New World Order to enforce world trade regulation.
The GATT accord, a 26,000 page document to be signed by 109 nations allows the world banker to take raw materials from the cheapest commodity market, to the cheapest labour market to manufacture, and to the highest priced market to be sold. In a short time the standard of living around the world will mean a straw mat to sleep on and a bowl of rice a day to eat. Signing nations in effect will surrender their sovereignty to the World Trade Organisation, from Jan 1, 1995. (Hoskins Report 6/94)
Christians in China now outnumber communist party members three to one. This church with "no frills" is the only source of hope in China. In the underground church the mandate given to immature Christians who of necessity must lead house churches is simply this: "Read the Book of Acts and do it." (Br Dennis Bourke, Tabor News, 4/94)
Christian leaders are being tortured and abused in Sudan. Victims suffer inverted crucifixion (suspension by the feet with arms outstretched- sometimes over fire), barefoot incarceration in a cell, the floor of which is carpeted with nails and freezing ice, and regular beatings. Torture ceases as soon as the person professes conversion to Islam. (Uplook, 12/93)
A Christian radio and TV service, expected to commence mid-94, is being made possible across Australia, through satellite broadcasts.
The World Council of Churches has done it again. In Nov. 1993 a conference in Minnesota was attended by some 2000 women "seeking to change Christianity". Lesbian, bi-sexual and transexual women were lauded, and worship offered to the creator goddess, Sophia. (CVN, 5/94)
Is your church part of the WCC? Australian churches that are affiliated with the National Council of Churches are effectively part of the World Council Churches. The NCC is composed of Anglican, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Churches of Christ, and Uniting Churches. Other churches such as the Baptist Union and many Pentecostal churches are also actively involved in ecumenical activities (such as Awakening) that compromise the Gospel of Christ. (Br John MacKenzie -Australian Beacon, 6/94)
An evangelistic project called "JIM" has been launched throughout the United Kingdom. "JIM" is being widely advertised through billboards and bumper stickers. "JIM" promotes the message of "Jesus In Me" to the lost.
Jewish hopes to rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem are alive and well, details a new book which features pictures of restored Temple vessels, and a computer drafted rendering of the Temple's intended structure. (Uplook, 3/94)
"Buddha" is alive and well in China. Buddhists are officially claiming that his 17th re-incarnation is a seven-year-old boy, a successor to the last "Buddha" who died in the US in 1981. (Uplook, 3/94)
WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS. At the end of 1993 there were 43 wars occuring in the world. This compares with annual worldwide averages of 12 in the 1950s and 22 in the 1960s. (Source: Hamburg University Political Institute study)
Clean up Australia day was appropriately timed. The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras occurred the night before. Regretably that kind of pollution is not easily eradicated. (Br Les, Georges Hall, NSW) This blatant parade of evil has been called the largest tourism event in Australia. (Br Bill McFarlane, Bulleen)
Through "Streetwize" Comics, taxpayers are promoting rebellion, homosexuality, amorality, promiscuity, abortion, and paganism. (Rainbow Correction, 5/94)
There is growing persecution of Christians in Iran. Some believers have been reportedly beaten with thick wires, and hung upside down for hours. (Earlhaven church newsletter).
The average person watches 28 hours a week, or 13 uninterrupted years over a 75-year lifespan. The occurence of violence, profanity and immorality is rapidly making TV a serious threat to our society. TV-watching contributes to many social problems, such as poor school performance, diminished marital communication, irresponsible sexual attitudes, and shortened attention spans. Surveys show that TV programming produces very little pleasure or satisfaction (CVN, 4/94)
Life without Hollywood. We used to have five TV sets in our home. We decided to randomly select several hours of TV and write down every verbal or non-verbal message we could detect. We were aghast- there were pages and pages of hundreds of messages in direct contradiction to what we as Christians claim to believe.
Like the faithless people chastised by Jeremiah, we professed a one true God but we had brought the "oracles of Baal" into our home and placed them on altars in our family room and living room (Jer. 2:8). Jeremiah had warned his people that if they didn't cease their idolatry, their children and their nation would be destroyed (5:17-18). Jeremiah didn't tell the Hebrews to limit their idolatry to one hour a day. Or to make sure that idolatry at home only occurred with adult supervision. Or to keep the oracles in their homes because all the neighbouring tribes had them and their children would need to grow up knowing how to use them and be comfortable with them. He didn't tell them to make sure that the parents of each family discussed the idolatry of the oracle with their children after each use so that its use would be a positive and properly forming experience. He told them to make a choice (Jer. 4:14).
Our TV sets- oracles of neo-paganism- were pumping every form of idolatry and anti-Christianity right into our home. It was more than just entertainment, much more insidious and destructive than winding down after a long day, much more sinister and diabolical than casual viewing- we were opening our minds and our consciousness to be formed in the image and likeness of the shadows dancing on the altars in our homes.
We have been without TV now for just over five years. Occasionally, when we visit family or friends we will catch a glimpse of it. I squirm at the violence that didn't used to phase me. I am embarrassed in front of my children at sexual jokes and inuendo that used to slip by me. My heart breaks when I see family and friends pouring precious hours of relationship down an eternal sewer of watching violent or off-colour shows. It's as if Christians are nbo longer aware that they have the option to live without TV!
What we conform our minds to is what we worship. Christians can do the unthinkable. We can live in homes without TV. We will not compromise for one hour a day. Not a pinch of incense we will offer. Our survival as Christians depends on it. (Br Dale Recinella, The Plough, 94)
New strains of tuberculosis, pneumonia and inner ear infections are appearing for which there are no antibiotic treatments. World Health Organisation officials are worried that the bubonic plague is making a comeback; last time it spread over the earth 25 million people died of it. A new mutant virus, called Ebola Zaire, has the highest rate of mortality ever recorded for a human virus; it killed 9 out of 10 people in African villages in Zaire. The last flu epidemic in 1918 infected half the world's population and killed many millions before a vaccine could be developed. Experts predict that mutant viruses will be one of the biggest problems facing us in the next ten years. Viruses are mutating much faster than they used to, and with modern air travel these deadly diseases can be quickly transported all over the world. Praise God for Ps 91 (v.3). (Sis Rebecca, "In Preparation" Newsletter, USA)
Say not- How shall I go? But- How could I stay?
Say not- Have I call? But- I'm His disciple!
Say not- I am so weak! But- He is Almighty!
Say not- I can do nothing! But- Christ can do all things!
Say not- I fear the hardships! But- I shall reign if I suffer!
Say not- I have no talents! But- Christ is my wisdom!
Say not- Have I the faith? But- Doubting is sin!
Say not- I don't want to be a fanatic! But- Make me a flame of fire!
(C.T. Studd)
The vast majority of people who become Christians do so:
There's a new man walking in my shoes and he walks differently from the man who was previously in them. (From an old African preacher)
God is really doing His work. We are not many in numbers, but God is really performing His wonders among us. People are very impervious- that no amount of preaching changes their minds. Whether we like it or not, we have to movevery near to Him (Rom. 10:11,13, Jn. 3:16, Rom. 8:18, Ps. 50:15). (Pastor Adenigbagbe, London, England)
Br Shane Murphy writes from Romania of the Lord Jesus at work in individual's lives. A 72-year old man was prayed for; he gave up smoking cigarettes after more than 50 years of addiction, and is now a strong believer. Folk who have been brought up in religious tradition have had their lives transformed by the Lord as they have found the reality of born again living.
Nev and Isabel Rogers have been actively ministering throughout Australia's outback- through North-West Queensland, and the Northern Territory, with many opportunities to reach out and fellowship to isolated believers.
Br Ku of India shares: The Lord has been good and is blessing the ministry. Last year when we were facing a crucial time, we cried unto the Lord to have mercy on the poor souls that live in our children's home. The Lord answered our tearshedded prayers and met the needs to purchase a building. Now we are extending the rooms. We dug a borewell as all the lakes and ponds were dried up and children had got sick from drinking that water. Many young and adults are turning to Christ through our outreach programmes.
I was ridiculed, insulted, abused and forced out of home by a drunken father. My mother I lost to meningitis. I have been married, divorced, and remarried. I've drifted in and out of many businesses, some successful, some not. I've drifted away from the Saviour. But every time that I've gone down on my knees and said, "Lord forgive me. Please Lord, have mercy on me", each and every time He has picked me up and surrounded me with His love, because He cares. At times He was the only One Who cared- no one else wanted to know me. I raised three children on my own, and I'm glad to say all three of them have come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and now I have four grand-children to pray into the Kingdom of Heaven.
I am severely crippled with arthritis in every joint in my body. There are times when I cannot write or walk, turn on a tap or even get out of bed. I have sugar diabetes and psoriorsis covering my whole body. I could have easily given up. But, like Job, my faith will carry me through, under God's grace. His grace is sufficient for my infirmity. Praise God that His grace is sufficient for us all. I praise God every day that He will continue to bless me and empower me with the Holy Spirit to witness to people everywhere that Jesus is alive. He is life. He is the Light of the World. He is the beginning and the end. The Word of God applies to every one of us. He says, "Come unto Me, ALL of you sinners- ALL who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"- He loves us ALL.
For several years we had helped and prayed for two people who were hopeless alcoholics. It was very encouraging lately to see them walking with the Lord. They had turned to the Lord Jesus and He saved and healed them. It is wonderful to see how God can deliver even people such as this, who have arrived at death's door. The Gospel is certainly the answer to all the world's ills. (Br Bob, Maryborough, Qld)
"A glad heart makes a cheerful face" (Prov. 15:13). God has helped me so much in my life. I want other people also to find the love and strength for living that God has shown to me. Especially, for people who are not already Christian, I long for them to accept Jesus Christ for themselves as their own Lord and Saviour. As the Scripture Union chorus goes, "Souls are in despair, Lord. Oh, make me love and care. When my life they see, may they behold Thee. Love the world through me." (Sis Joyce, aged 70, Vic.)
In Jamaica the people don't want to know the Lord, they only want to know money -a false idol, and a false god. (Sis Daisy Miller, BGEA, Jamaica)- Ed: sounds a lot like Australia.
As a veteran New York city firefighter, Ted Hellman had fought many fires before- in skyscrapers, subways, ships, and factories. But this time he found himself trapped inside a burning building. He shares his amazing story:
I was literally burning alive. I could not save myself. Only powerful intervention could bring me out of the building alive. I fell on my knees and started to pray to God, saying, "Lord, this is some place for me to be saying my prayers, in hell." At once, the flame lifted and I felt myself being carried out of the building. It was a miracle that I was still alive. The Lord spared me. As I look back now, pondering the miracle, I know that He gave me extended life to serve Him as a minister of the Gospel.
The Holy Spirit came to me one morning and called to me, "Ted". I've been through everything, -up on a ladder on a windy, icy night, fighting fire- hanging onto a ladder with the wind blowing and ice everywhere, everything swaying, and I had no fear. I had been a B-25 crew chief in the South Pacific in World War II. But when the Holy Ghost spoke to me: "Ted, you're a sinner", I shook like a leaf. I thank God for the wonderful day when some one spoke to me of God's love and simple plan of salvation. God not only gave me a new life with a song in my heart, but also gave me peace and assurance of eternal salvation, and the priceless privilege of serving Him. Now I can say, I'm a Christian- I'm all Bible, no additions, no subtractions.
This crisis became a turning point in Ted's life. Aged 80, Br Ted is active for the Lord in various ministries, and serves as a chaplain at a prison near to his home. His testimony is available in tract form, in various languages (Write: 306 Evergreen Lane, Boone, NC 28607, USA)
To trap a monkey, South American natives drill a hole in a coconut that is chained to a tree, and place a little candy inside. The monkey puts his hand into the coconut and grabs the bait, and he can't get his hand out because he is holding the bait. The monkey has not got enough sense to let go of the bait so he can get away. SIN is like that, it may look and feel good like the monkey bait, but it will trap you. Don't be a dumb monkey. Let go of sin, and walk away a free person. (Earlhaven church newsletter)
Words are like a tube of toothpaste- once they're out, they're out- and can't be put back in. (Br Peter, Mt Barker)
If Rome was re-instated in her fomer power there will speedily be a revival of tyranny and persecution. Every principle of the Papacy that existed in past ages exists today. She- who claims herself the true Church of Christ, outside of which is no salvation, has clothed herself in Christ-like garments, but is unchanged.
Every cardinal, archbishop, and bishop takes an oath of allegiance to the Pope, in which he promises "I will to my utmost persecute and oppose" any who stand against the Pope. The Papal church will never relinquish her claim to infallibility; it claims the "church never erred, nor will it ever err", despite the barbaric persecutions of past centuries. Romanism is a system no more in harmony with the Gospel of Christ than at any former period in her history. The doctrines devised in the darkest ages are still held.
A prayerful study of the Bible would show the real character of the Papacy and cause us to abhor and to shun it (2 Thess. 2:3-4). Catholics state, "The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ Himself, hidden under veil of flesh" (Catholic National, 1895). The Catholic Encyclopaedia states that "heretics may not only be excommunicated, but also justly put to death." Pope John Paul II said in 1984, that people are to "seek forgiveness through the church and not directly to God". (Source: booklet called, "What's behind the New World Order?", sent by Br Watkins, Charlestown, NSW)
Many times in the Bible God commands us to worship Him (Ps. 29:2, 95:2,6, Mt. 22:37).
We are to:
I was converted to the Lord in 1935, at age 21. I'm almost 80 now, yet I don't feel that age. When something comes up to worry me, I just say, you attend to it Lord. I claim a promise from the Word, and that never fails. The Holy Ghost is the main person in my life- He often does speak and lead me.
God has brought me through many trials and sorrows. In 1955 my husband died, in 1956 my youngest son was killed on a motorbike, and in 1960, my 3-year old grandaughter drowned. For eight years I was in the Geriatric Hospital, and wouln't speak- only say yes or no. I withdrew into myself- I wanted to die, but God had other plans for me. He made me whole again- even stronger than I was before. He gave me a new boldness to witness and I refused to allow depression to overcome me. I often quote the Scripture, I find myself content in whatever state I find myself, and also, All things work together for good for those who love God. When things happen, we receive comfort from our God, and we seek Him more, and He strengthens us.
I have many friends at the Hospital; they claim me as a miracle. I am busy doing what I can to help people and get them to know the Lord as the Holy Spirit makes the opportunities. I visit the three local nursing homes and two hospitals, and take my little organ and play to the elderly folk. They love it- I joke with them and pray for them. I feel time is short, and Jesus will return soon, and we can't waste our time finding fault with others. We must do all we can to bring the lost to Christ, by the Holy Spirit's power. (Sis Maisie Linn, Wallaroo, SA)
Br Jim C. was serving with the US Air Force in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during Desert Shield. In a shop there he met Mathew, who had been a Christian for two years. He'd never owned a Bible- it was difficult for him to obtain one, as well as dangerous to have one. He asked Jim, "Could you get me a Bible? All I want to have is God's Word." Jim explained that the Air Force had not allowed Bibles to be brought over,but that he would get a Bible back to him. Mathew gave Jim one of his shop cards as he left.
On his return to the States, God placed Jim two houses down from Steven E. Steve was shortly to leave to take up a civilian job in Saudi Arabia. Jim told Steve about Mathew, and gave him his shop card. When he arrived in Saudi Arabia, Steve looked for more than two months, without success. One night Steve was in another part of town, away from where he thought Mathew worked- he wasn't even looking for him at that time. It was 9.30 pm and the shops closed at 10 pm. He walked past a store that sold sunglasses- since he needed a new pair, he went in and asked the man there to show him some.
Steve asked him his name. He said his name, but Steve didn't understand him. The man pulled out his shop card and laid it on the table. Steve looked and saw that it was the same card that he carried in his wallet. Steve told him that he'd been looking for him, and how Jim had given him his shop card. Mathew began to cry. He told Steve that he had been waiting for more than two and a half years for a Bible of his own. He said that three days before, he had asked once again, "God, all I want is a Bible- not money, not anything- just Your Word." God had told him to be patient.
Again he prayed, the next day, and the reply was the same. That very morning
Mathew had woken up praying to God once again for His Word, and the answer was
that today he would have a Bible! Mathew could not wait to get to work- all
day he was looking and looking. When 9 pm came he was ready to give up, but
God did not let go. Mathew got a Bible. Since that time, hundreds of Bibles
have gone through Mathew to others. Many people knew Mathew and what he went
through to get God's Word. Through this experience God has touched many lives.
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