And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” - Luke 22: 24-30
Monthly Archives: August 2009
Kim Clement’s latest, the “spirit of Al-Qaeda” (sigh)
God forgive me, but I couldn’t help but laugh at the first sentence in this newest word from mystic Kim Clement:
For the Spirit of God says, “The Spirit of Diablo who speaks to divide has held a vice grip on the communities of this nation. They have ousted the voice of the prophet.
If anyone has any sense they’ll ‘oust’ this guy.
Elijah List: “Chicago, Chicago, Chicago—There’s Been a Gravitational Pull Towards You By the Spirit of Al-Qaeda”
quote..
For the Spirit of God says, “The Spirit of Diablo who speaks to divide has held a vice grip on the communities of this nation. They have ousted the voice of the prophet. The inclination from My people for unity has rapidly increased, has multiplied. The prayer for unity has come before Me as you have joined forces in prayer—with My Son, Jesus Christ.
“Therefore a banner and mantle of unity is being released throughout the earth.
Hear the Word of the Lord to the United States of America:
“Chicago, Chicago, Chicago—there’s been a gravitational pull towards you by the spirit of Al-Qaeda. Why? Because the wind shall blow in the cities surrounding Chicago. Detroit, Michigan, you’ve been the focus of attention. Your mobility has become immobile, but for the fact that I saved Ford motor company. For what reason? I will once again take Detroit, Michigan, and it will launch into the entertainment industry. A new energy, a new source of fuel that shall fuel actors will become celebrities.
“This very soil of Michigan shall become a new Hollywood and a new New York. I’ve immobilized only for the purpose of mobilizing again that you may be the focus of attention of the whole earth. As I not only raise up and move to New York the motor industry, but I’ll move New York to Detroit, and I’ll move Hollywood to Detroit and become the focus of attention.
1 in 7 Church Background Checks Uncover Criminal History
What do you think about this? Personally, I have mixed feelings about it. I understand there may be good reasons, such as crimes perpetrated upon children, but isn’t this why we’re to know those who labor among us–especially before placing them in positions? Does that include a criminal background check as well? I can think of a number of Christians (Paul included) who would have failed a background check because of their past, before coming to Christ.
- From The Christian Post:
Since LifeWay Christian Resources teamed up with Backgroundchecks.com last year to offer discounted background checks to ministries around the nation, some 450 churches have requested for more than 5,000 background checks.
While most of those searches returned clean records or minor traffic-related offenses, 80 screenings reportedly uncovered serious felony offenses, and more than 600 people had some type of criminal history that may have disqualified them from volunteering or working at a church.
That means around 13.6 percent, or roughly one in seven, of applicants were found to have a criminal history.
“Good guys don’t wear superhero capes, and bad guys don’t always have shifty eyes and devious-sounding chuckles. In real life, discerning the heroes from the villains often requires more than a visual assessment,” commented Brooklyn Noel Lowery, a spokesperson for LifeWay.
“That means you can’t know whether someone is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ by looking at them when they walk through the front door of your church and volunteer to serve,” she added. “That’s why LifeWay Christian Resources entered an agreement with Backgroundchecks.com to provide discounted screenings for churches.”
Theme
I’m playing with a new theme offered by wordpress today– so if things look weird, hang in there while I’m trying to figure it out.
The old theme I liked, but the one tiny problem was the size of the text; It was sooo big and there was no way to change it.
What do you think of this one?
Return of the Judaizers?
Sent out by Andrew Strom today..
RETURN of THE JUDAIZERS?
-by Andrew Strom
I have friends who call Jesus “Yeshua”. I don’t mind it at all. I have other friends who keep the Saturday Sabbath. It doesn’t bother me too much, unless there is a kind-of “aggressive attitude” about it. But in recent years I have witnessed a worrying trend – that in my opinion is growing worse – and we need to address it.
Today when a Christian tells me that they are “Torah-observant” then all kinds of alarms go off. It may be that they are into ‘Hebrew roots’ – usually it is a lot more.
We all know that in the early church, the biggest problem they had was with the Judaizers who went around trying to convince the Gentile Christians that they must obey the letter of the Old Testament Law. This shipwrecked the faith of many. It was the biggest problem they had. The book of Galatians is all about it – and many other sections of the New Testament. It was a battle between the old Law – with its subtle bondages – and the new walk of the Spirit
and of grace.
A few months back, we published the testimony of a Christian woman who got involved with a Messianic group that slowly under- mined her faith in Jesus – and basically converted her gradually into a practicing Jew – even though they all thought of themselves as “Messianic Christians”! She realized later that in almost every way she had slowly had her faith in Jesus and the New Testament replaced with the keeping of the Torah. She had been “Judaized”!
And I fear this is happening to a great many Christians today.
End times beliefs
This is a brief, but decent over-view on common Eschatological beliefs held by Protestants: you may find it not only interesting but useful when discussing last day prophecy with other believers. Looking at the different views was something I found needful to know. Its not that you need to place another in a certain group–but while in a discussion, knowing where they are coming from helps.
I wanted to post a small segment concerning all views, but if you’ve ever tried to find a “non-opinionated” website which just presents the different views, then you know its nearly impossible: everyone has an opinion and apparently they can’t help themselves from inserting ‘that’ in somewhere. This below comes from a website (religious tolerance) which has no horse in the race, because of the nature of the website. Also know there are different variations of each view listed as well.
End times beliefs among Protestants
Various Protestant denominations and church organizations promote one of six main systems of prophecy concerning the “end times”:
- Historical Premillennialism: This belief was held by a large percentage of Christians “during the first three centuries of the Christian era, and is found in the works of Papias, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Methodius, Commodianus, and Lactanitus.” 2 The Antichrist first appears on earth and the seven year Tribulation begins. Next comes the Rapture. Christ and his Church return to earth to rule for a Millennium. The faithful will spend eternity in the New Jerusalem. It is a structure, some 1,380 miles height, width and depth, which will have descended to Earth. New Jerusalem is a.k.a. Celestial city, City of God, Heavenly Jerusalem, Holy city, Shining City on a Hill, Tabernacle of God, Zion, etc. The forces of evil will have been conquered. The faithful will live during this thousand years of peace in Jerusalem. After this period, all people are judged.
After Christianity became the official religion of Rome in the fourth century CE, this was declared a heresy and suppressed.
- Dispensational Premillennialism: (a.k.a. Dispensationalism) Premillennialism, declared a heresy in ancient times, was reintroduced circa 1830. Most people credit John N. Darby with its resurrection. He was a minister of the Church of Ireland, a denomination in the Anglican communion, and the founder of the Plymouth Brethren. However, author Dave MacPherson claims that British pastor Edward Irving was the actual person responsible, and that a conspiracy was organized to give Darby the credit. 14 Premillenialism received general acceptance by most Fundamentalists and other Evangelical Christians after the publishing of the Scofield Reference Bible in 1909. As in Historic Premillennialism, the Tribulation is believed to precede the second coming of Christ, and the subsequent establishment of the millennial kingdom — a thousand-year golden age on Earth. The Final Judgment follows the millennium. But, theologians are divided over the timing of the Rapture. Many Premillennialists search world events and signs in the heavens for some indication of the Tribulation, which they anticipate will arrive at any time.
The “concentration camp” near you..
Conspiracy theorists and last-day Prophecy pundits are on a roll in the US.
Just in the last couple days I’ve read about ex-Governor Palin twittering about health-care “death panels“, and Christians (including pastor Chuck Baldwin) warning about “concentration camps” being erected around the nation; Didn’t we hear about these same camps secretly being built, 15 years ago?
From a Christian prophecy website:
U.S. “SS Death Camp” Plans……..everything’s ready to go
New World Order plans for the U.S. and its citizens
Mr. Sea spoke of the coming American Holocaust of the Government’s plans for dealing with the non-New World Orderites. He spoke of the infrastructure that has already been set up to incarcerate and execute Americans, and the locations of the facilities that will be used for these purposes..
The infrastructure is set up. There are at least 130 concentration camps — quietly modified facilities which have sprung up and continue to spring up across the country, seemingly devoid of activity, yet requiring strange accoutrements such as barbed wire-topped fencing (with the tops turned inward) and helicopter wind socks. Most have good logistical supportability, with major highways and railroad transport facilities adjacent to the sites.
“These facilities, many in remote areas across our country, are set up to become concentration/detention camps, complete with gas chambers, for resisters and dissidents. Generally speaking, they’re set up for dissenters who will not go along with the New World Order. The ‘resisters’ are gun owners who refuse to give up their weapons; the 8 0dissidents’ are Christians, Patriots and Constitutionalists..
Why Are Internment Camps Being Built? – Chuck Baldwin
The Internet is abuzz with news about the construction of internment camps all across America. Of course, “mainstream” media outlets refuse to touch the subject..
As people read my columns all across America, I have had numerous readers contact me, saying that they have personally witnessed the transportation of construction materials used for internment camps..
That our federal government is building large numbers of “holding areas” or internment camps seems to be an established fact. The only questions that remain are “Why?” and “For whom?”
… is it not a little disconcerting when the same federal government that is building these internment camps begins categorizing Christians, conservatives, people who support the Second Amendment, people who oppose abortion and homosexual marriage, people who oppose the North American Union and the New World Order, people who oppose the United Nations and illegal immigration, and people who voted for Ron Paul or Chuck Baldwin as “extremists,” or “potential dangerous militia members.”
Websters Dictionary: Imaginations
*The act or power of forming mental images of what is not actually present *The act or power of creating mental images of what has never been actually experienced.
God’s word tells us;
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Why are we told to cast down imaginations? Because most imaginations are lies. But when entertained can take root, becoming strongholds which demons utilize to bring fear, which ultimately blinds us to truth.
One of the seven things that God hates is;
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief; Proverbs 6:18
A simple warning: Don’t allow your mind to become captive to conspiricy theories, fear mongering, and the over active imaginations of others–instead, trust God:
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
D. James Kennedy’s Daughter Banned From Coral Ridge
Sounds like Billy Graham’s grandson, in an attempt to change Coral Ridge and its contemporary services, back to a more traditional form, has his hands full. (HT)
Earlier this year, following the 2007 passing of D. James Kennedy, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church tapped tapped Billy Graham’s grandson, Tullian Tchividjian, to take over as pastor of the church.
Tchividjian said he planned to stay away from political issues (though the affiliated Coral Ridge Ministries has continued its right-wing activism) but it looks like the change he has brought about have created some serious conflicts in the congregation, leading to the banning of Kennedy’s daughter Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy, and several others from the church. more here
Iranian Women confesse they: “love Jesus..will not deny their faith”
A news item of faith in the face of persecution.
I want to add this personal comment: Go to the link…take a long hard look at the photo of these two young Christians. Realize they are your brethren; your sisters in Christ. Then remember their faith and their faces the next time you read of those like John Hagee, Gary Bauer and others, who clamor and work behind the scenes in Washington, in an attempt to influence politicians to preemptively nuke Iran, in order to further their own agendas: they also actively seek support for this action from Christians inside the United States, by sending out newsletters and petitions to sign.
International Version of the Christian Post:
In a show of unshakable faith in Jesus Christ, two Iranian women accused of being Christians appeared in Tehran court Sunday, they confessed that they “love Jesus,” and will “not recant their faith”; they said they have “no regrets”.
Maryam Rustampoor, 27 and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30, were first arrested on 5 March for leaving Islam. They were confined in a solitary confinement in an infamous Evin prison, deprived of medical attention, often blindfolded for interrogations for several hours during their 5-month ordeal in the prison.
Elam Ministries, a ministry that specializes in serving the growing church in Iran reported Monday that Maryam and Marzieh when they appeared before the court on Sunday 9 August that “though great pressure was put on them, both women declared that they would not deny their faith.”
The chief interrogator had recommended a verdict of ‘apostasy’. However, when they arrived, no verdict was actually given, the report said.
“Instead, the court session focussed on the deputy prosecutor, Mr Haddad, questioning Maryam and Marzieh about their faith and telling them that they had to recant in both verbal and written form,” it stated.
“It clear that in the eyes of the court, Maryam and Marzieh’s only crime is that they have converted to Christianity.” The apostasy in Iran under Sharia Law is death.
Mr. Haddad, asked the two women if they were Christians. “We love Jesus,” they replied. He repeated his question and they said, “Yes, we are Christians.”
Mr. Haddad then said, “You were Muslims and now you have become Christians.”
“We were born in Muslim families, but we were not Muslims,” was their reply.
Mr. Haddad’s questioning continued and he asked them if they regretted becoming Christians, to which they replied, “We have no regrets.”
Then he stated emphatically, “You should renounce your faith verbally and in written form.” They stood firm and replied, “We will not deny our faith.”
During one tense moment in the questioning, Maryam and Marzieh made reference to their belief that God had convicted them through the Holy Spirit. Mr. Haddad told them, “It is impossible for God to speak with humans.”
Marzieh asked him in return, “Are you questioning whether God is Almighty?”
Mr. Haddad then replied, “You are not worthy for God to speak to you.”
Marzieh said, “It is God, and not you, who determines if I am worthy.”
Another advertiser pulls Ads from Glenn Beck Show
Interesting news item…
Colorofchange recently called upon advertisers to pull their ads from Fox’s Glenn Beck program in retaliation for what they say is Beck’s race baiting.
Stop Glenn Beck’s race baiting
Fox’s Glenn Beck recently said President Obama is “a racist” and has a “deep-seated hatred for white people.” Beck is on a campaign to convince the American public that President Obama’s agenda is about serving the needs of Black communities at White people’s expense. It’s repulsive, divisive and shouldn’t be on the air.
Last week four advertisers: Lawyers.com, Progressive Insurance, Procter & Gamble, and SC Johnson, did pull their ads.
Today it appears GEICO has joined the list. (link)
Also see:
“New” Theology
A GREAT inventor is to make bread without flour, and he is preparing the plan of a house which is to have no foundations. Wonderful! Isn’t it?
We are no longer to eat grapes as they come from the vines—they are so old-fashioned: we are to have them after they have been squeezed in a patent press, and have been fashioned into cakes of mathematical shape.
When this comes about, we shall still be found sticking to the unchanged and unchangeable Word of God.
(For) There will be no new God, nor a new devil, and we shall never have a new Savior, nor a new atonement: why should we then be either attracted or alarmed by the error and nonsense which everywhere plead for a hearing because they are new? What is their newness to us; we are not children, nor frequenters of playhouses? Truly, to such a new toy or a new play has immense attractions; but men care less about the age of a thing than about its intrinsic value.
To suppose that theology can be new is to imagine that the Lord himself is of yesterday. A doctrine which is said to have lately become true must of necessity be a lie. Falsehood has no beard, but truth is hoary with an age immeasurable.
The old gospel is the only gospel. Pity is our only feeling towards those young preachers who cry, “See my new theology,” in just the same spirit as little Mary says, “See my pretty new frock.”
Spurgeon
There’s Somebody out there…
I first heard Tommy Bates almost 30 years ago when he was traveling around KY preaching the Gospel at any church who would let him. He was a young man back then, but I can still recall how simply and powerfully he preached God’s word. Since then, he acccepted the call to pastor at a Church a few miles from me, and has been there for many years.
Today my son had this song on a CD in his car and wanted me to hear it. Its Tommy Bates speaking first, briefly, about a local tragedy which occurred here awhile back. Then he sings…
I hope the song blesses you as much as it did me.
Maybe there’s ‘somebody out there’ right now who needs to hear this? I don’t know, but I felt impressed to share the link.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30
Faith groups begin media blitz for health-care reform
I know there are a lot of questions about health care reform, and that many Health Insurance organizations have been attempting to stop it. Even some in the media are campaigning actively against it daily now.
But in my heart, my prayer is something gets done. Not for me, for I’m retired, but for the millions who are in the same boat I was in; who work, raising a family with no health care. Not because they don’t want it but because they cannot afford it. I’m paying (physically) today for having none for years, while working.
But when its a choice between enough to eat, clothing your family, keeping a roof over their head, and health insurance; there really is no choice.
This shouldn’t be something made into a political issue, or even an issue which divides the Church (which it appears to be doing). It should be about people who work hard but cannot afford health care, or suddenly loose their jobs and their health insurance, etc…
From the Associated Baptist Press:
WASHINGTON (ABP) — President Obama will participate in a national call-in and audio webcast on health reform with religious leaders Aug. 19.
Faith leaders made the announcement Aug. 10 in a conference call with reporters. It is one of several initiatives being rolled out by a coalition of faith-based groups trying to frame health care as a moral issue.
“Every so often there is an issue that is so clear and compelling, or so alarming and disconcerting that it really does galvanize the faith community,” said Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners. “That’s why this call is so important.”
Wallis described health care as an issue of life and death. “Those who have health coverage live and live longer, and those who don’t have it die and die sooner,” he said. more here
Justice and Glory
A couple weeks back I asked Thomas Watkins and Michael, who both are regulars here, to submit something if they had something to share with us. I’m happy to say they both did. What you will read below is what Tom wants to share; Michael’s will be posted as well, shortly. I would like to thank them both for sharing what God has placed upon their heart.
As with any & every message posted at Sola Dei Gloria, use your discernment.
Justice and Glory
by Thomas Watkins
If this were my very last article that I ever wrote, or last encouragement, or warning, before my death, this would be it. It is the most valuable thing that I have to give, to serve the body of Christ. We must be prepared for the holocaust that is riding these winds of judgment, and realize that this is from the Lord Jesus. We are waking up, even those of us who love slumber.
Over many years, the Lord has given me several interlocking revelations about His church in America. One important piece of that is THE END OF THE AMERICAN DREAM! The Lord spoke that phrase, and revealed to me it would center around a “greed mortgage craze”, and there would be massive homelessness from the middle class, and riot like anger within the black and minority community. This was in 2003. A HOLY COMPANY WOULD THEN APPEAR. Continue reading
This Melts the Believing Soul
“That Christ should love man when he was most unlovely, that man’s extreme misery should but inflame Christ’s love and mercy, this melts the believing soul.
That Christ should leave the eternal bosom of his Father; that he that was equal with God should come in the form of a servant; that he that was clothed with glory, and born a king, should be wrapped in rags; that he that the heaven of heavens could not contain should be cradled in a manger; that from his cradle to his cross, his whole life should be a life of sorrows and sufferings; that the Judge of all flesh should be condemned; that the Lord of life should be put to death; that he that was his Father’s joy should in anguish of spirit cry out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”; that that head that was crowned with honour should be crowned with thorns; that those eyes that were as a flame of fire, that were dearer than the sun, should be closed up by the darkness of death; that those ears which were wont to hear nothing but hallelujahs should hear nothing but blasphemies; that that face that was white and ruddy should be spit upon by the Jews; that that tongue that spake as never man spake, yea, as never angel spake, should be accused of blasphemy; that those hands which swayed both a golden sceptre and a iron rod, and those feet that were as fine brass should be nailed to the cross; and all this for man’s transgression, for man’s rebellion: Oh! the sight of these things, the believing of these things, the acting of faith on these things, makes a gracious soul to break and bleed, to sigh and groan, to mourn and lament.”
- Thomas Brooks, Heaven on Earth
Crowder’s Newest “Impartation” plus…
Received in my mail today…
Glory in the Bedroom!
Experiencing Sexual Freedom in Christ
In this week’s episode of The Jesus Trip, John & Lily Crowder tackle some tough topics as they discuss freedom from sexual addictions, while explaining the Glory that is afforded to marital relationships. Need a fresh infusion of passion in your marriage? Receive a supernatural impartation of bliss!
Also, his newest download:
quote..
Ever wonder about levitation miracles, stigmata, translations, invisibility miracles, communication with animals and other strange phenomena in the lives of miracle-working believers?
In this two-hour teaching session, John Crowder outlines a wide range of supernatural manifestations that occur as a result of practicing the presence of God in divine ecstasy. John gives in-depth historical examples from the lives of Christian mystics, who experienced ecstatic encounters with God.
This guy just keeps pushing the envelope further and further into heresy.
Bad Theology
This is where John Hagee and so many like him err. This is classic ultra-dispensationalism.
Note what he says below in his newest article at Chrisma:
The concept of replacement theology is popular in America’s churches. Replacement theology means that Israel failed, and God has replaced Israel with the church. This is simply not true. Romans 11:1 says: “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”
Twice in Romans 11 Paul says that Israel has not fallen and is still the apple of God’s (*eye). I added the word ‘eye’ for I believe he meant to include it.
First, God did not “replace” Israel, He expanded it! And contrary to what Hagee wants to believe, it was God’s plan all-along to do just that. (See: Not Replacement…Expansion by Fred Klett). So his claim that many in the Church believe Israel failed, is hogwash. He seems to conveniently forget that the early Church was made up of Jews only, and any Christian with half a brain knows that perfectly well; (“to the Jew first”, Romans 1:16)
Then, in classic ‘Hageeism‘ he proceeds to add onto what Romans chapter 11 really says, by claiming it states ‘Israel is still the apple of God’s’ (eye), when it doesn’t say that anywhere in the entire chapter! (See: Romans 11).
Here is another, in my opinion, goofy statement:
Let me remind you that during the tribulation the gentile church is in heaven.
Its a goofy statement because the Church today, and over the last 2000 years, has been made up of both Jews and Gentiles. What does he think…that only non-Jewish believers in Jesus as the Messiah, will be in heaven? Apparently so. So according to Hagee’s thinking, all you ethnically Jewish followers of Christ today, get prepared, cause “you ain’t going” with the rest of us! That’s a stupid statement, but if you believe Hagee, its true. This is what happens when you teach or believe in two people of God doctrines.
Promoters of Anarchy in America
ANARCHIST: An advocate of or a participant in anarchy: an agitator: a resister, sometimes by terrorism, to organized government: a person who seeks to overturn by violence all constituted forms and institutions of society and government, with no purpose of establishing any other system of order in the place of that destroyed: a person who promotes disorder or excites revolt against any established rule, law, or custom.
Tampa Florida: Protesters drown out health care summit
quote..
Bitter divisions over reforming America’s health care system exploded Thursday night in Tampa amid cat calls, jeering and shoving at a town hall meeting.
“Tyranny! Tyranny! Tyranny!” dozens of people shouted..
…hundreds of vocal critics turned out, many of them saying they had been spurred on through the Tampa 912 activist group promoted by conservative radio and television personality Glenn Beck.
From the Tampa Bay Tribune:
quote..
The problems began when a crowd of around 500, many of them recruited to attend by interest groups both for and against the proposal, sought to enter the meeting room. The room, in the offices of the Hillsborough County Children’s Board on East Palm Avenue, has a capacity of only about 250.
Several hundred people, mostly opponents, wound up outside or packing a hallway leading into the meeting room. Some scuffled with members of the sponsoring groups who manned the doorway.
One man who said he was injured and intended to file a police complaint, Randy Arthur of Oldsmar, was outside the meeting room with his wife, Kathy Arthur, when organizers tried to close the doors.
She said he was slammed against a wall. He later talked to police officers, his knit shirt ripped and a few scratches visible on his chest.
Among the crowd outside, opponents and a smaller number of proponents got into occasional shouting matches.
After trying to speak, Castor left at about 6:40 p.m., taking jeers as she left.
“They’re hiding from their constituents. She works for us and needs to listen,” said Karen Jaroch, a Tampa homemaker and organizer for the 9-12 Project, set up by TV commentator Glenn Beck, which had recruited its members to attend.
Rep. Reed said she was shocked by the number of people who turned out and some of their reactions.
“When you get to the point of possible violence, you’ve gone over the edge,” she said.
photos *Video: Town Hall Erupts in Tampa Florida, August 6th
The spirit of lawlessness and the spirit working in those who advocate fear, hate, racism, violence and anarchy, is the spirit of antichrist. When someone has lawlessness working in them, they begin to oppose the authority structures that God has established, seeking to usurp them, and often propose themselves as having authority.
“For the secret power of lawlessness (anomia) is already at work:..” 2 Thess. 2:7a
Strong’s definition of anomia (or lawlessness)-
“illegality, that is, violation of law or (generally) wickedness: iniquity, unrighteousness.
Jesus said:
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Parable of the Two Trains, Old/New Covenants – conclusion
For the sake of those who might be joining this discussion in midstream, let me briefly review the points covered so far.
Covenant Theology tends to stress the continuity of the Old and New Testament eras. It sees but one covenant, administered at first by Moses and then by Christ. My model of this system uses a single train running on a single track. The train journeys through both the Old and New Testament ages, picking up passengers as it goes. At the juncture of these ages, a slight change does take place — Christ replaces Moses as the engineer. Other than this, it’s the same train, track, and people that ran through the earlier age.
Dispensationalism, on the other hand, stresses the discontinuity of God’s dealings with man, breaking history up into distinct epochs. In each age, God deals with man by placing him under a self-contained covenantal system, having no necessary connection to the covenant of another age. I’ve illustrated this as two trains running on two separate, but parallel tracks. One is engineered by Moses and collects Israel. The other is engineered by Christ and collects the Church. The two systems are completely distinct.
As an alternative, I’ve set forth a third model representing my view of an approach more in line with the Biblical data.
This illustration utilizes two trains and two tracks, one engineered by Moses and the other by Christ. Although similar at this point to Dispensationalism, in this case, the two tracks run at right angles to one another, rather than parallel. They intersect at a station house, representing the point of Christ’s coming in history. As the train of Moses pulls into the station, an announcement is made that the passengers are now to switch to the train of Christ. Some do, but most don’t, and the train of Moses soon derails.
The train of Christ now runs through history, picking up riders who made the switch.
Note that this model keeps the covenantal systems distinct.
It emphasizes the temporality of the Mosaic system on the one hand, while it maintains the one way of salvation and the unity of God’s people on the other.
In the first article of this series, it was stated that any covenantal system, to be Biblical, must reflect three characteristics, all beginning with the letter ‘T’. So far we’ve looked at two of these, transition and transference.
Now we’ll proceed to the final ‘T’–the idea of transcendence.
Transcendence
In defining “transcend”, Webster uses phrases such as “to rise above”, “to go beyond the limits of”, or “to surpass”. This term quite accurately summarizes what the Bible teaches when it describes the New Testament and compares it to the Old. The New Covenant is neither an extension of the Old, nor the Old slightly modified — it transcends it in every way. Let us examine three passages that clearly express this idea.
The Parable of the Two Trains: Old/New Covenants (3)
In the first article I sought to illustrate Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism using the figure of trains, tracks, and engineers.
Covenant Theology was depicted as one train (i.e. God’s people) running through history on one track (i.e. one covenant of grace) picking up passengers as it goes. At the appropriate time, Christ replaces Moses as engineer (i.e. a change of covenant administrators).
Dispensationalism was depicted as two separate trains (i.e. Israel and the Church) running one at a time through history on two separate tracks (i.e. two distinct covenants), with Moses the engineer of one train and Christ the engineer of the other.
In the last article, I set forth an alternative model: A train called “Moses” runs through the Old Testament age bringing its passengers over to a station where a train called “Jesus” awaits on another set of tracks. A call goes out that all passengers are to board this new train. Most refuse to do so and remain in their seats. The “Jesus” train leaves the station and now runs through the New Testament age, while the “Moses” train shortly thereafter derails. This new model, as opposed to the other two, emphasizes what I call transition — i.e. those in Jesus’ day were not told to “sit tight” but to “enter” a Kingdom.
Transference
In addition to transition, a second principle is required of any covenantal model seeking to fit the Biblical data: transference.
By this term, I simply mean what Christ declares at the conclusion of the parable of the householder in Matt. 21:43: “Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits of it.”
Note that privileges were to be taken from Israel and transferred to a new nation.
What is the identity of this “new nation”?
Chuck Pierce, “The Sound”
In a recent post, Latest from the NAR, “plus”.., I made mention of this thing the members of the NAR have been mentioning in many of their ‘words’ in the last few months; “sound”. I also pointed out the word “sound” has been showing up frequently in many of mystic Kim Clements ‘prophesies’ as well. Is it just a new catch word or phrase they’ve come up with? I don’t know. But if you believe as I do, that these people get their ‘words’ and/or ‘prophesies’ from another spirit, then its something to at least take note off–this sudden obsession with ‘sound’. It reeks of new age teachings..
This was posted tonight at youtube. A recent (July 29th) clip from a service with Pierce, in which he ‘prophecies’. Notice how many times he says the word ‘sound’.
Barack Obama faces 30 death threats a day, stretching US Secret Service
I saw this story yesterday and thought it was not only frightening, but a fairly accurate picture of the rise in hatred and anger which is being fueled in America.
quote..
Since Mr Obama took office, the rate of threats against the president has increased 400 per cent from the 3,000 a year or so under President George W. Bush, according to Ronald Kessler, author of In the President’s Secret Service. link
I don’t know if reading this yesterday was in the back of my mind, but while standing at my kitchen sink this morning praying, I sensed the Holy Spirit softly speaking, saying “they don’t pray for this president”.
just sharing..
New direction for the “new” Promise Keepers
Et tu, Bill McCartney?
Religion Dispatches: Promise Keepers 2.0: Women and Jews Invited
quote..
Whatever happened to Promise Keepers? PK was one of the most visible and controversial religious movements of the 1990s. It burst onto the scene in the early years of that decade, determined to change men’s hearts and transform them into “warriors for Christ.” The spectacular stadium rallies, held in many cities throughout the US, drew upwards of 50,000 men for a weekend of preaching, teaching, singing, praying and swaying, and tears and hugs. But by the turn of the millennium, the movement had dropped off the radar.
Well, Coach Mac is back!
Thank You Folks!
As I’m readying to log off, I see the stats are soon to roll over to 1,000,000 views! One million! Wow!
When I began this little blog my original intention was to just have a place to voice my thoughts or post something which interested me: I didn’t really think about anyone else ever reading it. But God had another plan, for He brought you into my life through this small corner of the Internet. Through your visits and comments, even when your comments strongly disagreed, you’ve helped to teach me many ‘truths’..you’ve helped me grow.
You’re all very much appreciated. I truly mean it.
The Parable of the Two Trains: Old/New Covenants (2)
Previously I sought to illustrate the differences between Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism by the use of trains and train tracks.
Let me quickly review.
Covenant Theology was described as one train on one track but with two engineers. Originally, Moses was the engineer as it chugged its way through the Old Testament times. Then, at the juncture of the Old and New ages, Christ replaces Moses as the new engineer.
This model seeks to emphasize the continuity of Covenant Theology. There’s only one covenant (one track) but two administrators (two engineers)–first, Moses, and, later, Jesus. The passengers on this train can be called “Israel” or “the Church” interchangeably.
Dispensationalism, on the other hand, was depicted as two separate trains on two separate tracks. One train has Moses as its engineer and runs on the Old Covenant track. Its passengers are called “Israel”. The other train has Jesus as its engineer and runs on the track of the New Covenant. Its passengers are called “the Church”.
Only one of these trains is active at a given time. First, Moses’ train ran until Israel rejected Christ, but now it’s been side-tracked. Then Jesus’ train began to operate and will continue to do so until the Church is taken to Heaven. Finally, we are told, the train of Moses will once again begin running and will bring its passengers to Heaven as well.
Notice the discontinuity–two completely separate covenants with two completely separate peoples.
The Three ‘Ts’
At the conclusion, I asked whether or not there was any other alternative. Is there no other model retaining the strengths of Covenant Theology–one people of God saved only one way (by faith) in all ages”yet recognizing the distinctiveness of the new age that dawned with the coming of the Messiah?
In other words, is it possible to construct a covenantal model that would reflect the Biblical data at hand, rather than constraining that data to fit a model which leaves all sorts of loose ends hanging?
Obviously I do, or I wouldn’t have asked the question! But what, exactly, would such a Bible-based, covenantal model look like? I believe any such model, if it’s Biblical, must exhibit three features lacking in both Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism. Those characteristics are transition, transference, and transcendence.
Transition
Several years ago, Pastor Jim Gables of Birmingham, Alabama remarked to me that any covenantal system must be able to handle the transition of the saints from the Old Testament age into the New Testament age. That statement stuck in my mind. As time went by, I began to understand the importance of it.
Suppose you were an observer in Israel at the beginning of Christ’s earthly ministry. Consider the condition of those He would encounter in His walk on this earth. Would they not fall into one of three classes?
Todd Bentley: Everything old is new again
Rick Hiebert of The Shotgun, has an interesting post up at his personal blog ricksmiscellany, concerning Todd Bentley’s website:
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Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley seems to have a hard time being entirely truthful at all times.
And here’s a case in point.
On August 3, his new ministry, Fresh Fire USA, sent out an e-mail promoting some videos that Bentley had had added to his site over the past few days. “New Video Content…” began the e-mail.
Anyone going to the Streaming Video section of the website will see that about three pages worth of videos have been added. But what’s this? The fellow in these videos is not the shaved-headed tattooed preacher of the “Lakeland Revival”. Rather the gentleman in these videos has more hair, often dyed yellow, with no visible tattoos at all.
Why? These videos are old Fresh Fire Ministries videos from three to seven years ago. (read more here)
Rick points out some interesting things about the contents of Todd’s new website.
