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RECAP NEWSLETTER - 4/7/7 Issue 51 Hebrews 10:22-25 exhorts us, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Make sure your living room is not used to quench the Spirit in other Christians, but that it is a place where fellow Christians assemble and can share, exhort, and encourage one another. Time is growing so short in our world. When Christ returns, will He find your fire burning for Him, or long since quenched?
QUOTE
Lord, if Thou dost not soon appear,
THOUGHTS... "Neglect of reformation am I speaking of? Nay, have not many who call themselves ministers, endeavoured rather the overthrow than the promotion of it? Have they not had sneers in the pulpits at holiness and zealous profession, which they have seconded by a conversation of dissoluteness, malicious opposition, and persecution of those especially, who have been the most religious? ...And hath not the neglect of reformation, notwithstanding all obligations, rendered them guilty of disingenuity, infidelity, yea, of perjury itself? I verily believe this is the great sin God is scourging London for; God is contending for a reformation, and if they do not endeavour it more vigorously, the sooner, I fear, he will bring desolation upon them." -from "God's Terrible Voice in the City", Thomas Vincent, 1667.
UPDATES
CURRENT EVENT RECAP All around us, the world rushes headlong to its destruction. The nations are filled with people clamoring for a loosening of the restraints on their lusts. Quickly, the restraints and hedges are being broken down. As the flood waters of filth, perversion, profanity, lewdness, irreverence, rebellion, and indifference spread through the halls of government, schools, churches, libraries, and into homes, new recruits tear away the sandbags on the moral and spiritual levees built over hundreds of years by our predecessors. Matthew 24 likens the days preceding the return of Christ as the escalating pangs of childbirth. Just in the few short years of this new millennium, we have seen advancements and surges made in activities of ill ilk that would have stunned our grandparents if it happened in their day. Yet, we have gotten so used to gradual changes, that faster changes occur that the world takes in stride. Who would have thought only seven years ago that nations around the world would be rushing to provide sodomite marriages? Who would have thought only seven years ago that termination of the disabled and helpless would be a common conversation in our halls of justice? Who would have thought that states would be rushing and lobbying for the right to clone and kill embryos for harvesting purposes? Who would have thought that our tiny population would consume sixty percent of the world's illicit drugs? Who would have thought that there would be numerous sodomite actors and complete shows on television? Who would have thought that over thirty-five million Americans would be on some form of prescription and nonprescription medication? Who would have thought that the people of our world would be conditioned to indifference and turning against each other by such television circuses as "Survivor"? Who would have thought we would have a woman Speaker of the House, right in the top ranks of presidential succession; while we have another woman running for the office of the President - and that with noticeable support (See Isaiah 3:12)? Who would have thought that an entire generation is growing up dependant on electronics and the Internet to the detriment of their social skills, relations to people - to the extent that they will spend countless hours and countless dollars to live in virtual worlds of fantasy? Who would have thought we would have a Vice-President whose sodomite daughter gets pregnant, our our fake-christian President says that she will make a good mommy? Yet, the days show that the next two years will probably overwhelm what was just stated. Christian, get it in your head right now: You will not retire and live happily ever after; your children and grandchildren will be subject to the lewdest propoganda and soliticing without careful guarding; our economy is about to tank; the American dream is no more. In light of that, we should not live for this craven world. Our service for Christ will be the only thing of value when you kneel before your King. I am reminded of the story of the great piano player who gave a concert, finishing with a resounding standing ovation. As he stood smiling and waving to the crowd, his smile sank when he saw one person still sitting on the front row - his piano teacher. In the end, it does not matter what the crowds and people say about you, or applaud you for. Our service will be judged by only one person - God. As Christians, strive hard, grab a hold of the altar in your prayers pleading for grace to serve Him more - so that we will hear Him say, "Well done..."
The lustful activities of Mardi Gras were held over a month ago.
Such ignorance in the face of Katrina's impact on New Orleans stupefies
the mind. I am reading a great book right now by the eyewitness
Thomas Vincent, 1634-1768, who wrote about God's judgment on the city of
London by the Great Plague. The plague killed scores of thousands of
people in that great city; yet, he recorded how people returned afterwards
to even greater excess of riot and sin. It was scarcely months later
when the city received the Great Fire of London. I was shaken by the
parallels between the events that happened in that city, the heart of the
people, and our nation and world. As a nation, we have recently
received the events of September 11th. While there were a few days
of reflection and somberness, it has given way to pride and arrogance.
Sinners have not taken notice of the brevity of life. More recently,
we have been visited with Hurricane Katrina; yet, within days they were
flaunting their revelings again. What will be next? Thomas
Vincent, in his book, "God's Terrible Voice in the City", wrote that,
"when God speaks to the ears and they are shut, God speaks to the eyes and
other senses, that his mind may be known; especially when men obstinately
refuse to hear, God is exceedingly provoked to execute his terrible
judgments upon them. See Zech. viii 11,12. 'But they refused
to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears that they
should not hear: yea, they made their hearts like an adamant stone, lest
the should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of Hosts had sent in
his Spirit by the former prophets: therefore came there a great wrath from
the Lord of Hosts.'" That blind condition characterizes many churches today ignorant of the New Age teachings that have been brought in via the Purpose poison. Many of Rick Warren's teachings go contrary to Scripture - which shouldn't surprise us since he listens and respects various New Age authors so much. His poison is the greatest reason for the church's sudden apostasy these days. Never before have 'churches' been so quick to dump doctrine in the trash, mock those that would serve God, and embrace the world's trappings and delights. In there blind zeal to 'grow' they have not expanded in size, they've been lowered to a large, shallow puddle. They keep hoping that their 'programs' (which focus on 'Christianity lite' and social gospel) will reach their community. However, they are just shallow enough to perhaps barely wash the 'feet' - enough to put on trappings and a show of religion without having a relationship with Jesus Christ. What angers God so much is that the world is smarter than the Christians! Back in January, the news reported that a sodomite man (involved with exposing Ted Haggard) visited Haggard's former church which runs fourteen-thousand people. His comments reveal volumes: "If the Gospel message is enough, he said, why the loud music and MTV-quality production? 'There seems to be something missing, some realism, in my opinion...'" What's missing is God. There are many 'churches' in American where God has not visited in years - they kicked Him out. Rick Warren and Joel Osteen are the two most familiar examples - no preaching on sin, sacrifice, suffering, judgment, etc. They claim that doctrine is not important, and that we just need to focus on God. Well, they have a different god than my God. They have a Mr. Potatoe-Head-god: They can take off the eyes, ears, and mouth. II Chronicles 36:16 warns, "But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy." Malachi 3:14-15 also warns, "Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." I highly suggest you stop a minute right now, and read all of Jeremiah chapter seven. -------------------------------------------
The Israelites thought that they were exempt from bad things happening to
their land because the Temple was in their country. They listened to
lying words. Many Christians today blindly think that America is
excused from being considered for outright judgment because of its
'Christian heritage'. "[God speaking] But go ye now unto my
place which was in Shiloah, where I set my name at the first, and see what
I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel. And now, because
ye have done all these works..." Jeremiah 7:12-13. What has America
done? So many people are blind or ignorant to America's deeds.
Most (obviously) know that America is in a terrible moral state; yet, such
knowledge does not stir them into zealous service to redeem the time.
The purpose of this ministry and newsletter is not to sensationalize the
news, or build a readership - our goal is to exhort you to get busy for
God! "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake
out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."
Romans 13:11. Too many Christians brush off attendance and heed to
the signs that Christ warned us about with trite sayings that those events
cannot be changed, and Christ is coming soon. True, on both accounts
- but as Christians still here on this earth, we must live as though there
is a tomorrow. We do not know when Christ is coming back, so we must
be vigilant until He returns. We cannot have a lukewarm attitude
toward influences in our child's life because we are hoping for the 'great
escape clause'. We cannot retreat in our service for Him just
because we expect Him to mop everything up tomorrow. We do not have
that guarantee. We must live as though we will be stewards for
months and years to come! Our children, our families, friends,
neighbors, city, nation, and world are affected by our indifference or
zealousness. Christ's greatest admonition in Revelation against the
churches was against the church groups that were at ease and lukewarm! Our nation is awash in sin, and most Christians shrug it off. Too many Christians rely on statistics to take a temperature of our nation They solace themselves by going with percentages which purportedly show a low percentile of sodomites in our nation. Yet, when we examine the open homosexuality being endorsed and held up in public schools as a choice, we have overwhelming percentages of our nation who accept it, entertain it, and are critical of those who oppose it (Day of Silence). Our nation as a majority is accepting abomination as entertainment. No longer do sodomites feel open censure in our land - Americans and American companies (Sears, Disney, Ford, etc.) support television program which includes sodomites in key roles or as hosts. Back in January, the gay cable channel LOGO, announced that they had more than eighty major brands supporting them with advertising. More and more state and city governments are criticizing, not the sodomites, but those who reject such a life of sin. Many cities and major corporations have benefit plans and programs for their workers who are destroying their nation's morals. Many cities (Dallas, etc.) are now grabbing for the fruits of sin by announcing gay tourism for their areas. Major newspapers promote and encourage teenagers to embrace the sodomite lifestyle - and to be proud of it. Major companies (Wal-mart) actively support gay causes (Out & Equal) and financial groups (National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce). Our government is considering draconian hate crime bills to protect sodomy, and even strongly suggesting that they be allowed to serve openly in our military. Forget the numbers - look at our people and nation. We may not have an entire generation of sodomites yet, but they are taught to accept it, entertain it, and defend it. Another area in which our nation incurs the wrath of God is in the area of shedding innocent blood. Last month marked two years since the slaying of helpless Terri Shiavo. The shame of it was that our nation did not hide it, and it was done 'legally', with full sanction. As Bill Sizemore said, "Abortion on demand has so cheapened human life that we no longer look with disdain on the man who would rather terminate his unborn baby’s life than have to provide for it. We now acknowledge that as a rational, morally acceptable choice." Our nation has left its discernment of right and wrong from God's Word, and is now relying on circumstances and popular opinion to dictate moral choices. More and more states are working on embryonic stem cell research, while our government works to increase federal spending to support it. Time would fail to cover all of our nation's growing love for death. God is already at work judging our nation. We already know many of the reasons, and we are without excuse. Once again, our nation is on the threshold of painful truths. As Patrick Henry once stated, "...it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts." It leaves me speechless to see how many who desire the truth can so clearly see judgment coming to our nation; whilst those who shrink back from truth because of anxiety and anguish of spirit are blind to the least of the obvious. Richard Whately wisely said, "He who is unaware of his ignorance will be only misled by his knowledge." Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 makes it clear that sometimes we will learn truth that hurts. "And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow." Again, Patrick Henry said it best when he said, "Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it." One of the greatest areas impacting our nation right now (and in the immediate future) is our economy. Rising gasoline prices, millions of looming foreclosures, decimated production and industrial sectors, delicate delivery systems, grossly inflated medical and health costs, almost no savings coupled with exorbitant debt, the value of our currency losing value as more nations diversify their reserves (there is already more euro value in circulation than dollars), durable goods decreasing, unfufillable federal financial obligations (welfare, SS, Medicare, etc. - the government was $4.6 trillion dollars in the red last year's budget alone), far more consuming/importing than producing/exporting, home values dropping, job loss due to outsourcing and illegal immigration, insane trade gap, foreign entanglements money pit (we have spent over a half a trillion dollars on the two wars alone), etc. etc. David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States has clearly states that our nation's financial obligations are already over $50 trillion dollars! And on top of that, we have looming problems such as the fallout from the Baby Boomer retirements starting this year, agricultural disaster impacts, future health financial costs (obesity, etc.), further gasoline price hikes, and decreased amount for consumer spending, coupled with an increase of greater individual debt. Haggai 1:6-7 clues us in on what is wrong with our land: "Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." The people back then neglected God and worship of Him, the same is true with America today. What we are witnessing in our country right now is a domino cascading effect. Once it starts, it is almost impossible to stop. As gasoline prices go up, consumer spending/savings drops, and debt increases. But, as debt increases, and home equity drops, people are left with greater debt impact. As our foreign entanglements suck our coffers dry, politicians scramble to dole out pork projects (even more money) to keep the constituents happy (bread and circuses) - and so they will keep their mind off of the looming financial disaster. As financial commitments are increased, it produces an even greater strain on other commitments such as Medicare and Social security which the Baby Boomers will start accessing this year - increasing federal/state debt and taxing even more. Decreased savings and capital coupled with rising costs in gasoline means that the average individual will have less money for other necessary items such as healthy eating and care. Many will default to government programs and handouts then, exacerbating the financial commitments. All of this is also hoping that there will not be a national drought again this year (which there probably will be), and that no major natural disasters impact our nation (highly probable, though). If there is another major national disaster (or two), our delicate delivery system gets wrenched like it did after Katrina, driving up gasoline and oil even more, delaying truck shipments, businesses laying off workers/raising prices, etc. Another fallout will be that as financial difficulties increase, more and more people will turn to drugs and alcohol to escape. This, of course, lowers meaningful consumer spending/savings even further, and increases social and domestic problems such as increased robberies, domestic violence, etc. which require more police work, medical costs, etc. So, what can we do? Well, number one, make sure your walk with God is the first priority in your life - bar none. If you are not serving God and making Him first in your life, money is the least of your problems. If, however, you are striving to serve God first and highest of all, there are prudent steps that we can take (Prov. 22:3, Prov. 27:23). Read Psalm 37:25, and our article entitled, "Tempting God: The Errors of Presumed Protection" for additional resources. Number one: Eliminate financial debt and needless expenses. Cancel the cable/satellite television. Cancel the lawn services, etc. that you can do yourself. Change your own vehicle's oil. Buy the maintenance guide for your vehicle from your local auto store and do minor maintenance yourself. Eliminate non-vital car trips to the store - plan ahead. Get a very good air filter for your vehicles to increase your mileage. Cancel the cell phone. Stock your pantry (Prov. 6:6). Start a savings plan - try to save 10% each paycheck. Pay with cash - it reinforces an object's worth to you. Do not use credit for items that depreciate quickly. Get out of stocks and mutual funds. Support missionary work and local Christian mission work with the poor (Prov. 19:17). Invest in tangible commodities such as gold and silver. Buying healthier, organic foods and herbal remedies saves on long-term medical costs. Your wife does not need to be the hostess-with-the-mostes. Your children do not need toys to be 'cool' (neither do the parents). Get rid of video games systems - they only encourage you to buy more games. Carpool to work/Church meetings. Sell the vehicle you recently bought that you will end up paying two to three times for because of payments. If possible, move into a smaller house. Move out of cities. Set aside money. Do not give to your local church's building program or other useless nonsense - give it to missionaries with orphanages and Bible institutes, widows, etc. (Luke 6:38, Prov. 11:25). Open your windows more instead of using air conditioning. Adjust your thermostat down two degrees - you probably won't notice a difference anyway, but it will save utility use. Buy generic. Produce a portion of your own foods (Prov. 28:19, garden, baking, canning, etc.) - do not rely on processed foods (ie. learn to cook). Those are just some ideas to slow financial hemorrhaging. The biggest, of course, is get out of debt. If you are financial-secure, I would suggest you consider ministry work along the lines of Acts 11:28-30. I will not gloss over the problem - it will get harder to make a living. If you do not think it is a modern day problem, just do some simple Internet searching online about the very recent economic collapse that happened in Argentina. America is way overripe. Perhaps the events that will transpire will give excuse and precedent for the antichrist to institute harsh financial controls. One cannot help but see the parallels between the hyperinflation of 1918-1923 that set the stage in Germany for the acceptance of Adolf Hitler. Beyond the financial meltdown, we are already passed the halfway point on the slope of losing our liberties and freedoms. America is quickly and quietly becoming a policing state. Many of this is working hand-in-hand with the war on terrorism and the anticipation of natural or man-made disasters in our land. I have been saying it for years: our government will use a large-scale natural or made-made disaster as a pretext for national martial law, deliberately to destroy all vestiges of our Constitutional government. There have been extensive Executive Orders and open announcements for plans of suspending the Constitution and Habeas Corpus (Military Commissions Act; John Warner Defense Authorization Act of 2007 (HR5122); etc.). We are witnessing a merger and militarization of the military with local and state forces, National Guard, etc. (USARNORTH, NorthCom, FEMA, etc.). The groundwork is well established. The conditioning of the public is basically complete, and all that is needed is an event to trigger its implementation. The average American is too fat and lazy from their frolicking after the petty bread and television-circuses, that they did not notice the barbarians setting up camp. World-changing war is coming. How do I know this? The Bible foretells it (Matthew 24, etc.) along with a marked increase in concurrent disease, chaos, and natural disasters. God recorded that all of these happening concurrently will be the sign that He was about to return - it would mark the looming end of our world, and the start of eternity. I would recommend you check out some of the articles in our Prophecy section of our website under Resources > Prophecy. Many people see war with Iran looming in the very near future. Perhaps. But keep in mind that Iran and Russia are two of the major players that will move against Israel as part of prophecy. It is interesting to observe the dialogue between Russia and Iran right now. Russia is trying to make itself the 'good cop', while America is perceived as the 'bad cop' who wants to invade, smash, and kill them just like their neighbor Iraq. Russia keeps pushing for diplomatic resolves while allowing Iran to have what she wants, while also chiding America and threatening her not to make unilateral decisions against Iran (ie. invade). Ultimately, I believe, Russia's purpose is to make Iran turn to Russia for defense. Russia is a major energy player right now and can easily throw its weight around. Europe and Japan both know that their oil and gas reserves will only last less than a hundred days - at which point their economies and nations will grind to a halt. Russia does not have to threaten nations with invasion anymore. It uses energy blackmail. Both this winter and previous, Russia used its position and Europe's dependence to get the prices that it wanted, even to the point to briefly shutting down certain lines to make a point. However, Iran and the US could still get involved in some sort of scuffle. Ultimately, America is not in the Middle East right now for oil. That is not the reason for the war. She is not over there to line the pockets of Halliburton - that is only a side benefit. America is in the Middle East to foment war - to stir and agitate the world's tinderbox. Only through global chaos and fear will the Antichrist be able to effectively gain the attention and adoration of the world. In February, Israel conduced a nuclear and conventional attack drill for its population - the world is getting ready for war. We shall see how the exact details will unfold, but Iran is in a decent position to push back if America (or Israel) attempts to launch attacks. Iran (or Russia) could easily sink the carriers and destroyers currently near the Middle East with Sunburn supersonic cruise missiles - which our own military confesses they have no defense against. Iran and Syria already have defense pacts to help each other, and to attack Israel if provoked. If Russia inks a defense deal with Iran as part of a peace deal for the region, the world will be faced with the possibility of a confrontation between Russia and the US. Iran is already being outfitted for defense with Russian equipment, with the anti-aircraft missiles installed this winter. Since the Bible tells us that Russia, Iran, and a few other allies will attack Israel one day, we can assume that America (by that point) has withdrawn from helping Israel and meddling with the Middle East - or it has been militarily neutralized by Russia. If America ever gets to the threshold of about to launch attacks against Iran, a convenient distraction (ace up the sleeve) would be the destruction of the Dome of the Rock. Such an incident would instantly rally the entire Arab/Muslim world, which would also include our ally Turkey. Iran has a majority of devout Muslims who will fight to the death far more than their secularized and moderate neighbors, Iraq. The Arab world is already making preparations. Calls for the attack and annihilation of Israel are touted in their national newspapers. Most of these exact events are conjecture, of course; but, it is plausible. God may allow Iran to be partially attacked to provoke it and Russia to fulfill their ends. We shall see. Once any conflict happens with Iran, it will unleash the entire Middle East. Prophecy will be fulfilled. Our understanding (as limited as it can be) of guesstimating how events will unfold must be linked and tempered by God's Word. Iran will not be turned into a glass parking lot like many echo-heads are blabbing about. Iran has the power and friends to make some of our cities glass parking lots. And with our nation not exactly working to garner God's favor, I wouldn't go around picking fights. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." The Israelites of old naively believed they were safe from judgment because they were a 'Christian nation' with the Temple in their capital. Sampson thought he was in control of his strength. America boasts of 'power of pride'. How foolish.
The current events that we examined should bring your spirit and zeal to a
level of action to save the lost. Just like the Titanic sank slowly
at first, and then accelerated as more weight pulled it down; so our
nation may have started sinking slowly over decades; but now the keel is
bending, the walls cracking, the power flickering. As any vessel or
nation passes the equilibrium, time for action diminishes exponentially.
Efforts to save the lost must be with a sense of urgency, and others
warned of the peril to come, proper instructions and soberness are vital
for the crew. Iceberg, dead ahead! - Are you manning your station?
Our captain has already given the orders for the boats to be loaded.
We cannot force people into the lifeboats - but our duty is to show them
the way and give instructions for the the life preservers. Jude
1:22-23 says, "...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." Not everyone will be on the top deck looking
for the boats. Some must be sought after below decks and warned of
the danger and the opportunity for salvation. Some do not have far
to go to the boat and need only see your testimony and shining light
leading the way. Others are almost at the brink of no return - they
think they are trapped in their circumstances. Your light and
efforts may be the only thing saving them from Hell. Our duties are
clear. Stop listening to the orchestra or admiring the waves!
Ready the lifeboats! Ready the lifeboats!
PRAYER REQUESTS Do not live for this world - seek Christ first and highest of all.
Pray for our President that if he is not saved, he will come to the true
knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray that he will work to the protection
of the American people, and the punishment of the wicked.
Pray for the requests in PrayerList. Tell a friend at church about our website!
May God richly bless,
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