I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores. You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter of fact, you didn't even bless your meals or pray before going to bed last night. You are so unthankful. I like that about you. I can not tell you how glad I am that you are mine. Remember, you and I have been going steady for years, and I don't love you yet. As a matter of fact I hate you. I hate you because I hate God. I'm only using you to get even with God. He kicked me out of Heaven and I'm going to use you as long as possible to pay him back. You see fool, God loves you, and He has great plans in store for you, but you have yield your life to me and I'm going to make your life a living hell. That way we'll be together twice. This will really hurt god. Thanks to you, time really is showing Him who's boss in your life. With all the good times we have had watching dirty movies, cussing folks out, partying, stealing, lying, cheating, being a hypocrite, fornicating, over eating, smoking, drinking, playing hooky from church, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, and backstabbing folks.
Surely you don't want to give all of this up? Come on fool, let's burn together forever! I've got some hot plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me to you. I'd like to say thanks for letting me use you for most of your life. Fool, you are so gullible. I laugh at you when you are tempted to sin and give in. You even make me sick! Sin is beginning to take a toll on your life, you look 20 years older. I need some new blood. So go ahead, teach the little kids how to sin, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, cuss, over eat, miss Sunday school and weeknight services, party hearty, and listen and dance to the top ten jams. Do all of this in the presence of children, and they will do it too. Kids are like that. Well fools, I've gotta go now. I'll be back in a few seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, you would run some where, confess your sins and live for God, with what little bit of life you have left.
It's not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still sinning is becoming a bit ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I still hate you. It's just that you'd make a better fool for Christ. If you really love me, you will not share this letter.
Till death brings us together,
Satan
P.S. Tell those so-called "Christians" that they're doing a good job preaching one thing and living something else. (Selected)
I grew up living in the western suburbs of Sydney. All my childhood my family went to the Uniting Church. My knowledge of God was that I knew He existed and was the Creator who was powerful, wise, loving etc., but it had no personal meaning in my life.
When I was 14 years old I was invited to an Independent Baptist Youth Group. I was so drawn to it that I voluntarily came to Church the following day. From that day on I continued to attend. Within two months I had learned more about God than I had known in the previous fourteen years. My life-long questions about God, how to get to heaven and why did Jesus die had been answered. Upon hearing "that which is born of flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit" I came to realize that I was a lost guilty sinner on my way to Hell. The Bible said, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God", Romans 3:23. I wasn't good enough to get to Heaven on my own. Something had to be done with my sin in the eyes of a Holy and just God.
The Good News was received with gladness because God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for my sin. I didn't have to go to Hell because Jesus took my place. Salvation was a gift and I needed to receive it. 'For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord'. Romans 6:23 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9.
In May of 1989, I received that free gift of eternal life by simple faith asking Jesus to forgive and save me in the privacy of my bedroom. From that time on I knew God personally. I also found that Jesus had become my truest, closest friend. I was very eager to grow as a Christian. I memorized portions of God's Word... But, there was a struggle. I absolutely hated to read. As an undisciplined teenager I didn't make much of an effort to read God's Word daily. I prayed, but only when it suited me. As a Christian, I was like a young tree wanting to bloom but I had no deep roots.
I enjoyed the Christian life for about a year. Then one day, I decided to contact Michelle, a friend I hadn't seen since grade 2. We had been the best of friends then. I didn't invite Christ in my decision. We began to hang around together and slowly we began to explore the evil of the world which appeared harmless. My light as a Christian began to dim. As time went by, we became inseparable and my relationship with Christ was very weak.
I still went to Church but the people at Church started noticing my change in character. By 1991 I had left school in year 10 and was employed at a supermarket as a cashier. My wage gave me freedom and I was spending it on riotous living. Looking back now, I can see the mistake of not taking God's Word and heeding it. This led me to make an unwise choice in entering into a close friendship with one who wasn't a Christian. I Corinthians 6:14 says, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers...". Spiritually it was like a tug of war between the God who loves me and the world that hates God. As I wasn't strong as a Christian and unwise, I went the way of the world that 'seemed' exciting but little did I know the heartache that was to come.
I became more rebellious to my parents, society, the law and my Church. This was an outward show of my rebellion against God... I was getting deeper and deeper into sin. My standards had dropped and I compromised my values. We started to meet and date guys... I was looking for what I thought was love but had long forgotten God's love for me. I began to search for fulfillment and joy in other things and people. Meanwhile, my Pastor and Youth leader were frequently warning me that my friendship with Michelle was leading me astray. My parents recognized this too. I kept saying, "She's only a friend". I felt like everyone was on my back and I began to despise their wise counsel. Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
In August 1992, Michelle and her male friend came over. Soon after, Michelle's friend Kevin and Peter came over as well. I invited them all in though my parents were already in bed asleep. I had not seen Peter since first meeting him a year earlier. That night I took a large dose of prescribed pills with Peter. The others left and I woke up at Kevin's house the next morning with a vague memory of what had happened. Four weeks later I nervously rang the doctor for the results of the pregnancy test. I was stunned and in shock at the news that I was to have a child. From that moment on, I knew that my body and my life weren’t mine anymore. I now had a baby that I must care for.
I mourned in my room for two days and I was very confused and overwhelmed by it all. I was very grateful for my parents. They took the news reasonably and were supportive, but I knew I had disappointed them. I saw my need to pray and did so earnestly. I realized my sin. I had failed to heed God's warnings not to pollute my body with drugs and had made foolish choices when not fully in control of my mind. As soon as I had the courage, I let my Pastor know my situation... I gave a public apology before the church. I felt I had shamed everyone-my family, my Church, my self and most of all I had stained the name I had once loved, Jesus Christ. I had gone from a growing Christian teenager to a confused, scared and pregnant 17 year old with an uncertain future.
There were social consequences from my sin. I could no longer live as an ordinary teen. Youth group, youth camps and teen Sunday School were now memories. I wanted to return to living for God but I continued to be carnally minded... I went through a difficult time emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually while I was waiting for the birth of my child. My little baby boy, Justin, arrived in June 1993. I poured all my love into him... It seemed to fill the gap at the time... I was a very irresponsible mother and my son soon became very boisterous, unsettled and undisciplined. I had gone through so much and eventually I had no respect for myself whatsoever. I just didn't care anymore.
One day I was sitting by myself in the courtyard of a youth health centre, thinking about God. I said to Him, "God, you can't fix me now, I am too far gone." I could literally feel my heart with the weight of sin. I desired so much to come back to God as I reminisced about my younger days of living for Christ. I didn't even know where to start. Everywhere I searched for love and fulfillment only ended in disappointment.
I decided to move... I was leaving everything behind-family, possessions, TAFE, the band and the strongholds of my wretched lifestyle. I took only my son, guitar and a couple of bags, which contained my life on which I had to build. Every move I made I always had my Bible in my possession and this move was no different. I was very scared and overwhelmed to leave everything but at the same time I was fascinated about my unknown future.
When I arrived in Townsville... I decided to go back to Church. A small voice in my head was saying, "find a Church that won't cramp your lifestyle". I know whose voice that was. I did away with that thought and started looking for an Independent Baptist Church. I rang straight away and from then on, I attended each meeting. I was asked to do a Bible study with Pastor and Mrs Shellabear each week. As time went by I came to grow very close to them and they were able to help me in many areas. They were very patient with me and helped me to be a proper mother to Justin.
Each time they came over for discipleship I would end up being broken over individual sins I had done in the past. Many times they had to bruise my ego which I needed and took gracefully. He even challenged me on my housekeeping. I knew he was right to do so. I was very undomesticated...
Pastor had lent me a tape of Christian music that I was familiar with, but I didn't play it straightaway. After three months my heart was softening towards God. His Word was cutting deeper in my soul. Hebrew 4:12 "For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart".
One Friday night I was putting Justin to bed. We had begun a habit of praying before bedtime by then. When Justin was asleep I had a deep burden to put on some music. The rubbish I played didn't appeal to me and I remembered the tape from Pastor Shellabear. As it played it seemed to feed and soothe my hurting soul. As my long forgotten favourite song, 'Behold the Man' was sung I couldn't hold back anymore. I surrendered my will to God and collapsed into uncontrollable sobbing.
I prayed for God to take control of my life. I couldn't take the abuse of a life lived for the world any longer. I surrendered my life back to my first love who had never stopped loving me. I cannot describe the love and peace that filled my heart after the weight of my sin and guilt had been lifted. All the time I had tried to find love and peace in the life I had previously led yet never found it. I can only liken my return to my Lord Jesus Christ to that of the prodigal son, a Jew returning from the starvation and slavery of a faraway country back to the open arms of his loving father, Luke 15:11-32.
From that time on I began to walk with the Lord and renew a relationship with Him. I hungered after the Word of God like a vulture and ever since then I have faithfully read it. God began to build my character. I went through my house looking for alcohol bottles, posters, heavy music and other items that catered to my old lifestyle and gladly disposed of them. It took me another month to give up my marijuana and tobacco smoking habit. I was awed to find that the Lord took away most of my cravings and gave me His strength to overcome sin.
The following Sunday my Church noticed a change in my attitude and a new glowing countenance. I felt that I belonged around my new friends. As my relationship with God deepened, He was teaching and moulding me into this person I had thought I never could be. Through many problems, I was learning how to trust God for everything from unforeseen dilemmas to the provision of our next meal.
I now realize that going through my life the way I did, God had a plan for me and He never gave up on me. The seed of insignificant events as a young Christian had borne its fruit to bring me back to fellowship with my Saviour.
Life with Christ made me to live with contentment, simplicity and peace... I was living a quality life with Justin. He was now under control and I was going to a Church that loved us and were supportive to us. As I was living God's way I had taken more pride and respect for myself and Justin. I felt clean from toxins and other foreign things to my body. I grew to love the Lord more deeply... It was wonderful to have such a loving God and Friend to whom I could turn in all my situations and honestly say to Him that I love Him. He shows His faithfulness as He returns His love more abundantly. I see God like a husband and a father to Justin, James 1:27, Isaiah 40:10-11, Jer 49:11.
Not everyone was pleased with the new path I was taking. In Sydney a lot of my "friends" thought that this Christianity had gone to my head and that I had been brainwashed. Some of them backstabbed me and tried to influence me to sin with them again. Once or twice I gave in but I hated the effect it gave me. I soon realized the areas of my weaknesses and struggles. I began to realize who my real friends were. While I was in Sydney, Michelle's close friend committed suicide. The Lord used this tragedy to enable me to lead Michelle to the Lord. It was a great joy to see my dear friend saved.
The world may promise pleasure and success but it leaves you empty inside. Only Christ Himself can fill the heart's desires. A promise of God that I have claimed often is Hebrews 13:5 "I will never leave thee not forsake thee." The world does not offer peace; instead it lures, captures, then chews you up and spits you out. Proverbs 13:15 "...the way of transgressors is hard".
One other thing I was looking for in the world was love. I never found quality love and acceptance until I realized I was looking for Christ's love. You will never know peace in you heart until you know the giver of peace, the Lord Jesus Christ.
My main goal is Philippians 3:13,14 "But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
I am still a single mother and have been living a morally pure life since my return to Christ. Justin is in a good Christian school and I am training to be an Aged Carer. I give the Lord all the credit as He is leading our lives. It's no easy job, bringing up a child without a human father. I feel pity that my son is reaping the results of my foolish actions but I want to praise God though for working through my mistakes. He can give beauty for ashes. We are trusting God for our future.
I pray that any who read this testimony will be wise and not make any choices that will damage their future. God's Word is true. Read His love letter to you daily. It will keep you from sin, otherwise sin will keep you from God's Word if you let it. (Julia, Ingham, Qld)
As the hymn says, "Does the place you’re called to labour seem too small and little known? It is great if God is in it, And He’ll not forget His own... Little is much when God is in it!"
Large churches here are mostly ones that are secular in style, and entertaining in focus. Aussies seem to have a consumer mentality. People seem to seek a church they can just take a back seat in - relax and enjoy the ride - as yet another spectator. The bigger, brighter circus in town, with the louder, funnier clowns, the more up-beat band, and the more spectacles and programs that appeals to all the senses draws the crowd. Music is getting rockier from what I have heard, and drags the whole of Christendom along, like a pied piper. If we dare protest, we are called whingers and wowsers.
Bible-honouring churches are mostly maligned, mocked and neglected. The early church wasn't exactly "top of the pops"; they must have lacked teaching in modern seeker-sensitive methodology; "it is spoken against everywhere" (Acts 28:22). Our Lord Himself wouldn't rate too highly with the expositors of "church growth" philosophy. "You will be hated by all nations because of My name" (Matthew 24:9). He didn't school his followers in being popular and outwardly successful: "Woe to you when all men speak well of you" (Luke 6:26).
We face it here. We have been soldiering on here since February 99, offering a church home without the hype and error that seems to abound elsewhere. (Editor)
We have baptised 19 since last December. Half of them were adults. Sad to say we are falling behind on year’s goals. (Ps Ralph Bitner, Innisfail, Qld)
Don’t be Discouraged...
I started to pastor here four years ago... The church I serve is a small
church (20 people) in a small town and I know what it means to be discouraged.
I’ve been through periods when I’ve wanted to quit. But this is where
God wants me (Pastor, country town, WA).
Life has been very hard for our family and our ministry, with no income for a number of years... I seek God daily... I have a strong conviction not to be on welfare. (K, Eagleby, Qld).
We worry about numbers and forget that it is God who calls us. If our church is a centre of faith, loyalty and love then we can be His shining light and a beacon of continual truth and comfort to all. (Mrs H., Maitland, NSW)
We agree about slack, lifeless Christians (#56, p.31). We returned to the assembly 1 1/2years ago, that we were saved in (14 years ago we were saved, by the grace of God alone!) and we find that it can be hard to keep yourself going there and motivated if you're looking at the lack of enthusiasm, the drop-out rate and critical attitude of the saints in your midst. It is a struggle and battle to keep looking and to keep your eyes upon the Lord GOD and serving Him first, but it is an absolute must, or we will easily become discouraged and useless (like salt that has lost its flavour, of course!) (Sam & Carmel, Mareeba Qld)
A Sunday school teacher was teaching her class about the difference between right and wrong. "All right children, let's take another example," she said. "If I were to get into a man's pocket and take his billfold with all his money, what would I be?" Little Billy raises his hand, and with a confident smile, he blurts out, "You'd be his wife!" (NORMality)
A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon ask, "How do you know what to say?"
"Why, God tells me."
"Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"
After a church service on Sunday Morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up."
"That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?"
"Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell than to set down and listen." (Sunday Funnies - Net 153)
People often think that what the cameras or more specifically the news media portrays is the facts. To the media (especially in the Western world today), the following myths are espoused:
1. All Serbs are bad. All Croats and Bosnians are good. Serbs are right wing fascists. (This ignores what the agenda of the Croat Ustasa has been along with the KLA in Kosova).
2. All Irish Catholics are good and are the oppressed. All Irish Protestants are aggressors and are imperialists. (This ignores history since the Irish Church was not originally Catholic. It was in essence Protestant until Rome started forcing people to believe in Romanism).
3. All those who support Israel are aggressors. Jews are rich and are financial and political bullies. Arabs are oppressed peoples in Palestine and in Lebanon. The only good Jew is one who negotiates with the terrorist organization of PLO. (History again is ignored. Most of Palestine for centuries has belonged to the children of Israel. The Arabs are the invaders, or more specifically, Muslim Arabs since the founding of Islam by so called 'prophet' Mohammmed).
4. All fundamentalist Christians are terrorists and extremists just like the Muslims. Fundamentalists bomb abortion clinics, kill sodomites and suppress women. (There are many fundamentalists in the true Biblical sense who despite their hatred of sin, will not use violence as the means of promoting Christianity).
5. Christianity equals to Catholicism and mainstream apostasy. All Bible believing Christians who advocate pure belief and practice according to the Bible are 'schismatic', 'sectarian' or an outright 'right winger'.
6. All sodomites and homosexuals have rights to an 'alternative lifestyle' and all must be done to protect those rights. (In the past, people from various cultures could see clearly that this was morally wrong even though they may not believe the Bible).
7. It is good to be a feminist, Marxist and liberal 'humanitarian' activist as well as a greenie. Those who disagree are from the 'right wing' and ought to be treated as Nazis.
8. Aboriginal and indigenous customs are superior to Anglo Australian customs and thus must be protected and not criticised, even when it means allowing for them to kill their children and to commit all sorts of horrible things to them.
9. Bible Christianity is white imperialism in a multicultural society. Multiculturalism means not bringing Bible or Jesus Christ to someone who is lost. To do so means no respect for the various races and cultures. (Ironic since Christianity itself was not Western in origin but Oriental Hebrew. It is also the founding faith of Australia and America).
10. It is fine to criticize the Bible and make fun of the character of Jesus Christ and the prophets. However, it is an abomination to do the same to the Qu'ran, Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius or any other religious founder.
Those are the common myths espoused by the media today. I hope one will love truth above all things and will look deeper than the surface. I hope that you will also examine the Bible for all the Truth it is despite what critics say. Truth is not afraid to be examined. "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32) (Timothy, Bossley Pk, NSW)
Now a word from the director of the FBI: "Movies are doing more to advance crime and juvenile delinquency than any other factor today." The book writer who quoted the FBI head went on, "This is, of course, because of the steady stream of dirty sex, brutality, and violence. Millions of our young generation learn evil thoughts, evil acts, law-breaking ways, perverted sex, murder, and divorce from the films they see. The movie theater has become America's college for an education in filth and crime."
These words of warning sound contemporary, but they aren't. They were written in 1962. (Selected)
Jim Smith went to church on Sunday morning. He heard the organist miss a note during the prelude, and he winced. He saw a teenager talking when everybody was supposed to bow in prayer. He felt like the usher was watching to see what he put in the offering plate and it made him boil.
He caught the preacher making a slip of the tongue five times in the sermon by actual count. As he slipped out through the side door during the closing hymn, he muttered to himself, "Never again! What a bunch of clods and hypocrites!"
Ron Jones went to church on Sunday morning. He heard the organist play an arrangement of "A Mighty Fortress" and he was thrilled to the majesty of it. He heard a young girl take a moment in the service to speak her simple moving message of the difference her faith makes in her life. He was glad to see that his church was sharing in a special offering for the hungry children in Nigeria. He especially appreciated the sermon that Sunday---it answered a question that had bothered him for a long time. He thought as he walked out the doors of the church, "How can a man come here and not feel the presence of God?"
Both men went to the same church on the same Sunday morning. Each found what he was looking for. What will you be looking for this Sunday? (Selected)
It has been commonly assumed that a nation is well off... because of economy, politics and culture. Although these may contribute to some lesser degree, yet the main issue has been ignored: Who is the God of that nation or civilization? Like it or not, everyone has a god in their culture who is worshipped and adored. Like it or not, this god is the one who influences people to do good or evil as well as progress or digress. People wonder why the Western nations are so advanced economically, socially and politically as well as intellectually, and then wonder why many non Western peoples and nations do not share this to the same degree. [Note: I am not a white man. Let no one think there is a cultural bias on my part].
The answer to this is simple: if your god or the being you worship is good,
then results will show morally, spiritually and so forth. The Bible answer is:
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD" (Psalms 33:12) Therefore
the answer is not, low debt, high knowledge, etc. but who is your God? The Bible
also promises blessings on generations who love the LORD and curses upon those
who hate him even up to the fourth generation. (Exodus 20:5,6). So the question
remains: Who is your God? If it is not the God of the Bible as Jesus Christ,
then you are serving the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4),
the devil. Yes, indeed, blessed are you whatever race or nationality you are
if Jesus Christ is the God whom you love and serve in truth. If you want true
national and individual progress, start by turning to Christ as your Savior
and Lord (God). You will realise that His Word is Truth and He is the one who
gives true Wisdom.
(Timothy, Bossley Pk, NSW)
As I walk along life’s way
Love, protect and comfort me
As I travel on each day
And if by chance it seems to be
That from my path I stray
Guide my thoughts and footsteps back
Stay with me I pray
It may be very tempting
to take the easy road
But without You near me
I’d fall beneath my load.
Father guide my footsteps
As I travel on life’s way
Be with me now and always
Give me strength to face each day.
(From Sis Melva, Enfield, SA)
In regards to Rand (The Man of Sin, #56, p. 11) ... It is not a problem to call the Pope of Rome the Antichrist whilst asserting that the Church of Christ (all saved believers) will be raptured before he has taken complete and total domination of the world economy and government as well as religion in a form of a one world government, one world economy and one world religion. The Bible speaks of the rapture for believers although it may not use the word. (The same as the word Trinity is not in the Bible and yet it is there). In John 14:2, 3 Jesus promises his disciples that he would go and prepare a place for them in his Father's house and that he would come again and receive them unto himself that where they may be he would also be there with them also.
Furthermore, in Revelation 3:10, Jesus Christ himself promises to keep the Church from the hour of temptation which shall come on the whole world to try them that dwell on earth... It is evident that the Church will be saved from the Tribulation which will try all the world (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Nonetheless, I agree with Rand that it is the duty of every Christian to fight against Roman Catholicism and the Pope for the evil that they stand for in terms of a false gospel of works. The Man of Sin in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 is alive now but has not been manifested yet until the rapture takes place according to Scripture. The last Pope himself may well be that Man of Sin in line with all the other Antichrist Popes. (Timothy, Bossley Pk, NSW)
In response to Carl Kruck (#56, p. 26) ...I would like to refute him on his attitude towards Roman Catholicism. Even if the Roman Catholic 'Church' declares outer acceptance of cardinal Christian doctrines, yet by adhering to their practices of sacraments and praying to other intercessors outside of Christ, they deny some of those doctrines already. Cardinal Christian doctrine states that salvation is purely through the merits of Jesus Christ's shed blood of Calvary once shed for sinners and forever completed (Hebrews Chapter 10). By having purgatory and Mass in their doctrine, Roman Catholicism denies this fundamental truth. By stating that Mary is a Co-Redeemer along with the saints, Roman Catholicism denies Jesus Christ as the only Saviour of mankind and only mediator between God and men... Roman Catholicism is preaching another gospel which the Bible condemns as accursed. (Galatians 1:8,9). (Timothy, Bossley Pk, NSW)
Here in Rome the Jesuits have two statues... there is no doubt as to the identification of the figure being trodden under foot. The books that accompany the figures here in Rome have clearly written upon them the name MARTIN LUTHERO. The first statue is a gigantic work of art that towers approximately twenty-five feet in height... Guidebooks of Rome in both English and Italian omit any reference to the existence of this masterpiece of anti- Protestantism. It is to be seen in a prominent alcove of the Church of Ignatius Loyola (Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola). It depicts Loyola trampling Luther. A serpent entwines the "Heretic's" torso.
The other statue depicts the Virgin Mary flailing Martin Luther and John Calvin with a cat-o'-nine-tails. Again the figures are wrapped about: by snakes lying under the Virgin's foot and holding their heads in torment. Underneath the bodies are two books: one is engraved Iohannes Calvino. the other Martin Luthero. To the left of the Virgin is a little angel tearing the pages out of still a third book. The church sacristan tells that this is "the book of the Reformers," and when I pressed him as to what book that was he replied: "The Bible, of course. What other book did the Reformers use?" This latter statue resides to the right of the altar under which Ignatius Loyola himself is buried in the mother church of the Jesuit order, La Chiesa di Gesu (The Church of Jesus). Both these churches are in the heart of Rome.
(Royal A. Peck. Director, Italian Bible Institute, Rome, Italy; "The Evangelist", Dated Mid-1965)
Andrew of Dianella, WA (FD #56, p. 26) writes," If I found church boring, I wouldn't go". I thought... a true follower of God is meant to die to the flesh. To be entertained as many so obviously desire, is to tickle and indulge the senses, the flesh and that ever-present, always foremost self. So let’s merrily take our selves off to an entertainment venue where the self and senses are accommodated to appeasement and gratification, throw in a bit of modern-day Jesus and call it "church". Of course leave the spirit - that precious part God yearns for - home, for it will find no food in rock and roll and other entertainment in a 21st century 'church'. Things only become boring when the self is not indulged or one lacks mental self discipline...
He goes on, "entertainment is everything". It’s only everything to an empty soul... We’ve... replaced the desire for what really counts with things that pander to the self. We lock ourselves away in the safety of our own homes playing as mentioned, "computer games, using internet"... We've lost the ability to care for people...
He then twaddles on, "culturally relevant"... Of course the churches of old, most more biblically based than modern ones, are culturally irrelevant... I couldn't agree more. I fail to see that God meant His word to be bent, warped and manipulated to become relevant with today's lifestyles... Isaiah 40:8. Does this mean my Bible is out of date also? I thought God's intent is to have culture to be in line with His Word?
God does not change, nor does His Word, nor does He move with the times, its "culture" and today's lifestyle that has to change and become relevant to God' s ways, not the other way round - a clear case of the clay telling the potter what to do.
He then proceeds in saying, "very few people in Australia today have any interest in the church..." Why? Because many of these "out dated churches" are not an entertainment stew pot spiced with a little Jesus. Plus many "out dated" churches present a message that's far too challenging for today's amoral lifestyles.
I've been to a modern church such as this man would have me go to. There it was OK to fornicate, so long as you don't really mean to and then repent when the girl finds she's pregnant... 2/3 of the pastor’s daughters were in such a predicament, a home fellowship leader was having an affair, having been found out, repented and the female was asked to move away. Many of the youth leaders were heavily into freedom of expression in their lifestyles and I’d seen first hand many taking the occasional bout of drugs. I had occasion to dine with a children’s church leader who became so drunk they were unable to even sit without swaying... So long as the masses are entertained, doesn't the modern day, culturally relevant church preach... no man cometh unto the father but through entertainment for it has come to seek and save that which is lost...
The whimsical, so-called Christian lifestyle that's abounding with modern, culturally relevant nonsense sickens me! It’s not about God changing or moving with us or an amoral, unprincipled, wishy-washy river of life, its about us staying faithful to a steadfast, solid, sound God that was the heart of the church in the day of Moses, the day of now and the day of tomorrow- completely relevant in all life spans and time periods. It’s us who must change to become relevant to God, it’s us who must deny the fancies of today and change to move to God.
But as the author of the letter shows, it’s much easier to adulterate the truth than to refine ourselves. Next time the circus is in town, I’ll ask the ring master to open and close in prayer and call it church, for that's what its basically amounting to. (Brett & Cyndy, Maitland, SA)
Your correspondent Richard (#56, p. 31) cites Matthew 18:20, seemingly to ease the responsibility of personal commitment to a local church. I would reply that this text stresses such a commitment! The word translated "gathered together" has the same stem meaning as the word synagogue. All of the other references based on the same meaning stem reinforce the concept that Matthew 18:20 speaks about regular local church meetings. (Reg, Middleton, SA)
We meet on Lord’s day morning to worship and remember our Lord. a couple and their four children travel 110 kilometres each Lord’s day to meet with us. (Evelyn, Inglewood, Qld)
We attend a small church consisting of four or five families. We haven’t a minister. Three of us men take it in turn, leading the meeting, leading at the Lord’s table, and the preaching of God’s word. (Gordon, Astonville, NSW)
My sister-in-law attended a Lutheran church service. To her disgust the pastor, fresh out of seminary, told the congregation that the whole service would be on prayer for the uniting of ALL religions, and the uniting of the Lutheran and Catholic faiths. Please, Bible-believers pray that we will stand in these wicked times before Christ returns. (Julie, Bungunya, Qld).
Most of the world’s major churches, cults and religions are coming together under the guise of unity... like the tower of Babel. They are doing the same religious courses and programs... If the Antichrist is to rule he has to get everyone thinking the same... Church people are saying this unity must be right because most of the churches agree and are doing them. God’s Word says, broad is the way to destruction - many go that way; narrow is the way to salvation - few find it. Noah preached for 120 years, yet only he and his family were saved. God has a holy remnant... (Bruce, Murray Bridge, SA)
Some modern Christians who want to appease and co-operate with false religions and unbelief should take a page from Sam Jones, great Methodist evangelist of the past. Said he, "There can be no movement without friction, no battle without an issue, no issue without the drawing of lines. When the line is drawn, then comes the tug of war. The greatest triumphs of the cross I have ever witnessed have been when the roar of 'the cannon and rattle of the musketry and smoke of the guns almost drowned the voice of God and hid His face and yet when the din and smoke of the battle blew away, we saw God was with us, and the angels had pitched their tents about us." ("The Evangelist", 11/1963)
Controversy in religion is a hateful thing. It is hard enough to fight the devil, the world, and the flesh, with- out private differences in our own camp. But there is one thing which is even worse than controversy, and that is false doctrine tolerated, allowed and permitted without protest or molestation. It was controversy that won the battle of the Protestant Reformation. If the views that some men were correct, it is plain we never ought to have had any Reformation at all! For the sake of peace, we ought to have gone on worshipping the Virgin, and bowing down to images and relics to this very day! Away with such trifling. There are times when controversy is not only a duty but a benefit. Give me the mighty thunderstorm rather than pestilential malaria. The one walks in darkness and poisons us in silence and we are never safe. The other frightens and alarms for a little season. But it is soon over and it clears the air. It is a plain Scriptural duty to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints." (Jude 3) (J. C. Ryle)
The elders of a certain wealthy congregation requested an interview with their local deacon. The deacon, a learned but humble man was valued by the congregation for his wisdom on matters of faith and community. `What do we need to do to further the Kingdom of God in our town?` the elders asked. `Be like Jesus unto your fellow brothers and sisters. Love them, suffer with them and cry out to the Lord our God with their pain, for the Kingdom of God is theirs too`, said the deacon.
`We have prayed most fervently in our church for the marginalised every Sunday, but the Lord has seen fit to direct very few to enter our church and become saved upstanding citizens like us,` they said with much consternation. `You lack one thing,` said the deacon, `go, sell your church building, it is a monument to the oppression of the weak, a symbol of middle class pretentiousness. Then, find a suitable site among those with whom you seek to minister and begin in a humble manner according to their needs.`
At that saying, the elders were shocked and perplexed, for how could they maintain their identity and stature in the community without their beloved building. `Our building is a heritage building of much worth to which we have devoted most of our time and energy. It is the envy of all the townspeople!` They exclaimed in unison.
The elders departed in sorrow. Their possession was great and the threat of its loss was too much to contemplate, for they could envisage no other way of following Jesus. The deacon was sorrowful too, and looking upon the departing elders, the deacon marvelled at how difficult it was for them to perceive another reality. `It is easier for a wombat to enter a crack in the sidewalk, than for a wealthy congregation to walk in the footsteps of Jesus alongside the poor,` reflected the deacon as he watched the elders drive away in their Pajeros and Volvos. (Alistair, Exmouth, WA) (Refer Mark 10:17-25)
(Certain churches...) have chosen to forsake the things that they have been taught by godly ancestors. They have thrown off all restraint, and discipline, rejected the separation that the Bible teaches. They have replaced "Worship", with entertainment, introduced the World into the "Church". Allowed women to become prominent, even appointing some as "Elders", introduced the "Charismatic error", Turned to the use of "Scripture in Song", choruses, (many of which don't even make sense; are doctrinally unsound). Some of these are so vague, that they could well be sung in a Hindu temple, to praise the demons that reside there. These have been described by an outside onlooker, as the "Wide Open Brethren"... All this is done for the sake of "Popularity", which they equate with "success"... It is for us to seek to follow the Lord, and His example, and to please Him, above all else... The Devil... constantly seeks to weaken and destroy anything that is for the pleasure and glory of God. (Chas, Yolla, Tas)
"Can I see my baby?" the happy new mother asked. When the bundle was, nestled in her arms and she moved the fold of cloth to look upon his tiny face, she gasped. The doctor turned quickly and looked out the tall hospital window. The baby had been born without ears. Time proved that the baby's hearing was perfect. It was only his appearance that was marred.
When he rushed home from school one day and flung himself into his mother's arms, she sighed, knowing that his life was to be a succession of heartbreaks. He blurted out the tragedy. "A boy, a big boy...called me a freak."
He grew up, handsome for his misfortune. A favorite with his fellow students, he might have been class president, but for that.
He developed a gift, a talent for literature and music. "You might mingle with other young people," his mother reproved him, but she felt a tenderness in her heart. The boy's father had a session with the family physician. Could nothing be done?
"I believe I could graft on a pair of outer ears, if they could be procured," the doctor decided. Whereupon the search began for a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man. Two years went by. Then, "You are going to the hospital, son. Mother and I have someone who will donate the ears you need. But it's a secret" said the father. The operation was a brilliant success, and a new person emerged. His talents blossomed into genius, and school and college became a series of triumphs.
Later he married and entered the diplomatic service. "But I must know!" he urged his father. "Who gave so much for me? I could never do enough for him."
"I do not believe you could," said the father, "but the agreement was that you are not to know...not yet."
The years kept their profound secret, but the day did come...one of the darkest days that could ever pass through a son. He stood with his father over his mother's casket. Slowly, tenderly, the father stretched forth a hand and raised the thick, reddish-brown hair to reveal...that the mother had no outer ears.
"Mother said she was glad she never let her hair be cut," he whispered gently, "and nobody ever thought mother less beautiful, did they?"
Real beauty lies not in the physical appearance, but in the heart. Real treasure lies not in what can be seen, but what cannot be seen. Real love lies not in what is done and known, but in what is done but not known. (Selected)
My Chronic fatigue syndrome is getting better, but it's such a slow process. How good it is to be assured by Scripture that nothing happens by chance, but that I am in the hand of a God who loves me so much that He sent His Son to die for my sins, just to make sure that I can see how much He cares. Having done that for me, He is not about to leave me now. So I rest assured that as He has permitted this to happen to me, so this has a part in His plan for my life, and will work to His glory, somehow. (Peter, Bannockburn, Vic)
I totally agree with your editorial comments (#56, p. 31)... Our church expects everyone to pull their weight, since the Bible teaches that we have all been gifted individually to support the life of our local church. Our church bends over backwards to help each of us find out where our gifts lie. We are all encouraged to be part of a Small Group, as well as the wider fellowship. It is a real family. I can't understand those who say they can be just as good a Christian at home.
Speaking selfishly, my pastor was with me 10 minutes after my husband collapsed and died. My church has nurtured me through the grieving process. We have an active prayer chain. And there's always someone to turn to when I feel like tearing my hair out about what my godless children are doing with their lives.
We are just starting on a mentoring programme. I'd be crazy to want to stay at home and watch a televangelist - and miss out on all this! (Helen, Blacktown, NSW)
I thought you might like a precis of the main sermon Dr Bob Jones III preached in Australia... I attended all meetings. The sermon on bitterness was very appropriate but many missed it:- Most (independent Baptist) churches I visit are full of the gall of bitterness and most members of these don't realise that they have this problem until it is pointed out to them by the Holy Spirit. Bitterness does bad things to ourselves and to our churches. It ensures that we will not let the Grace of God into our circumstances. Eve was bitter to God because He withheld the fruit.
One of our graduates pastored a southern church for 25 years before running off with the church secretary. His son said that first off he got bitter because the small, never growing church had treated him like dirt all those years and as a consequence he became bitter - and also immoral. Some kind of moral defilement follows bitterness.
The going down of the root of bitterness is followed always by the springing up of some other thing/s. It can be like Spring Bamboo - after it is planted nothing happens for four years but in the 5th year it springs up suddenly to 90 feet high!
Furthermore, bitter people enjoy being bitter, a satisfaction in getting back at others. Bitterness is the grieving sin of Ephesians 4:31 which begins with God, ie. we feel we didn't get what we deserved of Him.
One pastor was very bitter because although Job at the end got double the goods God promised, he only got the same number of children - this pastor felt that this was proof that God could not be trusted to do what He said he would do.
Our daughter is handicapped and we ask why did God allow this to happen to us? Bitterness often begins with hatred to God and ends with an unforgiving spirit to others. The case of the ex-boxer pastor who spent 15 years slandering Bob Jones University's supposed legalism but in the end sent for Bob Jones III and begged forgiveness for this bitter attack and shed tears and the two men made up beautifully.
The case of the unforgiving man in Matthew who was forgiven but turned round
and cast his own debtor into prison. The bitter waters of Mara were made sweet
by casting in a tree and hence also the tree of Calvary. What was done to you
might have been wrong but your response to that has also been wrong...
(Peter, Ingham, Qld)
During many years in leadership in the AOG... I have always maintained that the true scriptural evidence is power to witness to the salvation of souls (Acts 2:8b), also or even moreso the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22, 23, 1 Cor 13, John 13:34/35, John 15:8)... I however indulged in "tongues" as well!
Recently the Holy Ghost has opened my understanding regarding the gifts. I believe that the gifts in Romans 12 still operate in a modified way, but not tongues, which is not listed! ...It is clear from the scriptures that tongues were a sign of judgement upon unbelieving Jews, and that unbelieving Gentiles (non-Jews) quite rightly think you are mad! 1 Cor 1:22, 14:21-23. I never understood the contradiction until it clicked that the whole Bible is mainly written by fair dinkum Jews or Greek Jews! (David, Moonta, SA; Editor’s dad)
I believe that most of the problems you have identified with the church today (and I agree with you on all) have come about through many generations of the clerical, evangelical system... The brothers in a local fellowship need to be encouraged to exercise their own gifts (whatever they may be) and to also exercise their God given right of priesthood... The sisters need to be covered and silent and freedom to minister by whoever God leads needs to be present constantly... He will begin leading one here and there to minister in the Word or preach... you may be surprised at the great fellowship, blessing and encouragement you might receive... (John, Seattle, USA)
My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy
or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money
or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and
guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health
or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing
up
or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns
or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends
or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work
or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
I can complain because I have to go to school
or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework
or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body,
and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me.
I get to choose what kind of day I will have.
So what are you going to choose for your day? (Author Unknown; From "Heartwarming")
It pays to go to church--$10 at Rick Sebastian's New Life in Christ church, to be precise. That is how much he offers to people who will ride his church's bus to Sunday morning service.
The offer is emblazoned on the vehicle that cruises around the motels, missions and housing projects in Bryan, Texas.
"It gets them into church, and if we can get them into church where they can hear the Word of God, their lives can be changed," Sebastian told "The Houston Chronicle." He said that he preferred to give the money directly to people in need rather than pay for advertising, as some other churches do.
One of those who has accepted the invitation is Bernie Kindred, 49. "I'm looking for a blessing," he said in a recent Sunday morning ride. "Oh, I can use the $10, but I'm looking for a blessing, too." A regular passenger is Jimmy Allen, 43, who said that his life has changed since he started going to church. "I don't drink no more. I've stopped that partying," he said.
Not everyone in Sebastian's small, nondenominational congregation likes the outreach. But Sebastian, who first started offering to pay people to attend church when pastoring in Jacksonville, Fla., says: "Who did Jesus go work among? These very same people." (Charisma News Service 17/7/00). Good on him - Ed.
10. Statistics prove that people who go to church, read their Bible and pray
on a regular basis live longer (ETERNAL LIFE).
9. Not coming to church may cause some people to wonder what we are up to.
8. Not coming to church is like not voting. If you don't participate on a regular
basis you don't have a right to complain.
7. Not coming to church gives satan an opportunity to drive a wedge between
you and the rest of the church.
6. If you're not at church and you have a physical or spiritual need the people
of the church are not going to know about it. You deprive them of an opportunity
to minister.
5. If you stay away from church you may influence someone else to stay away.
This could have eternal consequences.
4. If you stay away from church you give satan an opportunity to drive a wedge
between you and God. All satan needs is a tiny crack to get his wedge in.
3. Staying away from church will cause you to loose your fire and zeal for the
Lord and His work.
2. Staying away from church makes the statement that our priorities are higher
than God's.
1. Staying away from church is being disobedient to God; He commands us to come
together to worship Him as a group. Hebrews 10:19-25 (Author Unknown, Wit
& Wisdom)
It never ceases to amaze me how some "so called Christians" wilfully choose to remain in ignorance concerning the deception of the "Word of Faith" movement... A few months ago I had a conversation with a woman... I told her I had videos and reliable information that exposed the theology and practice of the most popular "Word of Faith" teachers of today. She initially told me she very much wanted to watch the videos so I gave them to her for a period of several weeks.
We discussed the issue of healing and of course 1 Peter 2:24 was a key verse for the health theology. I referred the woman back to Isaiah 53:5, from which a part of 1 Peter 2:24 (by whose stripes ye were healed) was quoted and explained to her that this verse is talking about the spiritual healing of sin; that is the context there in Isaiah 53... The word used for healing (rapa) seems to be consistently used in Isaiah to convey the "mending of people's spiritual condition," that is the forgiveness of sin. This is evident in Isaiah 19:22 where during the millennial reign of Christ on earth, God will have restored Egypt back to Himself and it is evident also in Isaiah 57:18 which refers back to the iniquities mentioned in Isaiah 57:17.
The woman told me... I have chosen not to watch any of these videos. God has given me His Word in the Bible. HE has given me a brain to interpret what is written and HE has given me a heart to know what is right and what is not. HE has given me the Holy Spirit to guide me in all matters..." I was appalled... Her response was a cross between the head in the sand response of the Jehovah Witness who will not read any information that may expose his error and it also is a classic response of the Mormon who often mystically says that he knows he is right in what he believes because he has a burning in his heart that it is right.
I explained to this woman that one of the greatest apostles, Paul, was a man of incredible faith, yet he was afflicted in the flesh and God would not heal him and Paul also could not heal a few other believers of their physical infirmities as he mentioned in some of his writings. Unfortunately this was like talking to a deaf and blind person... It brings to mind again 1 Corinthians 2:14 where it says "but the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Recently... another man asked me for information on some of these same issues. I gave him the information; he read part of it and he then called me and complained about some of it. He told me he agreed that there are some problems with the theology being practiced by his own large-entertainment erroneous church, but he still intends to continue going there because he says he can discern the lie from the truth. ...Yet such people do not realise that to continue going to such churches is to give support to everything these churches teach. Even a little poison will make a person sick... Indeed the time has come when people will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lust, they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they turn away their ear from the truth and turn to fables (2 Tim 4:3,4).
However, there is hope for some of these people. We have had a woman attending our church now for many months. She was immersed for years in the teachings of erroneous-entertainment churches, but she now has left it all behind her as she has read non-stop about the error of the theology she was taught for so long. A few weeks ago she said to me, "Pastor Ron, I have come to realize that 90% of what I learned in my former churches was erroneous teaching." She now praises God every day for bringing her back to truth of the Scriptures, to a good church and into proper fellowship with the Lord.
Real love means we must often put our heads on the chopping block to help save others from destruction. Thus, it would be unloving to not refute error. We rejoice here in Noosa in your attempts to do so across Australia and the world with the Fair Dinkum magazine. May our Lord Jesus Christ be exalted and our Heavenly Father glorified through all of us. (Ps Ron, Noosa, Qld)
Psalm 122:1
"Johnny, it's time to get and go to church!"
"Ah, Maw, I don't want to go to church!"
"Johnny, there isn't much time. You've got to get up and go to church!"
"Ah Maw, they don't like me down there."
"Johnny, for the last time, get up and go to church!"
"Ah Maw, give me two good reasons why I have to go to church."
"Number one, you're 52 years old. Number two, you're the pastor!"
Even for us who attend church very regularly, we sometimes find our enthusiasm for church waning. We find our desire to go to church dropping off a bit.
We can tell our interest in church attendance is dropping when:
1. We find many excuses for not attending evening service.
2. We think that church on Wednesday night is the last place we want to be.
3. Our church attendance even on Sunday morning is becoming spotty.
Even for those of us who regularly attend church we sometimes need an "attitude adjustment".
We need to get more excited about church attendance. A verse that helps me is Psalm 122:1 - "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD."
Our problem is that we have lost our joy for attending church. Why should we be glad to attend church services?
1. CHURCH IS THE PLACE OF GOD'S PRAISE
We should come to church to worship God! Revelation 4 shows a heavenly scene.
In this scene I feel the 24 elders represent the church. And in Heaven when
the heavenly spirit beings give adoration and praise the elders fall down and
worship. Revelation 4:10-11
Hebrews 13:15 tells us to worship continually. Colossians 3:16 and Psalm 34:3 indicate that worship is corporate as well as individual. Psalm 111:1 reminds us that our worship is to be total. So often we don't get much out of worship because our lips are moving but our hearts are miles away. Matthew 15:8
2. CHURCH IS THE PLACE OF GOD'S PRESENCE
Matthew 18:20 We should be joyful about frequent church attendance because
when we meet there the Lord Jesus Christ is in the midst of us. He's here, right
here, right now!
He is here to answer prayer.
He is here as the founder and head of the church.
He is here as observer and judge.
He is here to bless, to guide, to encourage, to strengthen.
He is here to bestow power and peace.
The size of the meeting does not matter. He is here!
3. CHURCH IS THE PLACE OF GOD'S PEOPLE
John 10:27-28 - We are His sheep. John 1:12 - We are His people.
The church is to be a place of friends, mutual support, a place for brothers and sisters, and for the closest of relationships and fellowships John 13:34-25.
4. CHURCH IS THE PLACE OF GOD'S PEACE
Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. He is in the midst of the church. John
14:27, John 16:33 Some churches have no peace. It is our responsibility to resolve
conflicts so there will be peace.
If peace can not be found, perhaps a person is in the wrong church. Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 5:21, Romans 12:18, Matthew 5:9
5. CHURCH IS THE PLACE OF GOD'S POWER
There is Power In Prayer - Acts 4:31, Matthew 18:19, John 16:24. There Is
Power In Preaching - 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
6. CHURCH IS THE PLACE FOR THE BELIEVER'S PARTICIPATION
In Worship. In Growth - 2 Peter 3:18. In Giving - 1 Corinthians 16:2. In
Exhortation - Hebrews 10:24-25. (Pastor Jack Peters)
What's mainly wrong with society today is that too many Dirt Roads have been paved. There's not a problem in America today, crime, drugs, education, divorce, delinquency that wouldn't be remedied, if we just had more Dirt Roads, because Dirt Roads give character.
People that live at the end of Dirt Roads learn early on that life is a bumpy ride. That it can jar you right down to your teeth sometimes, but it's worth it, if at the end is home...a loving spouse, happy kids and a dog.
We wouldn't have near the trouble with our educational system if our kids got their exercise walking a Dirt Road with other kids, from whom they learn how to get along.
There was less crime in our streets before they were paved. Criminals didn't walk two dusty miles to rob or rape, if they knew they'd be welcomed by 5 barking dogs and a double barrel shotgun. And there were no drive-by shootings.
Our values were better when our roads were worse! People did not worship their cars more than their kids, and motorists were more courteous, they didn't tailgate by riding the bumper or the guy in front would choke you with dust & bust your windshield with rocks.
Dirt Roads taught patience. Dirt Roads were environmentally friendly. You didn't hop in your car for a quart of milk you walked to the barn for your milk. For your mail, you walked to the mailbox.
What if it rained and the Dirt Road got washed out? That was the best part, then you stayed home and had some family time, roasted marshmallows and popped popcorn and pony rode on Daddy's shoulders and learned how to make prettier quilts than anybody.
At the end of Dirt Roads, you soon learned that bad words tasted like soap. Most paved roads lead to trouble, Dirt Roads more likely lead to a fishing creek or a swimming hole.
At the end of a Dirt Road, the only time we even locked our car was in August, because if we didn't some neighbor would fill it with too much zucchini.
At the end of a Dirt Road, there was always extra springtime income, from when city dudes would get stuck, you'd have to hitch up a team and pull them out. Usually you got a dollar... always you got a new friend... at the end of a Dirt Road. (Paul Harvey; Net153.com)
How are you doing in your walk with God? Are you making good progress? Or have you stopped moving ahead? Here are some questions that will help you troubleshoot your Christian life:
Do I constantly rely on God?
Am I working hard at pleasing God?
Do I really want to obey Christ?
Am I learning from the Bible?
Do I put into practice what I learn?
Have I given up in some areas?
Am I building aspects of God’s character into my life?
Do I have love for my fellow believers?
Am I willing to love my enemies?
Am I combating the flesh? The world-system?
(Molina, Gunnedah, NSW)
Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That maybe it couldn’t but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he tried.
He buckled right in, with a bit of a grin
On his face - if he worried, he hid it,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done - and he did it.
("The Evangelist", 8/1959)
"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." What do we know about an unborn babe?
1. In a sense an unborn child has life, yet in another sense it has not life - it has no independent life. The law of the realm considers that a baby is not alive until it is born. The same can be said about an unsaved person; in a sense they have life--natural life --but they have no spiritual life; they are said to be "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2: 1,5). They need to be born, quickened, made alive by the Spirit of God.
2. An unborn child is in darkness. This is true of the unconverted. In John 3:19, they are said to, love the "darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil." The unsaved are in darkness, they love the darkness, and they need to be delivered from its power by the One Who said, "I am the Light of the world; him that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
3. A child unborn has eyes, but it cannot see; it has ears, but it cannot hear; it has a tongue, but it cannot speak. So it is with the unregenerate. They have eyes, but they are spiritually blind; they have ears, but they are spiritually deaf, they cannot hear the voice of God; they have a tongue, but they are spiritually dumb; they cannot use it to praise God.
4. An unborn babe has a mind, but it cannot understand. This is true of the unsaved. "There is none that understandeth" (Rom. 3:11). One evening, after a mission service in Co. Down, a university student waited behind for a conversation. I asked him his trouble. He said, "There are things you said during the meeting that perplex me." He went on to say that there were many things about the Bible and about the Christian life that he could not understand. I said: "Tell me, have you been 'born again'?" He replied, "No. I don't know anything about that." I said: "What did you know about this world six months before you were born?" He looked surprised, and answered, "Nothing!" "What did you know about it six hours before you were born?" "Nothing!" "Well," I continued, "don't you see, it is the very same in the spiritual realm. You cannot possibly know anything about the Bible, the Christian life, or spiritual things until you are born of the Spirit." Then I referred him to this verse, "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). As a baby can know nothing of the physical world before it is born, so the unsaved can know nothing of the spiritual world, or of spiritual things until they become children of God by the new birth.
5. An unborn child has feet but it cannot walk; it has hands, but it cannot use them. The unconverted have feet, but they cannot walk with God; they have hands, but they cannot work for God. Unconverted people amuse me when they tell me about doing church work. Did you ever hear of a child running messages for its father before it was born? No! Neither can the unsaved run messages for the Heavenly Father before they become members of His family by a spiritual birth.
6. A baby is born through suffering. In order to give physical life, a mother has to go down to the valley of death. In order to give spiritual life, Jesus Christ had to go through the Valley of Death. He referred to this in John 3:15, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up" ... Yes, praise God, Jesus Christ by His death and resurrection conquered death, and sin, and Hell, so that we, the fallen sons of Adam's race, might have spiritual life.
1. If it is alive it cries. The first part of the body it uses is the vocal organs. It is the same with a newborn babe in Christ. I have dealt with hundreds of anxious souls. After they receive Christ as Saviour, I usually read a few appropriate verses of scripture, and then I ask: "Are you saved?" In nine cases out of ten, the unhesitating reply is: "I am." "How do you make that out?" "Well, I have received Jesus Christ as Saviour, and God's Word says I am His child." Romans 10:10 reads "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation."
2. A new-born baby is washed. The moment the sinner receives Christ as Saviour he is washed in the "soul- cleansing Blood of the Lamb," and he is made whiter than the snow.
3. After the baby is washed, it is dressed. O the trouble women go to in order to have a beautiful little garment ready for the new baby! When the sinner is born of God, through receiving Christ, he is not only washed white in the blood of the Lamb, but is dressed in what is known as the garments of Christ's righteousness. What a wonderful garment it is! The holiness of God can find no, flaw in it; it is the only garment that will fit us for God's presence. It, and it alone, will gain us admittance into the Heavenly Home (Romans 3:22. Phil. 3:9).
4. A new-born babe has NO PAST. Some of you are troubled about the past. It haunts you: you would be rid of it, if you could. Listen! If you receive Christ now as Saviour, you can leave this place a new-born babe in His family, assured of the fact that your past has been blotted out.
5. A baby needs milk, and has a real appetite for it. In 1 Peter 2:2. we read: "As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby." ...After I accepted Christ as my Saviour, the Bible became a new Book to me. Every time I pondered over its pages, I received light, and life, and comfort. I found that I had a real appetite for it... "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" Matthew 4:4). "Desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2).
6. When a new baby arrives, there is one question that is asked perhaps more than .any other -- "Who is it like?" There is nearly always a likeness to the parents. If you are genuinely born of God tonight, and you do not tell your friends about it, before long they will ask, "Have you become a Christian?" What will prompt that question? Ah, they'll see a likeness to the One who begat you. They'll see a likeness to Jesus Christ in everything you do and say. In closing, let me say that there is only one way into an earthy family, and that is by natural birth. And there is only one way into the Heavenly family, and that is by spiritual birth.
God's Incarnate Son said, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born .again, he CANNOT see the kingdom of God."
Unless you are born of the Spirit. by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, the golden streets of Heaven you will never see. All you have to do, to be SAVED, is to acknowledge that you are a sinner and receive Christ as Saviour. All you have to do, to be LOST, is just--nothing; only keep on neglecting God's salvation, in the Person of His Son, and I can guarantee, on the authority of the Book of God, that the moment you close your eyes in death you will be a LOST SOUL! Not because you were a great sinner, but because, in time, you neglected the only way into God's family - the New Birth! "Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye MUST BE BORN AGAIN." (By J. Armstrong , "The Evangelist", 11/1962)
(To Young Girls)
"I'm just a harmless cigarette,
so neat and pure and white;
I'm sure you'll like to smoke me
for I am quite all right.
You see me advertised along
the highways as you go;
It tells you I am 'cool and mild
and help your throat', you know.
"So come on girls, don't be a chump,
why longer should you wait?
with me between your ruby lips
you'll then be up to date.
You may not like me much at first,
but don't think you'll regret;
you'll soon think you can't get along
without your cigarette.
"So now you've smoked two packs of me,
I've nothing more to fear;
when once I have a hold on you,
you're mine for life, my dear.
Your free good ways you began to lose
the very first day we met,
when I enticed you it was smart
to smoke a cigarette.
"The colour's leaving from your cheeks,
your finger ends are stained;
and now you'd like to let me drop,
but girlie-you're to blame!
you even took some drinks last night;
I knew you would 'fore long,
for those whom I entice, soon loose
the way of right and wrong.
"So,year after year, I've nettled you
and led you stupidly on,
till now you're just a wreck of nerves
with happiness and health both gone.
you are thin and pale, you have a cough;
the doctor says, "T.B."
he says, "you'll not be apt to live
much longer", don't you see?
"But there's no use to worry now
when you stood pat for my slave,
you should have known then and there
you'd fill an early grave,
so now, I've done my very best
to fit your soul for hell;
I'll drop you to my partner, death,
he's come for you, Farewell."
(Submitted by Carol, Munno Para, SA)
It appears that in today's time and culture, the television is stealing our time and minds away. As we open our eyes to the picture before us, we also open the window to our souls ... the people and activity placed before us soon becomes our models ... the fiction in front of us become our sense of reality. While the television is not evil, the programmes and the message it conveys might well be. Some are not - but some are.
Guidelines
Living in a day and with such technology as we have, maintaining a proper Christian balance can be difficult. How can we come to know what to watch and what not to watch? May I suggest the following guidelines:
BEFORE A PROGRAMME, ask the following questions:
1. Will watching this programme represent responsible Christian stewardship? Is this the best investment of my time at this moment - or in the long run? Do my children or my spouse need me now more than I need this programme now?
2. Why am I considering this programme? Is it beneficial to me? Will I learn from this? What will I learn? Will I be entertained - and if so, in what way? Will it be wholesome?
3. What has this programme been like in the past? Its past reputation will undoubtedly be its goal for the present and the future - if it has been senseless in the past - it will be so now, in all probability. If it has uncensored material before - it probably will now. Is that what I really want?
4. Is this a good way to be informed or entertained? Would I approve of my pastor, elders, deacons being informed and entertained in this way - would I respect them if they did?
5. Would watching this programme together, help or hurt my family? How would it affect the children? What models will it put before them? What language will it teach them? Will it uphold the convictions I want my children to learn - or will it contradict what I have tried to teach them?
DURING
But not all programmes can be properly judged by these questions, especially
if you are not familiar with the programme or its past reputation. What do we
do? Try asking these questions DURING THE PROGRAMME:
1. What moral values are promoted or undermined? The convictions and values I hold dear - are they promoted or laughed at? What does the show say concerning manner of dress, modesty, honesty, respect for the law and government?
2. Is God's name profaned? Is vulgar language used? If so, am I willing for my children to think that this is normal and alright?
3. Is violence glorified? Sex exploited? If so, will my children become immune to the teachings of Christ in the 'Sermon on the Mount'? Will they begin to compromise in the face of peer pressure?
It is truly difficult to govern what our children watch - even ourselves. The television has become such an integral part of our lives we now feel under-privileged without one - and bored if something entertaining is not always provided somewhere on the dial. But difficult or not, IT MUST BE DONE. We are living in the midst of a spiritual war... WHAT KIND OF SOLDIERS will we be? (Submitted by Norm, Charlestown, NSW)
My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me,
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the underside.
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
(Author Unknown)
Isn't it amazing how God works in our lives today to prepare us for His blessings in the days ahead? Looking back we can see what He has done, but the pattern doesn't always make sense when we look only at the present. And often we may wish the pattern could be altered. Without faith in God's unerring direction, it becomes hard to sing "My Jesus knows just what I need."
If the choosing would be mine, I would choose an easy path that doesn't have bumps or brambles. But then, what do I know about preparing my soul to dwell with God? And what do I know about the needs of fellow travelers? I see only the present thicket and wish I could get through it as quickly and with as few scratches as possible.
If Jesus knows just what I need, why does He think I need these tribulations? Such a question is as old as Job, and some of the answers are beyond mortal perception. Yet I know the trials are a part of "the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory..." (Ephesians 1:11, 12). We are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), and His purpose is altogether for good (Romans 8:28)--my personal good, good in the lives of those I touch, and good in God's infinite mind. Why would I even think of resisting such a majestic venture? What a challenge to let Him shape me.
When I look at the hardness of the way (Numbers 21:4) or the difficulty of the task (Nehemiah 4:10), it is easy to lose heart. but such near-sightedness is only thinking of myself and not of the One to whom I belong. My spirit can be renewed even in the heart of a trial if I have the perspective of Apostle Paul: "...we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory'; while we look not at the things which are seen ... for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
My spirit is also renewed when I realize God is with me right in the distress. He assures me in Psalm 91:15, "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him." And He tells me of His support and help in Isaiah 41:13, "I the LORD thy God will hold they right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."
As silver and gold are refined by heat, God designs to make our lives of higher quality by the experiences through which He brings us. If we relax in His hands we will know Him more intimately (Zechariah 13:9) and will be able to say assuredly with Job. "He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). (Dwight Beachy)
"Lonely? No, not lonely
Lonely? No, not lonely
While Jesus standeth by.
His presence fills my chamber
I know that he is nigh.
Friendless? No, not friendless
For Jesus is my Friend.
I change, but he remaineth
True, faithful to the end.
Tired, No, not tired,
While leaning on His breast.
My soul hath sweet possession
Of His eternal rest.
Saddened? Ah, yes, saddened,
By earth's deep sin and woe.
How can I count as nothing
What grieved my Saviour so?
Waiting? Oh, yes, waiting,
He bade me watch and wait.
I only wonder often
What makes my Lord so late.
Happy? Yes, so happy
With joy too deep for words,
A precious, sure foundation,
A joy that is my Lord's.
(Mrs Ford)
When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.
1. Are belief systems and/or doctrines evident or advocated that are contrary
to the Bible?
2. Are values & philosophies espoused that are unbiblical?
3. Is Supernatural power evident that has a source other than the God of the
Bible?
4. Are there occult, witchcraft, psychic, satanic, or New Age, vampire-Goth
symbols, names, or practices incorporated?
5. Are the imaginations and thoughts of the participant steered in an unwholesome
direction, unbiblical direction?
6. Is immorality, sensuality or immodesty depicted, or does it arouse lust?
7. Does it incite fear or glorify evil or violence?
8. Is the language used questionable?
9. Will it promote questionable character traits?
If you have examined a book, game, video, music, toy, etc. by these principles
and have had to answer yes to any of them, the item is NOT acceptable. Get rid
of it!
(Ps David Brown, Oak Creek, WI)
Men are not reading the Bible today;
They're dashing about in their own reckless way,
Most of them don't care what God has to say,
But brother, they're reading you.
What is the gospel according to you?
Can people see that to Christ you are true?
Your neighbour reads your actions and deeds...
What can he read in you?
Timothy read what was written by Paul,
I like to read about David and Saul,
But most people don't read the Bible at all...
But brother, they're reading you.
The Gospel according to Matthew I love,
Mark, Luke, and John point to heaven above,
They all fit together like a hand in a glove,
The blessed whole Bible is true.
But most people don't care what Jesus Christ said
Their minds may be keen, but their souls are so dead,
The Bible's ignored, they read comics instead...
But brother, they’re reading you!!
(Phil Kerr's favourite poems)
My dear husband Vic has been diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. As he is only just turned 53, this has been a big blow to us. He is not doing so good and by the time you print the next FD, he could well have gone home to be with the Lord. He has had to give up all of his ministry, which was quite distressing for him. He was a part-time prison chaplain at Woodford prison and also lead a Bible study group once a week for dissatisfied charismatics who are craving decent teaching. Mind you they won't come out of their charismatic churches. They need to learn about separation. Vic gave them some very good fundamental truths and they kept coming back, although we did lose several who didn't like hearing the truth.
He also was a very good evangelist and teacher and knows a lot on end times and the new age movement etc. We also had a country gospel music ministry as a duo and I am very sad to see that end, although I still sing solo from time to time. During his years as a cab driver Vic witnessed to many people and gave out tracts and little booklets... he sowed many seeds. He just recently preached at Grace Baptist Church at Leichardt, near Ipswich, Qld and through his message on the Prodigal Son, a lady was saved and now she has led her husband and a lady friend to the Lord as well. (Rose, Petrie, Qld)
I had decided to let my subscription expire - for the reason that the magazine has taken on so much dooms-day, end-of-world, negativeness, with lack of simple, straight-forward faith in God, and joy in God no matter what (James 1:2-4). Anyway, why get obsessed with the end of the world "coming soon"? We are in the same position as Jesus' Disciples/Apostles who thought that the world would not last much longer. almost 2000 years ago. And we are told in the Bible that no-one knows, not even Jesus while He was on earth (Matthew 24:36)! He said so himself. And, why be so obsessed with the end of the world, as we are much more likely to die, ourselves, before then - any second we could go! If we have enough faith in God and are obedient to Him in His love, then we will be consciously and busily going about His business all the time... to help Salvation to be available to everyone. Also, because we could die at anytime, any second, we need to be/should be ready, with a clear conscience/right attitude to meet our Maker every second of the day! (Judy, Parafield Gardens, SA)
Around 135AD the Romans besieged Jerusalem and after a terrible period the city was subdued. So costly was the siege that relieved Romans instituted a new toast at their feasts:
"Hierosolyma Est Perdita," "Jerusalem is destroyed," the guests immediately greeting it with the shout Hurrah. This is the origin of our "Hep! Hep! Hurrah," H,E,P, being the abbreviation of the three words, formed by their initial letters (on the principle known as Notarica, or Notricon). To this day Hep or Hip is said by only one person, the rest joining in the shout which greets it!
In view of Ps. 122:6 and Ps 129:5-6 it is better to say "Praise the Lord".
(Peter, Crows Nest, NSW)
Dr A. B. Simpson once said. "God has hidden every precious thing in such a way that it is a reward to the diligent, a prize to the earnest, a disappointment to the slothful soul. All nature is arrayed against the lounger and the idler".
"The nut is hidden in it's thorny case; the pearl is buried beneath the ocean wave; the gold is imprisoned in the rocky bosom of the mountain; the gem is found only after you crush the rock that encloses it; the very soil gives it's harvest as the reward for industry to the labouring husbandman.
So truth and God must be earnestly sought. "To him that knocketh it shall be opened..." ( Matt. 7:8)
"...Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before..."
I love to grow vegies, and am now learning the value of composting... I was thinking that we Christians can turn our garbage of past hurts, disappointments, wrong doctrines, discouragements and sin consequences into good fruit and vegie producing compost. Instead of harbouring these past and present woes, we can place them at the foot of the cross and let our Saviour's precious blood and His Divine Love turn these things around and make them useful for Him... We can either store the garbage and let it become a stinking heap, or turn it over and allow God to compost it... (Jenny, Moonta, SA)
The Alice Springs city engineer in central Australia Eric Johnston was able to hide his alcoholism and depression, but not his life threatening illness brought on by being permanently inebriated. In the city's hospital in July 1976 the doctors told him he had a week to live and that he should go home to die. There was nothing more they could do for him.
He contacted his former wife, June, in Adelaide, and said he wanted to see her and their five children at the airport and say goodbye. She met him but without their children. He was angry but fading fast. She gave him a book: Merlin Carruthers "From Power to Praise."
"I knew that if she gave me a book that in the first three pages there would be a reference to alcoholism and God. There was. I boarded my aircraft to fly to my hometown of Melbourne to die. I threw the book on the seat opposite but not before I read that God can change anyone's circumstances."
"I checked into a cheap unit in Melbourne. I was desperate and believed that the bed I was about to lie down in would be my last. I had attempted suicide. Alcoholism and depression had almost killed me. That day, the 19th of July was my 47th birthday. The doctors had told me that I was finished. They were not able to lower the alcohol level in my blood and I was dying of alcoholic poisoning. My response was 'Thank God, this will all be over."
"I felt I had nothing left in the world. My life had been a tale of failures. When you drink you have no conscience. I just didn’t care what I had been doing to other people."
30 years of alcoholism and misuse of prescription drugs had taken its toll. "I used to start at 4am and begin drinking myself to oblivion."
"I have a dear relative, Salvation Army Officer Brigadier Emily Day...in 1960 she had started to pray for me every day. I told her once; 'Don't waste your time on me.' For 16 years she prayed faithfully for me. I love her dearly for her faithfulness."
"Here I was sick and dying in 1976. There was no indication that I would live more than a week. I continued to drink even in hospital getting people to smuggle in more grog...but in my cheap hotel in Melbourne I began to realise a very important thing. I knew I was going to hell unless I could get my sins forgiven. I began reading that book and found a statement that said I could come to God as I was."
"You must understand that I hadn't had a drink since 3 o'clock that afternoon. Quite a long time for me, six or seven hours...I began to see that God accepted me. This was a real revelation. I had attempted to reach God in my strength and it had never worked."
"I was bleeding internally and was losing control of my bowels. I got out and knelt at the side of the bed. For some reason the Lord started to bring past my memory all the filthy things I'd done. This went back to the earliest recollections. I knew I had to be clean and I had to repent...I started naming names I thought I had forgotten. I kept getting in and out of bed to confess more things...
"By 5am the next morning I knew I had a cleansing that I could not explain. I knew I was thoroughly born again. The mattress at which I had knelt was absolutely saturated with my tears of repentance. On that night I had two birthdays; my 47th and my new birth coming into the Kingdom.
"The next miracle was that I awoke at 7am and I felt absolutely fresh. I had no desire to drink and I went to the toilet and there was no blood. The Lord had chosen to graciously perform a miracle. I now knew that Jesus was my saviour."
"I had said that if Jesus would heal me, I would do whatever I could for him for the rest of my life. I still thought that I may only have three days of life left because my internal bleeding had been so serious. I laughed at the Lord and said 'You've only got three days' and here I am working for him 20 years later and the Lord is still laughing."
"I was transformed and delivered. I walked past a hotel shortly afterwards and stopped. I could hear the sounds of the pub, the smell of familiarity and I looked up to God outside and I gave him my alcoholism. People walking past thought I was mad...I have never had a drink since."
Eric still had some important issues to face including greed after money and lust. But the Lord has worked these through in his life. He remarried his wife June in February 1977; the first time they married was without God, the second with God as their strength. In 1978 both gave their lives for service with the Salvation Army.
"I followed David's example and said as in Psalm 51, which begins; 'Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love, according to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.' and I accept that as Romans 12 verse 2 says that I no longer conform to this world, 'but I am transformed by the renewing of your mind...'
Eric and June work in Adelaide with a rehabilitation program providing support and counselling for people suffering alcohol and drug related problems. Eric knows that he caused a lot of damage when an alcoholic and even today longs to be reconciled to all of his children. He finds that a difficult burden to carry, but it helps him understand the needs of others when counselling.
"I weep inside for my children...and I can share the burden with those who suffer as I did. But I know now that God has given me life and life more abundantly and he has given the song in my heart for the 20 years that I never expected to have. He is a great God." (Eric, Parafield Gardens, SA)
One night I felt a lump in my lower left breast. Panic!! Doubt!! Disbelief! Worry!! I wanted to ignore it. A nagging fear controlled me. Who could I confide in? My husband? No! His mother had died of breast cancer a few years earlier, and I must not alarm him. So I fearfully went to my local doctor, who prescribed a course of hormones, but the lump got bigger!
The doctor organized a biopsy in a local hospital... About 10 o'clock that night the surgeon came to see me. Tests had revealed that the lump was malignant. I was horrified. I cried. I asked him to ring my husband and tell him. He did, and Ed came in immediately to comfort me.
I was to face the removal of the breast and all the glands, a 3-hour operation. I felt as if I was in a daze. I'd waken in the early hours of the morning, and, as consciousness would come to me, so would the horrifying realization that I had cancer! Three days later the operation was successfully performed, and in time, I went home, feeling so relieved that the surgeon had been able to remove it in time. I checked my other breast as if my life depended upon it, and oh, what a shock! Yes, I discovered a lump in that one as well, and it was only ten weeks since I had had my left breast removed!
Somehow, I was more at ease about it this time, for I knew that I wouldn't die. I'd been told that the left breast had been removed in time, and I had no reason to doubt that this would be the same now. So, a few days later, a section was removed, and duly proved to be benign, and I believed the surgeon, once again. What relief! I felt so happy. The shock of having, and surviving breast cancer had made me appreciate life so much more. It had brought me much close to Ed and our children. My daughter, Darlene, 17 at the time, and in her final year of school, and I, became even closer than before.
As the weeks passed the lump grew larger, and at each check-up the surgeon would suggest reconstruction on the site... It grew larger. Still he assured me it was arthritis, but deep in my heart I knew it wasn't. I was losing weight and had pain in my upper spine. I felt unwell, and had a growing feeling of despair.
Months passed and I was in despair. Who else could help me? Where could I go? During all this time I kept to my regular check-ups with my surgeon. As I was declining in health and had much pain, Ed left his job to care for me, and claimed unemployment assistance from the Government.
I had never felt so alone. I cried out to God to sustain me, as I felt I couldn't stand alone. I turned to my precious Bible, which had always provided me with such encouragement throughout the entire ordeal. Chapter 34 of the Book of Psalms became my favourite reading place.
The hospital rang. "The lab results have shown that you have a recurrence of breast cancer... I'm so sorry."
"When will you operate?" I pleaded. There was a long pause and then, "Mrs Blagden, it's too extensive for surgery, you may not survive..."
The cancer had invaded a rib and several lymph glands, and there was this massive tumour pressing into my lung. Six weeks of daily radiotherapy treatment was required, which was followed by several weeks of treatment for the burns which I received.
I decided to have the radiotherapy treatment and follow the diet, as well... I also sought anointing at this time, following the Bible's counsel for when one is sick, and I felt I was doing all I could to co-operate with God to help myself to recover. My constant prayer to God was, "You've got to heal me God, You just have to. But Ed would always say to me, "You can't tell God what to do. You must pray that His will may be done."
We had so much to look forward to. Glenys and Gary had just told us that a baby was on the way - our first grandchild! And Darlene and Robert planned to marry in a few months time, and I so much wanted to see David, our son, (who lived near Sydney), and his wife Vanessa again. GOD JUST HAD TO HEAL ME!
Our friends were all so wonderful at this time. Some of them would bring food for Ed and fresh fruit for me, knowing that my new diet required it. Several of them would come and pray with us... We fasted and prayed with them... This brought us both much comfort and encouragement... A Christian doctor friend told me, "Man can only treat - God is the Healer!" I've always remembered this.
It was Mothers' Day, 1987. I was so miserable and in a lot of pain. One by one our three children had rung and wished me a happy Mothers' Day. It was so wonderful to hear their voices again... I tried to sound well and happy as I spoke to them, endeavouring to conceal my deep discouragement, lest I alarm them. The tears began to flow as my mind went back to the good old days when their laughter had filled this very room. My eyes wandered about me, seeing things that reminded me of those happy days gone by. Gone, gone - never to return.
Life was so unfair! Why had this happened to me? Why wouldn't God heal me? Where was He now? I was in so much pain that I couldn't even bear to lay down, so I remained a prisoner in a large recliner chair, which Ed would assist me into and out of, and I hated it. At only 44, I was too young to die! As I wept, the tears soaked into the blanket that was covering me.
I believe now that God in His providence had allowed my suffering so that I could experience the utter helplessness necessary for me to admit my need of His help. I cried out to Him in my desperation, and I felt a great exhaustion come over me. While in this exhausted state, I gave up, and gave my life to God. I told Him that I couldn't bear the pain and anguish any longer. I told Him to take my life and do whatever He wanted to do with it. I said, "If You heal me I'll be so thankful, and if not - well then, I'll accept that. May Your will be done Father, not mine."
Oh, the relief of mind that this brought to me! My burden had lifted! It was God's problem now, not mine! I rose from my chair, and went outside to the laundry, where I handwashed two cardigans that I'd asked Ed not to wash, and I came back inside to rest. Oh, I was so pleased with myself. I'd done something, and it felt so good. I'd wasted months in that wretched chair, and I loathed not being able to do things for myself.
Presently Ed came into the room, and I told him how I'd surrendered my life to God, and about the great peace that I had received. He cried with joy, and so did I! I determined to put my whole trust in God, and to keep on my diet, for in doing this, I figured I was co-operating with Him.
The radiotherapy treatment continued... the tumour was shrinking in size. At the hospital they were pleased with the weekly blood test results, and after three such tests, considered them no longer necessary, for they could see by the colour in my cheeks that I would not be requiring a blood transfusion. This was encouraging, and I felt well too! In the radiotherapy waiting room there were people of all ages - from babies to the aged, all being treated for the same disease. Ed and I made several friends there, and we looked for opportunities to assist them as we waited... We were all there for the same reason, and I knew how they felt. I reckon that I changed a lot during those weeks. The things which were important to me seemed to lose their importance, and those which were of no importance before, became very important to me now. The hospital staff were wonderful, and I made some good friends amongst them, and some I still ask after, when I keep my yearly follow-up appointments.
At my last check-up, (after 11 years), my specialist said that she considered further check-ups unnecessary, but that she'd like to see me each year, as "I brought her encouragement". It was she who had been with me right from the first day, when I had gone in to have the planning done, to prepare me for the radiation treatment, and through the years we'd grown to respect and love her.
Thirteen years have passed... I reflect on God's great goodness to me. I praise Him and I thank Him, and I recall that wonderful day back in '87 when He removed the burden that was too great for my heavy heart to carry. I give Him my life once again, for however long it may be. I have come to view each day as a wonderful bonus from God, and I want to be able to serve Him by helping others in every way that I possibly can. I get phone calls and sometimes letters from people who have heard about my recovery, and I always direct these people to the Great Physician. I share my diet and lifestyle with them, hoping they'll adopt it also, and be healthier as a result. Many have.
I often get asked by caring and concerned relatives and friends to visit their loved ones in their homes or in hospitals, and share my testimony with them. I always oblige. I long to share my healthy lifestyle with them, hoping they'll fully recover also, and be able to help someone else. I believe that... people need to be made aware of how they are endangering their precious bodies with their unhealthy lifestyles. It's then up to them to decide what course they'll follow.
Five years ago, due to a great deal of stress in my job, I developed angina and was forced to resign. Choosing to rectify this condition naturally, I sought advice from a heart specialist, informing him that I wanted to do all that I could to help myself. He was understanding and supportive, and within a few months the attacks had ceased... I believe that God healed me once again, in order for me to serve Him:. I thank Him and praise Him for His goodness to me! I believe the ANSWER to cancer and heart disease, and most other diseases is PREVENTION!
(Val, Perth, WA)
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