Future World Demographics

Recently, One Jerusalem provided a link to a very well-produced video that gave demographics for world-wide Muslim population growth versus growth in Europe, Asia and the Americas. If you have not yet seen it, or if you would like to view it again, the link is posted below. The statistics are staggering. However, the most important part of the video is at the end; a message of encouragement, hope, and salvation.

http://www.onejerusalem.org/2009/05/reality-check-worldwide-future.php

Traffic Jam On The Information Highway

I have found that attempting to keep up with world events unfolding before our eyes is a weighty and almost impossible task. Like a snowflake that hits the top of a mountain and begins a rolling descent, news and information has become an avalanche and the speed with which it is coming is growing faster and more furious.

Because of today's technology, it only takes minutes for us to hear or read about an airliner going down, a despot threatening destruction, or the latest misstep by our current President. The problem, though, is there appears to be a traffic jam on the information highway and that the liberal media decides for us what we will be fed, usually with a biased slant or lack of complete information making it difficult for us to determine the truth. In order for us to discern what is actually taking place, we are forced to seek a balance between either the news feeds on television, research it ourselves on the internet, or glean the facts from conservative talk radio. Only then are we able to put things into perspective and draw the proper conclusion.

A prime example of this was the recent murder of a Army recruiter in Arkansas and the wounding of another. I was stunned that it had not made front-page news until the event was forced to the forefront by conservative talk radio. I even asked my husband if he had heard about it and his reply was only in a brief news account. It came to light last night on Bill O'Reilly that the State Department took three days to make a statement condemning it. I was puzzled by the lack of reporting and our government's flippant reaction. That is until it dawned on me that doing so would have tainted Obama's Middle East trip because the shooter was an American who had been converted to Islam, had been trained in the Middle East in the art of terrorism, and had plans to strike in other locations around the United States. Because Obama was going to give his much-touted speech in Egypt during his visit to Mecca (which just happened to be the day following this recruiter's murder), I believe the story was squelched and the fawning liberal media obeyed their leader's request. What a gross injustice was done to this young man who was serving his country, and to his family and loved ones who supported him.

Information is beginning to slowly leak out about this misguided killer, but not with the speed that it deserves. It appears that the Homeland Security knew this man had traveled to the Middle East and suspected he was up to no good. However, it is no surprise to me that they failed or refused to detain him before he was able to take a innocent life. All one has to do is hear or read Obama's speech in Egypt to understand that the United States no longer regards these men as a threat, that terrorism no longer exists, rather, it all boils down to a few "extremists" who are causing all the problems.

Obama spoke before this gathering of Egyptian Muslims and to a billion Muslims around the world and failed to remind them that this action was perpetrated by one of their own who adhered to the true meaning of "fatwah" and "jihad". Instead, Obama pandered to the Muslim world, citing their Koran and misinterpreting the Bible, in order to appease them and give them the impression that he was one of their own with their best interests at heart. He had the opportunity to use the Army recruiter's murder as an instrument to point out the glaring problems of their Islamic faith. Instead, he chose to elevate himself above this young man and ignore the injustice that was done.

Perhaps the most disturbing development regarding this tragedy was reported last night on Fox News. The State Department has ordered the FBI to stand down and stop investigating the connections the Army recruiter's murderer has with terrorist cell groups. There was once a time when investigative reporters would have seized upon an opportunity to reveal shady or questionable dealings or decisions made by our government. Upon performing a Google search for articles on this, I was dismayed to find no articles from AP, Reuters, or other well-known media outlets until three days after the fact. All first page hits were from blogger sites and conservative news feeds, and one accusing NPR of avoiding the story. Only time will tell if there are any honest reporters still dedicated to unearthing injustice, conspiracies, or out-right lies that are seeming to flow daily out of the White House. If there are no longer men and women like this, it will be up to us to try and sort out the sordid details in a murky sea of information.

There is one person who deserves to be given every resource we have available that will stop the growing flood of home-grown terrorists. His name is William Long. He was 23 years old. He leaves behind a grieving family who probably daily question the reasoning behind the senseless murder of their son and the government's lack of compassion and assurance that they are using every resource to make sure it never happens again. My heart bleeds for them and for their loss.

I hope I have effectively convinced everyone that we must assume the role of a "watchman on the wall". We can no longer rely on the media to keep us apprised of things that may directly affect us or others around the world. "Truth in print" has become a by-word by the liberal left. In these perilous times, it is required of us that we "keep watch" and lean heavily on Christ's promise to return and fix all that is wrong with the world. I hope it is soon.

His Increase

Spurgeon’s Sermons, volume 10, number 3 - “Additions to the Church”; reference Acts 2:47.

“And the Lord daily added to the church such as should be saved.”

At Pentecost, 3000 souls were saved in one moment. A breath was breathed from the mouth of God and His Holy Spirit drew an increase. Many men of different nations and tongues stood in awe as they heard Peter’s message, delivered in one language, but heard and understood in many. From there, the spark flew onto the tinder of men’s hearts and ignited a conflagration that swept over the entire world and rages still. God will have His children, those who belong to Him. His voice will be heard above the world’s roars and growls and the hatred that permeates our society. His strength shall be felt even by the weakest saint, for the power of His Word is poured out upon the whole earth. Praise You, Holy Spirit, for You are mighty to save and Your voice will never be silenced!

The “early church” is a term applied by theologians as though today’s church is intended to be somehow different. In its first stages, the church remained in purity. The disciples gave the simplicity of the Gospel and it was received with much gladness and joy. They were steadfast in its delivery, refusing to waiver, never taking from it, never adding to it. The Gospel remained undefiled, its message the same each time it was given, until man, vile and corrupt, began to skew and twist it into false doctrine and apostasy.

Man saw a need for a “visible altar,” architecture, scarlet robes, and other finery; rings, miters and other adornments. Once they set in place the outward appearance, they began to work at defiling the inner, the Word, with their many crazy and misguided notions of the Gospel. “Priest-craft,” baptismal regeneration, transubstantiation, sacramental efficacy, ritual requirements, and works and deeds were inserted. Not satisfied with this abomination, they once again set up idols, the “deities of the heathen,” by calling them “saints instead of gods, putting the Virgin into the place of Venus, and setting up Peter and Paul in the niches formerly occupied by Saturn or Mars. Our present ‘revived early church’ is only Paganism with a border of crosses.”

We must return to the “primitive” church. Nothing in its message has changed, except by what man has done to defile it. The message that was carried then by the disciples should be carried now to a world condemned to die without Jesus Christ. Rather than adhering to the apostasy of the “early church”, we should look to the “earliest church” and embrace the Good News that spread among it.

May it be so. Today’s churches are quickly falling into apostasy. The message of the disciples has been replaced with what God can do for you rather than what you can do for Him. Like a bloated and stinking corpse, it is ripe with “self” and imagery, avarice and pleasure. Men stand at the church pulpits before thousands of hungry souls and feed them a watered down, lukewarm, and ineffective Gospel that is filled with just enough to cause the congregations to think they have the solution. And all the while, souls cling to the false hope they are given like a man holding onto a lifeline that is connected to nothing and is unable to save him.

Pray, all you Saints of God! Pray for the world around us, those being led to the slaughter like unsuspecting lambs. Restore Your former glory, Lord! Revive Your message of Truth and salvation to a starving and dying world! May men come out of the ashes of distortion and deception and boldly proclaim Your message of Truth and salvation. And may You bring an increase in Your Kingdom like such has never been seen.

For Your glory and honor, Lord. Amen and Amen.



For more on the Pentecost and its application to the Jewish holiday, Shavuot, click here

Will We Be Like Them?

Tiller the Baby Killer is dead! George Tiller, the late term abortionist from Kansas was killed yesterday as he served as an usher in his church. Most people would think that I , a person who values life and proudly carries the anti abortion flag, would be happy that this man, the murderer of countless children, was dead. But I cannot be happy that a life has been taken by anyone but God. "Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, in due time their foot will slip; And the impending things are hastening upon them." Deuteronomy 32:35. God makes it very clear that we are in no position to decide who lives and who dies.

In the movie The End of the Spear there is a poignant moment when the son of Nate Saint, a missionary in the Amazon, asks his father if he will take a gun and use it if his life is threatened. His father tells him that he won't. His son worries for his father's life but he reminds him that he knows the Lord and knows that he will be in heaven with Jesus if something happens to him . But the man who would seek to harm him does not have that hope, hence, he needs to live until someone carries the gospel message to him. Instead of taking the life of George Tiller, wouldn't it have been far better to have told him about the love of God? Wouldn't it have been far better to pray for the man to be convicted of his sin so he would have been compelled to repent and follow God?

I am quite certain that this news will be a blight on all who value life. We have already been labeled terrorists by the head of Home Land Security Janet Napalitano. This can only add fuel to the fire. The president of NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League), Kelli Conlin, said today, "It is cold-blooded, vicious actions like today's assassination that make it hard for those of us in the pro-choice community to find common ground with those on the other side." It is voices like her's that are very dangerous to our cause but the actions of Scott Roeder, Tiller's assassin, are equally dangerous. We need to use our voices, get involved in pro-life organizations like Life Options who educate young men and women on the consequences of sexual activity out of wedlock. Who teach our youth about a God who loves them and values them as a beautiful creation. Who value life from conception to natural death. Violence against our unborn, infirm, handicapped and elderly is something used by groups like NARAL . Will we chose to be like them?

A part of me is relieved that George Tiller is dead. But will the unborn be any safer because of his death? Satan seeks to devour our young and will use any willing person to get the job done. We can only hope that hearts will be changed in this fallen world. God help us.

One Flesh

The month of June has always been recognized as the time of year when young men and women join in matrimony. Beautiful wedding gowns have been purchased and altered, guest lists have been carefully scrutinized, cakes, caterers and music is planned, and would-be grooms nervously sit back and watch all the twittering going on between the bride and her attendants. It is a time of year to be celebrated as two young people begin a life journey of commitment to each other.

But our God did not take this matrimonial promise lightly. It is not only a commitment to each other, but a commitment to Him and all that it contains. It is a vow to remain faithful to each other, to honor our spouse in good times and in bad. And it is intended by Him that nothing should come between the two participants that would tear down what He has established. By adhering to this belief, the couple bring God His deserved honor and glory.

The marriage covenant between a man and a woman is also an analogy of another marriage that will one day take place. That is the marriage between Jesus Christ and those who choose to accept Him as their spouse. The book Song of Solomon beautifully illustrates the love the LORD has for His heavenly bride and His desire for her. It is a love story sung by Christ to His church and by the church to its King.

Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:21-23 "...that they may be one as We are one. I in them and You in Me." Just as Genesis 2:23-24 speaks of the union of the first man and woman to each other, we shall become united as "one flesh" with the LORD on that glorious day. And what a unbelievable wedding ceremony it will be - one I certainly do not want to miss!

“The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called “woman,” for she was taken out of man.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Genesis 2:23-24


As Eve sprang from Adam’s side,
Near to his heart where soul abides;
From bone and flesh his God did make
A gift to man to call his mate.

Not from the soil of new-made earth,
Nor the loamy bed of Adam’s birth;
But from the man his God brought forth
A woman of value and of great worth.

From bone and flesh He made her thus;
Not from the life within the dust
As Adam was made to tend God’s bower
And stand before Him in fateful hour.

But from the man his God withdrew
The essence of life’s soft downy dew;
And molded her into a being refined
To become one with man and love divine.

United and joined, no one to part,
God smiled with joy and love filled His heart.
From these two creatures whom He had planned,
A greater gift would be given to man.

One day He would give the flesh of His flesh;
He’d offer Himself to bring needed rest.
A Son He would make, bone of His bones,
Who would suffer and bleed on the cross alone.

From undefiled womb, God would make
A Man from which all could partake;
Of flesh and bone He would appear,
But all who know Him will know God is near.

He shall make us one with His Holy Son,
The flesh of His flesh, the bone of His bones;
To redeem the ones who hear His call
And make His Son their all-in-all.

We’ll be made His spouse, His heavenly bride,
That heaven or earth will never divide.
And angels will rejoice and break into song
As the Lord of All Creation makes us one.

Bone of His bones, and flesh of His flesh;
United in love, a promise of rest.
Made one with our Savior Who came from above,
To make us all one with divine, holy love.






Copyright 2006 Karen L. Brahs

The Negotiation Table

“You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all.”
Acts 10:36

“’Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.’ For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Isaiah 1:18-20

We are at enmity with God. That is a fact no one can dispute if he’d take a moment and consider it. Our sinful and fallen state causes us to be God’s enemies and we have been waging war against Him since Satan’s first attempt to overthrow God’s will and sovereignty by enlisting Adam’s disobedience. We have gathered together armies of “self”, built bulwarks of idols, and have shot arrows laced with the poison of our souls at the heart of God Almighty.

At the time of Christ’s appearance on earth, Israel was wearying of war, was under subjection to Rome, and had assimilated into the Roman culture, adopting and accepting their practices and idols. But there was always within their ranks a minority of zealots who would revolt and upset the balance the Jewish leaders tried to maintain with Rome. These zealots threatened the comfortable existence the Jews of higher rank enjoyed with their oppressor, and they didn’t like it. When trouble would erupt, the leaders would go to their Roman overseers and negotiate peace with them, reassuring them the “problem” would be taken care of.

The Jews knew and believed the Torah’s prophecy of a Messiah that would come and deliver them, one who would bring “peace” to their nation. However, they interpreted prophecy incorrectly, assuming this Messiah would gather together a great army, driving their oppressor back to Rome and establish himself as a King in the manner of David. So, when Christ came with His message of peace, they expected something and someone completely different. Although Jesus fulfilled every word of prophecy that was foretold of Him, this “Lamb of God” was not what they wanted and their enmity to God was carried out on the Cross of Calvary. But, before this was fulfilled, Jesus established ambassadors, negotiators of peace, who would carry His treaty to the entire world.

The Apostles were the true “negotiators” of peace, the true Ambassadors of God’s love for Israel and for all who would listen and accept it, for they carried with them His “peace treaty” to end all peace treaties. God had wearied of Israel’s halfhearted sacrifices and their rivers of blood coursing down His altar. He would provide one final sacrifice, His perfect and spotless Lamb, as the last peace offering, one whose blood would cover the sins of all mankind and end the war between Him and His people. He would place His Son on the tables of negotiation, would offer Him to both sides, and redeem the world to Himself. This would be the message His Ambassadors would carry to the world.

All men have yet to accept this treaty of peace that God still offers. Wars still rage, men still hate, and idols are still being built. Treaties are proffered between nations, and always within their ranks are those who are ready to break them. Truces are made, then hatred is rekindled, and what they have attempted to erect is once again torn down. Today’s Israel is still trying to negotiate a “peace treaty” with her enemies, choosing to ignore the one God has given them - Jesus Christ.

But until the day comes that God withdraws His final offer of peace, a day He has ordained to end all wars and bring true peace, there will be Ambassadors who will continue to carry the Good News to a dying world. Faithful men and women who believe and trust the God Who has sent them, who will join together both sides of the rebellion and lay upon the table of negotiation their Champion, their Savior Jesus Christ, whose gleaming white banner of peace is made scarlet by His blood.

Charles H. Spurgeon once said, “God’s sovereignty is not threatened by mere man’s opposition to Him.” He Who is Lord of All could have ended all rebellion centuries ago with the breath of one word. But “He is slow to anger and abounding in love,” and He desires you meet Him at the negotiation table where the “good news of peace” that is written upon the heart of God is graciously offered.

How Sure Is Your Foundation?

Several years ago, my oldest son, Chris, gave me a 10-volume set of Charles H. Spurgeon's sermons. It took me a little over a year to read and study them and they have enriched my spiritual life in more ways than I can count. Along the way, I picked up a book by Spurgeon entitled, "Evening By Evening", which consists of evening devotions. This is the book I have been using to post a few of his devotions.

Today's message (or I should say "tonight's") is no exception. It is a timeless and telling message, in that it speaks of a problem within our church and Christian community that is escalating in a disturbing way. The enemy has not ceased his work, rather he is feverishly attacking and attempting to undermine the church foundation because he knows his time is short. I hope you read it and that it blesses you to examine and shore up the Foundation on which you stand.

In Christ,

Karen

"Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho." Joshua 6:26

"Since the man who rebuilt Jericho was cursed, much more damned are those who labor to restore false religions among us. In our fathers' days, the gigantic walls of unrighteousness fell by the power of their faith, the perseverance of their efforts, and the blast of their gospel trumpets. Now there are some who want to rebuild accursed, so-called religious systems on their old foundations. O Lord, be pleased to thwart these unrighteous endeavors and pull down every stone upon which they build.

It should be a serious business with us to be thoroughly purged of every error that may have a tendency to foster an ungodly spirit. Then, when we have made a clean sweep at home, we should seek in every way to oppose sin's all-to-rapid spread abroad in the church and in the world. This last can be done in secret through fervent prayer and in public through giving a strong testimony. With judicious boldness, we must warn those who are inclined to believe false teachings. We must instruct the young in Gospel truth and alert them to the sinful practices of religion in past times. We must aid in spreading the light more thoroughly through the land, for false teachers, like owls, hate daylight.

Are we doing all we can for Jesus and the Gospel? If not, our negligence plays into the hands of the enemy. What are we doing to distribute the Bible? Are we spreading abroad good, sound Gospel writings? Luther once said, 'The devil hates goose quills,' and, undoubtedly, he has good reason: ready writers, by the Holy Spirit's blessing, have done the devil's kingdom much damage. If the thousands who read this brief word tonight will do all they can to hinder the rebuilding of this accursed Jericho, the Lord's glory will speed among the sons of men.

Reader, what can you do? What will you do?"

Is This The United States of America?

Recently, a San Diego Pastor held a regular Bible Study in his home for fifteen people. According to the news story from WorldNet Daily, they have been issued a citation for holding an "illegal religious assembly" by the County and threatened with further fines and sanctions if they do not cease their activity and secure a "permit". This is a clear violation of our First and Second Amendment rights in regard to religious assembly. The Pastor and his wife are being represented by the Western Center For Law and Policy. Please read the article at http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=98895

I will be closely following this story and will let you know of further developments. We should also be in prayer over this!

In Christ,

Karen

Perseverance

"Continue in the faith." Acts 14:22

Once again, I would like to share Spurgeon's devotion with all of you. It is meant to encourage each of us, to persevere as we await our precious Savior. I hope it blesses you.

"Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is more than a beginning in the ways of God. It is also a continuance in the faith as long as life lasts. It is the same for a Christian as it was with the great Napoleon. He said, 'Conquest has made me what I am, and conquest must maintain me.' So, under God, dear friend in the Lord, conquest has made you what you are and conquest must sustain you. Your motto must be, 'Excelsior' (still higher). A true conqueror, who will be crowned at the last, is the one who continues until war's trumpet is blown no more. Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies.

The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time, if it can tempt you to cease your pilgrimage and settle down to buy and sell in Vanity Fair. The flesh will seek to ensnare you and to prevent your pressing on to glory. The flesh says, 'It is weary work being a pilgrim; come, give it up. Am I always to be mortified? Am I never to be indulged? Give me at least a vacation from this constant warfare.' Satan will make many fierce attacks on your perseverance; it will be the mark for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service. He will insinuate that you are doing no good and that you need to rest. He will endeavor to make you weary of suffering. He will whisper, 'Curse God, and die' (Job 2:9). Or he will attack your steadfastness by asking, 'What is the good of being so zealous? Be quiet like the rest; sleep as the others are, and let your lamp go out as the other virgins do.' Or he will attack your doctrinal sentiments by asking, 'Why do you hold to these denominational creeds? Sensible people are becoming more liberal; they are removing the old landmarks. Get with the times.'

Therefore, Christian, wear your shield close to your armor, and cry mightily to God so that by His Spirit you may endure to the end."

Please Remember Them....

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. While you are celebrating in your own way, please remember the veterans this day is set aside for, who gave their lives to insure our freedom.

See you next week!

Karen