LUF

Christian News Cache

2012-05-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

It's time for another installment of our newest weekly feature.

With news happening all the time that's both spiritually and prophetically relevant, it's often difficult to expound upon several things with limited time available to do so.

With that in mind, I give you the Look Up Fellowship's 'Christian News Cache', or a quick roundup of things I've seen in the news the past week that I'd love to discuss with all of you.

So, please select only the headlines you're curious about, read the article, watch the video, listen to the audio sound byte, and then come back and leave your comment(s) about it here to get a conversation thread going.

-- Why Christians Deny Bible Prophecy

-- Bill Salus Interview: Does Ancient Prophecy Predict Russia Attacks/Invades Israel And The US?

-- President Obama Appoints First Ever 'Assassination Czar'!?!

-- WingClips: Feeding The Apostate Sheep With Entertainment

-- Vicar Quits To Impersonate 'The King' Rather Than Preach About The True King

-- US House Passes 'Propaganda Bill' H.R. 4310!?! Are We Nazi Germany!?!

-- Christian And Muslims Leaders (Including Prince Ghazi) Meet In Nigeria

-- Nursultan Nazarbayev Says 'Heads Will Roll' If Funds Stolen

-- Tony Blair Visits Nazarbayev University In Astana‎

-- Watch Putin's Treatment Of Gazprom Due To Their Likely Connection To Ezekiel 38-39!

-- Pope Benedict Gives Direction To US Bishops On Hot-Button Issues‎

-- 'Barmageddon': Making Light Of Armageddon - Part 1

-- 'Taxmageddon': Making Light Of Armageddon - Part 2

-- San Francisco Board of Supervisors supported the idea of naming a Navy vessel by consulting with a spirit using the ouija board!

-- Viola! A Person At Biola Can Be A 'Gay Christian' (Despite God's Word)

-- An Excellent, Thought-Provoking Piece On 'New Calvinism'

-- Battle Brewing Over Labeling Of Genetically Modified Food

-- VIDEO: The Story of Ian And Larissa

-- AUDIO: "If I Were The Devil..."

-- SERMON JAM: 'Modesty' By Albert Martin (Perfect For The Upcoming Summer Months)

Welcome to the prophesied last days.

Keep the faith!

Keep looking up!

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G-GLOBAL: Nazarbayev's Vision For A New World Order

2012-05-25T13:30:00.000-04:00

One of the undeniable signs of the times is this constant push lately for a global form of politics -- a truly One World Government body, complete with a One World Economy, and its own One World Currency.

Some men work to promote such things harder than others. Remember the shepherd's son who became President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev?

Well, a couple of days ago, he gave a speech at the Astana Economic Forum that not only demonized the Internet, but one that presented a "concept of civilized development in the 21st century", or what is really his vision for a New World Order.

Speech by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev at the V Astana Economic Forum. 05/23/2012

Dear participants of the Forum! Dear guests! Ladies and gentlemen!

Astana Economic Forum has become a significant part of the global dialogue of politicians, scientists and experts. This is evidenced by the quality of the participants. Their applications for participation in the various sections sent more than 8000 people from more than 90 countries. Among the 12 participants of the forum of Nobel laureates, 4 members of the global rating of "A hundred thinkers of our time." I particularly welcome the series arrived in Astana current and former heads of state and government, world-renowned politicians, heads of international organizations and regional associations.

In the four years of work has expanded the range of debate in our forum. Astana Forum in meaningful terms, in effect, becomes a wide repeater "Eurasian sight" to the problems of global development. This is especially important in the early success of the new geo-economic realities of the XXI century - the single economic space of Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. I am convinced that the Fifth Astana Economic Forum will open a new page in the modern understanding of the world, promoting the ideas of reforming the global economy.

Dear forum members! On the agenda of the Forum made the important question of how the economic transformation of the world. He debated for several years. However, many ideas and suggestions so far does not contribute to overcoming the shortage of practical solutions on a global level. As a result, the global currency and economic crisis has turned into a social crisis of the world, covering many developed countries. The International Labour Organization concludes that the threat of global unemployment. The leading countries of Europe it is substantially higher than rates of the last century: in Italy - 8.3 percent, Britain - 8.3 Germany - 6, France - 9.7 percent. In these four "locomotive" of the European Union, there are a total of almost 11 million unemployed, and about half - are young people. And in other EU countries even more. All in all the world every three workers of working age, or 1 billion 100 million people, has no work, or lives with his family on $ 2 a day. The salvation of individual national economies, the maintenance of the balance of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund allocated considerable funds. Unfortunately, there is only limited to these positive steps taken in the formats of the G-8 and G-20. But each new billion-dollar is able to generate a billion of new social problems. As they say, it's like to put out a fire with gasoline.

The half of global crisis response - a striking evidence of another kind of systemic crisis - Corrosion of international relations. Creating a G-20 has significantly expanded the range of the dialogue on the reform of the global economy. But today, after 4 years after the first anti-crisis summit "twenty", the format seems to be insufficient. The most recent World Economic Forum in Davos, many world leaders finally agreed that with capitalism, or more precisely, with its neo-liberal modification, it's time to do something. At the end of last year I proposed test in the new format of the Astana forum of dialogue, which we call G-GLOBAL. This idea received broad support in the political, expert and business circles, the world community. Just a few months up to 40 times increased daily attendance at the official site created by the Astana forum communicative Internet site G-GLOBAL. More than 30,000 users from 140 countries have become its permanent members. In fact, the network began an intensive search for a new world economic order. Symbolically, the subject of interactive discussions on the site G-GLOBAL is rapidly outgrowing the issues of reforming the world economy and financial system. We discuss the general problems of innovative development, nuclear and environmental safety, ethnic and religious tolerance, and other aspects of geopolitics. In other words, G-GLOBAL serves as a potential unifying idea of a multipolar world. Almost every online message is clear, "read" the hope for a stable and just world order in the XXI century.

What conclusions can we draw from all of the proposals? First, the international community is going through one of the most controversial and difficult stages of global history. Never before has mankind had such great potential for successful development and self-destruction. This realization makes it relevant to the solution of global problems solely on the basis of the complex. Today, not only to solve the problems of the economy and "global warming". And at the same time, it is impossible to ignore the nuclear threat, smoldering conflicts, lack of tolerance or distortions in social policy, leading to large-scale dependency, both at the level of social groups, and individual states.

Second, never before has there been this level of development of global communications. Today and even more so in the future, they are able to reduce the distance, "compress" the time to overcome the historical, political and many other barriers. This potential can not be merely an instrument of information provocation, deliberate collapse of the moral foundations of public order in the "undesirables" of society. It should be used in a constructive purposes, including for the development of a global dialogue for sustainable development in the world.

Third, the world is learning to live in new circumstances. And that lesson is not just absorbed, and some people with great difficulty. First of all, I mean the ability of companies to follow the path of progress by evolution to new technological structures and levels of public relations. Today, it is important to know and actively learn the successful experience of many states. In this regard, Kazakhstan is ready for such cooperation. Ready to learn and share their own experiences with all my friends.

Fourthly, the construction of the global world in the XXI century will depend on many factors. Among them it is now important to see the commitment of billions of people around the world to justice. Fairness in the XXI century - is not only the category of morality. This is one of the crucial conditions for successful national and global development. In the XXI century immoral the socio-economic models that rely on the "pumping" of natural resources "third world". At the same time, the practice of hopeless infinite external borrowing for unproductive purposes, non-industrial development and investment in human capital of their country. This gives us a lesson and the "Arab Spring", and partly a "crisis of the eurozone."

Fifthly, it is important to withdraw from the state of stagnation, the entire system of international relations. Here, an important task - the formation of a transparent global politics. It should form the foundation of a high level of trust between states and their mutual responsibility for the present and the future of each region and the world. In general, the idea of G-GLOBAL in just six months proved to be an incredible demand. It saw an opportunity to find an answer to a systemic crisis that has hit the global economy, the moral foundations of peace and international relations. G-GLOBAL takes into account the increased level of influence in geopolitics and geo-economics of non-state actors - international NGOs, private organizations, multinational companies, politicians and citizens around the world. Like the idea of civilization of the information age G-GLOBAL-oriented all countries, all areas of Internet space, millions of users of the World Wide Web, interested in reforming the world and create a just and secure world order. I am grateful to all participants of the Fifth Astana Economic Forum, to all users of its online communication segment for the appreciation and support for our initiative, G-GLOBAL.

I am convinced that together we can achieve the main goal of G-GLOBAL - the international community to offer an attractive and effective model of international relations in the XXI century.

Ladies and gentlemen! Two decades ago, Kazakhstan was a fragment of collapsed superpower. We have created from scratch a new state and the new economy. Our start was completely ruined the economy with hyperinflation of 2100 percent. Thanks to the reforms and efforts of all society, Kazakhstan has achieved impressive success. For a short historical period GDP per capita grew a 700 dollars to 12,000 dollars. This increase is 16 times! None of the countries "of South-Eastern tigers" did not achieve such results in 20 years. Their growth was only three or four times. The country attracted about 150 billion dollars of foreign investment. Thanks to the skillful anti-crisis measures in the most difficult period of world crisis, we kept the positive momentum of development.

Last year our economy grew by 7.5 percent, the same growth we expect this year. Just last year the country attracted $ 20 billion. Now Kazakhstan is implementing a massive program of forced industrial - innovation development. Her goal - the creation of non-oil economy, which will allow not less than half of the economy to increase by 2020. Nearly every semester in the country opened dozens of new businesses. By Map of industrialization, we plan to introduce in 2015, more than 350 objects in innovative manufacturing, agro, infrastructure. For 2 years created about 100,000 new jobs.

Kazakhstan for the first time in its history, began to produce in their own cars, locomotives, airplanes. We carry out large-scale infrastructure projects. Thus, in the coming years we plan to build more than a thousand kilometers of new railways, thousands of kilometers of highways. At the moment we are in Kazakhstan, social modernization. In the framework of the "Employment - 2020," we decide ambitious goal - to provide decent work for half a million Kazakhs. In the next five years planned annual construction of six million square meters of housing, including affordable for young people. We are actively upgrading education and health systems. Kazakhstan is interested in the growth of foreign investment, and therefore will continue to improve the conditions for productive work of a foreign business.

Yesterday we had a traditional meeting of the foreign investors. The participants highlighted the attractiveness of the growth dynamics of the Kazakh economy, the enormous potential of our program of accelerated industrial development and social modernization. I offered to large investors together to implement a mega-project "Kazakhstan - New Silk Road" and invite all interested business people to actively participate in implementing our strategic plans.

Dear friends! Independent Kazakhstan has realized a part of the world for more than two decades ago, closing the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and for all rejecting nuclear weapons. Today, Kazakhstan - one of the leaders of the movement for a nuclear-free world. This is indicated by the new Kazakh anti-nuclear initiatives launched at the Global Summit on Nuclear Security in Seoul. We have made all possible responsibility for the destiny of our region of Central Asia, Eurasia and the world. And bear it with dignity, offering and seeking a number of regional and global initiatives. Kazakhstan as a country, which proved in fact the success of his journey, understands that our prosperity and the prosperity of other countries are inconceivable outside of a stable and secure world. And in order to continuously move the world toward progress, it is necessary to develop mandatory for all states, the fundamental principles of international order in the XXI century.

Constructivism is the development of human civilization, in my opinion, can be provided on the basis of the following five principles that I propose to call the principles of G-GLOBAL

First: Evolution , not revolution. I believe that mankind has exhausted the limit on revolutions and world wars in the last century. So today all the wisdom of humanity is to keep the peace. Otherwise - the self-destruction. In the XXI century, the successful update of the global architecture can only be evolutionary. As demonstrated by "Arab Spring", the revolution only hamper the development of societies that reject them back, complicate relations between states, generate more problems. Revolution in the XXI century are possible and are valid only in the field of science and technology. But they are harmful to the political practice and social life. Especially when implanted in the economic unprepared soil. The path of reform - it's the only way to progress in the XXI century.

The second principle is: justice, equality and consensus. In the XXI century, the division of the great and minor, master and slave, of civilization is out of date. The inertia of the dominance of one over the other does not lead to progress. It harbors the danger of leaving individual countries and regions in the world on the sidelines of global development. This is a dead end for everyone. An alternative to this practice are just the geopolitical foundations of the global economy, monetary system and policies, based on the equality of all states. An important aspect is the transition to a new paradigm of global social development based on social partnership and responsibility. This is the path to empowerment for ordinary people to actively use the benefits of economic growth and excess profits. It is vital that in the long term global solutions at all levels - the UN, international organizations, regional organizations, forums and summits - are taken only by consensus. It is important to note that the radical changes in world economic system is impossible without moving from the "Washington" to the global consensus. This, above all, on the integration of a new system of global governance interests of both developed and developing countries.

The third principle: TOLERANCE AND GLOBAL TRUST. I was impressed by the conclusion of the authors of the modern concept of 'creative class' that in the XXI century, tolerance becomes an important factor in economic growth. We in Kazakhstan is recognized for a long time, initiated a dialogue between religions. After a week in Astana has been held for the fourth time the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Developing a scientific approach, I would say that one of the levers of the world economy out of recession is a global tolerance. This is not only inter-ethnic, interreligious and intercultural mutual respect. Tolerance should be the relationship between states, regardless of their geo-political weight and influence of historical experience, level of development of economy and society. In the XXI century, the world's diversity provides enormous opportunities for economic, cultural and information cooperation. Without tolerance there can be a global trust. Twenty years ago, speaking at the UN, I initiated the process of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, which is now the authoritative international organization. The experience of this as a basic component of the CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures could be extended to the entire UN system. Because without the trust of the global real concerted anti-crisis decisions will be impossible to achieve.

The fourth principle: global transparency. Peace in the format of G-GLOBAL - a transparent community of nations. There should be no "double standards", degrading nations - both large and medium-sized and small. Need maximum openness and transparency in international affairs. Kazakhstan called on all partners to this during his chairmanship of the OSCE and in the course of only one in the XXI century Astana OSCE summit. Only then will successfully develop the global economy, higher will be the prosperity of every nation. And the world will be able to get rid of many problems associated with the plight of the people, hunger and disease.

The fifth principle: CONSTRUCTIVE multipolarity. Creating a multi-polar world - a trend of global development in the XXI century. But the question is, what will be the relationship between the poles. Would it be fair and honest competition, peaceful rivalry? Or the world will become a field of a rigid ideological and political confrontation, the scene of a new "arms race"? But then again ignite smoldering pockets of regional conflicts. If mankind does not put under control the spread of nuclear weapons, increase the risk of international terrorism and extremism. The only alternative to these threats and challenges is to create constructive multilateralism. It should be a balanced system of checks and balances, geopolitical, no bloc of psychology - this negative legacy of the bipolar world. There should be no place geopolitical snobbery. It must co-exist peacefully and work closely powerful integration associations. One of them in the near future will be the Eurasian Economic Union. I am convinced that only in a multipolar world will solve structural problems of pressing global economy and acquire resistance development.

I invite the Forum to discuss the principles of G-GLOBAL. I am convinced that the potential of the idea of G-GLOBAL will grow at the expense of broad support for the international community. Therefore, I consider it important to create a special powerful Internet portal.

Its advisable to segment the main idea of leaving G-GLOBAL. This reform of the global economy and monetary system, which I wrote in his article "Keys to the crisis" and "Fifth Way". This is the creation of a nuclear-free world, to strengthen global security, primarily in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian space, expanding the dialogue among cultures and civilizations, the implementation of the concepts of global energy and environmental development, including Kazakhstan's initiative "Green Bridge". These areas could be integrated into the global strategies of the future is heading into the XXI century and later. For large-scale scientific study and expert study of the project propose to establish on the basis of the Eurasian Economic Club of International Institute of prognostics.

Dear participants of the Forum! I believe that the XXI century will be the epoch of the greatest wisdom of mankind. We have proposed a draft G-GLOBAL with a single purpose - to make a step towards this epoch. Step toward a world free of economic crises, with an effective new global currency. In this regard, I urge members of Astana forum to appeal to the UN to the World Anti-Crisis of the Global Conference for the development of anti-crisis plan.

I would like to wish all participants of the forum successful and fruitful discussions!

Thank you.

Surreal, isn't it? Only one thing comes to mind.

Luke 21:28 (KJV) And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Keep looking up!

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Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl

2012-05-25T12:30:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile since I've seen a video that presents Gospel truth (truth about the nature of God) in such a comforting and motivating way.

That was just one video of a film series based on a bestselling book by author Nate D. Wilson titled Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl, and I found it to be refreshingly authentic and honest. Below are a few others.

Why Tilt-A-Whirl? A Conversation With Nate D. Wilson

Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl Trailer

I know we've gotten so used to cringing whenever a Christian does a film series like this because it often devolves into a form of self-promotion rather than exaltation of God and His Word. Not so in this case!

An Idea Film. A Bookumentary.

A cinematic treatment of a worldview. A poet live in concert. A motion picture sermon. VH1 Storytellers meets Planet Earth. In this unusual but fascinating film sequence, best-selling author N.D. Wilson gives an emotional and intellectual tour of life in this world and the final chapter that is death. Everything before and after and in between is a series of miracles--some of which are encouraging, others disturbing and uncomfortable.

I was a little wary whenever he sounded like he was coming dangerously close to sounding like he's for making the Gospel more relevant to others, but he never quite seemed to go that far. Plus, I do wish these video clips would've presented the Gospel to any lost souls who might view them.

Even so, I loved, "There are 8 million other people who could have been here instead of you. Are you going to be ungrateful?", because that beautifully puts things in perspective for us, doesn't it?

May you and yours be blessed by this film series like I was.

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Ignorance And Salvation -- Notable Quotable

2012-05-25T11:30:00.000-04:00

These are questions that come up a lot: "What about the person on an island somewhere, or in the middle of the jungle, who has never heard the Gospel? Will they go to Heaven when they die?"

How many of us have wondered about that ourselves before we matured in our faith? How many of us could answer those questions Biblically if asked? How many of us are truly comfortable with the answers that God gives to us?

Here's an excellent quote that touches upon this issue.

If the man on the island who has never heard the gospel recognizes the general revelation of God in creation and throws himself down under the mercy of God and calls out for salvation, will he be saved? A better question may be, “Does this ever occur or has this ever occurred?”

The fact is, that is a hypothetical situation that does not exist. The individual who never hears the gospel will never desire to repent because it is through the special revelation of God’s Word that mankind is given the revelation of God in Jesus Christ and comes to the realization of his own sinfulness.

In other words, what Paul asked to his readers remains true today – “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14)”

Certainly Jim Elliot understood this truth as he devoted his life to reach the unreached Auca Indians in the South American jungle. We can likewise be certain that Lottie Moon understood the urgency of this truth as she gave her life reaching the people of China with the gospel.

If ignorance leads to Heaven, why would people be called to such great sacrifices? Those who are emotionally driven to a conclusion of Grace without Christ in this debate should reconsider based on the Word of God.

Furthermore, it should be pointed out that Sodom and Gomorrah likely never heard the gospel, and they all perished under the judgment of God and remain in Hell today. Is that fair? On another note, Nineveh should have received the same judgment, but under the rich mercy of God, they received a warning from a disobedient prophet named Jonah and they repented. Rather than perishing under the judgment of God, they received mercy and forgiveness. Is that fair? Jonah certainly didn’t think so.

At the end of this debate is the stark reality of our own salvation. We were saved by the rich mercy of our great God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18-20). That simply isn’t fair. That’s amazing Grace – how sweet the sound.

-- Pastor Josh Buice / Delivered By Grace

That settles it (at least, it should).

However, I know that such a discussion will always cause people to make one or more of the following follow-up statements at some point.

"If people who never hear the Gospel die and go to Hell, then that's not fair, and God would never do that to anyone."

"If a person never hears the Gospel, then they are spared from the wrath of God because they never rejected Jesus."

"God loves the sinner and hates the sin."

Let's take a moment to briefly address each one.

1. "If people who never hear the Gospel die and go to Hell, then that's not fair, and God would never do that to anyone."

The Scripture has clearly revealed that all people have sinned against God (Romans 3:23). If everyone received from God what was fair, we would all go to Hell (Romans 6:23). The fact is, Grace is not fair -- it’s Grace. Judgment and wrath is fair because it is what we all deserve. Furthermore, God is not responsible for our sin. Therefore, He did not merely send undeserving people to Hell. Anyone who goes to Hell deserves it.

2. "If a person never hears the Gospel, then they are spared from the wrath of God because they never rejected Jesus."

People do not go to Hell on the basis of rejecting Jesus alone, they go to Hell because they are a sinner who has broken the righteous Law of God. It is their transgression against God that requires the wrath of God.

3. "God loves the sinner and hates the sin."

Does God judge sinners or just their sin? The rich man from Luke 16:19-31 was experiencing the wrath of God personally. Jesus experienced the wrath of God for our sins. The Father didn’t pour out His wrath on the sin, He poured out His wrath on the Son who became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, we must conclude that God both loves and hates at the same time, but He is committed to judging the sinner.

I hope that this Bible study has been helpful to you.

Grace and peace unto you and yours!

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How NOT To Preach The Gospel To Sinners

2012-05-23T13:15:00.000-04:00

This is absolutely heartbreaking.

It's heartbreaking because of the way in which this co-called 'man of God' has decided to preach from the pulpit that God has given to him.

It's heartbreaking because if this man truly knew the Word of God like he's supposed to, if he truly understood the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then this man should know better than to say the things he said.

It's heartbreaking because, yet again, millions of non-believers (and apostates) in the world will see this story and it will further marginalize true Christians if not also reinforce their misconceptions of what a 'genuine Christian' believes and sounds like.

It's heartbreaking because millions of people will, yet again, assume that homosexuality is the only sin that the Bible ever speaks of, or that it's somehow worse than any other sin.

North Carolina Pastor's Anti-Gay Sermon Spurs Protest

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

A North Carolina pastor's sermon in which he called for gays and lesbians to be placed in a form of concentration camp has spurred a protest planned at the church this Sunday.

A group calling itself Catawba Valley Citizens Against Hate says it plans a peaceful protest Sunday outside Providence Road Baptist Church in Catawba County, an independent Baptist church where the Rev. Charles Worley delivered his controversial homily on May 13.

Worley's sermon on Mother's Day has received more than 165,000 views on YouTube. It also has caused plenty of confusion for the much-larger Providence Baptist Church in Charlotte, where the church's senior pastor has issued a statement, distancing his church from the Catawba County pastor.

Leaders at the Charlotte church said they thoroughly disagree with Worley's comments and say they have received a number of angry emails, phone calls and other messages from people who mistook them for the Catawba church.

The Catawba preacher's remarks came five days after more than 60 percent of North Carolina voters approved a referendum that defined marriage as a civil union between a man and a woman - in effect, outlawing gay marriages.

The church originally placed the video on its website, but it was removed late over the weekend. Providence Road Baptist's website was not operating Tuesday, possibly due to the large number of people trying to access the site. But the video is still posted on YouTube.

It appears as if the May 13 sermon by Worley was aimed as criticism of President Barack Obama's announcement days earlier that he supports the right of gay couples to be married.

Worley told his congregation that he couldn't vote for a "baby killer and a homosexual lover." After using biblical passages that he said supported his argument, Worley then outlined a plan to put gays and lesbians in confinement.

The 71-year-old minister suggested building a large fence, 100 or 150 miles long, he said. He said lesbians would be put in one area, "and the queers and the homosexuals in another, and have that fence electrified, so they can't get out."

"Feed 'em, and you know what?" Worley continued. "In a few years, they'll die. Do you know why? They can't reproduce." Some members of the congregation can be heard saying "Amen" in response to the pastor's remarks.

As might be expected, the pastor's comments have set off an outburst of comments on Internet bulletin boards. Worley himself could not be contacted. The group planning the protest Sunday is asking for people opposed to Worley's comments to gather outside the church in Maiden, N.C., for a peaceful demonstration.

"We will not scream, shout or taunt Pastor Worley or his church's members," according to a message issued by the group. "We will not vandalize, threaten or injure property or persons."

Consider that 'Exhibit A' when it comes to modeling how NOT to preach the Gospel to sinners.

It seems clear to me that Law and Gospel have taken a backseat to just plain condemnation and ridicule, and that's wrong.

How this 'Pastor' (and I use the term very loosely so that I don't bring reproach upon those men out there who actually preach Christ and Him crucified properly, or Biblically) talks about homosexuals is heartbreaking.

My dear friends, it's the message of the Gospel itself that is supposed to be the offense, not those who carry the message of the Gospel to sinners. So, for those who are not familiar with the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, rest assured, this is not it.

Romans 9:33 (ESV) as it is written, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."

1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV) For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Again, it's God's Word that should be offensive to others, not those delivering His Word.

At the same time, however, can we add a little levity to this discussion?

Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying in this entry today either. Bottom line, God detests homosexuality just like He detests any other sin.

Do a Google search for the phrase "Bible verses about homosexuality" and you’ll get a return of 189,000 results. People, why are we making this so complicated when the Bible tells us all we need to know about the subject in just a few plain verses?

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV) Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Here’s our blessed hope though.

In the very next verse, it says that those sinners (including homosexuals) can inherit the kingdom if they repent and place their faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

1 Corinthians 6:11 (ESV) And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

This should comfort anyone caught up in the sin of homosexuality let alone any of the other sins listed in those verses. Why? Because before Jesus Christ’s sacrifice provided us with the means to find forgiveness and salvation from those sins, the result of any sin, especially homosexuality, was a certain death (Romans 6:23).

Leviticus 18:22 (ESV) You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.

Leviticus 20:13 (ESV) If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.

Again, this was before Jesus Christ came into the world (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9; John 3:16).

But don’t be fooled. God desires for us to repent and return to Him TODAY, rather than putting it off for a time when we feel like it, because the alternative isn’t pretty.

Romans 1:26-27 (ESV) For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

God is not only using very matter-of-fact and straight-to-the-point wording in these verses, but He is also stating His view on this issue in a very intense way with some of the specific words He is using.

In my humble opinion, these verses comprise God’s one-two-punch answer on this issue. He first says in the Old Testament that it is "an abomination" in His eyes, and He then says in the New Testament that it is a sin that will keep you from being able to enter into Heaven.

I don’t think God could give any more of a stricter warning on this issue than with the way that He has worded these Scripture verses, do you?

Let me be clear. Homosexuality is a sin much like any other sin, which can include everything from 'Universally-Accepted-To-Be-Horrible' examples like murder to 'Universally-Accepted-To-Be-Benign-Things' like lying and hate and lust.

If we read our Bibles, then we would know that the Lord doesn't distinguish one sin from another as being 'worse than...' or 'not as bad as...' at all. From God's perspective, sin is sin, no matter which way you look at it, and sin can be those things that are public (our words and actions) as well as those things that are hidden (our thoughts and feelings).

Furthermore, we are to love and embrace the sinner by helping them to see the error in their ways, or by pointing out the presence of sin in their lives, with the prayerful hope that they will be convicted by it and eventually grow to hate the sin's presence in their lives enough to repent of it and turn to God.

Alternately, this doesn't mean we should turn a blind eye to sin for the sake of peace and unity, compromise and conflict avoidance though.

For instance, when I've struggled with certain sins in the past, I thank God that He has given me a loving wife who could not only call me out when she knew I was wrong, but who could also love me and encourage me because she knew that there was a whole "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15) underneath the burden and influence of those sins (2 Corinthians 10:3).

Look, we're all sinners in need of forgiveness and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I am humbled daily by the thought that God could love a sinner like me who is constantly caught in the middle of a spiritual battle between my spirit and my flesh.

The difference between me and the types of Christians who are ok with this sinful lifestyle is that I actually acknowledge sin for what it is, call it by it's name, acknowledge the state I'm in (that others are in who openly flaunt their rebellious behavior), and desperately want the Lord to do something about it by asking Him to deliver me (to deliver others) from it.

These other types of people would rather ignore that sin even exists (or if they do acknowledge the existence of sin they pick-and-choose the things they label as such), can't admit that they need forgiveness and deliverance, and leave God out of the entire discussion.

If someone is a Christian like he/she claims to be, then there's absolutely no position he/she can take that would allow him/her to openly (and personally) support homosexuality and 'gay marriage' -- none whatsoever. Being a Christian and supporting them is mutually exclusive.

That's why this forced acceptance of homosexuality is really just forced acceptance of what the Bible calls a sinful lifestyle. My response is no different to the promotion by Hollywood of the belief that adultery is ok, that lying in certain circumstances is ok, that embracing feelings of hate and revenge under certain circumstances is healthy, and on and on.

That being said, this Pastor was not wrong to preach about a 'politically incorrect' subject. He was wrong to preach the message without demonstrating a heart for the lost and a desire to reach those in bondage to the homosexual lifestyle. After all, any unrepentant sinner (homosexual or not) is on their way to Hell for eternity! Such a thought should mortify the preacher and consume his every thought so as to do everything within the power granted to him by the Holy Spirit to reach those lost sinners with the pure, unadulterated Gospel before it's too late. This sermon did nothing of the sort, and that's the real tragedy here.

In that sense, it sort of reminds me of Jonah who absolutely despised the sinners in Ninevah and who even disobeyed God's will, which was to have Jonah go to them with a message of repentance, and Jonah despised them all because he had decided on his own that they were not worthy of God's forgiveness, mercy, and love. What a shame!

By the way, this is not a political discourse, but he's right about one thing. A Christian cannot vote for a pro-abortion, pro-homosexual political candidate. Such views are not compatible with the views espoused quite clearly in God's Word.

The question for us then is whether you want to be a part of a political family (by choosing to ignore God's Word), or part of God's family (by choosing to believe God's Word).

Can we also all agree on the disparity between the reporting being done on this story as opposed to the reporting (or lack thereof) that was done on the Reverend Jeremiah Wright (President Obama's controversial Pastor) and his inflammatory comments that were revealed prior to the US Presidential Election in 2008?

Let's at least be fair and balanced here and admit that many of the things Wright was also caught on audio saying were equally offensive and worthy of our criticism, shall we?

Additionally, you rarely hear about the content being preached by Muslims in mosques across this country, but rest assured that what they are saying is just as absurd. We just never hear about how the so-called 'Religion of Peace' is constantly trying to incite violence and war by reminding its followers about the commands to kill infidels in order to be a 'good' and 'obedient' Muslim.

All that being said, Christians should be rather a-political given who we (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15) are and where are true home really is (John 18:36). I just wanted to point all of that out to further illustrate the kind of anti-Christian bias that exists within the mainstream media.

I mean, my goodness, the hypocrisy being exhibited here is maddening, but not surprising at all. For instance, remember Proposition 8 from back in 2008? As the referenced commentary will support, Christians like Pastor Worley are rarely the rule of thumb in Christianity, and are more so the exception.

Christians are not typically the face of what non-believers call 'intolerance' either. That's just a misrepresentation of the facts. That's because the 'politics of semantics' come in to play here too.

Folks, this is not a 'civil rights' issue. Homosexuality/'Gay Marriage' is not a 'civil rights' issue. I firmly believe that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has to be spinning in his grave whenever the issue of homosexuality and 'gay marriage' is described in such a way. It's a choice of behavior, not something you have no control over like race, or like me being born with red-hair.

There's no such thing as 'being born gay' because there's absolutely no proof (there's no 'gay gene') despite all the advances in science and all the discoveries in genetics.

Sure, those willing to engage in 'verbal gymnastics' will likely point out that if God made us, and we are all born sinners, which He did and which we are (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:11), then sin is His fault and not ours because we just can't help ourselves. Wrong!

Yes, we are all sinners with a disposition to commit sinful acts, which the Bible defines for us. Yet, whether or not we engage in sinful behavior -- and do so openly and regularly like homosexuals do; whether we embrace sin without any regard of the consequences and judgment from the Lord -- is determined by our beliefs about God, His Word, sin, and our sinful selves, and whether or not we are "new creations" in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galations 6:15) who have been "born again" (John 3:3; John 3:7) through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16).

A married man might look at another woman and think to himself that she's beautiful, but because of the fact that he is a born again believer in Jesus Christ who has received a new heart and mind that's constantly being redefined by God's Word and the Holy Spirit, more often than not, he will not look at her with lust or approach her with the intention of having an affair with her because he knows that both would be a grave sin in God's eyes and worthy of His judgment and punishment.

I'm not saying it doesn't happen every now and then (the account of David's life comes to mind), but just that believers in Christ typically don't generally exhibit a life that is in full, public rebellion to what God's Word says like homosexuals do.

In addition, homosexuality and 'gay marriage' is not an issue of 'love' either. Therein lies the deception with non-believers. They are masters at trying to frame a debate. I'm not quite sure when it was universally agreed to give them intellectual superiority on the important issues of the day, and the freedom to do that, but it can be frustrating to say the least. Still, we must proceed with love and patience at all times (Ephesians 4:2).

The topics are homosexuality and 'gay marriage' -- not 'civil rights' and certainly not 'love' either. Of course, no one in their right mind would ever be against civil rights or love, which is precisely why it's been redefined as such over the years in order to try and gain widespread acceptance of this sin.

At the end of the day, there's one component to this entire debate that those who disagree with me will forever ignore or refuse to discuss seriously.

What about the countless real-life stories from others who tell of once living a life as a homosexual except now they are exclusively heterosexual thanks to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How can one ignore that undeniable reality?

There’s even a ministry called Exodus International that you can lookup online where you can get real-life stories from people who had once lived the homosexual lifestyle before finding forgiveness and salvation in Jesus Christ to serve as proof to back up my position.

As always, it's the truth that will set you free!

That’s why it’s important for us to not only speak the truth about such things like we’re doing here today in great detail, but to also pray for those wrapped up in the pleasures of their sins.

Most of the people I know who understand that the Bible condemns homosexuality would never condone anything else except speaking the truth in love and praying for others, and they definitely wouldn’t advocate any kind of mistreatment or violence against another human being.

Even so, we’re always portrayed as being 'hateful', 'intolerant', and 'violent' like those rare, misguided lone wolfs like this Pastor Worley who take matters into their own hands and commit sins of their own against homosexuals all in the name of our God.

Even if we take religion OUT OF THE DEBATE, we find that this is definitely not the road we want to go down. In every historical survey of past great civilizations, openly practiced homosexuality preceded the demise of that society. This was true of Noah's day, Sodom, Gibeah, Corinth, Rome, Germany, and many others. Guess who's next on that infamous list?

The fact of the matter is that homosexuals (and those who are ok with and who support such a lifestyle) detest the notion of referring to one's sexuality as a 'choice' because to them that would mean they would have to admit defeat.

Sadly, however, they see nothing wrong with a choice that will have eternal consequences for them if they do not repentant and turn from their sinful behavior.

So, where do we go from here?

Well, for starters, we should begin by refusing to hide from these types of stories. If a non-believing family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker cites this story as a means of disparaging your faith, let's start by reminding ourselves that it's a blessing to be ridiculed in such a way (John 13:16; John 15:20). Then, let's lovingly and patiently admit the error of this kind of 'preaching' (Ephesians 4:2), but then continue to try and make amends by sharing the true Gospel with such people (Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 4:2).

What does the Bible have to say about homosexuality? What is the proper Biblical response to homosexuals? What is God's plan and purpose for the gay agenda and what is the connection to these end times? Why should Christians even care? Why does it matter? For the answers to those questions, check out some podcasts we did that will clearly explain God's plan for the gay agenda.

Simply put, the whole "Love The Sinner, But Hate The Sin" mantra is only true if you love the sinner enough that you are willing to tell them that they are actually a sinner (Galatians 1:10).

I pray that this piece was helpful to you in some small way for His glory, honor, and praise.

All in all, stories like this one about this Pastor from North Carolina concern me because they tell me that we are quickly approaching a time when Chrisitians will be persecuted violently in this country.

Luke 21:28 (ESV) Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

I can rest knowing that He said it would be this way. It is merely another sign of the times that Jesus Christ is on His way to get us!

Let's pray for everyone who is caught up in bondage to the sin of homosexuality including those who encourage, promote, and support such a sinful lifestyle.

Now, would someone who's truly intolerant and full of hate -- a bigot (as I've been called in the past) -- do something he knew was going to help you? Why even bother if I am really the type of person you say I am?

Precisely my point. Food for thought.

Keep looking up!

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Beware Of 'Beware Of Christians'

2012-05-22T14:45:00.000-04:00

This entry will demonstrate why discernment is so important.

"Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right."

-- Charles Spurgeon

I always love it when the Lord places things in your path quite unexpectedly (to us anyway) that directly relate to the things going on in your life.

Personally, I've found that this beautiful phenomenon becomes much more apparent whenever we seek Him and seek wisdom through His Word (Matthew 6:33).

Case in point, I just happened to discover another documentary today that ties in with yesterday's review of David Platt's book Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream and the subsequent posts on the same issue...but not for the reasons you might think.

Here's the trailer for a documentary called Beware of Christians, or what's called "A Movie About Leaving Religion To Follow Jesus", which is is something absolutely essential to a true, saving faith.

Four college students leave their routine Christian lives in the U.S. in a quest to find what it really means to be a follower of Jesus. Alex, Matt, Michael, and Will have grown up as Bible-believing Christians who did all the right things. As they’ve grown older, they’ve realized that the Jesus in the Bible doesn’t exactly look like the healthy, wealthy American Jesus they’ve been trained to know and love. Their journey across Europe, often a comedy of errors, includes a lost passport, an encounter with an Austrian pop star, a surprise discovery of a nude beach, and a romantic postcard entanglement. More importantly, the four guys capture real, honest discussions about what it means to follow Jesus.

What's the problem with any of that? Absolutely nothing except for the fact that the very thing that this film purports to call attention to (the lack of an authentic Christian lifestyle in America today) is the very thing that this film actually encourages.

I'll simply cut to the chase and give you a sober-minded review to explain what I mean by that.

What a shame, but not surprising.

I guess the first tip off should've been the trailer that showed movie theaters full of America's youth all laughing hysterically and almost non-stop. Of course, there's nothing wrong with good, hearty laughter, but one would think that a movie that asserts that it's breaking new ground by exposing and tackling a very serious subject would be a little more serious than that.

Maybe that's just 'stuffy' old 'traditionalist' me though.

False Conversion. Yes, it's a very deadly disease within Christianity these days, and one we should be well acquainted with given our persistent studies of end times Bible prophecy and what God says to expect in the last days.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV) But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

2 Timothy 4:2-5 (ESV) preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sounda teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

I'll admit, and I think I've shared this before, but I was most certainly a False Convert for the first few years when I identified myself as a 'Christian' to everyone else. Lord, forgive me.

What does a 'False Convert', a 'tare', a 'goat', or a 'Christian-In-Name-Only' look and sound like?

Let's turn to God's Word rather than a documentary for the answers.

More importantly, let's be sure to apply the head knowledge we obtain so that it becomes heart knowledge.

Grace and peace to you and yours!

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General Butt Naked: True Conversion Or Con?

2012-05-21T15:00:00.000-04:00

Speaking of 'radical obedience' and being "transformed" by Jesus Christ (Romans 12:2) into a "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15), I forgot to share with you a documentary I saw a few weeks ago that reminded me of a modern-day version of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).

I've always told people that the best evidence for the existence of God, the reality of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the truthfulness of God's Word is a changed life. After all, when a person is saved, when they are born again, there will be a noticeable change in their life. I have something for you today that supports all of that.

Have you ever heard the story of General Butt Naked? I know, but please resist the urge to laugh or dismiss this account outright. I can assure you that that's a real title that was given to one of the most brutal murderers in all of Africa, and his story is compelling, and further evidence that God's Word can be trusted because I believe he's living proof that the Lord can change a life for His purposes (Proverbs 21:1).

The documentary I saw was called The Redemption of General Butt Naked and it won an award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011. It's left people wondering if this is a case of true conversion or a con? I just happened to find it while channel surfing late one night and noticing the word 'Christian' in the film's description.

The Los Angeles Times wrote that it is "a compelling portrait of an extraordinarily complex personal odyssey, a film that explores both the power and the limitations of faith and forgiveness." Notably absent from that statement is any mention of the man's new faith in Jesus Christ, which now compels him to serve the Lord, much like Paul was compelled to do so following his unexpected conversion.

The film's creators have this description on their website...

Joshua Milton Blahyi -- aka General Butt Naked -- was a ruthless and feared warlord during Liberia's 14-year civil war. Today, he has renounced his violent past and reinvented himself as a Christian evangelist on a journey of self-proclaimed transformation. Blahyi travels the nation of Liberia as a preacher, seeking out those he once victimized in search of an uncertain forgiveness. But in the end, are some crimes beyond the pale of forgiveness?

Dubbed "General Butt Naked" for fighting with nothing more than an AK-47 and a pair of leather shoes, Blahyi believed he possessed supernatural powers that made him impervious to bullets. The General and his army of child soldiers are said to have killed thousands during Liberia's horrific civil war. Following a dramatic conversion to Christianity, the General abruptly laid down his weapons in 1996, leaving behind his soldiers, his country and a war that would rage for another seven years.

Today, Blahyi is on a quest for redemption: facing those he once terrorized, preaching where he once murdered, and trying to rebuild the shattered lives of those he commanded during the war. For five years, filmmakers Eric Strauss and Daniele Anastasion tracked his often troubling path up-close, finding both the genuine and disconcerting in Blahyi's efforts. The film forces us to question the very nature of what true, meaningful reconciliation looks like in a country where justice has not been available.

At every turn, THE REDEMPTION OF GENERAL BUTT NAKED asks viewers to confront hard questions about both the power and limits of forgiveness in a nation searching for healing and justice.

Whatever you make of him -- liar or madman, charlatan or genuine repentant -- you will never meet another character as challenging as Joshua Milton Blahyi, General Butt Naked.

Given the introduction I gave you, I'm sure some of you are thinking, "Ok, but where's the mention of Christianity? Of the power of Jesus Christ to save and then transform a life just like the Gospels assert?" Precisely. Despite power of the Gospel and Jesus Christ being the central message to Blahyi's personal story, the filmmakers decided to tone that part down even though they followed him around for a full 5 years.

So, what you end up with is a watered-down version of the Gospel for non-believers (because while they show a man on camera saying that Blahyi has been going around preaching repentance for sins, they never actually show Blahyi sharing the Word of God that explicitly), and a genuine testimony that will strengthen the faith of believers.

By the way, did you catch that one part of the film's own description? He "reinvented himself as a Christian evangelist" they state? The skepticism is profound. What a shame.

No matter though. Despite the fact that there will always be non-believers who will be skeptical of such a changed life, we know better, don't we? We know that there will always be those who will approach this documentary as non-believers, but who will leave with a seed of faith planted in their heart and mind.

1 Corinthians 3:7 (KJV) So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV) So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

It really is an incredibly moving documentary though, and probably had a greater effect on me due to my Christian faith. I mean, I can understand where he was coming from and why he felt compelled do try and make amends as part of his new life in service to the Lord.

Sadly, the lost world doesn't get that though. All they see is a brutal man who is trying to do all he can to give the appearances of being a 'changed man' so he can avoid a prison sentence. That's strange though too, because in one pivotal scene in the film (and I'm not giving anything away here so don't worry), Blahyi actually admits his sins before the authorities and is perfectly willing to accept any sentence that they give him as the pure will of God. Of course, that doesn't count for anything to the skeptics though.

At the end of the day, I suppose for them to accept that God is real and that He can change a life like, and that that's what true submission and service to Him (true Christianity) looks like, then that would force them to face the truth about themselves and their current relationship (or lack thereof) with the Creator.

Pray that this movie can serve as a witnessing tool for some. Pray that it will somehow contribute to the eventual conversion of lost souls.

In the meantime, I would highly recommend that you take the time to watch this documentary.

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Transformed: Developing A Godly Lifestyle

2012-05-21T13:45:00.000-04:00

I read a devotional recently that was based on Romans 12:2.

Romans 12:2 (ESV) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Certainly, that's a verse we know all too well, but how seriously do we take it?

Have we merely memorized it, or do we actually live it out on a moment-by-moment, day-by-day basis?

For me, that single verse outlines the commitment and steps necessary in developing a godly lifestyle.

Paul was urgently warning believers not to be conformed to the world, but to be transformed; transformed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God!

Our susceptibility to compromise is one of the greatest dangers in the church today.

Through ungodly relationships (personal or professional) and the impact of media, we're being influenced by people who are not following God's ways.

Our society tells us to put self first, take what we want when we want it, protect our rights, and promote our own interests above others'.

In contrast, Jesus said that our heavenly Father will provide what we truly need (Philippians 4:19), we are to deny self and follow Him (Luke 9:23), and the humble (not the proud) shall receive honor (James 4:10).

Simply put, conformity to the world's ideals will lead us away from God.

At the same time, Paul urged us to pursue godly transformation of our minds: to set our thoughts on the things above (Colossians 3:2) and to focus on what is true, right, pure, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).

Adopting a Christian worldview will lead to Christlike actions. It requires making adjustments in how we view life until our thoughts line up with Scripture. We must also protect our minds with Biblical truth and surround ourselves with mature believers who can warn us when we start to stray.

So, be sure to ask yourself the following questions regularly (2 Corinthians 13:5)...

"Am I focusing on what is important to the Lord?"

"Am I avoiding compromise?"

"Am I making a conscious effort to adhere to Biblical truth?"

"Am I demonstrating a pattern of godly transformation?"

The Holy Spirit can empower you to make the changes necessary to be more like Christ.

Grace and peace unto your and yours!

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RECOMMENDATION: 'Radical' By David Platt

2012-05-21T12:30:00.000-04:00

We've highlighted the preaching of David Platt in this forum only once before back in November 2010. It's time we changed that.

There is no question that if you're looking for spiritual meat as opposed to feeding off of spiritual milk day-after-day, week-after-week, month-after-month, then you need to get yourself a copy of this book right away (Hebrews 5:11-14).

However, please be advised that it's not for the faint of heart, or the 'Christians-In-Name-Only', because it will challenge you from the very first page.

I couldn't put this book down though, which for me is quite something. I'm the type of guy who can never finish a book in a fair amount of time because I tend to find myself reading several different books all at the same time. Well, on this occasion things were much different. I picked up the book and finished all 200+ pages in a single weekend!

If you're like me, and you like to underline sections and write notes in the margins, then make sure you have plenty of pens nearby too because Platt makes so many profound and sobering points that it makes you want to simply spend a week just posting excerpts as your Status on Facebook for the rest of the world to read.

Yes, I'm gushing here, but I tend to do that sort of thing whenever I get introduced to a man of God who deepens my understanding of God's Word, by highlighting things I've overlooked, or by underscoring inescapable truths that we typically ignore for the sake of our own personal convenience. I'm sure my current state of mind ("No compromise!") makes me much more open to the truths expounded in this book too, but that makes it all the more meaningful to me since that book sat on my bookshelf out of sight and out of mind for a year or two, and the Holy Spirit just happened to tap me on the shoulder to remind me about it when I needed the comfort and encouragement the most. Thank you, Lord!

Following my recent decision to resign from a Christian employer over matters of faith, I recalled that I had a couple of best-selling books authored by David Platt that have been sitting on my bookshelf ever since I purchased them.

In other words, I completely forgot about them and as my mind considered the 'radical obedience' that some say I've exhibited through decision, that's when things clicked for me, because the word 'radical' is a part of the title of one of his books, and so I decided to make my way to the bookshelf to grab it and finally read it. Boy, I'm so glad I did too!

Defending Contending summarizes this book quite nicely...

In brief, David Platt presents a scathing critique of self-indulgent American Christianity (specifically in relation to world missions) and its negligence of the poor and those without the gospel, then offers his advice on how to change this glaring deficiency in our own lives. This is a must-read for every Christian living in the West (America, Britain, Australia, Canada, etc.). You will not be disappointed in reading this book . . . unless, of course, you don’t want to be challenged, you don’t want to be convicted, and if you’re not ready–as the subtitle says–to take back your faith from the American dream.

Well, there you have it. And, yes, the full title is Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream, which will probably succeed in scaring many people away based on the title's implication alone.

In any event, I will break down the book chapter-by-chapter for you and try to include some of my favorite parts from each chapter too.

RADICAL: TAKING BACK YOUR FAITH FROM THE AMERICAN DREAM

BY DAVID PLATT

CHAPTERS

1. Someone Worth Losing Everything For

2. Too Hungry For Words

3. Beginning At The End Of Ourselves

4. The Great Why Of God

5. The Multiplying Community

6. How Much Is Enough?

7. There Is No Plan B

8. Living When Dying Is Gain

9. The Radical Experiment

CHAPTER 1: SOMEONE WORTH LOSING EVERYTHING FOR

[WHAT RADICAL ABANDONMENT TO JESUS REALLY MEANS]

"From the first day I was immersed in strategies for making the church bigger and better. But I found myself becoming uneasy. For one thing, my model in ministry is a guy who spent the majority of his ministry time with twelve men. A guy who, when he left this earth, had only about 120 people who were actually sticking around and doing what he told them to do. More like a minichurch, really. Jesus Christ -- the youngest minichurch pastor in history."

-- Pages 1-2

"[In reference to John 6:53; John 6:66-67] By the end of that speech, all the crowds had left, and only twelve men remained. Jesus apparently wasn't interested in marketing himself to the masses. Soon I realized I was on a collision course with an American church culture where success is defined by bigger crowds, bigger budgets, and bigger buildings. I was now confronted with a startling reality: Jesus actually spurned the things that my church culture said were most important. So what was I to do?"

-- Page 2

"My biggest fear, even now, is that I will hear Jesus' words and walk away, content to settle for less than radical obedience to him. In other words, my biggest fear is that I will do exactly what most people did when they encountered Jesus in the first century. I am convinced that we as Christ followers in American churches have embraced values and ideas that are not only unbiblical but that actually contradict the gospel we claim to believe. You and I can choose to continue with business as usual in the Christian life and in the church as a whole, enjoying success based on the standards defined by the culture around us. Or we can take an honest look at the Jesus of the Bible and dare to ask what the consequences might be if we really believed him and really obeyed him."

-- Page 3

"We were settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves."

-- Page 7

CHAPTER 2: TOO HUNGRY FOR WORDS

[DISCOVERING THE TRUTH AND BEAUTY OF THE GOSPEL]

"What is it about God's Word that creates a hunger to hear more? And not just to hear the Word but to long for it, study it, memorize it, and follow it? What causes followers of Christ around the world literally to risk their lives in order to know it? Yet in the American dream, where self reigns as king (or queen), we have a dangerous tendency to misunderstand, minimize, and even manipulate the gospel in order to accommodate our assumptions and our desires."

-- Page 28

"The gospel reveals eternal realities about God that we would sometimes rather not face. We prefer to sit back, enjoy our cliches, and picture God as a Father who might help us, all the while ignoring God as a Judge who might damn us. Maybe this is why we fill our lives with the constant drivel of entertainment in our culture -- and in the church. We are afraid that if we stop and really look at God in His Word, we might discover that he evokes greater awe and demands deeper worship than we are ready to give him."

-- Page 29

"Everything in all creation responds in obedience to the Creator...until we get to you and me. We have the audacity to look God in the face and say, 'No.'"

-- Page 31

CHAPTER 3: BEGINNING AT THE END OF OURSELVES

[THE IMPORTANCE OF RELYING ON GOD'S POWER]

"The question for us, then, is whether we trust in his power. And the problem for us is that in our culture we are tempted at every turn to trust in our own power instead. So the challenge for us is to live in such a way that we are radically dependent on and desperate for the power that only God can provide. To this point, we have seen how the American dream radically differs from the call of Jesus and the essence of the gospel. This differentiation is heightened when we contrast trust in the power of God with reliance on our own abilities. As the American dream goes, we can do anything we set our minds to accomplish. There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we combine ingenuity, imagination, and innovation with skill and hard work. We can earn any degree, start any business, climb any ladder, attain any prize, and achieve any goal. The dangerous assumption we unknowingly accept in the American dream is that our greatest asset is our own ability. But the gospel has different priorities. The gospel beckons us to die to ourselves and to believe in God and to trust in his power. In the gospel, God confronts us with our utter inability to accomplish anything of value apart from him. This is what Jesus meant when he said, 'I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.' As long as we achieve desires in our own power, we will always attribute it to our own glory. But here the Gospel and the American dream are clearly and ultimately antithetical to each other. While the goal of the American dream is to make much of us, the goal of the Gospel is to make much of God."

-- Pages 45-47

CHAPTER 4: THE GREAT WHY OF GOD

[GOD'S GLOBAL PURPOSE FROM THE BEGINNING TILL TODAY]

"How many of us are embracing the comforts of suburban America while we turn a deaf ear to inner cities in need of the gospel? How many of us are so settled in the United States that we have never once given serious thought to the possibility that God may call us to live in another country? How often are we willing to give a check to someone else as long as we don't have to go to the tough places in the world ourselves? How many of us parents are praying that God will raise up our children to leave our homes and go overseas, even if that means they may never come back? And how many of us are devoting our lives to taking the gospel to people in hostile regions around the world where Christians are not welcomed?"

-- Page 64

"If you were to ask the average Christian sitting in a worship service on Sunday morning to summarize the message of Christianity, you would most likely hear something along the lines of 'The message of Christianity is that God loves me.' Or someone might say, 'The message of Christianity is that God loves me enough to send his Son, Jesus, to die for me.' As wonderful as this sentiment sounds, is it biblical? Isn't it incomplete, based on what we have seen in the Bible? 'God loves me' is not the essence of biblical Christianity. Because if 'God loves me' is the message of Christianity, then who is the object of Christianity? God loves me. Me. Christianity's object is me. Therefore, when I look for a church, I look for the music that best fits me and the programs that best cater to me and my family. When I make plans for my life and career, it is about what works best for me and my family. When I consider the house I will live in, the car I will drive, the clothes I will wear, the way I will live, I will choose according to what is best for me. This is the version of Christianity that largely prevails in our culture. But it is not biblical Christianity. The message of biblical Christianity is not 'God loves me, period,' as if we were the object of our own faith. The message of biblical Christianity is 'God loves me so that I might make him -- his ways, his salvation, his glory, and his greatness -- known among all nations.' Now God is the object of our faith, and Christianity centers around him. We are not the end of the gospel; God is."

-- Pages 70-71

CHAPTER 5: THE MULTIPLYING COMMUNITY

[HOW ALL OF US JOIN TOGETHER TO FULFILL GOD'S PURPOSE]

"Regardless of what country we live in, what skills we possess, what kind of education we have, or what kind of salary we make, Jesus has commanded each of us to make disciples, and this is the means by which we will impact the world."

-- Pages 86-87

"The megastrategy of Jesus: make disciples. Any Christian can do this. You don't need to have inordinate skill or unusual abilities to make disciples. You don't need to be a successful pastor or a charismatic leader to make disciples. You don't need to be a great communicator or an innovative thinker to make disciples. That's why Jesus says every Christian must do this. But according to Jesus, people are God's method for winning the world to himself. People who have been radically transformed by Jesus."

-- Page 90

"First, according to Jesus, disciple making involves going. It involves intentionally taking the gospel to people where they live, work, and play. Disciple making is not a call for others to come to us to hear the gospel but a command for us to go to others to share the gospel. A command for us to be gospel-living, gospel-speaking people at every moment and in every context where we find ourselves."

-- Page 94

CHAPTER 6: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

[AMERICAN WEALTH AND A WORLD OF POVERTY]

"Today more than a billion people in the world live and die in desperate poverty. They attempt to survive on less than a dollar per day. Close to two billion others live on less than two dollars per day. That's nearly half the world struggling today to find food, water, and shelter with the same amount of money I spend on french fries for lunch. Literally millions of them are dying in obscurity, and I have enjoyed my affluence while pretending they don't exist. But they do exist. Not only do they exist, but God takes very seriously how I respond to them."

-- Pages 109-109

CHAPTER 7: THERE IS NO PLAN B

[WHY GOING IS URGENT, NOT OPTIONAL]

"God has made a way of salvation for the lost. Not a way, but the way. And this is the good news -- the gospel."

-- Page 152

"The will of God is for you and me to give our lives urgently and recklessly to making the gospel and the glory of God known among all peoples, particularly those who have never even heard of Jesus. The question, therefore, is not 'Can we find God's will?' The question is 'Will be obey God's will?'"

-- Page 160

CHAPTER 8: LIVING WHEN DYING IS GAIN

[THE RISK AND REWARD OF THE RADICAL LIFE]

"Jesus clearly acknowledged that following him involves risking the safety, security, and satisfaction we have found in this world. But in the end, Jesus said, following him leads to a radical reward that this world can never offer."

-- Page 161

"We think 'If it's dangerous, God must not be in it. If it's risky, if it's unsafe, if it's costly, it must not be God's will.' But what if these factors are actually criteria by which we determine something is God's will? What if we began to look at the design of God as the most dangerous option before us? What if the center of God's will is in reality the most unsafe place for us to be?"

-- Pages 164-165

CHAPTER 9: THE RADICAL EXPERIMENT

[ONE YEAR TO A LIFE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN]

"Real success is found in radical sacrifice. Ultimate satisfaction is found not in making much of ourselves but in making much of God. The purpose of our lives transcends the country and culture in which we live. Meaning is found in community, not individualism; joy is found in generosity, not materialism; and truth is found in Christ, not universalism. Ultimately, Jesus is a reward worth risking everything to know, experience, and enjoy."

-- Page 183

See what I mean? What a book, huh?

I have to admit, at first, I was a little worried when he started devoting so much of the second half of his book to what we've grown to commonly refer to as the 'Social Gospel' these days, but he never wavered from reiterating the critical importance of making sure that any good works that we do in the name of Jesus are intricately connected with a sharing of the actual Gospel itself, or the Word of God, in an effort to reach other lost souls for Him. To put it another way, our good works are a platform or vehicle that can be used to preach the Gospel to others. Amen!

You know, I still can't believe that I remembered and read this book AFTER my decision was made, which meant that it was an appropriate affirmation (a true comfort indeed!) at a time when Satan likes to start whispering doubts in your ear.

Anyway, I cannot recommend that you pick up a copy for yourself to read as soon as possible. It will truly change your life and encourage you to live a more authentic Christian lifestyle. You can also purchase some materials for small group studies too by CLICKING HERE.

A few months ago, I thought about the Christian books I would recommend that new believers should read to supplement their Bible reading. Richard Wurmbrand's Tortured For Christ always came to mind, and now I think I will have to start suggesting this one as well.

At the very least, anyone who's prayerfully considering a Missions Trip might also want to read this book before they go anywhere in service for Him.

I pray that this review was beneficial to you.

Grace and peace to you and yours!

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No Compromise -- Notable Quotable

2012-05-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

John MacArthur sat down with Focus On The Family President Jim Daly and said some poignant words that relate to our recent studies in this forum.

"We have one responsibility as pastors and that is to teach the Word of God. We don't have an alternative. We can't edit God. That's the wrong thing to do. We have been called into this ministry for the purpose of disseminating to our generation the truth of the Word of God. We have no other message. I have no other message than what God has put in the Word."

-- John MacArthur

Bottom line, Pastors should not be afraid of offending their followers with the message that God has preserved in His holy Word for us.

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Manny Pacquiao TKO'd By Compromise (Satan)

2012-05-18T06:15:00.000-04:00

Boy, this is growing to epidemic proportions lately, isn't it?

Why are Christians compromising when it comes to matters of their cherished faith every which way I turn? Are you noticing this as well?

Most notably, it was Liberty University's decision to compromise with the cult of Mormonism when that prestigious Christian University invited presidential candidate (and Mormon Bishop) Mitt Romney to give the commencement speech to it's graduating class last weekend.

Now, here's the latest example of a so-called 'Christian' caving under public pressure.

Manny Pacquiao Denies Anti-Gay Bible Reference After Flurry of Criticism

World champion boxer Manny Pacquiao has denied ever referencing a Bible passage that says homosexuality is punishable by death after the erroneous attribution stirred a flurry of criticism and even had the boxer's sponsors worried.

"I told (the reporter) I'm against same-sex marriage," Pacquiao shared on Wednesday with The Associated Press. "He said, 'Why?' I said, 'It's the law of God.' That's all I said."

Responding to President Barack Obama's recent endorsement of same-sex marriage, Pacquiao made it clear that he defends the traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman in an interview last week with Examiner.com.

In the interview, Examiner reporter Granville Ampong referenced the Bible verse Leviticus 20:13 -- which reads: "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads."

The Examiner report prompted much debate and discussion among readers, many of whom were confused as to whether Pacquiao had actually quoted that verse himself or if the passage was simply included by Ampong. Ampong, listed as the Conservative Examiner, has reportedly since clarified that Pacquiao did not specifically offer that verse during the interview, but that he himself had included it.

After the article was released, Pacquiao was even banned from a Hollywood mall on Wednesday where he was set to give an interview. Officials apprently unhappy with the alleged anti-gay comments told the boxer to find an alternate venue for his meeting.

The boxer, however, has since explained to The Associate Press that he never made such specific references. Pacquiao shared that his favorite Bible verses were actually "Love one another" and "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."

"It's in the Bible: Do not judge. I'm not judging," Pacquiao added.

While the Filipino congressman held firm on his comments that he does not agree with the president's endorsement of same-sex marriage because of his Roman Catholic beliefs, he clarified that he is not against gay people.

"I'm not condemning them. ... I have a cousin (who is) gay. I have relatives (who are) gay. I have a lot of friends (who are) gay, so I'm not condemning gays. What I said is I'm not in favor of same-sex marriage. That's the one thing I said to the guy," Pacquiao insisted.

Yep, World Champion Boxer, Manny Pacquiao, was TKO'd by Compromise who was trained by Political Correctness. So unfortunate.

Where do I begin? Let's go to the Scorecard on this one...

Q: Is homosexuality punishable by death?

A: Yes

Pacquiao missed a glorious opportunity with the platform he was given by God to share the Gospel with the world! All he had to simply say was that God's Word calls homosexuality a sin in many passages -- just like it calls many other things a sin as well. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The only way a person can escape death as punishment for their sins is to repent of those sins and place their faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ since Acts 3:19, amongst other texts, says, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" and John 3:16 assures us that, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." So, yes, if a homosexual does not repent of their sinful lifestyle before they die here on earth, then they will meet a death for eternity in Hell just like any other sinner -- which we all are (Psalm 51:5) -- who doesn't repent will too.

He could've continued by pointing out that he is a born again follower of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This means that he believes he was born a sinner and that his actions put him at war with God. Because of that, God will judge him for his sins and condemn him to Hell. Yet, in His mercy, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live the perfect life that he could not live and to die the death he deserves. Jesus rose from the grave three days later, giving him a promise of eternal life. By turning from his sin and trusting in Jesus, it is Jesus who takes on his sins and he receives His perfect righteousness. He has been granted eternal life and will one day be with Him forever in Heaven.

Q: Is it wrong for Christians to judge others?

A: No

Actually, Jesus Himself commands us to be judgmental. In John 7:24, Jesus said, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." Of course, if there is righteous judgment, there is sinful judgment, which should certainly be avoided. However, it is beneficial to be judgmental in a good way. In my experience, the verse that virtually every American non-Christian knows and loves to quote is Matthew 7:1 where Jesus said, "Judge not, lest ye be judged." I’ve even had some people tell me that it was one of the Ten Commandments. In this passage, however, Jesus was condemning hypocritical judging. He tells us that we should remove the plank from our eye, so that we will be able to help others with their speck (verse 5). We are supposed to judge ourselves strictly, so that we can lovingly judge others and help them with their speck. God expects us to identify sin and call attention to it in other people's lives for their sake, but we must go about that process according to the Biblically prescribed manner of examining ourselves first before we approach another out of genuine love and concern with the Gospel. So, yes, we are supposed to judge others because Jesus commands us to, and because it leads to disciple, or it's what protects people from the false prophets and wolves (Matthew 7:15-20). It’s not judging to tell people what the Bible says. Many Christians might say something like, "I don’t know what’s in someone’s heart. Who am I to judge?" I would agree that we generally don’t know what’s in someone’s heart -- until he or she tells us. After that person has told us, it’s a good, loving thing to take the opportunity to warn someone if he or she believes something that will bring that individual harm.

Why is it that this guy isn't afraid to take several blows to the body and head from another man when he's in the ring, but when he's comfortably walking the streets he's afraid of being labeled a 'bigot' and 'hateful' by Reporters, especially when God's Word tells him to expect such things if you are a true follower of Christ?

Galatians 1:10 (ESV) For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Don't be like Manny Pacquiao.

Don't be TKO'd by Compromise (a.k.a. Satan) like he was.

Don't be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Preach the Word! Keep looking up!

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When A Christian Should Resign From A Christian Company...

2012-05-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Did anyone else catch this story out of Georgia?

Faculty Refuse To Sign Lifestyle Statement, Resign From Christian University

Dozens of faculty and staff at a Georgian Christian academic institute are resigning over a statement from school officials in which employees must pledge to refrain from activities including drug use, alcohol, adultery, and homosexuality.

Known as the "personal lifestyle statement," around 50 members of the faculty and staff at Shorter University based in Rome, Ga., have chosen to resign rather than renew their contracts at the private school. Dr. J. Robert White, executive director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, which Shorter is a part of, told The Christian Post that the "lifestyle statement" is consistent with the convention's position.

"We have not taken a specific position related to the 'lifestyle statement,'" said White, "but the history of our convention, which goes back to 1822, has approved many resolutions regarding homosexuality as a sin and alcohol use as ill-advised."

Despite the outcry from some faculty and staff regarding the statement, White did not believe the measure would be overturned. "I do not believe there will be any changes in the 'lifestyle statement' due to people who are opposed to it," said White. "I think that at any educational institution the faculty and the administration are responsible for following the guidelines set by the board of trustees who provide this whole governance for the university."

Last October, the board of trustees at Shorter adopted a "Personal Lifestyle Statement" for all its employees. According to the document, which faculty and staff were obliged to sign, an employee of Shorter could not among other things take part in drug use, premarital sex, adultery, and homosexuality. The statement also called for Shorter employees to be active members of a church and be "committed Bible believing Christians."

During that same session, the board also approved a new motto for Shorter, "Transforming lives through Christ."

"We love Jesus Christ, and we want people who serve here to love Jesus Christ and be willing to not just sign the document, but enthusiastically endorse that in every aspect of their lives," said Shorter President Donald Dowless in an earlier interview with CP.

"We are an institution that wants to foster a Christian environment ... and that's done by all employees who we hire, not just the faculty but also the staff."

What's the problem? Why did those 50 people resign? Dare I suggest that those 50 individuals who resigned rather than sign that 'Lifestyle Statement' are most likely 'Christians-In-Name-Only' as opposed to the real deal? How else should we interpret such a decision?

After all, the Bible isn't filled with God's mere suggestions to us, or options for us to choose, but crystal clear commands about what a life lived for Him should look like to the rest of the world.

Personally, I think that such a story forces us to prayerfully consider the key differences between being a Disciple of Jesus Christ and being a Christian. Yes, there is a big difference, my friends.

Now that the stage has been set, let's perform a study of contrasts. James reminds us that we should not merely listen to the Word, but we should do what it says (James 1:22-25). A couple of thoughts from two men of God I respect to continue with this entry today.

"There are other people who are prepared to argue and discuss and even change their opinion, but they do not do anything about it. The evangelical, however, is a man who acts on his convictions. There would never have been Protestantism if this were not true."

-- Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Alistair Begg recently said that the worst thing for a Christian is when they reach their 'Cruising Altitude' in life. He also spoke of God's approval on our lives and how important it is to always be mindful of that.

How will we live then to be approved by God?

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Boy, that was a word meant just for me this morning delivered straight from God's lips!

If you don't mind, please pray for me and for my family. Pray for God's peace to rest upon our hearts and minds during what will surely be a difficult time for us (at least, in the short-term). Pray for His provision so that we are not in need (I have a family of 4 to support). Pray for His guidance in leading me to the place He wants me to be (because it's all about Him!).

Last week, I made one of the hardest decisions in my young life so far. It was hard, but it was easy. Does that make any sense to you at all? What I mean by that is how it was an 'easy' decision to make because I knew it was the right one, but it was a 'hard' decision to make because I knew the personal cost involved for not just me, but for many other people, and even those outside of my own immediate family.

I'm 32-years-old. I'll be 33 in June. I've been a Christian for about 9 years, but was a 'False Convert' for probably the first 5 of those 9 years. By all accounts, I'm still a 'baby Christian' who's maturing in the faith daily.

Given those facts, the situation I found myself in recently was one I never expected to be in. And yet, there I was, smack dab in the middle of it, and needing to make a decision about how to handle it Biblically.

The decision involved my professional career and the workplace, which made this all the more complicated...though it wasn't (there's that whole "it was hard, but it was easy" thing again). The decision involved my immediate family, which includes my dear wife and two small kids, and that made this all the more complicated since I am the sole income provider...though it wasn't. The decision involved the local church community, which made this all the more complicated...though it wasn't.

I'm sharing this with all of you (as lengthy as it is) in the hopes that it will bring some much needed comfort and encouragement to others who find themselves in a similar predicament. Aside from prayer, consulting the Bible, and counsel from other Christians, one of the things I struggled with while trying to process all of this was how there's a ton of information online when it comes to helping Christians determine if and when they should leave a secular place of employment, but next to nothing to help Christians determine if and when they should leave a Christian place of employment.

What do you do when you're a Christian who works at a Non-Profit Christian Organization who believes they ought to resign due to matters of faith? Dare I suggest that it's not as easy as perhaps leaving a secular company would be?

This is why I've likened it to sort of being like figuring out if and when you should leave your local church and look for a new one. In my case, that became the guiding principle for me particularly because this wasn't just a 'Christian Company', but because it has always been known as a 'Christian Ministry' for some 67 years, and regularly presents itself to the public as such, which puts it on a similar playing field with the local church, IMHO.

So, for anyone who is looking for answers to these questions...

-- When should a Christian resign from a Christian Company?

-- When should a Christian leave a Christian Non-Profit Organization?

-- When should a Christian leave a Christian Ministry?

-- Forced to resign due to faith?

-- What to do when a Christian employer forces you to compromise your faith?

--Where can I find a sample Christian Letter of Resignation?

...this post is for you.

I pray that it helps some.

Below is my Letter of Resignation that I formally submitted last week to my employer. Because the Non-Profit Organization I worked for not only has an Executive Director, but an actual 'Board For Ministry' made up of several Members, I had to submit a detailed response -- preserved in writing -- for the official record.

As many of you know, I have a problem with writing a bit too much at times. Not to make light of a very serious situation, but after I was done and holding a 12 page Letter of Resignation in my hands, I laughed to myself and thought how maybe I could call myself the 'Jerry Maguire' of the Christian community here in Western New York.

In any event, here's my Resignation Letter and the full explanation as to why I needed to make this decision.

May 10, 2012

Dear NAME And Board For NAME Ministry:

I will apologize in advance for the length of this letter, but it is demonstrative of the genuine, heartfelt passion I have about this decision as well as my sincere love and concern for one of God’s ministries, for you personally, and for everyone else I have met through NAME who I call a friend.

It is with a heavy heart though a clear conscience that I submit to you my formal Letter of Resignation from NAME as TITLE effective May 10, 2012. After much Bible study and prayer, I have decided that I must leave the organization immediately in order to be faithful to my Lord and His Word after having been told (and expected) to compromise my faith on more than one occasion.

Where do I start? I suppose at the very beginning. When I signed my Ministry Covenant upon acceptance of employment with NAME, I agreed that “With the help of God it is my intent to exemplify the Christian life in all that I do and say, working in concert with those around me, in order that my ministry in your midst may be a blessing to all at NAME and especially to our Lord, Jesus Christ.” In short, I have made the decision to resign immediately because I would be breaking that Ministry Covenant if I continued to work for NAME. Actually, I have already broken it (and feel awfully guilty about it!) by delaying what I knew had to be done for weeks now.

A few weeks ago, I was asked to “shorten” the length of my contribution to NAME'S monthly Newsletter. That is no problem whatsoever and I was more than happy to do that. I even joked that I know I have a problem writing too much. However, I was also asked to “tone down” the Christian rhetoric moving forward. The specific reason given to me was because NAME leadership wants to make it more palatable, and more secular, for the few non-Christians on our Mailing List (“Not everyone on our Mailing List are Christians…” I was told) so that we do not “offend” potential NAME supporters. The intent was to compromise what NAME (and we as Christians) claim to stand for, and all for the sake of potential gain (financial or otherwise). That is a serious problem that I just could not ignore any longer no matter how I tried to rationalize it, and God will not let my conscience rest until I act and do what I know I must (as scary as that is for me and my family right now), and it’s why I am writing to you today after having come to this as the only right course of action.

At first, being employed by a Christian Non-Profit Organization whose Vision, Mission, and Core Values are clearly stated for the public to see as being that which brings glory, honor, and praise to Jesus Christ, I have to admit that I could not believe what I was hearing, and I sincerely thought that I had misheard what I was being instructed to do as part of my job here. Ever since, I have wrestled with whether or not the message was misunderstood by me, and whether or not the point was that the Newsletter was for marketing and not sermonizing. Even if that were the case, and that was the specific reason given to me at the time instead, therein lays the bigger problem I have that has contributed to a genuine crisis in conscience for the past several weeks now.

This job is not suitable for someone like me who is more ministry-focused as opposed to business-focused. I know there is a definite ministry component to what we do around here, but I am afraid I have not seen it (not nearly as much).

While I prayed and searched God’s Word relentlessly all this time seeking wisdom about whether or not I was right or wrong about what my ears heard from what I was told to do that day (and prayed and searched God’s Word relentlessly all this time seeking wisdom trying to figure out the proper Biblical response by me once I arrived at the truth of the matter), the very same instruction for the very same reason was given to not just me, but to all of us, when it came up at one of our Staff Meetings (about a week after the original incident). That was when my heart broke because I instantly knew what that meant for me and my future here at NAME.

It was no longer just a ‘slip of the tongue’ the first time around, or something that could be overlooked as ‘miscommunication’ perhaps. Like I said earlier, I have grown to get to know you and to love you like a brother (which you still are even after all of this plays out), but I simply cannot ignore something as serious as this, especially with how the Lord has been convicting my conscience over it.

I do not think it is a stretch to say that the instruction I was given that has caused all of this is clearly the underlying philosophy that dictates how this ministry operates and that has bothered me greatly ever since. I know that this is a DESCRIPTION and not a Church. However, we are an explicitly Christian DESCRIPTION that calls itself a Ministry too. That should mean something and should be taken more seriously. The Word of God, the power of the Gospel, should be at the heart of everything we do here and should serve as our driving force always. Hebrews 4:12 says plainly, “The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword". Everything else is impotent, giving merely an illusion of power. Human strategy is not more important than Scripture. Our ability to lure people in should not impress us more than the Bible’s ability to transform lives.

I have never refrained from doing the right thing when it comes to my career, which makes this all the more difficult because I know what I have to do even though I love you like a brother and I love this job. Due to my strong convictions in response to all of this, I must resign. As mentioned earlier, because my resignation is immediate that means that I cannot follow the proper procedure and act in accordance with Section 17.10 of the Personnel Policy Manual that says I need to give my two (2) weeks working notice to the Executive Director like I would in any other case. This is due to what I believe are exceptional mitigating circumstances -- instructing me to water-down, tone down the Gospel of Jesus Christ even though we are a Christian ministry with clearly stated Christian objectives and values -- which I therefore believe warrant a breach of the Ministry Covenant I signed with NAME, making such a requirement of me in this situation null and void.

Even so, please note that in an effort to demonstrate that I am still trying to do things properly (Biblically), I will gladly spend time completing some of the tasks under my care that are most urgent and do as much as I can over the next few days to help make this transition a smooth one, given the nature of my sudden departure. Everything in my office is organized and labeled neatly, but I will still provide you with a list of all the things I have been working on that need completion (along with important account logins/passwords too). Of course, even long after I leave, please feel free to call me if you need to know where something is.

Simply put, I can no longer serve as a face of NAME through face-to-face interaction with guests/visitors (i.e. Retreat Groups; Tours; etc.) like this job requires me to for reasons already stated and others that I will explain in a moment, and that is why I must resign immediately. Whether or not you want me to continue doing anything in any capacity after you have prayerfully considered all of this is entirely up to you and I will respect whatever decision you make.

Most importantly, please know that any work that I will do for NAME from this point on will be done by me without pay too since I cannot, in good conscience, submit this detailed letter to you, and then turn around and take money from NAME. That would not be right of me.

Please understand that this is not about being ‘self-righteous’, ‘pious’, or even a ‘martyr’ of some sort either. To be blunt, I truly agonized over this decision for the past several weeks while begging God to please show me if I am right to feel convicted about this, or if I am wrong and overreacting to things. In fact, this letter has been done since Monday and I still continued to make sure I exhausted every single Biblical angle to make sure I was not missing anything. In the end, it’s always about faith and not feelings, and what kind of a faith would I have if I did not stand firm in the Lord when I know this is the right thing to do regardless of the circumstances and regardless of the personal cost?

So, despite the fact that I am the sole income provider for my family of 4, that we are currently without Health Insurance, and have amassed some unexpected debt due to my wife’s recent stay in the hospital for several days, I still cannot let comfort and convenience (financial security) overshadow my conscience, convictions, and principles. Some might call this decision ‘stupid’ and ‘irresponsible’ on my part given those facts and in this kind of economy, but I know better. I know that the Lord is sovereign, and not only is everything I have in this life from His hand, but I also know that He will surely bless this decision, which is rooted in obedience, and He will do so in His own perfect timing and according to His own perfect will (Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

I really wish there was some way I could stay and feel good about such a decision. I cannot. I have delayed making this decision for too long already. To share the following concerns, tell you I am resigning, but then stay on through the summer (or even until you find a suitable replacement) to help make things easier for everyone else here (including myself) is tantamount to me choosing convenience, NAME, and/or all of you over God, His Word, and my conscience. I cannot compromise in this case given what it entails.

I recall what Martin Luther said: “Here is lack of understanding, for understanding proves by the Word that such patchwork is not according to God's will, but that doctrine, faith and worship must be preserved pure and unadulterated; there must be no mingling with human nonsense, human opinions or wisdom. ‘The Scriptures give us this rule: 'We must obey God rather than men' (Acts 5:29)."

It is interesting to speculate what the church would be like today if Martin Luther had been prone to compromise. The pressure was heavy on him to tone down his teaching, soften his message, stop poking his finger in the eye of the papacy. Even many of his friends and supporters urged Luther to come to terms with Rome for the sake of harmony in the church.

Luther himself prayed earnestly that the effect of his teaching would not be divisive. When he nailed his 95 Theses to the door, the last thing he wanted to do was split the church. Yet, sometimes division is fitting -- even healthy. Especially in times like Luther's (and like ours), compromise is sometimes a worse evil than division (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). I have prayed about this vigorously, searched the Scriptures obsessively, experienced many sleepless nights, and sought counsel from other Christians and everything keeps telling me I need to make this decision because the Lord can do more good for this ministry through my departure, than He could ever do through me if I disobeyed Him, stayed, and compromised.

Still, like Luther, I pray earnestly that the effect of this decision will not be divisive. Please know that like Luther, the last thing I want to do is cause chaos and division within NAME and amongst those like you who I have grown to love here. I can say that you have truly become a dear friend to me. Like all friendships, I know that there will be times when disagreements will occur between you and I. This is one of those times. Most times, the forgiveness, grace, and mercy of God toward us personally is what teaches us how to be forgiving, gracious, and merciful to others. Other times, there are offenses that require a different kind of forgiving, gracious, and merciful response with 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” as one’s guide.

I was told that I was hired to not only fill an opening, but to bring a fresh perspective to NAME and to share the honest views of someone from the outside looking in. Consequently, the command of “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9) obligates me to be on record regarding this matter. His Word comforts me as I follow through on what I know I must do in this situation as difficult as it for me, for you, and for all of us since we are told “so whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17). I just want to be mindful to do the right thing.

I hope it is evident that I am constantly concerned with living out an authentic faith in obedience to God (Psalm 9:10; Psalm 111:10). As Martin Luther once said, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God...", and so it is with me. So, I will try my best with help from the Holy Spirit to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) here, and will pray that this is received by you in the same spirit with which it was written – a spirit of true love and concern for another as well as true love and concern for one of God’s ministries.

Acts 5:29 is clear: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Ultimately, as much as I have grown to love you as a dear friend, I will always choose to obey my God rather than my boss, especially when I am asked to compromise His Word for the sake success at work, and must do so regardless of the personal cost. I absolutely must. Sitting with compromise is cozy. Standing with conviction is costly. It will most certainly be costly to me and my family in this case (at least in the short-term I am sure). I accept that. I know He is faithful to those who are faithful to Him. No amount of gain is worthwhile if it costs you your values, which are priceless.

To reiterate, I have been through this every which way ever since, with Proverbs 3:5 and other passages from Scripture in my mind and the only course of action that will assuage my conscience and honor my God is to formally resign from my position effective immediately. To remain an employee of NAME under any circumstances would be to compromise my convictions of faith all for the sake of convenience – the convenience of being able to provide for my family and the convenience of making things easier on my co-workers who are gearing up for the busy season beginning this weekend. Choosing that route would be choosing myself, my family, and my co-workers over my God.

I am truly sorry, but I can no longer perform this job the way I committed to performing it based on the Ministry Covenant I signed several months ago. The thing that breaks my heart is that I am actually fulfilling that Ministry Covenant statement not by working for NAME, but by resigning from NAME because such an action honors the Father more than me compromising would. Like I said, I can no longer perform this job the way I thought it was intended to be performed because I am having too hard a time seeing ‘NAME: The Ministry’ since all I am seeing is ‘NAME: The Business’ instead. That is not why I left my previous employer to come here to pursue this exciting opportunity to serve Him in a ministry setting, and that is not the type of ‘ministry’ environment I can work to the best of my ability in.

Besides, you need employees who share your vision for NAME and who share your methods for seeing that vision become a reality one day. I thought I could be that type of employee, but I have since realized that I am not, and that I cannot. Of course, things finally came to a head the other day when I was asked to write my piece for this month’s Newsletter about NAME being a ‘Christ-Centered Community’. How could I do that, and agree with what I was expected to write, if I do not actually agree with any of it? What a hypocrite I would be.

Again, I’ve gone over this about a million times during many sleepless nights and I just cannot see any other course of action for me personally than to separate myself from NAME immediately. I just could not reconcile what has happened with my conscience (1 Corinthians 4:4 “For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.”).

Yes, it is one thing to reconcile with a friend over personal matters (as we always should), but quite another thing entirely to find yourself at odds with NAME'S collective organizational leadership over fundamental doctrinal truths as they are applied (or minimized) within the scope of the ministry’s development. I am only doing more harm than good by staying here and remaining silent even with Ephesians 6:7, Colossians 3:23, and 1 Corinthians 10:31 as my daily motivation.

For instance, the other day, I had to give a tour for a possible wedding next year and I just could not find the same excitement and enthusiasm to sell this place to them like I have in the past because of how this has been weighing on me. I felt like a hypocrite the whole time too! That is why it is now or never. How can I give a tour tomorrow or Saturday, or interact with the NAME Retreat Group, when all I keep thinking about is how I am disobeying what God has placed on my conscience to do in response to what happened?

To be completely transparent, unfortunately, it was not just the comments pertaining to the monthly Newsletter either that has prompted me to make this decision. They were merely the final straw, or those things that underscored my concerns and made it easier to do what I know I must regardless of the consequences. Awhile back, one department head told me to remove all explicit religious comments in the Thank You Letter I wrote for NAME on behalf of NAME for the job well done in our FACILITY. The other day, another department head bemoaned any thought of including items for sale in our FACILITY that will help fellow believers grow in their faith during their time here. I am sorry if it makes me ‘too traditional’ or ‘stuffy’, but those are things I would never have expected to hear while working at a Christian ministry with a Christian heritage of 67 years worth of history. In the end, I just do not feel right about being paid money to do a job I do not believe in, using methods that I disagree with.

In recent months, I have also had to work to help plan a Retreat for a group that told me they needed FACILITY because they wanted to perform Meditation Exercises and Yoga on the FACILITY out in the open for everyone else to see (NAME). Thankfully, their plans for this year fell through due to some conflicts on their end. How would we have “showed the face of Jesus to them by words and actions” had they had their event here? Last week, I had to work on planning a New Age themed wedding for a couple (NAMES) who are good friends with the neighbor of ours by the FACILITIES who always tries to cause trouble for us each summer. How would we “show the face of Jesus to them by words and actions” if they have their event here?

The fact that we, as a Christian ministry, are even open to hosting such groups makes me question the strength of our faith, ministry, and whether we are more concerned with the Almighty Dollar than the Almighty Himself. That may sound harsh to suggest, but we know how He feels about such things so why don’t we feel the same way about them?

The pragmatist who is willing to compromise will say that there is no conflict whatsoever when it comes to hosting them here because we are supposed to show grace and love to non-believers because we are all sinners. Let’s consider the whole counsel of God’s Word though. Yes, that’s true to an extent, but where do we draw the line? God’s Word does not tell us to compromise our cherished beliefs for personal gain – ever. Our willingness to serve as their host and to remove any and all overt references to the Gospel and/or Jesus Christ does not make us any more ‘Christian’ than they are. How is that ministering to those groups? How is that fulfilling Our Vision, Our Mission, Our Core Values, and Our Objectives as expressly stated? How can we even call ourselves a ‘Ministry’ under those conditions? How are we being careful not to let our tolerance for non-Christians become tacit approval of their sinful lifestyles? What are we doing in relation to ‘serving them’ by simply allowing them to have their events here that helps us fulfill this ministry’s calling? These are the questions that have plagued me, caused me to have a crisis in conscience, and that have prompted me to make this decision. I am beginning to wonder if I have always instinctively felt this way due to the one comment I would always make during committee/staff meetings you might remember me saying early on (“I’m trying to come up with ideas that with speak to a person’s spirit, and not their flesh…”). In hindsight, I believe so.

Again, where do we draw the line? Would we agree to host a wedding ceremony and reception for a homosexual couple who wanted to come here because it is more affordable for them? Would we agree to host a Muslim Retreat Group who we knew were going to spend the weekend worshipping Allah on our sacred premises? The fact that I do not know the clear answer to those two questions is why I believe NAME has an identity crisis at the moment. Do we want to be a Christian DESCRIPTION or just a DESCRIPTION?

Please do not misunderstand me either. I am not saying that there is nothing good about NAME, or that we do not offer Christ-centered programs for our guests. We certainly do! And that’s great! In my humble opinion, there needs to be more though. I am also not saying that you somehow do not love Christ. I know by my friendship with you and your public prayers that you certainly do. I just do not understand why I was told to water-down God’s Word. Simply put, I think the problem stems from the fact that NAME should focus on being a ministry more than it should focus on being a business. Yes, we have talked about how NAME is a ‘business-driven ministry’, but at what cost? I am not naïve to understand that we have operating expenses and that there are bills and salaries to pay. I am also not naïve to understand the temptation that exists within that reality; a temptation to cast aside the Biblical model for true and lasting success and to rely upon a worldly model for success instead.

Sure, by all internal accounts, NAME is doing ‘great’ since we are booked solid throughout the remainder of 2012, STATISTICS are way up, and the 2012 Budget is about to be met and exceeded by my efforts to date, and we are even booking quite a bit for 2013 already. How can we be sure that it is God’s blessing though? There are mega-churches around this country that are anything but Biblical with what they preach and teach each Sunday that have thousands in attendance each and every week. Are we to conclude that it is a ‘blessing’ and that God is pleased with that church?

I hope all of this is being received in the true spirit it has been written in – a spirit of genuine concern and love – because NAME needs to be asking these questions. NAME should not strive to be all things to all people. It is my firm belief that if we merely focused on trying to be the best Christian DESCRIPTION that we can be, complete with various Christian-themed events and programs that honor Him, without always trying to dress Him and His Word up all the time, then God would surely bless us, and if He did not, then it must be His will for NAME.

If we call NAME a ministry, then why do we judge ‘success’ by worldly standards though – things like attendance and dollars generated? Is that how a ministry is supposed to function and view things? This notion that we have to draw people to us using the latest gimmicks, forms of entertainment, and new products does nothing to help fulfill NAME'S Vision and Mission for Christ. I am not saying that they are all inherently ‘bad’ in and of themselves, but are they being used the right way for the right reasons? Even with success for a season, are we really creating true disciples of Jesus Christ, or just contributing to the modern day problem of ‘Easy Believism’ and a shallow faith?

Speaking of finances and money, it did not seem to be like this when I first started, but now it is like there is a growing over-reliance on the individual self and worldly models to achieve success here rather than placing the emphasis on the Lord and what He can do for us through obedience and prayer (let alone an acceptance that if He doesn’t answer prayer the way we wanted Him to then that is His will too). I am not suggesting that we treat God like a ‘Genie In A Bottle’ and prayer like the ‘key’ that releases Him, but we should not make Him/it our last resort, or turn to Him/it only when we are getting desperate, should we?

Despite the fact that NAME'S Vision is “To show the face of Jesus to all – by words and actions – amidst the splendor of God’s creation” and that NAME'S Mission is “To offer a safe, joy-filled outdoor experience where lives are renewed and strengthened in Christ”, I am seeing more and more examples of NAME leadership and staff ignoring those stated beliefs for the sake of compromising with others while making serious concessions with the materialistic secular society all because we have bills to pay and projects to fund, or are looking to see what NAME can get out of it long-term.

This compromising pragmatism -- which says the end justifies the means and if we get results, then it isn't important if we deny/ignore the inerrant Scriptures to get them -- only leads us to sin. In short, it seems as though NAME is attempting to build the kingdom without the King.

NAME and Board For NAME Ministry…I am truly sorry it has come to this. I had very high expectations when I first came here in November. I thought I would end my career here. I am also truly sorry because I know the predicament this will put you and everyone else in, but I can no longer perform the duties required of me with a clear conscience, or to the best of my abilities any more, which means that if I were to remain with NAME in any way (especially as a paid employee), then I would not only be disobeying God, but would be being a bad steward of God’s resources provided to NAME. My salary is better spent elsewhere where it’s sorely needed (i.e. a salary for NAME; PROJECT A debt; PROJECT B debt; Program funding etc.). It is not right for me to stay. To share these concerns, tell you I am resigning, but then stay on at all over the next few days/weeks, let alone through the summer, just to help make things easier for everyone else (including myself) is tantamount to me choosing convenience, NAME, and/or all of you over God, His Word, and my conscience.

The bottom line for me with all of this is that watering down God’s Word to make it less offensive and more relevant to anyone -- particularly non-believers -- for the sake of increasing business is something that directly contradicts the fundamental tenets of my Christian faith, and it is not something I wish to be a part of, much less anything I can reconcile with my conscience no matter which way I prayerfully consider it, which is why I see no other option except to formally submit my Resignation to you today.

I fully recognize how such a decision will negatively impact NAME and the NAME Staff in the short-term, especially given the unfortunate timing as everyone is gearing up for the summer beginning tomorrow with the NAME Spring Retreat. I know that my decision could be met with anger and animosity by some who might feel like I am ‘abandoning’ them when they (and NAME) need me the most. I pray I am wrong about that. I pray that my fellow Christian brothers and sisters in Christ believe what they say they believe, and that they can understand that there was really only one choice to be made given the circumstances as they unfolded and involved me personally. If not, then for those individuals, I would hope that you would share this letter with them so that they know where I am coming from and understand the whole truth of the matter.

Either way, all I can say to you and to them is that I am sorry that it came to this, but this is a case where I must be more concerned with what God thinks of me rather than what others think of me including my family and friends. Family and friends – even Christian family and friends – may not understand and support my decision even though it is born out of my commitment to Christ, and that’s ok.

Galatians 1:10 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

I have no idea what the future holds for me, but I know He holds it. I had absolutely no idea that I would be here in this moment when I began serving NAME a full six months ago (sadly, only six months ago) when I felt like I ‘arrived home’, but I know He has orchestrated it. I have no idea what kind of response I will receive from you and many others (including family members and friends outside of work) due to this decision, but I know His approval is the only approval I need. His Word will serve as my constant guide in the weeks and months ahead.

Martin Luther reminds us that, “God will still support us if we deal uprightly and faithfully in these requirements, if we further and honor the Word of God, and be not unthankful nor seek things that counterfeit God's Word.” Amen! Yes, the timing is the worst, and that’s probably why I delayed and took more time to pray, search the Scriptures, and seek counsel in order to be sure about my decision when I instinctively knew I should have reacted instantly. Lord, forgive me for that. Still, these circumstances are not within my control. All I can do is control how I respond to them. For whatever reason, God allowed for these circumstances to happen, and He allowed for them to happen in the precise manner they did, and at this precise moment in time. All I can do is control how I personally respond to them based upon what His Word tells me, and based upon my conscience, convictions, and principles. Perhaps as part of His perfect providence this is why he is giving us NAME as the POSITION TITLE at this very moment – to serve in my role left vacant while NAME seeks a suitable replacement.

I’ll defer to Martin Luther one last time: “Your Imperial Majesty and Your Lordships demand a simple answer. Here it is, plain and unvarnished. Unless I am convicted of error by the testimony of Scripture or (since I put no trust in the unsupported authority of pope or of councils, since it is plain that they have often erred and often contradicted themselves) by manifest reasoning I stand convicted by the Scriptures to which I have appealed, and my conscience is taken captive by God’s word. I cannot and will not recant anything. For to act against our conscience is neither safe for us, nor open to us. On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.” We would not despise Luther or make apologies for him so I hope that the same can be said one day about me and my decision here today because it was done carefully and with the best intentions in mind.

It is my firm belief that sound Biblical doctrine should not only be taught, but it should also be adhered to by believers with deep conviction, especially by Christians within an explicitly Christian organization like NAME who know the truth (Luke 12:48). I pursued employment with NAME with great expectations and hope for the future. But now because of NAME'S openly stated belief in non-offensive evangelism (on more than one occasion by more than one individual in both words and actions), I cannot in good conscience continue to serve Him here without feeling as though I were a hypocrite.

My Bible tells me Jesus Christ and the Gospel are an offense (Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:8). Do I then be careful what I write for the sake of our ministry’s financial security and image with certain people in the community on our Mailing List? Do I refrain from speaking of Jesus Christ or the Gospel around certain secular groups while serving their explicitly non-Christian events here at NAME? No. I would never compromise my beliefs in my private life and I cannot compromise them in my professional life either. Why? Because my Bible also tells me that when I compromise with error, then the offense of the cross ceases (Galatians 5:11). I will not compromise God's truth to obey man (or woman). I simply cannot.

As difficult as this is, I pray earnestly you understand my position. I am today separating myself from NAME in obedience to the Word of God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because I believe to continue to remain in my position -- especially after I have outlined my genuine, heartfelt concerns above -- would make me a hypocrite of the worst kind, and guilty of the very same things I am trying to call attention to.

I have never questioned the love for NAME that has been regularly exhibited by my dear fellow co-workers throughout this organization. I have never questioned the love for NAME'S guests that has been regularly exhibited by my dear fellow co-workers throughout this organization. At the end of the day, however, this love for the NAME ministry and for others is flirting with exceeding the love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His Word, and that's something I cannot be a part of any longer. We are too busy doing all we can to build the kingdom, but we are building it without the King. In my humble opinion, it is time to crucify the ministry before it becomes an idol. That is why it is my unshakable conviction that the proclamation of Jesus Christ and God’s Word should always be the heart and the focus of any ministry serving the world in His name (2 Timothy 4:2).

So, if we are going to be more and more concerned with non-believers than believers, doing all sorts of things to draw them here, we should make sure it is because we want to preach the Gospel to those non-believers, and not because we want them to bring us their money as an alternate source of revenue to help fund our various projects and to help pay our bills.

I am truly sorry that it came to this. Thank you for the exciting opportunity to serve my God here. Thank you for your friendship. I will rest in Him and upon His Word in my departure.

2 Timothy 4:16-18 “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

In Christ,

Jeffrey K. Radt

So, there you have it. Was I right? Was I wrong? Am I being too 'rigid' in my faith? Would you have made the same decision? Have you made a similar decision in your life, or ever chosen God over everything else?

To reiterate, my decision to share this was to bring further glory, honor, and praise to our Lord while also trying to help others who might be going through a similar situation right now.

I have to tell you that the Lord's Word has been such a tremendous comfort to me these past few weeks, and especially during the past week since making this decision.

It's fascinating though how it was about a little over a month ago when I was feeling convicted about not making any concrete progress whatsoever toward the pursuit of ministry (in the form of formal education). I looked back at the last 2 years since God put that desire in my heart as a time of pure self-examination and spiritual preparation, but also as a time of great failure. I was a 'failure' because I didn't actually take any steps forward in pursuit of that purpose other than to simply sit here and mull on it over, and over, and over again.

Now, I'm not saying that anyone contemplating ministry shouldn't do that. They most certainly should! Yet, at some point, there needs to be action with full trust that if you are wrong about ministry being in your future, then God will surely close some doors. He may not, for reasons only He can know (Deuteronomy 29:29), but He might just open some doors too.

What's fascinating about this sudden turn of events in my life is how it was probably a little over a month ago when I aggressively pursued Him and His Word like never before in my life to try and determine -- once and for all -- if this desire to pursue ministry was His doing, or my own. I had determined that it was His will, but that I would still be open to His direction for my life.

The solution? Re-enroll in college, finish the last 1-2 semesters I have left to earn my Bachelor's Degree while still working Full-Time, and then, if that desire is still there after all of that (most likely a 1-2 year period), and if such was 'confirmed' by others within my life and local church community as they continue to get to know me during that time, then I would continue to pursue it faithfully by enrolling in Seminary.

Well, low and behold, just a few weeks after I formally inquired about re-enrolling in school to finish my degree requirements is when all of this happened out of nowhere! Is it God's way of 'closing a door' to prevent me from pursuing ministry? I mean, how in the world could I possibly afford to go back to school now that I am unemployed with mounting bills to pay!?! Or is it God's way of 'opening a door' by seeing how I handled a very serious situation in one of His ministries on earth? After all, how could I ever think of becoming a Pastor one day with the privilege of speaking for God if I wasn't willing to stand firm and speak for Him in this case as difficult as it would be?

At the end of the day, the jury's still out on this one, even though I'm clearly leaning toward it being an 'open door' though I can't quite understand it all just yet. No matter. I will continue to trust Him just like I always do. He knows what He's doing (Proverbs 16:9).

There was still one final chapter to all of this though. My conversation with my boss following the submission of my Letter of Resignation. Without getting into all the details, I will say that I was mightily blessed even by his response and reaction to me and my decision.

Despite his error in being willing to compromise on serious matters of faith all to avoid conflict, his true humility and willingness to admit that he was wrong sent a powerful message to me. It demonstrated what true Christian leadership is all about.

Sure, the cynic might suggest that he was merely telling me what he thought I wanted to hear so as to prevent himself and the organization from being put in a predicament. I don't think so.

Anyway, what's done is done. For me, it all comes down to legacy.

If you died today, what kind of legacy would you leave behind? What kind of account would your life testify to if you had to give one to God at this very moment? To put it another way, when you have to give an account to God one day about how you glorified and honored Him with the life and time He gave you, what will you be able to say to Him? What kind of legacy will you leave behind?

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Again, what kind of legacy will you leave behind? Hopefully, it's one that communicates clearly to everyone else who's watching that you were concerned with God's approval above anything and everything else.

You want God's approval?

Then determine to live your life so as to be missed for the best things.

You want God's approval?

Then do not underestimate the impact of a solitary life lived unto God (Romans 12:2).

You want God's approval?

Then be remembered as one of the crowd, but make sure it's part of the right crowd.

You want God's approval?

Then determine that with God's help you will seize the day because you never know when you've just made the final deposit in the legacy you're leaving.

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Mideast Watch: Ezekiel's Lions?

2012-05-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

I believe that we students of end times Bible prophecy would be wise to keep our eyes firmly fixed upon the Middle East over the next 2 weeks.

There seems to be a sudden shift in the run-up to what we know that God's Word promises for Israel and her neighbors in that part of the world.

Might I be so bold as to suggest that it began with Netanyahu's political power play when he created the largest governing coalition in Israel's history?

Fast forward to today. Again, the prophetic puzzle pieces appear to be being moved into place quickly.

32nd GCC Summit Will Sign Union Pact

An extraordinary GCC summit will be held in Riyadh within months to sign the union pact. His Majesty King Hamad's adviser for media affairs Nabeel Al Hamer said the landmark event would convene before the forthcoming Manama GCC Summit.

"The GCC Union is very close and will materialise soon," he said on his Twitter account, pointing out that executive mechanisms and legal tools are under study. He dismissed allegations that the GCC Union project had been put off as untrue, affirming that it had effectively been endorsed.

"Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar had already given their full backing for the union," he said, adding that Kuwait and the UAE had expressed reservations about certain points. Meanwhile, Oman was totally reserved in its stance. Mr Al Hamer paid tribute to Saudi Arabia and Qatar for throwing their weight behind the project.

So what, right? Well, this is actually pretty significant.

What is taking place is actually the creation of a federation among the Gulf Arab countries, modeled more or less on the European Union, but with the Sunni Islamic model of the United Arab Emirates.

It will most likely be brought about into existence as a federation of tribal monarchies founded upon the creed of Islam. This 'Federation of Arab States of the Arabian Peninsula', for lack of a better name, is being born with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $1 Trillion and 35% of the world's proven oil reserves. Plus, it's being armed by the US with over $60 Billion in military sales to the Saudi Arabians alone.

Anyone else concerned that we might actually be witnessing the beginning stages of the fulfillment of some ancient Bible prophecies?

As Eschatology Today pointed out...

Christians should take note of the emergence of this new military alliance in the Middle East and recognize it for what it very probably represents -- the real world emergence of what Ezekiel prophesied would exist in the latter days. Ezekiel 38:13 tells us, "Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions will say to you, ‘Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?’”’

Yes, in these latter days I believe we are eyewitnesses to and should recognize the emergence of GCC as a type of NATO for the Arabian Peninsula, just as Ezekiel said they would be, and in close association with the Western nations (Europe and the Americas) prior to the start of the 70th Week, and whom Ezekiel referred to as "the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions (European powers and former European colonies in the Americas)."

That's a keen observation, IMHO.

Before this entry is through, the Book of Ezekiel and its prophecies for the last days will remain top of mind with you I'm sure, especially with all of the 'Lion Symbolism' too (Ezekiel 1; 10; 19; 22; 32; 38; 41).

We've already begun to look at how some of the nations that play a key role in the end times are now moving into what looks like their final position before it's 'all systems go' for the rest of the world. What about some of the political leaders?

Regular readers know LUF's long-standing policy on refraining from playing 'Pin-The-Tail-On-The-Antichrist' even if we are an end times related blog. Instead, we prefer to simply watch and warn...just in case.

Even so, one individual we've had our prophetic eyes on for quite some time now is a 'Muslim Prince' by the name of Prince Ghazi.

Well, after months of completely disappearing from the world stage, Prince Ghazi has been a very busy man lately. We last wrote about him just last month. Today, he's back in the news again.

Jordan King Inaugurates Prophet Muhammad Museum

Amman, May 15 (Petra) -- His Majesty King Abdullah II on Tuesday opened the Museum of the Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, on the grounds of the King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque compound in Amman. The King toured the museum and viewed items on display, which include a hair of the prophet's beard and a letter he had sent to Hercules the Great of Rome inviting him to Islam. The museum also contains a sapling of the tree where the Prophet had taken a rest in its shadow in the Jordanian Desert. The ceremony was attended by The King's Personal Envoy and Special Advisor, His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammad, Royal Court Chief Riyad Abu Karaki, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Abdul Salam Abbadi, the Grand Mufti of Jordan Sheikh Abdul Karim Khasawneh and other officials.

What caught my eye though was how this news and high profile visit coincides with the news that the 'Eager Lion 2012' military exercise is underway right now in Amman, Jordan too.

In case you didn't know, there are approximately 12,000 multi-national troops in Jordan right now for this exercise -- except for Israeli troops, of course. From now until the end of May, 19 nations are taking part. All except Israel.

At first, I thought about speculating "Is Prince Ghazi the 'Eager Lion'?" given the symbolic nature of his visit to the museum honoring Muhammad. However, I learned that it is the United States who is leading this drill! In fact, the US is leading what it described as the "largest military exercises in the Middle East in 10 years" in Jordan, which began yesterday. In other words, the last time a drill of this magnitude was conducted was back in 2002, or right before the Iraq invasion.

Folks, I know it's become tongue-in-cheek to merely suggest the possibility anymore, but should we be asking ourselves if President Obama is the 'Eager Lion' (of the 1 Peter 5:8 variety) instead? We might want to go back an revisit THIS COMMENTARY from a few months ago, especially in light of a shocking interview yesterday on the Sean Hannity Radio Show, which featured author Ed Klein who said Barack Obama’s former pastor helped Obama accept Christianity without having to renounce Islam ('Taqiyya' in action perhaps?).

I mean, let's also prayerfully consider that Israel will not be invited to NATO’s May 20th-21st summit in Chicago, IL next week either. This 'Eager Lion' military exercise just happens to take place for the next 2 weeks too.

There also seem to be some interesting mentions of the Lion in -- of all places -- the prophetic Book of Ezekiel! Ezekiel 19 and Ezekiel 38 are the most prominent! I'm still a firm believer that the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog Attack/Attempted Invasion takes place at the start of Daniel's 70th Week (due to Ezekiel 39:9), and so, naturally, what's going on in the Mideast right now has my full attention. Do prayerfully consider whether such perceived connections are warranted or forced given the headlines.

Regardless, we should react to all of this the same way we would react to anything -- with reverence for God and His Word and full confidence that He is in complete control.

Back to the symbolic gesture that Jordan's King and Prince made when they inaugurated that museum dedicated to Islam's 'Prophet Muhammad' yesterday.

Remember there was mention of Muhammad's letter to "Hercules The Great of Rome" (actually referring to Heraclius)? Well, here's where things get uncanny when you view them from a Christian perspective with prophecy at the forefront of your mind and compare them to current events.

For starters, Heraclius was Emperor of the Byzantine Empire, or the Eastern leg of the Roman Empire (resonating with the whole 'Islamic Antichrist' theory; a theory I don't subscribe to myself, but this still warrants our attention I think). Heraclius was the first Emperor to engage the Muslims. In the Islamic tradition, he is portrayed as an ideal ruler who corresponded with Muhammad, was a true believer of Islam, and viewed Muhammad as the true prophet, the messenger of God. In addition, Muslim tradition also says that Heraclius converted to Islam due to Muhammad's letter at a place called Homs, Syria, or precisely the place that has dominated the international news headlines for weeks following the political unrest there!

What in the world are the odds of that!?! Seems to me there's a possible Ecclesiastes 1:9 type of situation unfolding here with some obvious spiritual roots to it all.

The craziest part? This speculative study of current events here today is openly considering whether or not any of this directly connects to the near rise of the coming Antichrist and a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

With that in mind, would it surprise you to learn that Heraclius took for himself the title 'King of kings' after his victory over Persia, and that later on, starting in 629, he styled himself as 'Basileus', the Greek word for 'sovereign', which became a title that was used by the Roman Emperors for the next 800 years? Oh yeah! He's also credited with returning the 'True Cross' to Jerusalem too! Unbelievable, isn't it? It's getting a little too surreal.

Underscoring all of this though are the real world events unfolding all around us.

For instance, Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood is hoping that when the polls open in 9 days, voters will bring in the era of the Islamic Caliphate, and establish the capitol of the 'Caliphate and the United Arab States' at Jerusalem. Meanwhile, an Iranian paper boasted of the end to the US-Israeli alliance and predicted the destruction of Israel after the coming fall of the Saudi Royal Family.

Pray for wisdom and discernment. Have no fear by fighting fear with faith. Rest in Him and on His Word.

Luke 21:28 (ESV) Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

Keep looking up!

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The Creed: Don't Be A Robot!

2012-05-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

The theme of this month seems to be authenticity.

Everywhere I turn, I find either myself or other Christians being presented with situations that force the issue of having an authentic faith. Do you really believe what you say you believe?

Many of us recite the Apostle's Creed each week at our local church service. However, do we ever stop to really think about what it is we're saying?

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten 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 sits at 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: I believe in the holy Christian church: the communion of saints: The forgiveness of sins: The resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting. Amen.

In light of all of that, I thought this video was timely.

How many people recite this prayer each week at church, but never really think about what it is they're actually saying? My guess is that far too many are like robots. Don't be a robot!

Prayerfully consider every word you utter in reverence and worship of Him.

Be a follower of Jesus Christ -- not just a fan.

Keep looking up!

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Christian News Cache

2012-05-16T17:45:00.000-04:00

-- Grant Jeffrey (Used By God To Reach My Lost Soul) Is Home With The Lord

-- Oregon Pastor Sues Former Member Of His Church (John MacArthur's Church Involved?)

-- No, I'm Not Making This Up. There Are No Words. Lord, Come Quickly!

-- Examining Political Change In The 1930s With Political Change In 2012

-- FAA Reauthorization Act: 30,000 Drones Over US By 2020!?!

-- 'Intellistreets': Wireless Talking Streetlights With Cameras Coming To Your City!?!

-- May 20th: Sun As 'Ring Of Fire' (Is NBC Preparing Us With 'Revolution' TV Show?)

-- 150 Human/Animal Hybrids Grown In UK Labs: Embryos Created Secretively For 3 Years!

-- How To Witness To A Nun

-- Proof That The Early Church Fathers Were Not Universalists

-- Dear Mike Huckabee: Please Don't Compromise With The Cult Of Mormonism!

-- Have We Grasped The Prophetic Gravity Of Netanyahu's Political Power Play?

-- These Statistics Show Why You Need To Pray For Your Pastor...

-- Galatians 6:7 Came To Mind When I Saw This...

-- Why Do Most Christians Separate One Sin As Being 'Worse' Than Any Others?

-- VIDEO: An 'Avengers' Sermon Series!?!

-- VIDEO: Mother's Response To Why She Didn't Abort Her Baby

-- AUDIO: Ed Klein Wright on Obama's Christianity

-- SERMON: 'Religion Or Devotion?' David Platt

Welcome to the prophesied last days.

Keep the faith!

Keep looking up!

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Interfaith: Not What Paul Meant By 'Liberty'

2012-05-15T14:30:00.000-04:00

Is anyone else getting tired of this feel good, 'Let's All Get Along!' mentality and movement that dominates these days, and all at the expense of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? I certainly am.

Can someone please tell me why in the world a Christian University would invite a devout Mormon to give the commencement speech to its graduating class? Oh, that's right! It all has to do with 'Poligion', doesn't it?

One's political standing in this life is obviously more important than one's standing before God. How tragic.

Mitt Romney Addresses Liberty University

GOP frontrunner gives the commencement speech to the class of 2012.

To reiterate, Mormonism is a cult. It is not Christian.

For starters, Mormons believe that Jesus Christ and Lucifer were kid brothers. Mormons believe there are many gods which contradicts the Bible’s claim that there is only one God. Mormons also believe that God the Father commited adultery against His spirit-wife by having sex with Mary. Oh yeah, I forgot that they also believe the Christian God is the Mormon Devil. What? You didn't know that Mormons believe all that? Well, then please allow me to present you with some other glaring differences between Christianity and Mormonism.

"Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it and see if it will stand the test," (Brigham Young, May 18, 1873, Journal of Discourses, vol. 16, p. 46.)

Following is a comparison between Christian doctrine and Mormon doctrine. It will become very obvious that Mormonism does not agree with the Bible. In fact, Mormonism has simply used the same words found in Christianity and redefined them. But with a proper understanding of what Mormonism really teaches, you will be able to see past those definitions into the real differences between Christianity and Mormonism.

The difference is the difference between eternal life and damnation.

2010: Mormonism vs. Christianity - Part 1

2010: Mormonism vs. Christianity - Part 2

2010: Mormonism vs. Christianity - Part 3

This is only a sample of many of the differences between Christianity and Mormonism.

As you can see, they are quite different doctrines. God cannot be uncreated and created at the same time. There cannot be only one God and many gods at the same time. The Trinity cannot be one God in three persons and three gods in an office known as the Trinity, etc. These teachings are mutually exclusive. This is important because faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed.

Is the Mormon god the real one? Or, is the God of historic and biblical Christianity the real one? Mormonism is obviously not the biblical version of Christianity. It is not Christian, and Mormons serve a different god than do the Christians -- a god that does not exist.

Paul talks about this in Galatians 4:8, "when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods." Only the God of the Bible exists. There are no others. Mormonism puts its faith in a non-existent god.

[Source]

[Comparison Chart PDF]

The decision by Liberty University to invite Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney as the Keynote Speaker for this event -- and to endorse him explicitly as "the next President of the United States" -- should be criticized by every single God-fearing, Bible-believing Christian who is not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Liberty University got it wrong in this case. Somehow I don't think Christians promoting interfaith is what Paul meant by "liberty" when he preached on it.

Galatians 5:1 (KJV) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

To clarify, "liberty" here does not mean that we are allowed to compromise on matters of faith, especially when it comes to non-believers. Yet, that's precisely what we saw take place at Liberty University over the weekend.

In an effort to set the record straight for anyone who still does not understand that Mormonism is not compatible with Christianity, here's a list of various commentaries and studies, all rooted in the truth of the Scriptures, that will clearly emphasize those critical differences for you.

An 'Angel Of Light' Played A Role In The Founding Of Mormonism!?!

The Jesus Of Christianity Compared To The Jesus Of Mormonism

Have You Heard Of The Mountain Meadows Massacre?

Mormon 'Prophet' Joseph Smith's Teaching On The Trinity

What Do Mormons Really Believe About Christians?

What Do Mormons Think About Islam?

The Mormon Doctrine Of Blood Atonement

The Mormon Doctrine Of Discernment

Requirements For Mormon Salvation

The Mormon 'Jesus' Is Satan's Brother

The Mormon 'Jesus' Was Not Born In Bethlehem

What Mormonism Really Teaches About The Bible

What Do Mormons Believe About Abortion?

The Mormon Problem With Polygamy

Mormon Symbolism: No Cross, But Pentagrams!?!

Mormonism: A History Of Outlandish Outerspace Opinions And Crazy Cosmology

Mormonism's Wild Claims

3,913 Documented Changes To The 'Most Correct' Book On Earth

Dear Mormon: Which Version Of The First Version Do You Believe?

If Mormonism Were True...

Mormonism Teaches That Good Mormons Will Become Gods

VIDEO: Walter Martin On Mormonism

Mormon Blasphemy Illustrated

VIDEO: Paul Washer On Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, And Other Religions

The Roots Mormonism Shares With Rome

Mormon Glenn Beck's Trojan Horse

Should A Christian Vote For Mitt Romney?

A Shocking Realization If A Mormon Becomes President...

Romney's Near Death Experience

AUDIO INTERVIEW: Mormonism, Mitt Romney, And The Public Trust

One Woman's Testimony Of Leaving Mormonism For Jesus Christ

I pray that all of that factual information helps those of you who are caught in bondage to Mormonism right now, or those of you who call yourselves Christians and who are planning to vote for Mitt Romney in this year's Presidential Election. I also pray for all those lost souls who are drunk under the influence of Mormon beliefs and teachings as we all should.

It's deception of the worst kind and my concern is that it will succeed in deceiving countless souls in the months ahead due to Mitt Romney's rise to political stardom. Please don't be deceived by Mormonism's use of similar language, which is it's most deceptive asset!

Again, there is nothing 'Christian' about that cult and those who adhere to it other than the fact that they use similar language, but with a different dictionary.

Pray for wisdom and discernment.

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Do You Fear God?

2012-05-14T13:15:00.000-04:00

There was a time when even the unconverted would refer to a Christian as a "God fearing man/woman", but not anymore.

It's a shame too because this theme is so prominently and frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures -- both the Old and New Testaments.

Personally, I find it highly regrettable that in our day and age it can be rare for a sermon to be preached on this most important topic.

So let me ask a very important question. Do you fear God? If not, then why not?

After all, He doesn't give us a choice in the matter, but a clear command to do so.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (ESV) The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Matthew 10:28 (ESV) And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Philippians 2:12 (ESV) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

William Gurnall said that "we fear men so much, because we fear God so little" and I think that's spot on. Think about it. If we truly feared God, then we would be careful to do what He says to do.

"Now Jeff, that's legalism..."

No. There's obedience and then there's legalism. There is a big difference, my friends.

We need to abide in Him and abiding in Him means striving to obey Him. How many Christians these days are actually striving to obey Him? I'd venture to guess that a vast majority would prefer to claim to obey Him, but when push comes to shove they cave.

Galatians 1:10 (ESV) For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

That should be at the forefront of our minds constantly. I like this next commentary on the fear of God.

"The fear of God which is the soul of godliness does not consist, however, in the dread which is produced by the apprehension of God's wrath. When the reason for such dread exists, then to be destitute of it is the sign of hardened ungodliness. But the fear of God which is the basis of godliness, and in which godliness may be said to consist, is much more inclusive and determinative than the fear of God's judgment. And we must remember that the dread of judgment will never of itself generate within us the love of God or hatred of the sin that makes us liable to his wrath. Even the infliction of wrath will not create the hatred of sin; it will incite to greater love of sin and enmity against God. Punishment has of itself no regenerating or converting power. The fear of God in which godliness consists is the fear which constrains adoration and love. It is the fear which consists in awe, reverence, honour, and worship, and all of these on the highest level of exercise. It is the reflex in our consciousness of the transcendent majesty and holiness of God. It belongs to all created rational beings and does not take its origins from sin."

-- John Murray, Principles of Conduct, pp. 236-37

Do you fear God?

If not, then take a moment to repent and ask Him to give you a proper (Biblical) perspective of Him.

After all, Scripture commands that we fear Him. That's good enough for me.

You can go deeper with this study by CLICKING HERE and HERE.

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MacArthur's Theology And Ministry

2012-05-11T14:45:00.000-04:00

Here's another video that's certainly worth your time today.

It's an interview by Phil Johnson of John MacArthur on Theology and Ministry.

"What in the world makes us so ashamed of the Gospel?"
-- John MacArthur

That question sets the stage for this interview and resonates with me today more than you can imagine.

Enjoy! I know you'll be uplifted and strengthened in your faith by this like I was recently.

MacArthur addressed the following topics:

-- The Charismatic Movement (10:15). One of the articles he references is The Unholy Trinity about Paul Crouch, Benny Hinn, Crefo Dollar and TD Jakes.

-- Cessation of the spiritual gifts (18:00)

-- Proof texts and Biblical theology (22:30)

-- Reexamining doctrines over time and the value of seminary for developing foundational doctrine (26:55)

-- The defense of the Gospel (34:00)

-- Favorite book – Slave (35:30)

-- Biologos, evolution and Genesis as a myth (42:05)

-- How do we define essentials of the faith to fight for? (49:20)

[Interview Transcript]

Keep looking up!

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Are You Changing?

2012-05-11T14:15:00.000-04:00

The late Rev. David Wilkerson once asked, "Are you changing?", but it's not what you think.

Personally, I think he absolutely NAILED IT when talking about the state of the current Christian church (both church leaders and its parishioners) today in the United States and worldwide, and does an even better job of communicating what the urgency of his message.

Please listen to these 5 minutes of profound truth.

I can honestly say that I'm not changing in the manner he meant.

Soon I'll explain.

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Christian News Cache

2012-05-05T16:15:00.000-04:00

I think this will be a new weekly feature, God willing, of course.

With news happening all the time that's both spiritually and prophetically relevant, it's often difficult to expound upon several things with limited time available to do so.

With that in mind, I give you the Look Up Fellowship's 'Christian News Cache', or a quick roundup of things I've seen in the news the past week that I'd love to discuss with all of you.

So, please select only the headlines you're curious about, read the article, and then come back and leave your comment(s) about it here to get a conversation thread going.

Al Mohler asks, "Is the Megachurch the New Liberalism?"

Speaking of Al Mohler, I've always respected him, but why are he, John Piper, and even Doug Wilson silent about valid concerns from Christians regarding Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church?

Did you know that Charles Spurgeon led a Megachurch!?!

How long before Paganism is taught in public schools here in the US?

What the Palestinians want? That's an easy one if we look to the Bible.

Methodists at their national convention voted by about 60% to 40% against softening the language on homosexuality in their Book of Discipline, which contains church laws and doctrine. Why is this even a debate!?! And why were the results so close!?!

The vast majority of Americans may be Christians, but fewer than half join a congregation -- and that trend, warns a religion researcher, should concern church leaders.

MN Governor thinks he should stand up for abortion clinics -- not the unborn -- because they're being unfairly picked on.

The biggest challenge facing the church today? The culture of the church itself.

VIDEO: This is what passes for 'Christian preaching' these days...

VIDEO: Oprah's latest contribution to the coming One World Religion (by the way, there was NOTHING 'Christian' about what she said here!!!)...

SERMON: Truth Tightly Packed

Keep looking up!

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'Go And Tell' Or 'Come And See'?

2012-05-05T14:30:00.000-04:00

Sorry folks, but it's broken record time again.

The words "come and see" can be found throughout the holy Scriptures. Recently, I've seen Christian ministries attempt to hijack these verses in order to try and draw more people to them. Therein lies the problem.

Those words were always meant as a call to people to "come and see" the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and yet, many so-called 'Christian' organizations are using them today as nothing more than an advertising/marketing tool in an attempt to increase attendance numbers or turnout at events.

Now, if the event is truly Christ-centered and Gospel-focused, then that's one thing. Sadly, far too many (the majority) are anything but.

Like I said, it's purely a ploy to give the appearances of being 'Christian' when that's not the case at all with most of these events and gatherings. Lord, have mercy on us!

In light of all of that, I thought this was a compelling follow-up to the previous post about how and why America has become a mission field in its own right.

In a recent article for his blog, Ed Stetzer wrote the following.

"Too many churches love their church culture more than they love Christ's mission. Yet if I follow Paul in the way he followed Christ, I will care for people of the culture who exist outside my church. The gospel has not changed. The mission has not changed. It is still on a mission of reconciliation, pleading on behalf of Christ, 'Be reconciled to God' (2 Corinthians 5:20)."

I agree with that...to a point.

I agree with that entire statement above as long as it doesn't mean we start watering down God's Word to 'make it more relevant' to the culture around us. That would be wrong.

People haven't changed. We're still sinners in need of His saving grace regardless of the city or culture we're from (Psalm 51:5). It's God's holy Word that does the changing (Romans 10:17). We have no right to change His Word to suit our purposes merely because we think we will be 'more effective' in evangelizing (Proverbs 3:5). Besides, who the heck are we to assume that we know better than God regarding what will work best when it comes to evangelizing the lost? Who are we to think it's even something that's up to us and within our control in the first place (Ephesians 2:8-9)?

The mission hasn't changed and the methodology shouldn't either (Matthew 28:19). Sure, we might have new tools available to us today that can help us in our efforts to preach the Gospel (i.e. this blog, for instance), but the message is to remain the same just as it's been from the very beginning.

If we play around with that, then we're playing with fire (Matthew 7:21-23).

We just need to remain faithful to Him and leave the ministry building (and 'success' of those ministries) up to His more than capable hands.

We need to pray for the ministries entrusted to us to be of the 'Go And Tell' variety and not of the 'Come And See' kind because the latter is prone to falling victim to style over substance all for the sake of relevancy through entertainment.

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The American Mission Field

2012-05-05T13:45:00.000-04:00

America is quickly becoming a mission field.

What was once a true Christian nation is now a country with spiritual amnesia all because we've forgotten God and His Word. I know, tell you something you don't already know, right? Of course, there's been some chatter about this for the last few years now, but has anything changed?

I'm sorry, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record here, I thought about that today since I'm just beside myself after unexpectedly coming face-to-face with everything I have stood against for the past several years.

To be blunt, I'm really struggling with the proper Biblical response to such things I'm witnessing (and asked to be a part of) even if I've already resolved to disregarding any thoughts about self-preservation. Daniel 1-2 amongst other passages of the text have been devoured by me lately since I'm trying to figure out the best course of action.

The only judgment and opinion I care about is our Lord's. Who cares what others think about me! Galatians 1:10, right? What does He think about me and my obedience (or lack thereof) to Him and His Word in this life? I will stand firm in the Lord and accept the consequences (1 Corinthians 15:58; James 5:8).

At the same time, I want to make sure that any decision I make honors Him and that it is free from my own personal biases, desires, and/or feelings about things (Colossians 3:17; Colossians 3:23). I pray that you all share similar concerns.

Back to the mission field that's before us. It's quickly becoming evident that while the US is the new mission field in general, the mission field that I'm being asked to confront at the moment by preaching His true Gospel is the one right in front of me, or where I live and work. More on that some other time.

But what do you think about all of this? Do you believe that America is now an important mission field just like we've traditionally viewed some other Communist or Third World Nation in the past perhaps?

In a recent blog entry, Timothy Tennent (President of Asbury Theological Seminary) wrote the following.

"The Millennial generation self identifies as approximately 7% Christian. This is only 2% from being eligible to be classified as an unreached people-group. This means that all churches in North America must regain their missional footing. We are a people on a mission. North America is the fastest growing mission field in the world."

Now, I don't particularly agree with everything he wrote, especially the 'Kingdom Now' Dominion Theology type stuff because we should be more concerned with preaching the Salvation Gospel than the the Social Gospel, my friends. Still, he's right to point out that we do have a "mission" here. Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone and everyone.

I have no question that God will continue to build His church, but those who have been called to preach and lead (and, by the way, if you call yourself a 'Christian', then that's you according to 1 Peter 2:9 and 2 Corinthians 5:20!)...MUST PREACH AND LEAD BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Enough with the countless 'business plans' and 'committee meetings' and 'fundraising drives' and 'mission growth models' and 'strategic analyses' in our churches and Christian organizations!

It is my firm belief that if we are doing things the right way -- honoring and glorifying God in all that we say and do -- then He will truly bless us. However, if we don't begin and end with Him and His Word, and merely give Him a 'shout out' because we feel we have to do that in order to be 'good Christians', then He will not bless us in the manner we should be striving for.

Sure, success may follow our efforts for a season, but is success by the world's standards (success that is fleeting and not eternal) really what your church and/or organization is after? I didn't think so. And if it is, well, you might want to think about changing your Mission Statement then.

We need to get back to Bible basics no matter the personal cost. No, not in a self-righteous, pious attempt to set ourselves up as some sort of martyr, but simply because it's what God expects us to do on a regular basis.

Who's with me?

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Why Psychology And Psychiatry Are Anti-Christian

2012-05-05T12:30:00.000-04:00

I'm in a worldly state of mind today. That is, I'm saddened by how much contemporary Christianity has succumbed to worldly influences.

For all the time we've spent over the past few years here desperately calling Christians to repent of their fleshly lusts tied to worldly pursuits, you'd think nothing would surprise me. It has! Perhaps it's because I had been experiencing such things from a distance, and now, for the last 6 months or so, I've been forced to experience such a sad reality face-to-face, or knee deep in deception.

In our last post, we attacked the so-called 'Sexual Revolution' and reiterated why those who subscribe to such a lifestyle need our fervent prayers. Now, I want to say a few words about Psychology and Psychiatry if I may, but in a very general sense.

I should mention that this is a subject that isn't taken too lightly by me. I know that this will be a controversial issue that will not sit well with some of you. My dear friends, I'm not trying to sow discord, but trying to get us all to reconsider what it is we truly believe to see if it actually matches what we say we believe.

I know that there are millions of people worldwide who are being treated for various mental and psychological ailments. Furthermore, I have several family members and friends who are very near and dear to me who struggle each and every day with things like Anxiety and Depression. It's a very serious issue. I get that.

Even so, while I can choose my words carefully in how I go about addressing this topic, I cannot choose how I feel about all of this in general because God's Word is crystal clear. Psychology and Psychiatry are anti-Christian. There, I said it.

That statement should not be used to infer that I somehow think that a person can't be a Bible-believing, God-fearing Christian if they are currently being treated by a Psychologist or a Psychiatrist, but I do want us to at least prayerfully consider some Biblical truths about such a reality.

For whatever reason, God has given me a responsibility to shepherd real people with real problems, and so it is incumbent upon me to understand this issue as it appears in the holy Scriptures. I'm responsible to walk with people who have real difficulties, and that means talking about a topic that is called 'controversial' or 'difficult' because of its prevalence in society these days.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

I think the best thing to do at this point is to defer to other men of God who are respected for their commitment to adhering to Biblical truth.

"Psychology prides itself on being a science, it is not, it is a occult religion."
-- Dr. Richard Ganz (former Clinical Psychologist, now a Reformed Pastor, Church Planter, Seminary President and Professor, Biblical Counselor, etc.) as cited from Self-Esteem: Myth or Marvel?

"The issue is the philosophical shift in the church, specifically, the shift in the church to postmodernism. As a pastor and former (recovering) clinical psychologist, this shift is easy for me to see because postmodernism has chosen psychology as the vessel for its nihilistic epiphany, to which the masses have willingly bowed the knee."
-- Dr. Richard Ganz, Ecclesiasticus Rex, 1998, Ligonier Ministries, Tabletalk Magazine

"Psychology is a cult, a Humanist cult, born in the very depths of Hell -- and holding high a cup full of anti-Christian monstrosities and murdered souls. To attempt to mix this vile demonic deception with the truth of the Bible is an abomination, and will ultimately be met with the judgment and wrath of God."
-- Dr. Reg Barrow, President, Still Waters Revival Books

"The stampede to embrace the doctrines of secular psychology may be the most serious threat to the life of the church today. True psychology (i.e. 'the study of the soul') can be done only by Christians, since only Christians have the resources for understanding and transforming the soul.

The secular discipline of psychology is based on godless assumptions and evolutionary foundations and is capable of dealing with people only superficially and only on the temporal level. [Footnote: Cf. the comments of a psychological counselor cited in Bobgan, PsychoHeresy 5-6.: 'At the present time there is no acceptable Christian psychology that is markedly different from non-Christian psychology. It is difficult to imply that we function in a manner that is fundamentally distinct from our non-Christian colleagues.'].

The Puritans, long before the arrival of godless psychology, identified their ministry with people as 'soul work.' Scripture is the manual for all 'soul work' and is so comprehensive in the diagnosis and treatment of every spiritual matter that, energized by the Holy Spirit in the believer, it leads to making one like Jesus Christ. This is the process of biblical sanctification.

'Christian psychology' as the expression is used today is an oxymoron. The word psychology no longer speaks of studying the soul. Instead it describes a diverse menagerie of therapies and theories that are fundamentally humanistic. The presuppositions and most of the doctrine of psychology cannot be successfully integrated with Christian truth. In addition, the infusion of psychology into the teaching of the church has blurred the line between behavior modification and sanctification.

The path to wholeness is the path of spiritual sanctification. It is foolish to exchange the Wonderful Counselor, the spring of living water, for the sensual wisdom of earth and the stagnant water of behaviorism. The Lord Jesus reacted in a perfect and holy way to every temptation, trial, and trauma in life -- the most severe ones that any human life could ever suffer. It should be clear that perfect victory over all life's troubles must be the result of being like Christ. No 'soul worker' can lift another above the level of spiritual maturity he is on. So the supreme qualification for psychologists would be Christlikeness. If one is a truly Christian psychologist, he must do soul work in the realm of the deep things of the Word and the Spirit and not be following around in the shallows of behavior modification.

Why should a believer choose to do behavior modification when he has the tools for spiritual transformation? This would be like a surgeon wreaking havoc with a butter knife instead of using a scalpel. The most skilled counselor is the one who most carefully, prayerfully, and faithfully applies the divine spiritual resources to the process of sanctification, shaping another into the image of Jesus Christ.

The depth to which 'sanctified' psychotherapy can sink is quite profound. A local newspaper recently featured an article about a thirty-four-bed clinic that has opened in Southern California to treat 'Christian sex addicts.' (The article does not explain the reasons for beds in this kind of clinic.) According to the account, the clinic is affiliated with a large and well-known Protestant church in the area. Its staff comprises specialists described as 'real pioneers in the area [of sexual addiction]. These are all legitimate, licensed psychotherapists who happen to have a strong Christian orientation to therapy,' according to the director. Does their 'Christian' orientation happen to be solid enough to allow these psychotherapists to admit that lasciviousness is sin? Evidently not.

Interviews with several of them were in the article. They consistently used the terms illness, problem, conflict, compulsive behavior, treatment, and therapy. Words with moral overtones were carefully avoided. Sin and repentance were never mentioned. Worse than this, these so-called experts scoffed at the power of God's Word to transform a heart and break the bondage of sexual sin.

The article quoted the center's program director as he explained why he believes his treatment center specifically for Christians is essential: 'There are some groups of Christians who believe the Bible is all you need.' That statement is the echo of neo-gnosticism. Belittling those who believe the Bible is sufficient, these latter-day 'clouds without water' (Jude 12) insist that they are privy to a higher, more sophisticated secret knowledge that holds the real answer to what troubles the human soul. Christians must not be intimidated by their false claims. No higher knowledge, no hidden truth, nothing besides the all-sufficient resources that are in Christ exists that can change the human heart.

Any counselor who wants to honor God and be effective must see the goal of his efforts as leading a person to the sufficiency of Christ. The view that man is capable of solving his own problems, or that people can help one another by 'therapy' or other merely human means, denies the doctrine of human depravity and man's need for God. It replaces the Spirit's transforming power with impotent human wisdom.
-- Dr. John MacArthur, The Psychology Epidemic And Its Cure

Lastly, I love how Voddie Baucham says that we can't work our way through Daniel 4 and just completely ignore the presence of Mental Illness (Nebuchadnezzar loses his mind). What about Job and David and their obvious state of Depression? Do we ignore that as well? What about Paul and his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after having murdered Christians before his conversion? What about Jesus Christ Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane and apparent Anxiety? Do we ignore all of that too? We can if we want to, but what kind of Christians would we be if we did that?

Hopefully, you now have a better idea as to why I felt a brief commentary on this subject was warranted.

No, the Bible's not designed as a 'Mental Health Textbook', so to speak, but we simply can't ignore these cases of what our world would classify as 'Mental Illness' today, and we need to start looking at them from a purely Christian perspective.

This is probably a good place to end for the time being. I'll refrain from getting too specific for the moment until I've had a chance to study things a lot more. I do think there's room for spiritual growth here -- for all of us (myself especially included) -- though.

Maybe it's time I read Breaking Through Depression: A Biblical And Medical Approach To Emotional Wholeness by Donald P. Hall, MD. Until then, keep looking up!

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Sexual Revolution -- Notable Quotable

2012-05-05T11:15:00.000-04:00

The 'Sexual Revolution' is a fraud.

Did you know that? If you're a Christian, I certainly hope you do.

"According to this view of the world, Christianity is the killjoy of life. It compels people to restrain their natural sexual appetites, which can only legitimately be expressed within monogamous marriage. Supposedly this causes Christians to be 'repressed,' leading to various social and psychological problems. Sexual liberation (that is, throwing off Christian moral restraint) leads to relaxed, well-adjusted people. And these people can freely enjoy the good things in life -- you know, like promiscuity, pornography, divorce and abortion. Isn't that appealing?

No. The rules stipulated in the Ten Commandments lead to the good life, not a so-called 'liberation' from the Commandments. All people are sinful, and so all people experience problems in their lives, including Christians. But those problems cannot be alleviated by throwing away God's rules for human living. Quite to the contrary, in fact. Biblical morality is a sure guide to the good life. The happiness promised by the Sexual Revolution is a fraud. Surely that should be apparent by now."

-- Dr. Michael Wagner, The Sexual Revolution Is A Fraud

Of course, anchoring this entire view is the foundation of truth derived from the Bible.

Matthew 5:27-29 (ESV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell."

Like I said, I wholeheartedly agree that the Sexual Revolution is a fraud.

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Chlorine Gas Terror Attack?

2012-05-03T14:45:00.000-04:00

Is a 'False Flag' terror event currently underway in Israel right now? Forgive me, but it's hard not to think that whenever you see something like this next story.

The big international news of the moment is the unusual smell of Chlorine in Tel Aviv, Israel today...

Authorities Still Looking For Cause Of Chemical Odor In Central Israel

Authorities were still searching for the cause of a mysterious chemical odor that enveloped central Israel on Thursday, discounting reports that it originated in chemical ground disinfection operations in the south of the Sharon region.

Earlier in the day, residents of Tel Aviv, Gush Dan and central Israel complained of a harsh chemical substance that could be felt in the air. Many people described the smell as similar to the smell of chlorine.

Initially, the Home Front Command believed the source of the smell could be gas drilling near Nitzanim in southern Israel. However, the claims were proven wrong. No special instructions were given to the residents, as the Ministry of the Environment stated that no dangerous substances were detected.

At some point, a Channel 2 report claimed the odor's source was a ground disinfection operations in Hakfar Hayarok youth village, a process in which poisonous gas is inserted into the ground. However the Environmental Protection Ministry have since denied the report.

Residents who attempted to call the Tel Aviv Municipality to complain received an automated message according to which professionals were checking the issue of an “unknown smell,” and that there is “no need to report it, as media outlets will update throughout the day.”

Of course, our prayers go out to those in Israel with the hope that this is nothing diabolical.

At the same time, we know what's coming thanks to God's Word, and so can we at least acknowledge the unbelievable timing of such an event?

In addition, let's not forget what as also just reported that clearly raises some eyebrows given it's timing as well.

Osama, al-Qaida Considered Chlorine Gas Terrorism

Letters from Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, released in a de-classified report today, show that top al-Qaida leadership debated the use of chlorine gas in terrorist attacks.

The release of the letters coincides with reports of a strong chlorine smell in Tel Aviv, Israel, sparking fears of a chemical-based attack. Israeli officials have not identified the source of the smell, but do not believe the amount of chlorine in the area is a significant danger.

Dated March 28, 2007, the letter about using chlorine gas was written by an unnamed person "of Egyptian origin" to a legal scholar associated with bin Laden, according to the scholars at the Combating Terrorism Center (CTC).

"We need guidance from you on the issue of using chlorine gas technology," he wrote to bin Laden's legal scholar, Hafiz Sultan, in the wake of chlorine gas attacks in Iraq that sickened hundreds of people, including Iraqis.

The author, who CTC says "appears not to support" using chlorine gas because of the collateral damage, told Sultan that other al-Qaida affiliates have debated using chlorine gas on "the forces of the apostates."

The author put a hold on this tactic pending approval from bin Laden's compound.

"I informed them that matters as serious as this required centralized [coordination] and permission from the senior [al-Qa'ida] leadership, because the gas could be difficult to control and might harm some people, which could tarnish our image, alienate people from us, and so on."

[NOTE: You can read the full letter here]

Yep, so there's that.

Ironically, it was approximately 1 year ago when events began to unfold in Libya, which also brought to mind the color green, or chloros . Remember that?

Here we are roughly a year later and we're witnessing a similar thing coupled with the 'terror' element. A 'False Flag' anyone? But let's toss that idea and rely on God's Word instead to set our minds right about what might be going on (or preparing us for).

Let's not forget that the Book of Revelation has something to say about this color, of which 'Chlorine' shares its root from.

Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse Brings Pestilence (Revelation 6:7)
The Fourth Horse of Revelation 6 is pale and sickly; a deadly shade of green. It brings pestilence and death on the Earth. This Horseman is called "Death" and he is a symbol of deadly disease spreading over the Earth. John is seeing something like the bubonic plague ("black death"), which spread to Europe in the 14th century and decimated the population. I recently discovered that the term "Pale Horse" is a bad translation here. It’s original Greek word is "chloros" where we get the word "chloroform" from, or "chlorophyll" (that which makes a plant look green). Thus, a better translation here is a green color to represent sickness, disease, and death.

We should always keep in mind that the fact that the Seven Seals are opened by Jesus Christ indicates His sovereignty over the future. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13), and He is sovereign from the beginning to the end of history, and everything in between.

Now, all that being said, please keep in mind that I'm not asserting that's what this is, or that that's even what we're about to see upon the world stage. I'm merely pointing out what my observation of today's news headlines made me think about that directly resonates with God's holy Word.

Folks, pray for wisdom and discernment. In that volatile region of the world anything can happen (and God's Word assures us what will actually happen).

That's why, for all we know, the prophetic implications of this breaking and developing news story is that we are getting that much closer to the fulfillment of the Psalm 83 War and Ezekiel 38-39 Attack/Attempted Invasion.

Luke 21:28 (KJV) And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Keep looking up!

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