"NOTHING IS AS PREDICTABLE AS CHANGE,except for GOD-HE NEVER CHANGES"
Send The Warrior Angels Dear Lord!
Victory For The Lord And His People
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
ONE NATION UNDER JUDGEMENT.....
I was so impressed with this woman's article I just had to give you the link here. I too would like to know the answer to the question she poses. How 'bout you? What do you think?
Does the American flag belong in church?
Our allegiance belongs to God, not state power.
By Becky Akers
from the July 28, 2008 edition
Our allegiance belongs to God, not state power.
By Becky Akers
from the July 28, 2008 edition
New York - I've attended church weekly all my life, and virtually every congregation with whom I've worshipped displays an American flag. It often stands close to the communion table, probably a church's most sacred spot. Some denominations even recite the Pledge of Allegiance – multiple times. One church I visited in the Midwest began Sunday School with the Pledge but apparently lacked faith it would stick. We interrupted morning worship with another recitation.
All in all, American Christians seem as devoted to their government as Ruth was to Naomi. But should they be? Do either the flag or the Pledge have any place in the Lord's house? Is congregational commitment to the republic for which these emblems stand consistent with Biblical Christianity? Is political power?
Throughout history, Christians have usually been on the wrong side of government. The Roman Empire tortured Jesus Christ to death, then criminalized his friends. Later regimes continued that tradition. They routinely hunted down, imprisoned, tortured, and slaughtered people who clung to their Lord instead of the law. Something like 70 million Christians have died for their faith since AD 33.
The church thought to resolve this by grabbing government's reins. But the same brutality soon surfaced. Believers weren't safe unless they practiced precisely as their brothers in power dictated.
Incredibly, Christians suffered the same tortures and death at the hands of "Christian" rulers as they had from others. At various times in various nations, "Christians" have persecuted their fellows for acknowledging the pope, refusing to acknowledge the pope, baptizing adults instead of babies, baptizing babies instead of adults, etc. Tragically, Christians high on power forsake the Ten Commandments and the golden rule as quickly as anyone else.
The trouble doesn't lie with Christianity but with power. The two have always been at odds. Political power is a synonym for "physical force," for bending people to government's will regardless of their inclinations, interests, or welfare. But Christianity is love – power's antidote. Anyone who sincerely follows Jesus Christ will never try to compel others – because he didn't. Jesus sought to persuade by word and example, loving men so much that he let them judge for themselves the truth of his teachings.
No wonder the state wars against so potent an adversary. Its antagonism compelled America's Founding Fathers to decree, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The Founders weren't only insulating government from Christianity, as today's secularists insist; they also hoped to protect Christianity from the poison of political power. A free society flourishes because of its families, schools, marketplace and churches. If these become mere outposts of government, if the state subsumes them so that they advance its agenda rather than curtail its power, the country sinks into totalitarianism.
How disastrous, then, that many American Christians are too busy courting government to curb it. Preachers vie to endorse political candidates, cozying up to them rather than calling them to account. Churches no longer disdain money taken from people via taxation; instead, they complain that their handouts under the Faith-Based Initiative weren't big enough.
And many support a war in Iraq that has killed tens of thousands and put civilians – including Iraq's brave but tiny Christian community – in great tribulation. Sadly, I have yet to hear any American church pray for Iraqis as they endure the persecution, poverty, and pain this war has inflicted. But congregants who are Americans first and Christians second often ask God to bless our troops on Sundays.
If they think about it at all, most believers probably see the flag and Pledge as tokens of affection for their country. In reality, both symbolize an infatuation with government. Churches hope to change circumstances through political force when Jesus called us to change hearts and minds with his message. We cheat ourselves, trusting the state's inferior and transitory power instead of the Almighty.
We also enhance rather than counter the state's supremacy. Our "patriotism" is really nationalism: unquestioning and enthusiastic support of political power. Christians eager to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's have the rest of the week to do so. But the things rendered should not include our allegiance. That belongs to God. Why taint our worship by pledging it to the state's flag instead?
On trial for his life, Jesus Christ asserted his divinity while denying that his kingdom was of this world. It's ironic that Americans who accept the first truth devoutly reject the latter.
• Becky Akers is a freelance writer and historian. She worships in Protestant churches.
All in all, American Christians seem as devoted to their government as Ruth was to Naomi. But should they be? Do either the flag or the Pledge have any place in the Lord's house? Is congregational commitment to the republic for which these emblems stand consistent with Biblical Christianity? Is political power?
Throughout history, Christians have usually been on the wrong side of government. The Roman Empire tortured Jesus Christ to death, then criminalized his friends. Later regimes continued that tradition. They routinely hunted down, imprisoned, tortured, and slaughtered people who clung to their Lord instead of the law. Something like 70 million Christians have died for their faith since AD 33.
The church thought to resolve this by grabbing government's reins. But the same brutality soon surfaced. Believers weren't safe unless they practiced precisely as their brothers in power dictated.
Incredibly, Christians suffered the same tortures and death at the hands of "Christian" rulers as they had from others. At various times in various nations, "Christians" have persecuted their fellows for acknowledging the pope, refusing to acknowledge the pope, baptizing adults instead of babies, baptizing babies instead of adults, etc. Tragically, Christians high on power forsake the Ten Commandments and the golden rule as quickly as anyone else.
The trouble doesn't lie with Christianity but with power. The two have always been at odds. Political power is a synonym for "physical force," for bending people to government's will regardless of their inclinations, interests, or welfare. But Christianity is love – power's antidote. Anyone who sincerely follows Jesus Christ will never try to compel others – because he didn't. Jesus sought to persuade by word and example, loving men so much that he let them judge for themselves the truth of his teachings.
No wonder the state wars against so potent an adversary. Its antagonism compelled America's Founding Fathers to decree, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The Founders weren't only insulating government from Christianity, as today's secularists insist; they also hoped to protect Christianity from the poison of political power. A free society flourishes because of its families, schools, marketplace and churches. If these become mere outposts of government, if the state subsumes them so that they advance its agenda rather than curtail its power, the country sinks into totalitarianism.
How disastrous, then, that many American Christians are too busy courting government to curb it. Preachers vie to endorse political candidates, cozying up to them rather than calling them to account. Churches no longer disdain money taken from people via taxation; instead, they complain that their handouts under the Faith-Based Initiative weren't big enough.
And many support a war in Iraq that has killed tens of thousands and put civilians – including Iraq's brave but tiny Christian community – in great tribulation. Sadly, I have yet to hear any American church pray for Iraqis as they endure the persecution, poverty, and pain this war has inflicted. But congregants who are Americans first and Christians second often ask God to bless our troops on Sundays.
If they think about it at all, most believers probably see the flag and Pledge as tokens of affection for their country. In reality, both symbolize an infatuation with government. Churches hope to change circumstances through political force when Jesus called us to change hearts and minds with his message. We cheat ourselves, trusting the state's inferior and transitory power instead of the Almighty.
We also enhance rather than counter the state's supremacy. Our "patriotism" is really nationalism: unquestioning and enthusiastic support of political power. Christians eager to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's have the rest of the week to do so. But the things rendered should not include our allegiance. That belongs to God. Why taint our worship by pledging it to the state's flag instead?
On trial for his life, Jesus Christ asserted his divinity while denying that his kingdom was of this world. It's ironic that Americans who accept the first truth devoutly reject the latter.
• Becky Akers is a freelance writer and historian. She worships in Protestant churches.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
NEHEMIAH PROJECT
DROPPING THE LORD'S BUSINESS TO DO THE BIDDING OF THE DEVIL. AND THEY WONDER WHY THE DISASTERS KEEP HITTING THEM. THEY WANT TO DENY IT, AND THEREFORE DENY THE POWER OF THE LORD THEY CLAIM TO WORSHIP....OH, WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE, WHEN FIRST WE PRACTICE TO DECEIVE....
Oklahoma Participants In Nehemiah
Those listed on the Okahoma project meeting as churches and pastors of the Oklahoma City Nehemiah Project are listed below. Members of congregations are urged to file formal complaints with the IRS if voters guides, partisan literature or pulpit endorsements are forthcoming in this year's election.....
Lakeside Church of God, Pastor Kenneth Adams
First Church of God, Pastor Randy Montgomery
The New Harvest Church, Pastor Randy Barnett
Metro Church of Norman, Pastor Bill Sanchez
Cornerstone Church, Pastor David Brooks
Britton Baptist Church, Pastor Robert Copeland
Victory Christian Center, Pastor Mark Crow
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pastor Wayne Cullins
First Baptist Church of Edmond, Pastor Alan Day
Shields Blvd. Church of the Nazarene, Pastor R.H. Dressler
Cathedral of Praise, Pastor Ron Dryden
Michigan Ave. Baptist Church, Pastor Robert E. Dye
Alliance Bible Church, Pastor Alan Eggleton
BC Clark Mem United Methodist Church, Pastor Dan Frisby
Amity Baptist Church, Pastor Greg Blackman
First Baptist Church of Gore, Pastor Tony Folger
First Baptist Church of Newcastle, Pastor Bill Gentry
First United Methodist Church, Nick Harris
Grace Assembly of God, Pastor Joe E. Hancock
Northwest Baptist Church, Dr. Anthony L. Jordon
Village Baptist Church, Pastor Ted Kersh
Antioch Baptist Church, Pastor Lester M. Cezar
Beverly Hills Baptist Church, Pastor Britt Lesley
Cathedral of the Hills, pastor Ron McCaslin
Assembly of God Church, Pastor Mark Lemarr
Calvary Chapel of OKC, Pastor Kenneth Merrihew
Lambuth United Methodist Church, Pastor T.A. Miller
Portland Avenue Baptist Church, Pastor Walter Mullican
Capital Baptist Association, Dr. Ernie Perkins
Calvary Church of the Nazarene, Pastor Larry Pruitt
Community Bible Church, Pastor Chris Real
Capitol Hill Assmebly of God, Pastor Earl Taylor
Jefferson Heights Baptist Church, Pastor Lester W. Vogler
Cherokee Hills Christian Church, Pastor Roger Woodrome
Cathedral of Praise, Pastor Robert Custer II- Rutherford Institute, Steven Lewis
Westmoore Community Covenant Church, Pastor Paul Cunningham
Oklahoma Christian Coalition, Exec. Dir, Kenneth Wood
First Assembly of God, Pastor Charles Shugart
Cornerstone Church, Pastor Skip Redd
Archdiocese of Oklahoam City, Rev. Jenaro De La Cruz
Christian Heritage Academy, Headmaster Ralph Bullard
Freedom Fellowhip, Pastor Scott Salter
Baptist Temple, Pastor Sam Broughton
Libery Church, Pastor Mark Allen
First Southern Baptist Church, Pastor Tome Elliff
Asbury United Methodist Church, Pastor Gale N. Izard
Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, Dr. Melvin McCullough
Assemblies of God, State Missions Director, Rev. Lindell Warren
First Baptist Church of Bethany, Pastor Jack Bettis
Bethel Church, Pastor Dick Temple
First Baptist Church of Chickasha, Pastor GL Rogers
Alameda Church of Christ, Pastor Gary Jones
Free Methodist Church of Edmond, Pastor Ron Frederick
First Baptist Church of Mustang, Pastor Bill Langley
This list is part of a much larger article that appeared in the Oklahoma Observer on October 25. For information on subscribing to the Observer, call (405)525-5582
Nehemiah Corporation of America
Nehemiah Community Reinvestment Fund™, Inc. A community development financial institution.
Sacramento Valley Fund LLC Invests in the development of high quality, urban scale, mixed use and mixed-income housing, commercial, and industrial projects.
Nehemiah Community Foundation™, Inc.Provides support to other faith-based and community-based organizations.
Nehemiah Urban Ministry InitiativesDevelops, sponsors and promotes urban Christian ministries.
Nehemiah Progressive Housing Development CorporationDeveloped affordable housing for families and seniors through state and federal tax credit programs.
The Nehemiah Program® The nation’s largest privately funded down payment assistance program
Pre-Homeownership Education Free online course will help prepare buyers for the journey toward homeownership.Course is available in English and Spanish.
( I am guessing these are just a drop in the bucket of churches that receive gov. monies for helping foreigners and those THEY DEEM WORTHY into getting land and houses that rightfully should go to legal CITIZENS! NoN-PROFIT organizations MY FOOT! The road to hell is paved with good intentions....)
Okla. crane fall kills man watching construction
Grace Assembly of God Pastor Joe Hancock said the couple were longtime church members.
(WONDER WHO THEY WILL POINT THE FINGER OF BLAME AT BESIDES THEMSELVES AND GOD?)
GUIDE TO THE SCRIPTURES Lying
See also Deceit, Deceive, Deception; Evil Speaking; Honest, Honesty
Any communication of falsehood or untruth for the purpose of deception.
The Children of the Devil
42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
Romans 3:4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
1 John 2:4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
1 John 4:20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Mark 12:14And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
Isaiah 10:20And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
See also Deceit, Deceive, Deception; Evil Speaking; Honest, Honesty
Any communication of falsehood or untruth for the purpose of deception.
The Children of the Devil
42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
Romans 3:4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
1 John 2:4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
1 John 4:20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Mark 12:14And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
Isaiah 10:20And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience
Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Proverbs 24:28Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
Jeremiah 9:5And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
Jeremiah 37:9Thus saith the LORD; Deceive not yourselves, saying, The Chaldeans shall surely depart from us: for they shall not depart.
Jeremiah 9:19For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out.
1 Kings 9
4And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:
5Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.
6But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:
7Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:
8And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?
9And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.
(What happens to people who fail to obey GOD and worship false idols-such as Mammon, ect;)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Phoenix, Arizona is now kidnap capital of the USA!
THE MEXICAN'S WAR ON AMERICA IS COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU....ARIZONA IS STARTING TO PAY THE PRICE FOR OUR LAX BORDERS AND SKIMPY SECURITY. WHICH STATE WILL BE NEXT? YOURS?
MEXICO DECLARES WAR ON USA
WHEN OUR LAWMAKERS BECOME "LAWBREAKERS" INTENT ON DESTROYING THE UNITED STATES - ALL THAT IS LEFT TO THE PEOPLE IS VIGILANTE LAW...
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