A young man had been to Wednesday night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?" After service he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways. It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God.. If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey." As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought- stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that you?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought-buy a gallon of milk.
The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognise the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli. "Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home. As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, "Turn down that street." This is crazy he thought and drove on pass the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down seventh street. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will".
He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi-commercial area of town. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst of neighbourhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed. Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street. "The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. "Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid." Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.
Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here."
He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and t-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?"
The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to you." The man took the milk and rushed down a hall way speaking loudly in Spanish. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk."
His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I asked Him to send an angel with some.. Are you an angel?" The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put it in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers! (News 4U - Internet)
John Harper was born to a pair of solid Christian parents on May 29th, 1872. It was on the last Sunday of March 1886, when he was thirteen years old that he received Jesus as the Lord of his life. He never knew what it was to "sow his wild oats." He began to preach about four years later at the ripe old age of 17 years old by going down to the streets of his village and pouring out his soul in earnest entreaty for men to be reconciled to God.
As John Harper's life unfolded, one thing was apparent... he was consumed by the word of God. When asked by various ministers what his doctrine consisted of, he was known to reply "The Word of God!"
After five or six years of toiling on street corners preaching the gospel and working in the mill during the day, Harper was taken in by Rev. E. A. Carter of Baptist Pioneer Mission in London, England. This set Harper free to devote his whole time of energy to the work so dear to his heart. Soon, John Harper started his own church in September of 1896. (Now known as the Harper Memorial Church.) This church which John Harper had started with just 25 members, had grown to over 500 members when he left 13 years later. During this time he had gotten married, but was shortly thereafter widowed. However brief the marriage, God did bless John Harper with a beautiful little girl named Nana. Ironically, John Harper almost drowned several times during his life. When he was two and a half years of age, he almost drowned when he fell into a well but was resuscitated by his mother. At the age of Twenty-six, he was swept out to sea by a reverse current and barely survived, and at thirty-two he faced death on a leaking ship in the Mediterranean. Perhaps, God used these experiences to prepare this servant for what he faced next...
It was the night of April 14, 1912. The RMS Titanic sailed swiftly on the bitterly cold ocean waters heading unknowingly into the pages of history. On board this luxurious ocean liner were many rich and famous people. At the time of the ship's launch, it was the world's largest man-made moveable object. At 11:40 p.m. on that fateful night, an iceberg scraped the ship's starboard side, showering the decks with ice and ripping open six watertight compartments. The sea poured in. On board the ship that night was John Harper and his much-beloved six-year-old daughter Nana.
According to documented reports, as soon as it was apparent that the ship was going to sink, John Harper immediately took his daughter to a lifeboat. It is reasonable to assume that this widowed preacher could have easily gotten on board this boat to safety; however, it never seems to have crossed his mind. He bent down and kissed his precious little girl; looking into her eyes he told her that she would see him again someday. The flares going off in the dark sky above reflected the tears on his face as he turned and headed towards the crowd of desperate humanity on the sinking ocean liner.
As the rear of the huge ship began to lurch upwards, it was reported that Harper was seen making his way up the deck yelling "Women, children and unsaved into the lifeboats!" It was only minutes later that the Titanic began to rumble deep within. Most people thought it was an explosion; actually the gargantuan ship was literally breaking in half. At this point, many people jumped off the decks and into the icy, dark waters below. John Harper was one of these people. That night 1528 people went into the frigid waters. John Harper was seen swimming frantically to people in the water leading them to Jesus before the hypothermia became fatal.
Mr. Harper swam up to one young man who had climbed up on a piece of debris. Rev. Harper asked him between breaths, "Are you saved?" The young man replied that he was not. Harper then tried to lead him to Christ only to have the young man who was near shock, reply no. John Harper then took off his life jacket and threw it to the man and said "Here then, you need this more than I do..." and swam away to other people. A few minutes later Harper swam back to the young man and succeeded in leading him to salvation.
Of the 1528 people that went into the water that night, six were rescued by the lifeboats. One of them was this young man on the debris. Four years later, at a survivors meeting, this young man stood up and in tears recounted how that after John Harper had led him to Christ. Mr. Harper had tried to swim back to help other people, yet because of the intense cold, had grown too weak to swim. His last words before going under in the frigid waters were "Believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus and you will be saved." Does Hollywood remember this man? No. Oh well, no matter. This servant of God did what he had to do. While other people were trying to buy their way onto the lifeboats and selfishly trying to save their own lives, John Harper gave up his life so that others could be saved.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends..." John Harper was truly the hero of the Titanic! Sources for this article: "The Titanic's Last Hero" by Moody Press 1997. Scriptures are quoted from the King James Bible. (Praise Until Dawn - Internet)
It’s not the knowing, it’s the doing that’s hard.
It’s the first step , not the yard.
It’s having the strength to do the right thing.
That makes a man a pauper or a king.
Whether you sit on a throne or easy chair
How do you act on what you know is fair.
If you act on expedient or true
This is the measure of you.
As water takes the easy course
Where it meets less force.
Each of us are given voice
Each one is given a choice.
Standing may mean standing alone
As an honest life we hone.
In no shadow will we stand
Small will be the number of our band.
Come let us be found
Where truth will abound.
Where truth is found in the hearts of men,
Where truth is strong and lies must bend.
Our Captain Jesus leads on,
As the battles wage, He leads our song.
I may tire and weapon blunt
He will always be out in front.
So take the first step to do what’s right,
Doing it in the Saviour’s might.
He has promised to show the way
It’s He that knows the content of each day.
(From Ray, Vic.)
Hundreds of "converts" are missing. False conversions are so often produced in many churches which use repetitious-mantra music, pumped up promises and exciting persuasive speakers to get people to walk forward during a so called "altar call" and then make false professions of faith in which there is no repentance of the heart. I call it "the magic words syndrome". I can't help but wonder how many young people are walking around today thinking they are born-again because they prayed the "magic words" at a fleshly man centred church service one day. Yet the continuing ungodly, worldly and fleshly lifestyles of these people more often than not seem to deny any true conversion. Where there is no conviction about habitual sin, there is usually no conversion of the heart.
Ray Comfort states that the attrition rate with new converts is 80-90 percent; often within the first year after the supposed conversion. One denomination claimed 294,000 converts within one year. However by the next year, there were only 14,000 of those converts in church. Where are the other 280,000 converts to Christianity?
Ray Comfort says modern evangelism has forsaken the law of God and its pronouncement of coming judgment to drive sinners to Christ. Modern evangelism has degenerated the gospel into life enhancement. Jesus Christ is now peace, love, joy, fulfilment and lasting happiness. They come lacking repentance without which a person can't be saved. Too many ministers today want people so much to respond to the gospel, that they preach a man centred gospel. Many people, especially youth, give Jesus a go to see if they get a buzz out of Him like they did other things. And too often these professing young Christians become drop-outs when they realise they don't get the "high" they expected with Jesus Christ. Professing Christians still are desiring to get so much from Jesus instead of desiring to give themselves to Him.
We preachers should be tired of creating false converts. Preachers are preaching the cure without convincing men of the disease. Many so called converts are not fleeing from the wrath to come because preachers are not telling them about the coming judgment. God's gospel is an offence; it is foolishness to the wise and the unsaved. True godly sorrow works repentance. Sinners are not broken in contrition because they have not been told about their sin or what real sin against God is. Too many people see sin as something done against man, but not against God. How can a man repent unless he knows what sin against God is! A. B. Earle said "I have had found by long experience that the severest threatenings of the law of God have a prominent place in leading men to Christ. They must see themselves lost before they will cry for mercy. They will not escape danger until they see it."
May God give more of us preachers the courage to use the Word of God to break the hard hearts of a proud people. People do not want to hear the harsh truth of God's coming judgment, but if we fear God more than man and really love people, we will tell people the truth regardless of how much they don't want to hear it. We are producing counterfeit Christians! (From Ron Onks, a Pastor in Noosa, Qld)
A man was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He was an empty shell. Someone suggested that he could avoid further breakdown by practicing the therapy of giving thanks. He was told to make a list of everyone who had helped him throughout the years. Then he was told to fill his mind with thanksgiving for all the things these people had done for him. The third step included sitting down and writing a letter of thanks to a person who had especially blessed his life.
He thought of a school teacher – a very old lady. He wrote her and expressed how much he loved and appreciated her. Several days passed, and he received a reply. Calling him by his boyhood name, it read: "Dear Willie, as I recall all the children I have taught over the years, you are the only one who has ever took time to write and thank me for what I did as a teacher. You have made me so very happy! I have read your letter through tears. I keep it by my bedside, and read it every night. I shall cherish it until the day I die."
Thrilled by this reply, the man wrote letter after letter until he had written at least 500 letters of thanks. He discovered that during these months he had become a changed man. The therapy of giving thanks had lifted him above himself and opened to him the secret of real living.
(Peter, Greenacres, NSW)
I read of a man who was involved in a tragic accident. He lost both legs and his left arm and only a finger and thumb remained on the right hand. There was only enough left of the man that had been, to suffer and remember. But he still possessed a brilliant mind, enriched with a good education and broadened with world travel. At first he thought there was nothing he could do but remain a helpless sufferer. A thought came to him. It was always nice to receive letters, but why not write them–he could still use his right hand with some difficulty. But whom could he write to? Was there anyone shut in and incapacitated like he was who could be encouraged by his letters. He thought of men in prison–they did have some hope of release whereas he had none–but it was worth a try.
He wrote to a Christian organisation concerned with prison ministry. He was told that his letters could not be answered – it was against prison rules, but he commenced this one sided correspondence. He wrote twice a week and it taxed his strength to the limit. But into those letters he put his whole soul, all his experience, all his faith, all his wit, and all his Christian optimism. It must have been hard writing those letters, often in pain, and particularly when there was no reply.
Frequently he felt discouraged and was tempted to give it up. But it was his one remaining activity and he resolved to continue as long as he could. At last he got a letter. It was very short, written on prison stationery by the officer whose duty it was to censor the mail. All it said was: "Please write on the best paper you can afford. Your letters are passed from cell to cell till they literally fall to pieces." No matter what our personal situation is, we still have God- given gifts and talents, experience, and encouragement that we can share with others. (Ron Clark, email newsletter, Tasmania)
If you never felt pain, Then how would you know that I'm a Healer?
If you never went through, How would you know that I'm a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial, How could you call yourself an overcomer?
If you never felt sadness, How would you know that I'm a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake, How would you know that I'm forgiving?
If you knew all, How would you know that I will answer your questions?
If you never were in trouble, How would you know that I will come to your rescue?
If you never were broken, Then how would know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem, How would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering, then how would you know what I went through?
If you never went through the fire, then how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things, How would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you, How would you know that I love you?
If you had all power, Then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect, Then what would you need Me for?
(Cherity; Top of the Day - Internet)
They have no more time!
Lord, you must have made a mistake in Your calculations.
Thee is a big mistake somewhere.
The hours are too short,
The days are too short,
Our lives are too short.
You Who are beyond time, Lord,
You smile to see us fighting it.
And you know what You are doing.
You make no mistakes in Your distribution
Of time to people.
You give each one time to do
What You want them to do.
I am not asking You, Lord,
For time to do this and then that,
But Your grace to do conscientiously
In the time You give me
What You want me to do.
(Rhoda, Nuriootpa, SA)
Morbus Sabbaticus or Sunday Sickness, is a disease peculiar to church members. The attack comes on suddenly on Sundays. No symptoms are felt on Saturday night; the patient sleeps well and awakes feeling well; eats a hearty breakfast, but about church time the attack comes on and continues until services are over for the morning. the the patient feels easy and eats a hearty dinner. In the afternoon he feels much better and is able to take a walk, automobile ride, go visiting, talk politics and reads the papers; he heats a hearty supper but about church time he has another attack and stays home. He retires early, sleeps well, and awakes on Monday morning, refreshed and able to go to work. He does not feel any of the returned symptoms until the next Sunday. The peculiar features are as follows—
1. It attacks members of a church.
2. It never makes its appearance except on Sunday.
3. The symptoms vary, but never interfere with appetite and sleep.
4. It never lasts more than 24 hours.
5. It generally attacks the head of the family and continues to spread until
every member is affected.
6. No physician is ever called.
7. It always proves fatal in the end to the soul.
8. No remedy is known for it except repentance and prayer.
9. Real heart-felt salvation is the only antidote. (Jeff Hallmark, Top
of the Day)
I have witnessed the pouring of immense offerings by the children of God into homes, cars, vast TV sound stages and beautiful and expensive buildings called "Houses Of Worship"... Meanwhile, thousands of kids walk the streets... Satan, in the form of substances with alluring names like White Ice and Triple Candy, snatching each and every one that happens to cross their paths; reducing young daughters to despicable acts of prostitution for a two dollar hit of crack or speed.. but it is not YOUR daughter.. is it?? Not until the truth hits home does Truth Set One Free! And yet, our Father, by HIS OWN demonstration, provided a simple yet powerful means and way to follow...
We are past the days of earth and humanity as we once knew it! We are at the gates of the second coming - on the brink of the Kingdom! ...Are we to continue fighting among ourselves while our children are swept away like match-sticks in a raging river of drugs, abuse, suffering and destruction, only to end up as simple, mind controlled servants of a group of rich, power hungry, greedy men and woman masquerading as Religious Leaders bent on the destruction of Christendom? Are we to sit here cowered by an insidious monster, oblivious to the rampant destruction... Are we to baulk at the mere mention of quest, of battle, of sacrifice!
Are we not to rise, our shields of faith protecting our souls; our helmets of salvation assuring us ultimate victory... even in death! Are we not to raise our banners in the defence of the weak, the maimed, the suffering believers and the uninformed of the Word of God!
There is no other GOD! No other TRUTH! No other WAY than Jesus Christ! There is no coming to terms.. there is no reconciliation with those opposed to HIS will regardless of what you may hear from whom you suppose are Jesus' Prophets and Leaders but are but fools... judgment is assured for ALL non believers and false prophets... (Rocky, USA, commenting on Scientology)
I just looked at Fair Dinkum (on the internet) for the first time, and it really looks nice. I will try to check in from time to time. I am 50 and pastor a Baptist Church here in Monticello, Arkansas. Just wanted to write and say that our church, along with a number of other churches in the American Baptist Association, are planning to witness and distribute New Testaments in English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and several other languages at the Olympics in Sydney in 2000.
Volunteers from our churches have distributed free Scriptures at several Olympic events, beginning in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. At the 96 Olympics in Atlanta, we distributed almost 70,000 New Testaments, and witnessed many professions of faith. It was a great event, and God really blessed it. Anyway, do you know of specific churches or Christian groups that are planning outreach during the Olympics in 2000?
We have found that the attitude of people are much more open to the gospel and friendly during the Olympics. Anyway, please let me know of anything going on, or planned for the Olympics, if you can. (Larry Clements, 270 Tracy Dr., Monticello, AR 71655, USA)
I am on death row, now aged 25. Though sentenced to death by the earthly court of law, as a Christian I feel encouraged by Apostle Paul’s living words, "There is therefore no condemnation to him in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). I received Jesus as my Lord and Saviour several years ago, and now I am new creature in Christ. My old lifestyle which was full of earthly pleasures is now gone, but new life in Christ has come (2 Corinthians 5:7). I write to you as a spiritually hungry soul, filled with much desire to feed on the Word of God.. to help my spiritual growth by sending me some Christian material. (Mobby Muyanwa Sikopo, Maximum Security Prison, Condemned Section, Box 80915, Kabwe Central, Zambia) (Reader: Can you help?)
Another brother wrote to me separately, from the same prison... May I briefly and sorrowfully introduce myself. I am Elvis Chileshe Malimba, aged 27 years, a Zambian condemned prisoner on death row/list. I was arrested and charged with the case of murder 16/04/94, convicted and sentenced to die, 10/07/95... Prior to the above sad development I was a pupil doing my eleventh grade at secondary school.
I am a former member of Romanism. I was converted to faith in Christ Jesus in 1995 and my conversion came through learning the Gospel by correspondence. After my conversion to faith in Christ Jesus, myself and my brethren (prisoners) who had since been converted met and sought to begin a work in this prison, witnessing Christ to the lost. And, dear one, as I write this letter to you it is a story of God’s wonderful and faithful provisions that we are a church – it is a testimony of God’s sovereign grace that saves to the uttermost. We are known as "Bible Christian Church". Here in prison we are undergoing a spiritual famine... May the Lord enable you to put me on the mailing list... I was sent a copy of your magazine two days ago and the message was very profitable to my soul. Once a prisoner of the devil and of sin, but now free indeed. (Elvis Chileshe Malimba, Zambia)
Most of the work being done here these days is amongst the churches and with schools. Here at the mission we have Primary and Secondary schools and a school for the Blind. As well as these there are outschools in a number of villages. Here we have boarding facilities for both boys and girls from the distant villages, mostly secondary school students. This means we have ample opportunity to teach these young people, mostly teens and early 20s, the Word of God. We have various programmes for them, including serious Bible Study for those who can cope with it. 21 young fellows have been coming and say that one two hour session a week is not enough...
There are many churches out in the small bush villages, but with all the unrest in this country over recent years, nothing has been done to the roads for years, so that many places cannot now be reached by car, even four wheel drive. Evangelists go out by bike...
I feel that today a missionary's major role in this country is in the area of providing Christian literature. In the local languages, books are scarce, particularly when one thinks how many books and helps Christians have in English. So we have a bookroom, sell books in the village market. Others take books out into the district, but there is a lack of literature in the more distant parts... Bible studies are prepared in the local language and books are translated into the local language and printed in Zambia. (Eunice, Brethren missionary, Zambia)
In 1950, with the outbreak of the Korean War, I was recalled to active duty with the 1st Marine Division. As a 12-year-old, I had accepted the Lord but had never been well-disciplined or obedient. I wanted to play patty-cake in the sand piles of the world. At 25, when I went to Korea, I started reading the little Testament my mother had given me. At the Inchon landing, and for the next two weeks of heavy combat as a rifle-squad leader, I read a few Bible verses every day. I loved my brother Marines who suffered and died alongside me. As the death and destruction grew more intense - and as I stood on the brink of eternity - I did not like what I saw.
As my outfit attacked up the streets of Seoul, I was hit with a machine-gun bullet. I made it behind a burning police station in the middle of the street. My corpsman, Chico, dressed my wounds and as sniper bullets crashed into the street beside us, he laid on top of me - covering me with his own body - and yelled in my ear, "You've had enough!" Other riflemen nailed the snipers and as Chico left me to help other Marines lying wounded in the street, he was hit by two bullets that blew the shin-bone out of his leg. I never saw Chico again.
Several Marines threw a wooden door on the ground, rolled me on it and ran me down the street under heavy fire. It was a fearsome ride. I was given a shot of morphine, and dreamed a beautiful restful sleep in the flight to Japan.
At Yokosuka Naval Hospital for three months, I proclaimed my loyalty to Chico, my corpsman. One night, the Lord came to me. I saw the blood running down His forehead, into His eyes, and down over His cheeks. I looked into His blood-filled eyes. He spread out His bloody hands and said, "I did this for you." I was willing to be loyal to Chico - but, had not been willing to be loyal to the Lord. The Lord said, "Come and follow me. I will make you a man. Put away childish things." I knew what he meant. I said, "Yes Sir." With the Lord as the Lord of my life, I re-joined my outfit and went back into front-line combat with my brother for another five months before returning home. Our mother cried with joy unspeakable. We were both baptized and have been His loyal Marines ever since. Every day we say, "Yes Sir," to the Lord Jesus - our CHAMPION and HERO. My Lord and my God. (Jim Baxter Sgt. USMC World War II and Korea)
Oh, Lord, I’m like a soldier without a war
Having mock manoeuvres behind closed doors
Waiting for the trumpet call to revival action.
Days, months, years, go by in circular motion
Repeating themselves,
And I am wound in a cocoon, sticky strands of complacency,
Sleeping a spiritual swoon.
Lord, I’m sick of frilly, frothy, superficial loving,
Childish games, happy nothing,
Selfish getting, mindless hugging.
My armour’s going rusty in this endless R and R.
This Private is reporting
For Active Duty,
Please Sir!
(Bob, Port Lincoln, SA)
The Bible exhorts us to test every teaching... As end time deception increases and more and more people are led into apostasy, we must fervently contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints (Jude v. 3). As more Christian leaders seek the approval of men rather than God, the way of truth will become more narrow and less travelled. Those who remain on it will face persecution for refusing to compromise (2 Timothy 2:12). They will be accused of being intolerant, unloving, and narrow-minded... Upholding truth can, and will be divisive within the church, but division is not always bad. Sometimes it is necessary to show which ones are approved of God (1 Corinthians 11:19)... Contenders for the faith realise that the most dangerous lie is the lie which most closely resembles the truth. (Mike Gendron, Brunswick Heads, NSW; From Hans, Balhannah, SA)
Some people think me a little crazy but I just find it hard to sit back and let magistrates make unrighteous judgements that affect us all and see our police mocked by the very citizens that they work so hard to protect. I am still making a stand against nude sun baking on our public beaches. A tourist who was strolling in our national park had her throat cut by two girls who had been practicing witch craft. I recently had an article published about the benefits of Christianity in a local paper... The apathy amongst the majority of Church goers is somewhat disappointing. Charismatics (Ed: I'd say many "brands" of Christians) may be enthusiastic in their worship on Sunday but I see little evidence of this energy and excitement spilling over into the other days of the week. The greatest sin of today’s Christians is self centered and selfish behaviour... very few involve themselves in community issues. (Leith, Noosa. Qld)
I am very concerned of so many Christians going off track today, especially teenagers. They get drawn into the charismatic type churches because of the music and entertainment side of things. So many go back into the world because I believe there’s no real back up and solid preaching. Some churches haven’t got true pastors or elders or deacons. When they have problems there’s no one to go to, so they go back into the world for help and never go back to church. The world becomes their friend and they don’t want God anymore. It is so sad to see and they need our prayers. (Verna, Huntfield Heights, SA)
I have been without a church... but still enjoy talking about our Lord as much as I can, and talking to our Lord. I went to a Toronto blessing meeting. The laughter was borderline hysteria. All I could do was look and wonder why I didn’t think anything was funny... It seems if you haven’t a flash car, plenty of money, or dress well you aren’t needed in some churches. It is a shame when many so-called Christians do not have the "love" the Bible tries so hard to teach. I would love to be able to walk into a church that lives as the Bible teaches and to be accepted as I am. (Kathy, Whyalla)
We may not have the fellowship of a church, but we certainly have it by mail and phone – it’s wonderful. (Les, isolated area of NSW)
Many thanks for sending us your magazines which we normally get some good articles out of. However I am concerned that they are unfortunately becoming a bit of a tool for disgruntled people who it appears can not get along with other Christians and are too busy nit picking. I suggest they should grow up and get a life and try to get along with other Christians in their local churches. And if they are not entirely happy, don't cause trouble but pray for their ministers and the church, that the Lord will change them if the church is not doing the right thing and also be open that if it is them who are not right that He will change them.
In spite of what some of these people think, there are some wonderful churches around and the Lord is blessing. So come on readers, stop denomination bashing and look at the wonderful things He is doing! This bashing doesn't bring Him any glory. There was a letter asking for FDs for a prison, a good idea but if any of the people in there read these articles against the churches they would not want to attend a church when they get out. Furthermore they probably wouldn't be interested in the Lord anyway because all they would see would be Christians picking on each other and well known ministries... These sort of articles... would put people off churches and in some cases Christianity in general... Please... make your magazine more uplifting instead of all these downers which may put people off Christianity.
A lot of these people who write these sort of letters don't appear to meet with other Christians but stick with their own little groups, not really wishing to reach out. I know some of them may have been hurt, but that is no excuse - would they stay away from the football or anything they are interested in because some one said something they didn't like? There are some wonderful caring churches where people are looked after. I am a Pastor in. a church where my wife and I are the pastoral carers and we care for and love the people and would do anything in our power to help them and we know of many others like that. (Robert, Port Pirie, SA)
Many people are dissatisfied... No church on this earth has the full truth. Every church has its weaknesses and deficiencies. Churches are ministered by people, and people are not perfect. Let us look to the Perfect One who is Jesus the Lord, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. He is the Teacher, the Pastor, the Friend, and our only Saviour. We can criticise churches until the cows come home, instead of look to the Lamb that teaches us not to judge others and not to hurt others by our critics. Every church tries hard to do its best. Let us pray for them, pray for our leaders. (Philip, Craigieburn, Vic)
Ed's response: On the whole I agree with Robert and Phillip. There's a real danger to be overly "nit picking". We want to avoid fussing over petty issues. I certainly invite readers to send in positive Christian testimony to encourage people in the brighter side of how the Lord is blessing and leading. Nevertheless, it is also true that many folk report genuine concerns about church trends of false teaching and practice. In these darkening days we're not called to be vainly prophesying "peace, peace", but to be loudly sounding the warning, and earnestly contending against error. It is thus important that such counterfeit so-called Christianity be exposed for what it is. We urge every reader to faith in Christ and strongly recommend believers to actively support a local Bible-based fellowship.
I have witnessed the "laughter" and the "Signs and miracles". I have been involved in the modern Christian music ministry. I attended an Assembly of God congregation for 15 years. We no longer fellowship with a charismatic church. In fact, as there are no suitable Church meetings near us we don’t go to Church at all. Yet we continue to grow in Christ as we plug into the source of life, the Word, and practice the power of prayer.
In all my years of involvement and attendance, regardless of error in doctrine or flaws in leadership, the main desire of most worshippers in charismatic congregations is to worship the One and Only God. Their methods may be flawed, or even dangerous, but... I am reluctant to tar all charismatic Christians with a black coat of condemnation. I pray they may be guided into all truth by Christ, that His heart of grace may win them. We can do more with fervent prayer than with slandering tongue. I agree we need to be aware of the new age teachings and feministic, materialistic doctrine. But I am still trying to find a pair of tongs large enough to pluck the log out of my eye with. (Jo, Gympie, Qld)
What some people seem to overlook is the fact that the FATHER looks at the heart condition. Not our outward actions, which can be disguised for righteous appearances. TV is not a problem if it’s used for the right reasons and doesn’t dominate our time. Personally I find there is little to watch, or is worthy of my time. I am very conscious of not wasting time as this commodity is the stuff life consists of, and not to be wasted.
Computers have their uses also, accessing information... I have no problem using a telephone either, even though it’s a communication system used by all sorts of evil and abomination. As long as our intentions are right. I would hate to see the Christian movement return to a monastic era. Go ye into all the world. That might mean using telephones, computers, television, radio. Let’s use twentieth century tools for the benefit of the Lord’s work. (Peter, Rockingham, WA)
A pilgrim was making his way to the Promised Land, He was carrying his master's cross, a burden he cheerfully accepted.
Becoming weary, the pilgrim paused to rest. As he basked in the sunlight, he watched a woodsman nearby cut a tree in the forest. "Good friend," called the pilgrim, "may I use your axe to shorten my cross? As I journey, it grows heavier."
"Indeed," called the woodsman, and, without hesitation, he obliged.
The pilgrim travelled on, making much progress. The cross was shorter now, and his burden lighter.
In no time at all, the Promised Land was in sight. Drawing near, he saw that a deep gulf separated him from the glories beyond. He would use the cross to span the divide.
Though he struggled mightily to span the divide with the cross, it fell short by the very amount he had removed. Suddenly, with tears streaming down his face, he awoke; it had been a dream. Clutching the cross to his breast, the pilgrim pressed on. The cross was just as heavy, but its burden was lighter. (Author unknown)
Think about how you can make this apply to your own circumstances you are facing right now. (From Emory, Ontario, Canada)
Sheep have a mind of their own. You can't drive them, herd them or coax them. They are more difficult to handle than chickens. They go where they want, when they want. Only their shepherd will they obey and follow.
The Lord is my shepherd... He rules me - He cares for me - He loves me. "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young" (Isa. 40:11). Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (Jn. 10:11) How can you say He is Lord if He is not ruling your life?
I shall not want. He has promised that He will supply all my needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19) How big is that supply? All of God's riches.
He maketh me lie down. That means STOP !! Is God in a hurry about anything? "I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God." (Ezekiel 34:15) Quit fussin' around with everything. We hurry around and rush about trying our way to do things instead of just letting God.
He maketh me lie down in green pastures. Pastures of tender grass. Stop and rest while he feeds you. You can't work if you don't eat; and you can't eat if you don't work! And you can't work if you don't get rest. When was the last time you just stopped and rested in the Lord? And let Him feed you? Some of us have a very hard time just stopping to rest... we gotta go, go, go. God has a way to MAKE us stop and rest; there are things and situations He puts in our way to make us realise that it just won't work our way, or God allows a sudden incident to occur in our life that will cause us to stop - cold in our tracks - and listen to Him. Stop on your way and let God give you His rest and His food !
He leadeth me beside still waters. After he makes us stop and see Him and get some rest, He lets us drink from the sweet still, calm waters of His refreshing grace. With the rest, food and drink, we are refreshed, renewed with strength for growth.
He restoreth my soul. As our body is fed, rested and refreshed, we see how caring, loving and strong He is, and of what we can be in and with Him.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. In other words, he puts me on the right path to glorify His name. That happens only when we have stopped, gotten rested and refreshed and made ourselves available to Him, for His purpose and His tasks. God gives each of us all the courage, the strength and the resources to get His job done. Do I allow myself to be led by God to do His tasks?
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Notice that it says walk through the valley; It does not say stop, pitch your tent, and stay there. We are not to let the devil get us upset and angry and uptight, fearing what might happen. When we stop in the valley and worry and fret on what's wrong or what might happen, we forget that He is there with us too, and we lose our praise just looking at the wrong things. When we do get in a valley keep moving on...trusting God to take you completely through and out of the valley. We must remember that God is with us! ALWAYS !
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Sin is everywhere - but as children of God, We have been given a vision of service, of need, of want - a table full of the grace and love and companionship of Jesus Christ - a witness to serve this community in the love and grace of Jesus Christ without reservation as to who they are- where they go, or what they do, or what they say. These are our enemies, those who want to steal our grace, our praise, our witness.
Thou anointest my head with oil. It is a personal touch. The soothing, intervening Hand of God. This personal relationship brings joy and satisfaction. God will heap the oil [His goodness & grace] on our head as we are faithful to Him.
My cup runneth over. We are to seek refreshing and renewing every morning. The grace we had yesterday is not transferred to today. You can't put your grace in a bucket when you go to bed and pick it back up the next morning and add to it the next day! We must seek His renewing grace every morning. And as we do this continually, He will fill us with more and more of His love and ability.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. God is truly so wonderful. He is there with me displaying how good and wonderful He is. So tender and gentle with me when I sin, wanting me to ask His forgiveness and help. The more I can trust God to provide the small things I need, not that I want, and give Him the opportunity to do that, then the bigger, more complex things I require will come in His time. God has promised He will always be with us, if we stay with Him.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Won't that be so wonderful? It will be more grand and glorious that anything we have ever known or dreamed about here on earth, to not have the concern about sin or the devil or any of the bad stuff that comes our way! When we hear Him say, Come, enter into the rest prepared for you - when we dwell in that perfect place with Him and sing with the angels Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!! Then we can rest in His care, at His side, and it will go on forever and ever and ever and ever.
Can you say that the Lord is YOUR shepherd? your guide? your all ?In all areas of your life? And that you will live with Him forever and ever? If you died right now, are you sure that you will be in heaven? Accept Jesus Christ as your own personal, individual shepherd. He is ready and waiting on you to take the first step and He will gladly come and meet you - but you must take that first step. Trust Him to do the rest. (David Abe, Ridgeley, WV, USA)
Albert Einstein was a hard-working intellectual who pursued some of the most difficult questions in science. In March 1933, he visited Dr Geno Gutenberg, the senior seismologist at the California Institute of Technology. Einstein was greatly interested in the science of earthquakes and asked many questions as they strolled around the campus. Suddenly, an excited professor burst in on their conversation. They looked around to see other people rushing from nearby buildings and the earth quaking under their feet. It was the now famous Los Angeles earthquake of 1933. The quake was 6.4 in magnitude and affected 75,000 square miles. There was over $50 million of damage and 120 were killed.
Gutenberg later confessed that even though the earthquake was large, both he and Einstein were oblivious to it. They were so heavily engaged in the science and the theory of earthquakes that they failed to realize that one was happening around them as they spoke.
Let's not get so caught up in talk and theory, that we forget to live out our faith. (Based on GCN Report - Internet)
A pastor is a ministry gifting for the body that is the church. A pastor’s job is to put themselves out of a job, as they train up others from the body of Christ to minister the Gospel (Ephesians 4:11). Pastors are committed to serving the Word of God... to careful, loving shepherding. My greatest reward is not how popular or famous I become. My most fulfilling reward will be on that day when all my labours cease as His servant and the Master calls me home, greets me with embracing, loving arms, and says, welcome home, my loyal and faithful servant. This reward awaits truly committed, serving pastors, who serve their fellowship unconditionally, planting the seed right. (John, Goolwa, SA)
An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening service when
she was startled by an intruder. As she caught the man in the act of robbing
her home of its valuables, she yelled "Stop, Acts 2:38". The burglar
quickly turned around and pointed his gun at her when she yelled again "Stop,
Acts 2:38". Well, this time the man stopped, dead in his tracks. The woman
calmly called the Police and explained what she had done. As the Officer cuffed
the man to take him in, he asked him "Why did you just stand there? All
the old lady did was yell a Scripture to you." "Scripture?" the
burglar exclaimed, "I thought she said she had an Axe and two 38's."
(From Kevin Murphy, News-of-Interest 1/99)
The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read
Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree.
Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,
For the world was intent on dragging me down.
And if that weren’t enough to ruin my day,
A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play.
He stood right before me with his tilted down.
And stood with great excitement, "Look what I found!"
In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight,
With its petals all worn – not enough rain, or too little light.
Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play,
I faked a small smile and then shifted away.
But instead of retreating he sat next to my side
And placed the flower to his nose and declared with overacted surprise,
"It sure smells pretty and it’s beautiful, too.
That’s why I picked it; here, it’s for you."
The weed before me was dying or dead.
Not vibrant of colours, orange, yellow or red.
But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave.
So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need."
But instead of him placing the flower in my hand,
He held it mid-air without reason or plan.
It was then that I noticed for the very first time
That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind.
I heard my voice quiver, tears shone like the sun
As I thanked him for picking the very best one.
"You’re welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play,
Unaware of the impact he’d had on my day.
I sat there and wondered how he managed to see
A self-pitying old woman beneath an old willow tree.
How did he know of my self-indulged plight?
Perhaps from his heart, he’d been blessed with true sight.
Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see
The problem was not with the world; the problem was me.
And for all of those times I myself had been blind,
I vowed to see the beauty in life, and appreciate every second that’s mine.
And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose
And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose
And smiled as I watched that young boy, another weed in hand
About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.
(Author Unknown; sent by Des, Buderim, Qld)
("Daily" Responsibilities)
1. Get saved (2 Corinthians 6:2).
2. Give yourself to God (Luke 9:23, Romans 12:1-3).
3. Read your Bible (Acts 17:11, Psalm 119:97).
4. Pray (Matthew 6:11 – "this day")
5. Rejoice and be glad (Psalm 118:24).
6. Praise God (Psalm 35:28, 145:2).
7. Serve God (Matthew 21:28).
(James L. Melton, Preach the Word)
I’m currently reading "Rees Howells Intercessor". It’s a top book, and contains some great stories of God’s provision of finances for His servants. On one occasion, Rees Howells had to catch a train to London. He didn’t have any money, but felt led of the Lord to stand in the ticket queue anyway. When he got near the ticket booth, a fellow in front of him decided to rush away, and put 30 shillings in Rees Howells' hand!
I had the joy of tasting the Lord’s faithfulness (Ps 34:8) recently in regard to finances. I travelled to India last January, and planned to go again in December. As of last September, I did not have any money towards the trip. Then I received $1300 on one weekend, which I promptly took to travel and as a deposit on a ticket. Over the next few months, money gradually came in from different sources. With 2 days left to pay the full amount, I was still $310 short. A person who was sending 2 cheques to me posted them a day late, so I knew they would not be arriving in time. I initially saw this as a setback, but the Lord reminded me that He is sovereign over everything - including mistakes - so not to worry about it. As it turned out, I was given $350 cash the day before the deadline!
(David, Quaker's Hill, NSW)
It could only happen in America? Diana is being hailed as "A Modern Mary". A new website proclaims the Church of Princess Diana, based in New Jersey. (Despatch, 9/98)
The city of Almolonga in Guatemala has been having a revival for some years. Over 90 per cent of the population are born again Christians. The former four prisons have closed because of lack of crime. Christians there fast 3 days each week. (Barry Goode)
One church of 400 adults in North Rockhampton now has over one thousand children in Sunday School, most from unsaved families. (Betty, Toowoomba, Qld)
Thousands of charismatic Catholics gathered at Rome in May. Their enormous show of solidarity with the Pope was one of the largest gatherings ever held at the basilica. Brian Smith, world president of the Catholic Fraternity, stated, "In the last 25 years, the Catholic charismatic renewal has moved from being seen as on the fringe of the Catholic Church right into the heart of the Church." (Nancy C. Ward, Charisma, 12/98)
A 1998 study funded in part by the National Science Foundation showed that people who attend church weekly live an average of seven years longer than people who never attend church. Researchers considered 2,016 people participating in a federal cancer risk survey who already had died. They found the life expectancy of people who reported they never attended church was 55.3 years beyond age 20, compared with 61.9 years for people who attended religious services weekly. (The Baptist Standard, 6/1/99)
Modern choruses tend to downgrade Almighty God into an insipid god of love. They are noisy, jingly, shallow, self-centred, and preach an artificial love, peace, and joy. Many such choruses tell you nothing about God. They can justly be addressed to any pagan deity. (In Bible times Baal worshippers also addressed their god by the title "lord".) Doctrine is avoided at all costs. Such choruses fail to warn us of the deceitfulness and addictiveness of sin, the need for repentance, regeneration (new birth), God’s unapproachable holiness, the eternal glories of Heaven, and the unquenchable fires of Hell. Choruses inadequately promote the reading and use of God’s almighty and all discerning Word, the missionary challenge, the boldness of the Christian, and the fruit of godliness of character. You can sing a lie as well as tell one. As someone has said, "If something is true, it can stand being challenged, if it is not it needs to be challenged." (George, Stoneyford, Vic)
1. Just preach God’s love. Don’t mention His sovereignty, His judgment
of sin.
2. Amuse. Use jokes and plenty of music, and rock music. Don’t get deep
into the Word of God.
3. Don’t preach separation from the world, and its pleasures.
4. Don’t preach holiness. God knows our weaknesses. We can’t be just
like Him.
5. Don’t preach Bible prophecy; the return of Christ and coming judgment.
It frightens people.
6. Preach that there’s a big revival just around the corner (although the
Bible teaches the opposite).
7. Don’t preach sound doctrine. Major on emotional experiences, spiritual
"highs", feelings.
8. Don’t teach the Genesis record of creation. Educated people won’t
accept that.
9. Don’t press for Bible study or prayer meetings. Give them plenty of
fun and entertainment.
10. Don’t teach the Lordship of Christ. That’s taking things too far.
Don’t talk about the Blood of Christ, repentance, or sanctification. All
denominations and religions are heading the same way. We simply must get together.
Yours untruthfully, the devil. (Encouraging Christian Ministries)
I was sitting at home one evening when the phone rang. It was a friend of mine, who lived in Gippsland. "Tony", she said, "something terrible has happened". My daughter Regina has had an accident and is at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, in a serious condition. Could you please ask all your church friends to pray for her?
Regina's friend had a 4 wheel paddock bike and she had asked her friend if she could ride it. So her friend stood on the back while Regina drove. They were driving down a country lane and suddenly hit a pot hole. The friend was thrown off the back. Regina careered out of control and into a barbed wire fence. The injuries she suffered were horrific; the barbs cut through her face from her left ear, across her jaw and down across her right upper breast. The surgeons said, "If the wire had been tight it would have decapitated her". Her jaw was virtually hanging on her chest and broken in many places.
It was a ten minute walk home. The surgeon said she'd done the impossible as she should have gone into shock. She arrived at hospital with no blood pressure - dead - but was revived, transfused and operated on.
All. through this, many were praying for her. We prayed that the Lord would leave no scar on this 15 year old's face.
A week after the operation her mother asked how she managed to walk back after the accident. "Mum something was caressing my hair giving me comfort all the way home". Her mother asked "When did it leave you"? Regina said, "It didn't, it's still here."
The doctors told Mum that they alone could not save her daughter. The doctor's words, "Your child has had a miracle performed on her life". Some weeks later Regina's mum rang and said that her daughter's teeth would not heal and that she would lose them, mainly because of all the plates (15) and pins in her jaw. I told her I felt the Lord was not stopping half way on her healing, but would complete it. Regina, through. the Lord's great love and compassion, has no visible scars and all her own teeth. PRAISE THE LORD! (Tony, Langwarrin, Vic)
Many live frustrated lives because they are trying to manage two days at a time. One of those days is yesterday. Some people are glad yesterday is gone because of broken health and unfulfilled dreams. However most of us view yesterday wistfully. We talk of the good old days; or we want yesterday back because we messed it up. We say that we will do better next time, but so many big things never get a next time.
The other day we try to manage is tomorrow. If we know God as Creator, loving Father, and Lord, then worrying is absurd. We can focus our lives on him, invest our assets with him and rest assured that "God shall supply all our needs according to his riches of Glory in Christ".
Tomorrow is beyond our immediate control. The sun will rise tomorrow, either in splendour or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise. Until it does, there is nothing we can do about the day, for it is yet unborn.
Today is all you can manage. Can you be agreeable for one day? Or endure pain
for twenty four hours? Surely you can. Put yourself in the middle of God's will
and eliminate reminiscing about the past or worrying about the future. (From
Graham, Wakerley, Qld)
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