"Something Pure for You"

Here is what I have finally finished today, which will be the last explanation/essay page I need to write for the new web site, www.bygodsgrace.org . At this point, I need to begin a Facebook page for people to visit who come to this site as follow up...and before much longer, my job of writing the text will be complete!


The “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4: 4) may have you right where he wants you. You may be praying to the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) and getting manifestations of apparitions or experiences with quantum powers able to levitate tables. What a shame if a defiled “angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14, Galatians 1) is as close as you get to knowing the only God who heals a broken heart in kindness. Maybe occult spirituality has attracted spirits into your life to keep you right where you are—away from the only God in existence with pure love for your soul.

God gives us all freedom to rebel from His moral law or obey it. Our lives are defined by choices we have made. We are faced with choices leading us either to “paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23) or “a way which seems right to man but in the end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 16:25). You are where you are today as a result of choices. Will you let God take you in His direction of LIFE for your soul, or would you rather just continue on in shame in “the way of death”? It has been said that Satan makes us free to sin, but Jesus sets us free from it. Satan is not kind to his own; rather, he enslaves his own to sin and keeps them there in shame. Jesus sets us free from sin and shame and enslaves us to righteousness in the topography of His love, a place where we are happy and pure.

God knows why we sin, and God wants to heal the “why.”

“He who sins against Me injures himself. All those who hate Me love death.” Proverbs 8:36

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17. According to Jesus, the “kingdom of heaven” is conditional on repentance.

Some people argue, “God wants me to do whatever makes me happy” as they immorally sin their lives away in a cycle of self-destruction. Some of the biggest fornicators and adulterers on earth proclaim, “I don’t need a Savior.” Others enjoy going to religious gatherings and listening to sermons on good character. (The Bible teaches that King Herod enjoyed listening to John the Baptist preach before beheading him!) There is only One moral God who defines sin, and only One moral God who defines purity. People don’t have the final authority on such matters of the conscience.

One thing is for certain, the god of this age has nothing pure for you. He is called the “ruler of this world” (John 14:30; 16:11) and the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Satan has one goal for your life: to keep you away from Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25), who wants to come and live inside you through the Holy Spirit to wash you with His Love and make you clean. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Romans 6:22)

“…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” Philippians 3:13

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

“You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” Galatians 5:4

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus is called the “spotless Lamb” of God, because He alone is our only pure sacrifice for sin. (1 Peter 1:19). A pure God is waiting to meet you right where you are but love you too much to leave you there. The choice to come to Him is yours, but there are some things you cannot choose concerning Him. You can’t change His character; He can change yours, but you can’t change His. You will never deceive Him, not for a second. While the “god of this age” offers pleasure resulting in a living hell within the soul, only a God with “no deceit found in Him” (Isaiah 53:9; 1 Peter 2:22) can take a sinful heart and make it pure.

---------

See also:

Going to church on Sunday and attempting to keep the Ten Commandments does not make anyone pure in God’s eyes. If you think you can be good enough to produce purity according to God’s standard, take “The Good Test”:
http://www.eternal-productions.org/thegoodtest.html

There is absolutely no proof scientifically that anyone was made for perversion.
Here is a web site proving there is no such thing as a “gay gene” scientifically:
http://www.mygenes.co.nz/index.html

Bible Verses Showing Jesus Christ is God
http://www.john-lee-ministries.org/Bible_Verses_Page.html


The Gospel
http://eternal-productions.org/gospel.html


We Cannot be Saved by Keeping the Law
(Jesus said for us to take up our cross and follow Him. Jesus did not say, “Take up the Torah.”)
http://www.seekgod.ca/hr/hrfaqs3.htm#bride


Joyfully Growing in God’s Grace
http://joyfullygrowingingrace.wordpress.com/


Man’s Depravity Apart from God’s Grace
http://ltwinternational.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid=2


What is salvation?
http://www.christianspiritwalk.com/BIBLE-ARTICLES/bible-article-1.html


The Character of Our God
http://ltwinternational.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=93&Itemid=2


Humility for the Christian
http://ltwinternational.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=98&Itemid=2

The Ultimate Humility

Here is a beautiful, new poem by my friend, Charisse:

Hung on the cross to bear my shame,
Undeservedly endured all my pain.
Meekly set His royalty aside,
Initiating the first step towards His bride.
Lovingly laying His life down,
Interceding so we can wear His crown.
Through grace our faith is sealed in Him,
Yes, purchased and pardoned from all our sin.

Charisse Graves

LTW Update: NYC

Greetings Dwayna!! Shalom and Peace!

After attending Church service and enjoying a pre-Thanksgiving dinner, we headed out to our winter location, which is located in the subway beneath Times Square, near the 7th Avenue side of what we call the "Christian corridor". Before arriving at our location, while walking to the church office to procure our gear, we were surprised to run into Curtis Sliwa of Guardian Angels fame. He is a local radio commentator here in New York City as well as the head of the organization of Guardian Angels, a para-law enforcement group of concerned citizens who assist law enforcement with police patrol and other protection of citizens and watchgroups. We were able to converse with him and his son and state that we were glad he was still heading up this organization and the work they do. Before saying goodbye, Suzi was able to hand him the Gospel of John, which he gladly received. We hope and pray that he will read it and share it with his son and that he would come to know Messiah Yeshua, Jesus Christ the Messiah. For more information on Curtis Sliwa and the Guardian Angels, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Sliwa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardian_Angels.

We ask that you keep him and his son and relatives in prayer.

As of late, our location is now occupied by various ministries propagating their versions of the "gospel", among whom are the date-setters -- or Harold Camping disciples -- and the King James onlyists. It can be a difficult situation, as we are not only battling secular beliefs and pagan religions, but now have to contend with these false ministries and their teachings within nominal Christianity. We all agreed that in spite of this new occurrence, we feel that the Lord wants us to stay put in this location to be a counterpoint to the heresies being perpetrated and to point people to the true, biblical Gospel and proper endtimes eschatology.

Bill joined us at the table from Heritage Baptist and helped us set up and gave out tracts and spoke with a few people for awhile. We set up our table and had many visitors. We were able to provide Bibles, which Christine was gracious enough to procure, as well as all the other usual materials concerning apologetics and discernment, the Gospel and the new birth, CDs on false religions and false belief systems including cults and the occult, numerous books concerning science vs. the Bible or creation vs. evolution, various apologetics materials concerning Roman Catholicism and some Hebrew/English Tanachs (Old Testaments). Unfortunately, we have run out of the Brit Chadashahs (New Testaments) as well as Tanachs. We were able to provide one of the Gospels in Arabic for Muslims, but I am not sure if any were taken. We also had a few worship CDs and cassettes.

I was able to share the Gospel with various Latinos who came to the table and explain the importance of repentance for salvation and the need for the new birth by means of the Holy Spirit, as well as the difference between Catholicism and man made religions vs. Biblical faith. Many people took many of the various Spanish materials concerning these topics, so we need to resupply, especially with the materials provided by Mike Gendron of Proclaiming the Gospel. Others took copies of the books concerning the New Age infiltration into Christendom with the books by Warren Smith and Ray Yungen and various CDs by Caryl Matrisciana and others, including Jan Markell. As we have run out of Roger Oakland's books such as Faith Undone, Another Jesus, and others, we could use a new supply of these.

A couple of young men approached the table and took several items. I was able to engage with one of them over the veracity of the misnomer "Palestian People" vs. the land of Palestine and the history of that name. He said that he supported the Palestinians but could also support Israel. I explained that as Christians, we support the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael) and her people, not necessarily the government. We are to recognize that it is through Jesus, the Jew!, that we are partakers of the Vine--we have been grafted into Messiah as branches among the original branches. We explained that because of Biblcial prophecy and God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the land of Israel was deeded to the Jews and it is God's land, and while the United Nations may have decided to apportion the land to the Jews, ultimately, it was God's doing to bring them back into the land, to never again be removed. It was unfortunate that a lot of what the man believed is what he hears on the liberal media TV news networks and possibly in school. That is why it is imperative that one knows the history of the Jewish people in Scripture and of the land, known as Judea in the Bible, after the Northern Kingdom was broken up (Israel) and the 10 tribes were exiled and carried away into captivity.

One gentleman who approached the table claimed to believe in Jesus, but upon more in-depth questions, we were told that he did not believe Jesus was God or was of deity, and he did not consider salvation by a biblical definition; he said he believed salvation comes on "different levels". I was engaged with him and refuted these beliefs as erroneous and not biblical, and I said that if one does not have the correct Jesus, one has not the true salvation (1 Corinthians 11:4). After awhile, he decided that he wanted to come visit our church, and we provided the information to him. Suzi was able to engage with him further as Christine and I attended to the other visitors coming to the table.

One Jewish man who appeared to be in a hurry rushed past our table. As he walked by, he turned his head back to look at the table as I believe he glanced over the Hebrew Bibles we had. I then yelled out to him the question, "Would you like a free Tanach?" to which he replied gladly "Yes," and he rushed over and took it. I was able to also hand him "Behind the Curtain," a testimony of an Orthodox Jew who discovers that Yeshua (Jesus) is in found and described as Messiah throughout the Jewish Old Testament Scriptures and rabbinic writings. This is especially true concerning Rosh Hashannah and also the Trinity, or what is referred to as the "Unity." We hope that he reads this tract and also reads the Word and will come to a better understanding of his Messiah and come to salvation. I was extremely happy to be able to give to a Jewish person the Word of Life, as many of them do not want to approach the table due to either pride or embarrassment or cultural stigma.

After a little while, the "date-setter Christians" left our area, and we were able to minister to many more people. Many had questions concerning what the Bible truly says about the end of days and others concerning the occult. We were able to give out materials concerning both topics. Many were interested in the science tracts as well.

We were later joined by Christian who helped us pack up our ministry ensemble. We finished up around 6 p.m. and closed in prayer for all the people with whom we had opportunity to speak, as well as those who came by the table to take materials. We desire that all the materials would be beneficial and encourage people to seek out God's Truth and salvation in the Messiah alone, by grace alone through faith alone.

Christine and Suzi took photos, which they will supply.

Again, we want to thank all those ministries who support and donate to Lighting the Way and the The Good News Friends. We are so thankful that we can be the light in the tunnel, so to speak, and the salt of the earth as the watchmen on the wall. We are truly blessed to be able to have this ministry table replete with apologetics and discernment materials as well as gospels and Bibles and salvation information. We only lack in laborers. We continue to hope and pray that many more people would join with us in our endeavors by either participating at the table or praying while we minister.

May God be glorified!!

Maranatha!

Heidi, on behalf of
The Good News Friends
E-Mail: thegoodnewsfriends@yahoo.com

LTW Update: Thanksgiving with the Homeless

Dan and our team in southern California fed the homeless a hot meal on Thanksgiving at Venice Beach.

The Templeton Twist

Please don't miss this post from Herescope. We need to get educated on what is happening insideously within nominal Christianity. Demonic spirituality is now being redefined as benign...

Praying for the Prisoners

I have had a good time in prayer. I just could not help but cry (tears of thanksgiving and joy) praying about so many things that have touched me lately, like those inmates at Angola Prison raising their hands and singing praise to Jesus in prison, "You Are Awesome In This Place Mighty God." They smiled like they meant it, because they did. God had transformed them. I think about people I have met in "the free world" who have never known such joy. I'd give anything to able to give it to them, but I can't. I have prayed for such people in the "free" world today, too, for God to set them free from the prison of darkness within.

Atheists or agnostics could argue that the inmates at Angola are faking "religion" to get out early on good behavior. Actually, they are serving life sentences at Angola, and they realize they will never get out of prison, and they are still genuinely happy.

We met this one man at Angola who was very clean cut, looking like he was a pastor of some church somewhere with a spotless past! We didn't even think he was an inmate at first. Anyway, he has gotten saved since he has been in prison. His crime was so bad it has been profiled on A &E, but he has become a Christian now, and he is a new man. He wrote me a letter stating that God promises to give us a new name when we get to heaven. I thought of that as I prayed for him tonight, thanking God for being a God of mercy and love for anyone who will come to Him (on His terms). He pardons criminals and leaves big wig bankers on Wall Street alone. (I am talking about eternal pardon and salvation of the heart, of course.) I praise God for being who He is.

I don't write the prisoners directly, and they do not write me directly; we go through the chaplains. We are working on getting all the inmates who gave us prayer requests Christmas cards, and I am going to try to sell some CDs for 10.00 each to donate for my project for the inmates on death row to have books on 'Heaven' by Randy Alcorn. We need to raise 450 more dollars to have $900.00, which will pay for 90 books to be sent to everyone on death row in the state of Louisiana.

We also want to include booklets by Mark Cahill about what the Bible teaches about heaven and hell for every inmate on death row.

As I think about salvation---regeneration of the soul here on earth--I realize that is when ETERNAL LIFE begins. It is TRULY a miracle--as big a miracle as Jesus raising from the tomb--for God to come and live within the heart of a person and POSSESS that person with His Spirit. He chooses as He deems best, and He is sure perfect in His judgment. I am so thankful that He would choose to live inside of me. I did absolutely nothing to deserve it, but He sure has made my heart His home, and I pray He will use us to save souls of these death row inmates in Louisiana. Nothing is too difficult for God.

The Kabbalah Connection (Part 3)

I just wrote my friend, Barbara, to let her know that I no longer have time for even posting research due to the new web site(s) we are creating and my need to begin writing a book WHILE working on music AND keeping our outreach locations organized. Barbara was nice enough to write this and share her research with us for the ministry blog. I wanted to post it for an Internet archive.

The Kabbalah Connection
Mantles and Anointings from the Deceased

Over the last few years I’ve heard many in the false prophetic make reference to mantles from deceased evangelists. The notion left me baffled. New Testament Christians were never Biblically commanded to seek mantles or an anointing from deceased evangelists or prophets.
Yet this doctrine has crept into Christendom from many “ministries”. Here are some examples:

White Dove Ministries:

“The Lord is about to release other mantles as well - the mantles of William Branham, Katherine Kuhlman, A. A. Allen and John G. Lake among others.”

Northwest Prophetic:

“Even on that day that the ground shook and the graves were opened and the old saints walked again, the graves shall be opened in this hour and the mantles of those that walked the earth and caused it to shake then, so shall these mantles walk the earth again. They will be released on My people with signs, wonders, and miracles.”

Benny Hinn:

One of the strangest experiences I had a few years ago [was] visiting Aimee’s tomb in California. This Thursday I’m on TBN. Friday I am gonna go and visit Kathryn Kuhlman’s tomb. It’s close by Aimee’s in Forest Lawn Cemetery. I’ve been there once already and every so often I like to go and pay my respects ‘cause this great woman of God has touched my life. And that grave, uh, where she’s buried is closed, they built walls around it. You can’t get in without a key and I’m one of the very few people who can get in. But I’ll never forget when I saw Aimee’s tomb. It’s incredibly dramatic. She was such a lady that her tomb has seven-foot angels bowing on each side of her tomb with a gold chain around it. As—as incredible as it is that someone would die with angels bowing on each side of her grave, I felt a terrific anointing when I was there. I actually, I—I, hear this, I trembled when I visited Aimee’s tomb. I was shaking all over. God’s power came all over me. ... I believe the anointing has lingered over Aimee’s body.

“Prophecy” over Todd Bentley (transcript from a youtube video):

“All this week I believe William Branham’s mantle has been manifesting with Todd in a new realm of angelic activity”……… (00:52-1:00)

“And so I’ve been watching you operate in that mantle. And I… when I first saw it I said “That’s like William Branham. William Branham waiting upon the angel of the Lord to direct the ministry in great revelatory miracles, and I’ve been watching that with you.” (01:29-01:43)

Let’s look at this passage from 2 Kings 2:

9And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 10And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. 11And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. 13He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. 15And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Elijah did not die; he was taken by a whirlwind into Heaven. His mantle, a real garment, fell from him, and Elisha picked it up.

I did a thorough Bible study of the words “mantle” and “anointing”. There is nothing Biblical that backs the notion that spiritual mantles from deceased evangelists are about to be released, and nothing Biblical about seeking an anointing from a deceased person.

Kabbalah

I learned a lot about the Kabbalah and practices of Kabbalists from this video:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8617500122476262686#

Just past the 25 minute mark the narrator explains the gravesite rituals that took place in Sefad, Israel. Kabbalists searched for locations to their previous incarnations under the guidance of Isaac Luria. The narrator states, “They (Kabbalists) would take on the soul of the deceased who was lying there and speak with that person’s voice.”

From another Kabbalah site:

(Rabbi Luria was also known as the “Ari”.)

“The Ari arrived in Sefad on the very day of the Ramak's funeral. Joining the procession, he discovered that he alone was witness to a pillar of fire following behind the Ramak's bier--a sign, according to the Zohar, that he was meant to inherit the mantle of leadership left behind by the deceased.”

Bible

If you are a born again Christian, your anointing is from the Holy Spirit. In Colossians 2:10 we read that we are complete in Him (Christ Jesus), and He is the head of all principality and power. In Ephesians 6 we read that the spiritual garment we are to put on is the whole armour of God.

2 Corinthians 1:20-22 For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21Now He which stablisheth (establishes) us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

A Biblical word of warning:

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. 11Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

-Barbara for Lighting the Way

Sources:

http://www.northwestprophetic.com/2007/10/earthquakes-are-coming.html

http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/bhnecro.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE5dOvEhctE
http://www.inner.org/stages/stages1.htm
http://www.inner.org/stages/stages1.htm
All scripture passages are from the King James Version

We are a "Spectacle to the World"

"...wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God...we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men." 1 Corinthians 4:5,9

Making Progress (ByGod'sGrace.org)

Tonight I wrote the last page I need to write for the new web site, and I am calling it "Something Pure for You." I will look at it again tomorrrow and make any final edits and send it off to be published on the site. From this point forward, it should not take long at all for me to complete the work needed, because the writing was the hardest part. We are going to be setting up a Facebook page soon for people to visit who come to this new web site as follow-up. When the web site is done, we will get some nice cards printed with the web site address: www.bygodsgrace.org . We will use this web site all over the world as people approach our locations, so it is very important to explain everything well and provide links explaining why Jesus is different from the other gods. I have felt close to the Lord as I have been writing about His purity tonight and how we exchange our sin for His purity, and how much we need a pure Savior like Him.

Christmas Card Project for Inmates of Angola

We are also working on creating specific Christmas cards for all of the inmates who gave us prayer requests at Angola prison last week (Louisiana State Penitentiary). We want them to know we have not forgotten about them. We will be getting releases from some of them, so we can post endearing photos on the blog. The most important thing is to pray for them. I hope to make CD copies for the inmates in hospice, too. I met them and prayed for them, and I quoted Bible verses about God's promises of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus. It was something I will never forget, and we want them to know it. We would do the same for the inmates I met at Hunt and at the Louisiana Corrections Institute for Women, but we did not get prayer requests or names from most of them. We did get the names of the women in "lock down" and on death row, so we can be in touch with them.

Our Need for CD Copes

Thanks to an innovative tech guy in Colorado, we have a plan to help with the overwhelming, enormous need for CD copies of sermons, now that we have spread internationally. We hope to get all of the CDs we use (from teachers like Walter Martin) and make available to give people answers at all of our table outreach locations worldwide posted on a web site where tech guys can make copies for the tables from anywhere in the world. Our CDs will all have the same text and label in every location if this plan works out, and it seems like a very professional idea.

Plus, people can come to a web site we hope to build and hear any of the sermons we try our best to keep at our table ministry locations. It is actually a daunting task--keeping our tables in ample CD supply-- and more than we can handle in our current technological paradigm as we have grown so rapidly. I thank the churches who help us with the CD copies, but we have now grown to the point of it being too much for any one or two or three tech guys to handle. We are doing the best we can to make copies and get people the answers they need from a Christian perspective on Buddhism, atheism, evolution, Hinduism, Scientology....along with sound sermons on CDs for Christians at every table outreach location.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend

Well, I flew back to Atlanta late Monday night to enter the land of bookkeeping. :-) I am finally at a stopping place. I have also been posting many inspirational photos from my Spirit-filled time at Angola prison last weekend on Facebook. I plan to post those on the blog tonight. I have to get a release from the prisoners in order to post photos, so I won't be able to post photos tonight of the Christian inmates WHO ARE MY BROTHERS IN CHRIST, except for Bobby Hampton on death row who signed a release for photos.

We have raised 450.00 from Facebook alone and one phone donation, as of tonight, for our project to get all of the prisoners on death row books on 'Heaven' by Randy Alcorn. In addition to this book, I am including a book detailing what the Bible teaches about hell. I will include either 'After Death What Then?' by Charles Taff or 'Where Do We Go From Here?' by John Blanchard. This project will cost 900.00. (There are 86 inmates on death row, and I am also going to send some books to the chaplains and wardens to share with others, rounding it off to 90 copies.) This cost does not include the cost of ordering the thin books from Taff or Blanchard to also warn the inmates about what the Bible teaches on hell.

I am also making music CDs for all of them, as they have requested the CDs of my songs. I am making copies just for the inmates without a photo to save money. This will also cost about 200.00, so this ministry is hoping to raise 1, 100.00 in all for this project. We praise God that 450.00 has already come in for this! This year for Christmas, I am asking all of my friends and family not to give to me but to give even 10.00 for a prisoner on death row to have one of these packets. So far, we have funds for 45 inmates on death row! If God doubles this amount, we will have the project practically funded.

Table Outreach in Guadalajara, MX

We are shipping books in Spanish to Josef and Lina this week for the outreach in Guadalajara, MX. These books are against Marian worship, for the table outreach of evangelism in the market square. Scroll down for photos and a summary titled "Marketplace Business and Ministry" here.

Thanks for the donation of resources and finances. We are fighting a war, and we can't fight this war for truth without funds.

Harry Potter Movie Review

Here is the latest movie review from my friend, Berit Kjos:

Part 1 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/010/harry-movie-1.htm

Angola

Singing and sharing my testimony 2 to 3 times per day last weekend at Angola prison

In front of main chapel

Just a quick note to say I am home in Atlanta--I got back last night--and I am excited. I am excited about raising money to provide the inmates on death row books on 'Heaven' by Randy Alcorn. They loved my songs, "Honest Life" and "My Prize," and they asked for copies. Have you ever heard prisoners sing "You Are Awesome In This Place Mighty God" while inside prison gates? It is overwhelming to be part of God's work, like He is at work at Angola. I will be in touch with more photos and details, but I WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT WE ARE STARTING A TABLE OUTREACH AT ANGOLA PRISON, AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR AT THE ANNUAL RODEO.

As the warden at Angola told me, "We are fighting a war. We can't fight it without money."

I am hoping to raise 1000.00 to provide all 86 inmates on death row resources on what the Bible says about heaven and hell, plus make them copies of my music on CD they have requested. So far, we have had $300.00 donated today for this cause. Let's be part of God's work of eternal LIFE by getting these people on death row these resources as soon as possible.

LTW Update: Rio Grande Valley Table Ministry /November Report

Update from Curt and Janie Rolf:

With winter jackets on for early morning, we saw our young friend, Leo, waiting for us to get our table set up. Shortly thereafter, we had a nice chat about Harry Potter and what God says about sorcery and witchcraft in the Bible. Leo has many table materials, and we read Day 6 of Keys For Kids. He also took the November/December issue of the devotional. His mom (a vendor) came looking for him and said, “I knew where I could find him." We do so enjoy our visits with Leo and continue to pray for God’s saving grace for him and his family.

The Winter-Texans are arriving. Curt had a nice visit with Vernon from Northern Minnesota and later met his wife who had a booth today. More than once this week we were reminded of the importance of lifestyle evangelism and developing relationships; realizing that in God’s time He will present the opportunities to minister from Scripture.

Janie also had the opportunity to briefly visit with local vendor, Frederick, and will keep him in prayer for his hip surgery in December as well as dealing with the ‘why me’ questions as for God’s will in his life.

A dear friend dealing with cancer stopped by and welcomed the encouraging words from “The Way of the Shepherd” as well as “The Most Important Story Ever Told” for her grandchildren.

We stand in awe as our “Keys for Kids” banner attracts Grandma’s….conversations which lead into some very interesting opportunities for Biblical apologetics.

Young Dante came back. His mom and dad have a little soda shop here on Jackson St. I asked if he would read “The Most Important Story Ever Told” and let me know what he thinks about it. He agreed. Could we have another “Leo” developing here? This colorful little 30 page booklet is a remarkable condensed version of the Bible.. What a great booklet for a young person’s first-introduction to the Bible!

I was so glad we had a number of materials in Spanish. A sweet grandma took several items for herself and a few items for her grandchildren.

Alex, an interesting man, took many pieces of literature for adults and kids. I'm not really sure what his intentions were as he took everything from the toddlers version of Would You Like to Know Jesus? to The Occult.

Another fellow, with white hair and flowing white beard, approached the table promoting Santa Claus's appearances and photo-ops. As he gave us his card, he did a double-take and took Mormon and Jehovah's Witness materials. All of a sudden we had several people approach the table at once. One was looking for something for her four year old girl. Someone had given us just the thing “Children’s Bible Stories” (a toddler’s version). Another was relaying a desire for materials for grandkids ages 4-15. We were pleased to have something for all ages, including The Most Important Story Ever Told and Knowing Aslan. She was delighted, and she, too, will report next month on her thoughts about the materials.

In that bunch of kids that stopped by, Curt couldn’t resist getting a picture of the mini-Darth Vader. (We suspect it was a Halloween mask leftover).

We had the opportunity to give out all of our coloring page packets (26) with crayons. This time they were about God’s 6^th day, creating all land animals. A young lady stopped by with her grandma, and we gave her coloring pages along with the CBH tract “Who Can Make a Bird?" Grandma was interested in materials on “Life After Death” and several True Way tracts. She said she often came to Market Days, and I asked her to let us know her thoughts on the materials she took. She very willingly agreed.

By 10:00 A.M. we were back to normal Texas temps. and grateful for our canopy.

It was a fun day!!!!!

Relying on Him as “He directs our paths.” (Prov. 16:9)

Curt and Janie

Curt and Janie Rolf - Rio Grande Valley

Posted by Dianne for Dwayna

Singing and Sharing Testimony at Angola Prison

I will be singing and sharing my testimony at Angola Prison for a very busy weekend with a packed schedule from November 18-22. I may or may not have Internet access to post photos while I am there. Please pray for me, that people will see Jesus through me as I share my testimony and that HE will touch hearts with His love. I want to share with them all Jesus has done in my life and will be singing "Honest Life", "My Prize," and many hymns. I will be showing videos of "God of Wonders" and my song, "Still" as we discuss God's faithfulness. I am spending most of my time at the women's prison, speaking and singing there.

(Kenya and Pakistan: I praise the Lord that we have enough money now for 2 boxes of Bibles next month for Pakistan and one box of Bibles for Kenya. I will take care of that when I get back next week!)

On Biblical Slavery (by Daniel Mann)

Biblical Slavery is Miles Apart from Racial Slavery

In response to my essay on Christian Missions, an atheist commented:

• “How do you reconcile that claim [of Biblical racial equality – Gen. 1:26] with the explicit approval of slavery by Yahweh? Are some humans "more equal" than others (the Israelites being the most equal in the OT, of course)?”

Biblical slavery was never conceived or practiced in a racial way, as had been practiced in the USA and other nations. Kidnapping of foreign peoples in order to enslave was strictly forbidden:
• "Anyone who kidnaps another and either sells him or still has him when he is caught must be put to death.” (Exodus 21:16)

Instead, slavery had been instituted to address the problem of unpaid debts and criminality, and it did this in a very humane manner – much more humane than imprisonment or dismemberment. In many instances the Israelites could be redeemed by their family members. Even if the family wouldn’t or couldn’t redeem them, they were to be released after six years of labor (Deut. 15:12).

The institution of slavery also provided protections for the slave:

• "If a man hits a manservant or maidservant in the eye and destroys it, he must let the servant go free to compensate for the eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of a manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free to compensate for the tooth.” (Exodus 21:26-27)

Slavery also addressed the problem of what to do with a defeated enemy. While the ancient practice entailed the extermination of the males and the sexual abuse of the females, the Bible prohibited this:

• “When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands and you take captives, if you notice among the captives a beautiful woman and are attracted to her, you may take her as your wife…If you are not pleased with her, let her go wherever she wishes. You must not sell her or treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her.” (Deut. 21:10-11, 14)

Admittedly, there was a great difference in status between Israelite slaves and non-Israelite slaves who could be passed on as an inheritance. However, there was nothing to prevent the gentile from receiving circumcision and becoming an Israelite, thereby assuming all of the Israelite privileges. In fact, not becoming an Israelite was the choice of obstinancy in light of the miraculous evidences of the presence of God in Israel’s midst. Rejection of Israelite citizenship was nothing short of a rejection of Israel’s God. If he wished to remain a slave in his mind, then why not also in body!

Biblical slavery is as opposed to other forms of slavery as the punishment of the righteous is opposed to the punishment of the guilty. Therefore, we find that it had been Christians who had led the battle against modern slavery, as Dinesh D’Souza relates,

• “Christians were the first group in history to start an anti-slavery movement. The movement started in late eighteenth century in Britain…In England, William Wilberforce spear-headed a campaign that began with almost no support and was driven entirely by his Christian convictions…Pressed by religious groups at home, England took the lead in repressing the slave trade abroad.” (What’s So Great About Christianity, 73)

• “The Second Great Awakening, which started in the early 19th century and coursed through New England and New York and then through the interior of the country, left in its wake the temperance movement, the movement of women’s suffrage, and most important, the abolitionist movement.” (75)

But wasn’t God’s selection of Israel a racist act, as you suggest? Certainly not! Moses repeatedly warns Israel against such an idea:

• “After the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, ‘The LORD has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.’ No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is going to drive them out before you. It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the LORD your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.” (Deut. 9:4-9)

If anything, Israel was less deserving than other peoples! But didn’t God elevate Israel to the “chosen people” status? Yes! God had made them a sign-people. If they were obedient, they would be blessed more than other nations. If they were not, they would be punished more. In either case, their condition would testify to the presence of God in their midst.

Even today, many marvel at Israel and their trust in the faithfulness of Yahweh is renewed. He promised that He would thrive the Jewish people by virtue of His covenant faithfulness:

• “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” (Deut. 8:17-18)

For those of us who have eyes to see, the success of the Jewish people – a severely persecuted people – in whatever land into which they had been dispersed, is incredible! What is equally incredible is their unfaithfulness to their Yahweh and the horrible price they continue to pay for it, amidst their successes – tokens of the faithfulness of their God. (He has not abandoned them – Zech. 12:10; Romans 11:29!!!)

God had established a beachhead in the midst of Israel, and from this beachhead, He made His appeal to the other nations – for all belong to Him:

• “In that day the Root of Jesse [Jesus] will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.” (Isaiah 11:10)

He performed His miracles in Egypt, in the desert and in the Promised Land so that all nations would know that He is God. They all saw or heard, but just a handful would come to Him by joining the Israelites. Rahab was one who did:

• “We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.” (Joshua 2:10)

They all heard but, as it still is, few are concerned about truth. We find the truth too uncomfortable (John 3:19-20). I find it strange that you should even raise such a challenge about the morality of racism. As an atheist, you don’t even believe in moral truth, other than what you arbitrarily create for yourself. And yet you assume the moral high ground and judge the Bible, because it doesn’t measure up to your subjective and arbitrary moral standard. Having surrendered any claim to moral absolutes, you are in no position to judge, but judge you must. You live in God’s world and must reluctantly submit to His standards. You might as well also submit to His Lordship!

www.MannsWord.blogspot.com

Another Former Member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church NYC...

How I praise God for the testimony of a man who loves God's Word more than the praise of people. What a joy to come across web sites such as this, even though more tears have been cried over such apostasy than we can count. It hurts God for such error to be taught in His name, but it pleases God when people make a stand against it. Just LIKE TIM KELLER HAS TAUGHT US IN HIS SERMONS, we have to make a stand for God's Word (even if that means leaving Redeemer Presbyterian Church where Tim Keller is pastor.)

--------------------------------------

http://areopagus2005.blogspot.com/ . This is one of Ron Choong’s websites, and he has some pretty disturbing things to say there.

First, he has written a book that is the guide for his Project Timothy classes called, 'The New Testament You THOUGHT You Knew'!

It kind of reminds me of the names of many similar books, like N.T. Wright's 'What St. Paul REALLY Said. Apparently these two believe that Christians have gotten it all wrong through the ages until they came along to set us straight!

Ron is writing about his Project Timothy class on this page, which he says will be in a "theological safe space"... which sounds like liberal code for "your heretical thoughts are safe here - and if you're having any trouble at all thinking of some, here, let me help out!" Because that's what he in fact does in his classes. (If you need documented examples, I can provide them).

He says in describing himself as the author of this book (in that top paragraph) that it is:

"Written by an evangelical independent scholar, the contents are not beholden to any hidden agenda or denominational requirements. The only affirmation of the author is that the Bible is an inspired writing to guide the confessional follower of Jesus, the Christ. Visit us at www.actministry.org"

So this ordained PCA pastor (http://biz31.inmotionhosting.com/~actmin5/content.php?navid=2&cid=62 ) teaches a class that is not "beholden" to any "hidden agenda or denominational requirements". Apparently he links denominational requirements with hidden agendas!

But the question is, how is he allowed to freelance and operate completely independently as an ordained PCA pastor? Doesn't the Bible outline and the PCA denomination detail oversight requirements for pastors? Are PCA pastors allowed to freelance like this with no oversight, community or accountability?

Tim Keller frequently tells us that we have to be in community with others - that we should never freelance or operate on our own as Christians. But here you have a Redeemer-approved minister, Ron Choong, openly bragging that he operates above all earthly authority.

My question is, why does Redeemer still endorse him so strongly and allow him to teach classes at the church?

Also, I think his description of the Bible as "an inspired writing" (as opposed to the traditional description "Word of God") really sets the tone for the things I've heard him teach. He believes many parts of the Bible don't mean what they say, and he believes he has a new take on things, a new interpretation if you will, that puts the Bible in contrast with what millions of evangelical and conservative Christians have always thought it meant. Yet he calls himself an evangelical.

While he promotes himself as someone without hidden agendas--because he says he's not associated with any denomination -- he's an ordained minister in the PCA! Sitting through just a single class will reveal that he does in fact have an agenda, and that it is to present himself as an Evangelical and then to promote teachings that are in direct opposition to traditional evangelical and conservative Christian teachings.

Jonathan Cousar
Former Member
Redeemer Presbyterian Church
NYC

LTW Update: NYC

Update from Christine about last Sunday's outreach...

Heidi and I set up the table Sunday while Suzi, who sings in a choir, had a concert to attend. We ventured into the subway tunnel again due to the weather, and I must say, right off the bat we were quite overwhelmed! We barely got the table unfolded, and we were bombarded with people requesting Bibles and other resources. And unfortunately, or fortunately, Heidi had to take care of most of them while trying to get things out and in order, because I was speaking with a few of them. It was wonderful, but we wondered from where they suddenly came! Were they waiting in the wings (so to speak) for us to show up...? LOL.

Later on, it hit me, thoough. As you know, we set up in the tunnel last winter at Port Authority/ 42nd St and 8th Ave. We were pretty much alone in this specific tunnel except for 2 Asian ladies who handed out tracts on the rapture and the KJV-only people (who have a table set up with tracts). This year however, it seems that we have to share the tunnel with those who belong to Harold Camping's church and wear t-shirts proclaiming JUDGMENT DAY! "October 21, 2011, or, JESUS CHRIST IS COMING! May 21, 2011."

(Why the 2 dates? I don't know.) It is soooo disappointing to see this. And it somewhat deflates you, because they are preaching Christ, but they are proclaiming a false Christ and a lie. The truth is we do not know the day or hour. At first I thought maybe we should move to another area, because it's very strange to be working "closely" with those who "proclaim Christ" yet a very different Christ, because the Christ of the Bible does not lie. He does not lie when He says "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." and "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power."

But I think their bold-faced lies about their self-proclaimed "day" of judgment has caused many people (believers and unbelievers) to stop by our table and ask us about it. They want to know if we work with them and if we believe that, too. So while it was a little irksome to have to share the tunnel with this cult, no matter what, God has shown His purpose, and it provides us a good opportunity to refute this false teaching and minister for the truth and the ONLY true, risen Lord and Savior! So blessed be the name of the Lord that He continually guides and leads our ministry. We will just follow Him wherever He wants us to go!

We were also blessed to speak with some people, who, unfortunately, believe the lie that we are all gods and that there is no such thing as sin--that good is evil, and evil is good, and there is no clear cut distinction. All is relative! So it certainly presents a challenge, but we faithfully witness to what God says about it in His word, for what He says in His word is TRUTH. All we can do is point people to the Bible. It so helps to have Bibles and books and other resources readily available, and I thank all who have so graciously provided. Warren Smith's The Light That Was Dark has really come in handy these past 3 weeks as well as some other books and various CD's and booklets on this topic.

I was not able to take many pictures, because we were pretty busy, but hope what these photos convey how God was at work last Sunday in the NYC subway tunnel.

It was a great day, and I thank God for this opportunity to minister for Him in evangelism. It is a wonderful thing and an absolute blessing. All praise and glory to God the Father and our risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Christine

Work Updates and Goals

We are just 25.00 short of sending Pastor Babar enough funds for two cases of Bibles in Urdu for his table outreach. I plan to get this to him next month.

We are still waiting on free materials in Kiswahili for the new table outreach in Kenya. We have only had 25.00 come in specifically for Bibles for this location, so I am keeping track of money designated for this new table outreach in the slums of Nairobi. The pastor wrote with enthusiasm, stating that he and his wife set up a table to offer free conversation to people. The people come over, and they tell them how to be saved, even without any materials at this time in Kiswahili! We should hear back from World Missionary Press soon to get them tracks and booklets and gospel of Johns in their language for free to share in evangelism.

We have mailed out several boxes of materials and resources in Spanish for the new table outreach in Los Cabos. Rosa is getting everything organized with her church to begin the new outreach. We also had a sign designed for her table reading "A Free Gift for You" in Spanish and shipped that to her. It will be exciting to see this outreach begin.

I am off to share my testimony and sing with a packed schedule at Angola prison in Louisiana next week. I have been preparing for that. I will be singing "My Prize", "Battle Hymn", "Honest Life", and "Victory In Jesus." I will be showing videos of "Still" about God's faithfulness and "God Of Wonders" against evolution. I will also be speaking and singing at the women's prison.

Our next location of ministry will probably be at Georgia Tech as we begin a table outreach of evangelism, based on apologetics, to students on the campus there. We hope to also begin a new table outreach on a university campus in Alabama in the spring of 2011.

I HOPE TO GO TO SWITZERLAND TO MEET MRS. FRANCIS SCHAEFFER AT L'ABRI in 2011. I can fly for free with air miles. I use American Express and pay everything off at the end of every month to accrue enough air miles for international trips. I also have free accommodations there, because I have been an owner in a resort (RCI timeshare) resort network since 2003, as a gift from my dad. I am hoping to meet Mrs. Schaeffer and discuss an idea of beginning a table outreach of apologetics somewhere in Switzerland, hopefully led by a student at L'Abri.

I am off to Fort Wayne, Indiana, next month to share my testimony on a television program. I want to encourage others to find their true happiness in serving others in the name of Jesus as I share about our work in missions at Lighting the Way,

I am writing the text (only one more page yet to go!) for http://www.bygodsgrace.org/ . I plan to begin on "God's Free Love" tonight. I want to explain what makes His love different from the "love" of Satan who comes to lie and deceive in perversion. Our God is the only God who offers agape love, and it will be a blessing to write about it.

I have also ordered 400.00 worth of books from Lighthouse Trails for all of our outreach locations domestically and even more money has been spent at Evangelical Press for books against evolution by John Blanchard for all of our table outreach locations domestically. Thank you for your prayers and partnership.

"The Message" About Homosexuality

"The Message" paraphrase Bible DELETES homosexuality as sin...

http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2010/11/09/the-message-deletes-homosexuality-as-sin-in-1-timothy/

Adam: The Healing of a Transsexual

From Adam:

This testimony is about the healing of a transsexual. When writing this testimony, I have tried to be completely honest, not hiding the depths of my sin and brokenness, so that you can see just how merciful and gracious God has been to me.

Early Years

From a very young age, I desperately yearned to be a girl. I would often dream of being a girl. Whenever I was asked to make a wish, I would secretly wish that I would wake up the next morning as a girl. Sometimes I would even pray to God, asking Him to change me into a girl. By the time I was a teenager, I was literally spending hours each day, day-dreaming about being a woman. I grew my hair long, started wearing make-up, and experimented with cross-dressing. I also idolised several girls at school, following them around, watching them and imitating their mannerisms.

I was also aware that something was terribly wrong with me inside. I felt lonely, sad, vulnerable and anxious almost all of the time. Not only that, but I was very confused about my sexuality. I found some women very attractive, but I also had a strange fascination with male genitals. I would therefore frequently fantasise about women that had male genitals. This was incredibly shameful. I felt dirty and humiliated, and sometimes I hated myself, thinking that I was doomed to be nothing but a "sick wierdo". (Believe it or not, there are now entire web sites that are devoted to this particular sexual perversion. That is how far the world has fallen.)

This all came to a head when I was sixteen. I announced to my mother and my friends that I wanted a sex-change. I soon ended up referred to a charitable organisation specialising in gender identity issues, in order for an assessment to be made as to whether I was a suitable candidate for eventual surgery.

The Roots of Transsexuality

What were the roots of my transsexuality? After reading, praying and talking to others about this, I have come to the conclusion that it can be put down to four things:

1. I had (and still have) a very gentle and sensitive personality, not at all like the stereotypical male. I loved things like music, flowers, reading fairy-tales and playing with skipping ropes, rather than rough sports like football, or mechanical things like cars and motorbikes.

2. Something prevented me from bonding properly with my mother in my earliest years. I remember several occasions when I desperately wanted her to hug me and comfort me, but for some reason she wouldn't.

3. I experienced nothing but rejection and abuse from men throughout my childhood. My own father, who was a rough, "macho" type, couldn't stand me and abused me both physically and verbally. A male teacher at primary school took a dislike to me and regularly smacked me for no reason. I was also mugged, attacked and molested by several men during my childhood and teens. My heart was shattered into pieces.

4. Like all fallen human beings, I have a sinful nature! I was a proud, bitter and ungrateful person. I was full of hate and contempt for men, envy toward women, and lust toward both. Instead of admitting my deep woundedness and brokenness, I devised my own sinful ways of coping. The Bible says that people dig "broken wells", instead of turning to God, who is the source of living water (Jer 2:13).

God Intervenes

Now for the good news: God would not let me live without Him! He pursued me in the most remarkable way, using dreams, friends, relatives and a series of apparently random encounters with Christians. At the age of eighteen, I couldn't deny Him any longer and gave my life to Him.

Soon afterward, God started to make me aware that a transsexual lifestyle was not what He wanted for me (see for example Deut 22:5, 1 Cor 6: 9-11, 1 Cor 11:14). I resisted this truth for several years and secretly wondered if God had somehow "made a mistake". Eventually, however, I could not deny the Lord's insistence on this point. In any case, I couldn't deny the dreadful pain within.

There then began a long journey, lasting several more years, in which God gently and patiently convicted, delivered, healed and cleansed me. I had to do a lot of confessing, repenting, forgiving and receiving forgiveness. I also had to allow all of my grief and anguish to surface in God's presence, trusting in Him alone for healing. Amazingly, He began to bless me abundantly, filling me to overflowing with His love, joy and peace!

I am now happily married, happy to be a man, and heterosexual. It is true that, every so often, I am tempted to be envious of certain women, but I now recognise it for what it is: a temptation. By God's grace I am now able to simply ignore it and carry on with life.

Conclusion

I can personally testify that the Word of God has the power to renew our minds, and the Blood of Christ has the power to cleanse and heal our hearts. There is no sin that the Lord cannot forgive, no wound that He cannot heal.

If you are struggling with gender identity confusion yourself, and you know deep down that the Lord is calling you to accept the sex that you were born with, I encourage you to put your full trust in the Lord, obey Him wholeheartedly, and wait patiently for His wonderful healing. It may take several years, but it will be worth it. (2 Cor 4:17: "Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all".)

One last thing: God can turn our weaknesses into strengths. He has used my qualities of being gentle and sensitive to minister encouragement and comfort to others. He has used my love of beauty, and my musical talents, to minister to Him and the church in worship. He is so faithful and true!

LTW Update: Pakistan

It is always a treat to receive more photos with a summary from Pastor Babar kamran! I get the joy of communicating with this pastor on a regular basis, as he is enjoying the work of telling people about Jesus so very much. He is excited about every table outreach. Here is his note he attached to these photos from within a week ago, celebrating the recent donation of tracts and booklets from World Missionary Press in the Urdu language for his people.

Here are snaps of the new table outreach in a backward area. This was done on a street and successfully completed. Thank God, and thank you for good support. It was good experience. I feel one thing is that many people want a relationship with Jesus, and our team just needs to provide proper guidance to them. Mostly young girls and teen agers enjoyed that.

12 Truths to Make Law "Keepers" Crazy

Read article here about how we cannot keep the Law, no matter how we try! We will never earn God's favor by our works, no matter what cults purport. Jesus came because we need a Redeemer. There would have been no purpose for Him to die for our sins if we could save ourselves. This is why most cultists don't believe in the deity of Jesus.

LTW Web Site Troubles

Just wanted to let everyone know that the text is temporarily down for the pages on the LTW web site. It should be rectified by tomorrow. It has to do with the server, Joomla. We are working on migrating everything over to Wordpress. We will have text back up on the current site by tomorrow afternoon, as we work on migrating everything over to a new site. We apologize about any inconvenience.

"Jesus vs. All the Others"

(Here is what I have written to explain "Jesus vs All the Others" on our new web site for non-Christians at http://www.bygodsgrace.org/. I thank Him for letting me write this. I thank Him for every time He lets me defend Him against lies about Him, because He is worthy. And I thank Him for His deep love.)

What makes Jesus different from the other so-called gods? After all, aren’t all religions really the same? Many people claim, “Your truth is true for you, and my truth is true for me,” as if all truths augment one another. The same person may ask, “Why does anyone have to be wrong?” as if there is a truth cafeteria, coerced simply by the discretion of an individual’s given appetite or persuasion.

But an astute response to that would be, “Is that true?” For if there is no truth outside of ourselves, even that premise cannot be true. If there is no objective TRUTH, not contingent on the beliefs or feelings of any individual, there is no truth to be treasured on the face of this earth. Even opinions cannot be true from the standpoint of logic if there is no truth.

How about when a rapist rapes and feels he is being “true” to himself, does that make it ok? Is it ok to abuse children if the abuser feels like it is his or her “truth” being made manifest in abuse toward an innocent child?

If your truth is true for you, and my truth is true for me, there is no truth, and we are all in trouble!

But if there is a compass of truth outside of our own feelings, logic follows that we could also be prone to a lie, which could explain why an atheist cannot escape his relentless, guilty conscience. If there is a moral, pure and righteous God in existence, one thing is for certain: there is only One with those attributes. And if such a God exists, we need a Redeemer, because we are not moral, pure or righteous enough on our own for such a holy God to befriend us with no deceit found in Him.

Someone may argue, “I don’t need a Savior. I don’t need saving.” A response would beckon, “You? You, in all of your filthy lust, addictions, lies, and deceit? You don’t need a Savior?” The person may continue, “But ‘Jesus’ is like some sort of fairy tale made up for weak people. I am too smart to fall for such a fairy tale!” Ah, but a more far-fetched story can be passed down from generation to generation: YOU as your own savior--believing you can save yourself in your wretchedness –is a far more fantastic fairy tale. Don’t expect any rational person to fall for that!

Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies from the Old Testament to the New, such prophecies made hundreds of years before His birth. But people were still not expecting a Savior like Jesus. He was a Man of Sorrows, humble enough to wash the feet of those who followed Him, yet He got angry enough to turn over tables of vendors setting up merchandise in the temple without apology. He was not focused on making people like Him all the time, because “the Truth and the Life” loved righteousness and honesty more than making people feel comfortable. People were amazed that He knew more than the most educated scribes and Pharisees, because He was not a “learned man.” He went against the system as a Hebrew, though He lived a sinless life. When He died, He died in humiliating crucifixion like He was nothing, between criminals while people yelled mockeries like, “If You are really the King of the Jews, save Yourself now!” He prayed from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” History records that the earth began to quake when He died, and the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom. The people got scared. Maybe this was Someone of divine importance after all. They had His tomb guarded just in case.

Three days later, with Roman soldiers outside the tomb, Jesus disappeared from the grave. Death could not hold Him, just like He promised. He appeared to over 500 people after the resurrection, and they believed in Him so much that they were beaten and flogged and died martyrs’ deaths for their faith in Him as God, for their faith in Him as eternal life. There was no doubt in their minds about His deity. These people were either crazy lunatics OR they knew…

This Jesus was no mere “christ consciousness.” No new age guru would suffer on a bloody cross for “universal consciousness’” sake. No, Agape Love died for a reason much more faithful and utmost. He suffered as the Redeemer for you. Won’t you decide to follow Jesus and give up your life to find it in Him forever? There is just one place in the whole, entire world where God’s grace is enough for you: at the foot of the mocked, lonely, challenged, ridiculed, history-making, blood-spilled, victorious, Satan crushing, death-defeating cross of Jesus. For He bled and died for you there, if only you would want a Savior unlike a god of your own understanding. If only you would want a Savior like Him.

The Kabbalah Connection (Part One)

From my friend, Barbara, for our LTW blog:

The Kabbalah Connection

My studies into the false doctrines and heresies infiltrating Christendom have taken me to the kabbalah numerous times.

In Daniel 11 the Bible says that the anti-Christ shall honour the “god of forces”, and a god whom his fathers did not know. Clearly he will not honour the God of the Bible, but another god.
Daniel 11:37-39 (King James Version)

37Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. 38But in his estate shall he honour the god of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

Kabbalah:
In the Kabbalah, the creator is referred to as an “Upper Force”. This “Upper Force” corrects adherents through the reading of the zohar. Kabbalists believe there are spiritual “forces” in the Upper World that govern everything within our world and these “forces” are connected into a single “Upper Force”. Kabbalists enter “different dimensions” and perceive “forces that bring our world into action.” The creator is also known in Kabbalah as the “Upper Governing Force”.

Bible:
God is not a force but a spirit. Those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. There is only one way to God, and that is through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and no one can come to the Father, but by Him. We are to love God with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind, and we must not put any other gods before Him. This world is not governed by spiritual forces in the upper world, but by the Almighty God who created all things and works all things after the counsel of His own will.

The Bible was given to us by inspiration of God for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.

Footnotes:

http://www.laitman.com/2010/08/the-zohar-is-the-link-to-the-upper-force/

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Ha1qUKEGWXsJ:files.kabbalahmedia.info/files/eng_2008-02-08_bb-newspaper_kabbalah-today-12.doc+forces+michael+laitman&cd=28&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca

http://www.kabbalah.info/engkab/kabbalah-video-clips/melodies-of-the-upper-worlds-part-1

http://www.laitman.com/2010/03/the-essence-of-the-science-of-kabbalah-a-synopsis/

John 4:24

John 14:6

Luke 10:27

Exodus 20:3

Colossians 1:16

Ephesians 1:11

2 Timothy 3:16


[Barbara for Lighting The Way]

The Kabbalah Connection (Continued)

I have asked my friend, Barbara, to write a series for this blog on The Kabbalah Connection to the Hebrew Roots movement and dominionism. Here is an important warning about the worship of angels.

(The Kabbalah Connection continued)

The Angel Emma

By now many people in Christendom have heard of the angel Emma. Bob Jones (Kansas City prophets, presently Elijah list) introduced Todd Bentley (Fresh Fire ministries) to Emma. Emma is described as an angel that “birthed” the “prophetic move” in Kansas City in the 1980s. She is also described as a “mothering” angel that emanates brilliant lights and colours.

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.

The Bible does not ever refer to an angel named “Emma”, nor does it ever refer to female angels. There are no birthing angels in the Bible. So who is the “mothering” entity named Emma?

Kabbalah:

The Zohar is a foundational text for kabbalistic thought. It is Jewish mysticism from Babylon. It is in the Zohar that we find a mothering female entity named “Ema”. According to the Zohar, it was Ema, not God, who said “Let us make man in our image”. (An alternative spelling is “Imma”.)

From the Zohar:

“Likewise, the one who said ‘Let there be light’ ‘Let there be a firmament’ Let the waters gather etc. is called 'Aba' (in Zohar), but the one who said ‘Let us make a man in our image’ is 'Ema'. For Ema said to Aba ‘Let us make a man’ but Ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu (Aba) did not agree to his creation until she said to him "What difference is it to you, if he sins it is against me that he sins, as it states ‘A foolish son is the anguish of his mother’ but not the anguish of his father.”

Bible:

The Kabbalah and Zohar consistently exalt themselves against the Holy Word of God. The creation of the world was completed by the triune God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God did not submit to a female entity. He works all things after the counsel of His own will.

Genesis 1:26-27:
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.

Genesis 1:2:
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters

Colossians1:4 and 15-17:
4In whom (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: 17And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

Biblical warnings about the worship of angels

Colossians 2:18:
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind

2 Corinthians 11:13-15:
13For such are false apostles,:deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Acts 7:41-42:
41And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 42Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?

A Final Word

2 Corinthians 6:17-18:
17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2008/04/24/todd-bentleys-and-prophet-bob-jones-angel-emma/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalah


From the Zohar to Safed: Development of Theoretical Kabbalah. By John F. Nash
http://docs.google.com/viewer?=v&q=cache:NuPjsFxdBjcJ:www.uriel.com/knowledge/articles-presentations/Nash%2520articles/EQ050209--Zohar-Safed.pdf+zohar+from+babylon&hl=en&gl=ca&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESio0Rr0Tme_Efr5N4nGU9vzbJVpLtdGArxb2ilDFqf4KO8Vhwd4aRzQ05jFAEeRlGvBFGqqw42Vvf1qj-zJ4lL87PEdrQXfueCzuqi8qccMj4f1LCoada9b6fRjPFe1hNJO64fL&sig=AHIEtbTnnlBCm8ydPc7FVp4glyQmuuEnLg
Ibid Page 41

http://www.chayas.com/tetsaveh.htm

Bible, Ephesians 1:11

All scripture passages are from the King James Version.


[Barbara for Lighting the Way]