Four years ago I was sitting in the exercise yard of the remand units... I was angry with the world. I was angry with the officers, and I was angry with the police that had put me there. I was feeling sorry for myself, and blaming everyone else except myself for the mess that I had got myself into.
I had isolated myself... I thought I could trust no one! While I was sitting on the cold hard... a person came up to me and shook my hand. It took me by surprise at first because no one had shook my hand for a long time. It was the prison Chaplain. His simple act of offering his hand in friendship really touched me, because up until then everyone had treated me with contempt! The Chaplain talked tome for a while and told me about another person who lived long ago, who had also suffered badly at the hands of others and that he died for my sins on the cross and that he rose again. He also said this person would be my friend if I let him come into my life.
Not being a Christian I did not really know what the Chaplain was talking about but he gave me some books to read and one of them was the Bible. I looked forward to seeing him each week, because he gave me more insight into the man that I now know as Jesus. I found that there was a real message in the Bible if you were prepared to look for it. I was carrying around a big burden of guilt from my crime but through Jesus the Chaplain showed me how to rid myself of it by confessing my sins before God and asking for His forgiveness.
Four years later I look back with great respect at the simple act of faith the Prison Chaplain had in offering his hand in friendship, for in offering his hand he offered life. He may not have had wings but he was an angel just the same. (Mervyn, Ipswich, Qld)
I am now in Heaven--the gates have opened wide--
And now I have the privilege of walking by His side.
The angel choir is singing, and the music is so sweet;
I’l1join them just as soon as I have worshiped at His feet.
I am now in Heaven, and the blood-washed throng is here.
I recognise a lot of them--there's not a single tear.
There's joy beyond description and reunions by the score;
There '11 be no separations, for we'll be here evermore.
I am now in Heaven--please wipe away your tears
I've fought the battle, run the race--I'm rid of all my fears.
There is no pain or sorrow here; the heartaches now are past;
I've read and sung of Heaven, and now I'm here at last!
I am now in Heaven, and oh, the place is grand!
No one could ever tell me all the beauties of this land.
Since I cannot describe it, you 'll have to come and see
That it was worth the trials to live here eternally!
(Sent by Mike, Mt Annan, NSW)
Those who teach the theory of evolution would have us believe that these creatures evolved 230 million years ago, only to suddenly become extinct 65 million years ago through some catastrophic event.
BUT DID YOU KNOW:
That the facts of science and history point to a young earth?
That folklore and history record great monsters alive in fairly recent times? Very large elephant recently photographed in Nepal appear identical to the mammoths in ancient cave drawings in France, long thought to be extinct!
That the book of Job, written about 2000 BC, contains eyewitness accounts of large dinosaur like creatures? (Job 40:15-24; 41:1-34).
That there is ample evidence for the great worldwide flood of Noah's day?
That recorded history only goes back to about the time of this great flood. All previous records were destroyed.
That this flood is recorded in the Bible, in the Babylonian flood epic, and in the folklore of many tribes? This tremendous upheaval (BC 2300) wiped out civilisation as it was known, and changed the whole appearance of the landmasses of the world.
That coal and oil are rightly called 'fossil fuel', formed from forests and marine creatures buried rapidly. That under great pressure and volcanic heat, coal and oil form in days, not millions of years?
That fossil beds are found in sedimentary rock, deposited by water so rapidly as to bury some creatures while still giving birth and eating food? (Facts for Faith)
A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving.
Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened ... and enlisted them to help haul dirt to BURY the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially, the old mule was hysterical!
But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back ... a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back ... HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!
This he did, blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up ... shake it off and step up ... shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him ... all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT's LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity ... THE ADVERSITIEs THAT COME ALONG TO BURY Us USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESs Us!
Remember that FORGIVENESs - FAITH - PRAYER - PRAISE and HOPE ... all are excellent
ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find
ourselves!
(Eugene Williams )
Walk a little plainer daddy
Said a little boy so frail
I'm following in your footsteps
And I don't want to fail
Sometimes your steps are very plain
Sometimes they are so hard to see
So walk a little plainer daddy
For you are leading me.
I know that once you walked this way
Many years ago
And what you did along the way
I'd really like to know
For sometimes when I am tempted
I don't know what to do
So walk a little plainer daddy
For I must follow you.
Someday when I'm grown up
You are like I want to be
Then I will have a little boy
Who will want to follow me
And I would want to lead him right
And help him to be true
So walk a little plainer daddy
For we must follow you.
(Author Unknown)
(From Stuart, Inala, Qld)
The Korea there is a legend about a native warrior who died and went to heaven. "Before I enter", he said to the gatekeeper, "I would like you to take me on a tour of Hell". The gate keeper found a guide to take the warrior to Hell. When he got there he was astonished to see a great table piled high with the choosiest foods. But the people in Hell were starving. The warrior turned to his guide and raised his eyebrows. "It’s this way", the guide explained, "Everybody who comes here is given a pair of chopsticks, five feet long, and is required to hold them at the end to eat. But you cannot eat with chopsticks five feet long if you hold them at the end. They miss their mouths every time, you see". The visitor agreed that this was indeed Hell, and was asked to be taken back to Heaven post haste.
In Heaven, to his surprise, he saw a similar room, with a similar table laden
with the choosiest foods. But the people were happy; they looked radiantly happy.
The visitor turned to his guide. "No chopsticks I suppose", he said.
"Oh yes ", said the guide, "They have the same chopsticks, the
same length, and they have to be held at the end, just as in Hell. But you see
these, these people have learned that if a man feeds his neighbor, his neighbor
will feed him."
(From Len, Hahndorf, SA)
I saw Jesus last week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was up at the church building. He was alone and working hard. For just a minute he looked a little like one of our members. But it was Jesus... I could tell by his smile.
I saw Jesus last Sunday. He was teaching a Bible class. He didn't talk real loud or use long words, But you could tell he believed what he said. For just a minute, he looked like my Bible teacher. But it was Jesus... I could tell by his loving voice.
I saw Jesus yesterday. He was at the hospital visiting a friend who was sick. They prayed together quietly. For just a minute he looked like Brother Jones. But it was Jesus... I could tell by the tears in his eyes.
I saw Jesus this morning. He was in my kitchen making my breakfast and fixing me a special lunch. For just a minute he looked like my mom. But it was Jesus... I could feel the love from his heart.
I see Jesus everywhere, Taking food to the sick ... Welcoming others to his home, Being friendly to a newcomer ... & for just a minute, I think he's someone I know. But it's always Jesus... I can tell by the way he serves. Go be Jesus to someone today! Someone's looking for you! (By Summer Waters , age 11, Global Christian Network)
All the Hindu castes have joined together, coming upon our christians... I and my co-workers doing the Lords ministry from 29 years in our backward downtrodden places... go in different ways to save these blind people who are dying in the heathen darkness. Our saviour using us mightily by conducting open air, Tent crusades, street meetings, distributing secretly Holy Bibles to the poor Hindu converted Christian believers and Gospel tracts, feeding orphan, poor children. Giving training to the students in the Bible school and social works in the needy times of Natural calamities and in Devastations.
...The Hindu castes has been joined together and planned to destroy our Christianity so they started their cruel things by destroying our churches, our belongings, raped our beloved women and girls, beaten our children and our people. They killed our beloved pastors and evangelists and searching still to suffer our people. Because of this our innocent people left their villages why because these cruel people burned villages which belongs to our Christian communities... These anti-Christian squads searched for my sake, but I thank God I was saved from their cruel hands. I was gone 3 times to the underground to save my life... They have unity and they are joined together and coming upon our christians. If you see these critical situations with your own eyes, then you can understand how these cruel hindu people created great violence to suffer our Christian brothers and sisters, specially our pastors and evangelist. When we see tears will come... Time is very short. Our saviour is coming very soon. (Suri, India)
I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.
I thought that in some favoured hour
At once He'd answer my request;
And, by His love’s constraining power,
Subdue my sins and give me rest.
Instead of this, He made me feel
the hidden evils of my heart,
And let the angry power of hell
Assault my soul in every part.
"Lord, why is this?" I trembling cried.
"Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?"
"'Tis in this way," the Lord replied,
"I answer prayer for grace and faith."
"These inward trials I employ
From self and pride to set thee free,
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may'st seek thy all in Me!"
(Anonymous )
(From Don Carson’s "A call to Spiritual Reformation";
From Paul, Austral, NSW)
As Chaplain of the Walnut Hill Convalescent Center, I am often called to the City Hospital to minister to the ill and dying. I established the Golden Harvest Ministry on the word of God... Though there are over forty churches within a six mile radius of Petersburg the Gospel is not being preached in every Church... I walked with the brethren through the Center and I could see all the pain, hurting and poor souls that were there... My heart broke... Our first Church service, there were nine individuals there that afternoon, my wife, four other individuals and , the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost... In the last six years we have shared in the personal salvation of a young lady of 104 years of age come to Christ, with the youngest individual being a young blind, crippled lady of 48 come to Christ and His Salvation. (Morgan, Petersburg, VA, USA)
You’ve waded in a creek wearing a necktie.
You’ve ever dreamed you were preaching only to waken and discover that
you were.
You’d rather negotiate with terrorists than the church organist.
You see a picnic as no picnic.
You’ve ever wanted to fire the church and form a congregation search committee.
You’ve been tempted to take up an offering at a family reunion.
You’ve ever wanted to give the sound man some feedback of your own.
You’ve ever wanted to lay hands on a deacon, and you weren't thinking of
praying for him.
You often feel like you are herding mules instead of shepherding sheep.
Your sermons have a happy ending; everyone's happy when it ends.
You’ve never preached on TV, because your wife made you get down before
you broke something.
You feel that it is your job to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
(Merry Heart Newsletter)
After hiking for about 11 hours, I was very tired and weary. In my back pack I was carrying all my stuff, some food, and 5 bags of one kilo rice. We started to climb a hill that was even more steep than a common ladder which at first sight was very discouraging to say the least. I knew with the weight I had I could not go on any more. In a desperate prayer I said out loud. "Lord I cannot go on. If there is a bush man behind the next cliff face I shall gladly give him all my rice which I can no longer carry." We went around the cliff face hanging on to roots and stones for fear of falling down which was certain death. To my amazement the steep road widened and there sitting on a stone was a bush man almost naked, waiting as if he knew some gifts were coming his way. I stopped and asked one of the guides to translate what I had to say to this bush man. I told him that Jesus loved him and that He wanted me to give him 5 kilos of rice. Of course the Native man was surprised enough to see a white man, but even more, to receive rice sent from GOD just for him.
We went on, leaving the bush man behind, and I was most relieved to be rid of that extra weight, never thinking who was that bush man and what was he doing there waiting in the middle of the bush. Without us knowing anything the bush man went back to his village and explained that God had sent a white man to give him rice. He want on to explain to his people that just before he had asked that, If there was a GOD out there, then it would be easy for Him to bring some rice for his sick child for he had no means to pay for it and no where to buy it. Just when I had finished my prayer, a white man came out of the bush and told me that GOD had told him to give me 5 kilos of rice.
The whole village was amazed, and they decided to bring the sick child to the bush track and wait for the white man for they had heard that he was carrying medicine. Of course I had forgotten all about the bush man and the rice episode thinking that I had let the team down in not carrying my quota of rice. On my return home 3 days later I found the same man waiting on the bush track with a sick child and a lot of other older men. All the young girl was wearing was leaves at her hips. She had a high fever and I gave her medicine straight away and gave the man medicine for her for the next 4 days. We prayed for the young child and started to go when the Bush man said with a loud voice, "next time you come back we want you to come to our village and tell us about this GOD that gives rice to those that ask Him for we have no church and want to learn about the God that gives rice."
Of course I was very happy as my translator explained what had happened during the 3 days. This reminded me of Romans 8:28. I thought I had failed and was useless but I did not know that God had a divine plan I knew nothing about. This is how the mission field is, every day the LORD shows you how useless we are and how Great He is. I feel so privilege to be part of God’s work here and see His mighty hand in situations that are beyond our understanding and dreams. Surely He is worthy to be Praised and Loved.
It is true that the mission field is hard at times, but the joy to see God at work is worth it all. May this encourage you to serve him even though at times the rice is unbearable and you feel like you can longer go on, give up half way and then feel like you are a failure. Be encouraged that the Lord is in control and He knows what is up ahead, hence we need not to fear but to simply trust Him. Your missionary going to regions beyond (Philippe, Vanuatu)
When the will of Henry J. Heinz, wealthy distributor of the famous "57 Varieties " line, was read it was found to contain the following confession: "Looking forward to the time when my earthly career will end, I desire to set forth at the very beginning of this will, as the most important item in it, a confession of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I also desire to bear witness to the fact that throughout my life, in which there were unusual joys and sorrows, I have been wonderfully sustained by my faith in God through Jesus Christ. This legacy was left me by my consecrated mother, a woman of strong faith, and to it I attribute any success I have attained." (7700 Illustrations )
Yes, there have been many negative reactions by contributors to this magazine. However, this cannot be taken away by being positive for it points to a malfunction of many churches. A malfunction indicates the need for confession and repentance by the perpetrators, prayer and thanking God simply does not take that guilt away- (Compare the positive prayer of the Pharisee thanking God Lu.18:10ff). If Christians do not self-criticise and rectify the problems of the church the world will criticise us without pity. Apart from that, where there is unconfessed sin, the Lord is distant, there will be little spiritual growth and any outreach will be almost fruitless. In this situation many churches, rather than looking for their own guilt look for a scapegoat and blame the system. So the system has to change and often the ancient beliefs are also blamed for not being adequate. As a result some modern ideas and/or theology is replacing the Biblical patterns.
The Lord, speaking to the seven churches, warns those believers who think POSITIVELY. They think themselves spiritually alive but are really spiritually dead (Rev. 3:1). They cannot see that they are spiritually poor, naked and blind (v. 17). Many Biblical prophets were predicting doom more than blessing, though the future blessing they spoke of was greater than anything else. (Dell, Mooloolah, Qld.).
While much in general agreement with Russell ("Deception Abounds ", #52, p. 10) about legalism, at the same time I am much taken back by the general dress code in the churches. While God accepts us as we are, if there is no visible change happening in our lives, and that includes dresscode before God, we have not yet met God.
Firstly, the way many people dress in the churches indicates they want to be noticed. This desire to be noticed may distract from the attention given to the service.
Secondly, people may not get a very high opinion of God if believers dress very shabbily in clothes that one would not dare to wear to a function with government officials. Is God less than a government official?
Though the main emphasis of the parable in Mat.22:1-13 is not literally on
clothes it is indicating that God wants us to show also externally that we are
invited to the wedding of His Son. The way we dress is an indication of how
we feel, just look at some vagrants. While a lousy outfit may be acceptable
for unbelievers coming into the church it is a bad witness of believers. Some
people have come with the excuse that it may turn off badly dressed people from
coming to church. However, a sense of real love for a person does do far more
to attract a person than to wear a similar style outfit and giving a person
the cold shoulder.
(Unidentified Contributor)
Why all the fuss? The differences between manuscripts are so minimal that it does not really change essential beliefs... I do dislike many modern Bible Translations for their various interpretations rather than translations. (Harry, Vic Park, WA)
You can trust God to preserve his word. Today, there is confusion with so many versions ; many attack the Bible; some overly rely on scholars and many churches are lukewarm to spreading the Gospel. (Craig, Capalaba, Qld)
In the English language, the King James Bible is the only Bible available
translated by "formal equivalency" - the translator is simply rendering
the text in your language ... nothing more. You can then have the confidence
of knowing that you are not trusting another man's understanding, or theology...
On the other hand, with Bibles translated by "dynarnic equivalency"
... the translator here is acting as a teacher, not just telling you what God
said, but adding his understanding of what God meant. The King James Bible is
the superior English translation in the world today. The translators were determined
not to tell you God's intent, but just convey to you His words.
(Battle Cry)
Solemn statements - but true ones. Think over them. If you are a backslider, The Voice of The Lord calls you: "Return, O my backsliding children." He would have you in the full glow of Christian blessing, brightly witnessing for His praise and living for His glory and honour. It has been said that the backslider is a good advertisement for the Devil. (Signposts on Life’s Way, Inglis Fleming)
He sat by a furnace of sevenfold heat,
As He watched by the precious ore;
And closer He bent, with a searching gaze,
As He heated it more and more.
He knew He had ore that could stand the test;
And He wanted the finest of gold--
To mould as a crown for the king to wear,
Set with gems of a price untold.
So He laid our gold in the burning fire,
Though we fain would have said Him nay;
And He watched the dross that we had not seen,
As it melted and passed away.
And the gold grew brighter, and yet more bright;
But our eyes were so dim with tears,
We saw but the fire--not the Master's hand,
And questioned with anxious fears.
Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow,
As it mirrored a form above
That bent o'er the fire--though unseen by us --
With looks of ineffable love.
Can we think that it pleases His loving heart
To cause us a moment's pain ?
Ah! no, but He saw through the present loss
The bliss of eternal gain.
So He waited there with a watchful eye,
With a love that is strong and sure;
And His gold did not suffer a whit more heat
Than was needed to make it pure.
(Author Unknown)
I've Been thinking of you today, wishing I could be with you. But even if I can't be there, you still can count on someone who thinks more highly of you than I do. God has been thinking of you: In fact, no matter where you are, God is never far away. And you can trust Him with the deepest concerns of your life. After all, He clothes the flowers of the field and feeds the birds of the air. And you know, He thinks more highly of you than these. Yes, you can relax in Him, "casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you". If I could be with you right now, I'd encourage you not to worry. I'd remind you, "The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Could anything be more encouraging? The God of the universe is concerned with you. He gave His Son to die for you. And now He lives forever to care for all who have trusted Him. So rest in Him today, for He promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." You are always on His mind. Yes, I'm thinking about you. - And so is He. Rejoice! "Let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy" (From Brenda)
In thirty, forty, or fifty year you’ll meet a person down the road. Whether that someone is kind and gentle or selfish and demanding depends on what you do today. If you live only in terms of what you can get out of life, this person will be crabby, self-centred, and spiteful. But if you open your life to others and live as a giver, this person will be kind, open, and generous.
This sornebody whom, you’ll meet down the road some day is you. The person you will be tomorrow depends on the life you live today. Every day, in every way, you are becoming more and more like yourself. Make sure the person you are becoming is someone whom you’ll enjoy being around. (From Brenda)
I got up early one morning
and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
that I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me,
and heavier came each task.
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered.
He answered, "You didn't ask."
I wanted to see Joy and beauty,
but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me,
He said, "But you didn't seek."
I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"My child, you didn't knock."
I woke up early this morning, and
paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray.
Author Unknown (From Brenda)
The account of the meeting of Nicodemus with the Lord Jesus Christ is given to us in John 3 :1-12. There is much that would commend Nicodemus to us. He was upright and very religious. Indeed, he was a church
leader standing head and shoulders above many others. The passage does not record anything scandalous about him. He appears to be quite a decent person. However, Jesus told him something which caused him to be very taken aback. Jesus told him that being religious etc. would not gain him an entrance into heaven. Jesus said: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Don't confuse Churchianity with Christianity. THIs Is THE MISTAKE OF MILLIONs. Churchianity can do nothing for you spiritually. Only the new birth and nothing less can prepare a person to meet God. (Amos 4:12). It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). There is nothing optional about this. In John 3:7, the Lord Jesus said : "Ye must be born again." (Mark, Salisbury, SA)
Heart transplants are one of the wonders of modern medicine. Who would have thought 30 years ago that such an operation was possible, the grafting of a heart from one body to another! But God has been in the business of heart transplanting for a long time. He takes away a heart that is filled with sin and replaces it with one that is pure and searching to glorify God.
Let's think about... It is sad that before a heart transplant, the donor must die. It must be the heart of a healthy young person in the fullness of life. This was true of The Lord Jesus Christ when He died as our substitution. Our hearts were so full of sin, we were without hope and lost forever. We could find no answer.
But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, (Romans 5:8). There is a long list of people waiting for a heart donor and many die before they can find one. But what a difference we find in God's program! At the precise moment that we repent of our sin and receive the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour, the great transaction is complete. The jailer in Philippi, many years ago, asked the Apostle Paul, "'Sir, what must I do to be saved?"
The answer was simple. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" And he joyfully believed on the Lord along with all his household.
In both the modern heart transplant program and God's program, the cost is extremely high. Medicare pays a great deal of money for a Heart transplant operation. The cost of the new heart that God will give us was also extremely high, for God gave His Only-Begotten Son - the Lord .Jesus Christ to pay for it. But we receive it all free of charge. Nothing to pay, nothing to do, only to receive. (Lorelei, Melbourne, Vic)
"Choose you this day whom you will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15).
Have you made this most important choice in your life? So many marriages and homes are falling apart. It is only the lives and homes that are built on the foundation of Jesus Christ and His commandments that will stand. How can you get your life on a right foundation and receive God's salvation?
1. ACKNOWLEDGE that you are a sinner. It is your sin that separates
you from fellowship with God. (Luke 18:13; Romans 3:21)
2. REPENT of your sin and turn away from it. (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38,39;
3:19)
3. CONFESs your sin to God and He will cleanse you and forgive you.
His forgiveness is complete. When He forgives, He forgets! (Psalm 32:2; I John
1:7,9; Romans 10:9,10)
4. FORSAKE your own way and determine to follow God's ways. (lsaiah 48:18;
55:7; Mark 8:24-38)
5. BELIEVE that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the Son of God. He is the
One who has borne the punishment of your sin. (John 3:16; Mark 16:16)
6. RECEIVE His great salvation that He has purchased on your behalf.
(John 1:12)
7. THANK Him for His great salvation and His blood that He shed for you.
Receive Him gladly and ask Him to take control of your life.
8. DETERMINE that you and your household will all serve the Lord.
(A Tract)
Feeling footloose and frisky a feather-brained fellow forced his fond father to fork over the family finances. He flew far to foreign fields and frittered his fortune feasting fabulously with faithless friends. Finally facing famine and fleeced by his fellows in folly, he found himself a feed-flinger in a filthy farmyard. Fairly famished he fain would have filled his frame with the foraged foods of the fodder fragments left by the filthy farmyard creatures. 'Fooey', he said, 'My father's flunkies fare far fancier,' the frazzled fugitive found feverishly, frankly facing facts. Frustrated by failure and filled with foreboding he forthwith fled to his family. Falling at his father's feet, he floundered forlornly. 'Father, I have flunked and fruitlessly forfeited family favour.' But the faithful father, forestalling further flinching frantically flagged the flunkies. 'Fetch forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.' But the fugitive's fault-finding frater frowned on the fickle forgiveness of the former folderol. His fury flashed. But fussing was futile, for the far-sighted father figured, such filial fidelity is fine, but what forbids fervent festivity. The fugitive is found. 'Unfurl the flags, with fanfares flaring, let fun and frolic freely flow.' Former failure is forgotten, folly forsaken, forgiveness forms the foundation for future fortitude." (Author Unknown) (Sent by Geoff, Collaroy, NSW)
A Sunday School teacher was examining her pupils after a series of lessons
on God's omnipotence.
She asked, "Is there anything God can't do?"
There was silence. Finally, one lad held up his hand.
The teacher, disappointed that the lesson's point had been missed, asked resignedly,
"Well, just what is it that God can't do?"
"Well" replied the lad. "He can't please everybody!"
"Gracious God, may we, too, come to the realisation, that we ourselves cannot please everybody". (Daily Gems )
How thankful I am that God saved me. "Not by works of righteousness but by His grace He saved us."
I am old enough to be sentimental and I do a lot of thinking of the past. One of the things that I think a lot about is when the Lord saved me. This has always been vivid in my mind. An experience that has not gone away with the passing of the years - but rather it has gotten sweeter and more precious. The year was 1946. The place was a little rural community in east Texas. A summer revival was in progress. I was taken to services by caring parents. The Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin in a way that I had not been dwelt with before. I knew that I was a sinner and on the road to hell. I knew that I needed to be saved.
I grew up on the farm and helped my dad on the farm. During that revival we were plowing in this one field. It is vivid in my mind even today. The evangelist had asked for prayer to be made at, about 3.00 pm. At about that time I saw my dad tie up his animal and head for the woods. I knew he was going to pray for his lost son.
After standing during an invitation and resisting the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, I left out of the building muchly distressed. My dad brought the pastor out to me on the outside of the building where I readily received the Lord Jesus as my Saviour. How glad I am that He saved me. I wish that I could say that I have served Him faithfully all these years since, but I would be a liar if I tried. I do want to serve Him during any time that I have left. (Johnny, Toowomba, Qld)
I have worked in television for more than six years in a variety of different positions... As a Christian and a television professional I have been trying to encourage Christians to take a stand against the rubbish that is filling the minds of the people of Australia by re-claiming the medium of television for God. The mass media and TV in particular is the most powerful communications medium on this planet. What better way do we have of getting the Gospel into the living rooms and ears of the people than through the "box"? Unfortunately too many Christians fail to see the possibilities associated with Christian television and are happy to continue allowing satan a free reign of the airwaves. There are some Australians determined to make a difference. In April this year a new Christian television channel began broadcasting on Optus Vision (Pay TV), taking the Gospel straight into the lounge rooms of the people of the East Coast... (Andrew Rigg)
"Did you see the match on television last night?" enquired a young man who had just thumbed a lift from a Christian driver. "No" was the reply, "I haven't got television." "May I ask why?" persisted the youth. "Because I can't afford it." Looking at the nice car and other accompaniments, he ventured incredulously, "You can't afford it? You mean you can't afford the time?" "That's the truth, exactly", replied the driver. "Redeeming the time because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16).
How well prepared is the stage for the man of sin to take over, when he comes, "whose coming after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders " (2 Thess 2.9). He will have a ready made media to spread his propaganda universally, to delude the many who have not believed the truth.
Is there an antidote to this? There certainly is ; to turn to God from idols, and to be dependent on the power of the Holy Spirit. He is here to make the heart that has affection for Christ during His absence, independent of the world's fleeting attractions which are only for a season. (Is Television Harmful? by Robert Stott)
Christian parents, beware of television for your dear children. You would not think of taking your precious charges from the Lord into the dance halls, theaters, arenas, alleys, and dens of the earth. Shall you bring such sights into your living room? Perhaps it will be said that as they grow up they will meet these things, and that you cannot always shield them. That has a certain amount of truth in it, but have you not a definite responsibility to Him who gave them to you?
Their youth is the only time that is yours to help mold them, and to instruct them in the ways of the Lord. Shall these fleeting days be lost? While, instead of truth, they become acquainted with fiction and fable, crime and horror? You shield their precious bodies from chemical poisons : shall you do less for their impressionable minds?
Stop then, dear Christian, and consider seriously before making such things available to those in your home. You have a more difficult task today than ever before in bringing up your children in "the right ways of the Lord." Special grace and wisdom will be needed from above. God's instructions are, "Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," but how can this be done if television is allowed in the home? How can parents teach the ways of the Lord to children while they are being taught all sorts of crime and moral corruption. and the principles and ways of the world?
To bring television into your home is like planting the most noxious and poisonous weed among your choicest flowers, and then hoping the weeds will not grow... If the lawless deeds and foul sayings of the Sodomites vexed Lot's righteous soul from day to day, what did they do for his children? The demoralizing effect on them was great--some were lost in Sodom, and those who were not became a shame and a disgrace. It is an old story of the parents allowing something that grieves them, while the children go wrong.
Lot got into Sodom by degrees ; declension is always gradual. He first lusted after it with his eye, then pitched his tent near it, later got into it--out of his tent and into a house--and finally became a municipal judge, and all to his sorrow and ruin. And will not the television scenes of borderline immodesty (if not worse), with all the defiling conversation, dull the Christian's senses until at length he comes to not be vexed by the things that would shock anyone of spiritual sensibilities? Let us ask ourselves whether we want to be Abrahams or Lots. If it is the former, then let us not bring into our homes a direct connection with Sodom. (Tract on Television by Paul Wilson)
It was early in 1945 when, as a war correspondent on Okinawa, I first came upon Shimabuku, the strangest and most inspiring community I ever saw. Huddled beneath its groves of banyan and twisted pine trees, this remote village of some 1000 souls was in the path of the 'American' advance and so received a severe shelling.
But when an advance patrol swept up to the village compound, the GI's stopped dead in their tracks. Barring their way were two little old men; they bowed low and began to speak. The battle-hardened sergeant, Wary of tricks, held up his hand, summoned an interpreter.
The interpreter shook his head. "I don't get it. Seems we’re being welcomed as ‘fellow Christians ’. One says he's the mayor of the village, the other's the schoolmaster. That's a Bible the older one has in his hand..."
Guided by the two old men- Mojun Nakamura the mayor and Shosei Kina the schoolmaster - we cautiously toured the compound. We'd seen other Okinawan villages, uniformly down-at-the-heels and despairing; by contrast, this one shone like a diamond in a dung heap. Everywhere we were greeted by smiles and dignified bows.
Proudly the two old men showed us their spotless homes, their terraced fields, fertile and neat, their storehouses and granaries, their prized sugar mill.
Gravely the old men talked on, and the interpreter said, "They've met only one American before, long ago. Because he was a Christian they assume we are, too- though they can't quite understand why we came in shooting."
Piecemeal, the incredible story came out. Thirty years before, an American missionary on his way to Japan had paused at Shimabuku. He'd stayed only long enough to make a pair of converts (these same two men), teach them a couple of hymns, leave them a Japanese translation of the Bible and exhort them to live by it. They'd had no contact with any Christian since. Yet during those 30 years ; guided by the Bible, they had managed to create a Christian democracy at its purest.
How had it happened? Picking their way through the Bible, the two converts had found not only an inspiring "Person" on whom to pattern a life, but sound precepts on which to base their society. They'd adopted the Ten Commandments as Shimabuku's legal code; the Sermon on the Mount as their guide to social conduct. In Kina's school the Bible was the chief literature; it was read daily by all students, and major passages were memorised. In Nakamura's village government the precepts of the Bible were law.
Nurtured on this Book, a whole generation of Shimabukans had drawn from it their ideas of human dignity and of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The result was plain to see. Shimabuku for years had had no jail, no brothel, no drunkenness, no divorce; there was a high level of health and happiness.
Next day, the tide of battle swept us on. But a few days later, during a lull, I requisitioned a jeep and a Japanese speaking driver and went back to Shimabuku. Over the winding roads outside the village, huge truck convoys and endless lines of American troops moved dustily; behind them lumbered armoured tanks, heavy artillery. But inside, Shimabuku was an oasis of serenity.
Once again I strolled through the quiet village streets, soaking up Shimabuku's calm. There was a sound of singing. We followed it and came to Nakamura's house, where a curious religious service was under way. Having no knowledge of churchly forms or ritual, the Shimabukans had developed their own. There was much Bible reading by Kina, repeated in singsong fashion by the worshipers. Then came hymn singing. The tunes of the two hymns the missionary had taught -"Fairest Lord Jesus " and "All Hail the Power of Jesus ' Name" - had naturally suffered some changes, but they were recognisable.
Swept up in the spirit of "All Hail the Power," we joined in. After many prayers, voiced spontaneously by people in the crowd, there was a discussion of community problems. With each question, Kina turned quickly to some Bible passage to find the answer. The book's imitation-leather cover was cracked and worn, its pages stained and dog-eared from 30 years ' constant use. Kina held it with the reverent care one would use in handling the original Magna Carta.
The service over, we waited as the crowd moved out, and my driver whispered hoarsely, "So this is what comes out of only a Bible and a couple of old guys who wanted to live like Jesus!', Then, with a glance at a shell-hole, he murmured, "Maybe we’re using the wrong kind of weapons."
Time had dimmed the Shimabukans ' memory of the missionary; neither Kina nor Nakamura could recall his name. They did remember his parting statement. As expressed by Nakamura, it was : "Study this Book well. It will give you strong faith. And when faith is strong, everything is strong."
(Clarence W. Hall, "Together" Magazine, October 1960)
When Jesus said to his followers, "My burden is light," He uttered one of the most beautiful truths in connection with His gospel. He did not say that Christianity laid no requirements upon us, that it was all receiving. He admitted that the Christian would have burdens to bear, but he declared that these burdens are light.
Perhaps many of us are thinking now of the experiences of the early Christians, some of whom were present when Christ spoke these words. Perhaps we look back over the history of the persecution and suffering which make up so much of the story of the early Christians, or we may recall the trials of some nineteenth century Christians, and wonder whether these things can be accounted light. If so what burdens are heavy ?
The answer to this question is suggested by a story told of Dr. MacGregor, who met in the Scotch city which is his home, a little girl staggering under the weight of a plump baby boy.
"Baby's heavy, isn't he dear?" said the Doctor, smiling down upon the pretty pair.
"No, sir," said the little girl stoutly, "He isn't heavy; he's my brother."
In her childish mind love’s burden could not be heavy. And this is the secret of the light burdens which Christ gives us to bear. If the heart is full of love all tasks are made easy, all burdens are lightened. We cannot count as burdensome what we do for those who are dear to us.
We must alI bear burdens, and he is to be pitied who bears them alone. But if we come close to the heart of Christ, and let His spirit possess us, we shall find that His word is true, and that His burdens are light.
(The Old Paths, dated 1905)
A VERY great deal of trouble and sorrow would be avoided if believers engaged themselves more in Christian activities. If there were more service there would be less room for things which lead to envyings, jealousies, evil speakings, and personal differences and misunderstandings.
Practical deliverance from what is of the flesh is found as we move in activities which are of the Spirit.
Much that is sorrowful amongst the people of God arises from slothfulness. There is a lack of definite purpose to serve the Lord, and people get engaged with all kinds of selfish pursuits.
The house of Stephanas is a good example for us all; they had appointed themselves
to the saints for service (1 Cor. 16:15). The Lord greatly values a definite
committal of this kind. If there were more of it, how greatly should we benefit,
and time would be redeemed instead of wasted!
(CAC, old English Tract)
"Entreat me not to leave thee," Ruth 1:16. If you could bring a bird to love you better than it loved the open sky you would not need a cage.
Christians in communion with Jesus do not need a cage to keep them from flying away into the world. They are happily separate from the world and they are the willing, joyful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The desire to serve, devotedness in service, and, above all, perseverance
in service, all spring from this source, "The love of Christ constraineth
us." Have we this constraint upon us?
(CAC, old English Tract)
Let us set aside the things that so easily beset us and press on for the goal ahead... I believe we have to look more to Jesus and His Word than at any other time in history. Let us not get distracted by such ungodly movements as Toronto, Pensacola and other similar "signs and wonder" movements that have swept the Church. Let us run the race - save the lost - and contend (strive) earnestly for the Faith which was once delivered unto the saints... 2 Thessalonians 2:1 says, "For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." That's pretty strong stuff, we must realize we are playing with fire when we go down the path of some of these so called new moves of 'God', we need the spirit of discernment now more than ever. (Paul, Warragul, Vic)
We enjoy the articles very much and do appreciate the input from other like minded people... We are very frustrated with the apostasy going on in the churches today, and after coming away from some of these churches we have found a little church that teaches the truth and is very solid doctrinally. We were beginning to feel like we were the ones who were a little strange and were starting to question ourselves. Another thing we have found is that that there seems to be disunity where there are all sorts of modern Bible versions being used, but where there is only one, the Authorised King James, there is unity. We enjoy the letters from other readers and find it a real encouragement to hear their opinions and experiences on different matters. (Vic & Rose, Petrie, Qld)
Just recently we've seen some new people seeking answers... really digging into the Word, dealing with drug problems etc. Most of our struggles have been related to division and false doctrinal influence in the church, though it has not been a major "split" or at leadership level, yet the devilish influences amazingly disturbing to a number of people within the fold. I do believe we are gradually seeing the spiritual foundations laid and strengthened more and more across the whole membership of the church. I have found over the years that when you dig down to work on the foundations it is amazing how that the more you dig the more crumbly bits you uncover. The work must be done as carefully as possible though as the superstructure can sway quite badly if too much is done too quickly. Perhaps it is God's wisdom also to reveal the needs to his servants gradually so that harmony can be maintained throughout the process. Then I think even when the whole church, more or less, is fully supported by a thorough doctrinal foundation which is made clear and all understand, there still remains more of the same maintenance work to go on with as there are constantly new people coming in and new external influences exerting themselves against the work. (Trevor, Nanango, Qld)
We certainly live in the last days – at the same time the Lord draws nearer to His children. When I have my private time with Jesus I feel as if I could just touch Him. There is nothing like a sweet communion with Jesus. (Brian & Winnie, Noranda, WA)
It is so beautiful to feel the presence of the Godhead daily. I don’t do anything unless I ask my Lord...I am His servant... The Lord keeps me lifted up. (Melva, Enfield, SA)
I agree with many of your contributors who know Jesus’ return is imminent, those who see the "signs of the times" as prophesied; those who bemoan the double standards, apostacy, falseness and exclusivity within so many so-called churches... Should Jesus return tonight, do you think He will not mention the plight of the underprivileged people? Aboriginals... We are bid to "love our brother as ourselves", "go the extra mile", not to pray and tell a cold, hungry, wounded brother to keep warm, be fed, etc, without us feeding him, clothing him, and binding his wounds as we pray. (John, Argyll, Scotland)
When you are forgotten or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you smile inwardly, glory in the insult or the oversight, because thereby counted worthy to suffer with Christ – that is victory.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your taste offended, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you take it all in patient, loving silence- that is victory.
When you are content with any food, any raiment and climate and society and solitude -- any interruption by the will of God -- that is VICTORY. (Selected)
"Praising God is the Highest Form of Prayer". Without God’s
grace I wouldn’t have coped with my many trials and sufferings. I have
learned the power of praise – thanking and praising God. When we really
need God’s help, we can learn to thank Him for the situation. Not one thing
happens without God allowing it for good, and not for evil. Ephesians 5:20 –
thank God for everything. All things work together for good. I have seen eczema
and warts healed over night by faith. I have MS and other complications. When
trials come we have great need of God and His word. My son went astray and I
praised God anyway in the situation, and he came to the Lord. My unmarried daughter
became pregnant, and God lifted the burden as I sought Him. Now she is happily
married with four children. I experienced a burglary, and my response was to
thank and praise God anyway. Later that same morning the Police station rang,
and we got everything back. So whatever the situation, learn to thank God and
trust in Him.
(Helen, Broadview, SA)
Below is a copy of the prayer, read by Pastor Joe Wright, who was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate. Everyone was expecting the usual politically correct generalities, but what they heard instead was a stirring prayer, calling the country to repentance and righteousness.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today to ask Your forgiveness and seek Your direction and
guidance. We know Your word says, "Woe to those who call evil, good",
but that's exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium
and inverted our values.
We confess that: We have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your word and called
it pluralism.
We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism.
We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice...
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it self-esteem.
We have abused power and called it political savvy.
We have coveted our neighbour's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom
of expression.
We have ridiculed the time honoured values of our forefathers and called it
enlightenment.
Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set
us free.
Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas, and who have been ordained by You to govern this great State. Grant them the wisdom to rule, and may their decision direct us to the centre of Your will. I ask it in the name of Your Son, the living Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Oh Christ, how could you face the cross?
How could it be - Bearing shame,
Enduring pain, All to reclaim
Sinners like me!
Hard to conceive it, But I believe it,
Now I am free.
Free from the grip of sin
Free in Love’s discipline;
Yours, by your power within,
For all eternity.
(Avonia, Naracoorte, SA)
If you have something good to say- Say it: '
If you've a service you can pay- Pay it !
If you can lend a helping hand- Lend it !
If you have money at command- Spend it !
If you a cheery song can sing- Sing it !
If you've an offering to bring- Bring it !
Why hold back what you can give?- Give it !
The selfless way is how to live- Live it !
The Christian's occupation is heavenly. That is to say, God is our overseer. We may plant our seeds here on earth, but our crop will be harvested in heaven. This keeps our hearts and desires on a celestial plane. In a spiritual sense, the Christian's feet stand where other men cannot see. He treads on the moon and is clothed with the sun. He looks down on earthly men as one from a high hill looks upon those living in a swamp. While he breathes in pure heavenly air, they are suffocating in a fog of carnal pleasures and profit so He knows one heavenly pearl is worth infinitely more than the earthly accumulation of a whole lifetime.
The great business of a saint's life is to be doing things that enlarge the kingdom of heaven. Not only is he interested in his own welfare, but he eagerly recruits his friends and neighbours to join his eternal enterprise. Now this alarms hell. What! Not content to go to heaven himself, but by his holy example and faithful work will he try to carry them along with him also? This brings the lion raging out of his den. Such a Christian, to be sure, will find the devil in his way to oppose him.
The Christian's hopes are all heavenly. He does not expect lasting satisfaction from anything the world has to offer. Indeed, he would think himself the most miserable person to have ever lived, if the only rewards he could expect from his religion were on this side of eternity. No, it is heaven and eternal life that he anticipates. And though he is so poor that he cannot leave one cent in his will, yet he counts himself a greater heir than if he were a child of the greatest prince on earth.
Hope is the grace that shows us how to rejoice in the prospect of promised glory. It sits beside us in the worst of times. When things are so bad that we cannot imagine how they could possibly get worse, hope lifts our eyes from our immediate troubles and places them on our future eternal joys.
(William Gurnall, 1616 - 1679)
An article in the Weekend Australian (8 March 1997) said, 'The cult of success
has replaced a belief in principles. Society has lost its anchor.'
A hundred years ago our forefathers used to sing,
"Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?
We have on anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love!
Indeed, Western society has lost its anchor. Consider the question which hymn
writer W. J. Kirkpatrick posed, 'When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?’
(John, Darwin, NT)
A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out.
A SUBJECTIVE person came along and said, "I FEEL for you down there"
An OBJECTIVE person came along and said, "It' s logical that someone
would fall down there."
A CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST came along, "You only THINK that you
are in a pit."
A PHARISEE said, "Only BAD people fall into a pit."
A NEWS-REPORTER wanted the exclusive story on his pit.
A FUNDAMENTALIST said, "You DESERVE your pit."
CONFUCIUS said, "If you would have listened to me, you would not
be in that pit."
BUDDHA said, "Your pit is only a state of mind."
A REALIST said, "That's a PIT."
A SCIENTIST calculated the pressure necessary (kgs./sq. cm) to get him
out of the pit.
A GEOLOGIST told him to appreciate the rock strata in the pit.
A TAX MAN asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.
The COUNCIL INSPECTOR asked if he had a permit to dig a pit.
An EVASIVE person came along and avoided the subject of his pit altogether.
A SELF-PITYING person said, "You haven't seen anything until you
see MY PIT!!"
A CHARISMATIC said, "Just CONFESS that you're not in a pit."
An OPTIMIST said, "Things COULD be worse."
A PESSIMIST said, "Things WILL get worse!!"
JESUS seeing the man, took him by the hand and LIFTED him OUT of the
pit.
(Kenneth D. Filkins)
Now that the European Union is being consolidated, Europol is on the horizon ... This is the secret police of Europe... They may communicate in coded messages and sealed mail bags. National authorities have no say whatsoever over their actions... Europol reminds me of Hitler’s Gestapo that arrested me a few times during WWII. Europol personnel are above and beyond any national laws... They are allowed to buy and sell foreign exchange, be involved in drug trade for the purpose of catching drug rings, they are free from prosecution in any country for anything (they claim is) necessary for the proper execution of their tasks.
I believe Europol points to and prepares for the worldwide, absolute control that Antichrist will have in the not-too-distant future... We need to be prepared, expecting what's ahead of us so we will not be discouraged as we can see the Lord's plan of salvation approaching completion. (John, Darwin, NT)
On March 21st 1998, the Federal Government signed a United Nations agreement that water was a commodity, similar to wool and wheat, and was to be controlled and traded as such in the future. In Queensland... all dams are to be fitted with gauges, bores and tanks with meters. Users will pay for all water going from these sources. In the case of dams, this will include evaporation as well... All landowners will pay a rain tax on all rainfall on their properties... Rain gauges are to be strategically installed in order that an army of inspectors can determine averages. (Letter to Editor, Farm Weekly, 18/2/99)
A secret international organisation is pushing through law to bring in eavesdropping points for websites and other forms of digital communication. Laws will require manufacturers and operators to build in "interception interfaces" to the Internet and all future digital communications systems. The plans require the installation of a network of tapping centres throughout Europe, operating almost instantly across all national boundaries, providing access to every kind of communications including the net and satellites... If proposals are enacted, internet service providers (ISPs) as well as telecommunications network operators face having to install monitoring equipment or software... (Duncan Campbell)
Holographic imagery will be used in a simulation of "the ending" in which "You are given scenes which cause collective thought which focuses on fulfillment of that which is desired for you to protect--to fit the needs of those adversary happenings." The result of this deliberately staged false Christ will be for the implementation of a New Universal Religion. "Enough truth will be foisted off on us to hook us into the lie."
The NASA "BLUE BEAM" project is an extremely big secret. In principle, it will make use of the sky as a big movie screen, as space-based laser-generating satellites project simultaneous images to the four comers of the planet, in every language, in every dialect according to region. Computers will coordinate the satellites and software will run the show-and-tell (holography is based on very nearly identical signals combining to produce an image, or hologram, with depth perception, which is equally applicable to acoustic ELF, VLF, LF waves as it is to optical phenomenon).
The show will consist of multiple holographic images to different parts of the world, each receiving different images according to regional / national religious faith. Not a single area will be excluded. With computer animation and sound effects appearing to come from the depths of space, astonished followers of the various creeds will witness their own returned messiah in spectacularly convincing lifelike realness. Then, the projections of "The Christ, of Mohammed, Buddha, Krishna, etc., will merge into one, after correct explanation of the mysteries, prophecies, and revelation will have been disclosed.
THIS ONE GOD WILL IN FACT BE THE ANTI-CHRIST, who will explain that the various scriptures have been misunderstood; that the religions of old are responsible for turning brother against brother, nation against nation. Therefore the world's religions must be abolished to make way for the Golden Age ('New Age) of the ONE WORLD RELIGION, representing the one god they see before them." (International Free Press, Autumn 1994).
Many billions of dollars are being spent around the world to prepare the computer industry for the 1st of January 2000 when many believe our computer systems will fail. This could result in factories, airlines, energy producers, hospitals, supermarkets, etc closing down for an unknown period of time...
I believe God is warning His people to prepare (as Joseph in Egypt during the famine and Paul's collection for the saints in Jerusalem). Start stocking up on essentials such as food (tinned and dried), water, and toiletries. Grow your own vegetables. If space permits, buy a dairy goat for milk cheese and or a house cow if you have a more space such as a farm... Keep to bottled, tinned and dried foods as well as grains such as rice (white), wheat and maize. A hand grinder would be a good investment, as would a food dehydrator and bottling outfit and try to steer clear of too many electric gadgets... Collect plastic containers and bins. Start buying a little extra of goods that will store each time you shop. Build up a store of candles and or kero lamps. Petrol and gas are expected to be a problem... Be prepared (Prov. 30:25, 22:3). (Paul, Warragul, Vic)
Prepare by laying in stocks of food, water, lighting, cooking facilities... (Marion, Southport, Qld)
It is alarming... but the main encouragement is get close to God. Prepare spiritually if you cannot do more, and trust God. Prepare in whatever way you can (food, water storing), but do not neglect God. (Linda, Goombungee, Qld)
We had better be prepared and the best, in fact the only way, is to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and learn to trust in Him. People who are panicking and stockpiling food and water should turn again to Matthew 6:19,20 and 25 to34. I believe that this is the very time that Jesus was talking about. (Lorelei, Melbourne, Vic)
I think, that this magazine is one of the most horrendously sectarian things that I have come across. In your last issue, you spoke of nature worship... Wicca (a nature-worshipping religion) is a recognised religion in America and other countries. I do not mind the fact that you speak your mind, and go by the bible, but times are changing... I must admit that I am not a fan of your magazine. I am actually an eclectic wiccan, but I have been raised Anglican, and go to a catholic school, which promotes pluralism and an acceptance of all other religions... I study religion at school, and am usually quite happy going to mass etc... I actually don't worship God and the Bible. I used to be Anglican, but it didn't impress me... I like the bible - sometimes. I think that even though I don't believe in the God of the bible, that it has some very good ideas...
The article "When a Sinner goes to Hell", really offended me. Especially where it was written that gays and lesbians went to hell. Some of my best friends are gay and Christian... When it was written that not even your good works can save you - because we are all sinners in the eyes of 'God'. I mean, in my school, we are taught in Religion that one of ways to get to Heaven (Christian heaven), is through good works... perhaps Fair Dinkum should promote a more pluralistic view. As it is now, it can promote a lot of hate and anger, and that’s not very christian! (Skye, USA)
Welcome to church 1990’s style. Church? but isn’t church held in small and very old buildings with old people and families alike singing old songs and listening to a mono-toned speaker?
...Grunge, rock, thrash, rap, blues contemporary, alternative and even reggae pump out from the youthful band on stage while hundreds of sweaty, smelly energetic and pumped-up young people jump up, down, sideways, forward and backward as the odd crowd surfer planes overhead.
Joe King of Youth Alive says, "50 kids jumping around getting into the praise and worship music, a church shouldn’t get freaked out by that... Some of the best services I’ve been to in my church are where the kids have actually got up and moshed." (Andrew Carswell, secular newspaper article - The Advocate, 8/5/99)
A dozen knee-slapping kids rap hip-hop style. Guitars, a bass and drums kick in. The young audience claps hands and swings to the pulsing beat. A live concert? MTV? No, it's worship service at the Grapevine Church in Cambridge, Mass. (Ft. Worth Star Telegram 4/6/99)
At Lord's Gathering in Woburn, Mass., Clayton Reed -- also known as "Pastor C" -- dishes up a service that includes multimedia and lighting effects, which he says many young people prefer. He uses a computer connected to a projector that throws video clips and Bible passages on a screen as songs play.
"If you don't go out of your way to speak to children and teens in a way they can hear, you're going to lose them," said Reed, who sported sunglasses on his head. "Why can't church be so fun and cool that they just want to come?" For Reed, youth service means connecting kids to an "awesomely cool God." (CNV News Service: Andrew, Texas, USA)
The hymns books have been discarded for repetitive praise choruses that, for the most part, have no doctrinal foundation. (Gordon, Coldwater, MI, USA)
An article titled: "Pub to serve Holy Spirit" states: "Drinkers in Bradford will have a new topic of conversation. Christians fed up with dwindling congregations have taken over a pub in the hope that those propping up the bars will end up singing in the aisles... The new landlords of the 170-year-old Cock and Bottle Pub are the Bradford Christian Pub Consortium - and they will serve alcohol and be open on Sundays. The BBC's James Helm says, "An attempt by the modern church to reach out to ordinary people"... The consortium plans to offer counseling and evangelism nights in an attempt to convert drinking regulars, but insists the pub will still be a normal hostelry". (Belfast Berean). In other words, you can become a Christian and still live the life of sin. That sure ought to bring a crowd! (Gordon, Coldwater, MI, USA)
The neighbourhood bar, or the local club, is the best counterfeit there is to the fellowship Christ wants to give us. It's an invitation, dispensing liquor and poker machines instead of grace; escape, rather than reality, but it is a permissive, accepting and inclusive fellowship. It is unshockable. It is democratic. You are free to say what you like. It is homely and friendly. (Bruce Larson)
God wants us to be genuine, sincere, loving, sharing, trusting, being am active participant in His body; building our own faith and that of others who dearly love the Lord. (Rod, Morphett Vale, SA)
We are encouraged to see we are not alone in wanting a fellowship that is Bible taught and chorus free (or kept to a minimum and only sung once). God is not deaf and doesn’t need repetition. (Margaret, St Marys, SA)
The church has lost direction. No longer is it concerned about souls going to a lost eternity. The church is only concerned about the here and now. It is concerned with the physical. How to feel good. The church is all about self esteem, self help programs, riches and rnaterial possessions. We know nothing of sacrifice... The Lord says to seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness and He will provide for us. Where our heart is, that is where our treasure is. Is our heart in this world or is it in heaven? How important is the Word of God to us? How important is Church? How important is a lost soul to us? Our attendance at prayer meetings, Bible studies and Church reveals how important God is to us. (Brian, Wondai, Qld)
The work which God is doing continues in great measures. We are full into the training/discipleship mold. Teaching our people to hear from God for themselves, study for themselves, witness and impart their lives into others. In other words be authentic Christians. People continue to get saved... (Stuart, Inala, Qld)
I sometimes find it hard to believe how far we – the visible church – have turned away from the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have just this week returned from my denomination’s annual conference (Pentecostal). I was saddened and appalled at the continuance of Toronto/Pensacola type deceptions with so little teaching/preaching on the great truths of our faith; repentance from sin, the love of God in Christ, the atonement, justification by faith, etc. Instead we were given a mixture of positive confession, mystical experience, teaching on a "new" anointing, tithing (2 sessions!), self esteem, business style management and liberal doses of "swimming in the River". It was my earnest hope that this would have been left behind, after all "Toronto" is over 5 years old now. Instead this "new move of the Spirit" appears to be gaining strength. My feeling is that the only real counter-offensive is the faithful preaching of God’s precious Word (1 Tim. 4:1, 13, 16, 2 Tim. 4:1-5). May God preserve us from the errors that are abounding in our day. (Philip, Castle Hill, NSW)
There are rapid changes in churches in things that are not seen as directly bad such as the singing. Though there are some very good modern songs, it seems that many of the songs are very superficial in their spiritual content. I think that some leaders, who still have not recognised some of the world's more cunning ways of influence, have too much input into the running of the church and look to the world for ways as to how to do things best. Though these churches pray for God's blessings they are in general relying too much on the world's ways and pay a price for it. Apart from that many of the music people, in contrast to the former Christian generations of hymn and songwriters, are trying to make money out of their music. (Unidentified Contributor)
Last Sunday our Young Teens department co ordinator visited the largest AOG church in our area (about 500 per service) All that was preached was great stories, and requests for money. The Bible was never opened or any truth expounded or explained... Sad to say the Word is not opened and hearts are not fed, other than with tasty trifles... The church loves the culture of psychology rather than truth of the Word. For myself, please give me opening of the scriptures anytime. (Kerry, Brisbane, Qld)
By Rev. ARCHIBALD BROWN, a friend of Spurgeon
...The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment... Providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in Scripture as a function of the church... It is in direct antagonism to the teaching and life of Christ and all His apostles. What was to be the attitude of the church to the world? "Ye are the SALT". Not the sugar-candy. Something the world will spit out, not swallow... Jesus pitied sinners, sighed over them, wept over them, but never sought to amuse them.
In vain will the epistles be searched to find any trace of the gospel of amusement. Their message is: Come out - keep out - keep clean out... They "went everywhere preaching the Word". They "turned the world upside down" - or right side up. Just now the world is turning the church upside-down... The Mission of Amusement produces no converts... Though I have never seen a sinner saved, I have seen any number of backsliders manufactured by this new method.
Worldly Christianity... is working rottenness in the church... Under the pretence of "reaching the world" it is carrying our sons and daughters back into the world.
It will be no wonder if the Holy Ghost, insulted, withdraws His presence.
"COME OUT" is the call for today. Put away evil from among you. Cast
down the world's altars. Cut down her groves. Spurn her assistance... Renounce
all the policy of the age... Grasp the Book of God. Trust the Spirit who quotes
its pages. Fight with this weapon only and always. Cease to amuse and seek to
arouse. Shun the claps of a delighted audience and seek for the sobs of a convicted
one. Give up trying to please folk who have only the thickness of their ribs
between their souls and hell. Warn, plead, intreat, as those who feel the waters
of eternity creeping up. Let the church again confront the world; testify against
it; meet it only behind the cross, and, like her Lord- SHE SHALL OVERCOME AND
SHARE THE VICTORY.
(Hard Line Tracts)
Christians should recognize the Pope's authoritative role as a gift to all churches, Anglican and Roman Catholic leaders say. A joint international commission produced The Gift of Authority, a document that says the pope has "a specific ministry concerning the discernment of truth." The commission is part of a dialogue aimed at producing full unity between the two churches. ...The document recognizes the pope's special place in the family of Christian churches, Mark Santer, Anglican bishop of Birmingham, said. The pope "is a pastor of immense authority in the Christian world as a whole," he said. The document called upon Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops to work together to serve their communities and each other." (Religion Today)
All mainline churches are going back to the Mother (Catholic) Church... Australia is going like other parts of the world because of false teaching and or persecution... into smaller churches or underground churches. (Bruce, Murray Bridge, SA)
Cromwell, in his day, was outraged by the Romish influences being accepted into the English church. He saw, and openly and fearlessly declared, that the church of Rome was not just a "church" but a powerful and ambitious political machine, that it was not christian but antichristian... No sooner had the Reformation got underway, than the Jesuits began to systematically plot the overthrow of Protestant Christianity. They have been, and still are, largely successful. (Trevor, Nanango, Qld)
Are you single? God loves you. To single mums and dads, be encouraged, you can make it on your own – you’re not alone. In the eight years that I’ve been on my own I’ve drawn strength from God’s precious promises: "I will never leave you nor forsake you". These words have kept me sane; they have saved my very life... Without Him I can do nothing. He helps me daily. He supplies all my needs. I remember a time I had to tell my children not to eat the last four slices of bread for tea, because I needed it for lunches next day, as we had no money for a few days. But the Lord is faithful. Within an hour I received a phone call from a gentleman I had only met once in passing. He said to me, "Your name kept coming up repeatedly and I had to ring around town to find you – I’m not sure why, but I have all this bread, can you use it?"
Isn’t God good? He not only supplied my need, but He blessed the man also, when I told him my story. Praise God for His supply. ... I feel great compassion towards other singles – it can be a lonely life. If anyone cares to write, I’d be happy to answer. (Wendy, Box 1160, Yeppoon, 4703)
God has brought me out and through the pain of my marriage ending... I can now thank Him for the many blessings He’s heaped on me during and since... God knew what "medicine" would be good for my soul, and He gave me "Pugsy" – a pug dog. God has loved me into wholeness. (Eunice, Mareeba, Qld)
Our Country has become so corrupted that I hardly even recognize it anymore. My own City was a Bible City, but to look at it now is like looking at "Sodom & Gomorrah." I keep witnessing and trying to open the eyes of so many people but they don't want to admit what's there as that would interfere with their worldly ways of life... All of my three children ages, 15, 13, and 10, along with their dad, (my husband for 28 years), is also a "Born again Christian" and we all serve HIM ... (Deborah, Springfield, MI, USA)
We have been battling ill-health, culminating in my husband having an operation... praise the Lord he is doing well. We have been very aware of the Lord’s enabling and guidance. He is indeed "able to do more than we ask or think". (Ivy, Kingaroy, Qld)
I enjoy reading FD and enjoy articles on world news, quotes of various sources, including preachers of old... I attend a baptist church which is alright but it’s slowly moving towards more modern songs with little meaning, in my opinion. My belief is that a church should be strict, obedient to the Word (Bible) and not compromise with the world, but be of a higher level, where people can tell the difference (2 Cor. 5:17). It’s hard to find this these days. (Wally, Cheltenham, SA)
This world is not a fair place, because of sin... When you run a small business you feel like you’re on the front line fighting against satan... People whinge to me about the price of a product or government service going up. I’m on the front line, I see the evils of our bank system first hand and its extreme greed... I really feel that "caring" is gone in our society... (Bart, Gumeracha, SA)
FD is such an encouragement in these evil days in which we live... upholds the truth of God’s Word in the face of growing compromise. (Philip, Castle Hill, NSW)
Each morning I would take my seven year old son, Ty, down the road to a friend, to have her take him to school. His face was always serious and sad. When I would pick him up in the afternoon he would not talk, and would walk sadly home. He would often say he was dumb. An emptiness filled me, but what could I do? Everyone sent their children to this type of school, didn’t they?
Ty would tell me the teacher said they were animals. He would be sent home reading books filled with witches. Everything was contrary to God’s word.
I taught my four year old girl, Jamie, to read. She loved to learn. She could also read better than Ty. One day while I was reading a Christian magazine... a brochure was inside: "The only way to school your children God’s way". You could write to a home schooling mother, and she would send you a book she had written. Excitement filled me. I went through God’s word, using the quoted verses from the book. I knew this was what God wanted me to do... I spoke to my husband and the following year we started home schooling our three children. Ty redid work from the two years of conventional schooling he didn’t know.
We found Ty to be bright and not dumb at all. We start our day reading God’s Word... God has blessed our home with peace and laughter, and every need is met. God has given you the wonderful gift of children. He expects you to bring them up, not the government. (Prov. 22:6). Who’s training your children, and in what way are they going? (Julie, Bungunya, Qld)
Pressed into 'knowing' no God but Thee,
Pressed out of self until Christ I see;
Pressed into using the staff and the rod.
Pressed till I find all my comfort in God.
Pressed till I, yield there is no other power,
Pressed till I lean on Thee hour by hour;
Pressed till like Mary I sit at Thy feet,
Pressed till I find no companion so sweet.
Pressed into knowing no comfort but Thine,
Pressed into knowing Thy healing Divine;
Pressed till content on Thee to recline,
Pressed until all in Thy hands I resign.
Pressed till the dross leaves the gold so refined.
Pressed into knowing Thy holy mind;
Pressed till to Thee in all conflicts I flee,
Pressed into service, my Lord would I be.
(M. V. Northby)
Is anybody happier because you passed this way?
Does anybody remember that you spoke to them today?
Were you selfish, pure and simple, as you rushed along your way?
Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed that you did today?
Can you say tonight in parting with the day that is slipping fast
That you helped a single brother in the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day or lose it? Was it well or poorly spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scare of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God would say,
"You have earned any more tomorrow by the work you did today."
(From Chris, Toowoomba, Qld)
Women played an important part in the life of Jesus... It was a woman who first went to minister to Jesus after the crucifixion and was the first to see Him. (Peter, Warnbro, WA)
The foundations of our society are under attack as the evil one seeks the destruction of Biblical values, family structures and personal lives... "Feminism" is very prominent and causing HAVOC in Churches and families... The failure of men to be leaders in their homes and Churches is in direct disobedience to the revealed will of GOD... The highest role for women is to teach and nurture their children in the ways of the LORD. (Bob, Huntfield Heights, SA)
Re Austin’s comments: "...True Christians will bail out of organised
religion..." (#44, p. 29), contrary to popular thinking, the early church
did have ordained elders (Acts 4:23, Titus 1:5) and deacons (Phil 1:1, Acts
6:1-7). Paul tells Timothy, a preacher, that bishops and deacons are required
for proper behaviour in the church, 1 Tim. 3:1-15. Ordained elders are required
to "feed the flock" (1 Pet. 5:1-2). Christians can’t disobey
God’s word and expect revival. (Ralph, Innisfail, Qld)
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