This is the day of the fight, expect nothing but bullets, bruises, wounds, and scars. But the battle will soon be over, and when the war is ended, the King will come, and ride up and down the ranks, and in that day you who have been most battered and most wounded in the battle will find Him pause when He reaches you, and He will attach on you chest a star that will be more of an honour to you than all the Medals that have decorated brave men here on earth. Stars and ribbons may be given to those who want them, but blessed are they who will shine as the stars in the kingdom of our Father! And this honor is to be had by that believer who will faithfully serve his Lord; not by any who merely talk about it, or dream of it, or propose to do it, but to those who serve Him by following Him--this honor will be given. (Charles Spurgeon)
Many preachers are giving up the old ideas about the fall and total depravity of man. People are not often plainly told that they are guilty sinners before a holy God. The sermons of our forefathers -- who used to press this so constantly upon their hearers-- are looked upon as relics of the dark ages. There is, however, one preacher left of the old school, and he speaks today as boldly as ever. He is not popular, though the world is his parish, and he travels over every part of the globe, and speaks in every language under the sun. He visits the poor; calls upon the rich, and preaches to people of every religion and many of no religion, but the subject of his sermon is always the same.
He is an eloquent preacher--often stirs feelings, which no other preacher could reach, and brings tears into eyes that seldom weep. He addresses himself to the conscience, and the heart. His arguments none are able to refute; nor is there any heart that has remained wholly unmoved by the force of his weighty appeals. Most people hate him, for many quail in his presence, but in one way or another he makes everybody hear him.
He is neither refined nor polite. Indeed, he often interrupts the public arrangements, and breaks in rudely upon private enjoyments of life. He frequents the shop, the office, and the mill; he appears in the midst of legislators, and intrudes upon fashionable and religious gatherings at most inopportune times. His name is DEATH.
You cannot take up a newspaper without finding that he has a corner in it. Every tombstone serves him for a pulpit.
You often see his congregations passing to and fro from the graveyard. The sudden departure of that neighbour -- the solemn parting with that dear parent--the loss of that valued friend--the awful gap that was left in your heart when that fondly loved wife, that idolised child, was taken--have all been loud and solemn appeals from this old preacher. Soon he may take you for his text, and in your bereaved family circle, and by your graveside, he may be preaching to others. Let your heart thank God this moment that you are still in the land of the living that you have not died in your sins!
You may get rid of the Bible, you may ridicule its teaching; you may despise its warnings; you may reject the Saviour of whom it speaks. You can get away from the preachers of the gospel. You are not compelled to go to either church or mission room; and you can cross over to the other side of the street if there is an open-air meeting. It is in your power to burn this paper, and every other piece of Christian literature that comes into your possession.
But what will you do with the old preacher of whom I have spoken? Dying men and women, consider the prospect that is before you! Your little day will soon be passed-- your pleasures end. After all, you "must needs die," "as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment"--Hebrews 9:27. Pause and consider this matter. Is there not cause for death? Is it by mere accident that a creature with such powers and capacities should come to so ignominious an end? (Selected)
The new 'Christian Wrestling Federation' features the slapping, snarling, and bone-rattling body slams without the vulgar language and sex. 'We do all the kind of wrestling you see on TV, but leave out the parading women and all the negative stuff,' Rob Vaughn, CWF founder, told The Dallas Morning News. Vaughn, who wrestles as 'Jesus Freak,' is a former college football player and a Sunday school teacher. The CWF, a North Texas group of about a dozen wrestlers, made its debut May 10 before a screaming crowd of 400 teenagers and their parents at the Family Cathedral of Praise in Mesquite, Texas. One match was an 'anything goes' battle between Vaughn and 'Apocalypse' that featured a garbage can, a table, and a baking pan as weapons, the newspaper said. Other wrestlers go by names such as 'The Beast' and 'Angel.' Fans at the church seemed to love the show. 'It'll get people to come to church more often,' said Stephen Cade, 16. 'It's fun to watch, and it's for Jesus Christ.' ...The Christian Wrestling Federation plans to hold matches throughout Texas this summer and is open to invitations, it says. (Religion Today, May 15, 2000)
May you have...
Enough happiness to keep you sweet.
Enough trials to keep you strong.
Enough sorrow to keep you human.
Enough hope to keep you happy.
Enough failure to keep you humble.
Enough success to keep you eager.
Enough friends to give you comfort.
Enough wealth to meet your needs.
Enough enthusiasm to look forward.
Enough faith to banish doubts.
Enough determination to make each day better than yesterday.
(Author Unknown)
Zora (name changed) is a Bible translator for her people, North Africa's Berbers. Bible translators like her work in secret, and live dangerously: if they are caught, the punishment may even be death. Once, when a Muslim fundamentalist called and threatened them with death, one of the team members said "Watch out! Our telephone is being bugged by the police." The caller quickly hung up, and has never called since. On another occasion, one of the team members was close to exposing the whole operation because of pressure from the authorities, so Zora and her friends hid their work for a week. Over a period of three years, they have translated the whole New Testament, the Jesus Film and children's videos into their language. Zora says that God's timing for her people, the North African Berbers, has clearly arrived, and reports that many underground churches have started.
Some time ago, Zora underwent surgery. The doctors accidentally gave her a
double dose of the anaesthetic, and she slept for 7 hours after the operation.
When she woke up, the hospital staff told her that she had worshipped Jesus
for hours - in her sleep! If Muslim fundamentalists had heard it, her life would
have been in danger. Instead, the two Muslim nurses who had looked after her
asked her how they could accept Jesus into their lives!
(Partners International)
Capital must protect itself in every possible way, both by combination and
legislation. Debts must be collected, mortgages foreclosed as rapidly as possible.
When, through the process of law the common people lose their homes, they will
become more docile and more easily governed through the strong arm of government
applied by a central power of wealth under leading financiers. These truths
are well known amongst our principal men who are now engaged in forming an imperialism
to govern the world. By dividing the voter through the political party system
we can get them to expend their energies in fighting for questions of no importance.
It is thus by discreet action we can secure for ourselves that which has been
so well planned and so successfully accomplished."
(From United States Banker's Association Magazine, 1924 - sent by Jenny
from Moonta, SA)
Jehovah's Witnesses teach that we attain our salvation/eternal life through our good works and faithful submission to the Watchtower Organization. Point out to them John chapter 5, verse 24 where Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life." Ask: "Jesus says right here that since I believe everything in this verse then I am right now already in possession of eternal life and will not be under any condemnation, which I understand to mean I will not be under judgment. I have also already passed from spiritual death to spiritual life according to Jesus. Where then does it say that I need to join any organization in order to work out my salvation as you are saying?" (Jude, internet)
The article "Outback adventures" (#55, p. 7) brought to mind a similar incident that happened to me... It was in the sixties. The Brisbane to coast highway was being widened to two lanes. There were a few sections that had not been finished. I was geading south on a newly constructed section, bypassing Beenleigh. I thought I was travelling on a two lane section of highway. I was about to find out differently!
I was in the right hand lane. A car was coming up on my left. Suddenly there was a larger vehicle towing a caravan coming towards me. I did not have time to either speed up and get in front of the car now opposite me, or to break and pull in behind it. I could see that I would in just a moment be with the Lord. I steered the car into the centre of the road, straddling the white line, and taking my eyes completely off the road I looked up and seeing a small patch of blue in the sky. I cried out in an audible voice, "Well, Lord, here I come."
But there was no impact. I looked back to the road, the white line was still passing beneath the car.
Praising the Lord, I stopped the car and went back. I found tyre prints right on the soft edges of the newly constructed road, which then fell away on both sides for about 15 to 20 feet. No way could this soft fill support the weight of a travelling vehicle, one with a caravan in tow, on the very edges. Let alone there being enough room for three vehicles travelling abreast. Some say, where is God! I tell you He was with me and the other drivers that day on the highway. (Mr B., Burleigh Heads, Qld)
Too often we feel alone. But there is always someone ready to take our hand. There is a beautiful story of an overworked nurse who escorted a tired, young man to her patient's bedside. Leaning over and speaking loudly to the elderly patient, she said, "Your son is here."
With great effort, his unfocussed eyes opened, then flickered shut again. The young man squeezed the aged hand in his and sat beside the bed. Throughout the night he sat there, holding the old man's hand and whispering words of comfort.
By morning's light, the patient had died. In moments, hospital staff swarmed into the room to turn off machines and remove needles. The nurse stepped over to the young man's side and began to offer sympathy, but he interrupted her. "Who was that man?" he asked.
The startled nurse replied, "I thought he was your father!"
"No, he was not my father," he answered. "I never saw him before in my life."
"Then, why didn't you say something when I took you to him?"
"I realized he needed his son and his son wasn't here," the man explained. "And since he was too sick to recognize that I was not his son, I knew he needed me." (Selected)
Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold
But its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold
For gold is cold and lifeless it can neither see nor hear
And in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer
It has no ears to listen, no heart to understand
It cannot bring you comfort, or reach out a helping hand
So when you ask God for a gift, be thankful if He sends
Not diamonds, pearls or riches, but the love of a real true Friend
(The Grants, Brisbane, Qld; friends of the Editor for almost 20 years)
Today I stood at my window and cursed the pouring rain,
Today a desperate farmer prayed for his fields of grain
My weekend plans are ruined, it almost makes me cry
While the farmer lifts his arms and blesses the clouded sky.
The alarm went off on Monday and I cursed my work routine,
Next door a laid off mechanic feels the empty pockets of his jeans.
I can't wait for my vacation, some time to take for me,
He doesn't know tonight how he'll feed his family.
I cursed my leaky roof and the grass I need to mow,
A homeless man downtown checks for change in the telephone.
I need a new car, mine is getting really old,
He huddles in a doorway, seeking shelter from the cold.
With blessings I'm surrounded, the rain, a job, a home,
Though my eyes are often blinded by the things I think I own.
(Author Unknown)
The man whispered "God, speak to me"
And a meadowlark sang, But the man did not hear.
So the man yelled "God speak to me!"
And the thunder rolled across the sky But the man did not listen
The man looked around and said "God let me see you"
And a star shone brightly But the man did not notice.
And the man shouted "God show me a miracle"
And a life was born But the man did not know.
So, the man cried out in despair "
Touch me God and let me know that you are here!"
Whereupon God reached down and touched the man
But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.
Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way you expect.
(Roger & Ruth, Brighton, Qld)
My son is a Baptist preacher who has a Home for wayward girls. He sometimes gets a little discouraged when other preachers do not seem to take on a burden for the work of the Lord in missions. He says that he will leave a message on their answering machine and they won't even call him back! BUT, the Good Shepherd is ALWAYS faithful! The Home is NEVER left "WANTING!" The Lord supplies ABUNDANTLY! We stand amazed at what the Lord does for them in supplying their needs. Here is a little story to help encourage you along the way!
Robby, and his family, travels a lot with the girls to meetings, etc. He had finished up a meeting and was going to take his family and the girls out to breakfast before heading home. He has a credit card that he uses for this purpose, and after they ate, he went to the register to pay the bill--to only find out they DID NOT take credit cards!! He asked where the bank was, and stayed at the restaurant while Karen, his wife, and the girls went to the bank. THEN--THE TELLER MACHINE ATE HER CARD! She told the Lord that she didn't know what they were going to do. She stopped at a red light and a man in the car BESIDE her jumped out and knocked on her window. He said, "I was at the meeting that you folks were in this week, and when I saw you just now, THE LORD told me to give you this money!" She went on down the road shouting in her heart and the girls GOT TO SEE the Lord "in action!" (Jean Coggins)
Sally was only eight years old when she heard Mommy and Daddy talking about her little brother, Georgi. He was very sick and they had done everything they could afford to save his life. Only a very expensive surgery could help him now. . .and that was out of the financial question. She heard Daddy say it with a whispered desperation, "Only a miracle can save him now."
Sally went to her bedroom and pulled her piggybank from its hiding place in the closet. She shook all the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.
Tying the coins up in a cold weather kerchief, she slipped out of the apartment and made her way to the corner drug store. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her attention, but he was too busy talking to another man to be bothered by an eight-year-old.
Sally twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. She cleared her throat. No good. Finally she took a quarter from its hiding place and banged it on the glass counter.
"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. "I'm talking to my brother."
"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Sally answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's sick . . .and I want to buy a miracle."
"I beg your pardon," said the pharmacist.
"My Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. . . so how much does a miracle cost?"
"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I can't help you."
"I have the money to pay for it. Just tell me how much it costs."
The well-dressed man stooped down and asked, "What kind of a miracle does you brother need?"
"I don't know," Sally answered. A tear started down her cheek. "I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my folks can't pay for it. . .so I have my money."
"How much do you have?" asked the well-dressed man.
"A dollar and eleven cents," Sally answered proudly. "And it's all the money I have in the world."
"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the well-dressed man. "A dollar and eleven cents. . .the exact price of a miracle to save a little brother."
He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said, "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents."
That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, renowned surgeon specializing in solving Georgi's malady. The operation was completed without charge, and it wasn't long until Georgi was home again and doing well.
Mommy and Daddy were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. "That surgery," Mommy whispered. "It's like a miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?"
Sally smiled to herself. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost... one dollar and eleven cents... plus the faith of a little child. (Author Unknown. From Douglas Roman)
Your on line magazine is very encouraging to us. We are leading a main church and six other branch churches in the city, 40 rural area pastors are working with us. We are comitted to our last breath or to the coming of our Lord to preach the gospel and to make disciples of all nations... In this land of poverty, ignorance, adultery, idolatry, is everywhere... Upper class people are becoming rich. Lower class people are oppresed... Christians are treated as untouchables here. Witch doctrine, evil practising are seen everywhere. Because of recent Hindu governments Hindu orthodox people are taking advantage to burn and demolish churches. There is only less than 2% Christianity... Cult and lack of leadership are suffering christianity. The believers are very less and they are only hand to mouth every day... Every day so many young people are getting saved through our ministries. We need a Bible college for them to train... We are praying for man of God to support to start it with 25 students. We are in the desperate need of a missionary to boost our ministries in this heathen country, India which is now killing pastors, burning churches and destroying God's work. (K. Samson Roberts, Kingdom Gospel Ministries, 8-22-93 Sita Nagar, Guntur 522001, Andra Pradesh, South India)
Shortly after 1:30 a.m. on May 29, 1914, the passenger liner RMS Empress of Ireland dropped off its pilot Father Point, Canada. Steaming on the St. Lawrence River, fog began to enshroud the ship. At about 2 a.m. the Norwegian cargo ship Storstad, carrying 11,000 tons of coal was spotted. The Empress reversed engines, but it wasn't enough to avoid a collision. The Storstad rammed The Empress on its starboard side. The Empress took only fourteen minutes to sink into the St. Lawrence River, taking 1,012 passengers and crew with her. Only 217 people survived the disaster. Among those who perished were 129 Salvation Army officers. When their bodies were recovered later, not one had on a lifebelt! Survivors told how these servants of God had reacted with calmness and courage when informed that the vessel was sinking. There were not enough life preservers to go around, so they bravely removed theirs and gave them to people they felt were not prepared to meet the Lord. Some witnesses told of hearing them say, "We know the Savior, so we are ready to die!" Prayerfully, they remained on deck until the waters engulfed them and they were welcomed into God's eternal Heaven. (GCN)
I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end.
I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy.
I know He has forgiven me, so why can’t I forgive myself.
I know He is a healer, so why do I speak of sickness.
I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can’t.
I know He will protect me, so why do I fear.
I know He will supply all my needs, so why can’t I wait.
I know He is my strength and my salvation, so why do I feel weak.
I know that everything and everyone has a season, so why when someone’s
season is over do I weep instead of rejoice.
I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way.
I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness.
I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, so why am I scared to ask.
I know tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can
do today.
I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie.
I know He gives us revelation knowledge and understanding, so why do I lean
on my own understanding.
I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, so why do
I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh.
I know that when praises go up blessings come down, so why do I refuse to praise
Him.
I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me.
I know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do
His will, when it is His time not my time.
(Joseph, Pratville, USA)
Mother's father worked as a carpenter. On this particular day, he was building some crates for the clothes his church was sending to some orphanage in China. On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone. When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what happened; the glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen into one of the crates, which he had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for China!
The Great Depression was at its height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was upset by the thought of having to buy another pair. "It's not fair," he told God as he drove home in frustration. "I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, an now this."
Several months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago. The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage. "But most of all," he said, "I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my coworkers and I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses lying on top.
The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued: "Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom-made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that."
The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way. (George Haig)
I have in my library rare books which document the beliefs of the ancient Christians. All of them knew the identity of the arch enemy of God and His people. They were killed as "heretics" for their exposure of the Man of Sin and his harlot church. Today there are no major "Christian leaders" who dispense this knowledge. Sure, Dave Hunt acknowledges the RCC as Mystery Babylon, yet he refuses to come to grips with the papal Antichrist. This is because it gets in the way of his false "secret" Rapture theory which alleges the Man of Sin manifesting after the escape by the Church. If the Man of Sin is now present, there is no escape. But the truth is, the war is on. The battle rages. This is, in point of fact, what has been happening for centuries. The war against the Antichrist, his church and harlot daughters is in progress, pitting God's few against the greater numbers of forces of the enemy. It is my good report, however, to testify that God is currently gathering a group of strong believers, giving them Holy Ghost wisdom so that their enemies will not be able to gainsay their testimony. (Rand, Forestville, USA)
Thanks a million for your "Fair Dinkum"... I have just returned from an 18 day missionary trip to the Philippines. I AM ONE TIRED PREACHER but I just have to be at work. My e-mailbox is full and the regular mail is piled high. Sunday is upon me as well and the weekend is always busy. This Sunday is special because the church will be celebrating my 68th birthday. The pastor that traveled with me to the Philippines will be giving a report of the trip on Sunday evening. That will be followed by a big "potluck" birthday celebration.
On the trip I saw 50 souls come to Christ. I was able to purchase 31 - 50 kg. bags of rice to give to pastors as part of our "Operation Rice Bowl" feeding program. 12 pastors and/or a member received the gift of a carabao to raise rice and vegetables to help feed their poor congregations. Two pastors received a case of sardines. I paid the final tuition bill for one pastor so that her two daughters could take their final exams and graduate (one from high school and one from college). Another pastor got a new computer and was able to go online because of the financial help that I was able to give him. All in all, this was a very productive trip. To God be the glory. Thanks for your observations in "Fair Dinkum" about the importance of people being in the church - in a local body of believers. I couldn't agree with you more. In the USA we have TBN Christians that sit home in front of the TV and never would give any support to the local church. These are "couch potato" Christians (if they can be called Christian). I'll close now and get on with this mountain of work. (Dr Jones, Burbank, USA)
(1) Miss a spiritual influence that would encourage and strengthen their walk
with the Lord (Heb. 3:12-13).
(2) Miss encouragement toward repentance and reconciliation should they fall
into sin (1 John 1:9, Gal. 6:1).
(3) Prevent their faith from being built up by hearing the Word preached (Rom.
10:17).
(4) Cannot obey the Lord's command to demonstrate love for our brethren (1 John
2:10, John 15:12).
(5) Miss receiving of correction or submission to spiritual authority (Heb.
13:17).
(6) Express unbelief and disobedience to God's Word which tells us to fellowship
and assemble together (1 John 1:7, Heb. 10:25).
(7) Show disregard toward the call to worship the Lord collectively as His body
(Psa. 22:22, 35:18, 107:32).
(8) Show lack of discernment of the Lord's body (Matt. 25:14,
1 Cor. 11:29).
(9) Demonstrate a lack of self-sacrifice and discipline (Luke 9:23).
(10) Show a disregard for the Lord's presence (Matt. 18:20).
(11) Commit a sin of "omission," in that we know it's "good"
to be faithful to church (James 4:17). (News 4U)
Attending church is necessary for a believer's spiritual well being. For shut-ins or invalids who aren't able to go to church, the ministries on radio or TV might be the only kind of fellowship or spiritual nourishment that they get. God certainly understands the circumstances of these people, and recognizes the sincerity of their hearts. However, it is a different matter for those who could attend church but are too lazy, or put other things such as entertainment and amusements before God, or who harbor bitterness or indifference toward other believers. It is important to attend church:
(1) It is an Expression of our Love for God. (Luke 24:53). We can gather and bring God praise, thanks, and honour.
(2) It builds up our Spiritual Strength. (Rom. 10:17). Receiving the preaching and teaching of the Word of God increases our faith and builds us up spiritually.
(3) It brings a special visitation of the Lord's Presence. (Matt. 18:20). God inhabits the praise of His people (Psa. 22:3).
(4) It provides fellowship with other Christians. (1 John 1:7). A right relationship with God requires a vertical fellowship with God and a horizontal fellowship with other believers. It is not possible to love God and refuse to love the brethren.
(5) It is an act of obedience to God. (Heb. 10:24-26). We're to be considerate of our brethren, coming together to help motivate and encourage one another (James 4:17).
(6) It allows accountability to spiritual leadership. (Heb. 13:17). The Bible tells us to know them that are over us in the Lord (1 Thes. 5:12). Submission necessitates a commitment and relationship to a local body of believers and to their spiritual leaders.
(7) It combines our spiritual strength in prayer. (Matt. 18:19). Agreement in prayer with other believers has special favour with God (Lev. 26:8).
(8) It honours the Lord's Day. (Ex. 20:8). The Lord's Day (Rev. 1:10) is a day to fellowship, worship, pray and study the Word together. God is pleased for believers to honour Him on a day reserved for Him, out of their love for Him and His people. (Snippets from What People Ask About The Church, Dale A. Robbins)
A paramedic was asked on a local TV talk-show program: "What was your most unusual and challenging Emergency call?"
The paramedic replied, "Recently, we got a call from that big white church at 11th and Walnut. A frantic usher was very concerned that during the sermon an elderly man passed out in a pew and appeared to be dead. The usher could find no pulse and there was no noticeable breathing."
"What was so unusual and demanding about this particular call?" asked the interviewer.
"Well," the paramedic said, "we carried out four guys before we found the one who was dead."
(Selected)
Why is it that in recent times some churches have announced significant cuts to their missions budgets, whilst at the same time their commitment to building bigger buildings remains the same or is even enlarged? Why the emphasis upon marketing, entertainment, and such worldly wisdom... Many of these churches are pre-occupied with being "relevant" for the 21st Century... Change everything so the church is "user friendly". What about being God friendly? ... Change the songs, change the pastor’s attire, change the seats, change the standards, and change the programs. But what about changing the heart of man? Some things never change: the condition of man’s heart, the need for Gods grace and mercy, and most important GOD Himself! (Ruth Webb, Praise Alert)
The church here has been on a downward path. Gwen and I have set the Lord’s table at home and have a couple of neighbours and some of their children worshipping with us. My intention now is to start a church in my home. God has been wonderful to us. His presence lifts us up and encourages us. I am 85 years old now, but still want to make my life tell for the Lord. We want to reach many for the Lord and snatch them out of satan’s hands. (George, Katoomba, NSW)
It has caused a bit of a stir, not just in the local fellowship, but we have looked at our own direction and commitment to the whole truth of God's word. Also been surrendering to our Lord, the damage that we have sustained from erroneous teaching and bad influence of many years of involvement in the weird charismatic scene. It didn't seem too out of order, some years ago: Nowadays much of the Pentecostal/Charismatic scene has gone 'Off the Planet', which is really a sign of the times. A pity when old friends, and even relatives, are following the multitude of false signs and fake anointings. (David, Riverland, SA)
I'm so glad to see anyone these days standing for the truth and opposing error, the lukewarmness and downright apostasy of many churches. I have been a believer for well over forty years now and have seen great changes for the worse in the Christian church during that time. In the 1950s in the area where I live there were very few "Pentecostal" or so-called charismatic churches around. Over the years I, like many others, have witnessed basically sound churches empty with many looking for the superficial stimulation of emotional experiences. I feel very stongly that a lack of good Bible teaching has contributed in no small way to this. Without sound Bible teaching there is no way that we can know God's will or be protected from the false teaching that abounds everywhere.
I felt for a group I read about on your site who had no pastor. I have lived in an area where there was no sound church to attend and found that the Lord provided through the ministry of audio tapes. In 1970 I was introduced to the minstry of R.B. Thieme Jr. of Houston and have been receiving his material for 30 years now. They are available on a grace basis in Australia... Wonderful teaching for those who are in a position of not being able to attend a church that will feed them. (Graeme, NZ)
The Bible warns us that there will be a falling away before the return of our Lord Jesus, 2 Th 2:3. So that which we are now seeing and learning of world-wide, that churches are empty, fewer people believe in God, there is a huge increase in Satanism, witchcraft, New Age religions, spiritism etc., is what has been prophesied. I read recently that churches in England would cease to be after 2040 because of a lack of interest... this falling away is as prophesied and praise the Lord that there are still Christians who love and worship Almighty God... (Richard)
To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: THE BOSS
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE
Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. It will be addressed in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege. Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for years. Should you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return. Should you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children. Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk. Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity. Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse ... You could be them!!!! (Sent by Christine, Para Hills, SA)
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator) and no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst. Rubber perishes easily in tropical climates.
"And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed.
As in the West it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.
"All right," I said, "Put the baby as near the fire as you safely can; sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."
The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle. The baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.
During the prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. "Please, God," she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby'll be dead, so please send it this afternoon."
While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added by way of corollary, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?"
As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say,"Amen"? I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything. The Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home; anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!
Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the verandah, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly.
Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box.
From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas---that would make a nice batch of buns for the weekend. Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the... could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out---yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle! I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.
Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!"
Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted. Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you, Mummy, and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child---five months before---in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon."
"Before they call, I will answer!" Isaiah 65:24
Helen Roseveare, a Doctor missionary from England to Zaire, Africa, told this as it happened to her in Africa. She told it in her testimony on Wednesday night at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The next Wednesday night Jerry Falwell, choked up, said, "I almost feel guilty for standing in the pulpit after the one who spoke here last week."
(Sentiment for the Soul; submitted by Janan Chandler)
I have been reading your latest issue and I see that you had published some comments I sent you under "Comments on Church." Here is an update: I am now attending a wonderful, sincere Bible-preaching church. The transition was a little difficult but God has blessed me through this decision. I have been studying my Bible a lot more and the pastor is always willing to help me understand the Bible and find answers there. My father passed away two weeks ago and many people at church were praying (and are praying) for me. The lady at the funeral home told me that I was "holding up" well as I tried to handle all the arrangements and I told her that I had many people praying for me. It is by the grace of God that I have been walking through this with hope in Him. My family has turned away from me but God has provided me with everything I need to settle my father's affairs. The Lord is good-we can lean on Him with confidence. God bless you. (Stephanie, USA)
One time I was having trouble with mice, so I bought some bait. I looked at the package - it said that 98% was good, wholesome food. Only 2% was deadly poison. Now, if some educted mouse could read he might reason, "But that is so much good in that food. A little bit won’t do me much harm..." Bait manufacturers know they have to put a lot of good tasting food before they can tempt mice to eat that little bit of poison that will kill them. Some folk look at religion that way. They feel that if there is so much truth a little bit of error won’t hurt them. But the devil is smart enough to give people so much of the truth to make his lies appear wholesome and desirable, but just enough poison to cause them to be lost. (Leo Rugol, quoted by Greg, Katoomba, NSW)
Most people, despite working hard in the world, earn less than a pension pays. In Australia this includes most small businesses whose proprietors often work over 60 hrs a week. Sources indicate 95% make a loss, mostly not due to their own fault, but to unfortunate circumstances, greedy people and corrupt governments. These causes also result in people having to battle for years in poverty, unsuccessfully looking for work, despite trying so hard.
The apostles either gave their paid occupations or almost all their money away, to serve God's purpose. 1 John 3:17, Luke 3:11 indicate that all money you receive in excess of an approximate pension rate must be used for God's desire... So please consider poor people who work harder then you before you consider unnecessary things for yourself that cost money such as holidays, parties, wage rises, fashions, luxuries, entertainments, unnecessary gifts, investments in well off businesses, jewellery, etc. Help a lobby group for poor people. Contact Richard on (07) 4095 4354.
Are you going through deep waters and dark days? Not long ago I heard a story about a young man and an old preacher. The young man had lost his job and didn't know which way to turn. So he went to see the old preacher.
Pacing about the preacher's study, the young man ranted about his problem. Finally he clenched his fist and shouted, "I've begged God to say something to help me. Tell me, Preacher, why doesn't God answer?"
The old preacher, who sat across the room, spoke something in reply--something so hushed it was indistinguishable. The young man stepped across the room. "What did you say?" he asked.
The preacher repeated himself, but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the preacher's chair. "Sorry," he said. "I still didn't hear you." With their heads bent together, the old preacher spoke once more. "God sometimes whispers," he said, "so we will move closer to hear Him."
This time the young man heard and he understood. We all want God's voice to thunder through the air with the answer to our problem. But God's is the still, small voice... the gentle whisper.
Perhaps there's a reason. Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper. God's whisper means I must stop my ranting and move close to Him, until my head is bent together with His. And then, as I listen, I will find my answer. Better still, I find myself closer to God.
"God does not have any favorites but He does have some intimates who just stay close by"
"Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you" James 4:8 (Sumner Wemp)
For a long time now, we have been printing and distributing our own tracts. Evangelism is a command, not an option. For anyone who, like us initially, may want to print their own tracts but not know where to start, please contact us at the address below. I will happily send the artwork for several of our tracts (we have about a dozen different ones and are always writing more) anyone can photocopy or print them as they wish as there is no copyright on the gospel.
The world is in desperate need of a Saviour, and the church is too busy about unimportant things and not busy enough about what is really important. When we stand before God one day will he really care whether our church had airconditioning, or the best worship leaders, or "contemporary"(read wordly) music, or will he want to know why we didn't tell John Smith who lived next door, or the lady at the school, or the fellow at the petrol station, or anyone at all, that He LOVES them and that they can spend eternity with Jesus. People keep telling me that it takes "boldness"-whatever that means. All I know is that if I don't tell them, who will? Will YOU?
The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are almost non-existent. Evangelism seems to come a very poor second, or third, or last behind all of the other programmes or events in our churches and lives. If only people would see that it needs to be a fundamental basic part of the way that we live before God. I almost never know what to say to people, or how. I JUST KNOW THAT I MUST.
I truly believe that if we have a heart for the lost and a real desire to do God's will that He will not only give us the opportunity, but the words to speak. For us tracts are only a small part of evangelism, but they can be very useful. They can be left in many places, and if you haven't got the opportunity to speak to someone, you can always give them a tract to read later.
So, if you want to join us in reaching this lost world (and don't say "It's not my ministry", because the minute you were born again it became your ministry to share the gospel with others) and you would like some ideas, feel free to write, enclosing self-addressed envelope, to Jeff & Robin Gisborne, 12 Melba Place, Westminster 6061, Perth, Western Australia (redrobin@adlink.com.au ).
I was very dissappointed with just the little portion of my letter printed... I had thought that FD was a publication that Christians could express their opinions through, but I was mistaken. I now know that you are a compromiser, Andrew, please don’t send me anymore FDs. (Ray, Pialba, Qld)
Ray - There are over 1100 readers of this magazine, plus over 1500 readers of the elctronic version. I have to wade through wads of material sent to me each time I prepare an issue. If I quoted every reader in full I’d probably need a ream of paper each edition - Ed.
I have always admired your zeal and your courage. I have never doubted your
motivation but I think we need more than a catalogue of sweet nothings if we
are to make any impact for the Church of Jesus Christ in the prevailing circumstances.
FD has had some good stuff here and there. Real live testimonies of conversion,
examples of victory over failure in the Christian Life, etc, but there seems
be a lack of hard core biblical teaching that is so desperately needed today.
(L., Victoria)
(Ed: Fair comment. I don’t intend FD to be a teaching resource though.)
You imply (#55, Pg 31)... that music, especially when it includes percussion, wind or string, is of the devil. My response is, but who created Lucifer, his instruments and his gift of music in the first place? The answer of course, is God. Why was it created? To glorify Him!
My husband came to know the Lord as a direct result of "Christian rock" - Petra to be precise, several years ago. Admittedly, our tastes have mellowed somewhat as we have matured but as our example proves, yes, even Christian rock can glorify God and show the Way of salvation to those who are lost! ...I feel our yardstick when measuring the worth of the music we listen to, should be - does it turn our hearts, minds and spirits soaring heavenwards? - not whether it has a beat, or not. (Janet, Cleveland Qld) (Ed: I acknowledge that God in His grace does sometimes use rock stars, false cults, and modern Bibles.)
They abstain from all impurity, in the hope of the recompense that is to come in another world. As for their servants or handmaids or children, they persuade them to become Christians by the love they have for them; and when they have become so, they call them without distincttion, brothers. They do not worship strange gods; and they walk in all humility and kindness and falsehood is not found among them and they love one another. When they see the stranger they bring him to their homes and rejoice over him as over a true brother; for they do not call brothers those who are after the flesh, but those who are in the Spirit and in God.
And there is among them a man that is poor and needy and if they have not an abundance of necessities, they fast two or three days that they may supply the needy with the necessary food.
They observe scrupulously the commandment of their Messiah; they live honestly and soberly as the Lord their God commanded them. Every morning and all hours on account of the goodness of God toward them, they praise and laud Him and over their food and their drink they render Him thanks.
And if any righteous person of their number passes away from this world, they rejoice and give thanks to God and they follow his body as though he were moving from one place to another. And when a child is born to them, they praise God, and if again it chances to die in its infancy, they praise God mightily, as for one who has passed through the world without sins.
Such is the law of the Christians and such is their conduct. (Aristides, a second-century secular philosopher)
In 1577 Francis Drake sailed west with five ships for the Pacific Ocean, crossing through the Straits of Magellan, continuing across the Pacific, and returning to England via the Cape of Good Hope in 1580. He was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. His prayer to trust in the Lord was the following:
"Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little, when we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of things we possess, we have lost our thirst for the waters of life; having fallen in love with life, we have ceased to dream of eternity; and in our efforts to build a new earth, we have allowed our vision of the new Heaven to dim. Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas where storms will show your mastery; where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars. We ask you to push back the horizons of our hopes; and to push into the future in strength, courage, hope, and love." (GCN Daily Devotional)
From the NASB (New Aussie Strine Bible)
Now the ANZACS stood on a mountain on one side of the valley, and the enemy stood on the other side. The enemy had a great lump of a bloke called Goliath, who was over nine feet tall. He had a skid lid of solid brass on his noggin, armour all over him, and his spear must have weighed a ton.
Goliath stood and yelled out, "Come on and fight, ya mob of dingoes! Pick out a bloke and let’s see what he’s made of! If he can bump me off, we’ll be your roustabouts, and vice versa." This really scared the living daylights out of the ANZACS. It put the wind up ‘em good and proper’. "If only we has Ned Kelly here with his armour on," the said Even the Prime Minister was spooked out of his brain.
Now Dave was the youngest son of Jesse, from a small one-horse hick town out the back of Bourke, Jesse head eight rascals, and was over the hill and just about ready to kick the bucket. The three oldest boys were diggers in the army, but Dave worked for his old man as a sheep musterer. One day Jesse said to Dave, "Come here kid and take this heap of tucker to your brothers in the army. Give a bit to the C.O. as well, so he’ll give your brothers a fair go. Now stop muckin’ round and get cracking. I haven’t got all day".
So Dave got up when the day was a pup, picked up his swag, and headed off to see his brothers, It took so long he had to stop for smoko on the way. He boiled the billy and had a good cuppa. Meanwhile, the ANZAC’S were up the creek in a barbed wire canoe’. They were so desperate, the Prime Minister even offered his daughter in marriage to the first bloke who would take on the big yobbo, and she was quite a Sheila! Also, they would get a pile of dough into the bargain - that was a bit of alright! But still, no one wanted to have a go.
When Dave found one of his brothers, he said "G’day, mate! How ya goin’?
They then told Dave what Goliath had said. Dave then asked, "Who does this great nong think he is? Just let me have a go at the ratbag. I’ll let him have it!"
Dave’s oldest brother, Trev, really chucked a mental. He did his block!
"What are ya!" he said. "Who do ya think you are, you little squirt! You’d better stop shooting your mouth off, of you’ll come a cropper good and proper."
"Strike a light," said Dave. "Don’t jump down me throat!"
"You couldn’t fight your way out of a wet paper bag, you little twerp," said Trev.
"I reckon I could," replied Dave.
When Dave’s second eldest brother, Norm, heard what Dave was saying, he laughed his head off, and said "stone the crows, Dave, what do ya think this is - bush week? Dave’s third brother, Fred, couldn’t see anything funny in it at all. He just looked a Dave like he’d gone fair round the bend, and said, "why don’t you go back to the bush where you belong?"
"Fair go," replied Dave, "why don’t you give me a break!" Then he took off, yelling over his shoulder, "you no-hopers wouldn’t know what day of the week it was!"
Dave then went to see the P.M. and told him he would give it a go. The P.M. said, "you’ve got two chances of killing that greasy giant - Buckley’s and Nunn."
"Oh I dunno," said Dave, "The lord my God helped me kill a dingo and bunyip with my bare hands. I reckon He could help me do this oversized galah like a dinner."
When the P.M. saw that Dave was fair dinkum, he finally gave in and tried to give Dave a great stack of armour. Dave could hardly walk with it on.
"This is hopeless, "he said, "I’ll fix him without all this garbage. "She’ll be right, mate."
Then Dave walked out to meet Goliath, carrying only his Shanghai. When Goliath saw him, he nearly laughed his head off, saying, "what do you think I am kid, a puppy dog or something? Take one step closer and you’ll get the biggest knuckle sandwich you’ve ever seen. I’ll have you for breakfast, ya numbskull."
"Come off the grass," Dave yelled back at him. "Just because you’ve got a head like a hub cap you think you’re a big wheel. Well I’ve got some news for you, buster, and it’s all bad! I’m coming against you in the name of the Lord!"
As Goliath ran to meet him, Dave quickly popped a gibber into his Shanghai, and slung it at Goliath. It went like a rocket, and got him fair on the scone.
"Howzat!!" shouted the ANZACS with one voice.
Goliath went out like a light and carked it. Dave ran over, took out the giant’s sword and lopped off his noggin.
"You little ripper!" all the diggers yelled. They ran down the side of the mountain shouting, "good on ya, matey," and singing "Come on Aussie, Come on".
Later the P.M. asked his off-sider who Dave was and where he came from.
His reply was that Dave came from the other side of the black stump, where the crows fly backwards to keep the dust out of their eyes.
The P.M. shook his head and said, "What a bottler!"
(John, Brisbane, Qld)
As a child I had an invisible brother and sister: Pain and Poverty. I had 3 close cousins, called Fear, Starvation, and Death. Love, Care, and Kindness were strangers. Happiness I never knew. Three times I was on the brink of drowning. Once I was shot with an Air-gun. Sickness, Sores and Suffering were my companions.
Once, I was in a fatal accident, when I was less than 3 years old. I began school when I was 8, and left when when I was 13. I ran away for a year when I was 12 and again when I turned 14. I suppose I really was an original "street-kid". Because life was hard and harsh I remember I fought my first man when I was 12 years old, to spare myself from another unwarranted hiding. I dropped him with two hits, and vowed to myself that no-one would ever assault me again.
My first job was selling shoes, which I must say I enjoyed. Always I had a strong spirit of Adventure. Was there something over the next Hill? Go and find out out. I still do that I suppose. Life is an adventure. The world is for discovery. Challenges are to be met. Yes, obstacles to be conquered, or overcome.
Because I was raised lonely, I later in life joined the Army as a sniper. This has flowed over to now being a lone Evangelist unto the LORD. As a young man I had the privilege and pleasure of having a family. I do not claim that I raised them, Glenice did that. As a young adult I experienced pure Love, courtship, engagement and marriage to Glenice. Then satan intervened - the Devil almost destroyed me and everything I had.
I have experienced the satisfaction and the freedom, of owning my own business. For many years I worked continuously hard - against insurmountable odds - to be accepted as a worthy member of society. At that time integrity and honesty were my personal banner. Although raised in several horse stables, slums, and tents, I cannot forget the feeling I had when I stood on the top of the Empire State Building in New York, when I was selected by the Rotary Club to tour a part of America. I enjoyed my time in the Jaycees service club, where I learned to speak correctly, debate, and present myself.
I have learned throughout life it is a great asset to laugh a lot, and keep a good sense of humour. It removes a lot of ills and lifts burdens. Of course I have made mistakes, committed sins, done that which is wrong. I am perhaps one of a few human beings, who, like Korah in the Old testament, the earth opened up before my feet on the 12th of September, 1976, at 9-30 in the morning, and to my horror, my spirit and soul was cast from my body, and down I went into the very depths of the centre of the earth into the real, existent Hell, where I suffered the wrath of GOD, with sheer dread and hopelessness.
I have personaly met the eternal Trinity- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, whom I now serve. And I must add, that the LORD JESUS CHRIST Himself, on the 15th of September, 1976 took me up Calvary Hill, to the CROSS where all my Sins are now, and forever more. I am now Free. GOD has granted me Sixty years of an eventful Life for which I am Thankful and grateful. There is No Shame, Guilt, or Accusation. By HIS boundless Mercy. John 8-32 and verse 36.
Finally, I have also tasted of the Glory of the living LORD, and the marvelous wonder of Heaven, so very sweet, pure, and perfect in every way. Beautiful, serene, blissful. The abode of angels, glorious, peaceful, tranquil.
I leave you with these two important messages for the future. Allow the HOLY SPIRIT to minister to you. Brothers, "Be courageous in these last days." Sisters in Christ, "Be diligent not to lose your niceness. GOD will always bless your pleasantness. For that is part of His character too." (Alan, Shepparton, Vic)
"Just before we wrap up the study for tonight, I wanted to let you know that Kerrie and I have been talking, and..uh.. we've decided to change the format of the night. We really believe that as a group we need to get to know each other better. We feel that just studying the Bible every week isn't really achieving that. And besides, a lot of what we've been looking at in Nehemiah isn't relevant to us today. So we've decided to change the format, and, as of next month, we'll study the Bible every third week, and on the other weeks we'll do things like play board games, watch videos, and have the occasional bar-b-que. It'll help us to bond as a group."
"Now ladies, don't forget about the pot-luck dinner next Friday night. We're expecting quite a crowd this year as all the churches in the area have been invited. Yes, we're really excited about having the Catholics and the Mormons joining us this year. It should be a wonderful time of fellowship!"
"And just one more announcement before we close the service: Pastor Jim has decided to discontinue his Sunday morning series on the Ten Commandments. There've been quite a few complaints from different folk that the messages were too confrontational. So instead, he'll be doing a four-week series on "The beauty of God's creation." Invite all your friends!"
"Well I don't know why so few people turned up! I mean, we planned the seminar six months ahead, booked the best Bible teachers in town, distributed heaps of flyers and put a half-page add in the bulletin. And then hardly anyone showed up. It's so frustrating?"
"Did you spend time in prayer for the success of the seminar?"
"What good would that have done?"
"Could you please turn in your Bibles to Genesis chapter twelve. I must commence this morning with an apology. It was originally advertised that 1 would be doing a series on "The book of Genesis." That is correct. However, it sccms some of you understood that to mean I would be covering all fifty chapters. I need to clarify that the position of this church is that the first eleven chapters of Genesis are allegorical, and are not to be taken literally. Therefore, we'll commence from the literal section, which begins at chapter twelve"
"Hello, Ted Lingard speaking."
"Goodaye Ted, it's Allan."
"Al, old boy! How's it going bro?"
"Not too bad. Look, I can't talk long as Kay & I are going out. I just
wanted to ask if you'd be willing to take the Small Group next Thursday night.
I'm going to be away and.."
"No, definitely not Thursday."
"Oh, okay. Have you got something on?"
"Yep - the Footy Show"
"Jim, it's nearly eight o'clock. We're running late."
"Oh, honey, I don't think I'll go to the Prayer Meeting tonight."
"Why not?"
"I want to watch E. R."
"And then she said, 'Do you want to borrow my eye-liner?' Can you believe it! The cheek of her! First she steals my boyfriend, then she sits in my seat at church, then she starts telling everyone how much better a piano player she is than me. 1 can't stand her! She thinks that just because she's the pastor's daughter she can do whatever she wants. Well, I've had enough. I'm going to change Bible Study groups so I won't have to be in the same room as her. I'm never going to forgive her for how she treated me!"
"Hello, this is Pastor Jenkins speaking."
"Oh, goodaye John, it's Terry here."
"Goodaye mate! What can I do for you?"
"Ah, it's actually about that sermon last Sunday John."
"Yeah. What's up?"
"You mentioned sin three times."
"Did I really?"
"Yep. And 1 think it made a few of the visitors a bit uncomfortable."
"Look mate, I'm sorry, I didn't realise.."
"Oh that's okay. I'm not having a go at you. It's just that at the last
elders meeting we agreed on being a "User-friendly" church."
"Yeah, you're right. Look, it won't happen again."
"Thanks bud."
"Is that you Bill?"
"Yeah"
"Look, sorry to call so early, but I'm off to work in five minutes and my mobile's not working. I just wanted to let you know that the Prayer Meeting's been called off tonight."
"Oh, okay. How come?"
"The State of origin's on."
"Honey, it's 8am. Time to get up for church."
"Oh, it's too cold! Look, how 'bout we give it a miss this morning?
Besides, we went to church last week!"
Why no revival?
(Dave, Quakers Hill, NSW)
We are being conditioned to believe that sound doctrine is nothing less than "bigotry" and that to be dogmatic about any teaching is to lack love. How amazing, the Bible teaches us to be faithful to God's Word, and yet many in the visible church attempt to teach us the complete opposite. They say, "The Word doesn't matter, only love matters."
Friends, something is badly wrong when the church which should be the "Custodian of God's Truth", is no longer prepared to guard the Holy Word of God, our Blessed Bible, with its life. Men and women of old forfeited their lives to protect the truth, and thousands of our Reformers were burned at the stake rather than surrender to the lies of apostasy being thrust upon them. Their faithfulness to the Word of God must be our faithfulness today... (Rod Rowland)
There seems to be many complaining about church being too "entertaining"... I must admit that if I found church boring I wouldn't go... Entertainment plays a big part in our culture... Is it any wonder that your churches are dying along with the elderly that make up the majority of people in your congregations.
Today’s youth have grown up with a world where entertainment is everything. They go to the movies, play video games, use the internet, play sport on weekends... Yet you expect them to be interested in coming to a church on Sunday to sit in an uncomfortable pew and hear a dry uninteresting sermon about a way of life that they are unable to relate to anyway... they need to receive it in such a way that... is culturally relevant.
Very few people in Australia today have any interest in the Church. Why? Because they see it as outdated and irrelevant. Brothers and Sisters, stand up for the Gospel, a 21st Century Gospel of which the message is the same, yet the mode of delivery has changed. Jesus Christ is much needed among the people of this country and I for one intend to take His Gospel to them in a way they will understand and will find relevant. (Andrew, Dianella, WA)
I'm afraid to say that your website did disturb me. It seems to me that you (or some of your contributors) may be very anti-Catholic (even though these people have the same core beliefs as the TRUE Christian Church worldwide), and you believe that any music that is not basically hymns, is considered an abomination to God (such as modern upbeat praise music sung in our growing Churches, or music from Christian bands that truly have a heart for the mission of Christ and have led many young people and adults alike into a real, energetic relationship with God through the Lord Jesus). You also seem to take heart in putting on articles about "the coming destruction" and "the antichrist", instead of focussing on reaching out to the people with the gracious love of Christ right now!!
Believe it or not, God is not only moving with the times, but moves ahead of the times! The fact is that God can use technology, music, many things to lead people to Him, through the witness of His children. If He can lead people to Him by using worship and praise songs, He can no doubt use Christian rock, metal, techno, gothic, or dance music to lead young people to Himself through His disciples... a lot of Christian bands are reaching out to young people that are on the edge - from broken homes, on drugs/alcohol, or have nowhere else to go and have tried everything to find truth... they put their hearts out to these young people with the message of Christ in a way they can understand. They're not going to respond to a guy in a four piece suit up their preaching an "if you don't repent you're going to hell" message; they WILL respond to a message from a style of music that they enjoy, and a word that touches the soul and challenges the heart.
...I listen to Christian rock and I have an earring and I might wear strange clothing sometimes, but then you should be aware that God is moving with the times and these young people who trust whole-heartedly in Jesus as their Saviour and best friend, are not only the Church of tomorrow, but are part of the Church today; that’s exciting!! I urge you to consider replacing articles that are "judging" or "putting down" with articles that reach out to people in a real way, in order to show them how much our God is passionate about them, and longs to know them in an intimate way! (Carl Kruck, Webmaster, Toowoomba Church of Christ) (Ed: I don’t necessarily agree with everyone I quote.)
Since our marriage my husband and I have had cause to move a number of times. As a result, I shared with a variety of church congregations in various states of Australia. Some I remember with joy, praise and gratitude as I observed the members using every way they could think of to sow the good seed. They were also genuinely interested in our spiritual well-being. Other churches, however, were in desperate need of revival. At one church we attended, the couples group we were involved with made no reference to Jesus at all... But these same people were very prompt to call at our home, uninvited, to discuss church stewardship, and to ask how much money we would be giving on a regular basis! And this was regardless of what we believed - or even if we believed! I'm sure it didn't cross their minds as to whether we had made a decision to accept new life in Christ or not. Our dear, precious Saviour wasn't mentioned.
At another church, there was a Sunday morning when Jesus was given the briefest recognition because of a more pressing engagement! It was announced at the beginning of the service that today's message would be brief so as not to delay those who were anxious to leave early. The reason? They wanted to be in time to attend a certain football match being played that afternoon! Can you believe it?
I have attended church meetings and a worship service that did not include prayer! I was present at a church dinner that began without giving thanks for the food, had no reference to God during the programme, and concluded without devotions! You would never have known it was a church function conducted by people who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ.
An entertainer at one church function I attended, sang worldly love songs all evening. How my heart ached. Some of those present were divorced, or widowed, or otherwise traumatised by separation from loved ones. What need there was for songs of encouragement and uplift, for hearts to be drawn to the God of all comfort. Two Christmas carols right at the end were all that was offered. And what a lost opportunity - and worse! - when a church screens a secular film that includes anti-christian beliefs and behaviour! Regrettably I have wasted my time at such presentations. If screening one of the fine God-honouring Christian films now available can influence just one viewer's eternal destiny, shouldn't this be our first concern? (Snippets from "Seeds must be Sown - The Harvest is Souls not money" by Beryl Turner. This book outlines ways for churches to be more evangelistic. Contact Beryl on (08) 8255 2937.)
Much can be said about the role that each of us ought to play in the local assembly in the future. But wouldn't it also be helpful for us to stop and think about the role we have now? For, make no mistake, each of us already has a role, whether we realize it or not. At the risk of over-simplifying, might we suggest that in any assembly there are four obvious roles. Some are edifying; some are not.
Where do you fit?
THE WHINER
Sooner or later most assemblies end up with someone to play this role. Under the pretext of shrewdness, the whiner proceeds to systematically criticize and discourage as many people in the assembly as possible. Nothing (at least nothing done by anyone else!) is perfect, and the whiner's passion is to make sure we know it. And so no matter what godly and edifying service is under- taken, and no matter how much the rest of the assembly is encouraged by it, the whiner can be counted on to "call the assembly back to reality."
The whiner thinks himself incisive and revolutionary, but Paul would tell us that grumbling is anything but new--there were murmurers in the wilderness, too. The Lord wasn't impressed by their "shrewd" insights on the life of the people of God, for we are warned, "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer" (1 Cor. 10:10).
This role is an appealing one for many reasons. To begin with, it is the easiest. It requires no skill, no effort, no self-sacrifice, no suppressing of the flesh, no prayer, and no Bible study. It's much easier to point the finger at others than it is to confess and repent of our failings.
When playing the whiner, one is never short of ammunition; there's always lots to whine about. After all, the assembly is made up exclusively of sinners. As long as our eyes are looking horizontally, we will find much to complain about. But how different our ministry would be if instead we were to look up! "Set your [mind] on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2). Then we would see our brothers in Christ.
Are there problems in the local church? Without a doubt! Do our fellow believers have their faults? Certainly! But so do we, and if we expect them to put up with us, perhaps we ought to be as generous. One more thing to consider: if we see a problem in the local church, wouldn't it be better to try to solve it rather than complain about it? Perhaps, for example, we feel the church is cold and inhospitable. Instead of bemoaning it, why don't we try to remedy it by being a good example of love and hospitality? Maybe the Lord has placed us in the local church in order that we might help meet the needs that are there rather than gripe about them.
When we are tempted to complain and criticize, let's remember the example of our Lord Jesus. The Flawless One spent His days surrounded by a little group of stum- bling sinners. He knew all their failings-even the hidden ones. He could have spent all His time listing those failings, but He didn't. He had better things to do. And so do we.
THE WATCHER
The local church has often been compared to a professional football game in which there are 50,000 spectators in the stands, desperately needing exercise, watching 22 men on the field, desperately needing rest. In the local church it is easy to be a spectator. We may be moral, pleasant, enjoyable Christians. But are we just sitting in the stands watching the local church operate, or are we part of the activity'?
There are many reasons we might fall into this role. Perhaps we think we have nothing to offer or have the mistaken notion that the only important roles in the church are those roles that are official: "preacher," "elder," "Sunday School teacher." But the Scriptures repeatedly teach that all of us have a vital role to play in the local church. 'As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Pet. 4:10). "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (1 Cor. 12:7).
Or perhaps we fully intend to get involved and serve in the assembly...tomorrow. There are just a few responsibilities in secular life that we need to get out of the way first. Let's realize that the devil is more than happy to have us intend to serve the Lord, just so long as we never get around to actually doing it. And this is why, over three millennia ago, Joshua gathered the people of Israel together at Shechem and told them that if they were going to serve the Lord they would have to do it "this day" (Josh. 24:15). Don't be content to simply watch the work of God in the local church--pitch in and use the gifts that God has given you.
THE WORKER
In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, we are told of that church's "work offaith, and labor of love." They didn't spend their time complaining about the problems, or watching someone else do the work of God. They were busy laboring for the Saviour. We read that in Nehemiah's day the people of God were successful in building the wall "for the people had a mind to work" (Neh. 4:6). Do we wish to see the local assembly built up today? It won't happen unless we too have a mind to work.
Someone has quipped, "Too many people stop looking for work as soon as they find a job." Is that true of our role in the assembly'? Work is an unpleasant word these days. Work means effort. Work means sacrifice. Work means commitment. Those aren't pleasant words these days either. Do we value our social calendars so highly that we are unable to commit to faithful and reg- ular service in the assembly? Are we guilty of working harder for an earthly employer (and earthly pay) than for the One who bought us with His own blood? If we worked as hard in our secular jobs as we do in the assembly, would our employers decide it was time to "break fellowship" with us or would they be thankful to have such a hard-working employee?
How many times in the Bible are believers called "servants" or "slaves"? Surely each of these vers- es reminds us that we have work to do. But they also remind us that we have the best of examples, "For even the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mk. 10:45). If we will commit ourselves to sacrificially, faithfully, and humbly serve others, then we will be walking in the footsteps of the Perfect Servant. Will it sometimes be hard? Yes. Will it sometimes be tiring? Yes. Will it cost us that which this world considers treasure? Yes. But will it be worth it? YES! For the very One who is the best of servants, is also the best of masters. In this world our work for oth- ers can go unnoticed. But it's not unnoticed in heaven. Our Lord sees, appreciates, and rewards even the small- est of deeds done for Him. Even a cup of cold water given in this life yields eternal reward. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).
THE WORSHIPPER
Even though there is a great deal of work to be done, let us never forget that first of all the Father is seeking worshippers (Jn. 4:23). Perhaps we are workers instead of whiners or watchers. But are we worshippers?
As valuable as service for the Lord is, apart from worship it is empty religion. It is work that is done out of love for the Lord Jesus that is the hallmark of Christian service. Work done for work's sake misses the point and cannot be sustained. Workers who aren't first worshippers will end up as discouraged whiners or watchers. But if we will put the Lord first, we will dis- cover worship is actually the foundation for our work, for our worship will energize our service, transform our character, and delight our Master.
Worship is the occupation of eternity. We have the privilege to start early. Let's not let other activities-- even good activities--distract us from the greatest activity of all. (Jamie Martin, Uplook Magazine)
A mercenary said that Kaduna State Government officials gave out guns to kill Christians. More than 1200 were killed, including 40 pastors. About 130 churches were torched, and two theological schools were destroyed. Many Christian sisters were raped and killed. (Local pastor)
Saudi Arabia has allegedly donated over one billion dollars to Muslims in Nigeria, to war against Christians there. 15 container loads of ammunition arrived at Sokoto, Northern State of Nigeria. (Local pastor)
Wanted: Christian books and Bibles, fair used clothes and shoes to be used in assisting our Christian brothers and sisters whose houses and churches were burned down by the muslims in the war against the Christians. (SJBS Outreach Int, PO Box 4953, Oshodi-Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa)
The Lord is certainly becoming angry with all the witchcraft and other evil that is practiced here. What with a large proportion of the population having AIDS, thousands left homeless in Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa due to the floods, thousands dying due to Cholera and Malaria, you would think that people would look to their Saviour. But no, they would rather go to their witch doctors. (Roger, Africa)
I work with students and I got involved with the Navigators as a volunteer in 1998. I raise my own support and my wife works as a dental technician with our teaching hospital. I was born in a family of 11!! Sadly, we've remained only 6. The rest have passed on, two from AIDS. I love the work am doing despite the challenges. The love of Christ motivates us. We are always trusting in the promises of God that He never will leave us nor forsake. He is faithful. I have chosen to take this course as my life's career.
Zambia currently has a population of about 11 million. We got our independence from Britain in 1964. This country used to be one of the richest countries countries in Africa with vast resources. Over the years, the economy has been run down by wrong economic policies. Much of our industries were nationalised. The governement that came into power started privatising industry again. We are a counrty so much endowed with mineral resources but little of agriculture though we have vast arable land. We are now listed among the poorest nations in the world. Unemployment levels are soaring. Crime is on the upswing. AIDS figures are frightening.
The gap between the political leaders and the led majority is quite wide. Politics are seen as a way of getting rich quickly. Someone recently told me that in Africa we don't practice democracy but "kleptocracy"..... Meaning that any once one gets into office first wants to enrich himself or herself before they can think of others. We have been living this way and only the Lord will give us true freedom. People at least are begining to speak out.
If you want to learn more about our country, I can send you our national web site. You can also write an email to our president. He is a Christian and declared the nation as Christian. There is a site where you can write an open letter and he reads. (Justin Mukuka, P.B RW 543X, Lusaka, Zambia)
It is quite amazing how one rotten apple will quickly turn others the same way in a very short time. It would be useless putting a few goodies in among the baddies with the object of reversing the process. The sooner the baddies are identified and tossed out the better... Eph. 5:11, "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
2 Cor. 6:17 and Rev 18:4 taken in their context appear to be at variance with your advice to believers to "stay in" Admittedly you do have sound churches in mind but the big question is, what is a sound church? Many, many years ago I was a delegate to a Baptist Union Annual Assembly - I can still recall a delegate getting to his feet saying "I am fed up to the back teeth with people quoting the Bible!"
In 1978 a visiting Pastor from Kenya made the following comment. "When the WCC took the mainline churches into its membership they (the WCC) put those churches' missions into its (WCC) pocket. " The result has been, that as the older missionary personnel have retired, increasingly, new staffers and support comes with the baneful influence of the largely apostate WCC and its affiliates.
Inter denominational and Faith Missions e.g. CSSM, S.U. and many other once sound Christian movements have been seduced from their historic credal bases. Increasingly the leadership and ministry appears to be in the hands of personnel who come from churches that are part of the WCC. These missions as originally constituted are all but finished. The in phrase and action is Mission - i.e. agents of/social change, women's lib, gay rights, aboriginal land rights, anything but the orthodox Biblical gospel of Jesus Christ... churches which defend homosexual marriages, women priest hood etc, etc. How can one handle soot without getting black? (L., Victoria)
Some readers have taken exception to an article in last issue, "You need to be in church. No excuses." I make no apology for this. To be effective as a Christian, you need to be actively part of a local, Biblical church. Though I acknowledge the genuine tone of these next letters. I know that some may have genuine health worries, or may genuinely take some time to get over hurts suffered sometimes...
You say we should move on, even if we have had a bad experience in church. Sounds good, but some of us have had such a battering that it becomes safer ouside of the church... (Don, Northfield, SA)
There are some people who genuinely are too tired... chronic fatigue sufferers... or old people with health problems, who can't make it to church. Your statement... could be disheartening to such people who might like to go to church but can't... A church, in the sense of the Bible, is not a building it is a calling out, a meeting, a congregation and the Bible says, Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. There is a church. As far as being effective without being committed to a local church is concerned, I have no doubt that there are many disabled Christians who write to people, who help people in many ways, and who because of their cheery and positive disposition are very effective in spreading the Gospel... (Richard)
I'm talking about the slack, whingey, whiney Christians, who should know better. They sit back and pick fault. They aren't in the game, on the field, in the race. They are fault-finders. They opt out. They'd rather sit in front of the idiot box. Couch potato Christians. Idle, neglectful, pre-occupied. There's a world going to hell, and they can't be bothered. They stay away from a church meeting for a TV program. They waste their days and fill their minds with trash; worldly magazines and books. They profess Christianity but they aren't living like a citizen of Heaven. They truly have no excuse. They bury their talent.
They might actually come to church and warm a pew on a rare occasion. But ask them to actually do something, and they back away. Irresponsible Christians. If I was employing them, I'd have sacked them long ago. No responsibility for heavenly things. I dread to be in their shoes when the Lord is saying His "well dones". They will be ashamed before Him.
As you can see, I'm still feeling strong on this! I'm not meaning the genuine ones with valid reasons: home minding a sick loved one, stranded by location or lack of petrol/car. Busy with necessary employment, etc. I'm talking about the slack behaviour of professing Christians. They claim spiritual gifts, but go play golf insteaed of fellowship. They claim spirituality, but their homes are filled with worldliness. All talk but no action. Ask them to do something simple and they just can't be relied on. I'm speaking from just over one year as a pastor. I can see why it can be a harrowing experience. People visit and you think they will make a great contribution to your needy, struggling church. They go and join the huge one down the road, so they can get lost in the crowd, or they just "do the church-hop".
I don't think people realise the struggle that it can be, especially when it's a small church. I can't even get someone to help song lead! Many Christians don't pull their weight, don't get involved, or go where they can "hide" and not fulfil their responsibility. There is a widespread laziness and slackness. Christians are not committed to fellowship. Public meetings are scriptural - where we can encourage people to attend for edification and outreach.
If Christians are totally honest then I think that there are places within reasonable distance (50 kilometres) where Christians gather that they should commute to, unless they are on a sick bed or lack transport. Or, as I say, they should start one, by God's grace. Andrew Craig