Am I Going to Heaven?

Last month a father and son were kicked out of a Nebraska-Iowa state football game. They had done all the right things. They had bought the tickets, they had great seats. They showed up, took there seats and started watching the game. After a little bit, they were kicked out. The tickets they had purchased were counterfeit. They had trusted in the wrong tickets to get them to the game.

In my last post I mentioned a verse which should trouble us all. In Matt 7:21-23, we see that not everyone who names the name of Christ will enter heaven. For too long, Christians, myself included, have preached a 'ticket to heaven gospel'. As long as someone got their ticket punched, we felt we were doing our job.

We would have vast evangelistic campaigns and pat ourselves on the back for the number of people who 'believed' in Jesus. Large amounts of money were spent on getting these people to buy a ticket, because then at least they would be saved from hell. Yeah us.

Then we are hit by Matt 7:21-23. What do we do with this? In John 3:16, we see what seems to contradict this. I guarantee, these people who are turned away from heaven, claimed to believe in Christ, or else why would they be there? So what is the answer to this apparent dichotomy?

Christ gives us part of the answer, and then we see the rest in James. In Luke 18:18-23, we have a better picture of what Jesus is all about. Jesus is not about buying a ticket to heaven, he is about radically transforming lives. In this passage he is asking the rich man to be transformed into a new life. A radical new life where he gives away all his riches. Salvation is about Lordship, is it about submission, it is about putting him on the throne of your life.

We see even more in Luke 14:26, here Christ states that our love and devotion to him must be so strong, by comparison we hate our families. Does that sound like ticket purchasing to you? Does that sound like being 'scared into heaven' to you? Certainly does not to me.

In James 2:14-25, we see a more clear picture of what that faith looks like. True faith will transform you. It you believe in Jesus and everything he has to say in His Word, you will be transformed. Why? Because you are a new creation.

Why Do we sell tickets?

So why do we sell tickets? Why do we rejoice when our children pray a simple prayer with no change demonstrated in their lives? (again, I am preaching to myself here, if anyone else benefits, all the better)

Personally, I believe it is because many of us are ticket holders as well. We bought our ticket and are just waiting for the rapture. We may condemn a few things of the world along the way, but that is about it. We volunteer teaching Sunday School. We bring meals to the potluck, and we feel safe. We do not like verses likeMatt 7:21-23, it is too challenging to our belief system. Since this is the paradigm we function under, we replicate it when we share.

We can only share the truth we know and believe ourselves. Did you ever wonder why when you read Acts there is such a difference between that church and the American church?

My friends, it is time you tear up your counterfeit ticket, and be transformed. It is time to forget about being safe, and be sanctified. Do something radical for Christ today. Christ was a radical in his time. Early disciples were radicals. God calls us to be radical, not to conform to this world. Maybe this is why the road to destruction is so broad, who wants to be a radical?

Kurt Yordy
http://www.increasingfaithblog.com
http://www.feedyourfamilyfeedtheworld.com

Who Follows in His Train?

Everyone wants to be an apostle. But no one that I know wants to live the life of an apostle or speak the exact words that the apostles spoke. "Apostle" today is equivalent to "master", whereas the true apostles considered themselves servants. And like servants, they were beaten. They were poor. They were rejected, hated. They were lied about and cursed and left for dead. And because they spoke and wrote only what God breathed into their tormented souls, they were unaccepted by many.

Acts 14:19,20 tells of an incident in apostle Paul's life. The Jews try to kill him. They stone him, drag him outside the city, and leave him to rot.

Many today do not like Paul's words. Unfortunately not all of Paul's enemies are outside the church. He is hated, maligned, ignored. His words are dragged out of context, out of the Bible, out of the church, and left for dead. His clear teachings about the place of women, the qualifications for leadership, the rise of antichrist before Jesus appears in the sky are all amazingly warped and abused by modern-day persecutors of the Word.

In the category of "misunderstood" one could place Romans 8:38, or a piece of it that goes right over most heads. "I am persuaded that neither [note his first word here:] LIFE, nor death... can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus." If Christ is in the heart, nothing can separate us. But if not, even "life" can do the trick. How could life separate one from the love of God? Isn't life itself from God? Though God gave life, Satan with man's help corrupted it. Human life without God does indeed separate us from Christ. Life with all its fun and beauty and troubles and sorrow is enough to distract us from eternity. Paul knew that.

Here's another "Paul-ism" that doesn't fit today's theologies. Romans 9:2 has Paul confessing that he has "great sorrow and continual grief" in his heart for his Jewish brothers and sisters, lost for all eternity if they will not come to Christ. Isn't this the Paul who said to "Rejoice in the Lord always..."? That verse is quoted often. But the sorrowing Paul, like the sorrowing Jesus, does not get a hero's welcome in the church's Main Street. Godly men weep alone, and lose the fellowship of the crowds, yet gain Heaven's company. Paul walked that life.

Paul, the giver of so many mysteries to the church, is himself a mystery. But with Paul we reach the end of our excuses. Jesus, we say, was God. We could never be like Him. Yet He calls us to do just that. Paul was not God. He is you and me. A great sinner. A self-willed religionist. A man who served his own interests. Then, he was mighty Saul, king-like in name and actions. He alone would bring revival to Israel.

Can't you see yourself in some part of Paul's old life? Selfish? Proud? Lost? Then why can't you do what he did by the same grace that was made available to him? By God's grace we can be as effective, as sold out, as anyone in the Kingdom. But the warning is real. Live like Paul, and be prepared to suffer like him too, to be rejected and despised as was His Master and ours.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, ovber 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

A Message From the Cardinal

He sits outside my window year 'round. Something tells me I told you about him already. No matter. He's worth telling about every winter, 'cause he helps me get through every winter.

Not that I don't notice him in the summer too. But then he's surrounded by raspy starlings and grackles and redwings, not to mention the huge supply of sparrows that my neighbor's incessant feeding attracts. There's an occasional jay or goldfinch, and even a hungry hawk that brings silent tension to the bird-hood.

So he doesn't stand out.

But when not only the birds, but the leaves are gone, what a spectacle is the brilliantly red cardinal! Just seeing him stirs something so deep... And I just know that if he could utter his thoughts, he'd be saying something like, "Hang on bro', just a little longer. Pretty tough out here now, pretty barren, pretty ugly, and downright uncomfortable, but us strong birds hang on, and we see good things when it's all over."

Yeah, that's him. That's the message. Of course right away I'm in North Korea, wishing he, or I, or someone, could say those very words, or chirps, or whatever, to the believers there. "Hang on friends of Jesus. Just a little while, it'll be springtime - forever. You can make it. Be faithful to death. Don't deny Jesus. He loves you still, but you acquired a great enemy when you came to Jesus for salvation."

This is the "winter of our discontent," as Shakespeare would have it. Or as C.S. Lewis describes, "always winter, but never Christmas." These are hard times for Christians. North Korea has been experiencing non-stop "winter" for 60 years! Oh much more, if you count the sordid history of attack by this and that nation. A barren desolate ugly cold wintertime.

But Jesus comes. To individuals. To the world one day. "The promised kiss of springtime that makes the lonely winter seem long..." That's Jesus. We've just got to stay on that branch and hang on.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Is Jesus The Real Messiah - Video

In North Korea - Two Fathers And Two Sons

The Billy Graham family has quite a legacy in North Korea. According to Thomas Belke's Juche Billy visited the nation in 1992 and 1994, the year Kim Il Sung passed on. He was permitted to preach at state "churches", and at the Kim Il Sung University. He gave his personal testimony to Mr. Kim, though with no positive results.

Belke theorizes that Graham was allowed such liberty because his wife had attended a Christian school in Pyongyang in the 30's. Others impute a more sinister motive to the Great One. Perhaps he was trying to tell a watching world that he was really open to religion, and how could they ever have thought otherwise?All of this drama while thousands of believers suffered in his prisons.

Belke says that the facade goes on today. Tourists to Pyongyang tell of visiting both Catholic and Protestant churches, and seeing some of the same North Korean faces! They see unused Bibles and "members" who don't know how to find songs in their hymnals. All actors. But actors whose job is of limited tenure. Repeat performances are never allowed by those who have genuine tears in their eyes after a performance...

And now, son Franklin Graham has visited son Kim Jong Il. Though far from praising the dictator, he urges that we keep communication lines open. I'm not necessarily in agreement with either of the Grahams' philosophy, but I feel it is important that we see what is going on as the door may be opening ever so slightly. We will not be of those who sit in judgment in "the seat of the scornful" though we offer our warnings regarding compromise and selling out the suffering.

The Gospel will get in to North Korea. It is circulating even now. It is for this that we continue to long and pray. Let us rejoice for any Light that penetrates. And let's keep praying.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

How To Find The Perfect Will Of God

There is a way to find the perfect will of God. And there is a way not to find that will. There is a way to know exactly what God says and wants. And there is a way to arrive at a network of guesses. Many believers, some even known as "scholars" have fallen into the trap of guesswork, based on culture, history, and semantics. The following comments will be based only on the words given by the Spirit to apostles and prophets.

That royal way of searching is prescribed in the Scriptures. Psalm 119, for example, says in 176 different ways that the written Word of God is our source. eg, v. 2: "Blessed are those who keep His commandments, who seek Him with the whole heart." v. 30: "Your judgments have I laid before me." v. 31: "I cling to Your testimonies. v. 42: I trust in Your Word . v. 75 "I know Lord, that Your judgments are right ."

Many such sentiments gives the Psalmist. Couple this with the sage words of our beloved apostle Paul to his son in the faith, Timothy," ...the Holy Scriptures...are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine..."(II Timothy 3:15, 16), and the resultant warning in chapter 4: 1-4 (there is no break in the original document) "... I charge you therefore...Preach the Word!...for the time will come when they will not endure sound teaching, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears...they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned to fables... "

Thus, the royal way of which I speak is to see the clear statements of Scripture, and find in that precious Book examples and patterns, written expressly for us through God's Holy men. But the itching ear gives rise to that other way of finding the truth : the statements of and examples and patterns of men. Every cult uses this method, and alas! many of God's own seem to fall therein.

The process happens something like this: a pastor or leader, quite content with the Scriptures as they are, nevertheless is turned aside from this contentment by a straying member of the flock, a malcontent, one who has seen the Word and decided it is not for all men of all time. This fleshly one has further decided that he personally will not obey this word, and that there must be a clearer interpretation, a more modern one that fits our time. The pastor wishes to be loyal to his sheep, but without realizing it becomes disloyal to his Master. If the pastor insists on the pure Word of God, the brother of the itching ear will find another church where his interpretation and practice will be more readily accepted. So Pastor offers to research the passage, though he has known for years exactly what it means. He suddenly desires, as Balaam, a second opinion. And lo! Upon further searching he discovers that the old truth is just that, old.

He finds fathers of the church who have been in favor of the new rendering. He discovers that godly people from every generation, even his own, have digressed similarly. Certainly these godly ones cannot all be wrong. Of course in the process of his discovery, he ignores the words and lives of those who have continued on in the old truth, and found it to be sufficient.

The itching ear has been scratched. But no one thought to ask Mr. Disgruntled whence came his itch in the first place. The discernment of the Spirit will reveal that the tendency to want more or less than the prophets have spoken is from the one who appeared in the Garden and spoke to our first parents, "Did God REALLY say that? Oh my, he actually MEANT this!" His lies are oh so convincing. Only a few care to challenge them and cling for dear life to what God has said.

I trust that you, dear reader, are one of these.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Three Men Who Will Change All

It's been a while since I have dealt with prophecy in this blog. North Korea, and the Body of Christ there, surely do consume time. I say it humbly and gratefully. But something grabbed me the other day that I thought might be profitable for you. See what you think. Well, I mean, see if this is borne out in the Word.

Two men will suddenly appear on the scene in the days of Antichrist preceding the return of Jesus Christ to the Earth. I will not attempt a defense of that fact here, but assume it going in. Zechariah sees these two, as does John in the Revelation (11). Jesus alludes to it when he says that Elijah truly comes first to restore all things.

Then Jesus leads the reader/hearer to believe that he is talking about John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah, but wasn't actually Elijah. So John becomes a picture of the Old Testament prophet as well as a precursor of at least one of those coming prophets.

For you see, one of the qualifications for such a man is that he never died in the ordinary sense. Since all men have an appointment with death except end-time saints here when Jesus returns, and since Revelation 11 even records their death, it is safe to assume that they cannot have died before. The traditional wisdom, and that which I have clung to, is that, therefore, Enoch and Elijah must be the two returning men. Neither ever died.

Today I'd like you to look at the possibility of Moses' return. I am quick to inject that the word "died" is used in connection with his departing the planet, in Deuteronomy. But I must hasten to add that there are some strange statements made in regards to this death. First, God buried him. Second, no one knows where the grave or the body is. Third, Jude records a dispute over that body between the angels of God and the angels of Satan.

Why a dispute? Does Satan believe he should be in charge of the dead? Did God have other plans for this particular body? Was Satan grieved because it seemed God was not playing by the rules? Was in fact Moses' body taken immediately to a holding place, to be joined later by Elijah, where they have been preserved ever since?

Why not Enoch? Well, maybe it is he after all, but consider the activities of these two men, described in Revelation 11:

• They will "shut heaven" in regards to precipitation. That was a work of Elijah.
• They will turn water to blood. Moses.
• They will strike the earth at will with various plagues. Again, a Moses activity.

One other intriguing clue is the appearance of these two very men on the mount of transfiguration. Bodies. Not spirits, as we have been led to believe that all men are when they leave their bodies awaiting the resurrection. Here are two glaring exceptions. They had a body just as surely as the One with whom they were discussing the coming sacrifice of God. Where did they go after this incredible experience? Back to the waiting room. They wait there still...

And in an adjoining room, one more waits, hindered or "restrained" (KJV, "let") by a strong angel who will release him at a given cue. That's another story, but connected in a very real way to this same closing chapter of Earth as we know it. These three men will revolutionize the world! And there's no newspaper or magazine you can read to try to figure out if they're "alive" on the planet now. They are very much alive... but not quite on the planet. All in good time...

If America's current problems are the signal of the winding down of civilization, life could get pretty exciting before long

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com. There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Don't Take Sides!

After all the complaining I do on in my articles about subjectivism, theories, speculation, perception, you may think it odd that I share with you a dream I had recently. Nevertheless, here it is. I hope you will see immediately that my interpretation supports a Scriptural truth.

In my dream of late August, I was a part of some resistance movement somewhere, a rebel group. Our particular job was to befriend some locals, to the point where we would then be able to destroy them. The locals seemed to be Chinese, but I could never tell you why. They were very delicately dressed in silk clothing, perhaps because they were dancers. We, the rebels, joined in with them, learned from them, danced with them. Then one day we planted explosives in their clothing and ran away while they blew apart. On our retreat I was devastated. I had killed truly innocent people because they were not on our side. I hated myself. I confessed my fears and self-loathing to a friend in the group

It was at that point that I awoke. It had been an awful dream, but I believe it spoke an awful truth common to us all. The main idea of the dream was underscored in 3 words immediately after waking: Don't take sides.

How many innocents have I similarly destroyed, I wondered. The impression was so clear. From this day on I am to obey the Scripture that says, "As much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men." Follow Christ. Be on His side. It does not "lie in me" to be disobedient to his Word, so I cannot compromise those truths. But in every other way, "take no sides."

There is some good on every side, and some evil. To take a human side is therefore to be partly right and partly troubled about the obvious wrong being ingested, a wrong we must ignore or justify. Take no sides.

Oh the applications to such a teaching! No denomination is perfectly correct. Thank God I was able to give that one up years ago. If I must attend in a denominational church, I must never take the side of the denomination. Only Christ's side. Only what He said and says.

I cannot take the side of groups at work, or even family members. Only Christ. Only His Word.

What about this passion of so many months, North Korea? Even the government there does some good. And not all those calling themselves Christians truly are. Discernment is always needed, to see where Christ is in everything. But that Christ has a people there, and that those people are suffering, is beyond questioning for sure.

I must remember not even to take sides with myself! My feelings change constantly. Just find out what Jesus wants and do it.Like it or not. Feel it or not. Want it or not.

Jesus, I take your side only.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs , ovber 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Note to Pastor - About That Music

I'm getting old. That's the only explanation/apology I give for the following comments. It does not set aside the truths which I am trying to communicate. But it is a fact. And in many churches, the desires of the young have been placed over the wisdom of the elderly. Music is one of the victims of this decision. For centuries the Church has passed on a legacy of rich doctrine-laden verse, majestic-sounding melodies, true "psalms, hymns, songs of the Spirit." As with Scripture, these have been recorded (no one is claiming inspiration here) and passed on. The bad ones were weeded out, the classics remained, the collection of songs went forward.

But as I have said in another place: " ...now, the collections are set aside en masse. Entirely new collections are in place, and weekly there are new songs added to the list. A man who has been a Christian for 50 years can sit through a meeting totally a stranger to the music portion of the fellowship. And he can think he is a stranger to the church, being left behind. This has not been true in every generation. It is sadly true in this one."

English-speaking believers have exported this treasure of music all over the world. To this day many nations sing translations of the old hymns of the faith, while those who passed it to them, the Western Church, have gone on, may I say it, to lesser things. Oh, there is energy, zeal, and for the most part, truth, in the new songs. But there is little depth, character, and beauty. Little being written today can compare to the grand songs. The beat is consistently rock-folk. Guitars replace organs. No room in some churches for multi styles, multi instruments. We must get those kids in. Get rid of the old, bring in the new.

Sounds like the rantings of an old man, don't you think? But if there is any truth in what I speak, take note, and in your church, perhaps you can still "save the music." Someone, I believe, must pass on the good parts of our past to the next generation. Someone must do the weeding out of the questionable lyrics and tempos today. Someone needs to exercise discernment in this area.

If the present crop of songs is allowed to be the entire musical inheritance we leave the next church, I fear that that church will be a much weaker one, one that is much more susceptible to what is coming to the planet. We need to revive the old songs, and add to them cautiously some of the new, as we have done for so long.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com - There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

God's Specific Sign Of The End Of The Age

The Gospel has been making inroads world-wide for many centuries. It is at its all-time greatest expansion today. The Gospel is on every continent and in every country. But there are cultural groups, some say several hundred, living in those countries that have not a word of Scripture in their native language. Do those groups all qualify as "nations" in the Bible sense? Will Jesus wait until every man, woman, and child has had a chance to hear a word of Scripture in his own language? Is that the requirement? Then what of the millions who have already died without hearing that Word?

Or was Jesus' statement about the Gospel being preached in all the world (Matthew 24) before the end would come, general on purpose, adding only one more backdrop for the condition of the world when He is about to come? It is true that the world will not end until the Gospel has gone around the world, but that process has taken many hundreds of years, and may take many more. It cannot be a "sign", for no one knows exactly when it is fulfilled. In fact, is it fulfilled now?

In the verse following this "gospel" sign, 15, is a statement that is so specific that it far overshadows all that has been said so far. I believe it is the answer the disciples were seeking. It is backed up by Scripture and followed up by an action scenario that leads quickly to the end of the world!

Let me make that last point again. It will change forever your idea about the end times. If you are able to grasp what I am sharing here, you will be able to lay aside human opinions that have for so long governed Matthew 24. The point is this: There is absolutely no textual need for any break between verse 15 and verse 31. That is, the "sign" mentioned in verse 15 kicks off a series of events that leads in a relatively short time to the very revelation of Jesus Christ in the clouds. This is one understanding you will not receive in most other discussions of this passage available today. It sweeps away theories. It frees itself from historical speculation. It ties itself directly to passages in Daniel and Revelation and leads God's people to see that One Spirit spoke to all. The message is awesome, even frightening at times, but not confused.

Do you see it? A signal is given, panic ensues, worldwide trouble follows this, so bad that the time period is shortened by God Himself, more false prophets appear, Jesus comes! Those who see the beginning of this series of events will most likely see its end (Matthew 24:34). Otherwise it could not be considered a sign. If the "abomination" took place in the first century but I live in the twenty-first, why should I think it was signaling anything?

Granted, in A.D. 70, armies did encircle Jerusalem, and the Roman conquerors destroyed almost (but only almost) everything standing. And the Temple was defiled by Caesar's general Titus ( atype of abomination). And those in the vicinity panicked and ran (hence, "desolation"), not necessarily because Jesus had told them to (for the unsaved Jewish community had long since written Jesus off) but because that's what you do when you are met with such a forceful attack. Yes, Jews were protected in neighboring Edom, at Petra, etc. But the rest of chapter 24 did not happen. Jesus did not return to Earth! And the instructions given to us remain intact: "Let him that reads understand." I think no one was reading about this catastrophe in A.D. 70. But we read. And more and more, we understand. This event has not yet occurred, though the Jews of the first century had a very real dress rehearsal.

I realize that what I am proposing will set interpretation of predictive prophecy study back many years, but that's a great idea. Let's set it back, in fact, to the days when it was first spoken, and read for ourselves what Jesus said! For He said that after the abomination of desolation takes place, He will come. Good enough for me. Once one knows what that phrase means, he has a grasp of when Jesus will come.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

The Story of Chosun, Part 10

When your friends become your enemies, such enemies they are. Remember what role Judas played in history. A Judas of 14th century Korea, disgruntled and wild, goes to the far north and persuades a tribe of renegades to attack Koryo. From the south comes yet another attack from Japan. Does it seem I have said all this before? This is truly a sad history of an embattled people.
Tajo is assigned to the wild tribe and routes them. He is then appointed general over all the north.

Next, Cheju Island (in the south) revolts and becomes a part of competing Yuan.

In 1364 Tajo leaves his station in the north to help drive out the Mongols. But in his absence, raiders from the north take over. He drives out the Mongols, then drives out the raiders. He is fast becoming Korea's hero.

Meanwhile, Japanese raids are causing many areas not to be able to pay the required revenue of rice to the government. The Capital panics. The pirates get closer to the capital, in Kaesong. They even begin setting up headquarters inside Koryu. An enemy that is allowed to become bolder and bolder will one day take all.

Other troubles in the palace: The King has no heir, so he begins to invite young men to be with the queen. It doesn't work. But one day a crafty Buddhist monk appears . Something goes off in the king. He believes he has actually seen this man in a dream saving his (the king's) life. He becomes devoted to him and lets him direct the kingdom in many ways.

Though the people hate this monk, Sindon, the king grows daily more attached. Eventually the Monk has a son through a concubine and the King claims the baby as his own.

The story of Korea thus adds another twist beyond the conflict and religious confusion... the primitive mindset that allows a dream to conquer all. People who want to believe will do so. Oh it is time for another hero in Chosun. Their history is filled with stories of this or that nobody who rose to power, and destroyed or saved the people. It's time for Someone to deliver Korea!

In 1368 the rising Ming dynasty finally drives the Mongolians away from Koryo. Japan recognizes the power shift and even brings gift to the Korean King. What a great time to talk about pirates, but Sindon, the king's personal hero, insults the Japanese envoy. Japanese living in Koryo now revolt.

1369. Of course the Ming now request allegiance from Koryo. So the King switches from the Mongolian to the Ming calendar, sends his congratulations, and a new era begins. The Chinese dress is adopted and actually passed down to the 20th century. Hulbert says: "The Koreans today [early 1900's] are really more Chinese than the Chinese..."

The Ming, the Mong, the Monk... and the Japanese. Will Korea ever get a mind of its own and hold with it? And where will Christ fit into that mind? The best is yet to come...

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

The Man Who Had Everything

In this text Mark does an excellent job of acquainting us with the dangers of wealth concerning Gods Kingdom even though there are several instances concerning wealth throughout the bible (e.g. Deuteronomy 8:18, Psalm 49:6, Proverbs 13:11, 1 Corinthians 10:24). However, if you explore deeper youll discover that wealth is representative of any vice that prevents us from a closer walk with God. Carpenter & McCown (1992) asserted To enter the kingdom one must die to self-autonomy and self-security (p. 865). Wealth in and of itself is not inherently dangerous but rather the strain that it put on our relationship with God. Leaders must constantly remind followers that there is something greater than ourselves.

The Quest for life

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

-Mark 10:17

This mans enthusiasm was readily apparent by his running. He had everything but eternal life but did not know how to obtain it. And his desire to enter into the kingdom of God was manifested in his inquiry for eternal life. What shall I do He asked as if it was something that is earned through a deed that must be accomplished. As if to say tell me what you did to obtain eternal life so that I can do it to. Eternal life equates to entering the kingdom of God. how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:23).

Its also clear that the man respected Jesus which is evident by his kneeling. But his use of the adjective Good when addressing Jesus as Good Master also sheds light on this mans understanding of Gods kingdom. In other cases in the bible only God is referred to as being good (i. e. Psalm 38:8, Psalm 73:1). Master was a term applied to men of high standing such as a priest, scholar, or teacher. Master alone would have been sufficient enough for this man to demonstrate the his surrender to the wisdom of Jesus. This man viewed Jesus as legendary and someone who achieved this status on his own. But this descriptive word Good implied that it was possible for the man, who considered himself a good man, to be like Jesus or in essence like God.

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God.

-Mark 10:18

In this verse, Jesus corrects the man without rebuking him and reminds him that only God is good. Jesus was not denying his own divinity but rather reminding the man that he must not appeal to the humaness in Him but rather to God. Funk & Hoover (1993) suggested that this was Jesuss attempt to refocus attention on God, rather than on himself, as generally in line with Jesus disposition. (p. 91). Jesus may have been merely rejecting a compliment to prevent envy or maybe he wanted the man to understand that only God is good and this is not something that he could achieve. He was forcing the man to recognize that his only hope was in reliance on God alone and that eternal life was a gift from God.

Every manager has had a new protg that was eager and motivated to learn all that she could so that she could in turn contribute to the organization. Her motivation may be to win a promotion or the opportunity to breathe life into an organization. As a mentor, if you help mentees create a satisfying new vision for their life or work, mentees will do most of what is necessary to bring the vision to reality. (Shea, 2002, p. 44). Many people can visualize the goal to be obtained which in turn becomes their driving factor. However, many people get stuck in a rut or are unable to visualize the goal.

These emotions are often combined with thoughts or feelings such as disappointment, embarrassment, or dissatisfaction. Shea (2002) argued The capacity to detect the emotions and feelings of others and to respond appropriately is a critical art of mentoring. Overlooking the feelings that motivate people can limit a mentors effectiveness because feelings inspire people to get things done. Jesus recognized the mans passion for eternal life and therefore chose to handle the situation with caring.

Not Just Hearers of the Law

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultry, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I obsewrved from my youth.
-Mark 10:19-20

Here, Jesus mentions all six commandments that prohibit wrong doing against another person (i.e. Exodus 20:12-16). The prohibition of fraud is representative of the tenth commandment against covetousness. To covet is to desire something with evil motivation. To defraud is to cheat, deceive, or beguile someone which is ignited by evil motivation. To break Gods commandments inwardly is equivalent to breaking them outwardly. Jesus was merely testing the man with the recital of the commandments. Funk and Hoover (1993) indicated that every Judean or Christian should know these commandments and that Jesus rehearsal of them was scarcely a distinctive statement. (p. 91). Being wealthy, one would expect that it would be easy for this man to follow the commandments known to everyone. The difficulty for this man was understanding that the kingdom of God is a gift that must be received after all obstacles have been removed.

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

-Mark 10:21

In recognizing the mans enthusiasm, as any good mentor would do, Jesus did not shame the man by exposing is failure to grasp the spirtual depth of the kingdom of God. The mans problem was his wealth which prevented him from his spiritual walk with God. There is no indication that the command to sell all of his possesions was meant for all Christians but rahter it was the obstacle that prevented this particular man from trusting Jesus. This man needed to remove this vice from his life but the treasure of salvation is not something that can be earned by simply giving up your material goods but is also received by following Jesus; take up the cross, and follow me. Carpenter and McCown (1993) maintained that the mans great wealth is developed as a symbol of the problem of faith. (p. 865). The mans riches was his vice and he needed to remove it before he could enter the kingdom of God.

Leaders guide protgs in shifting their context to envision worthy goals and move toward their fulfillment. When a leader sees a circumstance in a larger, more meaningful context and is willing to explain it, that leader is in fact creating the context, calling everyones attention to the idea that the context is greater than what first appears. (Pearce, 2003, p. 94). When followers have an understanding of what the organizational context is and are able to put it into perspective, change is inevitable. When others havent considered the context that the leadership has considered; they must be properly informed so that they can make sense of it.
Vices & Wealth: Accumulation of Non-necessities

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possesions.

-Mark 10:22

The tragic decision to turn away reflected this mans greater love for his wealth than his desire for eternal life. Wealth refers whatever spiritual problem or vice Christians happen to be facing. Vice is the opposite of virtue. In this sense, the word vice comes from the Latin word vitium, meaning failing or defect. One way of organising the vices is as the corruption of the virtues. A virtue can be corrupted by nonuse, misuse, or overuse. Thus the cardinal vices would be lust (nonuse of temperance), cowardice (nonuse of courage), folly (misuse of a virtue, opposite of wisdom), and venality (nonuse of justice).

For people to listen to others without filters of fear or suspicion, trust is the fundamental requisite. If leaders want followers to take up the organizational banner and follow them, then they must build trust and commitment. Followers will give their hearts and souls to authority figures who say, You really matter, no matter how small the followers contributions may be. (Goffee and Jones, 2001, p. 171). The man had excellent credentials and moral character and he was expecting Jesus to compliment him for his diligence and hard work. The key for todays leaders is to offer constructive criticism in the form of positive feedback as evident in Jesus comment in Mark 10:21, One thing thou lackest, or in other words the only thing you lack. followership implies commitment, but never without conditions. The follower wants the leader to create feelings of significance, community, and excitement. When leaders herald the significance of an individuals work, they are rewarded with loyalty, even obedience. And after all that Jesus had said to encourage and engage this enthusiastic man, he still refused to let go of that which constrained him.

A Kingdom At Hand

Marks Gospel describe Jesus as proclaiming the Kingdom as something that was at hand, and about to break out at present, and not merely a future reality (see Mark 1:15). This might provide another reason why the man was running in Mark 10:17. He knew that the kingdom was at hand and wanted to reserve his seat. Mark clearly illustrates the care Jesus takes in addressing this man. Its obvious that the man is sincere in his quest for eternal life.

Finally, all that we do as leaders must be done out of love for the whole person. It is who we are and our interactions with others that will resonate throughout the organization. Jesus response to this man was prompted by Love Then Jesus beholding him [the rich young man] loved him (Mark 10:21). Mark is the only one who tells us this, as though to show that without love service is barren. (Pink, 1921, p. 34).

References

Carpenter, Eugene and McCown, Wayne (1992). Asbury Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, Michgan. The Zondervan Corporation.

Funk, Robert W. and Hoover, Roy W. (1993). The Five Gospels. The Search for the Authentic Words of Jesus. New York, NY. Polebridge Press.

Holy Bible (1985). King James Version Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michgan. The Zondervan Corporation.

Pearce, Terry. (2003). Leading Out Loud : Inspiring Change Through Authentic Communication. San Francisco John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Pink, Arthur W. (1921). Why Four Gospels. Grand Rapids, Mich. Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

Shea, Gordon F. (2002). Mentoring: How to Develop Successful Mentor Behaviors. Menlo Park, California. Course PTR.

Goffee, Robert and Jones, Gareth. (2001) Followership: Its Personal, Too. Boston, Mass. Harvard Business Review On Breakthrough Leadership: Harvard Business School Press.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lieutenant Kenneth Rice is an Active Duty Naval Officer stationed in Norfolk VA. Lieutenant Rice is a graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he received a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership and an Education & Training Management Subspecialty. He is currently enrolled in the Naval War College completing the Joint Professional Military Education Phase I and at Regent University working towards a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.

The Carnal Mind

It has come to my attention, many years ago, that the mind, body, and spirit, are at war with each other. This knowledge coming threw the teachings of the Holy Spirit. The Mind is carnal, seeking after the control of the flesh, and the spirit. The carnal mind is a self serving entity and will resist all out side influences to change or control. The mind of man controls, memory, and all decision making processes. The choice to sin or not, comes from the mind.

The Bible tells us that where there is no law, there is no sin, for sin is a transgression of the Law. Sin comes into being when the mind accepts the idea that there is good and evil. A man is born into sin, but he is not born with sin, this comes later, when the mind obtains freedom of choice, and the knowledge of good and evil.

This is proved in Rom 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

David stated; Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psa 51:5) The flesh controls nothing, but is controlled by one, or the other, spirit or mind. The flesh is a container of both of these.

Is the mind necessary to the function of the body? Yes. The body tells the mind when it is hungry, thirsty, or in pain.With this knowledge the mind takes the appropriate actions. The flesh does have the ability to influence the mind, when it desires to be satisfied by its own lust for, pleasure, or satisfaction. But within itself it can do nothing.

As I have said before, the carnal mind is a self serving identity, it begins it quest for control at the time of conception, and resist change. We are carnal when we allow the mind to control all aspects of our lives, this also includes the workings of good and evil. The mind does not only control the decisions that we make, but it also resist the very faith that we exercise. Yes, the carnal mind resist faith. Here is when the carnal mind starts putting doubt within the believer, and doubt turns into unbelief. For me unbelief is the second greatest sin of all, preceded only by the blaspheme of the Holy Ghost. Where does the mind gain all of its power? From God. This is what God explains as the freedom of Choice, the fallen angels had it, as we do. So with this power, the mind does everything it can to control.

The mind becomes a danger when Satan gets control of it. This is where we see lawlessness and war, greed and lust, theft and murder. The mind will resist only the truths that interfere with its control of the lust of the flesh, and the pride of the eyes, and the pride of life. This is why many reject Jesus, because they are still carnal minded. We see this also in the double minded. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:7-8.)

A double minded man is allowing the mind, to share control of the body, with the spirit. This is a dangerous situation, and must be eliminated. For a mans salvation depends upon total faith, in Jesus being the Son of God. With doubts taking over from time to time, this mans life is a miserable one, with many pitfalls, and trouble.

The carnal mind will allow deception within itself, to stop, or at least, hinder the truth, from becoming easily known. We see this here in 2Pe 3:16 ; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. We even have a witness to this control in scripture, when Jesus had to explain flesh, and spirit, to Nicodemus. (John 3:8-10) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? To be carnal minded is to be un-regenerated; not renewed in heart; remaining at enmity with God. Many say they speak from the heart, but what they are actually saying is, they are speaking from their spirit. Each and every man has a spirit, also do the animals of the earth, but what separates us from the animals is, our freedom of choice, the mind, body, and spirit, in wisdom of good, and evil.

Those that refuse the truth, and those that are in doubt of the promises of God, are still yet carnal minded. This is proven in; 1Co 3:3; For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? We cannot allow the carnal mind to take hold of our way of life, this will lead to destruction of not only the body, but also the soul.(Spirit.) I see a wonderful explanation of this in James 4:17; Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. If we know to have faith, and then refuse to allow the spirit free reign over our actions, do we not then commit a sin? If we see our brother, hungry, naked, thirsty, or in need of the carnal things, and close up our spirit to him, do we also sin? Yes. For if we say the Love of God dwells within us, and we do not do that which is good, we have lied, and the Love of God does not dwell within us.

As the carnal mind resists faith in God, we must look within ourselves, and seek additional faith, and strength, to resist doubts. Is faith easy to show, is it easy to obtain? No. Faith must be first accepted by the spirit, and forced on the mind. For the carnal mind will resist things that it cannot see or feel. Faith must be practiced and grown. Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Our spirit overcomes the world by over coming the carnal mind. If we control the mind, the world can do nothing to change us, even when the greatest of trials and troubles befall us. We are made overcomes by the word of God.

1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. My brothers and sisters, control the mind, and the mountain can be removed, control the mind and the sickness shall be healed, control the mind and we can see the gates of heaven open up to us. Ars.

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

History Written for Children

When is history fun? When it is told or written in story form. Children are more responsive to stories of true events than they are to reading a conventional history book.
Shirley Nelson author of What Happened Here? saw the need for a local history book and wrote it so that children and adults would enjoy learning from it.

Shirley Nelson, author of What Happened Here, took time out from her very busy schedule to give us at Far West Books and Gifts an interview.

What made Shirley want to write a book about the history of this area (Coos and Curry counties, Oregon)? Shirley taught school in Medford, Oregon for several years. The last couple of years she taught fourth grade. At that time, fourth grade children learned Oregon History. Shirley thought they would enjoy stories more and they could learn history that way. She read to them stories about true events written in a way that children could understand. Shirley found that the children responded better to the stories written about history better than reading history.

When Shirley retired and moved here to Port Orford, Oregon, she started to learn about all the rich history of this area. Her idea was to write a book about the stories of the local history, a book which children would like and was in a simple vocabulary that children could understand but adults would read also. Many adults buy the book not only for themselves but for their children also. It was the idea that these stories are interesting, they tell us about who we are and where we come from. Shirley wanted to do it in a form that people would enjoy. There are many excellent history books written on this area, but they are big and long and technical. Many people will not pick them off the shelves and read them. (Shirley included a bibliography of Oregon History books in What Happened Here?)

What Happened Here? is in its second printing and available at several local stores. Far West Books and Gifts now has it available at our on-line store at booksatfarwest.com.
What Happened Here? has received very good reviews from Librarians, Historians and other authors.

When you are ready to learn more about the local history of Coos and Curry counties of Southern Oregon, this book should be on your list. It has fourteen short stories about local stories and legends based on the history of Coos and Curry counties, five maps, 22 pictures and a historical time line from 1848 to 1945. It is also very informative to new residents or visitors of the area.

Catherine Dahrens is the owner of Far West Books and Gifts, an on-line book store located at http://www.booksatfarwest.com

Scientific Theories to Support Religion

Can you believe in God and scientific theories of how the universe started.

Seek the wisdom and the truth shall set you free.

Hope in Religion

Does God Exist and If So Who's Right? Religion

Would you stake your life on your beliefs? I'm asking this question, hoping that you have an answer. Would you be gambling with your life or are you that sure about your religion. Do you live your life without a doubt that your religion is right and other religions are wrong or are you one of those people that hopes you are right and hopes that the other religions aren't.

If you are a Muslim and follow Islam, is the Quran the Word of God? Is this text flawless and without error? What's going to be going through your mind when you go to heaven, if you go to heaven, only to find out that the Hindu religion is right. Are you convinced without a doubt, 100% that your religion is right or are their errors and mistakes in your religious text.

Is your God going to be merciful and understanding to other religions or other people who have lived what you would consider to be a good and moral life. Is your god going to let them enter heaven or is he going to turn them away or possibly send them to burn in an eternal lake of fire.

Imagine, if you can, standing near a cliff and there was a long line of people and you were slowly working your way towards the front of the line, watching someone who was glowing with radiant light asking people questions, and pushing some of the people off of the cliff, while others walk away unharmed. You're going to be ready to answer any questions that the glowing person is going to ask you.

When you arrive, he simply says do you believe in your religion 100%. What's your answer going to be? What's going to be going through your mind? Are you that sure, that you're right.

So I ask you again, are you positive and without a doubt, 100% sure that you are right about your religion and the other religions are wrong. If you're not 100% sure, do a little research about your religion and your beliefs will either get stronger or weaker but try to keep an open mind, either way.

Most religions around the world have certain things in common. Seek the truth and the truth shall set you free. You've got to know what you're looking for though, so pay attention.

Choose Your Religion

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Defeating the Giants

Defeating the Giants

1 Samuel 17: 50 - 51

"So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine's sword and drew it from the scabbard. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword."

Like David, most of us have faced giants before, whether it be the giant of unforgiveness, insurmountable debt, physical illness, addictions, oppression or depression, we have all faced circumstances in our life that seem beyond our ability to overcome. And the more we focus on the giant, the more terrifying it becomes. Goliath had held the entire Israelite army at bay for 40 days. Day and night he would harass them and they had become paralysed by fear . Paralysis be it mental or physical occurs when we are overcome by fear and intimidation . In our heads we start to say , I can't do it, nothing is ever going to change, its hopeless, I don't care any more, is God even real? The conversation in our minds has turned from hope to hopelessness and the voice of the enemy has become louder and more frequent than the voice of God. What we focus on draws our energy and our emotions and we will always move in the direction of our most dominant thoughts. The more we focus on the GIANTS in our life the more they control us.

David, was too young to go to war and had stayed back home with this father Jethro. On one particular visit to his brothers, Goliath made an appearance and bellowed out his usual intimidation's. Instead of running for cover, David was indignant, "who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?". David believed that Israel had the power of God on its side and no matter how big or how nasty this Giant was, no one was greater than the God of Israel. The victory that day had been won in David's mind long before it was won in the natural. The armies of Israel had been paralysed by fear, but David had refused to be intimidated.

David was a 'make it happen kind of guy', rather than a person who hoped it would happen, or reacts to what happens. The difference lies within. The bible teaches us that the power to overcome lives within you. Ephesians 3: 20 " Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to that power that works in us" In other words, He is saying it is up to you. You must stop procrastinating, waiting for others, or blaming the past. So many times it's much easier to embrace the role of a victim, a loser, or of the one who's not smart enough, not good enough, not educated enough or not financially sound enough. When you accept such limitations for yourself, the giant will always roar and they become true for you.

Do you really want to change? Are you willing and ready to give up perceptions and behaviors that have kept you paralysed instead of soaring with the eagles? Start by replacing wrong thought patterns with rights ones. Isaiah 54: 17 " No weapon formed against you shall prosper." When thoughts of fear, worry and intimidation begin to speak, shout, stop! And declare the power of God to that giant. Its time to become as indignant as David was about Goliath, and get some fight back into your spirit.

Pray.

God I thank you that there is nothing going on in my life right now that you have not already given me the power to overcome. Help me to renew my mind and break the power of fear and intimidation. I choose to put my trust in your word, not what the circumstances say. Thank you that today there is victory over every giant in my life in Jesus name. Amen!

Yours faithfully
Carolyn Evans-Hale
Subscribe to my Facebook Group for weekly devotionals.
http://www.faithforeverydayliving.com

The Rise of Women

The women are coming. The world is changing. In America, a woman narrowly missed becoming President. Other nations have women at the helm already. Business, entrepreneurship have long been on the rise in terms of female participation. Women have dominated education for decades. It is hard to imagine a vocation in which women are not more of a factor today than they were just a few years ago. Women have entered the military in huge numbers. Women can now die for us in combat.

Is this a problem? Before their current ascent, women were equal to men in importance if not in role. What task is more unique and awesome than the bringing into the world of a new human being? Who is more important to the ongoing progress of a civilization than those who train young people in the home, one life at a time, one day at a time? Who is more important to a man than his best friend and support?

But these tasks have now been viewed as inferior, part of the servant class. Women generally want to be freed from this notion of servitude, and are hungry for power of a different sort, though their power ruled the world in just as significant a way as any man. Now women want to do the work traditionally assigned to males. They want to leave the home. They want to be somebody. And in that home, there is no one to take their place.

Children are raised by inferior parents. Grandmas were not meant to raise little ones. They do their best, but something is missing. Worse, many children are being left to raise themselves. And no child was meant to do that either. The product of chaos is in the society in which we now move.

And with women in the workplace, where do all the men find jobs? Let us give our due to women who absolutely positively must work outside the home. Our hearts go out to you. But let us be quick to add that this group is greatly inflated by situations that ought not to be. For example:

• The woman who becomes pregnant before marriage, before a man has truly committed himself to her, is setting herself up for a life outside the home.
• The couple whose material appetites are such that the desired income is too great will be causing Mom to leave her family soon.
• The restless housewife who feeds on television's fantasies of love and romance, grows tired of her husband and will eventually be out taking men's jobs .

I say all this as an observing citizen of a society which has gone into chaos. Unfortunately, however, the phenomenon of women in wrong roles has reached the church. Much of the church seems to follow all the trends of society instead of leading society to God's paths. Women teach men. Women rule men. Women are pastors.

Hear this. I know well that our Lord changed forever the status of women when He was raised from the dead and appeared to women. All the first appearings, whether by angels or Jesus Himself, were to women. The women were the ones looking for Jesus on that first day of the week. Where were the men? All the first messengers of the resurrection were women. And all the unbelief of that day was expressed by men. How God loves women. Their searching, their caring, their needing.

But nothing I have said changes the roles of women. And those roles are myriad. But they do not include leadership of men, or teaching of men in any official public way. Our women need to sit down. Those who continue ruling are encouraging others. As the world's culture changes, Heaven's is to remain the same, as a signal of an unchanging God.

I have written elsewhere on this site about the role of women. Many internet references could be offered, too. But the greatest reference I can suggest is the Spirit of God Himself as he spoke through the Apostle Paul, in reference to this very subject (I Corinthians 14:37-38):

"If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant." One other possible rendition of verse 38 is even more specific: "If anyone does not recognize this [Paul's authority], he is not recognized."

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com - There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Antiochus Epiphanes - The Anti-Christ?

So the book of Daniel is historical, you say? Already done in history, you say? Yes, that can be proved. And it was done again to some extent in A.D. 70. And history will repeat itself one more time...Jesus said that when we see the event Daniel spoke of, it's quitting time. And that same event is here before us in chapter 11 of Daniel. The army. The defiling. The removal of sacrifices. The abomination put in place. The chaos. The desolation. The martyrs. The heroes. Daniel spoke of end time events here and in chapter 8 and 9 and 12. To be consistent, I suggest that the events of verses 29-35 will be back on the world's stage.

Consider the history: Antiochus, like his father of the same name, is out to conquer the world. He is stopped by Rome and Jewish desire for independence. He dies an utter failure, diseased and heavily in debt. It seems to me that his return is very significant to him and it makes sense that one of his first moves will be "South", to pick up where he left off. This time he must conquer Rome, control it, and claim the planet as his own.

Perhaps the reason we have had such difficulty in the past identifying the man of sin is because he has been hiding in plain sight in the book of Daniel. Nowhere is this more true than in these few verses. Notice that nowhere, even yet, are we told exactly what the abomination is! Checking history you will find a pig and an idol. But Daniel does not say that. He deliberately keeps the end-time option open.

Verses 32-35, referring to the way antichrist uses the Jewish people, and the suffering of other Jews who will not compromise, can easily be seen historically or prophetically. A savvy leader knows how to win people to his cause, in any generation. But God's people will forever be strong and creative, whether they are called Maccabee or modern saint. And as throughout church history, the Lord's army is willing to die at the hands of those who hate them.

Verse 35 is yet another key to the dual role of this passage. It is linked by word usage to chapter 12, verse 10. Look at both:

11:35, "...those of understanding shall fall to refine them, purge them, and make them white..." 12:10, "Many shall be purified, made white, and refined..."

Yes, chapter 12 is in the column of "end-time" events. The linkage between chapters 11 and 12 is important. Another such link is 11:31 and 12:11. Between these two passages we learn of the abomination of desolation, its happening, its duration, its placement at the end.

From verse 36 on through the rest of chapter 11 and 12, there is general agreement among Bible believers that the subject is the end of history. Our job now is to find clues that the man being described from 36-45 is the same man as was pointed out from verse 21. And once that is established, our crisis is no longer one of understanding, but believing.

The traditional line of thought here is that Daniel is referring in the earlier verses to Antiochus Epiphanes, a great "type" of the antichrist, but that the last verses are the antichrist himself, totally disassociated from the prior verses. It is that thinking I am asking readers to challenge, based on the text itself, and some mysteries that the book of Revelation and the letter to Thessalonica point out.

Yes, I am saying that Antiochus Epiphanes is the antichrist, not just a type of him. The literal rendition of these verses seems to be able to carry no other meaning.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Dreams and Jesus

(Below is a poem that hopefully will inspire you about faith, Jesus, and the walks that we take in life. It enlightens us to have faith, and really believe what is true to our heart. If one believes in Eternal Life and their Lord Jesus, I believe that they can accomplish anything.)

-----------------------------------------------

Into the midst, lies a flame of untold glories....

Just breathe...

Just breathe, and the night will go away.

Into the fog, I hold out my hands.

"Come and touch me, I've been waiting...

See me, for there is a drought throughout the lands."

Just breathe, and he will hold me,

"Just breathe my child, and your faith will awaken."

I am afraid

I am forsaken,

A man tells me the story of a drought in the land...

Who will bring me water?

Who will bring me hope?

"Just breathe, and your questions will be answered."

And the man opens my closed eyes.

"My child, here is your land..."

My heart is restless.

My mind aches of confusion.

Who will bring me faith?

Who has brought on this resurrection?

Who will provide me water to my lands?

Again, I close my eyes,

and a strange man holds ot his hand.

"Just breathe and I will hold you.

Let your steps become mine and I will carry you.

For thou name is Jesus, and it is I who has brought on this resurrection.

I will bring you your water."

http://www.arianacherry.biz

Jesus, Lord Over All

My western friends may be disappointed to know that I do not believe democracy to be the purest form of government. In its misunderstood form, the "rule of the people" does not exist. All the people cannot rule. They merely designate who will rule. If you think you are in charge, try a late payment to the IRS or parking in a spot designated "no parking."

But even representative rule, true democracy as we know it, which we have experienced so beneficially for these 200 plus years in America, is not the preferred way. Not for me. Corruption enters into systems like these, precisely because they are run by the people, not in spite of that fact.

No, give me an iron-fisted ruler.

One will will speedily punish wickedness. But let the definition of wickedness be properly spelled out.

One who will reward righteousness. But let righteousness also have its proper definition.

One who cannot be toppled by some greater power. One who is unquestioned in his right and capacity to rule.

Give me a perfect monarch, who can settle all disputes with justice. One from whose lips will drop perfect wisdom, but from whose hands will flow perfect compassion.

You say, There is no such one. I say, There is. King Jesus , Messiah of Israel and of all believing gentiles too, meets the requirements I have listed. His reign of 1000 years will be the very prelude to eternity. The earth awaits Him. His people elect Him, but He was elected by the Father for this very position before the worlds began. He shall rule, even though the "people" of earth attempt to strike Him down .

So in speaking so often against the rule of oppressive tyrants on earth, one in particular, we must remember to oppose them on the right grounds. It is not because they are "all powerful" or "unopposed" or a "totalitarian" leader. Jesus Himself will be all of that and more.

We are against them because they take from the hearts of men their right to choose King Jesus as their Lord. They supplant Jesus with their own ways and principles and songs. Rather than allowing their people to experience the fact that a nation is blessed whose God is Jehovah, they show the world that a nation without this God of Gods is cursed. In this they have been a mighty revealer of the truth of God but their end shall come, all rulers and nations that despise the Holy One.

All hail, KING JESUS! Lord over all the lords of Earth!

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

God at a Railroad Crossing

This testimony is fresh from the Korean peninsula. God continues to work and move to do His will among those who will seek Him.

Let me tell you about the first time I came to China. It was with my brother-in-law. He has visited for several years and has been helped through his friendship with the church. Often he tried to persuade me to have faith in the God he met. But I ignored his encouragement.

Well, I have many questions about God. Does God really exist, like my brother-in-law always is saying? Hey, if God exists, why does he let North Korean people stay so poor?' If God really loves humans so much, why does He let North Koreans die by starvation? Also, Just how big is this God? Does He even have the power to help humans? I didn't believe God, but I had a lot of questions. On this China visit, I began to get some answers.

You'll never believe what happened as we made our way from NK to China. Around 4 a.m., we tried to cross over a railroad passage into China, but we were just frozen. We somehow went the wrong way, and passed up the train tunnel. Suddenly we saw 2 NK guards. There was just 40 meters between the guards and us. It was light out, we couldn't do anything.

My brother-in-law prayed to God, "God, please help us!" The prayer was really quiet and very simple, and he prayed it again and again. And then he said "Let's go." I couldn't move. Not even one step. I shook my head, but he began to walk.

I couldn't believe it! We made clearly audible sounds with our steps, but the guards never even looked at us! What was happening?

Brother said God had heard his prayer, and made the guards blind and deaf to us. I couldn't say anything. I couldn't understand such a thing with common sense, but it had happened. I began to believe in God's existence after His amazing help.

With this experience, I decided to believe God. I accepted Jesus as my Savior, and my Lord.

God is my salvation, my shelter. Jesus is my joy, my hope.

Thank you, God. Thank you Jesus.

One at a time He builds His glorious Kingdom. Thanks for praying.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com. There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Is the Bible Full of Contridictions - Video

Is the Bible Full of Contridictions - Video

All Worked Up

It's always important to say in articles like this one, that God can do whatever He wants. His church is His church. We need to be very careful in criticizing people and things we do not understand.

But my observations today come from a desire to warn the people of God about things that are happening in that church. Speaking out in some situations is as important as being silent in others.

Consider with me the Western style "revivalist" of our day. Some of them have mastered techniques that they use to milk and fleece God's sheep. Unfortunately a multitude of congregations have dozed off, and a razzle-dazzle performance geared to "waking up the saints" can work wonders. Or so it would seem.

I'm a skeptic about much of what I see and hear and read because the church, and I'm part of that church, has been lied to too often. That does not mean that I discount a genuine miracle or an all-powerful God.

The written revelation continues to be the standard by which we can judge all things. Thank God that He took the time to pass along to us principles and examples that we can hold up to the men who stand before us and would carry us away to who knows where.

Look at the prophets. Granted, they did some things we would have to call strange. Walking around essentially naked, or stretched out on the ground, first on one side then the other. But their motivation was obedience. This was not their style, and none of this unusual-ness "worked up" an audience to give money. Until the interpretation of their actions was given, the crowd did not know what to think.

And Jesus. Individuals were worked up with anxiety and pain, to be sure. They wanted to be well. And yes, there was power to meet the needs, definitely. But the miracles came, for the most part, commensurate with the faith of the inquirer, not the emotion of the crowd. And that emotion, when it did come, came in response to a miracle, not to make one happen. Miracles are free.

The apostles followed their Master. They preached. Signs followed, as a bonus. No one was told to do anything so that the power of God would fall. Pentecost, and all subsequent outpourings were directed by God on unsuspecting groups of people. Never once did an apostle demand or perform a show so that God would "show up."

Remember Jonathan Edwards? Well, he was a little before our time. He's the one considered to be the main spark of the "Great Awakening" of the mid 18th century. And the one who preached "Sinners in the hands of an angry God." He was not considered a great orator, though his words were intense. But his hard stand against sin and for judgment brought a true revival.

Yes, there were strange things that happened in his meetings. People passed out under conviction, for example. They call this fainting by other names today, even though the Bible does not name the phenomenon. Edwards did not encourage a response or try to make it happen. Men and women simply confronted themselves and their God at the same time. An awful and dangerous experience.

When challenged about the things that happened in his meetings, Edwards stressed that they were all incidental to the preaching, that they were not to be emphasized, nor was favor to be reckoned to those whose "bodily effects" were more noticeable. Gradually though the "bodily effects" people changed the course of the revival, as they always do.

It's a different world today, at least to some degree. It becomes obvious early on in some "revival" meetings that the leader is trying to "make something happen." Some preachers will suddenly yell, or blow into a microphone, or run around. The crowd is sure that the Spirit is moving, and it reacts accordingly and unpredictably, throwing caution and order and compassion for those who have come along with them, to the wind. But with all the smoke, often there is not a word of conviction spoken in the entire meeting. It's all for show and money in some cases.

We want to say, "nevertheless, Christ is preached" as the gracious Paul could say, but that might not even be true in some of these meetings, as people have stopped looking for sound teaching and the true power of God, and are seeking out feel-good shows of signs and wonders that they can talk about to their friends.

Let me say this. We insult and endanger folks when we tell them they must get "all worked up" in order for Jesus to move. That's not how it happened as our church was being formed. And that notion is nothing more than a revival of the old "works" mentality so prevalent in the institution(s) out of which we have come.

Preachers, preach Christ! Preach the Word! Preach grace! Don't imply that I must do something to receive the gifts of God. Just fill my mind and heart with God's Truth and let me deal with it. Oh I may get excited and even loud but not because of shenanigans and not to meet your needs. Or silently God may do a work in me that you could never imagine, that God will never tell you, lest you be lifted up with pride and think you did it.

People of God, it's going to get worse. Keep the discerner's fine-tuned, the eyes wide open, the heart turned only to Jesus Christ.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs , ovber 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Emotional Baggage Hinders Performance in Life

Hebrews 12: 1 Let us strip off every weight that slows us down...and let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.

The Bible describes our Christian life in terms of running a race and encourages us to run in order to win. For those non athletic readers the very idea of running is enough for you to delete this message, but I encourage you to read on.

A few months before Christmas 08 I joined a 12 week fitness challenge. The first day was a fitness assessment... an assessment to confirm just how unfit I actually was. What followed over the next 12 weeks was grueling exercises ranging from boxing sessions, endless push ups and sit-ups to running on the soft sand on the beach while carrying sandbags!! Needless to say at the end of each session we were exhausted, red in the face and out of breath!!!

We go through all this trouble to keep our physical bodies from seizing up as we get older and to keep those extra few kgs from taking up permanent residence on our bodies. What if we applied that same effort to our spiritual fitness? It is not the few extra pounds we need to worry about, but the doubts and negative beliefs that creep in threatening to extinguish our faith like a wet blanket.

Hebrews 12: ...let us strip off every weight that that slows us down.. Worry, forgiveness, bitterness, disappointment, anger, hurt are all emotions and thought patterns that weigh us down in the race of life. They are like rocks in our back packs when we go hiking, making the journey more exhausting and difficult. Each step becoming harder the longer we carry the weight.

Hebrews 12 goes on to say; Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, whom our faith depends on from start to finish. In other words, copy how Jesus lived and responded to every situation in life. Did you notice how Jesus got angry but didn't become an angry person, he suffered injustice but didn't become bitter, he was falsely accused but forgave his accusers. He didn't allow the negative emotions to attach themselves, weighing him down in the race God had called him to run.

It doesn't matter how others choose to run their race, what matters is how I run the race that God has called me to run. Over the 12 week challenge participants dropped out and they probably had legitimate reasons why they couldn't continue. Rather than dropping out of the race, wouldn't it be better to deal with the weights we have collected on the way that are making the journey more difficult than it should be.

Jesus says, "come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest."

This week, take some time to lighten the load and allow God to reveal to you what weights you have collected on the journey. Confront them, accept responsibility for your part, and release those who have intentionally or unintentionally hurt you. Take action on your thoughts, and replace destructive thought patterns with new ones and allow God's word to energies and renew your soul.

Yours faithfully
Carolyn Evans-Hale
Subscribe to my Facebook Group for weekly devotionals.
http://www.faithforeverydayliving.com

In North Korea - A Man And A Woman

"Refugees International" went into Northeast China a few years back with the specific intent of finding and interviewing refugees coming out of North Korea. Their stories lack the earmarks of what we would call "great" storytelling. Deliberately. It was their purpose just to take the facts down and pass them on to the West. Following, in my own words, is the true story I gleaned from one of these interviews. Following the "lackluster" style of reporting used by Refugees International, I simply call these 2 persons "a man and a woman", knowing that the facts themselves will stir hearts.

The story I tell, by the way, is shared for the sole purpose of motivating praying people to do what they do best.

The "man" was in the North Korean army, and was discharged in 1997. When he went home he found there were no jobs. He moved to Musan, in northeast North Korea, heard of the flow of refugees into China, and joined it. In 3 months he was caught and sent back. Ten days in a Chongjin prison. Escape. Back to China. 'Tis a familiar tale, though not as often considered to be a part of the "protected" military's existence.

1998. Chinese crackdown on North Korean refugees forces him to move to isolation in the mountains.

"The woman," also North Korean, comes to China in 2001 with an uncle who promises to find her a husband. The man and the woman are introduced one day. Married the next. She joins him in his mountain hideaways.

August, 2002. Husband is in a nearby village obtaining food when he is arrested by Chinese police and once more sent back to North Korea, without his wife. The wife is afraid and asks permission to live in the house of the manager of the shelter where they have been staying. Permission granted, but someone reports her, she is arrested and likewise deported. It is October.

In prison she gives birth. Her hometown people hear of her ordeal and bribe officers to release her.

One positive note. There are so many prisoners this second time around for the man, that he reports things have lightened up. There simply are not enough enforcers to make life miserable for everyone. The "light" version is a cell 5 square meters. Containing 40 people. They kneel and cannot move. They must sleep in that position.

His wife even gave birth in that position.

We cannot imagine what the more difficult version was like.

The man wants to go to South Korea, he tells the interviewer. But he knows it will be very hard. He says that people who try to go to South Korea are sent somewhere else and they are killed. He says that the first question they ask you when you are deported to North Korea is, "Have you been to church?" Those that say "Yes" will be killed right away or sent to a prison camp for life.

What is his plan now? He says, "Surviving day by day."

These things are difficult for us to hear. All we can do is keep listening to what the Spirit is saying to the Church. For God has a plan too. It seems He is unconcerned, un-moved. But in all things He will be glorified somehow. We know for sure that we must pray. Others will want to find ways to share materially or even go. But let us do something!

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

For the Testimony of Jesus

In the very heart of the new covenant is the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. 19:10 NLT):

"Then I fell down at his feet (i.e. the angel) to worship him, but he said, 'No, don't worship me. For I am a servant of God, just like you and other brothers and sisters who testify of their faith in Jesus. Worship God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.'"

The great binding connection between Jesus and his new covenant is the key to learning the truth, and the essence of all of prophecy. The new covenant is God's golden key that unlocks God's rich treasure house of blessings for believers. When we move forward to enter his house all confusion and conundrums disappear. If He is all that matters to you (Col. 3:11), and not these other earthly kingdoms that lead away from him, then you have already gained much wisdom (I Co. 2:7; Eph.1:17; Col. 1:9, 2:3, 3:16).

The holy Scriptures specifically give "the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus" (II Ti. 3:15). We live by this faith in Christ, "not by sight" (II Co. 5:7. See also Heb. 11:8-18; Ro. 3:24-31; II Pet. 1:1).

"In him lie all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:3). He opened up the new, life-giving way "through the sacred curtain, by means of his death for us" (Heb. 10:20). This wondrous sacrifice stands for all time (v. 10). There is no need whatsoever to be distracted from full attention to him in the rumored resumption of the earthly temple and animal sacrifices. If such obscenities are resumed in Jerusalem and He does return at this time, it will be to take vengeance upon those unbelievers and their supporters who have defiled the truth with blasphemies. Those who are giving a clear witness for Jesus today will shine forth as the sun in the new Jerusalem, the beloved holy city (Rev. 20:9, 21:2) of our God, where they will live with him forevermore.

Such blessed ones are not unbelievers who cling still to the earthly city where He was crucified by those who would not accept his rule, but they are the ones who have followed him all along the higher pathway of his new covenant that leads them directly into the most blessed place where they can draw very close to him, even today. Their faith in him alone has rewarded them with his richest blessings.

Follow this higher pathway today. It will take you into his beautiful city where there is no disappointment!

Anita Whalley has recently authored the Christian book entitled There Is A Kingdom, available in the Christian and inspirational books section in Amazon. com. There Is A Kingdom is the happy outcome of years of intense searching for real answers to the eschatological dilemma of the day. This is a compelling book that sticks to one, giving him a higher form of confidence, peace and joy than is readily available in a mere eschatological study alone.
Anita also authors a page entitled Significant Values on http://www.Blogger.com
Anita has pursued a career in healthcare, but is now retired from that. She continues with her personal Bible studies, though perhaps not as intensely as she did before the great breakthrough discoveries unearthed in Christ's new covenant, which went beyond the finding of just a mere answer to plaguey eschatological questions. She discovered just how truly transcendently enriching and fulfilling God has made his new covenant to be. A very spiritually uplifting experience this is for any child of God to run into and to enjoy, and his answer to our every prayer.