; ‘on global mental health and the role of the church, developing creation care movements within their own countries, teachings on how to unpack the dynamics of a movement and dissect the state of evangelism across the United States and its culture, and how to consult the mind of Christ in extended prayer.’

“Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 'Go 'therefore and 'make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 'teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

It appears to me, we already “know” the mind of Christ. 

As preparations for an upcoming papal visit to Sri Lanka are being finalized, I find myself remembering…

prior to a recent papal visit to the Philippines, dozens of street children were locked up in appalling conditions alongside adult criminals in Manila, being picked up from under road bridges where the pope will travel, making sure they are not seen by Pope Francis.

A Catholic website [patheos] has this to say:

‘Pope Francis, vicar of Christ, the successor of Peter and Paul doing what Peter and Paul did. Traveling missionaries, living the gospel, spreading the gospel. On a mission from God, for God. When the pope travels and greets millions we’re reminded of this mission of the church–to reach out to the whole world.’

I find myself wondering…… does the same fate await those less fortunate in Sri Lanka?

“Vicar of Christ, living the gospel, on a mission from God, for God, reaching the world?” OR…

a paradox, a contradiction, an apostate, a heretic?

"Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the traditions of men."  Mark 7:6-8



 
 

"Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time? Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?" Luke 12:56

Hundreds of thousands of pro-life Americans are in Washington for the annual March for Life. The rally and march on the National Mall will mark the 42nd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision.

As protesters march, the House made plans to debate a bill banning most abortions after 20 weeks, but the debate was canceled after a revolt by Republican women and others, leaving the proposal short of votes.

It would appear it would not matter... POTUS Barack Hussein Obama said he would veto the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act should it reach his desk.

“America, for all that we have endured; for all the grit and hard work required to come back; for all the tasks that lie ahead, know this: The shadow of crisis has passed, and the State of the Union is strong.” [SOTU address, January 20, 2015]

When a nation murders the innocent, 57 million to date and that number  increases daily, would God consider that nation strong, or apostate?

"...when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:21

Probably not.!!.

As 2015 continues to roar in like a lion, there are rumblings that:

‘Iran and Hezbollah are planning a series of major attacks against civilians along Israel's northern border. Israel appears to have taken pre-emptive action, killing an Iranian general and several of his top operatives in an air strike. Iran and Hezbollah are vowing revenge. As if this were not troubling enough, Russia and Iran have just signed a dramatic military agreement.’ [JP and Times of Israel]

As ISIS continues to conquer, demand, maim and destroy more and more, where is America and their imposed sanctions in all this?

“Russian news agencies, report Moscow wants to develop a "long-term and multifaceted" military relationship with Iran. The new agreement includes expanded counter-terrorism cooperation, exchanges of military personnel for training purposes and an understanding for each country's navy to more frequently use the other's ports. Iran's Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan urged greater cooperation as a means of opposing American ambitions in the region. Moscow and Tehran have staunchly supported Syrian President Bashar Assad throughout Syria's civil war, while Washington advocates regime change and supports rebel groups.” [AP]

As America tumbles further away from God, as the church in America slides further away from its Biblical foundations I pray His remnant, the called of the LORD are ready and prepared. Please, do not stand gazing into the heavens awaiting an imminent rapture, engage.!!!.. The LORD is coming back, but until then we must fight the good fight of faith. We must, as the redeemed of the LORD, identify the enemy and stand strong, standing clothed in our Ephesians Six armor, dressed and ready for battle. Time is short, the work will be hard, but God is with us.

“…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
　
War, terrorism, unconstitutional laws, continued spread of Islam across the globe, legalization of same-sex marriage, riots in the streets…

2015 is shaping up to be a difficult year for us all in many ways. ENGAGE.!!!.

"A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”John 12:35-36

What awaits His people, His church in 2015? 

What possible difference can we make?

Not yet a month into the new year and already we have seen terrorism, riots, murder and mayhem.

Reading the book of Acts, we see the early followers of Christ Jesus our LORD turning the world upside down. Bold in their proclamation of the gospel, they chose to face death, obey God rather than man, and forsaking all - to follow Him.

But, today… it appears the church, His church, bought by the precious blood of the Son of God, is AWOL. The great commission has been replaced by the Daniel Plan, Exodus, gods and Kings, tolerance rather than truth and smiling hirelings spouting feel good, be all you can be sermons to lead the gullible and undiscerning further away from the truth. Where is our zeal? Where is the commitment to the commission given so clearly by Jesus to those that would follow Him?

Church history is replete with stories of those martyred for their faith. From Stephen to current day Middle East Christians, we see the faithful taking a stand.

As Islam marches across the globe, terrorizing those in their path, conquering more and more, murdering or enslaving those that will not conform, murdering their own… where is the church?  Where is the outcry from His followers? What are we doing to further the gospel?

If we truly believe Jesus IS alive why don’t we act like it? If we truly believe the Holy Spirit resides in us, why is the church complacent, disengaged,  weak and ineffective?  If we truly believe the Rapture is near, WHY are we not sharing the gospel, planting seeds, water the seeds of others? If we truly believed there is a hell for those that die without Christ, WHY?

“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

If we truly believed……

Disturbing news from Israel.

"The US Consulate in Jerusalem is training a force of 35 Palestinians from East Jerusalem to serve as armed guards, particularly for consular trips to the West Bank’s Area A, which is off-limits to Israelis.

The arrangement violates a 2011 agreement between Israel and the consulate, whereby only IDF combat veterans would be authorized to carry arms as consulate guards.

The consulate was authorized to keep roughly 100 handguns for security staff, on condition that the staff be either American diplomats or Israeli army veterans. Additionally, Israeli guards
at the consulate allege that Palestinians were being trained with firearms in Jericho at a Palestinian Preventative Security base and in the United States

Israeli guards claim Regional Security Officer Dan Cronin, “is in effect setting up an armed Palestinian militia in the consulate. They are being trained with weapons, in Krav Maga, and tactical driving.

 Who can guarantee that such weapons in the hands of Palestinians won’t spread to terror?”  (Israel Times)

"always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7

Charles Spurgeon
October 13, 1878

If you go on sinning, you cannot be saved. If you continue to love sin, and to practise it, you cannot be saved. Think, for a moment, what any other result would involve; if it were possible for a man to live in sin, and yet be forgiven, what would be the value of the work of the Holy Ghost? He has come in order that we may be born again, and have new hearts and right spirits; but if men could be forgiven without having new hearts and right spirits, of what service would the Holy Spirit be? This would be contrary, also, to the whole design of Christ in our salvation. The angel said to Joseph, before our Saviour's birth, "Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins;" but if they can be saved in their sins, where is the meaning of his name? When he hung upon the cross, and one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, "forthwith came there out blood and water;" but what is the use of the purifying water if we need not be purified, and can be pardoned without being cleansed? Paul wrote to Titus that Christ "gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works;" but how can that purpose be accomplished if men can be pardoned, and yet continue to live in sin?

Beside that, the very character of heaven prevents such a thing being done; we know that the unholy cannot enter there, nothing that defileth can pass the watchers at the pearly portals; therefore, be ye sure of this,—that you can never enter heaven, and you can never have forgiveness, if you continue to cling to your sins. 

You must forsake your sins, or mercy cannot be yours.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK.!!!..

Last week was one of the most wonderful, wild, challenging, blessed, eye-opening and tiring weeks of my life. I was blessed to be a small part of a fantastic team of about thirty fellow believers who traveled to New York to minister underground in the subway system of NYC. Praying with those who stopped by the prayer station, passing out tracts, sharing a smile a “God bless your day” as they walked by was something I will never forget. I am thankful to God that He allowed me to be a part of His kingdom work.

NYC is an upside down, topsy-turvy, smorgasbord city of divergent ethnic, socio-economic people and one of the most interesting places on earth, [if you have never been, I challenge you to go]. The hustle and bustle, fast pace of the city has taken its toll and many are lost within themselves, appearing not to see their surroundings, they move through the day oblivious to others. One feels the strain and struggle, the hardness of the city though the lifeless expressions on so many precious faces.

But, all was not lost……

Several walked by, smiled, saying “God bless you for being here.” Some stopped by to tell us their church was praying and fasting for the city…

and many stopped for prayer.

There were those addicted to cocaine and alcohol. Others were homeless, out of work, discouraged, depressed, but as with all of us, each and every one needed Jesus. All needed to know the power, the peace and the promises found within the Word of God:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me…” John 14:6

Thirty-five accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and LORD. One person took the tract, did not talk to any of the prayer team, went home, read the tract, accepted Jesus as Saviour and LORD and called the church the next day to say thank you.

Some plant, others water, BUT ... God brings the increase.

“So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

We all have a destiny, a purpose.

What is your destiny, your purpose.?.

What would God have you to do.??.

Are you doing it.??.

IF NOT, WHY NOT.???.

It’s never to late to begin to obey the voice of God.

“Then believed they His words: they sang His praise. They soon forgot His works: they waited not for His counsel.” Psalm 106:12,13

These are solemn words, because they record a solemn fact. They are true, not only of Israel but of all of God's people throughout all the ages. They refer to that tendency in the heart of each one of us to cry unto the Lord in our time of trouble, and then to need the exhortation, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness” [Psalm 107:8], and even to sing His praises, in the good times and in the bad, remembering Him. Through trails and tribulations, standing strong on The Promises of God.

‘Prone to wander, LORD, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart LORD, take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.’

Perhaps my focus has been to narrow, but I had never seen the pope as a political figure....

Until now.

"President Obama increasingly is finding a key policy ally in the Vatican, with Pope Francis standing virtually shoulder to shoulder with the White House on income inequality and a historic diplomatic reboot with communist Cuba. The pontiff next year also appears poised to offer greater support to the president on climate change initiatives and reportedly wants to be a leading voice at a U.N.global warming summit next year, where the American president will make perhaps his greatest pitch to date for more dramatic action on the environment.

For Obama and fellow Democrats aligning with Francis offers clear benefits in the short term, as they are able to highlight agreement on controversial issues with one of the 'most respected figures on the planet.'  (Washington Times)

"...it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. ....

     "Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also." 1 John 2:18-23

Put on the Ephesians 6 armor.  2015 is shaping up to be a very interesting year.

"The earth shall be full of the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD,
 As the waters cover the sea" (Isa. 11:9).

And what is the secret of our being able to glory only in the Lord, and to enjoy His blessing in this the day of our visitation?  It is given in Jer. 9:23,24: 

"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
     Neither let the mighty man glory in his might,
Let not the rich man glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth, glory in this,
THAT HE UNDERSTANDETH AND
KNOWETH ME."
May 2015 find us wise in His wisdom.
Get to know Him.!!.
HAPPY NEW YEAR..!!.