Looks like this virus is getting serious, when they suspend and shut down major sporting events it's got to serious. I know it's better to err on the side of caution than be caught unprepared but still this is a first. NBA, MLB, NHL have all suspended play and college basketball has cancelled conference tournaments. It seems to be changing hourly, this time yesterday there was talk of playing games (March Madness is huge in America) without spectators, now it's no games period until the virus is brought under control. I'm thinking as the wave of concern/hysteria/pandemic continues to swell churches will be closed this Sunday...I can't see them allowing children (there are several hundred under 6 years old where I attend worship) to risk being exposed...What next? Schools? Businesses? I might as well be closed, no one is coming in or making appointments, well, very few. I guess this will get spun by liberal media and politicians to appear that Donald Trump caused this and only a democrat hopeful will be able to fix it...Bernie to the rescue!
Yup, it must be serious; people don't mess around when it comes to their sporting events! Hey, our Walmart is out of toilet paper. I'm not sure why toilet paper would be scarce, but it is! Blessings, William
All kind of stuff is out down here, Costco has stopped the free food samples...that's serious. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that all championship games are canceled in every college sport. March Madness was one of my favorite indulgences, I always stream it here at the office (even got a 25" monitor with March Madness basketball games in mind, specifically , Auburn basketball) Drats! I even got an notification that they may be extending the tax season over this to encourage people to wait a while before filing.
The Great Dilemma... So with the scarcity of toilet paper everywhere (the first thing to go at the stores) I've decided to help by doing a firearms exchange program. Anyone who turns in a firearm to me will be given a roll of toilet paper. No questions asked.
james wrote on Mon, 16 March 2020 20:49 The Great Dilemma... So with the scarcity of toilet paper everywhere (the first thing to go at the stores) I've decided to help by doing a firearms exchange program. Anyone who turns in a firearm to me will be given a roll of toilet paper. No questions asked. You're either working to get Biden elected (and want a cabinet position) or you are working hand in hand with the B'ham militia! Well, you could possibly just be a private firearm collector that likes guns, (if so, could you send me a list of what you've got?)! Blessings, William
Ha ha, I think you know my position on firearms ( I really like guns but haven't owned one since early 80's) so I guess it's option D...just trying to make folks smile with a touch of wiit.
When fear comes against our minds and the enemy assaults from all sides with negative, fearful thoughts...God promises peace to those who will keep our minds on Him, His Words, His promises. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isaiah 26:3
Two Chapters to get the over all picture would be: II Samuel 24: I Chronicles 21: Not trying to make any type of point here, but when God sent His Angel against Israel we see the result and the reason why, 70000 died in that plague. Something this fantastic happening over the whole world makes you wonder what is happening? Psalm 91 is the promise we are holding on to here. I'm especially believing for my wife she has to work so many hours every few days in the thick of it. Remember her in your prayers. In Him, Gary
What a time to be a Christian! Jesus is Faithful!
Yes and Amen is what I say, also. Like the post said we do not have to be fearful at what takes place. My wife works for the Health Department, she said a lot of the people are terrified. We have had close to 12 deaths here in Indiana, they have been all random counties with people who never traveled abroad. There's a college kid that tested positive in Bloomington and they have him under quarantine at home, off campus. Everything is shut down here except grocery stores, drive-thru restaurants, filing stations. The churches shut down for several weeks. A Pastor and close friend I know, gave his message over the internet last Sunday. There's so many rumors on the internet you don't know what to believe. Some people are trying to say this is a government conspiracy to stop Christians from gathering. How can anyone believe that? God's Word still stands firm and we know it will never change, Thank God for that. My wife went to the store when this first broke out and there was no vegetables, frozen or fresh, the vegans and vegetarians hit all the stores in town. There was people who had huge carts of toilet paper, we heard of one situation where some guy got in a fight with some older lady over that last pack the manager came up and found they accidentally tore the pack all up in the process. The older lady ask the manager if she could get a discount. Seriously!! Christians are the only group who have a Hope in this hour. I'm glad all you guys are hanging in there. We never hear much about the south unless its concerning Florida. In Him, Gary
Heard a good report in China. A Chinese Pastor said he had an older couple who lived in the area where the virus was the worst, they continue their lives normally and were believing the Lord to protect them. They came through the whole event with no symptoms. Praise the Lord. We have up to 12 confirmed dead now in Indiana. This can be called a pestilence. Pestilence is any epidemic disease that is highly contagious, infectious, virulent and devastating. A plague is to to harass, pester or annoy someone persistently or incessantly. A disastrous evil or affliction, hence calamity. Like the ten plagues of Egypt. Pestilence will come upon the earth before the coming of the Lord: Luke 21:11 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." Jesus told us this would eventually come to pass on the earth. If this event we see happening is this tragic I cannot imagine what it will be like during the great tribulation. In Him, Gary
In France when they order someone inside its called going into confinement. If you go outside you will be fined $145.00 the first offense then the second time you break confinement its $1613.00. The government has already fined over 90000 people breaking confinement. We always have something to be thankful for here in America. We know God is on the throne and will help us through this time. Be Encouraged: "He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; he will not be afraid." Psalm 112:7-8 In Him, Gary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0kSDi7DMr4 This kid has a blessed voice.
We had something unique happened last night. A group of Christians showed up at the hospital parking lot with a loud speaker. They started playing Christian worship songs and they were singing and praying against the virus. It was on facebook and got a very good response of comments. Many of these people were outside of their cars keeping the 6' distance rule. There was people from several states and even as far north as Canada making comments and praying with the people. It appeared to have an anointing on it, they were out there for over five hours. I don't know how that will turn out here with the locals. Don't know which church put this on, some groups local are meeting in spite of what the authorities are saying. People are tired on hearing the negative I guess. Some comments were talking like they were going to do this again and a lot of Christians were saying they would come to the next event. I have so many mixed emotions about this whole situation,(concerning the virus), mainly trying to understand the mind of the Lord. William thank you for letting me post about this to me its history in the making. Who would of thought of something this world wide happening in our lifetime. I would of never dreamed of this situation taking place. This can go on for several ways, whether for good or bad. The Bible says, "a mans heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps. In Daniel it shows how sovereign God is in the world, He rules in the kingdoms of men and does what He desires. Were not in control of our lives as much as we think we are. I had everything in a nice neat package how I thought it would turn out according to teachings from the Bible on the end times. I for sure had it all wrong. God's Will shall be done on earth as He desires. I'm taking a look at all my worldly goods and they all seem worthless now, I've got a lot of stuff accumulated over the years. I'm taking everything now as a day at a time feeling a little helpless in my flesh, still recuperating and now dealing with the germ world. The Bible says when I am weak then I am strong, and God's strength is made perfect in weakness. My Bible seems a little different now, God's Word is more alive. I'm finding out He is here for us, Praise His Holy Name. For several months I was trying to find some garden and flower seeds I had stored back. We searched the house over a number of times, downstairs and on the main level. I could not imagine what happened to those seeds. Finally my wife said we need to get them started, (inside under a plant light), as it would be time to put them out soon. We went downstairs searched the pantry, checked the garage and checked several cabinets we could of put them in, we found nothing. Then we came upstairs and checked a bunch of cabinets we thought they might be in, nothing. Finally I called my wife into the family room and we held hands and ask Jesus to show us where those seeds were. I was thinking about this situation when less then five minutes my wife yelled out, "I found them". It happened so fast I could not believe my ears. I should of went to the Lord in the first place, we live and learn as the old saying goes. God is faithful. In Him, Gary
That circling of parking lots of hospitals and showing support for healthcare workers is sweeping the country, I've seen them doing it here several days last week. I think of you often Gary, and pray for you... Still open as of today; don't know what the future holds in regards to this Covid 19, but I DO know who does and He says to trust in Him and be not afraid, that He will give peace and wisdom...I believe Him, I believe what He has spoken, I believe He is sovereign over ALL, I believe He will keep His Word...HE ALWAYS HAS His name is JESUS
James Glad to hear from you. May the Lord keep His Hand upon you and your family in the days ahead. I seen another parking lot full of Christians in Georgia last night praying and worshiping the Lord on face book, they had over 4 million people viewing it. I did not know so many were doing this, Praise God. I'm beginning to see that the Lord honors those who honor Him before men. We have three chicken restaurants a couple of miles up the road from us. Two of them the parking lots are always empty with very few cars in the drive thru. But the third one "Chick-fil-a" is packed out the whole time they are open, two lanes at drive thru and it extends out into the road. The dining is closed now, but I'm blessed every time I go by there, because I know the Lord God is blessing them. I hope the churches are meeting again by Easter, depends on what the Lord will do here soon. We've been listening to Kent Grimes minister on the internet for now, its a live video, and we know another pastor near us, who is on the radio. You'll never believe this, but I got tired of listening to the messenger (modern Christian music), on siriusXM, it was the same songs over and over, so I tried listening to the Gospel Train, Bluegrass, and I kind of enjoy it for a change. Never thought I'd enjoy that style of gospel singing. I like a lot of the Southern gospel music as well. I found another station "Air One" that is modern gospel with no advertisements that is good to. Til my strength is restored I've got a lot of idle time being on lock down in my house. Taking one day at a time here. I had a lot of big ideas for my retirement, but the Lord has intervened and I have a different outlook now. God delivered me from religious prejudice from past teachings I'm seeing more through His eyes. In Matthew 21:18-22, we always saw the withered tree as only part of the faith message and it is true. But after that Jesus tells the Pharisees a number of parables concerning the vineyard being removed from Israel as predicted in Is.5 and given to another nation, us the gentiles. The cursing of the fig tree is symbolic of Jesus coming to His vineyard and finding no fruit. He removed the vineyard to His church at that time. Now He's seeking fruit in His church, our lives as He mentions in the gospel of John. He's the vine were the branches. Hope that's understandable. Anyway I see the whole church now, everyone born again, as workers in His vineyard. Hey glad to get to chat with you here. I'll leave you with this dream a brother had a while back: I know a brother around 88 or 89 not part of our meetings, who loves the Lord. At the beginning of winter he had a dream from the Lord. In the dream he saw this huge black storm on the horizon, it was very fierce and intense, he had never seen clouds so black as the ones that were in this storm. It was very frightening. That was the dream he never thought any more about it. A few weeks ago he got up to fix breakfast and was thinking about everything going on with this virus. He said the anointing of God came on him very strong like he had never experienced. He started weeping and crying and the Lord spoke to him and said: This is the storm I showed you, speaking of the virus. I heard this second hand and have not had a chance to talk with him, hope the details are accurate. I think there was more of the dream and what God told him. Anyway this storm will pass soon. In Him, Gary
We now have 35 dead in Indiana, the President said that they are projecting 200,000 will die before its over in the whole country. They are reporting that they have refrigerated semi's and they are putting the dead bodies in these for now. New York has been very hard hit. The government has asked Americans to isolate themselves and to stay at home to help stop the spread of the virus. The problem is that so many are doing their own thing. We had 60 college students at a party that the police had to break up the group over the weekend. This has been a problem in this small community, people are off work and getting together, some families will take all the kids and go to the grocery store rather then send one adult to do the shopping. It makes you wonder what are people thinking. I can see several things happen here in this country: because many are dying in the land many will come back to God, repenting of their sins "or" if the disease is stopped quickly many will go back to "business as usual". This country is given over to perverseness and wickedness. We pay people millions of dollars to entertain us with their wicked lives. Christians have turned a blind eye to what is going on and in many cases join in the revelry. Pornography is a huge problem in many churches. We had a local church who had to put the pastor out because he was given over to this spirit. Some TV ads show all kinds of blatant sins now, men with men, women are always unclothed showing as much as possible. Do we not realize the Lord sees all and knows all and He knows the condition of our hearts? What are we looking at? When one man"Achan" hid the gold in his tent, the whole nation of Israel was guilty of the sin, and many lost their lives when they went into the next battle, Joshua did not have a clue to why the Lord God did not protect them. Can we be held accountable for sin in the camp? Should God give us healing and health when there is a little leaven in our churches? Holiness is lacking greatly in most lives. Many think going to a service or two, or a little Bible reading, is all the Lord requires in our lives. But Jesus said were to take up a cross daily. When I posted the article on John Lake it dawned on me he had forsaken all, my own life did not hold a candle to what he forsook to serve the Lord. I had everything in a nice neat theologically correct package, but no power to manifest the Lord of glory to the world. I felt pretty good about my doctrine. But Jesus in His great mercy saw it all a little differently. Here I set now sorting out the pieces and I'm so thankful God has given me eyes to see and ears to hear Him. Paul said; I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Reading back over the parables it shows us the Bible does not preach a once saved always saved message, they tell us that we need to strive to enter in the strait gate. I don't think we'll be judged whether we got a flu shot or not if that will keep us out of the Kingdom, but I think the Lord is looking for different fruit in our lives. Justice, mercy, righteousness, holiness, the same thing He was looking for in Israel. God is not mocked or deceived, what a man sows is what he will reap, he that sows to his flesh or what he sows to his spirit, this is what the Lord is interested in. The Spirit realm has nothing to do with this old world and its ways, but it only seeks after the Kingdom and God's Will on this earth. Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In Him, Gary
Some churches think they are going to meet no matter what!! https://www.charismamag.com/spirit/church-ministry/44924-rod ney-howard-browne-arrested-prophetically-speaking-what-s-nex t
Another example of why I stopped reading that magazine years ago. RHB has shown by his fruit his true character... charlatan comes to mind, cut from the cloth of TB /Lakeland Revival...laughing revival.
Oh the pain... knowing those multi-million dollar buildings are sitting empty while the real Church realizes that those buildings are meaningless edifices that they've sunk their paychecks into year after year! Blessings, William
I'm totally convinced that the Lord God is in total control of everything that takes place on the earth. Billions of people live on the planet and no matter what country or even in America, if a tiny sparrow falls to the ground our Heavenly Father knows it, Matthew 10:29. At FA we were taught to see everything through HF's eyes or you could be put out of his church. I heard it say from the pulpit that; you had no assurance of salvation if you left FA. Now with that said; I cannot lump together every single Christian in certain groups or who put articles in a certain magazine as being false heretics. Sure the leadership may be involved in falsehood, but it is possible that God could have sheep in these groups. After Jesus told the parable of the sower the disciples came to Him and asked Him the meaning. Shortly later in another setting Jesus told them several parables concerning the church. When the disciples came to Him later they only ask Him about one of the parables, the wheat and the tares. Jesus said the wheat and the tares would grow together and at the end of the age the angels would separate the two. From our teaching at FA, everyone was suspect, a man could be in any denomination and he was cast as possibly being lost. I know of people in the system that are truly born again and are laboring in the vineyard. Unless someone is in direct heresy I cannot judge who is saved or lost only the Lord God knows those who are His. I agree its sad that men pour millions of dollars into things that do not profit, there has probably been billions spent on Christianity that was nothing but wasted dollars. The bad situation is when everyone sees RHB pull some stunt they lump all of Christianity into the mix and think were all guilty. Jesus said persecution would come but its too bad many times its some bad Christian leadership that brings attention on the body of Christ. I hate seeing all this stuff the same as you guys do but its just part of the picture. My whole point of posting the article was to make everyone aware of what was taking place. It might of been a bad choice of articles on my part, I apologize if this was the situation. It will be so grand in heaven to see only God's Will being done and we don't have to deal with all these scenarios anymore. I cannot help to think about Jesus every time He did something good someone was in His face telling Him He was breaking one of their religious rules. I'm still trying to work on my past understanding of the teaching of figuring out all the good versus's all the bad that came out of it. In Him, Gary
Hi Gary, I had no problem with the article. I just wanted to point out how that this virus situation is revealing hearts. It is showing clearly (what most know-- intellectually speaking) that the true Church is not a building but it is the people who make up this group. Christians everywhere should be empowered. We are seeing clearly that Christianity is much more than a mega-group of people meeting in a building somewhere. I'm seeing the 'wheat' separating itself from the 'tares' in innovative ways that highlight the internal aspects of Christianity--the neighbor helping neighbor, the true worshipers worshiping in spirit and truth. A clear delineation is emerging between those who thought big-churches-equals-effective-Christianity and the 'people-based Churches' who are letting the light of Jesus shine in these darkened times. We've all seen those 'bad actors' and how they taint Christianity but now that their crutches (the big buildings, the comfortable pews, the regular 'tithes and offerings') are being removed we see them scrambling to make adjustments (send your money electronically to help us keep this empty building going!) but without the true fruit of real people-based Christianity these folks are destined to fail. To repeat an oft repeated cliche, we are now in the position to see "the Church, being the Church!" Blessings, William
james wrote on Sat, 04 April 2020 22:40 Another example of why I stopped reading that magazine years ago. RHB has shown by his fruit his true character... charlatan comes to mind, cut from the cloth of TB /Lakeland Revival...laughing revival. I'm not sure if I said anything about him in times past or not. I did a lot of research on the Toronto Airport yrs ago. He basically started the "laughing revival" I wanted to add he received his "anointing" directly at the hands of Ken Copeland.
william wrote on Sun, 05 April 2020 15:33 Hi Gary, I had no problem with the article. . . Very well put William.
Guess I should've stayed out of that, it wasn't the article itself as much as the author and some things I've read by her before. And since I am part of a big church/assembly and we are limited to online worship and fellowship ( for now) I will leave it to y'all to hash it out. Hope I don't come across as offended, I'm certainly not, just was "saying" instead of "praying". Actually, I should apologize for not striving to encourage and edify during this time of shaking and testing, that's what I believe I'm supposed to be doing... Isaiah 26:3-4 Romans 8:37-39 Corona virus/ Covid 19 is included in "...nor things to come,"
Hi James, I don't get the idea that you are offended. I don't read a lot of articles and I certainly don't know the author. I do know that Howard-Brown was the one associated early on with the "laughing" revival and now, thanks to Mark, I know that he's associated with KC. Here is my experience... about 2 or 3 weeks ago a youtube video was suggested to me (by the mysterious youtube algorithm!). It was one by RHB. Now keep in mind that everything I know about him is negative and I almost didn't click on it but for whatever reason I did and I was pretty impressed. He did some teaching (no laughing stuff!) and at some point mentioned that his job as a pastor was to make sure his church was open to those who needed ministry and that he wouldn't be shutting down. For what it's worth, I thought that this was a reasonable stand to take especially since none of us should be giving in to the fear/panic that seems to be categorizing almost everyone. Besides, I'm from Alabama, and we are known for our contrarian ways, so when I hear or see someone going against the stream, or switching from orthodox to south-paw in a fight, then I'm all eyes and ears! Anyway, that is the extent of my involvement (or knowledge) about RBH and my interest in the whole thing was whether or not he would buckle under the heavy hand of the goberment! Blessings, William
Whatever we think about this, we have to acknowledge a few things: 1) It has basically shut down the US economy (and a lot of the world's economies). We can speculate whether or not this is a precursor to the kind of events that will lead to no one being able to buy or sell without having the mark of the beast, but one thing is sure--Christians need to learn how to trust in God for their financial needs. Mat. 6:33. Christians are getting the opportunity to find out if they really do have the "in God we Trust" kind of faith or whether they are trusting in the paper the phrase is printed on. 2) It has caused a fear-and-panic-pandemic that seems to me to be much more widespread than the actual covid-10 pandemic. If we've learned anything in our Christian walk we should know that fear and faith cannot coexist. Christians everywhere are now given the opportunity to make sure that their faith is overcoming this wide-spread fear. 3) The institutions that have dominated the landscape are helpless in their ability to deal with this problem. Churches are empty, (I'm not against anyone who attends a mega-church!) universities shut down, industries idle; the only real commodity that we have going for us right now are men and women who haven't succumbed to the paralyzing fear on every side. To take it further, those men and women who have a message of hope for this crumbling world. It's time for Christians to shine! 4) Finally, the thing most needed in this hour are those who believe that God is able to both protect and heal this virus. With that knowledge the fear is mitigated; faith for healing is present for those who need our prayers; financial provision for those who need it; and the wonderful good news that Jesus is both our hope and saviour--for all things! Blessings, William
Where's the "like" button when you need it? I see a lot of "friends" ( really family members and clients/ friends) on Facebook making encouraging statements and sharing scriptures on trusting God. While there is tons of political baloney and herd mentality quotes, it's refreshing and gives substance to the rumor that there might be Christians out there who didn't experience the " deeper life in the spirit " , yet have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as both Lord and Saviour. I say, hallelujah... to God be the glory, may His name be magnified and May Jesus be worshiped in every heart ❤️
Quote: ...it's refreshing and gives substance to the rumor that there might be Christians out there who didn't experience the " deeper life in the spirit " , yet have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as both Lord and Saviour. I'm convinced that when all is said and done we are going to be amazed! I saw one pastor in Oklahoma who has moved his whole congregation outdoors to the parking lot... a drive through... now that's innovative! Blessings, William
james wrote on Sun, 05 April 2020 20:30 While there is tons of political baloney and herd mentality quotes, it's refreshing and gives substance to the rumor that there might be Christians out there who didn't experience the " deeper life in the spirit " , yet have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as both Lord and Saviour. They might not of heard the teaching but are living it through the "Spirit of God." "I really appreciate all you guys" We have some Russian friends in New York who told us today that 100 died last night in New York. Semis line the city streets. Their saying now this week should be the peak in deaths. Three weeks ago everyone in New York was non-chalant about the virus they told us, now everyone is wearing a mask and staying locked in. Our friends have been locked in for three weeks now in their apartment. Its an open door now for them to see Christ in all His glory, remember them in your prayers, Alla and Alexei. I feel like this is what is taking place in our community people are doing what they want, not staying in, getting together in groups. May God have mercy! We heard or participated in our first you tube service today sure does not compare to being in a group to worship the Lord, last Wednesday we joined in a "zoom" prayer meeting, if your not familiar to "zoom" you can see everybody in real time with audio and video. I guess when we can all gather together again before the Lord everyone will be very Thankful. This is not the first time that a plague or plagues have hit America, I have been told that there was other times when people were told to stay at home while many died in this country. My wife's Grandma use to tell them stories when they were kids about what happened. Churches were shut down and no one could go out of their houses. She told them it was so bad they had a younger sister died in their house and they had to have undertakers come and get the body, they could not attend the burial. I had never heard of this happening before. Back then they did not have all the electronics which to communicate with. Times have sure changed, there is nothing new under Sun. In Him, Gary
We've been having online service for three Sundays through the church web site and small group meetings through Zoom. Also our men's Bible study is on Tuesdays and we used Zoom this last week, I follow along from my office... well I forgot my audio was on and a client came in and all the other guys could hear my interview til our leaders wife emailed me to turn it off... funny I thought
Interesting turn of events some are now saying China purposely staged this event: The corona virus traveled all over the world from Wuhan China, but it did not reach Beijing or Shanghai or other major cities in China. Can anyone explain how that is possible? There are so many questions, after all, where it all started, in China, the Chinese stock market did not collapse, but the American and European markets did, and when those markets collapsed, the Chinese bought a lot of foreign stock. In all the chaos China lowered the price of their oil. Business as usual. All roads lead back to China. It would be interesting to know if this claim is possible that a Communist Government could bring down the economies of the world through creating a virus which they quickly got it to stop in their country without spreading any further. China is now back to mass producing products to sell to the world. Germ warfare is possible and could kill masses of people in a very short amount of time. Having the proof that this is what a Country is doing would be very hard to come by. Anyway this is what some are proclaiming on the internet, don't know if it would serve any purpose for China you would think it would affect their economy. We have a huge population of Chinese students in our area, for the purpose of attending college. Most drive brand new Porsches and BMW's. Last year a student graduated from college and his father built him an apartment complex in the city as a present for his graduation. Like someone said; if they wanted to take over the country, they would never have to fire a shot, because the Americans would just sell them everything. In Him, Gary
I don't know if all these paranoid, everything is a conspiracy, minded people on Facebook have always been this way or if it's the fear causing irrational thinking. But either way, it's really amazing to me to read things that FB "friends" write or jump on board with, especially the political mumbo jumbo. If professing believers would actually "believe" what we confess to believe (that God is sovereign and in control) and that as Christian we're told by Him to trust Him completely, then there'd be much more edifying and encouraging conversations going on. I know there are some, but many get caught up in the fear and have taken their focus from God and His faithfulness, to faith in man and science to stop this covid 19 virus. Gary this isn't a response to "you", it's just my thinking on it.
james wrote on Wed, 08 April 2020 16:05 I don't know if all these paranoid, everything is a conspiracy, minded people on Facebook have always been this way or if it's the fear causing irrational thinking. But either way, it's really amazing to me to read things that FB "friends" write or jump on board with, especially the political mumbo jumbo. If professing believers would actually "believe" what we confess to believe (that God is sovereign and in control) and that as Christian we're told by Him to trust Him completely, then there'd be much more edifying and encouraging conversations going on. I know there are some, but many get caught up in the fear and have taken their focus from God and His faithfulness, to faith in man and science to stop this covid 19 virus. Gary this isn't a response to "you", it's just my thinking on it. I agree completely, for some reason the Christian community is quick to believe the government is out to get us. I know of someone who leaves their cell phone out on the porch when they come to our house, they think the government is listening in on our conversation. I don't know how it all got started. The thing I thought was interesting if its even true, Is the situation that in Wuhan China, the virus breaks out, spreads to the rest of the world, but to none of the major cities in China. What are the odds on that? I'm not a big fan of face book or Google. I was thinking about the vaccine shot, every year they want me to take it, I've always refused it. I've seen to many people who get the shot and then get sick with the flu. If someone wants the shot that's their business, but for some reason I always felt like it was be forced on everyone. If they find a vaccine for covid 19, everybody is so worked up now, that I can see that "one" being forced on society. I hope it doesn't come to that but who knows. If someone does not want the shot they should not be forced if it comes to that. Just thinking out loud here. In Him, Gary
I am not a conspiracy type person, but I know alexa and siri do record your conversations in your home if you have or use them. I recently found an app on my phone google timeline which showed my every step, walking, biking, driving every mile recorded every month. I don't remember installing it but it just showed up. Any google search always comes with a pop up related to it to try to sell you something. Whether it is Government or some big advertisement company someone is seeing it and recording it. I use duckduck go because it is not supposed to track your internet actions. But we should know in the last days these things will happen because the one who comes will know who has not taken the mark and will not be able to buy or sell. As far as taking shots I have not in 20 years and won't. It is better to trust in the Lord Psalms 91. This virus is like a prelude to things to come, maybe to teach us to trust in the Lord for our needs and health or run to the Gov. for help unemployment etc.
Quote: This virus is like a prelude to things to come, maybe to teach us to trust in the Lord for our needs and health or run to the Gov. for help unemployment etc. No doubt. [Isa 26:3, 9 KJV] 3 Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. ... 9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. I wonder though, would the following verses categorize us? vs19 references the resurrection, which, to my mind, seems to indicate the time of the rapture. The sobering part: Are we just bringing forth wind with all of our efforts? [Isa 26:17-21 KJV] 17 Like as a woman with child, [that] draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, [and] crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD. 18 We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen. 19 Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. 20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. Blessings, William (btw, the whole chapter of Is 26 is relevant to this.)
Quote: This virus is like a prelude to things to come, maybe to teach us to trust in the Lord for our needs and health or run to the Gov. for help unemployment etc. Quote: no doubt. I wonder though, would the following verses categorize us? Blessings, William Hi William, Welcome Kenster777 If the virus is doing anything its drawing all Christians closer to the Lord. He is our refuge in the time of trouble. I was listening to a Minister say he was given a military card that has the chip, which every soldier carries one now with all his life long information, including his medical history. A Major in the military who is a brother in Christ gave him the card and told him that they eventually are wanting everyone in America to have a medical card showing their entire history, (including children getting the card), and that it would be a misdemeanor not to have it on you while in public. They have been working on this concept for years now. In Indiana and I assume in all the states we are require to get a secure ID which is our drivers licence. We were told that you could not fly in a jet without this identification card. With this virus I can see where the government would further extend this to include medical information, I would assume it would include if we're vaccinated as people are constantly traveling to other countries or even across this country. I can see where everyone would think its a great idea. Either way a secure ID is the beginning of showing where we exist on the map. I have my secure ID drivers license but for the most part there is no chip on the surface, but if I hold it up to the light it looks like a small chip on the bottom right side of my card embedded inside. The Minister went on to say that everyone knows cards can get lost or stolen, that the next step would be a chip in the right hand. Everybody but Christians will think this is a great idea. Society is slowly being brain washed with thinking this is the wave of the future. I don't know if this will happen in our life time depending on your age, but if it keeps moving the way it is we may see it happen. In Him, Gary
Greetings Gary, Yes I have one of those state id's, I did not notice the chip in it Everything it seems has chips or a bar code. I am not set on whether the mark of the beast will be some sort of tattoo or a chip. God used a mark on cain that everyone could see Gen. 4:15 also the nazi's marked their prisoners who were in the camp's (kind a foreboding of things to come) Seeing societies are less judgemental towards tattooing now a days I believe it will be an outward mark everyone will be able to see like Cain. I believe this is the last generation as predicted with the restoration of Israel, whether we see everything come to completion or we die in faith. As far as travel if your required to take a shot to travel to evangelize I believe the Lord will make a way around it or you plead the blood of Jesus over yourself that it will have no ill effect. Blessing Ken Phil. 1:6
Just heard another David Wilkerson message called: "Its all going to change in one hour". If you google it you may be able to find it, I actually came across it by accident. David Wilkerson says that he is not a prophet instead that he's a watchman. I thought the message was interesting and maybe could be applied to what is happening now. That could be an interesting scenario that it is possible that we never go back to the way it was. I find that a lot of people are non-chalant still and think it will end soon. I did see where a minister of the gospel posted on his sight: tell me what the difference is? In one picture there was Home Depot with the parking lot full and crowds going inside, the second picture he posted was the church with an empty parking lot and people being told your not to assemble on Easter. Well he did have a good point. In some states the police are going to be taking down license plate numbers of everyone going to church tomorrow. Now why would everyone be allowed to go to home depot and to the many other businesses and everyone turns a blind eye? Their talking like the police will be handing out fines in some areas and that the building would be closed permanently, if people persist in going to church. When the mark of the beast is required I can see where they could embed your information in a tattoo, that's a good point. Everyone thinks it will be the chip but it could be something totally different. I heard a minister say today that when the Anti-christ rises up in power he will come in the time of chaos. When the world is looking for answers he will arrive on the scene. I know that the Lord is in control, we can only watch and pray to see what is going to take place in the days ahead. Watch and pray that you will be accounted worthy to escape all these things. In Him, Gary
Speaking of chips, I just got an email from a bank informing me that my debit card is expiring next month and the new one will have the chip technology in it so I can tap to pay ( not sure just what that is yet). But like Ken said, many things now have chips including animals. Not in my plans for me, but I can easily see them putting them in newborns. I'd also imagine there will come an immune shot in the future for this Covid 19, similar to influenzas shots they insist on every year, even though they admit they are only a small percent effective. I had one in 1975 and haven't had one since, though the annual Medicare physical gives it free( along with a shot for shingles, hepatitis C, pneumonia, and others I can't remember at the moment) the doctor tries to do it ( probably get paid more if he administers them). I did allow for a stress test and heart test along with blood work.
I have heard that if they give a covid 19 vaccination that it will come with some type of authorized paper work showing you have the shot. The person giving the report said that it would be a misdemeanor not to have the paper or card on you at all times. For the most part there are a lot of people who do not get the flu shot, so I can see them requiring proof of the covid 19 shot. Hopefully it will not come to all of this but taking one day at a time we'll find out in the future what happens. I have heard some people going on and on how the government is not going to tell them what to do. But they say wear seat belts we wear seat belts, they say get insurance on your vehicles, we get insurance on our vehicles. There's dozens of areas where were told by the government to do something and we do it or face the consequences of the law. In Him, Gary
Quote: I have heard some people going on and on how the government is not going to tell them what to do. But they say wear seat belts we wear seat belts, they say get insurance on your vehicles, we get insurance on our vehicles. There's dozens of areas where were told by the government to do something and we do it or face the consequences of the law. Here's the thing to look at: The slippery slope. There are requirements that the government makes that don't really matter one way or the other, then comes the one thing on the slope that does matter. If you're sliding along, not making waves, then you'll not stir up any criticism from anyone. Hey, this is a nice comfortable feeling, the world's patting me on the back for my moderation and I'm feeling good about being a good citizen! ("Hey folks: being a Christian is COOL!") As time passes the mile markers on the slope don't seem to matter too much and you'll find yourself unable to stop even if you wanted to. This is the reason that I'm staying off of the bandwagon that seems to be bent on demanding that these Christians conform to some press release from a government that, for the most part, cannot make a right decision even if there is no other option available. Secondly, and every one of us knows this, the very definition of the Church embraces two ideas--the called out ones (from the world) and the gathered together ones (in Jesus' name). We passed the mile marker for that working definition a week or so ago. Thirdly, why are we worried about catching or spreading a disease that Jesus died for? Sure, we ought to be considerate to our neighbors in the world and not cause them any consternation by keeping our distance, but if the called-out-to-be-gathered-together-ones can be brow-beaten and imprisoned for 'obeying-God-rather-than-men' then I think we are at the bottom of the slope. Just think about it, the authorities are letting people out of prison so as to not endanger the lives of those convicted of a crime, and then turning around and putting people in prison for exercising their faith??? We need to decide who our enemy is here. Is it really those pastors and 'knuckle-heads'(I've heard them use that term) that want to continue to meet together and worship God? Or is it the heads of nations that lie in the hands of the wicked one, the governmental authorities? Or going one step further, is it the one "god" in the world that hasn't been toppled? (Sports, entertainment, etc., have all been forced into submission.) Is it the medical science deity? I must seem pretty foolish here talking about something that I myself haven't been doing. I'm only doing half of the Church thing... called out, but not gathered together. Whether that blunts this post you be the judge, but one thing is for sure, I'm not going to be criticizing those who defy the two authorities (gods) that are right now vying with each other for top billing... viz., those that govern the economy vs those MDs that are demanding that they are in charge. Blessings, William
Here is a link to an article that describes the 'slippery slope' from a secular standpoint: https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Leaders-seize- new-powers-to-fight-coronavirus-15195776.php
Quote: [b]Thirdly, why are we worried about catching or spreading a disease that Jesus died for?[b/] Sure, we ought to be considerate to our neighbors in the world and not cause them any consternation by keeping our distance, but if the called-out-to-be-gathered-together-ones can be brow-beaten and imprisoned for 'obeying-God-rather-than-men' then I think we are at the bottom of the slope. Just think about it, the authorities are letting people out of prison so as to not endanger the lives of those convicted of a crime, and then turning around and putting people in prison for exercising their faith??? We need to decide who our enemy is here. Is it really those pastors and 'knuckle-heads'(I've heard them use that term) that want to continue to meet together and worship God? Or is it the heads of nations that lie in the hands of the wicked one, the governmental authorities? Or going one step further, is it the one "god" in the world that hasn't been toppled? (Sports, entertainment, etc., have all been forced into submission.) Is it the medical science deity? I must seem pretty foolish here talking about something that I myself haven't been doing. I'm only doing half of the Church thing... called out, but not gathered together. Whether that blunts this post you be the judge, but one thing is for sure, I'm not going to be criticizing those who defy the two authorities (gods) that are right now vying with each other for top billing... viz., those that govern the economy vs those MDs that are demanding that they are in charge. Blessings, William I Peter 2:13-17 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the Will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men- as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bond servants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Someone sent me a text they were stressed out because they could not go to church on Easter and the children would not be able to have their Easter egg hunt. This is the one holiday where everyone buys new clothes and then go through the ritual that was never commanded of us by God. Watching the Sun rise in the eastern sky, preparing to bring in flowers, palm leaves, painting up hundreds of eggs with bunny rabbits so the children would remember what? Why was this Sunday the one that everyone would defy the authorities, was it because of some tradition that we don't find in scripture? Even the Pope was greatly concerned. I seen many Super bowl Sundays when churches would shut down as if this was some religious holiday. "Where was Jesus Christ in this situation and why was He not seen as: We need to get together for worship." The Church world has gotten far away from what God has called men to do in the gospels. In fact if you look at the book of Acts Christianity versus what we see today its become a shell of the real thing. Even now I have two churches I plan on attending one of them when this is over. I am having to deal with mixed emotions on which one to go too. The more that I watch their services via internet, the more I become undecided. I find I cannot bring myself to just listen to sermons in the system that deny whole sections of the Bible. I'm not saying their not Christians but the way we were taught it has become an obstacle for me. Jesus said; he that loses his life will find it, I see this as losing all our freedoms forsaking the world and following only what Jesus commands in the scriptures. Its interesting whenever the Lord pours out His Spirit in a real revival that He generally bypasses the church and goes outside of it to bring people to salvation. I'm like you, I can see those who would say who is the government to tell us when to worship, (even though I'm not participating), and then look at those who are complying to submit believing its only for a short period of time. But with that said I see the broken system trying to make headwinds. Like you wrote in another article stating where is the "power of God" in the churches? Even though we have the Baptism and piles of theology notes we don't see the greater works ministry. Jesus said; without me you can do nothing? Are we missing something here? Maybe your right somehow the Medical Science Deity has prevailed over the government and is now wanting Christians to submit. From here on out Medical Science will be dictating what everyone should be doing. Is it more noble that we chose death and all of us rebel against this system? We have been in rebellion since the start of our meetings (against medical science), but I don't know if its gotten much done in the Kingdom. I'm not refuting anything you have said only thinking out loud. Take for instant the sports, entertainment deities you mentioned who submitted to the Medical Science Deity, well just six months back to have said anything that sports and entertainment does not appear like were picking up our cross and seeking first the kingdom, would of been frowned upon by most in Christianity. We would of been called legalists. Anyway if it would of been any other Sunday I could understand better but Easter that's the Sunday that everyone shows up religiously and then on Monday its always been business as usual, that's going by the past 40 years. Since I had my surgery I have had to reevaluate my life, it was something thrust upon me that I never wanted. My God is in control of everything I know He allowed it, how could this happen?, I see Christians different in the church world, I've become more emotional when considering the things of the Lord, (that's not me at all, what happened?), I have to deal with how do I trust God from here, Did I let Him down?, was it some secret sin from my past?, believe me its been one mind battle. The Lord God has comforted me through His Word and I'll get through it. Hopefully I'll be more sensitive to His Will and not mine. Any rate I have mixed emotions on this whole deal with the church worlds reaction both pro and con, maybe the Lord could be wanting to get all the Christians attention. Its not like we all had our priorities in order before this happened. Only the Lord God can turn this around where all Christians see that; His Will and His Kingdom as what is really important in this life. Whatever happens in the world concerning the governments of men I believe the Lord is in control of them. For now we can only take a day at a time and submit to those in authority as the scripture shows us, if our rights are taken away we know it was going to happen sometime. I heard a sermon by David Wilkerson: "It can all change in an hour". I always thought it might not happen in our life time but it may be we will be in the thick of it before this is over. If that's the case this is why we were brought forth in this hour. God gave us His Word and we know the the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. Maybe your right, this is an exciting time to be in and it will only get better. In Him, Gary
I thought we were told in Romans 13 and I Peter 2 to obey our government leaders and to pray for them I Timothy 2. Weren't we taught to obey unless the rules/laws/mandates contradicted God's instructions for believers? As for having a comment or opinion about who amongst us gathers together with fellow believers or who doesn't... I can't say anything...I went 20 years doing the stay away because the pastors didn't teach what HEF taught. If my pastor was teaching error or God forbid heresy, I'd be gone in a heart beat. He's not, he teaches Biblical truths and presents the Gospel faithfully. Deeper teachings concerning The Holy Spirit? No, because he hasn't received the baptism (yet)but remember HEF was a teacher in seminary for years teaching solid Biblical truth before he received the baptism of HS. Each of us must give an account of what we've done with the time and the truths we've been given....thank God for GRACE, cause I could never square my account in righteous works I've done. Gary mentioned wrestling with self examination after this health issue he's having, you're not alone my brother in Christ, so have I and if God inflicted or allowed upon me what I deserve...well we know where that slope ends. But because of what Jesus did at Calvary I have hope and confidence that my sins are forgiven and I have eternal life. Six words written in the gospels says it all..."it is finished" and "He is risen"
Since I had my surgery I have had to reevaluate my life, it was something thrust upon me that I never wanted. My God is in control of everything I know He allowed it, how could this happen?, I see Christians different in the church world, I've become more emotional when considering the things of the Lord, (that's not me at all, what happened?), I have to deal with how do I trust God from here, Did I let Him down?, was it some secret sin from my past?, believe me its been one mind battle. The Lord God has comforted me through His Word and I'll get through it. Hopefully I'll be more sensitive to His Will and not mine. Any rate I have mixed emotions on this whole deal with the church worlds reaction both pro and con, maybe the Lord could be wanting to get all the Christians attention. Its not like we all had our priorities in order before this happened. I am so glad that God has not with according to our past sins or rewarded us because of our iniquities. Psalms 103:10 But his forgiveness is everlasting II Peter 3:9, and renewed very morning Lamentations 3:22-23. It brings into remembrance 2 quotes from the word Jeremiah 29:11-13, John 6:68 and there nothing else but to press forward. If I would look at my past sins I would never believe God could forgive me of them. I did not murder any Christians like Paul but I did walk in the cesspool that is the world. God has shown me it was a root of bitterness and self pity that caused me to stumble. Jesus says that if you do not fill up seven other spirits can overcome you. Matt 12:45 That seems like a long time ago, but God was graceful and merciful to me. Now is time to press to the high calling that is in Christ Jesus and to get on our crosses and follow him. This virus maybe a way God is taking away all the distractions that seem to so easily take away from his word and seeking him. Maybe during this time God will raise up another Hef, Smith Wigglesworth, John Lake, Finney, Bobby Freeman. I look and gone to a lot of churches in Arizona and all I see is a famine in the Land of hearing his word. Maybe one of us, if we are willing to take up our Cross and say as Paul what will you have me do. By grace are we saved , not of works lest any man should boast.
Gary Quotes:Quote: I Peter 2:13-17 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the Will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men- as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bond servants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. James Quotes:Quote: I thought we were told in Romans 13 and I Peter 2 to obey our government leaders and to pray for them I Timothy 2. Weren't we taught to obey unless the rules/laws/mandates contradicted God's instructions for believers? Interesting that you both quote submission passages as being applicable to the Church shutdown situation. I'm I missing something here? God builds the Church, Jesus dies for the Church, and the governing authorities say "stay home" you cannot gather with other believers as the Church, and our response is: "okay, we submit?" Nevermind the going into all the world stuff. Pretty sure Daniel might give some insight if we busy ourselves with prooftexting: [Dan 6:4-13 KJV] 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he [was] faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find [it] against him concerning the law of his God. 6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree. 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. 11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask [a petition] of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing [is] true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which [is] of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. Maybe Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would like to be in on the discussion too: [Dan 3:15-20 KJV] 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we [are] not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be [so], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver [us] out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: [therefore] he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that [were] in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, [and] to cast [them] into the burning fiery furnace. If that's a little too old testamenty: [Act 5:27-29 KJV] 27 And when they had brought them, they set [them] before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. But since we are all brothers here and we aren't trying to prooftext this to death why don't we just ask: what exactly does the government have to do before we say: "this is far enough?" Hey, you can't meet together. You must stay inside away from others (with a few exceptions--like getting your groceries, etc..) You can't travel. And when we find a vaccination you must take it and be able to prove at a moment's notice your paperwork. You can't work until we say so. Oh, btw, you can't buy or sell in the open market place unless you prove to us you've gotten your shots. Are we okay with this as long as they don't try to tattoo/mark our right hands (left-hand tattoos/marks are okay!) or our foreheads? Where do we draw the line as Christians? the last point? Blessings, William
Quote: I'm I missing something here? God builds the Church, Jesus dies for the Church, and the governing authorities say "stay home" you cannot gather with other believers as the Church, and our response is: "okay, we submit?" Never mind the going into all the world stuff. William the situation is; this is not the first time this has happened in America. That is People being asked to stay at home because of the plague sweeping the country at other times in our history as a nation. It's happened before: Churches were shut down, schools were all closed, the economy came to a halt. After the plague was over and under control, everything went back to normal. If what your stating is true were all going into some type of socialism that Christians will be persecuted like in China. The government will be in complete control, all the liberals will take everything over, etc.. Sure God gave great favor to Daniel and the three Hebrew children in preserving and delivering them. But we don't see Daniel and the three Hebrew children going back to Jerusalem protesting the Kings that were running the country. In fact even though they were persecuted by people in Babylon they still submitted to the different Kings ruling over them. I don't see your point using them as an example when we see they submitted to each different King that ruled Babylon. But since we are all brothers here and we aren't trying to proof text this to death why don't we just ask: what exactly does the government have to do before we say: "this is far enough?" Hey, you can't meet together. You must stay inside away from others (with a few exceptions--like getting your groceries, etc..) You can't travel. So far this is all we have been asked to do, I don't see it going any further then this. And when we find a vaccination you must take it and be able to prove at a moment's notice your paperwork. You can't work until we say so. Oh, btw, you can't buy or sell in the open market place unless you prove to us you've gotten your shots. Are we okay with this as long as they don't try to tattoo/mark our right hands (left-hand tattoos/marks are okay!) or our foreheads? Where do we draw the line as Christians? the last point This is all speculation and we do not know that it will come to this. There's been a lot of people on the internet worked up over nothing. Someone today sent me an audio recording all concerned and asked my opinion. In the audio the guy was saying it was because the government was testing out a powerful 5g system that it was causing the virus. You should of heard the tape it was complete nonsense, the guy was quoting scriptures like he was the final authority on the Bible. What he said on the Bible for the most part was correct, then he mentions when the anti-christ comes in power he was working on a money system that Christians could use to buy and sell. When I looked up information on the guy he was heavy in the occult, telepathy, clairvoyant, etc. An obvious new ager. Here a Christian could not recognize this guy was fake. Unless the Lord has given direct revelation I don't think we can go by speculation and presume something of this nature, is going to happen on this earth, is all I'm saying here. In Him, Gary
Quote: Quote: William: I'm I missing something here? God builds the Church, Jesus dies for the Church, and the governing authorities say "stay home" you cannot gather with other believers as the Church, and our response is: "okay, we submit?" Never mind the going into all the world stuff. Gary: William the situation is; this is not the first time this has happened in America. That is People being asked to stay at home because of the plague sweeping the country at other times in our history as a nation. It's happened before: Churches were shut down, schools were all closed, the economy came to a halt. After the plague was over and under control, everything went back to normal. Okay, it has been done before. How is that an answer? We've done it before so it's okay to do it again? Quote: If what your stating is true were all going into some type of socialism that Christians will be persecuted like in China. The government will be in complete control, all the liberals will take everything over, etc.. Whoa! Socialism, liberalism, (communism?), those are words and concepts that have nothing to do with any of my notes. Let's reset. I've asked a very basic question: How far does our submission to governmental authority go? My point in asking the question is this: If the government can shut down the Church then what's left? As far as I can tell that is the bottom of the slippery slope. As to your assertion-- "if what you're stating is true..." I haven't stated anything that is untrue. The government has shut down Church gatherings (other types as well) and some Christians have decided that they will not submit. Those who aren't submitting are being jailed for their non-compliance. I am defending these people. I haven't said anything about the "Bill of Rights" nor in any way appealed to US Law. I'd be saying the same thing if I lived in China, Russia, etc.. If the world can shut down the Church without protest then what need is there to imagine some great end-time battle that will take place between the kingdoms of the world and the Church? (It's already over.) Quote: Sure God gave great favor to Daniel and the three Hebrew children in preserving and delivering them. But we don't see Daniel and the three Hebrew children going back to Jerusalem protesting the Kings that were running the country. In fact even though they were persecuted by people in Babylon they still submitted to the different Kings ruling over them. I don't see your point using them as an example when we see they submitted to each different King that ruled Babylon. What? The whole point of those passages was to show NON-SUBMISSION to those kings and those laws! They DID NOT submit. God blessed and honored them exceedingly for their NON-COMPLIANCE. Quote: This is all speculation and we do not know that it will come to this. There's been a lot of people on the internet worked up over nothing. Someone today sent me an audio recording all concerned and asked my opinion. In the audio the guy was saying it was because the government was testing out a powerful 5g system that it was causing the virus. You should of heard the tape it was complete nonsense, the guy was quoting scriptures like he was the final authority on the Bible. What he said on the Bible for the most part was correct, then he mentions when the anti-christ comes in power he was working on a money system that Christians could use to buy and sell. When I looked up information on the guy he was heavy in the occult, telepathy, clairvoyant, etc. An obvious new ager. Here a Christian could not recognize this guy was fake. Unless the Lord has given direct revelation I don't think we can go by speculation and presume something of this nature, is going to happen on this earth, is all I'm saying here. I don't know who you are talking about, nor do I know what they are saying. I do know that they don't seem to have anything to do with what I'm saying so please don't yoke me with any of them. Also, this concept that, well, these Churches ought not be celebrating Easter (Christmas etc.,) so this issue isn't very serious anyway... totally misses the whole point I've been making! The argument, I suppose, goes something like this: "Well, look at this, all of those false churches (Jehovah's witnesses, Mormons, Catholics, and those denominations that don't have correct theology) have been shut down, praise the lord!" Just because the tares are mixed up with the wheat right now doesn't mean the true Church isn't in peril for submitting itself to the kingdoms of this world (see, it isn't just the good-ole US of A, that's affected by this, it's the whole world). Christian believers everywhere are being systematically shut down. Quote: Unless the Lord has given direct revelation I don't think we can go by speculation and presume something of this nature, is going to happen on this earth, is all I'm saying here. I'm not speculating about anything, it has happened. Whether or not God has given "direct revelation", I can't answer. I can and do say that the world cannot shut down the Church without consequences. Blessings, William
Let's reset. I've asked a very basic question: How far does our submission to governmental authority go? My point in asking the question is this: If the government can shut down the Church then what's left? As far as I can tell that is the bottom of the slippery slope. Right now the Christian church has not been shut down, just large gatherings. The word says where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name I am in the midst. Priscilla and Aquila had a house church I Corinthians 16:19. A Christian can still worship, Pray, preach the word just not in large gatherings. Unlike China which does not allow any of that. But they still thrive and are strong. A Church is not a building, if a pastor feels he needs to give a message he can use zoom and record. The only thing missing maybe the rock bands. God can still anoint the message. Eventually the church will be like the books of acts when everyone was scattered but the still broke bread and read the word from their homes. But also God will raise up evangelist who God will anoint that even authorities cannot refute or stop. Like Philip or Smith Wigglesworth. Right now I don't think real church's are shut down there is always a way to preach the word. Maybe God is helping us to adapt to what is coming before the real trial's come. Unlike where a Christian can't discipline their child or use secular education because the doctrine of diversity and evolution. So William when are you going to start a zoom account to preach the word. Just giving my thoughts. Blessing from Ken to the scattered Saints.
Quote: So William when are you going to start a zoom account to preach the word. Just giving my thoughts. Blessing from Ken to the scattered Saints. Ha! Now that's funny. I'm just a blowhard with a knack for stirring the pot! Anyway, thanks for your moderating note, I'm calm now! Blessings, William
Kenster777 wrote on Tue, 14 April 2020 16:24 Right now the Christian church has not been shut down, just large gatherings. The word says where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name I am in the midst. Priscilla and Aquila had a house church I Corinthians 16:19. A Christian can still worship, Pray, preach the word just not in large gatherings. Unlike China which does not allow any of that. But they still thrive and are strong. A Church is not a building, if a pastor feels he needs to give a message he can use zoom and record. The only thing missing maybe the rock bands. God can still anoint the message. Eventually the church will be like the books of acts when everyone was scattered but the still broke bread and read the word from their homes. Very humorous about the rock bands!!!!! Quote: Ken Wrote: Let's reset. I've asked a very basic question: How far does our submission to governmental authority go? I think were to submit till they ask us to sin or deny Christ, if we don't submit it will be forced on us anyway if they decide to do something. In Him, Gary
I think submission will be choice like do we discipline our children in love and obey God or follow man's philosophy. That can be a choice we obey God and go to jail or we raise our children like the world and hope for the best. God has given us examples like Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego, were tested either bow to the idol or die. Which will be replicated when the man of sin sets up his idle. Or Daniel was cast in the den of Lion's for praying. And of course the disciples were told not to preach in Jesus name or they would face punishment. I know we have to obey authority in all things. But I personally would not take any mark or embedded chip. I don't think they will be able to physically force it on us but we may be given a choice, if you don't take the mark you won't be able to work. Then it will come down to choice take the mark or trust the Lord to provide our needs. Just like the Israelite's were tested in the wilderness, our faith will be tested. That is why we need to be grounded in the word now, so we will be like the wise virgin's. He will not fail us or forsake us. Ken
Kenster777 wrote on Thu, 16 April 2020 12:55 I think submission will be choice like do we discipline our children in love and obey God or follow man's philosophy. That can be a choice we obey God and go to jail or we raise our children like the world and hope for the best. God has given us examples like Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego, were tested either bow to the idol or die. Which will be replicated when the man of sin sets up his idle. Or Daniel was cast in the den of Lion's for praying. And of course the disciples were told not to preach in Jesus name or they would face punishment. I know we have to obey authority in all things. But I personally would not take any mark or embedded chip. I don't think they will be able to physically force it on us but we may be given a choice, if you don't take the mark you won't be able to work. Then it will come down to choice take the mark or trust the Lord to provide our needs. Just like the Israelite's were tested in the wilderness, our faith will be tested. That is why we need to be grounded in the word now, so we will be like the wise virgin's. He will not fail us or forsake us. Ken I think you made a real good point here. The scripture that reads; "they were not to teach or preach in Jesus name or to face punishment". With that scripture in mind I can see the churches meeting together against the government forbiding them to meet. As Christians we have nothing to fear concerning the virus Jesus is our healer and will protect His people. Maybe in some strange way the world does not want us to meet because they will see the risen Christ delivering us. To me more Christians are obeying the government now then a lot of people out there. I know people throwing big birthday parties, weddings, etc. on face book crowds included. If the church is divided on this issue "to meet or not to meet", it brings about a dilemma. We appear to be divided. I was reading were Moses sent the 10 spies into the promise land, only Joshua and Caleb came back with a positive report. I never noticed before but the men that brought back a negative report all died from the plague. Those who chose to follow the Lord was kept by Him. Before its over we will probably see more confrontation between true believers and the government. Gary
They are talking like we can get back to normal around May 1st here. My wife may have to go back to full time at her work place, her boss is asking if she can make masks for all the employees, for a temporary basis when they get back. I finally got to see the n95 masks they were talking about they got a shipment in at her work but all the straps were dry rotted and broke easily, she is able to repair the masks with real elastic or make different ones from scratch. Everyone is pitching in and trying to get more elastic. We have been praying for the President and those in authority at our prayer meeting from zoom, also for the country at large. Its been one crazy turn of events as I said once before I cannot believe something like this happened in our life time. Its still very cold up here tonight we have a freeze warning. This is very strange weather for Indiana. Everything is blooming and the trees are starting to leaf out. I often wonder how the birds survive in these type of conditions, God somehow sustains them, they keep singing aloud no matter what the weather is. I'm not a big bird fan but one day I noticed a group of Blue Jays in the yard. One of them flew down below the window I was at and for the first time I saw the markings on their feathers up close. It was a fantastic design, small rectangles grouped together with geometric lines running around them. I could see how the Lord designed its wings, God made everything with fantastic beauty. The creation of this earth is so amazing. The Lord is amazing and He holds it all together with His great power. Hallelujah. In Him, Gary
Alright guys, I ain't claiming that this is it, but it is surely looking mighty suspicious... News from Israel: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/292039 Here are some potent lines in the article: (please read it for yourself!) 'We won't force vaccine; but here's what we will do' Health Ministry Director claims vaccines won't be forced, but Dr. Eyal Zimlichman tells Knesset committee 'they'll understand themselves.' Although Health Ministry Director Hezy Levy yesterday insisted to reporters that "we won't force people to take a vaccine. Israeli law doesn't allow for it," speaking before the Special Knesset Coronavirus Committee chaired by MK Yifat Shasha-Biton, Sheba Medical Center Chief Medical Officer and Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Eyal Zimlichman listed measures that are being planned to "maneuver" the population into vaccinating as a way of regaining freedom of movement. The issue of how to "motivate" vaccine compliance has generated increasing interest, with commentators such as Mike Cernovich writing: "Government won't force you to take vaccine. Amazon will. Airlines will. Banks will. You won't be able to buy, sell, or trade without the vaccine." ... "What is possible is to create motivation. Whoever is vaccinated will automatically receive 'green status'. Therefore, you may vaccinate, and receive Green Status to go freely in all the green zones: They'll open for you cultural events, they'll open to you the shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants. "You may decide you're not vaccinating, and if you do want to enter these areas you'll need to submit to a PCR test, and therefore I believe people will understand by themselves that the vaccine will return them to regular life and they'll vaccinate themselves, without our obligating them. ... Trust in Jesus... He won't fail us! Blessings, William
I don't have any respect for the guy who made the direct connection with the "mark of the beast" above, but I can't discount the connection, either. Blessings, William
You won't be able to buy, sell, or trade without the vaccine." Very interesting statement!!! if you do want to enter these areas you'll need to submit to a PCR test, Well the easy way to do that is just put a mark on everyone's hand. Quick wave over the hand and in you go. Buy and sell!!! I don't think its the mark of the beast either as I don't think it is time but it sure is heading in that direction. I'm going to get the vaccine when it comes my way simply because I want to travel. I'll just look to the Lord to protect me. I think the mark of the beast is much deeper and involved than that. Also the mark of the beast has to be something that is so unspeakably evil or brings one into something that evil that God justly condemns someone for eternity. In other words it not just a symbol.
As I understand it the mark is yoked with worship of the image of the beast. The things that are going on today though should make us wary of what is to come. If it does come to a some sort of forcing people to take the vaccine (and that might not be far off) just look at how quick this came to be... if you had said even a year ago that what we've experienced was coming it would have seemed like a fairy tale! Blessings, William
william wrote on Wed, 23 December 2020 05:01 As I understand it the mark is yoked with worship of the image of the beast. The things that are going on today though should make us wary of what is to come. If it does come to a some sort of forcing people to take the vaccine (and that might not be far off) just look at how quick this came to be... if you had said even a year ago that what we've experienced was coming it would have seemed like a fairy tale! Blessings, William I have mixed emotions about this vaccine. I've never got the flu vaccination and never had the flu. I read an article the other day some Pharmacist stated they are not selling any Tamiflu which knocks the flu fairly fast. He called the manufacturer and they said no one is buying this product because they are strangely not getting the flu. Maybe everybody is calling the flu covid? Concerning the covid vaccine there is plenty of negative articles on the internet. They say it is designed to change your dna and that it was derived from the fetus cells of a white male fetus. Don't know if all this is true but I do not understand why there is this huge push to get vaccinated. I read that if you get the vaccine you can still get covid 19. What's that about? And when did Bill Gates become a medical doctor? I'm thinking do I fight it and resist or try to keep peace with the powers that be. There is already a lot of pressure in the government people are saying you don't care about others if you don't get it, your uneducated, your a risk to society. I know I don't want anyone tampering with my dna the way God created it is just fine. I would think that if they got the vaccine then their protected why all the force to get everybody to join in. We know that the Anti-Christ will require a mark to buy and sell maybe in some strange way this is the ground work to test the world to see if they will follow what the government wants. We believed all these years that the end was coming but now to see things unfold so quickly makes you wonder is this it? Gary
Fortunately my wife who works in an elderly care home won't require they take the vaccine at this time. To many side effects like any other medicine that man makes. This virus seems like it is a test to make people more dependent on the world government for all their needs. Unemployment, PPP loans, Sba loans, and dependence on stimulus checks. In the mean time they have changed how we can worship and how many can come together. For God's people it is time for them to Fast, Pray, and trust him for our needs and not rely on the Government. And God through his Son will here our cries and reestablish his Church with signs following. Daniel 11:32-35 In Jesus name we Pray. Sincerely Ken
Wow! You've got that right! (imho!) Blessings, William
I remember my thoughts back in early March when I joined Face Book and was reading the conspiracy posts, I put some of my thoughts on here and started this thread. Man! So much has came to pass in the last nine months that we discussed back in April. Now the vaccine is becoming available, and the marching out of political figures to be inoculated publicly in order to convince the general population that it's OK to take and it's safe. How can we know if it's safe without waiting and allowing time to reveal whether or not that's true. How long before we hear that because the first one released wasn't kept at the subzero temp it didn't work with some folks and the side effects are a results of that error. I do know it's a very serious virus, I've had at least one client die from Covid 19, a classmate, and several others I personally knew. I've had family members who have tested positive, thankfully they've survived it. I don't look forward to tax season (just a couple weeks away), the daily encounters with clients and cleaning, wiping surfaces, spraying, washing, ect. gets old, plus I'm concerned the IRS will extend the season til July again this year, it make for long days. But I do believe The Lord will sustain me in the midst of whatever comes.
Hopefully your clients will show you courtesy that if their sick in anyway they will not come in. But to make sure plead the blood of Jesus over your office and maybe a plastic barrier around your desk. Psalms 91 says no plague shall come Nye our dwellings. The world as we know it is changing at light speed. Darkness is befalling mankind but if we walk in the light he will keep us. In Jesus Name. Sincerely Ken
james wrote on Wed, 23 December 2020 16:58 I remember my thoughts back in early March when I joined Face Book and was reading the conspiracy posts, I put some of my thoughts on here and started this thread. Man! So much has came to pass in the last nine months that we discussed back in April. Now the vaccine is becoming available, and the marching out of political figures to be inoculated publicly in order to convince the general population that it's OK to take and it's safe. How can we know if it's safe without waiting and allowing time to reveal whether or not that's true. How long before we hear that because the first one released wasn't kept at the subzero temp it didn't work with some folks and the side effects are a results of that error. I do know it's a very serious virus, I've had at least one client die from Covid 19, a classmate, and several others I personally knew. I've had family members who have tested positive, thankfully they've survived it. I don't look forward to tax season (just a couple weeks away), the daily encounters with clients and cleaning, wiping surfaces, spraying, washing, ect. gets old, plus I'm concerned the IRS will extend the season til July again this year, it make for long days. But I do believe The Lord will sustain me in the midst of whatever comes. This is a very good point!! Mike Pence caught the covid 19 virus a while back and was back to normal in the white house. The other day he's shown on the news taking the vaccine. If he already had the virus why get vaccinated. Now Dr. Fauci is shown getting his shot and telling us how safe it is. For one thing how do we really know their getting the vaccine and not some placebo and its all a show. There are to many inconsistencies in this whole thing. If the vaccine is protecting them why are they worried about someone who refuses to take it. The bulk of the people in fear will rush out and get the vaccine as soon as it is available, but then they suddenly get worried about their fellow man who refuses the shot. I feel like James if its harmless let it ride for 12 months or longer so we all can see the results. It should not be forced on people against their will. That's unreal telling people you cannot buy or sell without your card stating you got the shots. After you get the shot 21 days later you have to get another one. Who wants to be like a liberal zombie anyway!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crfWULraP68 Gary