Charles Colson, in his book "The Body", speaks of the "McChurch" mentality; Americans change congregations and even denominations with no more concern than changing banks or grocery stores. The religious public is looking for religion that makes them feel good, religion that gives them peace of mind. They don't want is a church that demands personal sacrifice or change.
Two people publicly read the 23rd Psalm before a large audience. One was an actor, and the other an elderly man who had come to know Jesus Christ. The actor told the Psalm in such a way that the crowds cheered. But when the elderly man spoke, the people were moved with awe. (Br P.J., SA)
I will live through the next 12 hours and not try to tackle all of life's problems at once. I will improve my mind, I will learn something useful. I will learn something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will be agreeable. I will look my best, speak in a well-modulated voice, be coutreous and considerate. I will not find fault with friend, relative, or colleague. I will not try to change or improve anyone but myself. I will have a program. I might not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two enemies- hurry and indecision. I will do a good turn and keep it a secret. If anyone finds out it won't count. I will do two things I don't want to do, just for the exercise. I will believe in myself. I will give my best to the world and feel confident that the world will give its best to me. (Author unknown; sent in by Sister Burchell, Whyalla Norrie, SA)
Br Paul writes: for 30 years I was without the Bread of Life. It was sad, lonely, confusing, painful, horrible, lifeless, and just outright hopeless. I was wayward, lost, and FATHER sent an Aborigine to help me out of the pit I was in (Jer. 38:12).
David Rennie of Karratha, shares: In my teenage years I became extremely rebellious, living a life of drugs and violence and greed. My heart was filled with bitterness and hatred. My wife, Lynette also lived a life of drinking and violence. She suffered much from physical and mental abuse. Until... in mid 1988, we experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. we responded to the call of God, after hearing one of God's servants proclaim the Gospel. we experienced a miraculous change, from a life of emptiness and darkness, to a life of fulness and light. Our testimony is that there is only one answer to man's problem. The answer is only to be found in true repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is only by living a life in Christ that one can experience true love and the fulness of life. God gave us a new heart and a new spirit. He cleansed us, made us whole, and gave us a new life, in His Son, Jesus Christ.. He poured His grace and mercy on us and forgave all our sins.
A young man here at Gatton was bound by alcohol, and doctors had told him that another drink would cost him his life. He became depressed, so he bought a bottle of wine, and went to the park. As he was about to open the bottle, he heard a distinct voice say to him, "You don't need that. You need Me." As he was recovering from the shock, a Pastor came strolling through the park and he led him to Christ. He took the man to his own home where he gave him the room, clothes and a motor bike of his recently departed son. The man has become a strong Christian who has been a real comfort to the Pastor who lost his son so tragically. (Above testimony shared by the Cawkwell sisters, Toowoomba, Qld.)
What a wonderful God we serve- He is always there for us. (Sis Margaret Riddell, Hallam, Vic)
I would like to share with your readers what has been a revelation to me of the awesome power of JESUS our LORD. In April 1984, in a vision I saw JESUS hanging on the Cross. Because of my sinful state I could not face Him. Three times He commanded me to look at Him, but I could not do so. In November 1993 I received a postcard from my daughter on holiday in India. The picture was of a massive, man-made concrete image of Jesus. As I looked at it, I realised how over many years satan has deceived mankind by inspiring artists to make and distribute visual lies about the LORD JESUS CHRIST. This incident has made me look back to my vision- a dark, grey scene. A man whose eyes were His main feature, but I am unable to describe them, except to say they were full of light and love, and that they looked right through me, into my own dirty, murky heart (Jer. 17:9-10). (Br John Plowright, Blanchetown, SA)
Br Shane Murphy reports: A very sick lady confessed that she was a sinner and recieved Jesus as her Saviour and Lord. For three years her brother had refused to talk to her, and her death-bed prayer was for a reconciliation with him. Br Shane and Sis Ildiko prayed with her, and the very next day the Lord answered this prayer. A few days later, she died peacefully and went to be with her wonderful Saviour. Her funeral was not a sad time for her son, who had been saved earlier; delivered from a life of alcohol and cigarette addiction, as he knew she had gone to be with the Lord.
I'm thrilled to be able to share some of my testimony of what Jesus has done for me with all the readers. I pray it will help lead some to Him. Apart from the delivery from alcohol, smokes, gambling and asthma He has done many other things in our lives. I was saved almost 4 years ago.
It's taken God 53 years to get my attention. Miracles have taken place in rebuilding me as well as demolishing me first. Oh the patience of God- re-constructing a new creation out of a junk-heap of humanity. God has given me an "Attitude of Gratitude" for all situations, good or bad (1 Thess. 5:18). I constantly pray Matt. 6:33, Ps. 37:4, Phil 4:19 mostly at the beginning of the day, and also ask for my spiritual and natural manna for all areas of my life. (Br Peter Hall, Toowoomba, Qld.)
New Born Babe
CHRISTMAS is a time of joy
On the birth of that blessed baby boy
Jesus is his lovely Name
Saviour of the World, He became.
The wise men followed the star so bright
On that very beautiful Christmas night
It led them to the new born babe
Great happiness, in their hearts, it made.
The life of Jesus God had carefuly planned
He knew His Son would be in demand
A Son who would never entertain sin,
Only a perfect life for Him.
During His life He spread Joy and Peace
His miracles and healing, seemed to never cease,
He always did His Father's will,
The purpose, He came on earth to fulfil.
(Sis Margaret Hallam)
This is the beginning of a new day for me. For God has given me this day to use for His evangelism glory. I can waste this day or use it for Him. What I do today in evangelism is very important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something I have traded for it, I want today to be gain for God, not loss; Good, not evil; Success, not failure- in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it. (Br Rob Metters, Pt Lincoln, SA)
(Extracts from Ps Robert McCurry, Heritage Baptist Church, GA,USA) There is a lack of joyful worship, praise, and singing. A dead orthodoxy has reduced worship to empty rituals and formality, paralysed the church, and robbed her of her joy, strength and victory.
In his book "Revival", D.M. Jones describes dead orthodoxy: "There is nothing vital in the religion and worship of such people. They expect nothing and they get nothing, and nothing happens to them. They go to God's house, not with the idea of meeting with God, and waiting upon Him, and that something might happen in a service. The whole thing is formal- smug contentment; custom and habit. There is no conception that God may suddenly meet with them, and that something tremendous may happen. Do we go to God's house expecting something to happen? Or do we go to listen to a sermon, sing our hymns, and to meet with one another? Have we lost the thing that really makes worship worship- that the Holy Spirit is in the Church, that we may feel the touch of His power; that we are in the presence of the living God? Do we come together to meet with God- and to worship Him, to stand before Him, and to listen to Him?"
Br. J.V.McGee says: "God wants you to be joyful. Most of the bars have what is called a "happy hour". I wish we had a "happy hour" in the church, without the liquid. Let's tune up and get ready to worship the Lord. Praise Him, worship Him, glorify Him."
Joyful worship, praise, and singing are not optional for the Lord's people. If the Lord's church is to be the mighty force He purposed her to be in powerful, effective witness and ministry, then joyful Scriptural worship, praise, and singing must be restored. The floodtide of sin, wickedness, lawlessness, and debauchery in our society is a consequence of a bland, anemic, joyless Christianity that has abandoned scriptural worship and praise for the insipid and joyless substitute of ritualism, formalism, programmed religiosity, and religious activities. We must realise that our worship and praise does more than honour God. It dishonours the devil. To worship and praise God is to engage in spiritual warfare and do great damage to satanic forces. The Scriptures declare 244 times that God is the LORD of hosts (Yahwah Saboath). This Name is used 5 times more than any other Name of God. Lord of Hosts means "Lord of a mass of people organised for war." He is the Lord of a warring people! Our weapons are spiritual. God commands us to worship and praise Him because we need it.
In NSW the Government is trying to make it illegal to criticise homosexuality. Freedom of speech and freedom for the truth is at stake. Christians need to be able to tell the truth about this sin, to help others get free. Homosexuality is wrong (Isa. 5:20; Rom. 1:18, 11:29-32). The only effective answer to the homosexual condition is Jesus Christ. Christ offers pardon, cleansing, healing and life! (Br Peter, Crows Nest)
If it is a disease- it is the only disease that:
My mum and dad have got so much to answer for. My father was a dreadful role model. To begin with, there was his attitude towards women; he treated my mother with respect, and he insisted that I do the same! Other kids had dads who gave their mums a bit of verbal or physical abuse. Then there was the example my father set in his everyday speech. The colourful language so expressive of the average Australian male never graced his lips. He rarely raised is voice, and he never swore. As for drinking, my father was a shocking role model. He was an abstainer. He went to prayer meetings while other dads went to the pub! I felt so embarrassed! It's true that he never came home from a prayer meeting and belted mum or vomited on the carpet, but where's the excitement in life? Then there's the things I wasn't allowed to do.. Father wouldn't let me swear or drink or talk back to mum. Dad wouldn't let me watch lots of stuff on television. My parents also kept me from the nation's main religion -sport, and made me go to Sunday school and church instead. They thought my soul was more important than my body. My upbringing has had a lasting impact on me. I can't get the hang of drinking. I feel uncomfortable with coarse language. And I can't shake the conviction to "seek first the Kingdom of God". (A tongue-in-cheek account by Br Andrew Lansdown, Collie, WA)
The Australian Government has recently spent money spreading the witchcraft of Aboriginal ancestor and spirit worship.
Before Christianity, all the nations were into idolatry. The embracing of Christianity by some nations meant the death of the old religions and cultures (praise the Lord!); and the resurrection of a new, cleaner, blessed society in which sin and sickness were restrained and God's grace would flow. We nearly all spring from nations with religions and cultures that had to die. Indeed nearly all of us come from nations that were evangelised centuries ago. Thank God for the light of Christ which caused our ancestors to bury the old, evil, unclean, accursed culture with all its fear, superstition and slavery to demons. One day, I trust, our Aboriginal people will be likewise grateful to the good Lord who loves them and gave His life for them! Our precios indigenous people need to be delivered from their accursed witchcraft, and brought out of darkness into the light of the Son of God. (Br Peter Hobson, Crows Nest, NSW)
Life without purpose is barren indeed there can't be a harvest unless you plant the seed, There can't be attainment unless there's a goal, and man's but a robot unless there's a soul. If we send no Christians out no converts will come in, and unless there's a contest nobody can win. For evangelism can't be won it must be played, and prayers can't be answered unless they are prayed. So whatever is correct with your life today, you'll find answers and visions if you kneel down and pray; not just for pleasure, enjoyment and health; not just for honours, and prestige and wealth, but pray for a purpose to make life worth living, and pray for the joy of evangelism giving. For great is your gladness and rich your reward, when you make your life's purpose the choice of the Lord. (Br R. Metters, Pt Lincoln, SA)
Some churches aren't calling Jesus Lord anymore. Rev Crawford of Boston says "Lord is a word born of a worldview which assumes a male authority.. a universe in which maybe males are in charge- and that's not just." (The Washington Post, quoted in Milk & Honey, 1/94)
Moorabbin's new mayor, Bob Flavell says two books will be continually open on his desk all year- one the council manual, and the other the Bible. (Br Harold Neil, Victoria)
Angels discovered in space... A secret NASA satellite has recorded the voices of angels singing in space. The heavenly chorus is coming from the centre of a massive black hole 20 million light years away. It is precisely seven minutes long, and it has a clear sound of thousands, maybe even millions of voices, singing, "Glory, glory, glory to the Lord on high" over and over again. (Air & Space Magazine, 7/93)
Morals declining... The tiny bodies of living babies are being cannibalised by medical researchers in America. 56 million Americans (1 in 5) now have an incurable sexually transmitted virus. (Focus on the Family,7/93)
China now has possibly the highest number of Christians in any one country- about 75 million. These are not Christians by birth or tradition- but people who have personally decided to follow Christ. The church in China is characterised by lengthy prayer meetings, frequent fasting and earnest, urgent intercession. They are storming the gates of hell, and shaking the throne of grace. (Asian Report)
Australia's legal system is looking at decriminalising Marijuana. Yet another restraint against sin and destructiveness may be broken down. (Br Hobson, Crows Nest, NSW)
The Israeli national telephone company is to bring prayer up-to-date; you will be able to send a fax to God. When received in Jerusalem, the fax will be stuffed into a crevice in the Wailing Wall (believed to be the site of the Holy of Holies in the Temple.) A Jewish tradition holds that prayers stuffed between the stone blocks of the walls are likely to be answered favourably. (Bible Advocate, 9/93)
And you thought America was bad... US TV reporter Rick Kirkham who recently visited Australia says "There are 7 words which are banned on US television and in the few days I've been here I've heard 4 of them on your daytime TV. I've seen things here I couldn't believe. I would go to jail for putting the same stuff on TV at home." (AFFF Newsletter, 12/93)
Sodomites rioted against a Baptist Church in San Francisco, screaming obscenities and abuse, and pelting worshippers with rocks. One hundred demonstrators damaged church property, and removed the Christian flag outside the Church, replacing it with a sodomite one. A female sodomite exposed her breasts, and the rioting sodomites terrorised the women and children, shouting: "We want your children! Give us your children!" Not a single rioter was arrested by police. (Christian Concerns for Today, 11/93)
Astrology is being promoted to Australian business leaders. So-called Astrological guidance is widely used by decision-makers in France who run large corporations there. (Advertiser, 12/93)
"A world that will be as one" by the year 2000. America is much like Nazi Germany in the late 1920s and early 30's- in moral, spiritual and political decline, and pyschologically ripe to accept the New World Order. There is a black cloud rolling across America. The great majority cannot even see it as they live in a contented, complacent comfort zone that sees no evil, hears no evil, and feels no evil. There are powerful forces at work today which have a well-strategised design to move America into a socialist police state and a globalist New World Order. The Government attacks on the remnant have begun. Groups to be targeted include the gun owners, the pro-lifers, "hard core" fundamental evangelical Christians- especially those who believe in (and defend) traditional family values and in Bible prophecy. (Donald McAlvany, Phoenix)
A hardness has come on the Western world. God is ignored, treated like an insurance company- to be contacted only when in trouble. So much of the church has gone to sleep and is simply going through the motions of spirituality. Let's proclaim the new creation message and our victory in Christ and believe that the Spirit of God will bring a heaven-sent revival to a desperate nation. (Adapted from Br Peter Hobson, Full Salvation Fellowship newsletter)
If we don't use our gifts we will lose them. (Sis Riddell, Hallam)
It is wonderful to know because of the love of God, He keeps us, He cares for us, and we cannot fail. We maintain our standard as we live and move in God, the Lord Jesus. Say to this mountain-be you removed. All things are possible to those who believe. Have the Faith of God. (Br Bob, Maryborough)
A Christian's life is one of "Faith forever".- that is, believing in God's love, goodness and care for this life, and the next, and praising Him for it all. He already owns the "cattle on a thousand hills, and the wealth in every mine", in earthly terms. But if we look at the Universe at large- the billions of stars, galaxies, etc, are all His- how rich He is- and He will not let His children on earth down, ever. "The Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends" (Job 42:10)- our problems (which seem "captivities" till they are solved) lessen as we consider others, and their needs, and pray sincerely for them. Claim God's Word. (Joyce Ward, Melbourne)
Jesus predicted a "great falling away" (Lk. 18:8, 2 Thess. 2:3). We see the continued use of Pharisee/religious titles (Pastor, Doctor, etc. -Mt.23:7-8), Emphasis on "Numbers" (2 Sam.24:1), "Buildings" (Mt.24:2), "Idolatry"-denominations (division- Rom. 16:17), and "petticoat" leaderships (Isa.3:12). We need to replace arrogance with Truth and righteousness, see the spiritual growth of all the saints, and build up the spiritual building which is the Church. (Adapted; Cyril Warren, Banyo)
Some HALLMARKS of LAST DAYS deceivers (Br A. Hellier, Brisbane)
(1) High-minded of their own importance.
(2) Critical of all other churches and ministers.
(3) Manipulate people.
(4) Grasp for money.
(5) Control people.
(6) Disallow criticism of themselves.
God's love is pure, and white as snow
God's gift to mankind for free,
This strong love, that banished our sins
When He died on Calvary's tree.
Its a love so strong, as strong can be,
Its given to one and all,
Its so evident all around us,
And many accept the call.
To describe it is beyond imagination
Of this beautiful feeling of joy,
It changes your whole attitude to life,
You're like a child with a cuddly toy.
God's love is the light of our lives
If we could open our eyes and see
His amazing love should make us realise
How wonderful life can be.
I pray all will find His love,
He offers with arms open wide
Its His dearest wish, within His heart
To have us right by His side.
(Sis Margaret Riddell)
Frank Bartleman, a leader of the Azusa Street meetings early this century, wrote mournfully of the Pentecostal movement only twenty years later. "As the movement began to apostasize, platforms were built higher, coat tails were worn longer, choirs were oranized, and string bands came into existence to "jazz" the people. The kings once more came back to their thrones- we were no longer "brethren". Then the divisions multiplied..." Today's church is spiritually sick to the very core. Today's church caters to a comfortable, "television- worshipping" entertainment seeking generation of believers, who constantly "shop around" the different churches seeking a "blessing". Christians rush around from place to place seeking to have their ears tickled. No-one draws near to God, no-one "seeks His face with all their heart." We have "organised" the Holy Spirit right out of the picture. Everything is centred around and controlled by men- not God.
True revival means death to worldliness. True revival means deep repentance. True revival means being unable to do anything except lie face-down in the presence of a holy God.. men steeped in prayer and utterly infused with the Spirit and the presence of God. The primary focus of revival is among Christians. When the presence of God has flooded the church, and the Christians have repented of their worldliness, their sin, their reliance on the flesh, their quenching of the Holy Spirit, and their lack of seeking God. THEN we can expect to see a great harvest of unbelievers being saved. It is only when the Church becomes full of the presence of God, rather than being full of the efforts of men, that we will be truly able to "turn the world upside down" for Him. (Andrew Strom, New Zealand)
Perhaps we have just enough "religion" to make us immune to the nudgings of God.. Do we sit back unmoved in our comfort-zone and wonder why the world around us is becoming so corrupt. Do we care that these are people for whom Christ died? (Marion & Ralph Walter, L4C,USA)
I'm too old to up stakes again.- 76. My next move is to Glory. (Br Les Carter, Meeniyan, Vic. Les and his wife Marjorie actively serve the Lord with the Protestant Alliance, East Africa Christian Alliance, and Watching & Waiting Magazine. Praise God for faithful workers.)
I extend to you all, the "Macedonian Call". There is still need and room for you to come over and help us. (Br Japheth Mwanthi, Nairobi, Kenya)
OF GOD'S WORKS AMONGST HIS PEOPLE... PASTOR KULANDAIVELU OF INDIA SAYS: "YESUS SERAT LUK" (Jesus loves you)... Some time ago I received a letter from Ps John Tarr to come over to Hungary to help the ministry. He saw my address in "Fair Dinkum". The Lord wanted me to go. Praise God he provided the needs to come to Hungary. Truly this country needs people to preach the Gospel. The people are still influenced by communist teaching and have fear of it still. Gypsy people in Hungary are accepting the Gospel. The Gypsies are neglected by other people. When they saw me that I had come to preach, they came running and hugged and kissed me. These people are so much attached with me in one day because they saw me, that I have love for them, and they all wept in joy. I could not express their love.
They worship the Lord in a "Green house". That is, they use plastic sheets to make a worshipping place. They are in need of a building- as winter comes they cannot worship inside it. I have a burden to help them- to build a church for them. So pray that the Lord may help me to support them. I really praise God for "Fair Dinkum". Because of it I had the privilege to come and minister to these people. I am planning to come over here in 1994, God willing, to train and teach them to be leaders for their people. Please pray for my ministry.
The Word of God says that saints are equipped to do the WORK OF THE MINISTRY- it's clear that the WORK ain't being done (Neh. 2:3). Saints, it's time to go tell it on a mountain, over the hills and everywhere (Matt. 10:27, 4:4). If you preach Fairy Tales to people all the time they'll end up Fairies- but if you preach warfare, they'll end up warriors (2 Tim. 2:4). Jesus Christ is not a fairy, He is a Warlord (Rev. 19:11, 15)! False prophets are blinded by organisational demands, and religious scales blur their vision (Matt. 15:14, Lam. 2:14, Jer. 5:31). The End Time Ministry is a ministry that will simply- absolutely and totally magnify the Name of Jesus (Acts 14:15). Most saints today can tell you of Pastor Bloggs, MaryLou the Prophetess and theology, but ask them their discernment on the times and they'll be as far off as Heaven is from Hell (Rom. 13:11, Lk. 12:56). Satan the deceiver is no longer running about as a roaring lion, he's running the Angel of Light Ministry- he comes in fine clothing, crying Peace, Peace, God is love, never mentioning the judgment or righteousness of Jehovah, lest the people cry, repent, and get right with God. Church- go on (Isa. 43:19; 1 Pet. 2:9). (Br Paul Sheehan, Toowoomba,Qld)
"The church is made up of just two kinds of folk- The ones who just talk about
what should be done, And those who get busy and do it."-Anon.
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