-by Gary/Dagazz.
Vision of the Present and Coming Western Church - 06-05-11:
I saw the people of God scattered in dark foreboding waters. They
were broadly scattered and mostly trapped into an apathy of the
status quo. As I looked I could see that many were comfortable
being scattered and overcome by the spirit of the age, but I sensed
a storm was about to shake many out of their apathy and awaken
them to repentance and revival.
As the sea began to roar in the coming storm I was able to see
that many individuals were alone, discouraged and struggling as
the waves and wind began to beat upon them. Some began to
realize the bondage and danger they were in and call out to God,
seeking a way of escape, many had begun to seek out others in
the tossing waves and together they had managed to keep their
heads above the swelling storm and encourage each other to
hope and trust in Christ.
I was fascinated and moved with empathy and compassion as I
saw my brothers and sisters struggle and endure; what I saw
happen next amazed me. Those who began to seek a way out of
this ocean of bondage were lifting their heads, seeking their Lord,
seeing a glimmer of the revelation of His kingdom, power and glory
and beginning to move towards the brightening land that was visible
on the horizon of the dawning day. Those that did this were for a
time fighting for their lives as the waves tried to push them down,
crashed over their heads as the wind stung their faces and sought
to blind them to the hopeful vision they were beginning to see.
Those who didn’t struggle had no such drama and were carried
along by the storm, spared the battle that these others were
going through. Some struggled for a time, became discouraged
that things seemed to get worse and lay back, defeated in the dark waters.
As I watched those that refused to quit, it was as if these
persevering, praying, struggling saints suddenly became vessels,
like small fishing skiffs, or mullet boats as we call them. The wind
and waves tried to sink these vessels but as they got their bearings
and began to steer the course towards the growing glory, the bows
of the boats rose above the waves and the wind filled the sails and
sped them towards their destination. Because they had persevered
and not been thrown off course these people began to rejoice in
the stability and freedom they were experiencing now they had
escaped the clutches of the raging sea.
I was excited as I saw that this was God’s church that was being
raised up, those in the vessels were of one heart and mind,
focused on the Lord, His kingdom and glory and filled with hope
and joy. Some of these vessels would rescue others as they sailed
along and had soon grown into a great multitude. As I saw what I
believe the Spirit told me was the end time church, I was impressed
that they were what could best be described as a powerhouse of
encouragement, unity of purpose, prayer, proclamation and exhortation.
I saw one of these vessels cutting through huge waves that were
seeking to drown a group caught in the storm. A cry of intercession
came forth from the body of believers in the ship that had a power
like holy violence, it was as though the darkness was in an instant
driven back and the roaring waves scattered. The sacrifice of these
vessels, in seeking to save those lost in the worst of the storm
meant they had to turn aside from their straight path and the comfort
of rising above the waves, and again be for a time be beaten and
tossed by the storm, but love enabled them to endure this for the
joy of seeing captives set free. I was weeping as I saw this great
love and sacrifice for the sake of others being expressed by the church.
I then made two errors in comprehending what I was seeing, both
ideas were met with the rebuke of the Lord as they rose from my
heart. The first was that this church seemed to be free from leaders
as we know them in the church today and just seemed to be made
up of ordinary everyday people doing extraordinary things. I was
asked a question. “Have I not set in my church leaders, teachers,
prophets, evangelists and shepherds; for what purpose are they
given to the church?” I instantly knew my heart was wrong, this
end time church was not against leadership, but was in fact the
product of ministry gifts that are focused on maturing and mobilizing
the saints to be God’s people. There were prophets in the Spirit of
Elijah, convicting, challenging and proclaiming holiness. As I looked
closer I saw such people uniting families, diverse cultures and age
groups on the vessels they served on. I also saw teachers,
evangelists and other gifted leaders, all were giving glory to God
and proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ. He was their head, their
vision and their treasure. None were elevating themselves above
the people, they were lifting up Christ and enabling people to truly
know and walk with God for themselves. One crucial characteristic
of these groups was that they were all extremely sensitive to, and
empowered by the wind of the Spirit, and were no longer fearful of
the storm or its power.
The other error I made was in determining in my heart to devote
myself to becoming part of the glorious church that I had just seen.
I was shocked that such a goal was subject to correction as I saw
it as a noble and valuable pursuit. I was encouraged to, “Seek first
the Lord and His righteousness,” and warned of the danger of
settling for any experience, movement or ministry along my journey
that would cause me to camp at a certain place of progress and
lead me to not continue in the upward call of God in Christ. I knew
that my carnal, religious heart could easily settle for less than the
fullness that God desires to bring to His church.
One tragic part of the vision was that in the dark stormy sea I could
see large crowds of people gathering together but seeming to be
at ease in this environment. As I looked closer I saw that these
groups of people were gathering around gifted and charismatic
people who held these storm tossed but united believers together
with their words, slick presentations and dynamic personalities. I
thought that they also would acknowledge that they were trapped
in worldly, satanic or other enslavements in this storm and find
freedom as others around them had begun to. As I considered this
I saw that during this time these groups would also gather new-
comers who were drawn to the big crowds and the bold encouraging
words that the leaders spoke. I heard many of the people trapped
in these groups encouraging each other that their church was
growing and that this was a sign of God’s blessing upon them.
They were also questioning the authority of these other believers
sailing past them to freedom, feeling they were not in proper
submission to church leadership. They were sadly comforted in
their blindness.
Some leaders did realize the deception they were living under and
turned from being the centre of these groups and began to humble
themselves and lift up and turn the eyes of their followers to Christ.
Soon many of these groups were becoming like the others that I
had seen, escaping the storms, being mobilized in their true gifts
and callings and finding liberty and victory in their lives, with Christ
as their head.
I pray this will encourage everyone in the storms they are facing
or about to face.
-Please comment on this at the website below-
http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT
By Neil Anderson
1 John 3:7, 8 The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil
God's Word is the basis for righteous judgment. Is the person proclaiming the Word of God? Is it biblically true? Accepting the fact that God's Word is both foundational and central, however, is not the only criterion. Satan will quote Scripture. He even had the audacity to quote it to Jesus. Any organization can make up a doctrinal statement. I have even encountered hard-core Satanists who have infiltrated the church and occupied leadership positions in evangelical ministries.
Paul warned, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds" (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
I know of a false teacher who teaches the Bible. In fact, he teaches the Bible very well, but his moral life is decadent. Two of our seminary students were mesmerized by his intellectual brilliance. I personally wouldn't care to do intellectual battle with him, but I wouldn't want to battle Satan intellectually either. This man indulges the flesh in its corrupt desires and despises authority, which are traits identified in 2 Peter 2:10 as those of a false prophet.
I'm always amazed at how gullible some people are and how easily deceived. "He's such a wonderful speaker!" "What a charismatic person!" "I could feel the electricity in the air!" They're not judging righteously; they're judging by appearance (or worse, by how they feel). John wrote, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24); and "Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil" (1 John 3:7, 8).
Prayer: Dear Father, I desire the capacity for righteous judgment based on Your Word to deal effectively with the enemy's subtle schemes.
1 John 3:7, 8 The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil
God's Word is the basis for righteous judgment. Is the person proclaiming the Word of God? Is it biblically true? Accepting the fact that God's Word is both foundational and central, however, is not the only criterion. Satan will quote Scripture. He even had the audacity to quote it to Jesus. Any organization can make up a doctrinal statement. I have even encountered hard-core Satanists who have infiltrated the church and occupied leadership positions in evangelical ministries.
Paul warned, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds" (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
I know of a false teacher who teaches the Bible. In fact, he teaches the Bible very well, but his moral life is decadent. Two of our seminary students were mesmerized by his intellectual brilliance. I personally wouldn't care to do intellectual battle with him, but I wouldn't want to battle Satan intellectually either. This man indulges the flesh in its corrupt desires and despises authority, which are traits identified in 2 Peter 2:10 as those of a false prophet.
I'm always amazed at how gullible some people are and how easily deceived. "He's such a wonderful speaker!" "What a charismatic person!" "I could feel the electricity in the air!" They're not judging righteously; they're judging by appearance (or worse, by how they feel). John wrote, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24); and "Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil" (1 John 3:7, 8).
Prayer: Dear Father, I desire the capacity for righteous judgment based on Your Word to deal effectively with the enemy's subtle schemes.
REAL DISCIPLES OR NOT?? - The Big Question
by LibertyWorld.
"Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the Cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.
Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kindly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble, it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship. (Hitler had Bonhoeffer shot because he chose to bow to Christ rather than to the Gestapo.)
Matthew 28:19 reads "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." R.S.V., and most versions. The Greek reads, "To become a pupil." "Enroll as a scholar."Christ did not say to make "converts," but rather to "make disciples." "Followers." In verse 20 He says, "Teaching them to 'observe' all things whatsoever I have commanded you..." Again the Greek reads to "hold fast." How very imperative it is to hold fast the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ!
The 'gospel' of our Lord Jesus Christ is not the gospel that is being preached in most pulpits today! Today's gospel is "another gospel," it is not the gospel of the Scriptures! Generally speaking, the church
that provides the best and the most entertainment is the church that garners the greatest number of attendants.
Much of today's gospel is a false gospel, built on false premises, built on false teaching! Should any sincere Christian question this statement, let this individual read Matthew chapter 7:13-28 and verse 29 which says that those who heard Christ's teachings were astonished. Can you imagine the astonishment of people today also, if His message were being preached and taught in our pulpits!
And they of the church
And they of the world;
Walk hand and heart,
And only God who knoweth all
Can tell the two apart.
Hear what Dr. A. W. Tozer has to say on this matter, "Any objections to the carrying on of our present golden-calf Christianity is met with the triumphant reply, 'But we are winning them.' And winning them to what? To true discipleship? To cross carrying? To self-denial? To separation from the world? To crucifixion of the flesh? To holy living? To nobility of character? To hard self-discipline? To love for God? To total commitment to Christ? Of course the answer to all these questions is 'No'." John Fletcher said, "More is said from our pulpits in favor of sin than against it."
"No longer is the thundering message of the prophet of God heralded from the sacred pulpit, warning against the wrath of a holy and just God against sin" - Wesley Duewel.
-Please comment on this issue of "Real Disciples" at our website- http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/
"Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the Cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.
Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kindly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble, it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship. (Hitler had Bonhoeffer shot because he chose to bow to Christ rather than to the Gestapo.)
Matthew 28:19 reads "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." R.S.V., and most versions. The Greek reads, "To become a pupil." "Enroll as a scholar."Christ did not say to make "converts," but rather to "make disciples." "Followers." In verse 20 He says, "Teaching them to 'observe' all things whatsoever I have commanded you..." Again the Greek reads to "hold fast." How very imperative it is to hold fast the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ!
The 'gospel' of our Lord Jesus Christ is not the gospel that is being preached in most pulpits today! Today's gospel is "another gospel," it is not the gospel of the Scriptures! Generally speaking, the church
that provides the best and the most entertainment is the church that garners the greatest number of attendants.
Much of today's gospel is a false gospel, built on false premises, built on false teaching! Should any sincere Christian question this statement, let this individual read Matthew chapter 7:13-28 and verse 29 which says that those who heard Christ's teachings were astonished. Can you imagine the astonishment of people today also, if His message were being preached and taught in our pulpits!
And they of the church
And they of the world;
Walk hand and heart,
And only God who knoweth all
Can tell the two apart.
Hear what Dr. A. W. Tozer has to say on this matter, "Any objections to the carrying on of our present golden-calf Christianity is met with the triumphant reply, 'But we are winning them.' And winning them to what? To true discipleship? To cross carrying? To self-denial? To separation from the world? To crucifixion of the flesh? To holy living? To nobility of character? To hard self-discipline? To love for God? To total commitment to Christ? Of course the answer to all these questions is 'No'." John Fletcher said, "More is said from our pulpits in favor of sin than against it."
"No longer is the thundering message of the prophet of God heralded from the sacred pulpit, warning against the wrath of a holy and just God against sin" - Wesley Duewel.
-Please comment on this issue of "Real Disciples" at our website- http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Beware of Terrorists Groups in Church
by Janet Peterson
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches.
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches.
They have been identified as:
Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin and Bin Missin.
Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. They plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along. Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others.
They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT! However, you can spot them if you bin lookin and bin goin.
...I'm sure you must be smiling!
blessings ~janet~
Friday, May 6, 2011
BE STILL AND KNOW
by David Wilkerson
After the Word tells us that it is God who makes wars to cease, this is added: "Be still and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10).
The Hebrew word for "still" is raphah, which means to cease; let alone; become weak, feeble. It is from the root rapha, which mean to mend and be made thoroughly whole by the hand of a physician.
How thoroughly consistent the Word of God is. He makes wars to cease and until he finishes his work, we are to cease our self-righteous efforts, trust everything into his hands, confess our weaknesses and feebleness, and trust our future and restoration into the hands of Christ, our Great Physician.
Loving believer, is your inner conflict tearing you apart? You may be buffeted by Satan, but he cannot hurt or destroy you. Most likely you are being stripped down in preparation for a deeper revelation of the cross so you can be made ready for greater service for God.
You are like Peter, who was stripped of everything before going to Pentecost. See this great man of God wandering aimlessly over the Judean hills—at rock bottom. Peter once walked on water and helped feed multitudes miraculously. He experienced the actual glory of God and was a blessed, prominent, useful, Christ-loved servant. But he sinned grievously, failing the Lord as few others did, and afterward, he wept and grieved, thinking he had lost his salvation and his ministry.
"What is wrong with me?" he must have asked himself over and again. "Why did I have no power or strength when temped? Why no moral reserves—no will to resist the enemy? Why did I have to be the one to fall? How could a man of God do such a horrendous thing to his Lord? How could I have preached to others when I have no power in a crisis?"
God did not cause Peter's failure, but great good came out of it. It was a part of the stripping of God's man—permitted to reveal what was rooted deep in the inner man. Only failure could expose the pride and self-sufficiency. Failure broke Peter down and revealed to him his need for absolute dependence on his Lord for everything, including his purity and righteousness.
It is in the shadow of the cross that we endure our greatest temptation and
failures and then break through to resurrection!
After the Word tells us that it is God who makes wars to cease, this is added: "Be still and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10).
The Hebrew word for "still" is raphah, which means to cease; let alone; become weak, feeble. It is from the root rapha, which mean to mend and be made thoroughly whole by the hand of a physician.
How thoroughly consistent the Word of God is. He makes wars to cease and until he finishes his work, we are to cease our self-righteous efforts, trust everything into his hands, confess our weaknesses and feebleness, and trust our future and restoration into the hands of Christ, our Great Physician.
Loving believer, is your inner conflict tearing you apart? You may be buffeted by Satan, but he cannot hurt or destroy you. Most likely you are being stripped down in preparation for a deeper revelation of the cross so you can be made ready for greater service for God.
You are like Peter, who was stripped of everything before going to Pentecost. See this great man of God wandering aimlessly over the Judean hills—at rock bottom. Peter once walked on water and helped feed multitudes miraculously. He experienced the actual glory of God and was a blessed, prominent, useful, Christ-loved servant. But he sinned grievously, failing the Lord as few others did, and afterward, he wept and grieved, thinking he had lost his salvation and his ministry.
"What is wrong with me?" he must have asked himself over and again. "Why did I have no power or strength when temped? Why no moral reserves—no will to resist the enemy? Why did I have to be the one to fall? How could a man of God do such a horrendous thing to his Lord? How could I have preached to others when I have no power in a crisis?"
God did not cause Peter's failure, but great good came out of it. It was a part of the stripping of God's man—permitted to reveal what was rooted deep in the inner man. Only failure could expose the pride and self-sufficiency. Failure broke Peter down and revealed to him his need for absolute dependence on his Lord for everything, including his purity and righteousness.
It is in the shadow of the cross that we endure our greatest temptation and
failures and then break through to resurrection!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
A Man of Unlimited Faith - Tribute to David Wilkerson
David Wilkerson Today
MONDAY, MAY 2, 2011
Friend to the outcast and hurting. Fearless witness of Christ’s saving power. Passionate voice for God to his church. Tender supporter of widows, orphans and the poor. And spiritual father to generation upongeneration—from the destitute to the powerful, from adults to teenagers, from loved ones to strangers from every walk of life.
These traits only begin to define the life of David Wilkerson. For over six decades he served the Lord faithfully in ministry, founding and leading outreaches that have grown internationally with each decade. Behind it all has been an unwavering belief in God’s love for every human being and His
relentless desire to reach them.
“Brother Dave,” as he liked to be called, was known literally to millions for his unlimited faith. He believed God could change the lives of gang members and transform the most desperate drug addicts and the Lord did. He believed a dynamic church could be launched in the heart of Times Square, New York City and God brought it to pass. He believed he could be a man who loved his wife and children well and he did.
David Ray Wilkerson was born May 19, 1931, in Hammond, Indiana, to a line of devoted Pentecostal preachers. After he was ordained in the Assemblies of God, he married the love of his life Gwendolyn Carosso, who would serve beside him in ministry for 57 years.
From the very beginning Brother Dave applied a creative, innovative spirit to ministry. Yet he preached from anguish and pain, believing God works through our weakness. He knew that God confounds the wisdom of the world to reveal Himself—and that truth was proved again and again by the ministries Brother Dave founded.
In 1958 he traveled from his small church in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania, to reach out to gang members on trial in New York City. “He had never been to New York he had certainly never met a gang member or a drug addict,” according to his brother, Don Wilkerson. “He just came here, with his
simplicity, his naivete, whatever you want to call it, and he changed people’s lives.”
As Brother Dave’s friend McCandlish Phillips, the New York Times reporter, wrote, “His method was an absolute model of simplicity, directness and total non-sophistication he just went out on the streets and mixed with the kids and reasoned with them face-to-face, often quoting the Bible and it worked.”
Out of that bold move was born the Teen Challenge ministry, a Christ-centered drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. The ministry became well known though the book The Cross and the Switchblade, which has sold over 50 million copies and been translated into 30 languages. The ministry has grown to more than 1,000 centers in the United States and 80 other countries.
The Lord then stirred Brother Dave to found Youth Crusades, his evangelistic ministry to young people. An entire generation became inspired that their lives mattered greatly to God. Brother Dave also wrote prolifically, his books moving generations of readers toward a life of holy devotion in Christ. The dozens of books he produced were filled with powerful insight, clarity and conviction. And he lived out the Christ-like example he wrote of, speaking continually of his own weaknesses and Christ’s faithfulness to him.
Like his namesake, King David of old, Brother Dave served God’s purposes in his generation. He preached with uncompromising passion and relentless grace. He was not one for fanfare, acclaim or ceremony. He turned down invitations to meet with world leaders, yet he would give everything he owned to support a poor orphan or a widow in distress.
His last mission on earth was to be an advocate for the poorest of the poor to provide relief and support for hungry children, widows and orphans, in the U.S. and in impoverished countries. The outreach he founded to do this, Please Pass the Bread, ministers to thousands of children daily through 56 outreaches in 8 countries.
He ran his race well, and when he was finished he was called home by his Lord. David Wilkerson touched the lives of multiplied millions, and the God-inspired works he founded now outlive him. The impact of his life is immeasurable—not only in his preaching, writing and founding of world-changing ministries, but in his love, devotion, compassion and ability to stir our faith for greater works.
David’s son Gary offers this word to all who knew and loved his dad: “I know if my father were able to encourage you with his words today, he would invite you to give your all to Jesus, to love God deeply and to give yourself away to the needs of others.”
Brother Dave’s final blog posting, titled “When All Means Fail,” is a fitting word of departure to all whose lives he touched: “Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail, His love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in His Word. There is no other hope in this world.”
David Wilkerson’s passing is deep personal loss for many. Yet we rejoice knowing he lived life to the very fullest, in obedient devotion to God and with a radical love for Jesus.
He is survived by his wife, Gwen Wilkerson; daughter Debi Jonker, her husband, Roger, sons Brent and Matthew and Matthew’s wife, Christina, and children Eva and Grant; daughter Bonnie Hayslip, her husband, Roger, sons David and Brandon and Brandon’s wife, Christina; son Gary Wilkerson, his wife, Kelly, and children, Ashley, Elliot, Evan and Annie; son Greg Wilkerson, his wife, Teresa, and their children, Alyssa and Ryan; brothers Don Wilkerson and Jerry Wilkerson and sister Ruth Harris. His grandsons serve as his pallbearers.
MONDAY, MAY 2, 2011
Friend to the outcast and hurting. Fearless witness of Christ’s saving power. Passionate voice for God to his church. Tender supporter of widows, orphans and the poor. And spiritual father to generation upongeneration—from the destitute to the powerful, from adults to teenagers, from loved ones to strangers from every walk of life.
These traits only begin to define the life of David Wilkerson. For over six decades he served the Lord faithfully in ministry, founding and leading outreaches that have grown internationally with each decade. Behind it all has been an unwavering belief in God’s love for every human being and His
relentless desire to reach them.
“Brother Dave,” as he liked to be called, was known literally to millions for his unlimited faith. He believed God could change the lives of gang members and transform the most desperate drug addicts and the Lord did. He believed a dynamic church could be launched in the heart of Times Square, New York City and God brought it to pass. He believed he could be a man who loved his wife and children well and he did.
David Ray Wilkerson was born May 19, 1931, in Hammond, Indiana, to a line of devoted Pentecostal preachers. After he was ordained in the Assemblies of God, he married the love of his life Gwendolyn Carosso, who would serve beside him in ministry for 57 years.
From the very beginning Brother Dave applied a creative, innovative spirit to ministry. Yet he preached from anguish and pain, believing God works through our weakness. He knew that God confounds the wisdom of the world to reveal Himself—and that truth was proved again and again by the ministries Brother Dave founded.
In 1958 he traveled from his small church in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania, to reach out to gang members on trial in New York City. “He had never been to New York he had certainly never met a gang member or a drug addict,” according to his brother, Don Wilkerson. “He just came here, with his
simplicity, his naivete, whatever you want to call it, and he changed people’s lives.”
As Brother Dave’s friend McCandlish Phillips, the New York Times reporter, wrote, “His method was an absolute model of simplicity, directness and total non-sophistication he just went out on the streets and mixed with the kids and reasoned with them face-to-face, often quoting the Bible and it worked.”
Out of that bold move was born the Teen Challenge ministry, a Christ-centered drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. The ministry became well known though the book The Cross and the Switchblade, which has sold over 50 million copies and been translated into 30 languages. The ministry has grown to more than 1,000 centers in the United States and 80 other countries.
The Lord then stirred Brother Dave to found Youth Crusades, his evangelistic ministry to young people. An entire generation became inspired that their lives mattered greatly to God. Brother Dave also wrote prolifically, his books moving generations of readers toward a life of holy devotion in Christ. The dozens of books he produced were filled with powerful insight, clarity and conviction. And he lived out the Christ-like example he wrote of, speaking continually of his own weaknesses and Christ’s faithfulness to him.
Like his namesake, King David of old, Brother Dave served God’s purposes in his generation. He preached with uncompromising passion and relentless grace. He was not one for fanfare, acclaim or ceremony. He turned down invitations to meet with world leaders, yet he would give everything he owned to support a poor orphan or a widow in distress.
His last mission on earth was to be an advocate for the poorest of the poor to provide relief and support for hungry children, widows and orphans, in the U.S. and in impoverished countries. The outreach he founded to do this, Please Pass the Bread, ministers to thousands of children daily through 56 outreaches in 8 countries.
He ran his race well, and when he was finished he was called home by his Lord. David Wilkerson touched the lives of multiplied millions, and the God-inspired works he founded now outlive him. The impact of his life is immeasurable—not only in his preaching, writing and founding of world-changing ministries, but in his love, devotion, compassion and ability to stir our faith for greater works.
David’s son Gary offers this word to all who knew and loved his dad: “I know if my father were able to encourage you with his words today, he would invite you to give your all to Jesus, to love God deeply and to give yourself away to the needs of others.”
Brother Dave’s final blog posting, titled “When All Means Fail,” is a fitting word of departure to all whose lives he touched: “Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail, His love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in His Word. There is no other hope in this world.”
David Wilkerson’s passing is deep personal loss for many. Yet we rejoice knowing he lived life to the very fullest, in obedient devotion to God and with a radical love for Jesus.
He is survived by his wife, Gwen Wilkerson; daughter Debi Jonker, her husband, Roger, sons Brent and Matthew and Matthew’s wife, Christina, and children Eva and Grant; daughter Bonnie Hayslip, her husband, Roger, sons David and Brandon and Brandon’s wife, Christina; son Gary Wilkerson, his wife, Kelly, and children, Ashley, Elliot, Evan and Annie; son Greg Wilkerson, his wife, Teresa, and their children, Alyssa and Ryan; brothers Don Wilkerson and Jerry Wilkerson and sister Ruth Harris. His grandsons serve as his pallbearers.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
'A Massive Shift Coming in What it Means to Be a Christian?'
By R. Albert Mohler, Jr. | Christian Post Guest Columnist
The edition of TIME magazine timed for Easter Week features a cover story on the controversy over Rob Bell and his new book, Love Wins. Interestingly, the essay is written by none other than Jon Meacham, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former editor of Newsweek –TIME’s historic competitor. Meacham, who studied theology as an undergraduate at the University of the South, helpfully places Rob Bell in the larger context of modern theology, even as he offers a basically sympathetic analysis.
Meacham explains:
The standard Christian view of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is summed up in the Gospel of John, which promises “eternal life” to “whosoever believeth in Him.” Traditionally, the key is the acknowledgment that Jesus is the Son of God, who, in the words of the ancient creed, “for us and for our salvation came down from heaven … and was made man.” In the Evangelical ethos, one either accepts this and goes to heaven or refuses and goes to hell.
Bell, Meacham writes, “begs to differ” with this “standard Christian view.” He then relates that Rob Bell “suggests that the redemptive work of Jesus may be universal - meaning that, as his book’s subtitle puts it, ‘every person who ever lived’ could have a place in heaven, whatever that turns out to be. Such a simple premise, but with Easter at hand, this slim, lively book has ignited a new holy war in Christian circles and beyond.”
Well, “holy war” is an exaggeration loved by the media, but Bell has obviously ignited a raging controversy within evangelical circles.
Meacham then traced something of the reaction to Bell’s argument:
When word of Love Wins reached the Internet, one conservative Evangelical pastor, John Piper, tweeted, “Farewell Rob Bell,” unilaterally attempting to evict Bell from the Evangelical community. R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says Bell’s book is “theologically disastrous. Any of us should be concerned when a matter of theological importance is played with in a subversive way.” In North Carolina, a young pastor was fired by his church for endorsing the book.
All that is a matter of public record now, but what makes Meacham’s analysis really interesting is what comes next:
The traditionalist reaction is understandable, for Bell’s arguments about heaven and hell raise doubts about the core of the Evangelical worldview, changing the common understanding of salvation so much that Christianity becomes more of an ethical habit of mind than a faith based on divine revelation. “When you adopt universalism and erase the distinction between the church and the world,” says Mohler, “then you don’t need the church, and you don’t need Christ, and you don’t need the cross. This is the tragedy of nonjudgmental mainline liberalism, and it’s Rob Bell’s tragedy in this book too.”
This may mark the first time any major media outlet has underlined the substantial theological issues at stake. Meacham understands what Bell’s proposal amounts to - “changing the common understanding of salvation so much that Christianity becomes more of an ethical habit of mind than a faith based on divine revelation.”
To his credit, Meacham also understands that Bell’s argument fits comfortably within the context of Protestant Liberalism. “Early in the 20th century, Harry Emerson Fosdick came to represent theological liberalism, arguing against the literal truth of the Bible and the existence of hell. It was time, progressives argued, for the faith to surrender its supernatural claims,” he explains.
Rob Bell, he suggests, “is more at home with this expansive liberal tradition than he is with the old-time believers of Inherit the Wind.”
Meacham is right about this, of course. Readers may differ with his analysis of other aspects of this controversy, and, in the end, Jon Meacham seems to admire Rob Bell, whom he describes as “an odd combination of Billy Graham and Conan O’Brien.” But he understands that the liberal tradition in theology is where Rob Bell now finds his home.
Finally, this may be the most telling portion of the article:
Is Bell’s Christianity - less judgmental, more fluid, open to questioning the most ancient of assumptions - on an inexorable rise? “I have long wondered if there is a massive shift coming in what it means to be a Christian,” Bell says. “Something new is in the air.”
Like Brian McLaren, who argues for “a new kind of Christianity,” Rob Bell now openly wonders “if there is a massive shift coming in what it means to be a Christian.”
“Something new is in the air,” he says. Actually, arguments for universalism and the denial of hell are anything but new. The real question is now whether the church has sufficient biblical conviction to resist this doctrinal seduction. Otherwise, it may well be that Rob Bell’s “massive shift” is the shape of things to come.
Adapted from R. Albert Mohler Jr.'s weblog at www.albertmohler.com. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. is president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. For more articles and resources by Dr. Mohler, and for information on The Albert Mohler Program, a daily national radio program broadcast on the Salem Radio Network, go to www.albertmohler.com. For information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to www.sbts.edu. Send feedback to mail@albertmohler.com. Original Source: www.albertmohler.com.
The edition of TIME magazine timed for Easter Week features a cover story on the controversy over Rob Bell and his new book, Love Wins. Interestingly, the essay is written by none other than Jon Meacham, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former editor of Newsweek –TIME’s historic competitor. Meacham, who studied theology as an undergraduate at the University of the South, helpfully places Rob Bell in the larger context of modern theology, even as he offers a basically sympathetic analysis.
Meacham explains:
The standard Christian view of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is summed up in the Gospel of John, which promises “eternal life” to “whosoever believeth in Him.” Traditionally, the key is the acknowledgment that Jesus is the Son of God, who, in the words of the ancient creed, “for us and for our salvation came down from heaven … and was made man.” In the Evangelical ethos, one either accepts this and goes to heaven or refuses and goes to hell.
Bell, Meacham writes, “begs to differ” with this “standard Christian view.” He then relates that Rob Bell “suggests that the redemptive work of Jesus may be universal - meaning that, as his book’s subtitle puts it, ‘every person who ever lived’ could have a place in heaven, whatever that turns out to be. Such a simple premise, but with Easter at hand, this slim, lively book has ignited a new holy war in Christian circles and beyond.”
Well, “holy war” is an exaggeration loved by the media, but Bell has obviously ignited a raging controversy within evangelical circles.
Meacham then traced something of the reaction to Bell’s argument:
When word of Love Wins reached the Internet, one conservative Evangelical pastor, John Piper, tweeted, “Farewell Rob Bell,” unilaterally attempting to evict Bell from the Evangelical community. R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says Bell’s book is “theologically disastrous. Any of us should be concerned when a matter of theological importance is played with in a subversive way.” In North Carolina, a young pastor was fired by his church for endorsing the book.
All that is a matter of public record now, but what makes Meacham’s analysis really interesting is what comes next:
The traditionalist reaction is understandable, for Bell’s arguments about heaven and hell raise doubts about the core of the Evangelical worldview, changing the common understanding of salvation so much that Christianity becomes more of an ethical habit of mind than a faith based on divine revelation. “When you adopt universalism and erase the distinction between the church and the world,” says Mohler, “then you don’t need the church, and you don’t need Christ, and you don’t need the cross. This is the tragedy of nonjudgmental mainline liberalism, and it’s Rob Bell’s tragedy in this book too.”
This may mark the first time any major media outlet has underlined the substantial theological issues at stake. Meacham understands what Bell’s proposal amounts to - “changing the common understanding of salvation so much that Christianity becomes more of an ethical habit of mind than a faith based on divine revelation.”
To his credit, Meacham also understands that Bell’s argument fits comfortably within the context of Protestant Liberalism. “Early in the 20th century, Harry Emerson Fosdick came to represent theological liberalism, arguing against the literal truth of the Bible and the existence of hell. It was time, progressives argued, for the faith to surrender its supernatural claims,” he explains.
Rob Bell, he suggests, “is more at home with this expansive liberal tradition than he is with the old-time believers of Inherit the Wind.”
Meacham is right about this, of course. Readers may differ with his analysis of other aspects of this controversy, and, in the end, Jon Meacham seems to admire Rob Bell, whom he describes as “an odd combination of Billy Graham and Conan O’Brien.” But he understands that the liberal tradition in theology is where Rob Bell now finds his home.
Finally, this may be the most telling portion of the article:
Is Bell’s Christianity - less judgmental, more fluid, open to questioning the most ancient of assumptions - on an inexorable rise? “I have long wondered if there is a massive shift coming in what it means to be a Christian,” Bell says. “Something new is in the air.”
Like Brian McLaren, who argues for “a new kind of Christianity,” Rob Bell now openly wonders “if there is a massive shift coming in what it means to be a Christian.”
“Something new is in the air,” he says. Actually, arguments for universalism and the denial of hell are anything but new. The real question is now whether the church has sufficient biblical conviction to resist this doctrinal seduction. Otherwise, it may well be that Rob Bell’s “massive shift” is the shape of things to come.
Adapted from R. Albert Mohler Jr.'s weblog at www.albertmohler.com. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. is president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. For more articles and resources by Dr. Mohler, and for information on The Albert Mohler Program, a daily national radio program broadcast on the Salem Radio Network, go to www.albertmohler.com. For information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to www.sbts.edu. Send feedback to mail@albertmohler.com. Original Source: www.albertmohler.com.
Many Born-Again Christians Hold Universalist Views, Barna Finds
By Jennifer Riley | Christian Post Reporter
One in four born-again Christians hold universalist thoughts when it comes to salvation, according to a new Barna analysis of trend data.
Twenty-five percent of born-again Christians said all people are eventually saved or accepted by God. A similar proportion, 26 percent, said a person’s religion does not matter because all faiths teach the same lessons.
And an even higher proportion, 40 percent, of born-again Christians said they believe Christians and Muslims worship the same God.
Barna defined universalism as the belief that all human beings will eventually be saved after death. The California based research and polling firm defines born-again Christians as people who have made “a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today, and who believe they will go to heaven after death because they confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their savior.
According to the Barna analysis, 43 percent of Americans in general agreed with the statement “It doesn’t matter what religious faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons,” while 54 percent disagreed.
The report on what Americans believe about universalism and pluralism comes at a time when not only evangelicals, but even prominent secular media, are debating the Christian teachings on salvation and the idea of universalism due to Pastor Rob Bell’s book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived.
Last week, Time magazine released its Easter Week feature with a cover story on Bell’s controversial views contained in his new book.
For many evangelicals, the idea of Christians holding universalist ideas is particularly disturbing because it nullifies the need for Christ to die on the cross and the message of Jesus that he is the only way, truth and life.
Various research firms have reported different data on the prevalence of universalist beliefs among born-again believers and more specifically, evangelicals.
A 2008 Pew Forum survey revealed that 57 percent of evangelicals agreed with the idea that other religions than their own can lead to eternal life. After tweaking the definition of "evangelical," however, LifeWay Research, found that only two out of 10 evangelicals agreed with the statement that eternal life can be obtained through religions other than Christianity.
While universalism is nothing new, some believe cultural trends are placing pressure on Christians and their beliefs.
Don Carson, research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, said at The Gospel Coalition’s national conference last week that many are feeling pressure from the culture "to find universalism attractive."
"There are pressures in our culture to reduce the truth content of Scripture and then simply dismiss people by saying that they're intolerant or narrow-minded ... or bigoted without actually engaging the truth question at all. And that is really sad and in the long haul, horribly dangerous."
Barna’s analysis on beliefs regarding universalism and pluralism is based on data from telephone interviews conducted in the OmniPollSM and from Barna Group’s theolographic TM database from 2005 through 2011.
One in four born-again Christians hold universalist thoughts when it comes to salvation, according to a new Barna analysis of trend data.
Twenty-five percent of born-again Christians said all people are eventually saved or accepted by God. A similar proportion, 26 percent, said a person’s religion does not matter because all faiths teach the same lessons.
And an even higher proportion, 40 percent, of born-again Christians said they believe Christians and Muslims worship the same God.
Barna defined universalism as the belief that all human beings will eventually be saved after death. The California based research and polling firm defines born-again Christians as people who have made “a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today, and who believe they will go to heaven after death because they confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their savior.
According to the Barna analysis, 43 percent of Americans in general agreed with the statement “It doesn’t matter what religious faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons,” while 54 percent disagreed.
The report on what Americans believe about universalism and pluralism comes at a time when not only evangelicals, but even prominent secular media, are debating the Christian teachings on salvation and the idea of universalism due to Pastor Rob Bell’s book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived.
Last week, Time magazine released its Easter Week feature with a cover story on Bell’s controversial views contained in his new book.
For many evangelicals, the idea of Christians holding universalist ideas is particularly disturbing because it nullifies the need for Christ to die on the cross and the message of Jesus that he is the only way, truth and life.
Various research firms have reported different data on the prevalence of universalist beliefs among born-again believers and more specifically, evangelicals.
A 2008 Pew Forum survey revealed that 57 percent of evangelicals agreed with the idea that other religions than their own can lead to eternal life. After tweaking the definition of "evangelical," however, LifeWay Research, found that only two out of 10 evangelicals agreed with the statement that eternal life can be obtained through religions other than Christianity.
While universalism is nothing new, some believe cultural trends are placing pressure on Christians and their beliefs.
Don Carson, research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, said at The Gospel Coalition’s national conference last week that many are feeling pressure from the culture "to find universalism attractive."
"There are pressures in our culture to reduce the truth content of Scripture and then simply dismiss people by saying that they're intolerant or narrow-minded ... or bigoted without actually engaging the truth question at all. And that is really sad and in the long haul, horribly dangerous."
Barna’s analysis on beliefs regarding universalism and pluralism is based on data from telephone interviews conducted in the OmniPollSM and from Barna Group’s theolographic TM database from 2005 through 2011.
Counterfeit Gospels Author: Rob Bell Threw Grenade at Evangelicals
By Michelle A. Vu | Christian Post Reporter
Rob Bell wasn’t misquoted or attacked as he claims. Rather, the Michigan megachurch pastor was the one who threw the “grenade” at evangelicals, said the author of the new book Counterfeit Gospels.
“For a very popular, charismatic, evangelical pastor to come out and call the traditional view of hell as toxic, misguided, and for him to mock the view of his grandmother – which he admits in the book – he has really thrown a grenade at the evangelical count,” said Trevin Wax in an interview with The Christian Post on Thursday.
Wax, who is also the editor of a small group curriculum developed by the Southern Baptist Convention’s LifeWay Christian Resources, said it is “disingenuous” of Bell to portray himself as “under attack, being misquoted, and being maligned” when his book “is very much an assault on the traditional understanding of heaven and hell.”
Since February, evangelical leaders have been in an uproar over Bell’s latest book Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. The book wasn’t even released when several prominent evangelical leaders pronounced Bell, founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Mich., a heretic and universalist based on a promotional video for the book.
Due to the controversy, the book debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times bestseller list after its March 15 release.
Despite dissension among evangelicals, a positive result from the book is that it has caused not only Christians but also the secular media to examine what the Bible says about hell, God’s judgment, and salvation. Time magazine did a cover story on Bell for its Easter special and The New York Times, The Washington Post, and MSNBC have all covered the author and his views on hell.
Wax’s book, which was endorsed by many prominent evangelical leaders including Matt Chandler, Tullian Tchividjian, and J.I. Packer, came out in April and examines six counterfeit gospels, one of which – the judgmentless gospel – would probably include Bell's teachings. The Southern Baptist, who has served in pastoral roles in Romania and the United States, hopes his book will tackle the crisis within the church – lack of confidence and clarity in the Gospel.
“[T]he greatest threat to Christianity may not be modern culture, blatant heresies, or the rise of Islam. If the seeds of destruction can come from the counterfeit, could it be such seeds are slowly being planted through the counterfeit gospels within the church?” posed Wax in his book.
“Could it be that we are unwittingly participating in ‘printing’ the counterfeit gospel?”
Although Wax only mentions Bell once in his book regarding his Nooma video “You,” the chapter on the judgmentless gospel contains many charges used against Love Wins. Wax writes about the idea of universalism, the belief that every human in the end will be saved, and that the judgmentless gospel teaches that people should focus on the “life here and now” and not overemphasize heaven and hell in the future.
But the editor of LifeWay’s small-group resource titled “TGM – Theology, Gospel, Mission” wrote: “It puzzles me that so many people seem to be angry with God for allowing evil and suffering to exist in the world, and yet they are also angry with the idea of God as Judge. You can’t have it both ways. If you expect God to do something about the evil in this world, then you want God to judge.”
For each counterfeit gospel, the seminary graduate offered insight on where that version of the gospel went wrong. For the therapeutic gospel, Wax said it treats the Gospel like a McDonald’s Happy Meal in that pursuing happiness is the central goal of life. Problems in marriage, self-esteem, and relationships are not seen through the proper lens of deep sin inside, but only as superficial, individual problems. It would be like a doctor treating symptoms individually but not treating the root cause, said Wax.
“If our biggest need is to feel good about ourselves, God could have sent Oprah. If our big need is to get along with our family, God could have sent Dr. Phil,” wrote Wax. “But if God sent his Son to die a brutal, horrifying death as a payment for human sin, then surely our sin must be more heinous than ‘feeling empty inside.’”
The other counterfeits are the moralistic gospel, which Wax admits traditional evangelicals often struggle with; the quietest gospel, or seeing the gospel as only personal salvation and only for the spiritual realm of life instead of for all of society; the activist gospel, or turning the gospel message into activism and works based while diluting the message of salvation through Jesus Christ; and the churchless gospel, where salvation is only seen as for the individual and not for the whole community of Christ so the local church is optional.
“In order to spot a counterfeit we need to know the real thing,” said Wax to CP. “I use the analogy of the three-legged stool (the gospel story, the gospel announcement, and the gospel community) as a way of helping people to find hooks to hang these things so we keep the cross and resurrection at the center of what it means to proclaim the Gospel.”
“I want us to know the Gospel well, intellectually but also to know it in our hearts – having experienced the Gospel – so we will live a life of continual repentance and continual faith in a way that makes the counterfeit gospels less attractive.”
Rob Bell wasn’t misquoted or attacked as he claims. Rather, the Michigan megachurch pastor was the one who threw the “grenade” at evangelicals, said the author of the new book Counterfeit Gospels.
“For a very popular, charismatic, evangelical pastor to come out and call the traditional view of hell as toxic, misguided, and for him to mock the view of his grandmother – which he admits in the book – he has really thrown a grenade at the evangelical count,” said Trevin Wax in an interview with The Christian Post on Thursday.
Wax, who is also the editor of a small group curriculum developed by the Southern Baptist Convention’s LifeWay Christian Resources, said it is “disingenuous” of Bell to portray himself as “under attack, being misquoted, and being maligned” when his book “is very much an assault on the traditional understanding of heaven and hell.”
Since February, evangelical leaders have been in an uproar over Bell’s latest book Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. The book wasn’t even released when several prominent evangelical leaders pronounced Bell, founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Mich., a heretic and universalist based on a promotional video for the book.
Due to the controversy, the book debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times bestseller list after its March 15 release.
Despite dissension among evangelicals, a positive result from the book is that it has caused not only Christians but also the secular media to examine what the Bible says about hell, God’s judgment, and salvation. Time magazine did a cover story on Bell for its Easter special and The New York Times, The Washington Post, and MSNBC have all covered the author and his views on hell.
Wax’s book, which was endorsed by many prominent evangelical leaders including Matt Chandler, Tullian Tchividjian, and J.I. Packer, came out in April and examines six counterfeit gospels, one of which – the judgmentless gospel – would probably include Bell's teachings. The Southern Baptist, who has served in pastoral roles in Romania and the United States, hopes his book will tackle the crisis within the church – lack of confidence and clarity in the Gospel.
“[T]he greatest threat to Christianity may not be modern culture, blatant heresies, or the rise of Islam. If the seeds of destruction can come from the counterfeit, could it be such seeds are slowly being planted through the counterfeit gospels within the church?” posed Wax in his book.
“Could it be that we are unwittingly participating in ‘printing’ the counterfeit gospel?”
Although Wax only mentions Bell once in his book regarding his Nooma video “You,” the chapter on the judgmentless gospel contains many charges used against Love Wins. Wax writes about the idea of universalism, the belief that every human in the end will be saved, and that the judgmentless gospel teaches that people should focus on the “life here and now” and not overemphasize heaven and hell in the future.
But the editor of LifeWay’s small-group resource titled “TGM – Theology, Gospel, Mission” wrote: “It puzzles me that so many people seem to be angry with God for allowing evil and suffering to exist in the world, and yet they are also angry with the idea of God as Judge. You can’t have it both ways. If you expect God to do something about the evil in this world, then you want God to judge.”
For each counterfeit gospel, the seminary graduate offered insight on where that version of the gospel went wrong. For the therapeutic gospel, Wax said it treats the Gospel like a McDonald’s Happy Meal in that pursuing happiness is the central goal of life. Problems in marriage, self-esteem, and relationships are not seen through the proper lens of deep sin inside, but only as superficial, individual problems. It would be like a doctor treating symptoms individually but not treating the root cause, said Wax.
“If our biggest need is to feel good about ourselves, God could have sent Oprah. If our big need is to get along with our family, God could have sent Dr. Phil,” wrote Wax. “But if God sent his Son to die a brutal, horrifying death as a payment for human sin, then surely our sin must be more heinous than ‘feeling empty inside.’”
The other counterfeits are the moralistic gospel, which Wax admits traditional evangelicals often struggle with; the quietest gospel, or seeing the gospel as only personal salvation and only for the spiritual realm of life instead of for all of society; the activist gospel, or turning the gospel message into activism and works based while diluting the message of salvation through Jesus Christ; and the churchless gospel, where salvation is only seen as for the individual and not for the whole community of Christ so the local church is optional.
“In order to spot a counterfeit we need to know the real thing,” said Wax to CP. “I use the analogy of the three-legged stool (the gospel story, the gospel announcement, and the gospel community) as a way of helping people to find hooks to hang these things so we keep the cross and resurrection at the center of what it means to proclaim the Gospel.”
“I want us to know the Gospel well, intellectually but also to know it in our hearts – having experienced the Gospel – so we will live a life of continual repentance and continual faith in a way that makes the counterfeit gospels less attractive.”
Friday, April 29, 2011
David Wilkerson my father by Gary Wilkerson
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2011
by Gary Wilkerson
“David served the purposes of God in his generation, then he died” (Acts
13:36).
On Wednesday afternoon my father, David Wilkerson, passed away in a car
accident. We grieve the loss of a beloved father, a faithful husband and a holy man of God. My mother, Gwen, his wife of 57 years, was in the car also, but we are told she will recover fully.
Dad’s 60-plus years of ministry have impacted the lives of those closest to
him and extended to millions around the world. Today we feel a personal loss, but at the same time we rejoice knowing Dad lived life to the fullest, obeying God with devotion and loving Jesus radically.
He was known for his unlimited faith. He believed God could change the lives of gang members and transform the most desperate drug addicts. He believed that a dynamic church could be launched in the heart of Times Square, New York City. He believed he could be a man who loved his wife and children well. And he did.
Dad was not one for fanfare, acclaim or ceremony. He turned down invitations to meet with world leaders yet would give everything he owned to support a poor orphan or a widow in distress.
Like King David of old, Dad served God’s purposes in his generation. He
preached with uncompromising passion and relentless grace. He wrote with
amazing insight, clarity and conviction. He ran his race well and when his work was done, he was called home.
I don’t think my father would have retired well. I don’t think he was one
to sit in a rocking chair and reminisce about times past. I believe that Jesus, knowing this, graciously called him home.
Dad’s last mission on earth was to be an advocate for the poorest of the
poor—to provide relief and support for hungry children and widows and
orphans. After founding Teen Challenge, World Challenge and Times Square
Church, he sought to feed starving children in the most impoverished countries in the world. Today, Please Pass the Bread is saving the lives of thousands of children, through 56 outreaches in 8 countries.
Like King David of old, after having served God’s purpose, he died. I know if my father were able to encourage you with his words today, he would invite you to give your all to Jesus, to love God deeply and to give yourself away to the needs of others.
The works he began outlive him. We can all attest to his impacting us—not
only in his preaching, writing and founding of world-changing ministries, but in his love, devotion, compassion and ability to stir our faith for greater works.
by Gary Wilkerson
“David served the purposes of God in his generation, then he died” (Acts
13:36).
On Wednesday afternoon my father, David Wilkerson, passed away in a car
accident. We grieve the loss of a beloved father, a faithful husband and a holy man of God. My mother, Gwen, his wife of 57 years, was in the car also, but we are told she will recover fully.
Dad’s 60-plus years of ministry have impacted the lives of those closest to
him and extended to millions around the world. Today we feel a personal loss, but at the same time we rejoice knowing Dad lived life to the fullest, obeying God with devotion and loving Jesus radically.
He was known for his unlimited faith. He believed God could change the lives of gang members and transform the most desperate drug addicts. He believed that a dynamic church could be launched in the heart of Times Square, New York City. He believed he could be a man who loved his wife and children well. And he did.
Dad was not one for fanfare, acclaim or ceremony. He turned down invitations to meet with world leaders yet would give everything he owned to support a poor orphan or a widow in distress.
Like King David of old, Dad served God’s purposes in his generation. He
preached with uncompromising passion and relentless grace. He wrote with
amazing insight, clarity and conviction. He ran his race well and when his work was done, he was called home.
I don’t think my father would have retired well. I don’t think he was one
to sit in a rocking chair and reminisce about times past. I believe that Jesus, knowing this, graciously called him home.
Dad’s last mission on earth was to be an advocate for the poorest of the
poor—to provide relief and support for hungry children and widows and
orphans. After founding Teen Challenge, World Challenge and Times Square
Church, he sought to feed starving children in the most impoverished countries in the world. Today, Please Pass the Bread is saving the lives of thousands of children, through 56 outreaches in 8 countries.
Like King David of old, after having served God’s purpose, he died. I know if my father were able to encourage you with his words today, he would invite you to give your all to Jesus, to love God deeply and to give yourself away to the needs of others.
The works he began outlive him. We can all attest to his impacting us—not
only in his preaching, writing and founding of world-changing ministries, but in his love, devotion, compassion and ability to stir our faith for greater works.
Buddhist Priest
by CRASH Japan
“Maybe I Should Become a Pastor,” Said the Buddhist Priest
When Tim Cole, who grew up as a missionary kid in Japan, first found 100 people evacuated to a Buddhist temple in Onagawa on a CRASH needs assessment trip, the priest was hesitant to receive any help. But as they talked, they realized the priest had gone to the same kindergarten Cole had attended as a child.
When the priest's wife heard that Cole and the others with him were Christian pastors, she told her husband, "You should have them teach you how to give effective sermons." After commiserating a little about the difficulty of preparing interesting talks week after week, one person in Cole’s team suggested, "If you speak from the Bible, that will make a big difference." The priest thought that was an interesting suggestion.
Because of the connection they were beginning to build, Cole's team was able to leave food and jackets and ask what else was needed. Cole gave one man his duffle bag because he really seemed to want it. The evacuees especially asked for rubber boots.
On Cole's next trip to Onagawa, he made sure he had a good supply of duffle bags and rubber boots. His wife, Katie, also brought boxes of homemade bread and cookies, and while passing them out, the priest's wife came up and introduced herself.
In Katie's own words:
She got animated when I told her that Tim and I had met in Karuizawa. She told me that she has lots of good memories of Karuizawa because her grandparents are Christians and used to take her to summer camps at Megumi Chalet [Christian Conference Center]. Of course words flowed easily from then on and among other things she said, "Maybe I need to get my Bible out and start reading it again."'
I asked if life was a lot different having more than 80 people in her "family" instead of five. She laughed and said it was good—something her husband had actually hoped could happen someday. He's told her he wished he could run some sort of program to get people to come to the temple… but wasn't thinking an earthquake and tsunami would be the reason it would happen. He even jokingly said, "Maybe I should become a pastor." I can't help but wonder what God is doing there and will do in the future. Is it possible to hope that God might bring that whole little "flock" of people who are camping out at a Buddhist temple to salvation in Him?
“Maybe I Should Become a Pastor,” Said the Buddhist Priest
When Tim Cole, who grew up as a missionary kid in Japan, first found 100 people evacuated to a Buddhist temple in Onagawa on a CRASH needs assessment trip, the priest was hesitant to receive any help. But as they talked, they realized the priest had gone to the same kindergarten Cole had attended as a child.
When the priest's wife heard that Cole and the others with him were Christian pastors, she told her husband, "You should have them teach you how to give effective sermons." After commiserating a little about the difficulty of preparing interesting talks week after week, one person in Cole’s team suggested, "If you speak from the Bible, that will make a big difference." The priest thought that was an interesting suggestion.
Because of the connection they were beginning to build, Cole's team was able to leave food and jackets and ask what else was needed. Cole gave one man his duffle bag because he really seemed to want it. The evacuees especially asked for rubber boots.
On Cole's next trip to Onagawa, he made sure he had a good supply of duffle bags and rubber boots. His wife, Katie, also brought boxes of homemade bread and cookies, and while passing them out, the priest's wife came up and introduced herself.
In Katie's own words:
She got animated when I told her that Tim and I had met in Karuizawa. She told me that she has lots of good memories of Karuizawa because her grandparents are Christians and used to take her to summer camps at Megumi Chalet [Christian Conference Center]. Of course words flowed easily from then on and among other things she said, "Maybe I need to get my Bible out and start reading it again."'
I asked if life was a lot different having more than 80 people in her "family" instead of five. She laughed and said it was good—something her husband had actually hoped could happen someday. He's told her he wished he could run some sort of program to get people to come to the temple… but wasn't thinking an earthquake and tsunami would be the reason it would happen. He even jokingly said, "Maybe I should become a pastor." I can't help but wonder what God is doing there and will do in the future. Is it possible to hope that God might bring that whole little "flock" of people who are camping out at a Buddhist temple to salvation in Him?
Japan: Christian Group Putting Down Stakes in Earthquake Area
Trevor Persaud (Christianity Today)
CRASH asks for funding as they prepare to fan out across the affected parts of the country.
The group Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope (CRASH) is setting up a forward base in Sendai, Japan to coordinate efforts to relieve the damage and hardship that Friday's 8.9/9.0-magnitude earthquake left behind in a large swath of the island nation.
"We just confirmed that we have a location and trucks of goods will start moving there today," CRASH spokesman Paul Nethercott told CT a few hours ago. "We will set up five more bases as soon as possible. We are doing this so we can send thousands of volunteers out where they are needed most."
Nethercott said CRASH, who calls their relief initiative "Love on Japan," sees it as a chance to "fill gaps" that the Japanese government cannot address and to "share the love of God with the people in Japan."
Japan's church is very much a minority. Less than 0.2% of the population identifies as Christian, and while some Christian cultural artifacts like Christmas and Valentine's Day have made it into the larger population, much of Japan practices a mix of Buddhism and traditional Shinto beliefs and a large number profess no religion at all.
"The church is small here but it is full of courageous and committed people who are brave enough to take a stand for Christ in spite of pressure from family and friends not to," Nethercott told CT. "We are closely connected with a very large network of Christians in Japan."
CRASH has been part of Japan's Christian community for a while, having built strong relationships with the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association and the Japan Evangelical Association.
"Many of the people I am working with I have known for over ten years," Nethercott said. "Some a lot longer. We care about each other and we care about Japan."
One of CRASH's greatest needs, Nethercott said, is funding to "deliver water and other essentials ASAP." Many older people in the earthquake-damaged area will not be able to clean up their own homes, he said.
CRASH is accepting donations through crashjapan.com. Many other Christian groups are working to flood Japan with assistance and providing opportunities to help—among them Samaritan's Purse, World Vision, World Relief, Saddleback Peace Relief, Asian Access, and Redeemer City to City.
"Pray that God will bless the nation of Japan greatly as this great nation deals with a major crises," asked Nethercott.
CRASH asks for funding as they prepare to fan out across the affected parts of the country.
The group Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope (CRASH) is setting up a forward base in Sendai, Japan to coordinate efforts to relieve the damage and hardship that Friday's 8.9/9.0-magnitude earthquake left behind in a large swath of the island nation.
"We just confirmed that we have a location and trucks of goods will start moving there today," CRASH spokesman Paul Nethercott told CT a few hours ago. "We will set up five more bases as soon as possible. We are doing this so we can send thousands of volunteers out where they are needed most."
Nethercott said CRASH, who calls their relief initiative "Love on Japan," sees it as a chance to "fill gaps" that the Japanese government cannot address and to "share the love of God with the people in Japan."
Japan's church is very much a minority. Less than 0.2% of the population identifies as Christian, and while some Christian cultural artifacts like Christmas and Valentine's Day have made it into the larger population, much of Japan practices a mix of Buddhism and traditional Shinto beliefs and a large number profess no religion at all.
"The church is small here but it is full of courageous and committed people who are brave enough to take a stand for Christ in spite of pressure from family and friends not to," Nethercott told CT. "We are closely connected with a very large network of Christians in Japan."
CRASH has been part of Japan's Christian community for a while, having built strong relationships with the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association and the Japan Evangelical Association.
"Many of the people I am working with I have known for over ten years," Nethercott said. "Some a lot longer. We care about each other and we care about Japan."
One of CRASH's greatest needs, Nethercott said, is funding to "deliver water and other essentials ASAP." Many older people in the earthquake-damaged area will not be able to clean up their own homes, he said.
CRASH is accepting donations through crashjapan.com. Many other Christian groups are working to flood Japan with assistance and providing opportunities to help—among them Samaritan's Purse, World Vision, World Relief, Saddleback Peace Relief, Asian Access, and Redeemer City to City.
"Pray that God will bless the nation of Japan greatly as this great nation deals with a major crises," asked Nethercott.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Utilitarian Christ by A W Tozer
I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:5-6
Within the past few years, for instance, Christ has been popularized by some so-called evangelicals as one who, if a proper amount of prayer were made, would help the pious prize fighter to knock another fighter unconscious in the ring. Christ is also said to help the big league pitcher to get the proper hook on his curve. In another instance He assists an athletically-minded parson to win the high jump, and still another not only to come in first in a track meet but to set a new record in the bargain. He is said also to have helped a praying businessman to beat out a competitor in a deal, to underbid a rival and to secure a coveted contract to the discomfiture of someone else who was trying to get it. He is even thought to lend succor to a praying movie actress while she plays a role so lewd as to bring the blood to the face of a professional prostitute.
Thus our Lord becomes the Christ of utility, a kind of Aladdin's lamp to do minor miracles in behalf of anyone who summons Him to do his bidding. The Root of the Righteous, p.24
"Lord, help me not to demean the person of Christ or the sovereignty of God with this cheap sham of prayer. Amen."
Within the past few years, for instance, Christ has been popularized by some so-called evangelicals as one who, if a proper amount of prayer were made, would help the pious prize fighter to knock another fighter unconscious in the ring. Christ is also said to help the big league pitcher to get the proper hook on his curve. In another instance He assists an athletically-minded parson to win the high jump, and still another not only to come in first in a track meet but to set a new record in the bargain. He is said also to have helped a praying businessman to beat out a competitor in a deal, to underbid a rival and to secure a coveted contract to the discomfiture of someone else who was trying to get it. He is even thought to lend succor to a praying movie actress while she plays a role so lewd as to bring the blood to the face of a professional prostitute.
Thus our Lord becomes the Christ of utility, a kind of Aladdin's lamp to do minor miracles in behalf of anyone who summons Him to do his bidding. The Root of the Righteous, p.24
"Lord, help me not to demean the person of Christ or the sovereignty of God with this cheap sham of prayer. Amen."
The last words of David Wilkerson: WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2011
WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL
To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29).
Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.
Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening.
That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”
Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God -just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!”
Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.
To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”
Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.
Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/13112
WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL
To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29).
Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.
Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening.
That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”
Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God -just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!”
Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.
To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”
Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.
Read this devotion online: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/13112
Demise of a Giant of the Faith - David Wilkerson
Rev. David Wilkerson, founding pastor of Times Square Church in New York City and author of the well-known book The Cross and the Switchblade, was killed Wednesday in a head-on collision in Texas. He was 79."It is with deepest of sadness that we have to inform you of the sudden passing of Reverend David Wilkerson, our founding pastor," Times Square Church Senior Pastor Carter Conlon said in a statement on the church website.
Conlon added that details of the family's wishes and a memorial service would be provided as information became available.
How did Pastor David Wilkerson's ministry and life impact you?
Crash Details
Wilkerson was driving east on U.S. 175 in Texas Wednesday afternoon, and moved into the opposite lane where a tractor trailer was driving westbound. The truck driver saw the car and tried to move out of the way, but still collided with the pastor's car head on, according to Public Safety Trooper Eric Long.
It's unclear what caused Wilkerson to veer into the other lane. His wife Gwen was also involved in the crash and rushed to the hospital, along with the truck driver.
Wilkerson was pronounced dead on the scene.
Stay with CBN News for more on this developing story. Also, check local listings to watch Thursday's edition of "The 700 Club" for continued coverage.
Last Words
Wilkerson posted a blog dated April 27 -- the day of his death. In the post, titled "When All Means Fail," he encouraged those facing difficulty to "hold fast" and stand strong in faith.
"To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights, and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, "I am with you,'" Wilkerson wrote. "Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail-his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world."
Read all of Wilkerson's final blog here.
Word of the accident began to spread Wednesday night on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Christians urged prayer for Mrs. Wilkerson, who's in critical condition.
Rev. Wilkerson's Impact
Wilkerson's cousin Rich Wilkerson confirmed the death on Twitter.
"It is confirmed my dear cousin David Wilkerson lost his life in a tragic car accident this afternoon..Prayers r needed at this time," he tweeted.
Rev. Wilkerson spent the early part of his ministry reaching out to gang members and drug addicts in New York, as told in his bestselling book The Cross and the Switchblade.
"The term LEGEND is often used to describe a person of extreme influence but what about a man that supersedes superlatives..david wilkerson," his cousin tweeted right after confirming his death.
In 1971, he started World Challenge, Inc. as an umbrella for his crusades, conferences, evangelism and other ministry. The Times Square Church was founded under the group in 1987.
The church is now led by Pastor Carter Conlon and has more than 8,000 members.
Wilkerson also founded Teen Challenge, a Christian outreach program for troubled young people.
"Please remember the Wilkerson family in your prayers as our founder, Rev. David Wilkerson, went to be with the Lord this evening," Teen Challenge told Twitter followers.
He is survived by his wife, four children and 11 grandchildren.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Rob Bell: "You're Amending The Gospel So That It's Palatable!"
HELL IN THE BIBLE (Strong Dictionary)
HELL: Hebrew SHEOL: Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates: - grave, hell, pit.
Deu 32:22 for a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
2Sam 22:6-7 The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.
Psalm 9:17 the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Psalm 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiced: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psa 55:15-16 let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
Pro 9:13-18 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knowest nothing. For she sit at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanted understanding, she said to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knowest not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
Pro 15:9-11 the way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loved him that followed after righteousness. Correction is grievous unto him that forsakes the way: and he that hated reproof shall die. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? Destruction in Hebrew abaddon: abstractly a perishing; concretely Hades: - destruction.
Pro 23:13-14 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beat him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Isa 5:11-14 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands. Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiced, shall descend into it.
HELL in Greek GEENNA: Of Hebrew origin ([H1516] and [H2011]); valley of (the son of) Hinnom; gehenna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment: - hell.
The scriptures that used the word Geenna:
Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Mat 5:30 and if thy right hand offends thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Mat 10:28 and fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
HELL G86 HADES: From G1 (as a negative particle) and G1492; properly unseen, that is, “Hades” or the place (state) of departed souls: - grave, hell.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Act 2:27 because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. v28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. v31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. v32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Rev 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
Rev 20:13-15 and the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
HELL: TARTAROO (the deepest abyss of Hades); to incarcerate in eternal torment: - cast down to hell.
2 Peter 2:3 these false teachers only want your money. So they will use you by telling you things that are not true. But the judgment against these false teachers has been ready for a long time. And they will not escape God who will destroy them. v4 when angels sinned, God did not let them go free without punishment. He sent them to hell. He put those angels in caves of darkness, where they are being held until the time when God will judge them. v5 And God punished the evil people who lived long ago. He brought a flood to the world that was full of people who were against God. But he saved Noah and seven other people with him. Noah was a man who told people about living right. v6 God also punished the evil cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. He burned them until there was nothing left but ashes. He used those cities as an example of what will happen to people who are against God. v7 But he saved Lot, a good man who lived there. Lot was greatly troubled by the morally bad lives of those evil people. v8 this good man lived with those evil people every day, and his good heart was hurt by the evil things he saw and heard.
2 Pe 2:9 so you see that the Lord God knows how to save those who are devoted to him. He will save them when troubles come. And the Lord will hold evil people to punish them on the Day of Judgment. v10 that punishment is for those who are always doing the evil that their sinful selves want to do. It is for those who hate the Lord's authority. These false teachers do whatever they want, and they are so proud of themselves. They are not afraid even to say bad things against the glorious ones. v11 the angels are much stronger and more powerful than these beings. But even the angels don't accuse them and say bad things about them to the Lord. v12 But these false teachers speak evil against what they don't understand. They are like animals that do things without really thinking -like wild animals that are born to be caught and killed. And, like wild animals, they will be destroyed. v13 they have made many people suffer. So they themselves will suffer. That is their pay for what they have done. They think it is fun to do evil where everyone can see them. They enjoy the evil things that please them. So they are like dirty spots and stains among you-they bring shame to you in the meals you eat together. v14 Every time they look at a woman, they want her. They are always sinning this way. And they lead weaker people into the trap of sin. They have taught themselves well to be greedy. They are under a curse. v15 these false teachers left the right way and went the wrong way. They followed the same way that the prophet Balaam went. He was the son of Beor, who loved being paid for doing wrong. v16 But a donkey told him that he was doing wrong. A donkey cannot talk, of course, but that donkey spoke with a man's voice and stopped the prophet from acting so crazy. v17 these false teachers are like springs that have no water. They are like clouds that are blown by a storm. A place in the deepest darkness has been kept for them. v18 they boast with words that mean nothing. They lead people into the trap of sin. They find people who have just escaped from a wrong way of life and lead them back into sin. They do this by using the evil things people want to do in their human weakness. v19 these false teachers promise those people freedom, but they themselves are not free. They are slaves to a mind that has been ruined by sin. Yes, people are slaves to anything that controls them. v20 People can be made free from the evil in the world. They can be made free by knowing our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ. But if they go back into those evil things and are controlled by them, then it is worse for them than it was before. v21 Yes, it would be better for them to have never known the right way. That would be better than to know the right way and then to turn away from the holy teaching that was given to them. v22 what they did is like these true sayings: "A dog vomits and goes back to what it threw up." And, "After a pig is washed, it goes back and rolls in the mud again."
GRAVE IN THE BIBLE
1Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The word grave here is translated in Greek as hades.
John 11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
The word grave translated in Greek as mnemeion: remembrance, that is, cenotaph (place of interment): - grave, sepulchre, tomb. It uses the same word (in English) but different meaning in Greek in describing the word grave.
IF HELL DOESN'T EXIST OR MEAN WHAT IT MEANT WHY BOTHER ABOUT SIN? WHY NEED JESUS? ISN'T YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT?
Related: "Do What You Want"..? (Exposing Satanism in Society) [1of3]
According to the Power - Political or Spiritual?
Ray C. Stedman
Read the Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-10
Pastor Johnson leaned against the fender of the fire-truck, watching helplessly as the church building burned to the ground. The firemen continued battling the flames, but it was clear that the flames were winning. Just then, Mrs. Wimple, one of Pastor Johnson's Easter-only parishioners, came up to him, shaking her head sadly. "Oh, Pastor Johnson," she said sympathetically, "it's just awful! It doesn't look like they'll be able to save any of it!"
"No," Pastor Johnson sighed. "It's a total loss for sure. By the way, Mrs. Wimple, I usually only see you at church once a year! What brings you out here tonight?"
"Well," she said, spreading her hands, "this is the first time I've ever seen the church on fire!"
In this chapter, we will look at how to set a church "on fire" all year round, so that it will illuminate the world, drawing people out of their darkness and toward the light of Jesus Christ. An "on-fire" church is a church that is plugged into a source of power. What is that power source? And how does an "on fire," fully powered church function?
Is it a place where dramatic miracles happen every Sunday? Is it a center of political pressure, changing society by the power of its numbers, marching in lock step? Is it a center of political activism, demanding change through protests and marches? Is it a religious think-tank, performing studies and issuing papers and resolutions in the hope that society will listen and change?
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians talks a lot about the power which resides in the church-yet he never mentions any of these activities. Instead, he reminds us that the fundamental secret of the operation of the church is that each true Christian has a gift and is expected to operate that gift or cluster of gifts in the power provided by Jesus Christ. This is the way he puts it:
"But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, 'When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.' (In saying, 'He ascended,' what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things)." (Ephesians. 4:7 10).
Now, there are two kinds of gifts mentioned in verse 7. One, Paul calls the measure of the other: "But grace (that is the first gift) was given to each of us, according to the measure of Christ's gift" (or more literally, the gift of Christ-the second gift). This "gift of Christ" is the more basic gift of the two and refers to Christ himself. That is, Paul is not talking here about something which Christ gives to us, but something God has given us, which is Christ. The gift is Christ himself. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:15, "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"
Because Christ is made known to us by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, it is equally proper to call this the gift of the Holy Spirit, as the apostle Peter does in Acts 2:38: "And Peter said to them, 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
So the basic gift is the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ within each believer. That is what makes anyone a Christian. Paul says to the Romans, "Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him" (Romans. 8:9). He may be religious and a member of church, faithfully attending all meetings and fulfilling all obligations, but if he does not have the Spirit living within he is not one of Christ's. That is the essential requirement.
There is also the special "grace" mentioned here which is the gift of the Spirit to each Christian as a special ability or capacity for service. We have examined these in detail. It is this gift (or cluster of gifts) which must be exercised "according to the measure of Christ's gift."
Continue to read here.
Read the Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-10
Pastor Johnson leaned against the fender of the fire-truck, watching helplessly as the church building burned to the ground. The firemen continued battling the flames, but it was clear that the flames were winning. Just then, Mrs. Wimple, one of Pastor Johnson's Easter-only parishioners, came up to him, shaking her head sadly. "Oh, Pastor Johnson," she said sympathetically, "it's just awful! It doesn't look like they'll be able to save any of it!"
"No," Pastor Johnson sighed. "It's a total loss for sure. By the way, Mrs. Wimple, I usually only see you at church once a year! What brings you out here tonight?"
"Well," she said, spreading her hands, "this is the first time I've ever seen the church on fire!"
In this chapter, we will look at how to set a church "on fire" all year round, so that it will illuminate the world, drawing people out of their darkness and toward the light of Jesus Christ. An "on-fire" church is a church that is plugged into a source of power. What is that power source? And how does an "on fire," fully powered church function?
Is it a place where dramatic miracles happen every Sunday? Is it a center of political pressure, changing society by the power of its numbers, marching in lock step? Is it a center of political activism, demanding change through protests and marches? Is it a religious think-tank, performing studies and issuing papers and resolutions in the hope that society will listen and change?
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians talks a lot about the power which resides in the church-yet he never mentions any of these activities. Instead, he reminds us that the fundamental secret of the operation of the church is that each true Christian has a gift and is expected to operate that gift or cluster of gifts in the power provided by Jesus Christ. This is the way he puts it:
"But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, 'When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.' (In saying, 'He ascended,' what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things)." (Ephesians. 4:7 10).
Now, there are two kinds of gifts mentioned in verse 7. One, Paul calls the measure of the other: "But grace (that is the first gift) was given to each of us, according to the measure of Christ's gift" (or more literally, the gift of Christ-the second gift). This "gift of Christ" is the more basic gift of the two and refers to Christ himself. That is, Paul is not talking here about something which Christ gives to us, but something God has given us, which is Christ. The gift is Christ himself. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:15, "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"
Because Christ is made known to us by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, it is equally proper to call this the gift of the Holy Spirit, as the apostle Peter does in Acts 2:38: "And Peter said to them, 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
So the basic gift is the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ within each believer. That is what makes anyone a Christian. Paul says to the Romans, "Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him" (Romans. 8:9). He may be religious and a member of church, faithfully attending all meetings and fulfilling all obligations, but if he does not have the Spirit living within he is not one of Christ's. That is the essential requirement.
There is also the special "grace" mentioned here which is the gift of the Spirit to each Christian as a special ability or capacity for service. We have examined these in detail. It is this gift (or cluster of gifts) which must be exercised "according to the measure of Christ's gift."
Continue to read here.
"Hallelujah" - Leonard Cohen
"Hallelujah"
I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in with you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Maybe there’s a God above
But all I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you
It’s not a cry you can hear at night
It’s not somebody who has seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light in every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah
I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in with you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Maybe there’s a God above
But all I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you
It’s not a cry you can hear at night
It’s not somebody who has seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light in every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah
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