And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31-32
Everywhere I turn lately I am seeing brothers and sisters in faith undergoing intense trials in many areas of their lives. Of course we know that the christian life consists of manifold trials, for as the book of Acts tells us, "through many tribulations shall we enter into the Kingdom of heaven."
But recently it seems to me that for those around me, the trials are of a particular intensity and seem to be focused upon the tearing apart of families and the putting to the proof of the faith of children who have been raised in highly conscientious christian homes.
I have asked the Father in heaven for wisdom and I believe He reminded me of this scripture as an answer. What we are experiencing is the end times sifting of the faith of our families, especially our children.
Jesus told us that this pressure upon families would be one of the evils to endure as a consequence of the last days before He returns,
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God..." 2 Timothy 3:1-4
Time and again I have been hearing from heart-broken parents who have given their children a christian home, education and environment, yet whose children upon coming of age, have seemingly rejected it all, repudiating their own upbringing and abandoning their faith.
These parents are stunned that seemingly devout and compliant children are defecting in various degrees from the spirituality that the family had raised them in.
What we are going through is what Peter went through, on the night Jesus was betrayed. The events leading up to and including the crucifixion, foreshadow the last days and the tribulation that we must partly endure. Satan has been allowed to sift us.
Everything that can be shaken is being shaken...
The sifting is designed to "put to the proof", or reveal to us how much of our faith is truly grain and how much of it is bran, husk , pebbles or other debris. That element must be sifted out of us, but this trial is admittedly painful and bewildering.
A good many of us who have been christians through the last twenty years and have raised children as christians, have done so almost believing that our commitment to alternative education, (Homeschooling, christian school), and discipline, (Proverbs, spanking, correction and training) would guarantee the salvation of our children.
Although such things are certainly Biblical and greatly beneficial, and can even tend toward the ultimate acceptance by our children of the grace of God revealed in Jesus the Saviour and Lord; they are certainly no substitute for Salvation.
Salvation is of the grace of God alone. Our homeschooled, highly disciplined, creation believing, counter culturally raised children , are still sinners in need of the Saviour. Unless they are born again, they are only well-behaved, highly educated, well spoken, Bible versed sinners.
There are so many ways our children, even in the best of spiritual circumstances are being appealed to by the world and seduced by the Spirit of the Age! The only true refuge from the world for our families is the Lord himself.
Simon was so sure He was ready to go down fighting for the Lord, even if all else deny Him! How 'confidence in the flesh' collapses in the time of sifting! This had to be exposed in Simon, He had to be put into a position that brought this out!
God wasn't surprised by Simon's collapse and denial, only Simon was surprised. God allowed Satan to expose Him so that He would truly turn to Jesus and be saved.
So it is with the homes and families of many of us going through serious personal tests. Children who were formerly compliant are telling off parents, willfully defying them, casting off respect, reverence, love and commitment that they might follow their own lusts.
Satan has requested it and God is allowing this sifting. But Jesus is praying for us that our faith not fail us. He wants us to know that He cares for us and our children. "I have prayed for you that your faith fail not."
"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25
Don't despair if your family is in the sifting, cling to the One who lives to intercede for us in all of our weakness! Don't forget that even the best trained children are yet sinners in need of New Birth! Jesus has allowed this exposure for their salvation.
Remember that Jesus looked ahead and told Peter "When you are converted..." Not if, but "when"! There are promises from God for our children to plead before the throne in the time of sifting, such as,
"Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24-25
Finally Jesus predicted that these "children of the sifting" would one day be converted and strengthen their brothers. We have often pleaded for our children,"whats it going to take?" - so why should we be surprised by what the sifting reveals?
Many will fall, many parents hearts will be broken before its over, but these children will come back stronger than ever one day, and be used to strengthen and refresh the brothers.
"And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end ..." Daniel 11:35
Pastor Bill Randles ~~ Believers in Grace
Friday, August 5, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
A lot has been written about Texas Governor Rick Perry's day of prayer scheduled for August 6. Its called "The Response" and it has been chiefly organized by a group of self-proclaimed apostles and prophets subscribing to a movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation. Many are also known by the moniker "Joel's Army." I'm told that American Family Association is funding the project to be held at Houston's Reliant Stadium, which seats over 60,000. The gathering appears to be ecumenical in the sense that those in attendance are united on political issues, but not necessarily theological issues. Those attending will be pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-religious freedom, and fiscal conservatives.
The controversy of the event is complex. Criticism predictably has been launched by liberals that the group is extreme because it stands against abortion, homosexuality, and has harshly criticized New Age religion--i.e., Oprah Winfrey. Conservatives aimed their criticism at the organizers because of their beliefs that they have exclusive revelation knowledge, must establish Christ's kingdom in all areas of society before He can return, do battle against spiritual principalities past and present, and make declarations and proclamations to divorce the nation from pagan Gods such as Baal. Many of these leaders claim to have experienced visitations from guiding angels and to have gotten high or drunk on the Holy Spirit.
Instead of becoming "The Response," the event is more like "The Question." One question is just how far does one agree with someone who, while their hearts are sold out to their interpretation of Jesus, are practicing religion in an extra-Biblical, perhaps heretical, way? Another question is can Christians of all ilks of theology, even theological cults, work together on what they know are Biblically driven issues, but strongly disagree on their practice of religion? Yet another question is where does one draw the line on theological statements of faith, political stances on social issues, and the actual practice of that faith in relation to the stance on those issues? The Bible is clear.
Romans 11:21 says, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." We should be able to work together overcoming evil with good. And we know what evil is according to the scriptures, especially in relationship to the issues of the day. We are repeatedly warned in the Bible, however, about spiritual adultery. In reality, Christians need to be united on the basic tenets of our faith. We must examine how we practice religion ensuring it lines up with scripture that we may be right before God. And we must not be too proud to accept the truth if we are wrong. Jesus said there would be false prophets and false Christs. He said, "Take heed that no man deceive you."
The Bible is your only plumb line. Sola Scriptura.
Bill Wilson - The Daily Jot
The controversy of the event is complex. Criticism predictably has been launched by liberals that the group is extreme because it stands against abortion, homosexuality, and has harshly criticized New Age religion--i.e., Oprah Winfrey. Conservatives aimed their criticism at the organizers because of their beliefs that they have exclusive revelation knowledge, must establish Christ's kingdom in all areas of society before He can return, do battle against spiritual principalities past and present, and make declarations and proclamations to divorce the nation from pagan Gods such as Baal. Many of these leaders claim to have experienced visitations from guiding angels and to have gotten high or drunk on the Holy Spirit.
Instead of becoming "The Response," the event is more like "The Question." One question is just how far does one agree with someone who, while their hearts are sold out to their interpretation of Jesus, are practicing religion in an extra-Biblical, perhaps heretical, way? Another question is can Christians of all ilks of theology, even theological cults, work together on what they know are Biblically driven issues, but strongly disagree on their practice of religion? Yet another question is where does one draw the line on theological statements of faith, political stances on social issues, and the actual practice of that faith in relation to the stance on those issues? The Bible is clear.
Romans 11:21 says, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." We should be able to work together overcoming evil with good. And we know what evil is according to the scriptures, especially in relationship to the issues of the day. We are repeatedly warned in the Bible, however, about spiritual adultery. In reality, Christians need to be united on the basic tenets of our faith. We must examine how we practice religion ensuring it lines up with scripture that we may be right before God. And we must not be too proud to accept the truth if we are wrong. Jesus said there would be false prophets and false Christs. He said, "Take heed that no man deceive you."
The Bible is your only plumb line. Sola Scriptura.
Bill Wilson - The Daily Jot
Monday, August 1, 2011
"... the Lord has rejected your trusted allies, and you will not prosper by them." Jeremiah 2:37
Author Charles Stanley, in his new book Turning the Tide, says that real hope and true change for the United States will come only come when we get on our knees in prayer.
America is facing a tsunami. “It’s coming,” he says.
In his book, Dr. Stanley lists 20 problems affecting the country's legacy of prosperity. The list includes high unemployment, war, natural disasters, corrupt leaders, terrorism, divorce, redefining of marriage, abortion, and single-parent families. Spiritual problems include such challenges to America's Judeo-Christian values as false prophets and toleration of immorality.
America needs Christians to "speak up, stand up and pray as never before" if we expect serious change.
Christians, should not cast their hope and confidence in a presidential candidate, either Republican or Democratic or on a deal raising the debt ceiling and cutting spending. "Hope founded upon a human being, a man-made philosophy or any institution is always misplaced ..."
If you desire the ungodly trends in our nation to be reversed, then you must understand it will happen only if you and I and all those who strive to conform to His image, fight this battle on our knees before the Father, walking in obedience to His Word.
"The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord...." Psalm 33:10-12
Author Charles Stanley, in his new book Turning the Tide, says that real hope and true change for the United States will come only come when we get on our knees in prayer.
America is facing a tsunami. “It’s coming,” he says.
In his book, Dr. Stanley lists 20 problems affecting the country's legacy of prosperity. The list includes high unemployment, war, natural disasters, corrupt leaders, terrorism, divorce, redefining of marriage, abortion, and single-parent families. Spiritual problems include such challenges to America's Judeo-Christian values as false prophets and toleration of immorality.
America needs Christians to "speak up, stand up and pray as never before" if we expect serious change.
Christians, should not cast their hope and confidence in a presidential candidate, either Republican or Democratic or on a deal raising the debt ceiling and cutting spending. "Hope founded upon a human being, a man-made philosophy or any institution is always misplaced ..."
If you desire the ungodly trends in our nation to be reversed, then you must understand it will happen only if you and I and all those who strive to conform to His image, fight this battle on our knees before the Father, walking in obedience to His Word.
"The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord...." Psalm 33:10-12
Monday, July 25, 2011
The duty of the watchman is to speak truth, sound the alarm, calling attention to things perhaps not readily noticeable. With this in mind...
Residents in Norway turning to God to find answers and comfort after one of Europe’s worst terrorist attacks in history is an expected reaction to such a tragedy - and indeed it was a tragedy...
"a national tragedy," one bishop told reporters on Saturday.
"Our nation is praying for a praying nation. It is shocking that such a peace-filled country saw such hatred in one man who obviously did not know where his loyalties were and was without a doubt, insane."
America too was brought to its knees after the devastating terror attacks of Sept. 11. Across the country Americans joined together in prayer. Our hearts were warmed as we watched our elected officials join together in praying for this nation.
This 'peace-filled' nation has ranked No. 1 the last five years in life expectancy, literacy, education and standard of living. Norway has the second highest GDP per capita in the world, an unemployment rate below 2 percent, and average hourly wages among the world's highest.
But Norway has also embraced secularism at the expense of its Christian roots. A survey conducted by Gallup International rated Norway the least religious country in Western Europe. 82.9 percent of the population are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (they are automatically registered at birth and few bother to be unregistered). However, only approximately 10 percent regularly attend church services and identify themselves as being personally Christian.
Oslo, known for the Nobel Peace Prize awards, have awarded such noble of character as Barack Hussein Obama, Al Gore, Jimmy Carter, and Yasser Arafat.
I pray, as I did when America bowed her knee to Almighty God on 9/11 that an awakening will occur and Norway will repent and return to God. Time will tell, just as it has for the past ten years in America.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34
Let us indeed pray that the families and friends of those who mourn will be comforted by The Comforter and that many will come to faith in our LORD through this most difficult time - pray there will be a turning from sin and that hearts will be changed. This did not happen in America, perhaps it will be different in Norway.
Seeds are being planted even now - what fruit they produce remains to be seen.
Police are sifting through the life details of Anders Behring Breivik to find answers as to his motives behind the murders. “Breivik describes himself as a Christian, leaning toward rightwing Christianity.
“He describes himself as a Christian”
We all know that he is no Christian. It’s impossible for a true Christian “tree” to produce this type of wicked fruit. Seeds are being planted with comments such as this; “seeds” instigated by satan through a human heart filled with pain and sorrow, questions and fear.
Severe persecution is coming to believers in the world, the likes of which we have never faced before. How do we know… It's in His Word.
"Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." John 15:20
"...strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God..." Acts 14:22
Residents in Norway turning to God to find answers and comfort after one of Europe’s worst terrorist attacks in history is an expected reaction to such a tragedy - and indeed it was a tragedy...
"a national tragedy," one bishop told reporters on Saturday.
"Our nation is praying for a praying nation. It is shocking that such a peace-filled country saw such hatred in one man who obviously did not know where his loyalties were and was without a doubt, insane."
America too was brought to its knees after the devastating terror attacks of Sept. 11. Across the country Americans joined together in prayer. Our hearts were warmed as we watched our elected officials join together in praying for this nation.
This 'peace-filled' nation has ranked No. 1 the last five years in life expectancy, literacy, education and standard of living. Norway has the second highest GDP per capita in the world, an unemployment rate below 2 percent, and average hourly wages among the world's highest.
But Norway has also embraced secularism at the expense of its Christian roots. A survey conducted by Gallup International rated Norway the least religious country in Western Europe. 82.9 percent of the population are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (they are automatically registered at birth and few bother to be unregistered). However, only approximately 10 percent regularly attend church services and identify themselves as being personally Christian.
Oslo, known for the Nobel Peace Prize awards, have awarded such noble of character as Barack Hussein Obama, Al Gore, Jimmy Carter, and Yasser Arafat.
I pray, as I did when America bowed her knee to Almighty God on 9/11 that an awakening will occur and Norway will repent and return to God. Time will tell, just as it has for the past ten years in America.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34
Let us indeed pray that the families and friends of those who mourn will be comforted by The Comforter and that many will come to faith in our LORD through this most difficult time - pray there will be a turning from sin and that hearts will be changed. This did not happen in America, perhaps it will be different in Norway.
Seeds are being planted even now - what fruit they produce remains to be seen.
Police are sifting through the life details of Anders Behring Breivik to find answers as to his motives behind the murders. “Breivik describes himself as a Christian, leaning toward rightwing Christianity.
“He describes himself as a Christian”
We all know that he is no Christian. It’s impossible for a true Christian “tree” to produce this type of wicked fruit. Seeds are being planted with comments such as this; “seeds” instigated by satan through a human heart filled with pain and sorrow, questions and fear.
Severe persecution is coming to believers in the world, the likes of which we have never faced before. How do we know… It's in His Word.
"Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." John 15:20
"...strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God..." Acts 14:22
Thursday, July 21, 2011
During the last three centuries, Americans have enjoyed relative freedom from the occult forces that have tormented many other parts of the world. From the beginning, the pilgrims and a significant number of other believers trusted God and built this nation on the foundation of His Word. Therefore God protected their land. Few were exposed to words and actions that led to the occult.
But times have changed and God's actual truth is rarely heard in public places. We can no longer shut out the well-marketed forces of evil that press into our lives -- even in churches. Therefore, we must prepare for the spiritual warfare ahead.
"There shall not be found among you anyone who... practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.... For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord..." Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Witchcraft, soothsaying, omens, sorcery, spells -- all have found their way into the final Harry Potter movie Deathly Hallows, Harry's Last Battles.
Days before the release of the seventh and final novel in the series, and now the blockbuster movie, youth leaders are being told they could use the popularity of the Potter books and films as a 'launch pad' for exploring Christian themes.
Designed to stir feelings and produce strong emotional responses, a well-planned myth with likeable characters can be far more memorable than the less exciting daily reality -- especially when reinforced through books, toys, games and movies. Small wonder Harry's fans have been counting the days until their next fantastic journey into Hogwarts' classes on sorcery, divination, potions and spells.
Children identifying with their favorite Harry Potter characters, learn to see wizards and witches from a popular peer perspective rather than from God's perspective. Christian children can easily learn to conform truth to multicultural ideals and turn God's values upside down - just as did God's people in Old Testament days.
writes one young fan: "I have been encouraged by my pastor at my CHRISTIAN church to read the Harry Potter books, because even though they have references to magic and sorcery, they can teach us more about the values of Friendship and Bravery than he can.... I am no longer Christian. Somewhere along the way my beliefs changed. Now, I practice Wicca."
"But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward." Jeremiah 7:24
The story of Harry Potter is an allegory: written and packaged to look like fantasy when, in truth, it is a carefully written true description of the training and work of an initiate in an occult order. The author, J. K. Rowling, is very successful in evoking strong sympathy and empathy for Harry in her readers. The books teach situation ethics rather than absolute values of right and wrong that are taught in the scriptures.
suggestions at the bottom of well-distributed Harry Potter magazines read:
"CAST A SPELL, MIX A POTION, TRY A TRICK!
As commentator Berit Kjos says in her movie review, "In a world that despises God's Word and moral guidelines, it's not surprising that a series of books based on witchcraft and wizardry has won the hearts of the people. Occult themes, whether in books, movies, or computer games, have become one of today's most effective tools for social transformation. Even churches are promoting the change. The 'light' side of evil could hardly be more deceptive!"
As God's Word tells us, "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) That's reality today! But the consequences for those who believe his lies will be severe:
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.... Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!" Isaiah 5:2-21
If you are a parent, talk to your children about the dangers of Harry Potter and the occult, read scripture with them, pray with them, pray for them, but please do not take them or allow them to go with their friends to see the movie nor to buy the books and magazines - and explain to them why!
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
Many thanks goes to Kjos Ministries for their wealth of information on the dangers of Harry Potter. To read more, please visit their website.
But times have changed and God's actual truth is rarely heard in public places. We can no longer shut out the well-marketed forces of evil that press into our lives -- even in churches. Therefore, we must prepare for the spiritual warfare ahead.
"There shall not be found among you anyone who... practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.... For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord..." Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Witchcraft, soothsaying, omens, sorcery, spells -- all have found their way into the final Harry Potter movie Deathly Hallows, Harry's Last Battles.
Days before the release of the seventh and final novel in the series, and now the blockbuster movie, youth leaders are being told they could use the popularity of the Potter books and films as a 'launch pad' for exploring Christian themes.
Designed to stir feelings and produce strong emotional responses, a well-planned myth with likeable characters can be far more memorable than the less exciting daily reality -- especially when reinforced through books, toys, games and movies. Small wonder Harry's fans have been counting the days until their next fantastic journey into Hogwarts' classes on sorcery, divination, potions and spells.
Children identifying with their favorite Harry Potter characters, learn to see wizards and witches from a popular peer perspective rather than from God's perspective. Christian children can easily learn to conform truth to multicultural ideals and turn God's values upside down - just as did God's people in Old Testament days.
writes one young fan: "I have been encouraged by my pastor at my CHRISTIAN church to read the Harry Potter books, because even though they have references to magic and sorcery, they can teach us more about the values of Friendship and Bravery than he can.... I am no longer Christian. Somewhere along the way my beliefs changed. Now, I practice Wicca."
"But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward." Jeremiah 7:24
The story of Harry Potter is an allegory: written and packaged to look like fantasy when, in truth, it is a carefully written true description of the training and work of an initiate in an occult order. The author, J. K. Rowling, is very successful in evoking strong sympathy and empathy for Harry in her readers. The books teach situation ethics rather than absolute values of right and wrong that are taught in the scriptures.
suggestions at the bottom of well-distributed Harry Potter magazines read:
"CAST A SPELL, MIX A POTION, TRY A TRICK!
As commentator Berit Kjos says in her movie review, "In a world that despises God's Word and moral guidelines, it's not surprising that a series of books based on witchcraft and wizardry has won the hearts of the people. Occult themes, whether in books, movies, or computer games, have become one of today's most effective tools for social transformation. Even churches are promoting the change. The 'light' side of evil could hardly be more deceptive!"
As God's Word tells us, "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) That's reality today! But the consequences for those who believe his lies will be severe:
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.... Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!" Isaiah 5:2-21
If you are a parent, talk to your children about the dangers of Harry Potter and the occult, read scripture with them, pray with them, pray for them, but please do not take them or allow them to go with their friends to see the movie nor to buy the books and magazines - and explain to them why!
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
Many thanks goes to Kjos Ministries for their wealth of information on the dangers of Harry Potter. To read more, please visit their website.
Monday, July 18, 2011
“And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.” Acts 3:10-11
Look at it like this:
a particular evangelist claims to possess power from God to heal people. Okay, so why doesn’t he go to public hospitals or physical rehab facilities and call the sick and the lame out of their beds? If the pretend healer did, can you imagine the amazement that would fall over all the nurses, doctors, workers and other patients? So why don’t the charismatic healers leave the friendly confines of planned meetings in rented auditoriums and go to the hospitals?
Why don’t they? Maybe they don’t because they can’t.
But if they can't and pretend they can ~~ wouldn't they be liars?
But if like Peter they really can but won’t, then “these healers” are heartless and cruel. So their failure to heal in public places like hospitals strikes at the heart of their credibility. In either case, they stand exposed as either liars or loveless.
Why are believers so ready to believe and stand amazed while unbelievers are not amazed by the miracles that faith healers pretend to do?
As in Acts 3:1-11, why are people not “wondering” after the sick and lame who are healed? Perhaps it’s because there’s really nothing happening to wonder about.
edited from article by Pastor Larry DeBruyn
Look at it like this:
a particular evangelist claims to possess power from God to heal people. Okay, so why doesn’t he go to public hospitals or physical rehab facilities and call the sick and the lame out of their beds? If the pretend healer did, can you imagine the amazement that would fall over all the nurses, doctors, workers and other patients? So why don’t the charismatic healers leave the friendly confines of planned meetings in rented auditoriums and go to the hospitals?
Why don’t they? Maybe they don’t because they can’t.
But if they can't and pretend they can ~~ wouldn't they be liars?
But if like Peter they really can but won’t, then “these healers” are heartless and cruel. So their failure to heal in public places like hospitals strikes at the heart of their credibility. In either case, they stand exposed as either liars or loveless.
Why are believers so ready to believe and stand amazed while unbelievers are not amazed by the miracles that faith healers pretend to do?
As in Acts 3:1-11, why are people not “wondering” after the sick and lame who are healed? Perhaps it’s because there’s really nothing happening to wonder about.
edited from article by Pastor Larry DeBruyn
Saturday, July 16, 2011
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." I Corinthians 6
[This article from Prophecy News Watch was posted with heaviness of heart. Forgive them LORD they know not what they do].
'Not what one might expect as at least 25 Christian music festivals are held each summer in America, BUT they have never catered to theological liberals ~~ until this year, that is. The Wild Goose Festival—named after a Celtic symbol for the Holy Spirit—kicked off on 72 wooded acres in eastern North Carolina, not so far from the intellectual hub of Raleigh-Durham.
Instead of Bible studies, there were labyrinth walks. Instead of praise-and-worship music, there was hymn-singing in a beer garden and a bluegrass liturgy presided over by a tattooed female Lutheran minister. Visitors were greeted with buckets of water in which to baptize themselves, and tubs of mud to remind them that “dust thou art”~~Visitors could learn from Tom Prasada-Rao, a singer, how to chant “Om” and “Hallelujah Hare Krishna”, or hear Paul Fromberg, a pastor from San Francisco, talking about his 2005 wedding to another man. “God is changing the church through the bodies of gay men,” he told a packed session on human sexuality. Also under discussion was “religious multiple belonging”—in other words, belonging to a clutch of different faiths at once.
Jay Bakker, son of Jim and Tammy Bakker gave meandering talks on growing up fundamentalist. Frank Schaeffer, who has made a career out of criticizing his evangelical parents Francis and Edith Schaeffer, called the Bible “Bronze-Age mythology” and confessed he had a “conflicted ambivalence” about abortion.
Many mainline Protestants seemed delighted by the festival, and may well latch on to the emergents to shore up their shrinking numbers. Buoyed by their success, Wild Goose’s organizers plan to repeat the festival next year in the same bucolic place.'
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6
[This article from Prophecy News Watch was posted with heaviness of heart. Forgive them LORD they know not what they do].
'Not what one might expect as at least 25 Christian music festivals are held each summer in America, BUT they have never catered to theological liberals ~~ until this year, that is. The Wild Goose Festival—named after a Celtic symbol for the Holy Spirit—kicked off on 72 wooded acres in eastern North Carolina, not so far from the intellectual hub of Raleigh-Durham.
Instead of Bible studies, there were labyrinth walks. Instead of praise-and-worship music, there was hymn-singing in a beer garden and a bluegrass liturgy presided over by a tattooed female Lutheran minister. Visitors were greeted with buckets of water in which to baptize themselves, and tubs of mud to remind them that “dust thou art”~~Visitors could learn from Tom Prasada-Rao, a singer, how to chant “Om” and “Hallelujah Hare Krishna”, or hear Paul Fromberg, a pastor from San Francisco, talking about his 2005 wedding to another man. “God is changing the church through the bodies of gay men,” he told a packed session on human sexuality. Also under discussion was “religious multiple belonging”—in other words, belonging to a clutch of different faiths at once.
Jay Bakker, son of Jim and Tammy Bakker gave meandering talks on growing up fundamentalist. Frank Schaeffer, who has made a career out of criticizing his evangelical parents Francis and Edith Schaeffer, called the Bible “Bronze-Age mythology” and confessed he had a “conflicted ambivalence” about abortion.
Many mainline Protestants seemed delighted by the festival, and may well latch on to the emergents to shore up their shrinking numbers. Buoyed by their success, Wild Goose’s organizers plan to repeat the festival next year in the same bucolic place.'
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6
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