Living Journey

Weekend is approaching and I just wanted to share this photo with you. Hopefully this weekend I will go sailing or swimming, I really miss the water. But looking outside today it doesn’t look like the weather will be in my favour….Hopefully tomorrow will have the sun shining and the water beckoning.

One of the nights coming up I will be going to see my brother in-laws band, it is a good band with some really jazzy and bluesy tunes with a brass section too. I will meet with all the hubby’s side of the family and share some good conversation and fresh oysters with those who like them!!! I can’t wait for those oysters I love his side of the family dearly and I can honestly say that I love them as much as mine…they are just great, I am really blessed when I think about it.

One thing that I want to leave you with is something that I thought about last night just before I fell asleep. You know how it is… you have the perfect words to write during this dreary slumbering time between wake and sleep, it comes to you and you think to yourself I must remember that when I come to my blog tomorrow. When it comes down to actually writing it the words can come out all wrong. So, here goes….please bare with me for a moment.

I was thinking about man’s interpretation of things. All the debates about what this means or what that means concerning the Word of God. A lot of people read a lot about the bible and what it means. They may even be extremely well read in exegetical or eisegetical critique and all sorts of theory’s and philosophy’s and look through the many different lenses of understanding. I can’t imagine how many library’s it would take to fill with books that have been written about subjects such as the Word of God. One can only fathom.

Lot’s of books have been read about the bible right!

I have been one of those people and I remember going to a friends house about 7 years ago and I was talking about the latest book that I had read. I asked her, had she read such and such a book. She replied ‘no’. I said ‘Oh, it is really good perhaps you would like to read it?’ She said to me ‘not really’, I was taken aback slightly so I asked ‘Why?’

She gets up from the dining room table and walks over to her bookcase. Grabs a big heavy old book that looked well read. With a big smile on her face, she places the book rather firmly in the middle of the table for all to see and says…‘I’m getting back to this’!

It was the bible.

Wow, what a challenge. I will never forget it and for that I am thankful to her. I am not sure if she knows how much that made an impact on me. I thought to myself - ‘yeah… people do read about the bible’ and thinking more on it… I personally have not met many people who have read the whole thing. I was challenged greatly. So I made up my mind (after much personal deliberation) that I was going to read it from beginning to the end - from Genesis with the many lists of all the begets and begats to Revelation… and yes I even read Leviticus (I quite like that book actually) with all the strange laws that I just don’t fully understand.

I loved the year that it took me to read it. Bit by bit - chapter by chapter. I was challenged in ways that I still have difficutly with. And if I don’t understand things that have been written, then that doesn’t mean that it is not so, it just means that it is my lack of understanding.

Lately I am feeling that same challenge again. And I know God wants me to read the whole thing again. Question is ‘will this blog hold me accountable, will it hold me to such a challenge I wonder?’ It is a major task and such a huge commitment - that I don’t deny.

I wonder how many of you have felt this same God challenge you this way. I know I would not be the only one. Even with me writing this, it is difficult for me because I know and understand the obedience needed for such a task. The last time I did this I did it with my dad, we followed the same books and chapters throughout the year. We both completed it by New Years Eve. Oh how happy I felt knowing that I had done what I had set out to do. How grateful that God helped me to do it. Dad has done it a number of times… perhaps I will ask him to do it with me again. We would make phone calls to each other and talk about what we have just learnt or if we were slack and handn’t done that days reading we would encourage each other, or even ask questions of each other concerning the more difficult passages. What an experience to have with your father. Better still what an experience to have with your Father God. Ironic isn’t it.

So, if you are one of those people who have read a lot about the bible but have not read the bible right through, then how about you see what God actually says about His Word. Better to get it straight from the sourcre don’t you think.

The new year is approaching… and I have to pray-fully consider this post and what I am actually going to do about it myself as this is as much a challenge for myself as it may be for you… am I going to commit and be obedient… or not??? That is the question.

I will let you know the answer in due course.

Part two to this post now avaibable.

I would just like to point out that the land of Israel according to scripture belongs to Abraham’s recognised seed, the Jews. Now if you have a problem with that, then may I suggest you take it up with God! God is the one that showed the land to Abraham and it was God who made the covenant with Abraham concerning the land which extended from the river of Egypt to the great river Euphrates. It is God’s promise - and one that He will fulfill one way or another. Let God be true and every man a liar! For this very reason and only this reason do I support Israel’s right to exist, even though boundaries have swapped and changed through the ages, Israel was promised this land by God! If you try to understand this using any other means besides the Word of God, then I’m afraid you will hit a brick wall everywhere you turn. So, let me be clear in that I am taking God’s word about what He promised as a literal promise, the world as of this moment waits for God’s timing and for its ultimate fruition whether the world likes it or not is besides the point. His Word will not return to Him void.

Gen 15:18 On that day Jehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying, I have given this land to your seed, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.

This is commonly referred to as the ‘Promised Land’ or ‘Greater Israel’, which is actually quite a lot bigger than current Israel. This is a prophecy that will have its ultimate fulfillment when Christ comes again.

In the meantime this highly charged bit of real-estate is the most coveted and the most talked about, not only throughout history but even in the times in which we live. Talk about a stumbling block for governments all over the world (see Zec 12:3). Here’s the thing. God said regarding this nation/people called Israel that whoever blesses them will be blessed and whoever curses them will be cursed. So, in my mind you should be pretty careful with what you say about this land and this people.

So, just what are governments and leaders saying about this little piece of land? (more…)

A few posts ago, I made a special note on the ‘Red Letter Christians’. Politically they stress the Red Letter’s which are found in some versions of the bible, these letter’s indicate to the reader the actual words of Jesus spoken to the people. I spoke about religion and politics, - two things which most people get hot under the collar about. So combining them…. look out! Perhaps I should duck, but no matter, I still have an opinion and a voice with which to say it.

It seems that many people are being challenged by the Red Letter Christians, as predicted. But where does this lead? These value voters have re-directed the more controversial conservative biblical values (perhaps they were called into question by the lefties anyway) and have taken the safer road toward more contemporary issues like social in-justices and environmental issues; that is to say they have broadened their views toward the global village. In broadening their path do they run the risk of not even finding the narrow gate - maybe the path has become less recognizable because the signposts have changed altogether and are pointing to different things? (Matt 7:17)

With bringing in the value voters are the leaders in Government and Churches hoping to have a more inclusive brand of religion and politics? They call it ‘Voting God’s Politics’ and are pushing for a new dialogue for today. God’s Politics is a hotly debated topic at the moment and (more…)

Myrose, originally uploaded by livingajourney.

I thought I would post a photo of a rose. One of many in a huge bunch from my husband.

I think it is really pretty!

Sheets hang on an old twined rope

the air is filled with apple blossom scent

As the tree brings forth its flower

In hope of some fruit

Waiting for the branch to be heavy laden

presses down on my old washing line

The sheets full of blossom smells

are swaying in the scented air

This is my garden

My woman’s work

I have somehow found pleasure

in such things

All we’ve heard today is how the Pope’s words have deeply offended Muslims. But consider the following statements: “The Sonship of Jesus and the Trinity are false”, and “It is not fitting that God should beget or father a child”. These statements, which are deeply offensive to Christians (who follow Jesus, the Only Begotten Son of God), are permanently inscribed within the Dome of the Rock (see Biblical Archaeological Review vol 32 no 4, July-August 2006, 36-47, 68). I am reminded of that old adage that suggests those living in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. I would also like to know why Islam’s rude dismissal of Christianity in this way is rarely, if ever, reported by the media. Mutual respect should be just that - mutual - and until it is, Muslims should expect to take the rough with the smooth like the rest of us. By Calvin Smith.

I like Dr Calvin Smith he and others at Midlands bible College have pretty good articles. Calvin Smith is a lecturer at Midlands Bible College… I was thinking of doing a course someday, when money permits. Jacob Prasch is also a scholar there, Jacob’s ministry is called Moriel, he is pretty confronting, or to put it another way, he won’t be tickling your ears! If you have had enough of ear tickling - then I reckon you should check out his site. Be prepared to be challenged though.

Now, regarding the Pope I wonder if you knew that this current Pope when he was Cardinal Joseph Radzinger issued the ‘Criminale Solicitacciones‘ (pdf file). It was the late John Paul II who asked that this document be drafted up which instructed all the Roman Catholic Bishops to protect pedophile Priests within the Holy Church (yes… the term - Holy - Church is highly questionable). And the way to protect them was to gag them!

When you open this file take note of the what is in the blue boxes… it says that they must be sworn to perpetual silence and are held in secrecy to the Holy Office. They are held in power to their oath and to the church, also any witnesses within the priesthood are held to this oath of secrecy. It mentions destroying documents of accusation if the accusations lack foundation… but hey, if another priest can’t speak out even though they may have witnessed a sexual assault because (more…)

Here is the video… a must see for those who wonder how people become Islamic extremist’s.

Rom 16:17-18 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

2Co 11:13-15 for such ones are false apostles, deceitful workers transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And did not Satan marvelously transform himself into an angel of light? It is not a great thing, then, if also his ministers transform themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

2Ti 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

2Pe 3:3-4 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Jud 1:18-19 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.

Are we living in such times of division and unsound teaching? These people who come with their false teachings appear as ministers of righteousness but are actually devoid of the Holy Spirit. We must remember that all scripture is given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

It is the Holy Spirit who has given this Word. He is its Author. It is not of men! Nor is the Bible the product of ‘flesh and blood’. The Apostle Paul was not simply giving expression to contemporary teaching or his own thoughts. He says, ‘I received it by revelation’. It was given to him, given to him by the Lord, the risen Lord, through the Holy Spirit.

So I am arguing that the Holy Spirit will honor nothing but His own Word. Therefore if we do not believe and accept His Word, or if in any way we deviate from it, we have no right to expect the blessing of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will honor truth, and will honor nothing else. Whatever else we may do, if we do not honor this truth He will not honor us. @Old Truth.com

Gil’s commentary on Rom 16:17ff says this:

So both ministers of the Gospel, and members of churches, should not be asleep, which is the opportunity false teachers take to sow the seeds of false doctrine, discord, and contention, but should watch, and be upon their guard, and look diligently, that none among them fail of, or fall from, the doctrine of grace, or any root of bitterness, error, or heresy as well as immorality, spring up, which may be troublesome, and defile others; they should observe, and take notice of such who are busy to spread false doctrine, should watch their motions, follow them closely, take them to an account, examine their principles according to the word of God; and if found to be contrary thereunto, note them as false teachers:

and avoid them; shun their ministry, drop attendance on it, depart far from them, have no private conversation with them, receive them not into their houses, nor bid them God speed; with such do not eat, have no communion with them at the Lord’s table, withdraw from them as disorderly persons, who act contrary to the doctrine and order of the Gospel, and after proper admonition reject them from all fellowship with you.

What first interested me was the reference to sleep. It reminded me of two places where the bible speaks of sleep, one being the time the disciples fell asleep while Christ was in the garden of Gethsemane and the other being the parable of the ten virgins where they all slumbered and slept - the virgin’s were meant to be watching and waiting for the bridegroom. Both times happened in the night (the night is symbolic of tribulation) and both times the disciples/church were supposed to be looking out for Christ. This is a warning to us.

Mat 26:40-41 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Being asleep in the hour of need can lead into temptation. Yet some teach that the church needs to sleep to process things. Nowhere in the bible does it say that the church must sleep - the exact opposite is true. We are to be watchmen, we are to discern the times in which we live.

Jesus condemned those who could not discern the times in which they lived - He called them hypocrites.

Mat 16:1-3 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

Getting back to the parable of the ten virgins, it says in Matthew that the virgins went to meet the bridegroom, but He tarried. He took longer than expected. This is of course, in God’s plan because he has to fulfill His Word completely - His Word will not return to Him void. And He is not slack in His coming but is waiting patiently for all to come to repentance those who have been called to Repent and will answer that call.  This shows God’s Grace through His waiting. (2 Pet 2:9, Hab 2:3)

Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

This is important when you consider that the scriptures say that in the last days there will be people who question Christ’s coming. It says in 2 Pe3-4 that scoffers are saying ‘Where is He - where is this Christ who is meant to be coming?’ Because of His tarrying this question will seem legitimate and has placed man in a position of impatience therefore man will scoff.

We have scoffers now - we have had them in the past too - they are denying the only blessed hope of our being caught up and meeting our groom, which is the rapture. One such way of thinking is called preterism the belief that all things prophetic -or most things - have been fulfilled in the first century AD.

The danger of this type of thinking is that the person who thinks all has been accomplished will not be discerning the current times in which they live objectively. Because of their eschatology they will be willfully unaware of what the seasons are actually telling them. They are not seeing clearly the signs given by God to know and discern what season they are truly in. They have no real reason to look up but are given every reason to shape their own reality. We hear this type of talk throughout the emerging/emergent Christian circles across the globe. Brian McLaren has this to say about his eschatology when he considered it:

An eschatology of abandonment, which is how I would characterize certain streams of the left-behind approach, has disastrous social consequences. Ecology is marginalized - something we can’t afford to do in an age of global warming and species extinction and habitat destruction. The rights of Palestinians are ignored in favor of the Israeli state - as if God is happy to bless some people at the expense of others. Any project geared toward improving the world long term is seen as unfaithful, since we’re supposed to assume that the world is getting worse and worse. [...] @Planet Preterist

I would like to point out that having a Kingdom Now/Preterist eschatology has even more disastrous consequences because the emphasis has shifted from keeping your eyes on Jesus and His second coming to  the more material  and social issues that go against the very thing that Jesus said about His kingdom being not of this world! (John 18:36)
I spoke about the Lord’s tarrying and now I would like to address the parable of the ten virgins where it speaks of all slumbering and sleeping. It is a heavy warning to all of us not to become complacent.

The foolish ones took their lamps but had run out of oil, they were devoid of the Holy Spirit, they could not see because their lamps went out, we do not want to be like them. (Jud 1:18-19). But the other five had enough oil to light their lamps to see when their bridegroom came. We should be like them in having enough oil to see His coming.

I think it matters greatly what particular eschatology you allow to shape your understanding of God’s Kingdom and His fulfillment of His Word. The preterists and the emergent church are of the same mind. That particular eschatology believes that the Kingdom of God is realized in the here and now and they intend to bring it into its fullness through social projects that the whole world can become involved with.

They are not waiting for Christ but have chosen to look towards man’s ability to realize the contemporary Kingdom of God. They appear to be ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works - just as Paul said to the Corinthians.

There is so much more I could write on this subject. I have for years studied the parables of the ten virgins in conjunction with the church of Laodicea mentioned in Revelation. I will continue studying it.

But this is just a small part of what can be written about this subject matter.

So I will just call this part one.

Rev 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Rev 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Mark in Greek from Strongs:

G5480 χάραγμα charagma khar’-ag-mah From the same as G5482; a scratch or etching, that is, stamp (as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue): - graven, mark.

From the same as:

G5482 χάραξ charax khar’-ax From “charasso” (to sharpen to a point; akin to G1125 through the idea of scratching); a stake, that is, (by implication) a palisade or rampart (millitary mound for circumvallation in a siege): - trench.

G5482 χάραξ charax the Thayer Definition:

1) a pale or stake, a palisade
2) a palisade or rampart
2a) pales between which earth, stones, trees, and timbers are heaped and packed together
Part of Speech: noun masculine A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from charasso (to sharpen to a point, akin to G1125 through the idea of scratching)

Six Hundred threescore and six in Greek from Strongs:

G5516 χξς chi xi stigma khee xee stig’-ma The 22nd, 14th and an obsolete letter (G4742 as a cross) of the Greek alphabet (intermediate between the 5th and 6th), used as numbers; denoting respectively 600, 60 and 6; 666 as a numeral: - six hundred threescore and six.

G4742 στίγμα stigma stig’-mah From a primary word στίζω stizō (to “stick”, that is, prick); a mark incised or punched (for recognition of ownership), that is, (figuratively) scar of service: - mark.

Now watch the video and tell me that the verichip does not have all the right qualifications for what is described in Revelation….

For more on Edwin Black and his biography which includes other books that he has written and his qualifications.

Below is something more to read about IBM’s involvement with the Holocaust, this was taken from Wikipedia.

1930’s -1940s: Holocaust era:
During World War II, IBM manufactured the Browning Automatic Rifle and the M1 Carbine. Allied military forces widely utilized IBM’s tabulating equipment for military accounting, logistics, and other War-related purposes. There was extensive use of IBM punch-card machines for calculations made at Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project for developing the first atomic bombs; this has been notably discussed by Richard Feynman in his book, Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!. During the War IBM also built the Harvard Mark I for the U.S. Navy, the first large-scale automatic digital computer in the U.S.

In 2001, author Edwin Black published IBM and the Holocaust (ISBN 0-609-80899-0), a book documenting how IBM’s New York headquarters and CEO Thomas J. Watson acted through its overseas subsidiaries to provide the Third Reich with punch card machines knowing that the machines could help the Nazis conquer Europe and destroy European Jewry. The book extensively quoted from numerous IBM and governmental memos and letters chronicling how IBM in New York, IBM’s Geneva office and Dehomag, its German subsidiary, were intimately involved in supporting Nazi oppression. Black also published IBM’s own internal reports admitting that these machines made the Nazis much more efficient in their efforts. The 2003 documentary film The Corporation showed close-ups of several documents including IBM code sheets for concentration camps taken from the files of the National Archives.

Shortly after the war, IBM recovered the profit made from their Hollerith departments in the concentration camps, the printing of millions of punchcards used to keep track of the prisoners, the custom-built punchcard systems, etc.IBM asserts that, since their German subsidiary came under control by the Nazi authorities, they were not responsible for their role in the holocaust.

As in many cases, when the US entered the war, the Reich left in place the original IBM managers who continued their contacts via Geneva. @wikipedia IBM

Interesting isn’t it!

Now here is a query for all who have read this post… I need some help in finding a painting that I saw years ago inside the Vatican on-line virtual tour (I went on this virtual tour a few years ago, but haven’t found it since). It had the resurrected saints of this world entering heaven and on their arms was a fallen red cross which was the stigmata/stigma that the church of Rome is obsessed with. The stigmata which is meant to be the sign of the cross is made as the fallen cross which in the Greek alphabet is the number six. Which brings us to what I had started this post with and the greek meanings. Not only that I think that when the priest blesses you doesn’t he make the form of a cross on the forehead with oil? Maybe some of you out there know more about this, and I would be very interested in getting more information.

G5516 χξς chi xi stigma
khee xee stig’-ma The 22nd, 14th and an obsolete letter (G4742 as a cross) of the Greek alphabet

Does anyone know where there is more information on this painting?

I was watching a show quite a few months ago about Revelation of SBS… in it they spoke about Nero, and there was a statue of him that had the fallen cross/stigma on his forehead… does anyone have anymore information on this? I have not found anything on the net about this particular statue, there are some articles called the “cross of Nero”, which may date back to this statue with the stigma on the forehead. But from recollection the etching on this statue was done as a form of graffiti by the Christians who were persecuted at some point in history. Like I said this is what I remember of the show… perhaps some of you have more information and would like to leave a comment with good links for me.

Article on the connection called: The IBM Link to Auschwitz Researchers Uncover Records of the Company’s Work at Death-Camp Complex

The book Ibm and the Holocaust

Ibm builds the fastest supercomputer from BBC News

Important News:

Carla one my commentor’s has pointed out a really interesting site called…‘To Chip or not to Chip’. It details much more thoroughly the advancements in this field. In this article it speaks of other technologies when put together could fulfill God’s word in better detail.

When God fulfill’s His Word it is done with minuscule detail… He does not leave out a thing. For anything to be the mark of the beast it must meet all criteria of God’s Word.

I suggest that if you are interested in this topic then read the article, and become ever more aware of this growing technological advancement that will eventually lead us into global governance just as Daniel had prophesied.

Thanks again to Carla!

***See end for new link and update from an U.S. Newswire Release: Red letter Christians Launch “Voting Values” campaing!!!!***

“I am a Christian because I believe that, in all these ways, Jesus is saving the world. By “world” I mean planet Earth and all life on it, because left to ourselves, un-judged, un-forgiven, and un-taught, we will certainly destroy this planet and its residents. And by “the world” I specifically mean human history, because again, it was and is in danger, grave danger, ultimate danger, self-imposed danger, and I don’t believe anyone else can rescue it.”
—Brian McLaren, A Generous Orthodoxy, p. 97

Maybe Al Gore can rescue it! Perhaps Brian Mclaren and Al Gore should swap notes. Maybe even share a podium or two.

Washington Post speaks about Brian Mclaren and his progressive spin on traditional faith.

“He always talks about the environment as a priority when he talks about the church being relevant to the world,” Moseley said. “He’s leading a [spiritual] conversation that needs to happen,” one that “I’ve been hungry for.” McLaren has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in an increasingly active group of progressive evangelicals who are challenging the theological orthodoxy and political dominance of the religious right. He also is an intellectual guru of “emerging church,” a grass-roots movement among young evangelicals exploring new models of living out their Christian faith @Washington Post

Yes, the religious right is being challenged, but I predict that the religious left will be just as strong if not stronger in their views. I think they will be very outspoken with anyone who challenges their post-modern thinking. Democracy allows that.

I am now of the strong opinion that there should be a separation of Religion and politics, it can get nasty and I am seeing that already happening within christian circles. Christ did not involve Himself with the politics in His day (although, we will see him come again and challenge every government - and not only challenge them but over throw every single one of them, left or right and anywhere in between). So, I will take my lesson from Him.

Mar 12:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.

However, we are to pray for our leaders that have been elected no matter who they are - that is what we are called to do as Christians. Nowhere does it say in the Bible that we as Christians should form a christian government - but we are to wait patiently for Christ to come back and form His government that will be ruled in real Truth and with Holy Justice and with a rod of iron! (Rev 19: 14-16). Man cannot even come close to that - not even a christian one at that. It will be a Holy Theocracy which will be ruled by God and not man trying to be a little god with his little mind with his little understanding of what justice is supposed to be while he ponders on how to enact social policies drawn up in humanistic philosophies gleaned from a multitude of different viewpoints. (1Cor 1:20)

Mans prayer:

1Ti 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

There needs to be a definite separation of church and state and what I am seeing in this country and the U.S.A is the division becoming quite blurred - both with the religious right and the religious left. If by observing current movements within the latest christian trends are any indication of the future of politics then the religious left will actually be more inclusive of all religions and practices - therefore will be a strong although diverse force! Quite simply, they will have the numbers and anyone who disagrees with them will be chewed up and spat out and considered as a political and/or religious dissenter. Brian McLaren and Rick Warren have been openly using their influence not just on the Church but also on the world stage. Rick Warrens PEACE plan is one that has gone around the globe. But I think eventually (sooner more than later) the political pendulum will swing to the hard left and it won’t necessarily be what society considers to be a non-religious movement but rather a religious left which is hell bent on saving the planet in a humanitarian, social and holistic way. Which, I might add, will at first glance appear to fit the christian model for those so inclined, appear to fit the islamic model for those so inclined, appear to fit the Buddhist’s model for those so incline, appear to fit a non-theistic model for those so inclined… etc, etc. Why? Because the emphasis is not what separates these religions, philosophies or ideologies but rather what combines them, the great social problem and social cause can be dressed up in any shape way or form, it will be a global agenda.

The emphasis will be on this globe (ghia - mother earth and her biggest problem called man) and anything else will pale into insignificance with no thought given to your eternal destiny but rather to the here and now because ghia is dying! Man can now unite and set aside their differences to build a better world! Actually, this new political movement just won’t be creating a better world, it will want to save it. The political push will be for all countries and peoples no matter what creed or relilgion - to unite and save the planet.

Now, as I have said before this planet is dying, it has fallen under the curse of sin. This planet will not become completely healthy until Christ comes again and redeems the planet and rules from the throne of Jerusalem for 1000 years ( Isaiah 11:1ff ). This is a prophecy that Christ is yet to fulfill. The fact that God has said that He will accomplish that what He has said … is a sure reminder of the earth’s redemption and ours - as yet we wait for its complete fruition, our blessed hope.

Things are changing though. Let’s look at the changes we are seeing in the Australian AoG church. Below is an official statement that is based upon AoG’s common understanding of scriptural teaching. Quoted below is a definite separation of Church and State written in this official document. The official delineation of this position is found in the Assemblies of God Missionary Handbook, section 7, #11.

Historically, when the church has become involved in partisan politics, the outcome has been disastrous for both the kingdom of God and the system of government it promoted or attacked. The essence of the church is not earthly and temporal, but spiritual and eternal (John 18:36). The priority of the church is to preach Christ exclusively (1 Corinthians 2:2). The mission of the church is to proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:19).[...] [p]olitical affiliation, by its very nature, divides people into competing groups. There is no room for such division in the church. Therefore the church must never promote any party or system that would be divisive to the body of Christ, but rather contend for the faith that unites every tribe and tongue and people and nation into one glorious Church. @General Council AoG

The above quote is from an AoG site. Yet, here in Australia we have a party called ‘family first’ which was founded by an AoG Pastor in Adelaide and although it holds onto very conservative values the party has been very successful in gaining a lot of strength in the community Australia wide. What is interesting is this party came from an AoG church called Paradise Community Church, Andrew Evans is from AoG Paradise Community Church and it is he who started the party in 2002. The party actually flies in the face of the AoG’s stand on Religion and Politics. The dividing line becomes even more blurry.

We certainly are living in the most interesting times. I am still looking up for my redemption draws near!

Postscript:

Red Letter Christians Launch ‘Voting Our Values’ Campaign

9/13/2006 5:09:00 PM