This past week at Baltimore was both frustrating and good. It was frustrating dealing with the spiritual opposition and resistance in the lives of our young people. But overall, it turned out good for the youth (and leaders) who went. They are now excited and understand the need for church planting and are ready to get involved in serving the community. I’m really excited, and excited for them!
I had a revelation this past week being involved in the community service projects. I have often spken and taught on how love is action. I also taught on how Christ instructs is to live a life of love, and how he said, “obedience to God is to walk in love.” “He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).” “We are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. We were created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God predestined before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 2:8-10).
That passage right there says it all. God wants us to live lives of service, both to the believing and unbelieving world. But of the unbelievers, Paul says, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the time” Col 4:5 (HCSB). So with the unbelieving communities in which we inhabit, we must live lives of service, opening them to the gospel and engaging them in love.
With the LORD's SOON return, we've all got to be busy engaging and serving our communities. I think that's where many of us as churches have dropped the ball. We focus on doing programs and courses and looking inward at the church and the health of the body, while losing focus on the community right around us. Being part of this church plant for the Gallery church in Baltimore (www.gallerychurchbaltimore.com) was refreshing and opened my eyes to this.
Another thing that was really cool, and that the youth thought was really cool, was that we got interviewed and had an article wrote up about us in yesterday's Baltimore Sun paper. If you'd like to check it out, see http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.ci.youth04jul04,0,5831783.story. They even quoted moua!
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Church Deceived?
"Imagine one Sunday morning you go to your local Christian church and find that something very odd is going on. As you approach the church building, a stranger wearing a "Gay Pride" T-shirt opens the door for you and says, "Come in. God loves you just the way you are!" Confused, you hurry to the worship service and find that a New Age guru has been invited to preach. After the error-filled sermon, you stagger to your Sunday School class and hear the shocking claim that Christ is NOT the only way to heaven, but that eternal life can be found in all religions. You are then asked to seek a spirit guide to verify this "truth" through Eastern meditation."—Chris Carmichael, When Churches Promote Books Instead of the Book
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/willowcreek.htm
It seems that this is taking place in the church all around us. We already know that the mainline churches are filled with apostasy and compromise. But it seems that deception is even deeper than we realized, certainly than I realized. Evangelical leaders all around us are buying into new age mysticism couched in Christian terminology "Contemplative Prayer." Rick Warren is a proponet of this, and has went so far as joining arms in the cause of the "kingdom of god" with Buddhists and Hindus and Gay activists. Bill Hybels at Willow Creek has also incorporated a 'paradigm shift' into the mystical with their spiritual disciplines.
I would like to cite one more paragraph that I think says it well:
For those who realize that contemplative spirituality is the vehicle through which the kingdom-now, emerging church, dominionist views draw their strength and momentum, Willow Creek's "shocking confession" will indeed be very shocking. As Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, and most other major leaders in Christianity today, stand arm and arm with contemplatives and emerging spirituality, those who understand biblical prophecy about the days prior to Christ's return will realize that history is being made. But unfortunately, Scripture warns that Satan will deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:9) and that a great falling away will occur. Let us be sober-minded and diligent to stand for biblical truth and the Gospel that alone can save the soul that turns to Jesus Christ in humility and repentance, acknowledging Him to be God, Lord, and Savior. [
by: Editors at Lighthouse Trails
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?p=878&more=1&c=1
If any of thes terms seem 'big' to you, don't feel bad. At the following link, their research site main page, they define terms. http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/willowcreek.htm
It seems that this is taking place in the church all around us. We already know that the mainline churches are filled with apostasy and compromise. But it seems that deception is even deeper than we realized, certainly than I realized. Evangelical leaders all around us are buying into new age mysticism couched in Christian terminology "Contemplative Prayer." Rick Warren is a proponet of this, and has went so far as joining arms in the cause of the "kingdom of god" with Buddhists and Hindus and Gay activists. Bill Hybels at Willow Creek has also incorporated a 'paradigm shift' into the mystical with their spiritual disciplines.
I would like to cite one more paragraph that I think says it well:
For those who realize that contemplative spirituality is the vehicle through which the kingdom-now, emerging church, dominionist views draw their strength and momentum, Willow Creek's "shocking confession" will indeed be very shocking. As Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, and most other major leaders in Christianity today, stand arm and arm with contemplatives and emerging spirituality, those who understand biblical prophecy about the days prior to Christ's return will realize that history is being made. But unfortunately, Scripture warns that Satan will deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:9) and that a great falling away will occur. Let us be sober-minded and diligent to stand for biblical truth and the Gospel that alone can save the soul that turns to Jesus Christ in humility and repentance, acknowledging Him to be God, Lord, and Savior. [
by: Editors at Lighthouse Trails
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/index.php?p=878&more=1&c=1
If any of thes terms seem 'big' to you, don't feel bad. At the following link, their research site main page, they define terms. http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Contemplative Spirituality/Emergent Church
Hey everyone, sorry I've been gone so long. I had to fill in for the senior pastor one week, and then I seemed to become absorbed into what is happening to the the North American church. And really, this has been going on for some time, and I've even posted on some of it. It seems there is a huge move of mysticism infiltrating the church in the name of "contemplative prayer." This practice was carried out by the 'Desert Fathers' in the early middle ages, but derives its source and main practice from Eastern Religions. This contemplative prayer is Christian terminology for what the Hindus call Transcendental Meditation or TM. It has also been toyed with in the Church in the name of "Christian Yoga," which I hear is on the website for Barrack Obama's former Church under church ministries!
Lighthouse Trails publishing company includes this definition of Contmplative Prayer or Spirituality on their site:
Contemplative Spirituality: A belief system that uses ancient mystical practices to induce altered states of consciousness (the silence) and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped in Christian terminology. The premise of contemplative spirituality is pantheistic (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in all). Common terms used for this movement are "spiritual formation," "the silence," "the stillness," "ancient-wisdom," "spiritual disciplines," and many others.
To see instructions on how to go about it, see the website for the International House of Prayer: http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?id=1000000385
Now I don't know about you, but I don't have to meditate for 20 minutes to find the presence of God, I just bow my head in prayer, and I'm in His presence by the substitutionary work my Savior did for me on the cross, which covers my sin and gives ME His righteousness through faith!
What is shocking is the rate at which all this is occurring and being accepted! When looking at the list of Chrisitans now promoting this New Age/Mystical movement in the Church, my wife started crying! "It seems like everyone is falling!" she said. Indeed, it's quite disturbing. And maybe you know of this movement, or have picked up on it. I was shocked how many books I had from people who are now part of this movement. Chances are, if you've read Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life, you've been touched by it.
Let's see who some of these people are: John Ortberg, Erwin McManus, J. P. Moreland, Dallas Willard, Brennan Manning , Henri Nouwen , Philip Yancey, John Eldredge, Gary Thomas, Richard Foster (Celebration of Discipline and Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home); Bill Hybels, Brother Lawrence, Larry Crabb, Lance Witt, Max Lucado, H.B. London , Erik Reese, Donald Miller , Eugene Peterson, Michael Casey .
If you're anything like me, you're in a bit of shock right at the moment! I own books by several of these people, books I really liked! Wow. This list of names is from the Saddleback church's library of works that contain "strong contemplative propensities." All of these people are aligning themsevles with the contemplative prayer movement that is taking our churches by storm. I got this list of names at Lighthouse Trail's newest newsletter, http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/newsletter061608.htm#LETTER.BLOCK11
As if this isn't enough, the emerging church, the 30s something church, is focusing more on a social/marxist/Kingdom Now theology, and not emphasizing the substitutionary death of Christ for the payment of our sins. It's as if they think Jesus was a good example to follow for a better life here and now. Nevermind the fact that you've sinned and grieved a holy, infinite, omnipotent and just God, of whom scriptures say, "It's a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God!" (Heb. 10:31).
You know how a few months back Tony Blair got religion, his wifes religion, Roman Catholicism? Well, in his zeal (and lack of knowledge, Hos. 4:6) he formed an institution aimed at bringing all the religions arm in arm in peace. One stated purpose of this organization of what they will not tolerate is religous groups who are exclusive to other religons (my paraphrase). HELLO??? Southern Baptist? Any Bible Believers out there? Jesus said "I AM the way the truth and the Life, and NO MAN comes to the Father but through ME" (Jn 14:6). For there is salvation in no one else, for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). And guess who sits on the advisory board for this great, ecumenical organization? Rick Warren. Yep. So Warren, and the emergent church leaders (Brian Mclaren, Robb Bell, Shane Clairborne...) are all working to unite world religions (nevermind the exclusivity of the gospel, that's an archaic issue) for the betterment of all mankind. Can anyone say ONE WORLD RELIGION? HELLO!!?
One man went to a conference held by emergent leader Brian Mclaren, and reflecting back on it, had this to say:
I found that the essence of these statements are still proving to be axiomatic after my experience at the “Everything Must Change” conference held at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana with emergent church leader Brian McLaren. I sat through session after session listening to the emergent “gospel;” complete with medieval chants and choruses of despair, apologies to the Native American Indians of the St. Joseph River Valley, as well as to “Mother Earth” for scarring her through our mining and oil drilling operations. The sarcasm with which traditional Scriptural positions were discussed, coupled with repeated swipes at Christians who were (in McLaren’s opinion) waiting to be “snatched away,” “evacuated,” or “beamed up,” brought one particular Scripture passage constantly to my heart and mind. 2 Peter 3:3-13 captures the essence of the conference:
...
The music was all original and was performed by a very gifted young woman. The tonality was “modal” and a-rhythmic; reminiscent of the “coffee house” styles of the 1960s; a sort of “Hillsong meets Joan Baez” blend. Very prosaic in nature, with quickly spoken recitations over guitar and violin, seven or eight words to every two or three beats; all crying out about our rape of “Mother Earth” and other human rights violations. The thing that stuck out to me was that there was no worship poetry extolling the Glory of God or the beauty of Christ in creation. Everything was directed towards an inward, subjective, and very mystical experience, coupled with a worldview which represented more of the Gospel of “Marx” than of “Mark.” Reflecting back to the opening “worship chorus” inspired by Francis of Assisi; Mr. McLaren stated that in one particular city a man rose from his seat and walked out because the song sounded “New Age.” He then scoffed, “Not New Age, but Middle Age”… a comment that drew delighted laughter from his admiring congregation.
http://herescope.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-everything-must-change.html
His article goes on and is very interesting as it gives us a glimpse into the practice and belief of much of the emergent church. My wife kept telling me, "No, no, I don't want to see this. I want the LORD to return and take us, I don't want to see this happen." I didn't feel very sympathetic as I said "I know, but it was written about in the Bible thousands of years ago that it would happen this way." And in an effort to encourage her, I said, "This should cause us to be encouraged, to look up, because our Lord is soon in returning!" So, for all I could muster, I wasn't very encouraging. And I think it will continue to get worse. All I can say is "lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near!" (Lk 21:28).
Amen.
Lighthouse Trails publishing company includes this definition of Contmplative Prayer or Spirituality on their site:
Contemplative Spirituality: A belief system that uses ancient mystical practices to induce altered states of consciousness (the silence) and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped in Christian terminology. The premise of contemplative spirituality is pantheistic (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in all). Common terms used for this movement are "spiritual formation," "the silence," "the stillness," "ancient-wisdom," "spiritual disciplines," and many others.
To see instructions on how to go about it, see the website for the International House of Prayer: http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?id=1000000385
Now I don't know about you, but I don't have to meditate for 20 minutes to find the presence of God, I just bow my head in prayer, and I'm in His presence by the substitutionary work my Savior did for me on the cross, which covers my sin and gives ME His righteousness through faith!
What is shocking is the rate at which all this is occurring and being accepted! When looking at the list of Chrisitans now promoting this New Age/Mystical movement in the Church, my wife started crying! "It seems like everyone is falling!" she said. Indeed, it's quite disturbing. And maybe you know of this movement, or have picked up on it. I was shocked how many books I had from people who are now part of this movement. Chances are, if you've read Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life, you've been touched by it.
Let's see who some of these people are: John Ortberg, Erwin McManus, J. P. Moreland, Dallas Willard, Brennan Manning , Henri Nouwen , Philip Yancey, John Eldredge, Gary Thomas, Richard Foster (Celebration of Discipline and Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home); Bill Hybels, Brother Lawrence, Larry Crabb, Lance Witt, Max Lucado, H.B. London , Erik Reese, Donald Miller , Eugene Peterson, Michael Casey .
If you're anything like me, you're in a bit of shock right at the moment! I own books by several of these people, books I really liked! Wow. This list of names is from the Saddleback church's library of works that contain "strong contemplative propensities." All of these people are aligning themsevles with the contemplative prayer movement that is taking our churches by storm. I got this list of names at Lighthouse Trail's newest newsletter, http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/newsletter061608.htm#LETTER.BLOCK11
As if this isn't enough, the emerging church, the 30s something church, is focusing more on a social/marxist/Kingdom Now theology, and not emphasizing the substitutionary death of Christ for the payment of our sins. It's as if they think Jesus was a good example to follow for a better life here and now. Nevermind the fact that you've sinned and grieved a holy, infinite, omnipotent and just God, of whom scriptures say, "It's a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God!" (Heb. 10:31).
You know how a few months back Tony Blair got religion, his wifes religion, Roman Catholicism? Well, in his zeal (and lack of knowledge, Hos. 4:6) he formed an institution aimed at bringing all the religions arm in arm in peace. One stated purpose of this organization of what they will not tolerate is religous groups who are exclusive to other religons (my paraphrase). HELLO??? Southern Baptist? Any Bible Believers out there? Jesus said "I AM the way the truth and the Life, and NO MAN comes to the Father but through ME" (Jn 14:6). For there is salvation in no one else, for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). And guess who sits on the advisory board for this great, ecumenical organization? Rick Warren. Yep. So Warren, and the emergent church leaders (Brian Mclaren, Robb Bell, Shane Clairborne...) are all working to unite world religions (nevermind the exclusivity of the gospel, that's an archaic issue) for the betterment of all mankind. Can anyone say ONE WORLD RELIGION? HELLO!!?
One man went to a conference held by emergent leader Brian Mclaren, and reflecting back on it, had this to say:
I found that the essence of these statements are still proving to be axiomatic after my experience at the “Everything Must Change” conference held at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana with emergent church leader Brian McLaren. I sat through session after session listening to the emergent “gospel;” complete with medieval chants and choruses of despair, apologies to the Native American Indians of the St. Joseph River Valley, as well as to “Mother Earth” for scarring her through our mining and oil drilling operations. The sarcasm with which traditional Scriptural positions were discussed, coupled with repeated swipes at Christians who were (in McLaren’s opinion) waiting to be “snatched away,” “evacuated,” or “beamed up,” brought one particular Scripture passage constantly to my heart and mind. 2 Peter 3:3-13 captures the essence of the conference:
...
The music was all original and was performed by a very gifted young woman. The tonality was “modal” and a-rhythmic; reminiscent of the “coffee house” styles of the 1960s; a sort of “Hillsong meets Joan Baez” blend. Very prosaic in nature, with quickly spoken recitations over guitar and violin, seven or eight words to every two or three beats; all crying out about our rape of “Mother Earth” and other human rights violations. The thing that stuck out to me was that there was no worship poetry extolling the Glory of God or the beauty of Christ in creation. Everything was directed towards an inward, subjective, and very mystical experience, coupled with a worldview which represented more of the Gospel of “Marx” than of “Mark.” Reflecting back to the opening “worship chorus” inspired by Francis of Assisi; Mr. McLaren stated that in one particular city a man rose from his seat and walked out because the song sounded “New Age.” He then scoffed, “Not New Age, but Middle Age”… a comment that drew delighted laughter from his admiring congregation.
http://herescope.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-everything-must-change.html
His article goes on and is very interesting as it gives us a glimpse into the practice and belief of much of the emergent church. My wife kept telling me, "No, no, I don't want to see this. I want the LORD to return and take us, I don't want to see this happen." I didn't feel very sympathetic as I said "I know, but it was written about in the Bible thousands of years ago that it would happen this way." And in an effort to encourage her, I said, "This should cause us to be encouraged, to look up, because our Lord is soon in returning!" So, for all I could muster, I wasn't very encouraging. And I think it will continue to get worse. All I can say is "lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near!" (Lk 21:28).
Amen.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Homosexuals advance attack on Churches!
Many of you may remember a past blog speaking about the Homosexual group Soulforce, which is planning an invastion into a number of prominent Protestant churches. Their intent for this is obvious, to confront these churches trying to persaude them to openly accept the homosexual lifestyle. And they aren't playing games! This is a matter of serious prayer for our nation's pastors, but especially those of these churches they will target. Let's be a shield of prayer about them!
Soulforce is on the march again. On my radio program two years ago, I featured the Provost of Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, my alma mater. The Provost had decided the best option with regards to Soulforce, a militant gay organization led by Mel White, was to welcome them in and let them deal with students as they wished. Other Twin Cities' Christian colleges had literally barred the doors to protect the students. Bethel gave them a lot of room and grace.
...
Calling this "adventure" the "American Family Outing," Soulforce will enter Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen), The Potter's House (T.D. Jakes), Saddleback Church (Rick Warren), Willow Creek Community Church (Bill Hybels), Hope Christian Church (Harry Jackson), and New Missionary Church (Eddie Long). Again Soulforce has not been invited, but these churches aren't turning them away. Perhaps there is always the underlying hope that these colleges and churches can make a difference in the lives of Soulforce men and women.
Soulforce states on its Web site that they wish to "begin a process of changing hearts and minds" in those churches and to educate the national public through the media on the issues of faith, family, and sexuality."
...
This alert is sent out mainly for prayer purposes. The Soulforce campaign runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, and is a great slap in the face to the traditional family. They will challenge what the Bible says, cause disruption and likely stand and turn their back to the preachers in the pulpit. Pray for wisdom for church leaders who will come under this oppression and for opportunities to share the true gospel with these men and women, even though they are hostile to all things biblical.
http://www.olivetreeviews.org/articles/Breaking_News.shtml#newsitemEkEpEVAZAVDvoVToTp
I strongly encourage everyone to visit Jan's site to see the rull article/prayer request. It's www.olivetreeviews.org. Let us stand closer together more than ever as the time approaches for our Savior to come for His children. Let us try to have as much impact for holiness and righteousness as we can in this last time!
Soulforce is on the march again. On my radio program two years ago, I featured the Provost of Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, my alma mater. The Provost had decided the best option with regards to Soulforce, a militant gay organization led by Mel White, was to welcome them in and let them deal with students as they wished. Other Twin Cities' Christian colleges had literally barred the doors to protect the students. Bethel gave them a lot of room and grace.
...
Calling this "adventure" the "American Family Outing," Soulforce will enter Lakewood Church (Joel Osteen), The Potter's House (T.D. Jakes), Saddleback Church (Rick Warren), Willow Creek Community Church (Bill Hybels), Hope Christian Church (Harry Jackson), and New Missionary Church (Eddie Long). Again Soulforce has not been invited, but these churches aren't turning them away. Perhaps there is always the underlying hope that these colleges and churches can make a difference in the lives of Soulforce men and women.
Soulforce states on its Web site that they wish to "begin a process of changing hearts and minds" in those churches and to educate the national public through the media on the issues of faith, family, and sexuality."
...
This alert is sent out mainly for prayer purposes. The Soulforce campaign runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, and is a great slap in the face to the traditional family. They will challenge what the Bible says, cause disruption and likely stand and turn their back to the preachers in the pulpit. Pray for wisdom for church leaders who will come under this oppression and for opportunities to share the true gospel with these men and women, even though they are hostile to all things biblical.
http://www.olivetreeviews.org/articles/Breaking_News.shtml#newsitemEkEpEVAZAVDvoVToTp
I strongly encourage everyone to visit Jan's site to see the rull article/prayer request. It's www.olivetreeviews.org. Let us stand closer together more than ever as the time approaches for our Savior to come for His children. Let us try to have as much impact for holiness and righteousness as we can in this last time!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Ezekiel 38 – God’s Plan
This past Sunday, I was able to preach on somethinkg I am passionate about. People world-wide are talking about the end of the world. People are talking about the Mayan prophecy of 2012, scientists of a global reverse of polarity coordinated with the sun's cycle of polarity reversal resulting in earthquakes, volcanoes, and the possible collapse of the earth's upper atmosphere. All these things are noteworthy, but how does God's own Word speak of these events? Ezekiel 36-37 speak of events that took place in 1948. It appears that todays geo-political events in the middle east are lining up with ch. 38. I didn't write out a sermon on paper, just an outline to go by. If you have a readable translation of God's word, it would be helpful to get the full effect of the outline.
May God bless you in seeking His Truth.
In Ezekiel 38 – we see names many of us are unfamiliar with, though some we know. These first appear in what is known as the
I. Table of Nations in Gen. 10:
Magog (Russia), Javan (Greece), Tubal and Meshech (Turkey and Central Asia) are sons of Noah’s son Japheth (Gen. 10:2)
Tarshish (England or Spain) is a son of Javan (maritime peoples ~ Gen 10:4)
Sheba, Dedan (Southern Arabia) (Gen 10:7)
A. The Sovereign LORD predicts He will bring them out. (v. 4)
B. Magog’s Allies - Perisa (Iraq & Iran), Cush (Ethiopia), Put (Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, North Africa) (v. 5)
C. invading a land gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel… now they all live in safety.(v.8)
II. Thoughts of Evil (vv. 10-13)
A. invade a peaceful unsuspecting people (v. 10)
B. plunder, loot and destroy (v. 12)
C. Friends or Foes? Question Israel’s allies, but do nothing about it (v. 13)
III. A Soon Reality?
A. when my people are living in safety (v. 14) – Leaders state that they want to sign Annapolis peace accord by 2008
B. confirmation of Russia (v. 15)
C. Magog and hordes like a cloud covering the land (v. 16)
IV. Yahweh’s Devastation
A. Anger aroused (v. 18)
B. Great earthquake –scientists now saying a major quake long overdue in Israel!
C. Chaos and Natural Disaster vv. 20-22
D. God’s glorification and magnification vv. 16, 23
V. Conclusions We Should Draw
A. Most Bible scholars assume this war happens at the beginning or before Daniel’s 70th week.
1. He (Satan~spiritual ruler in the 'heavens' 1 Jn 5:19) – will confirm a covenant for one ‘seven’ – 7 yr. peace treaty
2. Daniel 9:27 tells us there is a Temple in place and sacrifices have been resumed
- after war, Russia and Muslim nations are decimated, they will be in no position to refuse Israel their temple
B. In the 70th week, God returns his focus to Israel
1. The 70th week of Daniel begins God’s wrath on the world! Rev. 6 –Seal Judgments
2. In the middle of the week, Abomination of Desolation occurs (Dan. 9:27)
3. The Church is gone! “For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”Rom. 11:15, 1 Thess 1:10; 2 Thess. 2:7
VI. HOW NOW SHOULD WE LIVE?
KNOW GOD!
A. knowing = obedience 2 Thess. 1:8,
B. hear & DO (knowing = doing) James 1:19-25
1. get rid of moral filth so prevalent
2. humbly ACCEPT the word planted in you
C. knowing = relationship (Jn. 17:3, Jn 15:5,6)
This past Sunday, I was able to preach on somethinkg I am passionate about. People world-wide are talking about the end of the world. People are talking about the Mayan prophecy of 2012, scientists of a global reverse of polarity coordinated with the sun's cycle of polarity reversal resulting in earthquakes, volcanoes, and the possible collapse of the earth's upper atmosphere. All these things are noteworthy, but how does God's own Word speak of these events? Ezekiel 36-37 speak of events that took place in 1948. It appears that todays geo-political events in the middle east are lining up with ch. 38. I didn't write out a sermon on paper, just an outline to go by. If you have a readable translation of God's word, it would be helpful to get the full effect of the outline.
May God bless you in seeking His Truth.
In Ezekiel 38 – we see names many of us are unfamiliar with, though some we know. These first appear in what is known as the
I. Table of Nations in Gen. 10:
Magog (Russia), Javan (Greece), Tubal and Meshech (Turkey and Central Asia) are sons of Noah’s son Japheth (Gen. 10:2)
Tarshish (England or Spain) is a son of Javan (maritime peoples ~ Gen 10:4)
Sheba, Dedan (Southern Arabia) (Gen 10:7)
A. The Sovereign LORD predicts He will bring them out. (v. 4)
B. Magog’s Allies - Perisa (Iraq & Iran), Cush (Ethiopia), Put (Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, North Africa) (v. 5)
C. invading a land gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel… now they all live in safety.(v.8)
II. Thoughts of Evil (vv. 10-13)
A. invade a peaceful unsuspecting people (v. 10)
B. plunder, loot and destroy (v. 12)
C. Friends or Foes? Question Israel’s allies, but do nothing about it (v. 13)
III. A Soon Reality?
A. when my people are living in safety (v. 14) – Leaders state that they want to sign Annapolis peace accord by 2008
B. confirmation of Russia (v. 15)
C. Magog and hordes like a cloud covering the land (v. 16)
IV. Yahweh’s Devastation
A. Anger aroused (v. 18)
B. Great earthquake –scientists now saying a major quake long overdue in Israel!
C. Chaos and Natural Disaster vv. 20-22
D. God’s glorification and magnification vv. 16, 23
V. Conclusions We Should Draw
A. Most Bible scholars assume this war happens at the beginning or before Daniel’s 70th week.
1. He (Satan~spiritual ruler in the 'heavens' 1 Jn 5:19) – will confirm a covenant for one ‘seven’ – 7 yr. peace treaty
2. Daniel 9:27 tells us there is a Temple in place and sacrifices have been resumed
- after war, Russia and Muslim nations are decimated, they will be in no position to refuse Israel their temple
B. In the 70th week, God returns his focus to Israel
1. The 70th week of Daniel begins God’s wrath on the world! Rev. 6 –Seal Judgments
2. In the middle of the week, Abomination of Desolation occurs (Dan. 9:27)
3. The Church is gone! “For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”Rom. 11:15, 1 Thess 1:10; 2 Thess. 2:7
VI. HOW NOW SHOULD WE LIVE?
KNOW GOD!
A. knowing = obedience 2 Thess. 1:8,
B. hear & DO (knowing = doing) James 1:19-25
1. get rid of moral filth so prevalent
2. humbly ACCEPT the word planted in you
C. knowing = relationship (Jn. 17:3, Jn 15:5,6)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
