LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS – Part 4

by A.M. Kisly

THE TEMPTATIONS AND PULL OF THIS WORLD

Before we get started on Part 4 of Living in the Last Days, I would like to share a few things from my own heart.

This subject is near and dear to me, as I know so many today who are convinced they are Christians, yet are living much like the world. My concern for their spiritual walks grows each passing day because of unrepentance. Rather than returning toward righteous and holy living in obedience to the Lord, I see hearts growing colder, minds embracing the world’s standards and God’s word either being perverted or discarded.

Psalm 84:10 “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

These were the confessions of David on where he would want to spend his time, talent, wealth, as well as his life. Where would we want to spend ours?

Many, who call themselves “Christians” today, deny the power of God in their lives and allow the spirit of this world to dominate them. The world indeed has blinded many eyes from seeing that they are mere imitators of worldly characters rather than followers of Jesus Christ.

Rather than hearts that are captivated by the Creator of all that exists,  by Christ, who has sacrificed His own life to pay the price for our sin, many in the church are carried away by every deceptive lie and enticement this world will offer them. Whatever our age may be, we must take the warnings in the Bible seriously. 

In Romans 12:1-3, the Apostle Paul said,

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Paul instructs the Corinthians believers to come out of the world and its influences:

“Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what partnership has light with darkness? And what harmony has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 

Dr. Henry Morris explains, “yoked together”,

Paul is using a metaphor here based on Deuteronomy 22:10 and Leviticus 19:19, which forbade plowing with an ox and ass yoked together, or attempting to interbreed animals of different kinds. The clear inference is that believers and unbelievers are SO DIFFERENT in character and interests (as well as ultimate destiny) that they should never be “yoked” together in situations requiring strong agreement of attitudes and goals. (e.g., marriage, churches, business partnerships, lodges or other organizations with religious overtones). The prohibition does not forbid participation in all secular or charitable organizations (see 1 Corinthians 5:10 for who not to keep company with) or friendships. Such connections should, however BE SEVERED when one’s Christian faith is in jeopardy, or his Christian conduct and influence is endangered. One can witness to unbelievers without partaking of their beliefs or sinful behavior.

Why do we not heed the warnings, why do we seek to satisfy our fleshy desires and ignore the word of God? Remember Paul told Timothy not to let himself become tangled up in the affairs of this life.

And in 2 Peter 1:3-11 -

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

--The addition of these Christian graces is the natural outgrowth of the divine nature of which we partake; if they are not being cultivated, we should examine the reality of our professed faith to be sure that we truly are trusting in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. –HMM

I believe the Christian church is in a crisis. The compromise with this world has perverted the truth of God’s word and the effectiveness of the Christian witness to a world facing judgment. If you are a Christian and your mind is absorbed by the world’s standards, its culture, its influence, its entertainment…you are compromised. You are in essence shaking your fist at God telling Him that His way is not perfect, and it is not for you.

We have got to lay our lives down for the purposes of God. We were created by Him, for His purposes and His good pleasure. We must understand that! To rebel against Him is to refuse His plan for our lives and to join forces with the devil, himself.

Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts! Seek Him while He may be found.


Living In The Last Days – Part 4
THE TEMPTATIONS AND PULL OF THIS WORLD

*This series is used with permission by the writer, Quek Koh Choon

In Part 4, we now focus on some problem areas we will encounter in the last days. The subject is very wide indeed but we would be concentrating on several broad categories.

The first of these broad categories is "The temptations and pull of this world". This affects God's children in several ways. Firstly, the world can impose her standards and values upon the people of God, sometimes in a subtle way but at times even in ways that are more direct and blunt. Take the example of cigarette advertising. In our society today, we are fortunate that we recognize the ills and dangers of cigarette smoking, and advertising to promote cigarette smoking is now a thing of the past. However, not too long ago, and even now in third world countries, cigarette smoking is promoted in advertisement as part of the good and finer things in life. The cigarette companies ensure that the advertisement projects a young successful man or woman who has made it in society, surrounded by the so-called fine things of life like a luxury car, a huge mansion, lots of friends and all of them puffing on the finest brand of cigarettes, each looking refreshed and contented with the smoke around them. We know better than that, but many young people in the third world today are subtly influenced to associate cigarette smoking with success and sophistication.

Here is a good illustration of how something that is harmful and dangerous can be projected as something sophisticated and associated with success. Cigarette companies are aware of the dangers of cigarette smoking, but the monetary profit and returns are so great that some are prepared to cover up the facts in order to continue to harvest the benefit. The sad consequence would be millions who will suffer from lung cancer and other associated ailments of the lungs and the heart.

The world can affect the children of God in like manner. Through the mass media, through books, through even the study of literature, philosophy and other apparently respectable avenues of knowledge, God's children may be led to believe that a certain lifestyle or a certain manner of living or values are manifestations of being progressive, liberated and modern. It may not be cigarette smoking; it may be something else. The motivation may not be money making; it may be for self or status or even at times out of frustration and ignorance; nevertheless, it is almost always engineered by the prince of this world who seeks to stamp his influence on as many as possible.

Let us not underestimate the temptations and pull of this world. We should remember the rich young man who came to the Lord Jesus to seek for eternal life. He went away sad because he could not give up his riches (see Matthew 19:16-22). The love of money and wealth can be a snare and bondage. Lot chose the plains of Sodom, seeing that it was rich and fertile. However, years later, he found it difficult to free himself from Sodom and Gomorrah, so much so that the angels of God had to seize his hand and bring him out, outside the city.

The world can suck us into her system and it may not be so easy to get out. It was said that many young ladies, when asked about their choice of an ideal marriage partner in today's society, preferred their men to have the 4 "Cs" - namely cash, credit card, car and condominium. Sadly, they left out a very important "C", that is, character. (** I would add to that Christ.)

No doubt, their choice has been influenced, in no small way, by the standards and values of this world. The 4 "Cs" have been associated with success and achievement in society and this has been ingrained in the minds of many young people, Christians and non-Christians alike. For God's children, the effect can be very subtle. It can begin with the thought, "After all, as Christians, we should be good stewards of our money". So, the idea may start off with wanting to invest wisely which may be appropriate up to this point. But before long, the Lord's people may find themselves speculating in shares, foreign currencies and properties, no longer just investing but being carried away with the business of pursuing more and more money, and being involved and immersed in worldly affairs and gambling to a point that they lose sight of the spiritual and the eternal. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 sounds out the warning loud and clear -

"But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang".

Moses, as a young man, was faced with the temptations and pull of the world. Brought up as a prince in the splendor of Egypt, surrounded by the knowledge of the times and in the midst of wealth and power, Moses had a choice. He chose not to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, but to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sins, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt (see Hebrews 11:24-26). Will we allow the world to impose her values and standards upon us? Or, like Moses, will we choose to identify with something far more beautiful and meaningful in God's desires and values for us?

The temptations and pull of this world can affect us in another way. Besides imposing its values and standards of living upon us, the world can subtly cause MORAL DECAY to set in. Included in this are lust, sin and corruption. We may not have to look very far to see this illustrated. In the many films and books today, and among them are big box office attractions and best sellers, we can see the so-called hero often depicted as a man who is very individualistic and rebellious, one who believes in violence to right a wrong and he will not hesitate to arrogantly break many arms or to pump in bullets along the way, even hurting passers-by and damaging property all in the name of apparent justice. Such a hero is also one who does not believe in commitment and responsibility in marriage relationships. Women just swoon over him and he goes from one woman to another with such rapidity that one wonders whether there is any moral decency at all in his life.

In the world of pop music, lyrics glorifying drug addiction and loose moral values are sung with gusto and though the lives of the various pop stars are morally degrading and way out there, yet, millions of young people idolizes them and desire to pattern their lives after theirs. Some of the songs and lyrics are not just morally unacceptable, but the spirit behind the songs can actually be very damaging spiritually; yet the further these pop stars stray from good moral values, the more popular they seem to become. Those who seek to pattern their lives after the hero in the film or the pop star may think themselves as not "squares". They believe they can think for themselves and are different from the so-called establishment. In reality, they are under the bondage of moral decay and corruption. One day, they may wake up too late to realize this and their lives may have already been badly hurt.

However, moral decay is not just affecting the young and the gullible. It affects all strata of society, including the so-called sophisticated and educated who indulge in activities ranging from gossip to immoral behavior; only they may not be so obvious or conspicuous to the eyes of the public.

Even religious circles are not spared. We read and hear of churches anointing homosexuals as bishops, and talking about a review and a more liberal view of various moral issues in society. For instance, consenting adults of the same sex can enter into a marriage union, approved by the church. The world can exert so much pressure as to cause even churches to compromise on moral issues which have clear scriptural teaching and backing. From what we can understand, this pressure would increase in the last days.

In 2 Peter 2:10-20 and 2 Peter 3:3, we see a description of the activities of the flesh and moral decay. In the last days, lust, corruption and indulgence of the flesh can become the order of the day and verse 20 suggests that even God's children who have escaped the defilement of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can also become entangled again in them, the last state being worse for them than the first. The influence of the world in the direction of moral decay will not spare even those who are children of God and we must take this seriously. It is with this concern that the apostle Peter sounded out the following warnings.

"Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking to and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found in Him in peace, spotless and blameless" (2 Peter 3:11-14).

Indeed, we need to be diligent in keeping ourselves free from the defilement of this world, and in maintaining a holy conduct worthy of our high calling.

The pull and temptations of this world can affect God's people in another manner, and this is manifested in disloyalty to God as well as outright rebellion and denial of the Lord. We are aware of how Demas, in love with the world, deserted Paul. In the Old Testament context, Korah was one man who epitomized the spirit of arrogance and rebellion, for he wanted the status and honor which were reserved by God for the house of Aaron. This longing for status and recognition on Korah's part was probably due to his yielding to the temptation of the world. The world's standards and values can draw Christians so far away that they begin to rationalize as well as harden their hearts and conscience to a point that they would reject the Lord's ways for their own lives.

We see the Lord Jesus Himself referring to this in Matthew 24:10-12 in the context of the last days. The prospect of many falling away, the reality of the love of many growing cold and denying the Lord are harsh reminders of how difficult the last days will be like. We need to take care of our own lives lest we too be disqualified and fall along the wayside.

Hebrews 6:4-8 spells out the dangers and seriousness of falling away and denying the Lord. The consequences and judgment of such a matter cannot be taken lightly. In the book of Hebrews, again and again these words of exhortation appear - "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…"

The world can seek to impose its standards upon us; it can sow the seed of moral decay and move us in the direction of falling away from the Lord but if we maintain in openness before God and refuse to harden our hearts and conscience when we hear His voice, there is still hope for us to overcome. On the other hand, if we co-operate with the spirit of the world and seek to have the better of both worlds, desiring what the world has to offer and yet still clinging somewhat to the promise of eternal life, then we are toying with the perils that may plunge us into a situation where there is no turning back! Let us not toy with the grace of God!

Also read: Part 1 , Part 2  , Part 3 ,  Parts 5-6 , Parts 7-8 Read more!

ISRAEL, ISLAM AND ARMAGEDDON

by A.M. Kisly

VIDEO FEATURE: ISRAEL, ISLAM AND ARMAGEDDON

Author and researcher, Dave Hunt, explains the history of Islam and the truth behind Arab claims to the land of Israel . Also discussed is the history of the PLO and their bloody exploits under Yasser Arafat, who established what is called by some the most successful and bloodiest terrorist organization ever known. This video further exposes the fact that the PLO agenda does not include establishing peace with Israel , but rather pretends peace until an opportunity to destroy Israel presents itself. As Arafat himself once declared: "Peace for us means the destruction of Israel."

In Ezekiel, God says: "Therefore, thus saith the Lord God: Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the nations, and against all Edom , who have appointed my land into their possession ." (Ezekiel 36:5)

It would seem these words are being fulfilled before our very eyes, as demonstrated in this video. Learn how Israel and the city of Jerusalem are at the forefront of issues before the United Nations - who speak of the land as if it were their possession. And, of course, the Arabs (descendents of Edom ) have in all of their textbooks and maps "appointed" the land of Israel to themselves by insisting it is their ancient homeland.

Dave Hunt exposes the truth about the so-called "Palestinian" people, their history, and their religion, in a series of teachings that clearly and simply explain the Biblical view of today's events unfolding in the Middle East. Overflowing with powerful fast-moving visuals spanning centuries of history and biblical prophecy to clarify current events and future prophecies. Great contemporary tool for evangelism. Pastors across America are showing this thorough documentary to their churches. A gigantic history lesson compressed into one hour!

With more than 3,000 years of history, Jerusalem is mentioned an astonishing 800 times in the Bible, and prophesied to play a key role in world destiny. Many of these prophecies have already come to pass, with some yet to be fulfilled. This video shows how the current peace process is fraught with peril, why it is impossible for Jerusalem to know true peace in our age how the Antichrist will lead the world's armies to destroy Israel, the truth about the Vatican's intentions, and the Palestinian myth. It powerfully corrects much of the "misinformation and propaganda" aggressively advanced by the world media and others.

Includes footage of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

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Religious Freedom Threatened - The Chick-Fil-A Controversy

by A.M. Kisly

This weeks support of religious freedom, freedom of speech and Chick-fil-A's President Dan Cathy stirred up firestorm of hatred and anger.  However, this controversy has also revealed that there is a lot at stake, mainly religious freedom in this country. I don't know about you, but I was taken back by the spin the liberal media, elected officials and supporters of gay marriage put on this story. What started out as an interview with a Baptist newspaper took a perverse twist when those pushing political agendas took hold of Dan Cathy's comments and proclaiming that it is hate speech.  Talk about a brainwashed society, hate speech?

Within days, elected officials in Chicago, Boston and New York were pledging to deny the company access to their cities. Huh? Incredible, isn't it. But more incredible was the anger expressed by some fellow believers at other believers for showing their support of Dan Cathy on Chick-fil-A day, to stand for religious freedom and to protect his business. After reading some of those rather ugly comments, a couple of good questions came up that we need to address, as I'm sure you may be asked them too.

For those who want to read an accurate account of the Chick-fil-A controversy, you can do so here: Al Mohler

So here's the question:

Why Are Many Christians Picking Just Two Issues To Vilify - Abortion and Gay Marriage?

The following excerpts are taken from the book, One Nation Above God: Permission granted to print, copy, or distribute.

There will always be a moral divide in America, but this should not deter us from making a difference. Instead of continually criticizing, we should thank Christians who are involved in promoting the sanctity of life and marriage. I wish there were more who would engage the culture.

Those who ask this question often fail to recognize foundational truths. 

Certain "rights" and "wrongs" called absolutes are given by God to save man from himself. In the same way that a foundation supports the entire structure-house or skyscraper, foundational biblical truths support the social structure. Nearly all social issues are related to the stability and structure of the God-ordained family. All issues cannot be equal-if everything is a priority then nothing is. "Can we legislate morality?" No and yes. No, we cannot change a person's heart by forcing a set of laws or rules upon them, BUT we can restrain evil and deter wrongdoing. Most laws are connected to some type of moral system-the laws of a nation establish the foundation. For example, some legislators have attempted to redefine marriage and the family in order to accommodate gay-marriage. I believe Christians err when they embrace one of two extremes. At one extreme are those who insult, or who are violent toward those trapped in this lifestyle; homosexuality appears at the top of their sin list; there is very little love or compassion. The other extreme excuses this sin and looks the other way. Biblically speaking, homosexuality, like all sexual sin, is morally wrong and harmful. In Matthew 15:19, when Jesus said, Out of the heart comes evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications . . . these defile a man, He condemned all sexual activity outside of marriage-"fornication" includes all illicit sex. Many other passages in the Bible contain strong warnings against any sexual activity outside of marriage as well. This really isn't debatable.

God's principles are guardrails through the canyons of life. They don't prevent us from enjoying life; they protect us from falling. You may say, "Times change." And you are correct, but God's standards do not. The sin that once amazed us now amuses us; just look at what is considered "entertainment" today. No matter how many laws are passed in favor of same-sex marriage, it will not change God's mind. I am the Lord thy God-I change not (Malachi 3:6). Marriage between a man and a woman is a foundational truth that cannot be degraded, changed, or altered. This applies to abortion as well: Psalm 139:13 says that God formed my inward parts; He knit me together in my mother's womb. We will always have the "freedom" to choose, but no one has the "right" to do what is wrong-no one!

On the issue of abortion and gay-marriage, there is only one position-God's position. Topics such as the environment, health care, and poverty, are all affected by the stability of society, which, in turn, is dependent on the stability of the family (as God designed it). We should be concerned about the environment; however, how can we truly be concerned about the environment but not saline abortions-where a salt solution is injected into the mother's sac for the baby to swallow? Once swallowed, the baby begins to experience a violent, slow death-so violent that the mother can actually feel the baby in her womb fighting for his or her life. How can we truly be concerned about health care and not D & E abortions-where a large crushing instrument is inserted into the uterus as the physician grabs the baby with this instrument and pulls off pieces (limbs) until he or she is completely removed from the mother? What a travesty to place oil drilling in Alaska, or the spotted owl before the sanctity of life and marriage. "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:30).

Those who ask this question often want to avoid controversial issues. 

Today, foundational truths have been neglected, watered-down, or avoided altogether in the hope of "not offending," "securing an audience," or being "politically correct." Nevertheless, we are to do what is right because it's right, not because it's popular. Politics that once focused largely on the economy, national security, and the deficit, now tackles important moral issues. These major issues have enormous implications; to remain silent actually makes a statement that we are not concerned enough. This is not just about the loss of jobs; it's about the loss of morality. We're not just talking about adding millions of dollars to the national deficit; we're talking about aborting millions of babies. We're not only talking about fluctuations in the housing market; we're talking about creating life simply to destroy it. Topics that are "too controversial" are often critically important; we can no longer ignore them.

In response to the question, "Why are many Christians picking just two issues to vilify-abortion and gay-marriage?" I believe that Christians are not vilifying certain issues at the expense of others; they are underscoring the enormous importance of them. Unfortunately, those who are bold in supporting biblical truths are often seen as irrational, judgmental, bigoted, and intolerant, when the opposite is true. How can we warn if we never confront; correct if we never challenge; and contend if we never question? We must speak the truth in love!

Unfortunately, we forget that apathy today will be our downfall tomorrow. The greatest threat to Christians in America is not false religion, secularism, atheism, or any other "ism," but compromise and apathy. When we compromise and remain apathetic, we avoid the difficult truths of the Bible and decentralize the Scriptures. We "play" Christian but compromise everything that Christ stood for. We pursue riches, wealth, and prosperity, but neglect boldness, righteousness, and godly confrontation. When we compromise, we can easily become insensitive, indifferent, ineffective, and self-righteous. "Where does Christianity destroy itself in a given generation? It destroys itself by not living in the light, by professing a truth it does not obey" (A.W. Tozer). Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but the conscience of the state." He continues, "If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority." What an insightful perspective, especially for us today.

Politics won’t save America; however, we cannot ignore our God-given civic responsibility and the massive impact that politics has on our society. Make no mistake about it: America’s leaders play an enormous role in shaping the direction of the country: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). For instance, there are legislators who support partial-birth abortion, as well as gay-marriage and other disturbing legislation. Do we honestly think that God is not concerned about our laws? “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).

Politics is not always a bad word. It refers to governing or leading a group of people. We don’t have to abandon our ethics or compromise our principles to be involved in politics—what good is salt left in the shaker, or a light that is hidden? Contextually, when Jesus referred to being the “salt and light,” He was referring to holy living at the individual level, but the overlapping principle applies to all areas.

Politics has been instrumental in movements to protect the unborn and the poor, as well as the abolition of slavery, and civil rights, to mention only a few. These events all transpired because Christians took action. Leadership matters!

That said, we must always remember that our first priority is the preaching of the gospel. It is salvation that transforms the sinful heart.
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A Christian Manifesto

by A.M. Kisly

"I believe that pluralistic secularism, in the long run, is a more deadly poison than straightforward persecution." - Francis Schaeffer

There are some who say that we have lost the culture war. I believe that this statement is true in many ways. Yet in saying so does not mean that I believe Christians should give up and give in to the humanistic (man is the measure of all things) tyranny taking our country. Quite the contrary, Christians need to stand for righteousness, proclaim Christian values and stand firm upon the Word of God. That is our reasonable service.

In fact Romans 12:1 states just that:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

We are now living in what almost looks like a "post-Christian" culture. Further, we are in the war of all wars...a spiritual war with a growing intensity that no one could have ever imagined. Brannon Howse of Worldview Weekend stated,

"Every Christian must prepare and understand the nature of this spiritual battle because it is coming with an intensity none of us ever imagined-right here, right under the dimming light of our U.S. Constitution. Second Timothy 3:1 tells us that in the last days perilous times will come, and, my friend, they are here."

The time has come where we must earnestly contend for the faith. Christians MUST understand how to apply biblical principles to every area of life. The compromise with this world must end, and as it is written in Ephesians 6:13:

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

The following address was delivered by the late Dr. Schaeffer in 1982 at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS SERIES - Part 3

by A.M. Kisly

* This series is used with permission by the writer, QUEK KOH CHOON.

Part 3

WHAT DO WE TRANSMIT AND COMMUNICATE IN LIFE?

Our lives are an open book to everyone around us. People watch and observe us to see whether or not our profession of Christianity matches the way we conduct our lives.

A.W. Tozer gives a wonderful description of what the Christian life ought to be transmitting to the world around us. In his writing called, That Incredible Christian, he says:

The current effort of so many religious leaders to harmonize Christianity with science, philosophy and every natural and reasonable thing is, I believe, the result of failure to understand Christianity and, judging from what I have heard and read, failure to understand science and philosophy as well.

At the heart of the Christian system lies the cross of Christ with its divine paradox. The power of Christianity appears in its antipathy toward, never in its agreement with, the ways of fallen men. The truth of the cross is revealed in its contradictions. The witness of the church is most effective when she declares rather than explains, for the gospel is addressed not to reason but to faith. What can be proved requires no faith to accept. Faith rests upon the character of God, not upon the demonstrations of laboratory or logic.

The cross stands in bold opposition to the natural man. Its philosophy runs contrary to the processes of the unregenerate mind, so that Paul could say bluntly that the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness. To try to find a common ground between the message of the cross and man's fallen reason is to try the impossible, and if persisted in must result in an impaired reason, a meaningless cross and a powerless Christianity.

But let us bring the whole matter down from the uplands of theory and simply observe the true Christian as he puts into practice the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Note the contradictions: The Christian believes that in Christ he has died, yet he is more alive than before and he fully expects to live forever. He walks on earth while seated in heaven and though born on earth he finds that after his conversion he is not at home here. Like the nighthawk, which in the air is the essence of grace and beauty but on the ground is awkward and ugly, so the Christian appears at his best in the heavenly places but does not fit well into the ways of the very society into which he was born.

The Christian soon learns that if he would be victorious as a son of heaven among men on earth he must not follow the common pattern of mankind, but rather the contrary. That he may be safe he puts himself in jeopardy; he loses his life to save it and is in danger of losing it if he attempts to preserve it. He goes down to get up. If he refuses to go down he is already down, but when he starts down he is on his way up.

He is strongest when he is weakest and weakest when he is strong. Though poor he has the power to make others rich, but when he becomes rich his ability to enrich others vanishes. He has most after he has given most away and has least when he possesses most.

He may be and often is highest when he feels lowest and most sinless when he is most conscious of sin. He is wisest when he knows that he knows not and knows least when he has acquired the greatest amount of knowledge. He sometimes does most by doing nothing and goes furthest when standing still. In heaviness he manages to rejoice and keeps his heart glad even in sorrow.

The paradoxical character of the Christian is revealed constantly. For instance, he believes that he is saved now, nevertheless he expects to be saved later and looks forward joyfully to future salvation. He fears God but is not afraid of Him. In God's presence he feels overwhelmed and undone, yet there is nowhere he would rather be than in that presence. He knows that he has been cleansed from his sin, yet he is painfully conscious that in his flesh dwells no good thing.

He loves supremely One whom he has never seen, and though himself poor and lowly he talks familiarly with One who is King of all kings and Lord of all lords, and is aware of no incongruity in so doing. He feels that he is in his own right altogether less than nothing, yet he believes without question that he is the apple of God's eye and that for him the Eternal Son became flesh and died on the cross of shame.

The Christian is a citizen of heaven and to that sacred citizenship he acknowledges first allegiance; yet he may love his earthly country with that intensity of devotion that caused John Knox to pray "O God, give me Scotland or I die."

He cheerfully expects before long to enter that bright world above, but he is in no hurry to leave this world and is quite willing to await the summons of his Heavenly Father. And he is unable to understand why the critical unbeliever should condemn him for this; it all seems so natural and right in the circumstances that he sees nothing inconsistent about it.

The cross-carrying Christian, furthermore, is both a confirmed pessimist and an optimist the like of which is to be found nowhere else on earth.

When he looks at the cross he is a pessimist, for he knows that the same judgment that fell on the Lord of glory condemns in that one act all nature and all the world of men. He rejects every human hope out of Christ because he knows that man's noblest effort is only dust building on dust.

Yet he is calmly, restfully optimistic. If the cross condemns the world the resurrection of Christ guarantees the ultimate triumph of good throughout the universe. Through Christ all will be well at last and the Christian waits the consummation. Incredible Christian!

This next part is dealing with what we are imparting to others, especially to the lost soul.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:13-16:

"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. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

What are we imparting in our words and in our lives? Are we taking our roles as salt of the earth and light of the world seriously? Are we indeed worthy ambassadors of the Lord Jesus?

Let's begin with Part 3 in this series, Living In The Last Days:


WHAT DO WE TRANSMIT AND COMMUNICATE IN LIFE?

As we live in the last days, we should be acutely aware of our calling to be good witnesses for the Lord and indeed one aspect of our witness would be in the area of what we transmit and communicate in our daily living. Whether we like it or not, what we transmit and communicate in life would affect others, either positively or negatively. Others are watching how we live our lives, the values we hold and the choices we make day by day. Every action or reaction, every word we utter - all these are being observed and evaluated - there is transmission all the time and we are communicating even without our realizing it.

Let us ponder over what Moses said to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 4:9-10. Although Moses was addressing the Israelites, the principles are applicable to us too. The Israelites were specifically instructed to make known to their sons and grandsons the ways and deeds of God and they were to teach their children to remember and to honor the Lord God. Here we see the special responsibility of parents to communicate and to transmit the truths and teachings of God to their children and subsequent generations. Even for those who are not parents, the principles are still applicable as they have the responsibility and privilege to nurture and to help spiritual children regarding the ways of God. Those who are older and wiser in the Lord should help the younger and the more inexperienced to grow in their knowledge of God and His ways. In this manner, the responsibility of communication and transmission applies to all, parents and non-parents alike.

It is interesting to take note that in this passage in Deuteronomy, the first thing that was highlighted to the Israelites was for them to take care of their own lives and to keep their souls diligently. This must take precedence before there can be any process of transmission and communication. After all, what is it that one can transmit spiritually if there is no substance for any form of transmission? So it is that many Christian parents today for example may be concerned for their children's moral and spiritual development and yet, in terms of their own lives and spiritual reality, it is truly lacking. Many of God's children may be critical of other believers and may desire to help them to grow spiritually and yet, for their own lives, there is very little substance and stature for any meaningful communication and transmission of life. One needs to pay attention to one's own life and development first before proceeding to communicate and to transmit. One must be in a position to minister, otherwise, one has virtually nothing that is truly helpful spiritually and eternally to transmit and communicate. So as we look at the subject of transmission and communication, we must first take a look at the subject of giving priority to our own development. We must learn, grow and consolidate in order to be effective for the Lord. This is a continual process. Learning, growing and consolidating - they are taking place all the time and at the same time as we grow and learn, we are also communicating and transmitting.

Let us take a closer look at the subject of transmission. As we grow spiritually and continue to learn and to consolidate, we would then be in a position to transmit positive values and life. The process of transmission may go on even without words being uttered. The way we live our lives, our values and our responses may all be caught by others observing our lives. We would remember how the disciples asked the Lord Jesus to teach them to pray and in all probability, they must have observed the prayer life of the Lord which prompted them to desire to learn to pray. The Lord's prayer life affected them positively as they lived together with Him in close quarters. So it is for us too - we can affect others positively, especially those who are in a position to observe our lives closely. Such situations may take place in the context of family life, between parents and children and also in work and school situations, among colleagues and friends. It is helpful to take note that what we transmit should be an outflow from a life that is real and not just a front which we conveniently set up to impress. Putting up a front can cause serious damage in the long run, not just to the recipient but to the one who seeks to impress.

Ponder over what Paul told Timothy and Titus in 1 Timothy 4:11-12 and Titus 2:7-8. Basically, we ought to be good examples to those who believe in our words, our deeds and our actions. If we do that, then positive transmission would follow. Failure in any major area may result in our transmitting something which may actually stumble others. Many non-Christians have expressed their unwillingness to consider the gospel of the Lord Jesus primarily because of the negative example of one or more believers. To them, if being a Christian means being like this particular believer, then they would rather not consider Christianity. The key phrase in transmission is REALITY AND WHOLESOMENESS OF LIFE. There may be those who look at our lives and say - a Christian ought to be joyous and be at peace and yet they see so much anxiety in our lives. Then there are those who recognize that a Christian should be loving and caring and yet what they see in us basically is selfishness and self-centeredness. It is no wonder that they do not wish to be like us. What are we indeed transmitting in our lives? Of course, we are aware that there may be those who are stumbled by us even though our lives are generally wholesome. Even the Lord Jesus, who was the perfect man on earth, encountered various ones who claimed to be stumbled by Him. We are not referring to such categories but to situations where the stumbling is due to the failure of God's children.

What about the subject of communication? What do we communicate to others, particularly in these last days? Here of course, communication in general would mean more than just the words we utter and in some ways, communication and transmission overlap each other. But in this context, we would be looking basically at communication with regard to the words that we say. As the Lord provides opportunity, what do we communicate? Let us be careful that we do not go around communicating without wisdom and prudence. I remember clearly, when I was a student, how various ones in the university hostel shared with me that they were very put off by Christians who went around knocking on their doors at odd hours and rattling on insistently to them, like a robot, some standard Christian cliché they called the gospel, even though they were politely told that there was no interest to hear. To these hostelites, this so-called communication of the gospel was a nuisance and the Christians who did it were looked upon as insensitive and overbearing personalities. Some patients who were rather ill in hospital have also complained how they were very angry with Christians who kept coming and telling them that they were going to hell.

Here, we need to recognize that to a certain extent, the gospel message in itself can be offensive because of the truths contained in it; I am not advocating that we should not share the gospel but I am concerned as to the approach and manner of sharing and communicating. Certainly, we need much wisdom, prayerfulness and the Lord's guidance to communicate the gospel with love and with God's enabling.

What are we communicating as we share the gospel? What is the wholesome approach? Are we just collecting statistics or are we prayerfully looking to God to communicate LIFE? Do we depend on our method or on the Holy Spirit of God?

As God's children, what are we really transmitting and communicating in our lives?

"But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us." (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).

We see here how Paul and his co-workers communicated the gospel. They imparted and transmitted not just the gospel but also their own lives. The lives transmitted were characterized by blamelessness, uprightness, holiness and tenderness, gentleness and sacrificial love. In contrast, what are we imparting in our words and in our lives? Are we taking our roles as salt of the earth and light of the world seriously? Are we indeed worthy ambassadors of the Lord Jesus?

Also read:  
Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 4 , Parts 5-6 , Parts 7-8

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A Declaration of Peace

by A.M. Kisly

The 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.

From a Biblical perspective, the bible tells us that nations will conspire together to plot in vain against the Lord. While I believe there are some in government leadership that understand this, most don't. They are under the delusion that they can create "world peace" through a united one world government. However, their efforts will only further create chaos and war, and will usher in the anti-Christ's rule, and God's judgment.

Psalm 2:1-3...

"Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”

It is my sincerest belief that we are living in the last days. Looking at all that is happening in the world, the growing concern of Islam's plans to conquer the world, Israel literally being abandoned by what few friends she has, politicians make false declarations in order to ratify there radical agendas, and news medias that are nothing more that propaganda machines to influence the masses. Folks, if I may, let me warn you not to believe everything you read and less of what you hear.

We all know how important it is to study the scriptures. There are many if give no credence to biblical prophecy and how it relates to the future of mankind. I've had many believers tell me that the study of biblical prophecy is of no importance to the Christian. I say it is vital that you study this part of scripture as well. Understanding what is taking place in our world with a biblical understanding, keeps our hearts from fainting, strengthens our faith, increases our prayer life, gives us an urgent desire to share the gospel, will keep us from falling into deception, and focuses our hearts as we watch and wait for the Lord to "catch us up" before judgement comes.

Editorial
From Israel My Glory July/August 2012 Edition foi.org

History has a nasty way of repeating itself. And it’s happened again. Those of us who remember 1938 recall Britain’s then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain triumphantly waving a paper while disembarking from his flight home after meeting with Adolf Hitler. His declaration turned out to be a colossal show of naïveté.

“Peace in our time” were his words. He had made a deal with Hitler, trusting the Nazi fuehrer was a man who would keep his word to the Free World. The very next day, the Germans took Sudetenland; and history shredded Chamberlain’s paper, along with the delusion that wishes come true if one wishes hard enough.

In April, a senior U.S. State Department official stunned us by announcing, “The war on terror is over.” Sound familiar?

Furthermore, he was quoted in the National Journal as saying, “Now that we have killed most of al Qaida, now that people have come to see legitimate means of expression, people who once might have gone into al Qaida see an opportunity for a legitimate Islamism.”

Although the word terrorist has been expunged from America’s official description of bad guys, this declaration seemed more than a little much. The irony is that, as absurd as it may sound, it is no laughing matter. Nor can the comment be dignified as an expression of some new vision of American foreign policy that reads, “If you want to end war, just declare peace.”

Things don’t work that way. “Legitimate Islamism” does not exist, and merely coining the phrase does not altar reality for the millions of oppressed people living under the brutal dictates of Sharia law.

Try to sell the idea that terror has subsided to Christians in Sudan, under attack for weeks by Muslim extremists. A frenzied crowd of terrorists armed with clubs, iron rods, a bulldozer, and fire stormed a Christian compound in Khartoum in April, determined to destroy a Bible school, clinic, home for the elderly, classrooms, and living quarters.

In Jos, Nigeria, Christians were watching a soccer match in a television-viewing center when Islamic extremists threw an explosive into the crowd, killing one person and seriously injuring others. It was the second time in two weeks the Christian area had been bombed by terrorists.

These incidents are the tip of the iceberg. Islamic terror afflicts Africa, the Middle East, and numerous other spots around the globe. Ignoring or minimizing it or making bizarre statements like the State Department representative’s not only aids and abets the enemy, but is morally reprehensible and dangerous. In fact, such actions pacify people, making them complacent and unwilling to do anything to stop the ongoing war against those who want little more than to live peacefully and practice their faith in safe environment.

Of course, bomb-throwing, radical Islamists are more than happy to be labeled “legitimate Islam.” The terminology translates into cash and prestige within the international community. However, terminology changes nothing. The are fundamentalist Islamists.

And while the sycophantic West panders to their co-called desire for democracy, these Islamists continue to make war on everything un-Islamic in an attempt to establish a global caliphate with the as yet unrevealed 12th imam, or Mahdi, on the throne. After all, they believe their holy book teaches the Mahdi ultimately will lead the armies of Islam to victory over all non-Muslims

A fatal failure of secular analysis of the war on terror is its dismissal of religion as a central factor in the conflict. The fact is, if religion is removed from the picture, the true image is lost. Ask yourself a few simple questions:

(1) Why the relentless war on Christians across the Middle East and Africa?

(2) Why the obsession to destroy Israel?

(3) Why the demographic strategy to flood Europe with Muslim immigrants and create and Islamic continent?

(4) Why the rush to build ballistic missiles to reach Europe and America?

(5) Why the attempts to force Sharia law into countries and communities that are non-Muslim?

The issue is not land or a pluralistic world peace. It is world conquest by force and intimidation, and that reality will not change because the non-Muslims unilaterally declare peace.

The prophet Isaiah spoke of a future day when people “shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isa. 2:4).

No premature, impulsive declaration will bring about that day. God alone will do it. And unfortunately, it is not today.

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