KEITH NOTES FROM NANJING

BATTLE STATIONS
 Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59
Please continue to pray for the church in China. Pray for revival in every single church, that the church would catch a powerful vision for reaching the whole of China.
Please pray for our little church, please pray for the men that they would completely commit themselves to God
Please pray for the people below, they are small groups, please intercede for them, they have no one to pray for them. I am going to pray through the book Operation China, please join me
AKEU

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18899/CH

AKHA
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10223/CH

SERMONS PLEASE LISTEN
HERE IS THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER BY THOMAS CHALMERS

https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=87112237410&lo=true

PREACHING OUTSIDE THE PULPIT BY TODD FRIEL

https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=626171118382

UNPOPULAR BY EMILIO RAMOS
https://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopupvideo.asp?SID=513171541413

2 CORINTHIANS 4

17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18  as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

IN THE LIGHT OF ETERNITY
Some of us are going through very difficult times; persecution is happening to us, illness surrounds us or maybe it is the loss of a close family member of friend.
God understands the pain of what we are going through. He knows our pain and our suffering. He knew the suffering and pain the apostle Paul went through and he knows yours... amen.
In Chapter 1:8, Paul states that the burden on him almost drove him to complete despair. So what is it that kept him from despairing of his very life in 1:8?
Surely we have the answer in these verses in chapter 4. He, like us, is looking forward to heaven which will be beyond all comparison. Compared to heaven and the glory that is going to be revealed, these small inconveniences of suffering are nothing.
Everything that hurts us down here on earth is not going to be in heaven: pain, despair, illness, all will be banished. This is why Paul can look at his sufferings and say in Romans 8:
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

To do this, we need to have the eternal perspective and look at the unseen things and not the things that we can see. Remember everything we see here here on earth will pass away; it is not going to last.
We need to focus on where we are going and that is to glory. We need to focus on heaven and the glory that we will be revealed in us. We will have new perfect bodies, we will see Jesus as He is and we will serve Him.
Every piece of suffering for Jesus is worth it, because it pales in comparison to the glory of heaven, which one day we will see... Amen. I once heard my former pastor, Richard, who was dying of cancer say this:
It's worth it church.Jesus is worth it.It's worth going through anything.Even through cancer.
He died shortly afterwards, I echo his words... IT IS WORTH IT
Have you got an eternal perspective? Are you focusing on things seen or unseen?Can you say like Paul, the words of Romans 8:18?
God bless you,
KK

2 Corinthians 5
9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 

PLEASING GOD
What is your aim in your Christian life?
Some people use Christianity to get to  Heaven.Some people use Christianity to receive healing.Some people use Christianity to get money and popularity.Some people use Christianity to receive blessings.
Paul was interested in one thing and that is outlined in this verse. In every single situation, Paul wanted to please God. In every decision he made, he made that decision on the basis of whether that decision would please God.
We have a well known initial called WWJD,  which means What Would Jesus Do? We what would He do, what was the aim of Jesus?
It was to do the will of the Father or to put it another way; His aim was to please the Father. If it was Jesus's aim to please the Father, how much more should it be our aim.
So what does please God?
God's will is for our sanctification, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-6 and for us to grow in grace, 2 Peter 3:18. If we are growing in grace, then that pleases God.
To please God, you also need to be continually growing. Stagnation or backsliding does not please God. The five bad churches in Revelation thought they were pleasing God, but they were stagnating and backsliding.

Let me finish with the main way you can please God, from 2 Corinthians 7:1:
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

God would be very pleased if you did what it says in this verse: Get rid of the things that displease Him. See Galatians 5:15-20 and replace those things with Galatians 5:22-23.
Are you pleasing God or pleasing yourself?
God bless you,
KK

ENGLISH RESOURCES PLEASE LISTEN AND READ
Thu Mar 7, 2019 9:57 pm 

DEVOTIONS

CHARLES SPURGEON

"My beloved." — Song of Songs 2:8

This was a golden name which the ancient Church in her most joyous moments was accustomed to give to the Anointed of the Lord. When the time of the singing of birds was come, and the voice of the turtle-dove was heard in her land, her love-note was sweeter than either, as she sang, "My beloved is mine—and I am His!" Ever in her song of songs, does she call Him by that delightful name, "My beloved!" Even in the long winter, when idolatry had withered the garden of the Lord, her prophets found space to lay aside their burden for a little season, and to say, as Elijah did, "Now will I sing to my well-beloved, a song of my beloved." Though the saints had never seen His face, though as yet He was not made flesh, nor had dwelt among us, nor had man beheld His glory—yet He was the consolation of Israel, the hope and joy of all the chosen, the "beloved" of all those who were upright before the Most High God.

We, in the summer days of the Church, are also accustomed to speak of Christ as the best beloved of our soul, and to feel that He is very precious, the "chief among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely one." So true is it, that the Church loves Jesus, and claims Him as her beloved, that the apostle dares to defy the whole universe to separate her from the love of Christ, and declares that neither persecutions, distress, affliction, peril, or the sword have been able to do it! Nay, he joyously boasts, "In all these things—we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!"

O that we knew more of You, O ever precious one! My sole possession is Your love! In earth beneath, or heaven above—I have no other treasure! I ask for nothing more.

 

SERMONS

SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD BY JONATHAN EDWARDS
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=12607144112

RENEW YOUR MIND BY PAUL WASHER
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=241923353211

EVANGELISM PART 1 BY EMEAL ZWAYNE
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1013181241202

EVANGELISM PART 2 BY EMEAL ZWAYNE

https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=101318124283

BATTLE STATIONS
Tue Mar 5, 2019 8:58 pm (PST) . Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59
Please pray for our little church, that we would be in unity, we have many new people every week. Please pray that many men and young people would come to church. Please pray as we have communion this Sunday. Please pray that many would come to the Thursday night prayer meeting. Please pray for Helen's parents that have both said the commitment prayer. Please continue for China, as many people are coming to faith, please pray that they would be become mature in Christ.

AI-CHAM

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10195/CH

AINU
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10522/CH

SERMONS PLEASE LISTEN

SPIRITUAL SELF HARM BY PETER MASTERS PROVERBS 21:7
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=108181333229

THE SAFEST SHELTER BY CHARLES SPURGEON ISAIAH 32:2
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=fcb0915

Where does all this vanity come from? BY GEORGE MYLNE

https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=528141359114

Ecclesiastes  12

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.14 For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.PUTTING EVERYTHING INTO PERSPECTIVESolomon is probably the richest man who ever lived. His kingdom was the high point of Israel's prosperity.  This book is often overlooked, but it is so valuable. Solomon wrote this at the end of his life. He was now an old man; he had it all - money, prestige, popularity, and more, yet says everything is vanity.The last words he speaks are so telling; what really matters Solomon? He makes his conclusion on life.
His conclusion was that it is the duty of man to fear God and keep His commandments. Are you fearing God and have you kept His commandments? This is what truly matters, but we can't keep His commandments.  No one ever has and no one can, except for One!  This is why we need to call out to Jesus by faith, and trust Him because He fulfilled what we never can - perfect obedience.God sees everything and will judge everything. He never misses anything, and He will bring everything out into the open.The purpose of your life is to fear God and keep His commandments, by His grace out of love. Why? Because, though God is the judge and will judge everything, He first loved you, and we love Him and show it in our lives.God bless youKK
1 CORINTHIANS 323 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
WHAT A PROMISEThe Church is Corinth was filled with strife; it had cults of personality. This was the first problem Paul addressed in his letter. Here is a very precious promise for the believer: we have exceedingly great and promises... amen. Every promise we have has God's seal on it, because God said it. I know that promise is true and therefore I can trust it.It is a plural and personal promise, "ye are." We are held by God Himself. Jesus bought us with His precious blood and therefore because Christ and the Father are in perfect unity, whatever is Christ's is also the property of the Father. We are bought by Jesus, loved by the Father and sealed by the Spirit... Amen!It is a permanent promise. All God's promises are yes and amen. When God makes a promise, it cannot be reversed.  It is a powerful promise. Why are these promises given to us? To increase our faith and to help us grow closer to God. The more we trust God's promises, the stronger our faith, becomes as we know that He and He alone can be trusted.It is a potent promise. It can be used against the enemy. If the devil comes against me, placing doubts about my salvation, I quote this verse saying I am Christ's. It is a precious promise. The more you lean on the promises of God, the more precious they become. We know their reality in our life and we know that we can trust them.This is one of the many promises in the Bible. As you continue to read His word, get to know the promises that God makes to you.Remember this:Ye are Christ's.. And nothing can change that fact!!THATS A PROMISEGOD BLESS YOU,
KK

ENGLISH DEVOTION AND SERMONS PLEASE LISTEN AND READ
Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:16 pm (PST) . Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59
CHINESE DEVOTION
The Wednesday Word

The Gospel: Our Best Friend.
D G Miles McKee

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14. 

We often feel that we are not worth saving …  and this, of course, is an accurate assessment. As Spurgeon said, “When you feel yourself as totally unworthy you have hit the truth.” That is why, as we grow in grace, the Gospel is our best friend.

Let me illustrate. The story is told of how the devil sought to discourage the mighty reformer Martin Luther by continually making him feel guilty.  Satan, it seems constantly reminded the great preacher of the list of his sins. When the devil had finished, Luther purportedly said, “Think harder: you must have forgotten some.” And the devil did think, and he listed more sins. When he was done enumerating the sins, Luther said, “Now, with a red ink write over that list, “The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin.” The devil had nothing to say in the light of Luther’s best friend … the Gospel.

As we look by faith to the Lord Jesus, and see His shed blood, we find healing for our wounded conscience.   By faith, we understand that His blood has satisfied all claims that unalterable divine justice made against us.

The Gospel is our best friend.

Our sins have been purged perfectly by a perfect offering made with perfect blood. These are the truths to continually feed to the troubled conscience.. 
 If we are regularly condemned by the consciousness of our past sins, we have an evil conscience (Hebrews 10:22).  However, the Gospel gives us a perfect conscience that is free from the guilt and condemnation of sins. 

The Gospel is our best friend.

I will admit that the legalist in me is sometimes uncomfortable with this arrangement.  Maybe you are like me, resistant, at times, to the accomplishments of grace? This is why we need to continually saturate our minds with the Gospel. When we find ourselves more conscious of our former sins than we are of the accomplishments of Christ on our behalf, we need to cleanse our thinking by applying Finished Work teaching to our thinking.

The Gospel is our best friend.

Do you know that your sins are forgiven? Someone says, “I can’t say that they are, but I am doing my best to change my life.” That’s great, but it will never work! You can do your best to reform, but that will never purge your conscience. Only applying the blood of Christ can do that.

The Gospel is our best friend.

Christ, as a man, was the Servant of Yahweh, the one in whom the Father delighted. It was the Father’s purpose to save and cleanse a people for Himself, and His plans were flawlessly executed by His beloved Son, the God/Man. It is only by the shedding of His blood that we are saved, and that blood was shed 2000 years ago at Calvary. The work is finished. He gave His life a ransom for the sins of His people (Isaiah 53:10).  Do you know this? Is this truly personal to you?
 Our best religious efforts cannot cleanse the conscience. But the Lord wants us to hear him say “Be of good cheer; your sins, which are many, are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2).
 What can prevent us going to Him? Our sins?  No, it is our sin that is the reason to approach Him.  Let us go to Him with freedom of speech (see Hebrews 4:16) to obtain mercy and grace to help in the time of need. He alone can purge the guilty conscience and give peace to the troubled mind.

The Gospel is our best friend.

And that’s the Gospel Truth!

ENGLISH
THE NIGHT WATCHES BY JOHN MACDUFF.. SHORT BUT OH SO SWEET
THE GRACE OF GOD
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1016161815143
THE TENDERNESS OF GOD
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1016161816177

THE ORDINANCES OF GOD
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1251719144610
THE WARNINGS OF GOD
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1251719144610

JAVA PART 2
UNREACHED PEOPLES
The Javanese sub groups are only 2% Christian and these include:
Banten - 570,000Banyunasan - 5. 8 millionOsing - 500,000Pasisir Kulo - 3.4 millionPasisir Lor - 23.3 Million
All these groups are Staunchly Muslim. Please pray for workers to go to them.
The 34 Million Sunda have only 25,000 Christians, and many are nominal. Please pray that the Sunda church would grow and mature. Muslim missionaries seek to purify moderate Muslims and to take back nominal Christians. Please pray that workers would be called to this group.
The Madura live in East Java and have several sub groups. They are largely Muslim and are renown for anger, violence, and magic. Please pray that Christians would overcome their fears and reach out to this needy people.
The Tengger people live near Mount Bromo in East Java and are largely Hindu,  but God has established several Tengger Christian group. Please pray for the establishment of a viable church.

All these groups need fervent prayer, please go to following website for more information on Indonesia
https://joshuaproject.net/countries/ID

Unreached peoples
Banten
Population - 3.5 million
Christians - 0.08%

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/21464/ID

These people are almost entirely Muslim, but this is mixed with magic and traditional customs. Please pray for the calling of workers who can demonstrate not just the power of God but the love of God to break these forces of evil that hold them.
Many workers are needed, and these people rely on the land for their living.. Please pray that Christian aid agencies would go them and help them.
Please water this ground with your prayers and tears.
May a Banten church become a reality.
Thanks so much
Please pray
God bless you
Kk

BATTLE STATIONS
Wed Feb 27, 2019 2:30 am (PST) . Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59
Please continue to lift us up here in China .. K and H. continue to pray for our little church, we have a special meeting for the men on Saturday, please pray that many men would come and be touched by the power of the gospel. Please pray for the safety of the one who will share, please pray for the pastors and church leaders in China that they would not compromise the truth of the gospel and that they would preach Christ and Him Crucified. Please pray that god would raise up many workers to go the many minority peoples still untouched by the gospel, some like the ones below are very small, please take time to click on the links and pray for them and also listen to the two short messages. These people cannot pray for themselves, please intercede for them
ADI
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18386/CH

ADU
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18387/CH

is this all by john macduff

https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=2311103071

in my fathers house by russ sukha
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=42172030218

GEMS
Sat Feb 23, 2019 7:28 pm (PST) . Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59
DEL
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The conscience is a delicate instrument which becomes deranged by misuse. 

YES & AMEN
"For all the promises of GOD in HIM are YES! and in HIM AMEN! to the glory of GOD through us." [2 Corinthi ans 1.20]
The word "Amen" ; is a most remarkable word; it was translated directly from the Hebrew word "aman" ; which is related to the word for believe or  faithful.   Therefore, it came to mean "sure,  truly, so it will be" an expression of absolute trust and confidence.

Also in the Hebrew interpretation,  Amen is an acrostic — "EL MELECH  NE'EMAN" ;  or, " The LORD is a TRUSTWORTHYKING. " Blessed be HE and blessed be the GLORIOUS NAME OF THE LORD forever and ever!  "Let the NAME of YEHOWAH be blessed now and forever. From east (rising of  the sun) to west (its going  down) the NAME of YEHOWAH is praised."  [Psalms (Tehillym ) 113. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

One of the titles of MESSIAH YESHUA  is "THE  AMEN."  In the Book of Revelation, the last of HIS Letters to the seven churches begins with a distinguished greeting from the GLORIFIED LORD:  "These things says the AMEN, the FAITHFUL and TRUE WITNESS,  the BEGINNING of the creation of GOD." [Revelati on 3. 14]   We can be absolutely certain that HIS WORD is always faithful  and true, because HE is the CREATOR of all things, HE is our "ETERNALAME N."

Every promise of the LORD GOD in CHRIST  JESUS is " YES! & AMEN! " — as strong an affirmation of truth as can be expressed in a language.  Therefore, it is extremely meaningful that the HOLY SCRIPTURES  close with a thunderousAMEN! "The grace of our LORD JESUS be with you all. Amen!" [ Revelation 22. 21]   All who read these LIFE-GIVINGWords can know beyond all reasoning that the entire BOOK of books is absolutely true and trustworthy. Amen!  Read andbelieve  (obey), it is the GREATEST  MESSAGE (REVEALED  TRUTH) ever told!  "Blessed be YEHOWAH ELOHEY  of Israel forevermore, from eternity to eternity! Amen and Amen." [ Psalms (Tehillym)  41. 13; 89. 52 Tanakh, Kethuvim] There is indescribable overwhelming joy in obeying and serving the LOVING LORD GOD OF THE UNIVERSE

GEM 2
Coffee Break
"Time To Change The Subject"
"Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul." Job 7:11
As you watch the news you realize that if something wasn't happening- a storm, an election, a murder trial, a custody battle, a war, etc- they wouldn't have anything to talk about. When something does make "news" , the reporters "run it in the ground" , that is ALL they talk about. It seems as if the world stopped and nothing else is taking place. Every minute on every channel is consumed with it as the main, and only, topic. I wondered what they would have to talk about if there was nothing bad going on to talk about? 
Sadly, there are a lot of people- even in the church- who are like this. If there isn't something "bad" happening, they don't have anything to talk about. They spend all their time talking about the trouble they are going through, or have been through. It's the only subject that comes out of their mouth. Each time you see them, they repeat it to you.. over and over again. You ask them how they are and they go right back to this same subject. You always know what they are going to say before they say it.
I am not trying to be critical. I know that very real things happen to us. I know that there are times we need to relate what we are going through. I know that sometimes we need a compassionate hear to listen. This is not what I am talking about. What I am talking about is deeper than that. It has become a "security blanket" to them. And even deeper-- it's become a bondage. They reach a point where they can't talk about anything else. If that is you--- it's time to break free. It's time to leave it in the past. It's time to develop a new habit of talking. It's time to get a new subject. There is so much more to talk about. God desires that our mouths be full of words that edify, minister, comfort and exhort others. It's time to put the law of kindness in your mouth. It's time to fill it with good things. It's time to fill it with words of faith that tend to life. It's time to fill it with words of peace, wisdom and joy. It's time to fill it with praise, adoration and thanksgiving to the Lord. It's time to talk more about the grace, forgiveness, mercy, goodness and faithfulness of God. There are a thousand other things you can fill your mouth with, and it's time to do it.
Have a great day. Is it time to change the subject?
                                                    About the Masters Business/Lorraine 

2Ch 7:14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

GEM 3
There are so many lean Christians who devour hundreds of sermons!

(Edmund Calamy, 1600–1666) 

"His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night." Psalm 1:2

"I meditate  on Your precepts and consider Your ways." Psalm 119:15 

It is not merely hearing a sermon that does you good, but meditating on what you hear. So when you hear a sermon, if you do not meditate and ponder upon what you hear, you will never get any good.

There are so many lean Christians who devour hundreds of sermons--and are never any better, never any fatter in grace. They never meditate, ponder and consider what they hear--that is the reason why they are so lean in grace.

Pray unto God to enlighten your understandings, to quicken your devotion, to warm your affections-- that by meditation on holy things . . .
  you may be made more holy,
  you may have your lusts more mortified,
  you may have your graces more increased,
  you may better behold the vanity of the world, 
  you may lifted up to Heaven and eternal realities.

"Meditate  upon these things." 1 Timothy 4:15

PLEASE LISTEN TO THESE SERMONS
Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59

Dear friends
I have been blessed beyond measure by these sermons, click on the links to be blessed too. They are very strong meat, but need to be heard. Please place them on whatever social media outreach you have
be blessed 
love in Christ
KK

MEN AND PORNOGRAPHY PT 1 BY JEFF POLLARD

https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1117167465710
MEN AND PORNOGRAPHY PT 2 BY JEFF POLLARD
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=111716750234

GOSPEL DRIVEN TECHNOLOGY BY ANDY GLEISER EPHESIANS 5:1-18
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=81912135242
NO COMPROMISE BY PAUL TAYLOR
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=92207438202

THE OMNIPOTENCE OF GOD BY JOHN MACDUFF
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=225161616435

WELCOME TO BATTLE STATIONS
ARE YOU READY TO PRAY?
Please pray for our small church, especially pray for Helen and her co-workers. Please pray for me as I deeply depressed and discouraged. Please pray for more men to come and for couples to be brought into the church. Please pray for more people to come to early morning prayer meeting and especially thursday evening prayer. Please pray for China as persecution is ongoing, we have heard that all house churches will have to register or be closed, please pray for this situation. Please pray for a deep and powerful revival to embrace the whole of China
Below is a link to two people groups
Please join with us in prayer for them by clicking the links 
ACHANG
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10146/CH

ACHANG, HUSA
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18384/CH

PLEASE LISTEN

JELLY FISH CHRISTIANITY BY JC RYLE
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=82813239482

THE FAVOUR OF GOD BY JOHN MACDUFF

https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=103018048252

THE THOUGHTS OF GOD BY JOHN MACDUFF
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=13115162036

JAVA PART 1
POPULATION 140 MILLION
CHRISTIANS 4%
Java is a receptive island for the gospel, especially among those of Chinese descent. Over 50% claim to be Christian. Please pray that the gospel would have free course throughout all of Java and its many peoples.
Persecution comes in direct and indirect ways; please pray that all attempts to obstruct the growth of churches, such as stopping them expanding rebuilding laws and that all these threats would come to nothing. Please pray this persecution would purify and stir the church. Please pray that the church would not focus on money, but on Christ. Please pray that many Muslims would consider the claims of Christ, and believe in Him.
The love and grace of many Christians has impacted many Muslims, as they have shown the love of Jesus in practical action. Aids, mental illness, the effect of recent floods and earthquakes, have allowed the Christians to reach out in love. Please pray that the loving actions of the church would have a powerful effect on the Javanese people.
Jakarta is a mega city; it is a melting pot for every people group in Indonesia. There is a diverse and dynamic church in this city. The cell church group movement is dynamic and there is an active prayer movement. Please pray that the church would have a powerful impact and that church members would spread out to reach all over Indonesia. What happens in Jakarta impacts all Indonesia.
Many towns and villages are unreached; please pray that all the Javanese people would hear the gospel.
Please pray as Muslims are offering Christians gifts to renounce their faith, such as good jobs and education. Please pray that the church would be well taught in Biblical truth.

UNREACHED PEOPLES 
JAVA
SUNDA
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15121/ID

POPULATION 37 MILLION
CHRISTIANS 0.2%
Most Sunda are Muslims. They were farmers, but now they have become business people and are involved in government.
They have the Bible and other resources in their own language, but they need pioneer workers. It is estimated that over 700 are needed. Please pray that these are called by God.
Please pray for the emergence of a Sunda church with it's own worship, pastors and literature. 
Their form of Islam is shot through with traditional customs. Please pray that all spiritual bondage would be broken and that God would form a church amongst this people.
God bless you
Keith

PLEASE LISTEN
TIME ALONE WITH GOD BY TODD CURTIS MATTHEW 6:9-13
PT 1https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=112210150162

PT 2https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1130101325377
PT 3https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=12710143355

PT 4https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=12141015483

"Though thy candle be put out,
yet God will light it again, and
make it burn more light than ever."
~ Thomas Brooks

ETHIOPIA: Two Injured in Arson Church Attacks

Sources: Steadfast Global, VOMC Contacts
  
Photos: Steadfast Global / VOMC


The town of Alaba Kulito in southern Ethiopia was the scene of a horrific attack against Christians on February 9th. According to a VOMC source, at least 13 churches were burned -- some completely destroyed -- along with other church-owned property. While there were no fatalities, two church workers were admitted to hospital. Both have since been released after receiving needed medical treatment. For more photos of the devastation resulting from the attack, go to this report.

The trouble flared after a false rumour was spread that one or more mosques in the area had been burned. The area is predominantly Muslim, with constant tension between Christians and Muslims in this community. Last week, the Meserete Kristos Church was vandalized and local Christians have faced intimidation and threats.

The violence does not appear to be related to evangelistic work in the area, which has been very fruitful. VOMC, together with Steadfast Global, participated in various projects within the region, along with local partners. As a result of the devastation, emergency funds have been sent to provide needed assistance for the churches directly affected. A representative from Steadfast Global will be assessing the damage and presenting ways in which VOMC's Canadian ministry partners can join in to help.

Please prayerfully uphold the two ministry workers who were injured. Pray also for all the members of the attacked churches who presently have no place to meet for worship. Ask the Lord to oversee the fruitful ministry that has been accomplished within the region, so that it will continue to flourish despite opposition. May those responsible for the attacks come to understand the Gospel message and turn in faith to Christ. Additionally, we appreciate you lifting up the partnering ministries involved in this united endeavour to assist every one of the recently attacked Ethiopian churches.
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BURMA (MYANMAR): Kidnapped Pastor and Others Assassinated

Sources: Gospel for Asia, International Christian Concern, Christian Post

Photo: Flickr/Staffan Scherz (c)
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Creative Commons Legal Code


Pastor Tun Nu, who served with Gospel for Asia in Rakhine State, was kidnapped by five gunmen on January 19th. Despite searches conducted by church members, police and military, there was no trace of his whereabouts. Regrettably, he was found shot to death on February 1st, along with others who had also been kidnapped. Members of a rebel army in the area are believed to be responsible.

Pastor Tun, 41, leaves a wife and three children, plus a church of more than 50 members. Christians in the area have joined together to provide an offering to help meet some of the family's financial needs. Gospel for Asia reports that the pastor's assassination is the first incident of this kind faced by their workers in Burma. Further information on the country, in addition to other ways you can specifically pray, is available at Burma Country Report.

Please remember Pastor Tun's wife and children in their time of grief. Pray that God will provide for their every need, including the provision of His reassuring peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead. May this family, and other Christians serving in Burma, be greatly encouraged by the presence of God's Holy Spirit working in and through them. While Pastor Tun has already gone on to receive his eternal reward, ask that his family and church members will be empowered to take up the mantle and carry on in faithful ministry.

PERSECUTION UPDATE
TURKEY: Verdict Upheld in Malatya Murder Case

Sources: Middle East Concern, Mission Network News

Necati Aydin, Ugur Yuksel and Tillman Geske
  |

On April 18th, 2007, three Christian workers at a publishing house in Malatya, Turkey, were tortured and murdered (see this report). Ultimately five men were convicted and given three consecutive life sentences. Although an appeal was heard on January 23rd, the sentences were upheld.

The Association of Protestant Churches in Turkey had also filed an appeal requesting further investigation, believing there was a wider network involved in the crime. The courts have denied the request, including upholding an acquittal of two military officers accused of participating. Unless taken to the Constitutional Court, these decisions are final.

While it's a relief for many that the case is finally over after almost 12 years, questions still remain about suspected involvement of other organizations and perhaps political ties. To view a previous video report on the attack, click here.

May those who continue to be affected by this case find needed comfort and peace, especially the loved ones and friends of the three slain Christian men. In addition, please pray for all the followers of Christ represented throughout Turkey, asking the Lord to grant them strength when facing opposition for their faith and courage to boldly stand for Him.

If you would like to post a prayer of praise or petition on behalf of our persecuted family around the globe, visit VOMC's prayer wall.
| 
The Persecution & Prayer Alert is a ministry of:
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, P.O. Box 608, Streetsville, Ontario, L5M 2C1
Tel. (905) 670-9721 Website: www.vomcanada.com |

PLEASE LISTEN
A CALL TO YOUNG PEOPLE BY GERARD HEMMINGS
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=2214164805

PRECIOUS BLOOD BY RC SPROUL
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=43017224595

MARCHING ORDERS FOR A BACKSLIDDEN CHURCH BY PHIL JOHNSON
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=52914118323

3 BATTLE STATIONS
Thu Feb 14, 2019 12:06 am (PST) . Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59
Please continue to lift up our little church. Please pray for one sister who is on dialysis for kidney failure and another who has serious health problems. Please pray that every person who comes to church, would have a dynamic relationship with Christ and not a form of religion. Please pray for deep and powerful unity especially among the co-workers, especially regarding giving. Please pray for the whole of China to experience a great revival, below is a link to one of the biggest minority groups in China, please pray for this group.
Please click on link, read, pray and share

A-HMAO IN CHINA
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18388/CH

please listen
FAILURE TO ADDRESS MANS MALADY BY PAUL WASHER
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=624181715214

The Lord wants you all to know this... you cannot reap without weeping.

Before you can start to do a work for God, you have to weep over the state of man.

William Booth was asked what training he would give his officers. He replied that he would hold them over the flames of hell to smell the torment of the unsaved.

Finally we have the reason why all this happened.

God intervened!

At this point of history, he raised up a man like Nehemiah to rebuild the walls and to reform the people of Israel. The walls of our churches are as broken down as in Nehemiah's day. God is looking for men and women who he can use to rebuild and reform.

Are you that man or women?

God bless 
Keith
PLEASE LISTEN TO THESE SERMONS

THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=712141754594

THE BROAD WALL AROUND THE CHURCH BY CHARLES SPURGEON
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=3101717191

SANBALLAT AND TOBIAH BY PHIL JOHNSON
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=99101715312

KNOCKED DOWN BUT NOT OUT BY BRIAN FULLER NEHEMIAH 4
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=36111944261

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .Every act of kindness that GOD performs for man should make one feel, not proud, but more humble and unworthy.  WELL WITH MY SOUL"Come and hear, all GOD-fearing men, as I declare what HE did for me; I call aloud with glorification on my tongue." [Psalms (Tehillym) 66. 16 - 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  HOLY SCRIPTURE clearly teaches that "the person who sins, only he shall die."[Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 18. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." [Romans 3. 23] We are left then, with an insurmountable condition concerning our souls. "Look at my right hand and see — I have no friend; no man that would know me. There is nowhere I can flee, no one cares about me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 142. 4Tanakh, Kethuvim]  Our eternal soul is our single most valuable possession, "For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and looses his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" [Mark 8. 36 - 37]  "In GOD'S hand is every living soul and the breath of all mankind" [Job/Iyob 12. 10], and HE is the ONE WHO cares for our soul. "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, HE HIMSELF took part of the same; that through death HE might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." [Hebrews 2.14] "The redemption of their soul is precious, the price of life is too high; and so it ceases, forever. Shall HE live eternally and not see corruption of the grave?" [Psalms(Tehillym) 49. 8 - 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  The redemption of our soul cost "the precious blood of CHRIST, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." [1 Peter 1. 19] The soul that disregarded and ignored the OLDCOVENANT guidelines for the "Passover" — which portrays the LORD MESSIAHY’SHUA'S perfect once-for-all atonement for the sins of the whole world, was "cut off."[Exodus/Shemot 12. 15]  "But, we are not of them who draw back unto ruin of perdition; but of those who believe to the saving of the soul." [Hebrews 10. 39]  "For we were like sheep going stray; but are now returned to the SHEPHERD and OVERSEER of our souls." [1 Peter 2. 25]  The salvation of our soul is impossible with man, but with GOD OMNIPOTENT "all thingsare possible." Since I have been redeemed by the blood of my LORD & SAVIOR, I am more then confident that it is well with my soul. Therefore, my soul continues to exalt and bless the LORD GOD. 

PLEASE LISTEN
EVOLUTION VS GOD BY RAY COMFORT
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=820131816540

INSIGHTS IN THE BOOK OF JOB BY DAVE PENNINGTON
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=5917101403

From:  Mary Padgett Ministries, Inc.

A Word In Due Season

 

LIFE AND GODLINESS

 

Scripture:  II Peter 1:3  "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him."

 

Our Father God has given us many precious promises.  Yet, His Word tells us that we cannot be slothful if we intend to obtain them..  We must search the scriptures and come into a full personal knowledge of Christ so that we can know what He has provided for us through His journey to the cross, His death, and His resurrection.  When we truly come to know Him, we will discover what our rights and responsibilities are in the kingdom of God.  The Lord’s promises are powerful but they will not come easy.  We must seek to inherit them through our steadfast faith and patience (Hebrews 6:12).  Through faith and patience, we will come to understand that God really has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness.  He left nothing out.  His Word and His Spirit not only instructs us in the things of life and tells us what we are to do in the natural, but also instructs in godliness and shows us who we are to be spiritually.

 

Jesus came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.  He intends for our natural life to be blessed just as our spiritual life is blessed.  The Lord wants us to be thoroughly furnished and balanced in both life and godliness.  We cannot be so earthly minded that we have no time or nothing to offer for the kingdom of God.  Yet, we cannot be so spiritually minded that we are of no earthly good to those in the natural world about us.  We may want to be like the spiritual giants that we have read about in the scriptures, yet the truth is that we live in a natural world.  We cannot sit at home and just pray and study the Bible all day because we have to go to work and provide for our families.  God gave us many examples in the scriptures to show us that the men of great faith and godliness also had to live in the natural world and face the giants and challenges of everyday life.  

 
The Message Bible states that Jesus has invited us to God, which is the best invitation that we ever received.  We are given "Tickets to participate in the life of God."  But only the Lord can equip us to live a noble life in the natural world and also help us to live in spiritual godliness.  We must depend upon His strength, for there are too many temptations that will draw us the other direction.  I encourage you to look at the attributes of God and then make a quality decision to obtain them for yourself.  Remember that the Lord has offered you the privilege of leaning upon His divine power to help you manifest His character and godliness in your life
“SPIRITUAL PRIDE!”
Isaiah 55:9
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” I once heard a sermon by Dr. W.A. Criswell of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.  I cannot for the life of me recall the sermon, but I do recall an illustration he used to demonstrate  the deceitful heart of man and to show how far we will go to appear smarter than we really are. Here is his illustration:
 
Two drunks in a bar were arguing over which of them was the most religious.  Finally, one man bet the other $10 that he could not recite the Lord’s Prayer.  The man took the bet and began; “Now I lay me down to sleep.  I pray the Lord my soul to keep.  And if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." The first man stared at him in amazement, reached in his billfold for a $10 bill, handed it to Fred and muttered, "I had no idea you knew it!"
 
Oh, how sad the lack of knowledge about God and His ways.  We can bluff our way past those who have even less knowledge of the Bible than we do, but God knows all about us.  There is no way we can fool Him.  He knows every thought before we think it and every word before it comes from our lips. That fact should sober us to the reality of cleaning up our act and preparing our heart so that we are acceptable in His sight. 
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!  
- - - Pastor Cecil

Free to Enjoy God

Psalm 34:8-10

What an amazing truth: Our God, who created the world and is Lord of all, wants us to find pleasure in our union with Him. Although He “richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17), our greatest enjoyment of all should be God Himself. The satisfaction we’ll find in our relationship with Him is far superior to all else.

One of the joys we find in the Lord is acceptance. Because of Jesus’ work on the cross, God accepts those of us who believe in Christ and adopts us as His children. We who were once His enemies are now embraced as His family. Permanently accepted by God, we never have to fear condemnation and are free to enjoy rich intimacy with Him.

The Lord has done all that is necessary for us to have a relationship with Him, but there are certain actions we can take that will increase our enjoyment of Him.

• Praising God for who He is and what He’s done will make our hearts rejoice. 
• Spending time listening and getting to know Him through His Word will increase our closeness and deepen our enjoyment of Him. 
• Refusing to believe lies—for example, that we should be afraid of our Father or that our sin is too great to be forgiven—frees us to receive His love and know the joy of forgiveness.

If you’ve lost your joy in the Lord, ask Him to reignite it. Then take the steps necessary to rekindle your relationship with Him. The more you learn to love Him, the greater will be your joy.

Please pray for the Chinese church, please ask that God would pour out his blessing and protection on his church,that the church would have God's favour and mans also. Please ask that God would move in our small church and touch many people for his glory
Please click on link, read, pray and share
A'OU IN CHINA
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18399/CH

New Hotline for Reporting Religious Activities

Source(s): China AidDate: 07 February 2019

A government office in Henan province announced on January 28th that a hotline has been established to report "illegal religious activities." The announcement from the Wenfeng Street Community Office promised confidentiality and offered cash rewards.

The announcement also threatened fines of up to $39,000 CAD for homeowners who allowed a religious gathering on their property, as well as other severe penalties. The public was encouraged to "aggressively monitor" their community members for such violations.
Pray that China's Christians will continue faithfully serving within their community as vibrant testimonies of God's love and the many blessings found in Him. Rather than this new hotline being used as a means of suppressing or thwarting the work of the Gospel, may there be increased opportunities for the country' s believers to share the Christian faith among their spiritually receptive neighbours. Also intercede for those opposing the Gospel, that they themselves will experience the new-found hope and joy of God's transformative power through Jesus in their lives as well!
Ongoing Arrests of Christians

Source(s): Middle East Concern, Article 18Date: 07 February 2019
Sina Moloudian and Ismaeil Maghrebinejad
Photo: Middle East Concern
Iranian Christians are requesting prayer for a series of recent arrests. Shortly before Christmas, five Iranian women were taken into custody, including 65-year-old Ruhsari Kamberi. Following her arrest, Ruhsari faced ten days of intensive interrogation. Authorities had also searched the senior woman's home, where they confiscated her phone, Bibles and Christian materials. After eventually being released on bail, Ruhsari was brought before the prosecutor in mid-January to answer charges of "acting against national security." During the court hearing, she was ordered to meet with an Islamic religious leader to be "instructed&qu ot; and offered the opportunity to return to Islam.

On January 23rd, a young Christian man was arrested following a violent raid on his home in Isfahan. Witnesses report that Sina Moloudian was dragged out of his parents' home with bruises on his face. A few hours later, prison officials permitted Sina to phone his parents and let them know he was being held at the Dastgerd Prison. From there, he would be taken to court where the charges against him were to be announced.

Two days later, Ismaeil Maghrebinejad, 64, was also taken into custody. Ismaeil, a Christian for nearly 40 years, has been regularly harassed by security forces the entire time. After the recent arrest at his home in Shiraz, concerned members of his family attempted to contact the authorities to find out where he had been taken but were denied any knowledge of him. Although Ismaeil has since been allowed to contact his family, he did not know the location of his imprisonment nor the charges he is facing.

A concerted effort of governmental authorities to arrest and harass Christians continues throughout Iran. Article 18 reported at least 114 arrests in ten different cities during the first week of December alone. While most of these arrested believers were released after a few hours, they had been forced to write down details of their faith-related activities and ordered to have no contact with other Christians.
Please prayerfully uphold our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in Iran who are experiencing heightened incidences of persecution. May each one of them find their strength and help in Christ during these days of trial and tribulation. For all who are serving time in prison for their faith, specifically pray that God's protection and encouragement will enable them to patiently endure --all the while sensing His presence and ongoing ministry as He works sovereignly on their behalf.

Sudanese Woman Facing Threats

Source(s): Morning Star NewsDate: 07 February 2019

A Christian mother was struck with fear last November when her Muslim brother arrived at the church she attended with a photo of her husband, asking members if they knew where he could be found. Less than two years before, Ebtehaj Mostafa had been tied to a chair in a darkened room. The abductors gave her an ultimatum: return to Islam or they would kill her husband and daughter.

Ebtehaj had fled from Sudan in 2005 after being jailed five times for her faith in Christ. In Cairo, she met a Sudanese pastor, also a convert from Islam, and the two married. But her life remained in danger, as Ebtehaj discovered in February 2017 when she was kidnapped. At the time, the Christian woman's abductors shouted that she was a disgrace to her family. During the attack, they mandated she divorce her husband and return to her Sudanese family, then living in Saudi Arabia.

After stating that she would rather die than return to Islam, the two men raped Ebtehaj and beat her repeatedly. Joined by two other perpetrators, they eventually grabbed the assaulted woman's hand and forced her signature on a paper claiming that she had returned to Islam. She was then knocked out and left unconscious, only to later awaken on the streets of Cairo.

With the recent arrival of her brother in the city, there are renewed concerns for Ebtehaj' s safety. However, she is trusting God and wants to tell her story so the international community would know what kind of pressures face Sudanese converts to Christ.

Pray for the safety of Ebtehaj and her family. May those opposing her faith experience a profound revelation of Jesus Christ as God's promised Saviour to the world, recognizing their own need to trust in Him for their salvation. Also remember other converts to Christ from Sudan who are being pressured to return to Islam or die, asking Him to reassure them of His strength and provision for their every need.

GEMS
Fri Feb 8, 2019 12:13 am (PST) . Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59
Please click on link, read, pray and share
A'OU IN CHINA
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18399/CH

PLEASE LISTEN

PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY REPLACING SCRIPTURE BY PAUL WASHER
https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=62418172312


BROKEN HEARTED EVANGELIST BY JIMMY LI ROMANS 9:1-3

https://www.sermonaudio.com/saplayer/playpopup.asp?SID=1219927117048

Parable of the Fishless Fishermen

(author unknown)

Now it came to pass that a group existed who
called themselves fishermen. And lo, there were
many fish in the waters all around. In fact, the
whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes
filled with fish. And the fish were hungry. 

Year after year these who called themselves
fishermen met in meetings and talked about their
call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they
might go about fishing. 

Continually they searched for new and better
definitions of fishing. They sponsored costly
nationwide and worldwide congresses to discuss
fishing and to promote fishing and hear about all
the ways of fishing. 

These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings
called "Fishing Headquarters. " The plea was that
everyone should be a fisherman and every
fisherman should fish. One thing they didn't do,
however; they didn't fish. 

They organized a board to send out fishermen to
where there were many fish. The board was
formed by those who had the great vision and
courage to speak about fishing, to define fishing,
and to promote the idea of fishing in far-away
streams and lakes where many other fish of
different colors lived. 

Also the board hired staffs and appointed
committees and held many meetings to define
fishing, to defend fishing, and to decide what new
streams should be thought about. But the staff
and committee members did not fish. 

Expensive training centers were built to teach
fishermen how to fish. Those who taught had
doctorates in fishology, but the teachers did not
fish. They only taught fishing. Year after year,
graduates were sent to do full-time fishing, some
to distant waters filled with fish. 

Further, the fishermen built large printing houses
to publish fishing guides. A speaker' s bureau was
also provided to schedule special speakers on the
subject of fishing. 

Many who felt the call to be fishermen responded,
and were sent to fish. But like the fishermen back
home, they never fished. 

Some also said they wanted to be part of the
fishing party, but they felt called to furnish fishing
equipment. Others felt their job was to relate to
the fish in a good way so the fish would know the
difference between good and bad fishermen. 

After one stirring meeting on "The Necessity for
Fishing," a young fellow left the meeting and went
fishing. The next day he reported he had caught
two outstanding fish. He was honored for his
excellent catch and scheduled to visit all the big
meetings possible to tell how he did it. 

So he quit his fishing in order to have time to tell
about the experience to the other fishermen. He
was also placed on the Fishermen' s General Board
as a person having considerable experience. 

Now it's true that many of the fishermen sacrificed
and put up with all kinds of difficulties. Some
lived near the water and bore the smell of dead
fish every day. They received the ridicule of some
who made fun of their fishermen' s clubs and the
fact that they claimed to be fishermen yet never
fished. 

They wondered about those who felt it was of
little use to attend the weekly meetings to talk
about fishing. After all, were they not following
the Master who said, "Follow me, and I will make
you fishers of men? 

Imagine how hurt some were when one day a
person suggested that those who didn't catch fish
were really not fishermen, no matter how much
they claimed to be. Yet it did sound correct. Is a
person a fisherman if year after year he never
catches a fish?

GEM 2

Passion to Save Souls

I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.. 1 Corinthians 9:22

Paul's great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he desired to see men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact saved. Have our Christian efforts been aimed at anything below this great objective? Then let us correct our ways, for what good will it be at the last great day to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved? If through life we have sought inferior objects and forgotten that men needed to be saved, then we will be held accountable.

Paul knew the ruin of man's natural state and did not try to educate him, but to save him; he saw men sinking to hell and did not talk of refining them, but of saving from the wrath to come. To accomplish their salvation, he gave himself up with untiring zeal to spreading the Gospel, to warning and beseeching men to be reconciled to God. His prayers were persistent and his labors incessant. His consuming passion, his ambition, his calling was to save souls. He became a servant to all men, working for them, feeling a woe within him if he did not preach the Gospel. He laid aside his preferences to prevent prejudice; he submitted his will in things indifferent, and if men would just receive the Gospel, he raised no questions about forms or ceremonies. The Gospel was the one all-important business with him. If he might save some, he would be content. This was the crown for which he extended himself, the sole and sufficient reward of all his labors and self-denials.

Dear reader, have you and I lived to win souls to this extent? Are we possessed with the same all-absorbing desire? If not, why not? Jesus died for sinners. Can we not live for them? Where is our tenderness? Where is our love for Christ, if we do not seek His honor in the salvation of men? Lord Jesus, saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men.

GEM 3
Ten Technological Traps
(Joshua Engelsma, 2017, used with permission)
We live in a time of great technological advancement. Companies are constantly churning out new products that are hailed as smarter, more advanced, and more innovative. And in many ways we have made ourselves dependent on technology with our smartphones, tablets, and computers, too name just a few.
There is nothing inherently sinful in these things. In fact, they can be powerful tools for good in the service of God and his church, and therefore we can use them with a good conscience before God. "For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer" (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
That being said, we ought to recognize that there are many dangers that these wonders of the technological age present. These dangers ought to make us careful in our use of these good gifts.
What follows are a list of ten such dangers, "traps" of technology:
1) We can waste an unbelievable amount of time using technology. How many hours are wasted staring at the TV, pursuing pointless information on the internet, looking at pictures on Instagram, and posting on Facebook? Too many, making this one of the top traps of technology.
2) Technology makes it relatively easy to sin. This is not to say that the same sins weren't found fifty years ago, for they certainly were. But with technology there are more opportunities to sin and sinful things are more readily accessible. As a wise saint said to me recently, " When I was younger, you had to work pretty hard to get in trouble and access sinful things. Now you can get it in a few seconds on your phone."
3) We can very easily become discontent  through our use of technology. One area of discontentment is with the technology itself. We are dissatisfied with the smartphone or computer that we have and are always looking for something newer, better, and faster. It becomes an idol in our life. Another area of discontentment is with the things that we view through technology. Seeing the glamorous life of this athlete/actress/ friend, I become discontented with my seemingly boring life.
4) Technology is often the means by which we backbite and slander. One wrong move and soon the news spreads like wildfire across the gossip channels of text messaging and social media.
5) Through our use of technology we often give a poor witness to the world of our faith. We post pictures of some ungodly musician' s concert we attended. We "like" this popular drama on TV. We let everyone know how excited we are about the release of the latest Hollywood movie.
6) It is very easy through technology to fall into the trap of unreality. We see pictures of the expensive vacations and fun activities that others are doing, and think that their life must be perfect. Young people might give the impression that anyone who's anything is hanging out on Friday night, so that the one left at home feels  left out and friendless.
7) In the age of instant information, it seems as if younger generations are losing the ability to read, write, listen, and think critically and deeply.
8) Our use of technology can weaken our ability to converse and thus hurt our relationships to others. It seems pretty common to go into a restaurant and see a husband and wife sitting across from one another, both staring at their phones. It seems pretty common to try and have a conversation with a teenager while their face is buried in their phone.
9) There is the danger with technology of over-sharing information. I'm all for getting to know other people better and sharing their joys and sorrows. But I don't need to know what you just ate for breakfast. I don't need to know a disagreement that you had with your spouse. I don't need to know that you're angry at your coworkers. I don't need to know (usually) that you're having an all-around bad day.
10) One of the dangers of technology is that we are able to retreat into a world without any accountability. When we are at work, we have the accountability of employers and employees. When we are at home, we have the accountability of spouses, parents, children, siblings. When we are at school, we have the accountability of teachers and classmates. But with technology we can often enter a world with little or no accountability. We can say things that we wouldn't ordinarily say. We can sneak off to our be droom and watch all sorts of vile things. And if anyone looks over our shoulder or asks to see our device, we hide behind the vault-door of passwords.

PERSECUTED CHURCH NEWS
 Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59
Please continue to lift us up here in China. It is Chinese new year on Monday-Tuesday of next week. Please pray for the millions of Christians who return to their home town, may they God moving in great power and grace. Please pray for the Province of Yunnan, here are most of the un-reached peoples of China. Please see below and lift up this people to throne of grace.
Please pray for our little church, that every member would be saturated with the word of God, we have a bible reading group, where we read 4-5 chapters per day. Pray for Paul and his wife, Kris and His wife and Xeres and his girlfriend to come to faith.
Please pray for Cindy, Dali and Husband to grow in faith, Please pray for Brother F and Sister J, who are expecting second baby soon. Please pray for us, we still believe God will give us baby.
Please click on link, read, pray and share
A-Che in China
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18385/CH

"It is before the Cross, and not
before us, that the world trembles."
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

PHILIPPINES: Bomb Blasts Kill At Least Twenty

Sources: BBC, ABS-CBN, Christianity Today

Coordinated bombs at a cathedral in Jolo, southern Philippines, killed at least 20 people and injured over 80 on January 27th. The first bomb went off during the church service; the second exploded outside the door, as people fled and troops responded to the disaster. Those killed included five soldiers. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the incident, and the Philippines military has been conducting raids in an effort to track down those responsible.

The blast happened less than a week after a referendum in which the people of Mindanao voted in favour of setting up a Muslim-controlled region in southern Philippines. There are questions as to whether this incident will affect a second vote on February 6th for other areas to be included.

There has been much speculation on any possible connection between the referendum and the attack. Many of the Christian minority in the region have been in favour of the proposed autonomous region, despite the Islamic control.. Efraim Tendero, the general secretary of the World Evangelical Alliance, believes the attack was instigated by a group that did not want a peace agreement and so created terror. For more information on persecution in the Philippines, go to our country report.

Please remember those who were injured, as well as the families and friends of those killed, during this horrific attack. Pray that justice and peace will prevail in this violence-torn area of the Philippines. May those responsible for this recent attack experience the conviction of God, leading them to repentance and salvation.
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KENYA: Christian Beaten and Arrested

Sources: Morning Star News, International Christian Concern

Photo: Morning Star News

A Christian man named Hassan and his widowed mother, who were both living in Ngong, located on the outskirts of Nairobi, have been facing constant pressure to recant their Christian faith and return to Islam. Pressure has included threats, bribes and beatings on several occasions. On January 19th, Hassan was arrested. The police officers, along with two others, then severely beat him -- knocking out teeth and causing leg, chest and back injuries.

The two believers fled Somalia after the death of Hassan's father and went to Kenya, hoping to find a safe place to lead their new Christian lives.. However, pressure from militant Muslims in the local community, including family members, has resulted in years of suffering. Hassan's mother said, "I have suffered several persecutions from the Muslims for converting to Christianity. My stomach is ailing from the attack I suffered a few years ago. I cannot stand in an upright position. Me and my family have chosen the cause of Christ. No turning back."

Remember these two dear believers as they suffer great hardships for Christ.. Pray for the healing of their wounds, and that their hearts will be filled with patient endurance (Revelation 3:10). Also lift up their attackers in prayer, asking that they will experience the grace of Christ and turn to faith in Him.
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REPORT UPDATES

PAKISTAN: Asia Bibi Freed; Pervaiz Masih Acquitted

Sources: Global News, Pakistan Christian Post, BBC, World Watch Monitor, Release International, The Voice Society

Pervaiz Masih with Aneeqa Maria of The Voice Society.
Photo: Facebook/The Voice
In a much-anticipated decision, Pakistan' s top court has rejected a challenge to the acquittal of a Christian woman on blasphemy charges. The ruling is the final legal option, allowing Asia Bibi to freely leave the country.

Originally convicted in 2010 after accusations of insulting Mohammed, Asia spent eight years on death row. The case has polarized the country, and government leaders who provided their support have been killed. The Supreme Court threw out all charges against the accused believer on October 31st, at which time she was taken into protective custody due to threats against her life. Although a final appeal was filed, the Supreme Court ruled on January 29th that the petitioners gave no evidence that the original acquittal was wrong. In fact, the Chief Justice stated that, if the case had not been so sensitive, her accusers would be guilty of perjury and should be jailed for life.

Asia's safety remains a priority. While she has been freed, calls for her death by militants continue. Believing it was not safe in Pakistan, Asia's lawyer and daughters have left the country after the October 31st ruling. Asia intends to likewise leave Pakistan for her safety. Despite much speculation, her intended destination has not been made public. Canada's foreign ministry representatives, who have been offering support throughout Asia's ordeal, say that her safety is top priority. They are also calling on Pakistan' s government to take necessary steps to provide protection. In a statement, the department announced, "Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right, and must be fully respected."

In a separate ruling, a lower court has ruled to acquit Pervaiz Masih on blasphemy charges over a business disagreement (see this report). Normally blasphemy cases are passed along to higher courts. However, on January 19th, a lower court judge accepted the application for acquittal, though allowing the complainants to re-open the case in the future.

While rejoicing over this ruling, Pervaiz is still considered a blasphemer, leaving his life at risk from vigilantes. Since the initial accusation in 2015, his family has also suffered greatly. The accused man's wife Zareena was severely beaten under interrogation by police, leaving her unable to walk or stand properly. Since she was physically unable to properly watch their young daughter, the couple's three-year-old child wandered away and was later found drowned. The exact cause of the tragic drowning remains a mystery.

At the time of this report, there are 218 other Christians currently facing blasphemy charges.

While grateful for these encouraging court rulings, the tragic loss of the Masih family's young child is yet another reason to continue upholding these suffering believers in prayer. May God's comforting presence sustain the young couple as they grieve over their loss, assuring them that their little girl is eternally secure in the loving arms of Jesus. Also continue to pray for Asia and her family, asking the Lord to lead them to a safe place where they can begin a new life reunited together without constant threats. Additionally, intercede on behalf of the Pakistani government, that they will abandon their blasphemy laws, allowing freedom of religion for all of their citizens.

If you would like to post a prayer of praise or petition on behalf of our persecuted family around the globe, visit VOMC' s prayer wall.
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The Persecution & Prayer Alert is a ministry of:
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, P.O. Box 608, Streetsville, Ontario, L5M 2C1
Tel. (905) 670-9721 Website: www. vomcanada. com

UNREACHED PEOPLES CHINA

Two people groups are below, please take time to click the link or place the link in your browser. Please forward this email to all your groups and contacts. Please tweet the links to these people groups and place this email on facebook. Please if you are a pastor, adopt a group for your church, print out their picture, place it on the church notice board

Below is a link to every people group in China, please adopt a group, pray for them at least once a week. If you do this, please let me know which one you are praying for. The ones I have adopted are the A-Che people and the Ming, they both have no believers and no church. Please scroll down the list, let God lead you

https://joshuaproject.net/countries/CH
QIANG CIMULIN
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18659/CH
Population 17,000
Christians: None known
This group has no believers. Please pray that Christians would be called to go to them.
It is very difficult to reach them, and many groups have tried to share literature with them, but they have been expelled from the region.
They are followers of Tibetan Buddhism and worship the spirits. Please pray that this bondage would be broken, by the power of the gospel.
No resources are available to them. Pray that the Bible would be translated into their own language.

YIZI
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18729/CH

Population 2,900
Christians: None known
These people are a mystery. There may be Christians among them, but we don't know for sure. They are a despised people, but God loves them. Please pray that the Christian people who live near them would go to them and show them God's love and truth.
Worship of spirits and ancestors is their main religion, and we need to pray against these powerful forces.
Please pray that a church would be a reality among these people.
Please pray for these two people groups, as your prayers are desperately needed.
God bless you,
KK



1a GEMS
Thu Jan 31, 2019 4:09 pm (PST) . Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59

The CrossThe Cross!  The Cross!Where Holy Blood all down did flow -Where people stood on Holy GroundAnd did not know....Where angels gasprf, and closed their eyes;And foolish men, believing,Became wise.The Cross!  The Cross!Where Love divine and bitter  gall would meet;And tears would flow, not for Himself, but me!Where even nature wept and trembled through -Where darkness fell with force Ere night was due.The Cross!  The Cross!Where Satan laughed and thought that he had won,But Christ knew when the deed was doneIt would not be the devil’s victory -It would be souls that He, Himselfset free!
The Cross!  The Cross! The ugly plan of men to bring most painHas brought instead for us, a Heaven’s gain!The symbol of a horrid death depose andFill my heart with treasure Christ well knows.The Cross!  The Cross!The insidious sign now made so beautiful!The ultimate loss - ultimate gain!The Son of God - dead but alive -Forever more the same! I cannot look upon the cross but knowThere is no measure of the love that flowsThere is no measure of the strength of Blood;Oh, Holy Blood, sweep o'er me like a flood.

GEM 2 CHARLES SPURGEON

Remain Unshaken

.. . . In order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.Hebrews 12:27

We have many things in our possession at the present moment that can be shaken, and it is not good for a Christian to rely upon them, for there is nothing stable beneath these rolling skies; change is written upon all things. Yet we have certain "things that cannot be shaken," and I invite you this evening to think of them—that if the things that can be shaken should all be taken away, you may derive real comfort from the things that cannot be shaken and that will remain. Whatever your losses have been, or may be, you enjoy present salvation.

You are standing at the foot of Christ's cross, trusting alone in the merit of His precious blood, and no rise or fall of the markets can interfere with your salvation in Him; no breaking of banks, no failures and bankruptcies can touch that. Then you are a child of God this evening. God is your Father. No change of circumstances can ever rob you of that. Even if by loss you are brought to poverty and stripped bare, you can still say, "He is still my Father. In my Father's house are many rooms; therefore I will not be troubled." You have another permanent blessing, namely, the love of Jesus Christ. He who is God and man loves you with all the strength of His affectionate nature—nothing can affect that. The fig tree may not blossom, and the flocks may dwindle and wander from the field, but it does not matter to the man who can sing, "My Beloved is mine, and I am His." Our best portion and richest heritage we cannot lose.

Whatever troubles come, let us play the man; let us show that we are not like little children cast down by what happens to us in this poor fleeting state of time. Our country is Immanuel' s land, our hope is fixed in heaven, and therefore, calm as the summer's ocean, we will see the wreck of everything earthborn and yet rejoice in the God of our salvation.

GEM 3The god of popular Christianity!
(Milburn Cockrell, "The Master of the World!" )
"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness  and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth! Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might!" 1 Chronicles 29:11-12  In these days of man-centered religion, verses like these have been ignored. The pulpits of our land preach . . .  a defeated God,   a disappointed Christ and   a defenseless Holy Spirit. Man has been deified — and God dethroned. God has been relegated to the background. 
The God most people believe in has benevolent intentions, yet He is unable to carry them out. He wants to bless men, but they will not let Him. The average church-goer thinks Satan has gained the upper hand, and that God is to be pitied rather than worshiped. The god of popular Christianity  has a weak smile and a halo! 
To suppose in the slightest that God has failed, or that He has been defeated, is the height of foolishness and the depth of impiety! The religious world needs to get God off the charity list! 
The Bible knows nothing of a defeated, disappointed, and defenseless God. The God of the Bible is the "Almighty God" (Genesis 17:1) Who has all power in Heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). With Him nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37) or too hard (Jeremiah 32:17). His eternal purpose is being worked out. Everything is going according to His plan, and all things are under His control. 
The God of the Bible is the Supreme Being in the universe! He is the most High, higher than the highest. He has no superiors and no equals.  God is God. He does . . .  as He pleases,  only as He pleases,  always as He pleases. 
"He is in one mind, and who can turn Him? What His soul desires, even that He does" (Job 23:13). Agreeing with this is Psalm 115:3: "But our God is in the heavens: He has done whatever He has pleased." As the Master of the World He declares: "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure!" (Isaiah 46:10) 
God is the Supreme Being and the Sovereign of the universe. He exercises His power . . .  as He wills,  when He wills,  where He wills. " All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing. But He does according to His will in the host of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of earth. No one can ward off His hand or say to Him: What have You done?" (Daniel 4:35) 
God governs all His creatures and their actions. The events that take place on earth do not take place by chance, or fate, or luck. The so-called accidents  are not even incidents with the Master of the World. He numbered the hairs of our head and noted the sparrow' s fall in eternity past by His "determinate counsel and foreknowledge" (Acts 2:23). 
The Master of the World set the bounds of our habitation on earth. The number of our months is with Him, and our days are appointed!
God is holding the helm of the universe, and regulating all events. The Master of the World "works all things after the counsel of His own will" (Ephesians 1:11). It is God's eternal right to do all His pleasure.. He is not accountable to any of His creatures. Job 33:13 declares: "He gives no account of any of His matters." 
God controls all things — or nothing. He must either rule — or be ruled. He must either sway — or be swayed. He must either accomplish His will — or be thwarted by His creatures.. He is not obligated to leave the affairs of this world to be governed by accident, chance, or the will of sinful men. 
If we admit that God absolutely governs all things according to the counsel of His own will, then we admit that He has determined what shall and what shall not transpire in time and eternity. To deny His universal control of all things, is to deny His eternal power and Godhead. If He has the power and wisdom to determine all events — then He can cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

SPECIAL NOTE
To people who ask, who are you? I am Keith..everyone calls me KK. I am married to a wonderful Chinese lady and we both teach here in china. 
Please read what I share with you, please feel free to pass it on to your friends and place it on all social media groups such as Facebook, Ning and if you wish to tweet the links (see below) please feel free to do so.
Please listen to the sermons, all you have to do is to copy and paste the links into your browser, I have heard all the sermons and have been blessed, may you be blessed also.
Please hold China in your prayers, please use the following resources to pray for China

https://prayercast.com/china.html

http://www.operationworld.org/country/chna/owtext.html

https://www.vomcanada.com/china.htm

Below is a link to every people group in China, please adopt a group, pray for them at least once a week. If you do this, please let me know which one you are praying for. The one I have adopted is the A-che people, this has 41,000 People and No Christians, this is the case with many groups

https://joshuaproject.net/countries/CH

GEM 1
More GREAT REVIVAL QUOTES
-Sermoinindex. net

"What a man is on his knees before God in secret, that will he be
before men: that much and no more." -Fred Mitchell

"We must deliberately seek to
meet with God absolutely alone, and to secure such aloneness
with God we are bidden to 'enter into thy closet.' God absolutely
insists on this 'closet&# 39;-communion with Himself. One reason, no
doubt, that He demands it, is to test our sincerity. There is no test
for the soul like solitude. Do you shrink from solitude? Perhaps
the cause for your neglect of the 'closet&# 39; is a guilty conscience?
You are afraid to enter into the solitude. You know that however
cheerful you appear to be you are not really happy. You surround
yourself with company lest, being alone, truth should invade your
delusion..." - Gordon Cove

"I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God.
The lack of it has brought us to our present low estate. The stiff
and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack
of holy desire. Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.
Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of
Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted. Too bad that with
many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain."
- A. W. Tozer

"I should like to allude to a few points in the character of Mr.
Hudson Taylor which impressed me personally, and which I think
had something to do with the blessing that God granted to his
efforts on behalf of this country (China). First his prayerfulness; he
was of necessity a busy man, but he always regarded prayer itself
as in reality the most needful and important part of the work.."
- D. E. Hoste

"Out of a very intimate acquaintance with D. L. Moody, I wish to
testify that he was a far greater pray-er than he was preacher.
Time and time again, he was confronted by obstacles that seemed
insurmountable, but he always knew the way to overcome all
difficulties. He knew the way to bring to pass anything that needed
to be brought to pass. He knew and believed in the deepest depths
of his soul that nothing was too hard for the Lord, and that prayer
could do anything that God could do. " - R. A. Torrey.

"All great soul-winners have been men of much and mighty prayer,
and all great revivals have been preceded and carried out by
persevering, prevailing knee-work in the closet."
- Samuel Logan Brengle

GEM 2
Reader, go near to that cross!
(George Everard, "The Piercing of Jesus' Side!" 1868)

Reader, go near to that cross! As John and the faithful women stood beneath its shadow — so you likewise go and behold the Lamb of God slain for sinners!
Behold that head, lately anointed with fragrant spikenard — now encircled with a chaplet of sharp thorns!
Behold that face, fairer than the children of men, upon which angels delighted to gaze — covered with mingled blood and spittle!
Behold those eyes, which beheld the city with such compassion, which shed tears over it, as at the tomb of Bethany — now growing dim in death!
Behold those ears, which never in vain heard the cry of sorrow or distress — now greeted with bitter mockings and reproaches!
Behold those lips, which spoke as never man spoke, which said to the widow, "Weep not;" and to the waves, "Peace, be still" — now swollen with blows and parched with thirst!
Behold those hands, which healed the leper by their touch, which lifted up the daughter of Jairus and restored her to life — now torn by rugged nails!
Behold those feet, which ever went about doing good, which trod the waves of Gennesaret — now sore wounded, and painfully transfixed to the cruel wood!
Behold that body, so holy, so chaste, so pure — suffering unknown agonies!
And now behold the heart of Jesus, so tender and true, so kind and loving — pierced with the soldier' s spear! 
Ah, it was a savage, cruel hand that inflicted this last wound on the body of our Lord! There was no need for it. The spirit of the Redeemer had fled. His enemies had done their worst. He could no longer suffer pain or grief. But that spear-wound was, as it were, a mark of the hatred which still existed against the Crucified. 
Let every Christian look at his own sin, and see how it has wounded his Lord. Surely it has been as the scourge, the nail, the spear!
My sin is that which has wounded the One who bore me nothing but good will, and who ever sought my peace. My sin is that which has slain my Friend, my Savior, my Redeemer! May I ever regard it as an accursed thing! May I never more look upon it with favor, but with the utmost abhorrence. May I keep far away, shrinking from its very touch, as the deadliest pollution!
How utterly we should loathe and forsake the sin that wrought the sufferings and death of our best Friend!

GEM 3

What A Wonder

It’s a wonder beyond measure why You love us,

I’ve tried to reason now for many years;

It’s a wonder that You cared, and especially You shared,

Years of earth’s time even joining in our tears.

It’s a wonder that You loved the lonely ~ grieving;

Mistreated persons here had Strong Defense.

We surely didn’t ever want to lose You ~

It was for those kind of folks Your back was bent.

You taught us, and You carried out ~  exampled ~

To forgive the ones who hurt us so;

Even when You rode the colt mid hallelujahs ~

In mind’s eye I can see Your head bowed low.

Lord, I have no gold or silver for Your coffers,

But I have a song for You while I have breath…

So touch the ears and let them hear it clearly 

This song of Love for You in deeper depth.

Jesus, Love of God, the greatest Wonder of the World ~

Son of God, yet Lover of men’s souls…

Frail and wounded, blind, deceived, unworthy though we be,

Help us see Your sacrifice and reach our goal!

Joan Clifton Costner

ED WRATHER
Look Before You Leap  You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. – John 8:44 NKJV.  Would you pay $1,963,655.99 for boxes of sports memorabilia without knowing exactly what is in those boxes? That is the most expensive item currently on sale at Amazon. But before you say that is way too much, the item has been marked down, it’s on sale! The original price was $3.5 million! Of course, it could be a great deal with 9,000 items in the boxes of signed NFL memorabilia: cards, helmets, jerseys, footballs from games along with a certificate of authenticity. And, it can all be yours, just add it to the cart and click. Oh, and you will probably need one of those black unlimited credit cards….  Unless you are a multi-billionaire with $2 million to throw away you would likely look before you leaped to buy all of those sports memorabilia. As in, you would want to know exactly what was in those boxes and the estimated current value of each item. You know, if you did actually have $2 million to invest in something like that.  The first known recorded use of the phrase look before you leap is recorded in John Heyword’s verse in 1546 about not rushing into marriage:  And though they seeme wives for you never so fit,Yet let not harmfull haste so far out run your wit:But that ye harke to heare all the whole summeThat may please or displease you in time to cumme.Thus by these lessons ye may learne good cheapeIn wedding and all things to looke ere ye leaped  We are continually faced with making decisions about the relationship’s we form, what we buy, and what we will believe. Not only must we look before we buy, believe, or form relationships, but we must also have the wisdom to know the value of something or the truth of a matter. The sad truth is that people do lie, people do try to deceive, and we need wisdom to look before we leap. How do we obtain that wisdom? We are told clearly how to have wisdom in James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” However, asking is only the first step, because we must not only ask, but we must also hear. The very best way to hear the still, small voice of God is through reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.  According to a survey conducted by Lifeway in 2016 only 11% of Americans have read through the entire Bible and only 9% have read through the entire Bible more than once. 12% said they have almost read through the entire Bible. 30% have read some stories or passages from the Bible. Although Americans don’t read the Bible that much 52% say that it is a good source for morals, 37% say it is still helpful in these times, and 35% say it is life changing.  The very best way to look before you leap is to ask God for wisdom on a continuing basis and to be reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God every day. Make 2019 the year that you read through the entire Bible!

GEM 2 
JOAN COSTNER
Mercy
　
"I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the
knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."
Hosea 6:6
　
　
He held the golden key -
All the world would know...
He could walk that golden bridge ~
But No!
Mercy died at his command.
　
She held the power in her voice
To make it sweet and low;
She could banish all the tears ~
But No!
Is Mercy slain ~ again?
　
They could have stopped the chiding, teasing,
Be a beacon for the best,
But those children jeered and taunted,
Until tears came from the test.
Mercy crumbled in the playground sand.
　
They mocked Him and they tempted ~
They offered Him a way;
Just call the angels, make the sign,
But He held Mercy’s day.
　
Full of Mercy, He commanded,
Not a word to say for Him
But for us ~ Mercy extended ~
Filled the cup time and again!
　
Land of Mercy all inclusive,
Land of Splendor! Land of Light!
Land of Everlasting beauty where there
Never comes a night!
　
It was all obtained by Mercy,
Living Mercy of our Lord;
Praise to You Who gains the Glory for
The chosen splendid plan ~
Grace bestowed, in Love ~ in Mercy,
Offered by a nail~scarred hand!
　
　
2007 by Joan Clifton Costner

GEM 3
JOAN BLAKE
"A Hard Look in the Mirror" Who are you behind those eyes that stare back at you in the mirror every morning? Our friends, spouses and family know the person on the outside pretty well. On the whole, the vast majority of people in this world are hard working, well meaning people who would make good acquaintances or neighbors. But those of us who name Jesus as our Lord and Savior have an interesting dichotomy living within ourselves.
Eph 2:1-3 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. (NAS)We stood in line with the guilty.. We walked the halls of Death Row. The worst part of it was that nobody knew it. For a long while I imagine we fooled ourselves too. But, one day we looked in the mirror and realized that the person staring back at us was weak. Our appetites could get the best of us too easily. The guilt would come rolling in with no solution. We would do better the next time, but next time came and there we were again. Looking for answers and wishing we could break this habit.
What we now know is that we were bound by our master. We lived the life he wanted for us. He took us down a step at a time, miring us in thoughts and deeds we had no power to escape from. We could rationalize that we were as good as the next person. And the sad fact is that that statement would be true. "If God is a God of love then how could He turn me, His creation, away?"
Eph 2:4-9 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast. (NAS)The Bible tells us that wages of sin is death; eternal, spiritual separation from God. This would be justice for us. We deserve nothing better. But the free gift of God is eternal life. And this is where the dark story ends and a new, exciting one begins. If you can look in the mirror and do the one thing we all hate to do, God can help you. Quit fighting. You are in the dark, digging like there is no tomorrow to get out of a pit. If you will stop digging and admit the futility of your efforts, you may hear a voice calling. "Come to me all you who are weak and heavy burdened, and I will give rest for your souls, …"
Are you still fighting? Would rest be the most wonderful thought your tired heart and mind could imagine? What God did to bring us back to a place where we could be friends with Him again, He did on our behalf for His glory. Where are all the "Thou shalt not's" ? They have been replaced by "Thou shalt love …" the Lord and your neighbors as you do yourself. It would be hard to not love someone Who had done so much for us, or to hate someone who struggles with things that we once struggled with ourselves. Are there are few things to change in your life? Would it be worth those changes to know peace and quiet in your stormy heart and life? Will there be other things to struggle with? Yes, but you will not be alone when you face them.
Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (NAS)Christ died for every single face in the mirror. None of us deserve it, or could do anything to earn the first sliver of the unmerited favor and hope that has been pour into our lives. We can only hate what we once were if we forget that we were once just as lost and as angry and hopeless. As we accept His free gift, our sentence was commuted and we were set free.
Are you still living in the dark part of the story? The simple truth is this: God loves you, no matter what you've ever done, or said, or thought. He died in your place to forgive it all. The things that hold you where you are are simply shadows and lies without power for substance. There is nothing in all of creation that can keep Jesus from you. Just ask. Jesus promised that He will never turn anyone who is truly seeking away. If you're ready to quit, or there is nothing left to try - Jesus stands ready to help. You may be in deep. The trip out may not be easy. But, you will have Him by your side every step of the way and it will be easier than the road you are on now.
When you look in the mirror next time, there could be a smile.
 
Heavenly father, help us to remember where we were and how much You have done for us. If we are mindful of how much You have done for us, thanks and love will flow from a grateful heart. And if we remember where we were, we will have compassion on the people who are still there. Love God, love your neighbor. Amen.

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2a PERSECUTED CHURCH
Fri Jan 25, 2019 6:33 pm (PST) . Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59
UPDATE
Please remember us here in China, we are coming up to Chinese new year on the 5th February, please pray as many believers will return to home town, some to hostile environments. Please pray that they would be protected and would see God work mightily in their extended families. Please pray that the work of God would go forward and that china would hear the gospel loud and clear. As many believers go back to the countryside, may they share the gospel, so the whole of China hears the gospel.
Please take time to view the websites below, please adopt a group, there are hundreds of groups waiting to be adopted, please let me know which one you personally and your church would like to adopt
Please hold China in your prayers, please use the following resources to pray for China

https://prayercast.com/china.html

http://www.operationworld.org/country/chna/owtext.html

https://www.vomcanada.com/china.htm

Below is a link to every people group in China, please adopt a group, pray for them at least once a week. If you do this, please let me know which one you are praying for. The one I have adopted is the A-che people, this has 41,000 People and No Christians, this is the case with many groups

https://joshuaproject.net/countries/CH

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"God will judge us not 
according to how much we endured, 
but how much we could love."
~ Richard Wurmbrand
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INDIA: Church Demolished Due to Placement

Source: Morning Star News

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Church building in Narnepadu
Photo: Morning Star News
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A church building within the village of Narnepadu in southern India was torn down on January 9th because it was on the west side of the village. Those responsible claim that the location of the building violated principles of Vastu Shastra, a Hindu system of planning and placement similar to the Chinese practise of Feng Shui.

According to the pastor, the church had formerly met in a rented shed, a facility also opposed by some villagers because of its placement on the west side of the village. When the church purchased property to build last year, village elders countered that the plan had opposed Hindu beliefs. Despite this, the church proceeded with the construction.

On January 9th, the village president called a meeting to discuss the situation but Pastor Koteswara Rao was not available. This annoyed the village leader who then ordered other villagers to demolish the church building. Members of the church leadership have filed a complaint with the police, since discussion between the pastoral leaders and village elders to resolve the issue has not yielded any positive results.

Prayerfully uphold the pastoral leaders, asking God to help them resolve the dissention by providing ways to cultivate an amicable relationship with the rest of the villagers, especially as they determine future plans for the rebuilding of the church. Pray for justice to be served and, throughout the process, that the love of Christ will be evident in this situation.
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SRI LANKA: Churches Threatened

Source: National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka

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Village of Bakamuna
Photo: Google / Senanayaka Bandara
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Reports received reflect the continuing challenges facing churches throughout Sri Lanka. Christians who attempt to meet together face opposition and threats, as well as the possibility of violence.

In the village of Bakamuna, located in central Sri Lanka, seven Buddhist monks took a Christian woman to the police station on November 10th to file a complaint against her. They protested that she was gathering people in her home for prayer. The officer in charge responded by telling the woman that this was a "Buddhist village" and, therefore, she must stop hosting the prayer meetings.

Also, in Bakamuna, Buddhist monks led a group of youth in a protest during a church service on December 2nd. The monks demanded that the pastor step outside where they questioned him as to whether permission had been obtained from the divisional secretary to conduct religious activities. However, such permission is not legally required in Sri Lanka. The group then began yelling obscenities and threatening the Christians with violence. The pastor called the police who managed to bring the situation under control.

A similar demand for permission occurred in the town of Nittambuwa on November 23rd. Two individuals claiming to be from the district' s Urban Development Authority asked if the pastor had received approval to hold worship services. They insisted that permission was required, mandating that the pastor meet with the planning director.

Remember these believers in Sri Lanka as they face pressure from various directions. Pray for their protection from violence and further verbal assault, asking the Lord to give them wisdom and the appropriate words "spoken in due season" when responding to questions and accusations (Proverbs 15:23). May the message of God's grace through Christ continue to spread throughout the nation.
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EGYPT: Muslim Imam Prevents Church Bombing

Sources: International Christian Concern, BBC

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A church and a mosque next to each other.
Photo: Wikipedia / TheEgyptian ( cc)


As churches in Egypt prepared for Christmas celebrations on January 7th, terrorists in Nasr City near Cairo plotted an attack against the worshippers. Multiple bombs were placed on a roof near a church in the city with the intention of detonating them on Christmas Day.

A Muslim imam in a mosque across the street saw what was happening and alerted the police. As the bombs, described as "highly complex and explosive," were being disarmed by explosive experts, one of them detonated -- accident ally killing an officer by the name of Mustafa Abid. Two other officers and an onlooker were also injured. It is expected that the casualty rate would have been significantly higher had the bomb exploded when the building was full of worshippers.

While thankful that the bombs were discovered in time, please pray for the healing of those who were injured at the scene. Also uphold the family, friends and co-workers of the slain officer, Mustafa Abid, as they grieve their tragic loss. May there be a continued unified effort of citizens throughout Egypt, as they work together despite their differences, in the stand against terrorism.

If you would like to post a prayer of praise or petition on behalf of our persecuted family around the globe, visit VOMC' s prayer wall.
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The Persecution & Prayer Alert is a ministry of:
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada, P.O. Box 608, Streetsville, Ontario, L5M 2C1
Tel. (905) 670-9721 Website: www. vomcanada. com

1 UN-REACHED PEOPLES CHINA
Wed Jan 23, 2019 3:31 am (PST) . Posted by: "keith hobkirk

Please hold China in your prayers, please use the following resources to pray for China

https://prayercast.com/china.html

http://www.operationworld.org/country/chna/owtext.html

https://www.vomcanada.com/china.htm

Below is a link to every people group in China, please adopt a group, pray for them at least once a week. If you do this, please let me know which one you are praying for. The ones I have adopted is the A-che and Ming people.
Please adopt a group and ask your pastor to to get your church to adopt a group

https://joshuaproject.net/countries/CH

HAN CHINESE GAN

POPULATION 41 MILLION

 
EVANGELICALS 1%

 
Most Gan live in Jiangxi province and are non-religious, but in recent years, there has been a revival in Buddhism and Daoism. Please pray that the gospel would penetrate the Gan and transform many in this Han People group.

They now have the Jesus Film in their own language, but still need the Bible in their own language. Please pray that this would be completed quickly.

 
Please pray that many Gan would come to faith. 70% of them have never heard the gospel!! Please pray that everyone would hear the gospel.

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18474/CH

 

HAN CHINESE WU

 
POPULATION 92 MILLION

EVANGELICAL 4.5%

Many Wu are non-religious and are involved in magic and the spirit world. Please pray that these bondages would be broken in Christ.

Although there are 4 million Wu believers, there are 88 million who aren't. Please pray that the believers would have a deep burden for their fellow Wu.
They have the full Bible; please pray that the word of God would have a deep impact on the Wu and that it would take root in their culture.

 
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11345/CH

God bless you

 
KK
Reply to sender . Reply to group . Reply via Web Post . All Messages (1) . Top ^
2a GEMS
Wed Jan 23, 2019 10:24 pm (PST) . Posted by: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59

TRUST IN HIS LOVE AND MERCY

David Wilkerson

If you want the peace of God to reign in your life, you must quit several things:

- Stop trying to figure out how God will work things out
- Stop worrying and fretting (Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing”)
- Stop telling God what is right for you
- Stop thinking you are a failure and you can’t please God

One of Satan’s most effective traps for robbing Christians of peace is to convince them they must strive in the flesh to please God. He springs this on me all the time!

Sometimes when I need a quiet place to pray, I drive out into the hills. I was there not long ago, looking out over green fields and forests and enjoying the presence of the Lord. Out of nowhere, the thought hit me that I am not doing anything for the Lord.

“Lord,” I cried out, “I’m just not accomplishing much for Your kingdom. All I do is pray, get messages for sermons, and go to church and preach. The whole world is going to hell and I’m not doing anything for You.”

Have such thoughts ever hit you? You do everything you know to please the Lord yet you still don’t feel holy. I know I didn’t. In fact, I hardly ever feel holy . . . even in my best of times. Even when I’m preaching under the Holy Spirit’s anointing.

You may ask, “You, Brother Dave? At times you don’t feel as if you’re doing much for God?” Yes! The devil comes in and makes us all feel unworthy, unfulfilled, and we lose our peace by giving in to those awful feelings.

Listen to Paul’s prayer for us: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).
Trust in His goodness. Believe in His love and mercy. And don’t accuse Him of being angry or upset with you or of not speaking to you. Let His peace dwell in your heart and over your whole life.

GEM 2
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Fear is the father of courage, the grandfather  of humility, and the patriarch  of prayer.

TENT MAKER
"Speak to the Israelite people and instruct them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments throughout the ages; let them attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner. That shall be your fringe; look at it and recall all the commandments of the LORD and observe them, so that you do not follow your heart and eyes in your lustful urge. Thus you shall be reminded to observe all MY commandments and to be holy to your GOD."[Numbers  (B'Midvar)  15. 38 - 40 Tanakh, Torah]
Jewish men use the Tallith (prayer shawl) to wrap themselves in during their daily prayers and devotions.  This is known as their "tent of prayer."  The Tallith and the fringe in each of its four corners is artistically made.  The fringe itself has a purpose in every strand, wrapping, and knot.  It is made by using eight strands precisely wrapped plus the five knots at various positions to total 613, which is the exact number of commandments in the TORAH.  The LORD GOD instructed the Israelite men to look at the fringe (Hebrew:  tsitzith)  and remember  (perform,  obey, do, carry out) HIS commandments .

In HIS instructions, OMNIPOTENT GOD  also required the children of Israel to "put a cord of blue" in the fringe..  This blue cord entwined in the tsitzith ( fringe, tassels,  hem) is the heavenly colour to remind them of the power and glory of the great GOD OF ISRAEL.

Paul was a tent  maker working  the same trade as Aquila and his wife Priscilla. [Acts  18. 2 - 3]  The occupation of a "tent maker" is that of making of the "Tallith&qu ot; or " prayer shawls. "  In Paul's time, people lived in houses, not tents.  The Bedouins, however, did live in tents, but they made their own from the animals hides of their own flocks.  "Simon the Tanner, whose house was by the sea" was a familiar individual, and he did work with hides, leather and furs. [Acts 10.  6]

Paul tells of his credentials:  "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel , of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews"  [Philippians  3. 4]; and was schooled concerning the Law, "at the feet of Gamaliel taught according to the strictness of our fathers' Law, and was zealous toward GOD." [Acts  22. 3]   Paul added that he spent his youth in Jerusalem , where he lived, " according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee."  [Acts 26. 4 - 5]   Thus, Paul had fully absorbed all knowledge of the Law, the customs and manners of the Jewish people' thus, he would have legitimate expertise and knowledge for the making of this very special item.  The makings of the "tallith&qu ot; was a specifically gifted talent, as Jewish men were required to wear this particular garment by the ALMIGHTY ONE HIMSELF.

Regarding the Tallith — MESSIAH YESHUA  rebuked the religious leaders for "enlarging the borders of their prayer garments (Tallith/ Prayer Shawl)  to be seen of men." [Matthew  23. 5]   "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. " [Matthew  23. 27 - 28]
In fact, CHRISTians today even have reminders to look at and remember GOD&# 39;S commandments  (plaques,  jewelry of crosses, paintings,  etc.).  Man looks on the outward appearance and judges, but that is not where true righteousness is found.  The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, on the other hand, sees the attitude of the heart and that is what determines the approval or disapproval of the LORD and the individual&# 39;s final reward!   For the KING OF GLORY is ourRIGHTEOUSNESS.   Therefore, guard your heart and glorify CREATOR GOD by living a life as one who overcomes by the"blood  of the LAMB"  and by the "word  of your testimony. " [Revelatio n 12. 11]  May the WORD OF GOD be bound in your hearts and the CONTROLLER of your lives!
GEM 3
CHARLES STANLEY

Giving God the Leftovers

Malachi 1:6-14

The prophet Malachi wrote approximately a century after Israel had returned from Babylonian captivity and rebuilt both Jerusalem and the temple. Although there’d been a revival under Nehemiah, by this point the nation had lost its zeal and drifted into mechanical worship.

Instead of offering unblemished animals on the altar as prescribed in the Law, they were bringing God the leftovers of their flocks—the sick, blind, and lame. The people and the priests had become so lax in their worship that they didn’t recognize anything was wrong with these unacceptable practices. Because they had neglected and dishonored the Lord for so long, they no longer knew who He was. As a result, they were not giving Him the reverence He deserved.

Although our form of worship no longer consists of animal sacrifices, we may be guilty of the same sin: giving God the leftovers. Like the priests in Malachi 1:13 who considered worship tiresome, we might think, There are so many other things we could do if we didn’t have to go to church every Sunday morning.

But worship isn’t limited to one day out of seven. It should be expressed all week in our devotion to Christ. If we make other activities the priorities in our life, we won’t give God our best. Filling our calendars to overflowing leaves little time or energy for praying, reading the Word, or serving the Lord in some way. Yet these are the activities that enrich our relationship with God—they inspire us to worship and honor the Lord by giving Him our best.

1a GEMS
: "keith hobkirk" totallylovedbygod59
Please hold China in your prayers, please use the following resources to pray for China

https://prayercast.com/china.html

http://www.operationworld.org/country/chna/owtext.html

https://www.vomcanada.com/china.htm

JC RYLE
I solemnly warn you!

(J.C. Ryle, "Holiness, Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots" 1879)

Some professors  are always trying to keep in with the world. They are ingenious in discovering reasons for not separating decidedly, and in framing plausible excuses for attending questionable amusements, and keeping up questionable friendships. 

One day you are told of their attending a Bible class; the next day perhaps you hear of their going to a ball! 

One day they fast, or go to the Lord's table and receive the sacrament; another day they go to the racecourse in the morning, and the opera at night! 

One day they are almost in hysterics under the sermon of some sensational preacher; another day they are weeping over some novel! 

But . . .
to walk closely with God; 
to be really spiritually- minded; 
to behave like strangers  and pilgrims;
to be distinct from the world in use of time, in life-style, in amusements, in dress; 
to bear a faithful witness for Christ in all places; 
to leave a fragrance of our Master in every society; 
to be prayerful, humble, unselfish, good-tempered, quiet, contented, charitable, patient; 
to be jealously afraid of all manner of sin;
to be tremblingly alive to our danger from the world
 — these, these are rare things! They are not common among those who are called Christians; and, worst of all, the absence of them is not felt and bewailed as it should be!

I beseech you not to be content with a small measure of grace — not to be satisfied with being a little better than the world!

I solemnly warn you not to attempt doing what never can be done: to serve Christ — and yet keep in with the world. I call upon you and beseech you . . .
  to be a whole-hearted Christian,
  to follow after eminent holiness,
  to aim at a high degree of sanctification,
  to live a consecrated life, and
  to present your body a "living sacrifice" unto God!

Holiness

GEM 2
JAMES SMITH
"Without Me ye can do nothing."  Jn 15:5

NEVER forget that in the Lord is our righteousness and strength.  
We are not sufficient to think rightly of ourselves, but through 
Him we can do all things.  Never attempt anything without looking 
to Jesus for power.  

Let a knowledge and constant sense of weakness keep you near to 
Him;  sensibly depending on Him; and ascribing all good unto Him.  
You cannot, He can.  You have destroyed yourself, in Him is your 
help found.  It is only by union to Him, and receiving from Him, 
that you can glorify God, adorn your profession, enjoy your 
privileges,  and obey the holy precepts of the gospel.  Never 
presume, but come up out of the wilderness leaning on Him, your 
beloved.  

Live as one deeply sensible of your dependence upon, and 
obligation to, the Lord Jesus.  He is the strength of the poor, 
the strength of the needy in his distress, and your strength too.  
Beloved, Jesus is your life-giving Head, the Fountain from which 
you are to draw all your supplies, and the Friend to whom you are 
to carry all your cares.  He will work in you to will and to do 
of His own good pleasure.

Jesus, immutably the same!
Thou true and living vine!
Around Thy all-supporting stem
My feeble arms I twine;
Thou art my strength, my life, my hope,
Nor can I sink with such a prop.

GEM 3 
DR KENNY MCCLINTON

God's View of Homosexuality! Romans 1:18-32

Text:  “Wherefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.. .God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.”                                                                                                                                         Romans 1:24-28.    
Good morning, discerning Christian!  Praise God, you are not of the above mentioned who have been left with ‘reprobate minds’.  You have been given clear judgement to discern right from wrong; good from evil; Christ like desires as opposed to the lusts inspired of the flesh and the Devil. 

The 'politically correct' , nor the world-views, do not inform your faith, practice, or beliefs.  God's view, as fully expressed in God's Word - the KJV Bible - is the view that is paramount in your Christian mind.

God’s Word tells us that vile actions and practices such as homosexuality are clearly wrong and an abomination in the pure eyes of God.  God’s Word is quite enough for you and for me.  Amen?  So be it. (Habakkuk 1:13) (1 Corinthians 2:11-16)

Many so-called ‘Liberalists’ within the ranks of the professing Christian Church would dare to teach us that homosexuality is not sin; and would go further to advocate the acceptance of practising homosexuals into the ordained ministry!  This is utter apostasy, and reflects harshly upon the state of Christendom today.                          (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

Such pathetic people are clearly not as much ‘Liberalists’ as total Libertines!  Come ye out from among them, beloved Christian!        (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) (Romans 6:1-14)

To accept homosexual practice as an integral part of a believer’s lifestyle is to show that oneself is unsaved; reprobate; void of Spiritual discernment. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

The Holy Spirit’s first ministry to us towards Salvation is to quicken us with Spiritual discernment - that we who were once ignorant of our sinful state and the peril of our Eternal souls, might recognise sin for what is; Christ’s righteous standard for Heaven; and the judgement that shall surely come.  (John 16:8)

Therefore, if a person professing Christ as Saviour and Lord of his/her life sees no harm in the odious practice of male and female homosexuality, that person is revealing the fact that they themselves are yet in darkness, reprobate; UNSAVED!              (Isaiah 8:20) (Matthew 7:15-20)

Again, how can one repent (turn from sin to follow hard after Godliness in Christ Jesus) of one’s own vile life of sins, if one cannot even recognise sin in the lives of others?    Impossible!                      (Matthew 7:3-5)

Sin, for the true enlightened Christian, is not only clearly recognised as sin; but, with the advent of God the Holy Spirit into ones heart, sin becomes even more exceedingly sinful, while purity and Holiness become exceedingly desirable.  (Psalm 42:1-2)  Christ’s Light always reveals sin’s vileness.  (John 15:19-24)

However, the above Scripturally defined abhorrence of homosexual sin does not mean that homosexuals cannot be soundly saved!  

Furthermore, it does not prevent men who were once homosexuals from being ordained into a full Christian ministry!  Never!  There are no ‘little sins’, as opposed to ‘big sins’ - sin is sin in the pure eyes of an altogether Holy God of wrath against sin.  (James 2:10)

What saith the Word on this matter of men and women abusing themselves with members of the same sexual gender?  “And such were some of you (i.e. Christians!) : but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”  Hallelujah!  What a Saviour!  Isn’t the Lord God really GRACIOUS?  (1 Corinthians 6:9-12)

Homosexuals can certainly take their place in a pulpit, or as Sunday-school teachers, elders, deacons, etc.  However, their once practised homosexuality must immediately cease - just as the redeemed murderer must murder no more, and the redeemed thief must cease to steal! 

We are in fact to become brand new creatures in Christ Jesus.  Like Christ!   We cannot practice darkness daily and expect to walk with God in the Light.       (2 Corinthians 5:17)  (1 John 1:6-7)

Only reprobate, perverse, minds would have it otherwise.  God’s law condemns the odious practice of homosexual Sodomy.  This is merely God's view on homosexuality! On the full Authority of His Own written Word!  Obedience comes first!

Thought:     The closer one gets to God’s Light - the clearer one must recognise sin and flee from it!