Saturday, February 28, 2009

More Bad News for America

I am getting more concerned with each passing day. Hillary is turning against Israel and now our nation is supporting forced abortions. In fact, our country is increasing our financial support for these atrocities. At a time of economic concern, this Congress finds more money to kill babies in foreign countries. Things are going to worsen until somebody in authority recognizes that abortion is murder. The report from www.lifenews.com reveals the grim realities:

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Democratic Party leaders in the House of Representatives shut down an attempt by a leading pro-life congressman to fix a budget bill that authorizes funding to a group that has supported forced abortions in China. Rep. Chris Smith hoped to amend the omnibus budget bill to strip UNFPA funding.

As LifeNews.com has reported, the appropriations bill Congressional Democrats put forward to fund the federal government through the end of the years restores funding to the United Nations Population Fund.

Not only is UNFPA funding approved, Democrats increased it from $40 million to $50 million for the year and went further by weakening the Kemp-Kasten law that prevents forcing taxpayers to fund groups that back forced abortions.

Every year during his presidency, President Bush withheld tens of millions in taxpayer funds from the UNFPA, but Congressional Democrats, with a friend in Barack Obama in the White House, have restored the funds.

The omnibus bill adds language that makes it so the president or his administration is not required to sign off on the funding and make sure the UNFPA is not violating the Kemp-Kasten law which forbids funding groups involved in forced abortions.

The language causes a concern for pro-life advocates because it ties the hands of future presidents who want to limit UNFPA funding because of its involvement in China's forced abortion population control program. As a result, pro-life advocates may have to approve new language in a future bill for a future pro-life president to withhold the money in the manner Bush did.

The new language also goes much further than merely exempting the UNFPA from the Kemp-Kasten law. It is so broadly worded that the UNFPA will receive funding notwithstanding the operation of any provision of law.

As a result, even if the UNFPA were to violate provisions of law unrelated to abortion, it would still receive funding.

Friday, February 27, 2009

America beginning the turn on Israel

Subsequent to the election of Barack Obama, one of the keys I suggested that we watch was America's treatment of Israel. The below article shows the beginning of a change in policy toward Israel. This is very dangerous; we are close to an economic collapse with the dollar losing value internationally. We are going into massive debt from which there may be no recovery. Our politicians are using tax dollars to fund abortions world wide and now we are turning on Israel. God will not be mocked; He will and is bringing judgment to our nation. The church needs to pray and repent before it is to late.

"In a swift about face from her views as New York's senator, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is now hammering Israel over its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.

As First Lady, Clinton raised eyebrows when she kissed Suha Arafat.

Since she was then seeking a Senate seat the resulting brouhaha caused her to "re-think" her positions.

"I'm a very strong supporter of Israel," Clinton said back in February 2000.

On Thursday, as Secretary of State she had yet another about face in the form of angry messages demanding Israel speed up aid to Gaza. Jewish leaders are furious.

"I am very surprised, frankly, at this statement from the United States government and from the secretary of state," said Mortimer Zuckerman, publisher of the New York Daily News and member of the NYC Jewish Community Relations Council."

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Churchgoers turn the other cheek in the boxing ring

This article was published on the USA Today website on February 2, 2009. It shows once again how far away we are from the Hebraic model of the early church that was based on personal discipleship. If gimmicks are necessary, you may rest assured that true followers of Jesus Christ are not being made.

By Steve Young, Argus Leader
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Jerry James took a right to the chops for Jesus the other night.
Clad in sweats, boxing gloves and headgear, the former standout amateur boxer stood inside the ropes during the homily Saturday night at New Life Church in Sioux Falls.

The church bulletin referred to it as "Saturday Night Slam." But Pastor Alex Klimchuk's intent in turning his altar into a boxing ring was more enticement than entertainment. "We try to reach out to those who aren't already going, who think church is boring," says Klimchuk, 30. "The truth is, the church is having problems getting young men inside them. So we ask, 'What will reach the guys?' This seems like a perfect answer."

For three weeks last month, the church used a fight ring as a parable for the spiritual battles of mankind. New Life staged a tae kwon do bout and submission matches. James and four other pugilists went through a half-dozen two-minute rounds of sparring in front of 75 to 100 mostly young males. It is putting on a self-defense program.

Each round was followed by a message from Klimchuk.

In the past 10 to 20 years, many of Sioux Falls' mainline churches have created "contemporary" services where members show up in blue jeans and with coffee cups. Guitars have become a staple. So have big screens used for presentations.

Judy Shaw, pastor of the non-denominational Center of Life Church, said she sees nothing unusual in turning altars into boxing rings.

"I travel throughout the United States, and I travel abroad, and what Pastor Alex is doing is not out of the ordinary for churches that are very progressive," Shaw said. "A lot of youth will not go to the traditional churches they were raised in. They say it's not relevant, not reaching them and they're bored."

In Dacula, Ga., an Atlanta suburb, minister Ron Brent helps train about 200 people in martial arts at Hebron Baptist Church. The classes hold many opportunities for sharing the Gospel, he says.

"If somebody is scared, I'll stop and share that they're not alone, that God is here with them, that they are here among Christians," Brent says. Even the pads used for protection are ministry opportunities for Brent, who tells his students "you should be putting your spiritual pads on every day."

Across the nation, karate classes have gained popularity.

"The idea that would be going on within a church context doesn't surprise me at all," says Robert Thompson of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University. He acknowledges that some folks might disapprove.

"Some say it's a wonderful art form," Thompson says. "Others, though, begin to think the sport itself represents a certain kind of behavior that should be frowned upon — namely, hitting one another."

Klimchuk's effort at New Life resonates with Audri Vargas, 17, who started attending the church three years ago.

"Before, church wasn't that fun. It was something I went to because I had to," Vargas said. "But here, I get into the message."

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Desperate For God

Do you try to put Jesus in a religious box? In this sermon, you will see how extreme Jesus really is; He spits on people, has money come from a fish, curses a tree, and throws people out of the Temple. Then specific Biblical examples of desperate people show how God responds to them. The explanation for why Lazarus had to be dead 4 days before Jesus raised him is a must hear.

Friday, February 20, 2009

More Great Quotes

These were sent to me and I thought I would pass them along to you.

"Defend the Bible? I would just as soon defend a lion. Just turn the
Bible loose. It will defend itself." - Charles Spurgeon

"Everything which relates to God is infinite. We must therefore,
while we keep our hearts humble, keep our aims high. Our highest
services are indeed but finite, imperfect. But as God is unlimited in
goodness, He should have our unlimited love." - Hannah More

"We have the truth and we need not be afraid to say so." - J C. Ryle

"Having a full life is not necessarily a long life." - unknown

"The world isn't reading the Bible; they're reading Christians like
you. And if they don't like what they see in you, they're not going
to want what you've got -- Jesus." - Christnotes.org

"Only one life will soon be past;
only what's done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I'll be,
if the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee."
- Charles T. Studd

"Inner purity results in outer power." - Christnotes.org

"With complete consecration comes perfect peace." - Watchman Nee

"No one ever became, or can become truly eloquent without being
a reader of the Bible, and an admirer of the purity and sublimity of
its language." - Fisher Ame

"It's not the parts of the Bible I don't know that worries me...it's
the parts that I do." - Mark Twain

"Abandon the world,
Burden our hearts with the lost,
Invest our lives in the cross,
Die to ourselves, then will we
Emerge fruitful--as Jesus desires in John 15."
- D.E. Gifford

"One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is losing interest
in what is familiar." - Brad Lambert

"Tell me what you do with your time and money and I will tell you
where your heart is." - Xavier

"The Church is an organism that grows best in an alien society."
- C. Stacey Woods

"We can have no power from Christ unless we live in a persuasion
that we have none of our own." - John Owen

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

An Explanation of the "Shot Glass" Outreach

This is an explanation of the "shot glass" outreach where the "church people" go into the bars and give them a shot glass with the church name on it with an invite to church. The rationale is that Jesus hung out with sinners and drunks, so they should also. The problem is that Jesus didn't use gimmicks; He invited people to deny themselves, take up their cross, and to follow Him. Below the video explanation is a message I preached about taking the yoke of Jesus. I urge you to listen to both and then compare. Ask yourself, which one follows the Biblical approach to discipleship?




The Church that Stays Open All Night

With our nation in the financial down spiral that it is in (that I believe is part of a Divine judgment because of breaking God's command against idolatry), I thought the following story might encourage us to stay about the Master's business. This group is reaching out in a novel way and the fruits demonstrate its validity. Perhaps it is time for us to pray about what God is directing us to do.


It all began with an all night prayer meeting held in a former bank
building. Lichfield Diocese's mission priest Gordon Crowther and
his team were asking God how they could engage with the local
community when the local community began to drop in.

At first it was a group of girls out clubbing who began to peer
through the window; then a group of five lads, one of whom wanted
to talk. The others wanted to move on to their next venue - a strip club.

Eventually all five went in - one dressed as batman; four waiting for
their friend as he talked about his life and God. And as the night
went on several others wandered in, curious to know what was
going on.

And there and then Gordon and the team realised they had their
answer: open the doors and the people would come - and that has
been their tactic for Night Church ever since.

"The idea was to engage people who did not traditionally come to
church as we know it," explained Gordon. "Initially we used to
meet on Sunday afternoons for a worship service, but we still felt
we were missing a group who would not engage on that level. So
when the five lads interrupted that prayer meeting we knew that
the way to go was a night-time project that targeted people who
were usually out at that time.

"At first we started off opening the doors monthly on a Friday night
from 10.30pm to 2am, but the response and the needs were so
huge that we had to go weekly and stay open until 4am."

Hospitality is key to the initiative, with all kinds of people being
made welcome - asylum seekers, people sleeping rough, clubbers
and older people who are in the city at night just wanting
something to do or someone to talk to.

"It has been marvellous to see what God has been doing in
people's lives," said Gordon. "We have had great conversations
and meetings with people. We once had a young man from the
Royal Marines who had been to Afghanistan. He had witnessed
three of his friends get killed and on the night we met him he was
out to get drunk. He came in and stayed for hours and we had the
opportunity to pray with him.

"I remember too the 17-year-old girl who came in and knelt in front
of the cross and just started praying aloud about some trouble her
friend was in. We went and prayed with her. She wanted to talk
with us about some strange spiritual experiences she had
encountered and it ended up as a deliverance session. Afterwards
she told us that she felt free.

"... It has been great to see groups who would not normally work
together now working together for the good of the community."

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Lighthouse Everything Skit

I don't like the very popular video below. I have read many reviews and it seems to touch an emotional button; however, it has serious theological shortcomings. First, the evil satanic character pushes the good "Jesus" away in the beginning to take the young girl. Second, I don't like the begging frustrated helpless "Jesus" who stands idly by and is not able to protect what belongs to Him. Third, while the young girl is reaching for Jesus, He is not able to reach her and pull her to safety. Fourth, the skit portrays an epic struggle between good and evil. The belief in an epic struggle is a product of Greek philosophy that infiltrated he church in the second and third century. By the fourth century, all Jewish ties with the church were severed and Greek philosophy controlled the church just like it does today. There is no epic struggle; Satan is a created being. His power is nonexistent compared to Almighty God. With a single word, the power of a Holy God could destroy all evil in an instant. Finally, at the end of the video, "Jesus" is having to struggle to restrain evil from recapturing the young girl. Jesus does not struggle with evil; God is all powerful.

Understand that I know that the performers had the best of intentions. However, that is no excuse when it portrays God in a manner that is less than that owed to Him. God is Sovereign and answers to no man. When we walk in this truth, we are better able to serve Him in this world.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

A Prophetic Word for America

- Robert Makona, brother from Kenya visiting America for the first time.

Dear Brothers and Sisters In Christ in America,

AMERICA === HEAR THE CRY OF GOD AND HIS PEOPLE

Today is December 23rd, 2008, I stand in this great nation of America. I proclaim here this word and say,==Hear the word of the Lord all you America. Amend your ways and your doings, and God will cause you to dwell in this land and prosper.

I am speaking this word to all American People/Church. I am not ashamed or fearful for any face or words of rejection, slander, critism, judgement etc. It is on my heart to speak this truth in Love to you with a very humble spirit. The Lord I serve will protect, keep, sustain and deliver me.

America - The bible says - Jer.6:16 - Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it. Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk in it. Also I set watchmen(Apostles, prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and teachers) over you (America) saying, Listen to the sound of the trumpet!! But they said, we will not listen.

Therefore hear, you nations, And know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear O earth!! Behold, I will certainly bring calamity (famine, storms, epidemic-sickness, terror, loss of jobs, houses, business etc) on this people. The fruit fo their thoughts, because they have not heeded my words, nor my law, but rejected it.

Ezekiel 7:23 - But this is what I commanded them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.

Yet they did obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.

Ezekiel 7:8-10 -Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit, will you steal, murder(millions of abortions), commit adultery (fornication) as thousands are divorcing each month.), swear falsely, burn incense to baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, and then come and stand before me in this house (Church on sunday) which is called by my name, and say, we are delivered to do all these abominations.e.g-(gay and lesbian mariage-same sex, homosexuality, pornograph on internet, New Age movememnt, drugs, prostitution, false doctrines, cults, religions etc. (Iam not judging/pointing a finger at anyone). When we know the truth, the truth will set as free.

America awaken!!!!,America arise and shine !!!! America be Revived!!!!
America you are the light!!!!America you are the salt!!!America God has chosen you!!!!America God started this nation on His Foundation!!!with the word of God -BIBLE (Ten Commandments). America God has a plan and Purpose with you!!!! America open your eyes and incline your ear to what God is saying!! America Hesitate not!!! America time is running out and short!!!

AMERICA YOU ARE MESSENGER OF GOD TO THE WORLD

America the world is lost, hurting, perishing, in total darkness, no hope to many people. America where is your first LOVE, truth, your beauty in Christ, Your holiness, Foundation of Christianity?

America, time is short-Redeem the time. America be active and fast. America spread/reach out to the whole world -- You are His witnesses. Go and share, love other people with the love of Christ. Go and teach, train, feed the hungry, clothe those who are naked, comfort those who mourn, be merciful/kind to His people, show others the way, point others to Christ, heal the broken hearted, set the captives free, proclaim liberty to captives. Many millions are dying without hope and perishing in sin. Many are rejected, neglected, abused, abandoned, suffering, oppressed and forgotten by the outside world. Many are crying in loneliness, despair and hopeliness.

LOVE NEVER FAILS LOVE NEVER FAILS LOVE NEVER FAILS

America if you love God do His will. People are Crying for help/answers.
God has a plan and purpose for this great nation of America. America can you see and hear? God has given you power to be wealthy, so you can use these blessings for His purposes and plan and glory - Winning souls to Christ.

America - trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding(wisdom, wealth, philosophy, pride, ability) in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths..

America to you hear the cry of His people - uttermost parts of the world?
They are desperate,helpless,hopeless etc:

1.Starving to death-For lack of food. Here others dont care.

2.Walking naked/half naked-no Clothings. How many clothings to you have that you dont need?

3.No Hospitals-No medicines

4.No Clean Water

5. No shelter, schools, roads, electricity, etc.

Acts 3:44 -"Now all who believed were together,and had all things in common."

We were born without anything, and we shall go without anything. I beseech all believers-to share with others. The Body of Christ can make a big difference in the World, if they can put their LOVE into ACTION today.

American Friends -You can accumulate millions and millions of dollars - but you will take nothing when you leave this world. Many Preachers are claiming to be billionaires/millionaires now, but look around the world many people are dying without Christ, without food, clothings, no church buildings etc. Whatever you have today can save hundreds, thousands, millions across the world to Christ. Apostle paul said, I count all things as a loss/rubbish. AMERICA -YOUR LOVE CANNOT BE MEASURED WITH HOW MUCH YOU HAVE (wealth), BUT HOW MUCH YOU LOVE/SHARE!!!. It is good to have a lot of money, but use it wisely as a good steward of God for His glory and honour!!! I am not against wealth please. But the Love of money is the root of all evil.

America -----Jer.3:40 - let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord. Read matthew 25:34-46 -Please read prayerfully and listen to the Spirit of God. Let me read matthew 25:40 -"And the king will answer and say to them, Assuredly, I say to you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of those my brehtren, you did it to me".
America --Luke 12:48 --For every one to whom much is given, from him much will be required, and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.".

READ CAREFUL WHAT IS BELOW:

AMERICANS ------------ OTHER PEOPLE

1.Much Food(wasted) --- 1. Starving to death.
2. Much water --- 2. No Clean water.
3. Much Clothings --- 3. Walking naked/half naked.
4. Luxury homes --- 4. No Shelter/No home.
5. Eating on dining table --- 5. Eating in garbage.
6. many hospitals/medicines --- 6. No Hospitals/No medicines some areas
7.Many Schools --- 7. No schools
8.Blessed --- 8. Languishing in poverty/suffering.
9. Hope,Joy,Peace --- 9. No hope,despair,broken heated.
10. You know God,Jesus,Spirit --- 10. Never heard of God,Jesus,Spirit.
11. Build many Churches --- 11. No Church
12. many Bibles --- 12. Never seen a bible
13. You are in the Light --- 13. They are in darkness.
14. You are free/liberty --- 14. They are in bondage/oppressed.

America ---- Arise and go, arise and shine. Arise and stand in the gap. Arise and bring in a big harvest of souls by going from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the world. The gospel MUST be preached to all nations (tribes) before the end comes.

America -You can do much in the kingdom of God by changing the world upside down within a short time. Not by power or mighty, but by His Spirit.

American Church can/should pray and train, equip and support national church leaders in the uttermost parts of the world to reach their own people with the gospel of Christ. What the national church leaders, need is to be trained and be given tools,materials and support. The world will be reached within a short time. The kingdom of God is at hand. Let us work now while it is still day, for night is coming when no man can work.

America -Do you hear the cry of your brethren?
America -Do you know that thousands are dying each day without Christ?
America -Are you ready, prepared to arise and go?
America -How will they believe, without a preacher/witness?
America -Are you willing, to stand in the gap?
America -Are you willing, to pay a price and sacrifice-For Christ sake?
America -Where is your first LOVE-For God and others?
America -Where is Revival in this land? and His power?
America -How much are you investing in missions? To win souls?
America -How many are willing to go into the world? The harvest is ripe.
America -Do you know the harvest is plentiful and few labourers? Who will go?
America -Do you know God's people are being destroyed for lack of knowledge-because of Church leaders. As church goes so is the nation or people. The body of Christ (Church)which is the salt/light of the world is lukeworm or cold.
America -Do you know that much is given to you, and much will be required of you -last day.
America -Do you know that, if you stay lukeworm/cold. God will vomit/spue you out of his mouth, and choose other nations and bless them and use/send them, if you dont wake up arise and go!!!
America -Remember the nation of Israel, Great Britain, and now America!! It is your choice to obey or disobey.
America -remember -God can raise up stones or other nations to preach/spread the gospel, if you will keep cold, lukeworm or give excuses.
America -Pray, fast and listen/obey the voice of the Lord your God.

My Prayer For America:
Father in Heaven, I pray for this great nation and church to rise up in Jesus name, and I pray for great revival in this land. Amen!!

Your Brother In Christ From Kenya,
Robert Wanjala Makona
Founder/Director
World Revival and Salvation Ministries

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Blessed are the Blissfully Ignorant

This small clip has a serious message for Christians in the USA. Are you a blissfully ignorant Christian?

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Avoiding Sexual Immorality

I am convinced that sexual sin is rampant in the church today. People are exposed on television, movies, and commercials to things that fifty years ago would have been prohibited. With pornography everywhere, we must confront this issue with straight talk. In the video below, Paul Washer gives some sound advice in avoiding sexual immorality.

Monday, February 9, 2009

A Happy Revival?

I saw this clip on You Tube and thought it was another good example of what can happen when the the Scriptures no longer serve as a boundary to your actions. They believe that you should seek trances, be happy (don't focus on sin as that will just bring you down), and miraculous signs such as passing through walls. Does any of this follow the teachings of discipleship as stated by Jesus: deny yourself, pick up your cross, and following Him? The video speaks for itself.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Another Abortion (Murder) Case

The Buffalo News reports:

"Eighteen and pregnant, Sycloria Williams went to an abortion clinic outside Miami and paid $1,200 for Dr. Pierre Jean-Jacque Renelique to terminate her 23-week pregnancy.

Three days later, she sat in a reclining chair, medicated to dilate her cervix and otherwise get her ready for the procedure.

Only Renelique didn't arrive in time. According to Williams and the Florida Department of Health, she went into labor and delivered a live baby girl.

What Williams and the Health Department say happened next has shocked people on both sides of the abortion debate: One of the clinic's owners, who has no medical license, cut the infant's umbilical cord. Williams says the woman placed the baby in a plastic biohazard bag and threw it out."

I'm sorry, this is a moral outrage. This is what happens when abortions are allowed at 23 weeks. This child came into this world as an innocent baby and was immediately subjected to a horrific death. May all those involved rot in the flames of hell forever. As far as I am concerned, this goes for all who support abortion. It is murder and you will answer for it someday. You can accuse me of not being "Christian" because I don't have compassion on the poor misguided abortionists who don't understand. God in the Torah informs us that if you take a life, you are to forfeit your life. If only we could get to them with a pile of rocks.

The Stimulus Bill Discriminates Against People of Faith

It seems that the new stimulus package being proposed by the Democrats and President Obama has a provision to discriminate against people of faith. A section allows for federal funds to assist colleges to improve their facilities as long as worship services are not to be conducted. Onenewsnow reports:

Specifically, the provision reads that stimulus funds may not be used for "modernization, renovation, or repair of facilities -- (i) used for sectarian instruction, religious worship, or a school or department of divinity; or (ii) in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facilities are subsumed in a religious mission."

Notice the "or" between section (i) and (ii). This means that if one of the conditions are met, then the college will be faced with a choice: money or faith. Somehow this seems very appropriate to me; many "Christians" put the issue of money before their faith convictions in electing this group that controls the White House and Congress. What have we seen? We have seen that many of Obama's appointments have done things that if you and I did them, we would be in jail. So the choice is, "who are you going to serve God or money?"

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Unscriptural Preaching

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), pastor of Westminster Chapel in London, wrote, "Any teaching...that starts with us and our needs, rather than the glory of God, is unscriptural, and seriously unscriptural. That subjective approach.., is what has led many astray for so many years."

The video below features Paul Washer. He is direct, caring, and honest on the issue of seeker sensitive churches. We need to preach the Gospel that salvation comes from the Lord and is not the mere assent by man to a creed or the saying of a prayer. Salvation is a supernatural event that comes only by the grace of God for His glory. In our difficult days, we must speak truth regardless of the consequences.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

What Do You Think About the State of the Church Today?

This video was presented by White Horse Inn and I believe it to be a very accurate description of the problem in the church today. Take 10 minutes and listen; then commit yourself to get serious about the Gospel.

Did Jesus Teach This?













I don't think so. This is another example of building numbers at all costs without regard to making disciples.

More Attacks On Traditional Marriage

Breaking Christian News reports:

According to the Family Policy Institute of Washington (FPIW), a bill that could endanger traditional marriage in the state, was recently introduced in the Senate and House. The legislation is scheduled to be heard in the House and Senate this week.
An alert from FPIW states:
This coming Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, the WA State legislature will be hearing a bill in both the house and the senate that would afford all marriage benefits to domestic partners.
The bill would essentially be the same as a same-gender marriage law without the actual word "marriage."
Those who value traditional marriage are encouraged to stand in prayer and action across the state of Washington.

The gay agenda will not quit. We must continue to make this a matter of prayer and faith. However, we must look at faith from a Hebraic worldview and not a Greek mindset. To the Greek, faith is a matter of belief; to the Hebrew, faith is a verb and is seen in action. You have faith based on what you do as opposed to what you assent to. Regarding the attacks on traditional marriage, we need to pray and get involved. If there is success in Washington on this issue, expect the attack to spread to other states. Stand with other believers and get involved. The gay express stops here and it stops now!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Apostasy Is Rampant

It looks like apostasy is rampant in the American church. I found the below video featuring David Reagan. I don't know much about him or his ministry; however, his message is right on target. The only addition I would make, would be to encourage those who study their Bibles to do so in a community. God has provided teachers for His church. These teachers have studied and been directed by God. Don't try to interpret the Word independent of your Biblical community. You don't want to be deceived. I have seen several groups move into bizarre behavior when they allow their individual experiences to dictate their belief system. God instructs us in the way of salvation and how to live in His written Word. It is sufficient for every need in life.

Monday, February 2, 2009

The Correct Attitude in Prayer

The following excerpt is from a paper I wrote entitled A Theology of Prayer. One of the purposes of the paper was to learn from the Hebrews their method of praying. This was the method used by Jesus, Peter, and Paul since they were all Torah observant Jews. The idea is that Christianity needs to return to its Jewish roots as in the first century. This is not about salvation as that is secured by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone all to the glory of God.

“Attitude” has been defined as a state of mind or a feeling; a disposition. An appreciation of what is occurring during prayer will assist one to understand the proper attitude to be practiced. Some see prayer as a time to manipulate God into fixing their respective dilemmas. If the correct words are said often enough, God will be compelled to answer according to the dictates of the one praying. This approach fails to achieve the correct attitude in prayer.

The Hebrew word for prayer is tefilah. It is derived from the root Peh-Lamed-Lamed and the word l'hitpalel, meaning to judge oneself. The word tefilah is a feminine noun meaning prayer. It is the word used to describe a prayer that was similar to a plea.

The word origin provides the reader direction concerning the attitude of Jewish prayer. The most important part of any Jewish prayer, whether it is a prayer of consecration, faith, commitment, corporate, or worship, is the introspection it provides. We are look inside ourselves, seeing our role in the world and our relationship to God. Isaiah the prophet experienced this type of self examination as seen in his declaration, “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips….” Indeed, this was a strange admission of inadequacy from one that was a prophet of the Most High God. Yet, this reveals the beauty of self introspection; in the presence of God, he acknowledged his unclean lips that would soon be used to proclaim God’s Word.

When we approach the Creator of the Universe, we are to have an attitude of yielding to His Sovereign will. As stated by one scholar: “the Hebrew prays that his heart will be transformed in such as way that he will be fully prepared to accept what God has to offer.” This conflicts with the practice of many to seek God absent personal introspection.

Another issue concerning the attitude of prayer involves the question of how often should one pray concerning a particular issue: faith versus persistence. For example, one might advocate based on Scripture, that when you pray believing you shall receive, you have received even without seeing the manifestation of the answer. Another might contend that one should keep praying or requesting until the answer is observable. One can see that when the proper attitude of introspection and submission is present, the difficulty disappears. When I pray, I believe I have received although what I have received may not be what I sought. In fact, the answer may represent something currently not capable of being understood. Further, I may pray with importunity as I am to earnestly be in a place of self examination before God. As I seek God in prayer it is not inconsistent for me to believe that I have received something I may not yet understand while at the same time continue to seek God by further submitting myself in prayer until I do have comprehension. The key is that obedience precedes understanding; I am to obey regardless of my lack of understanding.

One may continue in the attitude of prayer throughout the day as we are to be obedient to Him regardless of the function we are performing in the material world. Observant Jews are constantly reminded of God's presence and of their relationship with God, because they are continually in attitude of prayer toward Him. The first thought in the morning, even before they rise from bed, is a prayer thanking God for returning their souls to them. Prayers are to be recited before enjoying any material pleasure, such as eating or wearing new clothes; prayers to recite before performing any commandment, such as washing hands or lighting candles; prayers to be recited upon seeing anything unusual, such as a king, a rainbow, or the site of a great tragedy; prayers to be recited whenever some good or bad thing happens; and prayers to recite before going to bed at night. All of these prayers are in addition to formal prayer services, which are performed three times a day every weekday and additional times on Sabbaths and festivals.

In sum, our attitude in prayer is to be that of submission to the will of God and continual introspection. This is to be maintained during our waking hours. An understanding of this proper attitude in prayer will assist us to live our lives continually before the Lord.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Similarities Between America and Nazi Germany

The following were taken from an article by Brannon Howse. They should cause us to stop and consider the direction of America. Where are we heading and what should we do about it?

1.Hitler eliminated Christian holidays in the schools first by calling Christmas “Yuletide.” Most American public schools now call Christmas vacation a “winter break.”
2. Hitler outlawed school prayer in Germany. In 1962, The U.S. Supreme Court did the same for us.
3. Hitler took Easter out of schools and instead honored that time of year as the beginning of spring. It has likewise become common for schools in America to refer to time off at Easter as “spring break.”
4.Hitler controlled the church using intimidation and threats. A half-century ago, U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Baines Johnson, promoted a bill that included an amendment to use the Internal Revenue Service to remove the non-profit status of a church that speaks against the election of any specific political candidate.
5.Hitler enticed thousands of pastors to promote paganism in their congregations. Neopaganism is one of the fastest growing religions in America, doubling every 18 months according to a June 2008 article in The Denver Post. Many American church-goers practice paganism such as “Christian” yoga, contemplative prayer, and walking a labyrinth. As evidence that church doors continue to open further to aberrant beliefs, a 2008 survey found that 57% of evangelicals do not believe Jesus Christ is the only way to God.
6.Hitler prevented dissenters from using radio to challenge his worldview. Many powerful liberals in America have made clear their intent to reintroduce the “Fairness Doctrine” that would require conservative and religious radio stations to offer equal time to anti-Christian, anti-conservative worldviews.
Pastors who spoke against Hitler’s worldview and his murderous regime