"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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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Those Boring Begats - The Importance of the Record of Biblical Genealogy

by A.M. Kisly

Several weeks ago I began to think about my family genealogy. I knew I had a strong Christian heritage, but really not much more. I was curious and made a phone call to my mom, and together we began our quest. Tracing our lineage has been somewhat confusing....the who begat who, and how many generations down the line we were and so forth...well, it has been challenging to find the undisputed, accurate accounting of our family tree. Just exactly why I began to think about our family history
out of the blue, I do not know. Perhaps it is a natural curiosity that one begins to wonder about as family members begin to grow old or die off. As we grow older, those who might have some information about our family heritage are no longer around to question, and in some ways, not knowing is as though something has been left unfinished...some revelation hidden forever.

Why am I sharing this? Well it seems that the portions of scripture that deal with genealogies are somewhat of a bore to some folks. I will admit I belonged to that group at one time in my life, that is until I understood the importance of the biblical record.

When one considers the amazing accuracy in which the genealogies are recorded in the Bible...one can better understand that God can do the most amazing miraculous things. Anyone who has researched their family history can tell you that records are hard to come by, and let's just say that the accuracy pales in comparison to the Biblical records by far. In my family genealogy, the records can show up to 4 or 5 different spellings of a last name for the same person.....but the Bible's record gives a complete and accurate accounting that is untarnished by man's inadequacy and proven truthful as it has stood the test of time.


I read an article recently by Dr. David R. Reagan. The article is entitled, "Those "Boring 'Begats' - Why did God bother to include all those boring begats in the Bible?" Apparently, some fellow wrote him inquiring about this...referring to the lengthy genealogies written in the gospels of Matthew chapter 1, and Luke chapter 3. In repy, Dr. Reagan wrote that the begats are very important, and they are anything but boring, if they are studied carefully. Their importance lies in the fact that they substantiate that Jesus' lineage fulfilled the prophecies that the Messiah would be descended from Abraham (Genesis 12:3) through Isaac (Genesis 17:21) and Jacob (Genesis 28:14), and that He would be from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:8), the family of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1), and the house of David (Jeremiah 23:5).


Paul mentions this prophecy (Genesis 12:3) in Galatians 3:16: "Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, 'And to seeds,' as of many, but as of one, 'And to your Seed,' who is Christ." It is evident from the genealogies in both Matthew 1 (Joseph's) and Luke 3 (Mary's) that both legally and naturally Jesus is a descendant of Abraham.

What a wonderful gift to be given a full and accurate accounting of the lineage of Jesus Christ from Genesis to the Gospels at the announcement of His birth. Thus the fulfillment of the prophetic passages in scripture is proof positive of the certainty of the Word of God . In an age where we are hard pressed to find truth anywhere, the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy, and the accurate historical accounts proves beyond any doubt that the Bible is authentic, accurate, inerrant and absolutely the true word of the living God.

D
igging a little deeper into the who's who in the family tree, there is yet something more that is revealed to us. In fact, those who God chose to be a part of the Messiah's lineage reveal something so wonderful about the nature and character of God. For within these begats, we get a full picture of the wonderful grace of God and his provision of hope and salvation for every sinner.

Dr. Reagan includes the following in his article:

Two Lists Full of Gems

Matthew presents the royal genealogy through Joseph who was Jesus' legal father. Luke traces Jesus' blood line through Mary's father, Eli.

The begats in these verses reveal that whereas Joseph was a descendant of David through Solomon, Mary was a descendant through David's son Nathan. This is an important distinction because God had disinherited Solomon's line through King Coniah, stating that none of Coniah's descendants "will sit on the throne of David or rule again in Judah" (Jeremiah 22:24,28-30). This curse did not affect Jesus since He was not Joseph's natural son and therefore did not literally descend from the cursed bloodline of Coniah (also know as Jeconiah — Matthew 1:11).

The begats are full of gems like this. Consider, for example, that Matthew mentions four women in the heritage of Jesus — Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. All were Gentiles, and three of the four were either prostitutes or adulterers. In prompting Matthew to mention these three, it's as if the Holy Spirit wanted to emphasize that the Jesus Christ came to save sinners among both Jews and Gentiles.

I hope you can see how the genealogy of Jesus Christ is immeasurably more than a list of ancient names; it is even more than a list of Jesus' human forebears. It is a beautiful testimony to God's grace and to the ministry of His Son, Jesus Christ. He is truly the friend of sinners who came to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance (Matt. 9:13).

Next time you read through the genealogy of Jesus Christ, I would encourage you to slow down and consider God's wonderful gift of grace, His accurate record of history, His ability to fulfill His promises and His sure testimony of TRUTH.
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Monday, December 13, 2010

The Soul's Crisis


by A.M. Kisly

The turning points of two lives—Divine Grace decided the one and the flesh decided the other—the one, in all human probability, is bound for Heaven and the other, alas, is bound for Hell.


"There is a time, we know not when,

A point we know not where,

That marks the destiny of men,

To glory or despair.


There is a line, by us unseen,

That crosses every path;
The hidden boundary between
God’s patience and His wrath.


To pass that limit is to die,

To die, as if by stealth:
It does not quench the beaming eye,
Or pale the glow of health.

The conscience may be still at ease,

The spirits light and gay.

That which is pleasing still may please,

And care be thrust away.


But on that forehead
God has set
Indelibly a mark,
Unseen by man—for man as yet

Is blind and in the dark.


And yet the doomed man’s path below,

Like Eden, may have bloomed.

He did not, does not, will not know,

Or feel that he is doomed.


He knows, he feels, that all is well,

And every fear is calmed.

He lives, he dies, he wakes in Hell,
Not only doomed but damned!


O where is your mysterious brook,

By which our path is crossed,

Beyond which God Himself has sworn,

That he who goes is lost?


How far may we go on in sin?

How long will God forbear?

Where does hope end? and where begin

The confines of despair?


An answer from the skies is sent—

‘Ye that from God depart,

While it is called today,
Repent!
And harden not your heart."

- DELIVERED BY C. H. SPURGEON, AT THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE, NEWINGTON And here is the rest of it. Read more!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

THE BIBLE - Its Sufficiency and Supremacy

by A.M. Kisly

Most recently I engaged in a conversation with a young man who was quite skilled in attacking the Bible, twisting the meaning of Scripture and perverting its interpretation. To be fair to the young man, he was not a Christian, but a self-acclaimed atheist and therefore could not understand the spiritual nature of the Bible.

 It is like describing color to a blind man. Yet to the hungry soul the Word of God is like manna from heaven; to the thirsty soul like rivers of living water that quenches their thirst.


Just what is the Bible? Here's the answer:
The Bible is the most powerful book in existence, the most powerful piece of literature ever written. Why? Because it is not the word of men, it is the word of God.
The Bible claims to be the Word of God, that is, His communication to humanity.
Over three thousand times in the Old Testament alone we find such phrases as, 'Thus says the Lord," or " God said."
For centuries people have turned to the Bible for the answers to the basic questions of life: Where did we come from? Why are we here on Planet Earth? What will happen to us when we die?


The Bible answers these questions and more. For within each page, we find a personal and infinite God who created the entire universe, created man in his own image and reveals his true nature and character to us.
Whether or not one accepts its claims, one must recognize the importance of these questions and the truth-claims of the Bible.

Read more!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Story of Jonah and the Whale

by A.M. Kisly

This was just too awesome not to share. The retell of Jonah's story is an absolute delight.

ENJOY!


The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.



Jonah and the Whale
A true story found in the Holy Bible book of Jonah
Authorized King James Version of 1611
Keywords: Jonah, whale

Chapter 1

1 Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

4 But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

7 And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

8 Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?

9 And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.

10 Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

11 Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.

12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.

14 Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee.

15 So they look up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging.

16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows.

17 Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.


Chapter 2

1 Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly,

2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.

3 For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.

4 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.

5 The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.

6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.

7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.

10 And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

Chapter 3

1 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.

4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:

8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.

9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?

10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Chapter 4

1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.

2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.

4 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?

5 So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.

6 And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.

7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.

8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.

9 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.

10 Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:

11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?
Read more!

Monday, October 25, 2010

ISRAEL AND THE LAST DAYS

by A.M. Kisly 

  The following video presentation by Chuck Missler called, "Israel and the Last Days" is in response to the anxiety that we are all feeling today about the danger rising in the Middle East. 

 As we appear to be moving on the threshold of a major engagement, let's look to the Scriptures to see what has been foretold of these events in order to discern the times, and make sense of the things that are unfolding before our eyes. Let's watch:

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Friday, October 8, 2010

GOT TRUTH? Examining What Truth Is & How It Affects Us – PART FIVE


~~By James Fire

(taken in part from John MacArthur’s The TRUTH War, and the Holy Bible)

Whereas in times past, Truth-haters intended the actual destruction of the Bible (some Popes were known to have ordered the burning of entire libraries of Bibles!); in today’s world, a different tactic is employed – not the actual destruction of its paper and ink, but of the Truth they contain! Emergent leaders like Brian McClaren and Doug Pagitt as well as Atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens (two of the Four Horsemen of the New Atheists movement) want to dismiss by subterfuge and, or denial both intellectually and experientially the Truth as contained in the Holy Scriptures.

Yet the Word of God still abides, the Truth endures – to – all – generations!
In this last article of GOT TRUTH? we will continue this study by turning to the New Testament scriptures (but hardly an exhaustive study) in the hopes that we whet the appetites of you the readers to conduct your own more thorough search!

Read more!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

GOT TRUTH? Examining of What Truth Is & How It Affects Us – PART FOUR



~~By James Fire

(taken in part from John MacArthur’s The TRUTH War, and the Holy Bible)

We now continue with this article, and proceed with an examination of John MacArthur’s book, The TRUTH War, and we will then wrap it up with a look into the scriptures themselves on the subject of Truth, and how it affects us and our world.

MacArthur advances his treatment of The TRUTH War in chapter four entitled, “Creeping Apostasy: How False Teachers Sneak In”

If only false teachers wore black capes and tall black top hats, with long curly mustaches and giggled with malevolent intent (and attempted to tie damsels in distress to railroad tracks wouldn’t hurt either!) to properly identify them!

The very fact however that such false teachers and prophets are deceptive is readily demonstrated by the use of analogies made by the LORD Himself: “Sheep in wolve’s clothing,” “white washed sepulchers,” “tares among wheat,” “transforming apostles,” etc.
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Sunday, October 3, 2010

MY HOPE

by A.M. Kisly

Thought you'd all enjoy this new worship song by Matt Redman. My Hope rests in none other than Jesus Christ....When the mountains are falling, when the waters are rising, I shall be safe in you...Though the nations are quaking; every kingdom be shaking...still I will REST IN YOU! No matter what trial comes our way, we can rest in the safe and loving arms of our Risen Savior and King, Jesus!






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Monday, September 20, 2010

GOT TRUTH? Examining What Truth Is & How It Affects Us – PART THREE

~ By James Fire

A little review is in order:

We are now going to shift gears a bit and look at the implications of the Truth and the reason why we must stand on and for the Truth.

It was recently in my protracted thoughts that the Truth and its resultant fruit tends toward benefit while deception and its resultant fruit tends towards detriment. Consider the lies of evolution, of Nazism, of Humanism, of revisionist history and their results:

From evolution we derive a purposeless universe populated by thinking meat-sacks with no need of morals, integrity, and conscience or a sense of a God-given destiny (offered through Jesus Christ) and entirely licensed towards self-gratification.

From Nazism such fruit is evident: over six million dead Jews (among many others), and with equal justification for these heinous murders and an abrogation of freedom and a confiscation of the free enterprise system.

Likewise with Communism: gulags galore with the death of hundreds of millions, Christian, Jew and others, and similarly a “legal plunder” ethic that impoverishes, depletes and negates freedom and liberty.

Humanism places man at the center of reality, and on a pinnacle of importance, glorifying and extolling his supposed virtues, and denying any moral flaw, sinful intentions, and most vehemently an Eternal God Who is the Judge of the Earth, and thus instilling in its adherents a lethal sense of pride that will incarcerate them without parole into a hard-heartedness towards God and the spiritual freedom He provides through the LORD Jesus Christ.

Read more!

GOT TRUTH? Examining What Truth Is & How It Affects Us – PART TWO

~~By James Fire

(taken in part from J. MacArthur’s The TRUTH War & Other Sources)

The essence of truth as recorded in scripture has various facets to it.

In the Old Testament the word ‘truth’ or emeth in Hebrew, means, “firmness, stability, fidelity, a reliable basis for support. Its attributed to God as well as creatures, and appears in such verbalisms as “truly”, “of a truth”, etc. It’s ascribed not only to statements  (RUTH 3:12) but also to behavior (GEN 24:49).


It’s associated with promises, kindness, justice, and sincerity (see respectively – 2 SAM 7:28; GEN 47:29; NEH 9:13; ISAIAH 59:14; JOSH 24:14).

In the New Testament, truth retains the moral and personal emphasis of the Old Testament, even though the notion of faithfulness is more often carried by different Greek words.
From an etymological view, “truth” in the New Testament perspective suggests something that is “open, uncovered, revealed for what it indeed is, and so ascribes something as real and genuine rather than imaginary or spurious, and true rather than false.

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GEORGE STREET

~ A.M. Kisly

Do you often ask yourself just what one person can do?
Can one person really make a difference? Before you answer remember with God anything is possible. Listen to the testimony of Mr. Genor and how God used him down in a place called George Street.


"Excuse me Sir, are you saved? If you died tonight, are you going to heaven?
"











Read more!

Does God Change, or Do We Need a More "HIPSTER" Faith?

~ by A.M. Kisly
 

The following article was published by Christianity Today. To my surprise, the article articulated what most of us have been thinking and trying to convey to the Church.

Though the author brings an honest look at modern Christianity, I have just discovered that his view is not without partiality...Mr. McCracken according to Lighthouse Trails Ministry is managing editor of Biola University’s magazine and regular writer for the emergent Relevant magazine, considers himself a “hipster,” the answer he gives in the introduction of his book is “yes.” 

He is not writing impartially as some may think or assume. With that said, the article does, in my opinion, bring to light just how today's "Hipster" churches developed to what they are today. Just a few words from me, the root of the problem is always the same....questioning God's authority in the life of the believer...

Remember the serpent in the garden..."hath ...God said", it is the same deception today.

Professing ourselves wise, we become fools....not FOR CHRIST but as Enemies of God. Like Lucifer, we think we have a better way, that God's ways are out of date and out of touch with today's society, so we create a New way, the "hipster" way. 

Compromise is now the way that leads to life and Christianity is in a free fall called the snowball effect, consuming every aspect of the Christina life in its way. It swallows up doctrine and worship, and the set-apart life. 

But that's not enough, for now we have to promote our new way. We promote NEW AUTHORS, with new ideas and sell new books, new music and even Create NEW MODERN VERSIONS of the BIBLE, deleting those offensive doctrines which are not appealing to our flesh. 

Disobedience to God is not a new thing....it started in the Garden of Eden and has plagued the world ever since. When the Word of God is no longer considered to be absolute authority and VITAL in the life of the believer....then it is easily replaced by the compromised heart. Jesus is the Way, the only way...the Truth...the only truth....and the Life....that's it! 

He does not change....He is the same yesterday, today and forever! The following article is long...but very worth the read. I hope you will set a few minutes aside to read and consider what the author is trying to convey. Christianity Today - "HIPSTER FAITH" by Brett McCracken
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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

NEWS ALERT: Global Taxes for World Government

~ by A.M. Kisly

For the past year and a half we have been writing articles and talking endlessly about Bible Prophecy and the coming New World Order (Government, Money and Religious System) amongst other things.
Though many have questioned our sanity and thought us to have gone overboard with our "fanaticism", the facts speak for themselves.


I posted an article last week about the announcement made by Secretary of State - Hillary Clinton to the Counsel of Foreign Relations that, "The United States is Ready to Join the New World Order". Looks like she's right!


This week I discovered a very telling document that was brought to public view by America's Survival, a public policy group, "The United Nations General Assembly Meeting...Draft outcome document of High-level Plenary Meeting of the 65th session of the General Assembly on Millennium Development Goals". The document is endorsed by the Obama Administration and prepared in advance of the September 20-22 United Nations “Summit on the Millennium Development Goals".


According to the website of the conference, National Leaders “informally agreed in negotiations, and the General Assembly transmitted the text to the Summit (High-level Plenary Meeting) for adoption.” It is expected that Obama will approve the document.


What's in the document? “Innovative finance mechanisms” -- Global Taxes


According to item #61 on the document, "We consider that innovative financing mechanisms can make a positive contribution in assisting developing countries to mobilize additional resources for financing for development on a voluntary basis. Such financing should supplement and not be a substitute for traditional sources of financing. While recognizing the considerable progress in innovative sources of financing for development, we call for scaling-up of present initiatives, where appropriate."

Cliff Kincaid states, "The phrases, “Innovative finance mechanisms” and “international financial transactions” are featured in the 31-page “outcome document” that is supposed to be approved by President Obama and other world leaders meeting at the U.N. in New York next week. The document, according to the website of the conference, was “informally agreed in negotiations, and the General Assembly transmitted the text to the Summit (High-level Plenary Meeting) for adoption.” It is expected that Obama will approve the document."

Item #78(f) - "The fulfilment of all ODA commitments is crucial, including the commitments by many developed countries to achieve the target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product (GNP) for ODA to developing countries by 2015 and to reach..."

Cliff Kincaid also stated, "The document affirms the so-called “Monterrey Consensus” that committed nations to spending 0.7 percent of Gross National Product (GNP) on official development assistance (ODA), otherwise known as foreign aid. Over a 13-year period, from 2002, when the U.N.’s Financing for Development conference was held, to the target year of 2015, when the U.S. is expected to meet the Millennium Development Goals, this amounts to $845 billion, according to Jeffrey Sachs of the U.N.’s Millennium Project."

Item #78(h)- "Exploring new innovative finance mechanisms and strengthening and scaling up existing ones, where appropriate, given their potential to contribute to the achievement of the millennium Development Goals. Such voluntary mechanisms should be effective and should aim to mobilize resources that are stable and predictable, they should supplement and not be a substitute for traditional sources of finance and should be disbursed in accordance with the priorities of developing countries and not unduly burden them. We note the ongoing work in this regard, including by the Leading Group on Innovative Financing for Development as well as by the Task Force on International Financial Transactions for Development and the Task Force on Innovative Financing for Education;"

Read Full Document: Draft Outcome Document

While the masses continue to dismiss concerns about the U.N., it appears that they have a major role in working towards a New World Order. The "main-stream" news media obfuscates the news events by blurring truth with liberal agenda, yet hiding in plain sight the conspiracy is revealed.

I don't know who said this, but it's true..."Failure to embrace and act upon truth will always result in deception". Those who are convincing America and the nations of the world that the only way to lasting world peace is the establishment of a "New World Order" are the arm of Satan, and will lead the world to worship the Anti-Christ.

What does the Bible say?


1 Thessalonians 5:1-11


"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.


For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matthew 24:42).
Read more!

Friday, September 10, 2010

NEWS ALERT: Clinton Announces "United States is Ready to Join the New World Order"

by A.M. Kisly

The Washington Post published an article yesterday with the details of a speech made to the Counsel of Foreign Relations (the "government" that governs governments) by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. She stated that the United States is now ready to join the "New World Order".


Clinton's speech builds on the Obama's administration's National Security Strategy, which described a world order "buckling under the weight of new threats." Invoking the far-sighted generation of the 1940s, she dedicated the United States to building a "new global architecture," by bolstering traditional alliances, integrating emerging powers, strengthening regional organizations, renovating global institutions, and promoting universal values. In the abstract, it all sounds compelling. In detail, these aspirations get trickier.


New World Order is a term used to describe the uniting of the world's superpowers to secure and maintain global peace, safety, and security. Synonymous with the term New World Order are the terms one world government, global governance, and globalization. All these terms are used interchangeably and at different times to communicate to different audiences. Make no mistake - they all basically mean the same thing.

We must understand that the events currently happening in our world have been predicted by Bible prophecy scholars for some time. The Biblical scenario according to the scriptures in the book of Revelation have given us a picture of the things to come. Of course, these events are still in our future. Some of these events include: The Rapture of the Church, when Jesus Christ comes back, and we who are true believers are caught up to meet Him in the air. Those who have died in Christ will come out of their graves and will go up to be with the Lord also. From the heavenly vantage point, then, we will be looking down on the earth during the next seven years. These seven years will be a time known as The Tribulation.

During The Tribulation, Antichrist is going to rise to power, and there will be a one-world government, of which he will be the dictator. And in the middle of that Tribulation period, he is going to require everyone on the Earth, according to Revelation 13 to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead which will mean they acknowledge him, not only as their dictator, but as their god. Without that mark they will not be allowed to buy or sell anything for the remainder of the Tribulation period.

At the every end of that time, his world empire which he has built will began to crumble, and he is going to fight, literally, against Jesus Christ. He is going to call Christ down out of heaven. Jesus will come back at The Battle of Armageddon, and with His Word, is going to totally obliterate all of the forces of Antichrist and the Devil. In chapters 17 and 18 of the book of Revelation, we see the destruction of the world empire of Antichrist. Though this is not the next thing on God's time table, it is important to study in order to discern the times in which we live. Before this chapter can take place, a one-world government must emerge. We find here a beast, symbolizing one-world government, and we also find a woman riding on the beast who symbolizes a false religious system, and the enemy of God.



What does this mean to us?

We know that perilous times are coming, because the Bible has warned us so. It is time for the Church, the Bride of Christ, those who have come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ to be ready. To those of you who have not been faithful in your walks, who have one foot in the world and one foot in Christianity; to those who have heard the Gospel yet are still holding back and have not yet come to Christ I beg of you to choose this day whom you will serve, the world or God's Son.


I will leave you with a portion of God's infallible and perfect word.


Jude 1 (King James Version)


"Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:


Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.


Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.


For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.


I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.


And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.


Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.


Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.


Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.


But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.


Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.


These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;


Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.


And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,


To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.


But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;


How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.


These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.


But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.


And of some have compassion, making a difference:


And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.


Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,


To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Reaping What We Have Sown

by A.M. Kisly

What happened when they kicked God out of School?








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Saturday, September 4, 2010

ENGAGING ISLAM and the MUSLIM AGENDA Part 3 (of 3)

~~By James J. Fire

Note: IT IS IMPERATIVE that the information produced in this article, and any web links associated with it, does not incite a hatred or belligerence against Muslims.

We now conclude this three part series with this last segment in which you will find an abundance of resources in articles, books and online videos. It is the prayer and hope of TTUF that we will all remain vigilant in our prayers for this nation, and all its peoples, to recognize Divinely appointed opportunities to reach out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and manifest His love, even in the face of those who would count us their enemies.
In light of this, may this information prove useful to you, and encourage us in evangelism as well as contending for the faith once delivered to us all!

UPDATE:  10-31-11 LET US REASON's TREATMENT on the QURAN and What it says to the Muslim regarding unbelievers.
~ end of update.

THE ISLAMIC AGENDA and MIND SET – A very valid point must be made here: claiming rights and authority for Muslims seems to go unilaterally, that is, they are all for THEIR rights being honored, THEIR authority being established, but they protest loud and long against any others who would seek to protect their own rights!

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The Priority of God's Word

by A.M. Kisly

Hebrews 4:12 (King James Version)


"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."


Time has changed. The quiet days of the past seem all but gone. Our lives have become overwhelmingly busy with too much activity and we wonder how we will be able to balance it all. Balance will only come to those who put first things first. You cannot get very far driving a car with an empty fuel tank, nor will your body be able to function without food and water and rest. Without the daily intake of the Word of God, our spiritual lives become lethargic, weak, and very susceptible to temptations and compromise. The enemy of our soul would have us so busy and distracted as to keep us away from the necessary nourishment of our spirit in order to weaken us in our spiritual walks and thus becoming ineffective in our Christian witness.


The Word of God is a necessity of ones spiritual life....it cannot be ignored. Jesus is the very Word of God...and He who came to earth, died on the cross for our sin, rose again, and is coming again, wants to spend time with each and every one of us. He has things he wants to show us, teach us and reveal to us. He left us His word, The Holy Scriptures, we must take it, feast upon it, and allow Him to instruct us. He will give us clear direction and the needed balance in our lives if we let Him.







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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

DO YOU KNOW HIM?

~ by A.M. Kisly Years ago, I met an old preacher who visited a church I use to attend. He came with a message, a message that was so extraordinary that I have never forgotten it. It was the message of the gospel...one that is clear...and true...and alive. A message that cuts trough all the doctrinal divisions, and denominational boundaries. A message that is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword. A message that pierces the heart, the soul and the spirit. A message that that brings life, because the messenger like those who witnessed the risen Christ, has himself witnessed that same wonderful gift of Jesus Christ..who came and lived, who died upon the cross, who rose from the grave and who lives today. Let me ask you, Do you know HIM? Read more!

Monday, August 30, 2010

ENGAGING ISLAM and the MUSLIM AGENDA Part 2 (of 3)

~~ By James Fire

Note: IT IS IMPERATIVE that the information produced in this article, and any web links associated with it, does not incite a hatred or belligerence against Muslims.

As Christians we are called to love and pray for our enemies (MATT 5:44). These articles are for information only, to educate on the beliefs of Islam and their orthodoxy in accordance with the Quran.

We continue now with part 2 of this article, and in this segment we shall look at the culture of Islam as it’s affecting our nation; from the President himself and the administration under him; does Barak Obama paint an accurate picture of what Islam is all about? How does he view America, and her history, and the part (if any) that Muslims play for her benefit? We’ll look at the landscape that is America and see how Islam is impacting the people. Of course, the agenda of Islam will be scrutinized as well, and we have a series of video clips from youtube that will display this very thing (In part 3)! So, without any further ado, let’s have a look and see what more we can learn about this religion and those that extol it:

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Sunday, August 29, 2010

ENGAGING ISLAM and the MUSLIM AGENDA Part 1 (of 3)

~~ By James Fire

Note: IT IS IMPERATIVE that the information produced in this article, and any web links associated with it, does not incite a hatred or belligerence against Muslims.

Most Americans knew very little about Islam prior to 9-11; they couldn’t begin to explain who Al’Qaeda were, or the Taliban, perhaps even the term “jihad” but there were some afterwards that began quick studies of this nearly fourteen hundred year old religion. For the most part however, we carried on with our lives, shaking our heads at the ‘extremists’ that engaged in further acts of terror and mayhem, all the while believing the propaganda that “Islam is peace”. How many times have you heard that before? Yet a strict translation of the word “Islam” renders it to mean something else entirely:


We need to know that the root word of Islam is "al-silm" which means "submission" or "surrender." It is not derived from the word “Salam” which means ‘peace’, as Muslims will have you believe. It makes it far clearer when one understands that by peace, the Muslim means that once the world is submitted to Allah, then, and only then, will there be peace! Until that Day, Islam must be engaged in the great struggle or ‘jihad’.

*In this article we are going to look at a brief history of Islam, its belief system, the current propagation of this religion (the fasted growing religion in the US and Europe, both by means of converts and rapid birth rates within existing Muslim families) throughout the world by means of “jihad” or literally jahada meaning “struggle” but connotatively referring to ‘war’.

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Saturday, August 28, 2010

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR ABSOLUTE TRUTH?

by A.M. Kisly 

Are you searching for absolute truth? Through prophecy, the Bible authenticates that it alone transcends time and space. No other book dares to establish its credibility by telling the future in advance. The Bible is 100% accurate and prophecy proves it. 

"For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:27 

One day the disciples came to Jesus and were given a private briefing regarding what signs to watch for before His promised return... 

"As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (Verse 3) 

And Jesus answered them and said to them, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:4-8 

 In the Gospel of Luke Jesus says, 

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Luke 21:25-26 

 Then Jesus told them a parable: "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." Luke 21:27-33 

 So what are these signs that Jesus was talking about? The Bible lays out mankind's destiny in the last days...ARE YOU PREPARED? Eternal Productions Presents: Countdown to ETERNITY

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Friday, August 27, 2010

WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY?


Psalm 24

"The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah."


Jesus Died! - Paul Washer

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Monday, August 23, 2010

GOT TRUTH? Examining What Truth Is & How It Affects Us – PART ONE

~~ By James Fire

(taken in part from Baker’s Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, John MacArthur’s The TRUTH War, Zondervan’s Pictorial Encyclopedia and the Holy Bible)

Pilate is often quoted with the question he asked while presiding in judgment over Him Who is Truth: “What is Truth?”

Philosophers like Socrates and others all the way to present day have asked whether Truth is absolute, others have asked if it even exists at all, in any form. Is truth knowable? Does it relate to reality (ontology- the philosophical study of the nature of reality:

What Is Ontology?), or is it merely conceptual?

The IMPORTANCE of the NATURE of TRUTH –

The nature of truth is important to the Christian faith. Christianity claims that there is absolute truth (even though a growing number of Christians polled deny this!) and that it corresponds to how things really are.


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America: Robbed of our Christian Heritage

- by A.M. Kisly

 "I think it's time that time we asked ourselves if we still know the freedoms that were intended that were intended for us by the founding fathers." Ronald Regan In an age of lies, lies, and more lies, don't you think it's time we went back and found out what the truth is?

 David Barton is the Founder and President of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, Christian and constitutional heritage. WallBuilders - LIVE! Listen Online

 David Barton is one of the foremost authorities on the moral and Christian foundations of our nation's Constitution and history. David works to foster the political responsibility of the People of God through his website Wallbuilders, briefings in Washington, and the spiritual heritage tours he gives of the Capitol.

His goal is to preserve and advance our nation's Christian foundations and to encourage our representatives in Congress to strive to live up to the vision our Founding Fathers had for those who occupy such high office. WallBuilders is an organization dedicated to presenting America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on the moral, religious, and constitutional foundation on which America was built – a foundation which, in recent years, has been seriously attacked and undermined.

In accord with what was so accurately stated by George Washington, we believe that "the propitious [favorable] smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which heaven itself has ordained."

 WallBuilders is a name taken from the Old Testament writings of Nehemiah, who led a grassroots movement to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore its strength and honor. In the same way, WallBuilders seeks to energize the grassroots today to become involved in strengthening their communities, states, and nation. 

Check out Russ Miller's (visit his website www.creationministries.org) video on: 

AMERICA's CHRISTIAN ROOTS

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

DEAR CHRISTIAN, LET'S PRESS ON...

by A.M. Kisly 

Dear Saints, I read a devotion today written by Ken Silva that was so pertinent to the times we live in that I thought I'd it share with all of you. I hope it speaks to you as it did to me.

Philippians 3:13-16
  "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing."

The Battle Begins To Intensify
You need to know that this age in which we live will be one of increased spiritual warfare, and that our time grows ever shorter before the return of our Lord. Now I make no prediction as to when Christ comes again—it may not be in our lifetime—but, I can tell you this: When Jesus returns, He will not be in a good mood. And further, because Christ Jesus is God, Paul is trying to remind us in our opening text, that we must put forth some kind of an effort, if we really want to know Him.

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Monday, July 26, 2010

LOOKING Into The SHACK– A Review of the book, UNSHACKLED by Pastor Larry DeBruyn

~~By James Fire

As we have seen in T.T.U.F.s first article on this novel, The Shack by Paul Young, there are many ideas presented in this fictitious work that are unbiblical. What we often hear from those who love this story is just that: “it’s just a story!”

However, story or not, books contain words, and words convey ideas and ideas, concepts and perspectives are either true or they are not. If concepts in a Christian novel (The Shack is not a Christian novel (By ‘Christian’ we mean a Christian world view based on the truth of the BibleLarry), though it’s packaged to look like one) are not biblical, one must ask why the author (who is presumably a Christian) would promote such ideas.

It begs the question, why can’t a well told story also be biblically accurate? As Christians should we support such work by purchasing the books and related materials, to the financial benefit of its authors and publishers?

True, The Shack touches us emotionally, and speaks to the suffering and pain that is common among us in this world, but then many secular novels do as much as this! How is this novel different from any of its secular counterparts?

It purports to be a ‘Christian’ novel and presumes to teach us things about God, and life on Earth for the believer, and here those who love the Word of God supremely, must challenge its tenets.

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Friday, July 16, 2010

Latest News: SEX EDUCATION FOR 5 AND 6 YEAR OLDS?


by A.M. Kisly

We alone are the salt of the earth; there is no other. That's it, just us. If we lose our saltiness, it's lost. We are the light; that's it, just us. Nobody else. If our light is under a bushel, there is no other alternative.


I read a news article yesterday about the newest assault on children and the family unit that just utterly sickened me. If it weren't so completely necessary to bring this to the attention of the public, I would try to erase it from my mind.


In an article by Matt Gouras of the Associated Press, the Helena, Montana School Board has proposed a sex education program that teaches fifth-graders the different ways people have intercourse and first-graders about gay love.


For obvious reasons, this has infuriated the parents of these very young children. Their public outcry has forced the school board to take a closer look at the issue.
While the proposed 62-page document covers a broad health and nutrition education program, included in this curriculum is a portion dealing with sexual education that has angered many in the community who feel it is being pushed forward despite their objections and its obvious controversial nature.

 Listen Folks, because of the nature of this news, because of the times we live in, because Satan, sin and wickedness seem to be gaining ground in every aspect of life, because the Church is asleep, because the time is short, because JESUS is coming soon ... James and I are determined more than ever to bring you the TRUTH to the best of our ability, and to shoot straight from the hip with regards to the Church's response.

 Christian or non-Christian, one would think that even the simplest buffoon would understand that sex education is completely inappropriate for this age group. What, pray tell, is a 5 and 6 year old supposed to do with this information?

 The State Run Education System knows exactly what they are doing and that is to conform society into a lifestyle away from God's absolute law and authority, to take parental control away, and to promote the sinful lifestyles they embrace. Forget reading, writing and arithmetic: for some perverts it is more important that a young child be taught that promiscuity and sex outside of marriage is acceptable, that homosexuality is an alternate lifestyle that is both normal and acceptable behavior, that a baby is a fetus and that abortion is not murder....not to mention all the other filth that goes along with this. Satan is succeeding in destroying this world because Christians stand on the sidelines and do ...
... nothing.

The question is Why?
It was John Wesley who said,
Give me 100 men that hate nothing but sin, and love Jesus Christ, and we'll shake England for God.”
 I say give me 100 men and women that hate nothing but sin, and love Jesus Christ so truly and completely... well, just think of the possibilities!

The sad truth of the matter is that the Church (and I mean all of us) is compromised, we love this world and the things of this world; we have not separated ourselves but have joined WILLFULLY into its sinful pleasures.
It is proven by our speech, our conduct, and our silence on the things that really matter. The world offers us more toys and more distractions and we completely welcome almost all that it has to offer us, and then sit perplexed and horrified at the sinful decay of our society and are paralyzed in our ability to do anything about it.

 We have fallen prey to the selfish mindset of the Hollywood Entertainment Industry. Our kids are falling by the wayside because they are filling their minds with the world through television, music, and other worldly influences.
 Christian kids who have been raised in Christian homes, who go to church weekly and attend Christian teen groups, who perhaps have even been homeschooled are turning out more worldly minded than godly minded. They talk more about the things of this world than about Jesus Christ. Their idols are fictitious Hollywood creations, their dreams are to become the next American Idol. Why?

 Is our Christianity so compromised and diluted that we have become salt without flavor? Jesus, the Savior of the World, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the One who is and is to come (just to put HIM in rightful perspective) taught us,

MATTHEW 5:13-16

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.


 Evangelism is more than just spewing out words of the Bible and defining its message, its an example of a life in Christ that dispels the darkness around us. Simply, these four verses is the picture that our Lord gives of the Christian in the world, it is the function of the believer in the world. If I could reduce it to one word, it would be the word 'INFLUENCE.'

Just who is influencing who?
 Salt (the Christian), in order to be effective, has to be mingled with the substance (the world) that it is affecting, and yet salt (the Christian) is DISTINCT from that substance (the world). Light (the Christian life), in order to dispel darkness (the worldly life), must shine upon the darkness, yet is DISTINCT from the darkness.

He is saying,
You who are characterized by Beatitude-quality life, you who are the sons and daughters of the Kingdom of God are the salt and light of the world to influence the world for good and for God.
Our Lord is calling on us to influence the world that we live in, just as He did with those disciples who followed him and the multitudes he preached to. It was Jesus, the greatest hero of all time, who taught us not to love the world or the things of the world...and yet we have, and to the point where He is no longer the focus of or hearts and hero in our lives.

No longer do we desire to talk about Him, or to emulate Him, but rather we have turned our hearts elsewhere. Our minds have been influenced by the philosophical views of this world rather than the WORD OF GOD. Our kids idols are the characters depicted in various Hollywood films like Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Twilight, and the like; and the music industry has had a great effect upon the minds and hearts of us all so much so that we have become immune, so to speak, of the horror of sin.

How much murder or sex on television does one have to watch before it no longer makes them feel uncomfortable. How many horror flicks before we are immune to horror? I use television here because it is an easy example to present, but there are many, many other influences out there that are leading us away from the Lord.

 The Bible clearly teaches us not to be unequally yoked together with an unbeliever, and yet there are some Christians (through perhaps some careless teaching) who have chosen unbelievers as their closest friends. I am not saying to isolate yourself from unbelievers or that one cannot befriend a non-believer, but they should never become your closest friend or ally. For what have you in common, for ultimately you will be influenced and compromised.

I have watched as some have made this choice and are now struggling with their faith, and others who have turned away from God. The question for us today is, if we are called to influence this world for God and His Kingdom, what message are we leaving the world? When we pass by, what are we saying and doing? What influence have we been on those around us?

 We are taught in 1 PETER 2:9-10,
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"


 May the Lord wake us up out of slumber and sleep and to the realization that we must "Come out from among them, and be separate." We must all get to our prayer closets and get honest with the Lord and ourselves about the compromise in our lives. We must choose this day whom we will serve, the world or God's Son. It is no longer I, but Christ and He must be allowed to take His rightful place on the throne of our hearts.
 Perhaps then, and only then will our lives influence our homes, our communities and the rest of society.
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