This is concerning such things as a superstitious email about how God will bless anyone who will forward it to a certain amount of people. In this case, a member from our team--our leader, Mike, of the Venice Beach outreach--received an email about how supposedly God would make him rich if he would forward a picture of Mary and baby Jesus. ("Jesus" is supposed to be holding up Mary in the satanic, disturbing image.) I was impressed with Mike's biblical response. With his permission, I am posting it.
From Mike:
Am I supposed to believe that God will make me rich (or bless me with worldly things) if I distribute this picture to other people and encourage them to treat it as an idol as well? If we look at the people in the Bible whom God favored, very few of them were rich by the world’s standards. Indeed, James (in Chapter 2 of his epistle) asks us “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love Him?”
First of all, who is that boy holding up Mary? Is that supposed to be Jesus? If so, then why did he question her in John chapter 2? She ended up telling the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do; He didn’t tell them to do what she told them.
If treating this picture as if it has magical powers results in supernatural events occurring, it’s most likely demonic. That’s especially true if it places more emphasis on Mary and less on Christ. I’ll put myself on record to say that it’s junk mail, just like the president of Argentina supposedly did. If something bad happens in my life, I’ll still refuse to believe that it had anything to do with a stupid picture. By the way, Mary’s “prayer position” with hands pressed together is not Christian at all – it resembles the Hindu “Namaste” position. It has no business being in a so-called Christian picture.
The bottom line is that people want to believe they can do insignificant things to control areas of their lives (or the world) which they really don’t have control over. It gives them a feeling of having power (i.e. when we joke about wearing a college hat or jersey to help them win a game). They’re really trying to take God off the throne and put themselves on it.
Mike
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Scripture: It's All or Nothing (by Daniel Mann)
A blog-response to a Christian who believe that we have the authority and ability to pick-and-choose which Scriptures are truly inspired:
Either the Bible is God-breathed Scripture or it isn’t. If it isn’t, then I don’t need it. If it is, then I can’t do without it, and I can’t sit in judgment over it.
In contrast to this, you wrote, “Every person every day determines what is true by sifting through what other people say or write--people who are fallen and not perfect. Even if the Biblical writers were in error on some points, it wouldn't prevent us from determining truth on other points.”
In essence, what you are saying is “I am smart enough to determine what parts of Scripture represent Divine wisdom and which verses fall short of this standard.” However, if you do possess such discernment, then you don’t need Scripture at all. If you can penetrate its truth and wisdom with your own mind, then you are above Scripture. This stance is more presumptuous than me editing the research of an astrophysicist. Although I might be able to understand the terminology, I certainly wouldn’t be able to determine whether the researcher had understood and assimilated all the foundational research correctly. Perhaps a more appropriate example might be one of a 1st grader correcting his math teacher. Our very need for Scripture is undergirded by the fact that we are desperately lost without it, while our picking-and-choosing which verses we will follow represents a denial of that need and the God who gave them.
Interestingly, there are several criteria that the books of Scripture give us to determine what truly is from God and what isn’t. However, while our wisdom is very important when it comes to the question of interpretation, wisdom and intelligence alone are never set forth as criteria to determine what is from God and what is coming from a false teacher or prophet. Here are several examples:
· “If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” (Deut. 13:1-5)
· “You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?" If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” (Deut. 18:21-22).
· “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” (Hebrews 2:3-4)
· Even Jesus stated, “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." (John 10:37-38)
www.MannsWord.blogspot.com
Either the Bible is God-breathed Scripture or it isn’t. If it isn’t, then I don’t need it. If it is, then I can’t do without it, and I can’t sit in judgment over it.
In contrast to this, you wrote, “Every person every day determines what is true by sifting through what other people say or write--people who are fallen and not perfect. Even if the Biblical writers were in error on some points, it wouldn't prevent us from determining truth on other points.”
In essence, what you are saying is “I am smart enough to determine what parts of Scripture represent Divine wisdom and which verses fall short of this standard.” However, if you do possess such discernment, then you don’t need Scripture at all. If you can penetrate its truth and wisdom with your own mind, then you are above Scripture. This stance is more presumptuous than me editing the research of an astrophysicist. Although I might be able to understand the terminology, I certainly wouldn’t be able to determine whether the researcher had understood and assimilated all the foundational research correctly. Perhaps a more appropriate example might be one of a 1st grader correcting his math teacher. Our very need for Scripture is undergirded by the fact that we are desperately lost without it, while our picking-and-choosing which verses we will follow represents a denial of that need and the God who gave them.
Interestingly, there are several criteria that the books of Scripture give us to determine what truly is from God and what isn’t. However, while our wisdom is very important when it comes to the question of interpretation, wisdom and intelligence alone are never set forth as criteria to determine what is from God and what is coming from a false teacher or prophet. Here are several examples:
· “If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” (Deut. 13:1-5)
· “You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?" If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” (Deut. 18:21-22).
· “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” (Hebrews 2:3-4)
· Even Jesus stated, “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." (John 10:37-38)
www.MannsWord.blogspot.com
Warren Pleas for Nearly One Million Dollars from Saddleback Members
Rick Warren pleas for money from his congregation to keep mega-church, Saddleback, out of the red. (Click here for story).
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Radio Interview Today
My radio interview with Kevin and Jill Rische went really well. I had it by phone for a live radio program in Minneapolis from 3:00 to 4:00 Central. If anyone prayed for me, thank you. I will post a link to the program archived, if I get one. I shared my testimony and spoke about experiences I have had talking to people about Jesus in Venice Beach, CA. I shared about what a strong team we have now in NYC, even setting up the table outreach in the Times Square subway during cold weather on Sundays. We plan to discuss it again this Saturday night from 8:15 Central to 10:15 Central. (http://www.waltermartin.com/ )
Singing in Nursing Homes Today
I began my day singing at 10:00 A.M. at Sevier County Health Care Center. Most of the people were unresponsive until I started singing. Of course, I sang the hymns. They sang along to everything from "Precious Memories" to "Old-Time Religion". One of our friends who now lives there, Imogene, worked as a teacher in Sunday School with my grandmother at Valley Grove Baptist. She reminded me that she has known me all of my life from times I spent with my grandparents growing up in this area, active in church.
It is truly a great facet of ministry, seeing God touch hearts in nursing homes. People smiled, feeling God's love, and I saw many wipe away the tears when I sang their favorite hymn. God has not forgotten these people. What a blessing to see them clapping along and enjoying the music, as if they were right at home.
I sang at 2:30 at Ft. Sanders Sevier County Nursing Home. We saw our friend, AnnaBell, who just turned 101! (My mother goes to visit her often.) She told all of the residents there that she remembered me singing in church when I was 4 years old, even recalling the color of my dress when I sang at Valley Grove Baptist as a little girl. 
(AnnaBell is on the front row wearing red pants.)
I took requests and sang "Old Rugged Cross". It was so sweet to hear them all singing "I'll Fly Away With Me", "Jesus Paid It All", and "Old-Time Religion."
An assitant came up and sang harmony with me and gave me a hug saying, "God sent you here to encourage me today." I told her that He loves it when we sing the hymns, and He encourages me, too, through the praise music. 
I ended with "Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross". It was good to see my friend, Judy, whom I met when I sang there last. We have kept in touch as friends, and I am hoping to sing at her church in 2010.
Quick Prayer Request
I sang at a nursing home this morning and am on my way to sing at another one. I will post photos tonight with information. Please pray for me, if you are reading this before 4:00 Eastern Time, because I am going to be on the radio with Jill Martin Rische from 4:00 to 5:00, and we are going to take calls. We will be talking about how Jesus saves and the difference between Jesus and the counterfeit spirits leading people astray. It is always such a thrill to discuss how Jesus is PURE with NO DECEIT found in Him...and the stories we will discuss about telling people about Jesus in occult places really do convey that He, without a doubt, makes all other spirits subject to Him. Pray that God will speak through us by the power of His Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus. That is my prayer.
Looking Unto Jesus in 2010...
From Look Unto Me:
December 30
The end of a matter is better than its beginning. (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
Look at our Lord and Master's beginning, for "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering" (Isa. 53:3). Then look at "the end of the matter," "where Christ is seated at the right hand of God" (Col. 3:1) and "waits for his enemies to be made his footstool" (Heb. 10:13). "In this world we are like him" (1 John 4:17). We must bear a cross or we will never wear a crown; we must wade through mire or we will never walk streets of gold.
Thus, cheer up, sad Christian! "The end of a matter is better than its beginning." Consider the lowly worm and its contemptible appearance, for it is only the beginning of the matter. Then notice the butterfly with its gorgeous wings, playing in the sunbeams and sipping nectar from the blossoms. It is full of happiness and life but that is "the end of [the] matter." That caterpillar is you until the time you are wrapped in the chrysalis of death. "But...when he appears, [you] shall be like him, for [you] shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).
Thus, be content to "be like him" here on earth--a worm, a no one--that like Him you may be fully satisfied when you wake up in His likeness in glory. Think of that rough-looking diamond placed on the stonecutter's wheel. He cuts it on every side, removing much that the diamond thought was so important for itself. But when the king is crowned, and the crown is placed upon the monarch's head with the joyful fanfare of trumpets, a glittering flash of light beams from that very diamond that not long ago had been so troubled at the hands of the stonecutter.
Go ahead--dare to compare yourself to that diamond, for you are one of God's people and this is the time of the cutting process. Let faith and "perseverance...finish its work" (James 1:4), for on the day when the crown will be set upon the head of "the King eternal, immortal, invisible" (1 Tim. 1:17); one ray of glory will shine from you. "They shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels" (Mal. 3:17 KJV).
Truly--"The end of a matter is better than its beginning."
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
Perseverance and endurance are continual themes in God's Word. Life was never meant to be easy, but instead was meant to conform us to "the likeness of [God's] Son" (Rom. 8:29). Today Spurgeon briefly quotes from James, but here is the verse in its context: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).
Paul stressed endurance as well by writing this to the Thessalonians: "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.... You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers..." (1 Thess. 1:3, 6-7).
Father, may we glimpse "the end of the matter," but even now be "the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved" (2 Cor. 2:15).
www.LookUntoMe.com
December 30
The end of a matter is better than its beginning. (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
Look at our Lord and Master's beginning, for "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering" (Isa. 53:3). Then look at "the end of the matter," "where Christ is seated at the right hand of God" (Col. 3:1) and "waits for his enemies to be made his footstool" (Heb. 10:13). "In this world we are like him" (1 John 4:17). We must bear a cross or we will never wear a crown; we must wade through mire or we will never walk streets of gold.
Thus, cheer up, sad Christian! "The end of a matter is better than its beginning." Consider the lowly worm and its contemptible appearance, for it is only the beginning of the matter. Then notice the butterfly with its gorgeous wings, playing in the sunbeams and sipping nectar from the blossoms. It is full of happiness and life but that is "the end of [the] matter." That caterpillar is you until the time you are wrapped in the chrysalis of death. "But...when he appears, [you] shall be like him, for [you] shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).
Thus, be content to "be like him" here on earth--a worm, a no one--that like Him you may be fully satisfied when you wake up in His likeness in glory. Think of that rough-looking diamond placed on the stonecutter's wheel. He cuts it on every side, removing much that the diamond thought was so important for itself. But when the king is crowned, and the crown is placed upon the monarch's head with the joyful fanfare of trumpets, a glittering flash of light beams from that very diamond that not long ago had been so troubled at the hands of the stonecutter.
Go ahead--dare to compare yourself to that diamond, for you are one of God's people and this is the time of the cutting process. Let faith and "perseverance...finish its work" (James 1:4), for on the day when the crown will be set upon the head of "the King eternal, immortal, invisible" (1 Tim. 1:17); one ray of glory will shine from you. "They shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels" (Mal. 3:17 KJV).
Truly--"The end of a matter is better than its beginning."
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
Perseverance and endurance are continual themes in God's Word. Life was never meant to be easy, but instead was meant to conform us to "the likeness of [God's] Son" (Rom. 8:29). Today Spurgeon briefly quotes from James, but here is the verse in its context: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).
Paul stressed endurance as well by writing this to the Thessalonians: "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.... You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers..." (1 Thess. 1:3, 6-7).
Father, may we glimpse "the end of the matter," but even now be "the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved" (2 Cor. 2:15).
www.LookUntoMe.com
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
LTW to Nursing Homes: Holston Rehabilitation Center (Knoxville, TN)
With Lucinda (Cindy) and RuthToday I sang hymns at Holston Rehabilitation Center, an assisted living facility affiliated with St. Mary's Hospital in Knoxville, TN. The residents sang along to songs such as "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" and "Amazing Grace" as my mother accompanied me. I felt the Holy Spirit as I sang, and I saw some of the people wiping away the tears. God touched hearts with His love, including mine, as I sang those dear, old hymns. There was no greater honor for me than to sing to these saints in the Lord as they called out requests.
Songs I sing in the nursing homes and rehabilitation centers include:
Amazing Grace
Jesus Paid It All
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Til The Storm Passes By
Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
Shall We Gather At The River
God Bless America
Sweet Bye and Bye
Jesus Is The Sweetest Name I Know
How Great Thou Art
Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us
God Is Still On The Throne
Why Do I Sing About Jesus
Precious Memories
In The Garden
Battle Hymn
Old-Time Religion
My Savior First Of All
All That Thrills My Soul
Victory In Jesus
Near The Cross
Old Rugged Cross
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
All The Way My Savior Leads Me
On the way out someone stopped me as I was leaving in the parking lot asking, "What is your fee?" I answered, "I don't charge anything to sing hymns in area nursing homes and assisted living facilities. I'm a Christian, and the Bible says it is 'pure and undefiled religion'." I introduced her to my mother and explained that we just sing at these places as a ministry. She said, "I work at an assited living facility in Knoxville. Would you come and sing to our residents, too?" I told her I would be happy to sing there. My mother and I got in the truck and realized that this may be a new facet of ministry I do regularly in Knoxville and Atlanta. Tomorrow I am scheduled to sing hymns at two nursing homes in Sevierville, TN.
Matthew 6:6,
Dwayna
Monday, December 28, 2009
"LTW to Tel Aviv" (Updated Web Site)
It is really so much work, taking many hours, to update our web site. Thank God for talented web designers who are getting the site up to date. We have just completed another location where we partner in outreach here.
Lyrics for "A Higher Power"
A Higher Power
(Words and Music by Dwayna Litz)
http://www.lightingthewayworldwide.org/songs/120309_hp.mp3
Do you have a Higher Power
Who holds you when you cry
Do you have a Higher Power
Who will never lie
If you have a hole in your heart
No spirit guide can fill
There’s a Higher Power
Who will
Remember should your angel
Leave you running scared
There’s a Higher Power
Who will care
When you cannot save yourself from
A wooden talisman
There’s a Higher Power
Who can
When L Ron Hubbard
Can’t take away your fear
And you’re seven thousand dollars
Short from being clear
And you’re lonely for a Spirit
Who won’t charge you a dime
There’s a Higher Power
Than science of the mind
Tell me bout Mohammed
And all his virgin wives
Some yoga meditations
For all of your past lives
And I’ll show you a Bible
For sin’s only cure
Where a Higher Power
Is pure
Chorus:
If you will run to Jesus
Take refuge in His name
That same Higher Power
That raised Him from the grave
Can live inside of you now
He’ll wash you with Love
Saved by the power
Of His blood
When the angel Moroni
Who appeared to Joseph Smith
Leads you to a gospel
That becomes a myth
And you cannot be perfect
No matter how you try
There’s a Higher Power
Who won’t pass you by
When you need a Mediator
The Watchtower can’t find
And you’re lookin’ for a Savior
Who brings the dead to life
Who rules the wind and ocean
At His command
There’s a Higher Power
Who can
When the Dalai Lama
Says a lot to not say much
And keepin’ up with karma
Is a fate too capricious
And you sip the Kabbalah water
And your dreams don’t come true
There’s a Higher Power
Than you
When Mary Baker Eddy
No longer has the key
And no Buddha can offer
A sure eternity
And the goddess didn’t suffer
For you one bit
There’s a Higher Power
Who did
Chorus:
If you will run to Jesus
Take refuge in His name
That same Higher Power
That raised Him from the grave
Can live inside of you now
He’ll wash you with Love
Saved by the power
Of His blood
Won’t you let Him cleanse you sinner
Won’t you let Him make you new
More than any Moonie
Can promise you
And no Hinduism
Could hold Him in the grave
All other powers tremble
At His holy name
When Charles and Myrtle Filmore
Say Unity’s enough
And teach another Jesus
You’ve never heard of
When you tire of confession
To a priest in a long robe
There’s a Higher Power
Than the Vatican of Rome
Chorus:
If you will run to Jesus
Take refuge in His name
That same Higher Power
That raised Him from the grave
Can live inside of you now
He’ll wash you with Love
Saved by the power
Of His blood
Do you have a Higher Power
Who holds you when you cry
Do you have a Higher Power
Who will never lie
There’s only One to choose from
Humble and true
There’s just one Savior
Who loves you
Run to the living Savior
Who loves you
(Words and Music by Dwayna Litz)
http://www.lightingthewayworldwide.org/songs/120309_hp.mp3
Do you have a Higher Power
Who holds you when you cry
Do you have a Higher Power
Who will never lie
If you have a hole in your heart
No spirit guide can fill
There’s a Higher Power
Who will
Remember should your angel
Leave you running scared
There’s a Higher Power
Who will care
When you cannot save yourself from
A wooden talisman
There’s a Higher Power
Who can
When L Ron Hubbard
Can’t take away your fear
And you’re seven thousand dollars
Short from being clear
And you’re lonely for a Spirit
Who won’t charge you a dime
There’s a Higher Power
Than science of the mind
Tell me bout Mohammed
And all his virgin wives
Some yoga meditations
For all of your past lives
And I’ll show you a Bible
For sin’s only cure
Where a Higher Power
Is pure
Chorus:
If you will run to Jesus
Take refuge in His name
That same Higher Power
That raised Him from the grave
Can live inside of you now
He’ll wash you with Love
Saved by the power
Of His blood
When the angel Moroni
Who appeared to Joseph Smith
Leads you to a gospel
That becomes a myth
And you cannot be perfect
No matter how you try
There’s a Higher Power
Who won’t pass you by
When you need a Mediator
The Watchtower can’t find
And you’re lookin’ for a Savior
Who brings the dead to life
Who rules the wind and ocean
At His command
There’s a Higher Power
Who can
When the Dalai Lama
Says a lot to not say much
And keepin’ up with karma
Is a fate too capricious
And you sip the Kabbalah water
And your dreams don’t come true
There’s a Higher Power
Than you
When Mary Baker Eddy
No longer has the key
And no Buddha can offer
A sure eternity
And the goddess didn’t suffer
For you one bit
There’s a Higher Power
Who did
Chorus:
If you will run to Jesus
Take refuge in His name
That same Higher Power
That raised Him from the grave
Can live inside of you now
He’ll wash you with Love
Saved by the power
Of His blood
Won’t you let Him cleanse you sinner
Won’t you let Him make you new
More than any Moonie
Can promise you
And no Hinduism
Could hold Him in the grave
All other powers tremble
At His holy name
When Charles and Myrtle Filmore
Say Unity’s enough
And teach another Jesus
You’ve never heard of
When you tire of confession
To a priest in a long robe
There’s a Higher Power
Than the Vatican of Rome
Chorus:
If you will run to Jesus
Take refuge in His name
That same Higher Power
That raised Him from the grave
Can live inside of you now
He’ll wash you with Love
Saved by the power
Of His blood
Do you have a Higher Power
Who holds you when you cry
Do you have a Higher Power
Who will never lie
There’s only One to choose from
Humble and true
There’s just one Savior
Who loves you
Run to the living Savior
Who loves you
Radio Interview this Wed. with Jill Martin Rische
My new song is posted, and I will be discussing the meaning of this song with Jill Martin Rische (http://www.waltermartin.com/ ) on the radio this Wednesday on KKMS AM980 . We are going to be talking about how Jesus saves and His power over all the other spirits, sharing stories of evangelism from when this ministry first began at Venice Beach, CA, in 2002.
http://www.lightingthewayworldwide.org/songs/120309_hp.mp3
Thank you for your prayers.
http://www.lightingthewayworldwide.org/songs/120309_hp.mp3
Thank you for your prayers.
Singing at Assisted Living Places and Nursing Homes This Week
I will be singing hymns in nursing homes this week with the piano such as "All The Way My Savior Leads Me."
All the way my Savior leads me
What have I to ask beside
Can I doubt His tender mercy
Who through life has been my Guide
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort
Here by faith in Him to dwell
For I know, what e'er befall me
Jesus doeth all things well
All the way my Savior leads me
What have I to ask beside
Can I doubt His tender mercy
Who through life has been my Guide
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort
Here by faith in Him to dwell
For I know, what e'er befall me
Jesus doeth all things well
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Why We Can Trust the Virgin Birth
Read this very important discourse on why we can put faith in the virgin birth and the incarnate life of our Savior who died as fully man and fully God on our behalf.
Getting a Tattoo at Church
Hear a sermon and get your tattoo.
The sight of a woman being tattooed live on the altar accompanied by the sound of a buzzing ink gun provided a startling backdrop to Sunday's evangelical sermon. Your parents' church service this was not. In the drive to stay relevant, the Gold Creek Community Church has been hosting a series called 'Permanent Ink' that featured Sunday's live-tattoo finale...
[Click here for what the Bible says about tattoos, though the verses are evidently never mentioned in a 'tattoo church'.]
The sight of a woman being tattooed live on the altar accompanied by the sound of a buzzing ink gun provided a startling backdrop to Sunday's evangelical sermon. Your parents' church service this was not. In the drive to stay relevant, the Gold Creek Community Church has been hosting a series called 'Permanent Ink' that featured Sunday's live-tattoo finale...
[Click here for what the Bible says about tattoos, though the verses are evidently never mentioned in a 'tattoo church'.]
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Thank You for Partnering With Us Through Prayer, Resources, and Financial Contributions in 2009
Today I have made serious headway on catching up on emails. New articles are posted on the web site, and I am working more on web site updates tonight.
By Monday I will have thank you gifts on the way to supporters of this ministry in 2009. For a donation of 15.00 to LTW to help us expand to new locations, I will send anyone my new music CD as a thank you gift. If anyone gives 100.00 in 2009 I am sending them a book entitled Look Unto Me, a devotional that has been of great encouragement to me.
Monday will be a busy mail day at the post office.
By Monday I will have thank you gifts on the way to supporters of this ministry in 2009. For a donation of 15.00 to LTW to help us expand to new locations, I will send anyone my new music CD as a thank you gift. If anyone gives 100.00 in 2009 I am sending them a book entitled Look Unto Me, a devotional that has been of great encouragement to me.
Monday will be a busy mail day at the post office.
Friday, December 25, 2009
A Sugar Free Merry Christmas
I am recommending Sugar Shock blog (for health reasons only) and enjoying staying healthy this Christmas. I have the book and am learning a lot about the importance of proper glucose levels in the blood for health. It even effects skin (anti-aging) and memory. Plus, staying away from sugar keeps me in size 2 jeans. I had celery today, brown rice and vegetables. I am so thankful I don't have to gain weight to celebrate my Savior's birth!
[Caveat: I have enjoyed this book and have never read anything in it about the author's spirituality. I got an email about the author's implied New Age spirituality, but I am only recommending this blog for the health tips about sugar. I hate to admit it, but I have had a mean sugar addiction in the past, and I never want to go back to craving it and 'losing myself' in sugar, because this does not bring glory to God. A fruit of the Holy Spirit is self control. Sadly, proper diet is rarely discussed in churches and gluttony is usually highly encouraged. When I find a good book on the importance of blood-glucose levels from a medical standpoint, I am encouraged to take care of myself. This is the only reason for my recommendation of this book and blog.]
Now, I did send a lot of pralines to people from Georgia as Christmas gifts to thank people who have made special contributions to LTW. :-) I ate a hot one when I placed the orders, too.
All I am saying is I am trying my best to stay away from sugar and feeling GREAT going to bed on an empty stomach. I don't keep any pralines in the house. :-)
[Caveat: I have enjoyed this book and have never read anything in it about the author's spirituality. I got an email about the author's implied New Age spirituality, but I am only recommending this blog for the health tips about sugar. I hate to admit it, but I have had a mean sugar addiction in the past, and I never want to go back to craving it and 'losing myself' in sugar, because this does not bring glory to God. A fruit of the Holy Spirit is self control. Sadly, proper diet is rarely discussed in churches and gluttony is usually highly encouraged. When I find a good book on the importance of blood-glucose levels from a medical standpoint, I am encouraged to take care of myself. This is the only reason for my recommendation of this book and blog.]
Now, I did send a lot of pralines to people from Georgia as Christmas gifts to thank people who have made special contributions to LTW. :-) I ate a hot one when I placed the orders, too.
All I am saying is I am trying my best to stay away from sugar and feeling GREAT going to bed on an empty stomach. I don't keep any pralines in the house. :-)
Movie "Avatar": An Attack on the Incarnation of Jesus
Review of movie Avatar from Angel, former New Ager:
In Hinduism, Avatar, Sanskrit word avatāra, refers to a deliberate descent of a deity from heaven to earth, and is mostly translated into English as "incarnation", though more accurately as "appearance" or "manifestation". It corresponds more closely to the view of Docetism in Christian theology, as distinct from the idea of incarnation in mainstream Christology and its implication of God 'in the flesh'.
The info I read went on to talk about Hindu deities manifesting as Avatars to bring dharma, or “righteousness”, back to the social and cosmic order.
I found the info on Docetism most interesting in connection with this Avatar issue...
Docetism is the belief that Jesus' physical body was an illusion, as was his crucifixion; that is, Jesus only seemed to have a physical body and to physically die, but in reality he was incorporeal, a pure spirit, and hence could not physically die.
Docetism says EXACTLY what the Freemasons say they believe and Islam…
The Qur'an Sura 4:157 reads:
‘And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain...'
This is what the Bible has to say on this subject!
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.1jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:1jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.This Avatar stuff is very evil and obviously has an agenda.
My review of this movie is BEWARE! Hardly anything touted as “fiction” really is…
In Hinduism, Avatar, Sanskrit word avatāra, refers to a deliberate descent of a deity from heaven to earth, and is mostly translated into English as "incarnation", though more accurately as "appearance" or "manifestation". It corresponds more closely to the view of Docetism in Christian theology, as distinct from the idea of incarnation in mainstream Christology and its implication of God 'in the flesh'.
The info I read went on to talk about Hindu deities manifesting as Avatars to bring dharma, or “righteousness”, back to the social and cosmic order.
I found the info on Docetism most interesting in connection with this Avatar issue...
Docetism is the belief that Jesus' physical body was an illusion, as was his crucifixion; that is, Jesus only seemed to have a physical body and to physically die, but in reality he was incorporeal, a pure spirit, and hence could not physically die.
Docetism says EXACTLY what the Freemasons say they believe and Islam…
The Qur'an Sura 4:157 reads:
‘And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain...'
This is what the Bible has to say on this subject!
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.1jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:1jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.This Avatar stuff is very evil and obviously has an agenda.
My review of this movie is BEWARE! Hardly anything touted as “fiction” really is…
Thursday, December 24, 2009
"No one wants to offend a Muslim." (Terrorism in America)
This is excellent footage on the persecution of Christians by Muslims in America today. Nidal Hisan was an extremist, proving that we are infiltrated from within. The army's dealings with this terrorist was atrocious.
Interestingly they just killed Hasan's cleric, wonder if he gave him up under interrogation?
Interestingly they just killed Hasan's cleric, wonder if he gave him up under interrogation?
Investing in Fake Gold Bars
Read article here about fake gold bars discovered in Ft. Knox in Oct., 2009. What is next?
A recent discovery -- in October of 2009 -- has been suppressed by the main stream media but has been circulating among the "big money" brokers and financial kingpins and is just now being revealed to the public. It involves the gold in Fort Knox -- the US Treasury gold -- that is the equity of our national wealth. In short, millions (with an "m") of gold bars are fake!
Who did this? Apparently our own government.
Email comment on post:
"When the gold was checked in the past, they never drilled the bars. There is no way to know whether the bars were gold all of the way through even back then. As far as shipments between countries, we have never owed as much to another country as we do to China (to my knowledge). I don't know where I would go to check this. I don't trust Snopes since they are hooked in with supporters of Obama. Friends of mine who track these sorts of things told me about this when it was first reported. My experience is that when the Federal Reserve is involved, if it is something bad, and they are reported to be involved, it is often true. That doesn't prove it though."
A recent discovery -- in October of 2009 -- has been suppressed by the main stream media but has been circulating among the "big money" brokers and financial kingpins and is just now being revealed to the public. It involves the gold in Fort Knox -- the US Treasury gold -- that is the equity of our national wealth. In short, millions (with an "m") of gold bars are fake!
Who did this? Apparently our own government.
Email comment on post:
"When the gold was checked in the past, they never drilled the bars. There is no way to know whether the bars were gold all of the way through even back then. As far as shipments between countries, we have never owed as much to another country as we do to China (to my knowledge). I don't know where I would go to check this. I don't trust Snopes since they are hooked in with supporters of Obama. Friends of mine who track these sorts of things told me about this when it was first reported. My experience is that when the Federal Reserve is involved, if it is something bad, and they are reported to be involved, it is often true. That doesn't prove it though."
-------------------------
Several of us looked up the story on the gold bars tonight. It is apparently inconclusive. CNBC reported on it and that was their conclusion.http://www.businessinsider.com/the-tungsten-filled-gold-bar-conspiracy-gets-discussed-on-cnbc-2009-11
The Lowly Path of our Heavenly King
Articles by Berit Kjos:
"The Lowly Path of our Heavenly King"
...God's answers bewilder those whose hearts are set on this world. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18
Why didn't Jesus show some gratitude when Peter sympathized with His imminent crucifixion? Remember the story? Toward the end of His earthly ministry Jesus began to prepare His disciples to face His suffering and death, but Peter refused to accept the bad news. "Far be it from You, Lord," he argued. "This shall not happen to You!" Then Jesus answered Peter,
"Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.'' Matthew 16:21-23
Those words sound harsh, don't they? Especially in light of today's obsession with unbiblical tolerance. Didn't Jesus see the compassion in Peter's heart? Didn't our merciful Lord understand that His friend's motives were good and worthy of kindness, not rebuke?
[...]
"Green Lies and Deceptive Science"
Club of Rome: "In searching for a new enemy to unite us, we came up with the idea that pollution, the threat of global warming, water shortages, famine and the like would fit the bill..."[1] The First Global Revolution, Club of Rome, an elite think-tank (David Rockefeller, Gorbachev, etc.) working with the UN.
Stanford University Professor Steven Schneider (Nobel Prize winner along with Al Gore):"...we need to get some broad based support, to capture the public's imagination.... So we have to offer up scary scenarios, make simplified, dramatic statements and make little mention of any doubts.... Each of us has to decide what the right balance is between being effective and being honest."[2]
Christine Stewart, Canadian Minister of the Environment: “No matter if the science of global warming is all phony... climate change [provides] the greatest opportunity to bring about justice and equality in the world.”[3]
[...]
"The Lowly Path of our Heavenly King"
...God's answers bewilder those whose hearts are set on this world. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18
Why didn't Jesus show some gratitude when Peter sympathized with His imminent crucifixion? Remember the story? Toward the end of His earthly ministry Jesus began to prepare His disciples to face His suffering and death, but Peter refused to accept the bad news. "Far be it from You, Lord," he argued. "This shall not happen to You!" Then Jesus answered Peter,
"Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.'' Matthew 16:21-23
Those words sound harsh, don't they? Especially in light of today's obsession with unbiblical tolerance. Didn't Jesus see the compassion in Peter's heart? Didn't our merciful Lord understand that His friend's motives were good and worthy of kindness, not rebuke?
[...]
"Green Lies and Deceptive Science"
Club of Rome: "In searching for a new enemy to unite us, we came up with the idea that pollution, the threat of global warming, water shortages, famine and the like would fit the bill..."[1] The First Global Revolution, Club of Rome, an elite think-tank (David Rockefeller, Gorbachev, etc.) working with the UN.
Stanford University Professor Steven Schneider (Nobel Prize winner along with Al Gore):"...we need to get some broad based support, to capture the public's imagination.... So we have to offer up scary scenarios, make simplified, dramatic statements and make little mention of any doubts.... Each of us has to decide what the right balance is between being effective and being honest."[2]
Christine Stewart, Canadian Minister of the Environment: “No matter if the science of global warming is all phony... climate change [provides] the greatest opportunity to bring about justice and equality in the world.”[3]
[...]
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Great Intelligent Design Debate
William Lane Craig vs Francisco Ayala at Indiana University, Dec '09
This is about 2 views of Intelligent Design between believers. Click on 'the debate' under Pages on the right.
http://isintelligentdesignviable.com/
http://vimeo.com/8066919
This is about 2 views of Intelligent Design between believers. Click on 'the debate' under Pages on the right.
http://isintelligentdesignviable.com/
http://vimeo.com/8066919
LTW Update: Last Friday in West Hollywood
Prayer request from Joseph, a member of our witnessing team:
The young man with whom I spoke is a 19-years-old from a conservative Christian home from what he reported. According to him, his parents kicked him out of their home since he insisted he didn't want any help from them or any ministry. In his words, he likes being gay, knows the truth and rejects the God of his parents.
He listened attentively and was respectful throughout our discussion, speaking openly and directly/candidly. He acknowledged the implications of his rejection of the truth and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He said he was educated and comes from a firm Christian background, yet when his views were discussed against the actual evidence, he acknowledged that he is choosing to go against the evidence in favor of his lifestyle. He even admitted that his rejection of the Gospel and Jesus Christ is (in-effect) making himself his own god. He apologized a few times and noted maybe he would repent in the future, but for now, he said he likes being gay. Please pray for him and his family.
'The Daily Reckoning' and Financial World Affairs
The Daily Reckoning - Special Reports:
Gold: The Truth About Gold
Fiat Currency: Using the Past to See into the Future
"THE GREAT AMERICAN RECOVERY RP-OFF" Brace yourself for what's about to go down as the BIGGEST FINANCIAL SWINDLE in world history.
For additional articles and commentary follow The Daily Reckoning on Twitter and Facebook
Gold: The Truth About Gold
Fiat Currency: Using the Past to See into the Future
"THE GREAT AMERICAN RECOVERY RP-OFF" Brace yourself for what's about to go down as the BIGGEST FINANCIAL SWINDLE in world history.
For additional articles and commentary follow The Daily Reckoning on Twitter and Facebook
Food Crisis Looming?
I hate to be an alarmist, but click here to read what some market skeptics are predicting as the worst financial crisis yet.
John Newton's Tombstone (Amazing Grace)
Having encouraged William Wilberforce to end slavery in England, his tombstone read,
"John Newton, Clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy."
"John Newton, Clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy."
LTW Update: NYC
NYC got almost a foot of snow last weekend, so there was no table outreach. It was too hard to even carry the table underground to the subway. The team is excited about setting up when the weather is more conducive.
"From Strength to Strength"
From Look Unto Me.
December 23
Friend, move up to a better place.
(Luke 14:10)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
When the life of grace first begins in the soul we do indeed draw closer to God but it is with great fear and trembling. A soul who has become aware of his guilt, and who truly has been humbled by it, is overwhelmed by the sacredness of his new position in God's grace, and is brought down to earth by an awareness of the grandeur of Jehovah in whose presence he now stands. Thus, with true humility the soul seeks the lowest or most humble place.
Although a true believer will never forget the sacredness of his new position, and will never lose the sense of the holy awe surrounding it, his ongoing walk with Christ causes the earlier feelings of fear and terror to subside...He recognizes more of God's goodness as opposed to His greatness, and more of His love as opposed to His majesty.
At this point of Christian maturity, the soul, while still humbly bowing and continuing to prostate itself before the glory of the infinite God, will enjoy a more sacred liberty of intercession, and will be sustained by the refreshing awareness of being in the presence of limitless mercy, infinite love, and total acceptance "in the beloved" (Eph. 1:6 KJV).
Thus, the believer is invited "to a better place," and is enabled to exercise the privilege of rejoicing in God and drawing closer to Him in holy confidence, while saying, "Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15).
So may we go from strength to strength,
And daily grow in grace,
Till in Your image raised at length,
We see You face to face.
(Author unknown)
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
The words of today's poem, "So may we go from strength to strength," are based on Psalm 84, which beautifully describes the believer's pilgrimage that ultimately leads to the very throne of God. May these words be our prayer this morning:
"Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.... They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.... Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Ps. 84:4-5, 7, 10).
LookUntoMe.com
December 23
Friend, move up to a better place.
(Luke 14:10)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
When the life of grace first begins in the soul we do indeed draw closer to God but it is with great fear and trembling. A soul who has become aware of his guilt, and who truly has been humbled by it, is overwhelmed by the sacredness of his new position in God's grace, and is brought down to earth by an awareness of the grandeur of Jehovah in whose presence he now stands. Thus, with true humility the soul seeks the lowest or most humble place.
Although a true believer will never forget the sacredness of his new position, and will never lose the sense of the holy awe surrounding it, his ongoing walk with Christ causes the earlier feelings of fear and terror to subside...He recognizes more of God's goodness as opposed to His greatness, and more of His love as opposed to His majesty.
At this point of Christian maturity, the soul, while still humbly bowing and continuing to prostate itself before the glory of the infinite God, will enjoy a more sacred liberty of intercession, and will be sustained by the refreshing awareness of being in the presence of limitless mercy, infinite love, and total acceptance "in the beloved" (Eph. 1:6 KJV).
Thus, the believer is invited "to a better place," and is enabled to exercise the privilege of rejoicing in God and drawing closer to Him in holy confidence, while saying, "Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15).
So may we go from strength to strength,
And daily grow in grace,
Till in Your image raised at length,
We see You face to face.
(Author unknown)
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
The words of today's poem, "So may we go from strength to strength," are based on Psalm 84, which beautifully describes the believer's pilgrimage that ultimately leads to the very throne of God. May these words be our prayer this morning:
"Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.... They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.... Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Ps. 84:4-5, 7, 10).
LookUntoMe.com
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Work This Weekend
I want to thank anyone who prayed for me yesterday during my radio interview. I was honored to be on the air with Jan Markell. She is a real warrior for the truth, no matter the cost. It was a pleasure to talk with her about all Jesus has done through this ministry and what a joy it is to tell others about Him. Here is a link to the program archived from "Understanding the Times" with a brief synopsis: December 19, 2009 - Hour 2 John McTernan finishes in the first 15 minutes of hour 2. Then Dwayna Litz talks about "lighting the way worldwide," her efforts at missions in very difficult places. Jan finishes with commentary. www.lightingthewayworldwide.org .
-----------------
Tonight I am working on an important music project and also catching up on emails.
This week: Goals are to finish the web site updates (LTW to the UK: Pickering/North Yorkshire, England" and "LTW to the Philippines").
This week: Goals are to finish the web site updates (LTW to the UK: Pickering/North Yorkshire, England" and "LTW to the Philippines").
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Devotional from 'Look Unto Me'
Come to Me. (Matthew 11:28)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
The call of the Christian faith is the gentle word "Come." Conversely, the Jewish law harshly said, in effect, "Carefully guard your steps and the path in which you walk. Break the commandments and you will perish, but keep them and you will live." The law was administered with terror, driving people to follow it through the threat of scouring punishment, but the gospel draws people with cords of love. Jesus is "the good shepherd" (John 10:11) leading His sheep, bidding them to follow Him, and always directing them onward with the sweet word "Come." The law drives people away, but the gospel attracts; the law reveals the distance between God and man, while the gospel bridges that awful chasm and delivers sinners across it.
From the very first moment of your spiritual life until you are ushered into glory Christ's words to you will be: "Come to me." Just as a mother holds out her arms, urging her child to walk by saying, "Come," Jesus does the same. He will always be ahead, bidding you to follow Him as a soldier follows his general. He will forever walk before you, paving your way and clearing your path, and you will hear His life-giving voice calling you to follow throughout your days. Even at your solemn hour of death His sweet words ushering you into His heavenly world will be: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father" (Matt. 25:34).
Furthermore, if you are a believer "Come" is not only Christ's call to you, but it will be your call to Him as well. You will be longing for His second coming and saying, "Come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20 KJV). You will be yearning for closer and closer communion with Him, and as His bids you "Come," your response to Him will be, "Come, Lord, and abide with me. Come and be the sole, unrivaled sovereign reigning on the throne of my heart, and consecrate me entirely to Your service."
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
Jesus says, "Come to me," and then simply adds, "Follow me" (John 21:19). In truth, it is actually a gracious act of His to lead rather than commanding us to do so. And not only does He lead but He has a particular "race marked out for us" (Heb. 12:1), and then graciously lights the way ahead, for "[His] word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Ps. 119:105).
It is all very simply stated, but how we overcomplicate His will! He even said, "This is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day" (John 6:39). Thus, He has taken it upon Himself to lead us, and we have His very Word as the calm assurance we will ultimately arrive at His eternal home. We also have the assurance that the law is no longer a burden to us because of Him. Here is how Paul stated it:
"What the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.... The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace" (Rom. 8:3-4, 6).
Father, thank You for "the freedom we have in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 2:4).
LookUntoMe.com
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
The call of the Christian faith is the gentle word "Come." Conversely, the Jewish law harshly said, in effect, "Carefully guard your steps and the path in which you walk. Break the commandments and you will perish, but keep them and you will live." The law was administered with terror, driving people to follow it through the threat of scouring punishment, but the gospel draws people with cords of love. Jesus is "the good shepherd" (John 10:11) leading His sheep, bidding them to follow Him, and always directing them onward with the sweet word "Come." The law drives people away, but the gospel attracts; the law reveals the distance between God and man, while the gospel bridges that awful chasm and delivers sinners across it.
From the very first moment of your spiritual life until you are ushered into glory Christ's words to you will be: "Come to me." Just as a mother holds out her arms, urging her child to walk by saying, "Come," Jesus does the same. He will always be ahead, bidding you to follow Him as a soldier follows his general. He will forever walk before you, paving your way and clearing your path, and you will hear His life-giving voice calling you to follow throughout your days. Even at your solemn hour of death His sweet words ushering you into His heavenly world will be: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father" (Matt. 25:34).
Furthermore, if you are a believer "Come" is not only Christ's call to you, but it will be your call to Him as well. You will be longing for His second coming and saying, "Come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20 KJV). You will be yearning for closer and closer communion with Him, and as His bids you "Come," your response to Him will be, "Come, Lord, and abide with me. Come and be the sole, unrivaled sovereign reigning on the throne of my heart, and consecrate me entirely to Your service."
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
Jesus says, "Come to me," and then simply adds, "Follow me" (John 21:19). In truth, it is actually a gracious act of His to lead rather than commanding us to do so. And not only does He lead but He has a particular "race marked out for us" (Heb. 12:1), and then graciously lights the way ahead, for "[His] word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Ps. 119:105).
It is all very simply stated, but how we overcomplicate His will! He even said, "This is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day" (John 6:39). Thus, He has taken it upon Himself to lead us, and we have His very Word as the calm assurance we will ultimately arrive at His eternal home. We also have the assurance that the law is no longer a burden to us because of Him. Here is how Paul stated it:
"What the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.... The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace" (Rom. 8:3-4, 6).
Father, thank You for "the freedom we have in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 2:4).
LookUntoMe.com
"The Irreconcilable Wing of Islam"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN9cqtJTvF4&feature=related
Here is a blunt and chilling answer to a serious question posed to Newt Gingrich on CNN. It's a clearly worded warning I have yet heard from any public figure concerning the state of world affairs. This is one the most powerful and articulate summaries of the dangers of our current situation that I have ever heard. It is a mystery why this is not painfully aware to every American and a subject of constant discussion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZiw3qVdFzw
Here is a blunt and chilling answer to a serious question posed to Newt Gingrich on CNN. It's a clearly worded warning I have yet heard from any public figure concerning the state of world affairs. This is one the most powerful and articulate summaries of the dangers of our current situation that I have ever heard. It is a mystery why this is not painfully aware to every American and a subject of constant discussion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZiw3qVdFzw
LTW Update: Christmas Outreach at Columbus Circle (NYC)
The "Good News Girls" got together for a special outreach
to lead a team at Columbus Circle...to offer free Bibles andthe Bread of Life during the Christmas season.
Suzi, Christine and Heidi
Christmas table with Bibles and food for evangelism
From Suzi:
I want to offer thanks and praise to our Lord for His faithfulness this year in answering our prayers and granting us many opportunities to lift Him up and make Him known!
We had another wonderful outreach last Saturday night at Columbus Circle! Thanks to Heidi for setting up a table and bringing a sound system, we had Christmas music playing while passing out lots of holiday treats and friends joined us to sing carols and share the true true joy and meaning of this season.
May the Lord continue to abundantly provide for this ministry and raise up others who long to share the Good News year round!! Luke 10:2
Have a blessed Christmas and looking forward to a glorious 2010!!
Suzi
I want to offer thanks and praise to our Lord for His faithfulness this year in answering our prayers and granting us many opportunities to lift Him up and make Him known!
We had another wonderful outreach last Saturday night at Columbus Circle! Thanks to Heidi for setting up a table and bringing a sound system, we had Christmas music playing while passing out lots of holiday treats and friends joined us to sing carols and share the true true joy and meaning of this season.
May the Lord continue to abundantly provide for this ministry and raise up others who long to share the Good News year round!! Luke 10:2
Have a blessed Christmas and looking forward to a glorious 2010!!
Suzi
A Journey
What was supposed to take 4 hours took almost 7 from Atlanta to Knoxville with the bad weather and severe traffic jams. Here it is midnight, and I am just turning on my computer. I am going to focus in the morning on my radio interview and then plan to post photos and an update on the NYC outreach on the blog. My brother and his kids are here this weekend, so I want to make the most of my time with them.
I drove the whole way listening to some new songs I have recorded and some sermons. I will say that the older I get, and the more people I meet, the more I am thankful to know Jesus. The "deceiving spirits" cannot fool Him. It is really exciting having such a pure God as my Lord to protect and guide.
I drove the whole way listening to some new songs I have recorded and some sermons. I will say that the older I get, and the more people I meet, the more I am thankful to know Jesus. The "deceiving spirits" cannot fool Him. It is really exciting having such a pure God as my Lord to protect and guide.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Off to TN Today
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." Micah 5:2-3
I am off to East TN today and will be working from my lap top. It is a cold, rainy day, so I need to get going. Tonight I will post updates from the NYC ministry on the blog as I pray and prepare for my radio interview tomorrow with Jan Markell.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
U.S. Army Major Writes Long Report for One-World Government Goals
U.S. Military report blames Bible-Believing Christians for lack of world peace, understanding and dialogue. A U.S. Army Major has written a long report on how Christians that believe in the rapture, the defense of Israel, absolute truth, the infallible account of the words of God, the dislike for the United Nations, and the opposition to global-governance are having a negative impact on public-policy, the driving the U.S. further from the U.N., undermining the U.N. and will likely push U.S. policy in the wrong direction for years. This report has been posted on the website of the School of Advanced Military Studies, United States Army Command and General Staff College. This report is very troubling on many fronts. It is wrong for the military to use tax-payer money to distribute a report that attacks Christians. It is offensive and dangerous that the military is distributing and teaching this worldview to officers going through this particular military school. This is further proof that the military is increasingly being politicized at the upper leadership level. Please listen to this program and forward it to all your friends.
US Military Working Toward Globalism
From Rapture Alert:
I mailed out our military's document on millenialism that casts most of the Christian world in the role of spoilers of world peace, etc. I'm sending the document..., along with both a radio interview and an article on it that highlights the very disturbing contents of the document.
Radio interview: http://media.worldviewweekend.com/~worldviewmatters/WVM-12-16-09.mp3
Article: http://johnmcternansinsights.blogspot.com/2009/12/emergency-us-army-view-of.html
Additionally, I would note that John McTernan has confirmed the authenticity of the document itself. He literally called a contact number and spoke to someone about its content.
What you will learn from the document, the radio interview and John's article on the document is this: From the failure of the world to achieve world peace to the purported problem of global warming, Christians are essentially holding the world back.
If you thought it disturbing when most of us were labeled as right wing extremists by the current administration in our nation's capitol, this should bother you even more as this is a document well-researched and written by an officer in our own military now taking a similar position!
If you don't read the document, which is pretty dry reading for a good portion of its content, at least read John McTernan's blog entry and see some of the 'highlights' of the body of the military document and John's analysis of it. While I don't believe the next step for us is to see Christians rounded up and herded into concentration camps, what this represents is a present casting of the bible prophecy-believing Christian world in a very negative light. The future implications? There's no telling where the inaccurate ideology and view of our faith presented in this document will lead our military and what the implications for the Church will be as a result. As a veteran of the armed forces, a patriot, and a retired police officer, I am appalled to see how misunderstood we are by the Left, including members of the Left in the upper ranks of our military. Share all of this as you feel led.
Please keep RaptureAlert.com, me and my family in prayer as we serve day-to-day at the mercy of the Lord and under the protection of His mighty hand.
In Christ,
Michael G. Mickey
http://www.rapturealert.com/
I mailed out our military's document on millenialism that casts most of the Christian world in the role of spoilers of world peace, etc. I'm sending the document..., along with both a radio interview and an article on it that highlights the very disturbing contents of the document.
Radio interview: http://media.worldviewweekend.com/~worldviewmatters/WVM-12-16-09.mp3
Article: http://johnmcternansinsights.blogspot.com/2009/12/emergency-us-army-view-of.html
Additionally, I would note that John McTernan has confirmed the authenticity of the document itself. He literally called a contact number and spoke to someone about its content.
What you will learn from the document, the radio interview and John's article on the document is this: From the failure of the world to achieve world peace to the purported problem of global warming, Christians are essentially holding the world back.
If you thought it disturbing when most of us were labeled as right wing extremists by the current administration in our nation's capitol, this should bother you even more as this is a document well-researched and written by an officer in our own military now taking a similar position!
If you don't read the document, which is pretty dry reading for a good portion of its content, at least read John McTernan's blog entry and see some of the 'highlights' of the body of the military document and John's analysis of it. While I don't believe the next step for us is to see Christians rounded up and herded into concentration camps, what this represents is a present casting of the bible prophecy-believing Christian world in a very negative light. The future implications? There's no telling where the inaccurate ideology and view of our faith presented in this document will lead our military and what the implications for the Church will be as a result. As a veteran of the armed forces, a patriot, and a retired police officer, I am appalled to see how misunderstood we are by the Left, including members of the Left in the upper ranks of our military. Share all of this as you feel led.
Please keep RaptureAlert.com, me and my family in prayer as we serve day-to-day at the mercy of the Lord and under the protection of His mighty hand.
In Christ,
Michael G. Mickey
http://www.rapturealert.com/
"Occult Nightmare"/ US Military Now Against Bible Prophecy?
This letter comes from Gregory Reid, author of one of our most popular tracts, "Occult Nightmare", which we give to gothic teens and youth practicing occult spirituality.
Hi folks,
I rarely send things out anymore, but I am very disturbed by this paper that was written by a Major in the military, to the military, and approved by the military. He gives the history of "last days prophecy" believers and explains why they are standing in the way of world peace, etc. because of their apocalyptic mindset, and THEIR SUPPORT OF ISRAEL.
I think things may move rather quickly in the days ahead.
His peace,
Gregory Reid
Read the report here:
http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA485511&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf
Hi folks,
I rarely send things out anymore, but I am very disturbed by this paper that was written by a Major in the military, to the military, and approved by the military. He gives the history of "last days prophecy" believers and explains why they are standing in the way of world peace, etc. because of their apocalyptic mindset, and THEIR SUPPORT OF ISRAEL.
I think things may move rather quickly in the days ahead.
His peace,
Gregory Reid
Read the report here:
http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA485511&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf
Radio Interview This Saturday at 11:00.
I will be on this radio program this Saturday. Please pray for me. I will be speaking with Jan on the air at 11:00 Eastern Time. We are talking about how Jesus is more powerful than all other spirits. I will share stories of evangelism as I have witnessed to people through this ministry over the years.
From host, Jan Markell:
From host, Jan Markell:
"UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES" RADIO: I tackled the subject of the "Twilight" books/movies this past weekend on air. You can listen now at "Radio Archives." If you're a parent, grandparent, youth pastor, of just a friend of pre-teens and teens, you need this information presented articulately by Steve Wohlberg. For podcasting information, go here. To see the outlets out of which we air, go here. We are heard coast to coast on Sirius Satellite and around the world on the Internet.
We air live, Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CST out of AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul. The program is rebroadcast on KKMS Sunday, 12 to 2 PM. You can always "listen live" at this station as they have upgraded their audiostreaming. All weekend programming is posted to "Radio Archives" late Sunday.
We air live, Saturdays, 9 to 11 AM CST out of AM980 KKMS, Minneapolis/St. Paul. The program is rebroadcast on KKMS Sunday, 12 to 2 PM. You can always "listen live" at this station as they have upgraded their audiostreaming. All weekend programming is posted to "Radio Archives" late Sunday.
Working Late Tonight
I am writing out stories of people coming to faith in Jesus at our outreach locations for my radio interview this Sat. I am enjoying thinking back on such good memories as I am preparing these stories for Jan Markell.
Also, I have some work to do on music tonight...
WEB SITE UPDATES: Our new goals now, after speaking with the web designer today, is to have the online "store" up by the end of the month and "LTW to Israel: Jerusalem" and "LTW to Israel: Tel Aviv" by the end of the month.
I will post updates on the blog from our outreach locations as soon as possible. Some of the teams are taking a break, due to weather. THIS FRIDAY THE TEAMS WILL BE SETTING UP IN WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA, AND BOULDER, CO. Weather permitting, Jonna will be working in Virginia, too, with her team.
I have been really busy these last few days with MANY mailouts. I am finally done with all mailouts of resources until after Christmas.
Also, I have some work to do on music tonight...
WEB SITE UPDATES: Our new goals now, after speaking with the web designer today, is to have the online "store" up by the end of the month and "LTW to Israel: Jerusalem" and "LTW to Israel: Tel Aviv" by the end of the month.
I will post updates on the blog from our outreach locations as soon as possible. Some of the teams are taking a break, due to weather. THIS FRIDAY THE TEAMS WILL BE SETTING UP IN WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA, AND BOULDER, CO. Weather permitting, Jonna will be working in Virginia, too, with her team.
I have been really busy these last few days with MANY mailouts. I am finally done with all mailouts of resources until after Christmas.
The Dark Side of Christmas
Here is an excellent book to remind us of the fears Mary and Joseph had when Jesus was born. It will make us want to worship God more for His faithfulness through every single season. We often forget that Jesus could have been killed as a baby...and that God's supernatural plan is invincible.
http://dribex.tumblr.com/post/287638891/the-dark-side-of-christmas
http://dribex.tumblr.com/post/287638891/the-dark-side-of-christmas
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Work Today
I have been working on bookkeeping and mailouts. I have a daily visit at the post office to mail so many resources out for our table outreach locations. Today I have prepared about ten more packages to be shipped tomorrow.
In addition to that, I have been working on web site updates. I hope to post more on the blog tomorrow.
In addition to that, I have been working on web site updates. I hope to post more on the blog tomorrow.
LTW Update: Boulder
From Jonathan, outreach leader:
It is looking as though I'll be able to go to Boulder with a team this Sunday. I will be either ordering a charger for the digital camera or will find a camera man so that we can capture those needed photos and add them to the facebook system for prayer and updates on Boulder.
It is looking as though I'll be able to go to Boulder with a team this Sunday. I will be either ordering a charger for the digital camera or will find a camera man so that we can capture those needed photos and add them to the facebook system for prayer and updates on Boulder.
Charm and Deceit
According to the Word in Daniel 11:32, the anti-Christ will flatter those who do wickedly against the new covenant. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong...
"The one who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the witness that God has borne concerning His Son. And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life." 1 John 5:10-12
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Letter I Received by Email
[Dear Dwayna]
I love what you said below [in the piece about Donald Miller]: “This vacation with Donald Miller on the radio is wearing me out!”
Over the last year I have read up from Scriptures on the anti-Christ, the Prince of the Covenant (torah) who hates the Holy Covenant (our salvation through Jesus' shed blood on the cross). This spirit opposes all that is of God. I have found it to teach and speak opposite of God consistently.
Look at this passage in Daniel. It states that the anti-Christ will wear out the saints of the Most High.
Daniel 7:24-26 (King James Version)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
I have been feeling worn out and weary by all that is coming out against the Word. Those who are of anti-Christ seem to be emerging like ants out of a ruptured ant hill.
The joy of the Lord is our strength. He will sustain us until He comes for us.
I love what you said below [in the piece about Donald Miller]: “This vacation with Donald Miller on the radio is wearing me out!”
Over the last year I have read up from Scriptures on the anti-Christ, the Prince of the Covenant (torah) who hates the Holy Covenant (our salvation through Jesus' shed blood on the cross). This spirit opposes all that is of God. I have found it to teach and speak opposite of God consistently.
Look at this passage in Daniel. It states that the anti-Christ will wear out the saints of the Most High.
Daniel 7:24-26 (King James Version)
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
I have been feeling worn out and weary by all that is coming out against the Word. Those who are of anti-Christ seem to be emerging like ants out of a ruptured ant hill.
The joy of the Lord is our strength. He will sustain us until He comes for us.
LTW Update: Virginia
Update from Jonna, leader of our outreach in Chilhowie, VA:
Dear Dwayna,
Thank you so much for sending us more booklets!
...We had a big windstorm here that knocked out electricity in spots for several days and blew down a church. The storm also brought some cold weather in, but I was able to get out on the street this afternoon for a little while.
Only a trickle of people came by today, but the Lord brought one lady whose son and his wife were out of work and her sister needed a Bible. She took several Bibles, children's Bibles, booklets, and "Jesus Loves You" bears to use as Christmas presents this year. Due to the low turn out, I was able to stock them up with food for several days, as well. She asked for prayer for her entire family...
In Jesus,
Jonna
Dear Dwayna,
Thank you so much for sending us more booklets!
...We had a big windstorm here that knocked out electricity in spots for several days and blew down a church. The storm also brought some cold weather in, but I was able to get out on the street this afternoon for a little while.
Only a trickle of people came by today, but the Lord brought one lady whose son and his wife were out of work and her sister needed a Bible. She took several Bibles, children's Bibles, booklets, and "Jesus Loves You" bears to use as Christmas presents this year. Due to the low turn out, I was able to stock them up with food for several days, as well. She asked for prayer for her entire family...
In Jesus,
Jonna
Saturday, December 12, 2009
"Praise Moves" An Alternative to Yoga
Please check out my friend, Laurette's, workout programs!
SEE Video Trailer for New "Power PraiseMoves" DVD http://praisemoves.com/video.htm
http://PraiseMoves.com
http://LauretteWillis.com
http://PowerMovesKids.com
http://twitter.com/Fit4Christ
http://facebook.com/praisemoves
SEE Video Trailer for New "Power PraiseMoves" DVD http://praisemoves.com/video.htm
http://PraiseMoves.com
http://LauretteWillis.com
http://PowerMovesKids.com
http://twitter.com/Fit4Christ
http://facebook.com/praisemoves
German Government Puts Christian Fathers in Jail for Shunning Sex Education
Christian fathers put in jail for shunning explicit sex ed
An international human rights organization today announced it will pursue a civil lawsuit on behalf of parents who want to control their children's education and withhold them from explicit sex education and play-acting classes required by the German government. Joel Thornton of the International Human Rights Group told WND the government in Salzkotten, Germany, is sending the fathers of the children to jail for terms of one week because they have refused to turn their children over to school officials for mandated sex classes.
Find out the latest right now at WND.com.
An international human rights organization today announced it will pursue a civil lawsuit on behalf of parents who want to control their children's education and withhold them from explicit sex education and play-acting classes required by the German government. Joel Thornton of the International Human Rights Group told WND the government in Salzkotten, Germany, is sending the fathers of the children to jail for terms of one week because they have refused to turn their children over to school officials for mandated sex classes.
Find out the latest right now at WND.com.
Friday, December 11, 2009
'Christians' in the Occult?
This article tells of so called Christians in church on Sunday also embracing occult beliefs.
"Going to church this Sunday? Look around.
The chances are that one in five of the people there find "spiritual energy" in mountains or trees, and one in six believe in the "evil eye," that certain people can cast curses with a look — beliefs your Christian pastor doesn't preach.
In a Catholic church? Chances are that one in five members believe in reincarnation in a way never taught in catechism class — that you'll be reborn in this world again and again..."
"Going to church this Sunday? Look around.
The chances are that one in five of the people there find "spiritual energy" in mountains or trees, and one in six believe in the "evil eye," that certain people can cast curses with a look — beliefs your Christian pastor doesn't preach.
In a Catholic church? Chances are that one in five members believe in reincarnation in a way never taught in catechism class — that you'll be reborn in this world again and again..."
Answered Prayer
God gave us $500.00 today for the NYC outreach. I am still asking God for $200.00 per month for this outreach location. This donation really helped, though, because I have spent at least $100.00 in shipping alone for materials for this location over the last two weeks. Plus, I spent $100.00 on tracts for kids for NYC and the Rio Grande Valley last week. I prayed last night for God to provide, and He did.
We are getting a new sign for this outreach table. We think this simple sign would work:
We Have Good News
God is at work so much in NYC that it may be that every single month I will have to order a case of Bibles and make orders for books and tracts for this outreach location. It is very exciting!
I am praying for Jonna and the team in Virginia. If it does not snow, they will be handing out free food and offering Bibles and sermons tomorrow.
We are getting a new sign for this outreach table. We think this simple sign would work:
We Have Good News
God is at work so much in NYC that it may be that every single month I will have to order a case of Bibles and make orders for books and tracts for this outreach location. It is very exciting!
I am praying for Jonna and the team in Virginia. If it does not snow, they will be handing out free food and offering Bibles and sermons tomorrow.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A Quiet Night Alone with the Lord
Tonight, on this cold night in Atlanta, the TV is off, and I am about to read more from the Bible. What a precious Friend I have in Jesus. I also love to sing to Him as I bring my heart to Him in prayer. No one else is in control of all people as the "One who knows all men". Not only that, but such a God lives in me. As it is written in Psalms, "...such knowledge is too high for me..."
How can I thank Him for being so pure and good? He is just in every judgment. His ways are not my ways, and I can only humbly appreciate Him giving me the peace of Jesus through His blood. He is my Advocate and Good Shepherd and Friend, and He never withholds any good thing from me. I look forward to spending time with Him tonight as I read the Bible, probably Ephesians. Like the old hymn sings:
I love to tell the story
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it like the rest...
And I am so thankful that God's Spirit is HOLY in a world full of demonic spirits which have no authority over me.
Abiding in Jesus tonight and THANKING Him for His love,
Dwayna
How can I thank Him for being so pure and good? He is just in every judgment. His ways are not my ways, and I can only humbly appreciate Him giving me the peace of Jesus through His blood. He is my Advocate and Good Shepherd and Friend, and He never withholds any good thing from me. I look forward to spending time with Him tonight as I read the Bible, probably Ephesians. Like the old hymn sings:
I love to tell the story
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it like the rest...
And I am so thankful that God's Spirit is HOLY in a world full of demonic spirits which have no authority over me.
Abiding in Jesus tonight and THANKING Him for His love,
Dwayna
Last Night in NYC
Have we got a dynamic witnessing team in NYC or what? God gets all of the glory, as we are all saved by Him and for Him. These updates came from Heidi and Suzi. They plan to do it again this Saturday, and I have sent them tracts on Jesus to give to people as they sing this Saturday night. From Heidi:
Suzi and Mark showed up and we three did the singing. We handed out a lot of tracts and this one couple stopped and sang with us O Come All Ye Faithful!!! Others were humming and singing as they walked by.
I got into a a little heated face-off with a priest. (He basically invaded my personal space and was in my face - it was God's grace, which kept me from losing my cool!) He was trying to tell me I needed permission to be there and hand out stuff; he questioned me about what I was handing out. I said the Gospel of Jesus and Jesus being the reason for the season, and he said I needed permission from the bishop! I said I dont need permission from anyone as I am an ambassador for Christ and my authority comes from God. He had a wicked religious spirit.
Then he said if we came tomorrow we would not be allowed, so we continued to sing and hand out tracts.
Praise Jesus!!!
I got into a a little heated face-off with a priest. (He basically invaded my personal space and was in my face - it was God's grace, which kept me from losing my cool!) He was trying to tell me I needed permission to be there and hand out stuff; he questioned me about what I was handing out. I said the Gospel of Jesus and Jesus being the reason for the season, and he said I needed permission from the bishop! I said I dont need permission from anyone as I am an ambassador for Christ and my authority comes from God. He had a wicked religious spirit.
Then he said if we came tomorrow we would not be allowed, so we continued to sing and hand out tracts.
Praise Jesus!!!
Update from Suzi:
Last night was perfect out and so festive with all the lights and decorations! The rain stopped and my friend, Mark, and I rode bikes over through the park and joined Heidi. We all had Santa hats and sang carols and handed out cupcakes and tracts! People were blessed, and so were we! Looking forward to Saturday!
There is No Peace for the Wicked
Here are my notes from my Bible study tonight:
The unsaved are called “enemies of God” Romans 5:10; We are reconciled only by Jesus.
Isaiah 48:22—THERE IS NO PEACE FOR THE WICKED.
Psalm 119: 65—Love of the Law brings peace.
Isaiah 57:21—“THERE IS NO PEACE, SAITH MY GOD, TO THE WICKED.”
Isaiah 59:8—“The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.
Colossians 1:20—Jesus is our peace.—He made peace with us through the blood of the cross.
Romans 8:6—“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Life and peace are in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:14—Peace comes through abiding in Jesus. “For He is our peace…”
John 16:33—“These things I have spoken unto you that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Phil. 4:7—What kind of peace does God give? It surpasses human understanding. This peace is not based on circumstances.
Galatians 5:22—The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…(Works of the flesh are “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, drunkenness…and such like, of the which I tell you…that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21)
John 14:27—Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
These verses have brought me peace tonight. I am looking forward to hitting my knees soon in prayer and reading more of the Bible later tonight. How I love it.
The unsaved are called “enemies of God” Romans 5:10; We are reconciled only by Jesus.
Isaiah 48:22—THERE IS NO PEACE FOR THE WICKED.
Psalm 119: 65—Love of the Law brings peace.
Isaiah 57:21—“THERE IS NO PEACE, SAITH MY GOD, TO THE WICKED.”
Isaiah 59:8—“The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.
Colossians 1:20—Jesus is our peace.—He made peace with us through the blood of the cross.
Romans 8:6—“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Life and peace are in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:14—Peace comes through abiding in Jesus. “For He is our peace…”
John 16:33—“These things I have spoken unto you that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Phil. 4:7—What kind of peace does God give? It surpasses human understanding. This peace is not based on circumstances.
Galatians 5:22—The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…(Works of the flesh are “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, drunkenness…and such like, of the which I tell you…that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21)
John 14:27—Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
These verses have brought me peace tonight. I am looking forward to hitting my knees soon in prayer and reading more of the Bible later tonight. How I love it.
LTW Update: Last Sunday in NYC
Heidi and Suzi at table as people come up to hear about how to be saved
All materials are free. God is using them so much! (We are asking God for an extra 200.00 per month to meet the needs of this busy ministry. They are out every Sunday after church.)
Heidi and Susan offering free materials at the table andanswering questions from people approaching
Cold weather has moved the table outreach underground in subway station
Heidi and Christine at table
Christine witnessing at table Update from Heidi (I have sent them more resources this week by mail, so more Bibles and tracts are on the way):
Shalom Dwayna, blessings and peace to you!!
This past Sunday the weather took a turn for the colder side, as winter seems to be finally rearing it's head. We decided to set up at our new location which we anticipate will be our new "home" during winter season. We set up in the subway passageway at 42nd Street/Times Square. The benefit of this location is that we have protection from the elements although it a little noisy with the trains pulling in and leaving the station.
Again, the Lord was shining His face upon us and this ministry and we are so humbled and grateful that He has placed us in a location where there are many people going to and fro. As a result, there are many opportunities to hand out items as well as engage the passersby in spiritual matters.
Once again, to our amazement, most of our Bibles, both the complete versions, the New Testaments and the Hebrew/English Old Testaments flew off the table. Many people were enamored with the Hebrew Bible as it has a wonderful look to it. We were blessed with this donation. As such, many were taken by people who either were curious about it, had Jewish friends to which they considered giving it as a gift and others wanted it as a substitute as we ran out of complete Bibles, and they wanted the Old Testament.
Pastor Recker of Heritage Baptist Church blessed us with many tracts from Ken Ham's ministry. These tracts are especially helpful as they cover a wide range of topics concerning false teachings and deceptions occuring today. We also passed out some tracts from Mike Gendron's ministry concerning defense of Biblical faith as opposed to catholicism. We ran out of the Spanish ones and have very few English ones left. Some Christians who stopped by exclaimed how joyful they were to see these tracts and many took several of each. We encouraged people to take as many as they desired and encouraged all to be ambassadors in their respective circles.
One man who came to the table appeared to be trying to come back to the Lord after having fallen off his walk. He explained that he had just recently started to attend a church in the city but also mentioned that he was familiar with my church and my pastor as he listens to the radio program on Sunday nights and has been sensing that the Lord Jesus is drawing him back to Him. We encouraged him to read the Bible daily and to seek out a Biblical church. I encouraged him to come visit my church. He said he would consider it. He is featured in one of the photos which Suzi and Christine provided.
I was able to engage with several born-again young ladies who were happy to see us there, and were grateful when I invited them to a Hanukkah party and a Messianic Congregation this coming Saturday. It seems that they were very interested in messianic believers but didn't know of a Congregation which they could visit, so I was grateful to be able to provide them information.
Many people desired to have more materials in Spanish. Also, some were requesting materials in Arabic!!! Many wanted Christian music. I was able to donate some music CDs to the table, and they are were given out. All the apologetics books concerning the New Age movement and eastern mysticism were also depleted.
Christine and Suzi were able to engage various people and while we were attending to the table, Christine and Suzi were able to write our contact e-mail on some bookmarks that I made, so that way we can follow-up with those who have additional questions or want to know more about our ministry. We hope to have some ministry cards soon.
Again, people wanted to know if we would be back every Sunday and we indicated as long as we had an open door, we would be there and also hoped to have more resources for them.
We are continuing to have much success in giving out the Good News and we hope and pray that these materials will help many who are lost, are searching, have questions, or need encouragement in their walks. We pray for salvation!!!
May His will be done!
Shalom,
Heidi
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Needs
I THANK GOD FOR MEETING THE NEED FOR A CASE OF BIBLES FOR OUR OUTREACH IN VIRGINIA TODAY. SOMEONE SENT LTW 100.00 FOR A CASE OF BIBLES FOR THIS LOCATION. Praise God!
Unmet Needs:
I am asking God to bring in an extra $200.00 per month for the NYC OUTREACH. The girls are out at the table every single Sunday after church. They have even moved it to the underground subway arena in the cold weather. It is expensive keeping the team stocked with Bibles, tracts, and books. They run out of supplies quickly. I thank God for giving them the pleasure of setting up the table every single Sunday in NYC and offering the Gospel and free materials to people as they pass.
Unmet Needs:
I am asking God to bring in an extra $200.00 per month for the NYC OUTREACH. The girls are out at the table every single Sunday after church. They have even moved it to the underground subway arena in the cold weather. It is expensive keeping the team stocked with Bibles, tracts, and books. They run out of supplies quickly. I thank God for giving them the pleasure of setting up the table every single Sunday in NYC and offering the Gospel and free materials to people as they pass.
"Waiting" on God is Not Boring as We Abide in Him
This devotion reminds me of the importance of abiding in Jesus in His peace. He keeps us there--seeking after Him, enjoying Him through obedience and Bible study--as He moves us out to do His will for our lives. I experience deep joy as I abide in Him, even through sad seasons when He has not seen fit to give me something for which I have asked. He has a set time for all things in His sovereign plan, and we can rest in His guidance for every season. He does not follow me; I follow Him. He continues to show me that when He takes something or someone away, it is for my protection. In time, I can see just how deeply He loves me by NOT giving me everything for which I have 'waited' and for which I have prayed. I can certainly trust that He has the BEST plan for me, as I look back and see how He has protected me while I was praying and 'waiting.' With every year that passes I feel more fulfilled in my relationship with God, lacking in nothing. --Dwayna
December 9
The Lord waits to be gracious to you. (Isaiah 30:18 ESV)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
God often delays in answering prayer, and there are several instances of this in sacred Scripture. For example, Jacob had to wait all night for a blessing from the Lord, for God "wrestled with him till daybreak" (Gen. 32:24). Jesus did not immediately answer the plea of the woman of Syrian Phoenicia, "whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit" (Mark 7:25). "Three times [Paul] pleaded with the Lord to take...away" his "thorn in the flesh," (2 Cor. 12:7-8), but never received any assurance it would happen. Instead, he was given this promise from the Lord: "My grace is sufficient for you" (v. 9).
If you have been knocking at God's gate of mercy but have not received an answer, do you believe I can tell you why the all-powerful Creator has not opened the door and let you enter? I cannot, for our Father has reasons for keeping us waiting that are all His own. Sometimes it is to demonstrate His power and sovereignty, so people will know Jehovah has a right to give or to withhold. Yet more often than not it is for our own benefit. Perhaps you have been kept waiting in order that your desires would become more passionate. God knows His delay will enliven and increase your desire, and that if He keeps you waiting you will see your needs more clearly and will seek an answer more earnestly, and that ultimately you will value His mercy even more after having waited for it. There may also be some error in you needing to be removed before "the joy of the Lord" (Neh. 8:10) is given to you. Perhaps your understanding of the gospel plan is confused, or perhaps you have been relying too much on yourself instead of trusting simply and completely on the Lord Jesus. Or finally, perhaps God is requiring you to wait a while, so He may more fully "show [you] the incomparable riches of his grace" (Eph. 2:7).
All your prayers are filed in heaven, and although they may not be answered immediately, they certainly are not forgotten, for in just a little while they will be fulfilled to your complete delight and satisfaction. Therefore, never allow despair to cause you to become silent, but remain earnest and "faithful in prayer" (Rom. 12:12).
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
In today's society we have been ingrained with the idea of doing, thus waiting is one of the most difficult things we are asked to do. Ask us to do anything but wait! Yet waiting is a discipline every disciple of Jesus must learn.
Remember the words of Habakkuk, a prophet of God who understood the concept of waiting: "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the LORD replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay'" (Hab. 2:1-3).
Before you begin your day of "doing," take time to consider as well these words of David, another man who knew what it meant to wait: "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD" (Ps. 27:13-14).
December 9
The Lord waits to be gracious to you. (Isaiah 30:18 ESV)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
God often delays in answering prayer, and there are several instances of this in sacred Scripture. For example, Jacob had to wait all night for a blessing from the Lord, for God "wrestled with him till daybreak" (Gen. 32:24). Jesus did not immediately answer the plea of the woman of Syrian Phoenicia, "whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit" (Mark 7:25). "Three times [Paul] pleaded with the Lord to take...away" his "thorn in the flesh," (2 Cor. 12:7-8), but never received any assurance it would happen. Instead, he was given this promise from the Lord: "My grace is sufficient for you" (v. 9).
If you have been knocking at God's gate of mercy but have not received an answer, do you believe I can tell you why the all-powerful Creator has not opened the door and let you enter? I cannot, for our Father has reasons for keeping us waiting that are all His own. Sometimes it is to demonstrate His power and sovereignty, so people will know Jehovah has a right to give or to withhold. Yet more often than not it is for our own benefit. Perhaps you have been kept waiting in order that your desires would become more passionate. God knows His delay will enliven and increase your desire, and that if He keeps you waiting you will see your needs more clearly and will seek an answer more earnestly, and that ultimately you will value His mercy even more after having waited for it. There may also be some error in you needing to be removed before "the joy of the Lord" (Neh. 8:10) is given to you. Perhaps your understanding of the gospel plan is confused, or perhaps you have been relying too much on yourself instead of trusting simply and completely on the Lord Jesus. Or finally, perhaps God is requiring you to wait a while, so He may more fully "show [you] the incomparable riches of his grace" (Eph. 2:7).
All your prayers are filed in heaven, and although they may not be answered immediately, they certainly are not forgotten, for in just a little while they will be fulfilled to your complete delight and satisfaction. Therefore, never allow despair to cause you to become silent, but remain earnest and "faithful in prayer" (Rom. 12:12).
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
In today's society we have been ingrained with the idea of doing, thus waiting is one of the most difficult things we are asked to do. Ask us to do anything but wait! Yet waiting is a discipline every disciple of Jesus must learn.
Remember the words of Habakkuk, a prophet of God who understood the concept of waiting: "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the LORD replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay'" (Hab. 2:1-3).
Before you begin your day of "doing," take time to consider as well these words of David, another man who knew what it meant to wait: "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD" (Ps. 27:13-14).
Global Warming Just Went South
HERE is an excellent article on global warming. It is a good thing that God is "looking out for us" and not Bill O'Reilly. I enjoy his program, but I learned a long time ago to examine the facts for myself and not trust the media. Global warming is being debunked more and more.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Goals Accomplished
I have ordered a box of Bibles at 96.00 (before shipping) for Virginia, and they are on the way to Jonna, the leader. (Jonna requested these large print Bibles for 4.00 each/per case).
Our "LTW to Israel" pages have been completed and should be added to the web site soon. I will call one of our web designers tomorrow about the online "Store".
I have also been working some with the team from the Rio Grande Valley about posting photos with their update, because they have had technical difficulties in getting the photos to me...
It is COLD and rainy here. Tomorrow I plan to go to the storage unit and ship out a large box of Bibles in English (NKJV) and Hebrew/English Bibles to the NYC team.
I may not get to begin the new outreach in Atlanta this month due to the cold, wet weather. We are moving right along, though, in our goals with busy days of work. It will be rewarding to have the web site updated soon!
Our "LTW to Israel" pages have been completed and should be added to the web site soon. I will call one of our web designers tomorrow about the online "Store".
I have also been working some with the team from the Rio Grande Valley about posting photos with their update, because they have had technical difficulties in getting the photos to me...
It is COLD and rainy here. Tomorrow I plan to go to the storage unit and ship out a large box of Bibles in English (NKJV) and Hebrew/English Bibles to the NYC team.
I may not get to begin the new outreach in Atlanta this month due to the cold, wet weather. We are moving right along, though, in our goals with busy days of work. It will be rewarding to have the web site updated soon!
Monday, December 07, 2009
LTW Update: Rio Grande Valley
We’re true Texans – We freeze with temps below 50 degrees!!
“Norbert” – Curt prayed for him, concerned that a “faith healing”ministry is not scriptural.
“Our two ‘mentally challenged’ sweethearts” – focus ison us and the candy canes.
From Curt and Janie, leaders of Rio Grande Valley table outreach:
TABLE MINISTRY #16
Jackson St. – December 5, 2009
Here we are in the Deep South – the Rio Grande Valley--and as we left at 7:00 a.m. the temperature had dipped to 31 degrees…..brrrrrrr!!!!
Though there was an abundance of vendors, prospective buyers didn’t start showing up until about 10:00 when the sunshine started warming everything and everyone.
Right about 10:00 a couple of young girls and their mom visited the table, and we were able to talk to them about the true meaning of Christmas. Tracts with the “Candy Cane Legend” and candy canes were a good lead-in.
We weren’t able to find any “Bible Story” coloring books but Curt was able to find a web site with dozens of printed 4-page mini-coloring books. They are all Biblically oriented and even seasonal printouts.
Maria Louisa had to have been the highlight of our day. She came to the table with her Catholic ‘prayer book’, and Janie spent much time comparing prayers and verses with a New King James Version of the Bible (which she took home). She seemed very receptive to the truths in the Bible. Please pray for her. We would very much enjoy seeing her return at our next table set-up in January. Most of all, we pray God would indeed reveal Himself to her as she soaks in His Word. She is soooooo hungry for Truth.
We also had a visit from our two friends, accompanied by their delightful caregiver. They were so excited to see and recognize us that we both got GREAT BIG HUGS!!! They were ecstatic with the candy cane and color crayons.
By 2:00 we were out of several items that we had brought, including Dwayna’s 2 CDs. Many candy canes, little 4-page coloring books (“Jesus is Born”), “Legend of the Candy Cane” tracts and of special interest for us were the new booklets, The Way of the Shepherd and the print out on “Life After Death?” by Justin Peters. We will know to bring more next time.
Curt had a few VERY interesting conversations with men interested in the “Seeker Sensitive” movement. He was very glad to have “Redefining Christianity” by Bob DeWaay.
As usual, we were apprehensive about the day, mainly because of the COLD temperatures. (We’re true Texans and freeze when the temps drop below 50 :-).
In spite of the cold temps, it was a GREAT day!!!
Curt and Janie
TABLE MINISTRY #16
Jackson St. – December 5, 2009
Here we are in the Deep South – the Rio Grande Valley--and as we left at 7:00 a.m. the temperature had dipped to 31 degrees…..brrrrrrr!!!!
Though there was an abundance of vendors, prospective buyers didn’t start showing up until about 10:00 when the sunshine started warming everything and everyone.
Right about 10:00 a couple of young girls and their mom visited the table, and we were able to talk to them about the true meaning of Christmas. Tracts with the “Candy Cane Legend” and candy canes were a good lead-in.
We weren’t able to find any “Bible Story” coloring books but Curt was able to find a web site with dozens of printed 4-page mini-coloring books. They are all Biblically oriented and even seasonal printouts.
Maria Louisa had to have been the highlight of our day. She came to the table with her Catholic ‘prayer book’, and Janie spent much time comparing prayers and verses with a New King James Version of the Bible (which she took home). She seemed very receptive to the truths in the Bible. Please pray for her. We would very much enjoy seeing her return at our next table set-up in January. Most of all, we pray God would indeed reveal Himself to her as she soaks in His Word. She is soooooo hungry for Truth.
We also had a visit from our two friends, accompanied by their delightful caregiver. They were so excited to see and recognize us that we both got GREAT BIG HUGS!!! They were ecstatic with the candy cane and color crayons.
By 2:00 we were out of several items that we had brought, including Dwayna’s 2 CDs. Many candy canes, little 4-page coloring books (“Jesus is Born”), “Legend of the Candy Cane” tracts and of special interest for us were the new booklets, The Way of the Shepherd and the print out on “Life After Death?” by Justin Peters. We will know to bring more next time.
Curt had a few VERY interesting conversations with men interested in the “Seeker Sensitive” movement. He was very glad to have “Redefining Christianity” by Bob DeWaay.
As usual, we were apprehensive about the day, mainly because of the COLD temperatures. (We’re true Texans and freeze when the temps drop below 50 :-).
In spite of the cold temps, it was a GREAT day!!!
Curt and Janie
The Heart of the NYC Team
I LOVE THESE WOMEN! I can't wait to return to NYC for a visit and work with them. I wanted to post some excerpts from their emails to let everyone see their love for Truth. (Suzi, the third team member, has even been used of God to make a stand for the Bible to pastors in NYC.) I got in these emails recently, and they really convey the heart of the team:
"It is awesome to be a witness for Jesus our Lord and Saviour. He gave up so much for us and it does not kill us to take up our cross daily and follow Him, and if we are so blessed, to suffer for Him. It does not kill us, it brings us LIFE EVERLASTING.I don't know what God has in store for us, but I look forward to finding out. I know that it is good for us to rest and I also pray that when we do, we remain steadfast in our witness and committment to telling others about Jesus, while growing more and more in confident of the power of prayer." --Christine
"...There is sufficient proof and instruction from the Scriptures warning against false unity and deceptive measures. WE HAVE TO TAKE A STAND FOLKS. We are commanded over and over to be sober, to be vigilant, to stand fast as well as to examine our faith consistently. Instead of latching on to a group of people who are Biblically apostate, why don't likeminded, Biblically-sound Christians form their own coalition instead of holding hands with romanism and other beliefs contradictory to our own? ...As Joshua said, choose you this day whom you will serve and hold allegiance to. I have made my choice." --Heidi
"Feel so blessed that the Lord continues to provide resources and great new places for us to reach out, and, now that we are underground, we aren't constrained by the weather and have plenty of people bustling by! It was great to have some Christmas music playing; such wonderful time of the year to be sharing the love of our Savior!" --Suzi
Emergent Plurality (by Daniel Mann)
Postmodern, Emergent theology can make you dizzy. After giving a strong, unequivocal endorsement of the uniqueness and significance of Jesus the Messiah, theologian John Franke then makes a plug for the plurality of Christian theology:
“The [theological] diversity of the church is not a problem to be solved but is, in fact, the blessing of God. Indeed, the proper expression of orthodox biblical faith can only be characterized by plurality. But in the midst of our diversity, we must remain unified on this point – Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (CT, Dec. 2009, 31).
While I appreciate that Jesus is the center of his faith, Franke leaves me wondering, “Which Jesus and which of His teachings?” If our theological “plurality” is a “blessing of God,” perhaps we shouldn’t try to nail down what He was trying to say? Perhaps instead, it’s more blessed to hold contradictory beliefs about His teachings?
If instead Franke had said, “Theological unity and certainty are difficult or even impossible to attain on the less-than-central issues, because we see in part. Therefore, we have to exercise a high degree of tolerance for theological nuances,” I would offer a resounding, “Amen!” However, for him, it seems that this plurality (and the accompanying uncertainty) is something to be extolled and perhaps even tenaciously guarded. Franke writes,
“Truth is not finally to be found in abstract notions or theories, but rather in the Person of Jesus Christ, the unique son of God and the living embodiment of truth” (28).
Is truth not also embodied in Jesus’ teachings? If not, then pluralistic musings about them become a viable option. While the vast majority of Christians would agree that Jesus is “the living embodiment of truth,” we would also regard His teachings as “truth,” along with our attempts to capture His teachings in our own English translations. However, Franke seems to want to divide Jesus – Jesus alone is the truth – from His teachings and everything we or the Apostles might say about them.
However, this division works against his writings, mere “abstract notions or theories.” We are tempted to ask Franke, “If your own writings do not reflect theological truth, but rather “abstract notions or theories” where truth is not to be found, why should you expect anyone to read or listen to them. If the plurality of opinions is a virtue, instead of arriving at the truth of Jesus’ teachings, why have you even written in favor of one point of view? Why not instead a pluralistic hodge-podge of contradictions?”
“The [theological] diversity of the church is not a problem to be solved but is, in fact, the blessing of God. Indeed, the proper expression of orthodox biblical faith can only be characterized by plurality. But in the midst of our diversity, we must remain unified on this point – Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (CT, Dec. 2009, 31).
While I appreciate that Jesus is the center of his faith, Franke leaves me wondering, “Which Jesus and which of His teachings?” If our theological “plurality” is a “blessing of God,” perhaps we shouldn’t try to nail down what He was trying to say? Perhaps instead, it’s more blessed to hold contradictory beliefs about His teachings?
If instead Franke had said, “Theological unity and certainty are difficult or even impossible to attain on the less-than-central issues, because we see in part. Therefore, we have to exercise a high degree of tolerance for theological nuances,” I would offer a resounding, “Amen!” However, for him, it seems that this plurality (and the accompanying uncertainty) is something to be extolled and perhaps even tenaciously guarded. Franke writes,
“Truth is not finally to be found in abstract notions or theories, but rather in the Person of Jesus Christ, the unique son of God and the living embodiment of truth” (28).
Is truth not also embodied in Jesus’ teachings? If not, then pluralistic musings about them become a viable option. While the vast majority of Christians would agree that Jesus is “the living embodiment of truth,” we would also regard His teachings as “truth,” along with our attempts to capture His teachings in our own English translations. However, Franke seems to want to divide Jesus – Jesus alone is the truth – from His teachings and everything we or the Apostles might say about them.
However, this division works against his writings, mere “abstract notions or theories.” We are tempted to ask Franke, “If your own writings do not reflect theological truth, but rather “abstract notions or theories” where truth is not to be found, why should you expect anyone to read or listen to them. If the plurality of opinions is a virtue, instead of arriving at the truth of Jesus’ teachings, why have you even written in favor of one point of view? Why not instead a pluralistic hodge-podge of contradictions?”
www.MannsWord.blogspot.com
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Great Sermons from Richard Bennett (Former Catholic Priest)
We use Richard Bennett's tracts in our table outreach locations to give to Catholics.
Videos are located here on "What Every Catholic Should Know":
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E1CB721E3CA65D76
MP3s are easily downloaded, and DVDs, including recent ones, can seen on Sermon Audio here: http://www.sermonaudio.com/go/212
Videos are located here on "What Every Catholic Should Know":
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E1CB721E3CA65D76
MP3s are easily downloaded, and DVDs, including recent ones, can seen on Sermon Audio here: http://www.sermonaudio.com/go/212
Another Day in God's Peace
This morning's sermons was excellent by Dr. Stanley on peace. I hope to post notes soon. I am enjoying being a member of First Baptist Atlanta.
The LTW web site is definitely in transition. I worked late last night on posting new articles that became discombobulated when I posted them. I am waiting on the web designer to help me with the spacing of the posts before I post any other articles.
Plus, we need to work on the home page. The designer added a new music video on the main page, but it is competing with the outreach locations, so we need to put the music video somewhere else.
I am ordering a case of Bibles for the VA outreach tonight, which will cost 100.00. We get them for 1.00 each, but we have to order 100. Here is an update from Jonna, leader of the VA outreach, explaining they got snowed out yesterday:
We were snowed out tonight, but I know the Lord's timing is perfect. May the Lord Jesus bless you for your faithfulness to His work, Dwayna!
I told Jonna I look forward to meeting her in person and working with her at the ministry table when the weather warms up in Chilhowie, Virginia. They are giving out canned foods to the poor and Bibles and sermons. We hope to purchase a grill for hot food when it is warm enough to grill out for the people. In addition to the sermons on CD and generic devotionals and tracts I have sent her, Jonna has Bibles for kids and Spanish Bibles and books. It will be great to get this case of English KJV Bibles ordered for her tonight.
The LTW web site is definitely in transition. I worked late last night on posting new articles that became discombobulated when I posted them. I am waiting on the web designer to help me with the spacing of the posts before I post any other articles.
Plus, we need to work on the home page. The designer added a new music video on the main page, but it is competing with the outreach locations, so we need to put the music video somewhere else.
I am ordering a case of Bibles for the VA outreach tonight, which will cost 100.00. We get them for 1.00 each, but we have to order 100. Here is an update from Jonna, leader of the VA outreach, explaining they got snowed out yesterday:
We were snowed out tonight, but I know the Lord's timing is perfect. May the Lord Jesus bless you for your faithfulness to His work, Dwayna!
I told Jonna I look forward to meeting her in person and working with her at the ministry table when the weather warms up in Chilhowie, Virginia. They are giving out canned foods to the poor and Bibles and sermons. We hope to purchase a grill for hot food when it is warm enough to grill out for the people. In addition to the sermons on CD and generic devotionals and tracts I have sent her, Jonna has Bibles for kids and Spanish Bibles and books. It will be great to get this case of English KJV Bibles ordered for her tonight.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Paganism in Society
A new article by Charisse Graves on paganism in society, based on headline news, is posted on the LTW web site here .
Building Churches in Mexico
When Dan Hubbard is not leading our outreach in West Hollywood or Long Beach, CA, or feeding the homeless every Saturday at Venice Beach, CA, or working with our team at the outreach table there on Saturdays, Dan helps build churches in Mexico.
On the hill behind this church in Tijuana, which Dan helped build, 
a sign reads 'Jesus Christo es en senior'.
Pastor Jose is pictured above, too, helping build a church...
Dan building another church in Mexico
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