A bit of humour
|
Posted:Apr 30, 2020 10:36 pm
Last Updated:Jan 18, 2022 2:39 am 4033 Views
|
My next door neighbour told that while working at home her husband had found a cockroach in the kitchen. He was incensed and spent an hour or so cleaning the floors and the surfaces.
She said that tomorrow she would put it in the bathroom.
|
|
|
1
comment
|
|
Is Africa dying?
|
Posted:Apr 30, 2020 10:33 pm
Last Updated:Jan 18, 2022 2:40 am 3992 Views
|
I've looked at several clips Africa's situation at the moment. There's the locust plague across East Africa, food is running out.
In Zimbabwe there's no work, food is running out, no money left from corrupt governments. They've appealed the UN for aid but because of the previous corrupt government pocketing the aid money in the past for themselves they have been refused.
Food is running out in South Africa, they killed many farmers who knew how farm the land, food shortages was predicted just because of this when it was happening & now with the virus it's worse; police are forcing people indoors, even whipping that are playing in the streets go back inside their house that has no food. One African lady said she'd rather run roulette with the virus than face certain starvation, she needed go out and find food.
In another clip trucks full of food were not allowed across borders because the markets were closed, they had food but could not deliver it, it was rotting away in the back of the trucks. One lady farmer who grew and sold rice said she couldn't sell it. It wasn't being delivered, she couldn't get paid and so it goes, on and on the ripple effect.
People are desperate. In one clip Nigerian doctors were refusing to work because they were only getting between $3.00-$5.00 per day and it cost them more in transportation costs to get to work than what they were being paid. This is not good. At this point in time I can't see it ending well, I fear for Africa. They need our prayers.
|
|
|
1
comment
|
|
Pre, Mid or Post Trib?
|
Posted:Apr 8, 2020 8:48 am
Last Updated:Jan 18, 2022 2:41 am 4202 Views
|
You have Pre-Tribulational, Mid-Tribulational and Post-Tribulational positions.
Which one is it? I used to be pre-Tib because many were preaching it and had not studied it, but then I thought the antichrist would sign the treaty in the middle of the Tribulation and then we would know who he was and get whisked out, (1 Thes 4:16-17; 2 Thes 2:3).
So then I thought it was Mid-Trib because wouldn’t we know who the antichrist was then? The problem is I didn’t think about the timing of 1 Thes 4:16-17.
2 Thes 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the of perdition;
Another problem with Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib and Post-Trib is that no one knows the day nor the hour, so if the antichrist signed the treaty we'd be able to countdown the days. But if Scripture says no one will know the day nor the hour then that door is closed also. After the church age is over there's no indication that the church itself is raptured immediately, it just says the church age is over, He removes His Holy Spirit from the world (not from individuals) and ceases to convict the world of sin, then God deals again with Israel like He did in the Old Testament. Once the Holy Spirit is removed this will make the allowance for Jesus to return.
2 Thes 2 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way
1 Thes 4:16-17 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord
However there are a few verses that seem to indicate we go through the Tribulation but how can that be if we are to come back with Jesus at the end of the Tribulation?
Here are some verses that indicate we go through the Tribulation.
Mat 14:29-31 “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 And then the sign of the of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
So this is saying after the Tribulation and so is this verse below
Rev 7:14 I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
These verses also say we go through the tribulation.
Rev 20:4-6 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.
This verse also says that immediately AFTER the tribulation and sends His angels to gather the elect.
Mat 24:29-31 “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 And then the sign of the of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
But we are not destined for God's wrath which comes on the world at the end of the Tribulation. However Satan has always persecuted Christians and Jews for millennia.
1 Thes 5:9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ
However we all return soon after because God's wrath is poured out upon the earth and Jesus comes back 'with His saints' to destroy the antichrist & the world's armies.
1 Thes 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Conclusion: We go through most or all of the Tribulation but as God is about to pour out His wrath at the end we get taken up to be with the Lord and then come back with Him in victory.
For there is one resurrection for the righteous and one for the damned. Therefore both saved Jews and saved Gentiles have to be resurrected (1 Thes 4:16-17) at the same time which seems to be after the Tribulation.
What is your conclusion? Have I missed anything? If I have it must be proven by Scripture and I will accept it. I'm happy to learn.
|
|
|
3
Comments
|
|
End of the Age?
|
Posted:Mar 25, 2020 6:22 am
Last Updated:Jan 29, 2022 3:59 am 4465 Views
|
Around 1969 prayer was not allowed in schools, capital punishment was banned and abortion legalised allowing murderers live and the innocent die. Lately some branches of the so called church have compromised by allowing the gender thing infiltrate while the true church reels in horror at of this but sadly except for a few have for the most part been silent.
There's always been the odd disaster now and then but after 1969 there seems an increase in; drug use, Aids appeared, volcanic activity increased around the world. Tsunamis, the Chernobyl disaster then Fukushima after the earthquake, locusts in Russia and also going from Pakistan right across Africa with predictions of famine. Contravirus 19 is spreading. Iran released over 80,000 prisoners due the virus. This will crisis change the way society behaves around the world. We can blame China and wet markets for the virus and it may be true but the Bible has predicted these things will happen. The coutnries that have persecuted Israel are now facing big problems.
Wild weather around the world, drought in Australia then floods, wild weather in the Middle East etc. Plagues and pestilence was predicted over 2,000 years ago for the Last Days. I believe we are in the beginning of the End of the Age stage which is called 'the birth pangs' or the 'beginning of sorrows'. It is time for all who genuinely fear God look and unitedly lean Him as never before. There's always a 'remnant' that God helps survive in every age when judgement comes. We must make sure we are part of that remnant, if not the consequence is disastrous.
The whole world is affected now, city crowds, beaches, air travel, cruise ships, hospitality industry, sports, the workplace and the list goes on. Laws are coming into place that will give goverments even more power, they will probably remain even when the treat is gone and be modified to suit their own agenda in the future, this is a concern also.
Many years ago Billy Graham said, "If God doesnt judge Amercia He'll have to appologise to Sodom and Gomorah. That was a statement that got me thinking - but it's not only America.
We must realise God will not be mocked. He gives us time to change but if we dont He'll give us things to think about, things like the fragility of life, our mortality and eternity. Once our comfort zone and easy lifestyle is over and this new era goes into full swing people will have to make a choice, love God and their neighbour or just love themselves. Those that love the light will be brighter, those that love darkness will be darker.
The prediction that many will fall into apostacy has happened, the church cant meet anymore in large numbers. True believers will seek to teach and learn in their homes.
When, not if, persecution comes those who will stand will stand only if they know the Word of God.
This prophesy from Amos is something to ponder;
Amos 8: And they shall wander from sea sea, and from the north even the east, they shall run and fro seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.
Will the oil be in your lamp? Remember they were all sleeping when the Bridegroom came, that's food for thought.
|
|
|
6
Comments
|
|
What I've been up to lately
|
Posted:Aug 11, 2019 8:51 am
Last Updated:Dec 14, 2019 11:30 pm 6065 Views
|
The monthly men's I started with a coulpe of other guys is growing, we started with guys in March and it's now - and that's not all make it each time, there's always a few away which is normal in any . really surprised and very pleased our growth. We have 3 leaders myself included so this makes it an easier workload.
One of us will open with prayer and there's a meet and greet time, then a meal which we provide free, drinks are free also then we have a 'tool time' which anyone nominated can talk about and display their hobbies, or work stuff, it's a show and tell thing. After this we have a gospel message or teaching, then general , more coffee etc & wind up the night. Have had lots of positive feedback so we seem to be doing well.
Sometimes I go into the city and do a bible study with a couple of guys, one has a shop in the markets and we meet there, we do the study with customers coming and going as it's not too busy.
I've been doing a bit of visitation to people in hospital struggling with illness and I visit rest homes.
I am involved with a men's shed on Tuesdays.
making a home solar system of bits and pieces, camping in one room with solar so to speak, my study is running off batteries at night which run a laptop, sound system, modem, lights and I can calibrate a small of recycled batteries as well in the evenings to make the system bigger slowly. Have about 2kw storage so far and should have about 5.6kw when finished. My goal is to be able to run the fridge as well on the system in case there's a power out. The fringe benefit is I'll save as well on power but really after the knowing of how it all works. Using second hand recycled stuff is a challenge and I think I learn more doing it way as the extra problems ascociated with broaden my knowledge of electronics.
A year ago I didnt know anything about electronics but after meeting a guy who built a home solar system at the men's shed, he has shown me how to build mine and lots of other things as well, we've become good friends.
On top of all that involved with a protesting against the late term abortion laws as well as being in another that meets every second Friday morning for lonely pensioner locals that have no real social outlet. I have to organise the study stuff some evenings, practice music and occasionally play music with the Irish Club.
I have very little time for blogs now as so busy but enjoying life.
|
|
|
3
Comments
|
|
Men's group starting & named.
|
Posted:Feb 21, 2019 3:33 am
Last Updated:Feb 21, 2019 6:26 pm 7500 Views
|
Hi,
Just getting back as I promised about letting you know the name of the men's group.
It's name is "Just Blokes" a neutral name that doesnt frighten off the unsaved, and our motto will be, Prov 27:17 "Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another."
Thanks for all the suggestions, it is appreciated.
|
|
|
1
comment
|
|
Name for a Christian men's group?
|
Posted:Jan 16, 2019 3:58 am
Last Updated:Jan 26, 2020 7:12 am 8117 Views
|
We are having to fill out paperwork for hall hire soon and our group's name has to be on it. Names that are taken already are "Strong Men" & "Valiant Men" so I don't know if "Men of Strength" is too close to the first one or not? My suggested "Iron sharpens Iron" but I'm not sure what to put on the form. Anyone got some suggestions?
|
|
|
3
Comments
|
|
Topics for discussion at men's meeting
|
Posted:Jan 7, 2019 12:19 am
Last Updated:Apr 10, 2020 9:50 pm 8444 Views
|
This is just some 'thought's on paper' so to speak about in an upcoming men's meeting, probably in a few months time. The feedback.will be interesting.
I said to a pastor recently to accept Jesus into your heart was unscriptural, he agreed and said but it was just a point of entry. He handed me a great line but no! So subtle but that is entry into the 'ism,' the denomination, it's not into Christ. Though a few may wend their way into Christ through His grace and guidance through this deception, it's not Scriptural. Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus say to ask Him into your heart. It's by faith alone in Christ alone, the gospel is repent, confess your sins and He is faithful and just to forgive our sins. The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, you've got to come on His terms. Eph 1 & 2 talks about it's Christ alone, by Him. It's impertinent and presumptuous to think 'we allow Him in' as if it's ok by us. He comes when we repent.
Falsely telling people they are saved, then they have no power to overcome sin. "Oh, nobody's perfect." I hear the Mansion example, we are like a big house and God cleans out one room at a time, it's out of the pit, an excuse to keep holding onto favorite sins saying, "God hasn't got to that room yet, could take years." No, He comes in and shines His light on many things. Without holiness no man shall see God. (Heb 2:14) Wow. Something to think about.
We renew our mind. Trying to do move in the power of miracles and wonders without ever having overcome the power of sin. What spirit have you received? One of deception? Just as I am? No, you have to believe, have faith and repent first.
You must first believe, to have faith is to act on the belief, the action is repentance, turning from all sin, not just some. It's like power steering, power brakes, there's the power yes, but you must turn the wheel and press the brake, we must act before the Holy Spirit's power will help us. Sure sanctification is a lifetime journey, but beware of the "Hath God said?" in it, we have the power to overcome sin, we just have to understand how God changes us.
Are you silenced in your church? Can you not say anything unless you've been to their brand of bible college, been an 'intern' pastor, made to conform to the 'ism' from the man at the top down to you? The 'ism' will snuff out your flame, quench your fire.
Here you have a voice, orderly, in order, but you can have a voice. I'm not the pulpit person, we all are, no one is left out. No pastor / pew warmer, clergy / laity segregation here.
Have you been bursting with a testimony or word from God but have had it suppressed? Not here, though you'll learn 'brevity' for the sake of others. It's all about Jesus, it's all about your relationship with Jesus, not a church, that's secondary, this is true church - to be about Him and for all to be equal, no overlord pastors/shepherds, just a few 'elders' who are no greater than you and serve for free like Paul.
You will know who are true shepherds, wolves and hirelings, most are hirelings in the 'ism' church world. True shepherds protect the flock from the wolves. They expose them. Paul named names.
We are all equal, just different roles. The bride should not be about herself but about the bridegroom. Don't let your oil run out, they were friends of the bride, not the groom, He didn't know them. Do you feel something is missing in the church? Is Jesus is missing, is worldliness in? Is your church always loud? Why? It's hard to think, share, witness to new comers & listen with all that noise. In the sound of a gentle stillness is the still small voice. Can we be silent together? (I've come from Pentecostal background, that's why I've written this part and I'm tired of hype)
Men are the head of the home, the gate to their home, the door to what comes in. Just as the eyes are the window to the soul, we watch out and are careful what we choose to look at. Satan is trying to crush men with political correctness, feminism and government laws that are anti-man as far as family separations go, he is out to destroy through false marxist education, are not taught to think but follow the 'party line'. Do as they are told. How can they discern corruption? We as men have to warn our families and brothers. The great apostasy is upon us, we are in the age of Laodicea, the church has left its first love yet believes it's rich, but is poor, blind, miserable and naked. The lies that have crept into the church, New Age mysticism, W.O.F. N.A.R. Emergent church, co-exist. True Christians will be the enemy of this false 'unity'. Unity at the expense of the true Gospel of Christ. Their unity is antichrist. Fortunately there are pockets of small churches that still believe and are following Christ.
Bringing up your to be marriable, it's important.
Many men are not marrying, laws and government is against them, they've seen their fathers or father's friends lose their homes in divorce cases. Pre-nups are not legal, but a 'financial agreement' is. The government is the 'new boyfriend' who pays the bills for the woman & when the woman wants to move on. Sure there are some bad guys out there, but a lot of women become professional mothers to leech of the system so they don't have to work.
|
|
|
9
Comments
|
|
Today's faith
|
Posted:Dec 4, 2018 5:19 am
Last Updated:Apr 10, 2020 9:51 pm 9064 Views
|
The Evangelical Commandments
Thou shalt preach a soft gospel of love only.
Thou shalt preach prosperity, well-being and thine best life now.
Thou shalt promote TV preachers who live off the flock, sadly private industry could never use them so they need thine support. Give to them in abundance to spend on their excesses so they can live thy dream.
Thou shalt not preach hard truths that might cause grief that would turn to repentance and therefore true salvation.
Thou shalt preach we are little gods, our words have creative power even though we are really fallen humans.
Thou shalt raise thy hand and accept Jesus into thine heart without ever understanding thou needest cleansing.
Thou shalt heap to thyselves teachers who are pleasing to thine ears
Thou shalt not learn the Scriptures for it is too hard. Thou shalt enjoy ignorance until the grave.
Thou shalt ignore knowledge, understanding and wisdom for it is painful. Ignorance is bliss.
Thou shalt allow the pastor to have full control over thine life, thoust need his permission for everything.
Thou shalt preach Jesus is gentle and mild at all times.
Thou shalt not listen to a 'still small voice' as it conflicts with being a 'team player'
Thou shalt pray to the Holy Spirit, He's God isn't He? Never mind we ignore the Father and the in so doing and ignore the disciples model of prayer.
Thou shalt not preach hell, hellfire, judgment, the wrath of God or anything He hates, it's too disturbing.
Thou shalt turn a blind eye to immorality, homosexuality and lust especially in leaders and volunteers.
Thou shalt turn a blind eye to scanty clothing, coarse joking and dirty innuendos
Thou shalt turn a deaf ear to profanities exclaimed by 'Christians' even though it's a poor testimony to the unsaved.
Thou shalt ignore the plight of Christians in jail for their faith, don’t think upon that, don't even pray for them
Thou shalt ignore abortion as it's too controversial, it's alright, we've already been born.
Thou shalt never ever question or contradict thine pastor, if not excommunicated thou may be just tolerated.
Thou shalt remain passive on ethics and principles in business, politics, the church and family
Thou shalt call on the Holy Spirit, constantly, shout, "Hallelujahs" loudly, be super spiritual and live like the devil.
Thou shalt call those who preach independently from us, "False."
Thou shalt commit your tithes to the all wise, all knowing, faceless, ungrateful, unapproachable institution
Thou shalt never ask how much thine pastor makes or "Where doeth the money go?" Even though thou does pay for this. A holy vagueness will be the response.
Thou shalt allow homosexuals and prostitutes to tithe (it's all money) and to have a say, perhaps even the pulpit.
Thou shalt ignore the Great Commission by diverting most finances into buildings and salaries.
Thou shalt not get up and preach in the pulpit for free lest the pastor feel threatened and his salary not justifiable
Thou shalt not be moved by the Holy Spirit, stand up from thine seat and start preaching as this is not our tradition.
Thou shalt have a stage, a microphone, loud music and coloured lights for worldly effect, it must be copied.
Thou shalt make worship a show of euphoric feelings, many repetitious words, of self edification and the bliss of worship of worship
Thou shalt live in fine houses in nice areas away from the homeless, widows and orphans, they are depressing.
Thy pastor shalt reduce visitations to a minimum as programs and his private affairs need more attention.
Thou shalt not preach unless your sermon has been viewed by pastor, subject noted and permission for topic granted.
Thou shalt allow a woman to have authority over a man. We have to change with the times, the bible doesn't change and it's old fashioned, after all we have a new culture now
Thy prayer life shall be confined to the occasional 'Amen' in unison at what the pastor says and prays.
Thou shalt not preach the whole counsel of God for thoust must be ashamed lest His word lest thou offend.
Thou shalt ignore the Old Testament as we are under the New, do not mention He's the same God of both.
Thou shalt not study Revelation or End times as it's too confusing and could interfere with buying and selling.
Thou shalt not study the rapture, it's preposterous and preparation for an unknown departure date is foolish.
Thine pastor must preach feel good psychology and marketing using the name of Jesus as a rubber stamp of approval only.
Thou shalt preach one way and live another as confusion draws others closer with questions.
Thou shalt carefully listen to cults as they have 'a truth' too
Thou shalt rule on the throne of thine heart for His ways are too high for us to know.
Thou shalt accept other faiths as paths to God.
Thou shalt accept an heretic as all people 'make mistakes.' Everything's forgivable right?
Thou shalt listen to every wind of doctrine as all is edifying.
Thou shalt not confront the wicked lest they be driven away, God loves the sinner.
Thou shalt love people more than the truth as they are more precious.
Thou shalt be lukewarm in faith as too hot is fanatical and too cold doesn't get with the program.
|
|
|
4
Comments
|
|
