"Destined to Reign: The Secret to Effortless Success..." (or Popular Grace)

by Rev William Lau - The Elijah Challenge

It is time to speak up about a certain teaching on the grace of God which has recently captivated many Christians. The teaching is encapsulated in the title "Destined to Reign: The Secret to Effortless Success, Wholeness, and Victorious Living" taken from a book written by a rising star in Christendom.

Without going into detail about the teaching, it would behoove us to make some observations beginning with the title of the book, especially the phrase “Effortless Success.” This term would appear to appeal to people who are looking to make a fast buck without trying, perhaps to the kind of people who buy lottery tickets hoping for that one-in-a-ten-million dream to come true. There are many such people, even among Christians, and they might want to buy the book and unwittingly enrich the author. But the title does not square with Jesus’ words, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Certainly taking up the cross is not meant to be effortless and painless. We must discern carefully.

Now even if after buying and reading the book we come to the conclusion that the above is not what the author meant to say at all, nevertheless the title given to the book is clearly meant to attract a certain kind of person---of which there are many. And that could increase sales. What does that say about the author?

The author is also reported to have received in 2009 a salary of nearly US$400,000 from the church which he pastors---about fifty times the wages of a working class person in Singapore. This would not raise eyebrows if he were the CEO of a profitable corporation. But he is a pastor, a full-time servant of God. Would the Jesus of Nazareth we see in the Scriptures approve of such an arrangement? Would Paul the apostle, who warned of “people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain”, approve of this level of income? We need to exercise careful discernment based on this fact alone.

It’s likely that someday this pastor will no longer need to draw a salary from his church because of the skyrocketing sales of his book---as is reportedly the case with a very successful pastor in Houston. Nevertheless, the question of his motivation and what is in his heart remains.

We also might want to examine how the author presents himself, because that might offer insights as to what is in his heart.

Above, the author appears to present himself in a way that might remind us of an Asian version of Elvis or even Michael Jackson. In fact, he---only half-jokingly---compared himself favorably to Elvis in one his meetings by quipping before an admiring audience that he was in fact better looking. (While some may say that Elvis loved the Lord, most if us would agree that pastors should not want to emulate his appearance.) Based on this photo and others, this pastor appears to be making himself attractive in a worldly fashion. It is not wrong for a believer to present himself or herself in a way that will do honor to their Lord. But what kind of Christian is attracted to a servant of God who presents himself as a rockstar or teenage idol---the kind at whom weak-willed women might want to throw themselves? Might such a Christian lack discernment? Such a servant of God, intentionally or not, is a stumbling block to certain women in the congregation.But let us say that after reading the book we find it to be uplifting. Casting aside the question of whether or not his teaching on grace is scriptural - which many say it is definitely not - how ought disciples to respond when the teaching appears good, but the teacher is suspect in terms of his personal life?

When there are areas of personal weakness in a servant of God - weak places in his armor - the enemy will have opportunities to deceive. This deception can and will eventually work its way into his teaching, as wonderful as it may sound. Time will tell. Personal holiness and sound doctrine should go hand-in-hand. Paul said to Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” Paul also prophesied to Timothy, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears...” That time has now come. Christians today love to have their ears tickled.

In his teaching the author of course emphasizes the "radical" grace of God. Why are some people drawn to such an emphasis? It could be that they need to be reassured of God's love because of a strict Catholic background, or perhaps an upbringing devoid of parental love. That is understandable. But there is another reason why Christians might be uncertain whether or not they are saved. It may be because they have not overcome sin in their personal lives and they are not obeying the Lord and living their lives on earth as the Scriptures command. Therefore they might be drawn to the teaching on grace which gives them assurance of their salvation despite their disobedience.

We are not here discussing the conditions for salvation, but rather one type of person who might be drawn to this type of teaching. The teaching effectively offers us an excuse and pretext for not obeying the Scriptures: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” This is despite the repeated denials by the author that the teaching is not a license for immorality. But really, why worry about some present sin in our lives if all of our sins---past, present, and future---have already been forgiven?

Moreover, as mentioned earlier, another type of person who might be drawn to this kind of teaching is the one who is looking for a fast track to the good life and an easy path to the throne. There is no such easy path to the throne. As Paul said to the Corinthians, "I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

Of course, the author of this teaching on radical grace is well aware of these verses and will have refuting Scriptures at his disposal. It will be another case of “my scriptures against yours”. How then can we make any conclusion without first conducting an exhaustive theological examination of the teaching? It may boil down to a matter of discernment.

Do believers today want and exercise that discernment? Or do we want to remain “infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming”? Mature believers want what the Spirit desires. But infant believers want what the flesh desires. And the flesh wants to live on easy street enjoying a free lunch and a quick trip to the top of the heap.

One thing is certain: with his many followers and rising popularity around the world, the author of this teaching has undoubtedly discovered the secret to success and victorious living in this life for himself.

Have we not seen this before in the Church, over and over?

Note: Salvation should be a settled issue for disciples who have been properly taught, and should not need to be revisited over and over ad nauseum. Rather, disciples should now be setting their sights on their eternal reward in the next age, and how not to suffer loss in their reward by doing works that do not stand the test of fire (1 Corinthians 3) or by not beating our body and making it our slave (1 Corinthians 9).

New Wine, Old Wineskins and the Fear of Changes

by J. Lee Gradys

The Lord wants to unleash a gushing river of new wine into the church today, but we must leave some things behind.

A woman from Orlando, Fla., was in the news last month because she decided to retire from driving her 1964 Mercury Comet. Rachel Veitch, who is 93, bought the car new for $3,300 when gasoline cost 29 cents a gallon. Today the light yellow car, which Veitch calls “Chariot,” has 567,000 miles on it.
That’s great news for Veitch—who will probably get $44,000 for the antique car because she took such good care of it. But whoever buys it will either store it in a fancy garage or display it at an auto show. There are not too many miles left on this relic of the past.

 “We cannot rely on church growth gurus, popular books or rock-star preachers to lead us into genuine innovation. Copying spiritual trends is just a form of carnality.”

Cars have a life expectancy. Most 1964 Mercury Comets have long been doomed to the junkyard. Engines die, carburetors rust and models go out of style, so we trade them in for newer vehicles. In our fast-paced world, Apple debuts a new iPhone every few years and the most popular apps have almost monthly updates. We’ve come to expect frequent upgrades.

Yet for those of us involved in ministry, we tend to think the church needs no remodeling or renovation. We expect congregations to hum along perpetually for years and years, thinking the world will want to pile into our 1964 yellow Mercury Comet and enjoy the retro ride. But that is a faulty assumption.

While the message of the gospel itself is both timeless and flawless, the packaging we wrap it in must adapt with the times or we will quickly lose relevance. Pipe organs, steeples and choir robes were never wrong, but they won’t help us reach today’s generation. Nor do stale religious systems, tired terminology or worn-out denominational programs that should have been mothballed long ago. (The same can be said for telethons on Christian TV that have the look and feel of a 1978 game show.)
Jesus told John the Baptist’s disciples that people don’t put new wine in old wineskins because the skins will burst and the wine will be wasted. “Put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved,” Jesus said (Matt. 9:17, NASB). But many churches and ministries today insist on pouring their new wine in the old models, again and again. We resist innovation and we fight progress.
I’m willing to guess that 90 percent of what we are doing in church today needs a total makeover. We are facing the most daunting renovation project in the history of the church. But the task is not impossible. It will require us to take these painful steps:

1. We must break free from the fear of change. God is always on the move. He might lead us to camp in one spot for a while, but we can never get too comfortable in one place. His trumpet will eventually blow and the cloud of His presence will shift. Don’t park when God is calling you forward. Stay open to His fresh directives, and expect Him to stretch your faith. He is adventurous!

2. We must be willing to defy tradition. People who are married to the past cannot embrace the future. Sacred cows do not belong in the pulpit; they must be sacrificed on the altar. “The way we’ve always done it” will not work in God’s new season. The crowd chooses the comfortable pews of nostalgia, but God is with the courageous few who are willing to blaze a new path into unreached territory.

3. We must ask the Spirit to reveal His new strategies. We cannot rely on church growth gurus, popular books or rock-star preachers to lead us into genuine change. Copying spiritual trends is just a form of carnality—and it is a sad substitute for real innovation. If the work of transforming the church is not totally led by the Holy Ghost, then our changes will be shallow and our impact will be pitiful. The last thing we need is a superficial upgrade.

I believe the Lord wants to unleash a gushing river of new wine into the church today, but He is directing us to prepare our wineskins. What is old must be renewed by the Spirit, what is outdated must be remodeled, and what is ineffective must be replaced. God wants to do a new thing. Don’t resist it.

J. LEE GRADY is the former editor of Charisma and the director of The Mordecai Project. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. He is the author of several books including 10 Lies the Church Tells Women, 10 Lies Men Believe and The Holy Spirit Is Not for Sale.

A Deception of Cosmic Proportions By Heidi Swander

UFOs are real, they're just not from outer space. So says Chuck Missler in his informative book, Alien Encounters: The Secret Behind the UFO Phenomenon. Missler is convinced that the alleged aliens publicized these days are demonic forces, and equates them convincingly with the angels that co-habited with women in Genesis 6.

Stay with me for these few paragraphs and see if your curiosity isn't piqued just a bit. Granted, there are many details we don't know about the pre-flood days, but in my opinion, Missler's hypothesis fills in a lot of gaps ( Matt. 24:37).

Think about it. The Bible says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). But talk of UFOs and aliens from outer space doesn't glorify God. To the contrary; you'd be very surprised at what they DO glorify.

For instance, these alleged extraterrestrials are big proponents of a new world order. According to Missler, "Throughout the history of alleged extraterrestrial contact there is one theme that dominates ETs' messages to mankind. In order to survive, we must unify our resources into a global society, with a world governing body and global religion." Sound familiar?

He then cites Brad Steiger, author of the book, The Fellowship: "Contactees have been told that the Space Beings hope to guide Earth to a period of great unification . . . The Space Beings also seek to bring about a single, solidified government, which will conduct itself on spiritual principles . . ."

Missler's conviction that these beings are demons is further strengthened by the fact that these alleged aliens are "coincidentally" concerned with the exact same philosophies espoused by the New Age movement! He says a vast majority of abductees "have shown an interest in paranormal activities, Eastern religions, and New Age world-view. A large percentage of abductees have also reported a history of involvement with Ouija boards, astrology, witchcraft, astral projection, telepathic communication, channeling, past life regressions, and the like."

In fact, apparently "one of the more common sources of information from extraterrestrials comes through channelers. Channeling [a practice prolific among followers of the New Age movement] is a process whereby an individual (the channel) allows him or herself to be entered or spoken through by a spiritual entity [read: demon]."

Missler also cites Jacques Vallee, world-renowned UFO researcher, who says, "The structure of abduction stories [is] identical to that of occult initiation rituals." These issues may seem far out, but they are germane to the subject of the end-times, which an increasing number of Christians believe we're living in right now!

And speaking of the end-times, I just have to share this with you. Apparently these ETs have a plan to "evacuate the millions of people who are 'out of vibration' with Earth Mother!" I kid you not! According to Missler, ET officionados explain that, "extraterrestrials will 'beam up' or levitate these individuals into hundreds of cloaked alien ships that are currently surrounding the Earth. When the global situation reaches a crisis point on Earth, they will evacuate these people in a 'twinkling of an eye.'" Apparently Satan feels an intense need to explain where millions of us have gone after the fact.

Admittedly, this is a subject that generates a lot of discussion! Some may say this is strange Star Wars or Twilight Zone talk, but it is actually thought-provoking apologetics to contemplate. But our central focus right now must continue to be to warn our loved ones of the danger looming over our world and to reach those who are lost with the good news of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ - while we still have time!

The Bible says there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven in the last days ( Luke 21:11). I find it intriguing that the escalation of UFO activity began in 1948. Even back then the demonic world sensed that the rebirth of Israel was a sign that the time was short.

Take heart, friend! A good and perfect world government is coming -- the reign of Jesus Christ on this earth. If you know Jesus Christ personally you - as I - will be reigning with Him ( Rev. 20:6)! At that time Satan and his minions will be bound for a thousand years, summarily squashed in one last attempt to overthrow the King of kings, and then banished to the lake of fire for eternity.

Look up ( Luke 21:28). Our redemption is coming!!


To better understand these kinds of issues, check out our Newswatch category on Spiritual Deception.

It's All Coming Together by Heidi Swander

I read an article recently that began with these chilling words, "The Institute for Health Freedom (IHF) warns that the economic stimulus bill mandates electronic health records for every citizen without providing for opt-out or patient consent provisions." By now you most likely know this. (If not, I refer you to Jan's Feb. 21st program where she spoke about this topic with Twila Brase of the Citizens' Council on Healthcare.)

Think the mandated inclusion of electronic health records is a creation of the currently-officiating members of our executive and legislative branches? Think again. From a careful reading of chapter 8 in the book, It Could Happen Tomorrow, by Gary Frazier, I discovered that this is a well-orchestrated plan that has been in the works for some time.

What you may not know is that in 2007 President Bush signed an agreement that commits the U.S. to economic integration with Europe, and that one of the provisions of the agreement was creating regulatory convergence between the U.S. and the E.U., including integrating health records electronically!

Frazier states that in Annex 7 of this agreement "the U.S. and E.U. resolve to work together on interoperability of e-health records systems, exchange best practices on all dimensions related to all RFID [Radio Frequency Identification], and develop a framework of regulation and payment policies that promote innovation."

He also warns that "the integration of technology and regulatory systems is at the heart of regional and global cooperation, and will be an absolute necessity if regional currencies, national security systems, health-care, and governments are to be integrated into a North American Union and, eventually, a global system." (Check out how fast a global system is coming to the planet by listening to Jan's March 7th interview with Gary Kah usually posted by late Monday to "Radio Archives.")

In the agreement, according to Frazier, the United States and the Transatlantic Economic Council have "agreed to work together to integrate their healthcare and economic systems with RFID technology that can later be merged into one system."

"RFID is a technology that uses a transponder tag to store information, which is later accessed and retrieved by an antenna that transmits a signal from the tag," Frazier explains. Presently RFID tags are implanted in animals, merchandise, passports, and automobiles, but research is in advanced stages for actually implanting it in human beings. It has already been used, for instance, in Alzheimer patients who can easily become lost and unable to identify themselves to others.

RFID figures in this globalization plan big-time and is becoming more prominent by the day as Jan's guest, Katherine Albrecht, pointed out in her March 7th radio interview, again posted late Monday.) Jan and Katherine discussed a new technology -- enhanced driver's licenses (EDL) -- that have already been implemented in Washington state and are in the process of being implemented in a number of other states. "We are close to the point now that if you don't want RFID in any of your documents that you can't leave the country or get back into it," according to Michigan State Rep. Paul Opsommer in a recent World Net Daily article, that also featured Albrecht. Frazier best sums it up. "RFID technology is being integrated into global commerce by world leaders who know that a cashless society is the only way government can have full control."

Economic integration? Global cooperation? A government that has full control?

Throw in a proposal for an "Organization of Religions Nations" by Italian Democratic Party Leader Walter Veltroni and the picture begins to crystallize. According to Frazier, "Veltroni hopes to create a 'Palace of Religions' in Rome, similar to the United Nations building" in Manhattan. At this new palace in Rome, representatives from every religion in the world could come together to discuss the role of religion in the world."

God has told us in His Word that during the Tribulation there will be a one-world religious system ( Rev. 17), a one-world economic system (Rev. 13:16, 17 & Rev. 18:1-19), and a one-world government (Rev. 13:1-10 & Dan. 11:36-39). The pieces would seem to be falling into place with increasing speed. We can sit back and watch as God's Word is fulfilled!

Terrifying, you say? Well, no, because God keeps all of His Word and His promises! And what does He promise His beloved bride? "Let not your heart be troubled . . . if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:1, 3), and, "Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial, which shall come upon all the world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (Rev. 3:10).

A favorite Bible teacher of mine often says, "When you see the Christmas decorations going up in the local department stores, you know that Thanksgiving is right around the corner!" As we see all the signposts in preparation for the seven-year Tribulation going up, we know it's almost time to go Home!

It's all coming together! So watch ( Mark 13:37). Don't be afraid (II Tim. 1:7). And look up (Luke 21:28)! Today you're one day closer to Eternity!

Man's Quest to Become God: The Newest Plan by Heidi Swander

Warning:  What you are about to read sounds like a new spin-off episode of Star Trek, but it is not.  It is really happening in real time with real people, and it will very likely have a tremendous impact on the future of our world and on the seven-year Tribulation period that is fast approaching.

Our subject is Transhumanism:  The development of the post-human or neo-human.  In an article in his quarterly publication, "Forcing Change," Carl Teichrib, long-time researcher and writer on globalization, explains, "Based on the premise that evolution is true, Transhumanism looks to shape the human species through the direct application of science . . . By employing technology we can take hold of the evolutionary process and change it as we desire, thus becoming masters of our future." 
 

According to Teichrib, the Mormon Transhumanist Association (MTA) lists such "benefits" of this pseudo-science as highly advanced intellectual capabilities; bodies immune to disease and aging; communication without speech or visual aids and en masse; and superhuman strength and agility, to name a few.  The means to this end include DNA manipulation, brain-computer interfacing, and injections of nanobot technology to manipulate human tissue.  Teichrib warns that such ideas are "grounded in theoretical research and present-day realities."  He says that, "Brain interfacing and mind implants, along with nanotechnology, are no longer the stuff of science fiction.  Much theoretical work has been done, experimentation is ongoing, and major breakthroughs have occurred."

As Teichrib points out, "While the future is being played within laboratories and technical institutes, the foundation of Transhumanism rests on an ancient desire:  Man becoming deity."  It is, in effect, "the technical quest for the Holy Grail, Ascension through engineering."  
 

"Mark Pesce, a co-inventor of 3-D interfacing for the Worldwide Web and a panelist and judge on ABC's show The New Inventors, puts it this way, 'Now we will reach into the improbable, re-sequence ourselves into a new Being, de-bugging the natural state, translating ourselves into supernatural, incorruptible, eternal.  There is no God but Man.'"

During a Q&A session at a conference on Transhumanism hosted by the MTA, the comment was made in Techrib's hearing that, "We are now at a Tower of Babel return point -- anything we imagine, we can do.  There is nothing out of our grasp now" (see Gen. 11:6).

 

Scary, isn't it?  And don't miss that the Mormon Church is central in this quest as they seek to become gods, just as their doctrine dictates.

Although the modern version of Transhumanism is rooted in Humanism and most Transhumanists are atheistic or agnostic, Teichrib explains that, "A progressive version of Christianity, represented as a faith ready to embrace religious diversity and evolution, will be accepted within the Transhuman environment.  Emergent spirituality and interfaithism within the church will dovetail with Transhuman sentiments." And, he says, "A globally-accepted form of spirituality will play an increasing role in the Transhumanist worldview" (italics mine).

In another article on Transhumanism, Martin Erdmann, a Swiss theologian, warns that "a large contingent of contemporary evangelicals have [already] embraced some aspects of the technocratic ideals of Transhumanism and is drawn by its motivations . . . Their new focus is on an earthly inheritance for the church.  In concrete terms this means that Christians are called upon to usher humanity into a new stage of its existence.  Through individual Christians' labor, all the evils in society will slowly be conquered until they are no more."  These espoused goals are similar to those of Dominionists.

The desire for man to become god is an ancient ambition and demonically rooted (Genesis 3).  It should be no surprise, as we race pell-mell toward the culmination of history, that an adaptation of this objective has been remade in a palatable format for today's techno-gurus and false theologians. 
 

It is one thing to consider that pagan humanity is attempting this feat.  It is another to consider that broad sections of those who call themselves Christian are succumbing to this satanic lie.  It smacks of Paul's words to the Romans, "Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man," (Rom. 1:22-23).  But Paul also had words to the church in Thessolonica: "And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (II Thess. 2:11-12).

The Great Evangelical Disaster By Jan Markell

Dr. Frances Schaeffer correctly summed things up years ago when he said, "Here is the great evangelical disaster -- the failure of the evangelical church to stand for truth. The evangelical church has accommodated the spirit of this age. First there has been the accommodation of Scripture, so that many who call themselves evangelicals hold a weakened view of the Bible and no longer affirm the truth of all that it teaches."

How did we get here?

Paul Smith -- brother of Calvary Chapel founder Chuck Smith -- brilliantly documents the decline and fall of evangelicalism in his new book, New Evangelicalism:

Purchase this book for $11 + S/H in our online store

The New World Order. He confirms that the church today is in a state of crisis and confusion. Terms like fundamentalism, evangelicalism, new evangelicalism, and Emergent Church, have clearly created conflict in the church's beliefs, perceived self-identity, and approach to fulfilling Jesus Christ's Great Commission.

The huge paradigm shift has its roots in a 1905 meeting in a Manhattan, New York restaurant. The players were a group of intellectuals committed to Karl Marx. They established a goal of a "fundamental transformation" of America's culture away from its Christian roots to Marxist/Socialist ideology. They would infiltrate everything from learning centers to the media to churches.

They succeeded. E-mails into this ministry document the carnage that has happened and that continues to unfold in our churches today. People write to this ministry stating that they have visited every single option for a church in their town and that all have such serious problems that now they just stay home. They have given up. Church is no longer recognizable. People are heartbroken and disconnected. The Bible warns of the great end-time falling away and yet no one was prepared for this. We all thought we would be exempt.

While Smith hits the target on many issues from Purpose-Driven to Emergent to postmodernism, he takes careful and extended aim at Fuller Seminary. In 1971, C. Peter Wagner became a professor of church growth at Fuller. The emphasis upon social sciences, not the Bible, was the focus of Wagner and others influenced by the "science" of church growth. This has resulted in four decades of church dilemma and carnage around the world.

While Fuller Seminary cannot be blamed for all the wreckage, young men were being trained there -- including Rick Warren -- to learn how to do church in unconventional ways. Some of those ways were productive but other gimmicks produced the "new evangelicalism" which would not be recognized by our grandparents. Smith documents the alarming degenerative process which has confused many evangelicals. His documentation is sobering. The subtle progression of unbiblical details is shocking.

Smith records the fact that Fuller Seminary no longer says that the Bible 'is the infallible Word of God.' They simply state that the Bible is the word (lower-cased) of God, and then adds that infallibility is limited to matters of faith and practice.  

Contrast the rapid growth of the "Jesus people movement" of the 60s and 70s that had absolutely no marketing gimmicks implemented in it to today's marketing-saturated approach.  

As one book reviewer states, if he had to run into his burning home to save certain items, Paul Smith's book, New Evangelicalism, would be one of the items!

While no one wants to give up on the church -- including its Shepherd, Jesus Christ -- the conclusion is that the compromise in the church of the last 100 years is setting the stage for the one-world religion that will reign triumphant in the future Tribulation. You can read how all of this is harmonizing with the new world order in these prophetic last days. 

Purchase this booklet for $5 + S/H

We also carry Eric Barger's new 45-page booklet, Where Are Evangelicals Heading?  It contains similar information in a shorter form, but is still heralding a warning that if we are not careful, evangelicals will go the route the Mainline Protestants did between 1880 and 1920. They caved to liberalism and today they are a social gospel-based band of denominations that are quickly losing relevance. Eric takes a close look at all evangelicals including the National Association of Evangelicals. They're not your grandma's brand either!   

Is there hope? We must always cling to the fact that disasters can be turned around. But people have to see the need for this to happen. Since deterioration began over 100 years ago, the process has been slow and many have adjusted to "new ways of doing church." Leaders now are comfortable with what doesn't work! Steering them back to the truth found in the Scriptures is no easy task.

THE WAR AGAINST THE SAINTS by Jan Markell

Can I speak from the heart? I am trying to be positive in spite of the fact that wind chill temps here in Minnesota likely resemble the temps on Mars or Saturn. Houses and cars are buried in snow. Our famous domed football stadium made national news as it couldn't even survive the onslought of snow and cold so we Minnesotans wish the global warming myth were true.

But if you hadn't noticed, the saints are under particular attack these days. The trials and testings seem to never end. One writes, Due to trials, God remains a complete mystery to me. Yet thankfully we have the promise of Heaven and Christ waiting for us and the constant heart of God with us as we struggle and grieve.

Another writes, Thanks to your prompting, Jan, I try to maintain the eternal perspective and get my eyes and mind off of this earth. The enemy has come against my family but we are not giving up hope. All is, however, a great struggle.

People around the globe are waiting on God. Let none who wait on You be ashamed (Ps. 25:3). Those waiting may be sick, weary, solitary, discouraged, perplexed, and frightened. God seems silent. Some are disappointed in God. Yes, waiting can seem like an eternity but let none of you be ashamed.

So why are the saints being pounded? Here are some thoughts:

* We are in the last of the last days and the enemy would render us ineffective in sharing the gospel while there is still time. If we focus on our issues only, we lose sight of the lost as well as our assignment in these last days.

* You are doing something incredibly right. You need to be stopped or at the least, rendered less effective. Your testimony must be squelched.

* God is allowing the trial so you will learn to wait on Him. Some are asked to wait for days; some for months; others, for years. In my book, Waiting for a Miracle, I had to wait 20 years to hurdle the "chronic fatigue syndrome." My ministry was interrupted and my quality of life totally tanked those years. But I did learn to wait. Finally, God intervened and removed the affliction. I do recommend this book to you if you are waiting, struggling, doubting God, and more.

* What is called the "remnant" is particularly hard hit. The remnant have a love for truth and love to pass it on. The enemy wants truth to be withheld because then one is susceptible to being deceived. The remnant is waking people up and thus the heavy guns are pointed at them. If they get distracted by trials, they are distracted from spreading both the gospel and the truth. The remnant is small in number but nonetheless, powerfully effective.

* Satan wants us all to doubt. Most today even doubt the concept of "the blessed hope" of Titus 2:13 -- the Lord's return. Take away our hope and you're one dejected, down-in-the-mouth Christian. Who would want to seek you out for anything? Your role of providing "salt and light" just turned to pepper and darkness.

* This is a fallen planet and all creation groans. Bad things happen to good people and to God's people. Believers are not exempt from some of the worst trials and groanings. But in the end, we win. Read the last chapter.

Our love of God is linked to our love for one another -- and particularly to those who wait and who are in turmoil. Love of God is inseparably linked with love and care for the brethren. Nothing will lighten your own personal load like reaching out to someone else and helping them ease their load.

Thank you for easing my load. Since October 1 I have had a 12-hour back surgery, a heart attack, and a hacked Web site. I have waited on the Lord! Your e-mails, notes, calls, gifts, and visits have helped so much. To be kept apprised of these issues, visit this link. My thanks to my staff and leadership for carrying an extra load in my absence!

Thank you for your support of this ministry financially in 2010. We air our Understanding the Times radio program on 415 outlets. We are ending the year in the black and we are gearing up for 2011.

In the new year, commit to being an encourager. Try to encourage five people a week with a good word! The Bible says, Encourage the faint-hearted, support the weak, be long suffering toward all (I Thess. 5:14). Heaviness in the heart of man makes him stoop; but encouragement makes him glad (Proverbs 12:25). Make someone glad even today!

In the meantime, never give up! Ask God to put another knot in the end of your rope and to help you hang on! He will.

More Dire Predictions? Soros Compares EU Crisis To Collapse of The Soviet Union

by Beckett Adams - The Blaze

Two weeks ago, billionaire currency speculator George Soros said that the financial crisis in Europe had “taken a turn for the worse” and warned of “a long period of economic stagnation or worse” for the EU.

Shortly after making those comments, the infamous market guru was back in the news for talking about betting against the euro.

This week, he says the EU financial crisis reminds him of the collapse of the Soviet Union.

 “Europe is similar to the Soviet Union in the way that the euro crisis has the potential of destroying, undermining the European Union,” he said during a debate on public policy education Tuesday.

“With the profound social, economic and moral crisis that Europe is in, we can see a similar process of disintegration.”

His Soviet Union comparison is similar to remarks he made in Denmark last week, where he said the eurozone crisis is “not over yet, and it is going in the wrong direction.”

“The euro is undermining the political cohesion of the European Union, and, if it continues like that, could even destroy the European Union,” he said, according to Reuters. “You can grow out of excessive debt, you cannot shrink out of excessive debt.”

As mentioned before on The Blaze, Soros has embarked on something of a personal crusade “to save” the EU and has chosen to do this by railing against the Bundesbank (Germany’s federal bank) — a lot.

German banks and lawmakers are, according to Soros, “dead set” on enforcing the “status quo” by supporting laws that don’t work while the financial crisis threatens “still-incomplete political union.”

Soros says the EU can only be saved through bold and drastic action taken by eurozone authorities.

“The crisis can be stopped at any time. But this requires that the authorities realize that extraordinary situation requires extraordinary responses, ‘outside the box,’” Soros said in a Le Monde interview. “But the rules need to be changed to be sure the system does not emerge from its box.”

“Mr. Soros said other countries, such as Japan and Latin American nations, have come through similar experiences and survived, but the EU is not a country and is ‘unlikely to survive,’” according to the Wall Street Journal.

Next Generation To Be Born Into ‘Cashless’ Society

By Toyin Owoseje

Today's younger generation will trade in their cash, credit cards and cheques for mobile digital wallets by 2016, new research claims.

Children born today will be Britain's first "cashless generation" and will frequently use their smartphones in exchange for goods and services, according to a report by the research company Forrester for the e-commerce site PayPal.

The survey, based on interviews with ten senior executives from major UK businesses with a combined turnover of £85 billion in 2010, identified 2016 as the year that the "digital switchover" will take place on the high street.

From those interviewed, nine out of ten said they believed that mobile payments will be accepted within four years, while half of those interviewed said the development could happen in three years.

The firm predicts that consumers will trade in cash, credit cards and cheques for mobile wallets as soon as 2016, when mass adoption of mobile payment technology is expected to take place.

Commenting on the digital switchover, PayPal UK managing director Carl Scheible said: "We'll see a huge change over the next few years in the way we shop and pay for things.

PICTURE OF a PROPHET

-by Leonard Ravenhill.

The prophet in his day is fully accepted of God and totally rejected by men.

Years back, Dr. Gregory Mantle was right when he said, "No man
can be fully accepted until he is totally rejected." The prophet of
the Lord is aware of both these experiences. They are his "brand name."

The group, challenged by the prophet because they are smug and
comfortably insulated from a perishing world in their warm but
untested theology, is not likely to vote him "Man of the year" when
he refers to them as habituates of the synagogue of Satan!

The prophet comes to set up that which is upset. His work is to
call into line those who are out of line! He is unpopular because he
opposes the popular in morality and spirituality. In a day of faceless
politicians and voiceless preachers, there is not a more urgent
national need than that we cry to God for a prophet! The function
of the prophet, as Austin-Sparks once said, "has almost always
been that of recovery."

The prophet is God's detective seeking for a lost treasure. The
degree of his effectiveness is determined by his measure of
unpopularity. Compromise is not known to him.

He has no price tags.

He is totally 'otherworldly.'

He is unquestionably controversial and unpardonably hostile.

He marches to another drummer!

He breathes the rarefied air of inspiration.

He is a "seer" who comes to lead the blind.

He lives in the heights of God and comes into the valley with a
"thus saith the Lord."

He shares some of the foreknowledge of God and so is aware of
impending judgment.

He lives in 'splendid isolation.'

He is forthright and outright, but he claims no birthright.

His message is "repent, be reconciled to God or else...!"

His prophecies are parried.

His truth brings torment, but his voice is never void.

He is the villain of today and the hero of tomorrow.

He is excommunicated while alive and exalted when dead!

He is dishonored with epithets when breathing and honored with
epitaphs when dead.

He is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, but few 'make the grade'
in his class.

He is friendless while living and famous when dead.

He is against the establishment in ministry; then he is established
as a saint by posterity.

He eats daily the bread of affliction while he ministers, but he feeds
the Bread of Life to those who listen.

He walks before men for days but has walked before God for years.

He is a scourge to the nation before he is scourged by the nation.

He announces, pronounces, and denounces!

He has a heart like a volcano and his words are as fire.

He talks to men about God.

He carries the lamp of truth amongst heretics while he is lampooned by men.

He faces God before he faces men, but he is self-effacing.

He hides with God in the secret place, but he has nothing to hide
in the marketplace.

He is naturally sensitive but supernaturally spiritual.

He has passion, purpose and pugnacity.

He is ordained of God but disdained by men.

Our national need at this hour is not that the dollar recover its
strength, or that we save face over the Watergate affair, or that we
find the answer to the ecology problem. We need a God-sent prophet!

I am bombarded with talk or letters about the coming shortages in
our national life: bread, fuel, energy. I read between the lines from
people not practiced in scaring folk. They feel that the "seven years
of plenty" are over for us. The "seven years of famine" are ahead.
But the greatest famine of all in this nation at this given moment is
a FAMINE OF THE HEARING OF THE WORDS OF GOD (Amos 8:11).

Millions have been spent on evangelism in the last twenty-five years.
Hundreds of gospel messages streak through the air over the nation
every day. Crusades have been held; healing meetings have made
a vital contribution. "Come-outers" have "come out" and settled, too,
without a nation-shaking revival. Organizers we have. Skilled
preachers abound. Multi-million dollar Christian organizations
straddle the nation. BUT where, oh where, is the prophet? Where
are the incandescent men fresh from the holy place? Where is the
Moses to plead in fasting before the holiness of the Lord for our
moldy morality, our political perfidy, and sour and sick spirituality?

GOD'S MEN ARE IN HIDING UNTIL THE DAY OF THEIR SHOWING FORTH.

They will come.

The prophet is violated during his ministry, but he is vindicated by history.

There is a terrible vacuum in evangelical Christianity today. The
missing person in our ranks is the prophet. The man with a terrible
earnestness. The man totally otherworldly. The man rejected by
other men, even other good men, because they consider him too
austere, too severely committed, too negative and unsociable.

Let him be as plain as John the Baptist.

Let him for a season be a voice crying in the wilderness of modern
theology and stagnant "churchianity."

Let him be as selfless as Paul the apostle.

Let him, too, say and live, "This ONE thing I do."

Let him reject ecclesiastical favors.

Let him be self-abasing, nonself-seeking, nonself-projecting,
nonself-righteous, nonself-glorying, nonself-promoting.

Let him say nothing that will draw men to himself but only that which
will move men to God.

Let him come daily from the throne room of a holy God, the place
where he has received the order of the day. Let him, under God,
unstop the ears of the millions who are deaf through the clatter of
shekels milked from this hour of material mesmerism.

Let him cry with a voice this century has not heard because he
has seen a vision no man in this century has seen. God send us
this Moses to lead us from the wilderness of crass materialism,
where the rattlesnakes of lust bite us and where enlightened men,
totally blind spiritually, lead us to an ever-nearing Armageddon.
---------------------------------------------------------
God have mercy! Send us PROPHETS!

"When a prophet is accepted and deified, his message is lost. The
prophet is only useful so long as he is stoned as a public nuisance
calling us to repentance, disturbing our comfortable routines,
breaking our respectable idols, shattering our sacred conventions."
-A. G. Gardiner.

"The function of the Prophet has almost invariably been that of
recovery. That implies that his business is related to something
lost. That something being absolutely essential to God's full
satisfaction, the dominant note of the Prophet was one of
dissatisfaction. And, there being the additional factor that, for
obvious reasons, the people were not disposed to go the costly
way of God's full purpose, the Prophet was usually an unpopular person."
-T. Austin Sparks.

"Those whom God calls to such a ministry - and a call is essential -
must be prepared for a pathway of unpopularity and misunderstanding.
"You troubler of Israel" was the way Ahab addressed Elijah."
-Arthur Wallis.

-Please comment on this topic at the website below-
http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/

Rethinking How We Present the Gospel

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

In Rethinking the Gospel, I shared briefly on the content of the gospel . . . as envisioned in the New Testament.

However, I believe the way that the gospel is presented should differ depending on the people with whom we share it.

This requires sensitivity to the Spirit and attention to the person’s heart. Jesus Christ didn’t present Himself the same way to everyone.

To some, He warned. To others, He rebuked. To some, He showed compassion and mercy. To some, He asked questions or told parables, etc.

Just examine the way He interacted with various people, and you’ll see monumental differences. In a much overlooked text, Jude describes it like this:

And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh (Jude 22-23, NKJV).

You have the same thing in Paul.

Sometimes Paul says things like “it’s the kindness and mercy of God that leads us to repentance.” In other places he says things like “knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men.”

Forgive the personal reference, but as I think back on all the times I’ve shared Christ in one-on-one settings over the years (which includes many miserable failures at trying), I’ve noticed a few interesting things.

With some, I never mentioned the afterlife and focused only on the mercy and love of God for the moment. And I watched people repent and believe on Christ.

With others, I talked about the consequences of their actions and the reality of divine judgment and the suffering of our Lord to deliver us from such. And I watched people repent and believe on Christ.

With still others, I talked about how life only makes sense with Jesus. Without Him, it’s an elegant mixture of vanity and meaningless. And I watched people repent and believe on Christ.

To some (those sick or hurting), I’ve shared Christ as Healer. To others (those in present rebellion against God), I’ve shared Him as Judge. To some (those wracked with guilt), I’ve shared Him as Forgiver. To others (artists), I’ve shared Him as Beauty incarnate.

You get the idea.

Perhaps your experience is different, but most of the people I’ve shared the Lord with didn’t come to Him . . . immediately at least. But they were certainly nudged in His direction.

Some of them surrendered to Christ years later. Others still haven’t trusted in Him. Others, well, I have no idea as I’ve lost touch with them.

All told: I’ve learned that while the message of the gospel is always the same and changeth not, how Christ is presented should differ from person to person. I could be wrong of course, but that’s how it seems to me. And this principle has shaped the way I talk with non-followers about the Lord.

That said, here are several things I personally keep in view when speaking to a non Christian about Jesus:

Try to listen intently to the person and ask them questions. Listen outwardly.

Try to be sensitive to the Spirit while talking to them. Seek to discover what God has already done and is doing in their heart. Listen inwardly.

Look for an opportunity to allow the love of Christ to bleed through in their circumstances. Embody the gospel.

Never view an individual as a project, but as a person. A fellow human being. No more or less deserving than myself. The attitude is that of one beggar telling another where to find bread.

The goal is never to “close the deal.” (As a young believer, I thought that was the name of the game and did some damage as a result.) The goal is to be obedient to the Lord in the moment. The results are with Him. And sometimes they don’t show up for years. In fact, you may never end up seeing them in this life.

Keep in mind also that one of the greatest testimonies to the world that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed who He claimed to be is when His people love one another visibly (John 17).

Like the pagan of old once said upon observing the Christians, “Behold how they love one another.”

May it be so again . . .

Share some things you’ve learned about sharing Christ with those who don’t yet know Him from either your failures or successes.

P.S. In the introduction to this talk, I tell a tale of two people who share the gospel with their waitresses. You might find it of interest as it goes along with this post.

OBAMA or A MORMON??

NOTE: Of course there is much comment starting to arise in Christian
circles about the upcoming US election. It very much looks like it
will be down to electing either a devout Mormon or Obama as president.
We would be interested in hearing your comments. But first, some
controversial points to ponder from two of our readers related to this:-

OBAMA or A MORMON??
-Frank 'Appolus'.

It will be interesting to see how the Evangelical community responds
to Governor Romney. The vast majority of Evangelicals consider
Mormonism to be a cult and heretical... Will they vote for, not only
a cult member, but one of high standing within the cult? It seems
clear to me that God is creating a set of circumstances to expose
what truly lies in the hearts of those who call themselves Christians.
For decades now the notion has been put forward, as a reason for
being involved in politics, that we need more Christian men on Capitol
Hill, we need a Christian man in the White-House. Nowhere was this
more clearly seen and heard than when President Bush was running
and re-running for office. Now, where will all those arguments go?
Will we be deafened by the silence of those whose true loyalty may
lie in other places rather than in the Lord? Will we hear perhaps
that "Mormonism is not really that bad, it may not even be a cult
(shush, no using the "cult" word for the next 6 months, it will make
people very uncomfortable)....

THE MANIPULATING of THE CHRISTIAN "POWER BLOK"
-by 'Davo'. (USA).

There is a recent history lesson in all this. I am old enough to recall
the inception of the "Moral Majority" in the late 70´s and the rise of
the religious right.

The religious right and it´s rise, as I recall, was focused on the issue
of abortion. President Jimmy Carter professed to be a Christian and
claimed a personal objection to abortion but was determined to
uphold Roe v Wade as the law of the land. The opposition to abortion
and Jimmy Carter by association and the dreaded Equal Rights
Amendment were the two prominent issues that I remember that
helped advance the so-called "Moral Majority" of that time. Ronald
Reagan became the darling of the moral majority crowd and then
there was the idea for a National Prayer Amendment to allow prayer
back into schools which became another hook for getting more
and more Christians on board to getting Reagan elected.

Well, the prayer amendment initially flopped and to pursue it was
too costly from a political standpoint for Reagen so it was dropped.
The appointment of supreme court justices by both Reagan and
Bush Sr., who weren´t as conservative as promised, derailed the
overturning of the abortion ruling. They did stop the ERA, barely.
I forget the dreadful evil that this amendment was supposed to
have caused.

With all the religious political bluster that began in those days what
has actually been accomplished in relation to it´s initial goals and
all the promised expectations? Have they stopped abortion? No.
Did they get prayer back in schools? No. Have they thwarted the
homosexual agenda? No. What about evolution being taught in
schools? Did they keep the ten commandments in school? Are
they stopping the assault on marriage and family today?

If God is with us why can´t we win these battles? If this is God
and His leading, why has there been no fruit? Why all the failure?

As I look at things today in this country I have concluded that it
hasn´t made anything better but has likely made it worse. It has
prejudiced many, many people against the gospel. Christianity has
been reduced in many people´s minds as to fighting for religious
control of this world as opposed to fighting for the eternal souls
of those who are lost and dying in this world. You end up
fighting the ones you are supposedly trying to reach.

The simplicity and purity of devotion to Jesus Christ which consists
of following Him and keeping His word which He tells us over and
over is the way and practice of true faith. Jesus Christ came into
the world to save sinners, He didn´t come into the world to fix the
world and set public policy. It´s actually a form of worldliness.

It´s a deception and a delusion and completely unwarranted by
Scripture. Imagine that, religious leaders deceiving their followers
and leading them astray. There´s a biblical theme for you. It is a
false agenda that thwarts the true gospel and it´s purpose. It uses
carnal weapons to fight a futile battle against spiritual enemies.
Some people are waking up to that fact.

-Please comment on this topic at the website below-
http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/

WHY ARE SOME in THE PROPHETIC MOVEMENT Still NAMING ANGELS?

by Jennifer LeClaire (Charisma Magazine)

I recently heard a prophetic word that described an angelic visitation. Of course, I am all for angelic visitations. Both the Old and New Testament offer plenty of examples of angels appearing to people to deliver heavenly messages. But this angel apparently had a creative name. Its name was supposedly "Safe Passage."

It grieves me that we have to go around this mountain yet again in the body of Christ. Wasn´t the controversy over Emma - the female angel who purportedly started the modern-day prophetic movement - enough to put an end to this sort of nonsense? Apparently not.

Let me be clear: There is no angel named Emma and there is no angel named Safe Passage - and it´s assignment is not to escort you safely into new opportunities or to clear fearsome corners and honor your unsung courage.

However, if you Google the keywords "angel safe passage," you might see where a misguided prophetic pen could draw such erroneous inspiration. There´s a Safe Passage playing card that´s a prominent "white angel" in a Dungeons and Dragons-style game.

In this context, "Safe Passage" is a sorcerer. On the more benign side, "Safe Passage" was the title of a script for a 1997 episode of Touched by an Angel. Either way, there is no God-sent angel named Safe Passage.

It just so happened that when I stumbled upon the so-called revelation of this angel named Safe Passage I was already studying the topic of angels. In fact, I was in the midst of reading Dr. Lester Sumrall´s Angels to Help You for a second time.

Sumrall offered abundant Scripture about the reality of angels, the categories of angels-including their names and ranks - what angels do, what angels know, angels and prophecy, what kind of people receive angelic service, and much more.

Angels are real. Angels are mentioned 108 times in the Old Testament and 165 times in the New Testament. Angels are messengers. Angels are innumerable. The Bible mentions three angels by name: Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer. But beyond that, you have to go to religions like Zoroastrianism to find the names of angels.

Zoroastrianism, also called Mazdaism, is a religion based on a self-styled prophet named Zoroaster (also known as Avestan or Zarathustra). Zoroastrianism was once among the largest religions in the world, a political power in pre-Islamic Iran. Mazdaism believers prayed to angels like Ameretat, Asha Vahishta and Vohu Mano for protection.

In modern times, the New Age movement has an A-to-Z list of named angels, some of which are supposedly rooted in Scripture.

There´s Abdiel, the professed "Angel of Faith." At the end of the New Age list, you´ll find Zuriel, the "Angel of Harmony" who has dominion over the sun sign of Libra.

As you can see, false teaching about angels has been circulating the world since before Christ was born and well after He ascended to the right hand of the Father. False teachings about angels was an issue in the early church and it´s an issue in the end-time church. "And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14).

Paul had an apostolic message for those who hyper-focused on angels and their "teachings" at the expense of exalting Christ.

Paul was so bold as to say that if he - or an angel from heaven - preached any other gospel than the gospel of Christ he should be accursed (Gal. 1:8). Those are pretty strong words and ones that should be heeded before we preach sermons or pen articles that exalt angels.

Paul also said, "Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God" (Col. 2:18-19).

Matthew Henry, an 18th century minister whose well-known commentary provides an exhaustive verse-by-verse study of the Bible, gets to the root of such angel exaltation: "They advanced those notions to gratify their own carnal fancy, and were fond of being thought wiser than other people. Pride is at the bottom of
a great many errors and corruptions, and even of many evil practices, which have great show and appearance of humility."

Yes, angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14). That´s us! Angels are sent to execute God´s Word. By revelation of the Holy Spirit, David wrote, "Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word" (Ps.103:20).

Angels stand ready to obey the Word of God and bring it to pass.

Yes, in a way angels may help provide us with safe passage.

When we make the Lord our dwelling place, no evil shall befall us nor shall any plague come near our dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over us, to keep us in all our ways. In their hands they shall bear us up, lest we dash our foot against a stone (Psalm 91:9-12). But there is no angel named Safe Passage, at least none of God´s angels.

One last thought: John mistakenly fell down to worship at the feet of an angel who had shown him the revelations he recorded in the book of Revelation. The angel immediately told him to worship God (Rev. 22:8-9). We don´t know the name of this angel. If it were important, the Holy Spirit would have revealed it. I suppose some in the modern church would name him "Revelation," - some may even claim "Revelation" is a female - and that would be yet another error.

Let me end with the words of Jesus Himself: "Take heed that no one deceives you... for false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect" (Mk 13:5; 22). Amen. -Jennifer LeClaire, news editor, Charisma.

GEORGE FOX - Too RADICAL!!

Andrew Strom:- A reader wrote to me recently about the radical
ministry of George Fox from centuries ago. Here was a man who
feared nothing, who walked the earth in leather clothes, who was
so against the organized religion of his day that he called church
buildings "steeple houses" and frightened off many a "hireling" in
the charge thereof - before preaching to the congregation himself!!
There has rarely been an anointed Reformer or Revivalist as radical
as George Fox.

As reader 'Tom' wrote to me:

"I have read a number of items on revival, but to my knowledge, no
one has referenced George Fox who lived in the 1600s in England
during a tumultuous time. He spent times in jail for his outspoken
faith and because he challenged the clergy of the day. His teaching
was the most practical and uncompromising I have encountered
on the matter of holiness and regeneration.

An interesting thing about him and perhaps the reason he goes
unnoticed, is that his ministry mirrors that of the book of Acts,
except that his foes are not Judaism but apostate Christianity.
In other words, his time is contemporary in many ways with ours.
Because of this, many may avoid him since he was entirely
separated from organized religion!"

GEORGE FOX - the HOLY RADICAL
-by David Smithers.

In the year of 1647, a large man with piercing eyes named George
Fox started preaching throughout the towns and villages of England.
He prayed and fasted often, traveling with no other companion but
his Bible. He proclaimed a gospel of purity, power and repentance.

When George Fox began preaching, many churches were dead
and bound in man-made traditions and formalism. When the Church
drifts into formalism, the world drifts into further ungodliness. The
methods and appearance of George Fox to some, seemed quite
offensive and extreme. It is sometimes necessary for God's
prophets to be unconventional in order to thoroughly awaken the
indifferent and hard hearted.

Soon after George Fox began to preach, he had a remarkable
spiritual experience that lasted fourteen days. A certain Mr. Brown,
while on his death bed prophesied many great things concerning
Fox. "When this man was buried," says Fox, "a great work of the
Lord fell on me." During this mighty baptism of the Spirit, Fox
received a remarkable gift of discernment. "He seemed to be able
to read the character of men by looking at them." Miraculous
healings also accompanied his ministry. Through prayer and the
laying on of hands, the sick were often healed and devils were
cast out to the glory of Christ. When George Fox preached men
would shake and tremble. "The name Quaker was given to Fox
and his followers because of the quaking of the men who came
to scoff but stayed to pray." This remarkable power seemed to
accompany the preaching of Fox wherever he went.

Fox preached that Jesus Christ is the author of a faith which
purifies and gives victory over sin. He fervently exhorted men to
pursue complete holiness rather than empty religious ceremonies.
As a result, he was often beaten, stoned and driven out of town.
It is estimated that perhaps no other man since the time of the
Reformation was persecuted and imprisoned as often as George
Fox. He usually went about the country on foot, dressed in his
famous suit of leather clothes, which it is believed he made
himself. He often slept outside under a tree or in some haystack.
Fox also often pointed out that what was commonly called the
Church was only a building. He boldly declared that only the
fervent believers of Christ were the living stones of the true Church.

"Above all George Fox excelled in prayer." It was his habit to wait
in silence for the movement of the Holy Spirit and then begin to
pray, causing whole congregations to be shaken and humbled
under the hand of God Almighty. "As he prayed the power of God
came down in such a marvelous manner the very building seemed
to rock." Through the ministry of George Fox, a glimmer of Apostolic
power was revealed to seventeenth century England. He was a man
of the Spirit in an age that emphasized theological and scriptural
accuracy at the expense of the power of the Holy Ghost. He always
stressed the importance of a Spirit filled life and refused to let dead
orthodoxy be a veil for the works of the flesh.

If we as believers are content with a gospel that merely comforts
our conscience and perseveres our traditions, then we are also
content to forsake the gospel of Christ and the Apostles. God
help us to truly seek the kind of praying and preaching that will
once again make men tremble in the presence of Jesus Christ.

-Please comment on this topic at the following website-

http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/

-Original Source-

http://www.watchword.org/

A Farewell to Self-Righteousness

by Frank Viola

I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love ~ Luke 7:47

Women have a large part to play in the New Testament story. They funded Jesus’ earthly ministry (Luke 8:1–3). They were also the most faithful of His disciples, staying with Him to the bitter end.

But of all the women mentioned in the New Testament, none can compare with Mary of Magdala.

Magdala was a city along the Sea of Galilee. The town was very unclean—filthy and unkempt—and known for its rampant prostitution.

Many of the city’s young girls grew up learning how to sin. Mary was one of them.*

*This story is based on Luke 7:36-50. According to most traditional scholars and the testimony of ancient church history, Mary Magdalene is the “unnamed woman” (the prostitute) mentioned in Luke 7. Luke doesn’t name her for obvious reasons, but he mentions her by name in Luke 8. Mary Magdalene is not to be confused with Mary of Bethany, who anointed Him near the end of the Lord’s earthly life. Some modern scholars question all of this, however. But it’s impossible to tell either way. Even if you don’t believe that Mary Magdalene is the “unnamed woman” in Luke 7, it doesn’t effect the main plot-points of the story. Just insert “the unnamed woman” for Mary and read on . . .

At a young age, Mary learned the dark trade of selling her body for money. She became a harlot, a woman of the night.

Little did anyone know that this hopeless, sinful, demon-possessed prostitute was destined to meet the Lover of her soul. And as a result, women and men in every century would herald her.

By using a bit of consecrated imagination, I would like us to return to the first century and meet this incredible woman as she encounters her incredible Lord.

Human Desperation Meets Divine Fullness
It is the year AD 28. Like most people in Palestine, Mary of Magdala has heard the grand reports of a miracle-working prophet named Jesus of Nazareth. Everywhere He goes, Jesus heals the sick and casts out demons. Not long ago, Mary moved to the village of Nain in Galilee.

At this point in her adult life, Mary is a desperate soul. Ever since she was a young teen, she has made her living as a prostitute. She suffers from depression and suicidal tendencies.

For years she has been vexed with evil spirits, seven to be exact (Luke 8:2). All of her adult life she has known nothing but torment, degradation, and utter defilement (Matt. 12:45).

The day has come. Mary hears that Jesus has entered the town of Nain. She catches wind of reports that He raised a man from the dead (Luke 7:11–17). Upon hearing this, she looks for Him.

Not far from her home, she sees a large crowd gathered. And she spots Him. She is riveted by the authority with which He speaks. She also detects a graciousness and purity that she has never before witnessed in any man.

Jesus finishes His message and begins praying for the sick who are before Him. Without any timidity, Mary approaches Him. Jesus looks upon her with surprising familiarity.

In a flash of divine revelation, the Lord remembers. He remembers that she was chosen to be part of His glorious bride before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4).

As He puts His hands upon her head, Mary weeps. With uncommon authority, the Lord utters this simple word: “Evil spirits I command you to come out of her, never to enter her again!”

Immediately, Mary lets out a loud wail and collapses before Jesus as if in a coma. Those looking on wonder if she is dead. The Lord assures them that she is just sleeping.

An hour goes by, and Mary awakens. When she rises from the ground, she feels clean and whole.

She can only remember feeling this way in the innocence of her childhood, when she was a little girl. She begins to weep again. Mary looks for Jesus, but He is gone.

She is told that He has been invited to a Pharisee’s home for dinner. With tears of deep gratitude and joyful anticipation, she heads off to find Jesus.

She has with her the most valuable asset she owns: a small vial filled with costly perfume that hangs from a leather strap around her neck.

This vial represents her savings account. The money has come from her trade.

Without forethought or deliberation, she wishes to give it to Jesus as a gift, a token of her gratitude.

As she diligently inquires the exact whereabouts of Jesus, someone points to the home of Simon the Pharisee. Simon has invited the Lord to be his guest for dinner.

Let’s walk into Simon’s home and see what’s happening there.

The Scandal of Shameless Love

Simon is quite intrigued by this famous prophet named Jesus. He has heard many stories about Him.

Simon belongs to the class of “nonsinners” called Pharisees.

They are the self-appointed monitors of the kingdom of God. They are the self-proclaimed and self-anointed experts at sin management.

They are beyond sin in their own eyes, and their “ministry” is to make sure that others keep sin to an absolute minimum.

Simon and his Pharisee friends are now afforded the opportunity to interview the Nazarene prophet up close and personal.

Jesus is the guest of honor. Simon, however, ignores all of the common courtesies of an Eastern home.

He fails to greet Jesus with a kiss. He doesn’t anoint His head with oil. He also fails to wash His feet.

Note that Simon has in his home the very God whom he has been serving all of his life. Yet he is pathetically unaware of it.

Jesus makes no mention of Simon’s neglect as a host. Instead, He graciously reclines at the table with Simon and his friends.

The door opens, and in walks Mary of Magdala. She is uninvited.

Yet she enters unashamedly.*

*Private life was virtually unheard of in Jesus’ day. The doors of homes were often wide open for friends, beggars, and even the curious to march in on a whim.
As Mary enters, she quickly spots Jesus. And she begins to weep.

She walks straight over to Him and positions herself in the highest place possible, at His feet.

As she kneels before Jesus, her tears fall upon His feet. She opens the vial of valuable perfume that’s suspended from her neck and pours it out upon the feet of Christ. She anoints His feet with the perfume, mixing it with her tears.

She then does something outrageous. Scandalous even. She begins to kiss His feet. And she does not stop. (In the Greek, the thought conveyed is that she “smothers” His feet with kisses.)

What happens next horrifies both Simon and his fellow Pharisees.

She unbinds her hair and turns it into a towel. She then proceeds to wipe the Lord’s feet with it.

(In that day for a woman to unbind her hair in public was no small scandal. It would be akin to a woman going topless in our day.)

The Pharisees are in shock. They are mortified. Her attire makes clear that she is a prostitute. A sinner. There’s no question about it. And they are livid.

Why? Because Jesus, this so-called prophet, does not stop her from engaging in what they consider to be shamelessly erotic acts: unbinding her hair and kissing His feet.

Please note: Jesus never rebukes her.

The Pharisees think to themselves that Jesus cannot possibly be a prophet. If He were, He would not allow this sinner to perform such disgraceful acts upon Him.

Jesus perceives their thoughts. But He doesn’t seem to care what they think. The Lord knows exactly who she is. She is part of His glorious bride, chosen in Him before creation.

And she is doing what the bride was designed to do: She is loving Him shamelessly. She is loving Him passionately. She is loving Him extravagantly.

And your Lord is not offended.

Never in His entire ministry has the Lord been loved like this. What is Mary doing? She is simply returning the love that He poured upon her earlier that day.

What are Simon and the other Pharisees doing? They are passing judgment upon her.

To their feeble minds, they are in a different class than this woman. She is a sinner. They are nonsinners.

They are also engaging in something far worse: They are unwittingly passing judgment on the God whom they are trying to serve.

Jesus launches into a parable: “There are two men who owed money. One owed a great deal; the other owed very little. The money lender had a wide heart, and he forgave them both.”

Jesus then turns to Simon and presses him with this query: “Simon, which one will love the most?”

Simon answers reluctantly: “I suppose the one who owed more.”

Jesus commends Simon for a correct answer. He then proceeds to reprove him: “I came into your home, and you did not greet Me with a kiss. This woman not only kissed Me. But she has kissed My feet, and she has not yet stopped. Simon, you didn’t anoint My head.

But this woman has anointed My feet with her life’s fortune.

Simon, you didn’t wash My feet. But this woman has washed My feet with her tears and she has dried them with her hair. This woman’s many sins are forgiven. So she loves much. But the person who has been forgiven little will love little.”

In this little parable, Jesus turns the tables on this Pharisee. Simon is the one whom God doesn’t approve of. Simon can’t appreciate God’s love even when it’s sitting at his own table.

Herein we are faced with one of the great truths of the gospel: If you are not part of the class called “sinner,” then you are out of favor with God.

This story gives us great insight into the heart of a Pharisee.

A Pharisee is someone who is completely out of touch with the fact that he is a sinner.

A Pharisee sits in the seat of the Almighty and judges others as being sinners.

A Pharisee does not view himself as a sinner, though he is guilty of the greatest of all sins, self-righteousness and judgmentalism.

Nothing can bring salvation but repentance. And for the spiritually smug, that’s quite a hard commodity to come by.

Thus there is no salvation for a Pharisee, unless he comes to grips with the fact that he is a sinner. For only sinners have a chance in the kingdom of God. The self-righteous forfeit it altogether.

The Greatest of All Sins
A careful survey of the Gospels will reveal this one penetrating truth: Jesus Christ was the friend and defender of sinners.

It was the tax collectors, the thieves, the prostitutes, and the adulterers that He welcomed into His kingdom.

And it was to the highly religious, the self-righteous, and the morally upright (and uptight) that He leveled His severest criticisms. For such had disqualified themselves from the kingdom of God.

Your Lord was a specialist at inducing the fury of the self-righteous, religious elite. Presumably, this is the reason why the stories in the Gospels (let alone the Old Testament) are not peopled with the morally upright. We’re quite hard-pressed to find moral heroes in most of them.

Now let’s put a modern Christian in that room with Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and the Pharisees. A self-righteous Christian, mind you.

“Um [cough] … Lord Jesus, did she ask You to forgive her? I didn’t hear her say she was sorry for living as a prostitute. How do we know if she has really repented, Lord? Do You mind if I interrogate her for a bit, please?”

Such is the spirit of a Pharisee. And we have not so learned Jesus Christ.

Repeat: The greatest sins above all else are self-righteousness and judgmentalism. These will bar one from entrance into the kingdom.

In this connection, there is only one person in the universe who has the right to be self-righteous. It is Jesus Christ. And there is no such spirit within Him.

Thank God that our Lord is not self-righteous. For if He were, none of us would have any hope.

I am deeply impressed that the Lord demanded nothing of Mary. Instead, He received her shameless act as proof of her love for Him.

Mary loved Jesus at great cost. She loved Him in the presence of judgmental Pharisees, in their home, uninvited.

She “pressed into the kingdom of God violently” and loved her Lord unabashedly and without shame (Matt. 11:12; Luke 16:16).

But what I find even more jolting is that Mary was completely confident that Jesus would receive her act of adoration. She had no fear of Him, only love. This observation alone is quite telling.

Luke closes the curtains on this scene with the Lord saying to Mary, “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Throughout the many years that I have been a Christian, I have made the following observation: You’ll never know if self-righteousness is in your heart until something tragic happens to a fellow Christian that you know.

When somebody you know (or know of ) falls short, makes a mistake, or is the subject of an ugly rumor, it is at that moment that a self-righteous spirit—if it exists—will rear its head.

To be self-righteous and judgmental is to disqualify yourself from the kingdom of God. It is to deny the fact that you are a sinner who is hanging by a cobweb of grace, just like the rest of us.

If you get in touch with your humanity, you will make an important discovery: You are just as fallen as everyone else and just as undeserving of God’s mercy as everyone else. Such a revelation should remove any judgmental bone in your body.

I find this story so very encouraging on many levels. But the point that I am most impressed with is in who Mary Magdalene was.

To my mind, she embodies the very depths of the fall. She was a harlot, sold into sin, possessed by seven devils. Yet despite all of that, she was chosen to be part of the spotless bride of Christ.

Even more startling, despite her tragic condition, she believed that she was worthy to love the Lord Jesus Christ.

Somehow, Mary touched His grace. Somehow, she saw in His eyes the love He had for her. And with an unbridled audacity, she accepted His forgiveness and she loved Him with a blind passion.

Mary’s love for her Lord was but a reflection of His unconditional love for her.

The story ends with the Lord telling her to “go in peace.” And in peace she went. In fact, she followed the incarnation of peace for the rest of her life (Eph. 2:14). For she became one of the Lord’s most faithful disciples (Luke 8:1–3).

Undying Devotion
The devotion that Mary had for the Lord Jesus is remarkable. For it lasted beyond the Lord’s earthly life. After Jesus dies, we find her loving

Him beyond the grave.

All that remained was the lifeless corpse of the God whom she loved. Yet this devoted woman was following Him still. Blindly and just as passionately. Though He was dead, she was still taking care of Him (Mark 16:1).

What a lesson for us who do not see Him. She loved Him even though He was dead. Perhaps this is the reason why she was given the high privilege of being the first witness to the resurrected Christ (John 20:13–16).

Indeed, Mary of Magdala is a study in undying love.

I ask you: What provoked such unending devotion? It was simply this: Mary believed the Lord’s opinion of her. She took His opinion of herself rather than her own. In so doing, love was awakened within her own heart for Christ.

The resurrection scene contains strong echoes of the garden of Eden. The first Adam found his bride in a garden. When she came forth from his side, Adam named her “Woman” (Gen. 2:23). But by his sin, the first Adam ended his life in a grave (Gen. 2:17; 5:5).

The Last Adam, Jesus Christ, was put in a grave, but He was raised in a garden (John 19:40—20:15). In His resurrected state, the first eyes to see Him were Mary’s. And His words to her are revealing. He said, “Woman” (John 20:15).

When Mary recognized the Lord, she sought to embrace Him. But it wasn’t yet His wedding day, so He restrained her (John 20:16–17).

What a beautiful picture. The first Adam found his bride—the first woman, in a garden, but he turned that garden into a grave. The Second Adam found His bride, the secondwoman, in a garden, which was once a grave.

Who, then, is Mary Magdalene? She is you and she is me. Deeply fallen vessels. But chosen in Christ before time, holy and without blame, a part of the loveliest girl in the world.

If Mary of Magdala could love her Lord and enjoy His presence boldly, flagrantly, extravagantly, shamelessly, and without inhibition, then so can you. And so can I.

Therefore, the next time you feel condemnation over your past, please remember this one thing: The first person to lay eyes upon the resurrected Lord was a former prostitute.

God chose Mary Magdalene from the foundation of the world, knowing the kind of life she would live. And He chose you and me from the foundation of the world, knowing full well all the mistakes we would make this side of the veil.

You have a Lord who wishes to cherish you. Neither your fallen nature nor your sins are an obstacle for Him. He has dealt with them thoroughly, completely, and willingly by His death and resurrection.

Never forget: This God of yours allowed a prostitute to love Him extravagantly in the house of a Pharisee.

Such is the wonder of the sacred romance into which every believer has been swept up.

So go in peace, and love your Lord like Mary did.