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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

The Post-trib position in a nutshell compared with the Bible A short Bible study on a topic that some want to make way too complicated - Omegaman Post-Trib Belief What the Bible (NASB) Says The software here makes formatting difficult. There is an easier to read version if you prefer July 28th, 2014 - Omegaman 3.0 There will be a time of trouble Jesus called birth pangs You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.7“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8“But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Followed by persecution, even to death, a time of tribulation 9“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. There will be a sign 15“Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Then the tribulation will be great, but it will be limited 21“For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. 22“Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. After the tribulation, Jesus will come visibly in the sky 29“But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30“And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. He then will send angels to gather His elect 31“And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. In Jesus time, only the Father knew the exact time of Jesus visible return 36“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. But it will be like the days of Noah, when calamity overtook the surprised unbelievers 37“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38“For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Believers should also be ready for His return, though they do not know the exact time. 42“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 44“For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. The Bible, to prevent deception. tells us the order of the events: 3As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you." Every verse listed so far, was from the 24th Chapter of the book of Matthew. You have just read them yourself, exactly as they are in the bible, and in the same order, so you can see for yourself, what Jesus said about these things.As you can see, He did not use figurative or symbolic language, he was very clear, and used lots of words which indicat time sequences, words like "then" and "at that time". There is no need to spin Jesus' words or make unwarranted assumptions, as many are tempted to do. Let's look at some more info from the apostles Paul and from John There will be a time when Jesus catches up (raptures) His church. From 1 Thess chapter 4 Notice again the sequence: The Lord descends from Heaven, a shout, and angel, a trumpet, and those who have died in Christ rise, Then the living Christian join them in the air. 13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Like Jesus before him, Paul also said there was a sign to look for, a sigh that would appear before our gathering to Him in the rapture. Beleivers are to look for this man, and by that will now that the 2nd coming of Jesus, is then imminent. 2 Thess 2 1Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Jesus will come like a thief on unbelievers, but watchful Christians will know that He is about to come. 1 Thess 5 1Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.4But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; 5for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. Since we know that the dead in Christ rise first, followed by the rapture (vs 16 & 17 of 1 Thess 4) of the living believers, if we only knew if that resurrection was before or after the tribulation, we could understand if the rapture was before or after the tribulation. Believers who die in the tribulation, for their testimony of Jesus, come to life in the first resurrection, to be followed by the rapture (1 Thess 4:17) rapture. 4Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed.) This is the first resurrection. This has been a summary of the Post Tribulation Rapture viewpoint, also known as Historic Premillenialism, along with some scripture passages which can be said to support this understanding. There were assertions, and there were supporting verses and passages, without inserting things like an invisible, secret coming (is there even one verse that says that? If so, I have never seen it), and idea that has become popular in modern times. I tried to keep this faithful to scripture, I tried to make it simple and clear. Jesus and Paul warned about deceptions to come, I take those warning seriously. Paul had this to say as well: 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Tim 4 I will end with this thought from the book of Acts: 19“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. Some versions render that as "He must remain in heaven until the time" Personally, I find all these verses harmonize perfectly well with each other, and I beleive the Post-Trib rapture position, is consistant with them as well. I hope you found this helpful and informative (Reply to a question - question asker asked for question to be deleted - but ok to leave answer if name not mentioned) Omegaman Jul 31 2014 10:23 PM Your reply touches on something that is always an issue, the idea of interpretation. I have no idea if I am right or I am wrong, I believe I am right of course, otherwise I would change my view, lol. However, where I think my understanding and belief is different from many, is that I try not to interpret at all, I just read, and try to understand. If you read my post, and I assume you did, you will have noticed that I did two things - I stated aspects of the doctrine which I accept, and then I stated the scripture that appears to support those points. You will have noticed that what I did not do was things like: "You see where it says 'elect', that is the Jews!" or: "See where it says the restrainer?" - that is the Holy Spirit: Those sorts of things, are interpretations, I just pointed out scripture and let it speak for itself. The things that are usually used to demonstrate a pre-tribulation rapture, are interpretations at best, usually they are arguments from silence, or assumed inferences not warranted by the text. For example, all of the ways people try to see a sudden, secret, any moment visit by Jesus, well, it is just odd, since the text never says any such thing. While I know people do not intend harm, it strikes me as dishonest to treat scripture so carelessly. Of course, I just stepped on millions of toes with that statement, but it frustrates me that people cannot see the difference between their assumptions and what the Bible actually says, and does not say. In my post I didn't even mention all the evidences that demonstrate the errors of pre-trib assumptions, I just tried to give positive evidence for a post trib position, and I did not have to assume or twist anything to do that - just posted scripture. I could still be in error for my understanding, but I do not think my understanding is unreasonable, and I expect that many others might notice that. My main point in my reply, that I would like you to take away, is that stating scripture, is not an interpretation, it is just stating scripture. I pointed out how, those scriptures might represent what I have come to believe. If the difference is not obvious, then I just wasted my time, but it will not be the first time I have done that. Thanks for taking the time to read my post and respond.

“For now we see through a glass, darkly…” It is my belief that we gain insights not only from a structured classroom but also from the vast wonderful creation that the Lord places before us. We simply have to ask, “Father, open my eyes that I might see.” A few years back I happened to look out my kitchen window and there sat a small, scraggly puppy. He was a cute little thing, but, could we take on another dog? We already had two large Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This little guy looked like a small border collie. It’s not all that uncommon for a stray to show up out here in the country, but seldom do we see young puppies. Normally it’s the older guys that have started to chew on furniture or dig holes in the yard. People just don’t consider all the factors involved when becoming dog owners. Cute little puppies grow up to be dogs. Like children, without the correct training and discipline, they can grow up to have serious problems. Pr 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Anyway – here was this pup and I had to check him out. Before I even got close to him I could tell that he was in trouble. He was too weak to run from me. I knelt down and slowly reached for him, thinking he would sniff my hand. He didn’t. Instead he laid his head in my hand and closed his eyes. I caressed him for a short while and then fetched him food and water. I doubted that he had the strength to eat. I went back into the house to give him privacy, and when I went outside a short while later, he had disappeared. I searched but couldn’t find him anywhere. I thought he went off somewhere to die. The next morning he was back by the front porch. I got more food and water and again went back into the house. Again, he disappeared. This pattern continued for a few days until I discovered that he was hiding underneath the bushes that lined the house. The next time I fed him I sat on the porch steps, but didn’t reach out to him when he came out to eat. The days passed and with patience and kindness I slowly gained his trust, me sitting on my porch steps and he watching me with one eye while he ate. He didn’t allow me to handle him until the trust was firmly established. Once he submitted to me, I discovered that he had been severely mistreated. I later thought of how I was before finding my Savior. The world is a hard place in which to live, especially for a non-believer. It can beat us down, strip us of a desire to live –leave us in a condition just like this little broken pup. 1Pe 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. I named him Cabo and he lived in the front yard for a few weeks while gaining in strength and health. The two big dogs lived in the backyard, separated from the world by an electric fence that was never “hot.” Eventually, Cabo became healthy and self assured and one day boldly ducked under the wire and braved the back yard. The female Ridgeback immediately claimed the pup as her own. One day, after being a part of the family for a couple of months, hubby and I took some treats out to the dogs. Pigs ears, I think they’re called, and our dogs loved them. The two big brown dogs would gobble them up in minutes. This particular day we handed them out, first to the Ridgebacks, who were aggressive to have them, and then to the little guy. He smelled it, but wasn’t sure what to do with it. He was more interested in getting a pet than he was a treat. I kept holding it out for him and he finally took it, realizing that it was all for him. What happened next was a sheer pleasure for me to watch. Cabo wasn’t sure what to do with the treat, so he played with it. And, as he did, his whole demeanor turned to joy. He would toss the treat and then fetch it. He rolled, ran, jumped. He enjoyed this treat to the fullest. It was the funniest thing to watch. I believe, if given the vocal ability, he would have declared this “the best day ever.” Ne 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Eventually, the big dogs noticed that the pup still hadn’t eaten his treat. I watched them approach Cabo, slowly and deliberately. Their purpose was clear. The little guy, however, didn’t’ even notice them. He was too busy embracing this newfound joy. The big dogs found a spot to lie down, never taking their eyes off the pig ear. After stern words to the Ridgebacks, I went back inside the house but continued to watch from the windows. For the better part of the day Cabo played with his treat. The big dogs stalked him, drooling as they lusted after the pig ear. Of course, they had their own earlier but consumed it so fast they didn’t even enjoy it. Now they wanted his. As Christians, do we ever do this? Do we carelessly consume the blessings the Lord gives to each of us, only to envy those of another? How many times do we desire what our brother has, thinking it’s a better treat? Unfortunately all puppies grow out of that cute, playful stage. Cabo did as well. His back right leg never fully recovered from the injuries he received before finding his way to our house, but that didn’t slow him down any. Utilizing three legs he could still outrun the other dogs. Had he been placed in a pound I doubt he would have been adopted. The world had left its scars on him and would have rejected him because of it. I found great value, however, in this little dog, simply because he loved me. He never went to his food dish before first coming to me for affection. When I went into the back yard he was always the first to greet me and stayed the longest. If I stayed outside all day, he would have been by my side the entire time. He lived to please me. Ps 40:7-8 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me. I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Cabo learned discipline well and loved the words of approval afterwards. As he aged he matured into a calmer dog and one that still looked to his master for attention. The more diligently I worked with him, the deeper the understanding became between us and the stronger the bond. He left behind the playful antics of a pup, but if anything, the joy that he had as a puppy only deepened as he learned that to obey meant more time spent with me. Joh 15:10-11 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. Cabo became a seasoned backyard warrior. He patrolled the perimeters of his half acre yard, knowing that it was but a small portion of a much larger kingdom. He valiantly ran off the evil truck that regularly attempted to steal his masters’ trash. Every week he fiercely fought to make the steel demon set the dumpster back down, and leave in defeat. There was an alfalfa farm north of a tree line through which he could not see, but he was aware that his master worked there often and that made it important. He didn’t understand about the house either, but he knew it was the dwelling place of the master. Even though he couldn’t see it all, or understand most of it, he knew that he belonged there and that he had ownership. My broken puppy lived a good long life. He crawled up to my porch, looking for a place to die, and ended up inheriting a place to live. Certainly the teaching process didn’t always come easy for either of us, but the sacrifice given from both sides enabled a relationship that was enriched far beyond simply “owning a dog.” There were times when I felt like Cabo. Broken, lost, nowhere to really belong and call home. But Just like Cabo I found a wealth of joy when I realized that I too was found by my Master. I clearly recall the joy that flooded my heart in my early days with the gifts of mercy and grace that He freely gave. Now, after many years of knowing the greatest gift is Himself, I’ve learned to listen for His voice so I too can walk with Him and have a fullness of joy that is only found in Him and not merely His gifts. Now, like Cabo looking towards the alfalfa field, I too look for the return of my Master, when I will finally see Him face to face. 1Cr 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

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.

The Loner Recently, Ive been reading a lot of western novels (I know, me, read westerns) And I got to thinking, you know, there are a lot of different "characters" or types of people, in these novels, that all go together, to make the story real, and then I thought, I wondered what would happen, if I made a comparison of these different types of people, to people in the church today, and if it would be relevant. And keep in mind, many of these types, intermix, and share characteristics, and many people change from one to another. They all have strengths, and weaknesses, and when combined can make for a well oiled church. I am going to start a series, discussing these different types of people, their strengths, their weaknesses, and how they can help others, and how to help them. The one I'm going to discuss today is "the loner". The loner, is someone who tends to avoid other people, to avoid hurt. In the novels, hes often a hermit, or someone who sticks to himself, often because of some past hurt, loss of a loved one, a fortune, or just burned by to many people. The person is often quiet, stays out of the way and no one thinks twice about them, but usually ends up playing some vital part in the story. Often, this person comes to the realization that they cant hide from all their problems, and there are more important things and people need help, and they come out and save the day. The modern day loner, like the ones in the books, tend to carry around a lot of pain, and a lot of baggage, and like the ones in the books, their answer to dealing with it, is basically to retreat inside themselves. They may attend church for awhile, but usually, end up forsaking the church. The pain comes from many sources, personal life, loss of a loved one, sometimes mental issues, and often, even from the church, and their answer is to retreat within themselves. If they are in church they are hiding alone in a back pew, or at home listening to a TV preacher. They have a hard time seeing past the pain and the hurt, and they have grown to not see any good in others. Now, they also, usually have big hearts and can be very caring people, they have often been through tough things, and can relate to others, and really be a great person to have in the church family, just for that very reason, but reaching them can be tough. They need to know that they are not alone, and that they are loved, and encouraged to reach out for help, that even though the church isnt perfect it is there for them. It often takes a lot of patience, and prayer, to reach this kind of person, but once you get them on your side, just like in the novels, they can play a instrumental role in your church, and can literally, move mountains. They often work behind the scenes, helping others that feel alone. Their experience with pain, can be both their greatest weakness-but also their greatest strength. Each "loner" is different, about the best advice that can be applied all around, is to pray for them, and love on them, and listen to them, and be very encouraging. Beyond that, each ones different, but will take patience, and a lot of love to earn their trust. Once you do, you will not regret it. And if you are a loner reading this, please, remember, that God does love you, and promises to be there for you-if you let him. And please, I realize the church maybe hurtful, but it does need you, and the talents you alone can provide. Its tough, but try to look for the good in people, remember, God loves you! Here are some comforting verses, that may come as comfort to "the loner" in your life. All verses are taken out of the KJV Deuteronomy 31:6 6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Psalm 91:15 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. Psalm 94:17-18 17 Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. 18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up. Isaiah 43:1-5 43 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; Matthew 28:20 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. John 14:18 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you 1 Timothy 4:16-17 16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of

Recently a young man asked me how one knows when one is mature enough for marriage. I responded to him, with some thoughts that went beyond his specific question. I am about to include my reply here. I should add though that some of these principles are for men and women both, and can also be considered in other aspect of life in addition to marriage. Also, I would like to add, that before getting married, I think it is wise (in terms of human wisdom, not Biblical revelation) for people to consider carefully the idea of being established as individuals before starting life in marriage. Finances, careers, education, and other skills in living, can go a long way to reducing the stresses that marriages can encounter. When considering marriage, good, Christian pre-marital counseling can be a very good thing. Try not to start off a marriage with financial problems. Learn about another before learning about them in marriage. Be aware that people often put their best foot forward during courtship, only to become lazy in marriage, revealing their true character. Be careful people, this is a life long commitment, and you do not want to make mistakes here. In my country (U.S.A.), it has become common practice to engage in a ritual we call dating. Unfortunately, dating often interferes with learning about one another. We have a tendency to make dating about being entertained in each other's presence. We go to a movie, or a theme park, or a restaurant, things like that. That can be enjoyable, but it typically prevents us from having meaningful communication about things we need to know about each other. I think it would be better, to meet with other people, more often than going out on a date. I suggest that being around people who are more experienced in life, especially people who already have long term, successful marriages. It is not the most enjoyable way to spend time perhaps, but it is a better way to learn about each other and focus on important things, than watching the latest Fast and Furious movie. Group Bible studies and prayer meetings, even getting together with others for fellowship, are better ways to get to know each other. Group situations are better, being together as only a man and a woman, is giving opportunity to temptation. Any time spent kissing, is time spent NOT getting to know one another, and you know once you start down a path, it is hard to turn around. Stay on the true path, do not get side-tracked. Anyway, what I wrote in answer to the question of know when one is mature enough for marriage, was this: That is an excellent question, and I am not sure that I am wise enough to provide a good answer, but I will offer some thoughts. First, if marriage is something you seek to do, as in something you are pursuing as a priority in your life, you may have your priorities wrong. Pleasing God, pursuing His will should be your priority. When I say pursuing His will, I do not mean things, like "where should I live", "where should I work or go to school" or questions like that. One can pursue God's will no matter where one lives or where one works. Paul, as an example, pursued God's will from a Roman jail. Jesus did the will of the Father by dying on the cross. Paul instructs us to expect troubles and persecution and learn to be content in our circumstances. Jesus tells us to take up our cross daily, and to count persecution as something to be joyful about and count as a blessing. So, I think that much of what we are called to, as Christians, has to do with our attitude, and our willingness to serve both God and others. If we pursue worldly pleasures as a priority, it will not be long before we go off track. This can be true even in subtle and harmless, even good things. There is nothing wrong with things like good food, or entertainment, a shiney new car, a wonderful home, the latest smart phone, or even a wife and family. However, when any of these things, distracts us from God, or cause us to split our loyalty or to seek them first over the kingdom of God, they we have allowed them to become idols. Take note that niether Jesus nor Paul ever married. Paul pointed out that there is a danger in being married, in that pleasing our wives, can distract us from our service to the Lord. When you think about it, the world was cursed, because one man, decided to listen to his wife over listening to God. Paul also tells us that it is good stay single, but if a person lacks self-control then they should marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with lust. Of course, it is better to have self control, and I suggest that since self control is part of the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit, that we really have little or no excuse to not have self control. That is part of Christian maturity. I think one way we know that we are ready for marriage, is when we have come to a place where (instead of looking for the right person) we are more concerned with being the right person. Paul gives husbands the instruction to love our wives, as Jesus loves the church, and died for her. To translate that to human action, husband to wife, we are willing to sacrifice for her, and serve her, and most of all love her. The problem with modern, western men, is that we have come to think of love as having warm, fuzzy, pleasurable feelings about someone. This is very distorted. Love is about serving others, sacrificing for others, seeking the well being of others. As much as it appeals to our flesh to live with a woman and enjoy the benefits of marriage, it is more loving to seek her well being, doing what is best for her instead of cooperating with her in fulfilling mutual pleasure. I believe grounded Christian women, and grounded Christian men, recognize that men have been assigned the role of being the spiritual leader of the couple. That is not something that we hold over our spouse, as some sort of boss or authority, it about being wise, caring, and wanting the best for her, and nurturing her relationship with God. A functional couple is not spending all of their lives, gazing into each others eyes, it is looking outward (and upward), in the same direction. I think also, that we not only need to seek being the right person for our spouse, we should seek a spouse that is right for us. They do not need to be perfect, and certainly things like appearance are extremely low on the priority list. People who are of good character, who both love the Lord first over all, are great candidates for each other. That can take a lot of patience, but to settle for too little, will lead to the people in a relationship, dragging each other down when they should be pulling in the same direction. A couple like that can accomplish a lot for the kingdom of God, and will have a very fulfilling relationship if they can manage to maintain that focus. Take some time to familiarize yourself with 1 Cor, chapter 7, and 1 Cor, chapter 13. Meanwhile, I shall pray for you, and suggest that you not be to shy, to ask others to do so as well.

My Daily Pursuit A.W. Tozer January 7, 2018 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord has comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted. Isaiah 49:13 To worthily worship God as He desires to be worshiped, I must have absolute confidence in Him. I cannot sit down with any person and enjoy fellowship if I have reason to fear He is out to get me or trick me or deceive me or cheat me. My fellowship with Him must be based upon respect and confidence. I have to trust Him before I can have fellowship with Him; and so when I go to God, I have to raise my affections and confidence to God. In the presence of God, I must come without doubt and nervousness, without worry and fear that God will cheat me, deceive me or let me break down or do something wrong. I need to be so convinced about God to the point that I can go into presence of God in absolute confidence and say," Let God be true and every man a liar." Dear Father, the very thought of Thee causes my heart to leap in joyful song in praise. My heart sings of Thee in the night watch. Amen

My friend died today. He is a Christian. I know where he is now. Do you know where your friends will go? Have you done anything about it? If not, why?

I've been looking at the book of Malachi because of the similarities of that time period and today. For a bit of background, the Israelites had returned to Jerusalem after their Babylonian captivity. They had completed the rebuilding of the temple and the walls around the city. Times were hard. They were struggling to build up a city of independant people. And to make matters worse, since they were under Persian rule they had to pay taxes. Time went on and the people murmured. The priests, who were suposed to be the voice of God, who were supposed to warn the people when they disobeyed God, were themselves being disobediant. Worse, they were teaching falsehoods to the people. Sorta like some do now. They were in the business for themselves, to pad their own pockets. The people turned from God's ways, and questioned Him. God, why do you allow this to happen? Why do you not hear our prayers? Why have you abandoned us? A lot like today, I think. Well, in Malachi He answers the people, loud and clear, and that answer holds true for today. Malachi is actually a love letter from God to an unrepentant nation. It begins with with the Lord answering the unrecorded question of "Why don't you love us?" He begins with "I have loved you." Apparently they balked at that because God went on to explain how it was that He did, in fact, love them. This is the famous "I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated." The way I interpret this, is that Esau thought little of what God gave him, which was his birthright. He casually threw it away as if it meant nothing and was of less value than a bowl of soup. What exactly is a birthright? Back then it was everything. It meant authority and leadership. It meant your future. For lack of a better word, it meant your destiny. Spiritually speaking, it is all that the Lord Jesus offers us, when we are born again, and this, I think, is why God said that he hated Esau. He was tossing out the spiritual offering for one of flesh. He goes on to address the priests who apparently have questioned God's treatment of them. God answers with, "A son honors his father and a servant his master. If I am a father where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me? It is you, priests, who show contempt for Me." wow - powerful words. He goes on to uncover the mess they have made of worship. They offered blemished sacrifices to God and kept the best for themselves, then wondered why God ignored their prayers. But you know, the thing is, God wanted their love. Their sacrifices showed what was in their hearts. They were performing their functions out of duty, not love. He wanted them to want to be with Him. It's what He wants today. How can man turn cold toward the Creator of the universe? How can we let our fires grow dim? We do - and always have. Even 400 years before Christ came men were shaking their fists at God, asking why He was so unfair to them. And all that time, and this, God is waiting, waiting for us to return to Him. In chapter 2, verse 17 He says, "You have wearied the Lord with your words, by saying all who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord and He is pleased with them." or, "Where is the justice?" Sounds like today with all those that claim that God is to blame for everything. What a decadent time we live in. All the atrocities that happen on a daily basis, the immorality, the accpetance of filth and smut in our homes via televion and magazines and books and entertainment venues. We sit back and say that it must be ok because Joe down the street does the same thing and he goes to the same church I do, so if it's ok for him, then it's ok for me. We rationalize our sins and lifestyle. All the while, God is wanting us to return to Him. You know, in this book God says to return to the wife of your youth. Ever wonder what that means? Remember how it was when you first fell in love and that person was the whole world to you? How she/he stared intently into your eyes when you spoke and laughed at all your jokes and held your hand at all the right moments. Remember how they were the center of your universe and all decisions were made with that one person in mind because you didn't want them left out of anything? Of course He is talking here about hating divorce but it is becasue of what divorce means. It is the breaking of a covenant, which is abhorrent to God. But God's word has layered meanings as well. He does not want us to break from Him. He wants us to return to Him, as to the love of our youth, full of passion and fire and loyalty. The book of Malachi is a prophetic book, announcing the coming Savior, and the second coming. It is a warning of judgement. It is a book of love, proclaiming God's love for us, and His desire for his people.

"If you do not consciously form good habits, you will unconsciously form bad ones"

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? ”

When I was about ten years old my parents took my brother and I to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. I remember planting my feet on the path that led down to the dark gaping mouth of the cave while my mother pulled on my arm, urging me forward. I was both excited and terrified to descend the trail into the unknown. Once safely inside, my fears ebbed even though the dimly lit trail revealed a sharp descent down into the earth. However, expertly placed lighting soon revealed a natural wonder that only God could design. Thankfully, the electric age had made it possible for the common man to explore the once hidden depths of the earth. Back then all visitations into the cave were done as a guided tour. The park rangers that led us stopped at intervals to describe the various formations, going into detail about the elements that came into place in creating that wonderful cavern. Of course I didn’t hear any of that. I was too busy letting my imagination run wild as I saw vistas unlike anything I’d seen topside. Ever. After a short lunch break we entered what is known as the Big Room aka Hall of the Giants. After many stops the ranger gathered us all together, sat some of the older ones down on benches that lined a pull-over area, and warned us that the lights were about to go off. True to his word, total darkness filled the room. Total. Utter. Darkness. Silence came from either fear or respect of the alien environment. Then, from strategically placed speakers, the beloved hymn Rock of Ages filled the chamber. After a few more seconds a spotlight came on that lit up a massive column of limestone that stood just before us. The formation, in all its magnificence, dominated the area. Gasps were heard throughout the crowd as people, both young and old, appreciated the beauty before them. At the close of the song the trail lights came back on and the Park Ranger told us that the name of that formation was indeed Rock of Ages, but that it was the true Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ, Who created the remarkable cave. He then led us to the elevators where we were shuttled up to the Visitor Center Gift Shop and back into the light of day. Since that adventure so many years ago I’ve often thought of the things unseen. It’s only been with relatively recent technology that we’ve been able to see the extraordinary beauty of the marvels in deep space or the intricate colorful splendor of the creatures and reefs beneath the ocean waves. I recall wondering in amazement why a diver would want to plummet into the black waters at night until I saw pictures of the neon creatures that radiate their glory only during that time. For centuries man never knew about the colorful world that existed at the bottom of the sea. Nor observed the earth from the surface of the moon. Or saw a distant galaxy. The list of things never (or rarely) seen is infinite but still God made them and placed each one with purpose. Unimaginable beauty and wonder exists where no human eye has seen, even now. How do I know this? Because God created the whole of the universe, unfathomable in scope, infinite in design, to be explored for all eternity. His creation, full of variations and complexities, is beautiful and wonderful simply because of Who he is. Even in the absence of man He cares for and tends to all of creation. Even when no one is watching. Job 38:25-27 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? I wonder if God the Creator smiles when mankind stumbles upon a new find. I find it humbling indeed that He chose me (and you) to be included in this remarkable journey. Psa 8:3-9 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? We all leave behind footprints of our existence whether it’s the things we build or words we speak or friends we make. However, like the hidden treasures buried deep in the darkest caves, so are our hearts’ actions hidden from man. When we do something from the spirit (believe, hope, faith, love) it is only seen by God. Hopefully, as God’s children, we all seek to emulate the Father and with fortitude and purpose labor for beautiful and pleasing works that, like a once undiscovered jewel, will one day be revealed to the glory of God.

John - to the believers, revealing Jesus as the Son of God - Deity We`ve seen the Lord`s authority in Matthew`s account; are amazed at His humbleness shown as a Servant, in Mark; then appreciate His compassion for the many hurting in Luke. Finally in John`s picture of the Lord we stand in awe in the knowledge that He is actually God come in the flesh. `In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God....And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, ` (John 1: 1 & 14) The Word - He is the complete expression of the mind of God. The work of creation is followed by His administration as Son. The Father has given all things into the hands of the Son. (John 3: 35) He shows the Father`s heart, His mind and will. He became flesh in order that humanity might behold Deity in human form. `...the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.` (John 1: 14) Jesus reveals this relationship with the Father, a title which occurs over 120 times in this account and made these stupendous claims. `He that has seen Me has seen the Father,` and ` I and My Father are one.` (in unison) As the Word, the mind of God then both eternal life and truth are revealed in Him. He reveals that the symbols of the Tabernacle and aspects of Israel`s history all point to Him - Deity. `I am the truth...life...light...the way...the resurrection...the door...the living bread...the Lamb....the Bread....the Vine....` Maker - He is omnipotent. This is demonstrated in creation. `All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made....` (John 1: 3) He is omniscient. He knows the inner secrets of man`s heart. From the beginning to the end of this account Jesus shows that He knows the heart of man, together with the inner thoughts and desires. (John 2: 24) He is omnipresent. He manifested Himself in the midst of the disciples in the upper room. (John 20: 19)

CHRIST`S EARTHLY MINISTRY The four books, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John reveal four different aspects of our Lord`s ministry and character - King, Heir, a Man, and Deity. Each writer was given by the Holy Spirit the specific emphasis, to reveal Jesus, to the Jews, the Romans, the Greeks and to the believer. JESUS IS KING, HEIR, A MAN, & DEITY. Prior to His coming to earth the Lord Jesus Christ, was King in the realms above. He was King of glory, King of heaven and King of the ages. Myriads of angelic hosts bowed before Him and did His bidding. He dwelt with the Father and the Holy Spirit in perfect Union and glorious splendor. The Lord created all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities and powers, He created them all and upheld them all. His splendor and Majesty were beyond words and His power and authority surpassed all. Then we read that rebellion entered into God`s creation and brought darkness to the human mind and condition. God made a special nation, Israel to help bring light to the other nations. However even they turned from God and went into darkness. Those who were the religious leaders sought for themselves, wealth, position and power. They held control over the people and only did lip service to God. Matthew : to the Jews - King It was into this environment that the King came to set the people free and remind the people of Israel of what the Old Testament prophets said concerning their future. God had promised Israel that they would be rulers in the future kingdom of God. The rulership from the heavenlies, (the New Jerusalem), and on the earth, was to be their inheritance. Mark : to the Romans - Heir Although the heir to the world, Jesus came among the people as one who serves and not lording it over people. He came to destroy the works of the evil one. Luke: to the Greeks - a Man Here we read of Jesus` humanity, His tenderness, compassionate care and sympathetic pity towards fallen mankind. John : to the believers - Deity The personal dignity and Divine splendor of Jesus is seen here, and transcends all the numerous symbols of the Old Testament.

Matthew - to the Jews, revealing Jesus is their King. Matthew`s aspect of Jesus was to specifically show the Jews that Jesus was their long - awaited King. He revealed Jesus as the Son of David by His genealogy and that His life fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. Matthew quotes from the Old Testament many times, and says that this event or that, took place that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of Jesus, by the prophets. We read of Jesus` authority and power. All the details of Israel`s king, is written in specific detail. We read of the time, the place, and of those who gave Him homage. Christ as the kinsman - king based on – ` God tells Moses, `You shall surely set a king over you whom the Lord your God chooses, one from among your countrymen....` (Deut.17:15) Christ`s genealogy from – `son of Abraham` - therefore a countryman of Israel `son of David` - therefore from the kingly tribe. The wise men came to worship - `Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?` (Matt. 2: 2) God, Himself Anointed Him with the Spirit saying, `This is My Son, the Beloved.` Matthew brings out the authority of Jesus, the King of the Jews. We read of Him healing the sick, casting out demons and having sway over the elements. This authority is way beyond any earthly king and reveals that His kingly authority is of heaven. Then Jesus being Israel`s King, reminds the people that the kingdom which God promised them is, the Kingdom of Heaven, the Messiah`s rule through Israel from the heavenlies. The pearl of great price is the Lord. Pearls/wisdom and by this kings rule. (Matt. 13) When the High Priest asked Jesus – `Tell us whether You are the Christ, (Messiah / King) the Son of God.` Jesus says, `You have said it yourself..` (Matt. 26: 63 & 64) They crucified Him with this sign - `This is Jesus the King of the Jews.` (Matt. 27: 37) Finally when Jesus, as King, commissions His disciples He says, `All authority has been given to Me in heaven & on earth.` (Matt. 28: 18)

CONCLUSION In the next couple of years, I believe we will see peace in Iraq. A Peace negotiator will arise and bring the different factions together by his skilful cunning, deceit and intrigue. It is then that Russia & its Federation take the opportunity to come down through Syria to the mountains of Israel. They seek to take over this wealthy country with its warm ports available year round, its gas and oil reserves. Iran, Libya and Ethiopia joins the Russian Federation, as God`s word tells us. The allies, Britain and America and Saudi Arabia all go to challenge this great army but God intervenes and causes the elements fire, great hailstones and brimstone to rain down upon the Russian Federation and the armies of Iran, Libya and Ethiopia. In their terror men will kill each other by sword. Most of their armies will be annihilated. This will leave a power vacuum to be exploited, in the Middle East. The great nations of the world will demand cessation of all conflict. Then into this situation will step the Peace Negotiator, a seemingly benevolent leader who will convince everyone that he can bring peace between the Arabs and Israel. As confirmation of his capabilities, he will cite the successful transformation of the previously volatile Middle East. Further, he will negotiate and conclude a seven year peace treaty with the nation of Israel. The tribulation will have begun!

I LIFT UP MY SOUL Dr. Charles Stanley Ready to Receive 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all of your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Your morning begins with a problem. You turn on the shower but no water comes out. In frustration, you pick up the phone to call the repairman. However, when you dial the number, no one answers the phone. Now you have reached your breaking point. But your anger is justified, isn't it? After all, you need a solution to your problem, and you need it right now. In our fast-paced world, we have become accustomed to receiving messages, money, packages, and answers almost instantaneously. This may be why it is difficult for so many Christians to wait upon the Lord. When we lift our prayers to Him. we oftentimes treat God like the faucet repairman-He should be ready and waiting to fix our problems in a moments notice. Though God is always with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16). He answers our prayers in a time frame determined by His divine will and plan for our lives (1 Peter 5:6-7). Why does He do this? It is not to make our lives more difficult. Instead it is to encourage us to trust Him and to rely up Him completely. God is faithful to answer our prayers, but His answers come when we are truly ready to receive them. When you feel anxious about an unanswered prayer, don't give up or get angry. Rather, seek God with a patient heart, and trust His timing. Lord, I am finite and impatient. I am used to instant responses. Help me to wait on You, and in the waiting, understand that You operate outside our time frame. amen

In a recent discussion, someone mentioned that he felt like a failure and cited reasons why. That got me thinking. How does one define success? The world defines it as having wealth, a good home, fancy car, and a good job. Perhaps even a college education to go along with it. Real success, according to the world, is having power and wealth. By those standards, sure, that guy was not a success. But whose standard should we live by? Matthew 16: 26 For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 6: 19-21 Do not lay up treasures on earth for yourselves, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up treasures in Heaven for yourselves, where neither moth nor rust corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. God sets a different standard. The things of this world that define success are meaningless. Success spiritually can be defined based on one thing only: our response to Jesus. John 6: 28-29 Then they said to Him, What shall we do that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe on Him whom He has sent. Are you successful?

THE DETAILS There are many details in God`s word regarding the 7 years. - The signing of the Peace Covenant/treaty. - Israel burying the dead (7 mths) after the Russian war, to cleanse the land. (Ez. 39: 12) - The start of the Temple sacrifices. (Dan. 8: 13 & 14) - 2,300 days from sacrifices - Abomination of Desolation - cleansing. (Dan. 8: 13 & 14) - Holy city (Jerusalem) trodden down by the Gentiles, 42 months. (Luke 21: 24 Rev. 11: 2) - The Abomination of desolation. (Dan. 9: 27, Matt. 24: 15, Rev. 13: 15) - 2 witnesses prophesying for 1,260 days. (Rev. 11: 3) - The anti-Christ given power for 42 months. (Rev. 13: 5) - The days to be shortened. (Matt. 24: 22) - The Lord`s return. (Zech. 14: 7 Matt. 24: 29 & 30 Rev. 19: 11) - The extra months & days, 1,290 days & 1,335 days. (Dan. 12: 11 & 12) - The temple cleansed, 1,290 days. (Dan. 12: 11) - The festival of celebration, and date. (Dan. 12: 12) - The Jewish Calendar and the extra month.

OVERVIEW God made the nation of Israel to rule over the other nations righteously, under Him. However, Israel eventually turned away from God, so He told them by His prophets that they would have a period of chastisement - 70 X 7 years. The main part of that period, 69 x 7 years has been fulfilled up to the cross, then there is a gap (of about 2,000 years), for the formation of the Body of Christ. So that brings us up to today when the Body of Christ purpose is nearly complete and then it will be the time for God to finish Israel`s chastisement of the last 7 years. This is often called the time of Jacob`s trouble, or the tribulation and great tribulation, the time of God`s wrath for the rebellious nations. In this series I want to look at all the details in God`s word as to the main events and when they occur in the 7 years. Thus we will be looking at - - When the Peace treaty is signed. - when Israel starts their sacrifices in their Temple again, - when the global leader desecrates the Holy Place. - when Christ delivers Israel and judges the nations, - when the Temple is cleansed, - and when there is rejoicing in Israel for their National Deliverance. There are lots of details to put together and they all need to be within the Jewish calendar. So I`ll do a step at a time so we can understand what God is saying.

I have been studying eschatology for more than 30 years now. Originally I believed in a pre-tribulation rapture because frankly it was the only view I had ever heard. One day I was listening to the radio and heard a man mentioning the fact that there were other views on the topic. This got my curiosity up and I decided to study the Bible myself and see if I could discover what the Bible itself actually taught about these things. I was really serious about it. The method I chose to employ was to read the Bible from Genesis through the Book of Revelation and write down every verse or passage that I believed spoke to the issue of the timing of the sequence of the Rapture of the Church with respect to the Great Tribulation. This took me eight months to accomplish. Once I had all of my notes, I copied them onto Post-it notes so that I could arrange them in a chronological sequence if something in the verse or passage had a clue about the order in which it fit with respect to the other verses and passages. This was done on a 4' x 8' sheet of particleboard laid out on a folding table. I tell you this in case you want to try this yourselves sometime to let you know what it takes and what you will be in for. My wife died recently and I myself am aging and have had some recent health issues. This has brought into focus the fact that my own time on earth may be limited. Actually this is true of every one of us, no one knows the time of their own death. You could have a stroke, or be in a car accident tomorrow. In Eschatology, the study of the last things, we usually think in terms of things prophesied in the Bible that are yet to come. Things like the Rapture of the Church, the Great Tribulation, the Second Coming of Jesus, Armageddon, the Millennium, these sorts of things. While many of us believe that Jesus could come at any moment, few of us really live as though we expect that to happen. We understand that it has been about 2000 years so far, and that casts some doubt our hearts and minds about whether he will really come today or tomorrow or even in a week or this year. Though I have always realized intellectually that my personal time on earth, my own life, could end in a moment, it is the events of this last year but it made me thoughtfully confront the reality of my limited time. What this means then is that no matter how delayed Jesus second coming might be, I will likely be face-to-face with Jesus within 10 or 20 years. Eschatology is then therefore not limited to the study of the last things predicted in the Bible, but we each have our own personal last days which are contained within our natural lifespans. Some people say that if it is true that Jesus will not be coming back until after the great tribulation that that removes the motivation to live as we should so that we will be found doing what we should be doing when he does return. I want to say to you that if that is what you think: "Shame on you!" The motivation to live correctly should not be a concern to not be caught failing to live as we should be living when Jesus comes at the end of the age. Jesus suffered and died on the cross for our sins. Gratefulness for our undeserved salvation should be more than enough motivation to live within the will of God without concern of the question of when Jesus will return. When we are not living correctly, we have already been 'caught'. The Holy Spirit is inside us if we are believers. God is omnipresent. Whatever we do, we drag Jesus with us. Nothing we do, nothing we say, nothing we think, goes unnoticed by God. So I think then, that for those of us who think that a pre-tribulation rapture of the church is a motivation to live rightly, with that thinking we are inclining ourselves to living wrongly. Rather than to live holy lives out of the gratitude we have for what Jesus has done for us - rather than live as dedicated servants who owe him everything - rather than realize that we are not our own but have been purchased - some of us shamefully take his grace as a license to sin because we know we have been forgiven. We live worldly lives because we think in our hearts that our master is delaying his return, even while we say with our lips He might return at any moment. Those of us who think and act in this manner are self deceived and we are hypocrites. In June of 2014, a couple months ago as I write this, I had the great privilege of delivering a sort of eulogy at my wife's memorial service. Gathered there were friends and family some of whom are believers, some who were not, and some who think they are believers and don't even understand what the difference is. It had been on my wife's heart for years that many of her family were likely destined to suffer in eternity. I know that like me, she was dissatisfied with the fact that it is easy to avoid speaking of spiritual things with loved ones because it feels awkward. Personally I feel shame that I have too often avoided that awkwardness and instead of demonstrating love by informing people of their peril, I have been willing to risk their eternal destiny for the sake of my temporary comfort . This is a great sin and I confess that as such and am attempting to repent of it. The eulogy I gave was the first significant step in telling people to re-examine their hearts and their lives and their need of salvation from their sins . This had been on my mind for years but having so many people as a captive audience at a time when the temporary nature of life was so obvious, was an opportunity that could not be passed up. What I was saying then was not just a recap of my wife's life, it was an expression of things that she had left unsaid. Confronting the fact that no matter how long it is before Jesus returns, it is true that we all have limited time left. So I realized that there are two kinds of the end times. There is the near-term end time which is represented by our limited lifespans, and there is the end times for mankind itself which began while Jesus still walked the earth and which we are in today as well. Both types of end times carry the same implications. Time is short, and there is a dying world out there that needs to understand that. Jesus himself near the end of his life told us to go out into the world and to preach the gospel to everyone. This was not a suggestion. Not just a nice idea. It's not optional. It is a command to every believer. Failing to do this is disobedience. It is sin. It is unloving. Penn Gillette, a self-professed atheist, said to the effect: "How much do you have to hate someone to believe that eternal life is possible and then not tell them how to obtain it?" I think those are pretty profound words on the topic for an atheist. It is too bad so many Christians don't get it. I have been one of them. So, in these last days of my own life I have determined to try to improve in a lot of things, but most specifically two things. The first is to be more active, perhaps even aggressive or at least assertive in evangelism. People need to understand that they are sinners. People need to know that their sin separates them from God. People need to understand that unless Jesus saves them from their sins, that separation from God is a permanent condition. They need to understand that that separation from God is a separation from everything good. Imagine if you will, what it would be like to spend eternity apart from good. Where there is no good, only evil remains. I believe that this concept of hell is accurate. I don't even like to think about it. When I try to imagine it, what I imagine is an eternity of suffering and pain, a despondent existence, a type of suffering worse than anything we have yet experienced in our lives while all the time knowing that this condition will be never ending and could have been avoided. What if life was so bad, that you never wanted to awaken, and you could never fall asleep again? If I really consider this all I can do is loathe my own evil and selfish heart, and at the same time feel an indebtedness and gratitude for the Savior who spares me from the eternity that I deserve and am apparently willing to let others earn for themselves. So, evangelism it is. I have to tell people. If I don't, I am a morally hideous monster. We do not need to have any special calling on our life to be ministers of the gospel. Where are all supposed to be evangelists. We do not have to wait for a leading of the Spirit to talk to a person about these things. We have already been told to just do it. Thing is when we realize what is at stake, we should not even have to be told. So then, the most important task that I have in my last days, the thing that I really want to be found doing when Jesus returns or when I go to be with Him if His return is delayed, it is to be telling others about God's love for them in the person of Jesus Christ who suffered and died for their sins to spare them from an eternity separated from God's love and goodness and filled with despair. When Jesus told us to go out into the world and preach the gospel to every creature he did not say to limit ourselves to evangelism. The purpose of evangelism is to make disciples, to make other followers of Jesus, and to teach them everything he taught us. One of the areas that Jesus taught about, that His apostles taught about, and that both Testaments of the Bible speak about frequently, are the end times and especially about warnings not to be deceived in them. So, because I have spent so much of the last three decades studying this area of Scripture, and because there are so many warnings not to be deceived, I feel a special responsibility to obey Jesus and tell other disciples about this topic because some are underinformed while others are deceived. I may at times sound arrogant due to the confidence I have in my understanding of eschatology, the study of the last things. I admit it, I am opinionated, passionate, and confident. When you put those three things together in one person, you have qualities which others may consider to be arrogance, maybe it is. Nevertheless I cannot in good conscience fail to attempt to pass on what I believe I have learned. I have been preparing questions for a trivia game on the topic of eschatology. While doing this I have been studying and reading the writings of others whose views are different than my own. There is one theologian in particular widely regarded as the foremost scholar on his particular viewpoint of eschatology. I have always had great respect for this man even though I disagree with him. He does deserve respect for his love of the Savior and his hard work and dedication to study. This is true of a lot of ordinary Christians as well. However after just having reviewed one of his books, I am finding so many unfounded presumptions, and faulty exercises and logic, that although I may respect his hard work, I have to reject his conclusions. Maybe I really am arrogant. However, even though I know this is redundant, I have to follow my convictions and make disciples, teaching them everything that Jesus taught his first disciples to teach other disciples in an ongoing chain until his return. Perhaps with this you can understand my focus. I hope that you can be patient with me while I am living out my faith and while the process of my own sanctification continues. I urge you, to also consider the shortness of time and make efforts to reach out to those you come in contact with and make a few disciples yourselves. Thanks for listening.

OVERVIEW OF THE BIBLE God`s word contains 66 books, written by 40 authors, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is God`s plan and purpose through Christ for mankind. The Old Testament was written mostly in Hebrew (a few short passages in Aramaic). Then about a hundred years before the Christian era the entire Old Testament was translated into Greek, being the predominant language of that time. The New Testament was written in the Greek language and our English Bible is a translation from the original languages. The authors were kings and princes, poets and philosophers, prophets and statesmen. Some were learned in all the arts of the times and others were unschooled fishermen. Other books are soon out of date but the Bible spans the centuries. God starts with the creation of the world and the heavens, revealing mankind, his perfect, yet vulnerable state before the fall. Then we read of the effect of sin and its consequences, revealing a fallen angel, Satan, who is against God. God then sets in place His means of restoration, His Son to be the way to deal with sin. God continually works with mankind till sin reaches its climax, then comes judgment by flood. From then on we see God working with a family, (Noah) and later tribes and nations, (Egypt, Assyria). God raises up His nation to rule the world righteously. However even amid rebellion throughout the centuries God never casts away His people, Israel. Their purpose to rule the world under God, is put on hold when they reject their Messiah. The death, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ is central to God`s word. We see that God had planned His Son to be the way back to relationship with the Father. Then we read of a new group, the Body of Christ that is made up of Jews and Gentiles. These believers have the very character of Christ within and will eventually rule and reign with Him in the third heaven. Operating from the third heaven, we read of the Lord Jesus Christ putting down all rebellious rule and authority. First He deals with the world system, its armies and leaders. Then we see Satan and his fallen angels put into the pit. Israel under the Lord, then rules the world for a thousand years. Satan is finally loosed and when he gathers the world`s armies against Israel, they are dealt with by fire from heaven. Finally there is the Great White Throne Judgment, and the creating of a New Heavens and New Earth. Every realm is ruled by the Lord under His rulership - the Body of Christ is the third heaven, the Old Testament saints in the New Jerusalem which comes down out of heaven near the earth, and then on the earth, Israel ruling the nations. As God says - `His good pleasure that He purposed in Himself, that in the fullness of the times, He might gather together in one, (harmony) all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - in Him.` (Eph. 1: 9 & 10)

CONCLUSION When God brings the earth and heaven to a close it is then time for the Great White Throne Judgment. This is for all mankind except the Body of Christ and the just men and women, (Old Testament saints). `Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was no place found for them.` (Rev. 19: 11) Those who had rejected Christ`s offer of salvation will be cast into the lake of fire. Those who had never heard of Christ`s sacrifice will be judged according to their God-given conscience. If they lived righteously, shown by their works, (not evil), then they will go to live on the new earth. `And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.` (Rev. 19: 12 - 15) God has shown that throughout the centuries that He has continually outstretched His hand of mercy to all who call on Him. And by His grace, freely given in Christ there are different inheritances for the different people groups - the Body of Christ, Israel and the nations. These inheritances are awaiting all those who are blessed to go into eternity when God creates a New Heaven and a New Earth. `And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and first earth had passed away....` ((Rev. 21: 1)

MAN`S FINAL REBELLION God had always purposed that Israel would rule righteously over the nations, and this will come about in the millennium. This is the final opportunity for mankind to turn to God without the influence of Satan. However, we see that many people still want their own way. If that happens then there will be consequences. `And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.` (Zech. 14: 17 - 19) `No rain,` produces no crops, famine, disease and plagues. This is God ruling with a `rod of iron.` Over the centuries as generations come and go, many people will still have hard hearts towards God. Finally when the thousand years have finished, Satan will be released from the pit. He will go forth and deceive the nations. They will gather in huge numbers, once again outside Jerusalem. `Now when the thousand years have been expired, Satan will be released from his prison and go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city.` (Rev. 20: 7 - 9) God sends fire down from heaven and brings this old sinful affected earth to a close. `And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away. And there was no place found for them.` (Rev. 20: 9 - 11)

LIFE IN THE MILLENNIUM The plagues through the tribulation and the great earthquake that caused the cities of the nations to fall, will cause such great devastation upon the earth that civilization as we know it will cease. No technology, no fuel, no food production, no medical facilities, no businesses of any kind, all will have crumbled, obliterated. There will be only few people upon the earth after the plagues, mass killings and persecutions. Life in the millennium will have to start from the basics - agriculture and working together in family groups. There will be no more wars, so the weapons will be made into farm implements. ` They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.` (Micah 4: 3) `They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit....` (Isa. 65: 21) People will have to learn to work together to rebuild houses and dwelling places. Then over time some of the cities will be repaired by the generations that follow. `And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.` (Isa. 61: 4) `They shall build houses and inhabit them; ...` (Isa. 65: 21) Many people will come to Israel and work for them, as they realise the blessing of the Lord is upon the nation of Israel. `Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the foreigner shall be your ploughmen and your vine-dressers.` (Isa. 61: 5) Over time people will live longer as there will be no wars, and life is centred round outdoor healthy living. People will learn of the ways of the Lord from the priests, and thus there will not be so much anxiety and stress. `No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; for the child shall die one hundred years old, .....for as the days of a tree so shall be the days of my people, and my elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.` (Isa. 66: 22 & 23)

THE PEACE NEGOTIATOR The Middle East has again come into focus on the world stage. There seems no solution to the violent fightings and clashes of many groups. However the reality is that this kingdom is divided, and the Sunni and Shi-ites will not have peace until their long awaited `Messiah` figure comes and joins them together. God`s word says that it would be a `divided kingdom` partly strong, and partly weak. ` Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter`s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; ........the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.` (Dan. 2: 41 & 42) The leader of this Federation is described in great detail in God`s word. He is a royal person, with strong features; he is quite deceitful with cunning; he comes in peaceably and seizes power by intrigue. `...a king (royal person) shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes.....Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his hand...`(Dan. 8: 23 - 25) ` ...he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue.` (11: 21) There is a person of that description who is even now seeking to negotiate peace with the different groups. His name is Ali Hatem Al-Suleiman. He is one of the most prominent leaders of the Sunni Awakening. In 2006 Ali Hatem entered a strategic alliance with US forces, (against ISIS) which, in combination with the surge in US troops that began in 2007, succeeded in re-establishing a modicum of security in Iraq. Since then though, the Shi-ite Iraq Government have excluded the Sunni from the police, army and jobs. Thus there is still unrest in Iraq. Ali Hatem desires stability for Iraq through Political means and not through fighting. He was brought up in cosmopolitan Bagdad and has often spoken publicly of the need for tolerance. He is a crown Prince with ties to royal families across the Arab Gulf and the elite of neighbouring Jordan. His tribe, the Dulaim, is one of the largest tribes in Iraq and is a powerful social, political and economic force. Note Babylon is in its region. He has a talent for speeches and his title of crown Prince inspire respect and loyalty. He travels to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to rally Gulf Arabs to his cause. Someone to watch!

The enemy has many Christians trapped in unbelief and self-condemnation. They know what they did was wrong and they hate it, but they cannot unburden themselves of the guilt. Remember, our Redeemer came to proclaim liberty to those who are "prisoners" (see Isaiah 61:1). Is He speaking only of those who are incarcerated in jails? No, His mission is for all of us who are prisoners of our past failures. God wants us to learn from our mistakes, not be held captive to them. Jesus came to deliver and restore those whose dreams lie buried in self-blame. Today God is restoring joy to His people. Many whom the Lord has touched were weighed down – just like you might be – with either moral failure or tragedy. In the very place where our deferred hopes produced heart sickness, Christ is here" to bind up the brokenhearted" (Isaiah 61:1). Where once sorrow and heaviness reigned, He gives a "garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting" (v. 3). No longer will church attendance be a penance for our failures. From now on we shall enter His gates with thanksgiving. Indeed, to every Christian struggling with an unbearable burden, the Lord says, "You are still My Bride." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

THE AFTERMATH This amazing victory by the Lord against the enemies of God`s people and his land of Israel has some far reaching consequences. Israel Israel repents and turns again to God. (Joel 2: 12 - 19) They begin their sacrifices after they have cleansed the land by burying the bodies from the Russian war. ` For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them, in order to cleanse the land.` (Ez. 39: 12) The Nations The nations of the world call for a cessation of all conflict. They cry for “peace and safety,” in the Middle East. Then into this arena steps a peace negotiator who miraculously brings about a peace-treaty with Israel. `A king shall arise, having fierce features...through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his hand...` (Dan. 8: 23 - 25) `...he shall confirm a covenant with many for one `week,` (7 years)...` (Dan. 9: 27) However.....`when they say, “Peace and Safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labour pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.` (1 Thess. 5: 3) The Tribulation will have begun.

THE INVASION AVERTED Most of the Soviet Union`s coast lines were ice bound in winter and thus it looked longingly towards the countries of the Mediterranean Sea, especially Israel. There they would have `warm` water ports all year round for its shipping. As far back as 1982 the Soviet Union had planned to invade Israel. This was exposed by the Israeli army. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the State of Israel reports, - "During the operation "Peace for Galilee", as the Israeli forces advanced through Lebanon in July 1982, they made an amazing discovery. Around the Village of Saida, the largest secret military base in the world was uncovered. It consisted of miles of steel reinforced bunkers tunneled out of the hillside. Inside was crammed massive quantities of Soviet made arms and ammuni­tion. It exceeded by far the highest previous intelligence esti­mates. I.D.F. units gathered 4170 tons (some 1,500 truckloads) of ammunition; - hundreds of combat-vehicles; - tanks and ar­moured carriers; - thousands of weapons, - artillery and rocket launchers, - plus other sophisticated devices. Secret documents and maps found in the Com­mand Post clearly revealed that the Soviets planned invasion of the Middle East on the 4th August 1982. The I.D.F. averted this Soviet invasion by just a few weeks" This was a great intervention by God. Now the Russian war will not start until, and only until God says so, when He puts `…hooks into (his) jaws.` (Ez. 38: 4) And that day is fast approaching as we can see.

Christ, the Worthy Sacrifice. From Heaven to Earth He came, Into the midst of rebellion, conflict and the devastation of this sin-ravaged world, stepped the Son of God. He came from the angelic realm where myriads and myriads of angelic beings bowed before Him and did His bidding. He was King of Heaven. The angels rejoiced at creation when He made all things `good,` and are amazed that He would humble Himself to become a man. `......things which angels desire to look into.` (1 Peter 1: 12) So, did the Son of God, the King of heaven, come with all His power and authority to wield a lash for mankind so they would bow before Him? Did He come to `lord it over,` people, demanding that He is to be obeyed? No! Revealing God`s heart, The Son of God came to reveal the Father`s heart, the character of God, to mankind. `For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...` (John 3: 16) Christ Jesus is the expressed image of the Father manifest in human form. Thus He came into the world and walked amongst people, showing His compassion, loving-kindness, graciousness, goodness, holiness, faithfulness, and righteousness. (etc) He paid the price of sin. Christ Jesus revealed His authority over nature, over sin, sickness, disease & death. However although He could have called a legion of angels to help Him, He laid down His own life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. `For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.` (John 3: 16) Satan thought that if he just killed Jesus then that would be the end of Him. (1 Cor. 2: 7 & 8) However He didn`t realise that Christ`s death, would give way to His resurrection and then ascension into heaven, to the right hand of the Father. `...when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.` (Heb. 1: 3)

Shalom Everyone, I've added a new feature -- within threads -- you can see if a User is online or not while posting. God bless, George

Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." It is a mistake to think that only certain people with unique gifts can hear and see God. If I think that it's only for others, then I will disqualify myself because I know I'm nothing special. In doing so I remove myself from ACTIVE FAITH. John 10:27 - "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." One of the essential gestures of faith is to live with the expectation that the God who said that His sheep hear His voice and who gave His life to relationship with each of us would like to communicate with us. This FAITH leads us to lean into His voice -- to learn as the prophet Samuel did:restore 1 Samuel 3:9 - "Speak Lord; for your servant is listening." Significantly, is was as soon as he learned to take this posture that he gained access to the greater revelation that God had been inviting him into. AFFIRMATIONS: The Word says I can hear God's Voice and I believe it I do hear the voice of God! "'Rise, take up your bed and walk.' And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked..." (John 5:8-9). Are you feeling paralyzed by life today, or perhaps blind or lame – physically, mentally, emotionally, or even spiritually? Do you feel like you've been lying by the pool for years, waiting for help, waiting for an angel of God to stir up miraculous healing powers? Well, isn't it fascinating that after waiting for 38 years the man who was healed never did get in the pool? Jesus just showed up on the scene, singled him out, and made him whole. "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." -- 1 John 5:14,15 You cannot ask with confidence until there is a perfect union between you and God, as there was always perfect union between God and Jesus. The moment you pray you find that the heavens are opened -- having a fidelity and confidence to believe that He will not fail, and cannot fail. We shall never get anywhere if we depend upon our feelings. There is something a thousand beter than feelings, and it is the naked Word of God. You must beyeilded to the Word of God. The Word will work out love in our hearts, and when practical love is in our hearts there is no room to vaunt ourselves. We see ourselves as nothing when we get lost in this divine love.times The confidence comes from our fellowship with Him. There is a wonderful fellowship with Jesus. The chief thing is to be sure that we take time for communion with Him. There is a communion with Jesus that is life and that is better than preaching. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.James1:4 Jacob faced a crisis in his life at Peniel and God allowed Jacobs trouble to humble himself for God . The night he wrestled with God he came to the place of making a humble appeal to God and God took ahold of him as never before. Jacobs faith in God had expanded as he grew closer to God. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared Gen.32:30 David was a man of God but was disciplined for many long years to realize the power and faithfulness of his God. "Go and say to David, 'This is what the LORD says: I will give you three choices. Choose one of these punishments, and I will inflict it on you.'" 2 Sam.24:12 In those years he grew up in faith and godliness which he needed as his career to become the king of Israel. Paul was constantly placed in difficult circumstances and nothing else could ever have taught him the full meaning of "My grace is sufficient for me" 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Cor.12:9 So many other great man of God faced great difficulties and hindrances in their life when God was preparing them for some great job as they learned to depend on God so God could use them as to carry out his plans. We often face difficulties and obstacles as challenges to our faith ,when we are confronted with all those hindrances in our life and we are to recognize them as vessels for our faith and how to depend on the complete sufficiency of Jesus. As we walk through this life we all will be tested ,sometimes we have to wait and realize that perseverance must be finishing our work of how to completely trust Jesus .

Many people are discouraged because they feel like their prayers are not being answered; they feel like God has forsaken them! God wants you to understand today that you didn't pray wrong and He's not refusing you! It's not your prayer that's being blocked, it's your answers! Look at what Daniel 10:12-13 says: "Then he continued, 'Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia'" - (Daniel 10:12-13) The minute you started praying, God heard you! He had already answered, but your answer has been delayed because of the princes of resistance that are assigned to stop the manifestation of what God spoke! Because of the weight of what was about to be revealed, the enemy sent a prince to resist the answer God released! God is about to bring you out of the lion's den, out of the darkness of your calamity, and He's going to bring forth His PEACE in your trouble Speak the blessing of the Lord upon your life and declare that supernatural help has come! DECLARE THE FOLLOWING: • I declare that the Prince of Peace, the Lord who made Heaven and Earth, is invading my situation and brings me perfect peace! • I declare that the power of God is being released in my life to make my enemies be at peace with me! • I declare that voice of the Lord is being released into my life to speak peace to every storm that is raging against me! • I declare that Jesus Christ is my peace! I declare every form of separation and division formed between me and my promise is being destroyed by the peace of God that surpasses all understanding! • I declare that the God of peace will crush the enemy under my feet, and that I will walk into the grace of God that will release me into a new season, in Jesus' name! "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." - Hebrews 11:6 Matthew 6:10 - "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." WHEN WE PRAY FOR HIS KINGDOM TO COME, WE ARE ASKING HIM TO SUPERIMPOSE THE RULES, ORDER, AND BENEFITS OF HIS WORLD OVER THIS ONE UNTIL THIS ONE LOOKS LIKE HIS.....GOD'S WORLD COLLIDES WITH THE WORLD OF DARKNESS, AND HIS WORLD ALWAYS WINS. OUR BATTLE IS ALWAYS A BATTLE FOR DOMINION - A CONFLICT OF KINGDOMS. GOD HAS CHOSEN TO WORK THROUGH US. WE ARE HIS DELEGATED AUTHORITY ON PLANET EARTH, AND PRAYER IS THE VEHICLE THAT GIVES OCCASION FOR HIS INVASION. THOSE WHO DON'T PRAY ALLOW DARKNESS TO CONTINUE RULING. THE ENEMY'S GREATEST EFFORTS AT DECEIVING THE CHURCH ARE CENTERED ON DILUTING THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF PRAYER. Philippians 3:20 - "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Paul spoke not about going to heaven someday, but about living as citizens of heaven today......specifically "from" heaven toward earth. We have the privilege of representing heaven "in this world" so that we might bring a manifestation of heaven "to this world." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Every Day in His Presence Dr. Charles Stanley December 24, 2016 Your Prince of Peace Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests Luke 2:14 Does your heart yearn for peace? The hectic nature of Christmas sometimes inspires more weariness, conflict, loneliness, and feelings of unworthiness than the joy promised by the angels at Christ's birth. The tumult within your spirit and unfulfilled dreams may leave you longing for rest. But be assured, your Savior desires to give you genuine tranquility in the midst of all the pressures of the season (John 14:27). Friend, you will feel exhausted and overwhelmed when you believe everything depends on you. But Christ calms your soul by taking full responsibility for your needs as you obey Him. You'll find peace when you trust Him, because you're assured that the One who is best able to give you the victory in every situation will never leave or forsake you. So when you feel overwhelmed, stop and spend time with your Prince or Peace. Then rejoice in the fact that He's got everything under control (Psalm 103:19). Truly, He is always ready, willing, and able to help you (Psalm 46:1) Jesus, thank you for being my Prince of Peace and giving me true rest. You are the joy of my soul forever, amen.

Q. What was the first Civilization like? The first civilization started by Cain were not mere savages, but had many skills. They had attained to a considerable degree of civilisation. Builders `And Cain....built a city.` (Gen. 4: 17) Herdsmen `And Adah (wife of Cain`s grandson) bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.` (Gen. 4: 20) Musicians `His brother`s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute.` (Gen. 4: 21) Craftsmen `And as for Zillah, (the other wife of Cain`s grandson), she bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron.` (Gen. 4: 22) Even though the people had families and developed their skills in many ways, most people`s hearts were not turned to God. Wickedness and evil prevailed and the earth was filled with violence. `Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.` (Gen. 6: 5, 11 – 13) Thus it came about that God judged mankind for their evil ways, but spared Noah and his family as he was – `...a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.` (Gen. 6: 9)

Today is Don Bolles Day in Arizona. This may not seem important to any of you but it is a memorable day in the history of journalism. Don Bolles was an investigative reporter who was involved in uncovering a big story about a land deal, crooked politicians and possibly the mob. After getting a call to meet with a source, he headed out to the lobby of a local hotel. After waiting for a few minutes, he returned to his car. It blew up. Bolles survived for a few days before succumbing to his injuries. I lived in Phoenix then, where this occurred, and I remember the news breaks about it. Afterwards, reporters from across the nation came to Arizona. Nearly 40 journalists from 23 newspapers took vacation time, quit their jobs, or were given leaves of absence to freely investigate the story he was working on. Such an effort has not been seen before or since. I remember this as the time journalism died. All you have to do is look at the state of journalism today to realize how low the media has sunk.

I am re-posting this one because the original posting got truncated during one of the site updates. Many years ago my good friend and fellow artist asked me to join her weekly art class. Since she was teaching fairly basic classes I had no interest in doing so. She was insistent, however, from her desire to get me out of the house and socializing with those in her circle. I finally agreed and showed up with my sketch pad and boredom all in tow. She had assembled the expected bowl of fruit, with apples, oranges, bananas and cascading bunches of grapes. Not really your standardized collection since she included the leaves on the grape clusters and even inserted a couple of wild flowers here and there. Nice, but it still didn’t grab my interest. She set up a single light source and then told the class to sketch the assortment by using a single color. “All but you, Rhonda,” she said. “You are to sketch only the shadows.” Pro 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Now she had my attention. Imagine the dimpled effect of the orange, the smooth textures of the bananas and the swirling effects of the apples. This is not to mention the multiple displays of light exchanges on the grapes and leaves. Not only was this an advanced assignment, but as it turned out, this was one of the more fruitful (excuse the pun) lessons in my art career. My boredom turned to amazed interest, and continued throughout my life, to seek the light source and its profound or subtle affects. The light can drastically change the object. Jhn 1:9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. The shading on a grapefruit differentiates that fruit from an orange, and makes it 3 dimensional. We are the same. Our past experiences apply layers of shading to us, to make us who we are. Our Father, our Light Source, reveals the beings that are shaped by His Hand and reveals that we are not flat people walking around with no purpose, but are instead highly intricate, detailed beings with depth and substance. Rom 5:3-5 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Imagine a painting with a man walking down a road under a bright afternoon sun. With no shadow the man would not be grounded. He would not appear to belong in the painting. He would seem to be a blemish instead of part of his surroundings. With the shadow, meaning the hardships, the trials, the ups and downs of life, he wouldn’t have substance. Perhaps our trials help to anchor us, to keep us connected. Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. I know many who seem to have longer shadows than others. They have endured much, and still are buffeted by some tough times. Yet they also seem to grow in beauty, and in stature. Like a highly detailed painting, they seem to stand out from the rest. It is those that carry the extra strokes of the charcoal, the added dabs of paint that we have come to know as the beauty and timelessness of the Masters. 2Cr 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

THE WORLD COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS. To bring together all the various religions of the world there needs to be a coordinated Leadership. Thus there has been established the `World Council of Religious Leaders,` in cooperation with the United Nations, to head up the Religions of the World. This World Council of Religious and Spiritual Leaders works in an advisory capacity with the United Nations and also with other international organisations and have put together a Charter that signifies their commitment to the common goals and shared values of peace, development, human rights and tolerance. Radiating from this top Leadership Council position there are regional Leaders and then National Leaders, till finally every church is included. Policies are written with the United Nation`s moral values, and then implemented on the local level. The Charter of the World Council of Religious Leaders states – `We believe we have the will and courage to lead our followers to accept differences, to maintain self-respect, and to live in harmony with diverse communities in the world and with humankind in general.`

2 Timothy 2:8 - "Don't ever forget the wonderful fact that Jesus Christ was a Man, born into King David's family; and that He was God, as shown by the fact that he rose again from the dead." AFFIRMATIONS: I remember that when jesus arose, I arose. When He came out of hell and defeated the enemy, I came out of hell and defeated the enemy. His victory is my victory because I am in Him. Colossians 2:15 - "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Romans 4:21 - "And being fully persuaded, that what He had promised, He was able also to perform." Religious flesh is occupied with pretending to be (or look) good. The soul that is led by the spirit has its focus upon the greatness of God, believing that what God as promised, He is able also to perform. Song of Solomon 1:5 - " I am black, but lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon." The greatest experience of the grace of God would not come from Him if it did not give you a clear view of your miserable state apart from Him. As you come out of the chambers of your King (Jesus) you discover that you are black. What makes you black? Suddenly you see all your faults by the light of God. Now you see that you have not been cleansed from yourself. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

John 15:5 - "I am the vine; your are the branches......apart from Me you can do nothing." We were born to consult God to find out His PURPOSE for our lives so that we can discover our vision. Revelation 1:8 - "I am the Alpha and the Omega." God is not only the Author of our vision, but also our continuing Support as we progress toward its fulfillment. Prayer is what keeps us connected to the Vision-Giver. Prayer is where we receive the ability to continue the fight. Isaiah 40:31 - "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." When you have been pressed, ciriticized, and opposed, you can become weak in faith. When people attack your dream, you go to God. You don't try to explain and give an answer for everything because you can't explain anything to critics. Their motives are already contaminated, and they'll use your words against you. Through prayer, God encourages us to get back out in the fight of faith. Psalm 27:1 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation - who shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" Affirmations: SINCE I STAY CONNECTED TO GOD FOR THE RENEWAL OF MY PURPOSE, FAITH, AND STRENGTH -- I PERSEVERE TO VICTORY. I BASE MY PRAYERS ON GOD'S WORD TO BRING ME THROUGH DIFFICULTIES AND GIVE ME THE VICTORY THAT IS MINE. I STAY IN TOUCH WITH GOD SO THAT I AM NOURISHED IN BOTH LIFE AND VISION. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

John 1:14 - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth." OBSERVATION: Grace gives me courage, strength, and boldness to let my old way of seeing things and my past way of dealing with life be put to death. The, in Spirit, I learn how to live and to "walk" above every natural event. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Affirmations: I ASK THE THE LORD TO SHOW ME HIS PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE AND HOW TO STEP OUT INTO THE GIFTS HE HAS GIVEN ME. THERE IS A MOVE OF GOD THAT IS LIVING IN ME AND THE LORD IS EAGER FOR IT TO BE RELEASED AND BRING GLORY TO HIS NAME. Philippians 3:13 - "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." Affirmations: I KNOW THAT IF I MEASURE EVERYTHING BY WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN MY PAST, I WILL NEVER GROW BEYOND IT. MY CONFIDENCE RESTS IN WHAT GOD HAS SAID. Hebrews 13:6 - "So that we my boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

James 4:3 - "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." OBSERVATION: If I am not receiving from God, I need to change what I have been giving my attention to. Matthew 12:34-37 - "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account therof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." OBSERVATION: My future -- good or bad -- is in me, right NOW. It's in my mout and it's determined by the words I speak. I am the prophet of my own life. Revelation 22:1 - "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." God leads me to the river of His Spirit, the current of clear goodness that flows without ceasing. As I step into that unfailing new life, I will want nothing else. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

God has empowered us! We are anointed for action! Our mission and mandate? Establishing the Kingdom! We are chosen by Him and for Him! "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 AFFIRMATIONS: I have a God-given purpose! I was chosen by Almighty God in eternity past to live in the present. I have a divine DESTINY. NO one on earth can accomplish what I have been commissioned to do! It's time to get God's opinion of you; you're essential to His eternal plans and purposes -- so become the bold, brave, radiant warrior you are called to be. Arise, lift your head -- walk with confidence and assurance that God is with you. Therefore be radiant and shine bright in this sin-darkened world. We have a PURPOSE -- we have been chosen by God. ACCOMPLISHING THE COURSE SET BEFORE US You are divinely prepared to accomplish the task God has assigned you. You can do something no other human being can do. Meditate and ponder this message; believe that you have been chosen by Christ, for Christ, and your life will take on even greater zeal and purpose. Jesus said: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." - (John 15:16). Your confidence and courage will soar as you understand in greater capacity the depth of these words -- "YOU ARE CHOSEN BY CHRIST!" Let these words wash over your soul – they are like refreshing water to the thirsty. You have been chosen by Christ, for Christ; the choice was made before the foundation of the world (see Ephesians 1:4). Knowing this promise will release you from rejection and depression. You Can Impact the others -- the hurting and the Lost. The goal is to finish the course and to be able to say with all confidence, "I've kept the faith and stayed on course, accomplishing the task set before me" (see 2 Timothy 4:7). It is to that individual Christ will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). INTO ACTION: God gives us His power for a purpose: the gifts are tools, not toys, and anointing is for action (see Acts 1:8). God releases His anointing on His children for one main purpose: to impact the nations, to bring the hurting and lost to Himself. During these days of division and confusion, the message of Christ's redemptive love and overwhelming mercy must be heard and heeded. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Received such a good devotion from George today, that I like to share it~~~ Thank you Lord for using George to make us aware of the life we're building ~~ Amen ~~~ Build wisely! 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. His contractor was sorry to see such a good employee go, and asked him if he would build just one last house as a personal favor. The carpenter agreed but his heart was not in it. He resorted to bad workmanship and using cheap materials.When the carpenter finished his work, the contractor came over and handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "I appreciate all the hard work you've done for me all these years and I'd like you to have this house as a token of my gratitude."The carpenter was shocked! If only he had only known he was building his own house, he would have worked much harder! Now he owned a house that wasn't built very well.We should think of ourselves as carpenters, and our lives here on earth, as our house. Each day we hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall, we must build with care! It is the only life we will ever build. And what we do here will count for eternity! Our lives today are the result of our attitudes and choices in the past. Our lives tomorrow will be the result of our attitudes and the choices we make today! Let’s proceed with caution.Your family in the Lord with much agape love,George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & ObadiahNegev Desert, Israel

I have created this topic at another site, and it is best viewed there. I will perhaps, convert it to work as best as I can here as well, but the software here has some limitations. So for now, I suggest you click the link to read the best copy.

What is reputation on the forums? Well, it's nothing to do with a person as it is to do with their posts. If you come across a post you enjoy -- on the right side -- you'll see a + or a - -- that is what determines ones' reputation as a poster. Not sure if we'll keep that feature -- but it is another feature nevertheless!

The McDonalds Hot Coffee Lawsuit - What You Didn't Hear Originally published here on May 6, 2008 Probably at some point, you have heard of the woman who spilled hot coffee in her lap, and sued McDonald’s for millions. What you usually hear, is how this woman drove into the drive-thru at McDonald’s and bought hot coffee, that she then stuck between her legs. Because it was a Styrofoam cup with a slip on slid, the coffee spilled in her lap. Then you hear that that this lady was awarded nearly 3 million dollars because she burned her lap. Generally, most people tend to feel more sympathy for an individual, than they do for multi-billion dollar corporation. In this case some people side more with McDonald’s, reasoning that this woman doesn’t deserve much, if anything, afterall, McDonald’s did not spill the coffee, she did that herself, it was her poor judgement that led to the accident. They also think that 3 million is a ridiculous amount of money, for a coffee scald. Perhaps, you are one of those people. We are always hearing of frivolous lawsuits and/or excessive judgement in lawsuits. Perhaps this angers you some, because you know that these things cost us all money. Perhaps you believe that if you were in her shoes, you would not have brought this suit, but just admitted your own fault and move on, after you stopped screaming from the pain. Those are easy positions to take, aren’t they? You may not have your facts strait however, or at least you may not have all of the facts. For example, this woman was not driving, she was a passenger in the car, and the car was not in motion. She was opening the lid to add cream and sugar. Yes, the coffee was between her legs as she attempted to remove the lid. The lid was on tight enough (which is good, because you would not want the lid to come off if the cup overturned while driving) that she had to squeeze the cup with her legs to keep the cup from lifting while she pulled the lid off, but, once the lid was off, the cup lost reinforcement. Then the pressure from her legs squeezed the cup out of round, and the coffee squirted up and out of the cup. In a moment, the coffee was absorbed into her sweatpants which kept the hot coffee in contact with her skin. The pain made her react instinctively and uncontrollably, spilling the rest of the coffee – you get the picture. Now, this doesn’t make the spill the responsibility of McDonald’s, but it does transform the incident from one of a really foolish driver with hot coffee in her lap, to a mistake and accident that anyone of us might have made. Now, what you also might not know, that this was not simply a painful burn. The burns she received were extensive. Six percent of her skin was third degree burns, with additional second and first degree burns. How did it get to such a large about of her body? Well, after the initial burns on her legs and groin, the coffee ran downhill to the car seat, where her buttocks were burned. Without getting too detailed, she was burned everywhere in between. She spent the next eight days in the hospital, having dead tissue removed and receiving skin grafts. The woman sought $20,000 from McDonald’s, but McDonald’s refused. This is when she sought relief through a lawsuit. During the discovery portion of the trial, McDonald’s produced documents which showed that there had been at least 700 claims by people burned by McDonald’s coffee, in the ten years prior to this woman’s case. This shows that McDonald’s knew that it had a problem with the temperature of it’s coffee. McDonald’s also provided information, to the effect that they keep their coffee on hold, at 185 degrees, plus or minus 5 degrees. This is substantially hotter that other establishments. Coffee at home, is usually served at 135 to 140 degrees. To give a perspective, most adults cannot make themselves, no matter how hard they try, hold their hand in water over 130 degree. Water at 105 degrees, is about the most people can tolerate in a hot tub, 95 to 100 still feeling quite hot. Eighty degrees above that, is quite hot! Water at 180 degrees, can give you a third degree burn, in as little as two seconds. There are other facts that you may not have heard, but I will skip most of them. Remember that three million dollars? Well 2.7 million of that was punitive damages. For those of you not familiar with how our civil court system works, punitive damages are not awarded to the plaintiff because the plaintiff deserves or needs them. The are designed to punish the defendant (McDonald’s), so that they will have an incentive, to change their behavior, and stop serving coffee that unnecessarily burns 70 people every year. This amount, at the time, was the equivalent of two days worth of coffee sales for McDonald’s. Damages, the amount awarded to plaintiff as compensation, were awarded by the jury in the amount of $200,000, but they were reduced to $160,000, because the jury found that the plaintiff was 20% responsible. The punitive damages, were reduced by a judge, to $480,000, but the judge said that McDonald’s was reckless, callous, and willful. The parties entered into a secret settlement subsequently, so we do not know how much McDonald’s actually payed I am guessing that it was less, that McDonald’s threatened to appeal the verdict and/or awards, and that the plaintiff might end up with nothing, so a compromise was stuck. I do not know this to be true, this is just a guess. O.K. What does all of this have to do with a Christian chat administrator’s blog? I do not know if knowing the facts of the case that I presented above, change your opinion about it at all, that is not the point. But you can see, that someone might come to different conclusions, if they have all of the facts, or in some cases just admit that they do not know all of the facts, and suspend judgement until they do have the facts. We, as Christians, have a lot of insecurity usually on the topic of judgement. Some of us think think that it means that we should not criticise others. It does not mean that. If you want, you can see my thoughts on judgement as a theological topic, you may, but that is not what I am talking about. I am talking about how quick we can be, to leap to false conclusions, when we do not have the facts. Sometimes we think we have the facts, but we do not know how much more to a story there is than is apparent. Sometimes, it is none of our business to know all of the facts, and in such cases, might we want to consider suspending our opinions out of recognizing our own ignorance? We often have too much pride, to consider that we might be wrong, might not have the facts (who wants to be ignorant?). How do we do this? How does it manifest, where is the harm? We do this when we become critical of others, when they behave in a way that we do not approve of, but we may not realize, that we might have done the same thing in their position. Friendships can be damaged, congregations torn apart, or, if not torn apart, we separate into factions or cliques, where we justify why we are not like those other guys, as they do the same thing concerning us. This is not pleasing to God, we are one family, we are to love the brethren, bearing one another’s burdens, making peace, forgiving each other, as God also forgave us. Before you are tempted to reply and scold me and tell me that the Bible instructs us to judge those in church, save your breath, I understand that. Again, that is not the subject here. My topic is more about jumping to unfounded conclusions. Another way that we manifest this faulty type of judgement, is we sometimes blame God, when something in our life is not as we think it should be. We have no idea what is going on behind the scenes. God is the only one who knows all of the details, that lead Him to the actions He performs, or allows things in our lives, that we may not like. We do not know what greater purpose might be served by our discomfort, or how those things are shaping us into better people, perfecting us in areas that need change in our lives. Perhaps the biggest thing we forget, is that while we may approach His throne and make requests, the decisions are His, and His decisions are always right. We were bought with a price, we belong to Him, and we have no rightful claim on our own lives. To the extent that we maintain our own sense of entitlement, we are outside of His perfect will for us. We are at our best, when we complete surrender ourselves to His will. It is not a natural thing for us to do, it is a supernatural quality. Jesus said it best: “Never-the-less, thy will, not my will, be done.” Omegaman