Jesus prayed we'd be 'ONE' with each other in Him that the world will know! (John 17)

Month: July 2008

Pastor Baldwin: The Religious Right is AWOL From the Real War

From: News with Views

the real battlefield today is not abortion. It is not homosexual marriage. It is not Social Security. It is not al Qaeda. It is not taxes. It is not inflation. It is not electing conservatives. It is not posting the Ten Commandments. It is not even the high cost of gasoline. …

The battlefield where the devil has amassed his greatest forces and is thrusting his deadliest armies is the surrender of our national sovereignty and independence, and the creation of global government. And it is our own political and corporate leaders that are facilitating this chicanery. Furthermore, by refusing to oppose this surrender, our Christian leaders are complicit as well.

Obviously, the surrender of our independence has been ongoing for some time. However, under Bill Clinton and especially under G.W. Bush, the pace has quickened exponentially.

Doubtless, the biggest reason President Bush has more aggressively hastened the pace of America’s merger into supranational government is because he enjoys widespread support among evangelical Christians. Absent opposition from Christian leaders, G.W. Bush has virtually had a free hand. And please know this: before Bush was a Republican, before he was a “conservative,” before he was a Christian, he was and is a globalist, as was his father and grandfather before him.

Because our national Christian leaders are content to revel in the lap of political cronyism with President Bush (and the Republican Party), they have abandoned their positions as watchmen on the wall. Instead of being watchmen and heralds of truth, they have become political lackeys and toadies for the GOP.

[…]

With the attention of the American people (and Congress) focused on the Middle East, Bush and his cabal of elitists are moving forward with plans to surrender our national independence and merge our country into a regional government. Friends, this is the real war; this is the real battlefield.

When America loses its sovereignty and independence, we will lose all of our fundamental liberties. The Constitution will be meaningless and irrelevant. The Bill of Rights will be moot. The principles of religious liberty, the right to life, and the Christian foundation of our country will be passé. And, as I said at the outset of this column, our national leaders, especially our Christian leaders, are totally absent from this battlefield.

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Related: Most of My ToBeFree Website

Does the American flag belong in church? Our allegiance belongs to God, not state power

From: The Christian Science Monitor

American Christians seem as devoted to their government as Ruth was to Naomi. But should they be? Do either the flag or the Pledge have any place in the Lord’s house? …

The trouble doesn’t lie with Christianity but with power. The two have always been at odds. Political power is a synonym for “physical force,” for bending people to government’s will regardless of their inclinations, interests, or welfare. But Christianity is love – power’s antidote. Anyone who sincerely follows Jesus Christ will never try to compel others – because he didn’t. Jesus sought to persuade by word and example, loving men so much that he let them judge for themselves the truth of his teachings. …

And many support a war in Iraq that has killed tens of thousands and put civilians – including Iraq’s brave but tiny Christian community – in great tribulation. Sadly, I have yet to hear any American church pray for Iraqis as they endure the persecution, poverty, and pain this war has inflicted. But congregants who are Americans first and Christians second often ask God to bless our troops on Sundays.

If they think about it at all, most believers probably see the flag and Pledge as tokens of affection for their country. In reality, both symbolize an infatuation with government. Churches hope to change circumstances through political force when Jesus called us to change hearts and minds with his message. We cheat ourselves, trusting the state’s inferior and transitory power instead of the Almighty.

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Related:
[Video] Greg Boyd on ‘Charlie Rose’: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church
MacArthur: The Prostitution of Christianity–”My kingdom is not of this world”

Rethinking Matthew 24: "..then the end will come" — after the Pete Townshends "know?" — Millions, if not billions of people, right now, are not compelled to become Christians because of the bitter taste that professing Christians are leaving in their stomachs. People have a right to see the real thing!

This video, in which Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, The Who, perform their last song of the evening, “Tea and Theatre,” is an excellent example of a burden that I have about why it’s crucially important that ONE happens soon.
From the beginning of the prophecy, Let Us Be One, A Kindness that I Want to Flow From My Body:

On the night before Jesus sacrificed his life for us, he prayed that those who would follow would be one. His heart still longs to see this fulfilled in our lives – “that the world may know.”

Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. THE GLORY which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me. (John 17:20-23)

Millions, if not billions of people, right now, are not compelled to become Christians because of the bitter taste that professing Christians are leaving in their stomachs. In fact, many see more love in some non-Christians—which is exceedingly sad, and needs to be remedied.
People have a right to see the real thing—real Christianity. “That they may be perfected into ONE,” Jesus said. That the world may know.”
When ONE happens in just one group, and then it spreads like wildfire, then if people choose to reject it, so be it. At least they had a chance to really see what they were rejecting—the beauty of what real, Biblical Christianity is!
For a number of years, for some reason, I’ve had a particular burden for Pete Townshend to see ONE happen before he leaves this earth. I think his heart would leap when he sees the real thing, which is probably what he’s been yearning for all his life. When Pete Townshend sees it (whether he becomes a Christian or not), then I think we’ve done our job, then the world will know. Everyone has a right to see the real thing before they die.
Many think Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 are about people just hearing a message, that once all of the unreached peoples hear the Gospel story then the end will come. I’ve been thinking lately that it’s more about once the world sees ONE happen, then the world will know and then the end will come. Consider Matthew 24:11-14 in light of John 17:

Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray [which is happening by the droves through most pastors and priests today]. Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved. This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

What is being preached by most ‘Christians’ today isn’t really a testimony to the nations. Jesus said in John 17 that the world will know when ONE happens, not just when people hear the Gospel story.
I think Pete Townshend is a good example of a deep thinking, intuitive person who isn’t fooled by hypocrites, who profess Christianity but aren’t even going to heaven, themselves, because they’re not abiding in Christ. Pete will only be impressed by the real thing—which needs to pass the Pete Townshend Smell Test.
I think Jesus call for us to be ONE in John 17 is the testimony to all the nations in Matthew 24. And we can bring this about, by His grace/enablement, as we abide in Him, together!
Then the world will know, and then the end will come.
Freedom!
May we be ONE!
Jeff Fenske : )
Related:
[Screaming for REVIVAL!] The Who ended their Super-Bowl-Half-time set with these words (after Roger Daltrey screamed “Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”): “Don’t you get fooled … again”
[Music Videos] Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend SCREAMING for REVIVAL since 1973: “Love, Reign o’er Me” (Studio and LIVE versions) — Who of us will step up so ‘ONE’ can happen and then the world will know? (Jesus heart-cry in John 17)

Gleanings from Gordon Lightfoot’s 43-minute interview. Gordon is Scottish — ‘Braveheart’!! I LOVE his music, but now I know why I never liked his song, “Sundown.” Unfortunately, his seediest song was his biggest hit! But there is a true “Carefree Highway” that we can all travel on together — FOREVER!!!

Neil Young changes tune on war — my thoughts

My 1990 Key-to-Revival Prophecy: “There is MIGHT and there is POWER and there is GLORY, but it is being withheld until these relationships are made right, until we love our brother enough to…”
The Welsh Revival of 1904-05 by J. Edwin Orr: A Countrywide Asbury-like REVIVAL! The 4 Points: #1 Confess any known sin, and put any wrong done to man right again. #2 Put away any doubtful habit. #3 Obey the Spirit promptly. #4 Confess your faith publicly.
Effects of the WELSH REVIVAL 1904-05: Whole communities were radically changed FROM DEPRAVITY TO GLORIOUS GOODNESS. The CRIME RATE dropped, often to nothing. THE POLICE had little more to do than supervise the coming and going of the people to the chapel prayer meetings. THE UNDERGROUND MINES echoed with the sounds of PRAYER and HYMNS, instead of nasty jokes and gossip. People who had fallen out BECAME FRIENDS AGAIN!!!!!!!
(video) Asbury Revival, 1970: RECONCILIATION the KEY! — “‘Dr. Kinlaw, I am a liar. Now what do I do?’ … Three days later, she came to me radiant, and she said, ‘I just hit my 34th person and I’m free!’”
‘Let Us Be ONE’ Prophecy Continues 10/8/08: “It’s TOO LATE to REVERSE what’s been done for MY MEN have been REJECTED … Now is the Time to OVERCOME and GET RIGHT With ALL … FREEeeeeeeeeeeeee———DOM at last … Your HEART will SWELL with LOVE and it will be EASY to REMAIN In Me when others are On The BOAT With You”
(video) The Azusa Street Revival (1906-15): The biggest move of miracles in the history of America — The fire of God’s glory on the roof! “Even the fingernails grew back!” In 1909, Seymour prophesied the next, even greater revival will come in about 100 years! We’re due!!!

John Michael Talbot: Psalm 42—Like the Deer

Notice the God-beam lit Redwoods reaching towards the heavens at 0:50.

YES!!!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCmXCPumu18]

Like the deer that yearns for running streams,
so my soul is yearning for God.

My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life;
when can I see the face of God?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hntfp-WxmI]

John Michael Talbot: Psalm 91

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH1g1NQkUtE]

Today the number one concern world-wide is security. Everyone worries about safety. Who will ensure our safety and provide the refuge we seek?

These selected quotes (in the video) from the psalm are set to music with the same title by John Michael Talbot.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he knows and understands My Name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love and kindness- trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honour him.

With long life I will satisfy him
And show him My Salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16 AMP
Source

Mandisa: God Speaking

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZI2gOBvBHk]

Psalm 8

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18R4iPJ5U3I]

The Source of Christian Love Within Us. Where is the 'Heart'?

Where is the heart (mentioned almost 1,000 times in the Bible)—from where LIFE/rivers of living water should flow in born-again believers?
This is the area that God wants us to keep especially clean—very pretty—pure—so His love can flow!
It’s lower than we think, I think. But may also include the actual heart, which is more than a pump.
This has many ramifications. One of which is achieving real freedom—deep within! And could healing waters come from here too?
I think this may be the source of the love of Jesus within us.  May we learn to flow in it.
Let us be ONE! : )
Consider John 7:38, literally:

HeartQuotes: Truth — "A thing does not therefore cease to be true because it is not accepted by many" – Spinoza

Be not astonished at new ideas;
for it is well known to you
that a thing does not therefore cease to be true
because it is not accepted by many.

– Spinoza

Related:
Baruch: “Not only is DECEPTION of the church possible, it WAS PROPHESIED TO HAPPEN!” — Jesus said “IN THE LAST DAYS THE MAJORITY WILL BE DECEIVED, take heed that it doesn’t happen to you” — “FALSE TEACHERS are actually SPEAKING SPELLS with the words of their FALSE DOCTRINES!”
Willful Ignorance: Actively Resisting the Truth & Truth-tellers
[WordPOWER!] 2 Peter 3: BEWARE, in the LAST DAYS People Will Be WILLINGLY IGNORANT
From Willful Ignorance through Cognitive Dissonance to “Could I Be Wrong?”
[Willfully ignorant] Dr. Doug Rokke: People won’t acknowledge what the US has really done because the foundation for everything they’ve believed and what they’ve trusted literally collapses…
[FreedomQuote] ‎”I Would Rather Know The Ugly Truth Than A Beautiful Lie”
[FreedomQuote] “It’s hard to accept the truth when the lies were exactly what you wanted to hear.”
[FreedomQuote] Patrick Henry: “For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.” — I’ll take the red pill, thank you, to totally live in reality no matter what! FREEeeeeeeeeeeeeee——————DOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Psychologists Explain 911 Denial: Fear, Pride, Exceptionalism… (Why aren’t most people willing to even look at what the Bible really says about who goes to heaven — the most important issue?!)
Gandhi: Widespread Belief Doesn’t Make an Error True
“Truth … lies in the depth where few are willing to search for it.”

Pastor Baldwin: Today's 'Christians'—No Hope In God's Way

From: News with Views

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah faced a generation that is very similar to the one we face today, I am afraid. Political and corporate leaders had given themselves over to corruption and duplicity. The fundamental underpinnings that founded and supported the nation were being dismantled. And the spiritual leaders seemed to be powerless to do anything about it.

Accordingly, Jehovah God told Jeremiah to give this message to the people of Israel:

[…]

When these Hebrews said, “There is no hope,” they were not saying, “It’s all over. We are all doomed. It is helpless.” No, they were not saying that at all. What they were saying was, “Doing it God’s way offers no hope. We will do it our way. We will rely upon our own devices, wisdom, and strength. We can get ourselves out of this mess.” That is the spirit these people possessed.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit that this is exactly the same spirit that many professing Christians display today.

Most everyone, including Christian people, realize that our country is in a mess. They readily agree that a divine healing is needed. They even use the great stories and examples of the Bible to teach our boys and girls how to obey and trust God. They extol the examples of Daniel, the three Hebrew children, Simon Peter and the Apostles, etc. They use these stories to illustrate the importance of putting obedience to God and God’s principles above the machinations and demands of men.

When it comes to voting for and supporting candidates who have proven themselves to be unfaithful to the fundamental principles of liberty and good government, however, these same Christians suddenly become enamored with “the lesser of two evils,” and pragmatism. Doing right gives way to being “practical,” and standing for principle gives way to “not throwing my vote away.”

Had Daniel been “practical,” he would have stopped praying for a few weeks and stayed out of the lions’ den. Had the three Hebrew children been “pragmatic,” they would have given a symbolic bow to the statue of Nebuchadnezzar. And I can just hear Christians living in the First Century talking about how they would vote for Nero over Caligula, as he would be “the lesser of two evils.”

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Related: Chuck Baldwin posts at ToBeFree

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