Tim Keller does not seem happy, as our team has been researching and making a stand for the Bible in NYC against error being taught at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Jonathan heard from Tim directly, and I will be writing more about that interaction soon on the blog.
This blog post shows why Christians are often mocked on the Internet, called "divisive" with ad homenim attacks against our character. Have we done anything "crazy"? Not one thing crazy, except for making a stand for the Bible and knowing God's Word well enough to defend it. The egos of the false teachers can be ruthless, as the deceiving spirit at work hates the Holy Spirit (in us.) This email explains why I wrote a whole song about not being a sychophant to ego driven pastors just last month. When a pastor or elder cannot ever be told they are wrong and teaching something contrary to Scripture, we will either stand for the Bible or bow the knee to humanism. Our team in NYC has decided to only bow the knee to Jesus, not man.
Below are some of the topics of discussion and comments from our team causing quite a stir. On whether or not we should remain silent against error, here is what our team in NYC had to say:
"Ron Choong's [pastor at Redeemer Pres.] knowledge is FALSE. If we rely on the Holy Spirit to speak for us and not worry about looking stupid or what the consequences might be, the Holy Spirit will speak for us. He should remember the world hates Christ. Anyway, I have experienced this. I remember saying things and thinking afterwords, 'Where did that come from?' Yet, it was in line with Scripture. Most assuredly, PAUL experienced this and knows it! Acts 18:1-11, 23:11. Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace."
"Paul admittedly stated he lacked eloquence in speech (but was told that his writing was weighty and strong --2 Cor 10:9-10 and 2 Cor 11:6). In 2 Cor 11:16, he stated that what he lacked in speech, he had in knowledge, and what we KNOW and understand, we speak of well."
"One of my favorite passages is 1 Corinthians 2 which tells us that Christian revelation is taught by the Spirit-- it is NOT by human wisdom. And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, and that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.(1 Cor 2:4-5). 1 Cor 2:13 also teaches us that the writers of scripture WERE divinely taught; their writings were of the Spirit!"
"Ron Choong's grievances against Paul make my blood boil! What makes it boil even more is Tim Keller's apparent approval of it."
"Ron C. is positioned in such a way so that he can cause maximum damage. He is supported financially and otherwise by some of the most conservative bastions in this town. When Christians hear him speak, they understandably conclude that his ideas reflect those of these bastions, and they also erroneously conclude Bible-believing Christian scholarship supports him."
"I therefore informed one pastor that I'd prefer his church supported Richard Dawkins -- someone who would do less damage, because he'd automatically be dismissed by Christians, knowing that their own teachers could supply answers to Dawkins!"
When one of our team members got asked to join a Bible study affiliated with Redeemer, here was her respnse:
I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR INVITATION TO THIS BIBLE STUDY BUT UNFORTUNATELY, I WILL HAVE TO DECLINE OVER DOCTRINAL AND BIBLICAL DIFFERENCES IN THE FAITH BETWEEN WHAT REDEEMER ESPOUSES AND WHAT I BELIEVE AND HOLD TO BE TRUE.
Apparently, and in case you may not be aware, Redeemer has been and continues to preach another gospel which is not Biblical and denies the authority of the Scriptures, their infallibility and their being inspired sovereignly by God through Holy Men and Wise Men by way of the Holy Spirit.
They are on board with the environmental movement's agenda and the Gaia worship new age mysticism prevalent today, and are seeking to make the Bible fit this new paradigm of thought and belief. They doubt the accuracy of the Word of God and endorse and allow false teachers into the midst of their congregation espousing doctrines of demons and seducting spirits, leading the sheep away from the SHEPHARD, all the while tickling the ears with intellectualism clothed in "righteousness" and "christianese", but denying the Power.
I also cannot agree with their stance toward Israel and her people as concerns eschatology and their role and purpose in God's plan for the endtimes, and I do not support their belief in Replacement Theology and Dominionism.
One of the Pastors/Elders/Deacon's (not sure of his title) has been teaching a class regarding a lot of these topics which subvert THE FAITH delivered once for all to the saints, and is casting dispersions upon the truth of the Gospel and the trustworthiness of Scriptures.
As such, I must and will part ways with anyone who doubts what God Himself says about Himself and His Word, both written and manifested in the flesh by way of the Messiah and Savior Jesus Christ, who don't believe in a literal interpretation of the Word, and who don't believe in the promises and covenants that God made with his people, Israel, and to His Bride, the Church, the called out ones.
We are told time and again to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints and to have no fellowship with darkness. I have to say that what I see occurring in many once biblically-solid churches today is outright apostasy and even heresy. As such, how can two walk together unless they be agreed?
If you really want to know more about this situation, I have an eyewitness report and several references which I could provide for your edification.
In spite of this, I am a friend and a sister and I feel I had to be honest with you, so I hope that you will accept this explanation in the intention it is meant.
I also pray that you will heed what I am saying and at least question and search out what is taking place. Several people whom I know and used to attend Redeemer have also suffered these discoveries and have since left that fellowship as they cannot reconcile what is being taught with the Bible and apostolic doctrine.
May God bless you in all your endeavors.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Little Five Points Tomorrow (Weather Permitting)
Today I have shipped packages of materials out to TN (for the new table outreach beginning soon again to tourists of the Smoky Mountains), the Rio Grande Valley (for our monthly table outreach in Harlingen, led by Curt and Janie), NYC (for our weekly table outreach of apologetics) and West Hollywood.
I also worked in the storage unit, getting everything prepared for another day of outreach tomorrow here in Atlanta. I hope it does not rain. If it rains, I will make it up by setting up a day next week.
I am in for the night with a lot of bookkeeping to do. It seems the bookkeeping never ends. It feels good to be getting things done.
We have also updated the LTW web site to feature our newest location of outreach here in Atlanta on the home page at http://www.lightingthewayworldwide.org/ .
I also worked in the storage unit, getting everything prepared for another day of outreach tomorrow here in Atlanta. I hope it does not rain. If it rains, I will make it up by setting up a day next week.
I am in for the night with a lot of bookkeeping to do. It seems the bookkeeping never ends. It feels good to be getting things done.
We have also updated the LTW web site to feature our newest location of outreach here in Atlanta on the home page at http://www.lightingthewayworldwide.org/ .
Jungian Spirituality
On the spirituality of Carl Jung:
“Jung attributes the surprising appearance of leadership qualities in some individuals as possible evidence of a quasi-biological idea that he considered but never developed: ancestor possession—that is, literally, spiritual possession by one’s ancestors. ‘Another way of putting these ideas of ancestor possession would be that these autonomous complexities exist in the mind as Mendelian units, which are passed on from generation to generation intact, and are unaffected by the life of the individual.’ Jung may be thinking of his own latent heredity of German genius. ‘…that unit now takes possession of him, and from that time on he has a different character. God knows what has become of him, [sic] it is really as though he had lost himself and the ancestral unit had taken over and devoured him.’” –The Jung Cult, p. 23-24
“Jung attributes the surprising appearance of leadership qualities in some individuals as possible evidence of a quasi-biological idea that he considered but never developed: ancestor possession—that is, literally, spiritual possession by one’s ancestors. ‘Another way of putting these ideas of ancestor possession would be that these autonomous complexities exist in the mind as Mendelian units, which are passed on from generation to generation intact, and are unaffected by the life of the individual.’ Jung may be thinking of his own latent heredity of German genius. ‘…that unit now takes possession of him, and from that time on he has a different character. God knows what has become of him, [sic] it is really as though he had lost himself and the ancestral unit had taken over and devoured him.’” –The Jung Cult, p. 23-24
Just This Simple (Verses to Give Gentiles and Jews for Salvation)
(From Ray Gano)
The Romans Road of Salvation
Everyone needs salvation because we have all sinned.
Romans 3:10 (KJV) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one
Romans 3:12 (KJV) They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Romans 3:23 (KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The consequence (the price) of sin is death.
Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus Christ died for our sins. He paid the price for our death.
Romans 5:8 (KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
We receive salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9 (KJV) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:10 (KJV) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:13 (KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved
Salvation through Jesus Christ brings us into a relationship of peace with God.
Romans 5:1 (KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 8:1 (KJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:38 (KJV) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Romans 8:39 (KJV) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Responding to The Romans Road
If you believe The Romans Road leads to the path of truth, you can respond by receiving God's free gift of salvation today. Here's how to take a someone down The Romans Road in prayer:
• Admit you are a sinner in need of a savior.
• Understand that as a sinner, you deserve death.
• Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from sin and death.
• Repent by turning from your old life of sin to a new life in Christ.
• Receive, through faith in Jesus Christ, his free gift of salvation.
The Jerusalem Road - How To Share The Gospel with Jews
Romans 1:16 (KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Often we forget that we need to share the Gospel with the Jews, they are God's Chosen people and the apple of His eye. But in spite of that, they are still sinners in need of a savior and when you talk to someone who is Jewish, they do not readily accept the New Testament. So how do you share the gospel with them? You use the Old Testament.
The method of using the Old Testament is often referred to as "The Jerusalem Road."
We often forget that Scripture tells us to take the Gospel to the Jew first and then also to the Greek. But it is often difficult to share the Gospel with the Jew because they do not see Jesus Christ as the messiah and the son of God. Because they will not readily accept the New Testament, using the Romans Road scriptures are difficult, like I said, the Jewish people do not recognize the New Testament.
The Jerusalem Road of Salvation
There is none without sin
Psalms 14:3 (KJV) They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Psalms 51:5 (KJV) Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Psalms 53:6 (KJV) Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
Good deeds cannot purify
Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
God requires a blood sacrifice
Leviticus 17:11 (KJV) For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Applying the blood of the Messiah
Exodus 12:21 (KJV) Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
Exodus 12:22 (KJV) And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
Exodus 12:23 (KJV) For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
Leviticus 16:15 (KJV) Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
Leviticus 16:16 (KJV) And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.
Leviticus 16:17 (KJV) And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.
Leviticus 16:18 (KJV) And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.
Leviticus 16:19 (KJV) And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.
Hebrews 9:12 (KJV) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
There is safety and refuge in God's Messiah - Who is this Messiah?
He was born of a virgin
Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
He was born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 (KJV) But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting
Slain for our sins
Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:6 (KJV) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was resurrected
Psalms 16:10 (KJV) For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Once we have taken our Jewish friend down the Jerusalem Road, we can then introduce him or her to Jesus Christ and walk them down the Romans Road showing that Jesus did meet the requirements that were presented on the Jerusalem Road.
I encourage you to commit all these verses to memory, it is something that I am also doing.
1 Peter 3:15 says.. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
Folks, we are living in the last days of the last days, there are places in this world where you can be put to death for owning a Bible. As we are told in scripture, we need to be ready always to share the gospel in good times and in bad.
What would happen if our one source of God's Word was taken from us?
This is something that I often think of and when I do, a cold feeling goes down my spine. Can you imagine what it would be like if we did not have access to God's Word?
Say it can't happen here? Think again. Daily the USA is pushing laws and regulations that are blatantly against our Christian faith and spit in the face of God.
Folks the time is coming where a KJV Bible will be a prized possession. I encourage you to start committing scripture to memory. If something happens and you do not have access to scripture, you will have it committed to memory and in your heart where you can recall it always and it can never be taken away.
Finally I leave you with the great commission, the very words that our Lord and Savior gave to each and every one of us.
Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The Romans Road of Salvation
Everyone needs salvation because we have all sinned.
Romans 3:10 (KJV) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one
Romans 3:12 (KJV) They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Romans 3:23 (KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The consequence (the price) of sin is death.
Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus Christ died for our sins. He paid the price for our death.
Romans 5:8 (KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
We receive salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9 (KJV) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:10 (KJV) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:13 (KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved
Salvation through Jesus Christ brings us into a relationship of peace with God.
Romans 5:1 (KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 8:1 (KJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Romans 8:38 (KJV) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Romans 8:39 (KJV) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Responding to The Romans Road
If you believe The Romans Road leads to the path of truth, you can respond by receiving God's free gift of salvation today. Here's how to take a someone down The Romans Road in prayer:
• Admit you are a sinner in need of a savior.
• Understand that as a sinner, you deserve death.
• Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from sin and death.
• Repent by turning from your old life of sin to a new life in Christ.
• Receive, through faith in Jesus Christ, his free gift of salvation.
The Jerusalem Road - How To Share The Gospel with Jews
Romans 1:16 (KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Often we forget that we need to share the Gospel with the Jews, they are God's Chosen people and the apple of His eye. But in spite of that, they are still sinners in need of a savior and when you talk to someone who is Jewish, they do not readily accept the New Testament. So how do you share the gospel with them? You use the Old Testament.
The method of using the Old Testament is often referred to as "The Jerusalem Road."
We often forget that Scripture tells us to take the Gospel to the Jew first and then also to the Greek. But it is often difficult to share the Gospel with the Jew because they do not see Jesus Christ as the messiah and the son of God. Because they will not readily accept the New Testament, using the Romans Road scriptures are difficult, like I said, the Jewish people do not recognize the New Testament.
The Jerusalem Road of Salvation
There is none without sin
Psalms 14:3 (KJV) They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Psalms 51:5 (KJV) Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Psalms 53:6 (KJV) Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
Good deeds cannot purify
Isaiah 64:6 (KJV) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
God requires a blood sacrifice
Leviticus 17:11 (KJV) For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Applying the blood of the Messiah
Exodus 12:21 (KJV) Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
Exodus 12:22 (KJV) And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
Exodus 12:23 (KJV) For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
Leviticus 16:15 (KJV) Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
Leviticus 16:16 (KJV) And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.
Leviticus 16:17 (KJV) And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.
Leviticus 16:18 (KJV) And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.
Leviticus 16:19 (KJV) And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.
Hebrews 9:12 (KJV) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
There is safety and refuge in God's Messiah - Who is this Messiah?
He was born of a virgin
Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
He was born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 (KJV) But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting
Slain for our sins
Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:6 (KJV) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was resurrected
Psalms 16:10 (KJV) For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Once we have taken our Jewish friend down the Jerusalem Road, we can then introduce him or her to Jesus Christ and walk them down the Romans Road showing that Jesus did meet the requirements that were presented on the Jerusalem Road.
I encourage you to commit all these verses to memory, it is something that I am also doing.
1 Peter 3:15 says.. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
Folks, we are living in the last days of the last days, there are places in this world where you can be put to death for owning a Bible. As we are told in scripture, we need to be ready always to share the gospel in good times and in bad.
What would happen if our one source of God's Word was taken from us?
This is something that I often think of and when I do, a cold feeling goes down my spine. Can you imagine what it would be like if we did not have access to God's Word?
Say it can't happen here? Think again. Daily the USA is pushing laws and regulations that are blatantly against our Christian faith and spit in the face of God.
Folks the time is coming where a KJV Bible will be a prized possession. I encourage you to start committing scripture to memory. If something happens and you do not have access to scripture, you will have it committed to memory and in your heart where you can recall it always and it can never be taken away.
Finally I leave you with the great commission, the very words that our Lord and Savior gave to each and every one of us.
Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Welcome to the "Hebrew Roots" (With Gentile Rabbis)
Here is an email I received warning about Ralph Messer. I certainly agree with everything written in response to this false teacher.
Dear Dwayna,
Watch this Hebrew Roots teacher bewitch this congregation to come under the law.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEDj6xDyapI
He uses the typical methods of a deceiver, as he not so subtly retranslates what God said. (For example, "Torah is not law, it's teaching and instruction". Biblically, the torah is the law of sin and death. Our new covenant, our salvation, is the law of life in Christ Jesus.) He is seducing this congregation to come into a covenant, the torah, that Jesus shed His blood to abolish. The old and new covenants are very opposite. Hebrews chapters 9 and 10 are an excellent comparison of the old and the new covenants.
I am anguished as I listen to him say "How many of you would at least agree with me that Jesus did not have a King James version of the Bible". We know from John 1:1 that in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14 goes on to say, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Jesus dwelt among us, and Scriptures refer to Him as the Word made flesh. He taught that we must be born again in John 3:7. He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the multitudes, taught of His eternal kingdom, taught of His death and resurrection, and foretold the signs of His coming. He did not carry a written version of the whole Bible with Him because it was not written yet. We only know Him through the reading of the New Testament. (2 Corinthians 3:14 says that the Jewish people are veiled from knowing Jesus in reading the Old Testament. That veil is taken away in the reading of the New Testament).
Jesus was and is the whole Word and, although He quoted from the torah, He taught that He came to fulfill it, not destroy it. Fulfill means end. ( For example, if a prophecy has been fulfilled, it has come to pass, it is finished). Jesus did not come to continue the torah. The torah required animal sacrifices, and did not offer salvation. That covenant has come to pass, it is finished.
Jesus would not have had to die to give us a new and better covenant if man could have kept the law (or torah). He died for us out of love for us, so that we would not have to perish eternally for our sins.
Ralph Messer does not teach the infallibility of Scriptures. His definition of the remnant is from the Talmud, the writings of those who deny Jesus. He does not preach the cross, and the redemption of man through the shed blood of Jesus. He does not teach the truth of the covenants, that Jesus died to end the torah. He does not have the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Barbara
Dear Dwayna,
Watch this Hebrew Roots teacher bewitch this congregation to come under the law.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEDj6xDyapI
He uses the typical methods of a deceiver, as he not so subtly retranslates what God said. (For example, "Torah is not law, it's teaching and instruction". Biblically, the torah is the law of sin and death. Our new covenant, our salvation, is the law of life in Christ Jesus.) He is seducing this congregation to come into a covenant, the torah, that Jesus shed His blood to abolish. The old and new covenants are very opposite. Hebrews chapters 9 and 10 are an excellent comparison of the old and the new covenants.
I am anguished as I listen to him say "How many of you would at least agree with me that Jesus did not have a King James version of the Bible". We know from John 1:1 that in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14 goes on to say, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Jesus dwelt among us, and Scriptures refer to Him as the Word made flesh. He taught that we must be born again in John 3:7. He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the multitudes, taught of His eternal kingdom, taught of His death and resurrection, and foretold the signs of His coming. He did not carry a written version of the whole Bible with Him because it was not written yet. We only know Him through the reading of the New Testament. (2 Corinthians 3:14 says that the Jewish people are veiled from knowing Jesus in reading the Old Testament. That veil is taken away in the reading of the New Testament).
Jesus was and is the whole Word and, although He quoted from the torah, He taught that He came to fulfill it, not destroy it. Fulfill means end. ( For example, if a prophecy has been fulfilled, it has come to pass, it is finished). Jesus did not come to continue the torah. The torah required animal sacrifices, and did not offer salvation. That covenant has come to pass, it is finished.
Jesus would not have had to die to give us a new and better covenant if man could have kept the law (or torah). He died for us out of love for us, so that we would not have to perish eternally for our sins.
Ralph Messer does not teach the infallibility of Scriptures. His definition of the remnant is from the Talmud, the writings of those who deny Jesus. He does not preach the cross, and the redemption of man through the shed blood of Jesus. He does not teach the truth of the covenants, that Jesus died to end the torah. He does not have the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Barbara
Testimonial Against Yoga
Hi Dwayna,
Thank you for this encouraging e-mail...I am really passionate about getting the word out about the New Age movement, because I was tormented after practicing yoga. I had unexplained seizures, lived in fear, heard voices and even ended up in the hospital. I had no idea this was completely demonic and occult and how it really grabs a hold on you. If not for the Holy Spirit and godly counsel, I would still be in that bondage. I want to thank for being one of those counsellors. The week you came into give us your testimony and mentioned what the "exercise" of yoga does, it was confirmation and then again confirmed later in the week. But it wasn't until today, reading one of the pamphlets we hand out about yoga [at the LTW table in NYC], that I realized to what I had opened myself up and why I was still having involuntary muscle movements and movements of my spine (one of the basic parts of the body used in yoga). Because of the movements and going to the hospital for these unexplained seizures (with nothing on the EEG, MRI, or CT scan), I was prescribed Clonazepam, a really strong drug for anxiety, of which I am now trying to wean myself off. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would lead me to the right doctor to show me how to safely get off of it, because it has strong withdrawal symptoms. I really pray that the Lord would make me bold in speaking out about this, especially to my sister who is in complete bondage to this. First, it was yoga; now it's Islam, astrology, and sort of pantheistic, anti-Christian "spiritual growth" thing...I so want to snatch her out of the fire, but please pray for the Holy Spirit's leading! And any resources you may have would help! Thank you for your ministry, and I am so blessed and honored to be able to serve as a part of LTW! May God richly bless you and keep you in truth and far from deception.
Thank you for this encouraging e-mail...I am really passionate about getting the word out about the New Age movement, because I was tormented after practicing yoga. I had unexplained seizures, lived in fear, heard voices and even ended up in the hospital. I had no idea this was completely demonic and occult and how it really grabs a hold on you. If not for the Holy Spirit and godly counsel, I would still be in that bondage. I want to thank for being one of those counsellors. The week you came into give us your testimony and mentioned what the "exercise" of yoga does, it was confirmation and then again confirmed later in the week. But it wasn't until today, reading one of the pamphlets we hand out about yoga [at the LTW table in NYC], that I realized to what I had opened myself up and why I was still having involuntary muscle movements and movements of my spine (one of the basic parts of the body used in yoga). Because of the movements and going to the hospital for these unexplained seizures (with nothing on the EEG, MRI, or CT scan), I was prescribed Clonazepam, a really strong drug for anxiety, of which I am now trying to wean myself off. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would lead me to the right doctor to show me how to safely get off of it, because it has strong withdrawal symptoms. I really pray that the Lord would make me bold in speaking out about this, especially to my sister who is in complete bondage to this. First, it was yoga; now it's Islam, astrology, and sort of pantheistic, anti-Christian "spiritual growth" thing...I so want to snatch her out of the fire, but please pray for the Holy Spirit's leading! And any resources you may have would help! Thank you for your ministry, and I am so blessed and honored to be able to serve as a part of LTW! May God richly bless you and keep you in truth and far from deception.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
LTW Update: NYC
Greetings from The Good News Friends,
God works in mysterious ways! I took a cab to church and found a lost wallet and managed to contact the owner and make arrangements to return it to her. This led to a conversation with the cab driver, Salvador, who said he was a believer until the minister who preached about living a pure life was found visiting prostitutes. I explained that we cannot place our faith in any man but in Jesus alone who will never fail us. I had the pleasure of praying with him as he wanted to rededicate his life to following Jesus. Also, I was able to give a Bible to the gal who lost her wallet. Praise the Lord who works all things for good!!
We all attended Heritage Baptist Sunday morning and Pastor Recker preached an excellent message on apostasy! So few Pastors talk about false teachers/teaching and yet Paul warned the church with tears for three years, that after his departure savage wolves would come in, not sparing the flock and from among them, men would rise up speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves. Acts 20:27-32. Praise the Lord for a Pastor who is faithful to warn the sheep as a true Shepherd and not shun preaching the full counsel of God!
We had a very fruitful time of ministry at the book table and gave many Bibles, New Testaments, and gospels of John away as well as much helpful literature to those who are confused and searching.
I was able to give Bibles to two Hindu women who were eager to research Christianity and pray for them. One young man was so excited to find a Hebrew/English Bible. He said he had been searching for it and received it with great joy!
Unfortunately, so many are buying the lie that all paths lead to God and even finding ways to twist the Scriptures to support this delusion. Some are incensed when we explain that, according to the Bible, Jesus is the only true God and Savior and that there is salvation is in no one else. Chris was duped by this but seemed open enough to read, Reinventing Jesus Christ by Warren Smith. Smith came out of New Age and is helping many others to discern truth from error.
We pray that those who receive the truth will allow it to take root in their hearts and that God by His power and grace will turn their eyes from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to the power of God! Acts 26:18
We have also been praying about how we can encourage and equip others to contend for the faith. We decided to begin an apologetic ministry on Wednesday nights. This coming Wednesday, we will view 2 dvds from Compass.org. One is on eschatology from the book of Daniel and the other; refuting evolution using the laws of Science by Mike Riddle. We look forward to some lively discussion!
We met two girls at church on Sunday who are excited about joining us, and we trust God will add many more who have a desire to be built up and equipped to intelligently defend God's Word against the increasing tide of apostasy!
For more information we can be reached at thegoodnewsfriends@yahooo.com All are welcome to the study!
Shalom Aleichem Dwayna,We had an eventful day to say the least this Sunday. It seems like there was some spiritual warfare going on, first at church. Aside from that, we received a wonderful message from Pastor Recker preaching from 1 John, as well as 2 John and 3 John, regarding Gnosticism and false teachers in the early church and how they dealt with it. A lot of what transpired in the early church we also see today in abundance in the form of apostasy, poor teaching, wrong doctrines and false religions.
We girls and friends are so blessed to be able to dispel the lies of the enemy as well as false teachers with this wonderful ministry we have been provided.
We set up at our underground location at 42nd Street/Times Square with our various materials and books, including Bibles and cds, dvds and cassette tapes.
I was able to converse with one woman, whose name I believe was Patricia, who was so pleased to see that we had not only Bibles in Hebrew/English (Old and New Testaments), but also had various apologetic tracts for the Jewish mindset. She had a friend named Moishe who she explained was asking her a lot of questions regarding her faith and devotion to Jesus and was very inquisitive. I was happy to be able to provide her the Bibles, a CD testimony from Stan Telchin, a Jewish well-known author who came to faith in the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus) and various tracts. I then prayed with her that she would be able to give these items to Moishe and that he would be receptive to them and continue on his search for The Way (HaDerekh), The Truth and The Life!!
As I was going through our containers with materials, I came across some tracts in French and said to myself and to God, Lord, I wonder if I will ever get to use these, and sure enough, a lady came over who had an accent and was looking for something to read. I remembered we had a tract regarding eternity in French, the very one I had seen a few minutes beforehand, and I was absolutely giddy to be able to give it to her, at which point I told her that it was God who wanted her to have it and it was not a coincidence.
I had a conversation with a young Latino man named Jonathan. He seemed fixated on the date 2012 and was convinced that the world was coming to an end. I explained to him that the world would not be ending anytime soon as, according to eschatology (the study of prophetic events and timelines), the Rapture had to first take place, then the 7 years of Tribulation, the Messiah's Millennial Kingdom, the White Throne Judgment, and then at that time the heavens and earth would be dissolved and a new heavens and earth created and we would then be in eternity.
He kept saying what made me so sure that the Bible is true regarding the times we are in, and I explained that many of the prophecies have come true and have been fulfilled; many are being fulfilled as we speak, especially the founding of Israel and the return of the Jewish people to the land of promise of exile of 2000 years, the decadence of society and the increase in wars, rumours of war, pestilences, etc. as alluded to in Matthew 24. I encouraged him to seek out the Truth of the Bible and salvation in Jesus Christ through repentance from sin and baptism of the Holy Spirit. I also encouraged him to attend a Bible church and then invited him to come visit at our church.
There were other encounters with people, all the Bibles were taken, some of the Hebrew Bibles were taken, and many of the books concerning the New Age movement as well. We handed out some of the children's books on Psalms. An apologetic concerning Islam was also handed out.
Suzi and I sang a few worship songs to the Lord and one young man came over and joined in with us!!
Another man decided to make a donation since he was taking several of the Bibles and books and didn't want to leave us empty-handed.
Again, many people could not believe that the materials were free of charge.... How wonderful to be able to provide a priceless gift with no cost!!!
We have several returning inquirers every week and now many of them are becoming familiar to us.
We finished up around 6:45 p.m.
We ended the evening with prayers for all the encounters we had that day, praying for seeds to be implanted, for fruit to spring forth, for salvation to occur. We continue in prayer for co-laborers and, as always, for more donations of materials...
We also are so thankful for those ministries who have partnered with us and supplied us with numerous books, tracts and Bibles!! God bless you all.
Shalom!
Heidi
Sending Materials off for Ireland Partnership
We are hoping to start a new table outreach in Ireland. I am sending materials for reaching Catholics off today in the mail for this new possible outreach of apologetics and evangelism. Materials are from http://www.bereanbeacon.org/ and http://www.pro-gospel.org/ .
Last Friday in Little Five Points (Atlanta)
Hello Everyone,
I sure met a lot of hurting people today, this first day of the table outreach of apologetics in Atlanta. “Jesus” was popular. It seemed the seekers in Little Five Points were turning to every Jesus under the sun for comfort, except for the real One. As I drove home, I thought of an idea for a sign for the new table: “Big Needs Met in Little Five Points,” thanks to a Savior for sinners who rules the spirits.
A lesbian woman, dressed like a man, looked me up and down as I was walking over to the area to set up the table. I was thankful for a pure God living in me. I remembered to take some DVDs on “Pure Passion” from David Kyle Foster (about how God has changed lives of homosexuals and gender confusion to new life in Jesus) and asked God to bless the materials to reach people right where they are.
A Rastafarian approached, and I offered him any of our materials on the table for free. I explained there were CDs on the spirits of “Psychic Phenomena” and “Angels, ” and he was obviously interested. I asked him if he believed in Jesus, and he said, “Yes, “ and he reached in his pocket to pull out his New Testament to show me. I said with a smile, “Wow, you carry around a New Testament!” I continued, “So, tell me about what Jesus means to you.” He said, “Well, I just got out of the mosque,” and I interrupted, “The mosque? So, you are a Moslem?” He answered, “Yes, and I embrace all religions as one. It is all about the ‘one love’” I replied, “Well, the Jesus of Islam never died. He never died on the cross, as Surah chapter 4 teaches, so the ‘Jesus’ of Islam is a different Jesus from the Jesus of the Bible who died as a Savior for the sins of the world.” The man attempted to shift the discussion back to his ‘one love’ of Rastafarian and Islam (and the world, assumingly)! He stated simply, “What Islam teaches is that Jerusalem belongs to everyone.” I said, “What Islam teaches is that the sun up in the sky sets in a muddy pool (Surah 18:86), Satan stays in the human nose overnight (Bukhari Vol. no 516), Mohammed was a white man who owned black slaves (Bukhari vol. 1, no. 63) and that the Jews believe Ezra is the son of Allah (Quran 9.030).” The corn-rolled African man started to cover his ears, as I continued, “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is pure. Allah is not, promising an eternity of celestial sex with virgins.” The man became angry and asked, “Why are you putting down my religion? This is the problem with Christianity!” I answered, “I am not putting down your religion of Islam. I am simply quoting from it. I would challenge you to prove to me that Islam is the same as Judeo Christianity.” I offered him our documented quotes from Islam to show its true teachings, and an essay on “The Gospel of an Angel” to show the perverted spirit behind Islam. He didn’t want to take anything. I told him I was glad he stopped by the table and to please come back, showing me verses in the Bible to prove that the character of Jesus is the same as the character of Mohammed. He quipped, “It is all about the ‘one love’.” I answered, “Not when the spirit behind the ‘one love’ is a lie and a perversion of the only Pure Love from the God of the Hebrews.”
Another man approached who was getting off heroin. He took several materials, saying, “I believe in Jesus, and I really need help.” I told him Jesus would help him one day at a time. I explained, “ Jesus sure does offer rest to the ‘weak and heavy-laden.’ The bad news is, so does Satan.” I said, “God understands when you turn to heroin. You are hurting. You want to escape feelings. It is a way out, yet it is a way of shame. Jesus comes to give you a way out, too, but with no shame.” The man took sermons on CD, and looking over all of the sermons on apologetics from Walter Martin on “Spiritual Warfare”, “Tools of the Occult,” “Reasons for Faith” and “Jesus: God, Man or Myth,” he asked, “Is it possible for me to take one of all of them?” I said, “Well, we need more CD copies than we can make for others. If it is okay with you, just take a few and come back next week for more, so that others can have the sermons, too.” The man took several generic sermons by Tommy Fox, Hollie Miller, Paul Washer and also took a Bible. He took “Unity School of Christianity” and commented, “I know about this group. They believe in Jesus.” I answered, “Yes, but their Jesus is a christ-consciousness.” I took out a list of the different definitions for “Jesus” according to pagan religions and New Age cults. He looked over the list and said, “I never knew there were so many.”
Another man approached and asked, “What is the occult?” I answered, “Well, if you look up the definition in the dictionary, you will find that the occult means secret, initiated power. It is all about power and control.” The man wearing amulets picked up a sermon and read the title out loud, “Tools of the Occult.” I said, “You can have that if you want it.” He replied, “No, I know all about it already. I am involved in palmistry and tarot cards.” I said, “Well, you sure are tapping into a power greater than humans, aren’t you?” I offered him the book The Light That Was Dark, explaining that Satan parades himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), yet demons tremble at the name and Person of Jesus and turned to James 2:19, reading that even demons believe in God and are subjugated by only Jesus, not humans. I said with a smile warning, “Those demons may turn on you someday.” He answered adamantly with ease, “Yeah, I am involved in the occult, no doubt about it.” I commented, “Well, you seem satisfied.” He said, “I believe in a christ-consciousness.” I asked, “Does the ‘consciousness’ love you?” He looked bewildered. I said, “ Jesus loves you. An impersonal ‘consciousness’ can’t love you,” and he left the table without taking anything.
We saw several homeless people, and I offered them all free food. A homeless woman said she was suffering from a broken heart. She said her mother had just died, and she started to cry. I gave her a hug. I told her that I could not ease her pain, but I know God never gives us more than we can handle. She took materials on Heaven (by Randy Alcorn) and After Death, What Then? I said, “You have a broken heart. Where are you going to go with all the pain?” She had no answer. I said, “Satan would like to ease your pain.” She answered without hesitation, “I know that is the truth! I have an evil man in my life!” Looking serious and stern she repeated, “He is evil.” I smiled and said, “Well, those evil men can sometimes be hard to shake.” We both laughed. I explained to her that the Bible teaches to “put off the old and put on the new.” In other words, we cannot deal with pain by staying away from sin without turning to something better. She took materials to read. I explained that we get involved in harmful relationships and self-destructive activities when we are bored. I said, “Thanks to this table, there is no need to be bored!” I smiled and explained that there were many sermons to hear and books to read…and LIFE to be lived in Jesus.
All of our books on The Light That Was Dark were taken by the end of the day. Teens passed by seeing the red brochure (from a Christian perspective) called “Occult Nightmare.” One guy took one passing by quickly, yelling back, “Thanks for the Jesus news.”
A man stopped by who said he believed in Jesus. I asked, “Which one?” He repeated, “Which one?” I said, “Didn’t you know there are many? 2 Corinthians 11:4 explains that there is certainly more than one Jesus being taught.” He looked over our materials, and he changed the subject to Satan. With conviction he said, “Satan was created as a brother to Jesus.” I said, “No, Satan is a fallen angel,” and I offered the man a sermon on “Angels.” He asked, “Are you sure that Satan is not the brother of Jesus?” I smiled and said, “ I am sure. He is just a fallen angel. He wishes!” The man took a Gospel of John, and I said, “You can get to know the real Jesus in this book.” The guy also took a brochure against the spirits of Hinduism and the meaning of “ohm.” I said, holding up that brochure, “This will tell you about Satan,” and, holding up the Bible I said, “And this will tell you about Satan and how he is defeated by Jesus.” The man answered a bit dazed, “Well, I thought he was Jesus’s brother.” I added with understanding, “Well, these days people make ‘Jesus’ out to be whatever they want. People love sin, and Jesus is pure, so it is much easier to appease the conscience with a much less powerful and holy Lord. The real Jesus is the One whose grave is empty today and is the only Savior who loves you.” He said he was tired of crying. I said, “Crying won’t kill you,” and I read:
“Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:7-10)
And I left Little Five Points today realizing once again that I am not missing out on any good thing. Such “humble” work is the honor of my life, all because of Jesus.
For the joy of eternal life in Him,
Dwayna
I sure met a lot of hurting people today, this first day of the table outreach of apologetics in Atlanta. “Jesus” was popular. It seemed the seekers in Little Five Points were turning to every Jesus under the sun for comfort, except for the real One. As I drove home, I thought of an idea for a sign for the new table: “Big Needs Met in Little Five Points,” thanks to a Savior for sinners who rules the spirits.
A lesbian woman, dressed like a man, looked me up and down as I was walking over to the area to set up the table. I was thankful for a pure God living in me. I remembered to take some DVDs on “Pure Passion” from David Kyle Foster (about how God has changed lives of homosexuals and gender confusion to new life in Jesus) and asked God to bless the materials to reach people right where they are.
A Rastafarian approached, and I offered him any of our materials on the table for free. I explained there were CDs on the spirits of “Psychic Phenomena” and “Angels, ” and he was obviously interested. I asked him if he believed in Jesus, and he said, “Yes, “ and he reached in his pocket to pull out his New Testament to show me. I said with a smile, “Wow, you carry around a New Testament!” I continued, “So, tell me about what Jesus means to you.” He said, “Well, I just got out of the mosque,” and I interrupted, “The mosque? So, you are a Moslem?” He answered, “Yes, and I embrace all religions as one. It is all about the ‘one love’” I replied, “Well, the Jesus of Islam never died. He never died on the cross, as Surah chapter 4 teaches, so the ‘Jesus’ of Islam is a different Jesus from the Jesus of the Bible who died as a Savior for the sins of the world.” The man attempted to shift the discussion back to his ‘one love’ of Rastafarian and Islam (and the world, assumingly)! He stated simply, “What Islam teaches is that Jerusalem belongs to everyone.” I said, “What Islam teaches is that the sun up in the sky sets in a muddy pool (Surah 18:86), Satan stays in the human nose overnight (Bukhari Vol. no 516), Mohammed was a white man who owned black slaves (Bukhari vol. 1, no. 63) and that the Jews believe Ezra is the son of Allah (Quran 9.030).” The corn-rolled African man started to cover his ears, as I continued, “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is pure. Allah is not, promising an eternity of celestial sex with virgins.” The man became angry and asked, “Why are you putting down my religion? This is the problem with Christianity!” I answered, “I am not putting down your religion of Islam. I am simply quoting from it. I would challenge you to prove to me that Islam is the same as Judeo Christianity.” I offered him our documented quotes from Islam to show its true teachings, and an essay on “The Gospel of an Angel” to show the perverted spirit behind Islam. He didn’t want to take anything. I told him I was glad he stopped by the table and to please come back, showing me verses in the Bible to prove that the character of Jesus is the same as the character of Mohammed. He quipped, “It is all about the ‘one love’.” I answered, “Not when the spirit behind the ‘one love’ is a lie and a perversion of the only Pure Love from the God of the Hebrews.”
Another man approached who was getting off heroin. He took several materials, saying, “I believe in Jesus, and I really need help.” I told him Jesus would help him one day at a time. I explained, “ Jesus sure does offer rest to the ‘weak and heavy-laden.’ The bad news is, so does Satan.” I said, “God understands when you turn to heroin. You are hurting. You want to escape feelings. It is a way out, yet it is a way of shame. Jesus comes to give you a way out, too, but with no shame.” The man took sermons on CD, and looking over all of the sermons on apologetics from Walter Martin on “Spiritual Warfare”, “Tools of the Occult,” “Reasons for Faith” and “Jesus: God, Man or Myth,” he asked, “Is it possible for me to take one of all of them?” I said, “Well, we need more CD copies than we can make for others. If it is okay with you, just take a few and come back next week for more, so that others can have the sermons, too.” The man took several generic sermons by Tommy Fox, Hollie Miller, Paul Washer and also took a Bible. He took “Unity School of Christianity” and commented, “I know about this group. They believe in Jesus.” I answered, “Yes, but their Jesus is a christ-consciousness.” I took out a list of the different definitions for “Jesus” according to pagan religions and New Age cults. He looked over the list and said, “I never knew there were so many.”
Another man approached and asked, “What is the occult?” I answered, “Well, if you look up the definition in the dictionary, you will find that the occult means secret, initiated power. It is all about power and control.” The man wearing amulets picked up a sermon and read the title out loud, “Tools of the Occult.” I said, “You can have that if you want it.” He replied, “No, I know all about it already. I am involved in palmistry and tarot cards.” I said, “Well, you sure are tapping into a power greater than humans, aren’t you?” I offered him the book The Light That Was Dark, explaining that Satan parades himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), yet demons tremble at the name and Person of Jesus and turned to James 2:19, reading that even demons believe in God and are subjugated by only Jesus, not humans. I said with a smile warning, “Those demons may turn on you someday.” He answered adamantly with ease, “Yeah, I am involved in the occult, no doubt about it.” I commented, “Well, you seem satisfied.” He said, “I believe in a christ-consciousness.” I asked, “Does the ‘consciousness’ love you?” He looked bewildered. I said, “ Jesus loves you. An impersonal ‘consciousness’ can’t love you,” and he left the table without taking anything.
We saw several homeless people, and I offered them all free food. A homeless woman said she was suffering from a broken heart. She said her mother had just died, and she started to cry. I gave her a hug. I told her that I could not ease her pain, but I know God never gives us more than we can handle. She took materials on Heaven (by Randy Alcorn) and After Death, What Then? I said, “You have a broken heart. Where are you going to go with all the pain?” She had no answer. I said, “Satan would like to ease your pain.” She answered without hesitation, “I know that is the truth! I have an evil man in my life!” Looking serious and stern she repeated, “He is evil.” I smiled and said, “Well, those evil men can sometimes be hard to shake.” We both laughed. I explained to her that the Bible teaches to “put off the old and put on the new.” In other words, we cannot deal with pain by staying away from sin without turning to something better. She took materials to read. I explained that we get involved in harmful relationships and self-destructive activities when we are bored. I said, “Thanks to this table, there is no need to be bored!” I smiled and explained that there were many sermons to hear and books to read…and LIFE to be lived in Jesus.
All of our books on The Light That Was Dark were taken by the end of the day. Teens passed by seeing the red brochure (from a Christian perspective) called “Occult Nightmare.” One guy took one passing by quickly, yelling back, “Thanks for the Jesus news.”
A man stopped by who said he believed in Jesus. I asked, “Which one?” He repeated, “Which one?” I said, “Didn’t you know there are many? 2 Corinthians 11:4 explains that there is certainly more than one Jesus being taught.” He looked over our materials, and he changed the subject to Satan. With conviction he said, “Satan was created as a brother to Jesus.” I said, “No, Satan is a fallen angel,” and I offered the man a sermon on “Angels.” He asked, “Are you sure that Satan is not the brother of Jesus?” I smiled and said, “ I am sure. He is just a fallen angel. He wishes!” The man took a Gospel of John, and I said, “You can get to know the real Jesus in this book.” The guy also took a brochure against the spirits of Hinduism and the meaning of “ohm.” I said, holding up that brochure, “This will tell you about Satan,” and, holding up the Bible I said, “And this will tell you about Satan and how he is defeated by Jesus.” The man answered a bit dazed, “Well, I thought he was Jesus’s brother.” I added with understanding, “Well, these days people make ‘Jesus’ out to be whatever they want. People love sin, and Jesus is pure, so it is much easier to appease the conscience with a much less powerful and holy Lord. The real Jesus is the One whose grave is empty today and is the only Savior who loves you.” He said he was tired of crying. I said, “Crying won’t kill you,” and I read:
“Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:7-10)
And I left Little Five Points today realizing once again that I am not missing out on any good thing. Such “humble” work is the honor of my life, all because of Jesus.
For the joy of eternal life in Him,
Dwayna
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
My Prayer Time
I was going to do some activities tonight affiliated with my church and evangelism, but there is a terrible storm here, so I opted to stay at home to work.
I went to my little "prayer spot", beside my bed, and knelt down on my knees. I love to sing the hymns to God, as the songs bring such praise to Him and remind me of what a gift faith in Him is, as His Word of Life protects my path.
I sang, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and knew that He was with me, guiding me today, just like He has guided me all of my life. I told Him anew that I was not saved for anything less than His best, which is a life far better than I could ever deserve.
"As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee" got me. I started to cry as I continued, "You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship Thee....You are my Brother even though You are a King. I want You more than any other, so much more than anything."
But, what really touched my heart was when I began to sing:
"Jesus, what a Friend for sinners! Jesus lover of my soul; Friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior, makes me whole; Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end."
I wept as I asked God once again to be my everything. I know He will. He never takes away anything in my life without giving me something better, and He only gives good gifts. I continued:
"Jesus! What a Strength in weakness! Let me hide myself in Him
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing, He my Strength, my victory wins."
So, it was a good prayer time, once again knowing that Jesus came to live in my heart to stay, and I am never, ever alone.
I went to my little "prayer spot", beside my bed, and knelt down on my knees. I love to sing the hymns to God, as the songs bring such praise to Him and remind me of what a gift faith in Him is, as His Word of Life protects my path.
I sang, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and knew that He was with me, guiding me today, just like He has guided me all of my life. I told Him anew that I was not saved for anything less than His best, which is a life far better than I could ever deserve.
"As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee" got me. I started to cry as I continued, "You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship Thee....You are my Brother even though You are a King. I want You more than any other, so much more than anything."
But, what really touched my heart was when I began to sing:
"Jesus, what a Friend for sinners! Jesus lover of my soul; Friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior, makes me whole; Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end."
I wept as I asked God once again to be my everything. I know He will. He never takes away anything in my life without giving me something better, and He only gives good gifts. I continued:
"Jesus! What a Strength in weakness! Let me hide myself in Him
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing, He my Strength, my victory wins."
So, it was a good prayer time, once again knowing that Jesus came to live in my heart to stay, and I am never, ever alone.
Work This Week
I am heading to Staples to pick up copies of articles on apologetics for Little Five Points this weekend, to give the people answers. Tonight I am heading out to do some evangelism with a team at my church in another area of town.
We are making great strides in web site updates. A new page on Facebook has been created for my songs. We should have the new location of outreach in Little Five Points/Atlanta added to the web site locations of ministry this week. (We still have to update Pickering (England) and the Philippines.)
I am also trying to line up someone to work with me this Saturday at the outreach at Little Five Points who has a truck/SUV. It is so much easier loading and unloading everything with a truck. We need to set up a new email account for the people of Little Five Points, as follow up for their questions, and we plan to do that this week, too.
Plus, I started writing a new, beautiful song. It seems to be distracting me, as I cannot put it down. It is about God's unconditional love and the beauty of showing such love to others.
We are making great strides in web site updates. A new page on Facebook has been created for my songs. We should have the new location of outreach in Little Five Points/Atlanta added to the web site locations of ministry this week. (We still have to update Pickering (England) and the Philippines.)
I am also trying to line up someone to work with me this Saturday at the outreach at Little Five Points who has a truck/SUV. It is so much easier loading and unloading everything with a truck. We need to set up a new email account for the people of Little Five Points, as follow up for their questions, and we plan to do that this week, too.
Plus, I started writing a new, beautiful song. It seems to be distracting me, as I cannot put it down. It is about God's unconditional love and the beauty of showing such love to others.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Singing at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church (Anniston, AL)
I had such a great time singing, sharing my testimony and speaking about Lighting the Way at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Anniston, AL. We sure heard a great sermon from Jon Cardwell, and my friend, Charisse, drove down with her family from Birmingham. It was such a delight to get to know Jon's wife, Lisa, better, and I am thankful for her friendship. I wish I lived closer to fellowship and worship more at this little church with a big heart for God's Word.
On Being Single
Email I received today:
LTW, you are an inspiration to my 22 yr old daughter. I showed her your picture and blog site. I said, "If such a beautiful woman can be satisfied and single with her relationship with Jesus, you can, too." I know it hasn't been without struggle for you, but the idea that everyone has to marry or that your own worth lies in a husband or a wife, is false and has led to much heartache and missing God's best for so many. We'll be praying for you at our home.
My response:
Thank you sincerely for the prayers.
LTW, you are an inspiration to my 22 yr old daughter. I showed her your picture and blog site. I said, "If such a beautiful woman can be satisfied and single with her relationship with Jesus, you can, too." I know it hasn't been without struggle for you, but the idea that everyone has to marry or that your own worth lies in a husband or a wife, is false and has led to much heartache and missing God's best for so many. We'll be praying for you at our home.
My response:
Thank you sincerely for the prayers.
Can a Woman Teach a Man?
Question I received by email:
I have an email friend who has asked me how I handle the "sometimes teaching men" issue, since men read our teachings or listen to us either preach, teach, exhort, etc. It is a non-issue to me (Gal. 3:28 & Acts 2:18), but to many it causes great pain. I know you are busy right now, so no hurry, but if you sometime have a quick idea from the Lord as to what to tell her, let me know. I've given her many examples and verses, as well as arguments about culture, etc... and besides, she knows them too... but just doesn't have it cemented in her mind, and those swaying her to the belief of "women are to be silent" (1 Cor. 14:34,35 & 1 Tim. 2:11-15) is shutting her down.
My response:
Rachel, this is very easily answered by showing that Jesus first appeared to a WOMAN after the resurrection. If He only wanted men to tell others about Him, He would have never appeared first to women in a misogynistic culture. Furthermore, how about the example of Deborah? To say that women can never teach men is not only sexist but ludicrous. It goes against God's love for women and insults the intelligence God gave women. The only thing we can't do according to the Bible is pastor a church. Who would want to do that anyway? :-) Tell the people who are telling you that women cannot ever teach a man anything to move to the Middle East, because they would probably be more comfortable in an Islamic culture where the women are not allowed to speak or even show their faces. If a woman is "allowed" to write a book and have that book sold in a church bookstore, she is "teaching" men if they read her book. If a church allows a woman to sing a solo about Jesus, she is "teaching" men as God is at work to remind them of His love. People in certain denominations want to define what it means to "teach." The truth is we are all commanded to "do the work of an evangelist," and, you are right, Galatians 3:28 explains that we are equal in God's site. In a marriage, there is a structure for the home, like Jesus and His "bride", the church; but any loving man would know that he is in no way superior to the woman. If anything, he should put her up on a pedestal as being superior to him, as he cherishes his wife. Watch the movie, "The Blind Side." Now, that is my kind of marriage. :-) The point is, there is FREEDOM.
Rachel, this is very easily answered by showing that Jesus first appeared to a WOMAN after the resurrection. If He only wanted men to tell others about Him, He would have never appeared first to women in a misogynistic culture. Furthermore, how about the example of Deborah? To say that women can never teach men is not only sexist but ludicrous. It goes against God's love for women and insults the intelligence God gave women. The only thing we can't do according to the Bible is pastor a church. Who would want to do that anyway? :-) Tell the people who are telling you that women cannot ever teach a man anything to move to the Middle East, because they would probably be more comfortable in an Islamic culture where the women are not allowed to speak or even show their faces. If a woman is "allowed" to write a book and have that book sold in a church bookstore, she is "teaching" men if they read her book. If a church allows a woman to sing a solo about Jesus, she is "teaching" men as God is at work to remind them of His love. People in certain denominations want to define what it means to "teach." The truth is we are all commanded to "do the work of an evangelist," and, you are right, Galatians 3:28 explains that we are equal in God's site. In a marriage, there is a structure for the home, like Jesus and His "bride", the church; but any loving man would know that he is in no way superior to the woman. If anything, he should put her up on a pedestal as being superior to him, as he cherishes his wife. Watch the movie, "The Blind Side." Now, that is my kind of marriage. :-) The point is, there is FREEDOM.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Photos from Today in Little Five Points (Atlanta)
Before setting up again next week, I need to create a new email account for the public, so people can email me, as well as a team of Christians in apologetics as follow up. I am working on a detailed newsletter tonight about the fun day at the new table! I need to also have a sign made for the table. With all the hurting people I met today, I am thinking about the sign for this table reading, "Big Needs Met at Little Five Points." (To be added to my email list for ministry updates, please email me at Dwayna@LTWInternational.org ). Thank you to anyone who prayed for me. It was a great first day of evangelism and apologetics in this new location.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Ministry Expenses: Thanks for the Partnership
The new outreach in Little Five Points has cost an extra 600.00. Thank you to all who give to cover the expenses of expanding to yet another new location of Lighting the Way Worldwide.
LTW Update: Beginning New Table Outreach in Little Five Points (Atlanta)
Welcome to "Little Five Points", a popular area in Midtown Atlanta where university students gather and people from all walks of life come from Atlanta to "be themselves" in homosexuality, drugs, alcohol and promiscuity.
Not at all like the conservative neighborhood of Buckhead where I live, "Little Five Points" makes for an exciting place to converse about a pure God who loves sinners. I don't feel the least bit at home there, but I sure do like the thought of setting up a little table in the heart of such darkness as a beacon of Light--the true Light, not the dark light who is the rules this age.
God gave me a place to set up the table of apologetics, right across from the police station, in the heart of the outdoor courtyard surrounding the stores.
As I was thinking about where to put the new table (with books, articles and CDs to give answers in defense of the Bible against New Age spirituality, Buddhism, atheism, Hinduism and the occult, as well as free Bibles), I saw a policeman. I asked him if it would be okay for me to set up a table in this area. He said, "Sure, as long as you don't cause any trouble."
I was reminded that I was given the same answer when I began my table at Venice Beach. Leaders in our table outreach locations have never caused any trouble, but the Gospel sometimes does. Yes, the demons tremble in such areas when the Holy Spirit comes to draw people to the pure love Jesus and His overwhelming power, subjecting demons to their defeated, satanic demise.
As I observed the area, I prayed that the Lord would protect me and help me, as I hate this area but love the people there--people who are lost like I would be apart from God's grace. Homeless hang out there, so I am bringing some free snack food for the people who approach.
So, tomorrow we will be beginning the new table outreach in Little Five Points. Please pray for me as I set out to begin this. A friend is going with me, so I will not be alone. After this first day, I will then know more details about having others join me there in evangelism based on apologetics. We want to give the people answers and meet them right where they are. More than anything, I want them to know I love them and realize I am no better apart from Jesus and His unmerited favor toward me.
I pray I will welcome the people passing on the city street as they see my anomalous table about Jesus and salvation with a banner reading, "A Free Gift for You."
The Gospel of grace is free, though it is costly. Sometimes people say to me, I would give my life to have a ministry like yours, and I respond, "I have." Yet, when I feel Jesus with me by the power of His Holy Spirit living with me, and when He lets me feel His love, I feel like I have not given enough! It seems too good to be true that such a God would give me so much and only want all of me in return. No "slain in the spirit" required or silent, monastic retreats to come into the "practice of the presence" through "contemplative prayer." Just my heart is "all" that God wants. When I think of His rescuing, faithful Love toward me, my heart can't help but love Him in return. He makes it easy for me to give Him everything, and going to such dark places to shine a light for Him is such an honor. I am honored that God would let me do this.
Here is where I plan to set up the table tomorrow, in the middle of the courtyard. He even gave me a cool place of shade,
right across from the police station.
"...Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city." Acts 18:9-10
"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For one would hardly die for a righteous man...But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:3-8
(For more information about our materials at this table see blog post here.)
Because He first loved me,
Dwayna
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