Welcome to another politically incorrect Fair Dinkum...
Christianity is Positive Truth in an age that rejects absolutes and non-negotiables.
Be one who follows the Word of God, in your practice and profession. Be a faithful,
active part of your local church!!! Let's not sit back and complain. Make a
positive difference. Contribute your time, talents, and dedication to build
up the local church, and get behind a local shepherd who you can bless and support!
Note: Please write clearly. Some people's writing is hard to decipher. Or is
it my eyesight getting worse?! If I can't read it, I can't write it! Also, please
be patient between issues... This magazine takes time and I've little spare
lately. I don't want 'beat the drum' on side issues. Let's hear some good stuff
from you! Write in today!
1. Make little things bother you: don't just let them, MAKE them!
2. Lose your perspective of things, and keep it lost: Don't put first things
first.
3. Get yourself a good worry -- one about which you cannot do anything but worry.
4. Be a perfectionist: condemn yourself and others for not achieving perfection.
5. Be right: always right: perfectly right all the time. Be the only one who
is right, and be rigid about your rightness.
6. Don't trust or believe people, or accept them at anything but their worst
and weakest. Be suspicious. Impute ulterior motives to them.
7. Always compare yourself unfavorably to others, which is the guarantee of
'instant misery.'
8. Take personally, with a 'chip on your shoulder,' everything that happens
to you that you don't like.
9. Don't give yourself wholeheartedly or enthusiastically to anyone or to anything.
10. Make happiness the aim of your life instead of bracing for life's barbs
through a 'bitter with the sweet' philosophy. Use this prescription regularly
for a while and you will be guaranteed unhappiness.
(Raymond Guterman, Columbus, Georgia, http://www.biblestudytools.net/SermonHelps/AutoIllustrator/index.cgi)
There are lots of things wrong with Australia today,
And I'd like to have something to say if I may.
You know that, forsooth, that our problem with youth,
Untidy, ill-mannered, untamed and uncouth,
Is the fact that their homelife is so often unstable,
And it's all for the lack of a kitchen table.
Remember how once we would sit down as one,
And dad would say grace when the carving was done:
Our own serviettes from our own special rings,
And we knew our manners and etiquette things.
Then our elders would tell us of custom and fable,
When we all sat about at our kitchen table.
Now they're buildinbg new mansions with four-car garages,
Our working lives mortgaged to interest and charges:
There's less time at home for tea to be made,
And it's seldom today that a table is laid.
There's room after room under gable and gable,
But there's not enough room for a kitchen table.
At weekends the parents are chauffeurs unpaid,
No wonder they're tired and their tempers are frayed,
As they ferry their broods to arenas of sport,
Where the culture of winning's intensively taught,
And there's more on the telly both free and by cable,
So there's no time to talk around the kitchen table.
Karl Marx called religion the drug of the people,
But there's scant regard now for the church or the steeple:
Just give 'em more sport and don't let them think,
And keep them away from the kitchen sink.
We'll give 'em more sport and the culture of Babel:
The throwaway culture that threw out the table.
With the culture of Coke and their baseball caps,
There'll soon be no fellers, no blokes and no chaps:
When they all dress the same then it'll be no surprise
That the birds swear as much and as foul as the guys.
So we grandparents must, just as long as we're able,
Keep our culture alive around the kitchen table.
(Richard Magoffin, Stockman's Hall of Fame Magazine, March 2000)
John Willison (1680-1750)
1. Never let the world come into God's room. I Jn 2:15.
2. Keep up the same opinion now of things of the world, that you will have when
you come to die. Mt 16:26
3. Be not strangers to yourselves, but often commune with your own hearts. Ps
4:4
4. Begin early in the service of God, and give Him the days of your youth. Ecc
12:1
5. Shun the company that shuns God, and keep the company that God keeps. Ps
119:63
6. Put a high value upon precious time, and lose none of it by sloth. Eph 5:16
7. Allow a little time every day to think upon eternity. Mt 25:46
8. Throughout your whole life be mindful of the chief business of life. Ph'p
2:12
9. Let the rational soul govern, and the body be subservient to it. I Co 9:27
10. Study both to live and die in the exercise of repentance and godly mourning
for sin. Mt 5:4
11. While you mind the necessary study of holiness, or inherent righteousness,
let it never take the place of imputed righteousness. Ro 10:3
12. Employ Christ as your surety in all cases, and in every strait go to Him
for relief. Ps 119:122
13. As you expect to live with Christ in heaven, study to live to Christ on
earth. 2 Co 5:15
14. Cleave fast to Christ, and the way of holiness, whatever it may cost you.
Acts 11:23, 2 Ti 3:12
15. Seek the approval of God, above that of men. 2 Co 10:18
16. Be much employed in admiring God's redeeming love, and Christ's suretyship
for us. I Jn 3:1, 16
17. Delight much in thinking and speaking of Christ, and particularly of His
death and sufferings for us. Lk 9:31
18. Treat objections raised against your closing with Christ, as suggestions
of the enemy, that is seeking the ruin of your souls. Mt 16:23, Lam 3:25
19. Study much these great Gospel lessons of denying yourselves, and exalting
God's free grace. Mt 16:24, I Co 1:31
20. Draw all your strength for work and warfare from Christ and present all
your duties to God in Christ's name. Is 45:24, Col 3:17
21. In all the actions of your life, set the Lord still before you. Ps 16:8,
Ps 25:15
22. Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
I Co 10:31
23. Spend as much time as possible in secret prayer and converse with God. I
The 5:17
24. Make conscience of family religion, as well as of closet duties. Jos 24:15,
2 Sa 6:20
25. Begin and end every day with God. Ps 4:8, Ps 5:3
26. Seeing none knoweth what a day may bring forth, spend every day as if it
were to be your last. Pro 27:1
27.Sojourn in this world as travellers, keeping so loose from the world as to
be able to pack up and be gone from it upon short warning. I Pe 1:17, I Co 7:29-31
28. Keep up a lively sense of sacramental vows and engagements and walk answerably
thereto. Ps 56:12-13
29. Improve the talents God gives you for His service and glory. Lk 19:13
30. Let all believers be thankful to God for His distinguishing favours and
mercies to them. Ps 116:8, 12
31. Since God distinguishes you from others, in His mercies to you see that
you distinguish yourselves from others, in your service to Him. Mt 5:47
32. Be not content with a fair profession of religion, or with a form of godliness,
and a name to live among men. Ti 1:16
33. Keep always a watch upon the door of your lips. Ps 141:3
34. Walk cheerfully and contentedly in every condition. Ph'p 4:11
35. Keep always the first and second table of the law joined together and make
conscience of both. Mt 22:37
36. Carefully guard against apostasy and backsliding from God and His ways.
Heb 10:38-39
37. Be watchful against all sin, and particularly your darling or constitutional
sin, the sin that most easily besets you. Ps 18:23, Heb 12:1
38. Be heartily concerned for the coming and enlarging of Christ's kingdom in
the world. Mt 6:10, Ps 72:19
39. Be busy laying up a stock for a sick-bed or death-bed, when all the comforts
of life shall be tasteless to you. I Ti 6:19
40. Be looking and longing for the eternal supper of the Lord. Ph'p 1:23, Rev
19:9
I am appealing to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Why should we sleep when the World teeters on the brink of destruction and eternal loss? It is deplorable that we should make friends with the World that crucified our blessed Saviour. That we should bring its entertainment and its sins right into our Churches and our homes, and thus corrupt our children. It is deplorable that we should have such an apathetic attitude towards the Church and its activities - that we should fail to attend its meetings, and complain if we are asked to take some part, or to carry out some duty.
It is a shame when we cannot be bothered to support the witness of the local Church, but can find time for sport and many other doubtful pursuits. It is a shame when we spend hours sitting before the television, filling our minds with things that are doubtful at the best, and defiling at the worst, but we can no longer find time to read the Bible to our children, and to pray with them.
Let us kneel in the presence of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Let us confess to Him now, let us humble ourselves under His mighty hand. Let us give back to Him that which is really His; OURSELVES. He suffered and died for you and me, that we might be wholly His forever. Not just that we might be His in heaven, but that we might be wholly His now.
"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh,to
fulfill the lusts thereof" Rom. 13:14.
May God enable us to live for Him who died for us! (Chas, Yolla, Tas)
The Lord has given to every man his work. It is every man's business to do his work, and the devil's business to hinder him if he can. Be sure as God has given you a work to do, Satan will try to hinder you. He may throw you from it; he may present other things more promising; he may allure you by worldly prospects; he may assault you with slander; torment you with false accusations; set you at work to defending your character; employ pious persons to lie about you; editors to assail you; officials to accuse you and excellent men to slander you.
You may have Pilate and Herod, Ananias and Caiphas, all combined against you and Judas standing by, ready to sell you for thirty pieces of silver. You may wonder why all these things come upon you.
Can you not see the whole thing is brought about through the craft of the devil, to draw you off from your work and hinder your obedience to God?
Keep at your work. Do not flinch because the lion roars; do not stop to stone the devil's dogs; do not fool away time chasing the devil's rabbits. Do your work.
Let liars lie, let sectarians quarrel...let the devil do his worst; but see to it that nothing hinders you from fulfilling the work that God has given you...
You may be assaulted, wronged, insulted, slandered, wounded and rejected; you may be abused by foes, forsaken by friends, and despised and rejected of men. But see to it with stedfast determination, with unfaltering zeal, that you pursue the great purpose of your life and object of your being until at last you can say, "I have finished the work Thou gavest me to do." (Author Unknown)
It seems like a judgemental Church caught up in a cultural time warp...
This style of ministry is a relic of a bygone era... What sort of Church is
this?
(Bryan & Jill Sellars)
Response:
Caught in a Time Warp
Yes we are in a time warp. We are a New Testament church...
The Old Time Bible
Why not give the hungry a good square meal instead of the scraps?
The Old Time Songs of the Faith
Why not give folk a hymn packed with doctrinal, soul-saving truth, instead of
some sensual, feel-good mantra which says nothing much at all?
The Old Time Gospel
Yes we are of a bygone era. We stand where the revivalists and reformers of
old stood - for something that counted. And God signally blessed them.
The Old Time Faith
Let us have unity in the truth. This is real unity. Not a mish-mash of truth
and error.
"No Hoo-Hah" Church
We don't use the latest gimics and hoo-hah... the dancing girls and the drum
kits. We love the old-fashioned God-blessed Bible, and the soul saving truth
of salvation preached and tears of repentance. We love to sing the old, old
story. That is not to say that we aren't innovative, alive, friendly, genuine,
caring, loving, and a 'fair dinkum' church. There's something much more, much
deeper, than being trendy and "with it".
Separatist and Divisive Theology
A Christian radio station host has condemned my "separatist and divisive
theology". He said I couldn't quote him, due to "broadcasting privileges".
I guess theology is hard for folk who want to sell air time. Air play revenue,
ratings, and advertising dollars goes along with what is popular. After all
the crowd can't be wrong can they? Remember what the Lord says about the broad
way? As far as being separatist and divisive... The Lord tells us 'be separate'.
The Lord will divide the sheep from the goats... I believe that God's obedient
people will come out and be separate from a dangerous mixing of error and truth.
Unity at the expense of truth is not biblical unity.
Offensive
Matthew 15:12. "Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou
that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?" Truth
can be offensive...
Against Deception
We stand where the revivalists and reformers of old stood. We need the more
sure word of prophecy, God's completed revelation, not latter day prophets and
lying signs and wonders.
Stick with God's word. It is what the Bible says that counts. The Bible says that tongues are a sign (Read 1 Cor. 1:22, 14:22, Isaiah 28:11). It says that the purpose and message of tongues is for the unbelieving Jews. If we can just 'get this', it all makes sense. All I ask is, let's hold on fast to the Bible, by which we can tell what is truly of God.
How dare you become judge of what God wants for individuals, how dare you not cry for unity and love to be spread among the people of God. This planet is in enough trouble because of one eyed people who think that they are right. Andrew I will be praying for you to wake up to yourself. I have not felt as cross as this for a long while. I hope that you don't teach your children and youth to be as one eyed as you. (Bess, Urunga, NSW)
Ed: In fact, the Lord Jesus, in Matthew 6:22 (KJV) commends being literally "one-eyed". There is a time to discern and warn. Surely, it is not 'love' to stand by silently when someone is swallowing poisoned food unawares? Some kinds of 'Unity' may not always be a good thing (1 Cor. 6:15-16, 10:21).
State of the Nation 2001 - a compilation of Australian statistics, points out:
"Between 1975 and 2000, the percentage of couples cohabiting before marriage
rose from 16% to 71%. This suggests a major shift in social attitudes towards
sexual relations outside of marriage."
Quoting a 1998 source, the report adds: "Contrary to popular opinion that
cohabitation increases the likelihood of finding a satisfactory marriage partner,
divorce rates have been found to be higher among those couples who cohabited
before being married." Cohabiting couples had a divorce rate of 56% within
20 years of marriage non-cohabiting couples had a divorce rater of 27% for the
same period. This confirms yet again that God's way (ie. Fidelity until matrimony)
is best!!
(David Hunt: Source: Buckingham J, Sullivan L, Hughes H, State of the Nation
2001, The Centre for Independent Studies, St Leonards, NSW, 2001, p. 21)
It has been pointed out that a Christian should generally have nothing to do with politics and should leave it all to the Lord Jesus Christ. Whilst generally as a principle, a Christian should "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and render unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21), it does not mean that we should not have any godly influence in our nation.
Whilst critics of involvement cite the book of Daniel, what they ignore in the same breath is that Daniel was an advisor to an ungodly king of Babylon and later on the Medes and the Persians. Does that render Daniel, a godly man who would not compromise his standards at any cost, useless and ungodly? No, on the contrary, it enhanced his words since the Spirit of God stood by him for his faithfulness. He often had to pay a price for his stance and yet he would still do it.
Whilst it is true that Christians cannot expect things to be perfect until the Lord Jesus returns to establish his kingdom for a thousand years in Jerusalem, we should not be neutral to the threat that may be facing us. We need preachers to preach the gospel of Christ but equally to preach against sin and be unashamed for their stance. We need Christians to not only lead souls to salvation in Christ, but also for Christians to get active and fight the evil influences and sin.
There is a need for more godly men such as Nehemiah who would let nothing discourage him from building the work of the Lord whilst on earth. We need more men like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Hosea, who would preach against the sin and ungodliness in the nation and were willing to pay for it with their lives. We need more men like Stephen, the first martyred one in Acts, who were willing to preach Christ and face it with his own blood.
Who would "dare to be a Daniel" as the old hymn goes? Learn from both the Scripture and history, and you will see that the lives of Christians who made a difference to their world were men and women who constantly were willing to make a stand in wherever field they were in. It seems today's Christians have forgotten this and allowed the dark forces to neutralize them. Learn from the men who took a stance, such as the prophets and the apostles, and men such as John Chrysostom, Martin Luther, Giuseppi Garabaldi, Billy Sunday, Charles Finney and Dwight L. Moody. America is a good example of this in its earlier history. Christians in Australia need to wake up and take a stance or else their testimony will be neutralised altogether. (Timothy, Bossley Park, NSW)
Ed: I recommend: "Christians in Politics", $5 pp from Precious Words Press, Box 964, Maryborough, Q. 4650
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. (Anonymous)
We must think in terms of 'going out', and stop our weeping because 'they won't
come in'. (Jim Elliot)
I would think it a greater happiness to gain one soul to Christ than mountains
of silver and gold to myself. (Matthew Henry)
If anybody had told me, 'Someobody has left you 20,000 pounds,' I should not
have given a snap of my fingers for it, compared with the joy which I felt when
I was told that God had saved a soul through my ministry. (Charles Spurgeon)
If someone gave you $1,000 for every person you witnessed to, would you become
more zealous in your evangelism? (Ray Comfort)
The evangelistic church is a reservoir of pure water with a pipe to every heart
in the community. (A.C. Dixon)
When the passion to evangelise grows faint, there is something gravely wrong
at the heart of the Church. (Joseph W. Kemp)
There are few converted in this world unless in connection with someone's prayers.
(R.A. Torrey)
All evangelism must begin with prayer. (Lewis Sperry Chafer True Evangelism
(1919) p88)
Winners of souls must first be weepers for souls. (Charles Spurgeon)
(From David Hunt, NSW)
The Bulletin of October 2nd 2001 carries a four page article on what is termed "Christian music". It reveals that many such folk are earning in the millions of dollars from sales of albums and tours. Sadly the music is almost similar to what you would hear at the local hotel or disco...
"By far the most successful" of the Christian music stars "is Darlene Zschech whose song "Shout to the Lord" is the "Amazing Grace" of the modern era." "Hillsong (from which Darlene is inseparable) has changed the face of the church here and in the United States. Their music is everywhere, it is all pervasive." "Zschech is one of the most influential praise and worship practitioners in the world." This lady has been going to the Willow Creek Church... for the past five or so years TO TEACH THEM HOW TO WORSHIP(?)
Acccording to Koorong books, which has 50% of the Australian Christian retail market, there is a turnover of Aust$10 million a year in Christian music. Says Koorong, "The Big bucks are now in Christian romance novels, 100 plus of which are now published each year." (From Australian Beacon 10/01)
The Church of God has gone into the entertainment business! People must be amused, and as the church needs the people's money, the church must supply the demand and meet the craving! How else are godless hypocrites to be held together? So the picture show and entertainment...take the place of the gospel address and the solemn worship of God. And, thus, Christless souls are lulled to sleep and made to feel "religious" while gratifying every carnal desire under the sanction of the sham called the church! And the end? What an awakening [in eternity]!" (H. A. Ironside)
"Legalism" is a term that has become popular in recent years. The word is not found in the Bible but is used as an epithet to generate prejudice against those who insist upon strict obedience to God's word. The American Heritage Dictionary defines "legalism" as, "Strict, literal adherence to law." Does scripture condemn strict, literal obedience to God's law? Jesus actually commends what some call legalism. He encourages the keeping of His commandments (John 14:15, 1 John 5:2-3, 2 John 1:6, Mat 28:20)... James 2:18 says we show our faith by our works... doing the things God has commanded. (From Henk Frijters)
Re your article "Miss Church - and You'll Miss Out" (#59, p. 32), you seem to miss the whole meaning of church. You can't go to church, you can only ever be the church. Where two are three are gathered in His Name He is there. Many sit in 'church' buildings and remain dead in trespasses and sins; many 'churches' are run by one man dictators who do not have a Shepherd's heart... If you love the Lord and follow Him, you miss out on nothing. He is your all in all. He provides all you need to grow in Him... Be encouraged saints, we are called to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth and to walk in obedience to Him. (Freda, Shepparton, Vic)
"Is the Pope Antichrist" (#59, p.7) presents the views of many "faithful witnesses" as proof that the Pope is indeed antichrist. He does not say the antichrist and this is right because there have been many who are anti-Christ and there are antichrist systems of which the Roman Catholic church is the greatest.
If we look at the titles bestowed upon popes we will see that one of them is, Vicar of Christ. The word vicar means deputy ...and of course this definition is perfectly correct with regard to the Holy Spirit who took the place of the Lord Jesus Christ on the earth. For the Pope to usurp the position of the Holy Spirit and therefore declare himself to be Christ on earth is absolute blasphemy!
As only Christians can know, Jesus said with reference to the Holy Spirit, "But when the Comforter [the Holy Spirit] is come [to earth], whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:" John 15:26. The Holy Spirit is on earth in place of Jesus Christ and is, therefore, the true Vicar of Christ. The Pope is a pretender - the false vicar of Christ - and will be judged as such if repentance is not forthcoming. (Jay, Lara, Vic)
Jay, in "Reaching Out" (#59, p. 25), said that there is no need to lead others in prayer for salvation, but it says in Rom 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. This implies the need for words to be spoken which is why we lead another in the sinner's prayer. Words are powerful - I have never witnessed a wedding yet where the couple just stand there, say nothing and come out married!
With reference to Eph 2:8-9 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." We are saved by grace, through faith, it is God's gift. "Not of works, lest any man should boast" - people are often under the impression that because they have done good charitable works they will go to heaven. But it is only through believing in Jesus, accepting Him, confessing Him as Lord and Saviour of your life that will get you to heaven. (Joan, Perth, WA)
The average church... is so devoid of potency, fervency of spirit and true support for truth as revealed in the Bible, Authorized version. Contemporary Christian music has become a Satanic curse within the modern church and Rock CD's rule the young, non christian and christian alike. Christian women are entangled in the lifestyle of their worldy counterparts, embracing aerobics and garbage from secularism. Broad thinking has overtaken the average mainstream christian and morals, virtuous behaviour and honesty are daily under assault without and within the church. I feel that in the next decade we will witness a crashing collapse of secularized christianity currently led by popular charismatic churches and their lackeys. This should shake the layers of dust off the complacent blind leaders of the blind. (Chris, Penrith, NSW)
Some note that Christ was actually born on or about Oct 2... True, which means 9 months before that date, namely on or about Dec 25, he was probably conceived. The first Hannukah was on Dec 25th though the date has varied since, because lunar-based. John 10:22-4 shows Christ as a Jew celebrated it, being at the Temple during the "Festival of Dedication," another name for Hannukah, which includes singing, candles, use of tree parts and gift-giving. (Info from jahchristian@yahoo.com) (Ed: This curious information is interesting. I believe we can rejoice in the Saviour's birth at Christmas, and on the other 364 days of the year. Note: I do not believe in emphasising "Christmas", as such, and the various things associated with it, because of its pagan origins.)
The justification by faith alone doctrine has been declared anathema, accursed by the Roman Catholic Church; and all who hold it are condemned to damnation by the Council of Trent of the Roman Catholic Church. This holds true today, and has never been reversed. It cannot be reversed since the Roman Catholic Church claims to be the authoritative voice of God and therefore declares its doctrines can never be changed. Thus, the basis for salvation is condemned by the Roman Catholic Church. (From Calvary Contender, 15/1/00)
Response to Ray (#59, p.35)...Fair Dinkum does not promote hatred and bigotry. It promotes Truth and true love. Jesus loved the Pharisees and the merchants in the temple (He came for them too, you know), and this meant He told them some harsh truths, and (in the case of the merchants) even whipped them. True love is not sentimental. There is no contradiction in loving others yet showing them and warning them about false teaching. It is *not* true love to simply let them continue to be deceived, in the name of "love". If you love Roman Catholics you will warn them about the deception they are under. I grew up in Catholic schools, surrounded by their teaching, and what is said in FD about their teachings, and about how they treat their priests, is true. One poor man my family knew was excommunicated and condemned by the RC church because he left the priesthood to get married in obedience to God's Word in 1 Corinthians 8:9 (this man, a Jesuit, was also condemned for urging his students to read the Bible for themselves). Yet some of the other priests in that community were seducing the boys in their charge and no-one said anything about it (though some knew it was happening). Would you believe that the first person ever to tell me the true Gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone was a Jesuit priest (not the same man as above)? To this day I cannot understand why he stayed in the RC church, let alone in his order, unless it be that he felt it gave him the opportunity to reach RCs with the true Gospel. Certainly as a retreat leader he had an open door to do that! (Fabienne)
We have a dummy (Lazarus) covered with a sheet. Around him are a 4-5 orange
cones, with yellow caution tape to keep people back. It gives us crowd control.
People come up and ask, "What's this for?"
I say, "It's to get you to come here and say, 'What's this for?' It works, doesn't it?" Then I say that it's to remind them that they have an "appointment," and that if there was one chance in a thousand that the Bible is right when it says "Jesus Christ abolished death" they owe it to their good sense to look into it. 10 out of 10 die, etc. We tell of the cause of death, etc (Romans 6:23). (Ray Comfort www.raycomfort.com)
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway. If
you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed
anyway. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty
and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. The biggest people
with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest
minds. Think big anyway. People favour underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight
for the underdog anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway. People really need help, but may attack you if you help them.
Help people anyway. Give the world the best you've got and you'll get kicked
in the teeth. Give the world the best you've got anyway. As we have therefore
opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the
household of faith (Galatians 6:10).
(Unknown Author)
Re: Christians Seek Fresh Message (#59, p. 11), We need to encourage young people and new Christians alike to yield themselves to the Spirit and turn away from the flesh rather than tempting them into "church" that appeals to the flesh. When I was a new Christian, I really thought that Christianity was about feeling good and being entertained. Thank God that I learned that, yes there is joy in the Christian life but there is also sacrifice and dedication to the Lord and his will. Now I am maturing as a Christian and learning to be more Christlike through the Spirit rather than focusing on "healing" and being entertained. (Stephanie, LA, USA)
Some churches... as they grow the whole goal shifts from bringing the lost to Jesus to building a large enough building to meet in... raising money... I think the only way to avoid this is for the leader to make sure he keeps his congregation's eyes and minds centred on Jesus, the focal point of everything... (Jack, Green Point, NSW)
I'd like to respond to Helen (#59, p. 28, 29) who commented on charismatics and fundamentalists: I wholeheartedly agree with you Helen. I was involved with fundamentalists for many years and although I still class myself as a fundamental Christian, I am no longer so rigid in my beliefs. I am much more open-minded - but not so open-minded that my brains fall out! I believe that there are spiritual gifts, but not in the way many charistmatic churches push people to believe. I have seen children and adults lie/pretend to speak in tongues just so they would not feel left out or different in their own church. There are problems with either extreme and we must be careful to be loving and accepting of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Isn't our purpose to encourage and uplift each other? (Vicki, Qld)
I believe Helen (#59, p. 28, 29) made some very good comments regarding how we can be too quick to judge all Charismatic/Pentecostal Churches and people. We must be very careful not to stereotype. I am aware of many Charismatic/Pentecostal Churches that are very off track and I unashamedly warn people of their errors... But I know of a number of Pentecostal Churches that are very good Churches that preach the truth of God's word and are not involved in any excesses. So thank you for printing Helen's comments, they were refreshing to read and a warning to not judge too quickly. (Andrew, Mildura, Vic)
The world is at crisis point... Our nation is morally bankrupt... theft... murders... suicide. Homosexuality is now legalised...We even have Sodomites under the 'green garb', elected to our Parliament. Lesbians are demanding In-Vitro-Fertilization be made freely available to them, at huge cost to our country... Babies by the thousand are being murdered in the womb and aborted, all at the taxpayer's expense. Prostitution is legalised, and our newspapers (shame on them), increase their profits by by printing bold and shameless ads... Most of the 'Mainline' denominations have abandoned any Biblical and moral principles that they once had... Apart from a few individuals, the 'Uniting Church', has become apostate. Pentecostal Churches... seem to be able to attract large numbers with their magic, and pseudo miracles. Some of these Churches have 'Pastors' who have been divorced and re-married several times. (Chas, Yolla, Tas)
The church has changed a lot since I was a child, and in a great many ways not for the better. Prayer meetings get pushed aside for programmes, worship of God becomes worship of worship and more time is spent on appeasing Christians than challenging the lost.
We become more interested in entertainment than evangelism, and make everything within those four walls so comfortable that nobody ever wants to go outside.
We wait on a move of God that is birthed in impatience and not prevailing prayer. We sing songs about evangelism but in our hearts feel that God is talking about somebody else. We sing hymns and pray prayers that thank God for things that we never share with those who don't know Him.
We sign petitions against abortion and homosexuality, but don't GO to the homosexual and the desperate single mother and tell them about the God of hope and mercy.
We are so well fed spiritually that we get fat and lazy and forget about the starving multitudes on their way to Hell right outside the door, and up the street,at the bus stop and the bank and the doctor's office, and the school.
We have the Bread of Life and the Living water, and keep it all to ourselves, while those who have never heard file past every day, hungry and thirsty and broken.
They aren't always covered in tattoos or needle marks, and might just look like anybody else, and most of them pay their taxes every year, and are kind to old ladies, and live a "good" life, and may even say they believe in God if you ask them. But they are lost nonetheless.
And it's OUR fault. WE are responsible. This generation of Christians are responsible to GO AND TELL not sit and wait. If our jails are full and our churches are empty, it's OUR fault. We aren't doing the job!
THERE IS NO ONE ELSE. The Lord of the Harvest is waiting for US to get with
it and GET ON WITH IT!
You don't have to know the whole Bible, but if you know the One who wrote it,
share that with someone else.
Don't wait until the harvest is over. Go NOW and plant the precious seed, and trust in Him who knows all things to do the rest. We don't have to pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into the field, we are already HERE, we just need to get to work!
Just start small. Get rid of the bumper sticker that says nothing (I saw one that says "My boss is a Jewish carpenter", but what does it MEAN???). Put one that says something in it's place, so that someone at the traffic lights can sit and think about something of some value (like "Where will you spend ETERNITY?")
Get to know your neighbours, go for a walk on a saturday afternoon and speak to everyone out in the garden (start with the beauty of their garden and then share with them the Great Creator). Just get one tract a day and put it into a letterbox, or a phone booth, or among the magazines at the doctor's office.
It isn't difficult. We have tract ideas available to anyone who is interested.
We need to stop being so concerned with the things that have no eternal value, and get on with the job while it is still day. Anyone genuinely interested in evangelism to the lost and tracts etc, please email me for encouragement and ideas. robinsemail@optusnet.com.au
L. is clearly mistaken in her view that the birth control pill is a "brilliant invention"... The pill can and does act as an abortifacient. http://www.cin.org/life/pillabor.phpl. (Matthew, Bunbury, WA)
It's all very well to promote the pill for birth control, but you have to tell the WHOLE truth: there are side effects and risks as well as convenience. Raised blood pressure, excessive weight gain, migraines, deep depression, and eye problems... I am not talking through my hat. The change in hormone levels when I was on the pill (several years before Christ saved me) had those effects. My doctor warned me never to take the pill again. A later hormonal imbalance due to illness (causing a rise in oestrogen level similar to when I was on the pill) had the same effects. Playing around with one's hormones may be convenient, but it can also be dangerous. The pill can also make a woman infertile.
After several years of being on the pill, some of my friends found they were unable to conceive. They had to resort to expensive and humiliating fertility treatment, which is an antithesis of spontaneous love-making... As for "It has given couples a choice on when they wish to start a family," God's Word tells us that children are a gift (a heritage, a reward) from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Are you suggesting, then, that God doesn't know when it's the right time to give us His gifts? Perhaps He thinks the right time is not when it's convenient (when we "wish" it). The Lord does not always give us His gifts when we feel we are ready for them -- He gives them to us when He thinks we need them. On the other hand, He does not force them on us and if we can't trust Him, He will let us prevent them though it be to our loss. (Fabienne)
I was browsing some of the letters and feed back on your site. Interesting, much of it describes the current trends in our modern day Christian churches. Confusion, dropping standards and so on.
I am trying to identify a current stream of "falsism" which I will call "The Cult of Laodiceanism". This cult is cutting it's way unchallenged through Christian churches and is often completely unnoticed as it is not characterized by doctrinal error. It is characterized by much more subtle and undetectable activity such as: The destruction of God Honouring Christian music through reversal of the roles of harmony, melody and beat.
Beat is now the big "gun" in many churches, particularly many large Pentecostal ones where it is used to the maximum to attract a young congregation at the expense of age and wisdom. This is a devious and extremely subtle manifestation of Satanic Wizardry. It separates the age groups according to taste. Because the metabolism of the young is pampered by the appeal of heavy beat to the lower senses, and dressed up in all the right words, phrases and Christ exalting "catch wordsmithing", the older and more mature Christians who reject this approach are disregarded as out of step with the Lord's will and way for evangelism in this trend-setting world.
What a grotesque re-gurgitation of skillful Lucifarian theology dressed up as heaven sent revelation; however, it smacks of the eternal and original rebellion of the one who sought to de-throne the Almighty. This is part of what could be considered to be Laodician Cultism while retaining doctrinal correctness.
The next part is the profaning of the principle of the Sabbath. Be it Saturday or Sunday, it is still God's purpose for us to observe one day of rest per week. At many churches of the kind described above, you have to stand in a queue for half an hour to buy CD's, tapes of sermons and other articles for sale at these large church "book shops" which do a roaring trade on Sunday. Might as well just have a large Christian book shop and trade like the devil all day every Sunday.
The lifestyle of many senior pastors is beginning to mirror that of their North American counter-parts. Only the best will do. Large salaries with perks here and there, because "God wants us to have the best.!" Laodiceanism is gobbling up our heritage with a greed sent from hell itself.
Authorized versions of the Bible have been either disregarded or rejected. They carry with the Power of God and they are considered a non-event by many churches. Overhead projectors have replaced hymn books because they are considered cumbersome to the service, out of date and non user-friendly. Isn't it interesting that God will decide who goes to heaven and who doesn't on the basis of what is written in a book, not what is on an overhead projector?
"Whoever was not found written in the Lamb's Book of Life was cast into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone." Recording information in the pages of books goes back thousands of years. Hymnology places the precious writings of some of the greatest men and women of God in the hands of the holder. It has been torn asunder by our groping for technology with an insatiableness that defies logic. These are a few thoughts which may be of interest. (Chris, Penrith, NSW)
The church has to prepare itself for the Great Persecution/Tribulation. During this time open outreach and handing out of literature will be as good as impossible. Many think that outreach without going into the streets or handing out tracts does not work. However, the persecuted churches have no other way and yet many of them are growing very well.
Sadly, most Christian missionaries are trained in the ways of the Western churches, which base their doctrines of church and its activities mainly on modern, Western thinking. As such, many of the newly formed missionary churches threatened with persecution do not have a church structure and organisation suitable for persecution.
Outreach outside the church weakens the link between church and responsives/converts. This is a problem with the Billy Graham Crusade and similar meetings where there are few non-counselling people around with whom responsives can establish a personal contact, unlike the church, where people may meet others with whom they click. Indeed, figures indicate, that of people who have responded at a Billy Graham meeting, very few end up in churches. (Harry Victoria Pk, WA)
Your site is disgusting - and a damage to christian unity. If a lot of people read this - it would do great damage to the church. I am nominating you to be highlighted on another site for 'the fruitcake zone'.
Andrew here's some comments - for what they're worth. I admire you for standing up to the truth - there are some good things on your site, however I note the following: You site claims to pointing out Gods truth in love. - the simple, ungarnished truth. However instead of promoting truth, you tend to put down other people more frequently than you lift your own views on truth. That's not pointing out truth, and it is certainly not doing it in love. Putting down wrong views and is different to putting the people down and attacking them like you do the Pope. Uplifting Christ and his way/truth is another thing and I believe you should concentrate more on the latter and eliminate the attacks.
You criticise Christian Music, Youth Alive (have you met Pat Mesiti?), charismatic movements, the Catholic Church, rock Music... You maintain the KJV is the "only real bible" without a scrap of evidence to back it up...
You say CCM is "rife with scriptural innaccuracies"... You say hymns are doctrinal but don't give adequate examples. You say you want unity but not at the expense of truth. How does your site promote unity? I fail to see how. It is certainly not promoting Gods truth - its promoting Craig truth - and on that note your craigmore church is a good name - more of Craig. Maybe there should be more of God and his truth , and less of Craig, and his truth. I would ask that as a pastor you make yourself accountable to other christian leaders and even say who they are on your website. I dont see any accountability to anybody except yourself.
Rating: if ChristianityToday.com is on the left, and Godhatesfags.com is on the right, you would be very much right of centre. Mind you, if you had as many readers as ChristianityToday.com do, and they all took you seriously, God help the christian church. Judgement and criticism of others views is unwarranted, correction is fine, you don't know where to draw the line. If this what you think evangelical fundamentalist christianity is, well just keep it to yourself.
Who are you accountable to? Do you actually know any catholics ( christian ones, that is?) How has your church grown - in size and in character? You are a preacher of the Gospel. How many have you led to Christ in the past three months that are continuing in their faith? (Dave, New Zealand)
Ed's Response...
Wow David! You covered a lot there! Thanks for your candid comments and thoughtful
reply. Well said. I can see your way of thinking. I can see value in much of
what you have said, in fact. Thanks. I guess you echo the thoughts of many of
our day and age, who can't see a distinction between what is now mainstream,
modern day, popular, ecumenical Christianity and its Catholic counterpart. They
sing the same songs, use the same Bible versions, attend the same ecumenical
rock concert events and study the same weak ecumenical Alpha courses, etc.
Christianity today (a good title for a magazine?) is so astray from the old stand that the people of God used to make that Catholics today needn't persecute them anymore; there is no distinction anymore. Nobody dares raise a voice of question or (God forbid,) actual criticism of anyone else's doctrine. The same could be said for music styles. The church by and large has adopted the music of the world, such that there is no separation anymore. Anything goes. I don't see that I put people down, apart from plain false teachers, just as the Bible teachers in the Bible were bold enough to do. We must "contend" for the faith. That means going on the attack, at times. Error needs to be counteracted, not just swept under the carpet, or ignored.
I believe the KJV Bible is the best translation. I don't say any more than that myself. I have many other versions myself. There are many thorough studies on the Bible version subject which shows the superiority of the KJV. FD is not a forum to enter into protracted debates on such things, as I see this as a side issue. This issue is not something I emphasise. I think, nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the modern versions have some significant flaws, and have been a cause of confusion and a support for destructive modernism in doctrine.
I don't call the Pope Antichrist. I quote people who say that. I say many Christians of old - faithful saints of old - have said just that. I don't know. I think there is every possibility that the office of the Pope will be an integral part of the end time one world church. There are many evident signs of apostasy and terrible false doctrine emanating from this wicked place called Rome. I guess Mohammed, Buddha and Joseph Smith have said good things. I don't extol them and likewise I don't praise the Pope. The man himself may be a lovely bloke. I know some very nice unsaved men and women who are going to hell. The Pope is teaching people error and another gospel; and is actually leading people there. And many stupid duped Protestants are blind to this fact.
Music-wise I say let's be selective, brother. The time-honoured hymns of the faith are what we sing, as giving glory to God. That's not to say God has stopped giving people lovely Christ-uplifting songs. We sing some more recent choruses on occasion. Let's just be careful and Christ-honouring. We don't need to use the world's trashy fleshly style. That's all I say.
As far as unity goes... I am in fellowship and common stand with many solid Bible teaching churches. We are not a stand-alone church. I am accountable to the local church body. I have a local church committee who I relate to. I relate with like-minded churches of like faith and stand. We have a unity in Christ where doctrine is not compromised.
If you were to see how our church operates you would see that it is certainly not Craig-centred, it is Christ-centred. Come and see for yourself. I want to be the chief servant. Must decrease and he must increase. I am not a brash big-shot. Come and meet me and you will see this. I want Christ to get all the glory and my name to be forgotten. In fact our church is moving from Craigmore and its name is changing anyhow; to "Church For You".
FD is not entirely my viewpoint. I do quote contradictory views at times. Quite often. Take a careful look. I often put divergent opinions and debate on issues, where it is useful. Our church is growing in faith and character. We are blessed with what the Lord has done. We are keenly reaching out and helping many families find faith in Christ.
We are not a mega-church. We don't have crowds and disco lights. We want to be a faithful Bible church. I wish you could see for yourself. We are not a wacko cultic group.
We have been blessed to see two young people trust Christ through the witness of our church in recent weeks.
I appreciate your feedback. Some things we stand strongly on. We go against the flow. We don't use the hip church growth techniques as such. Be careful brother you are not swept along with the tide. I really loved your letter. It helps me be mindful of how FD may possibly get misunderstood. Please keep in touch. I want the focus to be positive and uplifting. Thanks for helping! God bless you! Andrew
To the King and Master and coming Judge, for our service (Matt 18:23) and stewardship (Luke 16:2, 1 Pet 4:5, 1 Cor 4:1-4). To God for our words (Matt. 12:36), our life (Rom 14:12), and for His church (Heb 13:17).
There is no denominational hierarchy or organisational structure over the local church. No central governing body, or connection with the World Council of Churches, or ecumenical minister's fraternals.
This is not to say that we are "lone rangers" or self-appointed "mavericks". We follow the New Testament model. The local church is a body of believers. I am an unworthy servant. I happen to be unpaid, supporting my own family.
Muslims claim that their "Prophet", is the other "Comforter", to whom the Lord Jesus referred in John 14:16-17. There the Lord Jesus clearly explained that that "Comforter" was the Person of the Holy Spirit. That Divine Person, the Spirit of Truth, has remained in the Church, which He formed, ever since Pentecost. The one whom the Muslims claim to be their "Prophet", is put forward to take the place of the Spirit of truth. Revelation speaks of the "False Prophet" in 16:13 and 19:20. Could there be a connection with the movement founded by Mohammed? (Based on comments by Chas, Tasmania)
Islam controls a massive section of the globe - 1.4 billion people - nearly a quarter of Earth's population. Islam has no missionaries. It rules by the sword. The UN estimates that Muslims will be a quarter of the Earth's birthrate by 2055. The Koran talks about a jesus who did not die - so he cannot atone sin, and he did not rise from the dead - so he cannot save.
Speak gently
Tis but a little thing
Dropped in the heart's deep well
But, oh the joy it may bring
Eternity will tell.
Let us put an emphasis on "Obedience" rather than "easy believism". God still looks for men who will tremble at His word. (Barbara, Geelong, Vic)
The Mature Christian... is one who has learned the difference between Head knowledge and Faith at Work - that's why they have less to say, and more to do (1st year Bible college student, Townsville, Qld).
Christianity is a relationship of faith, not a religion of works (Snippets from Sermons).
Christian Fairy Tale?
That Christians will be "raptured" before the trouble starts is a
fairy tale. We are being persecuted already. Jesus has never promised that things
would be easy, He told us to take up our cross. That in the world we would have
tribulation, etc. Christians in Russia and China have had their share already.
(Yanni, Enfield, SA)
Whether we believe in a pre-tribulation rapture or not (and I do), I agree with this writer that believers face rough times ahead. Be prepared for it. (Ed)
Dear Lord, fill my mind
With worthwhile stuff
And nudge me hard
When I've said enough
(Selected)
Pray against Harry Potter
Every Christian makes an impression by his conduct, and witnesses either for one side or the other. His looks, dress, whole demeanour, make a constant impression on one side or the other. (Finney)
Don't tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big your God is.
I was born the day they opened Wondai Baptist Church, 25-9-12. I have been a member for 70 years. My earliest recollection of my mother was her teaching me to sing "Jesus loves me". In answer to my mother's prayers I gave my heart to the Lord in 1923. I enjoy relaxing now by listening to the old time Holy Spirit inspired hymns of an evening. (John, Wondai, Qld)
Children playing with demons?
Pokemon "pocket monsters" include... some with Hindu identification
marks, with mental powers to attack and destroy, using karate, poison, or mesmerising,
psychic abilities. Some Pokemons are ghost-like, psychic, or demonic. Some Pokemons
can "teleport" or use astral travel to escape capture. This role-playing
idea brings every element of sorcery into one game. It is the ultimate trip
in Satan's world of deception, paranormal powers, and the Luciferian dream of
being the "master." It brings a message of witchcraft. It is as dark
as hell itself and will lead to depression, gloom, and suicidal tendencies.
The long list of death and suicidal attempts connected to Dungeons & Dragons
is undeniable history. This game is worse, and targets much younger children.
The Pokemon game and documentation talk of: psychic, mystical, magical, spiritualistic,
mesmerizing, mental telepathy, hypnosis, martial arts, astral travel, ghosts,
suicide, the Hindu Mark, the All-Seeing Eye, Transcendental Meditation, jynxes,
curses, and the Yin-Yang. Parents beware! (Based on info from Paw Creek Ministries)
Prayer Meetings
"The prayer meeting is the very power house of the Church of God."
Jonathan Goforth
"There is too much time taken up with active work for the kingdom of God
and too little time given to prayer for the kingdom." John J. Murray
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