We are living in a sin-sick, morally degenerate, and pleasure-mad world. Our society continually demands entertainment, amusements, and pastimes at an ever-increasing level.
What is the goal of this "continual-entertainment" spirit? To keep modern man happily busy...
The very words themselves reveal this fact. The word amusement comes originally from the French and literally means "to stare at fixedly so as to prevent musing or thinking." The word pastime speaks for itself. It means to kill or use up time as a thing of little value; to pass time away. The root of the word entertainment means to divert. Thus it implies something which takes us away or diverts us from the normal, real world of everyday life.
In other words, entertainment, amusements, pastimes are things which keep us busy - busy avoiding the realities of life and truth as they are set down in God's Holy Word. They keep us busy avoiding thinking about eternity, hell, heaven, sin, God, Christ, salvation, our own selves, and especially our need for a new heart.
But if entertainment succeeds in its first goal of making man busy it fails miserably in its second: happily busy. Never has there been so much restlessness, dissatisfaction, and yes, unhappiness. Despite our freedom from poverty... plus our continual drinking in of entertainment - no age has been as unhappy as modern man.
Entertainment can never give enough - it always leaves an empty feeling behind. The more it is practiced and relied on, the emptier it becomes.
It has turned our society into an object of pity, for we are victims of our own system. Society goes full cycle, from being pleasure-hungry to pleasure-mania to pleasure-boredom.
But do you know what is even worse? Not only the world, but also the church has begun sliding down the slippery slope of entertainment which can only end in sin, and disastrous results... Step-by-step the old-fashioned, plain gospel message with its emphasis on the necessity of conversion, is being increasingly de-emphasised. Less and less time is being spent praying together as a family, reading religious books together with children, talking together in family circles about spiritual matters.
At the very heart and centre of our modern entertainment spirit stands TELEVISION. Our society has become TELE-HOLIC. On a night when wives do not leave home, 95 out of 100 will spend it watching TV and 85% of their husbands will do likewise. Among teenagers, 80% will follow their parents' example, and 75% of children will also spend their evening drinking in the sin shown on TV.
A television owner usually becomes addicted to TV with respect to (A) TIME, (B) SIN, and (C) CONTROL.
(A) TIME. The average TV viewer spends 5½ hours per day watching TV. By the time an average American youth becomes sixty-five years old, he will have spent fourteen years of his life watching TV (compared to one year spent in church, Sunday School, and catechism if he comes faithfully to all). In the U.S.A. children three to five years old spend fifty-four hours every week watching TV, which is 64% of their time awake. Every time an adult sits down to watch TV, he/she averages 3½ hours of watching time before turning the TV off. Children are glued to TV for an average of 2½ hours per sitting. With the exception of sleeping, the average American will spend more time in his life watching TV than anything else - yes even more than working. Do we not have a tele-holic society with respect to our precious, God-given time?
(B) SIN. TV is a flood of sin. It numbs its watchers against all ten commandments... TV applauds sin, approves of sin, and forces its watchers to minimise sin through countless repetitions. Over and over again the traditional family life is despised as old-fashioned: fatherhood is replaced with heroism via pathways of sin; motherhood is rejected as demeaning; obedience from children is laughed at as being too boring to be entertaining.
TV has become a catalogue of sin, and all studies reveal it is getting worse. It has become the devil's classroom. The devil is smart enough to throw in a little religion too, and occasionally even a little morality, to pacify consciences enough not to throw it out. Does not TV make a tele-holic society with respect to sin when it feeds lust, perverts morals, presents impurity as love, pictures murder as thrilling, exalts nakedness and indecency as beauty, and seeks to legitimise all kinds of sin against every command of God?
(C) CONTROL Here the addiction becomes even more serious. Thousands of family fights take place regularly because no agreement can be reached on which show to indulge in. In American homes 35% of mealtimes are spent in front of the TV set. Nightly thousands of parents realise the programs that will come on are demoralising and harmful for their children but yet are so hungry themselves to drink in the sin which they contain that they often let their children watch it too, having no power to control it.
Our natural hearts love sin, our ears listen for sin, our eyes look for sin. That is just the problem with TV. It is not the box itself that is the problem, but it is our hearts. TV shows what the heart of man wants to see.
You are wasting precious God-given time for which you will have to give an account one day. Would it not be far better that you take the time spent watching TV to read Scripture or good books, or listen to sermon tapes?
May it become the prayer of all of us with David: "I will set no evil thing before my eyes. Turn Thou my eyes from beholding vanity." (Pilgrim's Gate; Condensed)
Using the TV he can beam everything from violence and pornography to rock music and worldly trends. He can shape and educate people into the beings that he wants them to be. TV is educational and apparently, the right to TV is a global concern. When I was at Bali, you would have villages made up of bits and pieces, rocks, rotten timber, plastic sheets and 44 gallon drums. The standard car for a family of 4 if the family had one was a little motor scooter that would be leaned next to the shack and yet not uncommonly you would see traces of a modern satellite dish or TV aerial installed on the roof enabling the residence to gain access to the Western culture. (Andrew, Sydney, NSW)
After two orangutans at the St. Petersburg Zoo in Russia began neglecting the baby with which they were blessed in November, zookeepers devised a plan to educate them in the joys of family life by having them watch television programs about being good parents. But the male ape became so engrossed watching television that he not only continued to ignore his son, but began ignoring his mate as well. And when she became upset over the neglect, keepers had second thoughts. Zoo director Ivan Korneyev was quoted saying, ‘We’ll reduce the time of TV watching in order to keep the family together. (New American, 1/3/99)
It is amazing how many Christians can tell me who Forrest Gump and Obi Wan Kenobi are, yet fail to know anything about the lives of Billy Sunday, D.L. Moody, Charles Finney, Hudson Taylor, George Mueller... (James Lyman, Florida) (Kingdom-alert-update #7, 12/3/99)
Today we live in such a fast-paced world: Mama works outside the home, Grandpa and Grandma are placed in nursing homes. Children do not have the benefit of growing up in the same house with older folk, listening as they "spin a yarn," telling their tales of yester-years. Today's youth are missing out on a lot of wisdom they could have gleaned from listening "at the feet" of a godly grandparent.
But then, most children today believe meat is manufactured by the supermarket! They have never seen a hen house where baby chicks are hatched, and eggs are gathered; never seen a man use a mule to plow a field, and will ask, "What IS a mule?"
Times have surely changed... The world has so evolved that we have pushed Grandma and Grandpa right out of our children's lives. I am afraid that we do not always appreciate, or sometimes even recognise the blessing older people are... The Bible still says, "The aged women... teach the young women..." (Titus 2:3-4). Sad to say, in our day most older folk are seen only as people who are too slow to keep up -- as someone who will not let us live our own lives without giving us advice -- as a burden we must bear.
May the Lord have mercy on us! What a blessing we are missing. It could not even be reckoned, in this world, the things we could learn from those who have lived through life's trials, and came out on the other side with more wisdom than they had before. Our older folk have something to say, if we will just listen. It has not always been this way. They can tell you when their grandma and grandpa were respected -- when people actually came to them for advice! The Bible tells us that in the LAST DAYS perilous times would come. (2 Timothy 3:1-4).
Is THIS the place we have come to in our modern, better, more educated world? Praise God, there are still some people today whom the Bible calls "WISE," who will UNDERSTAND and appreciate the gift we have in God's older children. They see not only the blessing these older people are, but they will want to "tap into" the treasure of wisdom that life's experiences have brought to these wise old souls.
People who are truly wise will have learned there are at least three major avenues from which a person can learn and obtain knowledge.
1) By listening to instruction from someone who has more wisdom than yourself. This can include parents, grandparents, the preacher, and older and wiser saints of God.
2) By studying: The Bible is God's way to speak His wisdom to us. We can also read behind wise men and women of God, and learn from their experiences. (Remembering to be as noble as the Bereans, and reading only that which is true to the Word of God). (Acts 17:10-11).
3) And then, when a person refuses the first two avenues, there is the "school of hard knocks." You can learn from this method also, but the price may be more than you want to pay. (Proverbs 2:1-2).
We need to begin early in life to acquire knowledge and wisdom. If we are willing to hear instruction and law from our parents, and others, then we will be willing to learn from God's Word (Proverbs 1:8-9, 4:1-2). And if we are willing to learn from our parents, grandparents, and older saints as they teach us, then God will bless us so that we can teach our children.
We need to be wise and learn from those whom God has sent our way. God's older saints are able to instruct us from their storehouse of wisdom. Their wisdom did not come easy, but has come from learning life's lessons through trials and tribulations.
God has taught His godly, older children, and if want to glean from their wisdom, we need to ask the Lord to help us to honour and respect the "senior citizens" in our homes and churches today (Leviticus 19:32). If we will obey this command from God's Word, then we will be able to pass on to the next generation, that will come after us, the value of honouring the white and grey haired saints of God. But, if we rebel, we will reap in our children and grandchildren the very rebellion that we have sown. (Jean, Greenville, USA)
As a Bible-believer, I believe that God speaks to His people today. He also heals, performs miracles, and can give signs and wonders. The abuse and misuse, by some, of the gifts of the Holy Spirit does not make them invalid today. As Moses said, "would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:23-30)
Distaste for the emphasis on subjective experiences, the unbiblical manifestations and excesses of the Pentecostal movement has led some to the other extreme of a formal, almost liturgical ritual that stifles spontaneity or zeal and limits God. In their unbelief, and fear that something "different" is a counterfeit from satan, some in the church have become too hard, too cold, too orderly. It is important that we are open to God's Spirit, to be filled with the Spirit - to walk in the Spirit. To seek the fulness of the Holy Spirit.
Some become so dogmatic and judgmental, majoring on minor issues that are plainly "grey areas". Some become self righteous and legalistic over petty things. Others are sectarian - more devoted to a denomination than to the Body of Christ. Some act critically, and unloving or faithless, as restrictive Pharisees.
I believe in being separate from error and false teaching. This does not mean we are isolated. It is wrong for us to wear a denominational straight-jacket that hinders Biblical unity. I stand on the only absolute standard- God's Word. We want to please God, so we seek His truth, not man's approval. I want to grow in my intimacy with God, to add zeal to my faith. To come into His presence, and love Him more. (Ed)
The old Olympics were banned by the Roman Emperor, Theodosius 1, a Christian, for being pagan shows, in 393 AD. During the early Olympics a scared flame burned at the altar of Zeus. The Olympic Games formed part of a religious festival dedicated to the god Zeus. (CIM)
An unidentified SA reader sent me a picture of a statue of Zeus Olympus, which is located in the foyer of the United Nations building in New York. The article says it "represents the war of polytheism against Monotheism as a means to achieve world order or peace. The same statue was erected in the Jewish Temple by Antiochus in 168BC who then sacrificed a pig on the Altar of the Lord. The Roman armies who destroyed the Temple in 70AD sacrificed pigs to their standards and to Jupiter (Roman name for the Greek god Zeus)."
Can women become or serve as deacons? (Joh, Kalgoorlie, WA)
In answer to this question, I quote Bible verses with Greek words in brackets. These Bible verses show both men and women serving and ministering in this way. Biblical standards and limitations must also obviously be heeded and applied in relation to the differing roles and tasks of men and women.
Matt 8:15 (& Mk. 1:31, Lk. 4:39) ...the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered (diakoneo) unto them.
Matt. 27:55 (& Mk. 15:40) And many women... followed Jesus... ministering (diakoneo) unto him.
Lk. 8:3 Joanna... and Susanna... ministered (diakoneo) unto him of their substance.
Romans 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant (diakonos) of the church which is at Cenchrea. (Ed)
I have always enjoyed the magazine, but of late I have noticed a huge increase of negativity in the letters of some contributors... To me, negativity is in plague proportions in the lives of many Christians. They must be reading a different Bible to mine, for my Father tells me to be careful for nothing, but in all things to give thanks to God, to put my trust in the promises of His Word... As a believer of 42 years I have watched world events and seen the dark changes coming upon mankind. I too became almost engrossed at the enemy activity, the stories and teaching by well known "watchmen" about NWO and UN, the deadly marching toward world domination, the decay of society as we have known it is moving at an alarming rate. But did not Christ warn that these things would be but a heralding in of a great falling away, and also of a triumphant return of Himself? I will not let my heart fail for fear of what is to come. "My Lord knows the way through the wilderness and all that I have to do is to follow."
If our days are in His hands, can we not trust His provision and protecting grace to overshadow us? Of course, we are meant to be discerning and watchful, but not consumed with what might happen. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). Hey folks! We are these people! Are we humbling ourselves and seeking His face and praying... Seems like we bleat and wail, acting as though already all is lost, submitting before the battle has even fully begun. All is not lost. Let us be the singers of praise, as went out before Jehosaphat's army, and see victory at the might of God's arm (2 Chron. 20:21).
Are we so busily pursuing a tangent of speaking about the works of darkness rather than declaring the all powerful Word of God? He is invincible, He is faithful, He is mighty in battle, He is my shield and strength, and He is the lover of my soul. In Him I have put my trust... of whom shall I be afraid? Be encouraged little flock, family of God. Do not succumb to the fear tactics of those who peddle nothing but doom and gloom. Look up church, for your redemption draweth nigh. We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us... I am fully persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day. (Dell, Mooloolah, Qld)
Do we have the right as Christians to decide how many children to have, or should we allow God to open and close the womb of His people as He wills? Should Christians be taking contraceptives or even go as far as more permanent methods (tubes cut, vasectomy)? Being parents of 4 children at 26 years and my husband 27 years, we understand the hardships of raising children in today's society. I believe we should trust God and allow His will to be done and to trust Him to provide for your families, no matter how many children you have. I think to myself I would like more children, and then you have a bad day and you say to yourself, no way, I'm not having any more kids. Then the day ends, the kids are sleeping, then you think how wonderful they are, and thank God for them all, their health, their noise, and the mess they make and all the things they do, good and bad. I think more parents including myself should thank God for everything they do, after all they have been given to us to raise and bring up in the eyes of God. We as parents are answerable to God for these children. I pray that God will show other Christians that children are a gift from Him above and they should allow God to give them the gift that He wants to give His people. I would like some feedback on this subject and other people's opinions on my question. (Mrs Kim Sorensen, 1 Edgar St, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430)
1. Be diligent in prayer, every morning and evening.
2. Never spend a moment in mere idleness.
3. Restrain natural appetites within the bounds of temperance and purity.
4. Suppress every emotion of anger or ill will.
5. Undertake nothing from motives of ambition or love of fame (selfishness).
6. Never do that which at the moment appears to be displeasing to God.
7. Seek opportunities of making some sacrifice for the good of others.
8. Endeavour to rejoice in every loss and suffering for Christ’s sake,
remembering that though, like death, they are not to be wilfully incurred yet,
like death, they are of great gain.
In reading FD it's good to know I'm not the only one interested in the truth. It seems that way sometimes, especially when I go to church. There is this push lately for all churches to be united. The Baptist church I go to has started having Sunday night meetings at the AOG, and the COC are deeply involved in this ecumenical push. There are problems with this unity of churches. Doctrine is one. It seems the first casualty is to be the truth, especially when I was told by an elder of the AOG that the Bible was not the final authority ("sola sciptura").
Here's what the World Council of Churches had to say in an article dated 1960, "A proposal toward the reunion of Christ's church". The Scripture as the sole basis of authority must be dropped if unity is to be possible. "So long as the wording "sola scriptura" is required, no bridge can be made between Catholic and Evangelical..." (Spencer, Blackwater, Qld)
We had the joy of leading an old 90 years plus something, lady to the Lord. A lady we have befriended over the past few years, and she was ready and ripe, and it was such a joy to see this old lady weeping like a child as she came to the foot of the cross, saying "1 haven't got much time have I?" and "I'm not doing this for you Evan, I'm doing this for me." (Evan, St Albans, Vic)
I have recently had the joy of learning of two of my nieces receiving Jesus Christ as Saviour. I gave each a lovely lamp stand for their birthday when they were born into the kingdom of God, and suggested when they switch it on that Jesus said I am the light of the world... and let your light so shine before men...(John, Wondai, Qld)
We rejoice that our new found church has recently seen two souls committed to Christ. (Ed)
Evolution cannot account for the complicated synchronised process needed to develop the shell of an egg from the calcium stored inside the bones of a bird's body. A single fertilised human egg is so complex that it contains chemical instructions that would fill more than 500,000 printed pages. In Darwin's day, a human egg was thought to be simple - essentially a microscopic blob of gelatin. Today we know that a fertilised egg is among the most organised and complex structures in the universe.
Like an egg or an eye, the earth is a masterpiece of design which could not have come into existence by chance. Consider the miracles of life that are found by examining water or the ideal temperatures found on earth - were we closer to the sun we would fry, farther away we would freeze. In an age of empirical science, nothing can be more certain than "in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Current Thoughts & Trends 1/99)
"Nurse, will you come in here and measure the mass in that bowl there
?"
"Yes, doctor."
The nurse walked to a bowl at a table in the surgery room of a Los Angeles hospital.
She looked down and gasped. Her stomach churned. She began to weep. There was
a perfectly formed child seven inches long. Hair on the head. Fingernails. Eyes,
nose and mouth. The body still warm.
The doctor came over. "Are you ill ?" He asked the nurse.
She wept; her body shook. "That's a child! How can you say that's not a
child?" She asked.
"I didn't know you were so emotional," the doctor remarked.
"How can you say that's not a child?"
"I don't know," he snapped. "I never look."
That's the way the game is played. The name of the game is ABORTION. (The
Baptist Pillar)
We are surrounded by noble appeals to do God's work in a new and better way. If only we will cancel our evening services, abandon our confrontational soulwinning, throw out our standards, soften our preaching, replace Godly music with contemporary music and avoid politically incorrect subjects as abortion, homosexuality and submission on the part of the wife to her husband, then we will begin to see our churches grow...
There is a change from preaching to psychology. Preaching by definition must call a person to a decision. It is by its very nature confrontational and personal. Psychology could be satisfied with imparting truth, but preaching challenges the listener to apply the truth (2 Timothy 4:2).
There is a change from declaration to discussion. Where once the preacher would stand in the pulpit and thunder, Thus saith the Lord, now small groups must meet and each individual will share their opinion. Instead of the preacher being the mouthpiece and messenger of God, each individual now can share their own insights and interpretations.
There is a change from praying for labourers to recruiting volunteers. Those who serve Christ are not volunteers, they are called and committed by God to the ministry.
There is a change from Doctrine to Doctors (2 Timothy 4:2-4). The church now seeks to build on experiences and not the exposition of Scripture. We are not to teach the experiences of the Bible, but rather, experience the teachings of the Bible. You will never be spiritual without being Scriptural. (Pastor Belanger Invitation Magazine)
This is a message to advise you of my disgust at a recent issue of so-called "fair-dinkum"... There was an implication that a woman being in a higher position than a man is somehow wrong. Hello... and welcome to 1999. The sexist attitude was also displayed in an article advising women to wear skirts and dresses. The patriarchial dogmatic attitude of your publication shows that you don't believe in free speech at all... We live in a free country and people who try to dictate a set standard for people should be treated with caution. The mentality portrayed in your publication is a reincarnation of the adam and eve story. The christian religion says that eve was the cause of human's downfall as she "manipulated" adam with the "forbidden fruit"... Feminists are not a bunch of lesbians who hate men and feminism is not something from the 1960's. It is about equality of the sexes in all aspects of life and destroying the stereotypes that christian and other religions have tried to brand women with for centuries. When you claim to be "fair dinkum", there is a responsibility to ensure that is the case. (Chantelle, WA)
"In Germany they came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
(Rev. Martin Neimoller, German Lutheran pastor arrested by the Gestapo in 1937)
Bob Butler lost his legs in a 1965 land mine explosion in Vietnam. He returned home a war hero. Twenty years later, he proved once again that heroism comes from the heart.
Butler was working in his garage in a small town in Arizona on a hot summer day when he heard a woman's screams coming from a nearby house. He began rolling his wheelchair toward the house but the dense shrubbery wouldn't allow him access to the back door. So he got out of his chair and started to crawl through the dirt and bushes.
"I had to get there," he said. "It didn't matter how much it hurt."
When Butler arrived at the pool there was a three-year-old girl named Stephanie Hanes lying at the bottom. She had been born without arms and had fallen in the water and couldn't swim. Her mother stood over her baby screaming frantically. Butler dove to the bottom of the pool and brought little Stephanie up to the deck. Her face was blue, she had no pulse and was not breathing.
Butler immediately went to work performing CPR to revive her while Stephanie's mother telephoned the fire department. She was told the paramedics were already out on a call.
Helplessly, she sobbed and hugged Butler's shoulder. As Butler continued with his CPR, he calmly reassured her. Don't worry, he said. "I was her arms to get out of the pool. It'll be okay. I am now her lungs. Together we can make it."
Seconds later the little girl coughed, regained consciousness, and began to cry.
As they hugged and rejoiced together the mother asked Butler how he knew it would be okay.
"The truth is I didn't know," he told her. "But when my legs were blown off in the war, I was all alone in a field. No one was there to help except a little Vietnamese girl. As she struggled to drag me into her village, she whispered in broken English, "It okay. You can live. I be your legs. Together we make it."
Her kind words brought hope to my soul and I wanted to do the same for Stephanie."
There are simply those times when we cannot stand alone. There are those times when we need someone to be our legs, our arms, our friend. (Raymond Wise, Top of the Day)
For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive
answer for it:
You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke
18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16
& John 13:34)
You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians
12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your
steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians
4:13)
You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman
8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John
1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians
4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(2 Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your
cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I don't have enough faith" God says: I've given everyone
a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)
You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians
1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake
you (Hebrews 13:5) (author unknown)
I had one of the happiest days of my life when I was able to hug my 15-year-old granddaughter for the second time in her life. The first hug was when she was born 15 years earlier.
Her young unmarried parents gave her up for adoption. The day after she was born we were able to briefly hold her and commit her into God's care and keeping, praying for the little one and the family to whom she would be given. We prayed that her new family would love and cherish her and bring her up to know God and trust in Him. It was so hard to give her up - our first grandchild - so perfect, so beautiful.
For six years I had a terrible ache in my heart, and I was still grieving for her, until one day after hearing about all Job gave up, I finally gave her up emotionally and mentally, and God took away the ache. I had finished grieving, but I never gave up praying for her. I wrote of my experience, of how God had dealt with me and helped me, and sent it off to a magazine called Christian Woman, hoping that it might help someone else in similar circumstances.
I had mentioned the child's date of birth in the article, but no names or places. One copy went to Italy where our granddaughter's aunt lives. The date mentioned "clicked" with her. She kept the article and brought it with her to Australia to show her sister (our granddaughter's mother) - who was immediately convinced that I was their daughter's biological grandmother... She wrote to Christian Woman and her letter was forwarded to me.
I wrote to the address given. She wrote back, giving a description of her daughter's biological parents. It left us in no doubt. We have corresponded ever since by phone and letter, exchanging photos and news. We are so grateful to God for allowing us to meet our granddaughter and share some of her life even though we live thousands of miles apart. We are also grateful to God for a Christian mother and a very loving, caring family for our granddaughter to grow up in. May others be encouraged to share what God is doing in their lives! Who knows what might come of it! (Ephesians 3:20-21). (Fellowship Facets, 12/98)
In Queensland nude sun bathing on public beaches is still illegal. I have written to twenty politicians, all our shire councillors, the police and a whole bunch of government, and community leaders including twenty two church leaders concerning this immoral public activity... My family and I have been subject to ridicule and abusive phone calls for our stand against this immoral activity. Now they want to make our town a tourist destination for the gay community and no one does anything more than complain in the news paper. Noosa needs God. (Leith, Noosa, Qld)
The US Supreme Court classifies all religious beliefs as either preferences or convictions. When is a Belief a Preference? A belief is a preference when, under certain circumstances, that belief can be changed. A belief may be strong and intense and may still be a preference. The five circumstances noted by the court that most often cause one to change his beliefs are: peer pressure, family pressure, litigation pressure, jail pressure, and death pressure.
PEER PRESSURE. When the disapproval of others causes one to bend their beliefs, their beliefs are simply preferences.
FAMILY PRESSURE. It is often pressure from within a family-from a spouse, parent, or child-that will cause one to lessen his beliefs. The court held that if family pressure causes one to change, that belief is merely a preference.
LITIGATION PRESSURE. When one faces an intimidating legal battle, he often re-evaluates his beliefs. If a lawsuit changes your beliefs, they are preferences.
JAIL PRESSURE. Would you be willing to suffer a jail sentence for your belief? If not, your belief is just a preference.
DEATH PRESSURE. The ultimate test of a belief is whether you would be willing to die for it-like many Christian martyrs have done throughout history. Would you be willing to die for your belief? If not, your belief is not a conviction.
When is a Belief a Conviction?
CONVICTIONS ARE SELF-DETERMINED. You need other people to stand with you, your belief is not a conviction. A conviction must be self-determined, not influenced by what others do or by what others ask of you.
CONVICTIONS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE. If you are willing to even discuss the option of dishonouring your belief, your belief is not a conviction but only a preference.
CONVICTIONS ARE VICTORIOUS. Victory is standing for what you believe is right, regardless of the cost. If you need earthly victory to remain true to what you believe, you do not have a conviction.
CONVICTIONS ARE LIFESTYLES. The court held that if a man holds true to his beliefs, those beliefs will evidence themselves in a life which is consistent with those beliefs. Convictions must control a person's life. If religious liberty in America is to be passed on to the next generation, it is critical that American believers study what the Bible teaches so they know what they believe, live consistent lives according to what the Bible teaches, and stand firmly for what the Bible teaches. Only then will the world recognise God's people to be people of conviction and find our faith sufficient to pass the test of conviction versus preference. (Dr. David Gibbs, Christian Law Association)
The Lord will use any Christian following rules adhered to by the rooster:
1. The rooster rises early and immediately begins his God-given task --crowing.
2. The rooster does not refuse to crow because he cannot sing like a canary;
but he does crow as if to him, at least, his work was the most important in
the world.
3. He efficiently does that which is never praised. Who ever heard any one asking:
"Did you listen to that rooster crow? Hasn't he a charming voice?"
4. He awakes sleepers. Unpopular, but often necessary.
5. He is the proclaimer of good news: A new day with glorious opportunities
and responsibilities has dawned.
6. He is dependable. He is persistent. He is an excellent advertiser.
7. He never complains about having to do the same common task, and he does not
worry about compensation or the recognition that he should have. (Wheeler
City Rescue Mission Tract)
More serious than the use of Gospel music by the world, is the growing evil of using worldly music in our evangelical circles. Gospel music is designed to teach the Gospel. (See Colossians 3:16)
The jazzing of sacred music by "Gospel" comedians is nauseating and regrettable. Why don't we stick to the "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" of Ephesians 5:19?
I know I shall be accused of being an old-fashioned, moth-eaten, archaic sour-puss, but we still believe that the Gospel should be presented in song, as well as in sermon, in a reverent and dignified way in harmony with the majesty and seriousness of its message.
If the music in our churches has no real message in it, why sing it? We cannot stop the world from using and debauching Gospel music: but we can stop the world's music from being used in Christian churches.
(Dr. M. R. DeHann)
My wife, Carolyn, and I look after our almost two year old grandson, Jesse, two days a week... Jesse is a wonderful little boy (he's the apple of our eye) and a real pleasure to have around... After he has his lunch we pop him down for his afternoon nap... When I close the door I jam it slightly ajar so that I can peep in, from time time, without disturbing him. I enjoy watching him while he sleeps as he's so peaceful. Sometimes when I look in on him he has just woken up and is quite content to sit on the bed and play quietly on his own for a while. My heart is filled with love and joy each time I look at him.
The other day I peeped in and there he was, wide awake and quietly talking to himself while he was busily counting his fingers and toes. I stood there, unobserved, for quite a while just watching this wonderful little fellow amusing himself and thinking to myself how special this little person was to me... A friend commented to me that perhaps God does a similar thing with His children and watches us through the gap in life's doorway and, on occasions, even laughs at our antics.
During the past few days I have given a great deal of thought to her statement and have started to visualise God watching my every move through the gap in life's doorway. He watches over me every second of the day, while I sleep and as I go about my daily routine. (John, Biggera Waters, Qld)
"A bitter persecutor in Wexford, Ireland, hid himself in a sack in a barn where the Methodists worshipped. It was his intention, when the Methodists were engaged in acts of devotion, to suddenly open the barn doors and let the mob outside come in.
"The Methodists began to sing, with their primitive sweetness, fire, and power, one of Charles Wesley's hymns. The Irishman listened, and the music was so sweet he resolved to hear them sing the hymn before he disturbed the meeting. The singing not only thrilled his ears and his soul, but his conscience, and he was awakened, and trembled, and groaned. The people, hearing an unusual noise proceeding from the sack, were greatly alarmed, and some thought it was the devil! At last some one, more courageous than the others, opened the sack, and there lay the persecutor, a weeping penitent. He cried for mercy, and was pointed to the sinner's Friend, and found redemption in His blood, even the forgiveness of sins. He identified himself with Methodism, and ever afterward maintained his integrity."
Would our modern-day, happy-clappy, up-tempo dittys, with so little Scriptural truth or even direct reference to the Lord Jesus Christ, be such a ready Sword, wielded by the Holy Spirit of God? Or would the conspirator be more inclined to want to get out of the sack and dance with these "Christians" who "aren't so bad after all!" - he would feel so comfortable in their environment? (Richard, Gold Coast; from an old book)
In a little township in Western New South Wales, a very old man once sent for visiting missionaries. He was deeply disturbed and wanted to talk to them about the things which were weighing heavily on his mind. We found that he had been a drover and could, no doubt, have told many stories of hardship and adventure from his past. But these did not concern him any longer. He had before him the greatest journey of all.
The old man was very deaf. We had to shout into his ear through an ear-trumpet to make sure that he caught every word. He said, "I've come a long way on the journey, and I haven't got much further to go. I don't know which way to go and I want to know the right way."
What message could the outside world give to a man in such a strait? Would politics or anything else of the affairs of this world be of any help or interest? We thought of the great old words of John's Gospel and shouted down his ear-trumpet, "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me!" After some conversation under difficulties we gave him an illustration: "Suppose you owed £50 at the store and I went and paid it for you and gave you the receipt. What would there be left for you to do?"
"I suppose to thank you for it."
"Yes. Now we are all in debt. We are all sinners."
"Oh yes, we are all sinners alright."
"And God said, 'The soul that sinneth it shall die'."
"Yes"
"We could not pay the debt ourselves, but Christ came and paid it for us.
He took our place and died for us."
"Yes."
"And God has given us the receipt. He raised Christ from the dead and showed
that He was satisfied."
"Yes."
"Well, now that Christ has paid the debt for us, what is there left for
us to do?"
After a few minutes earnest thought, he replied, "I suppose to thank Him
for it."
"And did you ever do that?"
"No."
"Well what about doing it now?"
Again there was a brief interval of silent thought. Then the snow-white head bowed low. For the first time in his life the old man lifted both heart and voice in prayer, thanking God for sending His eternal son into the world to die for him; to pay even his debt to the uttermost and thus to set him free!
'Marvellous revelation! Wonderful and blessed truth! Yet all so simple that even an old, dying drover could take it in!
Perhaps this may fall into the hands. of some old bushman now, and how many such are there with no home and few friends at; the end of life's wanderings? Do not think that it is too late now. There is an eternal Home and a loving Saviour to welcome you in. You too can do what this old drover did. Why not do it now ? (The Bushman's Guide)
Integrity is more important than popularity.
Loving God is more important than being busy in ministry.
Reaching lost people is more important than pursuing personal interests.
Character is more important than good looks.
Fellowship is more important than food.
Maintaining a testimony is more important than winning an argument.
Maturity is more important than age.
Godliness is more important than achievement.
Marriage relationships are more important than house extensions.
Prayer is more important than activity.
Contentment is more important than financial stability.
Discipling a new Christian is more important than collecting stamps.
Churches are more important than buildings.
Reading the Bible is more important than reading magazines.
Giving to the needy is more important than accumulating money.
People are more important than programs.
Joy is more important than happiness.
Helping a desperate person is more important than getting to church.
Purity is more important than pleasure.
Obeying God is more important than self preservation.
Supporting missionaries is more important than installing a swimming pool.
Rescuing people is more important than rescuing animals.
Asking God for guidance is more important than asking the doctor.
Holiness is more important than fitness.
Visiting a sick neighbour is more important than grooming the dog.
Discipling young people is more important than entertaining them.
Honesty is more important than victory.
Children are more important than cars.
The power of the Holy Spirit is more important than eloquence.
Helping a broken-hearted person is more important than finishing a crossword.
Spiritual health is more important than physical health.
Helping the needy is more important than buying a bigger house.
Heavenly rewards are more important than earthly rewards.
God's will is more important than a promising career.
Teaching children the Bible is more important than giving them toys.
Patience is more important than punctuality.
Witnessing to a neighbour is more important than polishing the car.
Humility is more important than talent.
Giving is more important than receiving.
Walking with God is more important than anything. (David, Rouse Hill,
NSW)
One of the main representatives for the so called 'christian' ministry of "youth alive," said the forum for this year's 'youth alive' ministry is the three "P's"; the forum for all concerts will be "praise, preaching and party!" With so called christian adults and 'youth alive' promoting these youths to "party," it is no wonder that young so called 'christians' are acting the way they are in today's world; that is acting just like the world. More often than not, the bands at these concerts look, sound and act like the worldly secular rock n roll bands that are often devoted to Satan. I see these 'youth alive' concerts (parties) as examples of the flesh crying out for its wants to be met; to rebel, to be disorderly, to be ungodly, to be promiscuous (hmmm, a fourth "p" for them), to deceive itself into thinking it has the Spirit of God living in it, to be a problem for the parents (a fifth 'p') Does Jesus call us to party under his name, of course not. He calls us to be different from the world. But of course the common excuse used to justify such 'christian parties' is that we must change our methods to reach the kids where they are in their culture; thus we must provide an atmosphere for the youth to party; what rubbish! If the young people who go to these 'youth alive' concerts are so concerned about the youth of the world, then why don't they see the need for the most important "p" which is prayer. I suspect it is because prayer requires effort, a sacrifice of time and wants and alas, prayer is not so entertaining as hyped-up praise, preaching and party! As Christians, we need to indeed pray for better spiritual discernment within the people who promote the 'youth alive' concerts and for the youth who attend these parties. We need the three "P's"; prayer, prayer and more prayer. (Ron, Noosa, Qld)
Recently I went to a Youth Alive concert in Tamworth. The music was so loud you could feel your body vibrate and people jumping to the beat on stage and floor... the talking bit was quite good with some songs. Then it was back to the horrible music... (Thomas, Gunnedah, NSW)
George Whitefield (1714-1770) was a very famous preacher in England and America. He travelled from town to town, often preaching several times each day. Thousands of people flocked to hear him, but some people laughed and mocked him.
At Rotherham a number of young men met in a tavern to mock Whitefield. They made bets to see who could mimic his sermons the best. Each one had to stand on a table, open the Bible and pretend to preach like Whitefield, while the others laughed and clapped at his performance.
A young man named Thorpe was the last to act. He jumped onto the table saying, "I will beat you all." He opened the Bible and read the first verse he saw, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3) Suddenly he realised the solemn truth of the text, and was deeply convicted of his lost condition. He tried to preach, but instead of making fun, he spoke very seriously. Great quietness and solemnity spread over the whole group, and those who had come to scoff went away in tears, deeply troubled about their sins.
Thorpe was wonderfully saved by the Lord. He later became a faithful preacher of the gospel and laboured for many years in the ministry, and came to be a friend of George Whitefield. (The Shark's Secret and 50 Other Stories)
As the world moves into the next century, the battle for Christian freedom is at a watershed moment. Here are some of the freedoms we as the Church will be in the battle for.
Children Ministries: Statistics show that more than 80% of those who have a New Birth do so before the age of fourteen. Ministries today are being threatened for winning children to Christ without parents being present. Some pastors and churches have already had legal action filed against them. The complaint is that they have given permission for their child to attend church but didn't give permission for their child to be encouraged to make life-changing decisions.
Tax Exempt: ...The United States (Ed: and Australian) federal government is looking for ways to increase revenue. Many now believe the property of the church and ministries are not the property of GOD. There are numerous attempts to tax these ministries across a multitude of fronts.
Hurting People: In the past, ministries in this country have been free to confront the problems in their own communities. When people were hungry, they were fed by the church. When people were without shelter, they were housed by the church. Ministries attempting to serve in these ways are told that this illegal and not allowed in any manner. The concept is that the government must now regulate and control all forms of social service.
Educational Choices: Does our government hold a monopoly on education? Must all children be educated by the state, or do parents and local churches still have the freedom to provide educational alternatives for their children? Recent case trends reveal nationwide discrimination against Christian school students and graduates.
Pastors to preach: Will preaching of the future be deemed "hate speech"? Once a pastor speaks from a Bible-based position which he is not willing to negotiate or compromise, in today's climate he is often considered to be a "dangerous extremist." There is legitimate risk that the definition of "hate speech" could be expanded to include Bible preaching on abortion, homosexuality, or any other politically sensitive issue which may arise.
Family: Will marriages in the USA remain limited to one man and one woman, or will same-sex marriages be given legal validity? Will child custody hearings be ordering parents not to share Jesus Christ with their children?
Free Speech: Christians are being told that they can't share their faith in public streets and parks of America. Such places, usually referred to as "the public square," have traditionally been considered the most appropriate place for the exchange of ideas between citizens. There have been street preachers who have had their sound equipment confiscated by police while all around them bands with amplifiers were "entertaining" the public without interference.
Public Schools: A second-grade child was told by her teacher that she could not distribute Gospel tracts to her classmates.
The Workplace: In one case, while a crew of outdoor workers were taking shelter awaiting a severe storm to subside, a worker was reprimanded for reading his Bible, even though other employees were reading newspapers and other books. What Is The Answer: The religious freedom enjoyed in the future will be the result of spiritual decisions made today. (http://www.christianlaw.org)
Last year we decided to go to Queensland for our holidays. Our vacation away took a lot of planning and preparation. We made sure that we made arrangements for accommodation ahead of time so that we knew exactly where we were staying. Many people do the same each year, they carefully plan their few weeks away on holidays in the hope of gaining some rest. Others will spend a huge expense for the short time they can be away.
How sad it is that while many carefully plan a few weeks of rest each year, that they neglect the rest of eternity.
God has planned a rest for the people of God through Jesus Christ. He in advance has prepared a place for us and he has spared no expense to ensure that whosoever would come may freely enter. In fact he has paid in full, the cost of being able to share our accommodation in the presence of God. He has also pre-arranged the travel arrangements, and has given us numerous signs to show the way and has even made several announcements of the imminent departure time. (Heb 4:9-11, John 14.2-3, I Peter 1.18-19, Matt 11.28, l Thess 4.17, Luke 12.40)
A number of credit card companies have introduced Reward Points and Travel Incentives for those who spend with their company, the more you spend the more points you get towards future rewards, holidays away and travel destinations.
The Credit Card Reward point system is not new. The Bible speaks many times about the future rewards of those who are willing to spend ......... That is, God has a reward system for all who would seek to spend their lives for the Lord Jesus. Our motivation in serving the Lord should not just be because of rewards, but rather of love to him in response to his love for us John 4.19.
Nevertheless, how we live in our future destination will be affected by how we live now. What are you spending for Christ? How are your travel plans going for eternity? Do you know that Jesus Christ is the Only way to the Father? Are you. merely planning for the Temporary or planning for Eternity? (I Cor 3:8 ...... Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. (2 Cor 5:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (Vincent, Baulkham Hills, NSW)
I think that the return of our Lord is not that far away. I look at the condition of the world and its people; the rise in New Age teaching and the increasing persecution of Christians. False Christs are springing up; people are much more interested in crystals and aliens. They are also hard hearted, thinking mainly of self. These are signs of the birth pains Christ tells us to look out for before His return.
Our leaders seem to be following UN policy, which is a return to the Tower of Babel. The world is falling apart around us... I am concerned that our country is going the way of Balaam. Too arrogant and stupid to take heed of warnings!! We are too concerned with the cricket!! Any nation that takes its prosperity for granted will soon lose it. As Christians who are hungry for what God says, we have a tremendous responsibility towards our nation and towards less fortunate believers in the world.
The Christian who seeks God's will in humility and true hunger will be blessed and be a blessing to those around them... I think we are not far away from great trouble in the world. I believe all Christians in Australia should turn back to the Lord. Unfortunately I see only a few who are really interested in what the Lord says. I think Christians in general are like the Church in Rev 3:14-22 - Laodiceans! The majority of Christians are lukewarm towards God Himself.
Current world stability is balanced on a knife-edge. Many Christians today have their head in the sand. They have forgotten that God will not be mocked. He will judge this world. Many think that the Rapture will keep Christians safe from coming judgment. Have they forgotten that God always cleans house with His own people first!!! God must discipline His children. (Geoff, Perth, WA)
A few weeks ago, one of the major television networks was airing an article about the attitude of people toward going to church: Most of the people interviewed said churches were not fun... Others at the beach said they could worship God and pray while riding their bikes. The news team then approached the pastor of a growing charismatic church. The cameras panned around the worship service showing that church's "rock band" with upbeat music and typical handwaving, handclapping, trance type of atmosphere, etc.
That church's pastor was asked "What was the secret to the success of his church's growth?" He replied: "a church service must be fast moving, visual, interactive, be entertaining and relational." This demonstrated that the worship is fleshly centred, not Christ centred. There was no mention of preaching the Word of God, nor of exalting the Saviour or of being dependent on prayer to our Lord. That church is appealing to the flesh - attracting people to fleshly worship services which make the people feel good.
Instead of exalting Christ Jesus, the people are exalting themselves or their own feel good needs. Christians are not to focus on the fleshly desires, but rather should be worshipping God and exalting Jesus, with the focus on Him and not on making themselves feel good. There is little emphasis of real sacrifice when we want the church to appeal to the desire of the flesh, but we know that in Matthew 16:24, Jesus said "if any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Satan has deceived many church attenders so well. Most churches here are merely fleshly social clubs with little or no teaching of doctrine or the Word of God. Whatever makes people feel good is commonly used to attract people. We need to focus on pleasing God, not ourselves.
When that pastor said that a church must be relational, he was saying that it must relate to the people which means relating to "the world". This is wrong, because it is lowering the standards of the church to that of the world instead of trying to help people relate to the standards of God which are revealed in his Word. Many people are screaming that the churches must meet their needs (by relating to them) before they will come to church, but Matthew 6:33 says we are to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and then God will meet our basic needs. The world and most churches are ignoring this. It is a very sad situation in the churches of this country. The Spirit of God attracts people to true conversions; fleshly entertainment venues only bring false conversions.
I know of a large Pentecostal church which at the beginning of 1998 claimed about 400 conversions in their church in 1997; most of those so called conversions would have been youth via pumped up-hyped up youth rallies/services. That church's attendance grew very little after the supposed 400 conversions. This same church recently dropped one of its worship services because of a lack of attendance. Where are the 400 people that supposedly got saved? There is little fruit to substantiate so many true conversions. Such is the product of fleshly man-centred worship, which continues to preach a false gospel of life enhancement without repentance. The Scripture condemns such churches when it well says, "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). But without faith it is impossible to please him (God)..." (Hebrews 11:6).
In these fleshly churches the people who want to focus on what they can see and feel, prove they have no faith because Hebrews 11:1 says, " Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The Word of God says, "For by grace are you saved through faith..." (Ephesians 2:8).
Why do Christians and Pastors want to ignore teaching the very thing that drives sinners to repentance, the Word of God? Recently while in a meeting with some other Religious Education teachers, I had to argue for the necessity of teaching the kids that they are evil by nature and that there is a Hell. The other R. E. teachers said they did not want to tell the students these truths because they fear it will upset the students and their parents. Furthermore, I had to push to get the focus of the teaching on "who Jesus Christ is, what He did for us and why!" Other teachers wanted to focus on topics like love and friendship, etc.... It is imperative that we tell people the whole truth; it does not matter whether or not they like it; it must be told. Anything less is to weaken the message of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We ought to be concerned that too many people have false passports to Heaven. They will be eternally sorrowful when the Lord tells them they have no citizenship in Heaven. It is partly our fault as ministers because we are not preaching the Word of God strongly enough in order to change the hearts of sinners as the Holy Spirit convicts them. May our Lord convict us more to preach the truth even when the masses don't want to hear it? Who are we to fear the most, God or man? (Ron, Noosa, Qld)
At the Olympics, glory doesn't only go to those who win. Dorando Pietri was in a state of collapse as he entered the stadium for the final yards of the 1908 marathon. The Italian fell five times before an official helped him across the finish line. Pietri was disqualified but his indomitable spirit made him an international celebrity.
A similar display of courage enabled Derek Redmond of Great Britain to finish the 400 meters in '92. Hobbled by a torn hamstring near the half-way point, Redmond hopped the rest of the way with the help of his father, Jim, who rushed from the stands to aid his son.
And who could forget the sight of Tanzania's John Stephen Akhwari, his right leg bloody and bandaged, staggering into the stadium more than a hour behind the winner of the '68 marathon? "My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race," he said. "They sent me to finish the race."
Application:
How many of us have started something only to become distracted and quit, or take a detour? Or, how many have we seen start the race of career ministry and lose the way only to fall into disgrace or be put on the shelf (1 Corinthians 9:27)?
Rather than begin with much flare and fanfare, wouldn't we rather finish, even if alone, at the Master's feet to hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23)? He who finished the most important race in history (Hebrews 12:1-2) can empower us to finish what we desire to do in His name (1 Timothy 3:1). (A brother in the Phillipines; http://www.prophezine.com)
FAITH (Forgetting All I Trust Him)
GOSPEL (God's Own Son Purchased Eternal Life)
GRACE (God's Riches At Christ Expense)
FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real)
JOY (Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last)
ASK (Asking, Seeking and Knocking)
ACTS (Acknowledge, Confess, Thanksgiving and Supplication)
PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens)
(Joseph, Lagos, Nigeria)
I was a Roman Catholic in name only. I was not practising any of those works a Catholic does. I was not attending Church services. Two years ago, a born again believer befriended me. She witnessed to me about the Lord Jesus and took me to church. On March 9, 1997 I gave my heart to Jesus. Thereafter things began to change. The night life, worldliness, and the thirst for the material disappeared. But my family did not approve of my new-found faith. They persecuted me. My mother became very cruel... I am an architect by profession - I cannot find a job. There's no work in the Philippines. In the lonely hours I pray may God send someone who would love me. My spiritual goal is to know more of Him who died for me, and to win my family to the Lord. Whoever reads this testimony please pray for me. (Miss Cecil Cruz, 119 I.A. Lopez, Mandaluyong City, Philippines 1501)
This tract is written in protest of the modern day, passive, sissy-fied, and noodle for backbone, watered down religion. People claim the name of Christianity without being Christian at all. The word Christian means to follow in the ways of Jesus Christ.
Today the gates of hell do not have to prevail against the Church because hell is being invited into the Church. How long is the judgment of God going to be postponed before God has had enough?
Today it's getting hard to tell if the church is worldly or the world is churchy. Today you have people getting saved without getting changed. However, in the Bible those that came to Jesus left a different way, they left changed. If I were you I would be worried about salvation without transformation.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1, 2)
Why are pastors getting lured into letting modernistic gimmicks enter into the church without being concerned about compromise? The answer is simple. It's the numbers game. If their brethren are running 100 in Sunday School, what can they do to increase their attendance? That’s right! Come see the pastor swallow live goldfish! This Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday! Come see the pastor slide down the slide into the water with his suit on. Do you recall anywhere in the bible where Jesus used such nonsense to gather people? Me neither.
So, How do you get people into church these days? Do you compromise the word of God or do you stay true to the word of God? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Not out of convenience, but out of conviction. It has never been popular to be on the Lord's side. For example, The Israelites have always been viewed upon in a negative sense yet they are God's chosen people. The disciples were blessed to have been with Jesus, yet most of them died a martyr's death. All through church history, it was the small groups that have carried the torch of Christianity, not the large denominations of the Pharisees. God is not impressed with numbers, but God loves for us to obey His word.
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to [do] evil (Exodus 23:2a).
This "new-fangled" religion going around is destroying the power and influence of the local church. Lost people are laughing at you.("You" is from hereon substituted for the terms "compromising pastors" and "preachers" that have adapted to the modern religious ideas). I weep for you. The devil has pulled the wool over your already blinded eyes. You've gotten so used to the dark that you're ignorant of the light. You think that rock music with Christian lyrics is a good thing and you have concerts in the church house that is intended for worship and drawing sinners toward the light of the gospel. What your doing is trying to take a medium (rock music) that the devil created and trying to glorify God. God has given us Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to glorify Him.
The songwriters of old were not in the music business but in the ministry. The hymns of "Amazing Grace" and "No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus" and many, many others were written to minister from the heart of the individuals that wrote them, not to earn a buck!!!
When you fill your church with these mediums, you get Christians without convictions, Christianity without Christ, preachers that won't preach convictions and gain without Godliness.
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness ; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings , Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself (I Tim. 6: 3-5).
If you have given into these mediums in your church supposing that gain is Godliness you need to examine yourselves. You have been led astray with compromise. We are living in the latter days when the existence of apostasy isn't a revelation but a reality. Don't you think it strange when the Bible says concerning the age of apostasy in which we live, that you will become, "Rich and increased with goods," and yet you don't preach sound doctrine or about such sins as tobacco use, theatre attendance, worldly music and improper dress? Does that not seem strange to you? Maybe it doesn't because you're scared to preach the truth in fear that you will lose your flock! After all, the Bible says they will heap to themselves teachers having itchy ears and you don't want to be replaced for preaching about the sins of the flock do you? That makes you a compromiser and compromising builds church attendance not Christians!!! When you fail to preach convictions for perfecting holiness you've become a coward.
Your new religion is building large churches where people can hide and not have to deal with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. How do I know? I see the way your people live. They don't bear the marks or display the testimony of holiness. They have no power to overcome sin nor do they have desire to try. One of the reasons that people don't flock to the church I pastor and others like it is they don't like to deal with their sin. They enjoy their sin. They can attend your church and be comfortable in their sin. The reason the devil doesn't mess with your church is you mess with it better than he can. He is vacationing from your church.
(David R. Watkins, Pastor, New Life Baptist Church, Westblocton, AL) (Condensed)
We hear a lot about all the people who have had to leave their churches because of all the false teaching, BUT where are all the men who should be rising up and starting small church groups everywhere? We are all crying out for somewhere to go where the truth of God's word is preached. If only there were a list of good teaching, honest to God churches, so that we could find somewhere in various areas to go? My church (?) has over 3,000 members. It is mostly hyped up, stupid jokes, psychology instead of the Word of God, Alpha, Toronto, Pensacola, and you name it. Where are all the good Christian men who are willing to rise up and raise up standards throughout the nations, atht will bring honour and glory to our wonderful Lord God? May He raise these men up for they are surely needed in these sorry last days of emptiness. (Val, Nunawading, Vic.)
If you are plagued by times of doubt, consider the following guidelines for maintaining assurance:
Russia has signed arms deals worth more than £100 million with Saddam Hussein to reinforce Iraq's air defences. In a blatant breach of the UN arms embargo, the Russians have agreed to upgrade and overhaul Iraq's ageing squadrons of MiG jet-fighters and restore Iraq's air defences to combat readiness. (Electronic Telegraph- 14/2/99)
Indonesia: Rioters in West Java attacked a Christian neighbourhood. About 500 people threw stones and damaged houses at a housing complex where Christian services are held, Reuters said. A Christian school was also partially damaged by fire. Residents of Ambon are preparing for a holy war... About 1,000 Christians had their weapons blessed by a priest. "We went to the church with knives and machetes and the priest prayed to give us strength and courage to defend [God's] name," one man said. The priest "took holy water and sprinkled it over us and the weapons." (Religion Today 8/3/99)
Vinson Synan reports that there are 92 million Roman Catholic Pentecostal/Charismatics and 71 million Protestant Pentecostal/Charismatics. (The Christian News 8/2/99)
The former Bishop of Durham, David Jenkins, a leading Church of England clergyman, proposes a new multi faith coronation ceremony for when Prince Charles is crowned King. Prince Charles says he wants to be "defender of faith", rather than "defender of the faith." (Advertiser 1/99)
A former Hindu, Paul James changed his name when he accepted Christ as his Saviour. Much like his namesake, the Apostle Paul, he was an outspoken believer who started many churches. Paul also died violently, much like his namesake. He was speaking before a church service in the Phulabani district of India when a hostile crowd surrounded him. First, they cut off his hands. Paul didn't fight back. Then they stabbed at his stomach and cut off his legs. Eyewitnesses to the attack say PAUL CRIED OUT, "JESUS, FORGIVE THEM!" just before he died. Paul's courage and love toward his killers inspired hundreds of conversions to Christianity. (Brian Pickering, Australia)
The nightclub scene and church are in for a swinging time tonight. Pastor Michael Parker, of the Victor Harbor Lutheran Parish, will lead what he believes is Australia's first nightclub church service.
Wearing a T-shirt and jeans, he will join the crowd in Rattle 'N' Hum nightclub, part of the Crown Hotel in Victor Harbor. The nightclub church will begin at 7pm. The informal service will feature music by Sydney band Quick and the Dead and Adelaide band Spirit Groove.
Pastor Michael will speak on "restlessness in people's lives." He said the church needed to go into the community, saying Christianity was a way of life. "We are acknowledging that Christianity and nightclubbing are not necessarily to the opposite ends of the spectrum," he said. "Christianity is best understood as individuals bringing their values and relationship with God to all that they do, whether it be in a nightclub, in a church, on a sporting field or in their family. We don't want to come in and change the culture of the nightclub and hotel, we want to be part of it." (The Advertiser, 7/6/97)
A bill, passed and vetoed in California last year, poses danger for conservative Christians if the new liberal governor supports them (Nat Lib. Journal, 12/98). It would allow taxpayer-funded lawsuits against Christian radio stations, private Christian schools and other ministries whose religious convictions do not consent to an alternative sexual orientation. Those who oppose a homosexual lifestyle could be severely penalised.
In 1998, the number of unmarried U.S. couples topped 4,236,000, up from 439,000 in 1960 (USA Today). Over half of first marriages are now preceded by cohabitation. Those who live together before marriage are about 48% more likely to divorce than those who don't. Also, the risk of physical and sexual abuse for kids is greater. Unmarried couples have lower levels of happiness and greater instability. So, sinful illicit living together is not "marriage friendly." (Calvary Contender, 15/2/99)
On a 1985 visit to Morocco Pope John Paul II, using Abraham as a model, told Moslem pilgrims headed for Mecca! "We believe in the same God, the only God, the living God..." (1/25 CN, 7/15/88 Cc). Jimmy Carter and others have made similar claims. But Islam's god is not the father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It denies the Trinity, Christ's deity and crucifixion. Christians worship the Triune God of the Bible, the only true God; Muslims worship a monotheistic god (Allah), an idol who does not exist (Isa. 44:8, 43:10). (Calvary Contender, 15/2/99)
She may be celebrating her 40th birthday this year but after 500 makeovers Barbara Millicent Roberts - Barbie- has been given her raciest look yet - a tattoo on her stomach. The latest version of the 11.5 inch plastic doll is what the makers admit will be 'every mother's nightmare.'
The 1999 doll, which was first sold in March 1959 and aimed at six to nine-year-old girls, comes with a butterfly tattoo on its stomach and a set of temporary transfer tattoos for the owner. Mattel has sold more than one billion dolls worldwide and said that Barbie's new look 'proves that girl power is in full force and whatever the boys can have - so can us girls'.
Barbie has long been used by the Devil to stir up a worldly, materialistic mindset in young girls. Now Barbie dolls will further play into the hands of the Devil! Mattel admits that the new doll is designed to applaud 'girl power.' To the world 'girl power' always means a despising of housewifery and true Biblical femininity. I pray more Christian parents will fear God and love their children enough to be more discerning with their toys. (Kingdom Alert Update, 30/1/99)
New Age is an umbrella term for organisations which believe one or more of
the following:
(1) All is one, all reality is part of the whole;
(2) Everything is God and God is everything;
(3) Man is God or a part of God;
(4) Man never dies, but continues to live through reincarnation;
(5) Man can create his own reality and/or values through transformed consciousness
or altered states of consciousness. (The Watchman Expositor)
Over the years I have had many contacts with people of various denominations and find that there is an important difference between Western and Eastern churches that still believe in the reality of prophecy. The difference lies in the understanding of where the Anti-Christ comes from. Many believers from Western Evangelical churches see Rome as the source of the Anti-Christ or/and the Beast, while many believers from Eastern churches see the Anti-Christ as hailing from Islam. Let us look at the texts which define the Anti-Christ.
1 John 2:18 mentions that there will be a number of people acting as Antichrists. However, it is obvious that one AntiChrist is singled out as being the ultimate in Anti-Christs. 1 John 2:22 states that the Antichrist denies the Father and the Son. Roman Catholicism does not deny the relationship of Father and Son in the Godhead, but Islam makes denial of the fatherhood of God as well as the sonship of the Lord Jesus Christ one of the most important issues of its beliefs. 1 John 4:3 and 2 John 1:7 speak about Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. Islam has this notion that flesh and spirit cannot be united.
Islamic persecution of Christians in Islamic countries is rapidly increasing but denied by most Muslims. Instead, Muslims are pushing hard in various Western countries to outlaw any negative publicity about Islam as being discriminatory, yet they do not see any harm in openly criticising Christianity worldwide.
Believing that we live in the end-times I see in Scripture that many believers will be killed in the near future (Revelation 17:2, 17:6). The whore of Revelation lives in the desert (17:3) though she has control over a large area, called "many waters". She is also called "MOTHER of harlots" (17:5) indicating that harlotry started with her. In his excellent book "The Two Babylons" Alexander Hislop traces the origin of pagan religion and human sexual degradation to the country of Babylon.
The state of Babylon is now independent again and called Iraq. Saddam Hussein has now rebuilt the ancient city of Babylon. The leader of present day Babylon, Iraq, Saddam Hussein, despite being a Muslim, has claimed to be the incarnation of Nimrod and Nebuchadnezzar, two figures that were not only more or less world rulers in their times but who also withstood the real God. Saddam Hussein has shown to be a capable military leader in his war with Iran. Apart form being a clever manipulator of people, bringing division in the UN regarding what to do with him, Saddam Hussein is also a great boaster to the Arab world. He gets much support, even from that section of the Arab world that he tried to conquer. Hussein is also a cruel murderer, who got to power by assassinating the previous ruler of Iraq and also killed many of his aides in various ways, including in baths filled with acid.
While his country suffers through a shortage of food and medicines, so called at the hands of the UN, Saddam keeps building large and expensive palaces for himself. He is also rich and owns many British industries and who knows what else around the world. All in all the ruler of present Babylon is a person to reckon with. (Harry, Victoria Pk, WA)
There is a story of a grocery store owner who tried to weigh a prayer. A tired-looking woman came into the store and asked for enough food to make a dinner for her children. The grocer asked her how much she could spend. The frail woman answered, "I have nothing to offer but a little prayer."
The storekeeper was not very sentimental or religious, so he said, half-mockingly, "Write it on paper, and I'll weigh it." So she did.
The grocer placed the prayer on the weight side of his old-fashioned scales. Then he began piling food on the other side; but to his amazement, the scale would not go down. He finally became flustered and gave the woman a large bag of food.
The grocer never saw the woman again, but he treasures the slip of paper upon which the woman's prayer had been written; "Please, Lord, give us this day our daily bread." (Author Unknown, Wit & Wisdom)
I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realised that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love yous".. more "I'm sorrys".. but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.......look at it and really see it.. live it.. and never give it back.
Don't forget to stop and smell the roses today! Take time to tell a loved one how much you love them, do something nice for yourself, and stop to give God thanks for all of it. (Erma Bombeck)
Instead of praying to God, trusting in Him and believing in His promises, I always seemed to feel this overwhelming guilt... I started hanging out with friends who were a bad influence on me... I had got to a low point in my life where I did not know in my heart if God existed... I finally made the decision that I was not happy and I actually turned from that life by calling out to Jesus. God has done so many wonderful things in my life... I am singing for God again and am learning to trust in Jesus... I have come to a deeper point in my relationship with God where I do not get depressed and guilty all the time about my life. I just continue to walk with Him, pray to Him and I am learning to let Him be Lord of my life. I just want to encourage you all especially the youth and young Christians. The point I have reached in my life now has happened over time with some pain but also with a great deal of wonderful joy. God was and is with me throughout everything and is teaching me about Himself and myself. So hold onto Jesus, you will get there and so will I. (Heidi, Cranbrook, Qld)
I come from a wonderful and loving family, a family who took me to Church and Sunday school in my youth. As a little girl, I knew about and believed in God but I did not quite understand how God could be a part of my life... I had values and morals and knew right from wrong so I thought that was all there was to living a good life. ...I knew there was something missing from my life but did not know what it was. ...I had an empty feeling in my heart. When I came to church, I remember... feeling so deeply loved by God and I understood that I was a sinner and Jesus had forgiven me. I also understood God's Grace and unconditional Love and all my confusion disappeared. It made sense that Jesus died on the Cross for me. (Cindy, Cranbrook, Qld)
Somebody has said, "the quality of your greatness depends upon what you do with that which is least." Many want to be great in God's sight and be big in the Church, and want the double honour for themselves as they pastor the church. We are not to be "lords" over the Lord's heritage, 2 Peter 5:3, "but to be an ensample to the flock."
Luke 22:27 the Lord Jesus came to serve. The finest services are within the power of the poorest people. The deepest ministries find their symbols in cups of cold water, which are within the power of anyone to give (Matt. 10:42). (Graham, Bundaberg, Qld)
We have been keeping contact with the people in Central West Qld where the big drought of 93-97 hit so hard. During that time we were packing and sending fruit, clothing, and hay for stock food. We spent time in each home to encourage the people. We count it a joy to live in their homes and be a friend to them and when possible get a word of the Gospel to them. Our primary ministry is to visit and encourage people to go on. My elderly parents are Dad 93, and Mum 92. Mum is a continual witness to all that come to her door. I spent time with her talking of going home to Heaven and all it will be like - a joy for any son to share with his 92-year-old mother. (Kevin, Ingham, Qld)
The cross was the symbol of shame, humiliation, and disgrace. It was reserved only for the worst criminals, who were guilty of the most dastardly crimes... It was a crude, unfinished piece of rough timber... Man adorns it and makes it an inoffensive ornament. Jesus told us to "bear the cross". But foolish man has changed it to "wear the cross"... To bear the cross means to die to self and live for God. "The Old Rugged Cross" is my favourite hymn, which I had on the day I was baptised. My mother has told me since that it was my grandfather's favourite hymn. He played it all the time on his old squeeze-box accordion, and sung it. I didn't know that as he died when I was a young girl. I found out when I was 52 years old. (Barbara, Wallaroo, SA)
The "Toronto Blessing" and all the antics associated with it... I too feel that it may well be part of the "falling away" that is/will happen before the return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It seems a shame that so many people are caught up with this thing, when you are told things like "don't pray, just receive, take it". (Ian, Craigmore, SA)
In 1997 we had a church split which upset the work on the Potters Wheel, it brought us down to just three people worshipping in our house. Of course we love it this way, because we now believe it is the Lord's way for us to go. This has all happened because of the Toronto blessing, which we don't believe in at all, this so-called blessing has split many many families and churches it is quite unbelievable. I do not understand where or how or who gave it the name blessing, I have seen nothing but heartache and turmoil and wrong manifestations since it all began years ago.
Lawrence and I both believe that the Lord has brought us this way, he has separated us to keep us apart for a very special work. It is evangelistic work, with a message of repentance to the unbeliever and the religious folk and to those who have been blinded by the T.B. John the Baptist ministry has been ministering to us: a lonely man coming from a wilderness preaching repentance, calling men and women for who they really were and making them realise who they were worshipping. ...We now realise that this is what is required... We will get knocks and scoffs and people will reject the message, but we must go on and warn this generation of vipers of the wrath to come. Someone has to. We know that the Lord has been equipping our lives, our hearts in preparation for this, He has been strengthening my husband to preach this. It is tough, and sometimes he feels inadequate and can't do it but I stand beside him and give him encouragement. I am now the musician for our church meetings. There are only 3 of us who meet. (Sue, Ayr, Qld)
Frankly I have no time for the time wasting and nonsense of the Happy Clappies as they are moving people into emotion and experience that is unrelated to anything in the Christian Life. In the same manner I am quite disturbed at the people who stand for and argue for denominationalism. Sectarianism is a sin... Would that believers simply name the name of The Lord who bought them and come together in and through that name alone!
(Ronald, Belgian Gardens, Qld)
Recently I attended a camp with 4000 young people... It ran for 5 days and consisted of morning devotions, prayers and studies. During the day we had various activities on the river like a large slide into the river, building rafts, mud slides, obstacle courses etc. The camp had a theme on Joseph in Egypt. In the night a concert was held with puppets, Christian music, a play on the life of Joseph which took 5 nights and a Devotional talk on how our Lord used Joseph and that He can play a big part in our lives. One thing we found refreshing was that we left our radios, CD's, walkmans, televisions, etc at the gate and had a week away from the world so we could concentrate on the things of God and the beauty that surrounded us. It was a refreshing experience to get away. It was also wonderful to see the beauty of God's handiwork in the heavens which we don't see a lot of in the cities and are usually to busy to worry about. This could be a suggestion to other churches especially those who have young people's groups to go away even for a weekend and leave the troubles of the world behind and concentrate on the beauty of God's handiwork and devotions and get closer to Him. Sometimes there are distractions in our churches and we sometimes become stale with the same routine week after week. I heard of no swearing no drugs, no alcohol, etc... Where ever two or three are gathered in His name I the Lord Your God will be their in the midst of them. (Ray, Charlestown, NSW)
This world is not my home. There's sin all around - my fleshly nature is still in the tent. Sin abounds all around, but still the love of God shines through. (Selwyn, Wangaratta, Vic)
The TV is my shepherd, my spiritual growth shall want
It maketh me sit down and lay idle, for the cause of Christ
Because it requireth all of my spare time
It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian
Because it presenteth so many good programs that I must see
It restoreth my knowledge of things of the world
It keeps me from studying God's Word
It leadeth me in the path of failure to attend the worship service
And from serving the kingdom of God
Yea, though I live to be an hundred
I shall continue to keep on viewing my TV As long as it shall work
For my TV is my close companion,
It's sound and picture they comfort me
It presenteth entertainment before me
And keepeth me from doing important things with my family
It filleth my mind with ideas that differ from the word of God
Surely no good will come of my life
Because my TV offers no time to obey the will of God
And I will dwell in spiritual poverty forever, Amen
(Sent by Ian, Karrinyup, WA)
I do not take lightly the criticism about Pentecostals... I did not feel that the so called "Toronto Blessing" was of the Lord, because I walk close enough to my Lord to discern... When we see someone going the wrong way we don't criticise we pray for them. As for the rubbish printed on page 27 & 28 (#50).. I think you should take the words "Fair Dinkum" (genuine, true, and honest) and "telling it like it is" off the front of your magazine. (Dorothy, Armadale, WA)
I believe in lots of things you have written but am dead against all those things you have written against the Penticostals (sic)... you are treading on dangerous ground... I know there are fanatics in Penticostal (sic) churches, there are also very wrong things done and said in other churches. I see you are starting up another church because you can't find too many who believe like you I guess... Lots of love... (Frank & Marie, Morven, Qld)
From Ed: "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"
(Galatians 4:16) Articles I print are factual, and Bible based. I'm not out
to pick on any particular brand of Christianity. I just earnestly seek to apply
God's precious Word. For this reason, without fear or favour, I'll defend the
truth, and fight for the right. I'm not building another denomination, I'm simply
supporting folk who wish to gather to worship God in Spirit and in truth. Some
will idly sit by and turn a blind eye to rampant deception, bowing the knee
to the heirarchy and "mantle" of their denomination. If it doesn't
"fit" with the Bible, I will - like the people of faith of old - "protest".
If the crowd's wrong, I won't follow them, I don't care how small we look in
comparison, how much it hurts, and how much it costs. Truth must prevail!
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