The Lost Mandate of Heaven, Part 1F [Ideas Series, #6]

Matthew 11:20-24

"Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee."

Thus began Christ to upbraid . That is, to reprove, to rebuke, to denounce heavy judgment on the cities. Why?

When He had sent forth His disciples to preach, and had been in these several cities Himself, and had taught and preached in them, and confirmed His doctrine by many wonderful works; when He had observed how ill they had used both John the Baptist and Himself, (accusing the one as having a devil, and the other as a licentious person); when they could not be pleased with the ministry of the one, nor of the other, Christ began to reproach them and their ingratitude to Him, their unbelief in Him, the hardness of their hearts. These people - witnesses to His goodness and miraculous acts - could not be moved to repent of their evil ways, and believe in Him, and acknowledge Him as the Messiah. What a tragic, pitiable breed these folks were!

The more God has done to draw men unto Himself, the less excusable are they if they continue in iniquity. If our blessed Lord had not done every thing that was necessary for the salvation of these people, there might be a glimmer of excuse. But, there isn't. Christ condemned these unbelieving cities because they repented not. All He did was, in order to bring men to repentance of their sins, and faith in Himself, was to work miracle after miracle in those same cities that they might be saved. He did not come to be applauded and to entertain, but to bring men to repentance. Lo, it never happened because of men's hardened hearts. What they wanted and didn't get were freebies.

As this great Nation slides into oblivion, it is sad to note that we are in the very position of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. God indeed has wrought a miraculous work in America. To ascend into incredible heights in such a short time can only be attributed to His providential hand.America has stood for the promise of escape from tribal loyalties and hatreds, the limitations of social heredity, and from the cruelties of religious intolerance. To be sure, America remains true to its cultural underpinnings - founded upon Judeo-Christian values - while still welcoming new citizens through a legitimate assimilative process. Generations of people came here not merely in search of new space to grow, but on a quest to realize the American Dream that defines this Nation. The institutions established by the U.S. Constitution take their cue from Biblical sources.

Our Founding Fathers acknowledged God as the source of our rights. In fact, they were careful to place Biblical morality directly into our founding documents and laws, and into our values and culture precisely to help prevent a future of totalitarian or tyrannical rule in America. The Founding Fathers declared that our political and human rights come from a power higher than human government; they come from God Himself.

If we are to avoid the same fates of the aforementioned cities, then we need to forsake the path that we're on and humbly seek God. Think about it: In November 2012, the Nation will vote for either a Muslim or a Mormon to lead this Christian Nation. Read II Chronicles 7:14 and beg God for mercy!

The cities in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee had, thus far, heard and seen the most of the Lord and had the least excuse for rejecting him. Interestingly, from the 4th century to the 11th century Capernaum had 3 earthquakes, which successively leveled the town until the people decided to stop building and instead moved away.

A Tempest In A Teapot?

A dangerous heat and electrical storm with winds over 80 MPH blasted Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC June 29 2012. The storm left over 61,000 residents in our county with out power, in the sweltering heat. Homes and businesses across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia lost power June 29 as one of the most powerful and punishing storms in months swept across the region.

More coverage here.

We know a number of facts about the June 29 derecho now. As many as 5 million lost power from near Chicago to the East Coast, at least 22 were killed, and it caused a yet uncounted millions or billions in damage. Yet, as of 24 hours prior and even the morning of, very little in the way of mass indication that it was coming.

While the United States moves toward becoming a weather ready nation, how could something like this happen with half a day or less of warning? Is it destined to happen again?

How apropo that this storm would hit the D.C. area the day after Judge Roberts turned the healthcare fight upside down with his siding with the radical left wing of the SCOTUS! Coincidental? I guess it's one question we can ask the Lord on that Great Day when we leave earth and join Him in Glory.

America Has Forgotten the God of the Bible

Back in 1993, an Appeals Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for Gideon International to hand out Bibles in public schools in Indianapolis. It was all right to hand out condoms to 13-year-olds. It was all right to graphically instruct junior high school kids on how to have safe sex. It was all right to give free abortion counseling to 14-year-olds without parental consent. And yet, it was wrong to give them a Bible in America in 1993. Guess what, folks? The landscape remains the same except godlessness is more rampant now than ever before. Without God's Word, we are truly lost and adrift.

Now to an extent you can understand why our children need to be protected from the dangerous doctrines contained in the Bible. Have you looked at it lately? After all, it has such "dangerous" concepts as "Love thy neighbor as thyself" and "Do not covet your neighbor's wife". And of course, young ears should never hear such words as "Do not commit adultery" or "Flee fornication". Oh, no we cannot, even under the principle of academic freedom which says that all competing ideas have a right to be heard, allow someone access to the Bible. Why, they might read and believe, and live by some of those "dangerous concepts."

If that were to happen, the world as we know it would come to an end! Think of the deadly ramifications of obeying the Bible. Parents would be respected and obeyed, as would teachers. We wouldn't need policemen (i.e, school resource officers) in every school. No need for metal detectors to check for guns and knives. Hatred and racism would die. Teenage pregnancy and the perceived need to hand out safe-sex materials would soon be gone. By all means please have the godless liberals protect us from such a horrific fate!

In the 1960's we forgot God by removing prayer and the Bible from our schools.

In the 1970's we forgot God by legalizing abortion in our hospitals.

In the 1980's we forgot God by removing the King James Bible from our churches and replacing It with the corrupted New International Version (NIV) that removes the important word “begotten” from John 3:16! There are more atrocities in the NIV but there is not enough space to delineate them here.

In the 1990's America forgot God by introducing the vile “Gay Agenda” into society.

And now in the 21st Century we are facing the abominations of legalized same-sex marriages and infanticide. Because of evolution, American has chosen to ignore God's revelation through His Holy Word (Rom. 1:20). Because of it, they have blown open the door to godlessness. Hypocritically, the same humanists who relentlessly place God on trial, unquestioningly accept the unproven theories of evolution.

America voted for a Communist U.S. president and is on the brink of re-electing him to a 2nd term.

Heed the warning in Psalm 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."

Woe unto America!

 

I Want No Part of Godlessness!

Sources: Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary; International Standard Bible Dictionary; Washington Post; Washington Times; myFOXDC.com

US State Dept to Iran: Release Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Immediately [UPDATE!]

Matthew 5:10

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Tue, Jul. 10, 2012 Posted: 01:43 PM EDT

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The U.S. State Department issued a statement Monday to Iran demanding that Tehran immediately release Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who has been imprisoned for over 1,000 days.

Noting that July 8 marked the 1,000th day that Nadarkhani had been imprisoned, State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said, "Pastor Nadarkhani still faces the threat of execution for simply following his faith, and we repeat our call for Iranian authorities to release him immediately."

Nadarkhani, 35, is facing death simply because he converted to Christianity when he was 19 and has refused on multiple occassions presented by the court to recant his faith. The pastor from Radht, Iran, was born to Muslim parents and came to faith as a teen. As a pastor he led a network of house churches in Iran.

But what led to the pastor's arrest on Oct. 13, 2009, was not his house church activities, but rather becaue he protested the goverment forcing his children to read the Quran in school. He was charged with apostasy and given the death sentence, even though officially Iran's constitution upholds equal rights for religious minorities and there is no official law against apostasy.

The American Center for Law and Justice, a Christian legal group, has been spreading awareness and leading the advocacy campaign to free Nadarkhani. The ACLJ-led campaign "Tweet for Youcef" has over 2.5 million Twitter users from over 230 countries. On Sunday, the 1,000th day of the Iranian pastor's imprisonment, the campaign called for participants to tweet with hashtags #Nadarkhani and #1000illegaldays.

"We want to dispel any rumors that [Nadarkhani's] current apostasy charge, for which he was sentenced to death, has been removed," ACLJ's executive director Jordan Sekulow told CP last Friday. "Until the regime unconditionally exonerates and releases Pastor Youcef, his apostasy charge stands."

Present Truth Ministries, a Minnesota-based organization, said in a statement Thursday that Nadarkhani will likely be tried for crimes against security in September.

“Our sources in Iran have informed us that Youcef has been officially notified of a new trial for crimes against national security in September,” the ministry said. “We assume by implication that this means the charges of apostasy have been dropped since the new charges have been issued, but we have no confirmation of that.”

Back in February, influential American pastor Rick Warren tweeted a request for prayers for another imprisoned Iranian pastor, Behnam Irani, who is currently serving a five-year sentence for alleged crimes against national security.

"Pray for our dear pastor Behnam Irani who's been severely beaten in prison in Iran for preaching Jesus," Warren had tweeted on Feb. 1st.

Irani is a 41-year-old pastor from Karaj, Iran, who became a follower of Jesus Christ in 1992 and a pastor in 2002. He has been arrested for "crimes" against national security twice, all connected to him holding house church services and leading people to Christ. He is currently serving a five year sentence that began in May 2011. Present Truth Ministries, which also reports on the conditions of Nadarkhani, reports that Irani is often beaten and physically abused in prison. His family is concerned that he may die in prison if his condition doesn't improve.

Nadarkhani is next scheduled to appear in court Sept. 8th.

Sources: American Center for Law & Justice; Christian Post; Fox News

On Dangerous Grounds - The Ongoing Saga In Sudan

Romans 12:21

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

Juba, South Sudan

May 2012

The Republic of Sudan (North Sudan) has left many in the South resentful. In 1956 the South initiated a rebellion, motivated in large part by fears of further marginalization as political and economic power were centralized in the north. This conflict was ended by a peace agreement made in 1972.

Yet this fragile peace was soon ruptured by violations of the peace agreement, division of the regions, and the nationwide imposition of Sharia law, which led to the outbreak of open conflict in 1983. Specifically, the accusation was that the Sudanese government was oppressing non-Arab, non-Muslim Sudanese in favor of Sudanese Muslim Arabs.

This conflict lasted 22 years and is estimated to have killed 2 million people and rendered another 4 million homeless. It is also known as the Darfur Genocide, which caught the world’s attention. In 2005 the Naivasha Agreement, was signed by the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the National Congress Party (NCP) in Khartoum, bringing an official end to the conflict. However, trouble continues between the two Sudans, with fresh accusations by each side that the other is supporting rebel groups against their respective governments, causing instability along the border.

There are crucial issues such as border demarcation, sharing of debt, and oil revenues and the use of the North’s pipeline remain that unresolved. To say the least, the Sudan region remains a tinderbox.

Presently, the current fighting along the disputed border between Sudan and newly independent South Sudan threatens to throw the region back into chaos. Just seven years after a peace agreement successfully ended a war that had killed somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5 million people (in a country with a present population of 8 million), there are daily reports of bombings and border attacks, troubling reminders of the frailty of the post-conflict status quo.

The region’s non-Arab Christians and other groups successfully separated themselves from an Islamist regime that imposed sharia law, depopulated much of Darfur, sheltered Osama bin Laden, and bought advanced weapons systems from Iran.

In South Sudan, Christian evangelicals are openly welcomed​—​in particular, a group of American aid workers who have helped build the country, and lobbied on its behalf, and who now have no intention of abandoning it, even on the brink of war.

Justin Lotio, a pastor in Juba who stayed through the violence, told a Western jounalist, “We were living like people in a cage [during the civil war],” It is documented that Christian pastors were taken out and killed simply because they were pastors. The North came and took people out of Christian communities and tried to indoctrinate them, and still they held onto Christianity to the point of death. It’s something that gives them hope. It sustains them. Pastor Lotio said, “Today, there is freedom.”

In South Sudan, American aid groups have opened hospitals, drilled boreholes, fed refugees, and trained rural South Sudanese in farming and water management. The director of one of the aid groups summed up the organization’s mission this way: “If people are starving, helping them is what we’re called to do.”

The report on Sudan, which comes from various news sources & outlets, point to the dire need of the Gospel of Christ in that region. If people's basic needs are met without hearing about their need for a Saviour then all of that wonderful effort to lend succor to a newly founded nation is in vain.

I ask this dire question: Is there anyone out there in cyber-land whose heart is pierced by what took place - and, indeed, continues to manifest itself - South Sudan? That nation needs Christian missionaries. Don't let the Mormons - or any other group - beat us to the punch. Don't allow lies to take the place of the Gospel.

Please be prayerful about how you can be a blessing to this nation. If you are not called out to the missions field by the Lord, then please pray for South Sudan and that the Lord strengthen the Christian pastors and believers there. Pray that the local New Testament church is established and its needs are met to serve the Sudanese.

To be sure, the local New Testament church can bring together poor and geographically scattered communities. When there is no church, the people are divided according to clan, and there is a lot of fighting. The church is the only place where people can and agree, and act like brothers and sisters because it is the love of Christ (Heb. 13:1; Jn. 13:34; Rom. 12:9-10; I Pt. 1:22-23)  and His abiding Presence that hold people together. The glue that binds people together in a society is the local New Testament church. It is here that good overcomes evil.

What are you going to do about it, dear Reader? I Want To Send the Light!

There’s a call comes ringing over the restless wave,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
There are souls to rescue there are souls to save,
Send the light! Send the light!

Send the light, the blessed Gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light, the blessed Gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore!

Let us not grow weary in the work of love,
“Send the light! Send the light!”
Let us gather jewels for a crown above,
Send the light! Send the light!

Send the light, the blessed Gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light, the blessed Gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore!

News sources: Weekly Standard, Insight on Conflict & BBC News. Photo credit: United Nations. 


Hopes and Fears of Afghan Christians

 

II Timothy 3:12

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

 

For Afghanistan's tiny Christian community, a community certainly in the hundreds and probably the thousands, the Abdul Rahman case has brought both fear and hope. Mr. Rahman is starting a new life in Italy after his trial in Afghanistan for converting from Islam collapsed. He faced the death penalty if he had been found guilty.

He said, "In Afghanistan we Christians have nothing to do with politics. We love and respect everyone. We love and respect even our enemies, however they punish us."

The Christian community lives with the threat of official harassment and attack by extremists. There have been gun and grenade attacks against churches in neighbouring Pakistan.

But despite the reported hardline rhetoric of Afghan clerics during the Rahman case, the Christian claims that many Muslim friends regard his conversion as a private matter.

"Most of my friends know that I am a Christian," he said. "I have many friends who are mullahs and maulvis. Some of them say they like me more these days. Before I was a liar, I was cheating people and many other things. I don't do that now."

The reasons for conversion in such a potentially hostile environment are of course varied and personal:                    

The harsh doctrine of the Taleban were factors in the conversion of some Afghans.

There is much disillusionment. People used to look to communism, now they look increasingly to Christianity.

The compassionate actions of Christian-based aid agencies during the civil war and Taliban era in Afghanistan had impressed many Afghans.

A Christian Afghan convert stated, "I am very happy with my life and I see other Christians here very happy too,"

He added, "In the future, what God wants will happen. But Christians are always with God and if we are killed we go to God."

Friend, are you promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are you living it? Every corner of the world, every nook and cranny is a missions field. The grocery store. The mall. The neighbors. The bus stop. Every place is the right place to take the Light of the world - Jesus Christ - to the world.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  (Matt. 5:16)

Whom do you choose: God or Mammon?

I Want To Serve God!

Story excerpted from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/south_asia/4865818.stm

Babble On, Babylon!

II Timothy 2:16
"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness."

Sometimes I just can't help myself when I come across articles like the one I'm about to post for your reading pleasure. It reminded me of Scripture that refers to men and their vain babblings. Here's a good look at what takes place when men of "higher education" get together to discuss the fine points of Christianity (of course, I say this tongue in cheek, no pun intended). My focus is on the panel's discussion on the Lord's Prayer and not on the merits of the litigation. Hopefully, you'll understand why I posted this sterling example of journalism. Vive le bon mot!

Is the Lord's Prayer a Christian Prayer?

In Mullin v. Sussex County, Delaware, a U.S. District Court must answer whether the Lord's Prayer is sectarian. Four residents sued the county council for opening meetings with the prayer. The county says it's not Christian "because no Christian tradition existed" when Jesus prayed it. The judge called the case difficult "because there is no reference to Jesus or Allah."

Observers weigh in on whether the Lord's Prayer is a Christian prayer.

"The Lord's Prayer is the Christian prayer. It comes up more than any other text in Christian liturgies since the first century. And its context in Matthew and Luke gives explicitly Christian meanings to terms such as Father and kingdom."

Here's what the expert panel had to say:

Simon Kistemaker, New Testament professor, Reformed Theological Seminary

"It is a Christian prayer. Jesus was certainly influenced [my emphasis] by certain Jewish models of prayer, but he gave it to his disciples specifically. So it's a direct inheritance for us as Christians."

Here, the good professor stated that Christ was influenced, which slyly implies that Jesus was man only, being under the influence of the Middle Eastern culture of His day, rather than being the chief Actor in human culture & destiny (Col. 1:6). Looking at Mr. Kistemaker's alma mater, it makes one wonder what kind of "reformation" his school underwent?

J. Brent Walker, executive director, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty

"You could consider it a prayer for multiple religions, because Jesus is considered to be a rabbi or a great teacher by many of the world's religions. It was not originally delivered as a Christian prayer; it was simply a teacher teaching his disciples a good way to pray."

A prayer for multiple religions? Not a Christian prayer? Jesus simply a teacher (I Jn. 2:4, 19, 22; I Jn. 4:3)? And, Mr. Walker's a Baptist! A Baptist said this! This is a good time as any to kneel and pray for this man!

Clayton Schmit, professor, Fuller Theological Seminary

"The prayer in and of itself does not explicitly espouse the precepts of Christianity. It recognizes God, but does not proselytize a particular religion."

Here's another live one: The prayer does not explicitly espouse Christian precepts (II Tim. 1:13; 3:16; 4:3). Wow! Ladies and gentlemen, take a good look at what the apostasy looks like. If anyone reading this post is from Fuller Theological Seminary, I'd sure like to hear from you 'cause I've got a few questions for you.

 

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Listen, folks, the Word of God is infallible. By reading the comments of these men, it should behoove you to take the Bible seriously, take God at His word and obey Him at all costs. Put no confidence in what men say, including me. That's why I put Scriptural references in my posts, so that you can read for yourself what God's word says. By the way, there's a new feature in this blog. By clicking on the unquoted Scripture, you will be taken to the annotated blog for the actual Bible verses. Or click here to get to the main page: The Annotated WON

So, compare Scripture to Scripture and study it precept upon precept (Isa. 28:9-10). And, no matter what, keep trusting Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life (Jn. 14:6).

A final quote from D. L. Moody, who said, "God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." Avoid the vain babblers at all costs!

I Choose to Trust God's Word!

The entire discussion can be read at Is the Lord's Prayer A Christian Prayer?

Christian Meeting Bombed In Kenya

Psalm 23:4
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."


On March 31st, a bomb attack at an outdoor worship service killed two Christians—a woman and an eight-year-old boy—and wounded more than 30 in the Kenyan city Mtwapa.

Hundreds of Christians were attending the outdoor service when a hand grenade was thrown towards the pastor’s podium. Muslims were also holding a meeting around 300 metres from the scene of the attack. The Islamic preachers were vilifying Christianity in their sermon which could be heard from the location where the Christians were holding their conference.

Kenyan officials blame members of al-Shabaab, a radical Islamic group in Somalia, for the bomb attack. Attacks and kidnappings coordinated by al-Shabaab in last year have prompted the Kenyan military to strike at al-Shabaab targets in Somalia. The Kenyan government has issued a warning of possible attack by the militants during Easter celebrations.

A Barnabas Aid contact in Kenya said that there has been a concerted Muslim backlash against conversions from Islam to Christianity. They have ordered a church in south Kenya to close down within six months.

Barnabas Aid is providing practical support for Christian converts from Islam in Kenya who are suffering as a result of persecution. One of them is a woman whose husband was killed by Muslims after the couple left Islam to follow Christ. We provided her with funds to start up a small business to support her children.

Pray for the wounded and the grieving. Pray these Christians will rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd walks with them through this difficult time (Psalm 23). Pray the Lord will give these Christians the grace to continue to meet together and encourage one another. Pray for God's will to prevail in Kenya. Pray also for the perpetrators.

(Source: Compass Direct News)

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Spends 35th Birthday Behind Bars [UPDATE]

Here's another UPDATE on Pastor Youcef. Please keep him in your prayers. The article can be read at Pastor Youcef Spends Birthday Behind Bars.


Today, is Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s birthday, and our sources in Iran confirm that he is still alive. Thirty-five years ago, on the 23rd of the Farvardin month of the Persian Calendar, Youcef was born in Iran.

This is the third birthday that Pastor Youcef has been forced to celebrate behind bars, condemned to death in Iran for apostasy – becoming a Christian in a regime governed by Shariah (Islamic) law.

Tomorrow, marks exactly two and a half years of imprisonment – 913 days illegally held in prison for his faith.

Both the Iranian Constitution and the International Declaration of Human Rights, of which Iran is a signatory, not only forbid executing someone for their faith but expressly protect religious freedom. Despite these assurances of religious freedom, Iran continues to imprison Pastor Youcef indefinitely for charges related solely to the exercise of his faith.

Today, Christians and supporters of Pastor Youcef all around the world are holding a fasting and prayer vigil for the persecuted pastor to bring attention to his plight. Just last week, hundreds of Christians and supporters of religious liberty attended a vigil and march for Pastor Youcef’s release in Hamburg, Germany.

These are just a few examples of the increasing international pressure being placed on Iran to release Pastor Youcef. Nations like the United Kingdom, Brazil, and many others are directly demanding that Iran immediately and unconditionally release Pastor Youcef.

The ACLJ’s Tweet for Youcef campaign is now reaching nearly 1.5 million Twitter accounts around the world each day with updates about Pastor Youcef. His story has reached over 91 percent of the United Nations member states, including Iran. The Tweet for Youcef Brazil campaign in Portuguese also continues to see tremendous growth.

Even with this increasing international pressure on Iran for Pastor Youcef’s release, it is critically important to remember that Pastor Youcef is still in an Iranian prison under a death sentence that could be carried out at any time. The only reason that he is still alive today is because of the international outcry against this abhorrent situation. It is not enough that Iran remove his death sentence, rather we must demand his ultimate and unconditional freedom.

Please continue to pray for Pastor Youcef. As a Birthday present for Pastor Youcef and symbol of solidarity for those persecuted for their faith, please let the world know that you support Pastor Youcef by signing up to Tweet for Youcef today.

Happy Birthday Pastor Youcef.

Christianity Growing In Afghanistan

Isaiah 6:8
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."

Coming across a news article on Christians in Afghanistan struck a chord in my heart so much so that I thought I'd share it with everyone out in cyber-land. I'm asking that you please include this nation and its peoples in your daily prayers. I'm copying the text of the news article, which was originally linked by The Weekly Standard. The main news source, Mohabat News has been linked in this post.

(Source:  Mohabat Iranian Christian News)

Afghanistan, a country long suffering from civil wars, has not experienced peace for many years. Ongoing bombings by fundamentalist Muslims have stolen peace from the lives of Afghanis. However, the country has recently seen signs of change as people hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Bigger Afghan cities tend to have underground "Bush Markets" where stuff that "falls off the back of the truck" like these MREs intended for American troops are sold for as little as 20 cents

According to Mohabat News, “Informed Afghan authorities acknowledge that Christianity has obtained a special place not only among youth, but also among various layers in society. (In addition), house churches are growing tremendously.” Further, an independent Shi’ite website in Iran reportedly quoted a knowledgeable Afghan official as saying, “There is evidence of widespread Christian propaganda in Afghanistan, and the existence of more than 10 churches that operate secretly in residential houses have been proven.”

This beggar in Herat suffers from elephantiasis, which afflicts over 120 million people, primarily in Africa and South-East Asia

 

 

News reports indicates that some members of the News country's parliament have embraced Christianity. A Farsi news service also published a report on these conversions, writing, “Evangelism and Christian propaganda is taking place in the country at a high level, but this is the first time that those who call themselves representatives of the Afghani people not only have become ‘apostates’ but have joined Christian ministries to evangelize. This time they want to present their Christian services to Muslim people through parliament.”

Along the road vendors sell freshly caught Kabul river fish or scavenged mountain flora

Muslims make up the vast majority of Afghanistan’s population at 99.85 per cent. Christians account for 0.05 per cent. While there is limited freedom to practice other religions, there is no freedom to propagate another faith or to convert from Islam.

During a picnic at the walls of the ancient city of Balkh, "Sheikh" (center right) unfurled the red carpet and served us fatty lamb, flat bread, sugary tea and Coca Cola

Thank the Lord for the way He is working in this nation. Ak Him to Afhani Christtians a strong and mature faith with a bold desire to share the gospel. Pray the Lord will continue to work to bring many more to repentance. Pray for protection of believers in Afghanistan.

Instead of an iPod, workers in the field bring their song birds to entertain them through the day

NOTE: Photos and captions courtesy of Paretz Paretnsky who took the pictures and wrote the captions. More can be seen at Through the Eyes of An Independent Contractor

I'd like a relationship with Jesus Christ: Click Here

He has called us to the reaping,
urgently sent out the call.
What a shame if at His coming
we have brought no sheaves at all!

Face to face, I shall behold Him
on His glorious judgment seat.
What a shame if at that meeting,
I lay nothing at His feet.

The Word That Never Fails

Revelation 22:18-19

"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

From a news article in Fox News website, there is mention of Thomas Jefferson's view on the Bible. In it, there is reference that Thomas Jefferson, who worked to ensure protections of religious liberty, created his own version of the Holy Bible. He played editor to the portions of the Bible that he didn't agree with, in particular the miraculous and divine. Therefore, there's no mention of the Resurrection.

Jefferson should've read in I Corinthians 15:16-19 -

"For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."

Without the atoning work and resurrection of Jesus Christ, then we are just living among the masses with just another philosophy to compare to many other philosophies. That would truly be a most miserable life, indeed!

The news report states, "Jefferson was very much a product of thinking of the time, known as the Enlightenment...And so he was unwilling to accept anything that couldn't be proved on the basis of evidence. So he was determined to remove what he felt couldn't be substantiated."

Here's a new flash for Jefferson and for those who think like him: Jesus Christ is risen! His body wasn't found in the tomb because He achieved what He said He would do; that is, to rise from the dead. That's proof enough there.

Click here for the entire article: The Gospel According to Jefferson

Another individual who carried his agenda to the fullest extent was Adolf Hitler. He had a racist hatred against the Jews, which had no boundaries. In his war against the Jews Hitler instructed a group of German theologians to rewrite the Bible.

The German newspaper, Bilt Zeitung has revealed that in 1939 a group of Protestant theologians, loyal to the Nazi regime, established an institution for the "cleansing of Judaism from Christianity."

The institution's official purpose was to cleanse the Protestant church of all ceremonies with non-Aryan influences, and to compile alternative scriptures derived from the Nazi ideology and spirit of the church. The church staff worked incessantly, conducting comprehensive surveys and publishing a large number of documents that imbued Christianity with Nazi commentary.

One of these publications, the German Book of Faith, included the rewriting of the 10 commandments in the spirit of Nazi ethics, and also added two more commandments:

Hitler's 12 commandments:

1. Honour God and believe in him wholeheartedly
2. Seek out the peace of God
3. Avoid all hypocrisy
4. Holy is your health and life
5. Holy is your wellbeing and honour
6. Holy is your truth and fidelity
7. Honour your father and mother - your children are your aid and your example
8. Keep the blood pure and your honour holy
9. Maintain and multiply the heritage of your forefathers
10. Be ready to help and forgive
11. Honour your Fuhrer and master
12. Joyously serve the people with work and sacrifice.

Any mention of Hebrew words such as Hallelujah & Jehovah were carefully deleted from the book. The name of David's City, Jerusalem, was removed as well. More here: How Hitler Twisted the Bible To Kill the Jews.

It is said that Hitler embraced Darwinian philosophy, which dovetailed neatly with his belief that the weak and inferior races should be exterminated. This wayward, demonic thinking put him at loggerheads with the Christian gospel, which says that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gladly leaves the 99 sheep in the pen to go and find the lost one (Lk. 15:4-7). Author Ray Comort, in his book Hitler, God and the Bible In, concludes that Hitler’s abuse of theology dismantled the moral fiber of a nation.

Now there is an ex-constitutional professor who left academia to serve in public life and is, from what I've heard, chief executive officer of the most powerful nation on earth. I've also read that this CEO has twisted God's word around to justify his poisonous policies.

Mr. Obama and his ilk say that the Bible is off-limits when it addresses the subject of homosexuality, homosexual marriage, abortion, or any issue liberals favor but the Bible condemns.  Yet, when it comes to wealth distribution then it's quite alright to quote the Good Book. The only problem is that when President Barack Hussein Obama quoted from the Bible, he both took his quotation out of context and got it wrong.

Consider the misquote Mr. Obama commented on from Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Here's the Scriptural context:

"And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."   Luke 12:47-48

Aside from the fact that Jesus was discussing requirements from God, not the government, he was actually teaching His disciples that they were stewards of God’s blessings. Their requirement was to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s the crux of Christianity that Obama seems to miss. Jesus came because we are sinners; He died for our sins so that we wouldn't have to die in our sins. We could never fulfill any of God's requirements. Thus, God, not government, does the demanding.

A better illustration of care would be the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-35), but that wouldn't work for Obama because the Samaritan used his own money.

Now, I'm not saying that Mr. Obama is like Mr. Hitler or Mr. Jefferson. However, these 3 men have one thing in common: They distorted God's word to suit their world view. And, what I am saying - quite explicitly - is that men (or, women for that matter) who toy with and twist the Word of God to justify their political or racist beliefs are in danger of hellfire. And the people who follow these types of people blindly and willingly are going down a dangerous and fatal road (Matt. 7:13).

In conclustion, the American Constitution's First Amendment guarantees millions of Christians the right this weekend to boldly celebrate their faith's holiest day of the year, Resurrection Sunday, when Scriptures say Jesus rose from the dead. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is foundational to Christianity. Liberty is foundational for any free nation. Underpinning faith and freedom is truth.

Readers, I urge you to read your Bibles daily. Keep & guard God's truth in your hearts (Prov. 4:23). God's word is not extreme, only men's lies and Satan's lies are. Trust only in Jesus Christ!

If you want to place your trust in Jesus, here's how: In the Beginning Was the Word and the Word Was God

Holy Bible, book Divine,
Precious treasure, thou art mine;
Mine to tell me whence I came;
Mine to teach me what I am.

Mine to chide me when I rove;
Mine to shew a Saviour’s love;
Mine art thou to guide my feet;
Mine to judge, condemn, acquit.

Mine to comfort in distress;
If the Holy Spirit bless;
Mine to shew, by living faith,
Man can triumph over death.

Mine to tell of joys to come,
And the rebel sinner’s doom;
Holy Bible, book Divine,
Precious treasure, thou art mine.

- James Burton, Sr.

Christ Alone Is the Way

Ephesians 2:8-9
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Henry Gregory Adams was born of Roman Catholic parents in Saskatchewan, Canada and brought up strictly in that faith. Read his testimony here about how he found the Lord Jesus Christ:

"From early youth I was trying to be good, yet falling progressively into sin. With the rest of the crowd I was heading into perdition. I was told that by becoming a monk and priest I could avoid sin and be more certain of my salvation. Because I was sincerely seeking salvation, I entered the Basilian Order of Monks, received the long black robe and an adopted monastic name of "Saint Hilarion the Great" and made my vows. Among the studies for the priesthood, we had three textbooks on the Bible but not the Bible.

"I was eager to serve the Lord Jesus Christ! By leading a monastic life I thought I was doing just that. I performed all my monastic duties to the last rule. I whipped myself every Wednesday and Friday evening till my back bled; in penance I often kissed the floor; often I ate my meager meal kneeling down on the floor or completely deprived myself of food. I did many forms of penance for I was truly seeking salvation. I was taught that I could eventually merit heaven. I did not know that the word of God says, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

"After I was ordained as a priest I served five parishes in the Alberta area. I said Mass every day, heard confession, recited the rosary to Mary, had devotions to many saints and performed my penances more fervently than ever. Yet these did not satisfy my weary soul. I was heading into even deeper distress of soul than when I was a boy.

"I became acquainted with the Roman Catholic version of the Bible and in it were striking verses that contradicted my very belief and practices. God's Book said one thing, my Church another. Who was right? The Roman Church or God? I eventually believed God's word.

"The monastic life and the sacraments prescribed by the Roman Catholic Church did not help me to come to know Christ personally (John 14:6) and find salvation. After twelve and half years I escaped from the monastery, a lost sinner, without peace in my soul. I realized that man-made sacraments of my Church and my good works were in vain for salvation.

"Soon afterwards I believed that Christ died for me because I could not save my soul, and I trusted Him alone for my salvation. When I repented of my sins and received Him into my heart, believing that on the cross He paid the complete penalty for my condemnation, I knew that my sins were not only forgiven but forgotten and that I was justified before God."

Henry Gregory Adams' testimony excerpted from "Far From Rome, Near to God" (Richard Bennett and Martin Buckingham)

Reader, if you're thinking religion can save you then you are wrong. I too was raised as a Roman Catholic and knew when to kneel, stand, and sit during Mass. On Saturdays, we stood in line along with our friends and their families as we gave our confessions to the priest. As a kid, I was always amazed that the priest knew the exact number of "Our Fathers", "Hail Marys" and "Apostles' Creeds" I should pray for my sins. I thought that maybe they had charts like those found in a math book. Or a Catholic calculator. But, Catholicism left me empty in spite of - or because of- all the rituals.

It wasn't until I understood that I was a sinner and that I had sinned against God that I truly comprehended in my heart why Christ had to die for my sins. You see, it's not until you personalize Calvary and that you acknowledge that your transgressions and sins put Jesus up on the cross, it's not until then that you open your heart to Jesus and ask Him to be your personal Saviour and Lord.

I hope you undestand this basic truth: Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He died on the cross for your sins (John 3:16). Why? Because He loves you (Rom. 5:8)! Don't delay the decision any further. Surrender to Him today and experience love and newness like you've never known before. Follow Him here: The Plan of Salvation

Happy day, happy day,
when Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray,
and live rejoicing every day.
Happy day, happy day,
when Jesus washed my sins away!

Ten Little Christians

Romans 14:17-19

^"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

There's nothing more disheartening in the church than to see divisions of any kind. It holds back the ministries and the work of the Holy Ghost. The only serious division should come from rightly dividing His word (II Tim. 2:15).

To be sure, every thing should be done in love. Christ told his disciples as much. In John 13:34-35, He said: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Also, consider I John 4:7-8:
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

Please consider Scripture and the poem below. I know it got me to think about my words, actions and motives. May the Lord bless you richly.



Ten Little Christians
Ten Little Christians came to church all the time;
One fell out with the preacher, then there were nine.

Nine Little Christians stayed up late;
One overslept on Sunday, then there were eight.

Eight Little Christians on their way to Heaven;
One took the low road, then there were seven.

Seven Little Christians, chirping like chicks;
One didn't like the singing, then there were six.

Six Little Christians seemed very much alive;
One took a vacation, then there were five.

Five Little Christians pulling for Heaven’s shore;
One stopped to take a rest, then there were four.

Four Little Christians each as busy as a bee;
One had his feelings hurt, then there were three.

Three Little Christians couldn't decide what to do;
One couldn't have his way, then there were two.

Two Little Christians each won one more;
Now don't you see, two plus two equals four.

Four Little Christians worked early and late;
Each brought one, now there were eight.

Eight Little Christians if they double as before;
In just seven Sundays, we have one thousand twenty four.

In this jingle there is a lesson true;
You belong either to the Lord, or to the wrecking crew.

-Author Unknown

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Still Alive - UPDATE!

II Timothy 4:5

"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."

By Jordan Sekulow

American Center for Law & Justice [ACLJ]

As of Saturday afternoon, March 3, 2012, the ACLJ’s sources in Iran have confirmed that Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is still alive.

Reports that his execution occurred earlier today are false, and images being circulated purporting to be from his execution are outdated and demonstratively false.

The ACLJ still believes that the execution order has been issued, but we can confirm that as of today Pastor Youcef is still alive. International pressure continues to build on Iran.

Please continue to pray and Tweet for Youcef, as we fight for his life.