I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. - John 15:5
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. - Mark 4:35
...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalms 30:5b
...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:14
...And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. - Genesis 1:2b
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. - Psalms 23:1-2
Welcome to Adam2.org!
Thank you for visiting ADAM2.ORG and your interest in our studies and resources. We are currently going through a growth
phase and editing and expanding to include other features and writings. We hope you check back often for updates, especially in our Studies' Section.
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Adam2.org was established by our founder, Ken Livingston, in July 1999.
Having grown into an international organization consisting of thousands of members and visitors from over 50
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denomination, church or other controlling entity or otherwise, with the exception of... Read more...►
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If you aren't sure what your state of life will be when this one is over, we encourage you to seriously
consider this while you have opportunity. Nothing in this life you will do will be as important!
Likely, you have made every preparation for your present life.
You owe it to your self to prepare for what comes next. It won't cost you a thing! Continue reading...►
Excerpts From Studies' Area ▼
Excerpt from: In His Presence.
"A self surrendered in the silence of His presence is a soul at peace in Him who reclaimed it! The earth and its burdens no
longer bind you and you are free to walk the stars, revel in His glory, bathed in His love. Time affects only the earthly,
but your spirit is free to soar the heavenlies -- and the hours pass quickly, while In His Presence!
To journey where no mortal may go: This Is Prayer!"
Excerpt from: Proofs of Growing In Grace. 1. Less temptation to focus on troubles or talk about them to others... 2. Less temptation to resent and retaliate when insulted or abused... 3. Joy under crosses, disappointment, and severe pain...
Each month a featured writing from different authors will be posted below as a main feature in our center section.
The nature of these writings will vary from devotional, to inspirational, topical and informative for the current
state of our Christian culture. You may access this full feature with the link below. ▼
Opportunities for Service ▼
Each day a host of members and visitors from around the world visit our site and use our online resources, all at no cost. We plan to continue doing so. As we have grown, so too have our needs. We would like to extend an invitation for you to become an integral part of our efforts in helping others. Read more... ►
For those who would like to contribute to our Online ministry, we welcome your donation. Some of you have been looking for a way to give towards an international effort in helping others. Your contribution will not only go a long way in meeting our current and future challenges in maintaining and improving our capacity to aid others, but will place you within His channel of blessing to you for having done so. Your bread upon the waters will not go unnoticed by Him (Hebrews 6:10). Read more... ►
Delivered in 1964 in support of Sen Barry Goldwater for President
It is said by many, even Reagan himself, this speech defined Reagan's future political career, identifying him as a serious voice to be heard. He euphemistically referred to this speech as "The Speech", indicating his recognition of it being a turning point in his life's beliefs that would later guide him in his endeavors.
It is a speech that resounds in our generation today. Listen carefully, then, read the article at right, "Who Will Say "No More" to the Current Madness?", by Victor Davis Hansen.Read: A Time for Choosing Speech, October 27, 1964
Shocking Finding: Two-thirds (67%) of pre-teen parents claim to be Christian, but only 2% of all pre-teen parents actually possess a biblical worldview...
American Values Personal Survey
Poll: American Majority Wants Congress to Pass Pro-Life Protections
Downward Trend Who Say Same-Sex Relations Morally Acceptable
Satan, The Father Of Lies
Battle For America's Soul
Ligonier Ministries' Biennial Study of The State Of American Theology
Just one question: If, if this is true then why do our politicians and those who do their bidding in the media possess the spirit of antichrist—an anti-Christian spirit that treats others with such hostility, disrespect and mean-spirited? Why is the state of our country so godless and in an advanced state of decay and decline?
Something is grossly immoral and amiss!
Consider this from 3 of our founding fathers:
Benjamin Franklin - Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.
Jedidiah Morse - Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government - and all blessings which flow from them - must fall with them.
John Adams - Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
This may help to answer some of your questions as to our current national state of affairs. The honest student of history knows this to be true. Also read:
Fourteen major American cities are part of a globalist climate organization known as the "C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group," which has an "ambitious target" by the year 2030 of '0 kg [of] meat consumption," "0 kg [of] dairy consumption," "3 new clothing items per person per year," "0 private vehicles" owned, and "1 short-haul return flight (less than 1500 km) every 3 years per person."
This is designed to: 1) destroy the cohesiveness of societies thus making them much easier to control, and 2) reduce the world population by 90+ per cent. Read their Agenda 2030 Plan, in their own words. Most people still don't know how much more, much more, their lives are going to drastically change in the next 6+ yrs.
Read: The Future Of Urban Consumption In A 1.5°C WorldPresident Obama's Commitment to Global Development - Published: September 27, 2015
Who Will Say No More to the Current Madness?
American Churches Are Eerily Silent When the Country Needs Them Most
We Must Pivot or Perish
Here are two key videos that represent the pivotal time the world finds itself in once again in the course of human history. Jesus warned us the time before His return would be as it was in the days of Noah, before the first cataclysmic event of the flood. It was a time of such evil only one man and his household acknowledged God in all his ways.
To the intellectually honest person one has to admit God is rapidly being driven from the ways of men once again. How far down this path we have strayed is mere speculation but if Biblical history teaches us anything the teachings found in Paul's writing to the Romans who had become so decadent and godless must be carefully considered as a warning to us today. It would be wise for one to read this Biblical red flag before it is too late for us. (Romans 1)
To Donald J. Trump and all who aspire to lead as long as you surround yourselves with and support those such as below our country will never heal. There must be a clean break with those who are corrupt and speak from the deceit of their hearts. No longer are they cloaked in the collective darkness of their deeds (John 3:19-21). The people finally see. Now we must act if we are to live free, not as our lustful hearts' desire but as a Godly people once again. As Christians we are compelled to stop cowering before this godless generation and live boldly in our faith in Him.
There was a time not too long ago when being a "statesman" was an aspirational goal for those who sought to lead. It was a time when, if the course of events led us to the dark boundaries of fair play and common Godly sense in our public affairs, a single voice from one well-suited to speak would rise above the clamor of all and do so with an authority that would bring us together for the good of the nation. We would be led away from such threatening times. In this late hour, from France, the world has its first. It awaits for the next.
(Click above to view the feature History of the Christian Church.)
"Philip Schaff's History of the Christian Church excels at providing an impressive and instructive historical treatment of the Christian church..." "One feature of the History of the Christian Church that readers immediately notice is just how beautifully written it is--especially in comparison to other texts of a similar nature. Simply put, Schaff's prose is lively and engaging."
Adam2.org has programmed this wonderful Eight Volume work into a convenient tabbed index on a dark background for easy reading. Accessing through the extensive index one's favoite subject area in such a volumnious work is so quick and simple. We believe once the reader begins, you will discover this is a treasure you will return to often. The knowledge and understanding gained from studying this extensive work will be invaluable and rewarding to the serious reader.
The following is taken from the Book, Adam2: A Guide For The Walk Home, written by our founder.
It is A Commentary On The Gospel Of John, complete with a background look at the contemporary Jewish groups active in Jesus' day.
It includes a summary of each chapter, a redacted study of each disciple, a brief study of Gnosticism of the time, pertinent timelines,
and much more. Each chapter of study includes extensive Biblical references to the notes on the chapter.
A chronological excerpt of each section will be posted here at the beginning of each month. You can access free of charge at any time
a complete online digital version
for your further study. In addition, a link will be provided to purchase the book on CD to install on
your own computer for convenience of study and print. All we ask is that you observe the stated copyrights as with any book you buy over
the counter, limiting your print to only one hard copy for your own personal use. If further hard copies are necessary,
please contact us for an additional nominal fee. Thank you for your interest in this study. Our hope and prayer is that
through the work of the Holy Spirit as you study you will be blessed by it, and if so, recommend it to a friend.
We turn this month to John - Chapter 10 from the book: Adam2.
II. SCRIPTURAL STUDY.
B. THE SHEPHERD'S CALL. 10:19-42
This simple statement that His sheep will hear His voice, when found, carries with it certain profound implications.
It is the source of which men for centuries have splintered in the view of Christ's call to a universal world.
It is not one this current study needs to address. We will simply say of those who are not His, that they are
not so because of the condition of their own heart and ears, and the choice they make to remain in their own
blindness caused by the Deceiver, as with Eve (and Adam).
For these reasons, and others, these rulers do not hear His call, therefore, they are not His; but, He has come to
take from among them those who are.
Let us look for a moment at this truth of the recognition of His Voice when He calls. Consider how one recognizes
the authentic voice of another.
First, one sure way that comes to mind is simply from having heard it before. With this we are most familiar
(to be discussed shortly), but
Second, another way with which we are equally familiar is when, if they are published, we have read many of their
works and are quite studied in their words, maybe having committed a few of the more memorable ones to memory for
moments in solitude for reflection and enjoyment, such as those of Shakespeare, Browning, or better still, a contemporary
with whom we may have a chance encounter. We may never have seen a likeness of this one whose work we admire, but if in
this chance meeting, passing by not knowing who they are, yet hearing their voice, it would arrest our attention.
What we would hear would be familiar words spoken by one with such authority as to say this is the very author of
those words himself. (Is this not what those who heard Jesus speak say of Him, even as a child by these very ones
He is now before? Follow with me for now before you go off on that point.) A voice within us would say it was so,
and we would be convinced enough to remain, probably trying to convince a possible companion in our chance meeting.
And upon learning for certain through other confirmation, our words would be to those around us who knew of our hopeful
suspicion something like this: "See, I told you so!" Do I need to continue with this analogy with Christ as
the Word and His written Revelation that these Jews held within their memory for this same recognition,
as well as it should be for our own?
(7:46;
Mt.8:27;
Lk.8:25;
11:27;
20:26;
2:47;
Mk.11:17;
Lk.4:17;
6:37-39;
8:25-31)
Third, but no less important: assume we have never heard this voice ourselves, or read his works to recognize
it when it speaks. Is it not, then, the credible witness of someone who has that we would trust equally as sure as
our own judgment? Certainly. It is precisely by this method Jesus chose for His identification to us for our
confirmation of Him—His Holy Spirit sent for this express purpose. As sure as He trusts Him, when He is sent,
to speak of no other, we can be as confident then when He speaks to our spirit and that voice deep within says
there is something familiar and agreeable with what we are hearing.
(16:13-15;
Acts 2:6,16-21)
This can be seen in the woman at the well who had never met Jesus, but was convinced by only a few of His words of
the fact that this voice identified her as she knew herself to be, and unlike any other had known her in her entire life.
Through His Words, she knew beyond doubt that this was the One who had been promised. She did not know how He knew her,
but she knew that the core of her soul was brought to light in the Truth of His Words. No other has this power,
for only He knows the hearts of all people and will identify them in that meeting (as with Nathanael).
(4:29;
2:24-25;
1:47-48)
As a result of this unique understanding of ourselves revealed to us by this One who has engaged us, our recognition
of His Truth for the exact answer to our discovered condition cannot be denied (we may deny it to others, but it cannot
be to the voice within). Thus, He tells us first who we are—lost ones, searching for fulfillment in life and
the freedom for our spirits that seem to be crying out from within for outward release into someone
who truly recognizes and understands us, and who will accept and love us as we are when we meet. Secondly, He tells us who
He is, exactly in relation to us—the answer and complete embodiment of our lifelong search.
(Mt.18:12;
vs.10;
6:37;
vs.9,11)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Over the years when pressed into service for others in Jesus' name beyond your own human comfort zone,
into a realm that seemed to defy all logic and understanding, have you often wondered if you had reached
the limits of your sanity? You know you would not have chosen that particular path for that specific need
of another if you were in your right mind. You think to yourself: What was I thinking? You may have
had others who knew you best question your thoughts and actions, even saying to you: Are you out of your mind?
You agreed. You did feel deep within this wasn't the course any one in their right mind might have
chosen—the things you are called to do for or speak to another. However, there was no denying in your spirit
by Whom you were being led! As you continued obediently in faith, you may have had to defend your actions to others by
expressing your unconcern of their thoughts and attitudes toward you because of their lack of understanding where
God had placed you.
At this point, you may have had thoughts of the similarities of your experience and Job's experience with his three
friends who could not understand what he was experiencing in his time. Never before had you more understanding and
greater sympathy for his situation. You conclude your friends mean well but are not in the throes of the experience
and anointing of your unique calling for this moment. You do not judge. You know, you just know, you must press on
until He has done with you in the matter. Your obedience is required and His yoke and Joy remaineth upon you.
This is undeniable to you. As much as you may desire and try, you will never be able to convince your friends to understand.
Nor should you. Nor can they. This is something God has called you to do in quiet solitude and devotion to Him.
Jesus asked us never to do our alms to Him for others to see. Greater will be your reward in heaven when He alone
recognizes in total what you have done in private and personal for Him (Mt.6:4). Though your actions may be seen openly
because of the nature of your service, you and He alone know this you do for Him, in His name. You have come to the point
in surrender to Him where His recognition is all the recognition you seek. At times, even those you serve may seem to
resent your service or at the least you may feel you are being used. It matters not when you know you have both His
blessing and anointing for what you do. The human nature and reasoning would say: enough! and walk away. But you
are no longer listening with the human ear and applying human logic.
For the Christian who has indeed reached a level of growth in the heart of God's calming and satisfying love produced
by the Holy Spirit, the new creature in Christ has allowed the mind of Christ to thoroughly supplant the mind of the old creature
(Rom.12:2;
Eph.4:23;
Ph.2:5;
I Pe.4:1).
Newborn into His kingdom we were babes in Christ
(II Cor.5:17).
We thought like a child, we spoke as a child, we acted as a child, we even expected from others as a child,
but when we grew up in Christ, we put away those childish ways and walked in the ways of maturity in Christ.
His mind began having more and more sway with each passing day, with each growing experience, each lesson learned,
each willful submission to Him as Lord in all areas of our lives
(I Cor.13:11;
II Cor.10:5).
His Spirit now is busy at work pricking, prodding and poking at the old creature in our daily contact with the world. He is
constantly exposing remnants of the old life, convicting and presenting us continually with the choice of obedience in submission
for dissection any discovery of the old and insinuation of Himself into each new area we allow His cleansing
(John 16:8).
The following is taken from the Book of New Testament Summaries.
Chapter
(A.D.57?)
[The "Gospel of God" and "His Son"
(1:1,9) as seen and written by Paul to Roman Christians
(1:7): to let them know he knew of their work and faith
(1:8), that he was coming there shortly
(1:10;
15:24),
and to have on file in Rome, the capital of the world, a record of the Gospel of God through Jesus Christ.
1:15]
Paul introduces himself by listing his credentials credible for his writing. First he identifies his position in ministry:
a servant; second, his calling: an Apostle; and thirdly, his purpose: to declare the message of the Gospel of God.
(NOTICE: Nowhere does he list his earthly achievements as qualifications for writing or speaking:
Phd's in law; his denomination affiliations: a Pharisee, etc. He is first and lastly a servant of Christ in the proclamation
of the message of God that there be no room for worldly human boasting! See II Cor.10:7-18; Ph.3:3-8.
Therefore, he is ready (1:15),
willing (
I Th.2:8),
and able (
II Co.3:4-6)
to preach God's Gospel to whomever called, at present in writing to Rome!) He salutes them, commends their much publicized faith,
expresses his longing to see them that he might impart to them some spiritual gift, together be edified, and finally,
clearly teach that the fruit of the gospel is God's righteousness established and lived out in man.
All men are seen at one point standing under the shadow of God's impending wrath because of his own ungodliness.
It is each's individual decision whether one remains so. Just as there are specific steps to be taken toward God,
coming under His umbrella of saving grace, there are successive steps away from Him, putting one in final jeopardy
of His irrevocable judgment (1:21,23,25,32): (1)
They became indifferent to God (failed to glorify Him), (2) therefore, they became ungrateful to Him (failed to be thankful),
(3) thus they became conceited (vain in their own imaginations), (4) now having no need of Him,
they omitted Him from their lives (worshipped the product of their own hands), and finally, (5) changed His truth into a lie!
This one will be given over to do those things naturally produced from within a wicked heart: all manner of despicable sin arising from
eventual unnatural affections, having gone so far from God (His knowledge, truth, and wisdom), filled (in total) with unrighteousness.
The end of this man is both logical and inevitable. (All of the above is not only applicable to the individual,
but to a nation as well, as seen with Israel of old and within any nation in decline.)
Since all men stand accused, guilty, and condemned before His Bench, God alone is holy enough to be judge.
Therefore, no man has the right to sit in judgment of another, no matter his level of righteousness attained
nor degree of works done! Both Jew and Gentile stand alike on equal footing in His Court. His Law is blind:
it can see only the sin and not the sinner, thus pointing to the guilty, irrespective of his earthly origin or achievements.
Because God is just, His judgment is just. He will separate the wheat from the chaff at the appropriate time,
after each has his own period of possible repentance and being wooed by God's freely given loving goodness,
seeing in his hard heart his own guilt and finally throwing himself at the mercy of His grace. Those who observe
to do His Law from a heart softened by Him will be spared His wrath. So, be careful not to judge another,
but also in your attempts to teach others His Law as you have been taught. See that your own life reflects it,
that His name be highly honored among all men, especially by the unbeliever. The Law kept only outwardly without
the heart ever receiving it, is vain, but the one who has his heart spiritually quickened by God when His Law
is received within, will be highly praised by Him, whether Jew or Gentile.
Paul now asks what advantage then is outward circumcision, or profit to the ceremonial Jew? Certainly there were unbelievers
(uncircumcised in heart) among them, but this alone does not negate the faith and purpose of the others who believed. To them
was committed the oracles of God for the benefit of all men, to be instructed in His ways that righteousness might come to all,
not only to the Jew (though first), but to the Gentile world as well. Clearly, then, it is seen that all stand guilty before a
righteous judge with none being justified by the Law, only condemned by it, everyone having violated it. Whether in some
small point, or in totality, it is broken! None are righteous, not one! The most lawful and unlawful both stand
condemned, for both are guilty on some point. No amount of man's own righteousness (right doing) will cover his personal violations.
Man's violations (sin), no matter how few or small, are larger than any amount of works he could do in ten lifetimes, unable to
be used as a cover or for mitigating circumstances to set him free. One dot of sin is sufficient to render any man guilty to the
extreme of offsetting a lifetime of good works! (
Ecc.10:1)
Therefore, no amount of works is capable of negating man's penalty or excusing him from the Law's violation. Now having
sufficiently made the case for every man's guilt (a sinner), and impossibility for any man to work off his own sentence to be set
free, Paul pivots in 3:21 to declare the grace of God and the hope for man. He has shown us our
unrighteousness; he now teaches the provision God Himself has made for our righteousness that we might go free—Faith in Jesus Christ
who served our sentence perfectly, now offering pardon. Guilty? Yes, all, but freely pardoned through acceptance of His work done
for us! So righteousness comes not by the Law, but through faith, not just blind faith, but faith in Jesus Christ. Why Him? Because
no other paid the required penalty to appease an offended God who might consider and grant us grace as we stand by His successful
Son's side as He pleads now for our pardon! God Himself has done the work (3:25),
and Christ has declared, it is finished! (
Jn.17:4;
19:30)
Hence, three consequences arise from faith in Christ: (1) Boasting in works is excluded
(vs.27), (2) God is for all men, Jew and Gentile
(vs.29), and (3) its work
(vs.31). So, because justified to go away free, yet not as his own,
rather now a servant of Christ who bought him with a price—justified not by your own works, but by faith in the works of Christ!
Paul now uses Abraham, the first to be ordered ceremonially circumcised, as an example of any man justified by faith and not works.
His righteousness was imputed to him by God who saw his faith within his heart before receiving the ceremonial circumcision;
therefore, his righteousness did not come through the act of circumcision or any works previously performed.
His works were a result of his faith, his circumcision serving as: (1) a mere sign of his faith, and
(2) a seal of their relationship! The Law then serves only to bring man condemned before God. But faith
in the works of the Son sets him free, freely justified to inherit the righteousness of God (
Jn.1:12),
and as a rightful heir to the promises made to Abraham (4:16)
who himself lived by faith, and not just to Abraham, but of Christ Himself who did what no other did or could do.
Paul concludes his argument for the universality of sin and the need for imputed righteousness. He teaches the benefits
of the gospel of God received by faith and not works: (1) we have peace with Him, (2)
we have access to Him, and (3) we have hope in Him. First this peace is more than being at ease with one's self;
it is being at one with God. He is no longer angry with us. He is pleased with, not what we have done, but what He has done and
we have accepted as a gift from Him! Therefore, through faith He is pleased and we find peace! (
Heb.11:6;
Rom.14:23b;
8:8)
Secondly, we have access to Him. The cross alone is the veil through which man may enter His presence,
accompanied now by the new High Priest who needed not to make atonement for His own sin before entering.
No longer annually restricted, we now may enter as often as desired. (Heb.6:19-28;
Jn.10:1;
14:6;
Heb.4:14-16;
Jn.14:23;
16:27; 15:7)
Thirdly, we have hope in God. Hope defined is that substance produced in the heart of man by his faith in the risen Christ (
Heb.11:6).
His work was done while we were yet sinners abiding under God's wrath, and having turned from ungodliness, stepping toward God
and His provision of the cross, we are saved from His future judgment, having already been judged in Christ and pardoned by His
grace through our faith in Him. This is our hope! The hope of Glory! No longer under the shadow of His displeasure!
(An old refrain slips into memory: "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness..."
(I Co.15:4,14,17-20.) Once a beneficiary of Adam's inheritance, sold into slavery of sin, now
redeemed and a child of Christ's kingdom, at last set free! Through the former's disobedience—bound to sin,
but the latter's obedience—set free, and that eternally!
WEF Official Calls for AI to Re-Write the Bible 'Correctly'
"In a few years, there might be religions that are actually correct … just think about a religion whose holy book is written by an AI. That could be a reality in a few years," states WEF advisor Yuval Noah Harari, "a homosexual, Israeli author and historian who holds mostly to atheistic beliefs in spirituality," - Charismamag.com.
Charlatan And False Teacher Rick Warren Of Saddleback Church Continues His "Woke" Anti-Christian Agenda
"We [Saddleback churches] don't need the Southern Baptist Convention. They need the 6,000 purpose-driven churches that are in the Southern Baptist Convention in our fellowship, but we don't need the Convention. It would be for the benefit of others, not for us." - Rick Warren speaking to his latest attempt to coerce the SBC to accept women for ordination and church positions.
To The Visitor Who Is Broken & Searching...
Take a quiet moment and listen...
To the cast down and disheartened, stop and remember the joy of the beginning of your new birth. Remember, there is no battle you face that He has not already fought and overcome. The victory is yours. Embrace it.
Featured Sermon
The World Beyond the Skies - 4/7/1977
Revelation 21-22: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
A Moment In God's Presence Makes Glad The Longing Heart And Unlocks It To Be Poured Forth In Praise Upon His Altar... Read More
His heart and yours, in union—a state of critical mass. Love unconfined! To bask in its glow, unconsumed in its presence.
Radioactive and eternal, never to diminish. Such power, His love, to give life and not death, perpetuated eternally.
His glow greater than the sun, illuminating all in His presence. This is our God!
(Ex.34:29;
Mat.17:1-2)
THIS IS PRAYER!
Radioactive!
AND SO PRAY:
"Shine on me, Heavenly Father! Light my way into your presence. Melt my soul with your radiance. Cause my heart to skip with gladness; and it will pour forth its praises as an eternal river upon your altar!"
"Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered."
We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering, therefore we who are sinful, and who are far from being perfect, must not wonder if we are called to pass through suffering too. Shall the head be crowned with thorns, and shall the other members of the body be rocked upon the dainty lap of ease?... Read More
Must Christ pass through seas of His own blood to win the crown, and are we to walk to heaven dryshod in silver slippers? No, our Master's experience teaches us that suffering is necessary, and the true-born child of God must not, would not, escape it if he might. But there is one very comforting thought in the fact of Christ's "being made perfect through suffering"--it is, that He can have complete sympathy with us. "He is not an high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities." In this sympathy of Christ we find a sustaining power. One of the early martyrs said, "I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and He suffers in me now; He sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong." Believer, lay hold of this thought in all times of agony. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in His steps. Find a sweet support in His sympathy; and remember that, to suffer is an honourable thing--to suffer for Christ is glory. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to do this. Just so far as the Lord shall give us grace to suffer for Christ, to suffer with Christ, just so far does He honour us. The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The regalia of the kings whom God hath anointed are their troubles, their sorrows, and their griefs. Let us not, therefore, shun being honoured. Let us not turn aside from being exalted. Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us up. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him."
The twentieth century has brought forth unparalleled challenges to
the historic Christian faith. During this century, Christianity's relevance and ultimate validity have been questioned as never before.
This assault on the central truth claims of Christianity has come from two distinct fronts: atheistic secular humanism and the growing
climate of religious pluralism... Read More
While secularism constitutes a significant threat, the issue of religious pluralism poses an even greater challenge. The technological advances of our
century have resulted in a truly global society. America in particular is a nation of diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. Our nation is
founded upon the principle of toleration, particularly in the area of religion. We are guaranteed the right of free exercise of religion. This principle
of equal toleration of religion is so strong, in fact, that the worst name one can be called today is an "intolerant religionist." What has happened,
however, is that our idea of democracy has been applied to ultimate truth. Equal toleration of religion has been taken to mean that each religion is
equally valid (i.e., all religions lead to God). This is a fatal non sequitur...
"The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself."
1. Outward formality in spiritual experience--a stereotyped, stiff way of doing things that clearly flows from habit
rather than gushing from a spiritual life. 2. Distaste for spiritual things. We always enjoy saying and doing the things that please the one we love most. 3. Bondage signals a backslidden heart. He dutifully serves while having no heart for praise, worship, private prayer,
or any exercise spontaneous and delightful to those with love for God. (Spiritual bondage!)... Read More
4. An uncontrolled temper. When love fills a heart, its temper is naturally broken and sweet, or at least the will bridles
it and keeps it from breaking out. 5. An uncharitable spirit--one that fails to put the best possible construction on everyone's behavior. 6. An attitude of faultfinding, a quickness to fasten blame on others and judge them harshly...
The consequences of the magnitude of such a broad scale world-wide implementation of a "new church model" cannot be ignored. It must be examined by the serious Bible student and Christian! It must be looked at in light of Bible prophecy. We must heed the warnings of both Jesus' own words when He walked the earth and those inspired by the Holy Spirit written later for our advantage in alertness of end-time events and trends. Not to do so would be perilous. So, I have prayerfully written 5 articles on this demonic phenonemonen with hopes they will help you to understand how serious this modern attack is on the true church of Christ - Articles on the Modern Church.
Walking Away From Our Dreams
In the closing scene from the movie:
Finding Forrester, starring Sean Connery, produced in the year 2000, Jamal, the young protégée heir of the author,
William Forrester, reads an unexpected letter he received from his friend and mentor following his death. Forrester had lived for decades
in seclusion in the same Brooklyn neighborhood housing projects as Jamal following the great success of Forrester's only published book,
his first when much younger: Avalon Landing...
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