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RECAP NEWSLETTER - 4/3/4
informedchristians.com
Daniel Valles, editor
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Dear Friends,
Welcome to our first newsletter! The month of March has been a busy and
blessed one!
The Lord is opening new doors of ministry as we seek to strengthen each
other in the Lord.
The most recent ministry is iChurches (short of 'informed churches').
Pray that the Lord will bring these individuals in contact with a church
where they can grow in their faith and serve Him.
THIS WEEK'S VERSE
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This week, the Lord impressed upon me II Tim. 4:3-5, which says:
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come
when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall
they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables.
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."
Sometimes we can get criticized for our doctrinal stands, and how we view
the world. Paul instructed Timothy that his primary duty is to
preach the word. Even when it is not 'preaching season', his duty
was to preach the Word. Involved with preaching is not just
cajoling, comforting, or soothing (like many pastors today), but
reproving, rebuking, and exhortation. He points out that the
exhortation is to be combined with the doctrine. Doctrine is what we
stand for. If a church slides toward ecumenicalism, ditches
standards and doctrine, then with that goes reproof, rebuke, and
exhortation! Alas, in our time and country, we see Christians not
desiring doctrine, but ditties and doughnuts! Social club churches
look good, but have little to stand on or for.
In light of what will most likely get worse, true Christians are exhorted
to 1. watch in all things, 2. endure afflictions, 3. do the work of an
evangelist, and 4. make full proof of thy ministry (to fully
persuade/convince of). We should not slack off during the week in
the 'off-season', but be instant to preach the Word.
UPCOMING ARTICLE
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You've probably seen the 'teaser' for the upcoming article "When Freedom
Fails: What Will Christians Do". I hope that even just the title has
set the wheels in your mind turning. We do not like to think of such
possibilities, but in the political/world climate in which we find
ourselves, it is becoming more likely. In the article, I am going to
mention that it may appear as though I am very fatalistic in my
perspective. I am reminded of the quote: "Unless you change
direction, you will end up where you are heading". Too many
Christians are content to remain silent on standards, doctrine, Gospel,
etc. When the loses savor, so will the society. That is also
why reforms on a society will not have anywhere near the longevity or
effect that reforms starting with the church will have.
The body of the article will center around who has ultimate authority in a
Christian's life: the government or Christ? This is not an article
to suggest we do as we please, but if God commands us to do something, and
an earthly power tells us to do contrary, who are we responsible to?
It will also list several things that Christians can start planning for
now in light of the concern that one day soon, we may not be able to serve
Him as openly as we do now. Several Bible verses will be listed and
explained. Thoughts, comments, and suggestions are welcome.
WORKS IN PROGRESS
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We have in the queue, a DVD on "Why Should Christians Be Concerned About
Current Events?", which will combine the article by that title, and
highlights from "Why Would God Judge America?" The script is ready,
but finding time for filming is keeping that on the back burner.
Also, audio cds are almost ready for the four major essays. I am
still wondering how to go about the distribution of them. I have
considered making them available for free (yes, free) for those who send a
self-addressed 8.5"x5.5" envelope to us. For those not wanting to go
through all of that rig-a-marow, they could probably send in $5 for S&H.
Would appreciate feedback and suggestions regarding this.
CURRENT EVENT RECAP
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More and more it is looking like the federal marriage amendment bill will
likely by a civil unions compromise. In some ways this is more
dangerous. (I hope you have read my article: "Thoughts on the
marriage amendment") To have our government recognize civil unions
instead of gay marriage is just semantics. Civil unions are worse,
because most Christians will sit back happy that homosexuals will not be
getting married, when if gay marriages were 'legalized', then at least
there would be (hopefully) an increase in preaching against Sodomy, and a
larger, more public disapproval of that sin. And now that Dobson
with Focus on Yourself (oops, I mean Family) is focusing on Gay Families
(civil unions), it is even more urgent that we make a public distinction
that sodomy is sin, and God abhors it!
Rights and liberties were eroded with hardly a ripple this week.
Fourth amendment rights regarding search warrants was blatantly trampled
on. What outcry there was is fading fast. The Bill of Rights
does not declare our rights - it recognizes them. That is why they
are un-a-Lien-able. A lien is the right to hold another's good's or
property until a claim is met. Our basic rights are not subject to
liens (at least, that was the principle).
Violence in Iraq is escalating, as more and more pressure is put on the UN
and NATO to rescue this debacle. Global unity is increasing with
additional members for NATO, and more upcoming members for the EU.
The bombings in Madrid served well as a catalyst for tighter integration
amongst key EU nations.
Partial birth abortion is hitting the courts again. Most people did
not notice, but the PBA-ban is in limbo until the legal challenges are
met. I wouldn't be surprised if it continued until/after elections.
Sure, Bush signed it, but has not done much beyond that. Rhetoric.
The election matter in Taiwan has caused concern with China, as well as
protests within Hong Kong. Will see how they unfold.
I did not list it in the news, but there were several earthquakes in the
Yellowstone area. It appears as though activity has been increasing.
Hmmm...
Also, 'police-state-style' laws are being serious considered by the EU in
light of the Madrid bombings... They have even picked someone to
head up the department. Look for more draconian laws to be suggested
there (and here) in the days ahead.
REMINDERS
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Pray for the requests in PrayerList
Pray for us here at informedchristians.com for wisdom and guidance
Look in iChurches to see if you know of churches in those areas
Tell a friend at church about our website!
"Watch thou in all things"
"Do the work of an evangelist"
"Make full proof of thy ministry"
May God richly bless,
Maranatha!
Daniel Valles
Psalm 94:17
editor@informedchristians.com
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