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Shalom everyone, Since I've been asked, I'll post up a quick reference guide to what the different functions of ministry are. We instituted a checks and balances sort of system at Worthy, so that no one person or persons have complete authority. Worthy Steward -- That's me -- and why do I call myself a Steward. It's merely because I'm a steward of the Lord's ministry. It's not "my" ministry -- and not "my" work. It's the Lord's work! Worthy Servants -- Those are Forum Moderators, who check reported posts, send PM's to keep the peace so to speak, and try to keep this "experiment " running smoothly! Worthy Chat Moderators -- Those are Chat Moderators, who keep Worthy Chat clean, and help "steer" chat. Worthy Watchman -- These are a group of "oversight" individuals, whose role is NOT to "moderate" but a means of checks and balances to the different moderators. When things come up -- they are responsible to review Reported Posts, Moderator actions / inactions, and even comment as to "why" things were handled the way they were. So in essence, the moderation team is a group of individuals who "volunteer" their time, and often get criticized no matter what they do! Either they are moderating too heavily, not moderating too much, why is this "false" doctrine allowed to be discussed, etc. are some of the common complaints I've heard over the 15+ years we've run Worthy! It really doesn't change over the years -- just the members. Many people don't realize how much turnover there is on forum boards! I'm not sure how many different moderating teams we've gone through -- but it's significant! Past Moderation Style We've always like to keep a clean board. and in the past we removed, hid, and deleted harmful posts. However, when we do so, many people NEVER see how much moderating is being done behind the scenes! How many posts are "cleaned up"? The moderators have a few options at this point. First, we'll send a Private Message, trying to "steer" people to what is and what is not acceptable. If this doesn't work, then we will place individuals on "Moderator Review" for a certain period of time. At this point, most of those individuals placed on Moderator Review never come back. What most people do not realize is that "Moderator Review" is the last thing we really want to do as moderators -- because it increases our workload! So what is changed? Changes in Moderation We are simply not "cleaning" up the board any longer. If someone personally attacks someone, then we will simply leave the attack on the board -- EDIT the post -- leaving it intact, but commenting on the post that we as the moderating team do not feel this is appropriate, and the steps we've taken to fix the problem. We'll send a Private Message to the offender, issue a Moderation point, and ban the person from the thread -- ONLY FROM THE THREAD -- not from the forums! Just the thread itself! How I believe this will help in the long run? 1st -- People will actually begin to see how much "moderating" is being done "openly"! 2nd -- By having posts NEVER hidden -- it'll be easy to refer to "past" infractions as a means of "instructing, and correcting". 3rd -- Hopefully people will change their posting styles! People always try to "win a debate"! In doing so, they forget that sometimes you win -- by laying down the fight for ANOTHER time! Usually in the "heat of battle" a nasty thing appears -- PRIDE! Do you not know that "pride is the source of all contentions!" (Proverbs 13:10a KJV Only by pride cometh contention) If you're truly wanting to change someone's mind -- you have to be CAREFUL not to offend. Why? As Proverbs 18:19 says, "A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle." Remember the instruction that Paul gave to Timothy written in 2 Timothy 2:23-26, Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. The hardest part of this passage is being "kind to everyone" and "patiently enduring evil!" If the first reaction is to trade insult for insult -- then you're failing at being an instructor of the Word! Notice how it concludes -- that God opens their hearts to the TRUTH -- it's not us -- it's the work of God! However, we can do a pretty good job of "hindering" someone coming to the knowledge of the truth by purposely "offending" them! Forgetting by offending them -- you're actually HINDERING the means by which someone comes to the truth. If you have any thoughts, any questions, we're all about transparency -- so ask away! Your brother in the Lord with much agape love, George

Omegaman 3.0 – August 21st, 2020 Pardon me for this, I know ahead of time that it will be long-winded, if not a bit convoluted and wandering, I write as I think here, this is what I think a blog is mostly for, expressing thoughts, writing them down. Whose will is it anyway? Today I was thinking about the issue of free will, and what that means, and what it doesn’t mean. I want to say from the onset that I do not know the answers to those wonders, but it is also not the first time I have thought about them. I plan to bring some thoughts that I have had about this previously, and a lame analogy that came to me today. The reason I say it is a lame analogy, is because most analogies fall short. An analogy is a story that endeavors to make a truth seem easier to understand. Christians and non-Christians alike, once they are aware of the concept that there is only one God, and that God exists as three persons who are co-equal and co-eternal, three-in-one (you know the idea), the concept referred to as the Trinity or Triunity might find that it gives them some pause, confusion, doubt, or at least difficulty in understanding or to be able to adequately explain. We try to come up with analogies to ease our discomfort, to make the difficult to understand just a little less impossible. You have heard them: "The trinity is like water, it is ice, liquid, or steam, but it is all water." "The trinity is like and egg, you know the yolk, the white, and the shell." There are others, but I like the peanut analogy better, but it is still lame. There is a simple reason that these are not really that satisfactory, they just basically break down if we examine them too closely, but that does not mean they are useless, they are just limited. I think the reason for this is simple. In these analogies, we are using the familiar things which we experience directly and which others experience the same way - things that have physical properties with which we are familiar and with which we can agree. God is not an egg, nor is He water, nor even a peanut. These are physical things, things of His creation. God is Spirit, He is the Creator, and His nature is entirely different and is not experienced in quite the same way. Our ability to compare a finite object with an infinite being that does not have a specific shape, mass, color, texture, etc. is always just going to fall short because God and everything else, are in entirely different classes, Creator and creation, not even close to being alike. Let me put this another way (yes, another lame analogy). Imagine having conversation with a blind person, who has been blind from birth. They want you to explain color to them, tell you how red is different from blue, for example. You think about it. Perhaps you know some physics. You know that different colors are different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. Sounds (with which the blind person is familiar) are also different frequencies, so there is an analogy to be made there. You say that red and blue are different, just as the notes B flat and G sharp are different. Red and blue are both colors of light, just and the two notes are different sounds. Some sounds go together well, some, not so much. Some colors 'harmonize' better than others also. While this does accurately describe real differences and real similarities, it really does not come very close to conveying what colors look like to one who has never seen anything. This makes me realize that there is another lame analogy we can make for the Trinity – white light. This should have been an analogy that came to mind easily. I do not know if the human writers of the Bible knew about how light and color works, but John did write the following: This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. In modern times we know, that white light results when we combine red, green and blue light together – if you look closely at your monitor (assuming you are reading this on a screen (and not on printed paper), you will see that the white on this page is comprised of red, green and blue dots. This assumes that you have good eyes; otherwise you might need a magnifying glass. If you are familiar with a prism, you know that all of the colors of the rainbow, exist in white light, but only three are really needed to get white light. There we see that the three primary colors make up white. White is light, red, green and blue are also light. They are not the same as white, but they are still light, The three different lights (RGB) make the one (White) light. So, there is another analogy for the Trinity that I am never heard, but undoubtedly I am not the first to notice this. In my usual fashion, I am rambling and have gone off track, but this is the brain I live in! Where was I? Ah yes, free will! Those of you who have read my writings much, know that I am what some people call a Calvinist. Some people hear that word and then just know that I have nothing else to say that is worth listening to. People have a knee jerk reaction to the term; they have an allergy to Calvinism. I do not use that term for myself, other than to use it as shorthand for some things I believe. If you are familiar with Calvinism, then you know what I am talking about. If you are not, that is not a bad thing. You can believe the things that Calvinists believe, without ever having heard of Calvinism. John Calvin was a theologian, a bit after Luther, whose writings impacted the direction that the theology of the Church would go, much of his thoughts are reflected in the ideas of Protestantism. One reason I am not a fan of the term “Calvinist”, is because Calvin, like Luther, had some character flaws. Don’t feel too proud though, you and I have character flaws also, we are all sinners. The main reason that I do not care for the term “Calvinism” is because it makes it sound as though Calvin invented some branch of Christian thought. I prefer the term “Reformed Theology” because it hearkens back to the Reformation, a movement in the 16th century to escape the collective errors of the church over the centuries, and return to the beliefs and practices as taught by Jesus and His apostles, and to some degree, the teachings of those who were themselves taught by the apostles. I like the way Spurgeon phrased it: “I believe nothing merely because Calvin taught it, but because I have found his teaching in the Word of God.” And also: So, now we come to yet another lame analogy, maybe it is International Lame Analogy Day. I was pondering the questions, that I once heard Greg Koukl ask (he was a very intelligent man who went to my church, and is an author and speaker now, and more. The questions were along the lines of: "When you sin, is that a choice you make?" Most honest people who believe in God and in the concept of sin, I think would agree that yes, when we sin, we do so by choosing to disobey God. Now Greg had a follow-up question, he approximately asks: "Can you choose to never sin in your life" That one is a bit trickier. We might be tempted to think: "Well, uh yeah, sort of!", but we know that practically speaking, that it is not going to happen. We all sin, we just do! As born-again, children of God we want to not sin, we want to be obedient. So if we have free will, and we do not wish to sin, why don't we just cease sinning? First Corinthians 10:13, seems to indicate that we have the ability to resist temptation. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” So there you have it. God has made sure that you will never be tempted beyond your ability to resist; He leaves you a way out, so just stop sinning! It is as simple as that! Paul wrote those words, and I believe them, I believe the Bible, I believe God! Now, the way out may not always be an easy choice. If a person put a gun to your head and told you to renounce Jesus, the way out might be to choose to die, rather than deny your savior, never-the-less the way is there for you. God knows how hard it is to resist, He knows that we will all fail also. One of my favorite passages is found in Psalm 103: 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows how we are made; he remembers that we are dust. I can rarely (perhaps never) read that and not respond with tears of gratitude, I am weeping as I type this. It is so awesome to realize, that God chose to love me so much (even though I was His enemy) to suffer and die for me so that I could be part of His family and live with Him forever. This is the heart of the gospel. I have gotten off track again, but I want to add something else in here before I get back on the rails. Paul also wrote Romans chapter 7, where it says in part: 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Paul asked a great question in verse 24, which he then answers with: 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. There he lets us know that we are not hopeless, that through Jesus our Lord we have deliverance from the sin that lives in us, that we seem unable to carry out what we know is the right thing. This of course speaks of Jesus paying the penalty for our sin, His sacrificial death, the perfect sacrifice, paying the price which none of us could. This is how our sins came to be as far as the east is from the west, which we just read about in Psalm 103. Also in Roman 7, Paul has pinpointed the source of the problem. We know that we sin. We know that we have the tools to resist sinning. However, we keep doing the very things we want to avoid. The reason is that we are double minded. We love the Lord, but we do not obey Him the way our love should direct us to. Adam and Eve were different from us. I do not mean only that they did not have belly buttons as we do, but they had free will in a way which none of us have experienced. They were created sinless, but they chose to sin, and became sinners. We on the other hand, are born sinners. As Reformed theologians are fond of saying: “We are not sinners, because we sin. We sin because we are sinners!” We have a sin nature. However, God gave us the new birth; He gave us a new nature that can choose to seek God and to know Him, and to love Him. Paul, quoting the Old Testament, describes the old nature in Romans 3, apart from the new birth: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” How pathetic a description of us is it, that no one does good, there is not even one? Again, in Romans 8, Paul points out: For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Now, coming back to the lame analogy I was going to use, the one that came to me today that prompted me to blog today, this is about a cat I had, her name was MuChi. I named her MuChi, because that is how I met her, she was a hungry cat (a moocher), feral I suppose or close to it. She was hanging around my property but avoided me, wanted nothing to do with me. The fact is, that whenever this cat saw me, she ran the other way. Never-the-less, I felt compassion for her. She was living in my neighborhood - a neighborhood where every home except mine had dogs. All but one of those had several dogs. I had a cat. My cat is not an aggressive cat, but he is not timid either. Occasionally other cats have strayed on to the property. The cat I had, Underfoot, has always stood his ground (except one time). When animals wanted to be aggressive, or seem to challenge him, he has run them off. He even ran off an 85 pound Rottweiler that belonged to a neighbor. Anyway, I came to see this black and white cat that I call MuChi, more frequently. Sometimes she would watch me from a safe distance. I started to leave some food and water out for her. It can be hot and dry here in the Mojave Desert, and hunting lizards and an occasional mouse was probably a hard way for MuChi to make a living. She was pretty skinny and frail looking. I do not know how smart cats are, but I suspect that she had seen put food in the bowl a few times and perhaps made the association about how that food got there. It was because that big, scary monster (me) put it there. Gradually over a period of time, she came in closer and watched me put food in the bowl. Like the dumb human I am, I began to speak to her. Finally one day, she came to the bowl while I was still there and she went to the food in my presence. I reached out to her, and stroked her fur and she did not recoil in fear. This became a thing, and one day she entered my home while I had the door open. Eventually she seemed to like being in the home where it was comfortable, not the harsh scary place outside that she had known. We finally became good friends, and she learned to trust me. I had something she needed, but she did not realize it at first. I could see her need and had compassion on her, so I made overtures to help her and even to befriend her. She responded of her own free will, but had I not reached out to her first, I doubt she would have ever come to such a decision. There have been other cats on the property, I have not treated them all the same way, but I chose to be merciful and compassionate to MuChi. She had done nothing to deserve it, but still I elected to reach out to her, and I drew her in with my overtures. Perhaps you can see some things analogous in that story. The point I am trying to illustrate, is that people can have free will, but this does not mean what we choose to do, is always our choice alone. 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. Romans 9 Now, depending on how we define free will, varies quite a bit. We tend to have our own opinions, which may or may not be accurate. What I have come to believe, is that we are limited by our own nature. Actually, I think everything is limited by its nature. I have summarized what I believe about free will as follows: · You are free to choose to do what you want to do · You are not free to choose what it is that you want to do · You are not necessarily able, to do what you choose to do If I want to jump out of an airplane and fly, I am free to choose to do that If and not free to choose to want to do that, I cannot choose to like olives, I can choose to eat them or not, I can choose to want to like them, but mere choice, does not make me like them, so I cannot choose what it is that I want, that seems to be outside of my control Back to choosing to jump out of the airplane and fly, I can choose to give that a try, but I cannot overcome the limitations of my nature. No matter how hard I flap my arms, it will not keep me from going ‘splat’ on the ground. The nature of things is an extreme limitation. This is so true, that even God has limitations. God CANNOT lie, it is not in His nature. You and I can (and do) lie, so we can do things that God cannot do, as shocking as that might seem. Paul in Roman 8 pointed out our limitations when he said: 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Theoretically, a cow can eat steak, and a lion can eat straw. Practically though, this is not going to happen. They could choose to eat these things, they are capable of eating them. However, their natures dictate to them which things they will choose or not choose. Mankind is in a similar condition. The natural (unregenerate - not born again) person will not choose the things of God. Because of our sin nature, we reject God. We choose the things of God, only because he chose us first. When we are born again, we have a new ability, and we move from being God’s enemies, to being His friends. It is much like my cat analogy I previously gave. God makes the overtures to whom He chooses, and we respond. We can choose as a deliberate act of our wills, to seek the things of God. If God is acting in us, then that won’t merely be an act of our own volition, it will be a response to Him, and we will discover that He has chosen us, when we seek Him diligently, we will desire to know Him. Are we going to come to the one who reached out to us, or are we going to be feral humans? I think it was Augustine who wrote something like: “I had thought that I had chosen God but later I realized than He chose me to choose Him!” One thing for certain, John did quote Jesus as saying: You did not chose Me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and you should bear fruit, and your fruit should remain, so that whatever you might ask the Father in My name, He may give you. No matter what you believe about free will, choice, sequences of events, etc., God did say in Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” So I ask: “ Is that what we are doing? ”

I would be weary by now of being declared a climate change denier if not for the fact that I typically do not value the opinions of those who attempt to just hand out labels of derision upon others in lieu of using well researched facts to convince people of their errors. Call me what you like, being called names can be a badge of honor. Call me names, and I might ignore you, but give me facts, and I will listen - just make sure your facts are really facts, not talking points from some group or guru with an agenda. First off, regarding climate change, fine, I am not a denier. The climate does change. If the climate did not change, we might be living in an ice age still, and if it does change, we might live in one again! If I am a denier, it is denying several things. For example, I am not convinced yet that we know enough about climate science to be making scary predictions that call for huge changes in our habits, though I do believe we should take the issue seriously and learn what we can about it, and then act in accordance with what we discover. I am also not convinced that if there is a problem with the climate or that mankind is the cause, though I do believe that the population of the world is large and the demand for high standards of living combine to provide a credible threat that needs attention. I also am not remotely convinced that we live in the perfect climate now. Maybe it is great, maybe cooler would be better, maybe warmer would be better. How do we know what is optimum, and should we be messing with trying to achieve that? The earth has been warmer in the past, and colder in the past, so what is the panic about? People say "I believe the science". That is fine. I depend on science being right. When I walk into a room, I turn on the light switch because I have faith that the science is correct, and the light will turn on. Do I believe science? Sure I do. Science is knowledge. What I do not always believe is scientists. Scientists are just like me. They are human. Humans make mistakes. Did you know that prior to the 20th century, it was common among the science community to believe that the universe had no beginning, that it was infinitely old? Well they have since changed their mind. Instead we have a big bang theory! Did you know that there was a time, when scientists believed that people could not determine the direction of the source of a sound? I find that one absurd, because pretty much everyone experiences turning toward the source of a sound by instinct. We have left and right channels on our stereos, precisely because we can hear direction! You probably don't believe me since the notion is so dumb that people cannot determine the direction of a sound by listening. The point is that as I said, scientists are humans, and humans can be wrong. Being a scientist does not make one right all the time. Scientists (and other people) are inclined to be influenced in their beliefs and assumptions by the people they admire and trust. That might be their government, their parents, their spouse, their boss, their professors, or the agency paying the grant they received to study a certain topic. To illustrate what I mean by the last thing about grant money (or other forms of support for research) I am going to use a ridiculous, made up example, because it works for the purposes of illustration. Suppose I were to offer 1 million dollars for evidence that plastic straws are endangering the wild sea turtle population. There might be some takers on that. Some of them would be very professional and do a good job. The best researchers will find the truth, and report their findings. If sea turtles are endangered by plastic straws, then evidence will likely be found and reported. However, as I said, people are human, and some humans are dishonest. Someone could go out and find a sea turtle, and use an adhesive to glue a straw into a turtles' nostril, and perhaps even do things to cause that to become infected. "Here is my report, and here are the photos, now where is my 1 million dollars?" Now, if a researcher discovered that straws attract mates, and because of straws sea turtles are multiplying, would that person get money for that? In my opinion, they would not. Would their findings get publicized? I doubt it. Now, they could let the Plastic Straw Manufacturers Research Foundation know about that, and perhaps they could get a grant there! This sort of thing, the "Who is behind the money?", is worth considering. I started this to be about the climate change issue. Returning to that context, we could note that the petro-chemical / fossil fuels industry, might like to discover it their products are a danger to the climate as many say they are. They would of course be thrilled to discover that their products even help the environment and climate situation. Now in the history of the climate change debate, it was once referred to as global warming. This was largely brought to the attention of the world due to Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. They helped to get that bandwagon started, and in hindsight, I think they were off base. As a political conservative (as they were) it pains me to admit that conservatives can be wrong. Back in those days, I read a book called Climate and the Affairs of Men. One of the co-authors was a guy named Iben Browning. I became sort of a disciple of his, subscribing to his newsletter. I have been watching the global warming issue since the 1980s when most people then did not even know there was an issue. Back in the days of the hippies (I was there) the end of the world was being predicted because humans are bad for the ecology, and mother earth would not tolerate us forever. There was a Stanford University biology professor who claimed it was too late to avoid the extended world wide famine that would be the most disastrous ever, and it would come by 1975. In the 1970s, the big deal was going to be an ice age by the 21st Century, I am still waiting! I recall when we were panicked by the hole in the ozone layer. That resulted in some UN resolution or something, that I think may have been the only one where the whole world agreed! The Ozone Hole is mostly gone now, but I will admit that it is possible that the actions of the world to reduce chemicals that contribute to ozone destruction may have been effective. However, a hole in the ozone lets more ultraviolet light through. Ultraviolet light reacts with oxygen, to produce ozone, so maybe it is a cycle that heals itself. I sure do not know, but I am not sure anyone else does either. It did not escape my notice, that the ozone hole was in the Southern hemisphere, while most of the polution was in the northern hemisphere. There might be a good explantation for than, but it made me go "hmmm". Let's see, what else was there? Acid rain! That was going to kill the fish in our lakes and such, and strip the paint off of our cars and houses, and ruin the soil Ph for farmers. Again, a no show. However, it is true that paint jobs on cars do not last like they used to, but that is because we made automotive paint more environmentally friendly. I am not saying that is a bad thing, but I sure wish we had better paint, maybe the scientists will think of something. In 1988, the Maldives (Islands) were going to be completely underwater by 2018. Guess what, they're still there! At the same time, it was predicted that they would have no drinking water there, by 1992. That also has not happened! Go figure! In 1988, a NASA scientist (Jim Hansen) testified before congress about the green house gas effect. Over the years Mr. Hansen has produced a great many graphs, showing us from computer modeling all of the things that would happen due to Global Warming. I do not think a single thing he has ever said on the topic has come to pass, though I may be wrong. In any case his track record is so miserable, I do not know why anyone ever would quote him as an expert, and if not for the fact that he was a government employee, he likely would have lost his job to to incompetence in my opinion. In 1989 he said the West Side Highway (AKA the Joe DiMaggio Hwy in New York City) would be underwater. https://worthychristianforumscore-h45go6maxh5rpepgu.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/monthly_2021_08/wsh.jpg.08b90fefeb9ef50adce8fece3026778f.jpg It looks ok to me! In March of 2000, the Independent (A British Newspaper) proclaimed that snowfalls are now just a thing of the past, and children will not even know what snow is. Now the Guardian (another British Newspaper) said in 2002, that "Britain will have a Siberian climate in less that 20 years". Now, for those that think that will be the case, you should buy stock in companies that make warm clothing. In 2008, Global Warming genius Al Gore told us that the Arctic would be ice free by 2013! Again, last I knew, the polar ice cap is still there! In case I missed it (maybe I am behind the times since I pay little attention to the news) please let me know if I am wrong! There have been others, and there have been worse. However, is it really any wonder why there are those of us who are skeptical of the media, academics, scientists, and governments? The real question should be (I think): "Considering this track record, why do rational people believe any of this?" It is it just that too many of us are irrational and too lazy to check facts and keep the memory of all the failed predictions? As it happens, I can recall seeing a documentary (or was it propaganda?) in the 1990's called "The Greening of Planet Earth. As I recall, it was mostly about how more CO2 means more plant life, whether it be wild plants or crops, and therefore cheaper fruits and vegetables, and less malnutrition worldwide, that sort of spin. Were the facts true? I don't know, that is not my expertise. What I did notice though was that there was a lot of reaction in the form of "You cannot trust this, it was funded by the coal industry!" That argument is worth considering, as there was a motivation to find benefit is rising atmospheric CO2 levels. However, just because those who produced the film had a vested interest in getting a better reputation for CO2, it does not follow that the facts presented were not true. maybe they were. What I do know is true, is that CO2 is not a pollutant, it is naturally occurring (we exhale it ourselves) and it is a benefit, a nutrient to plant life. Life depends on it. Humans (and other animals) are either eat plants, or they eat animals that eat plants, CO2 is important. More CO2 causes food plants to produce more and bigger fruits and vegetables which mature faster. Plants, in consuming CO2 for photosynthesis, produce as a "waste product", oxygen. We breathe oxygen. I want the plants to have CO2 so I can have oxygen! It is disingenuous, even deceitful, when people and institutions show photos and videos of car exhausts and factory smokestacks "spewing forth pollution". Type CO2 into Google Images and see what you get! <-That is a link if you want to see! CO2 is invisible, you cannot see it, it is just as transparent as air on a remote mountain top. I wish they could stick to facts and cease trying to appeal to emotions, especially the emotion of fear that they are intentionally causing. I have wanted for a long time, to have an aquarium with plant life, augmented by adding that extra 'pollutant', CO2! https://worthychristianforumscore-h45go6maxh5rpepgu.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/monthly_2021_08/co2tank.jpg.b5c4d76d022788ed46ca49dc278d4564.jpg Aquarium with the deadly CO2 added! Bottom line for me, yes, I believe in science, I just distrust scientists who are not critical thinkers and who have an agenda apart from facts and who operate outside of their current understanding. I especially an not fond of how many scientists who opine on this issue, which is outside of their expertise. How much should we care if an expert in toenail fungus, is certain that the climate is changing dangerously? Do we go to an astrophysicist, to learn how to clean up an oil spill? You get the idea! This is just a blog. That means it is my thoughts, they may not be accurate, but to the best of my knowledge, they are. You do not have to like it, you do not have to agree. I am not even out to change anyone's mind. However, I do hope you might have learned something you did not know, and perhaps have at least thought about it a bit. Thanks for reading my long winded expression!

Matthew 16:19 (KJV) And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Having the key(s) to anything infers being locked out of something or some place to begin with. And that the key(s) are the initial opening / unlocking. The lock between heaven and hell is the Lord Jesus: John 3:16–18 (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. The key to unlock the lock is faith. Ephesians 2:8–10 (KJV) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. But, that which authenticates all is the scriptures. Psalm 138:2 (KJV) 2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. John 17:17 (KJV) 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. The keys to the kingdom for humanity begins at the beginning in the Bible the Word of God: 2 Peter 1:20–21 (KJV) 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. All scripture is prophetic (which is merely stating that it is professed) by the Holy Spirit as described in verse 21. The Holy Spirit according to the text is therefore the only one suited and fit for interpreting the Word that he wrote (through the writing prophets). 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV) 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (Young's Literal Translation) 16 every Writing is God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that is in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fitted—for every good work having been completed. John 16:13 (KJV) 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Key number 1: 2 Peter 1:20-21 Key number 2: 1 John 4:1 1 John 4:1 (KJV) 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. We are to try or test the spirits (even when we think it is the Holy Spirit) because we human beings are quite gullible, stubborn, selfish, and opinionated. We are too easily impressed by slick talking snake oil salesmen. And charismatic leaders etc. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:21 we are supposed to be testing / proving everything anyway. Key number 3: Acts 17:11 The way we test anything is by the scriptures: Acts 17:11 (KJV) 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Apparently the Apostle Paul taught everywhere he taught the principle of 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Psalm 119:105 (KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Key number 4: Proverbs 25:2 Proverbs 25:2 (KJV) 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Key number 5: Deuteronomy 29:29 Deuteronomy 29:29 (KJV) 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Key number 6: Isaiah 28:9-13 Isaiah 28:9–13 (KJV) 9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

This morning I was listening to a video, where the speaker shared his thoughts on conveniences found in a hotel room. The speaker shared about the differences, as he had done a fair amount of traveling. He had also stayed in a variety of hotels. He ended up focusing on the hangers in the hotel room. He shared how bring able to hang some thing up, helps a person feel at home, even if away from home. Love it when something so simple can mean so much to someone. Just wondering what is something that others may overlook that means so much to you. I love the hope a new day, week, month and even year brings. I love that His mercies are new every morning.

Hope you have a great day. This morning I was reminded of the story of Hannah. Hannah probably didn’t leave the temple that day feeling happy about her circumstances, but she did leave with the knowledge of God’s goodness—and that was enough for her to keep going. Her story gives me reassurance that He knows what we are all going through and He wants us to share it with Him.

THE GODHEAD The title, the Son of God, denotes identity with deity, which means infinity of being. This reveals the Son`s status in the Godhead. The terms Father, Son in relation to God were not borrowed from their usage in parenthood of this world. Such relationships existed in the celestial before the world began. These terms in our human sphere relate to a senior and a minor, however in relation to the Godhead there is no such subordination. Father and Son in Godhead connote the express image of - Personality - (who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His (Father`s) person, ..Heb. 1: 3) Equal in mind, will and heart - (Jesus said, “I and my Father are one.” John 10: 30) In Unity, - (Jesus said, “that they may be in me, as you, Father are in me, and I in you; John 17: 21) Then in FUNCTION there is a hierarchy. (Gen. 1: 1 & 2, Col. 1: 16, Heb. 1: 1 & 2) Divine Procession. Godhead - At the source there is the provision by the whole Godhead, Father - with the initial movement of the Father; Son - the administration of the Son; Holy Spirit - and the direct agency of the Holy Spirit. All the Godhead is involved in their plans and purposes.

It often amazes me that the same God who created the universe, not only knows each one of us, He knows so much about each one of us. Far beyond anything we can ever believe. He knows us way better than any best friend ever could While I know this in theory, one place where I really take time to think about this is when at a place like an airport when I see so many people, all of who I know nothing about. Just thought I would share this. I was reminded of this as I did my reading today.

Hope you've had a good week. This week I had a fair chance to test my patience. This morning in my daily reading, I was reminded of not only having patience but learning to appreciate the journey while living trough that patience. Thought I would share this. Hope it encourages others to find the good, even if it is during a wait.

With what sort of love? Omegaman 3.0 6/5/2019 I recently posted in a thread at Worthy Christian Forums, where there seemed to be some disagreement about the nature of the kind of love that Christians are supposed to have. There also seemed to be some disagreement and even questions about whether or not some to the Bible’s statements contradict each other on this topic. I felt compelled to chime in. Not to toot my own horn, but as I developed my reply, I thought some of my comments were worth making a note of here, since they represent my thoughts (which is what a blog is, after all) and some of them arose out of my analysis of what people were disputing, so here it goes: I do not have two cents, but I have a nickel: I certainly see no contradiction between what Jesus said, and what John said, but I will offer my thoughts or opinions, as a sort of unsolicited, under-qualified commentary: First observation: 34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” My comment on that passage is that Jesus said that loving others is a commandment, and He is referring to the Law, so THAT is not new! What was the standard? Love others as you love yourself. Second observation: 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13 My comment on this one is that Jesus said it is new. If He said it is new, then it IS new. What is new about it? Jesus upped the standard. The standard here is not love each other as you love yourself, but love each other has Jesus Himself loved them. How was that? Self-sacrificially, Jesus DIED for them, that is real love. John tells us that when he reports that Jesus also said: Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 So, the NEW commandment you will note, is not to the general public, it was to His disciples. John also noted that Jesus gave his disciples a purpose, the positive side effect: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:25 So, the new command so far is that disciples are to love other disciples, with the same sort of love, the greatest love, self-sacrificial love, as Jesus demonstrated on the cross, not that we must die, but that is the supreme example of that kind of love. Tradition has it, that all the apostles except Judas and John, died as martyrs, and John was willing. They tried to boil him in oil, it just did not work, so he was banished to Patmos, where he penned the book of Revelation. As a side note, when Peter was told he was to be crucified, Peter asked Jesus about John - well, what about him (John)? Jesus basic answer was, that is none of your business Peter! From what we think we know, John died of "natural" causes, in his old age. So, for the most part, the disciples lived out their mission the obey the commandment, the loved us, all disciples enough to die in their efforts to see that we got Jesus message. At this juncture, I would like to point out something else, from Matthew 28: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. So, Jesus disciples were told to make other disciples. If you are a believer, you are one of the disciples of disciples of disciples, etc. The disciples were to teach others to obey Jesus. If you are a TRUE disciple, you will seek to, want to, obey Jesus. After all, that is what a disciple is, one who follows their teacher. Our ultimate Teacher then, is Jesus. What is it then, that we are taught to obey then? Among other things: Make more disciples and teach them to obey Jesus, and that includes loving other believers with the unique love that Jesus lavished upon them. So, for the most part, the disciples lived out their mission they obeyed the commandment, the loved us, all disciples enough to die in their efforts to see that we got Jesus message. They practices what they preached, and the preached what Jesus told them to. So many of the quotes I supplied ARE from John, how then is that a contradiction? John knew that there was an Old Testament command, to love others as ourselves. He also was quick to point out that those in the Jesus' church, were to go beyond that sort of love, the easy love that even pagans so. Toward each other, they were to with a supernatural love that is not given to everyone, but believers are given that ability, and are told to exercise it. Love is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, the Paul describes in Gal 5:22 and Eph 5:19. (Those are links, by the way) Paul also describes love in 1 Cor 13: 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. With all of this great information in the Bible (not in my post), the real question is: HOW WELL DO WE ALL MEASURE UP? I also ask, that you consider praying about this in your own lives, that you pray for others also, and not the least, for me also, as we all need it at times. Go forth and love, to the Glory of God!

Someone recently had some criticism to express about how some of us charged with administering the forums conduct our tasks there. Their criticism is not without merit, and it expressed largely the idea, that we administrators are too tolerant of heretics and have a higher accountability to God than to allow that. I realize that he was not alone in that opinion, and because of that, I decided to offer some thoughts about that here in my blog. I am accountable to God, and I agree that as a moderator, I have higher accountability than "regular members" here on the forums. I have a job to do here, and that is to enforce the Terms of Service, and try to keep some order and peace, etc. There are rules here, and enforcement is part of my task here, but not to be a forum cop, but to try to minister to others here. Being a cop here, is unrealistic anyway. Imagine a community, of 60,000 people, who are awake at all hours of the day, every day of the week, being policed by a handful of people as a part time job. It just is not possible, but that is analogous to the situation at Worthy. This is not church. This is a community of people of faith, people with erroneous (missing the true God) religions, and people of no faith whatsoever. Here, I am in the world, and not of it. I am here more to bring light to those in darkness, than to protect the sheep. I want to see the sheep grow, and learn to protect themselves and others. We are not attempting to make a place where Christians can retreat from the world and hide from it's ugly realities. Never the less, those who participate, are free to choose to do so, in areas that are safe. If one does not want to see arguments and friction, name calling and the like, one can go to a praise and poetry section, view shared photographs, enter into prayer and not the enter the areas of theological and political discussion. You know the phrase: “If you cannot stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen!” Makes perfect sense. As I said, we are not attempting to make this a place of retreat only, this is not a sanctuary. The church tried that after the rise of Darwinism and the industrial revolution. Rather than engage Darwinism and science on that footing, embracing the fact that in God and the Bible is truth, and that the Spirit will guide, much of the church withdrew into congregations and safe havens, while other people thought:. "We do not need religion or God, we have science and technology now!" Some of the church embraced: If you can't beat 'em, withdraw from them. The church withdrew from the world, it left politics, entertainment, and education in the hands of the world, and the result has been devastating. "Well, maybe there is something to this evolution stuff, maybe Christianity should be evolutionary, we can change the faith." If you can't beat them, join them. That resulted in seeker friendly churches, something that is going on today, more than ever. It results in a watered down gospel that cannot lead to salvation, but at least no one is offended. Big churches filled with lost people who do not hear the answers they need to questions they do not even know to ask. There is a better way. Not "if you cannot beat them, isolate from them", not "if you cannot beat them, join them". I suggest another: "BEAT THEM" When you have what we have here at Worthy, you have enemies of God, and friends of God, and enemies of God who are future friends of God. Some of His the friends, do not have the answers - yet! They are ill equipped to provide what they do not know. They live their lives among wolves who will prey on their innocence. Some of the friends are shepherds. They do protect the sheep. They provide answers to challenges issued by the wolves. Here, they do not drive the wolves off always, because the wolves also need to hear the answers, hear the gospel. Some wolves may (and some have) become sheep and even shepherds themselves. Sometimes the wolves are driven away. We ban some. Some wolves just walk away, not even understanding enough to be sad about it. Pity - pray for them as well as for the sheep. I myself was an Atheist, now a Christian of over 40 years and I am grateful to God for those among His own, who were patient enough to want to reach me for Him, and teach me, not just refute me and attempt to ridicule me and call me names. All that would have accomplished is to show me that Christians are not loving and interested in my soul, just interested in winning arguments or maybe winning merit badges with a God that I was certain did not exist. By not driving the wolves away, the wolves get answered, they get responded to. In this, the sheep hear the answers. This bolsters their faith, and teaches them how to respond to the wolves of their own lives, be that in the work place, the marketplace, their neighborhoods, their families, social media, and even their churches. If they learn it right, they learn the facts AND they learn to respond with humility, reverence, and love, such that even their "enemies" (which God has commanded them to love) have to admit the sheep were respectful and kind, and yet not powerless victims either. Here on the forums, light and darkness meet. However, they do not have to blend together. They can and should remain clearly separate and distinct. No compromise is expected, but kindness is. We cannot control what the other guy does or says, but we can and are expected to control what we say. Why give the other guy an excuse for legitimate criticism. Expose their heresies, and fallacies, but there is no need to be dismissive, mean, condescending, rude, abusive, abrasive, insulting name callers, and the like. I know I fail to live up to those standards, but I am trying to improve. Jesus may have been seemed harsh at times, in some of those aspects in certain situations with specific people, no doubt about that. However, be mindful of this: We are not God, we are not Jesus, we are not all knowing, we are not perfect. In fact, we are more like our sinner "adversary". than we are like Jesus. Jesus died for our adversaries in the forums, and our opponents were created in God's image, the same as we were. Let's try to keep these things in our minds in our conversations with others. There is bound to be some friction. That is normal. However, let's see that for our parts, there is light, not just smoke and heat.

"For we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 Whether or not you feel you are fulfilling your destiny, you are being prepared by the King of kings for His good purposes. You were chosen by God and have been given a divine DESTINY in eternities past. Why? The Lord is CALLING you to partner with Him to shape the future of the Kingdom of God (see 2 Corinthians 6:1,2: "And working together with Him......now is the acceptable time.")! This seems almost too marvelous to be true, but it is the Word of God. What does it mean to be "HIS workmanship"? The Greek term translated workmanship is "poiema", from which we derive the English word poem. Indeed, we are God's poem, written in ages past to be a living testimony of His presence on earth (see Psalm 139:16-17). Without exception, every Believer has been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has ordained for us. REVELATION OF ANOINTING The desperate cry of many Believers is: "Oh, Lord, let Your works appear unto Your people" (see Psalm 90:16-17). The good news is that God's anointing rests upon upright followers of Jesus, and we will fulfill His purposes on earth. God has not only ordained good works for us, but He has also provided the grace we need to perform these works (see Philippians 4:13). We all have "an unction to function." Each one of us is anointed to fulfill the purposes of God (see Acts 1:8). As we move deeper into this season of sensitivity and revelatory enlightenment, we must step into our CALLING and DESTINY -- fixing our eyes on Jesus and Him alone. Only in His light do we see light (see Psalm 36:9). Only in His presence do we obtain a happy, holy heart (see Psalm 16:11). LEADERS WITH PURE HEARTS Divinely appointed leaders are emerging who have a single heart's goal to establish the King in His Kingdom on earth. Christ Jesus will have for Himself a people prepared to do greater works (see John 14:12). This is not a time for any Believer or leader in the Body of Christ to be humdrum, expecting only what we have seen and experienced before. We have never been where we are going now (see Joshua 3:4). We all must prepare for what is ahead: The call to embrace the awe of Almighty God. A wonderful, reverential fear of the Lord is returning to the people of God, releasing the wisdom of God (see Psalm 111:10). The hearts and lives of millions are going to be touched and transformed by the power of God during these days, as God's people return to a radical love for Christ and action regarding God's PURPOSE for their life supported by that love. REVELATION AND STRATEGIES The Spirit of Truth is releasing revelatory insights for all who are willing to hear Him with a heart set to obey what He is requesting (see James 1:22). Prepare to see an acceleration of the advancing of God's plans and purposes. God will have a people of purity and power, who live, move (initiating action instead of complacency), and have a revelation of God's CALLING in Christ on their life. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

Rapture The Day Approaching. `But concerning the times and seasons, brethren,....For you yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.....But you brethren are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.` (1 Thess. 5: 1, 2, & 4) `...but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.` (Heb. 10: 25) We are seeing the Day of the Lord approaching very fast. The world is in turmoil, people`s hearts are `failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth..` (Luke 21: 26) The Great Economic Depression is fast approaching and will cause untold misery. Then there is the fear for health with the Covid virus and other diseases. Riots and looting is spreading throughout the world with mobs being stirred up by militant groups. Then amid this turmoil the Russian Federation and the other 3 nations, (Iran, Libya & Ethiopia) come together outside the Golan Heights ready to invade Israel. At this point we know that our time has come to meet the Lord. The Rapture. Thus, as believers we are to encourage each other and all the more, as we see these things happening. We know that our departure from this world is soon. And we are `eagerly` waiting for the Lord to appear. `To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.` (Heb. 9: 28) In a twinkling of an eye we will be changed and caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Those believers who have died and are asleep in Christ will come back with Him. They will also get their new bodies and rise with us. `Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - in a moment in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and this mortal must put on immortality.` (1 Cor. 15: 51 - 53) `Therefore comfort one another, with these words.` (1 Thess. 4: 18)

SUMMARY The colossal program of the majestic eternal purposes, which the Lord Jesus Christ brings into effect, surpasses anything else anywhere in the whole realm of knowledge. Christ`s rulership in every realm is established, as well as the complete restoration and His rightful possession of all things. Every group have been carefully prepared and are an integral part of God`s overall eternal purposes - In the 3rd heaven is Jesus Christ`s Throne, (seat of power). With Him is His Body, ruling throughout every realm in God`s great kingdom. `To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne.` (Rev. 3: 21) In the Universal realm, the Old Testament saints will be ruling in the New Jerusalem under Christ over the earth. `...he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.....God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 10 & 16) On the earth, Israel will be ruling over the nations under Christ`s authority. God says to King David - `Your house and your kingdom shall be established for ever before Me. Your throne shall be established forever.` (2 Sam. 7: 16) The whole panorama of God`s eternal purposes can take our breath away, for the magnitude is beyond our comprehension. However, our hearts rejoice and give praise that our Lord and Saviour will finally be visibly acclaimed as the supreme ruler in all of God`s great kingdom. `...far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but in the one to come. `(Eph. 1: 20 & 21) Finally, we bow before the Father who purposed in Himself - `that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times, He might gather together in one all things, (in unity and harmony) in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - in Christ.` (Eph. 1: 10)

Shalom everyone, Just so you know, you can listen to live Christian Radio while at WCF fairly easily. On the right side, at the bottom of the front page -- you'll see a set of links -- AFA KLove Bott Radio CBN News CBN Praise Moody Chicago The Truth Network His Radio Messianic Radio Faith Radio Christian Talk If you click on any of those links on the front page -- you'll see a little popup window -- which allows you to listen to a number of Christian Radio stations, while continuing to view the forums or chat in the chat room. Hope you enjoy it, Your brother in the Lord with much agape love, George

James 1:22 - "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." One of the greatest enemies of faith is what is called "mental assent." People who operate in mental assent read the Word and think they believe it. But when pressure comes, they don't act on it. Real faith believes what the Word says even though your eyes and your feelings tell you something different. Faith doesn't care what the symptoms are. It doesn't care how the circumstances look. Faith in God's Word will change the symptoms, it will bring the money to get the bills paid. So determine in your heart today to speak God's Word out your mouth and to speak nothing contrary to that Word. Don't be a mental assenter. Be a mighty person of faith.

The Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations cover every aspect of people`s lives, from water, food, education, health, and business to finance and governance. They declare a `New relationship between people and nature is needed as climate change and biodiversity loss threaten progress.` However, these goals present so much more than a utopian dream. The Radical Agenda. Embedded in these high sounding goals is a `moral` agenda that must be adhered to. For example - transgenderism for children, homosexuality, pedophilia, and abortion up to the moment of birth. Debt Swaps. Countries that are in great debt are given different options of having their debt wiped out if they will operate in accord with the sustainable goals. These are called debt swaps: debt- to-health, debt-to-climate and debt-to-Covid. Banking. There is also a new trend in banking towards `Environmental, Social and Governance,` (ESG). This involves bankers having to factor in climate-change, green bonds and other sustainable goals by the United Nations. Finance will thus be funnelled towards those Goals and away from those who do not support them. The Millennials. What we see forming is an elitist agenda to form the world according to their desire - control and power. To do this they need to be seen to `have our best interests at heart.` “No one must be left behind,” is one of their clarion calls. Also being “inclusive and working together.” All this seems to take the high moral ground, however it will mean every aspect of our lives to be organised by `those who know best,` (so they think). The Millennial generation has been indoctrinated to receive the elite`s agenda, through school, university, businesses, and the general media. It all sounds so plausible, that `We can change the world,` We can fix its ills,` and the young will give their time, energy and commitment to such causes by the Sustainable Development Goals. (SDG`s). Thus the SDG`s are the motivation to bring about this Great Reset of Society.

Step 4. The Great Reset. The phrase the `global economic reset,` has been increasingly used by elitists in the central banking world for several years. In 2014 Christine Lagarde, the head of the IMF, talked about it in relation to the New World Order. The `reset` is promoted as a solution to the ongoing economic crisis which was triggered in 2008. This same financial crash is still with us today; but now, after a decade of central bank money printing and debt creation, the bubble is even bigger than it was before. As always, the central bank `cure` is far worse than the disease, and the renewed crash we face today is far more deadly than what would have happened in 2008 if we had simply taken our medicine and refused to prop up weak parts of the economy artificially. The WEF has posted a rather bizarre video on the Reset, which consists of a series of images of the world falling apart (and images of factories releasing harmless carbon emissions into the air which I suppose is meant to scare us with notions of global warming). The destruction is then `reset` at the push of a button, with everything reversing back to a pristine world of nature with less humans, and the words `Join Us.` The global reset is being implemented by central banks and the IMF. The launch by the WEF, (World economic Forum) will be in a summit in 2021 about May, (date yet to be decided), to discuss their plans more openly with the world and the mainstream media.

The topic was created in the Worthy Christian Forums, in a thread proposing the the soul is not immortal. People have varying opinions about that, and I decided to add some balance, and offer some food for though, this is what I wrote: I would like to think that sinners do not suffer ECT (Eternal Conscious Torment). That was what I believed when I was an Atheist, and I was quite comfortable with that. Going to sleep and never waking up was fine. When I became a Christian, things were different, but I an glad to say that I was not motivated to confess Christ, because of a fear of Hell, but I imagine that perhaps, some people do. I think that is weird thinking, as coming to Christ with a gun pointed at you head, is too much like Islam or the Spanish Inquisition. Wanting to conform to God's will out of love and appreciation seems much better, but I can understand also that some do not appreciate what they have been given. Some see their lives as an endless stream of misery, but I have never been in their shoes. On one hand, I want to believe that God is so loving and merciful that He would not allow people created in His image, to endure suffering like that. It strikes my flesh that an eternity of suffering for a mere lifetime is unjust. It is easy to think that way. However, who am I to judge God? He created everything and the creation is His to do with whatever He pleases. He defines what is good and what is evil, I do not. He know what mercy and love are, and judgement, and grace, and all other truths that are beyond my ability to understand as He does. IF God chooses to allow suffering for eternity, it is HIS call, not mine. Whatever God does is good by virtue of His very nature, whatever I think of it and whether I like it or not. There are many Christians who do not accept the concept of ETC, some of them are conservative theologians of great learning and repute, John Stott comes to mind. I am hardly in a position, to say that I am more educated, knowledgeable, wiser, smarter, or Spirit led than they are. It would be very prideful for me to say they are wrong, even if in my studied opinion I think they are erring. Some people are not emotionally able to accept the concept of eternal Hell for people. Some people cannot accept that their pet may not be in Heaven with them. Some people cannot bear the idea that their mom or dad, husband or wife, brother or sister, or son or daughter will suffer eternally. Some people cannot believe that a loving God can even allow sickness or other misery on Earth, and some people even go so far as to think that God only wants health and prosperity, but all of those are another topic. I would opine, that one does not need to accept the concept of ETC to be saved, it is peripheral in that respect but it is not unimportant, otherwise I do not think that Jesus would have had so much to say about Hell. Many things He said, do not sound as though there is no eternal suffering. Because of that and other things in the Bible, I tend to believe in ETC, but I am willing to change my mind if scriptural evidence convinces me otherwise. One of the things that helps me to accept what I do not like, is the comfort that God knows what He is doing, and it is always just no matter how I see it. While it seems disproportionate to me that a lifetime crime deserves eternal punishment, I also ponder that nature of the crime. We know that sin separates us from God. That is what death is I think, separation. "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Did Adam die on that day, or not? I say yes, he did. That day he was separated from God by his sin, again, I think death equals separation. Physical death is the separation of life from the body. Spiritual death, is separation of your spirit from God, and so all sinners are spiritually dead by nature. The Bible in many, many places, refers to the unregenerate person, as dead. Apart from and act of God to restore our relationship with Him, we remain dead. On the other hand, the gift of God is eternal life, and that manifests itself after we die as an eternal relationship with Him - no more separation. I think that is a major part of the mystery. There are two "places" eternally. One is with God, one is without God. With God, is everything good. To be eternally separated from God, is to be eternally separated from everything good. Now, what would "life" be like, is there was not one good thing in it. Miserable, right? Some unbelievers mock the concept of eternal Hell with the notion that they will be partying in Hell with their friends. Maybe so, but if one likes a party this nasty tasting food and drink, music that sounds bad and hurts the ears, those sorts of things, yeah maybe, but it will be a pity party of people kicking themselves for having been so willfully ignorant and unbelieving. Now, the other possibility, is that the unbelieving will just be annihilated, permanently unconscious, just like most people assume that lifeless corpses are. That is almost pleasant by comparison to the other state. Like I said - endless sleep does not sound so bad, we find that easier to accept. That all being said, I do think there is a way to understand the severity of the ECT, if we consider the severity of the sin. I know that sin is sin, to God it seems to be more black and white, binary, not analog. One is either perfect, or one is not. it is not black, grey, and white, it is either white, or not white. However, from my human perspective, and maybe that of others reading this, we see degrees of sin. We see defrauding an old lady of her life's savings, and worse that stealing a paper clip from our work place. We see breaking the speed limit by one mile an hour as less of a crime that driving though a school zone drunk. We see cruelly torturing an ant, as less of a problem that torturing our aunt. If God ever acts like that on the eternal judgment court and sentence (and I am not saying that He does), then I can see how eternal torment is understandable for temporary sin. How? Just as the the ant and aunt example, we place a value that is not related to the time spent torturing, we place a value on the importance of the victim, the intrinsic value. Sinning against God, because of His infinite value and absolute right to deserve love and obedience, makes the appropriate penalty also infinite. Again some can accept that, some will not. Now we know about the passages about how their worm dieth not, gnashing of teeth, eternal darkness, etc. Certainly those are things to be avoided, no matter what they mean. In Rev 20, we see the following language: “and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” There for certain, we see that it is not a party, not merely unpleasant, but TORMENT! We also observe that it is not temporary, it is 24/7 FOREVER! Now Rev 20 also says: “And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” It is not clear there that the unbeliever is to be tormented eternally, but it is clear that they will at least suffer the same end of being tossed into the lake of fire. It is also not clear there, that the unbeliever escape the torment. I think it is also feasible, that God might have different degrees of discomfort, as the Bible seems to indicate that there are different rewards, according to one's works on earth. Why take chances with wishful thinking. Whether or not the dread of this outcome will motive the unbeliever, it should motivate Christians to obey the great commission, and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey Jesus!

Revelation 22:2: "In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." The winds of change are blowing over the Church right now. God is breathing transition over much of the Body of Christ. If you are in a season where you feel extremely restless, it could be that God is preparing your heart for transition. You may feel this way because even though you are still dwelling in your present season, God is declaring new things in your heart, which will give you courage to step out of the old and into the new. God often transitions your heart before He transitions your circumstances. These winds are going to begin to also fan into flames the fire that God has placed in our hearts. We are living in a time where God wants to fan into flames the fire of revival, however, we also need to be embracing His winds to fan the Refiner's fire as well. The Refiner's fire comes upon the hearts of God's children to burn away the chaff of orphanship as they hunger to understanding their inheritance in Christ, their right standing with God, and how to walk in the Spirit --therefore revealing refined sons and daughters. It aligns hearts so that what God wants to release over the Church will be able to be stewarded healthily and orderly. He is realigning our circumstances, vision, and direction, or bringing shifts within our heart as He brings fresh order. God is blowing His winds of change so that the leaves of the Tree of Life will bring healing to the nations. He is fanning into flames the Fire of Revival and the Refiner's Fire, so that we will not only be able to catch what the Lord is releasing, but that we will also steward it with longevity. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

John 15:5 - "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." When we stay fresh in the Spirit of the Lord, we also will grow in our relationship with the Lord. The place of abiding is the place of union we find in John 15:5. The scripture says we will bear fruit for His glory out of the substance of the supply of His boundless anointing. As we move from our current level to a new level of ability in the Lord, we partake of an increase in the flow of the anointing of the Holy Spirit on our life. In this flow, we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in new strength, inspiration, joy, and confidence in the Lord. We hunger for fresh bread from the Word every day. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 DESIRING HIS PRESENCE It is certainly a time of calling upon the name of the Lord and praying but we don't want to forget the rest of the Scripture...it is also a time to seek His face. To seek means to desire, to seek to secure oneself to, and to require. The word "face" in this Scripture means to seek His presence, to turn toward Him, and to make a clear path to God. We are to desire God, to secure ourselves to Him. We are to desire His presence, to turn toward Him, and to remove anything that would stop us from being in His presence. That is what God means by seeking His face. It is easy to pray a short prayer and go about your day. Often, it is much more difficult to pray from a place of seeking God and seeking His face. The latter takes time, it takes focus and it takes setting your own agenda aside and surrendering entirely to God alone; but when you do this, the reward is great. It will take putting God and His presence first – before work, family, ministry, and anything else that may demand your attention. THE TIME IS NOW In Psalm 27:8 David said, "When You said, 'Seek My face' my heart said, 'Thy face, Lord, I will seek.'" God is saying to you, "Seek My face." What is your response? Is it like David's? Are you saying, "Thy face God, I will seek." Or are you saying, "When I get caught up at work, or when things slow down a bit..."? The time is NOW and by next month "this time" may have passed. Seek Him now, while He can be found, as the Scripture says (Isaiah 55:6). Acting in the spirit of sacrifice He will come to you and His reward will be with Him: Wherever His presence is, healing is. Wherever His presence is, restoration is. Wherever His presence is, peace is. Wherever His presence is, prosperity is. We WILL see the Goodness of God Psalm 27 ends with "I would have lost heart if I had not believed I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13 Seeing the goodness of God – here, in our life – is the fruit of intimacy with God; it is part of the reward. Seek Him now. Seek His face and see His Goodness. Can you sense His desire for time with you? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” As the glory of God comes, there’s also power. In Acts 1:8 it says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;….“ As you TURN UP YOUR EXPECTANCY, this will be one of the most powerful times of increase that will come from the glory and the power of the Lord in your life. This increase will come as a result of God’s Glory and God’s Power that you encounter fresh every day. Go into this season with a HIGHER LEVEL OF EXPECTATION than your previous season – the Lord is going to strengthen you, anoint you, empower you, and favor you to see even greater increase in this new season of time. In His glory and power, there is no limitation. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

Hebrews 4:1-3 - "Let us fear, therefore, lest haply a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to have come short of it....because they were not united by faith with them that heard. For we which have believed do enter into that rest.." We speak, with Scripture, of the "rest" of faith. Faith, however, only gives rest because it rests in God; it rests because it allows God to do all; the rest is in God Himself. It is His own divine rest into which we enter by faith -- in the entire surrender to Him, to His will and His working, that we may have perfect rest, that we dare to cast ourselves upon God, and have no care. BECAUSE CHRIST HAS: put away sin, has rent the veil, and is set down on the right hand of the Heavenly throne, because all is finished and perfected, we have received the Holy Spirit from heaven in our hearts to make us the partakers of that glorified Christ, we may with confidence, with boldness, rest in Him to maintain and perfect His work in us in our individual CALLING in Christ. And, resting in Him, He becomes our Joshua (bringing us in and perfecting our faith) and giving us a home in the rest of God with Himself, now to go no more out -- forever. JESUS IS OUR JOSHUA Let us do what Israel did in crossing the Jordan; they allowed Joshua to bring them in; they followed him. Let us follow Jesus in the path He trod. In heaven God's will is all. On earth Jesus lived in the will of God, in suffering and doing, in meeting trial, in waiting for the Father's guidance; in giving up everything to it, He proved that God's will was His path. FOLLOW HIM We yield ourselves in the death to self, to God's purpose for our life; having faith in Jesus on the throne, as our Head and life, that He has brought us in and will make it true in our experience -- we trust Jesus, by being a partaker of His nature and life, to work all in us that the Father has PURPOSED for our individual life -- and we shall know how blessed it is to enter the rest of God. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

Hebrews 2:1 - "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." You can really slip into unbelief about the promises of God. And when you do, it will cost you dearly. Hebrews 4:11 tells us, "Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." We must labor! Not by working with our hands or feet or struggling to get God to do something, but by spending time in God's Word -- hanging on to the promises of God by faith, day after day. We must labor by harkening to the Word and refusing to let it slip (through affirming and meditating). Don't get casual about the Word. Instead, dig more deeply in the Word than ever. Be diligent to keep your faith from slipping -- and you won't have to fall! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

Acts 9:6 - ..."Lord what do You want me to do?..." (NKJV) As soon as Saul was willing to yield, he was in a condition where God could meet his need, where God could display His power, where God could have the man (Acts 9:1-22). Maybe you are searching for God's purpose for your life. The place of yieldedness is just where God wants us. The main thing today that God wants is obedience. When you begin yielding and yielding to God, He has a plan for your life, and you come into that wonderful place where all you have to do is eat the fruits of Canaan. It is the calling of God in Christ on your life that counts. God wants to stir our hearts today to obedience. Our response should be, "Lord what do You want me to do?" ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

Mark 3:14-15 says, "Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sickness and to cast out demons." Luke 9:1 says, "Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases." He gave it to them. He just said, "Here, take it." And they took the impartation He gave them, and they healed the sick and ministered to everyone they met. John 20:21-22 says, "So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.' And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" God sent Jesus out with an immeasurable anointing of the Holy Spirit. And Jesus was saying to the disciples, "Now I'm going to send you out like My Father sent Me." That means Jesus imparted an immeasurable anointing to them. Every Believer has received a measure of impartation and anointing, but God has even more -- He wants to increase in you, because you're His temple, you're His workmanship; and He wants to manifest His glory, His nature, His character, and His power through your life. IMPARTATION IS AN INFUSING Paul says in Romans 1:11 -- "I long and I ache to see you that you may receive an impartation." Not just on, but IN. Paul says (paraphrased), "The impartation is going to be spiritual. It doesn't come from me. I'm just going to be a vessel, a signpost, and when I lay hands on you, I know what's going to happen. That's why I ache to see you. When you receive this, it's going to help you in what God has for your life". PRE-ORDAINED FOR GOOD WORKS In Ephesians 2:10 it says, "We are His workmanship." He's doing a work in you and has ordained good works for you, but it's never by your might, never by your ability, never by your power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Do you want impartation like that from the Lord? God wants to give you a download for your life – an impartation of new levels, new mantles, a new anointing, and a new way of looking at God's calling on your life! James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." Every good gift is from the Father. In Romans 1:11, Paul is describing a spiritual gift – from Spirit to spirit. Not from a man, not a natural blessing, but from the Lord. INTO ACTION: Ask the Lord for a direct blessing from Him to You. A divine impartation that is life-changing and life-establishing for you! Ask Him, and then by faith receive what He gives! God's Word says "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" (Matthew 7:7-8). HAVE YOU BEEN ASKING? Have you been asking? Are you asking for an anointing for purpose? Watch out, you will receive fiery impartation of the Word of God for your life that will burn like fire in your bones! If you want this, align yourself and say, "I'm hungry. I'm so hungry for You, Lord Jesus." Matthew 7:9-11 says, "Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Ask Him for a good gift! HOLY HUNGER IS SATISFIED THROUGH DIVINE IMPARTATION Psalm 63:1-4 says, "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory." You have a holy hunger that can't be satisfied by the natural. It can only be filled by the Holy Spirit and His mighty flow for your life. Ask right now for a mighty outpouring, a divine impartation from Him to you. Psalm 63:5 declares, "My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips." Ask God to pour out a mighty anointing upon you – to release the rich, abundant anointing of the Holy Spirit. To saturate you with such rich anointing that you can't help but be joyful, can't help but speak of His lovingkindness. We need the oil of the Holy Spirit, we need fresh oil every day. We need the perpetual ceaseless flow of His precious oil in and through our lives. Let Psalm 92:10 be released right now: "But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil!" ASK RIGHT NOW Ask for divine impartation! The world needs to see a people who are not walking in the power of man or what religion can give but from the power of the precious Holy Spirit. "And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 Ask God right now, regardless of where you are, for your own personal divine impartation. Are you hungry? Just ask Him. Get ready, here it comes! Let the Rock pour out rivers of oil for you that your path drips with fresh oil and anointing (see Job 29:6)! ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

Romans 8:11 - "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." The measure of your true potential is in your spirit. God has always intended that we would always live from the inside -- from the spirit-man in communion with the eternal Spirit of God. Without that relationship, you are limited to the potential of your soul and your body. "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit" - Romans 8:5. The calling in Christ for your life is written in the book described in Psalm 139:16. Discover and understand His purpose for your life. "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, the eyes your of heart being enlightened, in order for you to know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,- Ephesians 1:17,18 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

The Father Sealing the Judgments. The Father will seal the judgments of these Federations and will bring them to the `footstool` of His Son to judge. `The LORD (Father) said to my Lord, (the Son), “Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool.` (Ps.110: 1) The Apostle John was given a vision of these four Federations and how they will look when the Father brings them to His Son for judgment. The White Horse represents the British Commonwealth who have conquered much of the world and America that is looked to as the leader of the world. The Red horse represents the Russian Federation that is preparing for war, with a great sword. The Black Horse represents the European Union whose economic philosophy of a `free market` (balances) which will bring the world to its knees. There will be food shortages and dearer prices as a result of inflation and their economic policies. The Pale Horse represents the Federation of Islam that will arise in the tribulation. They are so terrifying bringing much death. Hell will be unleashed in a marked way and cause terrible grief and pain. The Father brings these `wild beastly` Federations of man to His Son for judgement. The `scroll` represents the Father`s will concerning who is to be judged and why. The Gentile Rulership is revealed for what it is - unrighteous and beastly, controlling, subjugating, conquering and compelling the peoples of the world under them. We can see these great Federations today and how they have ruled in the past and how they are bringing mankind to the brink of war and economic collapse. Benefactors, philanthropists, are motivating the Rulers to bring the people under more and more control. The basic motivation is `fear,` and this causes most people to surrender their control over their own life into the hands of a few. `...men`s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth,...` (Luke 21: 26)

The White Horseman - Britain & USA. `Behold a white horse. And he who sat on it had a bow and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.` (Rev. 6: 2) This is a pictorial illustration of the first great power to emerge in modern times, the British Empire. They were ruled by a monarch, (crown) and conquered about a quarter of the world. Later it became the British Commonwealth and America. They work together in the world hoping to bring peace and prosperity through a Global Government, but their power is used to control and dominate. After the end of WW2 with much devastation in Europe and Britain, the allies (Britain and America) came together to rebuild the international economic system. They established international Forums and institutions. World Forums. (Political) Britain and America formed the Group of 7 (G 7) and later the Group of 20, (G 20). The G7 consists of the main industrial powers of the world - Great Britain, Canada, America, France, Italy, Germany and Japan. The G 20 includes most of the wealthy nations of the world. These Forums would oversee the international institutions set up to bring about economic cooperation and development that they hoped would lead to a more stable and prosperous global economy. The institutions were the IMF (International Monetary Forum) and the World Bank with rules and procedures for the new monetary order, for commercial and financial relations. We can see over the years that for some this system has brought prosperity but for many others the system has brought poverty. The International Monetary Fund. (IMF) (Economic) The International Monetary Fund`s primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system - the system of exchange rates and international payments that enables countries (and their citizens) to transact with each other. The IMF has a legal tender that countries can use - the Special Drawing Rights, (SDR`s) These enable the bearer to exchange the note (unit of account) for any in the IMF`s basket of 5 currencies - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Yen, & Renminbi. The framework for the Global Government, Political and economic, has been set.

The Father Speaking to the Nations. The Father has told His Son to wait at His side while He brings His enemies to His footstool, for judgment. Then at the appointed time the Son will judge the nations. `The LORD (Father) said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool.` (under His rule) (Ps. 110: 1) The Son`s enemies. `Why do the nations rage and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and His anointed, saying, “Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away from us.` (Ps. 2: 1 - 3) The kings and rulers of the earth are the Gentiles who have been given a specific time period to rule the world and then Jesus would judge them. Daniel 2 gives a pictorial representation of this Gentile time period as a Great Image. It started with the king of Babylon and will conclude with the final Gentile Global Government of our time. In Luke 21: 24 we see that `the times of the Gentiles` will be fulfilled. `The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them (people) and those who exercise authority over them are called `benefactors.` (Luke 22: 25) The kings and rulers exercise lordship, meaning they control, subjugate, conquer and compel to submit the peoples of the world, under them. Then over them are the `benefactors, or the great ones, ` (Mark 10: 42). And these are the philanthropists, those who are seemingly doing good towards mankind. Note that it really is for their own wealth, power and control. We see that the nations are plotting to get `free from the bonds` that tie them to God. The `bonds.` God has given man a conscience and also the 10 commandments to be guided by. Man however desires to lust after ungodly things and so makes his own rules for life. These are - `..the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - not of the Father but is of the world (system). ` (1 John 2: 16 & 17) And note - `the whole world (system) lies under the sway of the evil one.` (1 John 5: 19) The Father Speaks. `He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD (the Father) shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath.` (Ps. 2: 4)

OVERVIEW We live in a fallen, damaged world and so its evils, horrors, injustices loom large in our minds. Thus I desire to emphasise what God is doing in our times. Now we know that the Godhead is - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are all equal, in unity and of one mind. However when functioning there is an order. The Father - Initiates. The Son - Administers. The Holy Spirit - energises. In Psalm 110, our key verse, we read of the Father initiating. `The LORD (the Father) said to my Lord, (the Son), “Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool!.” (Ps. 110: 1) Thus the Father is initiating bringing the nations to His Son`s feet for judgment. And yet even amid this judgment God still has His hand of mercy out to those who would turn to Him. The Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Body is building and maturing His people. When they have come to the unity of the faith then they will be caught away to their eternal setting in glory. Momentous times indeed, and it behoves all of us to have our hearts right with God. Let us not be ignorant but be those who know God`s Plans and thus help others. Let us be expectant and encourage each other all the more as we `see` the day of judgment` coming. `you brethren, are not in darkness that this Day should overtake you as a thief.` (1 Thess. 5: 4) `exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.` (Heb. 10: 25) `To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.` (Heb. 9: 28)

The Father Speaking to His Son. The Father seats His Son at His right hand with all Authority. When Jesus died the Spirit of God raised Him from the dead. The Father then seated Him at His right hand. This signifies that all authority is given to Him. ` (the Father) when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And put all things under His feet.` (Eph. 1:20 -22) The Father makes His Son Head of the Body of Christ. `...and gave Him to be Head over all things to the church, which is His Body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.` (Eph. 1: 22 & 23) From the Godhead the Lord Jesus Christ then sends His Holy Spirit to build up and guide the Body of Christ into all truth, till they come to the maturity of faith. `till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of Man,...` (Eph.4:13) The Father then speaks to His Son concerning the Nations. `The LORD(the Father) said to my Lord (the Son), “Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool.” (Ps. 110: 1) The Father sets about to bring the Gentile nations to His Son`s feet, under His rule for judgment. The Son is to wait for the appointed time to then operate in His rulership. Then the Son is to `rule in the midst of your enemies.` (Ps.110: 2) So who are His Son`s enemies? And how is God the Father bringing these enemy nations to His Son?

I was just responding to a post in the forums, about getting jobs done, now that the Covid 19 pandemic has led to lockdowns. Some of the thoughs in that post, I though would make an o.k. blog entry, so here they are: I have not really had much of a change in getting more jobs done, because other than church related functions (attendance, Bible studies, fellowship) I hardly ever left the home anyway, so the "lockdown" has not been that big of a deal. While missing my church life type functions has freed some time, I tend to use that time for similar purposes, writing, Bible study and the like. I have noticed two axioms that describe my life, they always have, and they are very similar. Junk accrues to fit the space available Tasks accrue to fit the time available. There are other factors that affect these realities. For example, suppose there is a project to do. Usually projects take tw major things: time and money! Time and money have this interesting but inverse relationship, wherein whenever you have more of one, there is usually less of the other. Another factor that sometimes fits in, is as the older I get, the more available these thing potentially are within limitations. There are natural explanations why this is so. For example, in my younger life, I had fewer skills and less knowledge, so naturally, that reduced my earning potential. Later, that was improving, but then I had a wife and 5 kids, which took depleted most of that money. Eventually though, the kinds moved out, the wife died, and all of these drains on finances went away. Financial freedom at last! Well, not quite. I am no longer earning money, retired now, and living on limited income. So I am mostly back where I always have been. With most of my family gone though, my expenses are down, and time available is up. While not an excess, still that must be an improvement, right? Well along with advancing years, health degrades! I no longer have the strength and energy to work as hard as I would like. One the plus side, this give me some excuse so that I do not have to feel so guilty about my laziness and procrastination. All and all though, I realize that there are blessings here. I find that I can focus less on things, and more on people, and my relationship with God. I realized just today, something interesting. I am glad that God does not require of me, that is literally thank Him for everything He has blessed me with. If I were to do that, there are not enough hours available to speak of His blessings if I were to attempt to itemize them. So thank you God for everything! Amen!

"I stretch out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, as a parched land." - Psalm 143:6 As we continue on into 2020 we lean into the secret place, spending more time with God, there is a new hunger for communion, compelling us to "throw away" everything that carries no heavenly or eternal purpose. We are in a season where nothing else matters except Jesus! A new hunger is growing in us. It is essential to throw away the things that seemed okay to us in our last season: old thought processes, busyness for the sake of busyness, and meaningless things that consume our time. Some things we have allowed in our lives cannot stay with us because of where we are going. Many are realizing it is meaningless—all is meaningless—except for our calling in Christ! The only thing that matters is God! “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." - Isaiah 43:18 "Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'” - Luke 9:62 "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

Restoring Rulership over Israel. Judgment of the Nations. After the Lord and His angel army have dealt with the world`s armies, and the anti-Christ and false prophet, He judges the peoples of the nations. Those people who did not look after the Jews during the tribulation will be taken away in judgment. (Matt. 25: 44 & 45 Luke 17: 34 - 37) `When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another...` (Matt. 25: 31 & 32) Israel, the restored `wife.` The Lord then sends His angels to the four corners of the earth to bring the Jews back to their own land, Israel. (Isa. 66: 20) While these are coming, the Lord goes into Jerusalem to reveal Himself to the people there. He goes first to the house of Judah, the ruling tribe then to the people of Jerusalem. (Zech. 12: 7 & 10) There will be great celebrations in Jerusalem as their mourning will turn to joy; the Messiah has come, their `sons and daughters` are coming from afar, and the Gentiles are blessed to see the glory of God over Jerusalem.(Isa. 60) Finally Israel the forsaken `wife` is reunited with her master/husband, God through the Lord Jesus Christ. The joyful celebrations are the `wedding feast` proclaiming that God is with them. (Isa. 54: 4 - 8 Rev. 19: 7 - 9) Israel`s Rulership. The Lord then appoints those who will rule under Him, in Israel. Firstly, a man called David will be delegated authority to be a Prince, a king over Israel and the nations of the earth. `(Ez. 37: 24 & 25) Then there will be Levites and priests chosen to teach and judge over the peoples. (Isa. 66: 21) The martyrs will come to life and also rule. (Rev. 20: 4) The people of the nations will be required to go up to Jerusalem to learn of the ways of the Lord and especially for the Feast of Tabernacles - to worship the King. (Zech. 14: 16) Christ and His Angelic Army Return to Heaven. Finally the Lord and His angelic army will return to the third heaven, the seat of the Lord`s authority and power. `Oh, clap your hands all you peoples! Shout unto God with the voice of triumph! For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. He will subdue the peoples under us, and all the nations under our feet. He will choose our inheritance for us.... God has GONE UP with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.` (Ps. 47: 1 - 5)

SUMMARY Mankind down through the ages has desired to rule the world. This has happened four times in history – Babylon / Medes & Persians /Greece/Rome, and these world empires were in the Middle East & Mediterranean areas where the general population lived at that time. The Middle East will also be the area of the Final Gentile World Ruler - Islam. God has told us of these World Rulers and that each would be judged - `God has numbered your kingdom and finished it.....You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting....` (Dan. 5: 26 & 27) God has determined the nation`s pre-appointed times and boundaries. `And He (God) has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.` (Acts 26: 17)

THE BEAST. `Then I stood on the sand of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth was like the mouth of a lion.` (Rev. 13: 1 & 2) THE BEAST. SEVEN HEADS - Seven consecutive Presidents of the G20. TEN CROWNED HORNS - Ten kings of the Islamic Federation. MOUTH OF A LION - Speaking from the British and USA Federation. BODY OF A LEOPARD - The EU`s philosophy of Free trade over the world. FEET OF A BEAR - Trampling down all opposition, (as Russia had done.)

WORLD RULERS The Group of seven, G7/8, are the most powerful nations in the world. They have dominated the Political & Economic policy of the world for over two decades. The main ones have an easily recognisable emblem -

SUMMARY There are 3 major steps to the final Global Government. 1. Legal Authority for the G 20. This will take place after the next financial crisis. The G20 will take to itself greater authority to oversee the World`s Political and Economic System. 2.Legal Authority for the Executive Body. To assist the G20 in its mandate there will be established an Executive Body to co-ordinate and oversee the various international institutions - - Financial, Multinationals and World Trade. 3. The Last President of the G20. I believe the rotation of 5 leaders of the G20 will come to an end. Then the newly appointed European President will have a term, and then finally the leader of the Islamic Federation will be the last and most powerful leader over the Global Government.

GLOBAL EXECUTIVE. Legal Authority for the Executive Body. The G20 has previously operated without a permanent secretariat or staff. The incumbent chair establishes a temporary secretariat for the duration of its term, which coordinates the group`s work and organises its meetings. To ensure continuity, the presidency is supported by a `troika` made up of the current, immediate past and next host countries. The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and development) has acted as a strategic advisor to the G20. The OECD participates in all G20 Working group meetings and provides data, analytical reports and proposals on specific topics, often jointly with other relevant international organisations. The OECD has been working closely with the IMF, the World Bank and the WTO on a variety of subjects to provide a framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth, (as they see it). In the near future the G20 will authorise a permanent G20 secretariat, with Europe as its location. This will be the support for the G20 President and become the Executive Body bringing together all the International Financial Institutions, as well as the World Trade Organisation. The leader of this Executive Body will have great authority over the World`s Economies alongside the Political President of the G20. Together they will rule over the Global Government.

THE FINAL STAGES OF THE GLOBAL GOVERNMENT: Introduction In this series I hope to set out what is happening already in our world as regards to the setting up of the Final Global Government. All details are easily found on the internet. I hope we can have a good discussion on what is actually taking place on the world scene. Too long people have been misled to think of the world Government as far into the future or that one day someone would pop up and take over the world. That is far from reality as I hope we shall see. After this series is finished I would like to do another showing what God`s word says about the final Global Government in relation to what is happening today. And I believe we will see that God, who is omniscient, knowing all, has revealed precise details for us to understand. I will post a cover and contents for those who would like to put it in a booklet format. I look forward to your comments. Note this is not the place to post alterative eschatological views, that is for the threads on Worthy. Here we are discussing what is actually taking place.

Index and summaries of all articles is here: https://www.worthychristianforums.com/blogs/entry/1403-index-and-summaries-of-articles/ The 1290 and 1335 Days of Daniel 12:11-12 Standard translation of Daniel 12:11-12 Dan. 12:11 And from the time that the daily/continual service shall be taken away, and an abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be 1290 days. 12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the 1335 days. Literal translation of Daniel 12:11-12 And from the time the daily/continual service has been caused to be taken away and/even to the placing of an abomination of desolation: 1290 days. Blessed/happy is the one who earnestly waits, and comes/attains to 1335 days. “has been caused to be taken away”: Hophal Perfect 3ms of the verb סור [soor]. Hophal stems express causative action with a passive voice. Perfect tense means completed action (past, present, or future, here obviously being future). “and/even”: the Hebrew conjunction vav, ו. It usually is translated “and,” but also can mean “but, or, even, yet, when.” “to the”: ל This is the Hebrew preposition lamed, which means “to” or “for.” It has been omitted from the translations of nearly all versions of the Bible. Of the many versions I have consulted, it is found only in Youngʼs Literal Translation. Normally, this preposition would have a Shewa vowel pointing [ ְ ] underneath; but in this case it has a Qamats [ ָ ] underneath, which signifies that it includes within it the definite article “the,” the Hebrew letter ה . So this is to be read, “to the placing of an abomination of desolation…” “placing”: This is the correct translation of the Infinitive Construct of the verb root נתן [naw-than´], which means “to give, put, place.” An infinitive is a verbal noun, here being “placing.” The standard translation – “is set up” – distorts the meaning of the verb and the phrase. The addition of the preposition “to” significantly alters the understanding of the text. The standard translation is rather ambiguous – at least, it has been to me – about the relationship of the 1290 days to the two acts: 1) the ending of the daily religious ritual, and 2) the placing of an abomination of desolation. But the inclusion of the simple preposition “to” indicates that the first act begins the 1290 days, and the second act concludes the 1290 days: “from the time of the [removal] even to the abomination of desolation: 1290 days.” A Historical Precedent There is a historical precedent, under similar circumstances, for such a prophesied lapse of time. Antiochus Epiphanes (r. 176 - ca. 164 B.C.) was the historical King of the North who brought Temple services to an end, and later caused to “place the abomination of desolation” in 168 B.C. Dan. 11:31 In his case, lawful Temple services were brought to an end years before the final desecration in 168: 2 Macc. 4:23 After a period of three years [of the high priesthood of Jason, who had usurped the high priesthood of the Jewish Temple from his brother, Onias III, by bribing Antiochus]…Menelaus… 24 …secured the high priesthood for himself… 25 [Being a Benjamite,] he… possess[ed] no [lawful] qualifications for the high priesthood… 29 Menelaus left his own brother Lysimachus as deputy in the high priesthood… 32 But Menelaus, thinking he had obtained a suitable opportunity, stole some of the gold vessels of the temple and gave them to [Antiochusʼs deputy] Andronicus… 34 [Then] Menelaus, taking Andronicus aside, urged him to kill [the legitimate Jewish high priest] Onias. Andronicus came to Onias, and resorting to treachery…urged Onias to come out from [his] place of sanctuary; then, with no regard for justice, he immediately put him out of the way. … 39 [Meanwhile,] many acts of sacrilege had been committed in [Jerusalem] by Lysimachus with the connivance of Menelaus… 2 Macc. 5:1 [Not long afterward,] Antiochus made his second invasion of Egypt. Dan. 11:29 At the appointed time he return[ed] and [went] toward the south; but it [was] not like the former time or like the latter. 30 For ships of Kittim [a Roman fleet commanded by Popilius Laenus] c[a]me against him; therefore he [was] grieved, and return[ed] and [was] enrage[d] against the holy covenant, and so acted…and show[ed] regard for those who forsook the holy covenant. 2 Macc. 5:11 … raging inwardly, [Antiochus] left Egypt and took [Jerusalem] by storm. 14 Within a total of three days, 80,000 Jews were destroyed…and as many sold into slavery… 15 Not content with this, Antiochus dared to enter the most holy Temple in the world, guided by Menelaus, who had become a traitor to the laws and to his country. 16 He took the holy vessels with his polluted hands… 1 Macc. 1:54 Now on the 15th day of Chislev in the 145th year [~Dec. 16, 168 B.C.], they erected a desolating sacrilege [likely an idol of Zeus] upon the altar of burnt offering. This era was prophesied in Dan. 8:12-14, and its “pesha/transgression/lawlessness” was to continue “for 2300 days; then the sanctuary [would] be cleansed.” According to the history provided by the Books of the Maccabees, the ultimate overthrow of the Aaronic priesthood by Menelaus lasted from the latter 170s B.C. (no precise dates given, but enough information to make a rough estimate) up to the cleansing of the sanctuary by the Maccabees in 165 B.C. Now, 2300 days = about 6.3 years, a seeming fit for the length of that period, which reasonably could have begun in 171 B.C. The 1290 Days Keeping these things in mind, letʼs go now to the 1290 days of the End Times, which equal 3.53 solar years. We read in Dan. 11:41 that early on, the King of the North “shall enter the Glorious Land, and many shall be enfeebled/overthrown…” Following this, “he shall stretch out his hand against lands, and the land of Egypt shall not escape…also the Libyans and Cushites…” 11:42-43 An unspecified number of months or years later, Dan. 11:44 …news from the north and the east shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury… 45 And he shall plant the tents of his pavilion…at the glorious holy mountain… 12:1 And in that time Michael shall stand up [cf. Rev. 12:7]…and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was… – which is the same wording Jesus used in Matthew 24:21 to describe the Great Tribulation. So to sum it all up: if the Latter Day King of the North “takes away” Daniel 12:11ʼs “daily services” when he first “enters the Glorious Holy Land,” through subverting its political and/or religious leaders – “many shall be enfeebled/overthrown” (Dan. 11:41) – then the 1290 days would begin at that point, and conclude with the Abomination of Desolation some 3½ years later. The subjection of “lands” – Egypt and Islamic North Africa – could easily take that long, prior to the final crisis. Just as Antiochus was successful in first subverting many of the priests and people, and subsequently succeeded in his original invasion of Egypt, a number of years before he committed his utter defilement and desolation of the Temple in 168 B.C. This sequence seems to me to be the most likely fulfillment of Daniel 12:11. Whether or not it is how things will play out remains to be seen. So this is something to watch out for: the acts of the King of the North when he (or his men) first enter Jerusalem. Those acts should reveal whether or not this understanding of the 1290 days is valid. 1290 days works out to 43 lunar months + 20 days. There are 43 lunar months between Rosh Hashanah = Tishri 1 and the Nisan 1 of 3½ years later. Adding the 20 days comes to Nisan 21, the last day and second special sabbath day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This was the day the Israelites crossed through the Red Sea, being finally delivered from Egyptian bondage. Also, in my understanding, Nisan 21 was the day the dead rose (were delivered) from the graves “after His (Jesusʼ) resurrection…” Matt. 27:53 The 1335 Days, Pentecost, Firstfruits, and Rapture Adding 45 days to Nisan 21 – that is, completing the full 1335 days – comes to Sivan 7, potentially the Feast of Shavout/Pentecost, depending on the year. Rabbinical Jews celebrate Sivan 6 every year for this feast day, the date God gave the Ten Commandments from Mt. Sinai. The next day, the 7th, was when the Israelites entered into their blood covenant with God to keep His law, and those whom God called ascended up before His Presence upon Mount Sinai. Exodus 24 Whether or not the end of the daily services in Jerusalem takes place on Tishri 1 is therefore something else to watch for. These 45 days (or part thereof) would be the Great Tribulation, which begins with “the placing of an abomination of desolation” on the last of the 1290 days: Matt. 24:15 “Therefore when you see the Abomination of Desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet… 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. … 21 For then will be the Great Tribulation…” A short tribulation fits my understanding for other reasons, which I provide in my blog post Forty Days. The full 1335 days may well end on Pentecost and/or the day before, which two days were the original date of (1st day) Godʼs descent accompanied by earthquake, clouds, and shofar upon Mount Sinai, and (2nd day) His chosen being called up into His Presence. Being a type and shadow of Christʼs descent and His peoplesʼ ascent amidst the very same signs. Besides being called the Feast of Weeks (Heb. Shavuot), Pentecost is also called “the Day of the Firstfruits.” Num. 28:26; cf. Ex. 23:16; 34:22; Lev. 23:15-17 This is significant, because the elect of Christʼs Church are called both firstfruits and firstborn (i.e., the firstfruits of the womb): James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. Heb. 12:22 But you [will] come unto Mount Zion and to a city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem… 23 to a whole assembly and church of the firstborn having been registered in heaven… Under the typology of the Mosaic Law, only the firstfruits and firstborn of Israel were to be brought to Godʼs sanctuary. Those who are to ascend in the Rapture will be brought to Godʼs heavenly sanctuary. These things are more fully explained in the blogs The Firstfruits and the Harvest and The Innumerable “Great Multitude” of Revelation 7:9. Conclusion Under the more literal translation of Daniel 12:11, the meaning of the verse indicates that the 1290 days will begin with the complete annulment, by the King of the North, of Judeo-Christian worship in Jerusalem. Or, at the least, such worship in the most holy place: on the Temple Mount or in the ancient City of David, if the latter is found to be the original site of the Temple. The 1290 days will come to an end when the Abomination of Desolation is placed; then the Great Tribulation ensues for all or part of 45 days. These things mean that the 1290 days will be both Pre-Tribulation and Pre-Wrath. Those “blessed/happy [ones]…who earnestly wait, and attain the 1335 days” are ones who successfully both “flee to the mountains/wilderness” and are “accounted worthy to escape all these things [of the Great Tribulation] that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36; Rev. 7:9 Quite possibly a day of Pentecost will be when the elect/worthy ones ascend upon the heavenly Mount Zion. The 3½ times/1260 days found in Daniel 12:7 and other Scriptures will be the topic of a later blog. That period is Post-Tribulation.

Even when I am afraid, I still trust you. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:3,11 For your Word O God, I give you praise, for you have kept my feet from stumbling so that I could walk in your presence, in the light of life. Psalm 56:4,13 I will praise you, Lord, for everyone to hear, and confess your name amongst non-believers. Psalm 57:9 You are gracious to me, O Lord, for my soul takes refuge in you in the shadow of your wings as you shield me from destruction. Psalm 57:1 Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let your glory extend over the whole earth. Psalm 57:5 Your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Psalm 57:10 I sing praises of your strength and joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning for You are my refuge in days of distress. Psalm 58:16 I rejoice as God speaks to me in His holiness; with His help, I will do mighty things as He treads down my adversaries. Psalm 60:6,12 You are my tower of strength, O Lord, for You have been a refuge for me as I dwell in Your presence forever. Psalm 61:3,4 I will abide in Your Word forever and sing praises to Your name, Lord Jesus, as I fulfill my vows day after day. Psalm 61:7,8

Hebrews 11:3 - "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Observation: I need to think, believe, and speak, not according to things which are seen (my circumstances) -- but according to things ware not seen (the Word of God). As I am faithful to think, believe and speak according to that which is not seen, God will make those things tangible in my life. He will make them "seen." "And the Lord said to Joshua: 'See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor."' - Joshua 6:2 God was commanding Joshua to SEE THE UNSEEN! Before he would see Jericho defeated with his physical eyes, he had to see Jericho defeated with his spiritual eyes. He had to see into the eternal. It must be tangible in your spirit, before it becomes tangible in the natural. It is seeing into the unseen (eternal) realm where we perceive the will of God. Once we see the will of God and what exists from His perspective, we can cross back over and announce what God wants to perform in the natural, temporal world. CHANGE YOUR FRAME OF REFERENCE The key to our spiritual life is learning to walk in the Lord! "SEE differently! HEAR differently! SEE HIM! HEAR HIM! Change your frame of reference! He is adding new colors and new events to create the MASTERPIECE of your future!" ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." - Romans 12:2 (NLT) Political correctness, new cultural norms, and social pressure are trying to reshape the very fabric of the Church to be conformed to this world instead of being the transformational force we are called to be by the renewing of our minds by God's Word (Romans 12:2). The enemy has loosed a spirit of seduction, deception, and intimidation against the Church that, if we are not strong, will cause our very foundations to crumble. In 1 Samuel 30, we see the story of David at Ziklag. At Ziklag, the Amalekites attacked and robbed David and David's men, taking everything that was precious in their lives. The Amalekite spirit is indicative of a vicious, violent spirit of robbery. These were desperate times and David had a decision to make: would he give in to what was happening in hopelessness, despair or would he attack back? David did the wise thing and inquired of the Lord. The answer was clear and emphatic: pursue, overtake, attack, take back and recover all! This is the same answer that the Lord is decreeing to the Church today: "Attack your lack and don't look back!" DON'T LOSE YOUR CONFIDENCE The enemy wants to shake your confidence. You must be bold and believe for the great things God has promised you. David was able to calm himself and seek God and receive the word he needed to hear in order to continue to advance toward his destiny. The enemy wants to rattle your cage and get you off your game but don't let him. Scripture declares: "The God of peace will soon crush satan underneath your feet..." (Romans 16:20). We pursue the Lord first so God's peace will allow us to hear His voice and guide us to victory. DON'T LOSE YOUR HOPE! Hopelessness is a direct attack against the nature of God. The enemy wants to rob our hope of seeing things change or regaining our possessions. We must not shrink back in despair, but rise up in hope and faith. We understand that Christ in us is the very hope of glory and the banner of victory to bring the change God wants. "For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory." - NLT ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com/

The Gunfighter Hey all, got on and realized that I started a blog, or rather blog series, last year, and never continued it, and from the feedback I got from the last one, I figured it was about time I put in my next installment, which is "The Gunfighter" Many old westerns usually have more then one, they have the hero, and a villain, and often several "allies" on both sides. Many Gunfighters, also share traights with loners, and/or are loners. Where they differ though, is that while they may "enjoy" being alone, they rarely back down from a fight, and speak their mind. They're not always loners, some will go in a group, and often exhibit fierce loyalty to those whom they consider their friends. They speak their mind, and often see life as "black and white". They live by their code, and anyone who doesn't is in the wrong. They enjoy debate, arn't afraid to get in the mud so to speak, and when they find someone or a group of someones whom they trust, are loyal to them to the bitter end. They do not understand the concept of "retreat" and often treat situations as "their way or the highway" Now, their ability to charge into a fight guns blazing no questions asked, is both their greatest strength, and their biggest weakness. There is no doubt that churches often need such "Gunfighters" in their church, but often at the same time if left unchecked can run off and hurt people unwittingly. They often are very intellectual people, very smart, sometimes they are where they are now because of being raised in a very intellectual environment, or it maybe they grew up bullied, and the way they learned to deal with it, was to fight back. Of course, everyones different, so its important not to "generalize" and put everyone in the box, like I said in my first blog, these "characters" I am describing, are generalizations and most people will exhibit traights of each, and arrive where they are at today for a host of different reasons. A gunfighter, so to speak, can do a lot of good, often, especially one who is serious about their faith, is often well studied in the Bible, theology, and solid doctrine. These are their "six shooters" so to speak, and when properly applied, are very deadly indeed, but knowledge is a two edged sword. Many Gunfighters in the movies, and even in life, will have at least one friend, or leader that they look up to, and its important that that leader is one wise enough to teach and guide that gunfighter properly, as to when is the best time to "apply" his skills. They are often great at defending the faith, and the church from outside threats from satan, but need that guiding hand to make sure they dont mistake a threat from a young christian. A gunfighter, mature in his faith, will often make excellent elders/leaders of the church. with the right training/friends alongside them. A man, strong in faith and willing to defend it openly, is a valuable asset to any church, but its important we dont leave them alone, because often a church full of Gunslingers will often destroy itself. Every church, needs to be a team. What Gunfighters need wisdom in, is decifering between an honest threat upon the church, and what is not, and the appropriate answer. They need the wisdom to know that not every situation requires a quick draw, and often soft words will go a lot farther to accomplishing your goal, then a mountain of self righteous Bible verses. That you can't beat the Bible into someone, no matter how tempting it is. They also, need to resist the urge to go it alone-because many gunfighters do like to go it alone, and realize they are strongest in a team with other people of different strengths and weaknesses. Gunfighters, if left unchecked can destroy a church, but with the right support and Godly wisdom, can be crucial to their strength. Like in the movies, there is often more then one, and sometimes, theyre not on the right side, and sometimes they maybe on the right side, but haven't learned how to play well with others. Time, love, and Godly wisdom often will bring them together if their hearts are in the right place. There are a few characters in the Bible, whom I believe are very much "gunfighters" The most famous, probably, is King David. While we can see in his psalms, he was a very intelligent, loving man, we can see from his life was very much a warrior, willing to fight for what he believed, and sometimes it got him in trouble, but when He kept God as his focus, did great things for the nation of Israel. The Apostle Peter, for instance, is a prime example of a gunfighter, everything from slicing off the gaurds ear, arguing to be Christs right hand man, to denying Him, for his mistakes, but more importantly, his devout loyalty to Christ, willingness to jump out of the boat to go to Him without even thinking about it, to yes, charging to Christs defense in gethsemene, without so much as a second thought, and after Christs return, and the early church, his standing steadfast to the faith, against all opponents, regardless of what opposition he took. Early on you see with Peter, his "gunfighter" traights getting him in trouble, but later on, once he learned how to apply them with wisdom and love, they became a strength Another example of a New Testament Gunfighter, is the Apostle Paul. He actually was a picture perfect example of a "gunfighter" he traveled, but rarely alone, but at the same time not around a lot of people when he traveled. He started many churches, but usually only kept one or two close people around to encourage him and help him in his journeys. He spoke the gospel wherever he went, and was not afraid to stand firm and defend that gospel, such as what he did at mars hill in Acts 17:22-31 All gunfighters need to learn wisdom and love, when defending the gospel, and that is where having a good team of friends around is a necessity for them. Some important verses to keep in mind for the "gunfighters" out there, especially the passage in Timothy. 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. Jude 1:3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Philippians 1:15-16 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 2 Timothy 2:23-26 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Shalom everyone, I just started a Worthy Christian Forums Fan Page! I'll be posting up "Hot Topics!" and "Inspirational" tidbits. Become a FAN on Facebook. Your brother in the Lord with much agape love, George