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RECAP NEWSLETTER - 11/15/4 Issue 24 Recently I visited a church pastored by an individual whom most of you would recognize by name. If any church was aware of current events, this one was. On the bulletin in the foyer were newspaper article clippings of interest as well as a editorial cartoon about Skull and Bones. Those definitely got my attention. There were also pamphlets and flyers about patriotic duties and rights, etc. I was definitely impressed. This church was no politically-correct group that loved the praise of men more than the praise of God - so I thought. As I entered the auditorium, however, I quickly noticed several elements that smacked of Purpose-Driven influence. In addition, the famous 'special singer' who happened to be there also regretfully sang. The music was so shallow and full of self and emotionalism (besides the fact that the decibels and 'accompaniment' were rather loud) that it was almost enough to make me leave right then. I forced myself to sit quiet and observe this unique group of people. In some regards, their pastor may have been more versed in current events than I. However, I would not go there. Right now I regularly visit a church that is amazingly sound in doctrine and teaching. Their knowledge of current events is nominal and/or close to none. That does not matter. When looking for a church or even a fellow Christian to fellowship with, a proper relationship with God, knowledge of what He requires in doctrine and holiness is what is important. The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge. Yes, you can have a knowledge of current events without even being saved. However, such knowledge lacks the element of discernment, wisdom, and guidance that can only be found when you are right with God. The book of Daniel talks about how in the last days knowledge will be increased. With the aid of books, computers, and the Internet, knowledge is is vast supply. However, wisdom has not followed. People today are smarter than ever, but stupid as the same time. Wisdom from above is what we should desire. When looking for a church, do not pick one based on their current event knowledge. Make sure that they are close to God, following His Word, and as John 16:13 says, "the Spirit of truth [Holy Ghost] ...will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." Seek God first. Psalms 48:14 "For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death."
ADDED RESOURCES
MISC THOUGHTS "Music is an emotional language, and since some emotions are wrong for the child of God, then some music is wrong for the Christian." - Mike Coyle. "It is impossible to be neutral when the choice is clear." - I Kings 18:21, Evangelist Dave Young.
CURRENT EVENT RECAP
Our Declining Dollar. Some notable articles this week discussed how foreign investors are quickly seeing that our dollar is not so great anymore. The amount of debt being bought by foreigners is dropping alarmingly. I say alarmingly because they are the only ones keeping our head above water, so to speak. Russia is now openly seeking to diversify it's currency, and is leaning more toward the euro than the dollar. Even President Chirac stated, "I am a bit concerned by the downward tendency of the dollar... Europe would be well advised to consider the consequences this fall could have have, notably for its economic activity and in particular for its exports, and possibly draw the consequences." In plain English, he is basically saying that we can all see that the dollar is predictably falling on a downward spiral. We, in Europe, had better think now of how it will affect us as this continues, and take appropriate action. As the foreign investors leave the sinking ship, interest rates may go up, taxes may increase... One article even mentioned the countries of Argentina and Mexico, whose economic fate we may soon share. As Michael Swanson stated, "the deficits are growing so large that by the end of the year America's indebtedness to other countries will reach 28% of GDP. That would bring the US indebtedness to a level of 300% of exports. Argentina and Brazil were at 400% right before they collapsed in the 1990's." I do not want to come across as gloom-and-doom, but it should be a warning to you, especially if you currently have a higher standard of living, live in debt, invest in the housing or mortgage market, have 'on-paper' savings, etc. I am not a financial planner, but it may be prudent to invest in tangible gold or silver assets, or foreign currency. Also, remember, you can't eat money. Sometimes one of the best savings accounts is a well-stocked pantry. Also, this Christmas, if you are going to buy presents, do not go into debt, especially deep debt. It would not be wise to glut yourself into debt and then loose even more money and value.
Our Declining Country. Another sign of our declining country is our pseudo-Christian president. As Michael Peroutka pointed out, "he [Bush] said not one word about either of these issues [ abortion, same-sex marriage] being on his agenda. In his opening, prepared statement, Mr. Bush mentioned: his war in Iraq; the need for Congress to pass some appropriations bills; intelligence reform; the economy; frivolous lawsuits; health care; education reform; the tax code; Social Security." Well, at least he talked about what is important to most 'Christians': money (sarcasm).
Our Declining Freedom. With Powell also resigning, we have reason to be concerned about his replacement: Condoleezza Rice. One article stated that she "will be far less likely than Mr Powell to argue against presidential instinct. ...she gave strong backing to the Iraq war and the policy of pre-emption." It also aptly noticed "Putting the national security adviser in the secretary of state's office in Foggy Bottom gives the White House total and immediate control over US foreign policy." Are you noticing that Bush is clearing house of opposition? He seems to be retaining those who are pushing the most questionable policies. We have also seen this week how Fort Bragg is now training troops to help in Homeland Security and more "domestic 'training ops'." The more military allowed to serve in domestic functions, the more laws will be necessary to strip certain legal 'stumblingblocks.' America had the militia and Civil Defense long before National Guard and Homeland Security. One was the people, one was the people and government, the next was government, and the dominant forces emerging in the domestic sector today are military. This seems to be a good spot to mention an article posted for 11/14/4. It is the story of a woman, and others, who was imprisoned for ministering at a homosexual "OutFest" on October 10, 2004. While it may seem to be bad news, she talks about how it came out to the furtherance of the Gospel, and how it influenced many women's lives in the prison where she was detained. What is our perspective on bad things? Do we shun away from doing right because 'something bad might happen?' God has a reason for everything. Just like this woman and Joseph found out. If you do right, God will have His hand on you, and will seek to use you in ways you never dreamed of. We learned this week about how China is cracking down on Christian activity, and recently confiscated 200,000 Bibles and other literature. While we need to pray for them as though we were suffering with them, we also need to think and act about who will replace those Bibles and materials? See a need? Fill it.
Our Declining World.
Miscellaneous.
REMINDERS & PRAYER REQUESTS Do not live for this world - seek Christ first and highest of all.
Pray for the requests in PrayerList, and also in iChurches.
May God richly bless,
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