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blog History Study - Complete
11. The 8 Kingdoms of the World
12. Church History
Basic Christian: blog History Study - The 8 Kingdoms of the World
7/29/2010 - Dividing Line with James White "What kind of a person when they get caught lying, instead of repenting just makes up another lie" {Note: Two recordings of Ergun Caner attempting to explain the Trinity - Father, Son, Holy Spirit nature of God are played and Caner does an 'ok' job BUT unexplainably mixes within his convoluted explanations New Age terms and concepts i.e. "eternal progression" saying that Jesus' incarnation was "just a part of His eternal progression" (i.e. LDS Mormonism) and then that the Trinity is embodied at the tip of our own finger (i.e. some New Age [Gnostic - Da Vinci Code] concept that we are all little gods). The tip of our finger analogy is completely wrong in that three dimensions (length, height, and width) always have with it the 4th dimension of time and for example the higher [5th and 6th] spiritual dimensions including the ever present eternal, limitless dimension of God so using the tip of our own finger to represent the Trinity of God is perhaps the worst of all possible examples and any Seminary Theology professor should be able to give a more concise and coherent statement on the Trinity than Caner is able to explain - as though he is publically explaining it for the first time.} (Mp3)
Discussed today: A May [2010 - San Diego, CA] recording of Ergun Caner talking about haters [and 'flamers' i.e. Caner's version of Christians who simply question him]. Dr. White also took two calls.
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BasicChristian.org: Biblical Proof that Jesus is God - The Names used to refer to Jesus reveal that Jesus is God in Substance, Authority, and Character - Luke 2:21 ... His name substance, authority, character was called JESUS ((JE = God, Yahweh, Jehovah) + (SUS = Salvation, Healing)), which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb
A note about the Holy Bible, as a document the Bible was spoken by God and written down by prophets and scribes. Today some people think of the Bible as a collection of ancient events and stories while in actuality the Bible is a legal document containing both the Old & New Testaments, the covenant and contract between God and mankind. The words, terms and phrases are legal in nature and binding in stature. When Jesus refers to Himself as Christ, Lord, Savior, and God, He is saying it in a legal binding term, a legal binding term between God and mankind. -- In the historical events of the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ the reason for the guilty verdict, the recorded "crime", by the leaders of His day in order to condemn Him at His multiple trials was that Jesus repeatedly declared Himself to be God to many eyewitnesses. Declaring oneself to be God is a part of the crime of blaspheming (misrepresenting God) unless of course as in the case of Jesus where God actually was in human flesh visiting mankind to remove the sins of the world. In other words Jesus was sentenced to death and crucified not for committing a crime like robbing a bank or kidnapping or something that we would normally associate with a death penalty case. Jesus was convicted of the "crime" of blasphemy, declaring Himself to be God. ...
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BasicChristian.org: blog Bible Study Genesis - An Eight Part Article Introduction - The 7 physical and spiritual realms as unfolded in the 7 Days of the Genesis creation model {the 8th realm being God's realm of unrestricted eternity}
Coming Soon the Basic Christian Article: Who is Melchizedek? Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20) is a higher multidimensional being. Melchizedek exists outside of our own human time and space dimensions (restrictions). Humans exist in and are limited to the first three physical dimensions (length, height, width) and also the fourth dimension (restriction) of time. The spiritual realm of demons, angels and in part the coming Antichrist exists in the less restricted 5th and 6th dimensions. In fact the coming Antichrist is going to bring down or "contact" the 5th and 6th dimensions and infuse 4th dimensional human beings with 5th dimensional demons [Nephilim spirits] and 6th dimensional fallen [Satanic] angelic spirit beings consequently orchestrating 5th and 6th dimensional miracles and signs and wonders in order to deceive mankind. So who is Melchizedek? Melchizedek is the manifestation of the infinite dimensional (infinite dimensions - no restrictions - unrestricted) God in Person. Melchizedek is God the Holy Spirit in Person. Melchizedek is the Order of the Holy Spirit Priesthood. -- Note: In the Basic Christian article "Who is Melchizedek?" the 8 dimensions (restrictions) are listed in conjunction with the original creation week (Genesis 1:1-2:4) and are categorized as follows: 1. Length [Day one creation - light separated [Judgment] (length) from darkness] 2. Height [Day two creation - divided the waters above from the waters below] 3. Width [Day three creation - dry land and plants] 4. Time [Day four creation - sun, moon, stars for times and seasons] 5. Demonic - demons [Day five creation - fish from the waters below, birds from the waters above] 6. Angelic - Holy Angels and also Satan with all of his fallen angels [Day six creation - land animals and humans (pre-fall) - humans the highest part of creation created separate and above the animals and equal to the angels but with sin mankind fell from the 6th dimension to the 4th dimension, in fact with the sin of mankind all of creation also fell from its original creation status] 7. Human Salvation redeemed by the blood, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ [Day seven creation - Rest] 8. Unrestricted [outside of creation] - The only Unrestricted, Eternal, Wise, ∞ Infinite, Almighty God consisting of God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. -- Genesis 2:4 These are the generations [dimensions] of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens ...
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Gnosticism: New Release! Hollywood's War on God - Learn how these movies are initiating the masses into a Gnostic worldview that will culminate in a "strong delusion" as the world joins Satan & the final Antichrist in their war against God (DVD - $19.95)
Hollywood's War on God is a mind-blowing, eye-popping documentary that reveals how satanic forces are using Hollywood's most memorable movies and most popular actors to propagate an ancient lie in fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Learn how these movies are initiating the masses into a Gnostic worldview that will culminate in a "strong delusion" as the world joins Satan & the final Antichrist in their war on God. Such titles include Ron Howard & Tom Hanks "The Da Vinci Code"; Keanu Reeves "The Matrix" and "Constantine"; Brad Pitt's "Fight Club"; Jim Carrey's "Truman Show"; Toby McQuire's "Pleasantville"; Arnold Swarzenegger's "Total Recall"; Johnny Depp's "From Hell"; Shawn Connery's "League of Extraordinary Gentleman"; J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter"; Harrison Ford's "Bladerunner"; Tom Cruise's "Vanilla Sky," "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Minority Report" and many others.
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Gnosticism, New Age, and the Da Vinci Code – What do they Have in Common? - Heresies are a lot like the common cold - They keep coming back around, but in a slightly changed form - But the change is just enough so that they sneak by the defense of our immune system and pose a new threat to our spiritual health - Both the New Age movement and the The Da Vinci Code seek spirituality without sacrifice (Jesus), without authority (Jesus), without the cross (Jesus) - A Christianity with no cross is a Christianity with no power and a religion with no power doesn't last very long {The cross is the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death, and the power of Satan. The proof of the victory of the cross of Jesus is the Resurrection of Jesus. Jesus is Alive! sin is dead and Satan is powerless, over our freewill.}
Heresies are a lot like the common cold. They keep coming back around, but in a slightly changed form. But the change is just enough so that they sneak by the defense of our immune system and pose a new threat to our spiritual health. Neither the New Age movement nor the The Da Vinci Code buys into to ancient Gnosticism lock, stock, and barrel. But they both rely on key Gnostic ideas that have as much appeal now as they did in the second century. For who does not eventually feel the emptiness and ennui of a life without the spiritual dimension, a life devoid of mystery? Our contemporary Western society, like 2nd century Roman society, has lost its soul. We suffer from the desperation that comes from a lack of meaning. -- The New Age has appeal because it restores a sense of mystery. It imitates the syncretism of the Gnostics, blending together exotic ideas from the east with traditions native to the west to produce a hodge-podge that may be incoherent but is nevertheless intriguing. The Da Vinci Code resurrects the claim of a secret tradition that is earlier and more faithful than the New Testament Scriptures. It offers us a way to feel connected to Jesus even while we scorn the leaders and laws of the Church said to be founded by him. -- But the appeal of these currents also constitute their undoing. Both the New Age movement and the The Da Vinci Code seek spirituality without sacrifice, without authority, without the cross. They follow ancient Gnosticism in preserving a veneer of Christianity while emptying it of its heart and soul.. But the fate of Gnosticism ought to serve as a warning here. A Christianity with no cross is a Christianity with no power. And a religion with no power doesn’t last very long. The Da Vinci Code may have sold a few million copies in the first years of the third millennium. But here is my guess – in the fourth millennium, it will take an archeologist digging in the arid sands of Egypt to find a copy.
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Gnosticism, the Soul-Only "Gospel" and the End Times - Gnosticism falsely concludes: There were two separate realms—one spiritual, the other material (physical) - The spiritual realm, created by God [not by Father God but by Satan or some other unknown god that Satan channeled, however more and more often Satan is being taught as the original Father spirit god], was all good; the material realm, created by the demiurge [Father God, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit], all evil - Man needed to be saved, not from Original Sin, but from enslavement to matter (physical body, physical world and from God who created the physical world, though the cults sure like sex, drugs, alcohol, money etc. so maybe they don't want to be 'saved' from everything physical)[rejecting this (physical) world]-[rejecting the (moral government) law] For this, he had to learn the mystical arts - Thus Gnosticism became a source for the occult (Satanic) tradition {Gnosticism – Is Jesus who loves us, gave His life and died for us on the cross God or is Satan who lies to us and kills us God? That is the dilemma of the Gnostic and actually that is also the dilemma for everyone. However even in this upside down world where wrong is right and lies are truth it is still easy to tell that Jesus the God of Love is God!}
In addition, Gnostics engaged in speculative theology, even in the days of the apostles, based upon a higher form of knowledge not available to "ordinary" Christians. This resulted in "speculations respecting angels and spirits" and a false dualism "leading to asceticism on the one hand *[rejecting this world], and to an immoral libertinism on the other hand *[rejecting the law]." Today, we have an eschatological system that purports to know we are living in the last days, not by an appeal to the Bible but by having a special ability to read contemporary signs. ... Certain strange inferences were derived from this bizarre worldview. Gnostic doctrine concluded that Jehovah of the Old Testament was actually Satan, thus, Satan ruled the physical world. The body also belonged to Satan. It was the prison of the soul. “The Gnostic secret is that the spirit is trapped in matter, and to free it, the world must be rejected.”5 Not only asceticism but escapism became a major tenet of the Gnostic gospel. If the physical world is evil, then man must do anything and everything to escape it.
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Gnosticism: The Gnostic NIV Bible Exposed - A look At Gnosticism And The NIV - The Gnostics were a group of individuals who considered themselves as "an elite group that knows it all" - Words Identifying Christ as God Are Stolen Away
The word “Gnostic” comes from the Greek verb “ginosko”, which means “to know, or to be taking in knowledge”. Or you can derive it from the noun “gnosis”, which means “knowledge, or a seeking to know”. The Gnostics were a group of individuals who considered themselves as “an elite group that knows it all”. Their headquarters was in Alexandria, Egypt, where they had collected an enormous library. ... They claimed to understand God and Salvation perfectly. They believed that they themselves were spirit, while all other people were soul and body. They believed that all matter was evil, and therefore the world produced from evil matter and possessed by evil demons cannot be a creation of a good God. Therefore they were willing for Christ to be the creator as long as it was agreed that He was an inferior god. Therefore they denied the reality and the necessity of the Atonement of Christ, and they claimed that Christ’s body was an illusion. They did not believe that Christ really came in the flesh. They rejected the Old Testament and its God Jehovah. -- They were obsessed with a cult of angels, from which they derived the concept of guardian angels. They were obsessed with the concept of man, and of God, and of the world through religious experiences. They allegorized all the teachings of Scripture in order to achieve a strange conformity between Gnosticism and Christianity. The Gnostics worked hard on destroying the Person of Christ as coequal to God, and as having both a human nature and a Divine nature. Therefore we recognize that the Apostles in their letters were warning the churches against the influence of the Gnostics. We read that in 1 John 2:22, from which we can see their struggle against the Gnostics of the 1st century.
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The Da Vinci Code Exposed - The Gnostic Gospels - Notice, however, there is no mention of Mary being married to Jesus - In fact, there is not one ancient text anywhere, Gnostic or otherwise, that suggests that Jesus was married to Mary - None! The only famous text of Jesus being married is Dan’s Brown’s book itself - (Dan Brown) made it up
The Gnostic followers play an important role in Brown’s conspiracy. The word Gnostic means “secret knowledge.” According to the novel there are 80 Gnostic gospels that were burned or buried by the Catholic Church. These gospels give a different view of Jesus and His teachings. Many have asked me about these supposedly “lost books of the Bible”. First of all, they are not lost books of the Bible. They do not belong to the Bible at all; therefore, they are not lost books of the Bible. These books were known by the fourth century Bishops, and they excluded them from the Canon of Scripture because they did not meet the strict criteria to be included. Actually in truth, there are 52 fragmented texts that were discovered in a cave in Egypt on December of 1945 by an Arab peasant. These Gnostic writings are a collection of poems and myths attributing to Jesus certain sayings and beliefs which are very different than the canonical (accepted as correct-true) Bible. ... The Apostles were not unfamiliar with the teachings of the Gnostics. They denounce their teachings in several New Testament passages. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith (1 Tim 6:20-21). The Greek word for knowledge is gnosis. Notice Paul warns against those who "falsely call" themselves knowledgeable ones. This is a clear reference to the Gnostics of the first century. He even says that those who profess this false knowledge have wandered from the faith.
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Movie: Ron Howard Prepares to Unleash Angels & Demons (2009) - the follow-up to The (2006) Da Vinci Code [Angels & Demons is part 1 - The Da Vinci Code was actually part 2] - Tom Hanks reprising his role as Robert Langdon from The Da Vinci Code - Variety's report goes on to note that, although the Angels & Demons novel was written before and takes place before The Da Vinci Code, the film will be a sequel {The next Ron Howard movie "Angels & Demons" is a continuing part of the agenda to rise the evil fallen Nephilim [the occult considers Nephilim to be powerful, wise, illuminated (enlightened) and call themselves the followers "Illuminati"] and submit mankind to these fallen evil spirits. Note: Biblically fallen Angels and Demons are probably not the same thing though people often refer to them as being the same thing. Fallen Angels are Angels [that generally do not attempt to possess (indwell) people] while Demons [desire to possess and indwell people] may be offspring of the Nephilim (fallen Angels) & human intermixing that occurred in Geneses chapter 6 and that were all killed in the flood [the reason for the flood] of Noah's time. So saying Angels and Demons does not make one group good and the other bad both groups (angels and demons) would be bad if the Angels are fallen and in rebellion against God.}
One of the many high-profile productions being affected by the looming writers' strike is Angels & Demons, the follow-up to The Da Vinci Code -- but if director Ron Howard and his fellow filmmakers have anything to say about it, their sequel's progress will be unimpeded. Variety reports on the last-minute preparations behind the scenes of Angels & Demons, which will find Tom Hanks reprising his role as Robert Langdon from The Da Vinci Code, the $758 million-grossing adaptation of Dan Brown's bestselling book. Angels is scheduled to start filming in Europe next February, but with the writers' strike coming as early as November 1, Howard's team has to move quickly. ... Meanwhile, the "Angels" team have begun casting around Tom Hanks, who will reprise his role as Robert Langdon. Hanks' character, a Harvard-based expert on religious symbols, this time sleuths a mystery that involves a secret society and a conspiracy that leads to Vatican City and threatens the future of the Catholic Church. Variety's report goes on to note that, although the Angels & Demons novel was written before -- and takes place before -- The Da Vinci Code, the film will be a sequel.
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THE BAD NEWS OF THE DA VINCI CODE MOVIE: Sony Pictures - Directed by: Ron Howard, Starring: Tom Hanks, May 2006
The New York Times called recently asking what's wrong with THE DA VINCI CODE. With regard to the book by that name, there have been a large number of articles, some published in MovieGuide', explaining its egregious historical, theological, and moral problems. With regard to the movie scheduled to be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures, however, about which the Times was calling, we won't know until we see the final product. The strange thing about the movie is that the two key people involved, Tom Hanks and Ron Howard, claim to be Christians. Mr. Hanks has told reporters that he came to Christ many years ago and now attends a Greek Orthodox church with his wife. A Campus Crusade minister worked as Ron Howard's assistant for many years and said that Mr. Howard went to a Presbyterian church. Therefore, it is strange that these two men are making THE DA VINCI CODE, unless they have either sold out and see it as a way of making a lot of money, or they plan to change it.
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Did Jesus have a wife and child, of course not! - Da Vinci Code (Jesus is only human) Cults Exposed
A new movie is set to air a program that will insinuate that Jesus had a secret wife, Mary Magdalene and that the two had a child while He was here on the earth. Following is some material to consider regarding this very wrong and false topic. ... Since all European and British nobility can legitimately prove their lineage back through the Merovingians {and apparently attempts to claim Mohammed as well}, they can "prove" to a public who has bought this lie that their lineage goes back through Mary Magdalene to Jesus and they have "plugged into" Jesus, they are literally "home free" to King David! The Jewish Talmud teaches this same lie. Thus, Antichrist can "prove" his lineage back to King David, an absolute requirement if he is to convince the Jewish people he is their Messiah for whom they have been awaiting!
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[Continued] Ergun Caner Whopper: - Comments: Anonymous said...This is truly getting worse and worse - I would not in any way be surprised if there are more revelations to come - I have been suspicious from the beginning that there's more to this story than meets the eye - I'll say it one more time...are we SURE this guy is not still a Muslim? In infiltration? I don't care what anybody says, somebody needs to be asking this question - Sorry, Caner, if I'm wrong - But man, you seriously brought this on yourself and you know it
One of the more recent Caner defenders to go public is Mac Brunson, pastor of FBC Jax, as his defense was posted on Stormin' Norman Geisler's site last week. Brunson is Caner's close friend, and co-author. Comments: Anonymous said..."So Mac Brunson was making money also by selling books he co-authored with Caner?" Flashback from the good old days at FBCJ when the Brunson family arrived - they are experts on how to get monies from the flock. Every Adult Sunday School class was asked to put in $1 for Trey & his fiance's wedding gift . . .the deacons wives hosted a Bridal Shower . . .and then there was the formal reception Mac hosted in the church dining room for their introduction. Very tacky tacky, but they did get a pocketful of money and a trunk load of gifts and daddy gave him the best gift of all - put him on payroll at the church. Glad I'm gone! Yes, Mac knows how to make his money! -- Anonymous said...These guys love their secrets but that is only because the full truth is embarrassing. They think folks believe them because they carry titles of "pastor". -- Also James White discusses a little about speeches/sermons Ergun Caner made in May [2010] of this year, where he [Caner] calls the people questioning him as "haters" and more on Dividing Line tomorrow on this subject. -- It is no secret, and it is no rumor. It is fact. A blogger has the video tape of Caner's training or speech he gave to a certain unit of our U.S. Marines on Jihad. He plans on making it available soon. And it will take another round of defenses and attacks from Caner's defenders like Guthrie and Stormin Norman Geisler to explain even more lies coming from Caner, and this time it's more serious: he delivered them to our troops. -- I am deeply disturbed by this potential new revelation that caner addresses our military troops on jihad. If this is true, then someone in the government did not do their job and vet this guy. To think that a liar had access to the troops and fed them information that was not based in fact gives me pause. This may be a bigger story than a lying Baptist seminary president. It is easy for me to imagine innocent people taking the word of their pastor who invited Caner. It is very different to imagine our military doing the same. I predict this will be a very big story if it is based in fact. -- Anonymous said...This is truly getting worse and worse. I would not in any way be surprised if there are more revelations to come. I have been suspicious from the beginning that there's more to this story than meets the eye. I'll say it one more time...are we SURE this guy is not still a Muslim? In infiltration? I don't care what anybody says, somebody needs to be asking this question. Sorry, Caner, if I'm wrong. But man, you seriously brought this on yourself and you know it.
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Note: Only informed responsible giving (tithing) is cheerful giving - Previous year 501c3 non-profit tax form filings should be open and publically available (in Church offices) and on the internet for anyone and everyone to look at and only then is a person capable of making an informed decision about personally donating to charitable 'Churches' and causes i.e. a Harvest Crusade type of event -- "2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth [responsibly] in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful [responsible] giver."
Only informed responsible giving (tithing) is cheerful giving! Not the ignorance is bliss, dutiful giving that the modern Church now wants us to participate in. -- "Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom is a defense [refuge], and money [opportunity, power, influence, prestige] is a defense: but [more important than money] the excellency of [Biblical] knowledge [accurate, reliable Biblical doctrine] is, that wisdom giveth [eternal] life to them that have it."
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Donor Bill of Rights - PHILANTHROPY (Charitable Donations) is based on voluntary action for the common good - It is a tradition [and religious requirement] of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life - To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights: I. To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes - II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities - III. **To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements - IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given
I. To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities. III. To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements. IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given. V. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition. VI. To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law. VII. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature. VIII. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors. IX. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share. X To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
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Questions to Ask a Nonprofit (Church - Crusade - Conference - etc.) *Before Investing in [or contributing to] It - 3. What are your annual goals, needs, and results? How do they compare to similar organizations in your community? - 6. How well have you utilized your funding? Describe how efficiently you have fulfilled your goals of recent years in relationship to the amount of funds you have raised
Thinking of donating to a nonprofit? Here are some suggested questions to ask nonprofit organizations before investing in them. The answers can help you determine which charities to give to and evaluate the performance of the philanthropies you already support. 1. How are you collaborating with similar organizations on a local, regional, or national level? 2. What are the main obstacles that inhibit the fulfillment of your mission? How are you planning to overcome them? 3. What are your annual goals, needs, and results? How do they compare to similar organizations in your community? 4. How much turnover have you experienced of employees and board members in the last two years {and how many related family members are employed and in what places within the organization}? 5. To what degree have you attracted new people {non-family members} and new ideas to your organization and board? 6. *How well have you utilized your funding? Describe how efficiently you have fulfilled your goals of recent years in relationship to the amount of funds you have raised. 7. Most for-profit organizations have recently restructured themselves in recent years to become more efficient and productive. How, if at all, are you considering (or have you implemented) some version of this approach? 8. How efficiently is your organization run? To what degree have you assigned day-to-day management responsibilities to a tightly run executive committee instead of relying upon your full board? 9. Who are your main competitors and how do your results in recent years compare to theirs?
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Tips for Choosing a Charity: A Donor's 9-Step Guide to Giving Wisely - Avoid charities that won't share information or pressure you - Reputable nonprofits: Will discuss their programs and finances - [they] Don't use pressure tactics - Are willing to send you literature about their work or direct you to a Web site - Will take "no" for an answer - Trust your instincts: If you still have doubts about a charity, don't contribute to it - Instead, find another nonprofit that does the same kind of work and with which you feel comfortable, then make your donation
Tips for Choosing a Charity: A Donor's 9-Step Guide to Giving Wisely - Here are GuideStar's tips for donors who want to give with their heads as well as their hearts. Researching Charities Clarify your values. Do this before you open your checkbook, volunteer your time, or look at that letter from a charity. Identify your preferences. Ask yourself: "What is important to me?" The environment? Education? Hunger? Animal welfare? Helping sick children? Where should the charity do its work-in your neighborhood, region, the nation, or internationally? Ask yourself if you want to support a large or small charity, a new or an old one. Search the GuideStar database to find charities that meet your criteria. Focus on the mission. Look at each charity's description in the GuideStar search results, on its Web site, or in its literature. Find the nonprofits that fit best with your values. Eliminate organizations that don't meet your criteria. Now you're ready to look more closely at these organizations.
Evaluating Charities Get the cold, hard facts. A reputable organization will: Define its mission and programs clearly. Have measurable goals. Use concrete criteria to describe its achievements. Compare apples to apples. Be sure to compare charities that do the same kind of work, especially if you're looking at their finances. The type of work a charity does can affect its operating costs dramatically. Avoid charities that won't share information or pressure you. Reputable nonprofits: Will discuss their programs and finances. Don't use pressure tactics. Are willing to send you literature about their work or direct you to a Web site. Will take "no" for an answer. Trust your instincts. If you still have doubts about a charity, don't contribute to it. Instead, find another nonprofit that does the same kind of work and with which you feel comfortable, then make your donation.
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House Church: Skip the sermon, worship at home {Note: Attending a local Church congregation where you can have input and make a difference is a vital part of Christianity and really home Church (fellowships) should be secondary [after Church or on a weeknight] to congregational attendance.}
DALLAS - To get to church on a recent Sunday morning, the Yeldell family walked no farther than their own living room to greet fellow worshippers. The members of this "house church" are part of what experts say is a fundamental shift in the way U.S. Christians think about church. Skip the sermons, costly church buildings and large, faceless crowds, they say. House church is about relationships forged in small faith communities. In general, house churches consist of 12 to 15 people who share what's going on in their lives, often turning to Scriptures for guidance. They rely on the Holy Spirit or spontaneity to lead the direction of their weekly gatherings. "I think part of the appeal for some in the house church movement is the desire to return to a simpler expression of church," said Ed Stetzer, a seminary professor and president of Lifeway Research, which is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. "For many, church has become too much (like a) business while they just want to live like the Bible." House church proponents claim their small groups are sort of a throwback to the early Christian church in that they have no clergy and everyone is expected to contribute to the teaching, singing and praying. They are more commonly seen in countries where Christianity is not the dominant religion. Organizers say they're just starting to take off in the U.S. A study by the Barna Group, a firm specializing in data on religion and society, estimates that 6 million to 12 million Americans attend house churches. A survey last year by the Pew Forum found that 9 percent of American Protestants only attended home services. "The only consistent thing about house church is that each one is different," said Robin Yeldell, who, in 2006, left a traditional church where he was a missions committee chairman.
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A Gnostic Gospel - Christless Christianity: 2010 West Coast Conference - A Conference by Various Teachers (Online Video - Audio)
Message 5, A Gnostic Gospel: Americans are incurably "spiritual," but this spirituality expresses itself in ways that are incompatible with biblical Christianity. It expresses itself in ways that are essentially Gnostic. The American church has not been immune to the influence of this American Gnosticism. In this message, Dr. Peter Jones compares this private, mystical, and inward religious mentality with the corporate, doctrinal, and visible faith of orthodox Christianity.
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[Warning!] Watchman Fellowship: Watchman Fellowship is an independent, nondenominational Christian research and apologetics ministry focusing on new religious movements [i.e. fake ex-Muslim Jihadist], cults, the occult and the New Age - Don't miss your opportunity to see [Secular (occult), New Age, Emergent Church Apologist and fake ex-Muslim Jihadist] Dr. Ergun Caner speaking at our annual (2007) banquet as we celebrated twenty-eight years of ministry - [Wolf in sheep's clothing] Dr. Caner was recently elected to Watchman Fellowship's board of directors [and remains on the Watchman board of directors]
Ergun Caner is the President of Liberty Theological Seminary at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. When named to the position in 2005, Caner became the first former Muslim to lead an evangelical seminary. Caner is a leading voice for evangelicalism on the international stage. He has been a guest on such television networks as Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, and the BBC. He has written 14 books, including When Worldviews Collide, on the subject of global apologetics and defending the Christian faith. Dr. Caner was recently elected to Watchman Fellowship's board of directors. - Staff & Board Members - Board Members: Ergun Caner.
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It Takes a Long Time to Clean Up [Internet] Falsehoods - The Internet is such a huge "place" - It takes forever to clean up evidences of your past---if you are trying to do that, anyway - I was just referred to this (2005) press release on Ergun Caner's own website (better click fast, it will be gone before long!) - Note this further example of the mysterious "misstatement" that Ergun Caner seemed to be making over and over and over again for years on end {Note: Ergun Caner is going around preaching a 100% Emergent Church doctrine, principles and theology i.e. "God = Love" actually "God = God" and love, patience, faithfulness, justice, longsuffering, faithfulness, etc. are all Attributes of God. - Also Note: It is Dr. Norman Geisler (Veritas Evangelical Seminary) [one of Ergun Caner's biggest supporters and a mentor] that is going around from Church to Church doing "Apologetics Conferences" with Ergun Caner (also one of Geisler's Veritas Seminary instructors) as Geisler pretends to be informing Christians and preaching against the Gnostic Emergent Church Movement that is currently infiltrating Evangelical Christianity on a massive scale all the while Dr. Norman Geisler is forwarding, promoting and covering for Emergent Church prompter Ergun Caner. -- July 31, 2010 Calvary Chapel Downey - Apologetics Conference Speakers: Norman Geisler, "Understanding and Answering the Emergent Church" - Ergun Caner, "5 Reasons Why I am not a Muslim" Source: www.cccsdowney.org/high-school/monthly-letter/}
Ex-Muslim to lead at Liberty U. By Bob Lowry ASSOCIATED PRESS LYNCHBURG, Va. -- The new dean of the Rev. Jerry Falwell's Liberty University theological seminary is a former Sunni Muslim who plans to turn out a hipper generation of graduates by relating to them with lyrics from rapper 50 Cent, TV's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and the latest movies and film stars. Ergun Mehmet Caner cracks one-liners as easily as he quotes a Bible verse. Lecturing to a packed auditorium of 450 students, Mr. Caner mixed religion with jokes to keep his students on their toes in a late afternoon theology class. He asked his students which popular actors they would marry "if she or he was a Christian." Their answers brought howls of laughter from the classroom. "In a given lecture, I'll talk about 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,' C.S. Lewis, 'Plato's Cave' and some lyrics by 50 Cent," Mr. Caner said of some subjects one normally wouldn't associate with Mr. Falwell's university. Mr. Caner sees it as a way to connect with his young audiences. "Most college students lose attention every seven minutes and with that, it's important to have that humor to bring us back in and teach us more," said Travis Bush, a junior from
Rocky Mount, N.C., in Mr. Caner's class. "He's the best professor here. With the humor, it keeps us interested." Mr. Caner, 39, said he wants a different approach for a new generation of Liberty students, whom he dubs "tecumenicals." "I call them techies because, on one hand, they were raised with e-mail" he says. "And yet they are so ecumenical. This generation is different. They've been there, seen it and
done it. They're looking for some *authentic passion that's got a pulse and that sweats. "The point is I'll use anything at my disposal. I'm not hiding from culture and I don't boycott culture. If I'm turning out students who say 'What's that dot on your head for?' That's ignorance. Or, 'Why'd you wear your laundry on the top of your head?' That's ignorance." Mr. Caner takes over as dean of the seminary in July after only two years at the 8,000-student school. The shaven-headed, goateed Mr. Caner [Proven False], whose family emigrated from Turkey [Sweeden] to Toledo, Ohio, when he was a teenager [two years old] ... Boyd Rist, Liberty's vice president for academic affairs, said Mr. Caner was the clear choice for the job after the former dean left for the presidency of another school. As for Mr. Caner's Muslim background, Mr. Rist said Mr. Falwell [Sr.] doesn't mind doing the unexpected at the school he founded in his hometown in 1971. Copyright 2005 News World Communications, Inc. Source: www.erguncaner.com/home/press/documents/ap_04152005.pdf
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Ergun Caner Whopper: My Madrassa Was in Beirut...By That Did He Mean the "Beirut Restaurant" in Toledo? - As more of Caner's deceptions become known, the defenders of Caner appear more and more ridiculous - And more is yet to come, maybe the worst yet, BUT we shall see - Taking a step back, I have some larger questions in all of this, as this is growing into the Great Evangelical Cover-up - How did Caner's embellishments get started and why did it go on for so long? - Why were these fibs not nipped in the bud by those in authority over him at the time? - Why was the due diligence on Caner not done by the heavies in the SBC to confirm his testimony? - I will ponder those questions in coming posts, so stay tuned - And now, here is the latest episode of "Caner Gone Wild" (Video)
As more of Caner's deceptions become known, the defenders of Caner appear more and more ridiculous. And more is yet to come, maybe the worst yet, BUT we shall see. One of the more recent Caner defenders to go public is Mac Brunson, pastor of FBC Jax, as his defense was posted on Stormin' Norman Geisler's site last week. Brunson is Caner's close friend, and co-author. At least Brunson doesn't blame Muslims and Calvinists, and Brunson does mention Caner's "sorrow" and "grief". Below is another Caner video; some new footage not seen until James White put it on his blog last week. It is Caner at Harbor Light Assembly of God, Freemont, California, on September 22, 2006. It contains the standard Caner yarns and tall tales mixed with racial stereotypes: came to America as he was getting ready for college, learned English from TV, he never drove a taxi or worked at 7/11, came as a "missionary", prayed on a rug in the high school bathrooms - you know, those typical "misstatements". But Caner tells a new one: his "madrassa, his training center" was in Beirut. That is interesting. He led FBC Jax to believe he was "raised in Europe" and trained there in Islamic Youth Jihad when he came to America...but now the training center has moved to Beirut. ... One more eye-popping claim by Caner in the vid. It seems he took the liberty of throwing his deceased father under the bus, saying that his father came to America with multiple wives, and that he lied to authorities saying they were his sisters! Imagine that, saying that your dad committed the crime of polygamy, when nowhere in any divorce papers was this mentioned. If his dad WAS a polygamist and lied about it, why on earth would he want to tell that story to the public? I know, it was all for Jesus, right? Taking a step back, I have some larger questions in all of this, as this is growing into the Great Evangelical Cover-up. - How did Caner's embellishments get started and why did it go on for so long? Why were these fibs not nipped in the bud by those in authority over him at the time? - Who was his pastor when he started spreading these tales after 9/11 who might have been able to counsel him and discipline him about lying? - Where did Caner work, and who was his boss at the time, that might have had opportunity to speak to Jerry Vines before and after Caner's FBC Jax sermon in November 2001? - Why was the due diligence on Caner not done by the heavies in the SBC to confirm his testimony? - Who knew or suspected that Caner was fibbing after 9/11, and who did they tell? - Or did NO ONE have any idea that he was lying about his past? Are we to believe that NO ONE that knew Caner pre 9/11 knew that he was fibbing on the preaching circuit? - Did he preach at his home church after 9/11, and did he embellish his story with those there that knew him pre 9/11? If not, why not? I will ponder those questions in coming posts, so stay tuned. And now, here is the latest episode of "Caner Gone Wild": (Video)
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{Flashback} Calvary Chapel (Skip Heitzig) Albuquerque States: Leonard Sweet Will Not Be Speaking at Conference - Lighthouse Trails Calls For Answers - Questions Arise: Is New Age Sympathizer Leonard Sweet Speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque or Not? - the National Worship Leader Conference website still maintains that Leonard Sweet will indeed be speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque {Note: Because of deceptive and non-Christian practices emanating from various Calvary Chapel pastors the website links from Basic Christan to Skip Heitzig and several other Calvary Chapel (Costa Mesa) resources, Churches and pastors have recently been removed by the Basic Christian Ministry.}
This is an update regarding the Lighthouse Trails report that New Age sympathizer Leonard Sweet is scheduled to speak at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque for the National Worship Leader Conference this June. Conflicting reports are occurring as to whether Sweet's speaking engagement has been cancelled. Please refer to our recent posting, Questions Arise: Is New Age Sympathizer Leonard Sweet Speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque or Not? where we write on some of these conflicting reports. A number of Lighthouse Trails' readers contacted us over the last couple days sending us copies of an email they each received from an undisclosed personnel at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque. **The form letter states: Thank you for contacting us here at The Connection and thanks for writing to Pastor Skip. We always love to hear from you. The conference is not a Calvary conference. The conference is being put on by Worship Leader Magazine using our facility - just like CAPE, Home school graduation, funerals, etc. Therefore, Leonard Sweet is not speaking at "Skip's Church". [LT: Heitzig is one of the speakers at this event.] He is part of a conference using Calvary's facilities. Leonard Sweet will attend the conference but WILL NOT BE SPEAKING. It is our prayer that God will continue to reveal Himself to you through His Word as you seek to know Him. Love in Christ, Connection Communications -- Because the National Worship Leader Conference website still maintains that Leonard Sweet will indeed be speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque, an official public notice from CCA stating that Leonard Sweet will not be speaking there could help clear up the present confusion. Just as important, a statement explaining to the body of Christ why they have decided to remove him from the platform would be important. In a day and age when so many Christian leaders are sending out mixed messages to the Church regarding spiritual deception, those wanting to maintain biblical integrity need to be forthright and clear in what they believe and stand for. And regardless of what denomination or movement this confusion is occurring in, those particular leaders do have a biblical obligation to the entire body of Jesus Christ. This is not Lighthouse Trails saying this - this is what the Bible requests of leaders and pastors.
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Benny Hinn Swedish "European Conference Word of Faith conference" weekend host not too happy - While hundreds lined up for hours to see Benny Hinn in Sweden this weekend, even as North America was reading about Benny Hinn and Paula White behavior in Italy about 2 weeks ago his appearance at the European Conference Word of Faith conference was not without controversy - I must say I was shocked by the content of Benny Hinns teaching - We have known each other since 1986, although it was a while ago we last met - There is no doubt that the Lord has used him as an evangelist all over the world for many years - I must say that I have never in all the meetings I had with him, heard what he taught us yesterday - His preaching, in which he certainly is not alone, seems to be more consistent and prepared [by others - i.e Think Tank, New Age religion] than I have ever heard before, but went far beyond what I mean is classic Christian faith and sound doctrine - It was not just some Gnostic elements, it was unfortunately too much of pure Gnosticism [occult knowledge]
Benny Hinn Swedish weekend host not too happy - Posted on July 26, 2010 by Bene Diction - While hundreds lined up for hours to see Benny Hinn in Sweden this weekend, (even as North America was reading about Benny Hinn and Paula White behavior in Italy about 2 weeks ago) his appearance at the European Conference Word of Faith conference was not without controversy. His theology, practises and pending divorce have been discussed a fair bit online in Sweden in media, on blogs and twitter feeds leading up to the European Conference in Uppusla. Ekman stood up after Hinn spoke and suggested people weigh what was said and read their bible about what was preached. However Hinn was permitted to speak again. I’ve tried to tidy up the Google translation, if I’ve lost meaning in the cleaning, please pipe up in the comment section. Ekman posted about Benny Hinns visit: But it is my duty to comment Saturday evening’s remarkable proclamation. I must say I was shocked by the content of Benny Hinns teaching. We have known each other since 1986, although it was a while ago we last met. There is no doubt that the Lord has used him as an evangelist all over the world for many years. Many over the years have told how their lives have been transformed by the Lord through Benny’s service and how they have been healed. I have participated over the years in a number of conferences around the world and have seen what the Lord has done. As a private person and I appreciate him a lot and really like him as a healing evangelist. Having said this, and it is important that it must be said, I must say that I have never in all the meetings I had with him, heard what he taught us yesterday. His preaching, in which he certainly is not alone, seems to be more consistent and prepared than I have ever heard before, but went far beyond what I mean is classic Christian faith and sound doctrine. It was not just some Gnostic elements, it was unfortunately too much of pure Gnosticism.
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Slaughter of the Sheep: Reports of Benny Hinn and Paula White Affair - The National Enquirer is currently reporting that Benny Hinn and Paula White are having an affair - I know, I know, it's the Enquirer and they're unreliable - There's one catch…. they've got pictures of Hinn/White going into and out of a hotel in Rome holding hands [two weeks ago] - I bought an issue when a fellow researcher called and told me about this story and I have seen the pictures - Is it true? I don't know - But, judging from the photographs, Hinn may have some explaining to do!
Comments: Video 3: Benny asks Paula where she has this incredible teachings from… She says from God, from revelation and experience. But I listened to her (this was a real trial!) but she just puts all the false teachings together from Word Faith, Dominion, seven mountains, little gods and more. She throws the words out on her listeners without time for them to think and uses methods (hands, snapping fingers, response). ... It appears Paula is broad in her teachings. you are correct, she does appear to be hooked up with the Dominionism/kingdom now - New Apostolic Reformation!!! Here she is with non-other that Chuck Pierce. ... that video's says it all. And Paula is also into 'the glory'. So her story that God showed her all this and that she got revelation is a lie. ... Chuck Pierce is into mysticism. There you see the mix in this false teachings with the occult and Gnosticism. It's strange fire ["Vagabond Priesthood"]. But that is another topic. ... When I see all this happen, and the articles here on the website and other discerning sites it reminds me of something I think God showed me two years ago. I saw that all these false ministries that seemed to have no connection, are going to connect. It made me think of a web from a spider. The line at the edge of the web are far from each other, but when the spider makes the web he goes to the center and there the lines come together. It is shocking to see it happen these days… Time is running out. ... I already knew that Benny Hinn was Latter Rain and Manifest sons of God teaching. Well, I just found a video with Benny Hinn and Bill Hamon (Christian International) I have been to one of bill Hamon conferences , He is crazy and dangerous. I went to a woman pastors church who was under Bill Hamon and it was a crazy place. Thank God he brought me out of the mess. ... OMG! That's Oh my goodness! for us Christians. I just watched that video with Paula and Chuck. Are we supposed to take these people seriously???? I hope not! Chuckle… They take themselves seriously…I think, but at least we don't have to! Boy, am I glad I am not taken in by these swelling words of fanciful suggestions anymore. Thank God! He set me free. I'm going to enjoy every minute of my freedom from these charlatans! Love you all! God keep you in his love and sweetness! ... You made me laugh girl. We are smart to their enticing words, but lots of people are deceived by these jokers. They are crazy and dangerous. Talk about the Tower of Babel, babel, babel, one can't understand their language. Seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. ... Dominionism, Word Faith, Latter Rain, Manifested Sons have the same roots as the New Age 'theology': the Christ-consciousness. 'The Christ' will not bodily return, but in the mind, spirit of the people. Alice Bailey, the 'mother' of the New Age [Satanism version], already said years ago that New Age had to influence Christianity so New Age would be the new world religion. This was written on a website about Christ Consciousness (they even use the bible): 'It is our destiny to attain to the level of Christ consciousness and to be aware of the self as God'. 'Speak as Christ would speak and Christ will speak through you… Think as Christ would think and Christ will think through you and the mind of God will become congruent with your physical vessel…Practice sweet thoughts, sweet feelings, sweet words and soon they will come naturally to you. Finally perform deeds that you know Christ would perform and you will manifest the Christ consciousness in your daily life.' "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." -The Bible- This means: Seek ye first the Consciousness of God, the consciousness of the Living Christ in you and the scientific application of the Universal Law to the mastery of self in time and space and all these things in the world of form shell be added unto you by the multiplicated alchemy of the Holy Ghost.' Sounds familiar to what Word Faith teaches, 'little gods'. Scary how it fits in with those false teachings…
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PASTOR PAULA RESPONDS TO FALSE AND MISLEADING ARTICLE - I want to speak with you frankly and from my heart {Note: 1. Paula's response comes a day or two after Benny's response and what is striking is that the same person seems to have written both responses or else Paula was heavily coached by someone else. 2. Benny Hinn seemed to go to great lengths to separate Paula from his Vatican visit yet according to Paula she seemed to have been there as a part of the same Vatican visit. 3. The internet rumor mill is that these two are already engaged or are about to get engaged - so why all the deception, lies and deceit.}
To My Friends, Partners & Ministry Colleagues, I want to speak with you frankly and from my heart. Last Friday, the National Enquirer released a dishonest and misleading article which falsely characterized my friendship with Pastor Benny Hinn. The publication, which is known for its bias and slanting of the truth, tries to mislead readers regarding the ministerial relationship and friendship I have had with Pastor Benny for over 20 years. Specifically, the National Enquirer released the misguided and untruthful article, which falsely characterized my friendship with Pastor Benny as being something that is morally and spiritually inappropriate. The article goes on to suggest that we were having an improper intimate relationship, which is categorically false. In late May of this year, I went to tape a "This Is Your Day" broadcast with Pastor Hinn. Although I had not seen him in years, the taping gave us the opportunity to catch up on what has transpired in both of our lives. As someone who also endured a painful and public divorce, I was able to offer him insight and spiritual encouragement. Since that time we have continued to talk and our friendship has grown stronger but has remained morally and spiritually pure. I publicly profess and forcefully renounce assertions that the recent trip to Italy to meet with Vatican officials suggests that the friendship is in any way improper or morally impure. We traveled independently to the region for respective ministry duties and, while there, spent time together along with others. We were never alone and were in the constant company of staff and other associates.
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[In an undated posting] Pastor Benny Responds to False and Misleading News Reports - As you may be aware, the National Enquirer recently released a dishonest and misleading article which falsely characterized my friendship with [Pastor] Paula White - The article also indicated that on a recent trip to Italy we met secretly and stayed together - This could not be further from the truth and is absolutely false! The truth is that we traveled independently to the region for respective ministry duties - and, although we spent time together, *we were never alone and were in the constant company of staff and family members [as of right now photos and eyewitness accounts seem to indicate that they were alone] - {Note: Originally I had no intention of posting on the reported events of Benny Hinn and Paula White - two people who I actually have a deep desire to see succeed in the ministry both of whom have large ministries and affect a lot of lives but that was until I read the (disingenuous) reply posted by Benny Hinn on his own website. Clearly counter to what Benny claims the two are unchaperoned and already several inconsistences have emerged from the Benny Hinn (false) reply. - Also Note: I felt led to post on this topic because of the clear epidemic in Christian circles today of Pastors and Leaders who are so willing to consistently engage in lying and deceitful practices directed primarily at Christians from behind their own pulpits i.e. Pastors like Benny Hinn, Ergun Caner, Dr. Norman Geisler, Chuck Smith Sr., Brian Brodersen, Greg Laurie, Skip Heitzig, Mike MacIntosh and Rick Warren just to name a few. Certainly we are living in deceitful and dishonest times within the Christian (Mega-Church) system and unless we as Christians begin to do something about it and take a stand for Biblical truth, financial openness and personal honesty among Church Pastors and Leaders we will all be drowned in this deliberate ocean of lies, dishonesty and deception that is taking place within and being forced upon a very unsuspecting (and naive) modern-day Christian Church congregation.}
To my precious partner, As you may be aware, the National Enquirer recently released a dishonest and misleading article which falsely characterized my friendship with Paula White. The publication, which is known for its bias against religious figures, misleads readers regarding the ministerial friendship I have had with Paula White for over 20 years. As you know, my wife, Suzanne, filed for divorce at the beginning of this year. If it were not for the comfort of the precious Holy Spirit and the Word of God to give me encouragement throughout this process, I cannot imagine how I could have survived the past five months. Throughout this season, your love and prayers have helped strengthen me to continue ministering around the world. Were it not for your faithfulness and the presence of my wonderful Lord Jesus, the loneliness of carrying this burden by myself would have been unbearable. In late May of this year, Paula White came to tape a This Is Your Day broadcast with me. Although I had not seen her for years, she was an encouragement to me and shared helpful advice out of her own painful experience. As a result, I will not deny that the friendship has strengthened, and, while it has remained morally pure at all times, I have enjoyed the company of someone who has also gone through the trauma of a painful and public divorce. But most of you know me personally and know that I have faithfully preached the Gospel for over 35 years. I have never failed my marriage vows and would never dishonor the precious name of Jesus, whom I adore with all my being...and I never will! As I have often said, I would rather die than bring dishonor to His name. And so I am writing to tell you today that I forcefully, categorically, and absolutely renounce the lies that have been spread about me and want to set the record straight with you. There is nothing inappropriate or morally improper about my friendship with Paula White. -- There has been no immorality whatsoever! -- The article also indicated that on a recent trip to Italy we met secretly and stayed together. This could not be further from the truth and is absolutely false! The truth is that we traveled independently to the region for respective ministry duties. I was invited by Vatican officials to visit the Vatican to discuss future ministry opportunities there. Paula was likewise invited to have meetings in the region, and, although we spent time together, we were never alone and were in the constant company of staff and family members.
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Apprising.org: REPORTS OF BENNY HINN AND PAULA WHITE AFFAIR (PICTURES INCLUDED)
The National Enquirer is currently reporting that Benny Hinn and Paula White are having an affair. I know, I know, it's the Enquirer and they're unreliable. There's one catch…. they've got pictures of Hinn/White going into and out of a hotel in Rome holding hands. I bought an issue when a fellow researcher called and told me about this story and I have seen the pictures. Is it true? I don't know. But, judging from the photographs, Hinn may have some explaining to do! Sometimes The Enquirer has a nasty habit of not getting the facts straight, but pictures speak a thousand words. I would never quote The National Enquirer as a reliable source for anything, but having seen the pictures, I came to the conclusion that, barring a really good Photoshop job, this warranted posting. As for now I'm going to proceed with much, MUCH, caution, considering the source. However, looking at the photographs, I believe there is a little merit to this story… for now. I'll start this post as a launching point, and will follow these developments as they occur. Should this all prove to be true, we'll find out soon enough, won't we?
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The Rapture - The taking into Heaven the Church body [Ekklesia - G1577] of Jesus Christ {Note: The Rapture [speculated to possibly occur on a future Feast of Trumpets day] of the 'born again' Spirit Church by Jesus into Heaven is the conclusion of the giving of the 'born again' Spirit (John 20:22) by Jesus that started on the Resurrection Day the Feast of Firstfruits (Easter). The rapture is not the conclusion to the separate and distinct work and giving of the Holy Spirit that occurred on the later Feast of Pentecost. The [witness and empowerment] work of the Holy Spirit that began at Pentecost continues on throughout the Tribulation period while the working of the Feast of Firstfruits will be concluded with the Church being removed from the earth and brought into Heaven by the call "shout" of Jesus.}
The Church Rapture: "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you [Christians] to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep [passed away], that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe [cross and resurrection] that Jesus died and rose again, **even so them also which sleep in Jesus [are already in Heaven with Jesus] will God [Jesus] bring [at the rapture] with Him. For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we [Christians] which are alive and remain unto the [rapture] coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep [they are already in Heaven]. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout [a bidding call - command - G2752], with the voice of the archangel, and with the Trump of God: and the dead in Christ [already in Heaven] shall rise first: Then we [Christians] which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air [the rapture precedes the 2nd coming where Jesus physically returns to earth - unto to His brethren the Jews]: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." - "Acts 3:19-21 Repent ye therefore, and be converted [become a Christian], that your sins may be blotted out [The O.T. didn't forgive 'blot out' sin as the N.T. does the O.T. only temporarily (yearly) covered sin], when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord [Father, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit]; And He shall send Jesus Christ [2nd coming], which before was preached unto you: **Whom the heaven must receive [Jesus will remain in Heaven - the rapture, uniting of the Church with Jesus will occur in the air (heaven) not on earth - Jesus returns to the earth to the Jews (not the Church) later in the 2nd coming (Zechariah 12:10, Revelation 14:1)] until the [2nd coming] times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." -- The Spirit baptism of Jesus began on the feast of Firstfruits and continues throughout all of Church history until it concludes at the event of the Rapture of the Church. - "John 1:32 And John [the baptist] bare record, saying, I saw the [Holy] Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him [Jesus]. And I knew Him not: but He [God] that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is **He [Jesus] which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."
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Pentecost - Three different things were being accomplished on the one Feast Day of Pentecost - 1. The Apostles who were already Christians (Luke 24:45, John 20:22) became Holy Spirit empowered and emboldened in the Gospel of Jesus Christ - 2. Ordinary Citizens (those who had not witnessed the resurrection of Jesus as the Apostles had) began to respond to the teachings and preaching of the Apostles and became Christians [without receiving the miraculous wind, speaking in tongues or the flames of fire that the Apostles had just received] - 3. According to the Apostle Peter quoting the Prophet Joel the Holy Spirit was also poured out upon all people [the world having been cleansed by the blood of Jesus] as a witness [the Holy Spirit now globally doing the sanctifying and witness work that the (Tabernacle and later the) Temple in Jerusalem once did] to the world of the accomplished resurrection of Jesus Christ in order that all people [since Pentecost] will have the Spiritual opportunity to come to faith and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior
1. "Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they [Apostles] were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled [empowered] with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. -- 2. "Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:" - "Acts 41-42 Then they [new Christians] that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [to the Christian Church]
unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." -- 3. "Act2:16-21 But this [Holy Spirit outpourning] is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit **upon all flesh [all people, Jews, Gentiles - saved, unsaved - as a witness to every one of the completed works of the Messiah Jesus Christ - note: it is the 'upon' witness of the Holy Spirit and is separate and different from the 'indwelling' presence of the Holy Spirit in the 'born again' Christian, a person who has responded to the 'upon' presence of the Holy Spirit receives God inside and becomes a 'born again' Christian]: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: {during Revelation} The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day [2nd Coming] of the Lord come: And it [through it all] shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord [Jesus Christ] shall be saved [eternal life].
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Feast of Trumpets: The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the Fall Feasts [of Israel] - The interval of time between 'first coming of Jesus' [3 Spring Feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits (Easter)) and] the last of the spring feasts [or middle Feast] (Pentecost [4th Feast] or Weeks) and the first of the [three] Fall Feasts {to be completed at the 'second coming of Jesus'} [a total of 7 Holy Feasts from Leviticus Chapter 23] (Trumpets) corresponds to the present Church Age - In other words, we are presently living between Israel's fourth and fifth feasts - {3 Fall Feasts} Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah) is on September 11, 2010 [in 2001 the Feast of Trumpets (a lunar calendar feast, not a solar 365 day year) was on September 18, 2001] - Day of Atonement (Yom Kippurim) September 20, 2010 - Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) September 25, 2010 - Source: escapeallthesethings.com/holy-day-calendar.htm
The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the fall feasts. The Jewish people call this feast Rosh Hashanah, which literally means "Head of the Year," and it is observed as the start of the civil year (in contrast with the religious year which starts with Passover) on the Jewish calendar. The Feast of Trumpets is so important in Jewish thinking that it stands alongside Yom Kippur ("Day of Atonement") to comprise what Judaism calls "the high holy days" on the Jewish religious calendar. It begins the "ten days of awe" before the Day of Atonement. According to Leviticus 23:24-27, the celebration consisted of a time of rest, "an offering made by fire," and the blowing of the trumpets. Modern Rosh Hashanah (Ezekiel 40:1) is traced back to the Feast of Trumpets which is the sounding of the trumpets on the first day of the seventh month (Tishri) of the religious calendar year (Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 29:1). The trumpet referred to here was the shofar, a ram's horn. It was distinctive from the silver trumpets blown on the other new moons. Silver trumpets were sounded at the daily burnt offering and at the beginning of each new month (Numbers 10:10), but the shofar specifically was blown on the beginning of the month Tishri. The interval of time between the last of the spring feasts (Pentecost or Weeks) and the first of the fall feasts (Trumpets) corresponds to the present Church Age. In other words, we are presently living between Israel's fourth and fifth feasts. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost started the Church Age [coming after the 40 day Christian Apostolic Age (the personal earthly fellowship of the Disciples with the resurrected Jesus)]; and Trumpets, which will signal Christ's second coming to rapture the Church and {begin Revelation to ultimatly} judge the wicked, will end the Church Age.
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{Flashback} The Blood Moon Scenario - tracking solar and lunar eclipses and comparing them with Levitical Feasts
In the spring of 2015 Israel's religious year will begin with a total solar eclipse, followed two weeks later a total lunar eclipse on Passover. And then six months later the sequence will repeat itself with a second solar eclipse on Rosh Hashanna followed two weeks after that by another total lunar eclipse on the Feast of Tabernacles, all in 2015. The last time anything like this happened was in 1967, when Jerusalem became an undivided Jewish city again, and before that there were several occurrences during the years of 1948-50, as Israel was becoming a nation. There were none at all in the 1800's, 1700's, or 1600's, and none in the 1500's that coincided with Feast Days. ... If these earlier Blood Moons did in fact announce the re-birth of the nation and the reunification of Jerusalem as it appears, then the next major step in Israels' journey toward the Kingdom is their national reunion with their Creator. This is the way Ezekiel saw it happening, and in my view is important enough to God to merit such a celestial announcement. After all He's been waiting to take them back for 2000 years.
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The inherited 'born again' Christian gifts given to each Christian from God - Jesus Christ [Prophet, Priest, King] in us (Colossians 1:27) - each Christian [with the born again Spirit] prophecies to others according to our own individual faith - each Christian (as a part of Jesus' priesthood) offers gifts to God according to our own individual faith - each Christian exercises spiritual (Kingdom of Jesus) authority [over the Church realm and over the spiritual realm] according to our own individual Christian faith -- "Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified [made right with God] by [our] faith [in the works of Jesus Christ, His cross and His resurrection], we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access [to God] by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
"Romans 14:17 For the Kingdom of God is not meat [food] and drink [socializing]; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth (serves) [Jesus] Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men." -- The individual Christian gift of prophecy (hearing from God): "Romans 12:5-6 So we [Christians], being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members [belongs with] one of another. Having then {inherited} gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;" --- The individual Christian gift of priesthood (offering individually to God): "Romans 12:1 I urge you brethren by the mercies of God to present [as your Christian priesthood] your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual [priestly] service of worship." -- "1st Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." -- "2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth [faith] in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful [faith based] giver." -- "Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost." --- individual Christian gift of Kingdom authority (individual spiritual authority from God): "2 Corinthians 10:8-9 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord [Jesus Christ] hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters." -- "Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord [Jesus Christ] commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth." -- "Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee [evil spirit] in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he [evil spirit] came out [of her] the same hour." -- "Acts 17:30-31 And the times [past] of this [Gentile] ignorance God winked at; but now [God] commandeth all men every where to repent: Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Jesus Christ] whom He hath ordained; whereof He [God] hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised (eternal life) Him [Jesus Christ] from the dead.
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The Old Testament Offices of Prophet, Priest and King combine in Jesus Christ [in Office] and are now not a New Testament [human] Office but are more of an Inheritance for every Christian believer in Jesus Christ {Note: The Higher Offices of the Old Testament (Prophet, Priest and King) are completed in Jesus and complimented within each Christian in the even Higher New Testament Office - the Office of Servant of Jesus Christ.}
"Matthew 12:17-21 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias (Isaiah) the prophet, saying, *Behold My servant (Jesus Christ), whom I have chosen; My beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased: I [Father God] will put My Spirit upon Him (Matthew 3:16), and He shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear His voice [protesting] in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto [resurrection] victory. And in His name shall the Gentiles trust." -- "Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them [Disciples] unto Him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief (first - G4413) among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." -- "Romans 1:1-2 Paul, *a Servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, Which He had promised afore [O.T. times] by His prophets in the [O.T.] Holy scriptures," -- "James 1:1 James, *a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the Twelve [Jewish] Tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting." -- "1 Peter 2:15-17 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness [wrong doing], but *as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." -- "2 Peter 1:1-2 Simon Peter, *a servant and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:" -- "Jude 1:1-2 Jude, the *servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied." -- "Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His *servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His *servant [Disciple] John:"
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The Three Offices of God; Prophet (receives from God on behalf of mankind), Priest (access to God - offers to God on behalf of mankind), and King (God's authority to mankind on earth) -- Prophet (O.T. books of Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, etc.) - Priest (O.T. books of Exodus, Leviticus, etc.) -- King (O.T. books of 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, etc.) - Only in the one person of Jesus Christ are the Three Offices of God [deliberately separated among mankind] but combined into the one authority and office only in and for the one person of Jesus Christ
Office of Prophet: 1 Samuel 3:20-21 And all Israel from Dan [in the North] even to Beer-sheba [in the South] knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the Word of the LORD." - "1 Samuel 9:9 Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer." -- Office of Priest: "Exodus 27:21 In the Tabernacle of the congregation without (outside) the vail, which is before the [Ark of the] Testimony, Aaron [Levitical High Priest] and his sons [Levitical/Aaronic priests] shall order [officiate] it from evening to morning before the LORD [God]: it shall be a statute [observance] forever unto their generations *on the behalf of the Children of Israel." -- "Exodus 24:4-8 And Moses [an earthly prophet of Isreal (see also: Exodus 7:1-2, Numbers 11:27-29)] wrote all the Words of the LORD [King of Israel], and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. And he (Moses) sent young men [of each Tribe of Israel] of the Children of Israel, which offered [through the Levitical Priesthood for Israel] burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD [God]. And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant [Old Covenant - Old Testament - established via Moses - N.T. established through Jesus Christ], and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant [Old Covenant - Old Testament], which the LORD [God - King of Israel] hath made with you concerning all these [O.T. Covenant] Words." -- Office of King: "2 Samuel 6:21 And [King] David said unto Michal, It was before [in the presence of] the LORD, which chose me before thy father [King Saul], and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before [in the presence of] the LORD." - "Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He [Christ] is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass [donkey], and upon a colt [baby] the foal of an ass [donkey]."
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Basic Christian: Atonement - renewed [human] access into God's personal presence - The atonement between man and God is complete and completed (Hebrews 1:3); there is no current or future work of atonement - We have received the work that Jesus as our High Priest did for us on the cross - The relationship between man and God is [now] open and available - The atonement is a sacrifice that is offered from a priest [who has access] to God - We do not receive atonement from God [we receive knowledge of the repaired relationship] - God is not offering [a sacrifice] to us because He has not offended us (but Jesus did offer His sinless, eternal life for us on the cross because no one human can amend (atone) for the sins of the world) - Now that the relationship between God and man has been atoned (repaired by Jesus Christ) it is now the responsibility of each individual person to take advantage of the repaired relationship and to have a [personal] relationship with God -- "Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we [humans] have now received the atonement (repair)."
Atonement is an offering given by the offending party to the offended party. Offences separate and sever relationships. When the relationship is severed it requires a mending in order to repair and re-establish the broken relationship. The means to mend the broken relationship is called the atonement. Man has offended God. After all, all God did was to create us, give us life, bring us into existence and love us. All man does is to disobey and turn our backs and walk away from God. With this behavior it is necessary that the broken relationship between God and man be mended. In this case man is so separated from the knowledge of who God is that mankind is not even aware that we have so offended God and that the relationship is broken and needs to be repaired. When two parties are no longer communicating there is need for a third party to intercede. This third party is called the "mediator". In this case, it is man that is not talking to or seeking after God, so God sent Jesus as a mediator to get the attention of mankind and to tell mankind that we have broken the relationship with God {it is not uncommon for the offending party to be so clueless that they are completely unaware of their offending behavior}. Jesus has done much of this mediation by speaking to prophets and having the Bible written. The relationship is so broken that many people even deny the existence of God. The most shattered a relationship can become is to deny the existence of the other person. Jesus is mediating/talking to us on behalf of God, because Jesus is God and therefore He is capable of talking for God and representing God. -- When the broken relationship is identified as broken, it is then possible to determine a remedy (atonement). It is up to the offended party to declare what is suitable to repair the relationship and it is up to the offending party to desire to remedy the relationship otherwise the relationship will remain broken. -- God being the offended one has declared that a relationship in the current sinful physical state of man is not acceptable. God has determined that to repair the relationship it will be necessary to have a new birth, a new Spiritual Born Again birth. Now it would normally be up to the offending party to meet the needs of the offended one therefore restoring the relationship. In this case, man is not able to repair the breach, the brokenness is too broken for us to repair. In this case God, has sent Himself to repair (atone) the separation on man's behalf. -- The atonement is what the offending party is offering to the offended party. God has a special category of people that make offerings to Him. This group of people are called priests. A priest offers to God on behalf of man, where a prophet receives from God and offers it to man. Because God is not upset with Himself and God is not in a broken relationship with Himself, God has no need to make atonement with Himself. For this reason God had to become a man. God had to become a man and serve as a priest to offer atonement (repair) for the broken relationship between man and God. ... After the offending party offers the repair (atonement) it is up to the offended party to determine if the offering is acceptable and if acceptable, therefore repairing and restoring the relationship. We know beyond any doubt that Jesus and what Jesus did as a Priest in offering atonement to God is acceptable to God and has repaired the relationship between man and God. The reason that we know this is that God resurrected Jesus from death and gave Him a new Spiritual [resurrection] body. "Romans 1:3 Concerning His (Father's) Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." It is the resurrection of Jesus that shows us that Jesus is the Son of God. "Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (repair)." The atonement between man and God is complete and completed; there is no current or future work of atonement. We have received the work that Jesus as our High Priest did for us on the cross. The relationship between man and God is open and available. The atonement is a sacrifice that is offered from a priest to God. We do not receive atonement from God. God is not offering to us because He has not offended us. Now that the relationship between God and man has been atoned (repaired) it is now the responsibility of each individual person to take advantage of the repaired relationship and to have a relationship with God. - {Note: The Limited Atonement doctrine confuses the Office of Priest (offering on behalf of man to God) with the Office of King (Divine authority and rule of God). Atonement is not just a Divine decree from God but is primarily a work (of the cross), a sacrifice, an offering to God from man [Jesus Christ].}
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Note: a main reason that modern 'Reformed' (modern Calvinism) doctrine [once saved, always saved] does not resonate with people and is unaccepted by a majority of people today is that it might (as a teaching) just be out of sync with God and His current last Church Era and Dispensation
Jesus instructed Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) His last Church [emphasizing His last Church age and dispensation] that it is important for Christians to know and to understand that if people are not living their life for and with God that He will ultimately reject them. The prescribed teaching of Jesus for His Church today is not 'once saved, always saved' but the knowledge and reality that God can and will reject Christians who have found their comfort not in God but in this present world. There are several crucial teachings and corrections given to the Church of Laodicea notably. 1. The earth and the world [cosmos - world system] have both been created by God not evolution. 2. God can and will reject those who do not whole heartedly accept God. 3. The personal experience of trials and difficulties are personally beneficial to the believer who is being conformed into the image of Jesus through them. -- "Revelation 3:14-22 And unto the angel of the Church of the [last Church] Laodiceans write; These things saith [Jesus] the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the beginning (Arche - G746 i.e. highest ruler, Chief Priest, Chief Shepherd 1 Peter 5:4) of the *creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, **I will spue [reject] thee out of My mouth. **Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art [spiritually] wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: *I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. *As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and *repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup [nourish] with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My [Kingly] Throne [on earth - 8th Kingdom, Millennial Reign], even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne [in Heaven]. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the [Holy] Spirit saith unto the Churches."
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Also Coming Soon: Basic Christian Dispensation Theology - End Time Dispensation Theology without the 'Hyper'
Although the Basic Christian Ministry is posting Christian material that is often grouped, categorized and segmented into common themes and occurrences (dispensations) the Basic Christian Ministry is in no way advocating a Hyper-Dispensation Theology. Mankind as individuals we are born into our own unique location and time period [dispensation]. For instance if we wanted to experience with the Children of God their ancient bondage and slavery in Egypt with Moses, the deliverance, wilderness wandering and then with Joshua the conquest of the Promise Land, we would have to have been born about 5,800 years ago in Egypt. Though mankind is bound by dispensations (if we are alive today we cannot then later be born 5,800 years ago in a past dispensation) God is not bound by dispensations. Hyper-Dispensationalism might seek to limit God's abilities to certain timeframes and locations though Biblically God is anything but limited. Regular Dispensation Theology only seeks to group and coordinate events, times, seasons and conditions that are Biblically linked and bound together but does not in any way try to limit God or His actions to certain timeframes, locations or dispensations. Three quick examples of Biblical occurrences outside of man's dispensation but completely within God's limitless Dispensation are 1. The Apostle Paul called by God to be an Apostle after the close of the 40 Day Apostle Dispensation (1 Corinthians 15:8 - "as of one born out of due time" - out of dispensation) 2. The Disciple John being brought into the future and the End Time Tribulation Dispensation (Revelation 4:1) in order to view firsthand the events of Revelation. 3. The crucifixion offering of Jesus Christ outside of human time and existence "Revelation 13:8 And all [End Time humans] that dwell upon the earth shall worship him [Antichrist], whose names are not written in the Book of Life **of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world [eternity past]. See Also: Matthew 13:35, Matthew 25:34, John 17:24, Ephesians 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 4:3, 1 Peter 1:19-20.
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Heart of the Matter - Live One Hour Call-in Show - Shows Aired in 2010 - Grace parts 1 & 2 (Mp3 - Mp4)
About Heart of the Matter: Started in early 2006, Heart of the Matter is a TV show produced in the Mecca of Mormonism, Salt Lake City. It's where Mormonism meets Biblical Christianity face to face! Shawn McCraney, the host of Heart of the Matter, provides great entertainment value and valuable knowledge of Mormonism and what it means to be a Born-Again Christian. Shawn is the author of "I Was a Born-Again Mormon" and the pastor of Calvary Campus.
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Christian Movie: Faith Like Potatoes (2006) - BASED ON THE INSPIRING TRUE STORY OF ANGUS BUCHAN {Note: An Excellent movie! Extremely well-acted and produced! - Also Note: The movie (like most Christian message movies) is an emotional rollercoaster, be prepared and have the people watching it with you prepared for an excellent, emotional, true movie that is also very moving, touching and most of all faith promoting.} (DVD)
Based on the novel Faith Like Potatoes, this inspiring film tells the story of Angus Buchan, a South African farmer who suffers a series of seemingly insurmountable losses, but through an unlikely friendship with his Zulu farmhand and divine interventions, discovers the key to healing himself and learning to accept others lies in his unwavering belief in the power of faith.
This powerful DVD includes a gripping 54 minute documentary on the real life Angus Buchan, the making of Faith Like Potatoes, director and cast commentary, deleted scenes and more.
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Coming Soon: The Vagabond Priesthood - Sons of Sceva - a Bible Study by David Anson Brown
Acts 19:11-20 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of [the Apostle] Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. *Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you [evil spirit] by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the [vagabond] priests {not Levitical priests}, which did so [exorcisms]. And the evil spirit answered and said, *Jesus I know, and Paul [a servant] I know; **but who are ye [vagabond]? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and [publically] confessed, and shewed their deeds [Christian characteristics]. Many of them also which used curious arts [witchcraft] brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed. -- Wiki.com Vagabond: A vagabond or "drifter" is an itinerant person. Such people may be called drifters, tramps, rogues, or hobos. A vagabond is characterized by almost continuous traveling, lacking a fixed home, temporary abode, or permanent residence. Vagabonds are not bums, as bums are not known for traveling, preferring to stay in one location. Historically, "vagabond" was a British legal term similar to vagrant, deriving from the Latin for 'purposeless wandering'. Following the Peasants' Revolt, British constables were authorized under a 1383 statute to collar vagabonds and force them to show their means of support; if they could not, they were jailed. By the 19th century the vagabond was associated more closely with Bohemianism. The critic Arthur Compton-Rickett compiled a review of the type, in which he defined it as men "with a vagrant strain in the blood, a natural inquisitiveness about the world beyond their doors." Examples included Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Leo Tolstoy, William Hazlitt, and Thomas de Quincey.
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Prophet, Seer, Apostle, 144,000 Witnesses [the coming Dispensation of Revelation Tribulation with the 144,000 Jewish witnesses (i.e. announcers, forerunners - Prophets, Seers, Apostles) for the 1,000 year Kingdom Reign on earth of Jesus Christ] -- 'Matthew 11:13 For all the [O.T.] prophets and the law prophesied [of the coming Messiah - Jesus Christ] until John [the Baptist - the last O.T. prophet]. And if ye [Spiritual Church] will receive it, this [John the Baptist] is [Spiritual] Elias (Elijah) [Elijah - "Elohim is my God"], which was [announcer, forerunner - of Christ] for to come. -- '1 Corinthians 15:8 And last of all He [resurrected Jesus Christ] was seen of me [last N.T. Apostle - Apostle Paul] also, as of one born out of due time.' -- 'Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye [Gentiles] are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the [Jewish] Saints, and of the Household of God; And are built upon *the foundation of the [N.T.] Apostles and [O.T.] Prophets, **Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief [foundation] Corner Stone; In [Jesus Christ] whom all the [Temple] building fitly framed together groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation [living place] of God through the [Holy] Spirit.' - {Note: The Prophets prophesied of the coming Messiah (Christ) and wrote the Old Testament of the Bible with the words of their prophecies. Then with the actual arrival of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) the O.T. prophecy was completed (in John the Baptist) and scripture authority was then given to the Apostles who were in the actual presence of Jesus Christ and it was the Apostles [not Prophets] who wrote the Kingdom of God instructions in Righteousness of Jesus Christ - the New Testament. Also Note: This is Not replacement theology - the 'Spiritual Church' (seperate from physical [redeemed] Israel) began at the giving of the Spirit of Jesus after His resurrection on Resurrection Sunday [Easter Sunday] and continues until the 'Rapture' taking of the Spiritual Church into heaven. Then with the Spiritual Church removed from the earth the events of Revelation revert almost exclusively to physical events and physical [redeemed] Israel -- the only or primarily 'spiritual' events of Revelation Tribulation are the counterfeit spiritual events of the Antichrist. Also Note: We are currently in the 'Church Age' [not the Prophet, Apostle or 144,000 Dispensation or Age] the Church Age started after the Apostles [Disciples of Jesus] with the Church Fathers [disciples of the Apostles] i.e. Polycarp of Smyrna, Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch.}
Seer: The Seer was part of a short distinct time period in the history of Israel and came from the office of the Prophets. The office of Seer took place during the unique time period of Israel when God was their King. With God in the midst of Israel He was no longer Prophesied about but was seen by the Seer. This time period began after the Passover and upon leaving Egypt. Exodus 13:17 "God led them" He could be Seen leading the new Nation of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promise Land. In those days everyone in Israel could See God as He appeared in a pillar of Cloud by day and in a pillar of Fire by night. The Seer time period lasted from the Egypt Exodus throughout the wilderness into the Promise Land including the time period of the Judges and until the regretful moment when Israel as a Nation rejected the leadership of God and chose for themselves an earthly king named Saul ('asked for') so they could be like all of the other nations around them and like all of the other nations they could no longer see God in their midst. With the anointing and placing of Saul into the office of King the brief Seer period of Israel reverted back to the prophet period and remains the prophet period for Israel until this day. "1 Samuel 10:17-19 And ye have this day rejected your God." As that day they were anointing Saul King. The Church however has God as King and is at times in a position of a Seer. "Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." As the "Born Again" "Pure in Heart" Church we at times do get to glimpse and to see God at work as He leads and directs our path into His righteousness. There are times that are just too Compassionate, to Divine and to Miraculous to be anything but the occurrence of God. It is only the Christian that is equipped and able to be a Seer into these very special moments in life [with God]....
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A Basic Christian Study: The Christian Apostles {Note: To say that the Christian Church only started at Pentecost [50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ] and not on the Resurrection Sunday of Jesus (Luke 24:45, John 20:22) is to say that the Apostles were not Christians [the entire 40 days that Jesus met with them after His resurrection and before His ascension] it wipes out the [True] Christian Apostolic dispensation [lasting only 40 days] and with it a great part of the foundation that the Christian Church is founded and based upon.}
Matthew 10:2-4 Now the names of the Twelve Apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. -- Matthew 28:18-20 And [40 days after the resurrection] Jesus came and spake unto them [Apostles], saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations [the Christian Apostles' doctrine], baptizing them [converts to Christianity] in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them [fellow Christians] to observe all things whatsoever I [Jesus Christ] have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you [Disciples] alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. -- Acts 2:42 And they [Pentecost converts to Christianity] continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. -- 1 Corinthians 15:7-9 After that [first resurrection days of Jesus - being seen by Peter and the {remaining} 12 Apostles {at that time only 11 Apostles} and then over 500 resurrection witnesses at one time], He [resurrected Jesus] was seen of James [Gospel of James - son of Joseph and half-brother of Jesus]; then of all the Apostles [who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ]. **And last of all He [Jesus] was seen of me [Apostle Paul - The 12th Apostle, Judas' replacement - chosen by God (Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:1, etc.) not by the casting of lots (Acts 1:26)] also, *as of one born out of due time [missing the 40 days of the Apostle dispensation]. For I [Apostle Paul/Saul] am the least of the Apostles, that am not meet to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. -- Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye [Gentiles] are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the [Jewish] Saints, and of the Household of God; And are built upon *the foundation of the [N.T.] Apostles and [O.T.] Prophets, **Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief [foundation] Corner Stone; In [Jesus Christ] whom all the [Temple] building fitly framed together groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation [living place] of God through the [Holy] Spirit.
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Time and Judgment by Randy Maugans {Time - Eternity: "Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:" -- "Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." -- Judgment: "John 3:18 He [person] that believeth on Him [Jesus] is not condemned: but he that believeth not *is condemned (judged) already, because he hath not believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of God." Note: The Judgment of God is occurring NOW it is not a future event but a future accumulation of our ongoing events (as Randy is pointing out) in our own actions and through our own deeds. Also Note: The Apostle Paul makes it clear that the Judgment of God is not to be feared by the Christian since we have already passed from death to life and from condemnation into Righteousness in Jesus Christ. -- "Philippians 4:3 ... with other my fellowlabourers [in the Gospel], whose names are in the Book of Life (eternal)."} (Mp3)
In the words of Solomon we gain some fascinating insights into salvation and the process of judgment, or the rendering of one's existence into the eternal. In breaking off the chains of religion and dogma…moving into the realm of pure spirit we become, in one sense, "law unto ourselves", or more correctly, Creator's law unto ourselves. This is called freedom-the freedom obtained and sealed by Messiah. This leads into huge questions about judgment, law, devotion and an ascendancy into power and dominion in this present life. Our choices in the here and now are the fulcrum into the infinite. Understanding that religion is a closed system, but devotion of Creator is the gateway to true liberty and self-determination. Segment two is a reading from the "Archko Volume," and an historical perspective on religion, worship, and government from a completely God-centric position. From the perspective of Rabbi Hillel III, we view the transitions of devotion toward Creator, and the ebb and flow of the religious structures through time.
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Excellent!! Commentary by James White - Another Attempt to Make Lemon Juice Out of Lemons.... (Video)
Is lying in the pulpit not a "moral" failure? How did we get here in the Evangelical Church? Some thoughts.
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"Driven By Destiny" [Emergent Church book] is slated for release in October 2010 - The premise of Dr. Adams' book is completely at odds with the biblical teaching on what "rights" we, as Christians, have to our lives - With her new book "Driven by Destiny" Dr. LaVerne Adams reveals 12 secret keys that inspire readers to overcome feelings of confusion and frustration while navigating their own unique destiny roadmap - Rick Warren "America's Pastor" has written the foreword to the new book loaded with theological error and which promises to be heavy on pragmatic, self-focused, "Word Faith-y" narcissism as if American Christians needed any more encouragement for that - this [New Age] teaching has taken on Christian terminology and flooded into today's churches
Dr. Adams is passionate about motivating people [to] live the life of their dreams. Sounds terrific….except for that little problem of Christians having no "rights." You see, we are slaves, slaves to Christ (1 Peter 2:16), and slaves do not have rights. Our lives are not our own, we have been bought for a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), and only God can know and direct our destiny. If I plan out my life and God has a destiny in store for me other than the one I have mapped out, I must bend the knee in humble submission before God's greater plan for my life. Just ask Stephen [Acts 6:5-7:60], who was stoned to death after rebuking the Sanhedrin for their sinful rejection of the prophets and Messiah himself. About Stephen [it doesn't get anymore 'outside the box' than what Stephen displayed in completely trusting God with his life!], I wonder: did the "life of (his) dreams" include death by stoning? Probably not, because in our flesh, we are all small, narcissistic, self-protective and vain to the extreme. But when submitted to the Lord, as Stephen was, and as we all must strive to be by God's grace, our lives have deeper meaning and serve eternal purposes that our finite minds cannot grasp. But not according to Dr. Adams, whose assessment of Stephen would be that he was not successfully navigating his "unique destiny roadmap." Poor Stephen, not to have the "12 Secret Keys" to unlocking his future…..he had only the Lord to entrust his destiny to. In addition to being unbiblical, this kind of positive self-talk in Dr. Adams' book also comes very close to being New Age/Integral Spirituality thought, which is not Christian at all. When I was in the New Age back in the 90s, this thinking was dubbed "New Thought." Its theology? What mind can conceive, man can achieve. This thoroughly New Age thinking really went mainstream and took off in 2007 with the book "The Secret," which "explained" that the secret of success in anyone's life was based on something called the "law of attraction." This "law of attraction" puts forth the concept that thoughts have energy and power, and when you clear yourself of negative blocks, get focused and think your thoughts purposefully, your thoughts will create what you desire by "attraction." The problem? This is not Christian teaching...which teaches a crucified self, a life yielded to its Maker. Nevertheless, this teaching has taken on Christian terminology and flooded into today's churches.
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Basic Christian: The Fullness of God!
Redemption, first fruits, works, boundaries, self-righteousness, -- what is the fullness of God and how do we experience it now! Hint: we experience God in His fullness in a first fruits (glimpse - foretaste) manner until the fullness of our bodily redemption (Romans 8:23) takes place in heaven. -- "Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which *have the firstfruits of the [Holy] Spirit, even we [Christians] ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption [in heaven], to wit, the redemption of our body." {Note: The future "redemption of our body" is when we can enter bodily [body, soul and spirit] into the presence of God - thought we are already able to enter Spiritually (*having the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit) into the presence of God but not yet bodily into the presence of God. Also Note: we receive from God the 'firstfruits' or 'born again' portion of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit then produces from within us our 'first fruits' of fellowship with God and our individual service to God that we live out and display in our own lives. What is being displayed in and through the many false prophets of today (Todd Bentley, Bob Jones, C. Peter Wagner, Rick Warren, Greg Laurie 'Lost Boy' [Harvest Crusade], the late William Branham, etc.), is not the existence, working or manifestation of the Holy Spirit but it is instead a counterfeit unholy spirit of deception, manipulation, harm and deceit.}
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***Highly Recommended - #5 AN INSIDER'S WARNING - BOB JONES (no relation to Bob Jones of Bob Jones University) - LAKELAND OUTPOURING - TODD BENTLEY - True or False? (YouTube)
Andrew Strom is author of the first book on the Lakeland outpouring. He spent 11 years in the same Prophetic movement as Todd Bentley. Here he tells us why he questions the Lakeland outpouring, the teachings, drunk behavior, strange signs and wonders, etc. What will it take to see real Revival?
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Extremely Important Viewing!!! Part 8 - Dialectic Deception - [To Download Click the Share Button] (Online Video)
*Emerging Church DVD (Online) This two hour and forty-five minute DVD takes a hard look into the beliefs and practices of what has become one of the most dangerous deceptions assaulting God's people today - The Emergent Church. - Part 8: Sandy Simpson speaks on: Methods used by false teachers to deceive God's people.
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Part 8 - Dialectic Deception - Download option 2 'Right Click' on the this Link and select "Save file as …" (Mp4 Download)
*Emerging Church DVD (Online) This two hour and forty-five minute DVD takes a hard look into the beliefs and practices of what has become one of the most dangerous deceptions assaulting God's people today - The Emergent Church. - Part 8: Sandy Simpson speaks on: Methods used by false teachers to deceive God's people.
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Part 7 - Yoga within the Christian Church - Download option 2 'Right Click' on the this Link and select "Save file as …" (Mp4 Download)
*Emerging Church DVD (Online) This two hour and forty-five minute DVD takes a hard look into the beliefs and practices of what has become one of the most dangerous deceptions assaulting God's people today - The Emergent Church. - Part 8: Sandy Simpson speaks on: Methods used by false teachers to deceive God's people.
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Part 6 - Brian McLaren - Download option 2 'Right Click' on the this Link and select "Save file as …" (Mp4 Download)
*Emerging Church DVD (Online) This two hour and forty-five minute DVD takes a hard look into the beliefs and practices of what has become one of the most dangerous deceptions assaulting God's people today - The Emergent Church. - Part 8: Sandy Simpson speaks on: Methods used by false teachers to deceive God's people.
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Part 5 - Occult infiltration - Download option 2 'Right Click' on the this Link and select "Save file as …" (Mp4 Download)
*Emerging Church DVD (Online) This two hour and forty-five minute DVD takes a hard look into the beliefs and practices of what has become one of the most dangerous deceptions assaulting God's people today - The Emergent Church. - Part 8: Sandy Simpson speaks on: Methods used by false teachers to deceive God's people.
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Part 4 - The Church of Oprah Winfrey - Download option 2 'Right Click' on the this Link and select "Save file as …" (Mp4 Download)
*Emerging Church DVD (Online) This two hour and forty-five minute DVD takes a hard look into the beliefs and practices of what has become one of the most dangerous deceptions assaulting God's people today - The Emergent Church. - Part 8: Sandy Simpson speaks on: Methods used by false teachers to deceive God's people.
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Part 3 - Contemplative/centering prayer - Download option 2 'Right Click' on the this Link and select "Save file as …" (Mp4 Download)
*Emerging Church DVD (Online) This two hour and forty-five minute DVD takes a hard look into the beliefs and practices of what has become one of the most dangerous deceptions assaulting God's people today - The Emergent Church. - Part 8: Sandy Simpson speaks on: Methods used by false teachers to deceive God's people.
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Part 2 - The Emergent Church - Download option 2 'Right Click' on the this Link and select "Save file as …" (Mp4 Download)
*Emerging Church DVD (Online) This two hour and forty-five minute DVD takes a hard look into the beliefs and practices of what has become one of the most dangerous deceptions assaulting God's people today - The Emergent Church. - Part 8: Sandy Simpson speaks on: Methods used by false teachers to deceive God's people.
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Part 1 - Introduction - Download option 2 'Right Click' on the this Link and select "Save file as …" (Mp4 Download)
*Emerging Church DVD (Online) This two hour and forty-five minute DVD takes a hard look into the beliefs and practices of what has become one of the most dangerous deceptions assaulting God's people today - The Emergent Church. - Part 8: Sandy Simpson speaks on: Methods used by false teachers to deceive God's people.
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Basic Christian: blog History Study - The 8 Kingdoms of the World (PDF)
Nimrod, Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, [Revised Rome - NWO] Antichrist, Millennial (1,000 year) Kingdom Reign of Jesus Christ.
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Basic Christian: blog Bible Study - Genesis - Revelation (PDF)
The complete Basic Christian blog Bible Study covering Genesis to Revelation in PDF format.
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Church Discipline: The Guest Teachers Series - DOES THE TRUTH MATTER ANYMORE? by John MacArthur $64.95 (5 Parts DVD) - entire series $203.72 (CrossTv.com) {Note: Christianity involves two parts, the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus. We follow Jesus in our own death (dying - self discipline) to self, sin and this world and in our own personal resurrection in living to God and His Holy Spiritual realm. Much of what the Emergent (New Age) Church is trying to do is to live the spiritual resurrection (grace, peace, holiness, wellbeing, sharing, joy) without first experiencing the death to self, sin and this world. Christianity is grounded and based in both parts, both dying to self (discipline) and resurrection (joy) living to God - these videos are more about the dying to self (self discipline) part but don't forget to also live the holy spiritual (grace, peace, holiness, wellbeing, sharing, joy) resurrection part. (Philippians 1:20-21, 1 Corinthians 10:31)} (DVDs)
Everywhere is apathy. Nobody cares whether that which is preached is true or false. A sermon is a sermon whatever the subject; only, the shorter it is the better." Those words were written by Charles Spurgeon MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO! Yet, he might have just as easily been describing the state of the church at the beginning of the 21st Century. Well, in this "tell-it-like-it-is" indictment of the attitudes, methods and approaches of much of the modern church, Pastor John MacArthur picks up where Charles Spurgeon left off. This is 'MUST VIEWING" for the modern Christian. Presented by: John MacArthur
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PTC Slams Fox [Network] for Skirting Broadcast Decency Law, Ignoring FCC Authority - The degree of arrogance in Fox's [Rupert Murdoch] behavior is simply astounding - a January 3, 2010 episode of "American Dad" which resulted in over 100,000 indecency complaints - It is preposterous for Fox executives to argue that since they didn't see indecency complaints from specific DMAs, the complaints don't exist - We urge the FCC to get tough with Fox and stand ready to revoke the licenses of any and all broadcasters who refuse to comply with the terms of those licenses
LOS ANGELES (July 7, 2010) - The Parents Television Council™ called out Fox for its latest attempt to skirt the broadcast decency law and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority. According to Broadcasting & Cable, Fox is arguing that it should not be forced to pay a $25,000 fine to the FCC after it refused to provide vital information about a January 3, 2010 episode of "American Dad" which resulted in over 100,000 indecency complaints. "The degree of arrogance in Fox's behavior is simply astounding. The network has refused to provide information about an explicit episode of 'American Dad' to the sole government agency responsible for enforcing the broadcast decency law. While that is contemptible enough, now Fox has the audacity to try to skirt a fine that was proposed simply because it didn't provide the information the FCC requested," said PTC President Tim Winter. ... "The indecent 'American Dad' episode at issue generated more than 100,000 FCC complaints from citizens around the United States. It is preposterous for Fox executives to argue that since they didn't see indecency complaints from specific DMAs, the complaints don't exist. The question is about which Fox affiliates aired the show, and the answer is simple and straightforward. ... "We agree with Fox that the FCC must act in a more timely manner to adjudicate indecency complaints. But Fox's decision to dismiss the investigative efforts of the very agency that grants broadcast licenses demonstrates contempt for the law, not to mention parents and families. We urge the FCC to get tough with Fox and stand ready to revoke the licenses of any and all broadcasters who refuse to comply with the terms of those licenses," Winter concluded.
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Why We Say Beth Moore is a Contemplative Advocate - In our recent article "Rick Warren Points Network Followers to the Contemplative 'Sabbath'" we state that Beth Moore is a "contemplative advocate" - Some people have a hard time with this statement - Why do we say she is advocating contemplative spirituality? Below is our explanation
The Be Still DVD by Fox Home Entertainment was released in April 2007. Featured speakers included Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Max Lucado, Beth Moore and many others. There is no indication on the DVD that Beth Moore is against contemplative prayer (the subject of the DVD), and in fact when we spoke with her assistant shortly after the release of the DVD, she told us that Beth Moore did not have a problem with Richard Foster or Dallas Willard's teachings. Furthermore, a statement was issued by Living Proof Ministries (see statement) that clarified: "We believe that once you view the Be Still video you will agree that there is no problem with its expression of Truth." Living Proof is offering to send a free copy of the DVD to anyone who receives their email statement and wishes to view the DVD, saying that, "It would be our privilege to do this for you to assure you that there is no problem with Beth's participation in the Be Still video." ... Moore builds her case for contemplative in her frequent references to Brennan Manning in her book, suggesting that his contribution to "our generation of believers may be a gift without parallel" (p. 72). This is indeed a troubling statement made by a Christian leader who so many women look to for direction and instruction in their spiritual lives. Many of those women, in reading Moore's comments about Manning and her quoting of him in the book may turn to the writings of Manning for further insights. When they do, they will find that Manning is a devout admirer of Beatrice Bruteau of The School for Contemplation. ... Lighthouse Trails has received a number of angry emails and calls from women who want Lighthouse Trails to stop saying this about Beth Moore, but we are presenting solid facts in a non-vitriolic, straight-forward manner, and we believe we are compelled by the Lord to do so, as are all believers required to defend the faith. Postscript: The Be Still DVD is being widely promoted and can be found even in your local video rental stores. Couple this DVD with the fast growing CCN (Church Communication Network - hosts of the marriage seminar with Moore and Thomas) and we can safely say that contemplative prayer is quickly becoming "normal" in Christianity. But before we are too swift to think "oh well, maybe it isn't that bad," listen to these words by mystic Richard Kirby: "The meditation of advanced occultists is identical with the prayer of advanced mystics." That statement is taken from Ray Yungen's book, A Time of Departing. Ray saw this coming back in 1994 when he sat and listened to Richard Foster and soon realized Foster was promoting the teachings of mystic Thomas Merton.
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WARNING! Monica Dennington [started her ministry while in Kansas City] of "Tic Toc Ministries" - She is a false teacher who says the Holy Spirit is a woman! {Note: both Beth Moore and Nancy Leigh DeMoss (sister of Mark DeMoss) have also gone down this same path where they started out apparently teaching sound doctrine but are now also teaching more of a New Age Contemplative and cult (LDS) friendly message. Also Note: in 2007 the Nancy Leigh DeMoss Ministry (Revive Our Hearts - Women's Ministry) suddenly received a "matchable donation" (of between $10,000-$25,000) from an "unnamable" [LDS?] source while at the same time her brother Mark DeMoss was employed by the Mitt Romney campaign. Presumably the donation was payment to Nancy so she would not speak out about or against the LDS cult - something that since 2007 Nancy has rarely if ever done.} (YouTube Video)
I'm shocked also. Jesus always was. He was not created [by sex between Father God and a female Holy Spirit]. A body of flesh was created for him through God and Mary but Jesus always was. This is so basic. I'm really surprized at Monica's twist on such a simple concept. This is bad news. Her previous teachings that I have heard seemed to be spot on.
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Washington Post: Obama names Cook religious freedom ambassador - The White House just announced that they're filling the long awaited position of ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom - The appointee is Rev. Suzan Johnson Cook, whose experience includes pastoring a New York City church and founding a group called Wisdom Worldwide Center She has also been a chaplain for NYPD
UPDATE: Cook's name had been out there for months (as we reported in January), so there has been plenty of time for the self-described international religious freedom community to react. Reaction has been pretty uniform -- respect for Cook's work in building a New York City-based mega-ministry and in her interest in public service, but concern for the lack of any expertise in international religious freedom and human rights work, or foreign policy work in general. And this at a time when President Obama has beefed up the staffing and role of religion in embassies worldwide. International religious freedom advocates have also been upset that the position remained empty for so long and that Cook -- unlike other ambassadors-at-large within the State Department -- and her staff will have less access to the Secretary of State than they believe the law creating her position envisioned.
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LighthouseTrailsResearch.com: Obama Names Suzan Johnson Cook Ambassador For International Religious Freedom - According to a Washington DC press release in 2009, Johnson Cook is "dubbed Billy Graham and Oprah rolled into one" i.e., a new spirituality "Christian" - According to Johnson Cook's website, she is also a member of Renaissance Weekend, an interfaith **think tank [NWO 'think tank' religion i.e. Rick Warren] that "seeks to build bridges across traditional divides of professions and politics, geography and generations, religions and philosophies"
According to a Washington DC press release in 2009, Johnson Cook is "dubbed Billy Graham and Oprah rolled into one" (i.e., a new spirituality "Christian). Since aggressively stepping up to the "spiritual" plate during the 911 attacks in 2001 [Ergun and Emir Caner also arose out of the ashes of 9-11-2001], serving as the only NYPD Chaplain's until now, Dr. Sujay has been called, "America's Chaplain". She firmly believes that, "We are mind, body and spirit which means it's time to put the stress of the current economic decline aside and get back to the basics of life - which is simply getting back in touch with your God, His wonderful promises and purpose for our lives." According to Johnson Cook's website, she is also a member of Renaissance Weekend, an interfaith think tank that "seeks to build bridges across traditional divides of professions and politics, geography and generations, religions and philosophies."
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Wikipedia.org: Mike MacIntosh "a Ground Zero Chaplain" - the senior pastor of Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, California a Calvary Chapel affiliate - [Book] (2002) When Your World Falls Apart: Life Lessons from a Ground Zero Chaplain by Mike MacIntosh, Foreward by Anne Graham Lotz {Wow! 9-11 books and bracelets - some Calvary Chapel pastors seemed to see 9-11 as an opportunity to make some quick money. No wonder Calvary Chapel Pastors don't investigate [or even publically talk about] the possible NYC 9-11-2001 events because it seems in their best interest (best income opportunities) to go along with the official 9-11 version of events.}
Mike MacIntosh (born 1944) is the senior pastor of Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, California, and is a Christian leader in the United States. MacIntosh left the hippie scene of the 1960s and got involved with Calvary Chapel. He then went on to pastor Horizon Christian Fellowship, a Calvary Chapel affiliate, beginning in 1974. He is also the organizer of Festival of Life, an international evangelical outreach program. MacIntosh has also served as a chaplain for the San Diego Police Department, and has been involved in post-9/11 rescue efforts in New York City, as documented in his book When Your World Falls Apart. [When Your World Falls Apart (2002): Life Lessons from a Ground Zero Chaplain by Mike MacIntosh, Foreward by Anne Graham Lotz - Amazon.com] -- An Unofficial Associate Pastor: An example of this is Calvary of Albuquerque [pastor Skip Hietzig] where Skip's wife, Lenya, functioned almost as a pastor for women. Her "9-11 bracelet" idea [was it her idea alone or was it a 'think tank' religion idea being passed along through Lenya Hietzig?] ended up costing the church hundreds of thousands of dollars in inventory write-offs. - Source: http://calvarychapel.pbworks.com/pastors-wife
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{Flashback} Calvary Chapel (Skip Heitzig) Albuquerque States: Leonard Sweet Will Not Be Speaking at Conference - Lighthouse Trails Calls For Answers - Questions Arise: Is New Age Sympathizer Leonard Sweet Speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque or Not? - the National Worship Leader Conference website still maintains that Leonard Sweet will indeed be speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque {Note: Because of deceptive and non-Christian practices emanating from various Calvary Chapel pastors the website links from Basic Christan to Skip Heitzig and several other Calvary Chapel (Costa Mesa) resources, Churches and pastors have recently been removed by the Basic Christian Ministry.}
This is an update regarding the Lighthouse Trails report that New Age sympathizer Leonard Sweet is scheduled to speak at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque for the National Worship Leader Conference this June. Conflicting reports are occurring as to whether Sweet's speaking engagement has been cancelled. Please refer to our recent posting, Questions Arise: Is New Age Sympathizer Leonard Sweet Speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque or Not? where we write on some of these conflicting reports. A number of Lighthouse Trails' readers contacted us over the last couple days sending us copies of an email they each received from an undisclosed personnel at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque. **The form letter states: Thank you for contacting us here at The Connection and thanks for writing to Pastor Skip. We always love to hear from you. The conference is not a Calvary conference. The conference is being put on by Worship Leader Magazine using our facility - just like CAPE, Home school graduation, funerals, etc. Therefore, Leonard Sweet is not speaking at "Skip's Church". [LT: Heitzig is one of the speakers at this event.] He is part of a conference using Calvary's facilities. Leonard Sweet will attend the conference but WILL NOT BE SPEAKING. It is our prayer that God will continue to reveal Himself to you through His Word as you seek to know Him. Love in Christ, Connection Communications -- Because the National Worship Leader Conference website still maintains that Leonard Sweet will indeed be speaking at Calvary Chapel Albuquerque, an official public notice from CCA stating that Leonard Sweet will not be speaking there could help clear up the present confusion. Just as important, a statement explaining to the body of Christ why they have decided to remove him from the platform would be important. In a day and age when so many Christian leaders are sending out mixed messages to the Church regarding spiritual deception, those wanting to maintain biblical integrity need to be forthright and clear in what they believe and stand for. And regardless of what denomination or movement this confusion is occurring in, those particular leaders do have a biblical obligation to the entire body of Jesus Christ. This is not Lighthouse Trails saying this - this is what the Bible requests of leaders and pastors.
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{Flashback} Note: There has been a change to the referencing for each of the Basic Christian blog Bible Study postings - Each posting will now contain the Bible's book and chapter and will no longer provide a reference to an alternate past study by Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa - The change is being made out of necessity in that the teachings of the Basic Christian blog Bible Study are too divergent from the alternate material of Calvary Chapel and therefore providing Chuck Smith or Calvary Chapel as an alternate reference in the blog Bible Study has been causing too much confusion within the current blog Bible Study - The re-referencing of each post will be completed as soon as possible - My sincere apologies for any inconvenience that this has caused or might cause for anyone studying the Bible - God bless you, David Anson Brown
Originally the postings to the Basic Christian blog Bible Study were listed with an alternate past study of the Calvary Chapel C3000 series by Chuck Smith however the teachings and material of Chuck Smith have become to inconsistent and run to counter to the current [in progress] teachings given in the Basic Christian blog Bible Study and therefore there is no reason to [continue to] provide a listing to an alternate Chuck Smith resource. Sadly, it has also recently [in part through the faithful and diligent ministry of Randy Maugans at The Threshing Floor] come to the attention of the Basic Christian ministry that there are now several serious allegations that Chuck Smith does not have his own material but often plagiarizes much of his material from other sources [including now New Age material i.e. his 2006 book "When Storms Come" by Chuck Smith with (later removed) portions plagiarized from two New Age authors] and that Chuck Smith had then put his name on the material of others as though it was his own material. In Short there was an attempt to provide a reference to some past material as an alternate counterbalance to the Basic Christian material however it quickly became evident that the material of the alternate teaching of Chuck Smith is filled with too many personal antecedents has too many inconsistencies [biblical names, dates and locations] (probably from his use of too many external sources i.e. other commentaries) and even outright biblical misrepresentations [i.e. Kingdom - eternal rewards] to the point that the past study of Chuck Smith is incompatible with the current Basic Christian blog Bible Study and therefore for clarity all references to any Calvary Chapel or Chuck Smith material will be removed from all of the Basic Christian material.
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{Flashback} Dr. Norman Geisler On Ergun Caner by Peter Lumpkins [Apparently it's not a hoax and Dr. Norman Geisler did author that incoherent rant.] {Note: We live in crucial times and as such it is now time that we REJECT the current Christian pastors, teachers and leaders that are unable or unwilling to accurately evaluate and assess the post 9-11-2001 era of danger, beguile and betrayal that we now exist in. Too many Pastors are still more interested in their own personal agendas, comfort and finances than in spreading the gospel message of Jesus Christ. -- Past pastors, teachers and leaders like Chuck Smith Sr. of Calvary Chapel, Rick Warren, John Hagee, Greg Laurie, Skip Heitzig, James Dobson, Norman Geisler, Jerry Falwell Jr., John MacArthur, Rick Joyner, Mark Demoss, Tony Perkins, David Brody, Lee Strobel, R.C. Sproul, Max Lucado and a host of others who consider themselves to be apostles, prophets, teachers and leaders need no longer be taken seriously or even be considered to be viable as a Christian Church authority by those within or without the true Christian Church. It is time to call into question their motives, abilities, agendas and desires that make them unwilling to accurately or faithfully proclaim the trusted Gospel of Jesus Christ!}
COMMENTS: Peter, With all due respect to Dr. Geisler's acomplishments of years past, I fear this is another of a group of recent statements showing how out of touch he is with present [since 9-11-2001] reality. What have we come to in the evangelical community when fabrications, exaggerations and lies are dismissed and those who expose such things are called "libelous"? I'm sorry, but relying solely on the assessments of men like Elmer Towns and Norm Geisler in a postmodern, digital age is not altogether sound. It would be safe to say that these men spend little or no time on the internet, much less reading blogs, web sites, twitter feeds, etc. The abundance of information today can be overwhelming for those of previous generations. This is not to say that the present environment is better, just VERY different. Moreover, Dr. Geisler is not a completely unbiased source in this matter. Caner is a regular speaker at apologetics conferences held at Southern Evangelical Seminary, founded by Geisler. Futhermore, how is it possible that he able to render summary judgement on this matter by only talking to "Dr. Caner and other principal parties at Liberty"? How can one make a final judgement on a matter by only talking to one side of the matter? What if we applied this same standard in our legal system? What if judges rendered judgement on a case after only speaking with the defendent? This seems grossly biased to me. Lastly, I agree we all should "pray for and encourage our brother". We should PRAY that DR. Caner will repent of his fabrications and falsehoods. We should ENCOURAGE Dr. Caner to start telling his TRUE testimony: that of a child from a broken him divided between Islamic and secularistic values whom God miraculously and graciously brought to salvation. {Amen!}
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The Threshing Floor Radio Show-June 27, 2010-Randy Maugans - The End of Religion (Mp3)
"The tendency to turn human judgments into divine commands makes religion one of the most dangerous forces in the world." Georgia Harkness -- We have got to deal with this: Many religious doctrines are of men, not God. Religion is a tool of control that drives blind allegiances to falsehoods, stifles growth, and limits our capacity to be both critical and embracing of new information. Religion substitutes rigid rules and narrow interpretation for genuine seeking of TRUTH. Even worse, religion is conformity to a world-view that streams into the goals of the elites…easily aroused to passions of fervor, the religious become unwitting pawns in a game of social control, genocide, and war. This is about you…your quest…your battle for truth regardless of cost…heedless of risk. Faith begins at the point of not knowing, it ends at the moment you think you "know."
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The Zeph Report - "Z Live" on WWCR - June 26, 2010 - Guest Randy Maugans - An extended transmission of the live shortwave feed (Mp3)
"And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Isaiah 40:5" - A word is spoken in the show: REJECT FEAR! Additionally, I would say embrace love-AGAPE. The gulf oil spill is a shadow of the wounds that are in each of us…places that bleed, are broken, and need healing. Empty out yourself from yourself and get real before the Lord. The off-air segment finds us discussing music, along with summarizing the themes brought out in the broadcast. Nothing planned…no agendas…the Spirit heals in the places of our wounds.
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PREEMPTION BROADCAST with Russ Dizdar - Prophecy Prayer, the Past Present and Future (Mp3s)
Prophecy Prayer, the Past Present and Future the Book of Daniel chapter 9.
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Bible verse: 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we [Christians] have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit which is of God; that we might know *the things that are freely given to us of God. {Note: As Christians if we were to try to go the 'works' route in attempting to facilitate a relationship with God our own works would continually keep us from experiencing the fullness of God, all that God has for us at any one moment. Works imply receiving something later, a later payment that is missing but a personal relationship facilitates fullness in God and with God at all times regardless of our own works or of our own abilities.}
'1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we [Christians] have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.' -- 'Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.' -- 'Romans 5:17 For if by one man's [Adam's] offence death reigned by one; much more they [Saints - Christians] which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.' -- 'Romans 8:15-17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the [born again] Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, *that we are the Children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.' -- 'Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.'
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Mormon Coffee blog: In his (YouTube) critique, FlackerMan disputes the frequently asserted LDS claim that [LDS founder] Joseph Smith knew he was going to die at Carthage [jail] - Comments: falcon on June 24th, 2010 - Man, the [LDS] Mormons are writing fast and furious today! Usually it only gets this hot when something about the faux priesthood is posted - Let's not forget, Joseph Smith ended up in jail for ordering the destruction of a printing press - Spin away Mormons but it was this lawless deed that sent him to jail and eventually to his death - Yea, I know and [LDS President] Brigham Young wasn't complicit in the Mountain Meadows Massacre [9-11-1857, in Utah the LDS ambush and murder of 120 American settlers on their way from Missouri to California] either - Smith wasn't interested in buying the farm when he went to jail - He had every reason to want to live - **He [Joseph Smith] had power, money and sex **the three things that corrupt men and he was corrupt - We're not talking about a flawed prophet here - We're talking about [Joseph Smith] a religious charlatan who armed himself [with 1 of 2 pistols smuggled into his jail cell by a fellow Mormon] in order to shoot his way out of jail if necessary - I for one wished the guy had lived - The whole deal would have eventually crumbled around him - He would have been the author of his own destruction which I guess he was any way
I have edited and listed many of FlackerMan's questions here for your consideration. Joseph removed his temple garments before going to Carthage and told others to do the same {It's likely that Joseph Smith had everyone removed their LDS 'temple underwear garments' prior to getting to Carthage because once in town and especially once in jail it could easily be discovered that Joseph Smith had stolen the Freemasonry concepts from the Freemasons and was using them in his own LDS rituals [temple rituals] including using the two main Freemason symbols [compass and square] markings on their own LDS underwear and certainly the local Freemasons would not approve of it.} (D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, 146). Why would he do this if he were about to die a martyr's death for his testimony? Joseph, Hyrum and others drank wine while singing songs in Carthage Jail (History of the Church, 7:101). Why would Joseph disobey the [LDS] Word of Wisdom, a direct [LDS] revelation from God, if he knew he was very soon to stand before that God for judgment and be required to give an account of his behavior? **Joseph sent an order to the [LDS-Mormon] Nauvoo Legion instructing an [LDS] attack on Carthage Jail to free the prisoners. When the mob approached, Joseph mistook them for his [Mormon Legion] liberators and told the frightened jailer, "Don't trouble yourself, they have come to rescue me" (Quinn, 141). Why would Joseph have made plans for, and expected, his escape if he knew he was going to die? Joseph had and used a gun defensively during the attack (History of the Church, 7:101-103). Why would he bother to fend off his attackers if he was going "like a lamb to the slaughter" and knew he was about to die? When Joseph's gun ran out of ammunition {jammed - approximately 3 of six shots were fired by Joseph Smith from one of two smuggled pistols - by most accounts hitting three people from the mob eventually killing two one who died from his wound in the arm and another after being seriously wounded in the face while less seriously wounding a third person in the shoulder - source: http://www.i4m.com/think/history/carthage-jail-smith.htm} he [Joseph Smith] ran to the [second story] window [in back of the jail] and, using the Masonic distress code ["O Lord My God! Is there no help for the widow's son?"], called for help from fellow Masons who might have been in the mob (see E. Cecil McGavin, Mormonism and Masonry, 16-17). Why would he call for help if he knew his destiny was to die that day? Indeed, if Joseph knew his death was imminent, why did he not just give himself up for the safety of his friends who were with him? After the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum, the LDS Church was in crisis. No clear direction for succession in leadership had been set in place. This lack of direction resulted in many schisms and breakaway Mormon groups all claiming to be God's only true church. If Joseph knew he was never to return from Carthage Jail, why didn't he definitively name a successor before his death? Did Joseph Smith know he was going to Carthage to die? The circumstances and Joseph's behavior surrounding his death make that seem highly unlikely. This is yet another faith-promoting Mormon myth employed to persuade people to pin their eternal hopes to what is ultimately a lie. ... Comments: David on June 24th, 2010 - Sharon, Let me play a little Devil's Advocate. I think it is fairly obvious that Joseph and company had a good idea that they might die if they went to jail. Is anyone disputing this? This was possibly a reason, or even the reason, why they were about to flee into the rocky mountains. Even if Joseph was interested in clearing his name at trial, he was not obliged to turn himself in as his safety was far from guaranteed as the historical record demonstrates. Granted, I think Joseph was engaged in at least one, and possibly multiple illegal activities (the destruction of the printing press {extensive bank-money fraud (Joseph Smith's Kirtland Bank Failure - "An illegal bank created by Joseph Smith")} being the foremost), but the state is supposed to better than mere criminals and on that day it was not. ... Sharon on June 24th, 2010 - David, I'm on the road so this will be quick, but I'm gonna push back a little on this. I do not believe Joseph and Hyrum thought they were going to die at Carthage. I think there is plenty of evidence that suggests they thought they would either be liberated by the Nauvoo Legion, or, by Habeas Corpus which had worked so well for Joseph many times before. As for the WoW, true it was not yet a commandment, yet God did allegedly give specific directions regarding alcohol which Joseph disregarded in that situation. And last quick point, I think the context of the frontier is important to keep in mind, yet we need to be careful to not go too far. Yes, there was mob justice, but even so, history shows that the people *generally* wanted to solve things within the law (demonstrated, perhaps, by your surprise that the violence was not worse than it was).
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HOTM: Heart of the Matter a Live One Hour Call-in Show - 06/23/2009 Episode 171 Mountain Meadows Pt VII - at about 27 minutes into the show during the call-in portion Danny from Georgia calls in and among other things comments that "he is believing for the Lord to change millions of lives" [Danny is in a sense prophesying that millions of people are about to come out of the LDS organization and into true Christianity. Is the LDS about to come crashing down as a failed, bankrupt organization? I hope so and I certainly agree with Danny and Heart of the Matter on this one!] {Though the Basic Christian ministry is not a part of the ministry to the LDS movement it does join in prayer and in the hope that millions of people will be delivered from the LDS and into the glorious light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Note: Basic Christian is a Theology, Bible Study and Current Events ministry and sometimes the current events involve LDS issues. Above all the Basic Christian ministry is a Servant Ministry serving people by providing Links, Information and Resources to Christian material. - The Basic Christian ministry is not a Leadership ministry, not a Teaching ministry and not a Counseling ministry. The Basic Christian ministry does seek to use the Spiritual gifts of Discernment, Word of Knowledge and Word of Wisdom in its ministry capacity.} (Online Video - Mp4 and Mp3 Downloads)
About Heart of the Matter: Started in early 2006, Heart of the Matter is a TV show produced in the Mecca of Mormonism, Salt Lake City. It's where Mormonism meets Biblical Christianity face to face! Shawn McCraney, the host of Heart of the Matter, provides great entertainment value and valuable knowledge of Mormonism and what it means to be a Born-Again Christian. Shawn is the author of "I Was a Born-Again Mormon" and the pastor of Calvary Campus. -- Live One Hour Call-in Show - Airs Tuesdays 8pm MST - Rebroadcasts Tuesdays 11am MST -
Salt Lake City Channel 20 KTMW - Boise, Idaho Channel 18 KCLP.
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Basic Christian: Christianity and the Mormon (LDS) Cult are Very Different
Mormonism (LDS) practices and engages in the longtime deceitful and illegal marketing practice of "bait and switch" to offer - bait the customer with one product and then through excuses, deceit and manipulations to steer the customer into a different inferior product. In this case Mormons universally offer Jesus, the Bible and a "truer Christianity" and then in a dishonest way switching from the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible to the teachings of Joseph Smith and others. The Mormon Church is deliberately trying to avoid their true identity as a Mormon cult and is instead representing themselves as something they are not, which is true Christian followers of Jesus. Following are a few considerations as to why Mormonism is a cult and in no way resembles Christianity.
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Hooray! This marks the official release of "The Bible vs Joseph Smith!" In a conversation between a Christian and a Mormon, the prophets of both the Bible and the Book of Mormon are put head to head in a test to see which prophets are truly speaking for God - If even one prophecy fails to come true, that prophet is a false prophet, and must be put to death -- See Also: The Bible vs. The Book of Mormon - DVD Trailers (Online Videos)
Hooray! This marks the official release of "The Bible vs Joseph Smith!" We have worked very hard on this full-length documentary since the beginning of august last year, and it's now finally available. And now is when we need your help more then ever! Here are some things you can do: 1. Order multiple copies to use in your witness to Mormons, and to promote the film in your community.
2. Host a local showing of the documentary (not restricted to pastors). 3. Forward our release email to 10 or more of your friends (for those on our mailing list). 4. Share this post on your facebook, twitter, myspace, etc., with the "share" icon at the bottom of this post! 5. Embed the trailer on your own website or blog with the code below: You have blessed us so much! Thank you for all your support, now lets spread this tool as far and wide as possible to uncover the falacy of Mormonism, and reveal the glory of God in Jesus Christ! *If you are a Mormon, email us and we'll set you up to watch The Bible vs Joseph Smith for free.
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Josh McDowell: Can I Trust the Bible? - Parts 1-4 Video (wmv)
"The Bible stands alone among all other books. It is unique, 'different from all others,' in the following ways plus a multitude more: *Continuity, *Circulation, *Translation, *Survival, *Teachings, *Influence on Literature, and *Influence on Civilization." Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Pg. 4, 4-16.
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Navigators: The Wheel - Illustration with Bible Verses (PDF)
Just as any wheel in balance must have the *hub directly in the *center (established), any life in balance must be centered [established] on Christ. He is the power source for a dynamic Chrisian life just as the wheel is driven forward by the power of the hub. The direction of any wheel also comes from the hub and so every mature believer follows the Lordship of Christ. He sets the direction for their lives. ... • The *rim [surrounding outer area - that holds everything together] on a wheel is where the rubber meets the road. This is living the daily life of following Christ by being *obedient to His commands. • The *spokes represent the basics of walking with Christ. Every believer must have these elements in their life in order to grow consistently and fruitfully. The **vertical spokes depict our relationship with God. The foundational spoke is the *Word (Holy Bible). In His Word God speaks to us and we get direction from Him. Through *Prayer we speak to God sharing with Him our needs, we praise His greatness and confess our sins. • The **horizontal spokes depict our relationships with people - *Fellowship (being served) is our relationship with believers [and also with non-believers]. We share the love of Christ with one another. *Witnessing (Serving) is our relationship with those who don't know Christ [and also with those who do know Jesus]. We share the reality of Christ and His gospel by our words and our lifestyle.
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Navigators.org: The Evolution of the Wheel Illustration - Throughout his ministry, Dawson Trotman, founder and first president of The Navigators, liked to use illustrations or diagrams like this to help others remember basic principles of the Christian life - So in the 1930s, when he was working with Sunday School classes and boys' clubs, he used the best illustration he had heard describing the balanced Christian life--the three-legged stool - But Trotman became dissatisfied with the [stool] illustration ... So in 1968 "Obedience" was moved to the rim of the Wheel and "Fellowship" replaced it as a spoke - That leaves us with the Wheel as it is today - And whether it remains in this form, or is eventually changed again, it is a useful way of understanding and remembering the essentials for living the Christian life
The Wheel® - History: The Evolution of the Wheel Illustration by Ray King - "They say the Christian life is like a three-legged stool," the young Sunday School teacher told his class. "You must be supported by three things--the Word, prayer and witnessing--to be effective in your Christian lives." Throughout his ministry, Dawson Trotman, founder and first president of The Navigators, liked to use illustrations or diagrams like this to help others remember basic principles of the Christian life. So in the 1930s, when he was working with Sunday School classes and boys' clubs, he used the best illustration he had heard describing the balanced Christian life--the three-legged stool (illustration 1). But Trotman became dissatisfied with the illustration. It left the Christian sitting down--certainly not a practical way to approach the dynamic Christian life he saw taught in the Bible. After much thought and prayer, he designed what he called "The Wheel" illustration to solve this problem. This wasn't the Wheel many of us know today, but a forerunner to it. The hub was Christ, the center of the Christian's life; but there were only three spokes on this wheel, corresponding to the three legs of the stool (illustration 2). Now he had the Christian moving, but he began to see another weakness in the illustration. It showed that Christians should witness, know the Word and pray, but it left out the application of the Bible to all areas of one's life demonstrating the power of Christian living. So Trotman added a fourth spoke-- "Living the Life" --to the Wheel (illustration 3). The rim was called "The Christian Life" or "The Christian in Action." This emphasis on living every area of life with and for the Lord came at an important time. Dr. Arthur Glasser, dean of the School of Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary, says, "Dawson was one of the pioneers in reacting against easy believism. Daws said 'You can't treat a command in the Bible as advice. A command is a command!' He was a living protest against a form of Christianity that sought to understand the Bible, but which wasn't serious about obeying it." Later the new fourth spoke, "Living the Life," was shortened to "Obedience" and the rim was renamed "The Christian Living the Life" (illustration 4). Some people asked, "Where is the Holy Spirit in the Wheel?" Trotman answered that the Holy Spirit was intrinsic throughout, being necessary to the fulfillment of each component of the Wheel. After Trotman's death, in 1956, the Wheel continued to change. Some thought "Obedience" shouldn't be a spoke, since it wasn't in the same category as the other spokes. Rather, it was the theme of the entire Wheel. At the same time others realized that another basic element of the Christian life was not included in the Wheel, even though it was being practiced throughout the body of Christ and was found throughout the New Testament--fellowship. So in 1968 "Obedience" was moved to the rim of the Wheel and "Fellowship" replaced it as a spoke. That leaves us with the Wheel as it is today (illustration 5). And whether it remains in this form, or is eventually changed again, it is a useful way of understanding and remembering the essentials for living the Christian life, just as its forerunners were. Original title: "The Wheel Was Once a Three-Legged Stool," by Ray King from the January 1975 issue of NavLog.
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Warning: Amazon.com Recommends Henri Nouwen to Lighthouse Trails Readers - A Lighthouse Trails reader who had purchased a copy of Castles in the Sand from Amazon - The customer received the notice below from Amazon telling them that since they liked Castles in the Sand, they might also like Henri Nouwen's book, Spiritual formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit - We want to issue this warning that Henri Nouwen was a proponent of contemplative mysticism, the kind that Castles in the Sand so clearly warns against - {**Note: I would at the least flip 2 and 3 of 'The five classical stages' - the illumination (light) of God (John 1:4-5) first causes within us the desires and ability to purge our sinful behavior from our own lives. It's backward for us to attempt to purge [work out of ourselves] the darkness in the often vain and false (Matthew 12:43-45) hope that God's light will then suddenly enter into us having used our own works [methods] that are actually counter to the Biblical principles of a personal, trusting, meaningful and intimate relationship with God in Jesus Christ. Biblically we are to have God's light (Bible, Prayer, Fellowship, Service all surrounded (encompassed) by obedience to God - i.e. the Navigators.org 'wheel' illustration) enter into us first and then with the light of God in Jesus Christ in us, His life in us automatically removes the darkness from us and with it our doubts and the fears of this world.}
Today, we received an email from a Lighthouse Trails reader who had purchased a copy of Castles in the Sand from Amazon. The customer received the notice below from Amazon telling them that since they liked Castles in the Sand, they might also like Henri Nouwen's book, Spiritual formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit. We want to issue this warning that Henri Nouwen was a proponent of contemplative mysticism, the kind that Castles in the Sand so clearly warns against. At the end of Nouwen's life, after years of following the mystical path, in the last book he wrote, he said these words:
"Today I personally believe that while Jesus came to open the door to God's house, all human beings can walk through that door, whether they know about Jesus or not. Today I see it as my call to help every person claim his or her own way to God." -From Sabbatical Journey, page 51, 1998 Hardcover Edition. To understand Nouwen's Buddhist/Eastern spiritual outlook, read Ray Yungen's article, "Henri Nouwen and Buddhism." You will then understand why we feel compelled to post this warning regarding Amazon's recommendation to Lighthouse Trails readers. -- Dear Amazon.com Customer, As someone who has purchased or rated Castles in the Sand by Carolyn A. Greene, you might like to know that Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit will be released on June 29, 2010. From Back Cover: Henri Nouwen, the world-renowned spiritual guide and counselor, understood the spiritual life as a journey of faith and transformation that is deepened by accountability, community, and relationships. Though he counseled many people during his lifetime, his principles of spiritual direction and formation were never written down. Two of Nouwen's longtime students, Michael Christensen and Rebecca Laird, have taken his famous course in spiritual direction and supplemented it with his unpublished writings to create the definitive series on Nouwen's thoughts on the Christian life. The first book in the series, Spiritual Direction, introduced readers to the core concepts of Nouwen's approach to the spiritual life. Book two, Spiritual Formation, showcases Nouwen's life-long effort to re-construct the five classical stages of spiritual development as movements in the journey of faith. The five classical stages are these: 1. Awakening (our desire) 2. Purgation (purifying our passions) 3. Illumination (of God) 4. Dark Night (of the Soul) 5. Unification (with God) Readings, stories, questions for personal reflection, and guided journal inquiry as articulated by Nouwen will provide readers with an experience in spiritual formation with the well-known author, priest, and guide. The third and final book in the series, Spiritual Discernment, is planned to release in 2012. - {**Note: I would at the least flip 2 and 3 of 'The five classical stages' - the illumination (light) of God (John 1:4-5) first causes within us the desires and ability to purge our sinful behavior from our own lives. It's backward for us to attempt to purge [work out of ourselves] the darkness in the often vain and false (Matthew 12:43-45) hope that God's light will then suddenly enter into us having used our own works [methods] that are actually counter to the Biblical principles of a personal, trusting, meaningful and intimate relationship with God in Jesus Christ. Biblically we are to have God's light (Bible, Prayer, Fellowship, Service all surrounded (encompassed) by obedience to God - i.e. the Navigators.org 'wheel' illustration) enter into us first and then with the light of God in Jesus Christ in us, His life in us automatically removes the darkness from us and with it our doubts and the fears of this world.}
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LHTR Discussion Topic: The Shack Author Says "The God of Evangelical Christianity is a Monster" - Comments: Young's Jesus cannot save - Young is leading his readers straight to the Lake of Fire - He doesn't understand God's love [or God's Holiness, His righteousness and His justice] -- Incredibly, this novel continues to cut a swath through the Body of Christ - Will it make a difference when--and if--Christians learn the truth about the author's rejection of the Biblical Christ? -- I am very distressed as my denomination [unknown] greatly pushes this book as wonderful - has had lots of discussion groups, promotes its reading - When I said it was wrong, I got into all kinds of trouble - It saddens me greatly that the Christian community now puts "modern novels and wrong doctrine" above the Bible - Guess they only want to read things that "tickle the ears"
On Friday night, author and researcher Ray Yungen attended a lecture at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon to hear The Shack author William Paul Young. The name of Young's talk was "Can God Really Be That Good?" During the talk, Young told the audience that "the God of evangelical Christianity is a monster." He was referring to the belief that God is a God of judgment and will judge the unbelieving. Young also rejects the biblical view of atonement (wherein Jesus died as a substitute for us to pay the price of our sins). This view by Young is evident in a radio interview he had one year ago where he rejected the biblical view of the atonement. He echoes the sentiments of William Shannon and Brennan Manning, who both say that the God who punishes His own son to pay for the sins of others does not exist: He is the God who exacts the last drop of blood from His Son, so that His just anger, evoked by sin, may be appeased. This God whose moods alternate between graciousness and fierce anger - a God who is still all too familiar to many Christians - is a caricature of the true God. This God does not exist. (Shannon, Silence on Fire, p. 110, also see Manning who stated the very same thing in Above All, pp. 58-59). Young told the audience that his book has now sold 14 million copies. He says that he believes his book has been a "god thing" to heal people's souls because so many people have been tainted by this evangelical God. Young said his book is so effective because when you put something in a story form it gets past mental defenses. Young's obvious distain for evangelical Christianity (in a derogatory manner, he said there are "1.4 million" rules in the evangelical church) is shown in his book as well when The Shack's "Jesus" states: "I have no desire to make them [people from all religious and political backgrounds] Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters of my Papa" (p. 184). Young asked "evangelicals," "Do you want to hold onto your darkness?" and answered for them, "No, you want to get rid of it."
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SPIRITUALITY WITHOUT BOUNDARIES (A Reformed View Commentary on Individual Holiness) - We are saved [individual salvation] by grace, through faith [in Jesus Christ] (Ephesians 2:8) - We are [also] sanctified [our continuing individual holiness (Christian Maturity) in] the same way [by our faith in the completed and accomplished works of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10)] - *The people who really do love God and want to please Him often feel that they do not [do enough,] give enough and likely do not love [Him] enough - [Rick Warren and] Whitney's message [takes advantage of our natural guilt of not doing enough to please God but] is only abusive to those that believe him-much as the (ancient practice of the) sale of indulgences only abused those that believed indulgences were effective in sanctifying the dead [in a made-up pergatory] - Reformed Theology [in theory] exists to resist the processes [of self guilt] that led Luther to despair as he tried every practice the church had to offer for achieving [his own personal] holiness [until Luther found a personal trust and relationship with Jesus Christ] - {Note: I find Reformed Theology to be excessively human focused, man exalting and man centered i.e. John Calvin, [John MacArthur, R. C. Sproul and many others] and not as focused on the presence, workings, gifting, reality, equality, leading and empowerment all freely given of God [the Father, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit] that the Bible directs us to be.}
Before I begin my critique, I want to place before you the areas where Whitney and I agree. Whitney has the gospel right and explains it (Whitney: 28). He is correct that it is the Holy Spirit who imparts a desire for holiness and does so for all Christians. He is correct that the purpose of sanctification is to conform us to the image of Christ. Some of the practices he endorses are valid means of grace (such as the Word of God and prayer). He cites in valid ways many orthodox teachers from church history. He understands that evangelism includes the call to repent and believe and that sharing the gospel constitutes "success" even if people refuse to listen (Whitney: 103). I appreciated his emphasis on the need to study the Bible in a scholarly way in his chapter about learning. And his thesis that we ought to make holiness a priority and take action to that end is a valid implication of his theme verse: "Discipline yourself for the purpose of "godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7). But I disagree with the manner in which Whitney uses Paul's athletic metaphor in his applications. Paul implies neither asceticism nor sanctification by human effort. Had Whitney's book been written when I was in Bible College, it would have proven toxic to me. I would have eaten up his ideas and embarked on a plan to put into practice everything he teaches. In fact, taken as a whole, the errors I pursued as a young Christian would be the most practical way to implement Whitney's approach to holiness: join a Christian commune or a monastery. I am very concerned that Whitney will harm young Christians who wish to be the best Christians they can be, just as I was. Because it contains the true gospel and begins with a respect for the scriptures, I believe Whitney's book to be even more seductive than were the teachers I was reading-like Watchman Nee. *Ordinary life [reality] does not lend itself to the [staged] high level practice of asceticism, pietism, and mysticism [emotions and feelings]. The problems with Whitney's book are these: serious category errors, a lack of boundaries, failure to understand the means of grace, pragmatism, the endorsement of false teachers such as Richard Foster and Dallas Willard without caveat, and his own toned-down version of mysticism. I shall proceed to show what I mean by interacting with his ideas. ... So Whitney is out of bounds to tell us we must do certain things that are not in the Bible if we want to achieve godliness on no other grounds than he said so. He provides arguments in order to justify some of his other practices, but shabby and weak arguments are not valid and should not be heeded. For example, when he teaches us to practice journaling he says this: "Though journaling is not commanded in Scripture, it is modeled" ... The writing of the Psalms and Lamentations was not done because God had made a general promise that if people of faith were to write a journal about their own feelings, experiences, and issues, that God would thereby sanctify them. David and Jeremiah were Holy Spirit-inspired Biblical authors, not people who "modeled" the practice of journaling so that others would do the same. The writers of Psalms and Lamentations wrote scripture that is binding and true. Despite Whitney's claims, our own journaling is a product of our imaginations-and not of scripture. Scripture is a valid means of sanctification and our own imaginative writings are not. ... We see the same problem in Whitney's claim that stewardship is a spiritual discipline. Yes, we are required to be stewards of all we have, including time and money, which Whitney discusses. True Christians are those who have died with Christ to the world and all its claims on us. But do we make ourselves stewards by spending more time in spiritual activities and giving away as much of our money as possible? Or do we put ourselves under God's means of grace, by faith, and as we study and believe the Bible, become stewards by God's grace? I consider Whitney's teaching on giving to be abusive. Paul refers to giving as a "gracious work" in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. That means that when God performs a work of grace, people become generous and eager to give. But Paul specifically says that giving is voluntary. Whitney says, "The proportion of your income that you give back to God is one distinct indication of how much you trust Him to provide for your needs. ... Donald Whitney is not teaching people to give everything away and move into a commune. He is, however, teaching Christians to think like those who give everything away and move into some equivalent of a monastery. As I read his book I thought about what happened to me when I thought that way. We have no way of being sure of how much we love and trust God. Only God knows. ... We are presumptuous when we create our own trials by asceticism supposedly to prove to ourselves that we trust Him. We should give and serve by His grace and not think that how much we give is a true indication that we trust God to provide for us. A person can give everything away and yet not trust God on His terms at all. ... When I met with Rick Warren at the end of his 2008 Summit for his PEACE plan, Chris Rosebrough was there as well. He had sat through every session for several days and told Warren that what he heard day after day was "do more, sacrifice more, give more, etc.," but that he did not hear about the forgiveness of sins. Chris told Warren that he admits that he fails, doesn't serve enough, lacks self-discipline in some ways, and certainly has guilt. But, he said, Warren's program apparently offers nothing in the way of the cleansing of sin and hope for those who know they fall short. When I followed up and specifically asked Warren if he believed in the means of grace, he answered "Of course I do." If Whitney were asked, he likely would give the same answer. Chris had raised an important, pastoral consideration. The truly converted are constantly aware of their sinfulness. Ironically, the more sanctified a Christian becomes, the more he is aware of his sinfulness, and the more it troubles him. What would happen if the troubled Christian, perhaps having the "wretched man" thoughts that Paul expressed, picked up Whitney's book on spiritual disciplines looking for hope and believed what he read there? I see only two reasonable outcomes: hopelessness or self-righteousness. If he is totally honest, the outcome must be hopeless. Pastorally we must offer hope, not an illegitimate method. The hope is found [only] through the [eternal life] blood of Christ. The means of grace include the Lord's Supper because that reminds us of the reason for our hope. -- There are many similarities between Whitney's book and many portions of The Purpose Driven Life. Unless you start with a theology of innate human ability, neither book makes much sense. Whitney makes the analogy of a boy who wants to play a guitar. *The boy is given a vision by an angel [vs. the reality of God the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:10-13)] of an accomplished guitar player. The guitar playing dazzles the boy with amazement at its quality. Then the angel tells him that the person playing is him in a few years, but he must practice (Whitney: 15, 16). The idea is that if you have vision of what you will become, you will be motivated to put in all the effort. The analogy itself smacks of works righteousness. Whitney claims that Romans 8:29 supports his analogy. This is patently false because in context, **being conformed to the image of Christ is a certainty because of what God [Father, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit] does in every believer and not contingent on various levels of effort between believers. Furthermore, world-class guitar players begin with innate abilities that must be developed, and I agree that if that person works hard and has great teaching and is given opportunities he will do well. ***But we begin with no innate ability to be holy. ***Even as believers holiness does not come from innate ability plus practice, but from God's work [Father, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit] of grace. The analogy inculcates an attitude of works righteousness even if Whitney (like Rick Warren) denies believing such.
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Bible verse: Matthew 13:43 Then shall the Righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of [God] their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. {The complete Bible is available at ChristianFaithDownloads.com}
Isaiah 10:27 And it shall come to pass in that day, that his [the oppressor - ultimately Satan] burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing [personal relationship with God in Jesus Christ]. - Isaiah 58:6-14 Is not this the fast that I [God] have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy [prayers] house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own [shortcomings] flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy Righteousness shall go before thee; the Glory of the LORD [Jesus Christ] shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call [in prayer], and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I Am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke [coercion of others], the putting forth of the finger [manipulation of others], and speaking vanity [false and empty talk]; And if thou draw out thy soul [in compassion] to the hungry, and satisfy [attend to] the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot [self ways] from [during] the Sabbath [rest and trust in God], from doing thy pleasure on My Holy Day [every day for the Christian]; and call the Sabbath [trust and rest in God] a delight, the Holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour Him [Jesus Christ], not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob {Jacob (stumbler) was renamed (Genesis 32:28) by God to Israel (submitted to God) - God knows that we are ALL stumblers just like Jacob but those who look to God and have a personal relationship with God [and even strive with God] as Jacob did we will be accepted by God and renamed by God (Revelation 2:17)} thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. - Matthew 13:43 Then shall the Righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of [God] their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. -- Holy Bible
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Criteria for Christian Baptism
Criteria for Christian Baptism: 1. The person being baptized confesses a personal individual faith in Jesus Christ [the Apostles' Creed, a Psalm or a Bible verse can be read or recited]. Acknowledging the sinless Divine life, sacrificial atoning death on the cross and three days later the resurrection [eternal life] of Jesus Christ. 2. The person administering the baptism is to baptize in the Name of God the Father, the Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit [not in the name of any individual, group or denomination] i.e. (Matthew 28:18-20) "I baptize you in the Name of God the Father, the beloved Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit." 3. The water baptism event [submerging into water] signifies our (dying) death and burial to this world (sin and death) while then [emerging from the water] signifies our own personal resurrection with eternal life in Jesus Christ entering into a new life in the eternal Kingdom of God. - Note: The water baptism [and accompanying confession of faith] is the Biblical public confession of faith for each individual Christian and is not to be confused with an alter call that although being a public stand it is not in its entirety the Biblical confession of faith.
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Criteria for Christian Communion
Criteria for Christian Communion: 1. First the 'body' (of Jesus Christ) bread [wafer] is to be unleavened (sinless), unsweetened (reality), made with salt (preserved), holes (pierced) and browned (bruised). 2. Second the 'blood' (of Jesus Christ) cup [grape juice, wine] is to be mingled (combined) 1/3 water with 2/3 grape. Use three separate glasses or containers, 1 with water, 1 with grape, 1 empty. Then pour [mingle] at the same time both the grape and the water into the empty cup creating the cup of 2/3 grape mingled with 1/3 water. 3. Reading a Bible verse or passage provides the 3rd element of Communion the element of the Word of God being the Spirit of God. - Note: When the Communion bread is lifted up blessed, exalted and broken it represents the physical body of Jesus Christ on the cross then when the bread is eaten (consumed, eternalized) it represents the Spiritual [resurrection] body of Jesus Christ. Likewise when the Communion blood is mingled [grape, water] it represents the physical blood and water of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross [after His death - by the spear wound (John 19:34-35)] for the remission of our sins and then when the blood is drink (consumed, eternalized) it represents the resurrection eternal life Spiritual blood of Jesus Christ. Both [the one body] the physical (earthly) body of Jesus Christ and His eternal Spiritual Resurrection [bodily resurrection] of Jesus Christ [along with our new eternal spiritual body in Jesus Christ] are represented in the one Communion of bread and wine (grape).
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The Biblical triune (3 in 1) nature [testimony, salvation, judgment] of the water, blood and Spirit (also represented in breath, wind, fire) that are each freely offered and given from God to all of mankind globally as a witness of sin (and eventually as a judgment against sin), a testimony of the once physical presence of Jesus Christ and as an eternal remedy for our own individual Salvation
Where the Apostle Peter's significant life changing event during his time with Jesus seemed to be at the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-8, 2 Peter 1:16-18) the Apostle John's significant life changing event with Jesus seems to have been at the cross (John 19:34-35, 1 John 5:7-9) when Jesus was pierced by the Roman spear and the blood and water poured out from the wound in Jesus' side. The Apostle John then regards the presence of the Spirit and the separation of the blood and water coming out from Jesus as a witness, a judgment, and a testimony of salvation for all of mankind. When the Basic Christian blog History study returns in about a week we will Biblically look into the blood, water and fire (spirit), testimonies and judgments of the Bible from throughout the Old Testament starting in Genesis and continuing consistently throughout the entire Bible then concluding in book of Revelation [the sin of Adam and Eve and the shedding of blood, the Aaronic Priesthood, the Last Supper Communion, the atoning cross of Jesus Christ, the Resurrection of Jesus and birth (Alpha) of the Christian Church, the Pentecost global Spirit empowerment and witness, the calling home into heaven by Jesus the rapture (Omega) of the Christian Church, Revelation-Tribulation]. -- "John 19:34-35 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His [Jesus'] side, and forthwith came there out {the global Judgment, global Testimony and global Salvation of} *blood and *water. And he (Disciple John) *that saw it bare record [testimony], and his [testimony] record is true: **and he knoweth that he saith true, ***that ye [individuals] might believe [salvation]." -- "1 John 5:7-9 For there are *three (triune) that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear *witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, *the witness [Spirit, water, blood] of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son [Jesus Christ]."
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Bible verse: 1 John 5:1-21 ... For whatsoever is [Spiritually] born [again] of God overcometh the world: and *this is the victory that overcometh the world, even **our faith ... {Note: it is 'our faith' in the completed and accomplished works of Jesus Christ, His works, His sinless life, His cross and His everlasting resurrection life that overcomes this fallen and sinful world. Our faith in Jesus overcomes the fallen world because Jesus overcame the sin and death of the world and it is not our works (good, bad or otherwise) that overcome the world but exclusively our faith in Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished for us to freely receive of from His eternal life. - Also Note: some new teachings now insist that God as assigned evil works or necessary evil in works of death and destruction for some [chosen or appointed] people to carry out i.e. 'messengers of destruction and death' or 'death angels' and it's simply another deception (Romans 3:8) and lie from Satan as the True God [the Holy God of Israel] is the God of everlasting life in Jesus Christ. The Holy God is not the god of human schemes of murder and mayhem. God is the God of forgiveness of sins, reconciliation for mankind and eternal life all in Jesus Christ.} The complete Bible is available at ChristianFaithDownloads.com
1 John 5:1-21 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ (having and giving eternal life) is [Spiritually] born [again] of God: and every one that loveth Him [God the Father] that begat [sent Jesus into the world] loveth Him [Jesus] also that is begotten [was physically manifested in the world] of [in the exact Spiritual image of] Him [God the Father]. By this we know that we love the Children of God [Christians], when we love God, and keep His commandments [Love God, love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39)]. For this is the love of God, that we keep His Commandments: and His Commandments [of Love] are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and *this is the victory that overcometh the world, even **our faith [in love for God]. Who is he [worshiper] that overcometh the world, but he [Christian] that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He [Jesus] that came by water [womb] and blood [cross], even Jesus Christ; not by water [O.T. judgment upon the entire earth (Genesis 6:7, Numbers 31:23)] only, but by water and {now also} blood [N.T. judgment upon the entire earth (Matthew 26:28)]. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness [of the global judgments of water (O.T.), blood of Jesus (N.T.), the judgment of fire (2 Peter 3:12) yet to come and of the only Eternal Life through Jesus Christ], because the [Holy] Spirit is Truth. **For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. **And there are three that bear [judgment and eternal life] witness in earth, the Spirit [of Jesus Christ (Luke 23:46)], and the water [from the cross of Jesus Christ (John 19:34-35)], and the blood [from the cross of Jesus Christ (John 19:34-35)]: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of His Son [Jesus Christ]. He [person] that believeth on the Son of God hath the [Holy Spirit] witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him [God] a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is [only] in His Son [Jesus Christ]. He that hath the Son hath [eternal] life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not [reconciled to God] life. These things have I written unto you that believe [faith] on the Name [Jesus] of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. If any man see his brother sin a sin [mistakes] which is not [unbelief] unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin [unbelief] unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All [mistakes] unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin [of mistakes] not unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not [by not denying that Jesus is God]; but he that is begotten of God (born again) keepeth himself, and that wicked [Satan] one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come [personally], and hath given us an [Holy Spirit] understanding, that we may know Him [God] that is True, and we are in Him that is True, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the True God, and eternal life. Little children [Christians - not yet adopted as Sons of God], keep yourselves from idols [unholy desires]. Amen. -- Holy Bible
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Apprising Ministries: The Emerging church - Three voices from the "emergent church" will explore this capacity of postmodern Christianity *to embrace and redefine tradition, ... Who should attend: Any futurist who feels that everything must change about [traditional Christian] religion and is curious about how progressive [New Age] Christianity is a leading indicator of change - What you'll learn: Attendees will learn how to ground [embed and saturate] their leadership and foresight in the concerns of tomorrow's [New World Order] spiritualities and relate religious concepts to futures thinking through a theology of (false and deceptive) hope - How can this *new knowledge be applied: Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how postmodern spiritualities are **reshaping conservative theologies and communities
Back in November of 2005 the online apologetics and discernment work Apprising Ministries warned you about what is now a full blown cult of neo-liberalism operating within mainstream evangelicalism, the sinfully ecumenical Emerging Church. These past few years this EC has been busy forging together its new form of postmodern liberal theology, a Liberalism 2.0 many call Emergence Christianity, which Emergent Church guru Brian McLaren begins laying out in his latest book A New Kind of Christianity. ... Three voices from the "emergent church" will explore this capacity of postmodern Christianity to embrace and redefine tradition, ... Who should attend: Any futurist who feels that everything must change about religion and is curious about how progressive Christianity is a leading indicator of change. What you'll learn: Attendees will learn how to ground their leadership and foresight in the concerns of tomorrow's spiritualities and relate religious concepts to futures thinking through a theology of hope. How can this new knowledge be applied: Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how postmodern spiritualities are reshaping conservative theologies and communities.
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Apprising Ministries: MYSTICISM PART 5 - Pietism [personal rightiousness] & Subjective [my version of self-rightiousness] Christianity - Where Did Pietism Go Wrong? Of course that is a loaded question and presupposes that Pietism did go wrong - Given the fact that Pietism, to some degree, lives on in church related groups as diverse as Amish, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal and the Amana Society it is hard to be precise - But, wherever experience and subjectivity reigns supreme over Scripture in the lives and churches of twenty-first century believers there is something wrong {Note: The Basic Christian ministry at its core is really a remnant of the Anabaptist - Pietism movement. In about 2001 the Basic Christian: Statement of Faith was re-written and expanded including the phrase "while to the *righteous He [Jesus Christ] will give of His life, His gifts, and His glory" this was added with much consideration and what it means is that the purpose of the Basic Christian ministry at its core is a Ministry of Righteousness in Jesus Christ. Righteousness is an extremely loaded word and it should be but it is so loaded that after that one small phrase [and a few more words] were added to the Basic Christian: Statement of Faith that article went from among the most popular articles on the website to one of the least popular articles on the site yet Righteousness (our righteousness only in Jesus Christ) is such an important Biblical concept that I decided to leave that phrase in the Statement of Faith just to help us keep our goals and ambitions on track and in a proper order. - The coming Millennial 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ on earth is going to be His Kingdom of Righteousness [Isaiah 5:16, Isaiah 26:9, Isaiah 45:8, 19, Romans 1:17, 1 Corinthians 15:34, 2 Corinthians 3:9, 5:21, Galatians 5:5, Revelation 22:11] and in order for us as individuals to be able to inhabit properly within the Kingdom of God we need to have a concept of the Righteousness of Jesus Christ in our own lives. - Starting in about 2012 the Basic Christian Ministry is hoping to transition into more Biblical exploration of just what is the Righteousness of Jesus Christ and how does it apply to each Christian in our own personal life and really the Righteousness of Jesus Christ functions and is displayed through the Holy Spirit and in the eternal Melchizedek, Righteous High Priesthood of Jesus Christ.}
Although Pietists adhered to the inspiration of the Bible, they advocated individual feeling as being of primary importance. That may have been an adequate method for avoiding cold orthodoxy of "Protestant scholasticism," it opened the door for the equally dangerous enemy of "subjective experientialism." The first generation of Pietists could recall and reflect on its grounding in Scripture while validly advocating the need for individual experience. A second generation would stress the need for individual experience, but often without a proper Biblical or catechetical basis. This would leave a third generation that would question individual experience with no Biblical or doctrinal "standard" to serve as an objective criterion. In turn, their unanswered questions would tend to demand an authority. When Scriptures were neglected, human reason or subjective experience would fill the need as the required "standard." Thus while not causing other movements Pietism gave impetus to three other movements in the post-Reformation church: deism [reason and logic used apart from the Bible to get to know God], skepticism [doubting Biblical passages that don't seem to relate to the physical realm] and rationalism [placing personal human physical reasoning and understanding as a higher authority than the scriptures of the Holy Bible]. ... The great-grandchildren of Pietism live on in modern evangelicalism. On the positive side, much like original Pietists there is a great hunger today for spirituality. People want a spirituality that works in the trenches of life. They want a faith that is relevant, provides answers and draws them closer to God. There is little interest in "dead orthodoxy." People want to feel something - experience something. George Gallup documents this spiritual hunger in his book, The Next American Spirituality. Unfortunately much of the spirituality that he observes is without biblical foundation leading him to warn, "Contemporary spirituality can resemble a grab bag of random experiences that does little more than promise to make our eyes mist up or our heart warm. We need perspective to separate the junk food from the wholesome, the faddish from the truly transforming." But perspective is hard to come by due to the massive level of biblical illiteracy, not only in America but among Christians as well. Half, he says, "Of those describing themselves as Christians are unable to name who delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Many Americans cannot name the reason for celebrating Easter or what the Ten Commandments are. People think the name of Noah's wife was Joan, as in Joan of Ark." Then there is what some have called "the great disconnect." That is, there is a wide chasm between what Americans in general, and self-proclaimed Christians in particular, claim to believe and how they live. While the general populace claim to have a great interest in spirituality, and Christians claim to be followers of Christ, our societies, homes and churches are inundated with corruption, violence, substance abuse, racism, divorce and materialism. This "cluster of moral and theological shortcomings seemingly throws into question the transforming power of religious beliefs," Gallup admits, leading him to state, "Just because Americans claim they are more spiritual does not make them so." That leans into an excellent question, "Is the church really rediscovering its spiritual moorings - or just engaging in retreat from seemingly insoluble problems?" ... Such [emotional self-experience] "piety" is changing every facet of Christian and church life. Take worship for example. Monte E. Wilson has noted, "For the modern evangelical, worship is defined exclusively in terms of the individual's experience. Worship, then, is not about adoring God but about being nourished with religious feelings, so much so that the worshiper has become the object of worship." The cause for this type of worship, Wilson believes, is the loss of devotion to Scriptures. He writes in pejorative terms, "Others-probably the majority in modern American evangelicalism-have utterly neglected any commitment to the content of the Word and have ended with narcissistic 'worship' services where everyone drowns in a sea of subjectivism and calls it 'being bathed in the presence of the Holy Spirit.' These people come to church exclusively to 'feel' God." Pietistic leanings, of course, are not limited to worship and the gathered church. Where they are most evident, and most concerning is in the area of "God's leading." How does God speak to and lead His people according to Scripture? And how has Pietistic understanding of these things affected the way we interpret both Scripture and our subject feelings? This will be the topic of our next paper.
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[Modern] Pietism - Pietism was a movement within Lutheranism, lasting from the late 17th century to the mid-18th century and later - It proved to be very influential throughout Protestantism and Anabaptism, inspiring not only Anglican priest John Wesley to begin the Methodist movement, but also Alexander Mack to begin the Brethren movement - The Pietist movement combined the Lutheranism of the time with the Reformed, and especially Puritan, emphasis on individual piety, and a vigorous Christian life
History: Although pietism surely had roots prior to the Reformation and to some extent the cause of it, as a distinct movement within Protestantism pietism became identifiable in the 17th century. The Lutheran Church had continued Philipp Melanchthon's attempt to construct an intellectual backbone for the Evangelical Lutheran faith. By the 17th century the denomination remained a confessional theological and sacramental institution, influenced by orthodox Lutheran theologians such as Johann Gerhard of Jena (d. 1637), and keeping with the liturgical traditions of the Roman Catholicism of which it saw itself as a reformed variation. In the Reformed Church, on the other hand, John Calvin had not only influenced doctrine, but for a particular formation of Christian life. The Presbyterian constitution gave the people a share in church life which the Lutherans lacked, but it appeared to some to degenerate into a dogmatic legalism which, the Lutherans believed, imperiled Christian freedom and fostered self-righteousness. However, in the pietist view, ritualistic elements which Luther wanted to remove were captivating the mainstream of the Lutheran church, squeezing the pietists into fellowships with which they were comfortable. ... In Pia desideria "Pious Desires" (1675), Spener made six proposals as the best means of restoring the life of the Church: 1. The earnest and thorough study of the Bible in private meetings, ecclesiolae in ecclesia ("little churches within the church"). 2. The Christian priesthood being universal, the laity [people] should share in the spiritual government of the Church. 3. A knowledge of Christianity must be attended by the practice of it as its indispensable sign and supplement. 4. Instead of merely didactic, and often bitter, attacks on the heterodox [variant views] and unbelievers, a sympathetic and kindly treatment of them. 5. A reorganization of the theological training of the universities, giving more prominence to the devotional life. 6. A different style of preaching, namely, in the place of pleasing rhetoric [examples directed from news, events and stories], the implanting of [Biblical] Christianity in the inner or new man [spiritual man], the soul of which is faith, and its effects the fruits of life. - This work produced a great impression throughout Germany, and although large numbers of the orthodox Lutheran theologians and pastors were deeply offended by Spener's book, its complaints and its demands were both too well justified to admit of their being point-blank denied. A large number of pastors immediately adopted Spener's proposals. ... In modern societies where Pietism has had a profound impact its religious foundations are no longer apparent. Atheistic pietism is a term used by Asgeir Helgason to describe a pietistic (moralistic) approach to life without religion. "We have denied the existence of God but kept the pietistic rules". Atheistic pietism has been suggested to be one of the characteristics (traits) of the modern day Swedish national spirit. The term is first known to have been used by W.H. Mallock in 1879.
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[Modern] Anabaptist - Anabaptists "re-baptizers" or "adult baptism" [believer's baptism - credobaptism (reciting the well-known "Apostles' Creed" or a personal Bible verse or a Psalm at baptism)] are Christians of the Radical Reformation - Puritans of England and their Baptist branch arose independently, but were influenced by the Anabaptist movement - Where men believe in the freedom of religion, supported by a guarantee of separation of church and state [government], they have entered into that [Anabaptist] heritage - Where men have caught the Anabaptist vision of [N.T.] discipleship, they have become worthy of that heritage - Where corporate discipleship submits itself to the New Testament pattern of the church, the heir has then entered full possession of his [N.T. - Anabaptist] legacy
[Some] Anabaptists rejected *conventional [common and Biblically acceptable] Christian practices such as wearing wedding rings, taking oaths, and participating in civil government. They adhered to a literal interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount and Believer's baptism. The name Anabaptist is derived from this, because credobaptism ('Believer's baptism' - adult baptism) was considered heresy by all other major Christian denominations at the time of the reformation period (specifically, all major Christian denominations saw [infant] baptism as necessary for salvation and necessary for infants, and held that it was wrong to delay baptism until the child had reached a certain age; they did, however, require that those who converted later in life should confess a baptismal creed [the Apostles' Creed] at baptism (credobaptism). Anabaptists required that candidates be able to make their own confessions of faith and so refused baptism to infants). As a result, Anabaptists were heavily persecuted during the 16th century and into the 17th by both Roman Catholics and other Protestants. ... Somewhat related to this is the theory that the Anabaptists are of Waldensian origin. Some hold the idea that the Waldenses are part of the apostolic succession, while others simply believe they were an independent group out of whom the Anabaptists arose. Estep asserts "the Waldenses disappeared in Switzerland a century before the rise of the Anabaptist movement." Ludwig Keller, Thomas M. Lindsay, H. C. Vedder, Delbert Grätz, and Thieleman J. van Braght all held, in varying degrees, the position that the Anabaptists were of Waldensian origin. ... The Anabaptists were early promoters of a free church and freedom of religion (sometimes associated with separation of church and state). When it was introduced by the Anabaptists in the 15th and 16th centuries, religious freedom independent of the state was unthinkable to both clerical and governmental leaders. Religious liberty was equated with anarchy; Kropotkin traces the birth of anarchist thought in Europe to these early Anabaptist communities. According to Estep: Where men believe in the freedom of religion, supported by a guarantee of separation of church and state, they have entered into that heritage. Where men have caught the Anabaptist vision of discipleship, they have become worthy of that heritage. Where corporate discipleship submits itself to the New Testament pattern of the church, the heir has then entered full possession of his legacy.
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Apologetics Training Videos - Shepherd's Fellowship of Greensboro - In part I of our series on apologetic and evangelistic methods, Dustin S. Segers defines the problems inherent in modern evangelistic and apologetic methods and then goes on to discuss biblical methods of apologetics and evangelism {Apologetics Training from a Reformed, Calvinistic Theology - Good material but with the patented Reformed biased view. Charles Finney (1792 -1875) one of the greatest men of the Christian faith is referenced in the teaching as a heretic but it's not true. [Finney was a primary influence on the "revival" style of theology which emerged in the 19th century (1800's). Though coming from a Calvinistic background, Finney rejected (Shepherding) tenets of "Old Divinity" Calvinism which he felt were unbiblical and counter to evangelism and Christian mission. - Wiki.com]. Many of the Reformed theologies and Apologetics teachings in this series are excellent it is just that a heavily biased Reformed Only (Shepherding) view is never that excellent of a way to share, teach or preach the Holy Bible to fellow Christians.} (YouTube)
Why Do We Exist? - 5. Restoring (Shepherding) Biblical Pastoral Oversight [vs. body of Jesus Christ fellowship, individuality (grace), freedom, ability and equality in Jesus Christ]. Many church leaders have neglected the duties of overseeing the spiritual welfare of individuals and families. Programs, facilities, and finances are managed and promoted by many pastors. If pastors and elders fail to care for souls, they fail to obey God to the great detriment of the church (1Pet. 5:1-2; Acts 20:28). We desire to see each individual in Shepherd's Fellowship mature to the glory of God so that each life produces a great harvest in the kingdom of God. While we want to purpose to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3), we wish to see continually good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ (Col. 2:5). Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. (Heb 13:17) In conclusion, our desire is to glorify God in all that we do through proper preaching, teaching, ministering and evangelizing (Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Cor. 12:31). We pray that God will cause His gospel to spread quickly through our local area to bring honor and glory to Christ and to seek and save those who are lost (Eph. 3:21).
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The Nicene Creed (325 A.D.): ... And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe in one holy catholic [universal] and **[A]postolic Church [based on the foundation of the Apostles] - I acknowledge one Baptism [personal - individual identity (cross and resurrection) with Jesus Christ] for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come - Amen
The Three Ecumenical or Universal Creeds -- The Apostles' Creed [The title, Symbolum Apostolicum (Symbol or Creed of the Apostles), appears for the first time in a letter from a Council in Milan (probably written by Ambrose himself) to Pope Siricius in about 390 A.D. - Wiki.com]: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic [universal] Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. -- The Nicene Creed [adopted in the city of Nicaea by the first (second) ecumenical council (Jerusalem Acts 15:6 was the first ecumenical Church council), which met there in 325 A.D. - Wiki.com]: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe in one holy catholic [universal] and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. -- The Athanasian Creed [The use of the Creed in a sermon by Caesarius of Arles, as well as a theological resemblance to works by Vincent of Lérins, point to Southern Gaul as its origin. The most likely time frame is in the late fifth or early sixth century A.D. (475-525 A.D.) at least 100 years after Athanasius (293 A.D. - May 2, 373 A.D.) - Wiki.com]: Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic [universal] faith. Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the catholic [universal] faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is all one: the glory equal, the majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, and the Holy Ghost uncreate. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three Eternals, but one Eternal. As there are not three Uncreated nor three Incomprehensibles, but one Uncreated and one Incomprehensible. So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Ghost almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods, but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords, but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be God and Lord, So are we forbidden by the catholic [universal] religion to say, There be three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none: neither created nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created, but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son: neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before or after other; none is greater or less than another; But the whole three Persons are coeternal together, and coequal: so that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshiped. He, therefore, that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity. Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe faithfully the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right faith is, that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man; God of the Substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and Man of the substance of His mother, born in the world; Perfect God and perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood; Who, although He be God and Man, yet He is not two, but one Christ: One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking the manhood into God; One altogether; not by confusion of Substance, but by unity of Person. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and Man is one Christ; Who suffered for our salvation; descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead; He ascended into heaven; He sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God Almighty; from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies, and shall give an account of their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire. This is the catholic [universal] faith; which except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.
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1689 Baptist Confession of Faith - "The Baptist Confession of Faith adopted by the ministers and messengers of the General Assembly which met in London in 1689" the Second London Confession, originally composed in 1677, has ever since been called "The 1689 Confession"
This became the most popular confession of Calvinistic Baptists in the English speaking world. It enjoyed editions in Britain in 1693, 1699, 1719, 1720, 1791, 1809. In 1855 C. H. Spurgeon issued a new edition. It was only the second year of his ministry at the New Park Street Chapel. Spurgeon wrote, "I have thought it right to reprint in a cheap form this excellent list of doctrines, which were subscribed to by the Baptist Ministers in the year 1689. We need a banner because of the truth; it may be that this small volume may aid the cause of the glorious gospel by testifying plainly what are its leading doctrines ... May the Lord soon restore unto Zion a pure language, and may her watchmen see eye to eye." He addressed these remarks to "all the Household of Faith, who rejoice in the glorious doctrines of Free Grace." Other British editions have appeared in 1958, 1963, 1966, 1970, 1972, 1974. -- In the later 1600's Benjamin Keach and another minister of London published the 1689 Confession with two articles added, one on "the laying on of hands" and another''the singing of psalms". When Elias Keach, son of Benjamin, became a Baptist minister in America in 1688, he became a part of the Calvinistic Baptists who formed the Philadelphia Baptist Association in 1707. Through him the Second London Confession with his father's addenda was adopted by the Philadelphia Association. For years the association appealed to the confession, formally adopting it in 1742. The first edition of the "Philadelphia Confession of Faith" was printed by Benjamin Franklin in 1743. Under this name the 1689 confession became the definitive doctrinal statement of Calvinistic Baptists throughout the colonial and early United States periods. Associations in Virginia (1766) Rhode Island (1767), South Carolina (1767), Kentucky (1785), and Tennessee (1788) adopted the confession. It came to be known in America 85 "The Baptist Confession". Familiarity with the Confession and its doctrines declined in the latter half of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. But since God has remarkably revived Biblical Calvinism among Baptists in recent days, interest in this historic confession has been renewed.
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Historic Baptist Documents - Confessions, Catechisms, Creeds
Many contemporaries have a deep-seated suspicion of catechisms. In our own Baptist denomination, many would consider the words "Baptist catechism" as mutually exclusive. A popular misconception is that catechisms are used in times and places where inadequate views of conversion predominate or the fires of evangelism have long since turned to white ash. If the Bible is preached, they continue, no catechism is necessary; catechisms tend to produce mere intellectual assent where true heart religion is absent. This concern reflects a healthy interest for the experiential side of true Christianity. Concern for conversion and fervor, however, should never diminish one's commitment to the individual truths of Christianity nor the necessity of teaching them in a full and coherent manner. An Encouragement to Use Catechisms, Tom Nettles -- I am persuaded that the use of a good Catechism in all our families will be a great safeguard against the increasing errors of the times, and therefore I have compiled this little manual from the Westminster Assembly's and Baptist Catechisms, for the use of my own church and congregation. Those who use it in their families or classes must labour to explain the sense; but the words should be carefully learned by heart, for they will be understood better as years pass. ~ C. H. Spurgeon -- "There never was a man in the world without a creed. What is a creed? A creed is what you believe. What is a confession? It is a declaration of what you believe. That declaration may be oral or it may be committed to writing, but the creed is there either expressed or implied." ~ B.H. Carroll
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Starting soon - A Basic Christian Study: The Christian Apostles {Note: To say that the Christian Church only started at Pentecost [50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ] and not on the Resurrection Sunday of Jesus (Luke 24:45, John 20:22) is to say that the Apostles were not Christians [the entire 40 days that Jesus met with them after His resurrection and before His ascension] it wipes out the [True] Christian Apostolic dispensation [lasting only 40 days] and with it a great part of the foundation that the Christian Church is founded and based upon.}
Matthew 10:2-4 Now the names of the Twelve Apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. -- Matthew 28:18-20 And [40 days after the resurrection] Jesus came and spake unto them [Apostles], saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations [the Christian Apostles' doctrine], baptizing them [converts to Christianity] in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them [fellow Christians] to observe all things whatsoever I [Jesus Christ] have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you [Disciples] alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. -- Acts 2:42 And they [Pentecost converts to Christianity] continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. -- 1 Corinthians 15:7-9 After that [first resurrection days of Jesus - being seen by Peter and the {remaining} 12 Apostles {at that time only 11 Apostles} and then over 500 resurrection witnesses at one time], He [resurrected Jesus] was seen of James [Gospel of James - son of Joseph and half-brother of Jesus]; then of all the Apostles [who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ]. **And last of all He [Jesus] was seen of me [Apostle Paul - The 12th Apostle, Judas' replacement - chosen by God (Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:1, etc.) not by the casting of lots (Acts 1:26)] also, *as of one born out of due time [missing the 40 days of the Apostle dispensation]. For I [Apostle Paul/Saul] am the least of the Apostles, that am not meet to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. -- Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye [Gentiles] are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the [Jewish] Saints, and of the Household of God; And are built upon *the foundation of the [N.T.] Apostles and [O.T.] Prophets, **Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief [foundation] Corner Stone; In [Jesus Christ] whom all the [Temple] building fitly framed together groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation [living place] of God through the [Holy] Spirit.
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***Highly Recommended - (PID) VFTB 048: Sarah Leslie - False Christs and False Prophets - The *New Apostolic Reformation is lifting up a generation of self-appointed, self-anointed apostles who believe they're on a mission from God to take over the world {Note: Back in the day (mid-90's) I read several of the books and bought a few [especially books on prayer by Cindy Jacobs] proposing a modern apostolic movement based on 'globally' impacting ministries. The modern definition of a modern apostle being a global ministry and at the time this seemed reasonable to me however after more Bible study it's easy to see that the modern term for apostle has been redefined. A Biblical Apostle is strictly one of the people [the Apostle Paul being the last Apostle (1 Corinthians 15:8)] who personally witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ and who primarily wrote the New Testament scriptures based on the teachings of Jesus from their personal time spent with Jesus. Also Note: A Christian ministry was always intended to have a global impact and regular Christian ministry is mentioned in the Bible apart from any reference to any local apostolic authority or mandate. - Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your [regular Christian] faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. -- *No global apostolic mandate is mentioned or referenced here by the Apostle Paul.} (Mp3)
We're watching prophecy unfold before our very eyes. The New Apostolic Reformation is lifting up a generation of self-appointed, self-anointed apostles who believe they're on a mission from God to take over the world. Sarah Leslie of Discernment Ministries, publisher of the excellent Herescope blog, joined us to talk about this movement-its history, its beliefs, and the links between these new apostles, mainstream evangelicals, New Agers, and political power brokers. It doesn't take a prophecy scholar to see this leading to the one-world church of the Apocalypse.
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Apprising Ministries: PID RADIO WITH SARAH LESLIE - FALSE CHRISTS AND FALSE PROPHETS - The New Apostolic Reformation is lifting up a generation of self-appointed, self-anointed apostles who believe they're on a mission from God to take over the world (Mp3 links)
Apprising Ministries is pleased to point you to this program where my friend Derek Gilbert interviews another person I'm blessed to call a friend: Sarah Leslie of Discernment Ministries, publisher of the excellent Herescope blog, joined us to talk about this movement-its history, its beliefs, and the links between these new apostles, mainstream evangelicals, New Agers, and political power brokers. It doesn't take a prophecy scholar to see this leading to the one-world church of the Apocalypse… We're watching prophecy unfold before our very eyes. The New Apostolic Reformation is lifting up a generation of self-appointed, self-anointed apostles who believe they're on a mission from God to take over the world. Recommended reading: Joel's Army by Jewel Grewe - The Coalescing of the Christian Right with Apostolic Dominionism by Dr. Orrel Steinkamp - The Tea Party's Strange Bedfellows and What They Believe by Dr. Orrel Steinkamp - May Day Prayers by the Discernment Research Group - You can download and/or listen to this important program right here. In addition, over at the fine website Slaughter of the Sheep Chrystal tells us in her post New Apostolic Reformation: Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries did a one hour program on the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) with guest Mike Oppenheimer of Let Us Reason Ministries on Saturday, May 15, on her Understanding the Times radio program which is one of my favorite radio programs. It covers pertinent information as it relates to the New Apostolic Reformation and C. Peter Wagner's International Coalition of Apostles… Ingrid Schlueter of the Crosstalk America radio program did a program on May 3rd with guest Sarah Leslie of Discernment-Ministries, Inc., which covered the same topic… Both programs will inform and educate you on the key players of the NAR, as well as the dangerous doctrines they teach. You will find the links to listen to both of these programs right here.
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[Modern] Apostles, Prophets & The {Legitimate} International Fellowship of Christians & Jews - David Cannistraci wrote "Apostles and the Emerging Apostolic Movement" in 1996 - It is stated that it is, "A Biblical look at Apostleship and how God is blessing His church today" - Bill Bright, David Yonggi Cho, Ted Haggard and Cindy Jacobs are some of the many [modern apostolic movement] endorsers - Cannistraci's close friend and mentor, C. Peter Wagner, has declared this book to be required reading for all his "Fuller" students - Wagner wrote in the forward of the book of the Postdenominational Movement, that being a world-wide movement that is recognizing the reinstatement of the new apostles as authoritative leadership
David Cannistraci wrote "Apostles and the Emerging Apostolic Movement" in 1996. It is stated that it is, "A Biblical look at Apostleship and how God is blessing His church today." Bill Bright, David Yonggi Cho, Ted Haggard and Cindy Jacobs are some of the many endorsers. Cannistraci's close friend and mentor, C. Peter Wagner, has declared this book to be required reading for all his "Fuller" students. Wagner wrote in the forward of the book of the Postdenominational Movement, that being a world-wide movement that is recognizing the reinstatement of the new apostles as authoritative leadership. 'Inherent in today's postdenominational churches...are "apostolic networks,' in which both the gift and office of apostle are recognized and accepted." ... The definition of [modern] apostle within the book is "...one who is called and sent by Christ to have the spiritual authority, character, gifts and abilities to successfully reach and establish people in Kingdom truth and order, especially through founding and overseeing local churches...Apostolic people are Christians who support and participate in apostolic ministry, but are not actual apostles...people work with apostles to reach the lost through dynamic outreach, church planting and nurturing. Apostolic churches...recognize and relate to modern-day apostles...The apostolic movement is the Holy Spirit's worldwide activation of apostles and apostolic people to come together as a part of a great revival on earth....a restored function of New Testament apostles is not only important it is critical...' Excusing the failure of people like William Branham, "who appears to have become deluded near the end of his life..." Cannistraci states "apostles are primary in the Body of Christ, they are only human and as such they will be imperfect and fallible..." That is no different than Rick Joyner declaring God's prophets to have the normal acceptable error in predictions anywhere from 10-90%. Not unlike the Catholic church and "fathers", the author presents the concept of apostles taking on a fatherly role. ... Since people like Rick Joyner and others like him are considered by many to be Apostles, are we now to call him our spiritual father? In 1986, the ever ecumenical Oral Roberts, considered the apostle of healing, formed the International Charismatic Bible Ministries (ICBM.) ICBM advertises last years Conference audio and videotape which shows speakers/video workshops to have included "Bill Basansky & Rodney Howard-Browne" teaching, "Church Growth/Home Cell Ministries" and Oral Roberts & Benny Hinn working together. Their new conference is slated for June20-22, 2000. Their slogan has been "Love and Unity through Signs and Wonders." The ICBM conducts "leadership conferences," and is a "coalition of charismatic leaders," many of whom are dominionists. While noting that the names change occasionally Al Dager cited an Ad for Charismatic Bible Ministries, in Charisma, May 1987 showing that the original officers and trustees were: Oral Roberts* - Chairman; Ken Copeland* - Secretary; Jack Hayford* - Vice Chariman; Billy Joe Dougherty* - Treasurer; Paul Yonggi Cho-International Honorary Chairman; Executive Committee Members: Charles Green, Marilyn Hickey, Karl Strader.
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Update Summer 2010: The Majesty and Glory of King Jesus Christ! "All Blessings, Honor, Glory, Majesty and Praise to the King and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ" - The Basic Christian Ministry is currently undergoing the series "The 8 Kingdoms of the World" regarding the Majesty and Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ
Basic Christian has recently completed the 'blog Bible Study' and is currently in the process of the 'blog History Study' including the '8 Kingdoms of the World' study. The current plan is to study at a slower pace than the fast paced blog Bible Study and also to insert a couple of Topical Studies before the 8 Kingdom Study really gets back on track. Ideally the plan is to really get into the 8 Kingdom Study this Fall and then conclude the 8 Kingdoms (Kings) study just before we celebrate Christmas 2010 and the birth of the King the Lord Jesus Christ (Isaiah 6:5, Matthew 2:2). Then to spend the time from Christmas to Resurrection Day Easter (2011) studying Christian Church History as we prepare for Resurrection Day 2011 and the birth of the Christian Church - the Christian Church having started on the Resurrection Day of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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Westminster Seminary: Christ, Kingdom & Culture Conference [January 2010] - This conference addressed the sovereignty of God as it relates to His Kingdom (7 Free Video Downloads)
What is the Christian's relationship to culture? This conference addressed the sovereignty of God as it relates to his kingdom, to our role as Christians in God's world, in the state, at work, at school, and in the church.
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Heart of the Matter with Shawn McCraney - Show #211 David's Sin (Mp3, Video)
Started in early 2006, Heart of the Matter is a TV show produced in the Mecca of Mormonism, Salt Lake City. It's where Mormonism meets Biblical Christianity face to face! Shawn McCraney, the host of Heart of the Matter, provides great entertainment value and valuable knowledge of Mormonism and what it means to be a Born-Again Christian. Shawn is the author of "I Was a Born-Again Mormon" and the pastor of Calvary Campus. Live One Hour Call-in Show Airs Tuesdays 8pm MST, Rebroadcasts Tuesdays 11am MST, Salt Lake City Channel 20, KTMW Boise, Idaho Channel 18 KCLP.
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Revelations Radio Network - The Frank & Chris Show: Episode 103 (Mp3)
The Revelations Radio Network is an online family of Christian Podcasts and Talk Shows. Together we cover a wide range of topics including Bible Study, End Times Bible Prophecy, Spiritual Deception, Apostasy Within the Church, The New World Order, and Conspiracy "Theory". If you've ever felt like world is spiraling out of control and you're looking for Scripturally sound answers as to the how and the why, RRN is for you. The comment section is restricted to members only.
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The Threshing Floor with Randy Maugans - The Plummet is Laid (Mp3)
There is now a division in the Spirit. Those who live as predators, hunter-gathers, and merchandisers of souls…have passed their "point of no return." Grace, which became the licence for lawlessness is disappeared for such. This is the "quickening," it is the time of the plummet laid to the line of judgment.
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Dr. Scott Johnson - End Time Current Events: 4-25-10 Parts 1 & 2 (Mp3s)
Dr. Scott Johnson, 04/25/2010 -- Part of the Current Events & Bible Study series, preached at a Sunday Morning service Iceland's Volcano Simply Explodes! President Obama is pushing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to carve up Jerusalem Study Confirms Link Between Autism and Use of Cells From Abortions in Vaccines Aborted Babies & Vaccines Deadly airborne fungus in Oregon set to spread--The new, rare strain has killed 1 in 4 infected, researchers say The "Emergent" Church Movement Exposed Max Lucado Joins "Covenant for Civility" Amazing Quotes From Heretics You Shouldn't Forget About Keeping it Under Wraps: Giants, Mummies and Megalithic Mysteries More Lies from Old Splitfoot's "Pride and Joy": Devil Betraya
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Impact Ministries - Free Audio - The Gospel of Peace - The 4 Most Important Messages (Mp3s)
I've got great news for you: God is madly in love with you! That's right! Sure you've got problems; maybe your life isn't what you want it to be, but that doesn't matter... God is for you and never against you! He doesn't find fault in you and He's not looking for fault in you! He just wants to give you the most incredible life you could imagine... and more! God never meant for the world to be so messed up, corrupt and full of pain. But He gave us the freedom to make our own choices... and it seems we've habitually made the wrong choices, you know, the ones that end in pain and suffering! Religion has probably convinced you that God is angry at you for all the bad choices and destructive things you've done! They've probably convinced you that all the pain in your life is God's punishment for your shortcomings! But I assure you, nothing is farther from the truth! Years ago, I became totally disgusted with religion. And, you'll be glad to know God hates religion too, so I committed myself to helping people experience God without getting caught in all the religious traps. I started this ministry called Impact Ministries. I believe that experiencing the love of God will make the most powerful impact on your life that you could ever experience. We've been around since back in the seventies. It exists to help people like you find wholeness through the love of God. You may be asking, "What do you mean by, people like me?" Simple! People who are searching for the real God of the Bible, people who have been worn out by religion, people who want God but don't want to spend their life jumping through religious hoops, being controlled and playing games, people who want a real relationship with God without all the useless religious stuff. You see, I found out a long time ago that religion has made the world afraid and angry! Religion starts wars. Religion despises man. But God loves man. He makes peace. He is the giver of life not the giver of death! He never wants you to be afraid of Him. He never wants you to suffer. If what you've heard about God makes you afraid, you just haven't heard the truth! In fact, the Bible says it is what legalistic, controlling leaders have said about God that causes His name to be hated and blasphemed. The same prophet goes on to say that a day will come when people will see God as He is and in that day they will turn to Him. Maybe today is your day to see God as He really is. Everything in this website is dedicated to just that: showing you who God really is! As you read and listen to the information on this site I promise you this: I will never use fear - I will never use manipulation - Everything I tell you will be based on the finished work of Jesus - Everything God offers you is a free gift - Because of Jesus you are qualified for everything God offers - God will never hurt you!
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It is only by FAITH in Jesus Christ (His sinless life, His atoning cross, His eternal life resurrection) that a person becomes a Christian - NOT by any kind of personal WORKS, good, bad or otherwise (Holy Bible)
"John 3:16-21 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ), that whosoever believeth [faith] in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the Name [Person] of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light [Jesus Christ] is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their [works] deeds were evil [selfish]. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light [God], neither cometh to the [True] light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth [Biblical] Truth cometh to the light [God], that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought [made - relationship] in God." -- "Ephesians 2:4-10 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins {the sins of Adam and Eve}, hath quickened us together with [Jesus] Christ, by grace ye are saved; And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. **For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: *Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto [God's] good works, *which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
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The works of God are different from the works of man - The Good Works of God are embodied in the works of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Holy Bible)
"Matthew 16:24-28 Then said Jesus unto His Disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and **take up his cross, and follow Me. *For whosoever will save his life shall lose
it: and whosoever will lose his life [die to this world] for My sake shall find it [eternal life]. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole [fallen] world, and lose his own soul? or what shall
a man give in exchange for his soul? For [Jesus Christ] the Son of Man shall come in the Glory of [God] His Father with His [holy] angels; and **then He shall reward every man according to his [godly - Jesus centered] works [after taking up the cross]. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of Man [glorified - Mt. of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9)] coming in [displaying] His [righteous] Kingdom." -- "Hebrews 12:2-8 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our [Christian] faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." -- "Hebrews 12:12-17 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame [human good works] be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed [relationship with God]. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently [to God] lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears." -- "Hebrews 12:22-25 But ye [disciples] are come unto Mount Sion [Zion - the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ], and unto the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of [holy] angels, To the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn [covered by the blood of Jesus], which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect [complete], And to Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not Him [Jesus] that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him [Moses] that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him [Jesus] that speaketh from heaven:" -- "Hebrews 12:28-29 Wherefore we [Christians] receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved [shaken down], let us have grace [individuality], whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire [removing unrighteousness]."
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The Dalai Lama is wrong - There is "one truth" behind the "many faiths" and that core truth, he argues, is compassion [good works - i.e. Pastor Rick Warren's 'purpose driven' agenda] - Followers of the Dalai Lama revere him as a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion - So it should not be surprising that he sees compassion at the heart of all religions - Jesus came, according to most Christian thinkers, to stamp out sin and pave the path to [eternal] salvation (humans reconciled back into a (family) *relationship and *fellowship with Holy God) - religion is an immensely powerful force both personally and politically
By Stephen Prothero, Special to CNN - I am a big fan of the Dalai Lama. I love his trademark smile and I hate the fact that I missed his talks this week in New York City. But I cannot say either "Amen" or "Om" to the shopworn clichés that he trots out in the New York Times in "Many Faiths, One Truth." Recalling the Apostle Paul-"When I was a child, I spoke like a child"-the Dalai Lama begins by copping to youthful naivete. "When I was a boy in Tibet, I felt that my own Buddhist religion must be the best," he writes, "and that other faiths were somehow inferior." However, just as Paul, upon becoming a man, "put away childish things," the Dalai Lama now sees his youthful exclusivism as both naïve and dangerous. There is "one truth" behind the "many faiths," and that core truth, he argues, is compassion. Like the Dalai Lama, who writes of how he was influenced by Thomas Merton, I believe we can learn greatly from other religions. I too hope for tolerance and harmony in our interreligious interactions. I am convinced, however, that true tolerance and lasting harmony must be built on reality, not fantasy. Religious exclusivism is dangerous and naïve. But so too is pretend pluralism. The cause of religious harmony is not advanced in the least by the shibboleth that all religions are different paths up the same mountain. If you ask religious universalists what lies at the top of the mountain, the answers they will give you are not one but many ... As I argue in my new book, "God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World-and Why Their Differences Matter," religion is an immensely powerful force both personally and politically. So if we want to understand the world we must understand the world's religions. This includes reckoning with both similarities and differences, and with the capacity of each of the great religions to do both good and evil. I know that when it comes to the Dalai Lama we are all supposed to bow and scrape. So I am happy to applaud his project to find "common ground" across the world's religions. But I also know that the Buddha said to worship no man. And I cannot agree with the Dalai Lama's claim that "the essential message of all religions is very much the same." The Dalai Lama was doubtless naïve when, as a boy, and before learning about other religions, he arrived at the conclusion that only his religion was true. But it is no advance out of innocence to make the equally fantastic claim that all the religions are at heart vehicles for compassion. If we are to build a world of interreligious harmony, or even a world of interreligious détente, it will have to be constructed on a foundation of adult experience rather than youthful naivete.
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Oprah and Julia Roberts Make Push for New Age 'Eat, Pray, Love' Summer 2010 Movie - the message in Gilbert's book 'Eat, Pray, Love' is a New Age one that encourages eastern meditation [contemplating that all is one and all is well in this world without the cross and reconciliation of Jesus Christ (no sin) vs. fellowshipping with God in a right relationship of sinful human and loving, Holy God (Isaiah 1:18)] as a way to find peace and fulfillment in life - According to Time magazine, the following people are among the 2008 (100 most) influential people in the world - The ones we have listed all have some connection to promoting the New Age movement: #81 - Rupert Murdoch
On May 24th, on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Julia Roberts joined Oprah to promote the upcoming film, Eat, Pray, Love, based on Elizabeth Gilbert's New York Times Best Selling book with the same name. The movie will be released this summer and will most likely be a box office hit with Roberts starring in the film and Brad Pitt producing. Sadly, the message in Gilbert's book is a New Age one that encourages eastern meditation as a way to find peace and fulfillment in life. ... According to Time magazine, the following people are among the 2008 100 most influential people in the world. The ones we have listed all have some connection to promoting the New Age movement: #1 - Dalai Lama, #3 - Barack Obama, #4 - Hilary Clinton, #22 - Oprah Winfrey, #67 - Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love), #81 - Rupert Murdoch.
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{Flashback} Calvary Chapel Senior Pastor Chuck Smith now supports Rick Warren [Rick Warren's good friend (and Saddleback Church attendee) Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox News also owns and distributes the Satanic bible, is a leading promoter of evolution and abortion and is also one of the leading distributors of pornographic material throughout the world] - {Note: Chuck Smith seems to think that 'anything' he does is a move of the Holy Spirit or is endorsed 'blessed' by the Holy Spirit simply because he does it and that is complete blasphemy! Pastor Chuck Smith needs to continually submit himself to the Holy Spirit in the same way and manner as everyone else. There are no special circumstances or special people, even in these End Times [or especially in these End Times], everyone is to be submitted to God at all times and there are no exceptions. Honestly, Pastor Chuck Smith and Pastor Rick Warren seem to think that they have some special anointed 'secret agent' End Time calling on their life and are to define and complete the Church and to personally above everyone else 'deliver the Church personally to God' as some super servant at the 2nd Coming appearance and return of Jesus and it is certainly not the case. - The Apostle Paul had the calling of Apostle on his life and the Apostle Paul openly and publically declared to everyone his calling [1 Corinthians 1:1] and his intentions within the Church. We now live in days where Church leaders and pseudo Church leaders like Smith and Warren seem to be enacting out a secret fantasy of an End Time calling [that does not exist] with their secret intentions and hidden agendas and it's not Biblically correct. Secrecy is a deception that is being imposed upon the Christian Church by the leaders of the Church and the Church doesn't need it or want it. - Also Note: Chuck Smith is always overselling his Calvary Chapel agenda and Rick Warren is always overly aggressive in demanding his agenda and both approaches towards people and audiences are unbiblical.} (YouTube)
This video shows the many compromises that Chuck Smith has made, on this one I fear he has gone beyond the pale.
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The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- The Pre-flood 'dispensation' is one of several human groups or dispensations separated out and grouped together by God as part of a continuing and ongoing work of God in order for God to continually reunite a separated mankind back into His closeness and presence -- "Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven [Christian Church Age - New Testament Dispensation] is greater than he [John the Baptist - Old Testament Dispensation]."
Various dispensations are carefully alluded to throughout the Bible including in the New Testament. "1 Corinthians 9:16-18 For though I [a Christian] preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe [misery] is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will [unwillingly], [still] a dispensation [part] of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my [willing] reward then [not money - but fellowship with God]? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel." ... "Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He [God - the Father] might gather together in one all things in [Jesus] Christ, both which are in heaven [Angels], and which are on earth [humans]; even in Him [Jesus Christ]:" - Note: As John the Baptist was greatest among the O.T. Saints in having Divine Messianic Revelation, he was least when compared to the Divine Messianic [Jesus Christ] Revelation that each Christian possesses. Later each Christian has less Divine Messianic [Jesus Christ] Revelation then possibly each of the Martyred Saints of Revelation (Revelation 7:15) and certainly the Christian Church has less Divine Messianic [Jesus Christ] Revelation then any the 144,000 Jewish (Salvation) Firstfruits of Revelation (Revelation 14:3).
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Antediluvian [Pre-flood] Civilizations - {The pre-flood civilization up until the days of Noah encompassed about 2,000 years of human history and probably involved several billion people. - Note: In the pre-flood earth it doesn't appear that there were any Kings or Governments and that the long lives [experience and expertise] of each individual precluded them from being reigned and ruled over by others. Instead of a governmental structure of Kings and Politicians the earth seemed to have been Governed strictly by each family patriarch (head) according to God's governance and that after the flood in the new, young and now naive post-flood civilization the inexperienced human civilization now required [and allowed strangers - nonfamily members] rulers and Kings and that Nimrod was possibly the first King though human history had existed for some 2,000 years before Nimrod. - Also Note: Jesus is not a stranger but He is family with everyone and as family He has our own individual best interest at His heart. Jesus is the kinsman (relative - related) redeemer to everyone [we are created in God's image - relationship] and His (Fatherly, creation - Brotherly, redemption and salvation) relationship to all humans is maintained via His Virgin (Divine) birth.}
Introduction: "'Antediluvian civilizations'" are civilizations believed to have existed before the Great flood of Noah. If the fossil record is indeed the result of the Biblical flood as described in the Bible, then it is somewhat expected for evidence of antediluvian (pre-flood) civilizations to exist. It is assumed by many that humans reached advanced stages of technological development before the flood. Such presuppositions are usually based on the Biblical genealogy, which states that ancient people lived to approximately 10 times our current life span. Also it is frequently mentioned that Adam and Eve would likely possess higher than normal intelligence since they were created as adults, with knowledge that subsequent humans obtain from their parents. Another theory states that the antediluvian race called the Nephilim was superior to other humans in this respect. All accounts of the Great flood from civilizations around the world indicate that there were civilizations before the flood. However, as a result of the destruction during the flood and the passage of time, the remaining evidence is scanty. As a result of the flood, the earth was covered in hundreds of feet of sediment, and very little of the antediluvian horizon has been exposed. It is also problematic that the scientific community is quick to dismiss any artifacts that dispute their presupposed interpretation of the fossil record. Nevertheless, any truly advanced civilization would have left durable traces or constructions that would likely surface during excavations or by erosion. Relatively insightful accounts can be drawn from the Bible, apocrypha, and ancient Babylonian and Greek accounts of antediluvian civilization. ... Implications of the Tower of Babel: We can not dispute the existence of atypical knowledge possessed by Adam and Eve, however, we should also consider the tower of Babel curse as it relates to human accomplishments to that date. Monumental constructions are a great source of pride for humans. It was most likely this type of technological development that God attempted to retard by creating the language barriers at the tower of Babel. The Babel event suggests that the tower was the first major monument that mankind had ever built. It was the first construction that had no purpose but to be a monument [temple] to human achievement [based on Satanic interaction]. The tower was not a particularly important technological development [Babel was a major object of Satanic interaction between humans and Satan - harming humans to the extent of possibly permanently altering our human (DNA) making us more susceptible to disease, illness and further shortening our lifespan and also harming our psyche (soul) by lessening our confidence and our decision making capabilities making us even more susceptible to Satanic deceptions]. It was built out of bricks, and was therefore incomparable to even the limestone pyramids. In comparison to our modern building it was hardly more than a mud mound. Many better monuments would be built afterwards, but given God's reaction, it is logical to propose that nothing like it had been built prior to the flood.
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The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- Apparently there was a breakdown very early after the original creation regarding the patriarchal family structure of one husband and one wife with God as the ultimate head and authority for each family group - Today we have many counterfeit and substitutional family groups; the workplace, friends, political parties, sports teams and even church denominations are all common substitutes for the Divinely sanctioned family group with Jesus Christ remaining the head and authority for each individual
In Cain and Lamech we see the early breakdown of the godly sanctified family as the intended family is being substituted and misused for power, sex, authority and greed. "Genesis 4:17-26 And Cain knew [sexualy] his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch {3rd from Adam}: and he [Cain] builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. *And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. And Zillah, she also bare Tubal- cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. *And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. And Adam knew his wife [Eve] again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed (Genesis 3:15) instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call [in the hope of the coming Messiah-Redeemer-Seed, Jesus Christ] upon the Name of the LORD." -- The breakdown in the traditional family is restored in the Spiritual family of Christianity with Jesus Christ remaining as the head and authority over the entirety of the Christian Church family. "John 19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw His mother [Mary], and the disciple [John] standing by, whom He loved (greatest good and highest wellbeing love, Spiritual-emotional, unselfish, non-sexual, eternal love - G25 Agapao, Agape), He saith unto His mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith He (Jesus) to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." {Note: This event that took place at the crucifixion of Jesus is the structuring of the Christian Church into a Spiritual family. Also Note: This is not an adoption event as adoption has with it a house (i.e. John 14:2, a future adoption event) and Mary went to John's house, permanently precluding adoption (Mary did not adopt John - and the younger does not adopt the elder) Mary went with the Disciple John to his house as a part of a Spiritual, united Christian family.}
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The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- We Are One In The Spirit (YouTube)
Music by the band Jars of Clay.
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The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- The Date of Noah's Flood - The placing of a catastrophic global flood in the year (about) 2304 BC [and Creation at about 4,000 B.C.] means that all civilizations discovered by archaeology [today] must fit into the last 4,285 years {The flood of Noah (about 4,284 years ago) destroyed all the previous civilizations so about 4,284 years of land based archeology exists - though pre-flood archeology may well exist [and some evidence (artifacts 'Ooparts') have been found and do exist] deep under the sea or deep underground.}
Since we exist in the present, we are really trying to find information that will enable us to add up the years between us and Noah’s Flood. As our starting point we will take the Birth of Christ. It is unlikely anyone will dispute that Christ was born approximately 1,984 years ago. Since Christ is recorded as having referred to Noah’s Flood as a past event it should be obvious that we need data that will take us back beyond 2,000 years. The next date we can put down with reliable certainty is 967 BC or 2,948 years ago. This is the date at which Solomon laid the foundation of the Temple (1 Kings 6:1). For those who are interested in the detailed evidence as to why this event can be placed in 967 BC I would refer you to Professor Edwin Thiele’s work The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings. His work can be summarized by the statement that both the chronology of the Ancient Assyrian Culture and the Biblical record point to this date. The first verse of Kings chapter 6 is also useful in that it tells us there was a time span of 480 years (see Appendix 1) from the time Israel left Egypt (the Exodus) until Solomon began to build the Temple. The Exodus occurred therefore roughly 1,981 + 967 + 480 years ago (see Appendix 2) or 3,428 years ago or 1447 BC +/- 1 year. Why do I say +/- 1 year? As the chronologist compares the family trees or chronologies in the Bible, it is interesting to note that these lists use only whole years (e.g. Gen. 11). Now if a person is listed as being 44 years of age when their son was born, they may have been just 44 or nearly 45. Anywhere in this period of 12 months they are still 44. This introduces a margin of error of up to 12 months or 1 year for each person or event in such a list. -- As the Bible records the Flood a significant time before the Exodus, let us examine data which will take us back before this event. Paul, a university trained Jew, well skilled in the Hebrew language, the religion of the Jews and the writings of Moses, wrote in the early years of the Christian era, a letter to the church at Galatia (Galatians 3:17). He stated that the Israelites left Egypt to return to the promised land 430 years (see Appendix 3) after God gave the promise to Abraham, the founder of the Jewish race. According to Acts 7:4 and Genesis 12:1-4, Abraham was 75 years old when God gave him the promise and in the same year his father Terah was 205 years old and Abraham was born when Terah was 130 years of age (Gen.11:26-33). (See Appendix 4.) The statements of genealogy in Genesis 11:10-26, are father-son statements and link Abraham to Noah’s son, Shem. The statements list the persons by name. Their year of birth against their father’s age is listed and their father is named. These chronologies do not have missing generations; there are no gaps. If we add up the figures mentioned between Shem’s 100th year (Gen. 11:10) and Abraham (Gen. 11:26) we get 350 years. Since 9 names are mentioned it is 350 years +/- 9 (9 margins of error of up to 1 year each). Genesis 11:10 tells us that Shem was 100 years old, 2 years after the Flood had finished. When was Noah’s Flood? 1,981 years to AD 0 plus 967 years to the founding of Solomon’s Temple plus 480 years to the end of the Exodus plus 430 years to the promise to Abraham plus 75 years to Abraham’s birth plus 350 years to Shem’s 100th birthday plus 2 years to the Flood. The Biblical data places the Flood at 2304 BC +/- 11 years. This date is, as expected, in conflict with secular archaeology which regards the Flood as either local or a myth and the Biblical chronologies as irrelevant or inaccurate. The placing of a catastrophic global flood in the year 2304 BC means that all civilizations discovered by archaeology must fit into the last 4,285 years. The significance of this fact will be pursued in later articles. [Ed.- for more information, see TJ 2 (1986), pp. 56-87 and TJ 3 (1988), pp. 96-136.]
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Ancient Brass BELL (Oopart - Out of place artifact) Found Encased IN COAL supposed to be about 300 million years old! - the bell is an antediluvian [before the deluge, pre-flood] artifact made before the Genesis Flood (Noah's Ark) - For more detailed pictures of the bell and the [idol] demon-like figure on top, click here (Photos)
In 1944, as a ten year old boy, Newton Anderson dropped a lump of coal in his basement and found that it contained this bell inside. The bituminous coal that was mined near his house in Upshur County West Virginia is supposed to be about 300 million years old! What is a brass bell with an iron clapper doing in coal ascribed to the Carboniferous Period? According to Norm Sharbaugh's book Ammunition (which includes several "coal anecdotes") the bell is an antediluvian artifact (made before the Genesis Flood). The Institute for Creation Research had the bell submitted to the lab at the University of Oklahoma. There a nuclear activation analysis revealed that the bell contains an unusual mix of metals, different from any known modern alloy production (including copper, zinc, tin, arsenic, iodine, and selenium). -- Genesis 4:22 states that Tubal-Cain was "an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron..." Perhaps when his civilization came to an end in the flood, this bell was buried with a mass of vegetation that became coal and ended up thousands of years later in Newt Anderson's coal bin. ... Later on, Newton Anderson spent a great deal of time researching the demon atop the bell. He discovered similarities to the Babylonian Southwest Wind Demon and the Hindu deity Garuda. Garuda is sometimes depicted on top of bells, as is the Egyptian Isis.
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OOPARTS (out of place artifacts) & ANCIENT HIGH TECHNOLOGY -- Evidence of Noah's Flood? - Do unexplained technologies of the ancients provide possible proofs of Pre-flood civilizations? - If you believe that the flood of Noah actually happened, what was the state of the technology of (antediluvian) pre-flooders? Could they have left physical evidence of their existence? - We expect you to use your own knowledge filter (Christian discernment) on this site
Point of View: We have a Biblical viewpoint on the world. Ooparts are evidence, we think, that the Flood actually happened. News items or magazine articles that report them may not have the same perspective that Christians do. When we read for instance, a scientific article that puzzles over our lack of genetic variability, we think of the Flood of Noah. We would include that article here, without editing, because we expect Christians to use their filters on such an article. That does not mean that we agree with the evolutionary timeframe given in said article. -- We think it's more interesting when general newspaper articles or science articles observe data that they might see one way, but that Christians might see another way given our own knowledge about God, creation and the flood. It's more interesting to quote Stephen Jay Gould saying that "the lack of transitional fossils is the trade secret of paleontology", than it might be to hear another Christian say it. So, no we don't believe the universe is millions or billions of years old. We don't know how old it is-we just know who created it and how long it took Him. We do not believe in pre-Adamic races, though we do believe that there were "civiilizations" prior to the Flood. We don't believe in space aliens or cooties. We expect you to use your own knowledge filter on this site.
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Introduction
The blog Bible Study has concluded the Bible study portion! - Sometime after Holy Week and Resurrection Day (Easter) the study will continue with some ancient history and Church history segments - Thanks to everyone for your participation and especially for your prayers!
The blog Bible Study concluded fairly quickly - I had looked at the website visitor logs a couple of weeks ago and saw that people were scattered all throughout the study though primarily in the New Testament while the study was blogging O.T. studies at the time and that's a good thing because the material is designed to be a self-help service but with people so scattered [though many people were current] I decided to move along and if at all possible conclude the study and the study has been concluded. The material is now available as a complete resource for the convenience of anyone who wants to use it. The study really turned into an amazing, fascinating study! I learned a lot during the study and I mostly learned that I need to spend more time reading the Bible and being in prayer, and in fellowship and just in general being in a Christian life. We serve a Great God!!! Thanks to everyone especially for your prayers - the study truly encountered the heights of Heaven and the depths of other things unmentionable and through it all it was the prayers of the Saints in fellowship that gave us a tremendous victory! After Holy Week we will continue with the history portion of the study but in the time before Holy Week it seems like a good opportunity to look at some areas and aspects of the events of Holy Week as we prepare ourselves for Holy Week 2010. Then after Holy Week and some history segments the blog will continue with some basic Topical Bible studies and devotions. -- God bless everyone! ~ David Anson Brown
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Continuing with our Holy Week 2010 preview - The 8 Kingdoms [Kings - Nimrod, Pharaoh Akhenaten, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Antichrist (Satan), Messiah (Jesus Christ)] of the earth - The Kingdom of Jesus Christ [specifically starting with His Triumphal Entry (as King of all creation - Luke 19:38-40) into Jerusalem] when His eternal Kingdom was initially established during His events of the original Holy Week in Jerusalem approximately 2,000 years ago
After Holy Week the Basic Christian info feed is going to post a Bible Study regarding the 8 Global Kingdoms of the earth however since the events of Holy Week are when Jesus was ushering in His Global Kingdom for us it would be a good time to look at both an introduction and a brief summary regarding the 8 Kingdoms before the events of Holy Week 2010 to help us put the events of Jesus Christ and Holy Week into a Global Kingdom perspective then shortly after Easter we can do the actual 8 Kingdom study in its entirety.
Continuing to examine the Thursday and Friday of the ancient Holy week Timeline - The original Holy Week days of Thursday and Friday having been meshed together into the one Friday of the modern Holy Week [a Friday crucifixion - because Saturday is the Sabbath Day] excludes the purchasing of additional oils and ointments to further anoint the body of Jesus while it lay lifeless in the tomb -- 'Mark 16:1 And when the [Thursday] (evening) Sabbath [from the 1st day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread] was past, [on Friday - a normal working day] Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, **had bought (purchased) sweet spices, that they might come [on Friday] and anoint Him (Jesus).' {Note: it appears that by the time of their arrival to the tomb on Friday, with the oils and spices to anoint the body of Jesus, the tomb had just been sealed by Roman guards and they would have to come back on Sunday [at the end of three days] when the seal was to be removed by the Romans intending that the un-resurrected body of Jesus would still be in the tomb on Sunday but early Sunday morning Jesus resurrected.}
The Gospel of Luke tells us that the newly purchased oils and spices were prepared in order to further anoint the body of Jesus. "Luke 23:55-56 And the women also, which came with Him [Jesus] from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre (tomb), and how His body was laid. And they returned, and [Friday] prepared [labored] spices and ointments; and rested the [Saturday] **Sabbath day according to the Commandment [4th of the 10 Commandments - Exodus 20:9-10]." -- On Thursday [15th of Nisan] the Feast Day [Feast of Unleavened Bread] the Jewish leaders stayed outside of the presence of the Romans in order to observe the Feast day. "John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas [the Jewish High Priest] unto the [Roman] Hall of Judgment: and it was early [Thursday]; and they [Jewish leaders] themselves went not into the [Roman] Judgment Hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the [Unleavened Bread] Passover." while on the next day [Friday] the day when the Jewish elders requested that the tomb of Jesus be sealed the Jewish leaders did not remain outside of the presence of the Romans because Friday being a normal day the Jewish leaders were able to enter into the presence of the Romans. "Matthew 27:62 Now [Friday] the next day, that followed the [Thursday] day of the preparation [Feast of Unleavened Bread], the [Jewish] Chief Priests and Pharisees *came together **unto Pilate," -- Noting again that the ancient events that took place over two days [Thursday and Friday] are combined into the one Friday of the modern Holy Week timeline of events. Also Note: "Luke 23:56 … and rested the Sabbath day according to the [4th] Commandment" Luke now references the Sabbath [the week] after the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as the Sabbath of the Commandments. Luke might be saying that the Sabbath of the Levitical Feasts was previously fulfilled and completed on the previous week with the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and that what was taking place now was a Commandment Sabbath and not a Feast Sabbath. - The 4th of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the first of the Eight Feasts of Leviticus chapter 23 are both the weekly Sabbath day.
A Preview and look at some of the aspects of Holy Week and of the 10 Day Jesus Walk 2010 Easter Timeline Devotion - 1.) The events that Jesus Christ participated in and completed or initiated for us to receive from are primarily distributed throughout the 8 Levitical Feasts [Leviticus Chapter 23] the Jewish Feasts days that were in occurrence during the Holy Week Events - {Note: It is important to know that Leviticus stipulates that the Feasts themselves are to be Observed and Fulfilled in their proper order beginning with the Feast of Sabbath. In other words there would not be a proper observance of either the Passover or Pentecost feasts without first having properly observed and having entered into the Feast of Sabbath Rest as fulfilled and offered to us in Jesus Christ.}
Leviticus 23:4 These are the [8] Feasts of the LORD, even Holy Convocations [gatherings], which ye shall proclaim *in their Seasons [in their proper order and at their proper time].
- The Jesus Walk 10 Day Easter Timeline Devotion originally started out [in 1994] as a Bible study simply attempting to following Jesus through the events of Holy Week. The original study-devotion did not start out as a devotion focusing on the 8 Levitical Feasts as the devotion has primarily become since 2000. The essence of the Jesus Walk devotion is fellowshipping with Jesus by following along with Jesus during His origional Holy Week events, events that happen to be foretold and previously explained by Moses in the 8 Feasts of Leviticus Chapter 23. The original Jesus Walk Easter Timeline Devotion started as a Bible study project in 1994 however I was completely unable to fit the 10 days of Biblical events [Anointing Friday - Resurrection Sunday] into the eight days [Palm Sunday - Easter Sunday] observed in the current modern Holy Week format. Frustrated with trying to fit the Biblical events into the modern timeline I twice [in 1997 and later in 1999] gave up on the Jesus Walk project but in 1998 with the verse "1 Corinthians 5:7 ... For even Christ our Passover (the week of Passover - Holy Week) is sacrificed for us" ringing in my head I also read some of a book [Armageddon: Appointment with Destiny] by Grant R. Jeffery and he pointed out that Easter Sunday was actually the Feast of First Fruits and also that the crucifixion was on the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Previously most of the preaching that I had heard only referenced The Feast of Passover and it was usually wrongly associated with the crucifixion day of Jesus while 1 Corinthians 11:23 says that the Last Supper "Passover" was on the night Jesus was betrayed not on the day he was crucified so clearly the events of Holy Week had been enacted on specific days in accordance with the 8 Feasts of Leviticus Chapter 23 where the Holy Week events had originally been embedded for our later understanding. After another major effort during Easter 1999 the Jesus Walk project was again given up in failure until previous to Easter 2000 when some really horrible teaching [by Dave Hunt - saying that Jesus never even kept the Passover] put me right back into the Jesus Walk project and in 2000 I thought I had a word of discernment from the Holy Spirit that the project would come together that year and as Easter 2000 came and went I still felt encouraged to continue the study and at the end of May 2000 the devotional timeline days were shifted in my study notes [because they just didn't fit in the modern timeline] and Palm Sunday was backed up to [Palm Saturday] and I couldn't believe it Sunday had become a Saturday fulfilling the First Feast Day but I immediately thought that there was a verse in the Bible that proclaimed the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to be on a Sunday but there was no such verse and after some careful examination in the Greek I realized that [not Sunday] but Saturday is the day Biblically supported as the Day of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and then finally with the day of the Triumphal Entry established the Jesus Walk Holy Week Study Devotion became the completed 10 Day Holy Week Timeline Devotion. ~ David Anson Brown
2.) Examining the Dave Hunt Heresy [John 18:28] where Hunt incorrectly contends that Jesus intended to celebrate the Passover but was unable to do so - Hunt's theory is only speculation and confusion on Dave Hunt's part - Hunt confuses the later Feast of Unleavened Bread [15th of Nisan - Leviticus 23:6] for the earlier Feast of the Lord's Passover [14th of Nisan - Leviticus 23:5]
It is easy enough to prove that Jesus and the 12 Apostles did observe the Lord's Passover Feast: Luke 22:7-16 Then came the day [14th of Nisan - Feast of the Lord's Passover] of unleavened bread, when the Passover (lamb) must be killed. And He (Jesus) sent Peter and John, saying, **Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. And they said unto Him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And He said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city [Jerusalem], there shall a man [thought to be Mark] meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover. **And when the [evening] hour was come, He sat down, and the Twelve Apostles with Him. And He [Jesus] said unto them, ***With desire I have desired to eat [fulfill] this Passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it [Feast Days] be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. - Dave Hunt's Heresy contends that based on [John 18:28] Jesus was unable to fulfill the Passover. - "John 18:28 Then [the next day the 15th of Nisan (Thursday, crucifixion day) - the Feast of Unleavened Bread] led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they [Jewish leaders] themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the [Unleavened Bread] Passover." -- {This verse proves that the crucifixion took place on the 15th of Nisan the day after the Lord's Passover because the Lord's Passover [14th of Nisan] is not a Sabbath Rest Feast but the next day [15th of Nisan] the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread is (at sundown) a Sabbath Rest.} "John 19:31-35 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the [Unleavened Bread] Sabbath day, *for that Sabbath day was an high day [not the regular Saturday Sabbath], besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they brake not His legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he [Disciple John] that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. - Note: The Feast of the Lord's Passover [14th Nisan] is not a Sabbath (rest) feast [that is why Jesus and the 11 Apostles were able to go out to the Garden of Gethsemane that night - had the Lord's Passover been a Sabbath (evening rest) Feast, by Jewish (Torah) Law they would have had to remain inside resting] (the original Lord's Passover [Exodus 12:11] was not a day of rest it was the [busy] day "in haste" when the children of God busily prepared to leave Egypt) the accompanying Feast the Feast of Unleavened Bread [starting the 15th of Nisan] is a seven day feast and the first day [15th Nisan] and the seventh day [21st of Nisan] are both (evening rest) Sabbath rest days. Leviticus 23:6-8 And on the fifteenth day of the same month [Nisan] is the Feast of Unleavened Bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day [15th of Nisan] ye shall have an *holy convocation [evening Sabbath]: ye shall do no servile work therein (after sunset). But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD [for] seven days: in the seventh day [21st of Nisan] is [also] an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. -- The Dave Hunt Heresy is so easily wrong in so many ways and in so many obvious aspects that it can almost be concluded that Dave Hunt is deliberately, intentionally and systematically propagating disinformation within the Christian Church, regarding the life, ministry and accomplishments of Jesus Christ.
3.) Continuing with the Hunt Heresy - Dave Hunt after deliberately offending Protestants by wrongly claiming that Jesus did not observe the Passover Feast - Hunt then goes on to deliberately and to systematically offend the Catholics by haphazardly pointing out that the crucifixion was on Thursday rather than on the common Friday [Good Friday] of modern Catholic tradition - {Note: Roman Catholicism is a Christian sect [the main Christian sect] it is also highly built upon traditions and as a part of their traditions they seemingly [a very long time ago] shortened Holy Week by one day so that for convenience Holy Week [Palm Sunday - Easter Sunday] would encompass two Sundays (for convenient Church attendance) instead of the Saturday [Triumphal Entry] to Sunday of the Biblical events. The Catholic Church is not engaging in deceit because they have never said that Jesus didn't fulfill His three days and three nights prophecy the way Dave Hunt is saying that Jesus never observed Passover even though Jesus Himself had said [Luke 22:7-16] that He had highly "desired" to eat the Passover with His 12 Apostles.}
The error in a Friday crucifixion is that clearly only two days and two nights are fulfilled in Jesus' own prophecy. [Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas (Jonah) was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.] Jesus prophesied that He would spend three days and three nights in the center (heart) of the earth. With Dave Hunt previously stating that Jesus did not observe the Passover and with the common teaching of the Friday crucifixion opening the door to yet another 'seemingly' unfulfilled prophecy then it does clearly open the way for a usurper an Antichrist to enter in and to pretend to fulfill prophesies, prophesies that are already fulfilled and completed by Jesus Christ it is just that modern teachers (pastors), teachings and modern interpretations have readily and systematically edited Jesus out of His own fulfillments and out of His own accomplishments. Dave Hunt does offer Thursday as the crucifixion day however in his already greatly confused and highly truncated timeline of events Hunt offers the Thursday crucifixion seemingly more as a momentary opportunity to deride Catholicism than as a fundamental opportunity to express fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy. All the while Dave Hunt continues to attempt to lead the Christian Church into confusion and with confusion into factions [Protestant, Roman Catholicism] and with factions then comes unwanted strife and division within the Christian Church.
The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (John 1:12) accepted by some and rejected by others - The Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ in initially being rejected by the rulers of this world (Luke 23:24) has been placed in an individual (experiential) basis until the fullness of the Kingdom of God is brought into its knowable entirety during the events of the Book of Revelation - Basically what we are going to do in the next few days before Holy Week is to begin to consider and to reconcile the [Kingdom on earth] Messiah Prophecy of Daniel [Daniel's 70 Weeks (Daniel 9:25-26)] and the [Eternal Spiritual] Kingdom Revelation of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43) with each other and attempt to more fully understand the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ that is currently being so generously offered by God to all mankind
Note: Regarding the rejection and death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The people of Jesus' day asked Him for a sign that He was indeed God (Matthew 12:40) and Jesus also said (John 2:19) the sign that He would give the world would be that He would resurrect the 3rd day from death. The resurrection of Jesus proved the Deity (Immortality) of Jesus to all mankind for all time. So the events of Holy Week that ended in the crucifixion and later in the resurrection of Jesus were not events that went astray but were events that were foretold and necessary in order for God to unmistakably reveal and reconcile Himself to all mankind. Having then revealed Himself to all mankind by His prophecies, miracles and resurrection He is now selecting for Himself a Kingdom of believing people for His own from within mankind. -- Romans 1:3-5 Concerning His [God's] Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made [physically] of the seed of [King] David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of Holiness, **by the resurrection from the dead: By [Jesus] whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the [Christian] faith among all Nations, for His Name:
8 Kingdoms Introduction: Some brief criteria for the 8 Global Kingdoms of the earth - Throughout human history there have been many glorious [in man's eyes] Empires, Kingdoms and Dominions but only 8 of the Kingdoms of mankind are the incredible (Revelation 17:10) Kingdoms of the earth {Note: The Basic Christian blog History Study is also going to include some of the additional great Kingdoms primarily Hammurabi (Saudi Arabia), Queen of Sheba (Ethiopia), Solomon (Israel), and Sennacherib (Assyria).}
8 Kingdoms Summary: The Seven incredible Gentile Kingdoms of Revelation 17:10 are Nimrod (Tower of Babel), Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome and [revised Rome] the Antichrist Kingdom. While the 8th and final Kingdom is the eternal, righteous Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each of these 8 Kingdoms is going to share some remarkable similarities: Each Kingdom will have possessed all of or a majority of the world's wealth [gold, silver, precious gems] at one time. Each Kingdom has or will have knowledge [both public and secret knowledge] beyond that of their peers. The Kingdoms will also possess influence, military power and political prestige beyond the peers of their day. *Most importantly each of the 8 Kingdoms will also have exerted FAVORABLE influence over the Jews, over Jerusalem and over the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The Kingdom of Nimrod [about two generations and 100 years after the flood of Noah] encompassed all of humanity including Abraham's forefather Arphaxad (Genesis 11:11), the Kingdom of Nimrod possessed all human wealth, knowledge and wisdom and the Kingdom of Nimrod built a Temple (the Tower of Babel). Egypt the 2nd Kingdom amassed much of the fortune of the world and much of the knowledge of the world and a great part of that fortune would be "favorably" given to the Jews at their Passover departure from Egypt (Exodus 3:21-22). The wealth of Egypt would then be used by the Jews in the building of the Tabernacle of God by Moses at Mt. Sinai (Saudi Arabia) and later the wealth of the Tabernacle would be transferred into the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The wealth of the Temple in Jerusalem would be given back to Egypt by the Jewish King Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:25-26). The 3rd Kingdom Babylon [initially very favorable to the Jews, Jerusalem and the Temple] captured the wealth of Egypt in Egypt and took it to their Palace in Babylon. The 4th Kingdom Persia [Iran] conquered Babylon [Iraq] and consolidated the wealth of the world into the Palace at Shushan (Esther 1:4) part of the wealth of Persia was given to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Isaiah 45:28, 2 Chronicles 36:23). The 5th Kingdom Greece and Alexander the Great [on either 10 or 11 June 323 B.C., Alexander the Great died in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, in Babylon at the age of 32 - wiki.com]. King Alexander the Great who immersed the world in Greek thought and philosophy and after sparing the Jews, Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple then "at the age of 32" died among the wealth of ancient Egypt, Babylon and Persia. The 6th Kingdom Rome oversaw an extensive expansion in the size of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The 7th Kingdom the Kingdom of Antichrist is going to sign a favorable [7 year] covenant with the Jews and the Nation of Israel (Daniel 9:27) and will also in some way rebuild [and eventually occupy (Matthew 24:15)] the now destroyed Temple in Jerusalem. The 8th and final Kingdom the Eternal, Righteous Kingdom of Jesus Christ [Jesus being Jewish] will of course be very favorable to the Jews as Jesus will rule the entire world from the unprecedented Millennial Temple (Ezekiel 43:7) in Jerusalem.
Part 1. Reconciling the general community (Corporate) [Kingdom on earth] Messiah Prophecy of Daniel [Daniel's 70 Weeks (Daniel 9:25-26)] with the [Eternal Spiritual] individual (Remnant) Kingdom Revelation of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:42-43)
Daniel a Prophet to the Nations: A summary of Daniels (Corporate) Messiah's Kingdom on earth "70 Weeks (490 years) Prophecy" - Daniel 9:22-27 And he [the holy angel Gabriel] informed me [Daniel], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding [of the previous vision from God]. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the *vision. Seventy weeks [490 years (involving all of the Global Kingdoms from Babylon until the Kingdom of the Messiah totaling 6 of the 8 Global Kingdoms - Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, Antichrist and finally the Kingdom of the Messiah, Jesus Christ)] are determined upon thy [Jewish] people and upon thy holy city [Jerusalem], to finish [make an end of] the [world's] transgression {intentional sins}, and to make an end of [all] sins {intentional and unintentional}, and to make [global] reconciliation for iniquity, and **to bring in Everlasting Righteousness [the 8th Kingdom - the Kingdom of God], and to seal up [conclude] the vision and prophecy, ***and to anoint [Messiah - Jesus Christ] the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks [it would take 49 years to rebuild Jerusalem], and threescore (60) and two weeks [434 years of a rebuilt Jerusalem]: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after [the] threescore and two weeks [after 483 years of the 490 years] shall Messiah be cut off [lit. executed - crucifixion], *but not for Himself [but for the sins of the people]: and the people of the [Antichrist] prince that shall [future] come [7th Kingdom - Antichrist (Satan)] shall destroy the city [70 A.D.] and the [Temple] sanctuary [also destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.]; and the end thereof shall be with a flood [overflowing of destruction], and unto the end of the war [with Satan] desolations are determined. And he [Antichrist - 7th Kingdom] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [the 70th and final week - the final 7 year period - not yet started]: and in the midst of the week [3½ years] he [Antichrist] shall cause the [Temple - 3rd Temple in Jerusalem] sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading [completeness] of abominations he [Antichrist] shall make it [the entire earth unholy] desolate [empty], even until the consummation [end of human history - human separation from God], and that determined [vial-bowl judgments of Revelation] shall be poured upon the desolate [sky and earth].
Part 1a. The anointing of the Messiah, Jesus Christ being anointed individually by His followers - The corporate (group) anointing of the Messiah prophesied by Daniel the Prophet is alluded to but [temporarily] becomes individualized as individuals are anointing Jesus the Messiah for His Kingdom in the same way that the thief on the cross as an individual [not yet the Nations of the world] acknowledged and entered into the eternal Kingdom of the Messiah - In short the two individuals [women] who anointed Jesus with oil and the thief on the cross were all doing the very same thing, each individually anointing and acknowledging the Kingdom of Messiah - Individuals (a remnant) acknowledging and entering into the Kingdom of Messiah [Kingdom of God] long before the Prophesied Nations as a whole are to enter into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ
Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city [Jerusalem], to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and **to anoint [Messiah] the most Holy. -- John 12:3 Then {Friday} took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. -- Matthew 26:6-7 Now {Tuesday} when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman [thought to be Mary Magdalene] having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on His head, as He sat at meat [dinner]. -- Luke 23:42 And he [thief on the cross] said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into Thy Kingdom. {Note: How the corporate (group) anointing (the head) of the Messiah and the general acceptance of the Messiah as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet becomes an individual anointing of the feet of the Messiah and later another anointing by another individual this time anointing the head of Jesus. Both anointings and the acknowledging of the Kingdom of God [also divine revelation from the thief on the cross] are in reference to the Prophecy of Daniel {the thief on the cross was probably directly recalling Daniel 9:26} but are not yet a direct fulfillment of the anointing and general acceptance of the Messiah as Prophesied by Daniel in his 70 Week prophecy.}
Part 1b. Daniel's 70 Weeks Prophecy is an explanation of an earlier Vision [Daniel chapter 7] regarding the Kingdoms of the Earth [Daniel 7:17 the 4 remaining Kingdoms - Persia, Greece, Rome, Antichrist] - Keep in mind that the 490 years of Daniel's 70 Weeks Prophecy are all years that occur only during one of the Kingdoms of Earth - Currently we are not directly under one of the Kings of the Earth nor are we directly in one of the Kingdoms of the Earth and therefore not yet using up one of the 490 years of the prophecy [but we are in the period (Daniel 2:42) of the Revising of the Roman (iron) Empire without yet the direct global King] - 483 years [Persia, Greece, Rome] of the 490 years have been completed and only the final [Antichrist] Week '7 years' of the prophecy remains to be fulfilled
According to Daniel (Daniel 9:25) at end of the 69th Week the Messiah would reveal Himself [the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem] and make available His Kingdom [*ending the reign of the Kings of the earth] then "after" the 69th Week "shall Messiah be cut off" the crucifixion of Jesus Christ occurred 4 days after the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ. The Triumphal Entry did end the reign of the Global Kings of the Earth {as King Herod (part of a Global Kingdom - Rome) feared it would in Matthew 2:2-3} the rejection of Jesus Christ by both Rome and Jerusalem and the crucifixion of Jesus 4 days later then re-opened the (now postponed) 70th Week and the Antichrist Kingdom. The 70th Week specifically belongs to the Antichrist and since the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem at the completion of the 69th Week the timeline of the Prophecy of Daniel has stopped until the Kingdom of Antichrist claims its 1 Week (7 year period) that will be given to it by God. The amount of time [2,000 years so far] between the 69th week of Daniel and the 70th and final week of Daniel has been the Church Age. The Church Age where almost the entirety of the Book of Acts was spent grappling with the issue that the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ had momentarily become completely individualized {the early (remnant - firstfruit) rain (Hosea 6:2-3)} [with the individuals entering into the Kingdom of God primarily being the Gentiles] and that it will not be until the final events of the Book of Revelation [the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth] that the Kingdom of God becomes evident primarily through the Nations of the earth {the later (community - harvest) rain (Hosea 6:2-3)} and not just primarily through the individuals of the earth as it is now.
Part 2. The Anointing and Throne of a King: King David was anointed three times [first among his own family (by Samuel on behalf of God), later by the Tribe of Judah (lit. Praise) and lastly by the Elders of the Nation of Israel] -- Saul was anointed twice both times by the same person [Samuel] - Solomon was anointed King *twice [first by a select committee (1 Kings 1:32-40) - then by the people (1 Chronicles 29:22)] - Jesus Christ is anointed King three times, First by His family [God (Matthew 3:16-17, Acts 10:38)], Secondly [among His Praise] the Church Age of individuals, Thirdly by each of the Nations as a whole [in the Kingdom Age] beginning with the Nation of Israel at the 2nd Coming return of Jesus Christ
King Saul [a type of Satan] was chosen by God and anointed the first time privately by the Prophet Samuel [1 Samuel 10:1]. Saul was initiated [1 Samuel 10:17-24] as the 1st King of Israel [in Mizpeh of Gilead] without anointing and while Saul was personally in hiding (i.e. hidden as Satan is in hiding now). Saul was anointed by Samuel a second time though oil is not mentioned it might have been strictly a verbal anointing with the Prophet Samuel speaking prophecy over King Saul and not anointing him with oil. -- King David [a type of Jesus Christ] was anointed three times [1 Samuel 16:12-14 (Bethlehem), 2 Samuel 2:4 (Hebron), 2 Samuel 5:3 (Hebron) - the first (person) anointed in Jerusalem was the Temple (a direct representation of Jesus Christ), it was dedicated (anointed) in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:10-11) before Solomon or any of the later Kings, the descendants of Solomon, were anointed in Jerusalem] and the moment David was anointed the first time the anointing of God departed [1 Samuel 16:14] from the presence of then King Saul [a type of Satan] so only one of them was anointed by God as King at any one time and when King Solomon [a type of the Antichrist] was anointed there is no indication or recording of the anointing of God leaving King David the way it previously had left King Saul. -- King Solomon [a type of the Antichrist] was anointed twice, first [1 Kings 1:32-40] by a chosen and selected committee [the High Priest, the Prophet and the people gathered in Gihon who happened to be in knowledge of the event] and later by all the people [1 Chronicles 29:22]. -- Jesus Christ the Messiah has been anointed twice. First by His family of God [Matthew 3:16-17]. "Matthew 3:16-17, Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me [Messiah, Jesus Christ], because He [God] hath anointed Me [Jesus] to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." - "Acts 4:26-28 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ. For of a truth against thy Holy Child Jesus, whom Thou [God] hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined [to kill Jesus] before to be done." - Jesus is currently being anointed throughout His Christian Church Age. "1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God [Jesus] was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on [anointed] in the world, received up into glory." - "2 Corinthians 1:20-22 For all the promises of God in Him are yea [yes], and in Him Amen [Truth], unto the glory of God by us. Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit [Father, Son Jesus, Holy Spirit] in our hearts." {My perspective on the Church rapture is just when is the Antichrist 'anointed' by God to receive his Kingdom on earth is it pre-tribulation [this happens to be my position on End Time events]? or is it 3½ years later at pre-wrath [also a very possible position for End Time events]? The anointed Church (2 Corinthians 1:20-22) and the future Kingdom of Antichrist are not going to co-exist and when the anointed 'born again' Church is raptured only then will the Antichrist be anointed for his Kingdom on earth. Then with the Christian Church gone the Antichrist will preside over a Kingdom on earth that will go horribly wrong for everyone involved as the Antichrist attempts to receive the anointing of the Nations starting in the Holy of Holies (Matthew 24:15) with the Nation of Israel.} - There is yet a third and future anointing of the Messiah Jesus Christ the anointing among the Nations starting with Jesus being anointed King by the elders of Israel in Jerusalem. "Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks [490 years] are determined upon thy people [the Jews] and upon thy holy city [Jerusalem], to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness [the Kingdom of God among the Nations], and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint [Messiah] the most Holy." - "Zechariah 12:10-14 And I will pour [anoint] upon the House of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the [Holy] Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me [Jesus Christ] whom they have pierced (crucified), and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in [agony] bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning *in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the House of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; The family of the House of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; All the families that remain [after the Tribulation], every family apart, and their wives apart." {Note: the coming Tribulation during the events of Revelation is primarily a Gentile (Martyred Saints) Holocaust the Jews having already suffered their [WWII] Holocaust will primarily be exempt from the Holocaust to come but still it will be dangerous and difficult times for everyone and not every family will make it through the events. Presumably the Nation of Israel will emerge (anoint the Messiah Jesus Christ) and enter into the Kingdom Age [1,000 year reign of the Messiah] far more intact than any of the Gentile Nations.} - "Ezekiel 43:5-7 So the [Holy] Spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court [Millennial Temple - 4th Temple in Jerusalem]; and, behold, the Glory of the LORD filled the House. And I heard Him speaking unto me out of the House; and *the Man [Jesus Christ] stood by me. And He said unto me, Son of man [Ezekiel], the place of My Throne, and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell [as anointed King] in the midst of the children of Israel for ever ..."
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Part 2a. A brief look and introduction into the 7 anointed Gentile Global Kings of the Earth (anointed from God) and the anointed 8th King Jesus Christ: Beginning with Nimrod (Tower of Babel - Genesis 10:8-10) -- Pharaoh Akhenaten (Egypt - Joseph's Pharaoh, the Dream Pharaoh - Genesis 41:1) -- Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon - Jeremiah 27:4-7, Daniel 2:37) -- Cyrus (Persia - Isaiah 45:1-7, Ezra 1:1-4) -- Alexander the Great (Greece - Daniel 8:21) -- Julius Caesar (Rome and The Revised [10 Kingdom] Roman Empire - Daniel 7:19) -- Antichrist [emerges from within the Revised Roman Empire] (Satan - Daniel 7:20) -- Messiah, Jesus Christ's Kingdom (Heaven and Earth - Daniel 2:35, Daniel 2:44-45)
Genesis 10:8-10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty [occult] one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter {spiritual seeker, occult} before {anointed of} the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before {in the presence of} the LORD. *And the beginning of his [Nimrod's] Kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar [later Babylon - modern Iraq]. {Note: all 7 of the Gentile global Kings-Kingdoms are anointed, for a time, given by God even as the Gentile King might at times or throughout thier duration be at odd with God.} -- Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed [a dream from God] {this is possibly or most probably the Pharaoh Akhenaten}: and, behold, he stood by the river. -- Jeremiah 27:4-7 ... Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters; I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, **and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto Me. And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. And all Nations shall serve him, and his son [Nabonidus], and his son's son [Belshazzar], until the very time of his land come: and then many Nations and Great Kings shall serve themselves of him. -- Isaiah 45:1-7 Thus saith the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus [of Persia], whose right hand I have holden, to subdue Nations before him; and I will loose the loins of Kings, to open before him the two leaved gates [of Babylon]; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: *And I will give thee the Treasures of Darkness [Mystery Babylon - secret knowledge - the 7 Gentile Kingdoms 'beginning' with Nimrod and ending with Antichrist once manifested are aggregate and ongoing], *and hidden riches [wealth] of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. **For Jacob [the Nation of Israel] My servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me. I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I Am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. -- Ezra 1:1-4 Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, that the Word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his Kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia, The LORD God of Heaven hath given me all the Kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an House [Temple - 2nd Temple] at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the House [Temple] of the LORD God of Israel, He is the God, which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the House of God that is in Jerusalem. -- Daniel 8:16-27 And I heard a Man's [Jesus'] voice [standing on the water] between the banks of [the river] Ulai, which called, and said, [Angel] Gabriel, make this man [Daniel] to understand the vision. So he [Gabriel] came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man [Daniel]: for at the Time of the End shall be the vision [the four Gentile global governments - Persia, Greece, Rome and Antichrist]. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for *at the time appointed the end shall be. The ram which thou sawest having two horns are *the kings of Media and Persia [4th Kingdom]. And the rough goat is the King of Grecia [Greece - 5th Kingdom]: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first King [Alexander the Great]. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four Kingdoms [Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in the east, the kingdom of Pergamon in Asia Minor, and Macedon - wiki.com] shall stand up out of the Nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their [Roman] Kingdom {Rome annexed and acquired the Kingdom of Greece more by default (a weakened Greece) and through political contracts than through direct military conquest}, when the transgressors are come to the full, a King [Antichrist] of fierce countenance, and understanding dark [occult] sentences, shall stand up. And his [Antichrist] power shall be mighty, but not by his own power [by Satan's]: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft [occult - Satanism] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and *by [false] peace shall destroy many: he [Antichrist] shall also stand up against the Prince of Princes [Jesus Christ]; but he [Antichrist] shall be broken [spiritually] without [physical] hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's [Belshazzar - son of Nabonidus - grandson of Nebuchadnezzar] business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. -- Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron (Rome), the clay (Revised Rome - Antichrist), the brass (Greece), the silver (Persia), and the gold (Babylon), broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them [Kingdoms of the Earth]: and the Stone [Jesus Christ] that smote the image became a Great Mountain [single government], and filled the whole earth. Daniel 2:44-45 And in the days of these Kings [Kings of the Earth] shall *the God of Heaven set up a [eternal] Kingdom, **which shall never be destroyed: and the [eternal] Kingdom shall not be left to other [unbelieving] people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these [7 earthly] Kingdoms, and it [the Kingdom of Jesus Christ] shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the Stone was cut out of the Mountain [Divinely] without [physical] hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the Great God hath made known to the King [Nebuchadnezzar] what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
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Part 3. The Three Fall [Harvest] Feats of Leviticus 23 - the Three [Second Coming] Fall Feasts of Leviticus 23 - The Three [First Coming] Spring Feasts [month of Nisan] initiated the individual Church Age and it is thought that in the same way the Three Fall Feasts of Leviticus 23 [month of Tishri] conclude the 8 Kingdom Feasts of God and initiate the 8th Kingdom the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (Messiah) and His 1,000 year Kingdom of Nations reign on earth
The 8 Holy Feasts of Leviticus 23: Three Feasts corresponding to the Second Coming and the Kingdom on Earth of Jesus Christ. --Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Rashanah) "Leviticus 23:23-25 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an Holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD." The offering of fire is likely the Baptism of Fire that the Christian is undergoing since the Flames of Fire upon the heads of the believers occurring at the Feast of Pentecost. The Trumpet is an announcement and in this case it is an announcement for God's people to gather together into one place. For the Church this is very likely fulfilled in the Rapture, the calling by God of His Church into Heaven to be with Him and to escape His coming judgment that is about to come upon the entire world of non-believers. "Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the voice which I heard was as it were of a Trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter." -- Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) "Leviticus 23:27-32 Also on the Tenth day of this Seventh month there shall be a Day of Atonement." This feast in a large part was completed at the cross of Jesus as Jesus is the Atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Atonement is the repair the mending of a broken relationship. For a relationship to be repaired there has to be a desire to repair the union and there needs to be an acknowledgment of the wrong that severed the relationship in the first place. It is corresponding to the second coming of Jesus because there is still much to be fulfilled with this particular feast. For starters at the Atonement Feast Leviticus 16:1-34 there are two goats the first goat is sacrificed for the atonement, the removal of sin, because the result of sin is death so only when death occurs is sin satisfied. This sacrifice is a representation of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for us. Meanwhile, the second goat called the "scapegoat", the carrier of sins is released far away carrying with it the sins of the people and if that scapegoat never returns then the sins never return and are completely removed and stay away. If the scapegoat does return then all of the sins return with it. It is evident that at the cross of Jesus that a man called Barabbas was the scapegoat, as Barabbas was set free and he was never heard from again. That is until the Antichrist comes because the Antichrist will be carrying the name of "Son of the Father" which translated into Hebrew is "Barabbas" Bar = son and Abba = Father. Unfortunately the scapegoat the carrier of sin "Satan" will be returning one day as he will again be accepted by the people to be their friend and their king and when he does come he will bring with him the sins of the world. Also the Jewish people as a nation have not yet recognized Jesus as the true Messiah and this will happen at the second coming of Jesus so this feast is still partially yet to be fulfilled. -- Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) "Leviticus 23:34-43 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The Fifteenth day of this Seventh month shall be the feast of Tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD. ... That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." The Tabernacle is a Tent a temporary shelter as opposed to a Temple which is a permanent building. The Jewish Temple originally was a Tabernacle a Tent that the Hebrews carried with them and set up during their wilderness journey prior to their entry into the Promise Land of Israel. Once in the Promise Land, the permanent living place the Tent was then replaced in Jerusalem by the permanent Temple made of stone. This is the comparison of our earthy body to our future Spiritual body. Currently we Tabernacle in a Tent body a temporary body made of flesh. Whenever anyone dies their spirit and soul departs this tent and if you are a child of God, God then accepts you into Heaven our Permanent home and we receive our new Temple body, a Spiritual body to match our spirit and our soul. {Note: The 8 Holy Fests of Leviticus Chapter 23 have been separated primarily into two parts, the three Spring Feasts of the 1st Coming [Firstfruits] of Jesus Christ and the three Fall Feasts and the2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. Together the 8 Holy Feasts combine to usher in on earth the one Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ.}
Part 4 the Conclusion: The three Fall Feasts of Leviticus Chapter 23 seem to be the Transition Phase out of the approximately 2,000 years of individuals serving and fellowshipping with God in the Christian Church Age - Into the 1,000 year Millennial Kingdom of Messiah the reign of Jesus Christ among the Nations on the Earth
The whole concept of the 8 Kingdom Study has been that there is a major transition in the Kingdom of God that is to take place and that is the Kingdom of God being shifted from the individual perspective (Church Age) to the National perspective (Kingdom Age). The shift from the individual (remnant) worship of God to the (corporate) National worship of God is continued and completed during the transition of the Antichrist Kingdom. In short throughout human history and particularly while going through the Book of Revelation there are two separate [parallel] Kingdoms at work in the Kingdom of Antichrist and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. In the Book of Revelation while the Antichrist Kingdom is attempting to unify (666 - fallen angels, fallen humans, demons) and is unable to do so the Kingdom of God [888 (in a sense) - Holy God, holy Angels, redeemed mankind] does unify. The Kingdom of God starts out in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:10-18) with Jesus walking among the 7 Churches of the earth and holding the stars of Heaven in His hand as Jesus is in the process of reconciling the earth back to Heaven to make the two separate Kingdoms of Heaven and earth back into one Kingdom. Jesus writes seven letters to His Church in each letter identifying Himself with each Church. Then in Revelation (Revelation 5:6) Jesus is seen as The Lamb Slain as Jesus identifies Himself with all of His Martyred Saints from all of the Children of God from throughout all human history. During the events of Revelation the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ becomes so identified with and intermingled with the Saints on earth and the holy Angels of Heaven in bonding and closeness that as an Angel appears (Revelation 10:1-7) it is difficult to tell if it is an Angel speaking and acting or if it is Jesus Himself speaking and acting. Note: In concluding this 8 Kingdom summary by reading the events of the Bible's Book of Revelation the Kingdom of God becomes identified with the Christian Saints, the Martyrs and even the holy Angels of Heaven at the very same time that the Kingdom of Antichrist is attempting to unify with fallen mankind, fallen angels and the demons but the Kingdom of Antichrist is falling apart and coming apart at such a rapid pace and in reality is never anywhere close to mixing into a unified Kingdom as the "iron does not mix with the clay" of Daniel. While in complete success the Kingdom of God is unified, united and completly identifiable with both mankind and with the holy Angels of Heaven all through the accomplishments and achievements of God the Son Jesus Christ. -- Ephesians 1:10-14 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times [ages] He [God] might gather together in one all things in Christ, *both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we [Christians] have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we [Apostles] should be to the {Anointing} Praise of His Glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye [individuals] also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: in whom also after that ye [individuals] believed, ye [individuals] were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our [individual] inheritance until the redemption {Kingdom Age} of the purchased possession, unto the {Anointing} Praise of His Glory.
Basic Christian: blog History Study - The 8 Kingdoms of the World (RSS)
Nimrod, Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, [Revised Rome] Antichrist, Millennial (1,000 year) Kingdom Reign of Jesus Christ
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History of the Rosetta Stone (Youtube)
History of the Rosetta Stone and Israel Archaeology. Randall Niles looks at the importance of Egyptian Hieroglyphics to Biblical Studies. Visit http://www.AllAboutTheJourney.org/isr to read how the history of the Rosetta Stone and other Egyptian artifacts impact the integrity of the Jewish scriptures. Also, go to http://www.RandallNiles.com/videos.htm to watch more videos about the history of the Rosetta Stone and other archaeological treasures related to Israel Archaeology!
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The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- 8 Kingdoms [Revelation 17:10] Introduction: Some brief criteria for the 8 Global Kingdoms of the earth - Throughout human history there have been many glorious [in man's eyes] Empires, Kingdoms and Dominions but only 8 of the Kingdoms of mankind are the incredible (Revelation 17:10) Kingdoms of the earth {Note: The Basic Christian blog History Study is also going to include some of the additional great Kingdoms primarily Hammurabi (Saudi Arabia), Queen of Sheba (Ethiopia), Solomon (Israel), and Sennacherib (Assyria).}
8 Kingdoms Summary: The Seven incredible Global Gentile Kingdoms of Revelation 17:10 are Nimrod (Tower of Babel), Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome and [revised Rome] the Antichrist Kingdom. While the 8th and final Kingdom is the eternal, righteous Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each of these 8 Kingdoms is going to share some remarkable similarities: Each Kingdom will have possessed all of or a majority of the world's wealth [gold, silver, precious gems] at one time. Each Kingdom has or will have knowledge [both public and secret knowledge] beyond that of their peers. The Kingdoms will also possess influence, military power and political prestige beyond the peers of their day. *Most importantly each of the 8 Kingdoms will also have exerted FAVORABLE influence over the Jews, over Jerusalem and over the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The Kingdom of Nimrod [about two generations and 100 years after the flood of Noah] encompassed all of humanity including Abraham's forefather Arphaxad (Genesis 11:11), the Kingdom of Nimrod possessed all human wealth, knowledge and wisdom and the Kingdom of Nimrod built a Temple (the Tower of Babel). Egypt the 2nd Kingdom amassed much of the fortune of the world and much of the knowledge of the world and a great part of that fortune would be "favorably" given to the Jews at their Passover departure from Egypt (Exodus 3:21-22). The wealth of Egypt would then be used by the Jews in the building of the Tabernacle of God by Moses at Mt. Sinai (Saudi Arabia) and later the wealth of the Tabernacle would be transferred into the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The wealth of the Temple in Jerusalem would be given back to Egypt by the Jewish King Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:25-26). The 3rd Kingdom Babylon [initially very favorable to the Jews, Jerusalem and the Temple] captured the wealth of Egypt in Egypt and took it to their Palace in Babylon. The 4th Kingdom Persia [Iran] conquered Babylon [Iraq] and consolidated the wealth of the world into the Palace at Shushan (Esther 1:4) part of the wealth of Persia was given to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Isaiah 45:28, 2 Chronicles 36:23). The 5th Kingdom Greece and Alexander the Great [on either 10 or 11 June 323 B.C., Alexander the Great died in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, in Babylon at the age of 32 - wiki.com]. King Alexander the Great who immersed the world in Greek thought and philosophy and after sparing the Jews, Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple then "at the age of 32" died among the wealth of ancient Egypt, Babylon and Persia. The 6th Kingdom Rome oversaw an extensive expansion in the size of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The 7th Kingdom the Kingdom of Antichrist is going to sign a favorable [7 year] covenant with the Jews and the Nation of Israel (Daniel 9:27) and will also in some way rebuild [and eventually occupy (Matthew 24:15)] the now destroyed Temple in Jerusalem. The 8th and final Kingdom the Eternal, Righteous Kingdom of Jesus Christ [Jesus being Jewish] will of course be very favorable to the Jews as Jesus will rule the entire world from the unprecedented Millennial Temple (Ezekiel 43:7) in Jerusalem.
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Basic Christian: - The Basic Christian Bible Study: The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth - The 7 anointed Gentile Global Kings of the Earth (anointed from God) and the anointed 8th Kingdom the Eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ -- The Kingdoms: beginning with Nimrod (Tower of Babel - Genesis 10:8-10) -- Pharaoh Akhenaten (Egypt - Joseph's Pharaoh, the Dream Pharaoh - Genesis 41:1) -- Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon - Jeremiah 27:4-7, Daniel 2:37) -- Cyrus (Persia - Isaiah 45:1-7, Ezra 1:1-4) -- Alexander the Great (Greece - Daniel 8:21) -- Julius Caesar (Rome and The Revised [10 Kingdom] Roman Empire - Daniel 7:19) -- Antichrist [emerges from within the Revised Roman Empire] (Satan - Daniel 7:20) -- Messiah, Jesus Christ's Kingdom (Heaven and Earth - Daniel 2:35, Daniel 2:44-45)
Genesis 10:8-10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty [occult] one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter {spiritual seeker, occult} before {anointed of} the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before {in the presence of} the LORD. *And the beginning of his [Nimrod's] Kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar [later Babylon - modern Iraq]. {Note: all 7 of the Gentile global Kings-Kingdoms are anointed, for a time, given by God even as the Gentile King might at times or throughout thier duration be at odd with God.} -- Genesis 41:1 And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed [a dream from God] {this is possibly or most probably the Pharaoh Akhenaten}: and, behold, he stood by the river. -- Jeremiah 27:4-7 ... Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters; I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, **and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto Me. And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon, My servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. And all Nations shall serve him, and his son [Nabonidus], and his son's son [Belshazzar], until the very time of his land come: and then many Nations and Great Kings shall serve themselves of him. -- Isaiah 45:1-7 Thus saith the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus [of Persia], whose right hand I have holden, to subdue Nations before him; and I will loose the loins of Kings, to open before him the two leaved gates [of Babylon]; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: *And I will give thee the Treasures of Darkness [Mystery Babylon - secret knowledge - the 7 Gentile Kingdoms 'beginning' with Nimrod and ending with Antichrist once manifested are aggregate and ongoing], *and hidden riches [wealth] of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. **For Jacob [the Nation of Israel] My servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known Me. I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I Am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. -- Ezra 1:1-4 Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, that the Word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his Kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus King of Persia, The LORD God of Heaven hath given me all the Kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an House [Temple - 2nd Temple] at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the House [Temple] of the LORD God of Israel, He is the God, which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the House of God that is in Jerusalem. -- Daniel 8:16-27 And I heard a Man's [Jesus'] voice [standing on the water] between the banks of [the river] Ulai, which called, and said, [Angel] Gabriel, make this man [Daniel] to understand the vision. So he [Gabriel] came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man [Daniel]: for at the Time of the End shall be the vision [the four Gentile global governments after (Nimrod, Egypt, Babylon) - Persia, Greece, Rome and Antichrist]. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for *at the time appointed the end shall be. The ram which thou sawest having two horns are *the kings of Media and Persia [4th Kingdom]. And the rough goat is the King of Grecia [Greece - 5th Kingdom]: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first King [Alexander the Great]. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four Kingdoms [Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in the east, the kingdom of Pergamon in Asia Minor, and Macedon - wiki.com] shall stand up out of the Nation, but not in his power. And in the latter time of their [Roman] Kingdom {Rome annexed and acquired the Kingdom of Greece more by default (a weakened Greece) and through political contracts than through direct military conquest}, when the transgressors are come to the full, a King [Antichrist] of fierce countenance, and understanding dark [occult] sentences, shall stand up. And his [Antichrist] power shall be mighty, but not by his own power [by Satan's]: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft [occult - Satanism] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and *by [false] peace shall destroy many: he [Antichrist] shall also stand up against the Prince of Princes [Jesus Christ]; but he [Antichrist] shall be broken [spiritually] without [physical] hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's [Belshazzar - son of Nabonidus - grandson of Nebuchadnezzar] business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. -- Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron (Rome), the clay (Revised Rome - Antichrist), the brass (Greece), the silver (Persia), and the gold (Babylon), broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them [Kingdoms of the Earth]: and the Stone [Jesus Christ] that smote the image became a Great Mountain [single government], and filled the whole earth. Daniel 2:44-45 And in the days of these Kings [Kings of the Earth] shall *the God of Heaven set up a [eternal] Kingdom, **which shall never be destroyed: and the [eternal] Kingdom shall not be left to other [unbelieving] people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these [7 earthly] Kingdoms, and it [the Kingdom of Jesus Christ] shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the Stone was cut out of the Mountain [Divinely] without [physical] hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the Great God hath made known to the King [Nebuchadnezzar] what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
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The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- "Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven [sky] and the earth." - Christian Creationism vs. Secular Evolution
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven (sky) and the earth. - It is only through creation and not by means of evolution that people can be "created in the image of God" therefore creation is the very heart of the plan of God. "Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image ..." Either people are created and are therefore in the image of God making us capable of fellowship and able to have a relationship with God or we are involved in some random evolution process in a random universe that is without meaning and ultimately is totally useless. "Revelation 14:6-7 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every Nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, 'Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made (created) heaven, and earth' ..."
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The 8 Global Kingdoms of the Earth -- BasicChristian.org: Article Introduction - The 7 physical and spiritual realms as unfolded in the 7 Days of the Genesis creation model {the 8th realm being God's realm of unrestricted eternity}
Humans exist in and are limited to the first three physical dimensions (length, height, width) and also the fourth dimension (restriction) of time. The spiritual realm of demons, angels and in part the coming Antichrist exists in the less restricted 5th and 6th dimensions. In fact the coming Antichrist is going to bring down or "contact" the 5th and 6th dimensions and infuse 4th dimensional human beings with 5th dimensional demons [Nephilim spirits] and 6th dimensional fallen [Satanic] angelic spirit beings consequently orchestrating 5th and 6th dimensional miracles and signs and wonders in order to deceive mankind. Note: So who is Melchizedek? Melchizedek is the manifestation [into our human realms] of the infinite dimensional (infinite dimensions - no restrictions - unrestricted) God in Person. Melchizedek is God the Holy Spirit in Person. Melchizedek is the Order of the Holy Spirit Priesthood. -- Also Note: In the Basic Christian article "Who is Melchizedek?" the 8 dimensions (restrictions) are listed in conjunction with the original creation week (Genesis 1:1-2:4) and are categorized as follows: 1. Length [Day one creation - light separated [Judgment] (length) from darkness] 2. Height [Day two creation - divided the waters above from the waters below] 3. Width [Day three creation - dry land and plants] 4. Time [Day four creation - sun, moon, stars for times and seasons] 5. Demonic [Nephilim spirits] - demons [Day five creation - fish from the waters below, birds from the waters above] 6. Angelic - Holy Angels and also Satan with all of his fallen angels [Day six creation - land animals and humans (pre-fall) - humans the highest part of creation created separate and above the animals and equal to the angels but with sin mankind fell from the 6th dimension to the 4th dimension, in fact with the sin of mankind all of creation also fell from its original creation status] 7. Human Salvation redeemed by the blood, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ [Day seven creation - Rest] 8. Unrestricted [outside of creation] - The only Unrestricted, Eternal, Wise, ∞ Infinite, Almighty God consisting of God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. -- "Genesis 2:4 These are the generations [dimensions] of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens ..."
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Coming Soon: blog History Study - Church History (RSS)
A.D. 0 - 100 A.D., A.D. 100 - 200 A.D., A.D. 200 - 300 A.D., A.D. 300 - 400 A.D., etc.
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Church History - This study is crucial for understanding what God is doing in our day - A Church Lecture Series - 13 Lectures {This is an excellent intro into Church history. It is very informative, there are a few misquotes though so some fact checking, as always, is in order.} (Free Mp3's)
"Someone once noted that history was 'simply one thing after another.' However, for the Christian history represents an amazing story of the redemption of mankind in which our sovereign Lord is seen to be advancing His purposes towards His pre-ordained and pre-determined end. For the modern day believer, this study is crucial for understanding what God is doing in our day."
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Church History - 35 messages on church history by Pastor Phillips - Pastor Phillips takes us on a tour of some of the early Christians after the death of the Apostle Paul (Free Mp3's - Note: Church History **John Bunyan 1628 - Save the "Play!" Version, open it in a player and save it that way - the Mp3 download version has an Error.)
"WOW - what a great series!!" A couple years ago I followed the journey of the early church by a comprehensive study of the Acts of the Apostles, etc., and have wanted to fill in the gap of church history from that time to present, but don't have much time to read. I like to listen to sermons on the treadmill and in the tractor, so I searched for a series on church history. I found the first 3 and did extra time on the treadmill today so I could keep listening! Pastor Phillips has a way of telling the facts in a very interesting way and then finishes with application and lessons for today. After the 3rd sermon (on Augustine) I really wanted to hear more so I searched again. I was THRILLED to find 39 messages on church history by Pastor Phillips!! I plan to download all of them since spring seeding is coming up and I will be spending many hours in the tractor, and now I am looking forward to that! In the meantime, I'll keep at the treadmill. Thanks for posting all those great sermons!
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The blog Bible Study has concluded the Bible study portion! - Sometime after Holy Week and Resurrection Day (Easter) the study will continue with some ancient history and Church history segments - Thanks to everyone for your participation and especially for your prayers!
The blog Bible Study concluded fairly quickly - I had looked at the website visitor logs a couple of weeks ago and saw that people were scattered all throughout the study though primarily in the New Testament while the study was blogging O.T. studies at the time and that's a good thing because the material is designed to be a self-help service but with people so scattered [though many people were current] I decided to move along and if at all possible conclude the study and the study has been concluded. The material is now available as a complete resource for the convenience of anyone who wants to use it. The study really turned into an amazing, fascinating study! I learned a lot during the study and I mostly learned that I need to spend more time reading the Bible and being in prayer, and in fellowship and just in general being in a Christian life. We serve a Great God!!! Thanks to everyone especially for your prayers - the study truly encountered the heights of Heaven and the depths of other things unmentionable and through it all it was the prayers of the Saints in fellowship that gave us a tremendous victory! After Holy Week we will continue with the history portion of the study but in the time before Holy Week it seems like a good opportunity to look at some areas and aspects of the events of Holy Week as we prepare ourselves for Holy Week 2010. Then after Holy Week and some history segments the blog will continue with some basic Topical Bible studies and devotions. -- God bless everyone! ~ David Anson Brown
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