Incommendation

The final possibility is one or more of the 5 bright naked eye planets — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn. Another Star of Bethlehem candidate is Uranus, which orbited in the close vicinity to Saturn in 9 BC and Venus in 6 BC. This is unlikely because Uranus moves very slowly and is only diffusedly visible. In truth, the possibility that the Magi could have befuddled one or more of the common planets with a star actually seems remote.

Sometimes, two or more of these flaring wanderers come together in a dazzling conjunction. Possiblly a planetary grouping of uncommon beauty; an exceptionally close conjunction of two planets or groupings of three or more creating an eye-catching abstract figure in the sky may have taken place between the years 7 and 2 BC. A amassing like that would be quite rare to the unexpecting eye.

One such event that is often cited occurred on the evening of Feb. 25, 6 BC involving Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, and happened in the constellation of Pisces, the Fishes. If you have ever visited a planetarium for the traditional Christmas show, you probably already know the thrill of watching as the planetarium projector races back through time to recreate this unusual event. One such result that is often quoted came about on the evening of Feb. 25, 6 BC regarding Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, and occurred in the constellation of Pisces, the Fishes. If you have ever seen a planetarium for the sanctioned Christmas show, you in all likelihood already know the thrill of watching as the know the rush of watching as the planetarium projector races back through time to retell this unusual event. Another affirmable explanation for the Star of Bethlehem is the three-times conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn between May and December in 7 BC; a unusual triple or “great conjunction.” Jupiter appeared to pass one degree north of Saturn on May 29; much the synoptically on Sept. 30; then finally a third time on Dec. 5. There is no question about the visibility of these cases, mostly opposite to the Sun in dark skies. As for their astrological impingement, the Magi would have absolutely noticed that both planets did not appear to separate widely between their conjunctions.

The existence of God can be proved in two ways – by practical demonstration and by deduction. These two methods are employed because they are acceptable to science. In science, fact can be established by practical demonstration and knowledge can be arrived at by deduction.

Let us begin with the method of practical demonstration.

We are told that the earth has a magnetic field. We cannot see, hear or touch this magnetic field. However, science is able to show proof of its existence in this way. When a bar magnet is suspended so that it can swing freely on a horizontal plane, it will always come to rest with its north pole pointing approximately towards the geographic north. So, although we cannot see, hear or touch the earth’s magnetic field, science is able to prove its existence by demonstrating its effect on a freely suspended bar magnet. This, therefore, means that a thing that is not observable does in actual fact exist if it produces observable effects on some other thing.

God is not observable. We cannot see, hear or touch Him. However, God produces observable effects in the lives of human beings. When we put our faith in Him, we experience the effect of His power.

Countless cases and instances abound of people who, when they were in difficulty, put their faith in God and experienced the positive effect of His power. Below is one of the many testimonies and incidents recounted in the book, The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale (World’s Work Ltd, Publishers). (To keep this article from being lengthy, I have chosen this rather brief testimony which can be found on pages 195 and 196).

Another efficient woman physician wrote me of her own development in combining the therapy of medicine and faith.

So runs the letter of a successful practicing physician.

If you will like many more testimonies of people’s experiences of the effect of the power of God in their lives then I recommend that you read this book.

On innumerable occasions in my own affairs, I have had to put my faith in God when I came to the limit of my abilities or resources. On every single one of those occasions I achieved the goal I desired or attained the objective I sought. On all those occasions I experienced the effect of the power of God.

The fact that God produces observable effects in the lives of human beings is incontrovertible proof that God exists.

Let us now employ deduction to again prove that God really exists.

For law and order to exist, an authority must be present to establish and maintain it. In the absence of authority, anarchy usually reigns. Recent events in Bagdad, capital of Iraq, will help illustrate my point.

When the government of Saddam Hussein collapsed under the onslaught of American and coalition forces, all hell broke loose. Looters spearheaded the chaos that ensued. Violence and disorderly conduct took center stage. Woman dared not step out onto the streets without the company of their men folk. Life and property were clearly insecure and you could see it glaringly demonstrated – no authority, no law and order.

Now, it is a scientific fact that natural laws exist. These are laws that apply at all times and in all places and which may be regarded as universal laws. Some examples of such laws are: the law of Gravity, Newton’s Laws of Motion and the Law of Demand and Supply.

We also know from observation and experience that there is order in the universe. The sequence of the seasons never changes. We always go to bed at night rest assured that day will unfailingly follow night. And when it is dawn, we arise knowing that the sun will invariably rise in the east and later set in the west at dusk.

Every living thing reproduces its own kind. A corn plant will sprout from a corn seed. A dog will give birth to puppies and a pregnant human will deliver a baby human. Even then, if the white spouse of a white gentleman gives birth to a dark skinned baby, she will most certainly face accusations of unfaithfulness. White parents produce white babies and black parents produce black babies. That is the natural and unchangeable order of things. It is the order which exists in the universe that enables scientists to calculate precisely when and where the next eclipse will occur.

The fact that universal law and order exist means that a universal authority exists. God – or whatever name you choose to call this Almighty Power – is the universal authority responsible for the establishment and maintenance of universal law and order. To accept universal law and order and reject universal authority simply does not make sense. The former cannot be present without the later.

I think it is time we all face up to the fact that God, the Universal Authority, exists. It is time to acknowledge His authority over us and to make doing His will our first priority. This is the only way to go if we are to experience the full and joyous life that the Almighty intended for us.

Call no man Father
Matthew 23:5-23:10

Call no man Father . A look at deception and Consequences. The institution of the Christian religion was and is still based on the words of Jesus and the Holy Spirit directing men to put forth laws and statutes that are pleasing to the Father. Many have taken this law of Our Father in Heaven and made it to none effect upon this earth to millions. Some times men will say, “Its all in the interpretation.” But where in the Bible is it stated that, the Scripture is only open to private interpretation? This is a deception and misleading statement. In Matthew 23:5 we see Jesus rebuking the leadership of the Church for Vanity, lets read; Matthew 23:5-10 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. The stability of the House of Israel was not upon the minds of the religious leadership at this time. Leaders were trying, as is today, to enlarge their influence upon the congregations. Making laws and rules and changing the truth of the word of God into a lie. Not stopping for a moment to see the damage that they have done neither repenting of it. These men as some are today, cannot see clearly neither can they see any farther than their own ambition. Wanting to make a name for themselves in the annals of history, but what they fail to understand, history will neither remember them nor will any of the saints of God. Ask yourself a question, Why Did Jesus come to this earth? What was so important that He gave up, Glory for abuse, a mansion for a rock, Golden Garments for Rags, Honor for Dishonor? John 8:45-49 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. How many have been put down because they have told the truth? Mankind has gotten to the point that they would rather believe a lie instead of believing the truth. Mans truth is short lived and it is cankerous and moth eaten.
Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? Why wont they believe the truth, message after message from the Word of God and many still reject the truth. Man has stated;” We have developed a Roadmap to Peace in the Middle East.” The facts state; U.S. Consulate in Saudi Arabia hit
An attack on the U.S. consulate in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, left five non-American staff, four police and three extremists dead, U.S. and Saudi officials said after the three-hour long battle.
Suit against military policy on Gays, Gunfights rage in Baghdad streets. After escaping from the PA prison several months ago, Kamil returned to the Jenin region and significantly increased his involvement in Islamic Jihad activity. Kamil is responsible for both executing and directing explosive device attacks and shooting attacks against Israeli security forces operating in the Kabatya region. Kamil recruited a vast number of operatives to the Islamic Jihad infrastructure in the Jenin region.
Even after this man still calls others father. What have they done, have they delivered any from sin, have they saved a single soul, have they created anything from nothing, have they caused man to be at peace with each other, NO. They can do nothing. And what about them hearing the truth, Jesus said; He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. This was a harsh statement wasn’t it, but does this statement from Christ still hold true today? The answer is yes. Everything Jesus said and did was from the True Father in Heaven and not a man made doctrine of human fatherhood. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? {This was an example of Blaspheme of the Holy Ghost}
Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
{Mat 23:12-13 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.}
[ABA'SED, pp. Reduced to a low state, humbled, degraded.] Jesus in this verse declares the state of the Priest and others that dared to exalt themselves above the level of servant to the people. Jesus stated that, he came to serve and not to be served. These last few verses are the most ignored verses in Scripture, Lets read;

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” Commandments from Jesus. Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. If this were not important to the association of man to God, Jesus would not have stated these commandments. Our relationship with The Father is based upon our acceptance of Him as, Father, Counselor, Teacher, King, Master, and Almighty God. But when we put man at the same level as God then there is a breakdown in our relationship with God. “Howbeit in vain” ” But in vain’ they do worship me! Is your worship of God in vain, does he hear your prayers and petitions or does He turn His back to a adulterous and gainsaying person? Are you calling a man Holy Father, who can neither answer prayers nor forgive sin? {But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.} these men were destined for Hell, are you? Its time to think and search the scriptures, its time to hear the truth before its too late.

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Sermons International
www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

My sojourn at Kibbutz Ramat Yohanan, where I served as a kibbutz volunteer for five months in 1982-1983, blessed me with memories to cherish a lifetime. One of those experiences occurred immediately after our volunteers’ trip to the Golan Heights. While we were there, near the former Syrian bunker overlooking the Sea of Galilee, I spotted an eagle in the sky with a snake in its talons and pointed it out for all to stand in awe and ooh and aaah! I love God’s good creation.

While having breakfast with around 10 other people, all kibbutzniks except for one volunteer girl from France, in the kitchen of the matgeria – the chicken incubator where the eggs were stored, chicks hatched, then inoculated and sent to Europe (David, a Moroccan Jew, used to make the best shukshuka) – I used my very limited Hebrew to mention how the volunteers had just visited Ramot HaGolan (the Golan Heights). I was very happy to have seen part of the biblical inheritance of shevet Menashe ben Yosef (the Tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph), especially since the descendants of Menashe today are Americans. I said, “Yosef lo Yehudi.” Joseph isn’t Jewish!

Immediately there was quite a stir, a conversational commotion, and I asked the French girl who spoke Hebrew what was going on. She said everybody was debating whether or not Joseph was Jewish. They all started to say to me, “You need to talk to Professor Karniel, you need to talk to Professor Karniel.” I said, “Who is Professor Karniel?” They informed me he was a professor at Haifa University who lived at Ramat Yohanan and that he knew his Bible. I said, “If he knows his Bible, then he’ll know the difference between Joseph and Judah.”

Just so happened Professor Tzvi Karniel’s wife was there and she said she would talk to her husband and arrange a date to meet. We met and Professor Karniel was most gracious and said he understood the difference between Joseph and Judah, but was curious why I believed Joseph isn’t Jewish. I explained why and gave him a copy of The United States and Britain in Prophecy by Herbert W. Armstrong and The Plain Truth magazine. He said his class was now discussing the story of Joseph, and knowing how God can work, I wouldn’t be surprised if he brought up what I said about the United States being the prophesied single GREAT NATION of Menashe (Gen. 48:19). He said I was welcome to return for further conversations.

I was also later invited for coffee and conversation to the kibbutz home of a widower who was present at the breakfast and appeared angrily adamant that Joseph was Jewish. God blessed our meeting as well.

Blessed be the God of Joseph and Judah! May the modern identity of our twelve tribes continue to be restored and the reconciliation process be fulfilled. I’m pleased to help in whatever way I can to let all know that, “I am Joseph your brother!”

The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy

Brit Am Israel

Origin of Nations

The Plain Truth About the “Lost Ten Tribes” and Why You Need to Know!

David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe’s Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out the Beyond Babylon blog.

Many religious folks in all faiths believe that their God is very angry with mankind right now for atrocities, wars, pollution and economic enslavement of the masses. In fact recently after a long talk with someone who believed that the recent disasters are being caused by god because of these terrible things that man is doing in the present period.

And it is true that mankind is doing some terrible things onto his own species or rather God’s people. For instance we agreed about the killings in Africa, which are problematic with the Mugabe, etc. are wanting to chase out the Christians who threaten their 10,000 years of culture and tradition. And they are slaughtering them by the masses. So I asked her point blank some questions about her religious beliefs regarding these issues;

“Are you indicating that these mass murders and being perpetuated by “Anti-Christ” like demonist savages. And that these deaths equal the disasters of your coming god and but are being done by humans, possessed? So then are you saying that your god and humans are similar; that is to say created in the image of your god? And that god is creating disasters like the disasters in New Orleans?”

She did admit that disasters like the NYC World Trade Towers were caused by evil men, as they killed almost as many in 9-11 as did her God in New Orleans; because they are evil? Which seems to indicate that her God is killing roughly the same amount of people as man is killing himself. Thus who is better or worse in this case; God or man? Think on that in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

For centuries, the systems of communications throughout the world have been
swiftly evolving.

In the 1400s, the printing press created the ability for mass publication
and circulation of literature, opening the door for the Christian gospel to
reach around the world through books, tracts and the Bible itself. During
the late 1800s, the telegraph and telephone were invented, further spreading
the opportunities for Christian evangelism. In the mid 20th century, radio
and television further advanced that possibility. Now, in the 21st century,
we can literally reach millions live through streaming video. For the
Christian evangelist, there is a truly awesome marriage of religion and
technology.

Bishop E. Bernard Jordan, Founder and Chief Prelate of Zoe Ministries, is a
paradigm of this shift from the pew to cyberspace. From the simple input of
information into a database, to carrying religion into all of the world
through technological advances such as live streaming, Bishop Jordan has
moved his ministry from drawing hundreds of people to the pews of the local
church, to drawing millions of people to witness and experience his
prophetic ministry through the wonder of computer technology.

His parishioners now have access to the prophetic ministry 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, whether through teachings and messages concerning God,
spirituality and prophecy, or through the ability to purchase books,
teachings and music. According to the Bishop, “Because of the blessing
that computer and internet technology represents, my parishioners are now
only a ‘click’ away from God; they are only a ‘click’ away from the
prophetic word.” His outreach is truly interactive via special Faith Chat
sessions during live services on Sundays, Tuesday evenings, and Thursday
evenings.

Whether it is Jane Danielsen of Denmark, who views the live streaming
telecasts weekly, Lillian Holmgaard of Denmark, who gathers people together
in her community around the computer to view the live telecasts; Carl Ameho
from South Korea who views the telecast several times throughout his day to
experience the power of prophecy or Frans Zegers of the Netherlands who
faithfully views the Power of Prophecy telecast, Bishop Jordan’s
parishioners are in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Africa
and throughout the world.

There is a growing need for leaders in the Church to expand their ministry
and to reach larger groups of people all around the world. The world is
waiting eagerly to hear the spiritual truths that have been burning in the
hearts and minds of many pastors, preachers, evangelists and prophets.
People are in need of an answer, yet the fact is many do not want to
physically go to church. Yet these people are hungry for the word of God.
Therefore, spiritual leaders of all faiths must now open their minds to the
use of the Internet, live streaming and other advanced forms of technology
to get their message to the world.

If Jesus, Buddha or Mohammed were to bring their message in this day, they
would use the most advanced means of technology available to communicate
their message to as many people as they could reach.

There is a growing concern in urban America about the accessibility of this
powerful and relatively inexpensive technology. Only 25% of
African-Americans appear to be functional in the information age. This
alarming figure can be attributed mainly to the fact that there are more
black males in prison than in college. Many are blue collar workers, whose
jobs limit their access in the arena of technology. Perhaps religion could
possibly bring more exposure to the importance of computers and advanced
technology to a community that has been frozen out of the information age.
If they know that their favorite preacher is available on the Internet via
live streaming, and they have the ability to interact with him/her from the
comfort of their home, what a milestone that could be! With the ability to
download sermon messages at no charge, make online donations, and personally
interact with the preacher by way of the Internet.

In the last five years, Zoe Ministries has lost 80 percent of its local
congregation (pew members), but has doubled its revenue through the faithful
partners worldwide who access the ministry through the most powerful means
of technology available, the Internet. Religion and technology must make
sense. Both areas must merge if we are going to reach the world with the
gospel. To those who espouse this philosophy, the 21st century will become
an age where technology is integrated into religion by allowing people to
have their religious experience by way of the Internet. A “soul” used to be
defined as the person we could see, but now we are discovering that a “soul”
is the person whom we cannot see.

Bruce Prokopets
Executive Editor
Press Direct International
www.pressdirectinternational.org

Visit Bishop Jordan’s website at www.bishopjordan.com and experience the
Power of Prophecy telecasts via streaming, 24 hours a day, seven days a
week; and on Sundays at noon EST, and Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7:00
p.m. EST, experience the live streaming, where you can log into the Faith
Chat Room and dialogue and interact with the Master Prophet himself, E.
Bernard Jordan. Contact Zoe Ministries at 212-316-2177.

Some may ask, why can’t I have a lot of money? Or some may say I wish I had wealth. Well let’s see what the Bible say about wealth. First we must understand the Blessing of Abraham, and to understand that Jesus is over everything and it all belongs to him.

In the book of Genesis 12 :2 it says I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and who ever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Now look at Genesis 13:14 it says The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, Lift up you eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you. In Genesis 22:17 it says I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.

Now in the book of Deuteronomy 8:18 it says But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefather, as it is today. If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.

Now look what it says about Wisdom’s Call in the book of Proverbs 8:17 it says I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full. At Proverbs 23:4 it says Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Now look at Jeremiah 9:23 it says This is what the Lord says: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this; that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, declares the Lord.

Look at what Jesus said in Matthew 19:23 it says Then Jesus said to his disciples, I tell you truth, it is hard for rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, Who then can be saved? Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Now look at 1Timothy 6:17 it says Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Look at the book of Isaiah 10:3 it says What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches? Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives or fall among the slain. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.

Take look at Psalm 119:14 for a moment, it says I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoice in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. What a beautiful statement the whole chapter is wonderful. Just think of the reward we have to look forward to.

Now lets look at further benefits of wisdom. Look at Proverbs 3:1 it says My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Look at Romans 11:32 it says For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord! Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Now look at Ephesians 2:6 it says And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithand this not from yourselves, it is the gift of Godnot by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’ workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Look at Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

In closing look at Psalm 34: 9 it says Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Look at verse 19 it says A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. In the book of Matthew 6:33 it says But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these thing will be given to you as well.

Love Always,
Your Sister in Christ,
Mellody Davis

Enjoy more reading at: http://www.hostinghelps.com/allaboutjesus

There’s another “move of God” that’s sweeping the nations. Have you noticed? Very few of those I’ve spoken with actually have. There are others who don’t necessarily view it as being a literal “movement” because it’s not quite as defined as they like. Not to mention those who don’t particularly approve of God “moving” in this direction. But as one British minister said to me several years ago, addressing all the controversies revolving around every new thing God has done since Genesis, “There’s never been a tidy move of God.”

Never.

Just as the Egyptian magicians were able to mimic Moses when his rod was turned into a snake, Satan is STILL duplicating and infiltrating whenever possible, muddying up the purity of the flowing river of God, deceiving “even the elect” of Christ’s Kingdom. And successfully dissuading many a curious onlooker from diving in as a result of the disjointedness of The Body of Christ.

What is this move of God? It’s the incredible mass exodus, the numbers of people who are leaving organized Christianity at an alarming rate, and the ministers who are either leaving the faith, or are ceasing to believe in the inerrancy of God’s Word (in a moment well see if these are really men of God at all). Fact is, what most theologians and church people see as a horrific trend, may well be a mighty move of God’s Spirit. And when the wind of the Spirit begins to blow, Wisdom cries out for us to adjust our sails. Let me explain.

Very simply, Jesus wants His Church back. It’s His Bride. Sadly, this lovely young woman has been made a prostitute with Religion as its Master. She was never intended to be structured, organized, or institutionalized. She’s an organism, not an organization. A living, breathing entity, not a cyborg to be programmed by a pious, human chain-of-command. Just as Christianity was once seen as a radical move among Judaism, I see this “Churchless Christianity” phenomenon as a move of God within the Church itself.

THE FACTS

People are leaving organized churches in Biblical proportions; at a rate of 53,000 a week in Europe and North America combined (the U.S. lost 57,500 in the entire Vietnam War, to put that number in perspective). As a whole, Christians lose 7,600 a day to other religions or irreligion. I hear from these people all the time by eMail.

Incidentally, several years ago a leading Bible seminary sent 12,000 letters to pastors of various denominations and asked one question: “Do you believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God?” The results of the survey were startling: 85% of the Presbyterian USA pastors said NO; 85% of the Methodist pastors said NO; 85% of the Episcopal pastors said NO; 55% of the Baptist pastors said NO; 45% of the Catholic priests said NO. (Source: Warner A. Bonner, Newsletter@LeadershipJournal.net)

These are our “leaders,” folks.

Be concerned. Be very concerned.

Christian Researcher, George Barna says of the American Church, “…new research supports our contention that the structure of the American church is already undergoing radical change. If you add up the proportion of people who will call the cyberchurch their ‘church home’, those who will align with an independent house church and individuals who will be steadfastly unchurched, within the next 15 years a majority of Americans will be completely isolated from the traditional church format.” (There are many church organizations well able to support existing ministries of each genre rather than attempt to launch their own from scratch. Hint. Hint.)

According to a study released 12/23/01 by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, while Americans flocked to their synogogues and churches after 9/11/01, one out of four adult American Internet users, roughly 28 million, have sought out religious or spiritual information online since that infamous day. I can attest to this.

More than 3 million U.S. adults find religious information online EVERY DAY, up from 2 million last year. That’s more than use the Internet for gambling, banking or trading stocks! Sixty-nine per cent of those engaged in religious activities online search for educationalor reference material, 50% research other faiths, and 35% seek spiritual advice through eMail. Forty-one percent said they sent or received eMail prayer requests. Seven percent made contributions online (unfortunately, I cannot attest to this stat).

As a man with an eMinistry, I don’t see this “Church Exodus” as being a bad thingat all, for I’ve witnessed the fruit of CyberChurch and it’s quite bountiful! No, I’m not advocating that we stop face to face fellowship. Perish the thought! We need each other. We are a Body fitly joined. But for those who need specialized attention – and the statistics reveal there are MANY, including the shut-in, the handicapped, the shift worker, the spiritually shipwrecked – I liken CyberChurch to Christ reaching the masses from town to town, in fields and on beaches, in the market, or wherever people gathered who would listen. Even if they must gather electronically.

The Lord could have erected a church building after the Sermon on the Mount but He chose to minister while making disciples in preparation for the harvest to come (no farmer harvests his crop without a barn or a silo in which to put the harvest – otherwise, it rots on the ground). The Western Church must learn to use today’s information technologies in conjunction with our postmodern orientation, to serve the greatest number of unchurched people possible in the most nontraditional and non-threatening ways. In other words, like Moses with his staff, God used what Moses had on hand at the moment, coupled with Mo’s willing spirit. In the third world Church, they use things such as wind currents to send Scripture-laden balloons across borders. They use flowing rivers to send the Gospel downstream in bottles. They get creative with what’s available. Little is much in the hands of God. What do WE have available?

The lowly computer is just one option.

It’s simply naive to expect our local professional ministers to do the job or to expect the unchurched to “come to church.” After all, shepherds don’t produce sheep; sheep produce sheep. It’s pure fantasy to believe the world could be won by Christian TV, radio, or music either. The Christian entertainment world is a ghetto into which the mainstream rarely strays. I didn’t, before I was saved. Did you? What arrogance to think that THEY should come seeking US!

IS THERE ANY HOPE?

Americans say they want revival! A poll conducted by Public Agenda, a secular think tank, showed that most Americans feel society would improve if people were more devout. 69% of the 1,507 U.S. adults polled in Nov. ‘00 agreed that “religion is the best way to strengthen moral behavior and family values.” 74% agreed that “it is a bad idea for families to raise children without any religion.” (Source: Tribune News Service, 01/10/01)

Brennan Manning, author of “Ragamuffin Gospel,” says, “Too many people are living in a house of fear and not in a house of love. In the past, churches have been wounders of the healers, not healers of the wounded.” He explains, “Our huffing and puffing to impress God and our thrashing about to fix ourselves while hiding in our pettiness and wallowing in guilt are nauseating to God and are a flat denial of the Gospel of grace.”
It’s been said that Christianity is the #1 cause of atheism. We, ourselves, are to blame for this churchless faith phenomenon, resulting from years of misdirected church teachings and traditions. In its current state, we just don’t stand up to the scrutiny of our critics. Only God Himself can get us out of the mess we’ve gotten ourselves into.
But that ALONE should inspire great hope within us all!

NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH?

Many years ago, a man visted my hometown of Arlington, Texas and was going about sharing what he referred to as “a revelation on the Church.” Though he was way ahead of his time, the vision he shared for “how to have Church” was actually nothing more than what 80% of the Church was already practicing throughout the third world … the ONLY places where Christianity is currently flourishing, and amidst persecution at that! Though all listened politely, behind his back he was mocked and belittled. And I held their coats, just as Saul did when they stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr. By the way, this man was James Rutz, author of the hot, new book, MegaShift. Read it and you’ll see why it’s so hot! we laughed at him back then.

In his book, Rutz chronicled more than a week in the life of his Church for the rest of us to enjoy. Fascinating and fun! Regrettably, though I’ve never journaled Church activities, his description reminded me so much of what I’ve experienced many times in the years since.

He writes: What does the Church of Jesus Christ, our current part of the Kingdom of God, REALLY need to look like in order to delight her Bridegroom? Let’s imagine a “helicopter’s view” ofdaily life together as TRUE brothers and sisters in Christ. What would the Holy Spirit and a family of believers living in obedience to His Word look like today? What does the Church today, walking in God’s presence and full of grace, look like? How can we recognize the Life of Christ, alive again today in His Body, the Church?

It looks amazingly similar to the Life of Jesus in His physical body 2000 years ago!”
Here are 21st century nurses, restaurant workers, contractors, engineers, teachers, business owners and managers, carpetcleaners and secretaries – clothed in the garb of the teaching and Life of Jesus; a Church that was formed from His victorious death (Gen 2:21-22; Rev 5:9; Eph 2:11-22; 5:22-32).

This is typical, natural Life in the Spirit of Christ. This is a touch of the Life God’s Family is MEANT to have – where Truth touches individuals specifically in its gatherings. Meetings are filled with openness, faith-filled confession of sin, teaching, training, and praise in response to all that is currently happening. Disciples bring songs they’ve written, praise they’re brimming with, chapters from books that have elevated or challenged them, video-teaching tapes that have been a catalyst for growth in them, and ten thousand other possibilities. God’s Family is gathered, circled in barns, parks, hotels conference rooms, living room, apartment clubhouses, gymnasiums, or stadiums. Every barrier between God’s Children is destroyed…

This is The Church, the ekklesia (the “called out ones”), as expressed from Acts 2 to Acts 2002. There’s real Life here. Accountability. Horizontal as well as vertical relationship. Face to face, and by any OTHER means available. Anopportunity to truly become “brothers and sisters”; the family of God. And an opportunity to expand the servant-base, empowering people so that even MORE disciples would be trained and equipped for making MORE disciples. THAT is the Great Commission, after all.

There’s power here, too, as the family walks in agreement. Power in prayer. Power to heal and deliver those who are oppressed. Power in miracles. And it draws people unto itself as “many will come and see and put their trust in the Lord.”

BELIEVERS ONLY

Quite a few who receive the eMail broadcasts of “Your Town For Jesus” from t.e.a.m. ministries are of the “Believers Only” crowd, not belonging to any organized Church body for any number of reasons. Some actually refer to me as their “Pastor.” Some even call me “Father.” (Please, just call me “Michael.” God does.) I’ve even been “accused” of being a “prophet.” If you’re one of these – or want to be – please listen: though you may not attend organized services held in a building with stained glass windows, you DO require SOME sort of Christian fellowship. Iron sharpens iron. “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together” still applies, even if your only form of regular gathering is here, on your computer. Bottom line: all God really requires is your heart-felt availiability in order to open the door for miracles in someone else’s life… in person or not.

Your worship of God is not to be limited to the Sunday sing-along. Nor is it about being entertained or “being fed” (Jesus said His food was in DOING the will of the Father). Worship is a lifestyle. To what do you give the majority of your time, energy, money? Careful, for this may have inadvertently become your God. Though church
attendance as we know it in the West is not biblically required (for the Church was never intended to be a building or an orgaization); Church existence is mandatory.

In other words, BE the Church, don’t merely GO to church. The real SERVICE of the Church occurs AFTER the Church service.

Need pastoral counseling and prayer? Write or IM me at team1min@aol.com

Every blessing!

Michael
A servant of God
t.e.a.m. ministries
A Message of Discipleship & Encouragement to the Body of Christ
P.O. Box 633
Stephenville, Texas 76401
www.planetaryministry.org
BLOG: http://journals.aol.com/team1min/YourTownforJesus/

Pastor Michael has been broadcasting his eMail messages of Discipleship and encouragement to Christians of all denominations
since 1999. These messages are literally reaching millions each week and the messages are being re-posted on other Christian sites,used as Bible studies for groups, and are being used by those in ministry as a preaching guide.

Pastor Michael has been broadcasting a message of Discipleship & Encouragement to the Body of Christ across the globe since 1999. Scores of subscribers have written him, explaining how their lives have been forever changed by his messages. It seems that, no matter what their denomination, Chrsitians everywhere are catching his vision of FORWARDING THE MESSAGE!

Thousands of people from around the world diagnosed as terminal or incurable by modern medicine travel thousands of miles each month, enduring long international flights and exhausting bus rides to Abadiania. A small town in the mountains of central Brazil. They come to see miracle healer, Joao Teixeira de Faria, the man the people of Brazil have affectionately titled, “Joao de Deus” or “John of God”.

Joao is a simple man of humble beginnings who devotes three days of every week to healing his fellow man without payment for his services.

As a young boy, Joao experienced black out spells. On awakening he learned he had performed miraculous healings. Religious leaders, the medical field, the police and those in power threatened by Joaos abilities had him beaten, thrown in jail then cast out of town. This was a pattern that went on for years. Even with that, Joao still treated those who persecuted him when their own incurable illness arose. Joao frequently states, “it is not me who cures, God is the healer, I am simply the vessel”. Joao is known as an unconscious medium; he never recalls any of the healings he’s performed.

Not everything can be explained scientifically or rationally as there are over 35 Healing Spirit Guides including King Solomon and Saint Ignatius that use Joao as their instrument, completely taking over his body and mind. Guided by these Spirits, Joao was told to buy a specific piece of land in Abadiania and build a healing sanctuary on it. Joao named it the Casa de Dom Inacio, after his Patron and Master Guide, Saint Ignatius.

Since he began 44 years ago, Joao has treated and healed millions of people. While incorporated by the Healing Spirits, Joao will see all who come to him without stopping to rest. The poor and the famous alike stand in line, up to thousands a day. They come to witness miracles and hope to receive one of their own. For example actress Shirley Maclaine who was told by Western Medicine she would never dance again. That was until Joao removed a tumor from her stomach.

Joao is acclaimed to be the most powerful spiritual medium of our time and the greatest healer since our beloved Jesus the Christ. From curing cancer, AIDS, tumors, heart conditions, addictions, helping the lame to walk and the blind to see, Joao treats every form of illness imaginable. Many people report powerful outcomes that can be measured; X-rays before and after for example. The proof is a room at the Casa filled with thousands of discarded crutches, leg braces and wheelchairs.

The two kinds of surgeries performed through Joao are visible and invisible. Visible surgeries are done with forceps, a scapel or knife. Patients experience minimal pain, bleeding or anxiety during surgery. There are no tranquilizers, pain medication or antibiotics used before, during or after surgery, and no case of infection has ever occurred throughout Joao’s many years of work. Invisible surgery is performed while meditating in what is known as the Current room at the Casa. Healing Spirits energetically bring about miraculous corrections on mental, emotional, physical and spiritual levels. Healing can be immediate, others recover over time, and some may require additional visits.

Thousands of written testimonies and personal letters of gratitude fill the Casa office along with stacks of newspaper articles. Reports from clergymen, scientists and doctors worldwide support claims of Joao’s work.

“I’ve seen some things happen here at the Casa which are not only unexplainable in terms Western Medicine might use, but unbelievable!” -Stephen York, M.D.

Joao de Deus and his Casa de Dom Inacio Healing Sanctuary give us the opportunity to witness and experience God’s love and deepen our connection with him. A place where our hope turns into faith, and faith into certainty. For the thousands who travel to Joao each month from around the world, it is a spritual awakening, a spiritual transformation, and the beginning of the end to their illness, on many levels.

With Christmas just around the corner our thoughts turn naturally to the birth of Jesus. Most people think of Jesus as a teacher and a healer, and of course they would be right. The Bible also tells us that God promised King David a son who would reign over Israel for ever. That son was Jesus Christ.

We often forget that Jesus can claim the title “King of the Jews”. When Jesus was born, the wise men asked Herod “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” Nobody laughed, for the Jewish priests knew from scriptures that one day a special king would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2,4)

We know in hindsight that the last time Jesus was on earth it was not God’s will for Jesus to become King of Israel at that time. The gospel had to be preached to the whole earth first, as it now has been. That does not mean Jesus will not be king over Israel though.

The Bible tells us that when Jesus returns, his claim to the throne of David will not be like the kings we see in our world today – Jesus will have the authority and power to lay claim to the throne.

The Bible gives us a wonderful hope for our world. It will not always be in the sad state – the violence, the corruption and the evil ways of men – that we see today.

The Bible teaches us that we can have that wonderful hope ourselves and that we will have the opportunity to help Christ when he returns, but we need to do something about it now. We need to understand, to believe and be baptised into the saving name of Christ, if we are to live forever with Jesus in the world to come.

This is what the apostle Paul said when he explained what he was looking forward to:

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)

So, think about the birth of Jesus this Christmas, but also consider the reasons why he was born and the joy that the coming King will bring!