".... the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame'" (Luke 16:22-24).
"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, 'Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels... '" (Matthew 25:41).
"Enter ye in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).
"But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 8:12).
"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:43-44).
The subject of Hell isn't a very POPULAR subject, but it is, indeed, a very IMPORTANT subject. Jesus preached often about this horrible place for one basic reason: HE DOES NOT WANT YOU TO GO THERE! There are many who consider "hell fire" preaching to be cruel and unnecessary, but the Lord Jesus Christ thought it was very necessary to preach on Hell and WARN lost people of this horrible place.
As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is our Christian duty to WARN people about the eternal torments of Hell. So we urge you to carefully consider these words of warning while you still have a chance, while God's invitation is still open to you.
THE SPHERE OF HELL
The sphere of Hell is a round, hollowed-out place in the Earth's core. Scientists say that the Earth's outer crust is less than twenty miles thick, and that beyond that point, there are rivers and lakes of FLAMING HOT LAVA, or, as the Bible calls it, a "lake of fire" (Rev. 20:15). So, this very moment your eternal soul may be less than twenty miles from the burning fires of Hell!
Hell isn't in some distant dimension; Hell is UNDER YOUR FEET! The rebels in Numbers chapter 16 went DOWN into the pit. Moses wrote (Deut. 32:22) about a fire in the LOWEST HELL. Amos 9:2 speaks of people trying to DIG down into Hell. So Hell is a REAL PLACE, and it's UNDER YOUR FEET RIGHT NOW, torturing millions of lost souls forever! Think about that!
THE SUFFERING OF HELL
If you go to Hell, you'll suffer. That's what Hell is for. Just as the rich man of Luke 16, you'll be TORMENTED IN FLAMES. A sinner closes his eyes in death, and his soul goes to torment in Hell forever. You say, "God wouldn't allow such a thing to happen." Sure He will! God allows people to suffer all the time. God allowed Hitler to murder 6,000,000 Jews, did He not? God allowed Herod to kill the children under two years old, did He not (Matthew 2)? If God will allow innocent babies to be murdered, then why wouldn't He allow a Christ rejecting sinner to burn in Hell? Did God not allow Jesus Christ, an innocent and sinless man, to be beaten and murdered? If God will allow His only begotten Son to suffer and be murdered, then why should God save a sinner from Hell when he chooses not to trust Christ as Saviour? GOD WILL ALLOW YOU TO GO TO HELL AND BURN IF YOU ARE NOT BORN AGAIN.
The suffering of Hell is horrible. Not only is there physical suffering, but there is also a great deal of MENTAL suffering. You'll always remember your earthly life. You'll remember your family and your friends. You'll remember your spouse and your children. Just as the rich man in Luke 16, you'll remember it all! You'll also remember the chances that you had to be saved. You'll remember reading this paper, and you'll remember your thoughts and comments about this paper. In Hell, you will always remember the moment that you REJECTED Jesus Christ as your Saviour. All sinners go to Hell, and they go there to suffer.
THE SOUNDS OF HELL
In Hell, there are certain sounds that you'll never hear. We take many sounds for granted today, but in Hell you'll miss them terribly. For instance, the beautiful sounds of nature will not be there. You can't hear the wind blowing gently through the tree tops in Hell, no flowing springs of water, no birds singing, and no spring showers.
You won't hear any children laughing and playing in Hell, for there are no children in Hell. You won't hear anyone say, "I love you", because in Hell, there isn't any love. In Hell, you will hear people screaming for mercy twenty-four hours a day. It'll never stop! There will be no peace and quiet in Hell. Hell will be forever filled with roaring flames, boiling hot lava, and the horrible screams of billions of lost souls! You'll never escape the sounds of Hell.
THE SIGHT OF HELL
You'll think of the wonderful sights of God's creation, such as the beautiful sunsets, the rolling hills, and the tall snow-topped mountains, but you'll never see them again.
The Lord Jesus described Hell as a place of outer darkness. Imagine being in a place where you could only see flames rolling in the dark. Imagine seeing someone's FACE in those flames! There are no smiling faces in Hell, only the faces of pain, agony and sorrow. You'll remember all of the pretty, smiling faces that you once knew, but you'll never see them again. You'll never see your children again. You'll never see your family again. In Hell, friend, you'll see nothing except weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth forever!
THE SOCIETY OF HELL
Did you ever stop to think about WHO will be in Hell with you? Hell is the prison house of the universe. Hell is the eternal home of all drunkards, whores, thieves, murderers, hypocrites, queers and lesbians. When you go to Hell, you will not go to some special Hell just for you and your class of people. No, you will go to the prison of the universe, and you will be locked away forever with every enemy of God!
One of the most shocking things that you will discover in Hell is the fact that you will be an INFERIOR being. The Bible says that man was made LOWER THAN THE ANGELS, and Jesus Himself said that Hell was originally prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Friend, in Hell you will be RULED over by Satan and his evil forces! You will be inferior to the supernatural forces of evil. Your new home will be made up of demons, fallen angels, principalities, powers, spiritual wickedness, and even Satan himself, and YOU will be at the bottom of the guest list! If you go to Hell, you will no doubt feel very much out of place, and you'll be there forever.
THE SUDDENNESS OF HELL
Jesus said in Luke 16:22-23 that the rich man there died and was in Hell IMMEDIATELY. He was a sinner, so he went straight to Hell.
Hell is filled with people who thought they'd trust Christ to save them someday. Proverbs 27:1 says, "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. ' The rich fool in Luke 12 had big plans for the future, but God said, "Thou Fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee..."
Hell comes suddenly. When King Belshazzar threw his drunken brawl in Daniel chapter five, he had no idea that he'd be in Hell before sunrise. Goliath had no idea that a small stone slung by a young shepherd boy would land his soul in Hell forever, but it did. Before his corpse was even cold, his soul was suffering the torments of Hell. Hell almost always takes its victims by sudden surprise, and YOU could be next.
THE SHAME OF HELL
What is the shame of Hell? Well, friend, the shame of Hell is the fact that, if you go there, you will eventually come to grips with one unforgettable truth: YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO GO! Imagine that! Imagine spending ETERNITY with that on your mind! Imagine being in Hell for a million years and then thinking, "I didn't have to come here! I could have received Christ! Oh, what a fool I was! If only I had not been so stubborn! If...if...if...!" That's the shame Of Hell: going there when you DON'T HAVE TO GO!
People accuse God of being unfair in sending sinners to Hell. Listen, YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO! The decision is YOUR'S, not God's. God made His decision 2000 years ago when He gave His Only Begotten Son to die as a payment for your sins. If you go to Hell, you will go AGAINST God's will, because God wants you to REPENT and trust Christ to save you ( II Peter 3:9). How about it? Will you turn from your sins right now and trust Christ to save you? Remember, it's YOUR decision.
THE SALVATION FROM HELL
Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." All men are sinners and need to be cleansed from sin (Rom. 3:23).
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). Knowing our sinful and hopeless condition, God still loved us. In fact, He loved us so much that He sent His only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to shed His blood and pay our sin debt for us (Rom. 5:8-9). Cleansing from sin can only come through the precious Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:5; Col. 1:14).
Only by fully trusting in the finished work of Christ can one be saved. Your "good works" cannot save you because there is none that doeth good in the sight of God (Rom. 3:10-12; Isa. 64:6). "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9). "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Rom. 10:9, 10).
Why not turn to Him right now? Why not get your eternal destiny settled RIGHT THIS MOMENT! You can have peace with God (Rom. 5:1)! You can become a SON of God (John 1:12)! Friend, you do not have to wait until you die to know your eternal destiny. The Bible says that you can know it TODAY! The Bible says that you can call upon the Lord for Salvation. Will you receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Will you turn to Him and trust Him alone to save you? Remember, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:13). That includes YOU! Turn from your sins! Claim God's promises and trust Him to save you while there's still time. Tomorrow may be too late. (James L. Melton)
I found the article on TV most condemnatory and negative. While Pastor Williams expresses many well known facts about the idiot box, he does not refer to the OFF switch. If the program is offensive, you can turn it off. There is no reference to genuine preachers like Gordon Moyes of "Turn Around Australia", who is doing a great job for evangelism. Mind you, TV has also revealed to us some clowns from the USA and Africa who make a mockery of God's Word. (Guy, Mulgrave, Vic)
There is not very much that we can watch on TV any more. So much rubbish, and so many things that are destroying the mind and spirit of a person. How the Heavenly Father must grieve to see His people being destroyed in this way. We must pray for them to be set free. One way we can use TV is to show people good Christian videos. We have a set on Character Builder Storybook. One day our little daughter of 3 years old after watching them came to me and said, "Grandma, I have Jesus in my heart." My heart leaped for joy. Our Lord had opened her eyes to the truth of His love. She tells everyone Jesus is in her heart. (Jenny, Ravenshoe, Qld)
I praise God for encouraging me to get rid of my TV. I am a 60 year old and have been fed up with the rubbish and filth on it. I blame it for a lot of the things that go on in the world today. Satan sure knows how to use things to get at people. (Warren, Bundaberg, Qld)
We would go to church, and at night filthy language (on the TV) was prolific in our lounge. I never could comprehend the contradiction... (June, Toowoomba, Qld)
We have just moved into our first house and the television remains packed in the "spare" room. My husband read FD first, then commented to me, "There's an article about the TV in here - trouble is, he's right!" Our evenings are now spent together as a family; talking, playing, reading the Holy Scriptures. What a transformation. Previously the TV dominated. Conversation got squeezed into ads, and keeping the children quiet so they didn't interrupt the programmes was an effort. We are already much closer and more loving towards each other and our Lord. How we praise Him! (Craig & Andrea, Northland, New Zealand)
For years and years I've been saying that the TV and videos are far worse than fags, booze, and drugs, because they actually fashion or warp the mind and accentuate the effects of the other three. The combination of atheistic state education and TV/videos has done most to destroy the family and empty the churches. (George, Geraldton, WA)
Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you would not have in your home. (David Frost, Chicago Tribune, 2/5/94)
Re the article "The Christian's Pet Sin" - Apparently I am a carnal Christian since I own a T.V. (My choice is news, documentaries - especially on Foxtel - and detective stories.) If a programme turns out to be offensive I change channels or turn the set off. I do agree that I need to be conscious of how much time I spend watching it. If the same criteria were applied to money - no 'spiritual' Christian would use it because money is used for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, bribery, illegal arms, protection rackets, fraud, embezzlement, prostitution. And as for going on the Internet - perish the thought! The Internet has pornography, and all those things that Paul said shouldn't be named amongst Christians.
BUT ... The Internet is where I found out about your Magazine, "Fair Dinkum", and started corresponding with you. It is through the Internet that I now have several dear Christian North American penpals. It is the Internet which helps me research cults, sects, and TV evangelists! These things are tools; and I am answerable to God as to how I use them. Indeed, a brick can be used for building a church - or for throwing through the plate glass window of a jeweller's shop. I can use my car to drive someone to church - or as a getaway car after a bank robbery.
I rest my case! (Helen, Blacktown, NSW)
You said: "Dad, all of the terrible moral and spiritual devastation from TV occurring in your life and in your family is your fault!" Now Brother, There are 4 colour TV's in my house, and a video game on every one of them. I have a boy 9, and a girl 6. There is NO "moral and spiritual devastation" in my home... EVERYONE thinks and says that they are positively delightful. We home school. We have not had the first crisis of discipline with them over ANY THING... They have been spanked a few times, but there has never been an evil "trend" in them that was not reversible quickly... They say "Please, thank you, and excuse me". My 9 year old son still loves me affectionately, and yet I am by no means "tolerant" of wickedness, cruelty, blasphemy, lying or perversion. I am labeled as a stern, austere, and unrelenting person by most of the adults that know me.
Your sweeping accusation against EVERYONE who allows their children to watch TV does not prove true with my children. Teetotalism is the only recourse for people who have a weak grasp of the Holy, and who cannot or will not heed the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Being unable to "separate the precious from the vile", their only recourse is to make rules that God did not make, and to add to what Holiness actually requires. I have religious relatives who enforce the kind of "rules" you suggest on their children, and their children are lifeless, dull, and just waiting for their freedom.
I will NOT allow you to label me as a "bad parent" because I let my kids watch TV and play video games. I would set my children next to yours, Brother, on any day, to let all see whether or not yours are more sweet, guiless, gentle, affectionate, polite, submissive, harmless and morally upright than mine. I suggest to you that the presentation of a fully ADULT Christianity to our children, and that living it out with consistency before them, will overcome and counteract all the evil influences of this world.
If you wish to discuss or argue this matter with me, I'm prepared to go the distance with you. If you just "delete" me and go on in your monologue....well.......God saw that, too. (Ed: FD is definitely not a monologue!) I want to be your friend, but I cannot allow you to classify me as a "bad parent". I refuse and reject your accusation. Psalm 119:79 (Dean, USA)
It is so sad that Roman Catholics take offence, instead of checking God's Holy Word to see if what they have been told is true. I have found that it is a waste of time trying to explain that we are not being rude or argumentative. I just turn to the Bible and show them texts: ie., We have one mediator, Jesus Christ... We must not worship idols, etc. I tell them, they can argue with God if they feel so inclined, but I am taking Him at His Word. (Jack, Green Pt, NSW)
Many of the traditions, customs, beliefs, liturgy, and practices of the Catholic church are NOT scriptural. In fact some practices are straight out pagan! Even the Roman Catholic Bible has no reference to The Rosary, Purgatory, Mary worship, The Mass, The Pope, Images/idols of the virgin Mary and Jesus, the Crucifix, etc. I recommend a video set produced by former Catholic, Moreno Dal Bello (PO Box 303, Reservoir, Vic 3073). I know lives have been touched by this presentation and Catholics have seen the need to come out of the darkness of Rome and into the Kingdom of Light. (Ron & Anna, Coffs Harbour, NSW)
POPE DEVOTED TO MARY
Pope John Paul II's personal motto is, "Mary, I am all yours." He dedicated the whole earth to Mary in 1984. He attributed the fall of communism in Europe to her intervention and credited her with saving his life in the 1981 assassination attempt. He continues in the long line of popes to ascribe divine attributes to Mary, and has taken Marian devotion to new heights. The New Catechism gives Mary the attributes of co-redeemer, mediatrix and advocate. But Mary herself knew she was a sinner in need of a Saviour (Luke 1:46-47). (Calvary Contender 15/6/98)
CATHOLIC CHARISMATICS
There are some 80 million Charismatic-oriented Catholics throughout the world. (Joel News Intl, 22/4/98)
THE NEXT POPE?
The Courier-Mail, Saturday, April 18th, 1998, had a full-page feature on Cardinal Francis Arinze, who also attended the WCRP conference in Melbourne, July last year. Said the feature, on the subject of who will be the next Pope (large picture of Arinze dominating the article): "But inevitably the spotlight keeps turning back on Arinze, whose qualifications grow. When Pope Paul II was in Nigeria earlier this year he started the process that probably will lead to the sainthood of Nigerian priest Father Cyprian Iwene Tanai. John Paul II beatified him, the first step, and confirmed that Father Cyprian - who died in Leicester. England. in 1964 - once performed a miracle by curing a child of cancer. One miracle is necessary for sainthood. St Cypriot, if he becomes that, may well have one other claim to fame. It was he who baptised a young Nigerian boy into the church more than 60 years ago - Arinze. The Black Saint who baptised the First Black Pope. Oh yes, it is some scenario and one a modern church might find absolutely irresistible." (End of quote). Cardinal Francis Arinze, born in Eziowelle, Onitsha on November 1, 1932, is a charismatic figure. When I met him at the WCRP conference in Melbourne I could not help being affected by his personality. Of all the delegates there, and there were certainly some interesting people attending, Arinze stood out. He was so beaming, with shining eyes, such a calm peaceful, kindly look about him! A medium sized man, with a round face and round gold glasses, his boyish appearance denied his age of 65. This Arinze is a man deeply entrenched in Vatican politics already as President of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious dialogue, a confidant and adviser to John Paul II. Arinze is an Interfaith expert, a syncretization worker for the unity of all religions in a One World. Could he be the next Pope, a Black Pope? The other favorite for the position, Cardinal Carlo Martini, who is 70, of Milan, could be disqualified because he is a Jesuit, there has never been a Jesuit Pope. Another contender for Pope, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, or "Joe the Rat", as he is known as in the Vatican, is said to be the most powerful man in the Vatican. This Cardinal has been the Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Faith (or the Inquisition ) since 1982. This "Congregation" has been around for hundreds of years, it is the very organization of the Inquisition, the very same, which put hundreds of thousands to death for refusing the Catholic apostate rule back there in church history! Could we be looking at the False Prophet of Scripture in one of these men, right now?
There are huge plans afoot for a gigantic Eucharist in the year AD 2000, involving 5 billion people! (Despatch Magazine.)
GOD'S FIRE FALLS IN CATHOLIC CHURCH?
"The Lord said you must repent and be saved... He is very displeased with idols." "We have no idols." the priest said. After they had argued back and forth for awhile, they agreed to go to the church to have the Lord point out the idols if there were any there. When they went inside, there were images all around. "There are your idols," the team said. The priest was upset. ''Those are not idols," he said indignantly. "Those are just Paul and Mary and Jesus and John and other saints."
When the team saw that arguing wasn't going to accomplish anything, one of the team said, "Since none of us knows if these are idols or not, let us ask God to show us. Do you remember the story in the Bible about Elijah and the Baal priest? Well, let us pray, and gather these images and ask the Lord to burn them with fire from Heaven if He is displeased with them."
So they gathered all the idols into the middle of the room. They were made of brass, wood and plaster. The people stood back away from the pile of images, and one of the team prayed that the Lord Himself would give the final decision or proof by burning the pile if He wished. After the closing amens, there was a short silence, then a sharp crashing bolt of fire - like lightning - which hit only the pile of images and burned them to ashes.
The priest was so excited, he rubbed his hands together, and kept repeating, "We must get the rest of them to burn, They are in the back. We must get them and burn them, too." So they went into the back of the church and dragged out the other images and they were all burned even those of metal. And nothing else in the church was harmed. Many repented and turned to Christ that day. (Like a Mighty Wind, Mel Tari: extract sent by a reader)
The Catholic church is now Australia's largest single employer. (Men at Work)
The subject of abortion no longer makes headlines in the WA press. What is the outcome of the debates, and the decisions made by those in authority? Many people participated. Some spoke from the child's point of view while others gave the mother the central point of their discussion. Some looked at it from the doctor's standpoint. But who, of those involved, looked at the issue from God's point of view? How many of the persons responsible for making the decisions, searched the Scriptures to see what God wanted them to do? In the day of judgment God says that the books shall be opened. What books does God keep? One of God's books is mentioned in Psalm 139:16 where God has recorded all the parts of my body long before they were formed in the womb. Had a doctor pulled me out of the womb when I had only been there a few weeks, what would God have recorded about me in His book? Had I been the doctor who performed the act, or the politician who gave the doctor permission to carry out the act, what is recorded about me?
Some more books that God has are:-
When an aeroplane crashes, the searchers always look for the black box which reveals all the goings on inside the plane prior to the crash.
When you stand before the Great White Throne of Judgment and God opens the Books about you, your 'black box' so to speak. How you would love to get your hands on those books to edit them before God determines your fate from the evidence recorded in them. But by this time you will have passed out into eternity. You will stand speechless before a Holy God, unable to defend your thoughts, words and deeds.
Set the Books aside for a moment for there will be something even more devastating there. Where did the aborted child go? If you read the first book of Corinthians 15:35-38 and also verse 44 you will realise the aborted child will be there with God. It will not be carried about by a grown up person, but, will have its own full grown body. Yes, you will see the child again.
Look at what God says about those who offend one of these little ones. Matthew 18:6-7 A millstone (about the weight of a small car) hanged around your neck and you were drowned in the depths of the sea. Having read this far you cannot tell God that you were never told. If you're thinking "where do I go from here or what can I do?" Read the Gospel of John Chapter 5 (The words of Jesus) from verse 22 to verse 29 and Proverbs 28:13. (God's Ambassador, WA)
If government is ordained of God, as His servant, to promote/reward good and prevent/punish evil, then it behoves us as Christians to try to make/carry out what He requires. The church has been retreating far too long. Today in WA we have the worst laws on abortion in the whole of Australia. God says He hates the shedding of innocent blood. It's virtually legalised murder. (George, Geraldton, WA)
Materialism is not the root cause of our nation turning into a land like Sodom & Gomorrah. But rather, materialism is a vain byproduct stemming from mankind's attempt to replace the true security of his God. The house becomes our God. The Bible states "Cast but a glance at riches and they will fly off like an eagle" (Pr. 23:5). Talk to any of the 60% of divorced Aussies, and ask them where their riches flew off to upon the divorce court settlement date? The dollar cost is usually not the issue. You cannot put a dollar value on deep emotional pain incurred by parents and children both.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Mt. 6:33) Dear Aussie, have you ever stopped to ask yourself "am I putting God's kingdom first"? Have you asked yourself if God would approve of what you have set before your own eyes on television this week? (Ps. 101:3, 1 Jn. 2:16, Pr. 4:25) Listen closely to the lyrics of that catchy tune you find playing over in your mind - would God approve of your taste? Ask yourself, "do I conform with the Aussie way of life"? If you do, then you need to come out from among them and be separate (2 Cor. 6:17). God does not want us to conform to the pattern of this world, (Rom. 12:2) or Australia for that matter.
If you think the Great Australian dream is a secure rock then think again. Even the conservatives are saying these are the last days. The day and the hour may be unknown but God promised many signs at the end of what Jesus termed this generation. (Lk. 21:32) When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies you will know desolation is near. (Lk. 21:20) Do you labour in thought over the World section of the newspaper or do you choose to follow Aussie idols and just turn to the back pages and read about today's gods of sport. The signs are here, read Luke 21:11. There will be signs in the sun moon and stars (Lk. 21:25). In the last days men shall run to and fro and knowledge shall increase (Dan. 12:4). (This generation is surely the age of knowledge.) What kingdom are you investing in? Put simply, "Repent or Wrath!" (Acts 2:38)
Did you know there is a "New World Order" very much in place, as written in Latin on the back of the American one dollar bill (Novus Ordo Seclorum). It doesn't matter if the end time is at hand. Remain calm. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah." (Ps. 46:1-3).
Live sensibly no matter what prophecy we believe reflects the era of today. Be the master of your money though and don't allow your money to be the master of you. Give your share of your wealth to Gods church, to the poor and needy (Haggai 1:4).
Yes! To live as a true and living Christian does mean we have to come out from among the Aussies and be ye separate. Do not love the world, or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. But God is not asking anything too drastic of us as he wants us just to get on with everyday life. "At the coming of the Son of man people will still be eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage" Being a fair dinkum Aussie is OK! But do it God's way, or the lie of "dream" will ensnare you.
The Spirit clearly says that in latter times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits. Fight the temptation just to float along in a world full of technological fantasy. Pray to God ...... I say PRAY to him. Get fair dinkum in prayer. It is far cheaper than talking to politicians on a telephone, it is technologically superior to the latest wits of invention, achieves far more and will make you richer than Bill Gates (manager of Microsoft) who is said to currently earn $1 Million per hour ($277.00/sec). What does a man profit if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his own soul. Aussie riches are temporary. Gods riches of the heart are eternal. Rise from your slumber O sleeper. Awake to the deception of materialism. The dream is over. WAKE UP! (Ian, Australind, WA)
Our world (the Global Village) now has the finest of communication systems - with virtually nothing worth saying. (Uplook, 1/98)
With simply the promise of miracle healings, televangelist Benny Hinn continues to pack stadiums around the world. Hinn's international ministry could bring in nearly $100 million this year. But detractors say his "miracles" are pure theatre and lack proof. "I had dinner with Hinn one time and asked him to send his best documentation for healing," says Hank Hanegraaff, author of Christianity in Crisis. "He sent three, and we had them checked by our research and they were all bogus." Hanegraaff said Hinn sent x-rays of a cancerous tumor that was gone. "But upon further investigation we found it had been surgically removed, rather than miraculously healed" (Christian News, 7/6/98).
IRAN
In Iran, Christians have been stripped naked and buried in snow until they froze to death. (Maranatha Prophetic Alert, 6/98)
SUDAN
In Sudan there is only one visible Episcopal Church. All the other 585 buildings have been destroyed by the radical Islamic government. (Maranatha Prophetic Alert, 6/98)
ISLAM SPREADING
Converts to Islam in America are increasing. Muslims say more people are open to hearing about and converting to their faith than ever before. A Muslim radio host says he leads five to eight people a month to Islam. Muslims are beginning to have a greater influence in American society. Organisations are publishing tracts and pamphlets that explain the Muslim faith and mosques are giving courses in Islam for interested seekers, reports say. (Religion Today, 7/7/98)
At present rates of growth, Islam will be the United States' predominant religion by the year 2020. When Muslims will be in a position to elect themselves to several positions in government, Christianity will probably be outlawed here (just as it is in every predominantly Muslim nation in the world). (Based on Ed De Vries, USA)
Over one sixth of the world's population - about 900 million people -are Muslims. (Red Sea Team)
MERCHANDISERS IN THE TEMPLE
Sales in Christian bookshops today are: 12% Bibles, 24% books, 64% "holy hardware" (CDs, posters, gift items). Although theological and apologetic books can still be bought, the marketplace prefers pop literature. Australian Christians lap up insipid devotionals, potboiler romances, trite thrillers, and simplistic books about being happy. Brain food is out, junk food is in! (Philip Johnson, quoted by "New Life, 1997)
THE MORMON EMPIRE
Some say Mormonism will be the next world religion. With 55,000 missionaries serving in 160 countries, and doubling since 1981, it now has a membership of over 10 million. Each Mormon missionary leads about six people each year to Mormonism. The Mormon Church produces an estimated $5.9 billion a year and has over $30 billion in assets. It owns many temples and meeting houses, 16 radio stations, a television station, a daily Salt Lake City newspaper, a book company, a ranch near Orlando worth $858 million, and Utah's largest department store chain. All these make Mormonism the largest religious financial enterprise in the U.S. outside of the Roman Catholic Church. (Calvary Contender, 1/7/98)
SECULAR COMPANIES OWN CCM RECORD LABELS
Christian music is now virtually owned by the secular entertainment industry. CCM'er Jill Chambers says: 'Contemporary Christian music may be called 'Christian,' yet it's being influenced and governed by a secular mind-set.' (The Calvary Contender, 15/7/98)
MALAYSIA TO PERSECUTE CONVERTS
The government of Malaysia is drafting a new law to punish Muslims who make public commitments to Christ with heavy fines or three years' imprisonment, or both. The 'Faith Reform Bill' is near completion and may be submitted for approval soon. (Joel News Intl, 2/7/98)
MONGOLIA TO BURN CHURCHES
Government officials in Mongolia have demanded churches turn over the names and addresses of all members, or face the destruction of their buildings. (Joel News Intl, 2/7/98)
URUGUAY TAXI-DRIVERS TURN TO PREACHING
More than 60 taxi-drivers are members of the local Christian taxi-driver's association, formed six years ago to share the Gospel with other taxi-drivers and any passengers willing to receive Christ. The association also has two daily radio programs, and members listen to the programs as they drive their taxis (Maranatha Newswatch, 20/7/98)
TELEVISION BANNED
Afghanis have been ordered to get rid of their television sets. Religious police will smash the sets if they are not gone in 15 days, the Islamic Taliban movement, which rules most of Afghanistan, has warned. Videocassette recorders, videotapes, and satellite dishes were also ordered to disappear. Mohammed Qalamuddin, Afghanistan's minister for the prevention of vice and the promotion of virtue, said television and video are "the cause of corruption in this society." The Taliban, a movement led by radical Islamic scholars, began capturing cities in 1996. The movement also banned audiotapes, films, and other forms of entertainment. (Religion Today, 10/7/98)
BIBLES MADE FROM PORN
Pornography is being turned into Bibles in the Philippines. Customs officials shredded more than a ton of pornographic magazines, saying the paper would be recycled. Most of the magazines were smuggled from the United States and Japan and seized in recent months at Manila's international airport. Officials did not want to waste the paper, and found a company that offered to shred magazines and turn them into recycled paper for free. The paper will be donated to religious groups, which can use it to print Bibles or other religious books. (Joel News Intl, 30/5/98)
SUMO EVANGELISM
Hundreds of teens have become Christians through a sumo wrestling ministry in McKinleyville, Calif. Rob Speers, youth pastor of The Abundant Life Center, an Assemblies of God congregation, holds sumo wrestling matches, "inflatable boxing" bouts, and other events to reach teens. The ministry organizes the events at high schools as an alternative to partying at the beach, the denomination said. The gospel is preached at half-time during the events. (Religion Today, 7/7/98)
INDONESIAN PERSECUTION
I'm an Indonesian Chinese believer... I personally beg you to support in prayers for the Indonesian Chinese believers in Indonesia. Many were victims in the riots in Jakarta, Medan and Solo (big cities in Indonesia). Their properties were looted, their house were burned, and their wives and daughters were raped. Many of them are traumatized and suffered mental breakdowns. The women were assaulted in the street in front of the public, they were sexually humiliated, and others raped in their own homes. Those who cannot deal with this horrible experience have committed suicide. The others who survived and did not experience the situation (like me), are living in fear about what could happen in the future occurrence. (Yuri G., Indonesia)
There are alarming reports of extremely serious violence and rioting in Indonesia, with many Chinese Christians being brutally attacked and raped. The Muslim Fundamentalist Movement plans to totally eradicate Christianity in Indonesia by the year 2019. An Indonesian church leader said that in recent times over 315 churches had been burned down or destroyed, many pastors had been beaten to the point of severe brain damage, and women and children had been attacked. "Many times we have been told not to witness or they will attack us. The choice is hard indeed, however witnessing is a must task." With 200 million people Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation. The church leader said despite the difficulties, he remained committed to winning as many Indonesians as possible to Christ. The Muslims plan to destroy churches, kill and kidnap pastors, and unseat Christians from decision-making positions, making Christians defensive until they become powerless in evangelism. (Selected)
BEHEADED FOR CHRIST
A Muslim leader had his 15-year-old son killed for converting to Christ. The emir in a North African nation had his son publicly beheaded before the boy's mother and the entire village. The youth, Hasan, had become a Christian after an evangelist passing out Gospel booklets in a nearby city told him about Jesus Christ. Although he knew the possible consequences, Hasan told his family of his decision to become a Christian. His father ordered him to renounce his faith before a council of village elders, but Hasan refused. "Hasan was brought out before the crowd, members of the emirate council, and his father, and slaughtered like a sheep," a Christian worker reported. Islamic law prescribes the death penalty for apostates. (Religion Today, 15/7/98)
INTERNET EXPLOSION
Over 1 in 4 (3 million) Aussies use the Internet. About 42% of Australian households now own personal computers. Around 2.4 million households use computers at least once a week, with entertainment (games) being the most popular use. Australia lags only slightly behind the US in computer ownership, with 44.8% of American households owning PCs. (Australian Bureau of Statistics data)
BAD FAITH?
Four of every five sick children in the US who died after their parents put their trust in faith healing could probably have survived if medical treatment had been sought. In a recent study of child deaths in faith-healing families, 81 percent were due to conditions that had a survival rate exceeding 90 percent with treatment. God certainly can and does heal, but oftentimes he may will to do so through a medical doctor. (Calvary Contender 15/5/98)
PUB CLOSED BECAUSE OF REVIVAL IN AUSTRALIA.
A religious revival among Aboriginal people in a remote northwestern Australian town, once labeled the "arrest capital of Australia," has forced the lessee of the local pub to go broke. Nullagine's Conglomerate Hotel, leased by Mr. Gary Marshall went into receivership last month after most of the 100 to 150 Aboriginal people in the town, 184 kilometers north of Newman, turned to Christianity in November. Police in Nullagine claim drunken fights have virtually disappeared since the residents gave up alcohol and labeled the hotel 'the devil's place.' The Aboriginal community has reduced the number of arrests to just a handful and there have been no persons put in jail. Instead of going to the hotel each night to drink, they sit in circles under the stars, praying and singing gospel songs at the Yirrangkaji community on the outskirts of town. The only local to suffer is the hotel which used to keep six staff busy. Mr. Marshall, who leased the hotel and an adjoining shop for two years, said the arrival of religion spelt disaster for his business, but he was not angry. 'I couldn't sit here and say it is a bad thing,' he said. 'If they are better off, then it's a wonderful thing. I sincerely hope it stays, but I have my doubts. I think the answer is responsible drinking.' (The Advertiser Newspaper, 9/3/98)
"REVIVAL" TOURS
At the height of the Toronto Blessing, some 30,000 British Christians flew to the Canadian epicentre in search of blessing, spending an estimated £24.6 million in airline tickets alone. (Ship of Fools Website)
MISSING NUKES
Russia's military has lost track of 100 suitcase-sized nuclear bombs, the nation's former National Security Chief has told American lawmakers. (News & Advance, 5/9/97)
DISNEY MOCKS GOD
Disney owned Miramax studios is producing a new film called "Dogma". It features beer-swilling angels who are cast out of heaven by God (who is female), a 13th apostle who was stoned for informing citizens Jesus was black, and a priest who says the crucifix is too depressing a symbol, and wants it replaced with Jesus giving a "thumb-up" sign. It gets worse, but I think you get the picture. (Based on Citizen, 6/98)
CHRISTIANS IN DANGER IN AMERICA
A man was suspended from Atlanta High School. His CRIME ? Possession of Christian Literature. A Christian woman was reprimanded for praying with a handicapped student on a school bus. A school teacher lost her job because she took a stand against Halloween and prayed with a satan worshipper to receive Christ. (Ted Hellmann, USA)
Ever since I became a Christian, I've always given tracts to people. In 1987 when I was in Bible college, a group of us went witnessing, preaching in Brisbane, on the streets. I remember one night I saw this young guy who was a bouncer out the front of a "Strip Club". So I gave him a Gospel tract, spoke to him for a few minutes. Over the next few months or so I'd chat with him. Well, when I came back to Perth, I went out one night with a group of friends giving out some tracts in 1991. Then all of a sudden, from nowhere, it rained. I moved under a shelter, about 15 yards from the road. I was still giving out tracts, and gave one to this particular person, and I said his face rings a bell. He came back to me and said, Did you give tracts in Brisbane? I said, Yes. The same tract I was giving out in 1986 I was giving in 1991. Well the story ends happily - my mate was getting off drugs, and came to WA to get away from people. He stayed with me for a few months, recommitted his life to Christ. I baptised him in 1992, then married him and his wife in 1996. Gospel tracts work. I am privileged to see the fruit this side of eternity. (Garry, Corrigin, WA)
"Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." (Mark
16: 15.)
(Luke 14: 23)
Go out into the highways,
Ye heralds of the King;
Give out the invitation,
And make your trumpets ring:
The supper room is ready,
And millions die in sin;
Go out into the highways,
Compel them to come in.
(John 4: 35)
Press out into the harvest,
Ye reapers of the field;
The crops cry out for workers,
But few will meet their yield:
Say not "Four months await us,"
Lift up your eyes to-day;
The fields are white to harvest,
Press out, and work, and pray.
(Luke 5: 4)
Launch out into the ocean,
Ye fishers of the Lord;
Prepare your nets for service,
The Captain is on board:
Why cling ye to the coastline?
Why anchor in the bay?
Launch out into the ocean,
And fish till break of day.
(Matthew 28: 19-20)
Go out unto the nations,
Ye labourers of God,
And preach the peerless Gospel,
Wherever man hath trod:
Tell out the gracious tidings,
On every sea and land;
Go out unto the nations,
Obey the Lord's command.
(John G. Ridley)
Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, "We can't keep the Christians from going to church. We can't keep then from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from conservative values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate, abiding experience in Christ. If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to church, let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time, so they can't gain that experience in Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do, angels. Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day."
"How shall we do this?", shouted his angels.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent unnumbered schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, then, borrow, borrow, borrow. Convince the wives to go to work and the husbands to work 6 or 7 days a week, 10-12 hrs. a day, so they can afford their lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work."
"Overstimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive, to keep the TV, the VCR, and their CD's going constantly in their homes. And see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill their coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hrs. a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, sweepstakes, mail order catalogues, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering, free products, services, and false hopes."
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted, disquieted and unprepared for the coming week. Don't let them go out in nature. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, concerts and movies instead. And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled emotion."
"Let them be involved in soul-winning. But crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Christ. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family unity for the good of the cause."
It was quite a convention in the end. And the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busy, busy, busy and rush here and there. "Be still and know that I am God." Have you taken time to listen lately?
(Author unknown; sent by Helen, Blacktown, NSW)
It disturbs me when Christians watch immoral comedies on television. It disturbs me when Christians spend more time reading novels than the Bible. It disturbs me when Christians spend more time on the internet than in prayer. It disturbs me when Christians read immoral youth and womens' magazines. It disturbs me when Christians give higher priority to sport than to their local church. It disturbs me when Christians spend more money on cosmetics than supporting missionaries. It disturbs me when Youth groups have all-night "video sleep-overs". It disturbs me when I walk into a Christian home and there are immoral videos on the bookcase. It disturbs me when Christians listen to certain radio stations that are permeated with filth. It disturbs me when Christians come to church 'when it suits them'. It disturbs me when Church services are so full of singing that just 20 minutes is left for the sermon. It disturbs me when a "Gospel Message" is preached, and there is no mention of the cross. It disturbs me when Churches place greater emphasis on methods than on the Holy Spirit. It disturbs me when Church prayer meetings are attended by 20% of the congregation. It disturbs me when Christians are unconcerned about lost people going to Hell. It disturbs me when Christians don't want to talk about missions. It disturbs me when Christians are not disturbed about the state of the church. A concerned Christian. (Anonymous- Sent by reader, David Hunt)
IS IT A WEB OR A NET?
Could the World Wide Web be a snare or "net' (Lk. 21:35)? The word "web" carries the connotation of a fatal trap. As when a spider catches a fly. In Hebrew, the letter "w" is "waw", which is the 6th letter of the Hebrew alphabet with a numerical value of 6. Websites are reached by an address containing the letters "w.w.w" (666?). (Last Trumpet Newsletter, 4/98)
BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU
Reuters reports that the FBI is seeking wide access to cellphone phone records without a court order. The FBI wants to require phone companies to provide the exact location of cellular phone users when requested by the FBI for police purposes. If the FBI is granted this new power they then can monitor more easily almost all phone conversations. (Daniel R. Baker)
PANIC ATTACK?
Concentration Camps. I have heard of these concentration camps... (FD #47) I have yet to meet anyone who ever saw one in person. I had heard and seen that Fort Huachuca was supposed to have a camp on it. Over the past 4 years I have tried to locate it. There is no concentration camp at Fort Huachuca. I don't know for sure about other alleged locations, but I have challenged a number of folks reporting this... I am concerned about this possibility. But, I am equally bothered at all the myth floating around and "verified" by quoting someone who quoted someone who quoted someone, et cetera. Who saw the camps? There is no proof, and I am concerned about something far more sinister-- Have you ever considered the possibility that these stories are started by the Feds and One Worlders to try to panic right wingers and Christians? A panic and some sort of action by the Aryans or the Militia would give the Clintons the excuse they need to declare the Executive Powers Act, which IS real. What evidence do you have that is airtight and not from a lengthy grape vine string of sources? I saw the photos on the Web, and the camps shown were run down and the wooden towers were rotting and overgrown with trees growing up through them. (Such myths could) mobilize Christians to mindless action. Do you recall Jim Jones? He did the same thing just before he asked his groupies to drink the Kool Aid. I would like to get to the bottom of it. We need a saint who will infiltrate or get photos somehow which are water tight evidence. (Steve Van Nattan, Balaam's Ass Speaks, USA)
Freedom from Religious Persecution Act Bro Andrew, I really appreciate what you are doing with "Fair Dinkum". It is a terrific magazine and I quote it often. In fact I need to set down and write a retraction because of one of those quotes. Your information on HR 2431 is incorrect. I just read the whole bill and it is not what you report at all. It is primarily aimed at the persecutions going on in Sudan. It contains information on dealing with immigration from countries involved in religious persecution and economic sanctions against those countries. It specifically defines "persecution" as physical torture and the Director answers to the President not to any UN official. As of today it has 131 co-sponsors and a lot more hoops to jump before it becomes law, and then it is just more bureaucracy that we don't need and can't afford. (Dave Marlett, Crystal Sea Baptist Bible College, USA)
CONSPIRACY
For us there is no conspiracy - a conspiracy is something hidden, but discernment lifts the veil and gives us hope, peace and zealousness in the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 8:9-22 has a reference to the believing remnant. Verses 11-13 are particularly instructive. The KJV uses the word "confederacy" which in Strong's concordance is rendered also as conspiracy. (Brian, Parkes, NSW)
Press on to know God, not the latest government conspiracy. The Bible, the classics, soul-winners and missionaries' writing are if infinite value. A. W. Tozer said we should be like prospectors, searching for gold of spiritual acquaintance with our God. For me, the hills I search amongst are my books by such men. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be completely satisfied!" (Matt 5:6) Good prospecting sites: Keys to the Deeper Life, A. W. Tozer, The Divine Conquest, A. W. Tozer, and Shade of His Hand by Oswald Chambers. (Kim, Boreen Pt, Qld)
I am overwhelmed with news and articles in FD... and disclosures re one world order and apostasy re the churches and RC and the world is in chaos and in a mess. Who wants the truth? Only through spiritual eyes can one discern the evil and bad and lies. Jesus is Victor, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Zella, Padstowe, NSW)
It seems you will never please all of the people all of the time! You will always offend some of the people some of the time. If you set yourself up as a censor you will seem like the Pope, if you deny freedom of speech you will be a legalist, if you print what some dislike you will be planting in discernment for printing false teachings. Some thrive on conspiracies, end time of sessions, doom and gloom, others will be plunged into depression and hopelessness reading about it. One man's meat is another man's poison. (Kim, Boreen Pt, Qld)
WHY FEAR?
In your last issue, certain contributors, with some knowledge of prophecy, showed fear of future events. How shall we cope when faced with the humble option of either wearing "the Mark of the Beast", or facing commercial annihilation. This mark is intended to be satan's trump card of the ages. God has faithfully forewarned us of it... I think that this demonic plot will somehow blow up in the devil's face. Later this commercial "masterpiece" will be used by God for identification. When handing out Divine judgment. This mark of the Beast will (I suspect) be introduced under some plausible pretext, ie, "to catch tax-cheats", etc., or some bank scheme. The devil is eager for us to concentrate our attention on this frightful mark until they more or less ignored him before he would come in with a full-scale assault. Certain Christians will be thrown off guard by these false alarms. Rev 21:8 groups the fearful with the unbelieving. Dare we fear, facing and refusing the Mark of the Beast? I believe the real problem for those who fear is faulty faith, lack of faith, limited, or misdirected faith - buffeted by our abilities to cope. "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20). Do we really believe this? If so, why fear? (George, Stoneyford, Vic.)
END TIME SIGNS
According to the Lord Jesus Christ, the gifts of tongues and healing are signs (Mar. 16:16-20). These signs were for the purpose of confirming the word of God (Acts 14:3; Heb. 2:3-4). These signs are spoken of in the past tense in 2 Corinthians 12:12 and in Hebrews 2:3-4, not in the present or future tense. Those who still look for signs and wonders today are on dangerous ground for the Antichrist will deceive the world with signs and wonders (Rev. 13:13-14; 2 Thess. 2:8-12). The Lord Jesus Christ said that an evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign (Mat. 12:39). (James Melton)
PERSONAL NUMBER ON YOUR WRIST?
I have personally heard, from reliable secular sources within the telecommunications industry, that plans are afoot to replace traditional telephones with possibly wristwatch-size wireless "personal communications devices". An individual could be issued with a personal phone number, from birth, which will remain their life-long number. The technology for such tiny wireless communication devices already exists and is rapidly advancing. (Editor)
THE END OF PRIVACY
The U.S. Dept of Transportation proposes a "Driver's License/SSN/National Identification Document". No later than Oct. 1, 2000, ALL state driver's licenses must be linked to the social security number of the individual. State ID cards must also be linked to social security numbers, and -- plans are to issue state identification cards to minors. Each individual must submit biometric identification which will be compiled in a national database. The biometric component currently is fingerprints, which is already in effect in many states like California, but retinal scans and DNA prints are also being considered. Every driver's license or ID card will be required to include a magnetic strip, and an imbedded computer chip which will contain the social security number information.
All Americans will be required to present this new federally approved ID whenever applying for a job. Before being hired you will have to be checked against the national database. Why? Supposedly to determine if you are a potential terrorist (which could include membership in a patriot organisation, militia, or publisher or writer of any "anti-government" newsletter, on line service, et al.) You will also need your government approved ID to travel. Without the new and improved government ID you will not be able to seek medical care. Medicare and other state services are already linked to the social security number. You will not be able to enrol your children in school. Eventually all children will have their very own ID card and national databases will maintain their vaccination records, behavioural problems, and history of drug use, et cetera. You will not be allowed to work without this new federally mandated mark. State licensing will be extended to virtually everything, thereby making it illegal to work without a license. The next step is for all information to be coordinated and completely accessible to any and all bureaucrats for their arbitrary and capricious abuse. The national ID card itself (which you will be required to carry) will have a magnetic strip (or chip) which is imbedded in it. That means you could be tracked wherever you go. Privacy will be an anachronism. Government is supposed to serve we the people. However, as George Washington observed, "Government is not reason: It is not eloquence, it is Force, like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." (Geoff Metcalfe, www.worldnetdaily.com, 22/6/98)
ARAFAT CLAIMS JERUSALEM
Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestinians, intends to declare a State of Palestine , in May 1999, with Jerusalem as its capital. Incidentally, the name Jerusalem occurs over 700 times in the Bible, but not once in the Koran. (Present Day Events #428)
A SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY
A single common currency (the Euro) will be launched on lst January 1999, to replace 11 European currencies. The nations participating are Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain. Three countries chose not to participate, Britain, Sweden and Denmark. Greece failed to qualify. These 15 countries make up the European Union. Currency unity will bind every one in Europe together on an everyday basis. Political unity, already achieved via the European Parliament, is more abstract, and border removal mainly affects people on the move, but everyone uses money very frequently. A common currency is an enormously significant advance.
Plans to expand the union to include more nations, particularly east European and former Soviet bloc countries, are in hand and the membership could reach the high 20's, including Russia.
European unity is a worthwhile objective after the devastation of two world wars. But such a trading group can exercise enormous power in manipulating markets and dominating peoples' lives.
The book of Revelation, particularly chs 17 and 18, shows that Europe, under the symbol of a beast, will progress to exclusion, self-indulgence, luxury, immorality, deception and suppression of the truth. An encyclopedia says this: "Two thousand years ago, most of Europe - and a good part of Africa and the Middle East as well - was part of a single political and economic system: the Roman Empire." What is not said is that this empire developed into the Holy Roman Empire which became notoriously oppressive, corrupt and dictatorial. Revelation says that this is where modern united Europe is headed again. (Present Day Events, #428)
The NEW WORLD ORDER will solve the international monetary chaos with its one world monetary system. National debts will be forgiven and the poor nations will have opportunity to raise their standard of living. Recessions will be over. This totally planned world will solve the food problem, and nations that are now threatened with starvation will receive the necessary sustenance. A one world food authority will distribute food with equal shares for all people. A one world water authority will regulate the drinking and irrigation water. Wars will cease, and as a result, destruction, famine and pestilence will no longer be a problem. Instead of spending billions of dollars on armament, the nations will co-operate in solving the hole in the ozone, the greenhouse effect, the deforestation of our national resources, the choking of the atmosphere with carbon-monoxide, and other life-threatening situations on land, air and sea.
The NEW WORLD ORDER will solve all these problems... according to the men at the top. And most importantly, this bright new world of the future will have harmony of religious belief, and a one world religion! There will be no theologies, no dogmas, no distinctive beliefs. No one will say, "I have the truth", except the patriarch heading this order of the world of tomorrow. Who will it be... President? or Pope? Everyone will be welcome to the NEW WORLD ORDER, everyone... except those who will not co-operate. (Margaretha, Ararat, Vic)
Nimrod was called "a mighty hunter" (Gen. 10:9). He built several cities, including Babel... All trade, education, business, military and other functions of governments around the world are linked together by treaties and obligations instigated by the United Nations. This is also true of the all-powerful surveillance system. It will be a mighty hunter. It will track down all who won't bow down to what people are told they must do. Eventually the hunted ones will be those who refuse to take the mark of the beast (Rev. 13)! However, God will, with the hosts of Heaven, have the last laugh as there is great rejoicing over the overthrow of the wicked system God calls "Babylon". (Betty, Margate, Tas)
PLANET ALIGNMENT COULD LEAD TO POLE SHIFT?
It appears that global instability might soon be paralleled with an unstable globe. The Canberra Planetarium forecasts that a unique planetary alignment will occur on 5/5/2000.
R W Noone, author of "5/5/2000 Ice: The Ultimate Disaster", asserts (with others) that the key causative factor in the upcoming pole shift will be the accreting of ice at the eastern edge of Antarctica. Antarctica is larger than the USA, and Canada combined. Currently two and a half miles high, the ice mass is increasing at approximately 1.2 billion tons per week. It should be exerting the critical 1700 lb per square inch by 5/5/2000. This will cause the ice to slip and, under the centrifugal force of the spinning earth, be drawn towards the equator. The planetary alignment's gravitational effect will provide the fabled straw on the camel's back.
Noone predicts global catastrophes, including the inundation of the western seaboard of the USA and the nation of Japan. The USA is to move 2000 miles to the south and all mainland masscs will move correspondingly, all in a very short time span. Earthquakes, volcanic activity, tornados, cyclones and tidal waves of inconceivable sizes and ferocity will wreak destruction all over the world. (From Martin Lear, Kingaroy, Qld)
We read in Isaiah 24:20, "The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard." This statement tells us that the earth will shift in our future. Scientific evidence points to the fact that the earth has shifted throughout creation. In Siberia, Emanuel Velikosky documented frozen woolly mammoths with buttercups in their mouths. In order for this to have happened, the spring air was liquefied and frozen instantly. A shift in the earth's axis could only have caused this, which also established new north and south poles.
Another example of the earth shifting on its axis would be the biblical account of Noah and the flood (Genesis 7). At the time this occurred, evidence supports that the earth was in a greenhouse effect and was spinning perpendicular. During the flood, the earth must have shifted causing the present 23-degree tilt.
Today, you hear how El Nino is changing the weather all over the world. However, you are not hearing about the real cause. For the first time in history, we are now experiencing underwater volcanic eruptions of enormous size increasing the ocean's temperature. This increase in temperature causes more moisture to form over the poles, and greater deposits of ice to form on the polar caps. In 1997, the Oakridge Research Facility confirmed that the polar caps have wandered from time to time caused by this evaporation and precipitation over the poles. As the poles' mass increases in size, the earth wobbles on its axis. When the height of the mass increases, the spin of the earth is much like a top which has become unbalanced. If the mass is offset from the centre, the top will spin in the direction of the weight causing the top to flip.
In February of 1997, scientists confirmed an earth shift of 2 - 3 degrees to the east. In early 1998, another earth shift was confirmed but the degree of the shift is unknown. Scientists say that if the earth shifts 25 degrees at once, surface winds could exceed 500 mph.
The Lord says in "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, 1o, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places" (Rev. 6:12-14)." From the Word of God, we can see the correlation between a mighty wind and the mountains and islands being moved out of their places. I believe that this passage from Revelation is speaking of an earth shift of great magnitude. (Walt Myers, Signs of the Times, 11/4/98)
JUDGMENT DAY
The recent release of the film titled "Deep Impact" reminded me of a passage of the Bible. The reference is found in Revelation Chapter 8 verses 8 to 11. One ought to be reminded that the judgement of the Lord God is coming on the unbelieving world. Nevertheless, we have a far better hope which is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Get excited and stay tuned for the near coming of HIM. May Yeshua HaMashiach come soon.
(Andrew, Salisbury, SA)
We know that God is still on the throne and the Universe is still in His control. I am sure that the devil can hear the chain in the angel's hand (Rev. 20:1), for he is in a frenzy in the world (Rev. 12:12), but we overcome him by the Blood of the Lamb (v. 11). Amen. (Peter, Laverton, WA)
I am more than ever convinced that satan is working overtime now, seeing that soon he will be bound for a thousand years. (Bob, Glandore, SA)
In Times Like These...
Amid all the disheartenment induced by the abounding iniquity of our times; amid the loss of faith and the waxing cold of love within the church; and amid the outbreaking of lawlessness without, causing men's hearts to fail them for fear, and for looking after those things that are coming on the earth, this is our Lord's inspiring exhortation: Look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. (Dr. A. J. Gordon: who died in 1895)
STUDY: The Second Coming of Christ
The Promise of His Coming
1. Luke 21:25-36 Coming with power and great glory.
2. John 14:1-14 "I will come again."
3. Hebrews 9:13-28 He shall appear the second time.
The Manner of His Coming
4. Matthew 24.24-41 As lightning for all to see,
5. Mark 13:24-37 Coming suddenly and unexpectedly.
6. Luke 12:35-46 At an hour when ye think not.
7. Acts 1:1-11 The manner in which He went away.
8. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 As a thief in the night.
The Nearness of His Coming
Philippians 4:1-9 The Lord is at hand.
Hebrews 10:26-39 He will come and not tarry.
James 5:1-12 His coming draweth nigh.
Revelation 3:7-13 "Behold, I come quickly."
The Purpose of His Coming
13. Matt. 25:31-46 To separate men as sheep from goats.
14. I Corinthians 4:1-16 To bring hidden things to light.
15. 2 Timothy 4:1-8 To judge the living and the dead.
16. Jude 14-25 To execute judgment upon all.
17. 2 Peter 3:1-14 To create a new, righteous earth.
Our Attitude Should Be
Matthew 25:1-13 Ready, with our lamps burning.
I Timothy 6:6-19 Obedient and unrebukeable.
Titus 2: 1-15 Looking for that blessed hope.
Hebrews I0:14-25 Not forsaking our assembling.
Revelation 19:1-16 Let us be glad and rejoice.
Warnings to the Unsaved
23. Mark 8:27-38 Christ will be ashamed of some.
24. 2 Thess. 1:1-12 In flaming fire taking vengeance.
25. Revelation I. 7-18 All shall wail because of Him.
Rewards for the Righteous
26. Philippians 3:7-21 Bodies changed and made glorious
27. I Thess. 4.13-18 We shall ever be with the Lord.
28. I Peter 5:1-11 A crown of glory that fadeth not.
29. 1 John 3:1-11 We shall be like Him.
30. Revelation 22:7-21 "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
When a Christian lady very close to the Lord saw the sky filled with a wedding bouqet, she was very excited. It makes us wonder how close we really are to Jesus' second coming. (Janet, Nuriootpa, SA)
My husband and I have left the (Pentecostal) Church. Though it looks good and sounds good, the waves of deception are coming in, as they also march to the drum beat of Rome in the ecumenical way, and also Promise Keepers... I had been there 43 years. But even though we went through much headache, I can't praise my Lord enough that He has caused my eyes and ears to be opened to see that they are not walking in His truths and His ways. Please continue to speak out His truth and to expose those that are not. FD reaches many who need to know the truth from His Word (KJV), but also must know what is happening in the world and the church today in these last days. I want to see people really turn their lives around in God - to worship Him in spirit and in truth - not to follow after the many false teachers that are taking our churches apart and causing them to follow after a false Christ. He has taught me that with His strength and grace, and with reading His Word daily, He is with us, even though the "Whatever". Oh Glory! Keep standing tall with Jesus and His truth! (Elaine, Hampton Park, Vic)
Let each one of us (as believers) be about our Father's business in obedience to the Great Commission, as spoken by our Commander-in-Chief, the Lord Jesus Christ. Time is short - Jesus is coming soon - Let's occupy till He comes. (Les, Southtown, Qld)
Praise the Lord, as we hear of more souls being won for the Lord, as people around the world read of God's love and forgiveness of their sin through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Trumpet is soon to sound. (Ken, Murray Bridge, SA)
Some men say...'There is no God.' All the wonders around you are accidental. No Almighty hand made a thousand billion stars. They made themselves. The top few inches of our land just happened to have top soil, without which we would have no vegetables to eat, no grass for the animals whose meat is our food. The inexhaustible envelope of air... only 50 miles deep, and of exactly the right density to support human life... is just another law of physics. Water expands when it freezes, while other substances contract. This makes ice lighter than water and keeps it floating on the surface. Otherwise lakes would be solid ice down to the bottom all year, and no fish could survive. Who made this arrangement? Why does the earth spin at a given speed without ever slowing up, so that we have day and night? Who tilts it so that we get seasons? The sun stokes a fire just warm enough to sustain us on earth, but not hot enough to fry us or cold enough to kill us. Who keeps the fire constant? The human heart will beat for 70 or 80 years without faltering. How does it get sufficient rest between beats? A kidney will filter poison from the blood and leave the good things alone. How does it know one from the other? Who gave the human tongue flexibility to form words but denied it to all animals? It's all accidental? There is no God? That's what some people say...." but, the BIBLE says, "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth" (Gen. 1:1); yet "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Ps. 53:1). (Our Daily Bread)
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfilment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.
(Trina, Singapore)
A few months ago, when I was picking up the children at school, another mother I knew well, rushed up to me. Emily was fuming with indignation. "Do you know what you and I are?" she demanded. Before I could answer - and I didn't really have one handy - she blurted out the reason for her question. It seemed she had just returned from renewing her driver's license. Asked by the woman recorder to state her "occupation," Emily had hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "Do you have a job, or are you just a ......?" "Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother." "We don't list 'mother' as an occupation...'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high-sounding title, like "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "And what is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it, I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm... a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations." The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasising the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pompous pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire. "Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?" Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters (the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are in satisfaction rather than just money." There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants--- age 13, 7, and 3. And upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model (six months) in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt triumphant. I had scored a beat on bureaucracy. And I had gone down on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another......" Home...what a glorious career. Especially when there's a title on the door.
(SAK, Internet)
So called "Christian Rock" is totally unscriptural (II Cor. 6:14-16). It is neither Christian, nor is it music. We have a forced marriage between the godly and the ungodly. Keep in mind that music offered unto the Lord, is a form of worship (Jas. 3: 10-12; Amos 3:3; Mal. 1:7).
Today there are many Christians who are falling for Satan's latest lie. That is, "you have to use the music of this generation to reach this generation." This is the same as saying I have to become a drunk to reach the drunk. Or that I must become a drug pusher to reach the pusher, or whatever. I am able to go on and on, but I am sure the point is clear. By trying to marry up Christian words with filthy and sensuous music the Gospel is so polluted as to be totally obliterated. The rock beat takes over and you have nothing but satanic music.
Music has a very profound effect on a person. Both the secular and the Christian world are well aware of this fact. The music played in department stores is not there to serenade you. It is there to influence you to buy more merchandise. The music in a restaurant is there to make you relax and stay a bit longer. Perhaps you will return and spend more on meals there. The diner will remember how pleasant it was and return time and again for dinner. The music in some cafeterias is designed to make you move faster through the lines. They want you to eat quickly and leave so another can take your place. They thrive on a high volume turn over. The music for a movie is specially written to stir up a given emotion at just the right moment. Such emotions as love, hate, fear, rage, sorrow, pity, patriotism etc.. The same can be said for any music in almost any given situation. To me it is incomprehensible that Christians will condemn "Rock Music" yet accept so called "Christian Rock."
I personally consider all rock music to be trash. It is a cacophony of noise or unrelated noises, not music. It hits you in the ears like a brick wall. Like a massive wall made up of a jumble of totally unrelated and discordant sounds. It does not even sound like music. This type of so-called music is a reflection of the confusion that reigns in the minds of our youth today. God cannot be the author of any kind of "rock music" because He is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33). One of the responses often heard is that they are just playing musical notes, and that's harmless. That is the same as saying that the writer of pornographic novels is just putting down the letters of the alphabet. While both the letters of the alphabet and musical notes in and of themselves are harmless, it is the intent behind their arrangements and the arrangement of the letters and musical notes that matters. It all must be looked at as a whole, not as individual musical notes or letters of the alphabet.
The rock beat is the same as that found in the jungles where demons are worshipped. It can be found down in Louisiana among the Voodoo Worshipers during their ceremonies. It is literally the fallen music of the fallen Archangel. Remember, Lucifer was created as a creature of music, and was to serenade God upon his throne. When he fell, so also did his music. This rock beat can be found among the Cubans, also it is found among the Jamaicans in their devil worship. Virtually every primitive culture had its music which called up the demons of hell for worship services. The music is usually easily recognized as being akin to the modern day "Rock Music" our Christian young people listen to. (Darrold J. Huntley)
MORE ON: CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC
So many of our modern choruses are infused with the word 'I.' Many of the old hymn writers were engulfed by enormous trials, yet their lyrics reflect the sufficiency of Christ. . . I am scratching my head to come up with any contemporary titles which stand up very well to hymns like 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God' or 'O Sacred Head Now Wounded.' (CCM industry manager, Fernando Ortega, CCM Magazine, 3/98, p. 4)
An article in CCM Magazine warns churches not to sing their favorite CCM songs in the church services without first sending a royalty check to the "artist." Churches are threatened that many artists are now suing churches who refuse to pay them for the use of their songs in worship services. Can you imagine Fanny Crosby suing a local church because they sang Blessed Assurance and did not cut her a check first? Can you imagine her writing Blessed Assurance with even a thought that it could make her money?
(News-of-Interest editorial)
One of the best ways to cure depression is to praise God, and music can help (Ps. 104:33,34, Zeph. 3:17, Ps. 40:3). Music affects spiritual lives. Good music refreshes the body but bad music adversely affects the muscles and nerve cells... Is my music God's music? Does it honour God and His ways (1 Cor. 10:31)? Does it help me to think on what is right and true (Ph. 4:8)? Does it reinforce my faith (Rom. 14:22,23)? Does it approve what God condemns (Pr. 19:27)? Do the words displease God (Eph. 4:29)? Can I listen to the song in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col. 3:17)?
(Terry Arnold, Diakrisis)
CCM is used to entice young people to a church service. If we lift up Christ in our preaching (John 12:32) there would be no need to use CCM.
(Gordon, Mt Colan, NSW)
IN SUPPORT OF CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC
Many of our most treasured hymns were born out of William Booth's desire to communicate God's love to the lost in the pub scene. He took their drinking tunes and replaced the lyrics with the gospel. I'm sure his efforts were poo-poohed by the Pharisees of his day too. I am always impressed with the way Paul went about his ministry- in Acts 17:16-31 we see that he "LOOKED CAREFULLY" at their idols and altars and found a place in their cultural mindset to introduce the Gospel. I am grateful that many Christians today are taking the same approach - although it seems that a percentage of your contributors haven't grasped this concept. I would like to continue to receive FD but if the above cited contents are a regular thing, I'll wait until FD falls into line with Col. 4:6 and is "full of grace and full of salt" instead of the brow-beating "do it my way or burn" mentality, before I give you more names and addresses.
(Andrew, Nicholson, Vic)
There are a number of contemporary hymns and songs which are excellent in their theology and at the same time lively. I'm more upset by hymns and songs which express very poor theology. It only becomes wrong when shallow choruses are sung with mantra-like "vain repetitions" to psych congregations up. I'm an "old fogey" in the sense of my age, and I know a good many hymns that express erroneous teaching. Remember that at one time in the past, hymn singing was illegal in the English church! Let's embrace any hymn that teaches good theology in a way that lifts the spirit in praise of God.
(Alan, Jervis Bay, ACT)
I feel there is always a danger when taking issue with the various beliefs, doctrines or practices that may be popular for the day, that we must not throw out the baby with the bathwater to borrow an old colloquialism. As long as what is being put forward can be substantiated by God's Word then it must be given serious prayer and consideration. For example The Psalmist encourages us to sing a new song under the Lord Ps Ch 33 V 33 we must remember even the old hymns were at one time considered new and radical and for example, "Jesus Loves Me" was considered by most of the church leadership of the day to be irreverent, simplistic and was for a time banned, how the times have changed. It may be news to some that many of the hymns written during the Welsh Revival and much loved favourites today had their melodies borrowed from the songs sung in the local bar rooms this is surely a far cry from the many new choruses that have both their melodies and words composed by mighty men and women of God.
Many Christians today, myself included, are very concerned at what is happening or not happening in the Body of Christ specifically in the western world. Toronto, Word Faith Movement unusual manifestations of church members eg animal noises etc, homosexual leadership (and the list goes on) are all distractions from the real job at hand, saving the lost. People are going to Hell while the church is trying to come to grips with issues that are nowhere commended in God's Word, but on the contrary are clearly condemned, or are not mentioned for example many of the Toronto manifestations such as people shaking or laughing in an uncontrollable and immodest way or making peculiar animal mannerisms. We are not instructed in God's Word to do these things but rather to love one another as Jesus loved us. So what am I trying to say in all of this? We must be on the look out for more and more greater deception as the day of the Lord approaches Matthew 24:11 warns us of this I believe there will be far greater deception ahead of us. We will really need the Spirit of discernment mentioned in 1 Cor 12:10 to see us keeping in the way. Satan rarely presents us with a total lie, but uses half truths as in the case of the temptation of Jesus he will even quote Scripture to you, it takes Gods Spirit of discernment and a knowledge of His word to sort it all out.
We must not be singing choruses, or hymns for that matter, that mention more about a cross than the one who died on it or on the other hand may be actually worshiping the Holy Spirit which once again God's Word will instruct us not to do if we care to search. Thirdly We must be relevant to our current generation.. Remember the example of the hymn "Jesus Loves Me". Times do change. We no longer sail in boats to the mission fields but mostly travel by airplanes to save time etc. This does not compromise God's word which is really the bottom line when examining all of these issues. Yes by all means use modem video / stage equipment as the world would, but we can surely leave out the provocative indecent apparel worn by the singers and the spirit that goes with that scene. The old adage still applies- would Jesus act or approve of this. Yes sing a new song to the Lord use the different rhymes and styles even if they may appear modern to the older generation. Who would have thought the Church leaders of yesterday would have considered "Jesus Loves Me" to be irreverent? We must be prepared to move on, but not laying aside the foundations of God's Word - Jesus Christ (1 Cor 3:11).
I pray that these thoughts help to clarify some of the issues that face the church today. I realise that they are not all conclusive but I hope that they may stimulate Gods saints to pray about these issues and not have a head in the sand mentality, or go to the other extreme of embracing everything and anything. (Paul Rodgers, Warragul, Vic)
Two men met, a great many years ago, at a church convention. They were mutually surprised, as they became better acquainted, to discover that both had formerly been completely blind, and that Jesus had opened their eyes and given them sight.
"Isn't it marvelous," said the one, "How the Master makes clay, puts it into your eyes, and tells you to go and wash? Then when you wash, your eyes are opened, and you can see!"
"Mud? Jesus doesn't use mud. He just speaks a word, and you can see!"
"Jesus does use mud! ....
"Does!"
"He does not! I ought to know. I was blind, and He opened my eyes, and now I see!"
"He does use mud! If He didn't use mud, He didn't open your eyes. You can't see. You just think you can. You are still blind, and I'll have nothing more to do with you. You have denied one of the fundamentals of our faith!"
And presently those whose blind eyes Jesus had opened with mud came together in an exclusive group, and excluded all others. And those whose eyes Jesus had opened without mud joined together also, and the two groups spent their time in rivalry between themselves, while the blind all about them groped through life, unaware that there is One who came to bring Light to all who walk in darkness. (Selected)
What could Jesus be saying when He says we are the salt of the earth? (Mat 5:13) Edible salt is used for so many things. There are different qualities and types. Some are sharp while others are not. Because Jesus is the best cook on earth, he knows the importance of salt. By His grace, let us consider the following:
We all know the importance of salt in the cooking pot. It adds taste to the cooking. It helps in bringing out the complete flavour and taste in the cooking. This is to tell us as Christians that we are to bring out the taste of God in our families and in ourselves also. This is another way of saying that there are so many other ingredients or things in the cooking pot, but without the salt it is nothing. God expects us to be contributors of complete joy and goodness to the world. ·
The salt is also white in colour. That signifies holiness in all areas of life, spiritual and physical. Purity in heart, reason, behaviour and in other areas especially in the heart (1 Pet. 1:15-16).
Jesus wants us to learn that, as Christians, we should be flexible in the hands of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is at times represented by rain or water. And we all know that when rain or water meets with the salt, the salt quickly dissolves into the water. So ought our lives to be. When the anointing of God comes upon us, we are to be broken down by it and dissolve into the hand of the Almighty God and not to be stiff necked or stubborn for God to handle. This anointing comes from the word of God when we allow ourselves to be touched by the word as we read or when it is been spoken to us. ·
When added to a tasteless food, or soup that is going bad, salt brightens the taste. As Christians, we are expected to do this. When we meet with people that have no knowledge of God or whose life has gone bad, we should be able to prove to them through our own life that God can still amend that which they think has totally spoiled.
Salt when added to oil is for healing. To my knowledge, it makes boils to burst open easily. Though boils do not stay forever, they only inconvenience us for a while, and then bursts open and maybe leave a mark. But when oil and salt are added, they easily burst open without much pain. With our Christian character - the fruit of the Spirit - added up with the blood of Jesus covering us, we have healing to ourselves and we can pray for others for healing and also for the inconveniences they might have in life and God will surely answer.
Salt with water is used to clean the mouth that has gone sore. As Christians, we should be able to aid people who "drive rough" with their mouth like lying and promising what they cannot do and those that abuse with their mouths. (Joseph Ezeudu, Nigeria)
Jeremy was born with a twisted body, a slow mind and a chronic, terminal illness that had been slowly killing him all his young life. Still, his parents had tried to give him as normal a life as possible and had sent him to St. Theresa's Elementary School.
At the age of 12, Jeremy was only in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy irritated his teacher.
One day, she called his parents and asked them to come to St. Theresa's for a consultation. As the Forresters sat quietly in the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a five-year gap between his age and that of the other students!"
Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue while her husband spoke. "Miss Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here."
Doris sat for a long time after they left, staring at the snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Forresters. After all, their only child had a terminal illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class.
She had 18 other youngsters to teach and Jeremy was a distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn to read or write. Why waste any more time trying?
As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. "Oh God," she said aloud, "here I am complaining when my problems are nothing compared with that poor family! Please help me to be more patient with Jeremy."
From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises and his blank stares. Then one day he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him. "I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loudly enough for the whole class to hear. The other children snickered, and Doris's face turned red. She stammered, "Wh-Why, that's very nice, Jeremy. Now please take your seat."
Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Miss Miller!" the children responded enthusiastically - all except for Jeremy. He just listened intently, his eyes never left her face. He did not even make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them.
That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse and prepare a vocabulary test for the next day. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents.
The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their Math lesson, it was time to open the eggs.
In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground we know that spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arms. "That's my egg, Miss Miller," she called out.
The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes that is new life, too," Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine."
Next Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that the moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom. "My Daddy helped me!" he beamed.
Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty! Surely it must be Jeremy's, she thought, and, of course, he did not understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents. Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another. Suddenly Jeremy spoke up.
"Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?" Flustered, Doris replied, "but Jeremy - your egg is empty!" He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty too!"
Time stopped. When she could speak again. Doris asked him, "Do you know why the tomb was empty?"
"Oh yes!" Jeremy exclaimed. "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then his Father raised him up!"
The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the school yard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away.
Three months later Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them empty.
(Author Unknown - Internet)
'Twas battered and scared and the auctioneer thought it scarcely worth his
while. To waste much time on the old violin but he held it up with a smile.
What am I bidden? he cried, Who'll start the bidding for me? A dollar , a dollar,
now two, only two? Two dollars and who'll make it three? Three dollars once
three dollars twice going for three. But no from the room far back a dark haired
man cam forth, then wiping some dust from the old violin and tightening a string
he played a melody pure and sweet, as sweet as the angles would sing. The music
ceased and the auctioneer, with voice quiet and low, said What am I bid for
the old violin and he held it up with the bow. A thousand dollars and who'll
make it two. Two thousand and who'll make it three. Three thousand once, three
thousand twice, going gone said he. The people cheered but someone said what
changed it's worth? Swift came the reply, the touch or the masters hand. And
many a man with life out of tune, and battered and scared in sin is auctioned
cheep to a thoughtless crowd much like the old violin. A mess of pottage a glass
of wine a game, and he travels on. He is going once, going twice, going almost
gone. But the master comes and the foolish crowd can never quite understand
the worth of a soul and the change that is wrought by the touch of the master's
hand.
(From Marshal E. Harroun, Sr.)
Some churches are changing to a more contemporary seeker-oriented format so
that worship services cater for the unchurched. One commentator asks, how can
the sheep get fed when the church is catering for the goats?
(Newswatch)
Traditional churches are doomed to death, says church growth guru, Bill Hybels.
At a recent Texas Baptist conference he encouraged participating pastors to
eliminate things such as hymns, sermons, and the teaching of doctrine.
(Based on NOI)
My heart breaks each Sunday as errors appear and I watch the ecumenical movement
dulling the people's senses, under the guise of "love". I read the book, "A
Woman Rides The Beast", and I wish our congregation would read it. It opened
my eyes.
(Anne, Vincentia, NSW)
The apostate WCC, the RC church, Promise Keepers, New age, Alpha, etc, are
all strands in the same rope that will ultimately hang them all. Then will the
kingdoms of this world become the Kingdoms of our God and He shall reign forever
and ever.
(Les, Meeniyan, Vic)
We are fed up with the garbage that is happening... People are so full of themselves
that they can't see what is going on about them. They are being deceived, and
I think God is calling His people out from among them. If you think with the
brain that God gave us, and start to test things, well you are divisive, have
no faith...
(Quote from SECW, 6/98)
I am all for unity and I have good fellowship with pastors and church people of various affiliations who have basic sound doctrine. However, unity without truth is treason and is not scriptural. Unity has a boundary - that boundary is truth. You cannot have true unity without truth, or else you have deception. (Terry Arnold, Diakrisis)
We are witnessing, I believe, the great "falling away" and "lying signs and wonders"- "great deception" 2 Thess 2:3, 2:9, Matt. 24:4, 5, 11, 24). I am convinced they are using "mind control" (hypnosis) en masse. I am also convinced it is that "strong delusion" the prophet spoke of in 2 Thess 2:11. We are surely in the time indicated in Chapter 2. Jesus is surely coming very soon! I don't know what the ultimate agenda is, but it sure makes so-called "Christians" look "crazy" - maybe that's the idea. No wonder the demons are laughing. The God of the Old and New Testaments is not the God of confusion. "Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord..' "(Mt. 7:21-23) (June, Raymond Terrace, NSW)
AUSSIE CHURCHES DYING
The Anglican Church in Australia is in decline, with four in 10 parishioners older than 60, and its services failing to attract young adults. Anglican bishops and priests feel ill-equipped to deal with challenges facing their church, nearly half report high to very high levels of stress and more than one in 10 think constantly about leaving the ministry (National Church Life Survey).
The Uniting Church in Australia is dying. In the past five years it has lost 25,000 members, the equivalent of closing one church of 100 members every single week for five years. (Rowland Croucher)
In these last days of apostasy and compromise we need the courage of individual
Christians who believe that "one man and God, is a majority". Individuals who
will die daily, take up their cross daily and walk by faith. Who have no confidence
in the flesh and who know that the nature of our human nature (fallen/Adamic)
renders our spiritual life so fickle as walking up a down escalator. Stop walking
by faith and put down your cross for a while, and you soon end up down the bottom
again. Keep plodding on, yea, keep marching on, or dig into your trenches as
the case may be. Do not swallow the lie that there is strength in unity. Your
only real strength is the strength of the individual, personal, vigilant faith
in the person and promises of God. Hate sin, but hate your own personal sin
the most, and live in the light of the Judgment seat of Christ. Keep walking
by faith and not by sight. We're almost home!
(Richard, Nerang,. Qld)
The need is great. There does not seem to be a voice of authority here. Two
churches are without a minister... Open-air services seem to have disappeared...
I fancy that they are illegal. It's a pity, for the open-air evangelists were
outstanding in the earlier days.
(Sis. M., Temora, NSW)
DEPENDENT
I'm a dependent Baptist. I depend on him for everything. Some of our own Independents are scoundrels, whoremongers, glory seekers, religious dead beats, pharisees. I just identify with needing the LORD... (Johnny The Baptist, USA)
WATTS UP IN THE CHURCH?
A Charismatic Church in. Victoria's NE was determined to upgrade their sound system and so the announcement was made by the Pastor that: 'There will be NO Church next Sunday- instead you are all requested to bring along your bnc-a-brac and surplus goods because we will be travelling to Wangaratta to sell the goods on the Sunday Market'. They met in a small CWA meeting room, not much bigger than your average living room. and the congregation barely numbered 30 (including children). The priority given to increasing the wattage of the speaker system seemed to lack spiritual insight. No wonder most of the congregation sought to fellowship elsewhere! (Ron, Coffs Harbour, NSW)
A REALITY CHECK
The reality is, those of us who do the work of Jesus Christ will be in real trouble if we don't wake up to the fact we're not making headway. We're decreasing in numbers... Two-thirds of all churches in America have either plateaued or are in decline. Last year, we spent 40 billion dollars in the church growth movement trying to build the church. When the smoke cleared, eight out of every ten new church members were Christians who moved from one church to another. We sent a survey to ten thousand pastors. One question was "What's the greatest challenge you face today as a pastor?" The response was "Apathy in the pew. No great passion for anything." Statistics bear that out. George Barna makes the point that by the year 2020, we will have closed 100,000 churches in the United States!
Fifty-two thousand people every week leave the church of Jesus Christ never to return again. Why? Some of them say, "It just didn't make a difference in my life!" Others say there's too much contention in the church, too much backbiting, too much gossiping, too much faultfinding, too little of living in peace. Many say they leave because we talk about money too much. But most leave simply because they don't feel connected and because the church doesn't meet a need in their lives.
Pastors feel lonely. Only two out of ten have a close friend, someone to share
their needs, successes, and failures. Pastors need someone that they can talk
ministry with, who will not condemn or find fault, who will simply listen and
not betray confidences. When was the last time you said to your pastor, "We'd
like to do something special for you and your family. Here's a $100 bill. Go
out to eat, take your family to a nice hotel, get away and just get together"?
The reality is, the average pastor in America works between fifty-five and seventy
hours a week. Make sure they take vacations... The reality is, forty percent
in ministry today will not be there ten years from now.
(H. B. London, Jr, quoted in Bible Advocate, 12/96)
We are not expected
To germinate the seed
Jesus said to sow it
For men have desperate need.
God does not expect us
To cause the seed to grow
He said just to sow it
To sow it where we go.
God does not expect us
To make the seed bear fruit
Jesus said to sow it
And pray it will take root.
But Jesus does expect us
To sow the gospel seed
To sow it always sow it
Men are perishing indeed.
Take the seed and sow it
Get much seed into the soil
Jesus said the harvest
Will compensate all toil.
(John Short, Hong Kong)
Dihydrogen monoxide is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and kills uncounted thousands of people every year. Most of these deaths are caused by accidental inhalation of DHMO, but the dangers of dihydrogen monoxide do not end there. Prolonged exposure to its solid form causes severe tissue damage. Symptoms of DHMO ingestion can include excessive sweating and urination, and possibly a bloated feeling, nausea, vomiting and body electrolyte imbalance. For those who have become dependent, DHMO withdrawal means certain death.
Dihydrogen monoxide:
Contamination Is Reaching Epidemic Proportions!
Quantities of dihydrogen monoxide have been found in almost every stream, lake, and reservoir in America today. But the pollution is global, and the contaminant has even been found in Antarctic ice. DHMO has caused millions of dollars of property damage in the midwest, and recently California.
Despite the danger, dihydrogen monoxide is often used:
Companies dump waste DHMO into rivers and the ocean, and nothing can be done to stop them because this practice is still legal. The impact on wildlife is extreme, and we cannot afford to ignore it any longer!
The Horror Must Be Stopped!
The American government has refused to ban the production, distribution, or use of this damaging chemical due to its "importance to the economic health of this nation." In fact, the navy and other military organisations are conducting experiments with DHMO, and designing multi-billion dollar devices to control and utilise it during warfare situations. Hundreds of military research facilities receive tons of it through a highly sophisticated underground distribution network. Many store large quantities for later use.
It's Not Too Late!
Act NOW to prevent further contamination. Find out more about this dangerous chemical. What you don't know can hurt you and others throughout the world.
Nathan Zohlner, 14, of Idaho Falls, chose for his science project the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide. He asked those of his class who would support a ban of this substance. 86% said yes, 12% were unsure. It was then pointed out that Dihydrogen Monoxide is H2O, or water. (Dan Galvin, Thought for the Day list and CIM)
The movie Titanic cost $200 million to make and in its first two months grossed more than $700 million worldwide. After only a few weeks it became the top money maker of all time. (The next three are Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.) In spite of the fact that "Titanic" is rated PG-13 for its profanity and obscenity (nearly 40 instances, by one count), violence, nudity, vulgarity, and sex, doubtless many Christians have rushed out to see this trashy fairy tale.
The blockbuster movie "Titanic" is a masterpiece of Satanic craftsmanship. Ostensibly about the huge luxury liner that hit an iceberg and sunk in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic in April of 1912, it is in fact a subtle assault on the law of God and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The historical event serves as a backdrop for a totally fictitious story promoting selfish autonomy and the god of romantic feelings. Early in the movie the hero is established--a boy barely passed adolescence who saves the life of the damsel in distress who is about to take a suicidal leap into the ocean because she doesn't want to marry a fiancé she doesn't love. This girl eventually survived the sinking ship, lived to a ripe old age and sentimentally retells the story how this boy "saved her in every way a girl can be saved."
He lead her to ignore, despise and reject her parents, cast aside all clothes, morals, and sexual inhibitions; lie, cheat and betray her fiancé, and in general let whatever romantic feelings she has or yearns for be the sole guide for her life. The subtle message to the moviegoer is that parental authority is tyrannical, parental guidance is unnecessary, and this yoke must be overthrown if one is to find true happiness, freedom and salvation. Shedding one's morals and clothing is a salvation experience according to the movie. "Don't think ... just feel it." The hero uses gambling to achieve his dreams. Neither he nor the girl he "saves" has any experience or appreciation for labour. All who had money were portrayed as superficial and evil. The hero's preferred occupation was painting nude models wherever he could find them. This movie is a three-hour sermon whose theme is sin has no consequences. There is a totally unrealistic lack of awareness of what happens in real life to people who have no job, no care about family, and no sexual restraint. (Ronald Stelzer, the Christian News, 23/2/98)
It is not God's will for all Christians to be healed (2 Cor. 12:5-10). The apostle Paul could not heal himself. Near the end of his ministry, Paul could not heal Trophimus (2 Tim. 4:20). Instead of healing Timothy, Paul gave him medical advice (1 Tim. 5:23). If modern faith healers really have the gift of healing, then they should prove their ministry by visiting hospitals and nursing homes and healing the sick, rather than writing books, holding healing meetings, and begging for money on television (2 Tim. 4:5; Mat. 10:8-16; 1 Tim. 6:5-10). Satan has the power to heal and this will cause millions to be led astray in the coming Tribulation Period (Rev. 13:1-4, 12). (James Melton)
'It is not enough to claim that certain undiagnosed diseases have been 'cured' while the sufferer was in a highly emotional condition which so often characterises 'healing campaigns' today. My youngest sister and her husband worked for fifteen years among the lepers of India. Never, throughout that period did a 'Pentecostalist' venture to demonstrate the reality of his claim to share in the commission of Matthew, and so far as we have knowledge no healing campaign has ever been organised by Pentecostalists among lepers. We ask 'why'?
While I believe that God can heal whoever He wills to, I have investigated many claims of healing over the years only to come to at least one conclusion. I have not found one single person who has the gift of healing as in the days of Jesus and the apostles. I have issued this challenge to many- to show me a person who has this gift. In the Gospel of Matthew alone it is clear that Jesus healed 'all', (Matt. 23:24; 8:16; 10:1,8; 12:15; 14:36; etc.), and 'every sickness' that came to him were immediately and completely healed, (12:13; 20:34;). Jesus healed 'all' whether they had faith or not! The many 'healers' of today (such as Benny Hinn, Cerrullo, etc.) have repeatedly been exposed and challenged to show one authentic case of healing of an organic disease and they have failed every time. Yet signs and wonders continue to be marketed daily. Catholic churches are now getting into the act. A Sydney Catholic Church had the following notice at their church advertising signs and wonders: 'Revival' - Signs and Wonders Service - International evangelist - Martin Morelli... 'The kingdom of God is not in Word but in the power of God in your life.' Jesus can heal all manner of diseases including deafness deformities, blindness, cancer, MS, arthritis...enquiries to Sister Maria'.
I simply do not find people today who have the true gift of healing as it was manifested in the first century. Jesus never failed in the area of miraculous healing, This is not to say that God cannot move sovereignly in the area of healing but if one studies the use of this gift and the results in the Gospels, there is no escaping the fact that what is called the gift of healing today does not stack up with the true gift as in the persons of Jesus and the apostles.
Benny Hinn, Steve Hill and Kilpatrick (Pensacola), Morris Cerullo, Reinhard Bonnke and the late John Wimber have all been challenged to produce one single authentic and documented case of an organic healing. None have been verified as miraculous. In England a Dr, May, a Christian who does believe that God heals, challenged Morris Cerrullo to produce one case of healing. Dr. May who spoke at a gathering in 1992 to over forty doctors stressed that 'the healings of Jesus were miraculous in as much as they were instantaneous, complete healings of incurable disease... those cases (today) which appear to be instant can be explained and mostly belong to the realm of the psychosomatic...Jesus' healings were immediately effective... He needed no 'work up' and used no techniques of relaxation or states of altered consciousness. With great difficulty Dr. May eventually received cases from Cerullo. On examination there was nothing to substantiate the claims. Cerullo has recently been expelled from India because the people saw that he was unable to do what he claimed to do. (Terry Arnold)
In Canada some years ago the Parks Commission had been ordered to remove the trees from a street that was to be widened. As the workmen began, the foreman noticed a nest in one of the trees and a mother robin sitting in the nest. He told the men to leave that tree until later.
The rest of the work progressed. But by this time the nest was occupied by little, open-mouthed robins. Again the removal of the tree was delayed. In time the nest was empty. The babies had grown and flown away.
When the tree was finally cut down, someone noticed a soiled white card in the bottom of the nest. Curious, the workmen separated the card from the mud and sticks. It was a small card some child had been carrying home from Sunday School. And on it were the words: 'We trust in the Lord our God." Jesus once asked: "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father ... Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:29, 31). (Robert E. Robinson, Evangel)
The other day upon a bus
I saw a girl with golden hair
I envied her, she looked so gay
And wished I were as fair.
Then suddenly she rose to leave:
I watched her hobble down the aisle,
She had but one leg, bore a crutch,
And as she passed, she smiled.
O God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two legs, the world is mine.
Later I paused to buy some sweets.
The lad who served me had such charm,
I stayed to talk to him a while.
If I were late it would do no harm.
Then as I turned to leave he said:
"Thank you, you've been so kind,
I like to talk to folks like you,
You see I'm blind."
O God, forgive me when I whine,
I have two eyes, the world is mine.
Still later, passing down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue:
He stood and watched the others play,
It seemed he knew not what to do.
I stood awhile, and then I said,
Why don't you join the others dear?
He looked ahead without a word
And then I knew he could not hear!
O God forgive me when I whine,
I have two ears, the world is mine.
Two legs to take me where I'd go
Two eyes to see the sunset's glow,
Two ears to hear what I would know.
O God, forgive me when I whine,
I'm blessed indeed, the world is mine.
(Author unknown)
You can build a wall or you can build a bridge
to every person you meet.
I'm out to build bridges, are you?
Come and build bridges with me.
Sir, can I take your hand?
Or yours Ma'am?
Can I pick you up little boy and hold you in my lap
and kiss your cold face even if it's dirty?
Can I love you to Him?
Can I love you so much through thick and thin
until you learn that Jesus really cares for you?
Can I love you until you feel hope for your world
and your tomorrows?
That's my hope.
That's my story, And it can be yours
(From I'm Out to Change My World, by Ann Kiemel)
We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom and lie too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbour. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice; we write more, but learn less; plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we have higher incomes; but lower morals; more food but less appeasement; We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure and less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition. These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom. Indeed it's all true.
(From Trina, Singapore)
In preaching the pure gospel, one must carefully distinguish it from the clever counterfeits all around.
How negligent it would be not to warn the sheep of poisoned pastures and false shepherds who promote lies in the name of truth.
Jeremiah was hated, maligned, imprisoned and threatened with death because he preached repentance and warned God's impending judgment when the positive prophets promised peace and prosperity by the word of the Lord. Popular opinion opposed him. He became so discouraged that he declared that he would no longer speak for God nor even mention his name. But God's word was in his heart and burned like a fire in his bones so that he had to speak (Jer 20).
Christ himself was far more negative than I have dared to be. He continually warned of judgment and Hell, exposed sin, demanded repentance, rebuked the religious leaders and indicted them as hypocrites, white sepulchres, blind leaders of the blind, fools. He would be banned from most Christian pulpits and media today!
When Paul exhorted Timothy to preach the Word, he explained that to do so one must reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine (2 Tim 4: 2). Paul warned of vain teachers and deceivers whose mouths must be stopped (from teaching false doctrine). He urged Titus to rebuke them sharply (Titus 1: 9-14).
The international genocide treaty signed by President Reagan makes it a crime to try to convert anyone of another religion or to suggest that their beliefs are wrong. It will soon be a serious crime to call homosexuality a sin. The day is coming when, to protect minority rights, we will be prohibited by law from preaching the gospel except in the most positive manner.
(Dave Hunt, 10/90)
If one is willing to compromise the truth in order to prevent offence, then that person is demonstrating that he is more concerned with what man says than what God says. The truth will offend many especially those who are thick-skinned, but in the final analysis we must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). After all, brother, "The truth will set you free" (Jn. 8:32).
It is a sad reflection on the church today that so many pastors are afraid to preach the true meat of the word for fear of alienating others. Let us remember, when our Lord walked on this earth, He paid short shift to the religious leaders of the day. He called them hypocrites, whited sepulchres and sons of Satan, among other uncomplimentary names. The apostle Paul on occasions was no more conciliatory. Are we so imbued with concern about what our fellow man feels about us that we would hide our light under a bushel? Let us rather "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3).
(Peter, Charters Towers, Qld)
We went ten pin bowling as a family and were surprised to see so many non Christian parents there with their teenage children, having a ton of fun as a family. They were all friendly and mingled with other families they had only just met. The sad thing is why can't Christians get along like that? There is a BIG problem in the Christian church and family and it will only get worse if we are allowed another generation of misguided direction and leadership. (Geoff, Bundaberg, Qld)
HOW JESUS ENTERED VARIOUS HOMES
1. He entered the home of Simon the Pharisee as a stranger - Guest and also
a great Forgiver (Luke 7:36-50)
2. He entered the home of Zacchaeus as a great Saviour (Luke 19:5-9).
3. He entered the home of Peter as a great Physician (Mark 1:30-31).
4. He entered the home of Jairus as a great Comforter (Luke 8:49-56).
5. He entered the home of Cana of Galilee as a great Provider (John 2:1-11).
6. The home where the Lord's Supper was inaugurated He entered as a great Master
(Luke 22:7-12).
7. He entered the home of Mary and Martha as a great Friend (Luke 10:38-42).
8. He entered the home of the two disciples at Emmaus as a great Revealer (Luke
24:29-32).
9. He entered the home of a certain disciple after the resurrection as a great
Confirmer of faith (John 20:26-29). (Truth & Tidings)
"Some men are afraid of being too religious. What we need today are men who
believe down deep in their soul what they profess. The world is tired and sick
of sham. Let your whole heart be given up to God's service. Aim high. God wants
us all to be His ambassadors. It is a position higher than that of any monarch
on earth to be a herald of the cross; but you must be filled with the Holy Ghost.
A great many people are afraid to be filled with the Spirit of God - afraid
of being called fanatics. You are not good for anything until the world considers
you a fanatic. Fox said that every Quaker ought to shake the country ten miles
around. What does the Scripture say? 'One shall chase a thousand, and two shall
put ten thousand to flight.' It takes about a thousand Christians to make one
decent one now. Why? Because they are afraid of being too religious. What does
this world want today? Men - men that are out and out for God, and not half-hearted
in their allegiance and service." (D. L. Moody)
... Or A Bigot?
It is questionable whether many people who dislike the word know exactly what
it means. In the grand old days, when men would rather lay down their lives
than sacrifice the truth, they were lashed to the stake. The man with the lighted
torch stood close by the faggots; and, just before the torch was set to them,
the martyrs were asked for the last time, "Will you recant ?" And they used
to have this form of answer, "By God, no!" That phrase has been contracted into
"bigot." A bigot, therefore, really means a man who would rather be burned than
sacrifice the truth. (William Moodie, Tools for Teachers, published in
1906)
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