Consider the sparrow.
If He takes care of the sparrow,
He will take care of you.
Consider the lily that blooms so wild and free.
If He takes care of the lily,
He will take care of me.
If He can walk on the water,
and make the blind to see,
if He can heal the leper,
He can take care of me.
(A.S. Jefferson, NC, USA)
I am seventy two years old. My wife and I were saved at the same time forty years ago. For the last nine years we have really started reading the Bible, through which we began getting hungry and thirsty. God speaks to us through His Word, and answers our questions, by His Word, and by and through the Holy Spirit. It is very exciting. We can see that the power of darkness is getting greater. The church- Body of Christ- as a whole, is ignorant of it. (Br Vanderzee, Brisbane, Qld)
Graveside Testimony
In the 65th year of my life I set down these words knowing them to be seemly upon the lips of the minister conducting my funeral today. Be sure that in spirit I am with you and that no essential part of the man you know inhabits any coffin present here. I thank you for your friendship, for the time we have shared, and the things we have achieved. If I did you any service I am glad; if I did you harm, try to forgive me. If there be any here who loved me, you I embrace heartily. Knowing myself both weak and vainglorious, I strove to be courageous and honourable. Only you who loved me may truly judge of these intentions. Now I cast aside the white cane and liberated from earthly blindness, go to meet our Father in Heaven, and the earthly father I never knew. (Br Paul Francia who went to be with the Lord at age 68)
Doctors told June Turbin that her only child, Damien, would be badly retarded, due to a chromosome defect. He had multiple medical problems: his body couldn't break down the fats in food, due to blockages in the lymphatic system. Doctors said he would need a special diet for the rest of his life. For four years he was in hospital, and had to be fed through a feeding tube into his nose. Damien was diagnosed with sclerosis of the liver, and specialists gave him just six months to live. He could not even walk.
June continued to pray to God, and with the support of a Christian friend and a praying church she felt God's presence. Step by step, as people prayed for Damien's body to heal, the miracle happened. Damien's liver now functions normally, he can now have a normal diet, the feeding tube came out, and he started eating. He is now in normal full-time school, and can walk. June writes: What a great GOD we have. May GOD bless you all as He has blessed us. Just believe in Him because there is nothing He cannot do. He is our healer, our provider, and our comforter, and I give ALL the glory to Him. (Life Times, 7/94)
Drama in church
Br Harold and Sis Rose Neil rejoice in the Lord's protection. Both around 80 years old, they recently made a 4000 km trouble-free trip from Victoria to Queensland and back. He writes: We were in the Lord's hand. How we praise Him. At Margate Baptist Church it was both Senior Citizen's, and Bible Sunday, with both young and old folk taking part, very sincerely and reverently- a well-organised, Bible-centred service. The preacher had barely started, when an elderly lady collapsed. A Nurse became very concerned when she could find no pulse. The ambulance arrived in minutes. Not only were they very efficient, but they acknowledged that they were in the Lord's presence. Quietly and gently they took her away recovering, and the service resumed. That lady lived alone, so her friends were thankful that it happened there where they could care for her. The preacher then led us in prayer right from the heart, echoing the inward feelings of us all, as we felt the Spirit of the living God falling afresh on us. An experience to be treasured.
Over the twenty years that we have known the Lord Jesus we have had many trials. Praise the Lord- He is ever faithful. In December, 1993, a tornado and hail storm hit our house. Hail as large as cricket balls all but destroyed our house in ten minutes, while we were inside praising the Lord Jesus. By faith we do not insure our house or contents; we have assurance that Jesus Christ shall protect us. And He does- He replaced all that was damaged, without it costing us a cent. Praise the wonderful Name of Jesus. (Br Micke & Sis Iris, Gatton, Qld)
Sis Violeta Rus of Huedin, Romania, faced opposition from her husband to her new-found faith. A sudden back pain drove him to see many doctors, without success. Slowly he began to read the Bible and prayed for God's help. He wasn't ready to make any commitment to Christ as Saviour and Healer, however. One day the pain was so great that he lost consciousness, and was taken to hospital. Violeta, not wanting to wait any longer, was baptised secretly in a local river. She received a strong peace from God. The next day she visited her husband in hospital, where he was still suffering. He told her he'd had a strange dream, in which he saw her standing on a river bank, all dressed in white. He stood there too, and asked her to hold his arms. He felt an incredible peace and happiness he'd never experienced before.
Violeta was amazed. She felt the Holy Spirit tell her to confess to her husband about her baptism, but she kept fighting this, as she thought he'd be angry with her. Sensing something was going on, he asked what was happening. When she told him, he embraced and kissed her. He said that he was happy that she had been baptised. This was the happiest day of Violeta's life- she was really set free to praise God. Mr Rus has said that he will dedicate his life to God and will have a Bible in his pocket every day, and will speak to all his friends about God's love and mercy. Please pray for this family. (Br Shane Murphy, Romania)
Absolute truth found through cult literature
After a turbulent time as a prisoner of war, Tibor Binder escaped from communist Czechoslovakia and migrated to Australia. Here he entered on a search for the absolute truth. He had not found this in the empty formalism of the established church. He sought for answers in philosophy, yoga, and Egyptian and Tibetan writings. For truth to be absolute to Tibor, it had to be universal- true everywhere, and eternal. He found himself in a spiritual vacuum. Then a pamphlet pointed him to the Bible. It was actually written by a false cult. Tibor read the Bible and recognised the error in the pamphlet, but the truth of the Bible. The Lord stepped into his life- he found the absolute truth in Jesus Christ- Who is universal, and also eternal. He gave himself over to Jesus Christ,. The Bible became to him the Living Word. He was born again according to John 3. His life was dramatically changed. Whereas once he talked of art and philosophy, now he would talk of Jesus and the Bible. His friends left him, mocking him with degrading names. The Lord replaced his lost friends with new friends who were also born-again believers, and has led him from strength to strength.
Another cult member finds real truth Forty-seven years ago I was a Jehovah's Witness with door-to-door training. Now, with a love and a zeal for Jesus burning in my heart, I am at it again. This time I am walking and talking in the power of the Holy Spirit. I have a vision of hundreds of thousands of Spirit- filled men and women boldly declaring in every city on earth that there is salvation in no other name but JESUS, and believing and trusting that their work will be accompanied by signs and wonders as in the early church. (Br John, Blanchetown, SA)
The Lord helps His people My dear 83-year old wife Marjorie fell and broke her hip in April. It has been a trying time for us but the fellowship with the Saviour through those anxious days and nights were sweet. I was able to say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." "When I am weak then I am strong". We both praise the Lord for the evidence of His healing hand in answer to prayers of friends around the world. (Br Les, Melbourne)
The recent Los Angeles earthquake just "happened" to have as its centre the heart of the nation's pornographic industry. 70 companies in the quake area produce over 95 percent of the nation's porn videos. The largest, VCA Pictures has been totally ruined in the quake. (Bible Friend 3/94)
Christians are losing their jobs in Bulgaria. School evangelism and open-air meetings are forbidden, and visas are no longer being issued for missionaries. (SGM Prayer News 8/94)
Germany has a new President. He is Roman Herzog -a committed Christian. (Festival of Light Prayer Letter, 8/94)
Chinese persecution is continuing. A 19 year old believer there has been imprisoned for his faith 10 times. (Open Doors, 9/94)
A new cult teaches that "Baiame"- a supposed mighty and benevolent creator spirit of Aboriginal legend is the true god of all Aboriginal people. They want government funds to promote their anti-Christian teaching, and sacred "Book of Yahi". (Rainbow Correction 8/94)
Ballarat Gospel Radio Station sends out the Good News across Victoria's airwaves. Br Lindsay Huggill, a reader from Hamilton, is one of their presenters.
Thousands of people received Jesus Christ as Saviour and hundreds experienced healings and casting out of demon spirits at a crusade held in Suban-en Tribe in the Philippines. (Br Peter Hobson, Crows Nest, NSW)
Pastor David Rodway of Centre Books, Adelaide, shares that the number of Christian bookshops around Australia is declining. It is expected to further shrink over the next few years. What a tragedy- that Christian books are becoming not only less affordable, but also less accessible to the every day Christian.
Thousands of people are coming to Christ in Southern Sudan in the midst of starvation and persecution. There are no medicinal drugs or doctors, so people pray for direct healing. (Church Around the World)
The National Council of Churches of Australia, once known as the Australian Council of Churches held its institutional service in July. The service began with three Aboriginal dancers playing and dancing to their sticks and didgeridoo pipe music, summoning into the service all the unclean spirits of their ancestry and religion, in their rite of "purification". The church leaders approved of this display of witchcraft and idolatry, thereby encouraging these Aboriginals to stay in their chains of darkness. (Br Peter Hobson, Crows Nest, NSW)
The new council (refer above) includes for the first time the Catholic church (Latin & Eastern rites), representing 85% of Australia's "Christians". Its founder members also include the Anglican, Uniting, Salvation Army, and the Society of Friends. (Clippings sent by Br Paul, Toowoomba, Qld)
Dracula baptised into the Mormon Church! Drakuyla, a Romanian count, and one of the cruelest, most inhumane rulers in human history has been "baptised by proxy" by some Mormons. Mormons believe that if he accepts this act in the spirit world (where he supposedly is now) he will gain the same exaltation as any faithful Mormon. (FIC Newsletter, 7/94)
In Iran, Muslims may no longer legally visit churches. Extremists there are calling for the 10,000 Muslims who are converted to Christianity to be executed. (Hour of Revival, 9/94)
It saddens me to see our society has done a complete "about-face". Good is hailed as evil, and evil as good. Our nation is in danger of collapse unless we turn around and agree with God about our corrupted standards (Rom. 1:24-32). (Sis Joan, Toowoomba, Qld)
Br Ian Watkins reports: We have recently had another 5.3 Richter earthquake. This year sometime we may see Newcastle flattened. This might come about IF Newcastle has a Gay Mardis Gras. THIS is the time to drop buildings on the sinners. They have been witnessed to in many ways.
More Australians believe in God (74%) than in astrology (32%), palm reading (17%), tarot cards (12%), reincarnation (20%) or mental telepathy (40%). People in the 40 to 54 year age group are less inclined to believe in anything. (The survey's definition of God includes all kinds of gods.) (Sydney Morning Herald Survey, 12/93)
For many people in India their only leisure activity is going to movies. About 80% of India's population live in remote villages. A movie on the life of Christ helps to proclaim the Gospel to these unreached people. It provokes strong reactions- people like seeing Jesus doing good, healing and blessing people. When they see Him crucified, however, they are upset and cry . The women weep loudly and the men throw stones at the screen, thinking it's actually happening. When Jesus rises from the tomb, they whistle and clap their hands. Up to 5000 people see the movie each time, and hundreds have been touched. In the last three years it has been shown more than 700 times. (Ps Ku, Go Ye Missions, India)
You call Me Maker, and obey Me not.
You call Me Light, and see Me not.
You call Me Way, and take Me not.
You call Me Life, and desire Me not.
You call Me Wise, and follow Me not.
You call Me Fair, and love Me not.
You call Me Rich, and ask Me not.
You call Me Eternal, and seek Me not.
You call Me Gracious, and trust Me not.
You call Me Noble, and serve Me not.
You call Me Mighty, and honour Me not.
If I condemn you, blame Me not.
(Br Bob Metters, SA)
Lead me to some soul today. Teach me Lord what to do and say. Friends of mine are lost in sin and cannot find their way. Melt my heart, oh God. Fill my life. Give me one soul -today. (Br Peter, Mt Barker)
The mandate for all born again Christians is: "Go and preach the Gospel to all creatures." Br Oswald Smith said, "It is not fair to hear the Gospel a second time, when millions of people have never heard it even once". His small church sent a regular mission offering, though board members had at first complained that the money was needed for church expenses. People's Church, Toronto is a large church today, and it supports hundreds of missionaries. Church growth depends on the importance we give to God's command to "Go and preach the Gospel" to others. As a church and as individuals, let's be stirred to get excited and get involved. Our responsibility as Christians is increasing day by day. Our only and foremost job is to go out and get people saved. When we as Christians fail to take the opportunity to go and witness to people, they become prey to many cults. Take your part in saving souls for Jesus Christ. (Br Ku, Nagercoil, India)
Make witnessing a personal habit. 1. Know it is God's will. 2. Know God will help you. 3. Begin doing the small things. 4. Be personally prepared. 5. Let evangelism happen naturally. (Acts)
SIGNS OF CHRIST'S SOON COMING
In January this year, after being unconscious for 15 minutes, a believer
shared that she had been to heaven. She reported that those in Heaven were all
saying that Jesus is coming soon. For over 2 hours she preached to her family
and prayed for them all. (Recent report by Br Don Stanton, Prophetic Alert)
Church unity is Scriptural- the Bible says it's going to happen. Prophecy is being fulfilled. All worldly, nominal churches are being drawn into a ONE WORLD CHURCH. A syncretistic, all-inclusive religion is being developed now to be eventually under the mighty power of the Roman Catholic church, to usher in the reign of Anti-Christ. Biblical prophecies are being fulfilled; there will be less and less of the small groups who are without compromise. More will succumb to the comfortable, spectacular World Church of worldly power. Those who love the truth will be persecuted again by this up-coming satanic religious power, just as in the days of the inquisitions, only this time it is going to be world-wide. Those who will keep to the Scripture will be viewed as criminals to be got rid of. (Br Tibor, Canberra, ACT)
A CITY ON SEVEN HILLS
In Revelation 17, the Apostle John details the characteristics of a false
church which will be the partner of the Antichrist. It says that a woman rides
the beast that represents Antichrist and the revived Roman Empire he will rule.
She is a city built on seven hills that reigns over the kings of the earth.
Only Rome meets all the criteria. Catholic theologians agree that Babylon in
1 Pet. 5:13 refers to Rome. The Catholic Encyclopaedia states that the entire
Vatican State is within the city of Rome, called the city of seven hills.
Vatican City claims it is the worldwide headquarters of Christianity since its beginning. The colours of the Catholic clergy are purple and scarlet (Rev.17:4). The Church has incredible wealth including solid gold chalices (v. 4), diamond-studded crucifixes and priceless treasures, a lot gained by confiscating property from the pitiful victims of the Inquisition. Most of Rome's wealth comes by the sale of salvation. The wealthy often leave a fortune for Masses to be said for their salvation after their death- to reduce their time in "Purgatory". The celibacy imposed on Catholic clergy is making them sinners- in the last few years the Catholic church as paid out about 1 billion in out-of-court settlements for sexual sins of the clergy in the USA alone. Rome is indeed "the mother of harlots" (v.5).
The woman is drunk "with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" (v.6). Canon Llorente, Secretary of the Inquisition in Madrid recorded in 1790 that over 3 million were condemned in Spain alone. The Church has never apologised for the millions tortured and slain. "Christian" Rome has slaughtered many times the numbers of both Christians and Jews that pagan Rome did. The Roman Church, to this day, claims to be infallible and justifies such barbarism. Its dogmas remain in force. There is no city upon earth, past or present, which meets all of the criteria of Rev 17, except Catholic Rome and Vatican City. Pray for the 980 million Catholics who are deceived into trusting their Church instead of Christ for salvation. May Christ's love move you to bring the Gospel to them! (Br Dave Hunt; The Berean Call, 7/94)
THE MAN OF SIN - HIS IDENTITY REVEALED??
(2 Thess 2:3-8/Dan.8) Scripture indicates that the Man of Sin is one that claims
himself chief amongst Christians in the Last Days. From Rev. 17:9 we see that
the Beast's headquarters are at Rome. The Beast of Rev.13:1 has "a blasphemous
name." One of the Pope's many official titles is "Our Lord God the
Pope". The Pope's triple crown denotes his title of "king of heaven,
and earth, and purgatory". His name's numerical value is 666, in accord
with Rev. 13:18. Could the Pope be the Beast of Scripture?
A new book, "The Keys of This Blood" written by Malachi Martin, a confidant of the Pope, details the Vatican's New World Order plans for what they envision to be a very Catholic world. The Pope's vision, says Martin, is for Mary to take control of the world, and through the Pope set up a one world government. Under the Pope's autocratic rulership every inhabitant of the planet will be required by law to be a baptised and practicing member of the Roman Catholic Church. Everyone will be compelled to worship Mary. Martin sees all of this happening soon- by the end of this decade. Of course we know that Scripture calls us out of such abomination (Rev. 18:4). (V.R. Christensen, Palmwoods, Qld)
In other significant recent developments, Israel is reportedly handing over the control of all the religious holy sites of Jerusalem to the Vatican. (Tape sent to me by Br Watkins, Charlestown, NSW)
Dr Sanders was a chief engineer at Boston Medical Centre, designing micro-chips for various medical purposes; he shares that this chip could be the fore-runner of the Mark of the Beast prophesied in the Bible. The chip he helped to design has 250 thousand components, a built-in lithium battery, and a charging circuit. Its cylindrical shape fits through the eye of a hypodermic needle. The company spent over US$1.5m to design a way of re-charging it, through a charging circuit built on temperature change. Researchers had to find the places on the body where the temperature changed the most rapidly. They came up with just two places: either just below the hairline of the forehead or on the back of the right hand.
Rev. 13:16 talks about the Beast's Mark, to be received into the forehead or hand. Dr Sanders believes what John saw was a hypodermic needle. The word "Mark" is charagma in the Greek, meaning scratch an etching, cut into, or a stamp as a badge of servitude. It comes from charax, to sharpen to a point, the idea of scratching, a stake, or a pointed object. The word for 666 is chia stigma; the word stigma means to stick or to prick a mark, incised or punched for recognition of ownership. Interestingly, the concentrated lithium used in the chip could be dangerous; if it were to break down, it could lead to a serious sore (Rev. 16:2).
There are 23 satellites overhead now-they can read a postage stamp lying on the ground. The technology is there now to track people. Motorola is using Russia to put up 66 LEO (Low Earth Orbiting) satellites, orbiting 100 miles up. These satellites do away with the need for cellular phone towers. Soon there will not be a place where you can go to hide- the surveillance satellites will find you wherever you go.
Dr Sanders comments that we are moving rapidly to a cashless society. Clinton and Gore in their new book, "Putting People First" say that they want every person in the US to be carrying a Smart Card. A million of these smart cards are already in use by the Maryland welfare system. It has the micro chip in it; the same one that is being prepared for use on the back of the hand. ATM machines are being adapted to accept it. The world financial system is already in place in Brussels- fourteen computers track the world's financial movement of money. All information about funds transfers are monitored. In Europe and the US the paper money has a fibre optic strip. The world system is in place. You can use your card anywhere worldwide and the computer keeps track.
The Secretary of the US Dept of Health, Education and Welfare says that they plan to stamp out welfare fraud, currently running at $500m a quarter through positive identification through electronic media under the skin. World leaders know that they cannot control people if they can't identify them. The US Immigration and Control Act of 1986, Section 100, states that the President has authority to order whatever type of identification he deems necessary, whether it be electronic media under the skin, or whether it be an invisible tattoo. An invisible tattoo can't be updated, whereas a microchip can be. This chip fits exactly with what the Bible says is happening. Don't take it! (Rev. 14:9).
All around us we see signs that we are living in the End Times. In the US, churches are bringing in psychologists to do the counselling for them. On a positive note, Dr Sanders points out that the Church in China has grown under the severest persecution. They are smiling and believing in Jesus. We don't hear any discussions in those churches about doctrinal issues or anything else. Jesus is being preached. (Thanks to Sis Adele of Alexandra Headland, Qld, who sent this info)
Here's something to keep in mind when discouraged, says the Colemans, who sent us a snippet from the Qld Prison Fellowship Newsletter:
Do it anyway! People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centred- Love them anyway! If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish motives- Do good anyway! If you are successful, you will win false friends and make true enemies- Succeed anyway! The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow- Do good anyway! Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable- Be honest and frank anyway! The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest ideas- think big anyway! What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight- Build anyway! People really need help, but may attack if you help them- Help them anyway! Give the world the best you have and you may get kicked in the teeth- Give the world the best you've got anyway! (Br Abel Muzorewa, Zimbabwe)
If it were possible to find
One thing He wrought, like plow or spade;
The world would surely haste to see
And thrill to touch the thing He made.
Those blessed hands that carved a yoke;
Or fixed a broken wagon wheel,
Reached out to all in kindliness
With power to bless and strength to heal.
And though no house or plow or yoke
Is left for us to see today,
We have the promise of His hand
To help and guide us on our way.
(F.M. Bates; shared by Br Pete, Mt Barker)
There's a difference between church work and the work of the church. Church work is being done when the church establishment is running its business. When church work is being done, the church is gathered and visible. When the work of the church is being done, the church is scattered and invisible. When the church is gathered, it is being prepared for its work in the world. Worship, preaching, music, teaching, pastoral ministry, etc., is chuch work. Church work involves its programs, organisations, corporate plans, etc. The work of the church involves what the members of the church are doing between Sundays- business, industry, the professions, education, labour, agriculture, sales, consulting, etc., etc. Like salt, the church is doing its work when scattered- when penetrating the food and becoming invisible. Salt, when visible and confined in the salt shaker, is useless. (Br Richard Halverson, Perspective)
It comes through a restored relationship with our Creator. This very Creator has taken upon Himself the sin and despair of our human race, and dealt with it by being nailed to a tree and dying as a human being, the death we all deserve. His returning to life three days later now means that we have a reason for hope in the midst of the hopelessness which surrounds and encapsulates us. Having Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour means knowing that the God who has given Himself totally to us will one day draw us to His side. The Bible says, "Today, if you hear God's voice, don't harden your hearts or refuse to listen and respond to Him" (Heb. 3:15). If you desire to investigate further the claims of Christ, and what it means to be a Christian, don't delay! You may wake up one day to find that you have left it too late. Speak to someone you know from a Bible-believing church. (Br James Kreig, Kensington Park, SA)
When I was a boy I saw a sight I never will forget- a man tied to a cart and dragged before the people's eyes, through the streets of my native town, his back torn and bleeding from a lashing. It was a shameful punishment. For many offenses? No, just for one offense. Did anyone offer to divide the lashes with him? No, he who committed the offense bore the penalty all alone. It was the penalty of human law.
When I was a student at the University, I saw another sight which I cannot forget- a man brought out to be hanged. His arms were pinioned, his face was already pale as death. Thousands of eager eyes were on him as he came from the jail and was led to the gallows. Did any man ask to die in his place? Did any friend come forward to loose the rope and say, "Put it around my neck. I will die instead?" No he underwent the sentence of law. For many offenses? No, just for one offense. He had stolen a money parcel from a stage coach. He broke the law at just one point and died for it.
I saw another sight- myself, a sinner standing on the the brink of ruin, deserving naught but death. For one sin? No, for many, many sins committed against the unchanging laws of God. But again I looked, saw Jesus, my Substitute, scourged in my stead, and dying on the cruel cross for me. I looked, and cried, and was forgiven! His grace, His Blood, His righteousness, this is my only plea. My sins deserve eternal death, But Jesus died for me! (Selected; from Advocate of Truth)
If you're getting lazy, read James.
If your faith is below par, read Paul.
If you're impatient, consider the book of Job.
If you're a little strongheaded, go and see Moses.
If you're weak-kneed, have a look at Elijah.
If there is no song in your heart, listen to David.
If you feel spiritually chilly, Get the beloved disciple John to put his arms
around you,
and if you're losing sight of the future, Climb to Revelation and get a glimpse
of heaven.
(Sis Karol McInerney, Smithfield, SA)
Onward Christian Soldiers As soon as you accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord you are at war. So put on the whole armour of God and get into battle. Not from the church pew, but out where the battle is. (Br Ted Hellman, Boone, USA)
There is no need for you to feel that you have a battle in front of you that you cannot handle, because I have won the victory. I am in you- to cause you to have the victory, and understanding of My Word; to teach you My ways. I am in you, to show forth My love to others. You will not fear the things that are coming upon the earth, and that may come before you. I am in you to cause you to have the victory. (Br Philip Deacon, Dandenong, Vic)
Dear pastor,
A preacher is coming to town. I'm writing to see if you would mind it if he could come into your pulpit and say a few words to the people. Of course, I'm sure you'll want to know some details about him...
He hasn't told me who he's affiliated with, or what his covering is. He's not been ordained, and actually he's not even a member of our denomination. To be honest, I doubt whether anyone has pinned him down to sign his name to any particular statement of faith or constitution. It's quite possible that his doctrine may not suit you or your church. By our definition he could actually be off into error. In fact, to be honest, he can at times be critical. He's often upsetting church leaders by his message, and they say he is off track. He's had a hard time getting preaching invitations from any church groups anywhere. He's actually been kicked out of some. His message can be a bit heavy- sometimes he's turned a few people off.
He hasn't got a book, literature or tape ministries. He does have a kind-of ministry team tagging along with him. They are a rough-looking, poorly organised bunch, though; a bit of a mixed bag of mostly uneducated types. There's been times when even they have given up on him. The preacher and his team tend to hang around quite a lot with unchurched folk- you know, the kind of people who we know wouldn't "fit" into our church. Not the sort of people a respectable minister would be seen associating with. I should let you know also that the treasurer of his ministry is suspected of financial mis-management. If the media got hold of the gossip about him, they'd probably make mince-meat of him and his ministry.
This preacher has no backing, or big organisation, or board to recommend him. He hasn't got a degree, qualification, or credential. He's unqualified, and unrecognised. He's not been to our Bible School. He doesn't call himself Reverend, Doctor, Pastor, or Evangelist; he's got no letters after his name. He has no certificate to hang up, and carries no credential card. He comes from nowhere particularly significant- he isn't welcome in his home town any longer; in fact he is virtually homeless. He doesn't have any glossy brochure advertising his ministry. I'm afraid that I can't give you a video or audio tape for you to check him out either. He's an ordinary-looking bloke- it's likely that his down-to-earth style probably wouldn't suit our usual meeting format. I don't think he'd turn up in a three-piece suit with a colour-co-ordinated handkerchief in his pocket, and give us the usual three-point sermon. I think that he'd probably seem more at home talking to ordinary people than even coming to one of our meetings.
I'm sure that you'll have to have more details about this unknown preacher before you have him come. You will no doubt need to have a few weeks to think this one over, and run his details by The Board, and check with your denominational leaders. Besides, you're probably already too booked out, or worried that you might have to give him an offering. His outspoken ways are sure to upset some of your staid members and you couldn't risk him offending anyone. I wouldn't be surprised if you and your Board wouldn't want to risk him coming to your church.
The only trouble is that the Lord Jesus is coming, whether you like it or not, and whether you're ready or not. Sadly, many churches are missing out on His ministry, and aren't prepared for His coming. -- Andrew Craig
The Pan Trib Rapture Teaching explains it all...
A woman had a dream where she was in a room full of theological professors and experts who were heatedly debating the timing of the rapture in relation to the Great Tribulation. Amidst much finger- wagging and reefing through books, some were arguing for the rapture to be prior to the Great Tribulation, others favoured a Mid-Trib, and still others a Post-Trib position.
In the midst of all the wrangling she found herself standing up and putting her hand up for silence. Everyone in the room stopped in their tracks and stared at her. She cried out to them, "Has anyone heard of the Pan-Trib position?" The theologians began to rummage through their reference books, murmuring busily amongst themselves. When, after a few moments, they couldn't find anything, she declared: The Pan Trib position is: (1) Getting yourself right with the Lord; (2) Getting yourself perfect before the Lord; (3) Getting yourself cleansed by the Lord, (4) Walking in the new covenant of the Lord, (5) Living in the Father's will, then everything will pan out alright! (Sent in by unidentified reader; is a record of a dream by Sis Verlie Hobson, Crows Nest, NSW)
Gambling is my shepherd. I shall not want.
It forceth me to lie down in prison cells.
It leadeth me in the paths of unrighteousness for the devil's sake.
Yea, I will walk in the valley of the shadow of death because of this evil.
Its fever is within me. Its rod and its staff they beat me.
It taketh food from the table in the presence of my family.
It anointeth my head with trouble. My cup overfloweth with bitterness.
Surely unhappiness and misery shall follow me all the days of my life.
Because I will dwell in the house of gambling and partake in pokies and lotteries
for ever.
(Br John Plowright, Elizabeth, SA)
When we pray for someone we strengthen our own faith. When we pray for people on a regular basis, our capacity for love is increased. How can we harbour resentment, doubts and questions about whom we are praying for? We become, instead, genuinely concerned about their physical and spiritual needs. If we wish to pray for someone who we don't know very well then to ask, "What shall I pray about?" is going to do something for the relationship, and their faith as well.
Therefore, we cannot pray completely for revival in Australia until enough of us are praying for each other. God wants us to pray so that we will be spiritually strong enough, as big brothers and sisters, to receive and nurture the little brothers and sisters newly coming into our Church family (John 1:12). When there are enough brothers and sisters strong enough, it will then be safe enough for the Lord to send little ones to our care.
When the Lord Jesus was on the cross He said, "Behold your son", and "behold your mother". He was giving the whole church an example to follow. If someone has lost a son they should be able to join another family. Or if they have lost a wife or husband or whoever. Not enough people in any church are willing to board people from broken homes. As for me, I hope to soon be able to care for homeless youth. (Br Arthur Johnson, Stones Corner, Qld).
People in Africa demonstrate a hunger to know the truth as it is in Jesus. It is wonderful to know that whilst the door of opportunity for the Gospel of Christ is fast closing in Australia, the door remains open in many parts of the African continent. I suppose there has never been a time in the history of Christendom when so much is being said and done in the name of the Gospel whilst the very marrow of the Gospel is strangely absent. The Gospel today in so many places is anything but repentance and remission of sins (Lk. 24:47). (Br Les Carter, Meeniyan, Vic)
People approach a church with a demand: Do you have a program for senior citizens? What are your youth activities? What about young couples? Such people are not worshippers- they are consumers. They want the church to be a religious shopping mall catering to them as consumers. Their demands as consumers must, they believe, govern the church. They assume that God exists to meet their consumer needs. God is seen as the super-servant Who is ready to jump down as soon as paged. We cheapen the church when we make it consumer centred, man centred, just a "feel good" religion. Church is trivialised when it is governed by man's feelings and needs, because its calling is to proclaim the word of the living God. We are not the centre of all things: God is. (Br R.J. Rushdoony, Chalcedon Report 6/94)
The church is full of willing people. 20% willing to work, and 80% willing to let them. (Bible Friend)
Some go to Church just for a walk, Some go to stare, and laugh and talk. Some go there to meet a friend, Some their idle time to spend. Some for general observation, Some for private speculation. Some to seek or find a lover, Some a courtship to discover. Some go there to use their eyes, the newest fashions to criticise. Some to learn the latest news, so that friends at home they may amuse. Some to gossip false and true, Safe hid within the sheltering pew. Some the parson go to fawn, Some to lounge and some to yawn. Some because it's thought genteel, Some to vaunt their pious zeal. Some to show how sweet they sing, Some how loud their voices ring. Some the preacher go to hear, his style and voice to praise or jeer. Some forgiveness to implore, Some their sins to varnish over. Some go for sage reflection, Precious few to help the collection. Some to sit and doze and nod, But few to kneel and worship God. (Author unknown; sent by Br Plowright, Blanchetown, SA)
Too soon we get old, and too late we get smart. Only God can count the apples
in one seed. You never know how many lives you're going to affect through one
person that you minister to. Let no man curse the darkness if he will not light
a candle. (CAIFC Newsletter)
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