Words of Faith and Encouragement from

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani to His Church

August 5, 2011 ? I have been away for much of this week week so this is my first opportunity to share a letter from Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani dated January 08, 2011 and transmited by Brother Jason DeMars:

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

When someone internalizes the revelation of the Truth, he will be willing to share it with others and future generations. We are indebted to the people who, in the past, fought for the Truth, allowing us to have access to this glorious revelation of Jesus Christ. These believers understood the richness and the beauty of the revelation and they were ready to fight in order to pass down the fruit of the revelation.

How can we bear similar fruit for eternal life? It depends on the way we choose. First we have to close our ears to the voice of the darkness as it is written in the first Psalm:

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1).

The second thing is to open our ears to the Voice of the Spirit speaking through the Word of God, as it is written:

“But his delight is in the Law of the Lord; and in his Law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2).

The fruit of communion with the Lord through His Life-giving Word is stability in this life and eternal fruit that others bear in their life, as the Scriptures say:

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3).

“Come”.

A lot of people admire Jesus as a unique model to follow for generations and a lot of people would like to become like Him. Jesus did not come to be admired but to give us a perfect model to follow. If we want to be like Him, we need to take a step of faith, like Peter. When the apostle saw his Lord walking on the furious sea, he asked to come to Him on the water. Jesus said: “Come”!

Everyone willing to follow the Lord is supposed to have listened in some way to this seemingly imperious command: “Come”!?a command which implies an act of faith, referred to sometimes as the leap of faith. As it is clear from the Scriptures, what we are able to see is not faith, as the biblical faith is defined as: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We have to decide in spite of, in order to experience the power of God. But we need to remember that everything must be done according the Word of God. Peter did not experience the possibility to walk on water because he decided to leave the boat but because of the Word, the Command of the Lord.

The Word of God tell us to expect to suffer hardship and dishonor for the sake of His Name. Our Christian confession is not acceptable if we ignore this statement, if we do not manifest the patience of the Lord in our sufferings. Anybody ignoring it will be ashamed in that day.

Let us remember that sometimes the leap of faith leads us towards some impasses. Just as the Word led the sons of Israel leaving Egypt toward the impasse of the Red sea. These impasses are midway between promises of God and their fulfillments and they challenge our faith. Believers are to accept these challenges as a part of their spiritual course. The Son was challenged at Calvary in the hardest way, as it is written in the Scriptures:

“Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared; Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrew 5:7-8).

The cry “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani”? is enough to express the sufferings of our Lord at Calvary. Behind this cry of distress, we can identify the great faith that leads Him to accept the will of the Father. Yea, He knew that God will “not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.” and He was to rise up within three days. Beyond the power of death, the Lord perceived the victorious power of the resurrection.

I don’t need to write anything further about the basis of faith. Let us remember that beyond beautiful or painful feelings, only three things remain: Faith, Hope and Love. It is important for believers to make sure which kind of Faith, Hope and Love will remain. Only what we receive according the Word remains forever. I would encourage you to live in a way that is worthy to the Holy calling of the Word. Let believers, who are heirs of the glory, be examples for others in order to be a witness of the power of Christ for the world and the future. I beg you to live according the Word of God in order to chase the powers of darkness that generates doubts in your heart. The overcoming faith that casts out the doubt comes by hearing the Word of God.

Only a church based on the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ will remain, for beyond the protection of the Word of God the destroyer destroys. Let us keep His Holy Testimony.

Your brother in Christ,

Youcef Nadarkhani

Please continue to write to Brother Youcef, and to the authorities in Iran. Here is a profile on Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and his case. On the right hand side of this page please click “Encourage Youcef Nadarkhani,” click “continue” and compose a letter to our Brother Youcef with the letter authoring tool.

Persevere in prayer, conscious of your dependence on God and the certainty of a final answer. The prayer of the elect must at last be heard, for the redemption of the saints is God’s eternal will. Pray for Brother Youcef. Pray for him, write to the Iranian government and ask your elected representative to address the authorities in Iran.

And without delay please send a personal letter or email to the Iranian Consulate in your country:

• Australia: http://www.iranembassy.org.au/english_au/information.aspx
  Canada:http://www.iranembassy.ca/en/enContactUsWebForm.aspx (Server may be down)
  Germany: http://www.iranembassy.de/ger/contact.htm
  Netherlands: http://iranianembassy.nl/en/index.php?content=12000
  New Zealand: http://www.nzembassy.com/iran/about-embassy/contact-us
  South Africa: http://www.iranembassy.org.za/
  United Kingdom: http://www.iran-embassy.org.uk/page/?m=vc&i=9
  United States: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact”
  Other countries: http://www.embassyworld.com/Iran/Addresses

Please sign this petition and write or email:

b’ezrat HaShem / with the help of G?d

For the First Time in 4,000 Years the Declaration of G-d Regarding Jewish Sovereignty Over the Holy Land That G-d Covenanted to Israel Was Heard Again in Jerusalem

[Be sure to also read The Personal Experiences of Gershon Salomon During the 1967 Six Day War]

On 28 Iyar 5771 (June 1, 2011) — the godly date commemorating the liberation of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem, and the biblical areas of the Holy Land of Israel from Arab occupation in the Six Day War 1967 — the Temple Mount and Land of Israel Faithful Movement marched from Ammunition Hill, located in northern Jerusalem, to the biblical city of Jerusalem and up to the Holy Temple Mount.

As every year on this great day during the history of the end-time redemption of Israel, many thousands of Israelis marched along the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem to the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. However, this year the march of the Temple Mount Faithful Movement to the Temple Mount was the most unique one as this place is the location of the First and Second Holy Temples and the soon coming Third Holy Temple, the building of which has been the greatest hope and desire of the Jewish people throughout the past 2,000 years, ever since the destruction of the Second Temple. The climax of this exciting march came when we arrived at the Temple Mount through the gates of biblical Jerusalem. During this special march the Temple Mount Faithful Movement carried the message and shared with the people of Israel and the entire world that the time of the Western Wall, which symbolizes destruction and exile from the Holy Hill of G?d, is over. The Faithful Movement declared the decision of G?d to return His holy Temple Mount to His People Israel in the year 1967 and to no longer continue weeping in front of the Wailing Wall. Instead, they are to immediately remove all manifestations of the foreign Arab-Islamic occupation from His Temple Mount, and to restore it back to Him and to rebuild the holy Temple of the G?d of Israel so that it will be a house of love and worship for Israel and for the entire world.

The Temple Mount Faithful Movement was the only group to march on Jerusalem Day from Ammunition Hill to the Holy Temple Mount. This route had special significance in the battle of the Israeli soldiers of G?d on their way to liberate biblical Jerusalem and the Temple Mount after almost 2,000 years of destruction. On Ammunition Hill, which was covered with huge fortified Arab bunkers, one of the most heroic battles by the Israeli forces took place, where many of them sacrificed their lives for the G?d of Israel in their efforts to liberate biblical Jerusalem and the Temple Mount from a long Arab-Islamic occupation, with its resulting desecration. These soldiers gave their lives to liberate these most holy places — the heart and soul and eternal capital of the G?d and the people of Israel — and to begin a new stage in the godly redemption of the people and the Land of Israel and the entire world.

The most exciting part of the day came when we arrived at the gates of biblical Jerusalem and ascended to the holy Temple Mount. It was a godly historical moment that has not occurred since the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. As we stood there, Gershon Salomon, head of the Temple Mount and Land of Israel Faithful Movement, stated that the Temple Mount Faithful Movement has answered the end-time call of G?d and, on a practical level, has begun the process of the rebuilding of the Third Temple of G?d by dedicating two corner stones, each one weighing six and one-half tons. He went on to announce their exciting decision to immediately begin preparing other stones for the Third Temple according to biblical law and prophesy. The second exciting historical event at Jaffa Gate was when Gershon spoke the declaration of G?d in reference to the sovereignty that He gave to Israel in the eternal covenant He made with Abraham and his seed Israel concerning the Land of Israel and His call to Israel to make Jerusalem and Mount Moriah the capital of His people Israel, where He will dwell among Israel and the entire world forever.

This godly event started when the Faithful Movement declared the words King David spoke to his generation and to all future generations forever. This declaration should be heard in the ears of the entire world at this critical time when most of the nations want to divide Jerusalem, to take it away from Israel, and establish it as a “Palestinian capital” in order to make the Holy Temple Mount an Islamic locale of mosques instead of the Holy Place of the Almighty G?d of Israel:

“I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the L-RD: when our feet stood within thy gates, O Jerusalem; O Jerusalem, built as a city that is compact together: there the tribes used to go up, the tribes of the L-RD, an appointed practice for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the L-RD. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they who love thee shall prosper: peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. For the sake of the house of the L-RD our G?d I will seek thy good.” (Psalm 122)

Inside the gates of Jerusalem the Temple Mount Faithful Movement proclaimed the declaration of G?d to Abraham and his seed Israel, calling the Israeli government to announce it to all the nations who want to divide the Land of Israel and to establish an anti-godly foreign Islamic terrorist state, so called “Palestinian state”, and to those who oppose the holy Word of G?d and His covenant with His People Israel. Gershon called all those nations to respect this eternal decision of G?d and His Word: “I created the entire world and it belongs to Me, and therefore, I have the right to give the Land of Israel to My People Israel.” Then he spoke the declaration and the covenant of G?d made with Abraham and his seed Israel:

“In the same day the L-RD made a covenant with Abram, saying, To thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates… And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a G?d to thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give to thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land in which thou dost sojourn, all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession; and I will be their G?d…. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac… for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.” (Genesis 15:18;17:7-8,21;21:12)

The Faithful Movement continued to speak the declaration in the ears of the entire world: “Since the time of the covenant with Abraham and his seed Israel along more than 4,000 years, G?d fulfilled His Covenant that He made in front of the eyes of the entire world and kept the Land of Israel and its Israeli sovereignty until today and He will continue in the everlasting future. Many powers and nations have tried to rob the Holy Land from Israel and did not succeed. G?d did not allow them to do so. The Holy Land always returned, even after devastation, to the people of Israel. Here, in the Land of Israel, lived the people of Israel who created values of faith in one G?d, righteous ethics, and morals, a godly culture, and who fulfilled G?d’s mission for them to be ‘a light to the nations’. Even during 2,000 years of destruction and exile, no nation could settle itself in the Holy Land or make Jerusalem its own capital. During this lengthy time the beautiful Holy Land became a wilderness, and under the protection of G?d, the Land waited for her children, the People of Israel. Even during hundreds of years under Islamic control, the Holy Land refused to become any kind of Islamic state and Jerusalem was never an Islamic capital nor the capital of any other nation. Jerusalem is mentioned in the Bible more than 700 times and not even once is it mentioned in the Qur’an, the holy book of the Muslims. In a godly event during the last century, the people of Israel have been regathered back to the Holy Land of Israel, and Jerusalem and the Holy Temple Mount again have become the eternal capital of Israel. Since Israel returned to the Land, the Holy Land has become a blossoming garden and ‘…a land of milk and honey’ as G?d blesses it only when His people Israel dwell in the Land.”

Gershon continued to declare, “The Holy Temple Mount and biblical Jerusalem, the heart and soul of the G?d and people of Israel, was returned to the people of Israel in the godly war of redemption in 1967. Several nations who built their foreign pagan houses of worship upon the Holy Temple Mount of Jerusalem disappeared altogether from the stage of history under the judgment of G?d and the Holy Temple Mount returned to the people of Israel and was purified. Forty-four years after the Six Day War, the Temple Mount Faithful is standing today inside the gates of Holy Jerusalem, the City of David and the Holy Temple Mount of the G?d and people of Israel, swearing in the Name of the G?d of Israel: no foreign Palestinian state or any other foreign state ever existed and will never exist in the Land of Israel. The Land of Israel was and will be forever under the G?d of Israel and His Holy Word as one state and one nation, as the people of G?d, Israel. In the ears of all the nations that want to divide the Land of Israel and the anti-godly organization of the United Nations, we declare on Jerusalem Day 2011: Your resolutions will not come to pass, but only the resolution and the Holy Word of the G?d of Israel, the Creator of the universe, will come to pass, Who gave this Land only to the people of Israel in order to be “…a kingdom of priests, a holy nation and a light to the nations” (Exodus 19:6). No one in the world can stop the determined decision of the G?d of Israel and His end-time Holy Word to remove the foreigners and their shrines from His Holy Temple Mount and to rebuild His Holy Temple through the historical godly decision of the Israeli government for the sake of Israel and all the nations.” (Isaiah 2:2-4, Micah 4:1-4, Ezekiel 40-48)

The Temple Mount Faithful called on the Israeli government and the people of Israel to not fear the increasing pressure coming from enemies and from the entire world but rather to obey the Word of G?d and to continue to settle the Land in Judea, Samaria, and all other parts of the Holy Land of Israel, exactly as G?d is calling Israel to do in these current days:

“Behold, days are coming, says the L-RD, when the ploughman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring back the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink their wine; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be plucked up out of their land which I have given them, says the L-RD thy G?d.” (Amos 9:13-15)

When we marched from the Jaffa Gate to the Holy Temple Mount through the streets of biblical Jerusalem, we were witnesses to another exciting fulfillment of end-time prophesy, when we once again watched thousands of Israeli children, youth, elderly people, and families dancing in biblical Jerusalem in glorious celebration on this great Jerusalem Day and how the end-time prophesy of the prophet Zechariah became an exciting reality in front of our eyes:

“Thus says the L-RD; I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called the city of truth; and the mountain of the L-RD of hosts, The holy mountain. Thus says the L-RD of hosts; Old men and old women shall yet again dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the L-RD of hosts; If it be marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, it will also be marvelous in my eyes, says the L-RD of hosts. Thus says the L-RD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; and I will bring them in, and they will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they will be my people, and I will be their G?d, in truth and in righteousness. Thus says the L-RD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, you that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, who spoke on the day that the foundation of the house of the L-RD of hosts was laid, saying that the temple might be built.” (Zechariah 8:3-9)

This historical event came to its climax when we arrived at the Temple Mount. We could feel the glory of the Shekina covering the Holy Hill of G?d. We felt the presence of the G?d of Israel among us calling the people of Israel to not wait any longer to build the Holy Temple of G?d. The atmosphere on the Temple Mount was very exciting; we all felt as though we were opening a new era in history. During those holy moments we knew again that Israel is not alone but that the eyes and the attention of Almighty G?d is on His People Israel to protect them and to control their destiny and to never allow the enemies and all those nations who are coming against Israel and Jerusalem at this critical time to hurt Israel or to divide her land and her capital, Jerusalem, exactly as He promised in His Holy Word:

“In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thy hands be slack. The L-RD thy G?d is in the midst of thee; a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will be silent in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. At that time will I bring you in, and at that time I will gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all the people of the earth, when I restore your captivity before your eyes, says the L-RD.” (Zephaniah 3:16-17,20)

We were so thrilled and honored to pray and bless the wonderful and beloved friends of Israel who are in the Faithful Movement of G?d, who are standing with the people of G?d and His faithful servants in a time when it is so desperately needed. It is G?d Himself Who chose them from among the peoples of the entire world and touched their good and righteous hearts to encourage with such great love His people Israel in a time when so many nations and powers are blind to see and to understand what G?d is doing together with His Chosen People in the Holy Land of Israel for the godly and moral future of mankind. We know that G?d loves and deeply appreciates them; everyone of them is written with holy letters in G?d’s Holy Book of love and He will:

“…Bring them to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Isaiah 56:7)

In front of the location of the Holy of Holies of the Holy Temple we prayed that G?d would soon fulfill His end-time promises with Israel and the entire world:

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. And man people shall go and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the G?d of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for from Zion shall go forth Torah, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall decide for many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:2-4, Micah 4:1-4)

On this special day upon the Holy Temple Mount we felt like we could hear the voice of the G?d of Israel telling us through the passage of the end-times that we are experiencing now that time is short, and every word of G?d in this prophesy is soon to come to pass and that no human power in the world can stop it.

In G?d we trust!!

http://www.templemountfaithful.org/Events/details-of-the-2011-jerusalem-march-of-the-temple-mount-faithful.htm

Harold Camping and his false prophecy has caused Lucifer to dance with glee. This kind of fancy error is clearly Satan’s design to make fun of the Rapture. The Post-Millenniumist, Amillenniumist and the Mid- Tribulation and Post- Tribulation crowd are laughing at the fun the Media has had at our expense. We Pre-Tribulation Believers are scoffed at when these false alarms about the Rapture are fed to the multitudes. The whole purpose is to make truth look foolish.

But there is another side to this story. The devil does not waste his time fighting falsehood and false doctrines. This entire attack is all another proof that the Rapture is on schedule and will occur before the “Seven Years Of The Great Tribulation.” When Satan induces his false prophets to attack truth in a false show like Camping’s attention receiving Expose, he only proves the wonderful truth being laughed against. Satan never makes a false show of all the error doctrines being taught. They do him no harm and he pays them no attention. Thank you Harold Camping for your back-handed attention to the great “Catching Away.”

The anger of Satan against the Rapture of the saints is because this event will be his final defeat. Calvary, the Resurrection, and all the victory of Jesus’ death and life were certainly Satan’s greatest defeat. It has been downhill for him since he was cast out of Heaven. The Rapture will seal his doom forever. From the time that he deceived Adam and Eve in the garden, he has attacked the family of God. When Jesus descended into upper Sheol, Satan lost his hold on the First Testament saints. He could not damn them nor could they escape the prison house of the righteous dead. Jesus took the keys of Death and Hell and led this victorious company out of their prison into His resurrected presence. Their spirit and soul are with Him in Heaven, but the majority of them are still awaiting the Rapture and the Resurrection to receive their glorified bodies. Matthew records that a firstfruits number were resurrected and caught up when He arose from the dead.

There are complexities to the Rapture and the Resurrection that must not divide us. I personally believe that not one Blood-washed and Holy Ghost Oil soaked Saint (Old or New Testament) will be left in the grave when the Pre-Tribulation Rapture occurs. The earth must be free of the Godly dead before the traumas of the seven years of judgment can begin. The judgments of Jesus Christ will shake this earth to its very core so that nothing of sin will be left to defile or destroy in all of creation. The wicked dead will be in Death and Hell until the Seven Years of Tribulation and the Millennium are finished. Then they will be resurrected unto damnation to be judged.

Satan has waged war against the saints for six thousand years. His very thought of the dead in Christ being resurrected with glorified bodies forever out of his reach is terrifying to him. Add to that the Rapture and Resurrection of the living saints that he has pursued since the moment they were born again being removed totally beyond his reach. But the Rapture and Resurrection of the righteous is only the beginning of his future troubles. The saints that he has terrorized will become the Lord’s Elders during the seven years, and we will be used of the Lord to direct the judgments against him and his false trinity. We will be glorified saints; and the Bible says that we will judge the angels, and Satan is one of them.

Let’s begin by contemplating the defeat for Satan that will occur in the first heaven as the saints are removed to the presence of the Lord. Satan is called the prince of the power of the air. “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” (Ephesians 2:2) This is the area of his stronghold, where his kingdom of fallen angels is organized and operates. From this realm, he rules as the god of this world. He is called the god of this world and the prince of the power of the air. He affects everything that constitutes the world system, nature, and especially the weather patterns. God created a perfect world. There was no destruction until the destroyer deceived Adam and Eve. Satan usurped his way into control of the world system. Nature is out of control today because it is greatly affected by the devil and his princes of destruction.

The Bible warns us of the struggle that this horde of evil personalities will create for those that serve the Lord. Apostle Paul stated, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Notice those terms the Holy Ghost inspired Apostle Paul to use, “rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” This is an epic struggle, and natural men and women are absolutely no match for these great and strong spirits of evil. Every spiritual victory we win must be by the Blood, the Word, and the Spirit

Understanding these strong, experienced, and wicked angels operating under the leadership of Satan; we can see the battle that is developing to hinder God’s Prophetic program. When the Rapture occurs, we must travel right straight up through the middle of Satan’s stronghold. Hearing many strange stories about unidentified flying objects is not so strange when you know what is about to occur. The devil will stop at nothing to accomplish his goals and to defeat the saints of God.

Victory is already assured because “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” (Ps 119:89). Apostle Paul said, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)

We will not need to fight our path through Lucifer’s stronghold. The Lord comes down to meet us in the midair, and with His Heavenly Host (multitudes) He leads us back right through Satan’s horde. The event of the saints being Raptured up out of their graves, joined together with the Raptured living, following the Lord of Hosts back to the Banquet Hall in New Jerusalem is too grand to consider. There has never been an army marching from some great victory back to the fatherland to match this picture. Satan has got to know that this is soon to happen, and he certainly has a counterattack planned.

His great defeat at our victory right through his stronghold will leave him vulnerable to the heavenly host of angels. He will never recover from seeing“ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands,” (Revelation 5:11)pass untouched through his hands into the presence of the Heavenly Father. A multitude of angels led by Michael will then engage Satan to finish his reign as the “prince of the power of the air.” Weakened by his losses, the angels of Jesus Christ will cast him down to the earth never to appear in Heaven again.

John recorded the future scene of Satan’s great heavenly defeat. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (Revelation 12:7-10)

His territory will now be restricted to the earth and he will know that he has but a short time. This loss for Satan is incredible. He has accused us to God throughout human history. The defeat of Adam and Eve gave him legal right to act as an accuser to every saint of God. He has been the world’s persecutor for six thousand years. The reason for many great defeats in the church has been man’s failure to stand solely on truth in their battles with evil powers and dark spiritual authorities. Our only rights against evil are those legal truths of Scripture contained in our blood covenant.

Now, ultimate truth prevails and Satan’s reign as persecutor is over forever. “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (Revelation 12:12)Satan finally understands that he is losing and his last efforts will be efforts of desperation. By the end of the seven years, no creature on earth will doubt that he is a serpent, unquestionably corrupted, and a loser.

The victorious saints will be elevated to Elders during the coming Great Tribulation. We are never called the church again after Revelation Chapter Four. We will be to the Father and the Lamb, Elders participating in all the events of righteousness and righteous judgment. Too often we think only of judgment during these dark seven years but more than judgment is redemption. The Elders will share the glory of cleansing this earth from every curse of sin until righteousness springs forth when we return with Him to reign on this earth a thousand years.

http://www.pawcreek.org/articles/satan-loves-a-false-alarm

Posted: February 23, 2011  WorldNetDaily
What in the world is going on here? Two young boys who had near-death experiences and vivid stories of heaven make both of them New York Times best-selling authors within six months of each other.

The two books are shaking up the publishing industry, not to mention the spiritual ideas of millions of readers.

Some suggest God may have chosen new messengers to convey some very old good news.

The two books are “Heaven is for Real” by Colton Burpo and “The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven” by Kevin and Alex Malarkey.

Critics and non-critics alike are calling them “inspiring,” “uplifting” and “miraculous.”

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his 6-year-old, Alex, were involved in a horrific car accident. The impact of the crash on Alex caused what is medically termed an “internal decapitation – his skull was detached from his spinal column. Needless to say, with Alex in a coma, the prognosis for survival was not good.

When the accident occurred, the Internet spread the news of Alex’s condition. He was the focal point of prayer from around the world. Even people in Afghanistan were praying for him, according to letters received.

Two months later, Alex awoke with an incredible story to tell. He shared detailed recollections of the accident scene and the emergency room – neither of which he could have seen with earthly eyes. He talked about the music he heard in heaven – nothing like he had ever heard before. And he talked about his conversations with Jesus.

“The first thing I saw was the angels catch daddy,” said Alex. “The car hit us. I slammed into my seatbelt. Daddy flew out of the car and the angels caught him.”

When father Kevin first heard that story, he feared his son had brain damage from the collision.

“I really did, because I thought he was imagining things,” he said.

But it soon became clear Alex knew things he couldn’t have known from the five senses.

“He told me that he saw me go away in the ambulance, but I never told him I went away in an ambulance. Why would he think I was in an ambulance? Cause I didn’t have any injuries.”

Alex’s answer: “I was in heaven then.”

Alex recounts talking to Jesus from above as he watched fireman take his body out of the car and put him on a flat board. He recalls his dad screaming, “Alex, Alex, Alex,” making a phone call and talking to a man in a blue suit by the helicopter.

When his mother first heard the story, she corrected her son, suggesting the man was wearing an orange suit. But, after checking with the helicopter crew, they confirmed the man was in a blue suit.

Alex remains paralyzed, but his experience has left him positive and upbeat – assuring anyone and everyone that he will one day walk again.

“I asked him one time do you ever get sad?” said his father. “His response was ‘What do you mean?’ I said, I don’t know, do you ever get sad? He said, ‘Why would I be sad?’”

Alex was the first child ever to undergo a complex surgical procedure in which doctors replaced his ventilator with a breathing apparatus called a pacer.

“He was the first child that we ever implanted with a ventilator,” said Dr. Ray Onders. “Alex’s injury is really like a decapitation. When I looked at his X-rays, it almost looked like his entire head was removed from his spinal cord.”

The injury was not unlike the one suffered by actor Christopher Reeve. It was Dr. Onders who performed the surgery that got Reeve off the ventilator.

“The whole time I was there (heaven),” says Alex, “I was basically in God’s palace.”

Here’s his description of what he remembers: “When I arrived in heaven, I was inside the gate. The gate was really tall, and it was white. It was very shiny, and it looked like it had scales like a fish. I was in the inner heaven and everything was brighter and more intense on the inside of the gate. It was perfect. Perfect is my favorite word for describing heaven.”

But Alex was also cautioned, he says, not to relate some of what he saw and was told in heaven – not even to his father.

“We probably only know about 10 percent of what he knows,” said Kevin. “I think he is very protective about it.”

In the years since the 2004 accident, Alex has made remarkable progress. He can now stand for periods of time in a supportive frame and walk on a treadmill with assistance.

As for the other best-selling young author, Colton, his was the story of a wrongly diagnosed illness – a case of acute appendicitis and a badly ruptured appendix that went untreated for five days.

Then the lifeless 4-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery.

When it was all over, Colton survived and recovered fully.

But that was just the beginning of the amazing saga.

Four months later, Colton began telling his parents things he could not or should not have known.

“Mom, I have two sisters,” he said. “You had a baby die in your tummy didn’t you?”

Sonja, his Mom, was shocked. When she asked him who told him, he said, “She did Mommy, she said she died in your tummy.” Todd and Sonja had never told their son about the miscarriage Sonja had before Colton was born.

Colton went on to tell his mom that she was a girl and, “she looked familiar and she started giving me hugs and she was glad to have someone in her family up there.”

Asked by his Dad about his hospital experience, Colton said: “You know, Dad, the angels sang to me while I was there.”

Colton said that while on the operating table he went to heaven and that he met his great-grandfather Pop. Colton says his grandfather didn’t look like the man in the photo in his house, but instead looked like the man in the picture sent months later by his Grandmother, a young man without glasses.

Later he described Jesus, and he talked about Armageddon and how God told him his father would fight in the final battle. Although Todd was a pastor, he says he never talked detail like this with his preschool-aged son.

After years of stories and new details, Todd’s friends and members of his church started asking him to write his stories down. They encouraged Todd to write a book, which wasn’t something he wanted to do or had any idea how to do.

Now Colton’s stories of Heaven are documented in a book titled “Heaven is for Real.”

Like Alex’s “The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven,” it’s already a runaway bestseller with some 500,000 copies in print.

 http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=267233#ixzz1I3WxWF8x

A man from Norfolk, VA, called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001.

His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

“A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister.  On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said ‘amen,’ we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. Both very upset, we drove home.

I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife’s flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight.

My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. ‘This is not something I can just sit by for; I have to do something.’

I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up..  Before he got off of the phone, he said, ‘take good care of my grandchild.  Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort.

My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at  myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say good-bye.

Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the  door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn’t expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. 

The man looked at me and asked if my father’s name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, ‘I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.’

He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her.  My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, ‘there is something else you need to know.’

His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.

Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves .

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live.

This story should help us to realize this:  God is always in control.” 

We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.

Please take time to share this amazing story.  You may never know the impact it may have on someone.  God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.  His love endures Forever.”  Psalm 136:1

22/12/10

To Mr J…. F…. of RBG – from P… M…. Southland (New Zealand).

Dear J….,

Yesterday I had written a carefully worded email to you: when suddenly there was a power cut! And I lost the lot. So herewith a Microsoft Word document (I’ll have to start again ‘from the heart’). I’m writing also on behalf of one of your faithful contributors, B. B., who feels similarly (and actually prompted me to write to you about same Concern).

The concern a number of us Christians have (mostly ‘older’ believers), is that presentations like “Shine” seem to come over: as though anything you programme is essentially okay or ‘Christian enough’ and to be trusted as such and implying that ‘Churchianity’ is actually ‘one big happy family’!? “Daystar” does much the same. But it is evident to many of us That in fact, there is ‘stuff’ going on within various Churches, along with some teachings and experiences that are seriously questionable (like for example why Paul wrote to the Corinthians, Galatians and Colossians; why Peter also wrote his letters and John, along with reminding us of what the Gospel essentially is)!

Now we understand that Shine wants to basically be ‘anonymous’ and not necessarily judge any ‘brand of Christianity’. But then should you not include presentations of a wider cross-section of denominations; like the SDA’s for example or even invite the Mormons to put their point across, even JW’s; very interesting, since we all come across those ‘brands’ as well, let alone Catholicism, most established Protestant ‘brands’, ‘fundamentalists’ not necessarily Charismatic, etc – very interesting; and perhaps a respectful forum like debate between some of these ‘brands’ would be informative to watch (while Shine tries to stay as unbiased as possible) ; provoking one to consider ‘What is truly Christian and what not really’; very important part of one coming to ‘grips with’ the True Christ “according to the scriptures”, particularly young believers; don’t you think? Paul says to the Corinthians “it is necessary that there be divisions among you that those who are true may be recognized.” In fact much of the Christian ‘Way’ involves having to “evaluate what is said” even when “two or three prophets speak” in 1 Corith 14 (included with some “commands of the Lord” to regard, some of which are clearly ignored).

The Point is this, at least: that it would be helpful and prudent for Shine as the broadcaster, from time to time between programmes, to encourage the viewers to not necessarily accept everything you put on, but that they should ‘evaluate’ what is aired, particularly with their own study of the Scriptures and their Church Bible studies (second); for ‘not all that glitters is gold’! In other words: Shine recognizing that there are some serious differences between professing believers and denominations, that need to be ‘grappled with’; and that Shine does not wish the viewers to necessarily accept that everything presented or selected for viewing (teaching wise, experience wise, dress wise, manners or even music) is “okay” or “acceptable” – and for Shine not to be inadvertently trusted as ‘Judge’ of for the viewers (wrong to give the impression that most Churches or denominations are all part of ‘one big happy family’).

That would accurately imply there is a serious responsibility (correctly so) on individual believers to compare what is offered as “okay Christianity”: with their own reading of the Bible (New Testament in particular) and to consider what their Church fellowship reckons too, as to what is acceptable or questionable. Very ‘healthy’ and by which Shine can be very helpful for Christians to make sure that ‘what they swallow’ is “in accordance with the scriptures” as our ‘Chief Denominator’ for faith in our One LORD Jesus Christ!?   

Fact is, many of the preachers you host are very ‘professional’ and convincing; sometimes hard for believers (particularly ‘young’ believers) to gainsay or think to differ with (even when some things ‘don’t ring true’ one way or another). But when Shine encourages individual viewers to “evaluate for themselves with their own reading and study of the Bible, as to whether they trust what is presented” – they not only will sense their duty to do so (very wholesome; most good Pastors would agree with) but also that everything presented may not be ‘lock stock and barrel’ as the LORD would have us accept!? 

To give you an example: Sometimes you put on a preacher or show, that involves ‘slaying in the spirit’ (like Benny Hinn or Reinhart Bonnke or Bill Subriski excersises) – as though that “experience” or “manifestation of the Spirit” is Okay!? But it is highly questionable (as you know; like on the internet is gone into etc and the New Testament essentially “void” of; like not an experience or manifestation authentically “Christian” when compared with the book of Acts history of the early Church and not ‘Something’ Jesus was known to impart at gatherings, such as Hinn does and Bonnke and associated with the ‘Toronto blessing’ type manifestations, both those preachers identify with or been to without criticism of; Pat Robertson and James Robison okay with too, as are most Preachers you present including several New Zealanders and their particular fellowships, though they now ‘hide it’ from the viewer to a large degree)! That raises some ‘Alarm’ to some of us and rather ‘spoils’ the image or purpose of Shine-like broadcasting, even though some programmes seem free of that ‘stuff’ and quite good. (Noticed lately you don’t host Hinn Ministries anymore? But rather Full Flame, who do ‘practise’ that phenomenon too. Reinard said “Jesus is responsible!” – for ‘Something’ not read about in the NT!? Please don’t let me put you off, but I reckon it is of “another Jesus” and “another spirit” like Paul warns against in 2 Corith 11; and brings into Question ‘what else of a signs and wonders nature, including so called healings, is of “another spirit”? The implication being and some even reckon, is that Satan and Jesus are working side-by-side – or is it Satan as Jesus, “another Jesus”!’?) By the way, you know that Pat Robertson was Benny Hinn’s greatest supporter and sponsor; at least in the past (on Hinn’s website not long ago). But there is not even a suggestion by Shine to encourage the viewers to “evaluate” – rather, Shine inadvertently Implies ‘it is okay’!? And that is not “sound”, even misleading; and unfair to expect young, shy, ‘unprofessional’ viewers, to have to ‘pick up on’ and sometimes feel a ‘stick in the mud’ if they question (not only over ‘slaying in the spirit’ and associated phenomenon; but also the manners, style, some forms of worship and music, dressing and extravagant way ‘high profile’ presenters come across, with millions of dollars involved, merchandising and claims of charitable enterprise that sometimes is lied about – like Hinn asking for donations to support 20,000 orphans a week when it was found out they only support about 300; etc)!

Hope you understand, we are not being ‘destructive’ but trying to make a constructive point, helpful in encouraging believers to “examine the scriptures daily, to see if what Paul and Silas was presenting was true” -  those Bereaian believers were noted for (Acts ch 17) and great example for Christians! And if Shine causes many viewers to do the same, it is having an effect that can only ‘sharpen up’ Christianity as it should be! Don’t you reckon? I tell you, your support base will increase too, because some ‘older believers’ are concerned about a lack of ‘warning’ by the broadcaster (not expecting Shine to be ‘100%’ nor denominational biased) and tend to ‘draw back’ from supporting it – but if you were to put in some lines between programmes (even such programmes sometimes with conflicting views), like suggested (putting some responsibility on the viewers to “evaluate” by their own examination of the Bible - not just accept ‘it all must be okay’), you will discover more than sufficient funds will come in (though “money” is not the motive here)! Man, Shine might then be ‘responsible’ for members of various denominations questioning even their own clergy or denomination; which can only be good (for His Name anyway; the Apostle Paul would love it)!  In other words, what is presented from the pulpit or on Shine (then inadvertently DayStar too), is open to debate, question and “evaluation” (1 Corinthians 14: 29) – and ‘stuff’ like Paul very seriously warns against (‘infiltrating’ the Church) will less likely ‘take root’! Seen 2 Corith Ch 11? Very important for Shine to be on-Side with Paul on that (and senior Christians happier that you do)! Man, what a Responsibility you have in this ‘work’, if it truly is for Him (Christ I mean; the same One who spoke seriously to the seven Churches later, and who expects us to ‘hold fast’ the faith as per “Apostles doctrine” over all that is ‘purportedly Christian’)!

Another example I’d like to share: is the “rapture” teaching. Amazing how many preachers teach (‘Dr’s’ included, on Shine) that the Church is suddenly ‘Whisked away’ along with all those who have died in Christ “resurrected” – Before the world “sees” His Return!? Yet Jesus Clearly foretold that: “immediately after the tribulation of those days (and not a hint of some ‘thief in the night’ Return before that; remembering He is answering His disciples question “tell us when these things be and what shall be the sign of Thy Coming and the End of the world?” privately and like Christians today can take just the same way) shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory! And He shall send his angels with the sound of a great trumpet (same one in 1 Corith 15? Must be, because Paul calls it “the last trump”) and they shall gather His elect from the four winds (all are ‘elected’ who for their faith in Him have “Christ in you the hope of Glory” in accordance with Galatians 3:26-29 or “New Covenant”, the “Old now obsolete” according 1 Corith Ch 3; and the Church Paul now calls “Israel” in Gal 6:15-18! Same as the statement “and so all Israel shall be saved” meaning all who through true faith only, Jew or Gentile, are members of the ‘one olive tree’ in Romans Ch 11, based on Pauls Declaration of the Gospel in Ch 1 – 5 for the whole world! Awesome; we all “one in Christ” only because of Him [Jn 3:16] from our One true God became our Saviour… now Returned!) from one end of heaven to the other (glorification of saints still alive along with all those who ‘sleep in Jesus’ raised from the dead like Paul writes in more detail about in 1 Thess Ch 4: 15 on, and in conjunct with 2 Thess Ch 2; all in context with the same “Coming of our LORD” as Jesus conveyed to His disciples in Math 24! One and the same Awesome Coming and “last Day” for this world as it is now; with the great Joy before us of ‘going Home’ to be with Him as preciously conveyed in John Ch 14: 1-3! The world laid waste for 1000 years, the devil bound… until The Judgement when we with Him will return and see “the rest of the dead raised!” Rev Ch 20 indicating all not ready for Jesus’ Return [as portrayed in Math 24] having physically perished; but following that 1000 years [we spent in Heaven with Him] the unsaved contained in the first death and their spirits detained somewhere in ‘Sheol’ – are raised back to life, to face God’s Judgment; after Satan had been loosed from Prison to again ‘rile them up’ against Christ and His people, revealing they back from the dead with the same attitude they perished with [God will not allow to survive]! But now to face the “King of kings and Lord of lords” Whom we have reigned with [reviewing the Judgment perhaps, after having a ‘Holiday’ with Him and ‘married’ to Him, never again to be separated or exiled from] where God’s Throne is and His Fathers House in which Jesus is preparing for us a Place as we speak this side of His second Coming:  to take us Home “to a City who’s builder and maker is God,” as far away from this world as is Heaven)!” Then Jesus goes on about being “ready” etc; and not to be caught unawares, like ‘a thief in the night’ catching out ‘sleepy’ people or ‘bridesmaids lacking in oil’! Christians not to be like those “in the days of Noah…when they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage (carrying on ‘like there is no tomorrow’ unaware of What Was Coming) until the day that Noah entered into the Ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away (all those off-Side to Him destroyed – like Peter is on about in 2 Peter Ch 3!); so shall the coming of the Son of man be!” Man, have a ‘look and see’ if those scriptures do not plainly convey His Return like that – yet some of those Shine (and Daystar) allows to teach us: say Otherwise!? “Evaluate!” “Let the reader (hearers, viewers) understand” Math 24:15!

‘See what I mean’? Not saying you should accept the above, rather that your viewers and hearers be encouraged to not just accept what Shine (or RBG) chooses to present either, as compelling or professional as it can be – but check it against their own reading of the Bible and study of? (By the way, you realize that Shine is allowing a very inexpensive medium for commercializing various books, appealing for donations, etc; involving millions of dollar returns for those you host? While Shine appeals to the viewer for sufficient funds to stay on air for them!? Perhaps such independence is good; no financial motive or ‘cut’ – but then all the more reason to purposefully ask the viewers to make sure what they accept, whether a teaching, style or example, is in line with the ‘Rema’ of His Word as left to us??)

‘Funny thing’ is, that even an unbeliever or agnostic, with at least some sincerity (which might mean they are ‘put off’ by some presentations or styles, if not content) might rightly say: “Seems Christians ought at least take Christ at His Word, rather than ‘shift it about’ to suit their interpretations or in order to accommodate their wants and ways, manner or experience – yet not honour the New Testament for just for the way it reads, well enough?” One would have to admit, they have a Point!? And Shine surely there for them too, not only committed Christians?

Please do give me a call to discuss it, if in doubt or ‘misreading me’. Like I said, this is not to tell Shine or RBG what to believe (that’s for you too to “evaluate”; individually most important); but that simply, along with a ‘standard confession of faith’ in Christ and broadly on what basis – is to encourage plainly and clearly: That your viewers and hearers (believers or agnostics) Check What Is Conveyed: “in accordance with the scriptures” + no more besides (as our strictest ‘Denominator’) – who would disagree with!? Especially for those who may be ‘overawed’ by such compelling presentations of all sorts; some things a legitimate ‘worry’ yet passed on as seemingly “okay” (by Shine or RBG; like Daystar does too)!?

Another example is Joyce Meyer; man she carries on in blatant contradiction with Paul regarding women leading or teaching over men (she ‘right under’ what Paul says in 1 Corith 14:38!), including her ‘Style’ and some of her teachings; the ‘prosperity doctrine’ deserving some “evaluation” too, don’t you think? Seen on the internet what has been written over her? Is it all just ‘jealousy and persecution’? Ask Paul; let the NT Epistles ‘open our eyes’ to ministries that seem contradicting, in matters of truth, example and spirit. Which if Shine encourages to do (not just ‘implied’); that is “to examine all things by His Word and careful to abide by His Holy Spirit for discernment and insight” – would be a Service to believers more necessary than just ‘entertainment’ or ‘soothing’ or ‘wishy-washy unity’ (like could prepare one for the antichrist to come in ‘show and pomp, with signs and lying wonders, speaking great things’ “to deceive if possible the very elect” Jesus warned)!

I don’t mind sending this to other organizations (much ‘Bigger’ than Shine); but I reckon your initiative and example will no doubt be Noted (ministering to them, not just us, from ‘little young New Zealand’). And I wonder what Bonnke or Hinn or Meyer or Charles Price or Joseph Prince (or Derik Prince ministries) or Pat Robertson or Kenneth Copeland or Bayless Conley, even Bob Gas (along with NZ preachers you host like Terry Calkin) – would think of this?? Would they want you to ‘Tear it up; remain as you are’ – or reckon ‘Yes RBG: apostles Paul and Peter, John and James (Mathew, Mark and Luke included) would no doubt agree’?

Sincerely yours, as His first. P… M…

-Andrew Strom.

Since we have been discussing the “Out-of-church” Christians,
I think it is very important for us all – including church leaders – to
look at the reasons why these people are leaving. Very often they
are NOT “church-hoppers” or backsliders. A lot of them are leaving
because they believe the CHURCH is backsliding!

So many people write to me from all over the world saying that
they have tried and tried – but they cannot find any fellowship in
their town that seems remotely biblical. They tell me they have
looked hard – but they are either cold, formal, or anti-charismatic
on one hand – or “hyper-charismaniac” or ’seeker-sensitive’ on
the other. There hardly seems to be any balanced biblical approach
whichever way they turn.

It is easy to pass glib remarks like “There is no perfect church”
but my heart truly goes out to these ones because the church
scene has been bad for awhile – and seemingly growing worse
and worse. So what are people to do?

Below are some accounts that people have sent me about why
they have left the churches. We would love your comments on
this too at our website (link at the end)-

From: Peggy (-USA):
“My husband and I have been Christians for 30 years, home group
leaders for much of that time; my husband has also been a worship
leader for most of that time. However, now we are among the “out
of church” that your message describes, although we do continue
to meet and pray with other believers who feel the same longing
for something more real than we have experienced for longer than
we care to remember. The cry of our hearts is *not* to live on our
memories of incredible intimacy with God in years past, but to
discover Him anew and in deeper ways than ever before. We are
desperate for Him. In light of that hunger, the emptiness of our
church experience, a church we’d attended for 17 years, was
more than we could bear.”

From: Randy (-USA):
“I read an explanation of why the phenomenon is growing – the out-
of-church Christians. They say that we are lone rangers, backsliders,
not team players, have bitter root judgements…. This can’t be
further from the truth. When we have been attending church, we
find- No God – No Power- No Gospel- Bad Agendas- Poor Leader-
ship- Bad teaching- Bad programs- No Christ- No Healing- No
miracles. Just a struggle for personal power and control. I can’t tell
you how many times I have been treated like I am not going to
Heaven because I am not attending church. So, the sad part is,
where do we take our gifts, our tithes, and our love – but out to the
streets. We know many who have left the church, who are
committed as prayer warriors, intercessors, missionaries, and
worshippers. Wanting to share their gifts from God…”

From: Dorie (Canada)- 
“I wanted to write to you because I am so frustrated and don’t know
what to do anymore… I grew up in a church denomination that was
wacky-charismatic with little-to-no-discernment and a lot of control/
spiritual abuse.  About 10 years ago, the Lord gave me my first
wake-up call, grabbing my attention and then 5-6 years ago, another
big, final one…

Now I haven’t really been “a part of a Sunday-morning-church” for
a long, long time.  I have “fellowship” with some Evangelical
Christians here in Calgary, but just can’t seem to be able to sit
through the dry services that seem filled with flowery messages,
as opaque as milk. (I want meat!!!)  The worship feels like it is
being led by robots as do the people in the congregation. Or else,
the charismatic churches (Vineyard, Pentecostal, non-
denominational) where they’re not considered to be “dry” (so-to-
speak), are just plain wacky! My problem is: I miss really good
worship music and intimate worship times with people who love
to worship and aren’t being forced-to, but the only handful of
churches I know that have it, are wacky.  People (worship leaders/
intercessors) are acting like Stacey Campbell and I get turned off
so much that I can’t tolerate the rest of the service.  I feel so torn. 
I can’t seem to find a church to “fit” in.

I’ve tried different denominations with no success.  The last
evangelical “small group” I was in, ended breaking up because the
small-group pastor was purposely hiding the fact that a christian
couple who were co-leading with him, were living together and not
married. (Once saved, no need for any more personal repentance,
is what he preaches. Greasy-grace. Argh!)… The pastor also told
other young christians in that group that “sex before marriage was
fine”…

I have tried so many places and I’m not being fussy or picky, it
just seems really, really hard and weird here… I really want the
fellowship. I can’t seem to fit anywhere, and I am so frustrated that
I could just cry. I long to be with like-minded people, sold-out,
crazy-on-fire for Jesus, totally unashamed.  Christians here seem
so focused on their careers, and houses, and cars, and vacations
and I feel like a stinkin’ hippie around them because I can’t live for
those things!!

What do you do when you want so desperately to be in a fellowship
of believers that is growing strong in the Word, intimate and deep
in worship, and not wacky?  I am so discouraged and have a hard
time believing that it exists…”

-Please comment on this topic at the website below-

http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/

This letter is a response to someone who is doubting and struggling by David Cloud, a Christian apologist.  His answer to this predicament is as follows:

 The bottom line is this: Salvation is not difficult.

Jesus wants children to come to Him. “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Mat. 19:14). This is repeated in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, so it must be very important. Jesus even said that to be saved one must come as a little child (Mat. 18:3). Could salvation be difficult if children are invited, if, in fact, adults must in a way become childlike to do it?

Salvation is described as a gift. It is not difficult to receive a gift.

Salvation is described as drinking and eating (John 6). When the Lord Jesus dealt with the woman at the well, He offered her living water. It is not difficult to take a drink of water! One must simply be thirsty and open wide.

When I warn about “quick prayerism” or easy believism and about those who do not preach repentance, I am warning about a very specific thing. I am warning about those (and there are many) who get people to pray a prayer and then say they are saved even if they have NO interest in the things of God. I am warning about those who do not give sinners any idea that there will be a change in their life when they get saved. That is what I warn about. You, on the other hand, have many evidences of salvation and are not in that category. (Of course, I don’t know you personally, but I am taking you at your word.)

You are going to have to trust the Lord and stop listening to what men say. If you talk to 10 different people about doctrine, you can easily get 10 different answers, and that is true even if all of them attend independent Baptist churches. Forget what people are saying and trust God’s Word. You have been to Bible college. You have learned something of God’s Word. You have learned how to read it and study it for yourself. It is good to get wise counsel, but in this situation I would advise you to forget what people are saying and trust God’s Word.

Salvation is a gift. Thirteen times in the New Testament it is called a gift. Jesus Christ paid a great price for it. He offers it to every sinner. It is received by faith. Faith is “the hand of the heart” that reaches out to take God’s wonderful gift. A gift means it is absolutely free and it will never be taken away. If I had to earn it in any way, it would not be a gift. If I could lose it, it would not be a gift. I understand that Henry Ford used to give away automobiles to employees when they pleased him, but he would take the automobiles back if they got out of his favor. That is not a gift and we can praise God that He is not like that. There are no “strings attached” to His blessed Gift.

Yes, you have to truly acknowledge that you are a sinner as the Bible says and must be ready to turn your life over to the Lord. That is repentance. Repentance is “a change of mind that results in a change of life.” Repentance is not a hard thing. If it were, a child could not do it, a slow or retarded person could not do it. Repentance is a change of direction from the heart. From what you have said, I have no doubt that you have repented and trusted Christ.

One more thing. A gift is supposed to be enjoyed. Stop worrying and fretting and looking at your self, and instead look at your Saviour and enjoy His gift. You can rest in Christ. The Lord knows all about you and your situation and He wants you to enjoy your salvation. You are a young wife and mother and have a small child. That means that you are under a lot of pressure from life. God does not expect more of you than you can give. He is not a cruel, unfeeling taskmaster. He is a tender, loving Father. You won’t always feel saved when the kids are crying, and your female hormones are working overtime and you don’t understand yourself, and your young husband is not very sympathetic, and money is tight, and perhaps another child is on the way when you haven’t even gotten over the last one, and living space is limited, and the supper is burned, and you feel like you are getting sick, and the car is broken, and the dryer overheats, and the mother in law is complaining about something, and a loved one was just diagnosed with cancer, and you are running late for church, and you can’t seem to organize anything, etc. etc. etc.

That is life. As they say, “life happens,” and feelings are allusive in the midst of it all. They come and they go. You can feel saved today and lost tomorrow, feel that God loves you today and that He hates you tomorrow, feel that prayer and Bible reading are the most wonderful things in all the world today and feel like that are the dullest drudgery tomorrow. The feeling itself means nothing.

Salvation is faith from beginning to end. It is “from faith to faith” (Rom. 1:17). And faith is not sight. “For we walk by faith, NOT BY SIGHT” (2 Cor. 5:7). “For we are saved by hope: but hope that IS SEEN IS NOT HOPE: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope FOR THAT WE SEE NOT, then do we with patience wait for it” (Rom. 8:24-25). Salvation is not seeing or feeling; it is believing God’s promise in Jesus Christ. Romans 8:18-25 describes the Christian life in terms of suffering. The Christian experience in this life is not always pleasant. In fact, it can be extremely difficult at times. We are dragging around a dead body (Rom. 7:24). That is not very pleasant. We are waiting and longing for the fullness of our promised salvation, but we don’t yet have it, and waiting is difficult. We have the Holy Spirit, the earnest of our inheritance (Eph. 1:14), and we have wonderful benefits in this life; but we don’t yet have our full salvation in an experiential way. We are children of God, but we do not yet enjoy the full benefit of what that means. We are children of the great King but we do not yet bask in that glorious kingdom. We look forward to the glorious by and by but we are living in the nasty now and now.

As for sin the Christian life, it is a reality. When God saves us He does not take away the old nature. There is a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit (Rom. 7:18-19; Gal. 5:16-18). This is because God wants us to live by faith. The victory is not in leaping or flying up above the struggle (a second blessing, entire sanctification, etc.); it is growing in Christ. Growth describes something gradual, not all of the sudden and immediate. 1 Peter 5:10 is a promise that has meant a lot to me through the years, beginning when I was a brand new Christian in 1973 at age 23. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” Periods of suffering precede spiritual establishment. This is not true just for the beginning of the Christian life but for the entire process until death.

We go through periods or seasons of suffering and struggling followed by strengthening and perfecting. It is like the cycles of plant life. The tea plants, for example, are grown in the mountains where we live in South Asia. Those plants go through amazing cycles. They spread and bear leaves and those leaves are cut off, and then the plants are pruned severely so that you would think that they are dead, but they aren’t. They are just going through a necessary stage in the production of tea. The Christian life is like that. We go through periods when it seems that the spiritual life is almost dead and the discouragement is so severe that we wonder what is happening and where God is. But those periods aren’t permanent. God, the Great Husbandman, is just pruning us and preparing us for more fruit (John 15). Our part is to remain faithful through it all, to keep our faith in Him, and when we do we will eventually understand the truth of Romans 5:3-5, that trouble, when endured patiently in faith, produces experience (learning more about Christ and the Christian life), which results in increased faith, which results in an increase in spirituality.

 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

This process doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it can take years and even decades for God to work various things into our lives.

My maternal grandmother was one of the godliest Christians I have known. I am confident that her prayers had a lot to do with my salvation after I had gone so far out into the world. She only lived a couple of years after I was saved, but I got to spend some time with her before she passed on to Glory. I had SO many moral scars and struggles because of all of the foolishness of my former life. Several months after I was saved I asked her, “Granny, do you still have any struggles with sin?” I was hoping that she would tell me that those struggles had ended decades before and that it had been only smooth sailing after that, but she replied, “Oh, yes, Dave, there are still many struggles.” She was 79 or 80 years old and had walked with Christ for more than 60 years, but there were still struggles. The only time the child of God escapes the struggle with sin is when he leaves this veil of tears.

I would recommend that you memorize some Bible promises about salvation, and use them to defeat the devil’s lies. He sends fiery darts of unbelief, and the victory over them (the only victory over them) is the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16). Faith comes from only one source, and that is the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). You can’t work faith up by trying to believe. You can only have faith by resting in God’s Word. Two promises that have helped me in times of doubt are John 3:16 and Matt. 11:28. Think about Matthew 11:28.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

What a wonderful and simple promise. The only thing that is required of me is that I labour and am heavy laden. If that fits you, all you have to do is take Christ at His word. The rest of salvation is a gift. Then verses 29-30 speak of the rest of service.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

That is the Christian life. That is discipleship, following after Christ, serving Him. After receiving Christ’s gift, I have something I must do. I must take His yoke and learn of Him. I walk with Him and serve Him. But even that is not done in my own strength but in His and He wants me to find rest in His service. If the yoke of Christian service is not easy and light, we are doing something wrong.

That is Christ’s own word about true salvation and Christianity. Don’t let anyone tell you different.

In closing, I would like for you to meditate upon the following excerpt from one of my articles. Let me know how things go.

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Brother Cloud  http://www.wayoflife.org

Dear Friends of Cephas Ministry,

Today we spent the afternoon at a memorial of a great, great, grandma.

The number of people present were too many to count.

What was so special about her? The timing of her passing was perfect

since today was the memorial of the crucifixion and the resurrection

of Christ Jesus.

What did it have to do with her? Our connecting point was her crippled

body. She contracted Rheumatoid Arthritis many years ago. I had a bout

of it as well at a young age and knew the excruciating pain that goes

with it.

My heart went out to her.

Over time I noticed she wanted little to do with the Gospel. Since she

was part of my son’s family, she was part of most Christmases.

“Yea I’m still here, the devil doesn’t want me,” was her comment every

time we met, year after year. She wanted to die because the years went

by and her little body deteriorated to a walker, nursing home and

finally the hospice. She was angry for all the pain she had to endure,

let alone having to live in a crippled body.

I knew deep down that God was waiting on us to witness to her so she

could go to heaven. We went to visit her and asked a lot of questions

about her life and sure enough when she was young she was an avid

church goer with her four children. I knew then that God wasn’t going

to give up on her until she repented and was baptized.

Well guess what? God had angels (believers) around her at the hospice

who came daily and witnessed to her, read the Bible with her and she

finally caved in and obeyed God so He could receive her with open

arms. She was 97 years old.

What a thrill it was to hear the testimony of her last days and of God

not giving up on her.

Since the memorial was close to the Resurrection and many unbelievers

attended, powerful messages came from the pastor and her angels. Our

prayer is that many received the good news about their own salvation,

that God is forever patiently waiting for us to witness our faith to

others and for unbelievers to receive His grace.

We have an awesome God..

http://www.cephasministry.com/index_files_of_bible_believers.html

“.. Through God we shall do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread

down our enemies. (Psalms 108:13)

 Shalom, Rita Williams at Cephas Ministry