"We see, in many a land, the proudest dynasties and tyrannies still crushing, with their mountain weight, every free motion of the Consciences and hearts of men. We see, on the other hand, the truest heroism for the right and the greatest devotion to the Truth in hearts that God has touched. We have a work to do, as great as our forefathers and, perhaps, far greater. The enemies of Truth are more numerous and subtle than ever and the needs of the Church are greater than at any preceding time. If we are not debtors to the present, then men were never debtors to their age and their time. Brethren, we are debtors to the hour in which we live. Oh, that we might stamp it with Truth and that God might help us to impress upon its wings some proof that it has not flown by neglected and unheeded." -- C.H. Spurgeon . . . "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31, 32 . . . . .

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Friday, May 29, 2009

HOME BIBLE STUDIES: UNLAWFUL

By: A.M. Kisly

Armor up, Christians! More persecution is coming our way. 

Be prepared to fight the good fight of faith.
Looks like more of our rights are being taken away! According to a San Diego news reporter, a pastor and his wife were interrogated by a San Diego County official for holding Bible studies in their home.

 The official also threatened them with escalating fines if they continued.
The officer's line of questioning was more in line with a Hitler Gestapo interrogation:

“She said, `Do you say `Amen?" And my wife said, "Well, yes," Jones recalled.
“And she said, `Do you say `Praise the Lord?’ She said, "Well, yes.’ What would that have to with it?" Jones said In April, Jones received a written warning for "unlawful use of land" and was ordered to stop hosting his "religious assemblies."

“They can stop religious activities in the courthouses and that but they're trying to stop prayer in my house,” Jones complained.
Pastor Fights County Over Permit For Home Bible Study Gee, I wonder if authorities will deem family "get-togethers", holiday gatherings and barbecues unlawful as well.
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Thursday, May 28, 2009

RETURNING TO OUR ROOTS

By: A.M. Kisly

I came upon this wonderful film clip posted by Lighthouse Trails Ministry. It takes us back to the wonderful beginning of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa during this time of the “Jesus Movement”. The teaching of God’s Word was pure and uncompromised. I pray that we not only remember, but that we would return to our roots, where our love for God and His Word was pure and fervent and uncompromised.

Remembering: 1971 - Chuck Smith: Maranatha, Love Song, Baptism

A couple of weeks ago we were stunned at the termination of Paul Smith , brother of Chuck Smith, who is the founder of the Calvary Chapel movement which began in the early 70’s. Paul Smith, fighting the good fight of faith, had been working tirelessly to keep the contemplative and emerging spirituality out of Calvary Chapel, by trying to enforce the Calvary Distinctives (Statement of Faith and What They Teach). Apparently, this was at odds with some of the church’s leadership, and ultimately cost him his position there.

After Paul’s termination, we learned that Calvary Chapel was hosting Rock Harbor pastor, Mike Erre, who is author of the book, “Death by Church: Rescuing Jesus From His Followers, Recapturing God’s Hope for His People”.


Unfortunately, Mike Erre’s theology does not represent the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The "Kingdom of God" theology that Erre presents is very broad. Instead of bringing truth and confidence to our faith, and definitive answers to the reader, he casts a shadow of doubt and uncertainty in his message.

Erre teaches replacement theology, and states in his book that "the people of God are the new and renewed Israel." (p. 96)


Included in his book are strong undertones of "universalism". 

 
He states,
"Our traditional conceptions of salvation are blatantly more individualist, focusing on one's individual reconciliation with God through a personal relationship with Jesus . . .It is more concerned with getting souls to heaven than with bringing heaven to earth. This narrow gospel focuses only on the salvation of the human soul, but the gospel of the kingdom includes salvation of human beings within the context of the larger story of God restoring all of creation.

He states,
"The consummation of the kingdom includes an entirely new creation." He goes on to say, "This new and cosmic salvation is spoken of as the renewal, restoration, or reconciliation of all things."

Another quote from the book, "One of the ways that the kingdom is larger than the church is that the focus on the kingdom is the redemption of all creation.The message of the kingdom of God is cosmic in its proportions . . . it (the kingdom) is ultimately aimed at redeeming and restoriing all that God has made."


You can read the article in its entirety here:
Emergent New Paradigm Pastor to Speak at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa

On Rock Harbor's website, I found that they had posted a video put together by the leadership to squelch the rumors going around that they are a part of the “Emergent Church”. After viewing the video, I was not convinced.

When asked if the Emergent Church was good or bad, this pastor answered, "Yes." Huh? He said, "it is very hard to pin down what it means to be apart of an Emergent Church, some parts are really harmful, and some parts are positive contributions." He goes on to explain and to "break down" into different compartments, or three tiers if you will, the groups identified in the Emergent Church movement.


He identifies the first group as "relevance". These are theologically conservative evangelicals who are interested in translating the gospel into culturally relevant concepts, language and ideas.

The second group is identified as "deconstructionists". They are a conservative group but believe the current forms of church are a hindrance to the Gospel. Therefore the "forms" of church need updating.

The third group is identified as "revisionists". These group believes the same as the first and second groups but think that theology needs revising as well.


Rock Harbor's position is the middle one: "We see the need (and the biblical mandate for) fresh expressions/forms/methods of contextualization - that is, new wineskins - while remaining faithful to the revelations of God through the Scriptures."

Deception is subtle and often sounds very good. This is how Satan works, appearing as an angel of light but bringing deception, and drawing attention away from God and His Word.

I find it disheartening that churches feel the need to make the message of the Gospel more “universal, relevant and user friendly”. I think that this is a dangerous path and a misguided vision for the Church. Feeling the need to make the Gospel message "more attractive” to the world is in itself a worldly concept. Churches have become entertainment centers to help us feel like we are relating to God better. The newest versions of the Bible are so culturally relevant that one can't find that literal translation anymore.

Jesus did not come into this world all decked out in the latest apparel, riding in the coolest ride, with all the glitter and glamor of the world. There were no cool bands performing, activities He offered, or ministries for everyone and everything.


He was born in a manger, a cave really, worked as a carpenter. He was meek and lowly, and didn’t stand out as the “big and awesome” coming attraction. The attraction was His Message and who He declared Himself to be.

The focus should not ever be making the Gospel more attractive through culture, style, and fun activities. The attractiveness is in the Gospel message alone.

With that said, pray for our pastors, pray for our churches, pray for the Church as a whole that we would not compromise and that we would stand for truth.The Word of God is relevant to our lives today as it was in the beginning. God does not change! He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Read more!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

THE OBAMANATION - MESSIAH OR ANTICHRIST?

By: A.M. Kisly 

 I was sickened at reading an editorial entitled "Obama Worship Goes Into Overdrive as 100-Day Mark Approaches. The details from the official press release are as follows: Can You Handle "The Truth"? NEW YORK, April 24/PRNewsire/ --
 Michael D'Anuono may raise more questions than answers when he unveils his highly controversial new painting, "The Truth" on the South Plaza of NYC's Union Square on the 100th day of Barack Obama's presidency. The artist's politically--, religiously - and socially-charged statement on our nation's current political climate and deep partisan divide has been privately raising eyebrows (and voices) since its creation. 
  The 30" x 54" acrylic painting on canvas depicts President Obama appearing much like Jesus Christ on the Cross; atop his head, a crown of thorns. Behind him, the dark veil being lifted (orlowered) on the Presidential Seal. 

But is he revealing or concealing and is he being crucified or glorified? Click for full article: Obama Worship Goes Into Overdrive as 100-Day Mark Approaches The artist of this blasphemous piece canceled his public unveiling due to the overwhelming public outrage. 
 Thousands of emails and phone calls were received in the first 48 hours after it's release. Praise God! The worship of this man is no laughing matter. The Bible clearly states that the "False Messiah" will come. Is it President Obama? I don't know who it will be, but clearly the world is now ready to receive such a one. 

1 John 2:18 
 "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now there are many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 

  Jesus warned us to take heed that no man deceive us. The world will not receive the One True God, for they will create their own idols to worship. It has been this way from the beginning and will continue until God pours out His WRATH upon the face of the earth. 

  In Matthew 24:5, Jesus tells His disciples, 
"For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."

Although we have not heard President Obama declaring himself to be the "Savior of the world", the condition of the hearts of mankind is ripe and ready to receive the one who declares himself as the "Christ".
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34


In the book of Revelation, chapter 19 clearly speaks of when the Lord will return and what will become of the earth. I would encourage all of us to study it.
  • There will be signs of His Coming.
  • The Rapture of the Church will take place.
  • There will be a Great Deception and the coming of the Antichrist.
  • There will be a Great Tribulation period as God opens up the seals and pours out His Wrath upon the face of the earth.
  • Jesus Christ will return victorious with the name written, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" on His vesture and on His thigh. And the armies (the Church) which were in heaven with him follow upon white horses clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (verse 11-16)
  • And the enemies of God will be cast alive into the lake of fire: the beast, the kings of the earth, their armies, the false prophet and those that had received the mark of the beast, and those that worshiped the beast.
  • Satan is bound and cast into the bottomless pit for 1,000 years, released to roam the earth to decieve those living in this millenium period and gather them together for battle against the Lord.
  • God will cast the devil and those he deceived into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night forever.
There's more.....but you will have to read it for yourself. Dear friends, don't be deceived. Keep yourself in the love of God and stand on His Word. Time is short and there are millions who don't know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Let's win as many of them as we can. 

  "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately." Luke 12:35,36
Read more!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

IS TIME RUNNING OUT FOR AMERICA?

By: A.M. Kisly

A friend of mine posted this picture on a recent blog regarding this subject. I think it says it all, and it's well worth the read. The Red Pill Consortium A Nightmare Whose Time Is Coming

The news gets more bizarre by the day.
If it’s change you wanted in America, change is what you are getting! My mother used to say, “Be careful what you wish for, you might get it.”

I believe the American public has been duped again. Promises, promises! The politicians make promises and break them. There is always some wicked agenda lurking in the dark, as they lie to our faces. They promise us the moon, then hand us another lemon.

Read more!

Monday, May 18, 2009

DOCTRINES OF DEVILS

By: A.M. Kisly

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12

In reading some of the statements made by the leading members of the Emergent Church, I have become very perplexed at mans constant drive to find a new path to God other than the one that God Himself laid out for us in His Word.

One would think that God changes with the wind.

News Flash: God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He doesn't change with the wind or with a whim. There isn't a "new" road or "many" roads.

Read more!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

KNOWING THE SIGNS OF HIS COMING

By Anne Kisly

It is vitally important to know and to understand the times in which we live, and what the Scriptures have to say about it. 

I would encourage you, all of us, to take the time to search the Scriptures...daily...to see what God has said in His Prophetic Word, and to pray for understanding, that we might know the truth, and are well equipped and ready for what is yet to come.

In Matthew 24:37-39, Jesus told his disciples, But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

Read more!
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