Defending The Word In An Age of Compromise

For the sake of this post, I am referring to all Believers as "preachers" of the Word when we share it with the lost. But how do we know we are preaching it "rightly"? After all, 2 Timothy 2:15 says, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth. I don't know about you, but I take that very seriously, and I consistently pray that I am representing God and His Word accurately and well. 

As we look upon our religious culture in the 21st Century, it is becoming quite apparent that there are diverse "messages" out there, all proclaiming to represent the rightly divided Word of God. But they can't all be correct, since there are contrasting views within "the Church" on God's acceptance of homosexuality; on the relevance of spiritual warfare; on the definition of the Great Commission; on His acceptance of worshiping other gods (sadly); and even on how we are to honor rituals and traditions.

How do we know, these 2000+ years later, that we are in alignment with the teachings that Jesus commanded the Apostles to carry forward as "the Church"? From the very beginning, there was an ardent desire to preserve the Lord's teachings accurately and authentically. It's important for us to know how those teachings became theology and doctrine, and just how difficult it became to do that without letting human error creep in, whether consciously or subconsciously.

I hope you will suffer me to give a cursory history of the struggle to "rightly handle" the Word of God -- from the very beginning. Just in the first 300 years, Christ's teachings were rendered and interpreted through several groups which have become known as the Early Church Fathers. You have the "Apostolic Fathers", who were a group of early Christian leaders and authors who lived shortly after the 12 Apostles. Their writings are typically dated between AD 80–180. Most of the Apostolic Fathers are believed to have known the Apostles personally or were connected to them in some way. The apostolic church fathers were the ones like Clement of Rome who were contemporaries of the apostles and were probably taught by them, carrying on the tradition and teaching of the apostles themselves. Polycarp and Clement are considered two of the imminent Apostolic Fathers, and they soon became embroiled in presenting truth to counter the theological heresies of Gnosticism and Docetism. Gnostics believed that anything done in the body was inherently evil and sinful, but it didn't really matter, because real life existed in the spirit realm only. Docetism promoted that Jesus was never fully human; He only "seemed" to have a body, and may have been somewhat divine. 

The ante-Nicene fathers were those who came after the apostolic fathers and before the Council of Nicea in AD 325. Such individuals as Irenaeus, Ignatius, and Justin Martyr are ante-Nicene fathers. The post-Nicene church fathers are those who came after the Council of Nicea in AD 325. These are such noted men as Augustine, bishop of Hippo, who is often called the father of the [Roman Catholic] Church because of his great work in Church doctrine; Chrysostom, called the “golden-mouthed” for his excellent oratorical skills; and Eusebius, who wrote a history of the church from the birth of Jesus to AD 324, one year before the Council of Nicea.

But even these zealous Early Church Fathers could not keep the Enemy of God from working his own agenda and begin infiltrating the Church with false and counterfeit teachings and doctrines. The Apostolic Fathers were passionate in presenting the gospel just as the apostles taught them, but became increasingly involved in defending the gospel from these heresies, rather than presenting Jesus's teachings in their purest and authoritative form. The very fact that the Nicene Council was convened in AD 325 is evidence that there was a growing fragmentation in the Church between various theologies and doctrines. What followed in the way of commentaries and endless examinations among these disparate groups undoubtedly has led to centuries of interpretations [and denominations] led by theologians such as Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, and the post-Enlightenment theologians like Karl Barth. 

As we consider this history, we have to ask ourselves this question: So, do all these varying religious opinions down through the centuries meet the approval of God by the standards He sets in His Word? Which of these messages come from human wisdom, and which are revealed through the Spirit of Truth in the Bible? Which messages rest in the wisdom of men, and which in the power of God? 

These may seem like elementary questions, but I think we need to be very aware of the Enemy's tactics in these Last Days. I am seeing everything from a powerless Gospel being preached, to a dangerous message of unity among different gods and religions; that is not Biblical. The Word is the power of God to save us from eternal hell. But that Word must not be weakened, watered down, or compromised. The very definition of the word compromise is this: a middle state between conflicting opinions or actions reached by mutual concession or modification; an agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions; the acceptance of standards that are lower than is desirable. Do any of those definitions sound like they define the Nature of our God? Does He make concessions or allowances for His laws and commandments -- or ever lower His standards?

Yet, we are now paying the consequences in our society because of compromise; because of our willingness to undermine the Word of God by embracing cultural lifestyles that do not conform to the commandments of the God we pray to. There is no "happy medium" where God is willing to adapt His Glory, Majesty, or Sovereignty to fit our ideas of theology, justice or mercy. Nor is He willing to compromise His order of divine government with corrupted and unholy social ideologies that subvert His righteous rule of the nations. It is time that we, the true Believers in the One True God, declare our unyielding and unshakeable faith in the accurate Word of God. It's time to step into our authority to preach the Word as laid out in 2 Timothy 4:2: "proclaim the Word of God and stand upon it no matter what! Rise to the occasion and preach when it is convenient and when it is not. Preach in the full expression of the Holy Spirit —with wisdom and patience as you instruct and teach the people". No more compromise! 

Thanks to the website gotquestions.com for the concise history of the Early Church Fathers.

I Thessalonians 2:13   And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the Word of God, which is at work in you believers.

We're In A Cultural Battle Between Marxism and Christianity

 

I'm listening to a lot of people these days talking about the future of our country -- including  political, economic, and social perspectives. Sometimes it's hard to remember who said what, and there are a lot of differing opinions as to the causes and the solutions to the disorder in which we find ourselves. Sometimes I think people get too caught up in the complexity of our situation, when being able to see the root of the problem would be more advantageous to finding our way out of this mess.

That being said, I heard something this week that really got me to thinking. I'm paraphrasing here, but the idea was that when the masses [within our society] lack conviction, they are easily manipulated, and are the most vulnerable. That statement might seem self-evident and abundantly clear to you, but think of the consequences if this is a true statement. And IF it is true, then shouldn't we first understand what conviction means? And, again ... if it is true ... what does that statement have to do with the title of this blog post? How does that lead to a battle between what Wikipedia calls the socioeconomic and political philosophies of socialist revolutionary Karl Marx and the radical Jewish preacher, Jesus, who is the central figure in the world's largest religion, Christianity, [and incidentally, the Son of the Living God]?

So, let's consider what the word conviction means. From our Western Greek mindset, we understand conviction to mean "to convince, or reprove, by word of mouth or action". And carrying it a step further, from a Biblical mindset, it means "to convince the person of their sin in order to bring repentance; to change the way we think in order to see things from God's perspective". Now, let's examine the Hebrew understanding of what conviction means. That mindset sees conviction as evidence, like in a book, or a complete record of whatever you want to preserve accurately, or truthfully. 

With that in mind, let's take another look at the idea that I highlighted in bold face. If the masses of people lack conviction -- or, in other words, they don't desire to seek and know the truth, by having it proven by word of mouth or action -- and they are willing to go along with whatever is presented to them without challenging it, then they will be easily manipulated by any person or thought put before them. And they will be vulnerable to fall victim to any cause, philosophy, or movement conducted by the Father of Lies, Satan.

All we have to do is take a look at the effects of the acceptance of Marxist philosophy in our education system. Let me take one step backwards and explain that classic Marxism holds to the axiom that human societies develop through class conflict. Karl Marx sought to create class struggles [through economic means] between the wealthy and the poor, leading to eventual revolution and the forcible overthrow of the wealthy class and the creation of new, classless, communist societies. We see the dictatorships and repressive regimes that played out in the countries that adopted this Marxist ideology in the 20th century -- Soviet Union, China, Vietnam, Cuba, North Korea. 

That plan didn't work in America, because free market capitalism actually helped the working class to elevate themselves to enjoy more prosperity. So the followers of Marx changed it up a bit. Instead of an economic revolution igniting a cultural revolution, they have been seeking to transform our Western culture into believing that a capitalist society needs to be emancipated from outdated policies, making it more equitable and inclusive for all segments of society -- in other words, destroying the classes through the back door by using identity politics to create victims within our society; where the different groups are pitted against each other and can easily become influenced to hate each other and the country.

When this ideology infiltrates our educational system, and is then validated and endorsed by social media and teachers/professors, who are in the position to influence those who lack conviction, you can see how easily the masses can be manipulated and made vulnerable to anti-freedom agendas. And since we worship a God who came to set us free, this ideology is contrary to Christianity. In fact, Karl Marx is quoted as saying, "religion is the opium of the people", and "My object in life is to dethrone God and destroy capitalism". In seeing his philosophy infiltrating our culture, we are seeing good and evil being redefined. The state becomes god, and seeks to control every aspect of our lives, even limiting how successful we can become. Private ownership and freedom to pursue your life as you desire becomes acquainted with sin and is translated as unfair and unequal. 

Sadly, we are seeing the same methods of transformation happening within the established Church. The seminaries have been infiltrated, just as the universities have been. Besides the teachers and the students adopting Marxist ideologies, we now see the pastors and the church members falling victim to the "consciousness of guilt" that comes from a lack of conviction and knowing the God-given truth. Then they are easily manipulated to supporting causes and agendas that do not align with the teachings of Christ. We are seeing our cultural identity redefined right before our eyes. If we call ourselves Christians, we are accountable to God; our salvation is a personal decision; and Jesus has the answer to knowing our purpose. Life has rewards and meaning under Jesus. Life is a struggle for power under Marx. 

Our societal culture has become divisive; your identity is based on what groups you identify with; whether you are "pro" this or that; whether you are among the "oppressors" or the "oppressed". The Marxist philosophy teaches that it takes a revolution to create the kind of society where everyone is equal and no one holds all the power. But, remember, there is no allowance for God in such a society. But when you believe in Christ, you know that He has already done all the work on the Cross to erase society of these ills. Grace is available to all, and Grace is His power in us to accomplish what man cannot do on his own. We are free to be who He created us to be, and if we would each seek our own identity in Christ, we would have no desire or need to compare to another person. We would be content with who we are, and what He has provided us. 

So, we as a nation, and as individuals, must decide. Jesus has taught us everything we need to experience Utopia on earth. In fact, His parables of the talents mirror free market principles. He teaches us how to wisely use the resources He has given us to invest and reap more from our hard work. And He shows us the consequences of those who waste such resources. Do we want the peace, prosperity, and contentedness of following Jesus? Or do we want the struggles of class politics and division? Are we willing to be convicted of the Truth -- or be manipulated and influenced because of our idle minds? Our culture is in a very real battle today. Jesus has taught us how to be charitable to those who are different from us, to care for the poor and the needy, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Why would we want any alternative system? The human race's problems will never be solved without God; and definitely not with a lack of conviction in who He is, and who we are in Him. 

I visited today with two beautiful women of God, and we all agree that Jesus is close to coming back. We may very well be at the two or three minutes to midnight countdown. I pray that the masses will awaken to pull the dirty veil from before their eyes before it is too late. Lord, let them see all the ways they have been manipulated; and let them perceive just how vulnerable we are to the designs of the Enemy. Let us take our stand, supported by the Heavenly Host, as we await the sound of the trumpet announcing Your return! Come, Lord Jesus, Come! 

#marxismvschristianity

1 Thessalonians 1:5   ... for our good news [regarding salvation] came to you not only in word, but also in [its inherent] power and in the Holy Spirit and with great conviction [on our part]. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your benefit.

Jesus Is My Everything!

During the Holy Week of Passover/Easter, we concentrate on the glory of the Son of God who suffered horrendously on our behalf so that we could receive forgiveness of our sins and eternal life. Our Home Church gathered together and studied the different accounts of Jesus's Resurrection and Ascension in each of the four Gospels. It was amazing to see the subtle distinctions of each version, and we appreciated how much each gospel added to the fullness of Scripture. 

Afte reverent reflection, I find myself contemplating those days that led to my Lord's crucifixion and what His experience was like. Yes, His resurrection revealed that He was truly the Son of the Most High God, just as He said He was. But prior to the moment He declared, "It is Finished", Jesus lived His life as a man; a human being just like you and me, facing all the attendant issues and matters of the flesh. Sure, He knew He was the Son of God, and could call down a legion of angels at any moment to change circumstances in His favor. But He refused to exploit His relationship with the Father for His own advantage.

From the moment He began His ministry, He experienced His assignment for the Kingdom of God as a man, not as God. I cannot even imagine the consternation and dismay that must of caused Him! Knowing that He created the earth and the people to whom He came as a servant, how it must have grieved Him to see the state of both so corrupted from what He intended. And I don't think we 21st Century believers have given much thought to the world that the Christ child would be born into, and what He would have to navigate throughout His life.

First of all, John the Baptist appeared on the scene and began to preach and teach repentance from sin and turning back to God ... Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. In effect, John was preparing the way for the appearance of the Lord. We forget that before Jesus was born, God had not been heard from for 400 years! YHWH had been silent since Malachi had prophesied that He would send Elijah the prophet as a forerunner [to prepare the way for the Messiah,] over 400+ years prior. John the Baptist was that forerunner. 

But by the time Jesus arrived on earth the people of God had suffered greatly through those years of silence. Having come out of exile in Babylon, they would endure under the Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman empires; see their faith outlawed under Antiochus Epiphanes; witness the Maccabean revolt; and see the emergence of rival religious groups [Pharisees, Sadduces, Essenes]. By the time Jesus was born, the Roman Empire had ruled for half a century. There were obvious political tensions between governors (supported by a Roman army) and the Jewish "puppet kings"; religious tensions between the various Jewish sects; and social tensions between the impoverished and the wealthy. Yet He came to save all who would believe in Him, and carry on His work.

So, imagine the frustration of trying to bring the love of God, the Father, and to restore harmony and relationship between God and humanity. It must have seemed hopeless, yet He continued to pursue His goal, the fulfillment of His mission. So, He is intimately familiar with what many of us feel as we look upon our world today. Like us, Jesus [as the man] instinctively knew the world wasn't as it should be. Today we see the massive corruption and greed, the unpredictable and illogical violence, and the shocking number of deaths in the wake of the pandemic ... and we are acutely aware of suffering and evil in the world. Jesus can identify with that.

I recently read an article on Christianity Today, in which the author, Chine McDonald, wrote, "Like many other millennials, I have been gripped by an acute sense that the world is getting worse, with disaster around every corner. From climate catastrophes to polarization and political unrest to economic uncertainty, we have been forced to confront our own helplessness". That sense of helplessness is not limited to one age group. There is a very real sense of unease, despondency, depression, and a sense of things being out of our control across all generations. Yet, like Jesus, we must continue to rely on our Father in Heaven. We must continue to hope in His omnipotence; His unlimited and very great power to rectify all things unto Himself... to make things right and resolve the problems of the world. 

But even as the Son of God, yet fully man, Jesus wept. He personally knows our human emotions and sensibilities. He identifies with our feelings and stands alongside us in the midst of the world's turmoils. Remember, as a man, He spent an anguished moment in the Garden of Gethsemane asking His Father to remove the cup of suffering from Him -- if it was the Father's will. And then He shed tears of blood; evidence of the tremendous spiritual pain and despair He knew He was about to face -- as a man. There is nothing we may face in this world that He is not able to recognize or help us through. 

Therefore, we must cling to the model Jesus has set before us as we prepare for wherever this world is headed. He never gave up hope. He endured incomprehensible physical harm, never abandoning His relationship with the Father. He didn't give in to the schemes of the devil to enslave Him to the world's kingdom of darkness. Instead, He trained and equipped competent disciples to know the truth of who they were -- ambassadors and representatives of the greater Kingdom of God. He did all this for our benefit; to show us that we can endure and persevere through everything He did, and do everything He accomplished; and as He says in John 14:12, "even greater things". 

I will admit, I am growing tired of seeing the deterioration of the world and humankind. But I know I am only temporarily "in the world", and I will not submit to the powers and spirits "of the world". When I discern that the world is becoming a drain on my connection to Jesus, Father, and Holy Spirit, I remember that He has shown me how to walk this out. He has shown me that I always have a connection to Him in the spiritual realm. I can talk to Him and hear from Him and Father and Holy Spirit, just as He did. He knows what I'm feeling and what I am capable of doing, because He experienced it first. I will be obedient to follow in His footsteps, and I am committed to training up new followers for Him so that there will never be a generation that doesn't know Him. 

It must have felt like the darkness won, on that day of His crucifixion. But He showed us that His Light is eternal, and will always shine into the darkness to reveal the true Kingdom of God, His righteous power, and the splendor of His glory; and the reality of Heaven for all those who choose to follow Him. There is no greater example and He is my everything!

Hebrews 5:7-9    In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. Although He was a son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. And being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him...

     

What Is Your Vision of Jesus Christ, The Messiah, The Son of God?

 

I pose the question in the title of this blog, because I believe how you perceive Jesus, the Savior of the World, will have profound consequences on how you walk out your faith. What preceded this question and the following thoughts, was an article I recently read on the website, Christianity Today. It was an article written by Stephani McDade, titled "Jesus Christ Is Not A Superstar". The reasoning behind her title was as simple as it was astute ... Popular portrayals of the God-Man can draw admiring crowds, but they can't create imitating disciples.

Think about that for a minute. As Ms. McDade pointed out, our culture has many images [or adaptations] of Jesus to choose from. There is the intense Jesus of Passion of the Christ; the personal and intimate Jesus of The Chosen; the ethereal Jesus of King of Kings; and the rock star Jesus of Jesus Christ Superstar. The aftermath of the popularity of the recent movie, The Jesus Revolution, has raised the very issue that McDade proposed ... what's the difference between admirers of Jesus and imitators? And which one advances His Kingdom more?

We can begin to see the importance of these questions when we consider if there are any effects of being an admirer or an imitator of Jesus. "To effect" something or someone means there has been a change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause; the state of being or becoming operative [functioning, active]. We all know admirers of Jesus -- people who love Him, esteem Him, praise Him, worship Him, and delight in Him. Admiration can result in an image of Christ as He meets what we need from Him. We can find ourselves seeking that image of Jesus that feeds our image of ourselves. But do we see a change or transformation in our lives that causes us to seek less for ourselves and more for Him and His Kingdom? Or is the demand on our life [to become more than an admirer] cost us too much? Is the price too high to actually become an imitator?

So, what makes a person an imitator of Jesus Christ? First, let us consider that Jesus sought men and women who would become effective disciples; imitators of His ways, seeing and doing what the Father revealed to be His will. He never sought the admiration of crowds [although His radical message drew them]. He never wanted to be "Jesus Christ Superstar". But to be His follower, one had to believe in who He said He was ... the very Son of God, who was willing to sacrifice Himself for the benefit of others. And being a follower means imitating that character of Christ. Imitators not only look like Christ, but they act like Him!

And that brings me back to the overwhelming popularity of the movie, The Jesus Revolution. Based on the book of the same name, the film follows youth minister Greg Laurie, Christian hippie Lonnie Frisbee, and pastor Chuck Smith as they take part in the Jesus movement in California during the late 1960s. Probably unknown by most of those who are rejoicing over how well the movie has been received, is the backstory of the primary characters of the movie, Laurie, Frisbee, and Smith. Those who were there and witnessed [in person] the supernatural revival that occurred, and knew the individuals personally, speak of how sincere imitators were soon ostracized within the movement when the effects of following Jesus in Truth and Spirit became too uncomfortable for the admiring evangelists. Those who were able to receive the fullness of who Jesus was -- with all the accompanying signs and wonders of the Holy Spirit -- became imitators of the Son of God. Those who could only go as far as the admiring and prevailing conventions of orthodox Christianity would accept began to fall away from the direction the movement was taking. I am not condemning either faction -- just stating that being either an imitator or admirer of Christ can look quite different from each other.

In the end, the world needs both to point them to the Savior. And no matter how you perceive Him, we all need the Holy Spirit to help grow our vision of Him and teach us how to represent Him, be like Him, imitate Him. Jesus came to earth, as the Son of God, to draw and invite followers to carry on His work until He returns. This weekend we celebrate the culmination of His time on earth, when He sacrificed Himself so we could be reconciled to the Father, and He rose from Death with the promise that we, too, can live again eternally in Heaven with Him. And until that heavenly reunion, He calls all true followers to model our lives after His -- healing, casting out demons, raising the dead, and spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom [from Salvation to Resurrection Life]. 

We are to be all He calls us to be, effecting change and transformation in our own lives and showing the way to others. It is incumbent upon us to respect and admire Him; but when we are actually willing to risk the admiration of others for the sake of becoming like Him, then we can truly be called His Disciples. I thank you, Jesus, for showing us how to be obedient followers who declare with abundant faith, "He has Risen"!

#truedisciplesofjesus #imitatorsofjesus #followersofjesus

1 John 2:6   Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.

 

Can You See The Global Reset Now? (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this two-part post on the Global Reset, I revealed the strongholds that have taken root in our country and brought us to the precipice that we are facing today. I daresay that it has been in my lifetime that our nation has seen the greatest incursion of Satan's anti-Christ agenda. It was in 1971 that the dye was cast which influenced the current direction of our politics, our education system, and our social foundation. Saul Alinsky, a Communist activist and political theorist, wrote his dangerous book, Rules for Radicals, in which he wrote the following dedication: "Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgement to the very first radical ... the very first radical known to man who rebelled the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom -- Lucifer".

But Alinsky wasn't the only one who sought to intentionally alter and debase America's spirit and all she stood for. Billionaire George Soros has done his share as exemplified by the following comments ... "The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States, [This idea] happens to coincide with the prevailing opinion in the world" ... "American supremacy is the greatest threat in the world today" ... "The sovereignty of states must be subordinated to international law and international institutions".

Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), had this to say in 2020: "the world must act swiftly and jointly to revamp all aspects of our societies and economies, from education to social contracts and working conditions. Every country, from China to the United States, must participate, and every industry, from oil and gas to tech, must be transformed. In sort, we need a 'Great Reset' of capitalism". In reality, the Great Reset was designed to be the means to an end. The WEF elites said they wanted a reset several years ago [beginning in 2014]. They role-played what would happen if a pandemic were to occur. I think we can see how that played into their plan. The ultimate goal is to transform society using science and technology as a means to control our every thought and move, and silencing those who are in disagreement. For that, they need the social media giants to fall into line. I think we also see how that has played out.

In fact, I think we have seen the strategies to "fundamentally transform" America happen with greater speed and intensity than anyone of us could have imagined or foreseen. For instance, our farmlands have been gobbled up by foreign business entities; we now serve meat "alternatives" in our fast food restaurants; the UN's threat that the pandemic would cause global famine of "biblical proportions" is coming closer to fruition; and an AI Chatbot has allegedly convinced a man to commit suicide according to this news story. We need to ask ourselves, who would benefit if the Biblical prophecies of famine, wars, plagues and persecutions become our reality? Can there truly be a diabolical plan to de-populate the world of us "lessers" who are consuming far too many of the earth's resources? Is that what eco-science is all about?

I think we can agree that there has been a secularization of government policies to advance an agenda that would seek to remove faith-based interests from federal policy. The more this happens, the closer we get to denying the existence of God in all our institutions. So what is happening in the spiritual realms to counter this anti-Christ movement? Luke 21:25-28 tells us that sometime in the future "there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and on the earth [there will be] distress and anguish among nations ... people fainting from fear and expectation of the [dreadful] things coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken".

Remember, in Ephesians 6, Paul tells us that "Powers" are warrior angels that wage war in the Second Heaven. There are "powers" who battle on the side of God against demonic "powers"; and there are Satan's "powers" that war against God's warrior angels. But Luke tells us that those [Satanic] powers will be shaken! Those powers will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with transcendent, overwhelming power [subduing the nations] and great glory! Our job is to stand tall, not in fear, but in confidence, proclaiming to all that we can endure, and our victory is near! And it is our witness during these distressing times that can initiate Revival! We have already seen a reawakening of spiritual revival on our college campuses. Could this be a harbinger of the countdown to the final battle over planet earth?

We are certainly seeing growing violence among the inhabitants of the earth and distinctly ungodly acts designed to destroy the fabric of families and society; to destroy the very image of God among men. I pray that humanity wakes up to identify Satan's culmination of his final agenda: the conglomeration of demonic programming, Satanic rituals, coven activities, AI, transhumanism, child trafficking, human sacrifice, mind control, robotics, the Military Industrial Complex, the international bankers, NWO, and the global elite -- all joining forces to achieve Satan's final victory.

BUT God's Kingdom on earth is the solution! Kingdom Believers and the Ekklesia, using their power and authority, are the only influence that will be able to stand and not falter. We need to gird ourselves for this spiritual fight! We need to condition our minds for what is to come. The Ekklesia is God's Kingdom government on earth. God and Yeshua will be warring cosmically. But we, Kingdom Believers, will have a job to do! We are here on the earth at this time for a specific purpose. We will be given supernatural gifts and strategies from Heaven to stand together and battle in the flesh and the spiritual realms to defeat the powers of God's ancient Enemy and his hordes. Do not fear! Do not give up! Do not surrender! We are sons and daughters of the King of the Universe, and victory is in our DNA. We will not suffer His justified wrath, when it is kindled and set aflame against His enemies. But rather, we should consider ourselves blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] because we are able to take refuge in Him! Glory to God in the Highest!

#thegreatreset #spiritualpowers #godskingdomonearth #ekklesia #victoryinjesus

Revelation 3:5   The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels.

Can You See The Global Reset Now? (Part 1)

 

In 2021 my husband and I met with a group of Christians and gave a presentation called "The Global Reset Meets the Kingdom of God". We had received a strong prompting from the Holy Spirit to educate Christians on what we could see coming in regards to the social, political, and economic changes that were about to ascend upon the world. Because we have such a strong Biblical worldview, it was easy for us to see and connect the dots from history, and we were compelled to try and warn those within our sphere of influence to prepare for a spiritual battle.

 We have always taken Ezekiel 33:1-6 very seriously, discerning that we have an obligation to warn others when the Lord reveals that "a sword is being brought against the land". In 2008, the Lord had given us both visions of what was to come in the future [although we only received in part, and through the ensuing years He began showing us more as we were able to receive it]. But in 2021, it was time to share what we had learned so far. In this post [and the following one] I will share the presentation, and hope to help you see the battle we are in from a spiritual perspective so you can know how to pray and petition God to deliver us. 

Prior to developing the presentation, I wrote the following in a September, 2020 blog post. This statement is a good lead-in to my purpose for sharing the presentation and writing this post today ... "Have you noticed how often we are hearing about "a global reset" in our national dialogue? It seems it's become the media's new mantra across the entire spectrum of political ideologies. And that's because the powerful banking and business leaders, government officials, and social activists around the planet are seeking to reset and transform all aspects of our societies and economies. They have become willing accomplices with Satan's dark forces to propagate massive deception. Promote the deception hard enough and long enough and a spiritual stronghold becomes a habitual pattern of thought in the lives of individuals, communities, and nations. Spiritual strongholds can even dominate churches! Both in the culture of the United States and in the Western mindset, [in general], Satan has been able to build a stronghold that convinces people (whether Believers or not) that the supernatural does not exist in this Age. (Unfortunately, Satan's followers believe in this truth [of the supernatural] all too well!) Therefore, there is a denial of the influence of demonic spirits in the lives of many Christian peoples and nations. When disbelieving Christians don't accept the reality of spiritual strongholds and demonic forces, Satan's kingdom of darkness is free to continue operating in the world".  

But this Satanic agenda didn't just come about overnight, and it is important that we recognize its origins in the modern world, how it is being perpetuated, and how it plans on culminating in definitive victory. It is precisely because we lack the knowledge of how Satan has been working in the world that he has been able to deceive mankind for so long. And because I am primarily writing to my fellow Americans, I invite you to read my article The Founding of America: What Is The Truth? as a prelude to the rest of this post. 

From this point on, I am going to show you the progression of an agenda that has been working for the last 250 years that leads right up to what we are experiencing today. My theory begins in 1776, when Johann Adam Weishaupt founded the Illuminati in Bavaria. He was a professor of law and of canon law [as a Jesuit]. He was initiated into his local Masonic lodge and used Freemasonry to recruit for his own secret society, with the goal of perfecting "human nature" through re-education to achieve a communal state with nature, freed of government and organized religion.  This aligns perfectly with what careful observation will reveal is the partnership between Freemasonry, the New World Order, and the Anti-Christ spirit to advance Satan's kingdom on earth and prevent the Kingdom of God [and His ambassadors] from reclaiming dominion of the world. I find it particularly interesting that this attack originates at the same time that the United States of America [based on Christian principles] is being formed. We need to understand that from the outset, America had a target on its back!

Read what can be considered Weishaupt's manifesto or mission statement: "The great strength of our Order lies in its concealment; let it never appear any place in its own name, but always covered by another name and another occupation. None is fitter than the three lower degrees of Freemasonry. The public is accustomed to it, expects little from it, and therefore takes little notice of it .... We must win the common people from every corner. This will be obtained chiefly by means of the schools, and by open, hearty behavior, show, condescension, popularity, and toleration of their prejudices, which we shall at leisure root out and dispel". Perhaps the most disturbing statement we find in Weishaupt's thesis is this: "The most wonderful thing of all is that the distinguished Lutheran and Calvinist theologians who belong to our order really believe that they see in it [the Illuminati] the true and genuine sense of Christian religion. Oh, mortal man, is there anything you cannot be made to believe"? Satan has infiltrated the Church for centuries, which has undermined the effectiveness of our religious institutions to advance the freedom Jesus died for and came to establish.

Let's fast-forward nearly 100 years to 1867 and this prophetic statement by Karl Marx: "My object in life is to dethrone God and destroy capitalism." Just another building block towards a Global Reset. And the partners of the devil are patient and long-suffering. They will wait for decades and centuries while the deception they have sowed bears its fruit. 

History moves us into WWI and the establishment of international bankers and the profits obtained by war. The One World Government, also characterized as a New World Order, is all about acquiring unlimited wealth [and keeping it] by setting up a worldwide dictatorship of the banking families and a banking system for all times to come. 

The route to this dictatorship is paved by manipulated strife, instability, chaos, confusion, perpetual bloodshed at an increasing and horrific scale, world wars, depressions, homelessness, famine, devastation of countries and their "rebuilding", bondage of debt, spying, and the end of personal privacy as well as free thought. Thought control, debt bondage, and disregard for human life is integral to this set up. Historian Alan Brugar has estimated that for every soldier that died in WWI, the international bankers made $10,000! Over 9 million military personnel died in that war. That is a profit of over $9 Billion in 1918 dollars! It was a profit deal! In reality, the international bankers traded in human souls, which is the same charge God made against Satan in Ezekiel 28: By your great wisdom and by your trade, you have increased your riches and power, and your heart is proud and arrogant because of your wealth --.Revelation 18:11-13 takes it a prophetic step further for the nation and cities who have profited from human grief ... merchants of the earth will weep and grieve over her, because no one buys their cargo (goods, merchandise) anymore; merchandise which included "the trafficking of the bodies and souls of people".

In his farewell address in 1960, President Dwight Eisenhower left us with two warnings. First, he warned "The combination of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry has implications, economically, politically, and even spiritually on our nation. We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence of the military/industrial complex. The potential for a disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist... As we peer into society's future we must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage". Sadly, Mr. President, our leaders in all spheres of this nation did not listen to your prophetic words. I'm afraid we've done exactly what you warned us against. 

As I end Part 1 of this two-part presentation, I hope you can see how all the building blocks have been put into place to bring us to this moment in history... the plan to transform all aspects of our society and economy; the deliberate re-education of our citizens to rid this nation of religion and a free, capitalistic economy; the use of "open, hearty behavior" to achieve the ultimate transformation they desire [think of the riots during lockdown and the recent violent crimes on the streets of America]; the infiltration of the Church by an order of men who do not believe in God; and the international banking system that has enslaved millions of people through debt, world wars, famine, and currency manipulation. In case you haven't noticed, we're reaping the effects of this Anti-Christ agenda this very moment, and it looks like it is unrecoverable, except for our belief in a supernatural God who can deliver us in a moment ... if He chooses to redeem us. 

We know that it is God's plan to bring redemption to all mankind because He loves what He has created! But He is also a just and righteous God and is not above disciplining those He loves when they sin outright or when they carelessly waste the blessings He has provided. I truly believe that the strongholds we have allowed to grow up in this country can be defeated by supernatural means as we battle in the spirit for the heart and soul of our nation. But time is running out and we have much work to do! In Part 2 of Can You See The Global Reset Now? I'm going to conclude with what recent history is showing us about the Reset and the plan for a new world order. And then I'm going to share what is going on in the spiritual realms and how we can partner with Heaven to defeat this diabolical agenda. Stay tuned!

#globalreset #internationalbanking #illuminati #freemasonry #newworldorder

1 Thessalonians 5:5-6   We do not belong to the night nor to darkness. So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise].

 

one is fitter than the three lower degrees of Freemasonry; the public is accustomed to it, expects little from it and therefore takes little notice of it

He was initiated into the Masonic lodge and used

American Values: Gone Forever or Just Forgotten?

 

"These are the times that try men's souls". That is the opening sentence of "The American Crisis", a series of pamphlets written by Thomas Paine, a political activist, theorist, and philosopher, long credited with inspiring the Founding Fathers to strive for independence from Great Britain. Later in this post, I will be referring to this amazing piece of historical and inspirational writing as it pertains to our American values, which is the point of this timely article. 

[NOTE: I know there will be some who disavow Paine's writings because history has painted him as an unbelieving atheist. But, it is my opinion that a more careful examination of his ideology proves that Paine was a Deist -- he believed in God, but had no tolerance for organized religion. And that is a discussion for a different day. For the purpose of this article, I am revealing his ideas on American values]. 

Now to the purpose of this post, to consider the recent Wall Street Journal poll that bodes poorly for the future of our national identity and well-being. The numbers are startling! Since the 1998 poll was taken it seems that the core values of American citizens have plummeted in the last quarter century. In just 25 years there has been a dramatic shift in what is important to the average American. There were 1,019 people who took part in the poll [mostly online] and let's take a look at what the numbers portend ...

• The importance of patriotism dropped from 70% in 1998 to 38% in 2023.

• The importance of religion dropped from 62% in 1998 to 39% now.

• Only 58% thought tolerance for others was important, compared to 80% in 1998.

• Those who thought raising children was important fell from 60% in 1998 to only 30% today.

But guess the only thing that was rated more important today than it was 25 years ago? If you guessed MONEY, you are correct. Apparently 43% rate the almighty dollar the most important value, in contrast to 31% in 1998. 

First of all, I'd like to address a couple of these statistics; namely, the tolerance issue and the matter of the importance of family and raising children. To me, both of these issues point to the injurious aftermath of Roe v Wade fifty years prior to this March 2023 poll. There is an excellent article on the Students For Life of America website which actually offers hope for the future of our nation. In an article on studentsforlife.org, SFLA President Kristan Hawkins is quoted as calling the 1973 ruling a “cancer growing in our Constitution resulting in more than 63 million deaths,”; but we know that it was a cancer for the American mind, as well. 

The article goes on to say that in the wake of the 2022 Dobbs v Jackson ruling [in which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld that the Constitution of the United States does not confer a right to abortion] we, as a nation have to overcome the established pro-abortion mindset that views children as "burdensome", an impediment to women's success, and devalues the concept of family -- all of which leads to intolerance towards those who cherish the role of motherhood, family, and children. All of these pro-abortion attitudes are anti-Biblical and the consequence of removing God as the center of our American values. The questions before us are these: Is it too late to restore the values that were conceived at the inception of our nation? Do we even remember the spirit of America that God put into the hearts of those men and women 247 years ago?

To answer these questions, maybe it's time to put on the brakes of running headlong towards these social reforms and take a look backwards at the mindset of those who petitioned for the new idea of a nation devoted to pursuing individual freedoms and rights conferred by God. In particular, I found myself considering the aforementioned brilliant writings of Thomas Paine. Please take the time to read the entirety of The American Crisis, presented by thefederalistpapers.org. I have read all thirteen of Paine's pamphlets because I wanted to know the mindset of those who were responsible for the birth of this extraordinary nation. But for now, in his own words, I want to share the distinctive mindset of the incomparable Thomas Paine, as he speaks across the centuries to our current decline in American values...

In regards to Patriotism:  "What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: It is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated". 

"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscious approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death".

In regards to morality: "I conceive likewise a horrid idea in receiving mercy from a being, who at the last day shall be shrieking to the rocks and mountains to cover him, and fleeing with terror from the orphan, the widow, and the slain of America". 

In regards to valuing God and faith: Paine once declared to a man who was loyal to Great Britain that it was his opinion that God was on the side of the American colonists. The Loyalist replied, "We care nothing for that ... you may have Him, and welcome; if we have but enough of the devil on our side, we shall do". Paine responded, "However carelessly this might be spoken, matters not; 'tis still the insensible principle that directs all your conduct and will at last most assuredly deceive and ruin you".

In regards to Peace, Liberty and Safety of our nation: "These are serious things, and whatever a foolish tyrant, a debauched court, a trafficking legislature, or a blinded people may think, the national account with heaven must some day or other be settled; all countries sooner or later [have] been called to their reckoning; the proudest empires have sunk when the balance was struck;".

In regards to tolerance: "We profess liberality of sentiment to all men; with this distinction only, that those who do not deserve it would become wise and seek to deserve it. We hold the pure doctrines of universal liberty of conscience, and conceive it our duty to endeavor to secure that sacred right to others, as well as to defend it for ourselves: for we undertake not to judge of the religious rectitude of tenets, but leave the whole matter to Him who made us".

In regards to Money: "The thing which first presents itself in inspecting the state of the currency, is, that we have too much of it, and that there is a necessity of reducing the quantity, in order to increase the value. Men are daily growing poor by the very means that they take to get rich; for in the same proportion that the prices of all goods on hand are raised, the value of all money laid by is reduced". [Paine understood the source of Inflation in 1777. Why haven't we learned that lesson yet?]

Yes, we live in a very different nation than was founded in 1776. The solid values that formed the framework of America remained pretty steady and constant for a couple hundred years. But the rapid rate at which it has declined in my lifetime should be concerning to everyone who identifies as an American. Patriotism, Faith/Religion, Family and Children have been the bedrock of our society, and for good reason -- they provide a supportive framework for a moral, ethical, and principled citizenry. When, as a nation, we don't believe in God, the goodness of our country, or the sanctity of life, and our biggest focus is on the making of money, then we have lost our moral code and compass, and we are a nation who has sacrificed its values for self-aggrandizement. 

I will leave you with the prophetic words of Thomas Paine; words written in the waning years of the 1780's and could have been written for our generation: "Now our time and turn is come, and perhaps the finishing stroke is reserved for us. When we look back on the dangers we have been saved from, and reflect on the success we have been blessed with, it would be sinful either to be idle or to despair". 

Lord Jesus, do not let us forfeit the purpose for which You sent us in this season of our nation's history. Increase our faith and strength to accomplish the preservation of the values You sowed into our spirits and which birthed the great nation of the United States of America. Let us be worthy of what we've inherited. Amen!

#americanvalues #patriotism #faithinamerica #theamericancrisis #thomaspaine

Psalm 33:12   Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance.

 

 

 

 

The Economic Crisis and Our Faith

As I've said before, I am always listening for the Holy Spirit to bring to my attention various blog topics. Today was no exception. I already knew that I needed to address the growing economic crisis in our nation. After all, you have to have your head in the sand if you aren't aware that our nation is facing a time of intense difficulty and doubt in our financial system. Yes, we've faced it before; in 1929 and most recently, in 2008. The response has always been government intervention in the form of bailouts, buyouts, or the printing of more money (as in just adding more zeros to the fabricated bank ledgers).  

In full disclosure, I am not a financial expert and I am not qualified to give financial advice, but I'm smart enough to know that our financial standing in the world is falling at a drastic rate; we haven't managed our national debt at all; the markets are being manipulated to benefit the powerful and the global elites; and none of it is good for the common man. From what I am gleaning from the talking heads, this latest financial debacle has brought us to the point where our backs are against the wall. Every solution only leads to more debt, higher inflation, and the likelihood of a recession [or even a depression] that will affect the whole world. 

You can feel the panic in the air. Banks are being overrun with phone calls inquiring about the safety of their money. But don't worry, the Big Boys have already got theirs. What we need to worry about is that their greed may likely lead to financial pain for the rest of us. But we have to own up to the part we've played, too. Let's face it ... both the US government and the average American household has been living beyond their means for far too long. With the banks failing, there is no one to finance the lifestyles we've become accustomed to [even though a lot of us could not afford them]. We've always relied on Uncle Sam to come to the rescue, but he's run out of options -- foreign governments no longer want to loan to us, and the value of the dollar is declining faster than we can print it. Now it's time to pay the piper. But if we all cut back on our spending and are forced to live within our means [and most likely way beneath our means], then a recession is likely, and the future no longer looks bright.

So, I've been contemplating this financial turmoil that is threatening to engulf us all and wondering, first of all, how do I look at this from my Biblical perspective? We know that Jesus warned us about the love of money and making it an idol. But maybe it's time we all ask ourselves the crucial question: In 2008, author Mario Seiglie posted an article on that financial crisis in Beyond Today, and asked, "What is our true currency? It shouldn't be money, but faith. If we are faithful to God, He will provide. In a period of widespread famine, He fed the prophet Elijah through ravens bringing him food for many days. God can intervene in many ways to provide for His obedient and faithful servants". 

It's now 15 years later, and the financial ground we stand on is even more unstable. This current crisis threatens to affect the entire world. The merchants of the earth are in fear of a total collapse. Is this leading to the End Times prophecy spoken of in Revelation 17-19, when the political and economic systems of the world fall into great upheaval, and the kings of the earth collaborate with a dominant leader and give him their power and authority to bring order out of the chaos? No one can accurately predict that at this moment. BUT, when the peoples of the world [and their leaders] become desperate, they will be willing to give away their freedoms to a "savior" figure. In the case of world leaders they will only be too willing to share their power with anyone who can promise a return to security and prosperity. And the Bible tells us that there will be a powerful and influential person only too willing to step into that role and exploit global depressions and the aftermath of economic destruction that are the natural consequences of the wars that will follow. We only have to look at Hitler to see what the Bible says this person will look like.

We may not be able to predict when that Biblical truth will play out, but our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, tells us to "keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming]." And just like the parable of the fig tree, we are to recognize the season of such troubles, and know that it is near [Matthew 24:32-34]. When we see those signs it will be most important that the currency we trade in is our faith. 

It is our faith that will give us hope, just as Jesus tells the Church at Sardis in Revelation 3:10: Because you have kept the word of My endurance [My command to persevere], I will keep you [safe] from the hour of trial, that hour which is about to come on the whole [inhabited] world, to test those who live on the earth. It will be our assignment as the Ekklesia and as ambassadors of Heaven, to encourage and reassure those [both Christians and non-believers] who will be shattered and crushed because they won't know their place in a world caught up in uproar and pandemonium. It will be our faith that will see us through and enable us to endure the dark days, knowing that our protection, security, and victory lies in the measure of faith we have been storing up for just such a time as this. We will remain faithful and strong, and we will pass the test! 

#economiccrisis #faithintimesoftrouble #trustingjesus 

Romans 8:18   For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!

 

All Hail The Righteous Men!

 

I'd like to think that I am not the only woman in America that longs for the days when men were celebrated for their strong, masculine traits -- when terms like "toxic masculinity" were not in our lexicon, and adjectives like violent, misogynist, and homophobic were not automatically associated with successful, confident men. I'd like to return to a time when traditional male traits were not equated with causing harm to society or limiting feminine goals or being accused of intimidation by force. 

Maybe it's because I remember what it was like to look upon men as heroes and warriors; men who stood for moral courage and boldness; who were fearless in defending the defenseless and willing to show strength in the face of evil. But these kinds of men were also gentlemen, with a combination of qualities like honor, courtesy, and justice; men who were also able to exhibit love and tenderness while protecting those they held dear. Thank God these kinds of men still exist among us, but I decry the "woke" generation's attempt to eliminate them from our social fabric. And it is because I have lived through decades watching this degeneration of the male image that I want to praise "real men" who are not afraid to be what they were created to be.

And I'm deliberately using the phrase "created to be", because I believe God had a specific plan when He "created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them". You see, I still believe in what Holy Spirit empowered John the Baptist's father Zacharias to prophesy over his unborn son, and I think it shows what God intends His creation of man to be. It certainly shows the characteristics of His Son, Jesus, who [as the Bible reveals in His totality] is the model of a perfect man; descriptors like Mighty, Valiant, Merciful, Holy (Set apart), Righteous, Knowledgeable, Forgiving, a man of Peace, and a Warrior. 

As I scrolled through the Web, trying to figure out how and when our culture began to redefine what made a man, the overwhelming majority of topics spoke of the inequality of the sexes; how our gender stereotypes need to be altered; and the negative impact of stereotypical expectations of masculinity on boys and men. That's where the culture is going on this topic. 

And in my opinion, perhaps the desire to question the definition of masculinity began after the Vietnam War, when for the first time in our country's history, there was definite opposition to the image of the American male as the moral protector of innocent people and a righteous warrior against evil. But, if we are honest with ourselves, that open opposition and debate marked the beginning of our cultural decline and open rebellion against God. I can just imagine the delight Satan took in watching us turn our back on what had been the traditional role of men for centuries.

In a 2015 blog post, I described this cultural shift: "If, like me, you are "of a certain age", then you are most likely becoming discouraged about our culture's disparagement of manhood. Our little boys are dissuaded against playing with toy guns; of displaying any form of aggression or boldness; and of emphasizing their decidedly genetic tendencies to protect "the fairer sex". For pity's sake, they can't even point a fake finger gun at anyone without their school record classifying them as a "danger" for their entire academic career! 

We now live in an age where men are no longer allowed to be "men". They must now subject themselves to a lower status for all the years that they supposedly "kept women down."  The culture not only wants to blur the line between the sexes, but appears to promote the erasure of any line at all ... we are all free to "be" whatever we feel like on any particular day; and heaven forbid you are decidedly one sex or the other.  But you most definitely do not want to flaunt any characteristically male behavior.  No sir, that's strictly taboo these days, because, don't you know ... it always leads to unnecessary violence"!

And what it did was restrict the role of soldier, fighter, and protector to the confines of a computer screen. Little boys who had previously played "soldier" or "cops and robbers" to express their natural role of defender or guardian of morality were no longer allowed to act out those natural traits, but had to repress them and constrict them to a computer app. And, here we are, eight years later, and schools are forcing children to eliminate gender pronouns from their vocabulary; teachers with an agenda encourage children to consider gender reassignment therapy; and men dressed in suggestive female costumes entice and seduce children to take part in their fantasies during story time. 

So, it's time to remind the world of what I wrote about one courageous mom named Simcha Fisher; a mom with common sense and (whether she knows it or not), the wisdom to know that God made boys in His image.  In an article titled, Boys With Sticks, Fisher lays out her argument for letting "boys be boys".  She writes:  Are we so afraid of the power of violence to overtake us that we are uncomfortable with its harmless expression in children’s play?

Yes, we are, and it’s making a mess of the world. It doesn’t make violence go away when we always tell boys, ‘Put that stick down.’ Instead, it’s making a world where people -- boys and girls alike -- have no idea what to do about unjust violence. [And we have certainly seen how ugly that can get in these last few years].

Boys playing with sticks is not a meaningless game. It’s something that little boys absolutely must be allowed to do, if that’s how they want to play. A boy who wants to pick up a stick needs to know that he can, and he may, and that his affinity for sticks is not a bad thing. He needs to know that a stick is a powerful thing, and that the world needs men who know how to use their sticks. 

Ultimately, what we have done is effectively emasculated our boys and men into becoming ineffective warriors.  For, warriors is what they are called to be.  It may sound old-fashioned, but I can remember when men could take pride in being their wife’s protector; in being a father who provided for his family; or a brother who watched over his siblings -- when policemen were celebrated for their service to the public's welfare; and a soldier for defending his country. As trite and simplistic as it may sound, I am left wondering if the astounding popularity of shows like Outlander are not a result of both men and women longing for a return of warrior/heroes who aren't afraid to stand for right and wrong; who are willing to die to protect their wife and family; and who will remain immovable in the face of injustice and evil. 

Actually, that's a pretty smart play by the devil.  If he can convince us that without warriors, there will be no violence in the world, then he has leveled the playing field in our spiritual warfare.  Of course, you recognize that I am looking at this issue through my Biblical worldview.  But I don't believe my view is really that far off from Simcha Fisher, who says this about the warrior mindset:  Boys who are never allowed to be wild are boys who never learn how to control that wildness. Boys who are not allowed to whack, and be whacked, with sticks never learn what fighting is like. What’s so bad about that? Well, they may end up hitting someone weak, with no idea how much it hurts to be hit. Or they may end up standing by while the strong go after the weak – and have no idea that it’s their job to put a stop to it. 

While Simcha's statement may not perfectly align with my Biblical discernment of God's plan for His male creation, I certainly think her description of what it means to be a boy can yield the opportunities to learn both compassion and what it means to stand steadfast for righteousness and justice.  This is perfectly stated in Micah 6:8, which tells us, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"  Of course, that last part is vitally important in accomplishing the first two admonitions.  And there is the unspoken truth that with these responsibilities as protector, provider, and warrior, God has set the boundaries for men ... it is all to be done to glorify Him. So little boys must be given rules to play by, and to know where their sense of power comes from. When we abandoned that important principle of male identity, we set chaos in motion in our society.

I must say that I am glad that I am of a generation that still honors the traditional roles of men and women.  I love knowing that my husband takes his role as my protector and provider seriously and with pride. His name actually means "Peace-loving Warrior" and he embodies those important traits of Biblical manhood.  I am thrilled to see my nephews following their calling as police officers. And I am encouraged by seeing my Godson [pictured above] live out the warrior spirit that is inherent in his young personality. This world is spiraling into increasing chaos and unmanageable violence. Satan has his warriors on the battlefield... we better be training up ours for the fight of our lives!

#whatitmeanstobeaman #Godlymen #Biblicalmasculinity #menaswarriors #longingforheroes #it'soktobeaman

1 Corinthians 16:13-14    Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
 

 

Being A Christian: The Light of Christ

I'm sure you have experienced this as I have ... when the subject of faith comes up, people often define themselves by saying, "I am a Christian". But what does that really mean to them? Is there a universal understanding of what makes someone a Christian? Does the person who describes him or herself with that designation have a fixed and unalterable idea of what the term means? I ask because I think it is important for the effectiveness of the Christian faith for those who identify as such to be able to discern and clarify the characteristics, attributes, and values of a Christian. 

When my husband and I are meeting someone who has been referred to our ministry, we take the time to sit and visit with them in order to make them comfortable with us, of course, but also to establish how they view and experience their faith. How a person views God will ultimately determine how they live their life on this earth, especially as a Christian. We explain, that the heart of our ministry is to partner with Jesus to help them attain the freedom and abundant life that He died to give them. We don't have any magic pill to make the pain of this world [or anger, fear, shame, or unworthiness, etc.] go away. We can only offer them Jesus, and we work within His guidelines.

Invariably, they respond with "I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus". Some can elucidate their faith quite well; showing an erudite understanding of God's expectations of the Christian life and His redemptive plan for all mankind through faith in His Son, Jesus. They know the history of this divine plan and they know the future that He promises us -- both the miracles, signs, wonders and eternal life, along with the struggles and persecution. Being a Christian to them is more than just a name. It's a condition of their heart and spirit.

Then there are those who say they are a Christian, and are Saved, yet when we ask, "If you were to die right now, are you certain you would go to Heaven", they are unable to say yes. Some will say they are a Christian, but express doubts concerning their salvation. But they identify as a Christian because "I come from a Christian family". 

I bring these thoughts up because I believe it is most important in this particular time in world history that we are in need of true Christians who follow the teachings, commandments, practices, and example of Jesus's life in order to overcome the evil that threatens our very existence. But for too many self-identifying Christians, it has become as simple as appropriating the label because they own a Bible or go to Church. In all honesty, that is probably how I started out on my "Christian walk". I didn't pursue Him out of a hungry spirit to know my Creator and my purpose. In fact, I didn't even realize that I couldn't just choose to become a Christian. I had to answer the invitation or calling on my life and then repent [or change the way I lived my life; viewing how I lived from my Heavenly Father's perspective]. That requires developing a real relationship with Him so I can hear His voice and begin the journey for His kingdom that I was sent here to do. And being baptized was an important part of changing from my old sinful existence into a new covenant by being born again by water and receiving the Holy Spirit, who would begin to counsel and teach me the spiritual truth of God and His Word. 

I submit to you that it is important for us to truly understand [and agree!] on what it means to be a Christian. Otherwise, it's too easy to settle for being religious or claiming that our excellent moral conduct is the standard that qualifies us to be a Christian. [And we know how hypocritical that can look to the lost who we are supposed to be showing, by example, why they should receive Jesus's invitation to follow Him]. Far too often, that only leads us to imitating our idea of what a Christian looks like, instead of imitating all that Jesus was and did. And that flawed imitation often leads to judgment of others, which can lead to the squelching or suppression of the movements of God among those He has called and invited to represent Him. That limits what God wants to do in His redemptive plan; what He can offer to elevate our understanding, relationship, and participation with Him. 

It's not about expecting everyone to look like our version of a Christian which can lead to comparisons and indictments of imperfect faith! God is so big and can do a mighty work with someone who does not look or act or sound like us. He didn't make us all from a cookie cutter mold, and the only comparison we should be making is whether a person resembles Jesus. Is he [or she] kind, righteous, modest, compassionate, trustworthy, forgiving, faithful, loving, discerning? Are they steadfast in the face of mistreatment, discrimination, or persecution; able to teach, prophecy and encourage? Unwilling to compromise their beliefs in the commands of God? Do they speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with reverence, seeking to share the Good News of their salvation and the kingdom that is theirs? No one can entirely embody the perfection that is Jesus. But if we can recognize a heart that focuses on following Him as much as is humanly possible, then I think that is the definition of a Christian.

I admit that I have not attained the fulfillment of that goal. None of us have. But I am continuing to pursue my purpose in God's plan, and I can certainly discern those who are trying to do the same. And I am willing to accept that God may be doing something different in someone else to show an attribute of Himself that I do not possess. And I trust the Holy Spirit to show me who is a true representative and spokesman, and who is a false mouthpiece of the enemy. I never want to inhibit a move of God in another's life, nor do I want to fall for lies and deception. A true Christian will be so in tune with the gifts of the Holy Spirit that there will be no doubts. 

Father, help us to take our focus off the world's definition of what it means to be a Christian. After all, the world didn't understand our faith after Christ's ascension in the first century, and we've had 2000 years to confuse the nature, scope and significance of our identity. Let us become what it originally meant ... "little Christ's". May we all become true imitators of all He was. Let the Enemy of God and his agents be put on notice that "as Jesus was, so shall we be". The world needs us to grow up into the maturity of being Your representatives and no longer compromise nor tolerate the strategies of the devil. Let us take off the Christian "mask" and reveal the true identity of a Christian ... a child of God; a spirit joined to Jesus; the temple of the Holy Spirit; a conqueror in Christ; a daughter/son of the King; a healer; part of a royal priesthood; an ambassador of Heaven and the Kingdom of God; the light of Christ; and so much more through the grace and faithfulness of our Lord. These attributes are far from complete, but I thank you for sending us to represent You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in this place and this time. It is a privilege to submit all I am and all I have to Your cause. Amen!

#whatisachristian #meaningofchristian #representingjesus #littlechrists #christianmeaning #thelightofchrist

Ephesians 5:8    For once you were darkness, but now in union with the Lord, you are light. Walk as children of light.