The War of Armageddon

What is the War of Armageddon?

1.  Revelation 16:16 says "they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon." This means in Hebrew Mountain of Megiddo. Two verses earlier we are told that the false trinity (Dragon, beast, and false prophet) send evil spirits to the kings of the earth to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.

2.  Thus the battle of Armageddon has to do with the gathering of world-wide political leaders over the entire earth to stand against Christ and His people (the Church).

3.  This same gathering for war is spoken of again in Revelation 19:19 (the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse (Christ) and against His army (The Church).  See also Rev 20:8 where the nations of the earth are deceived and gathered together for war.

4.  NT references:  Revelation 11:7 (the beast making war with the church and seeming to overcome and kill believers); Revelation 16:14-16 (see above); Revelation 19:19; Revelation 20:8

4. The Players:  The Beast and the Nations (Kings) of the Earth VS Christ and the Church

5.  Is the battle literal or figurative.  We believe very clearly figurative.  Consider:

    a.  OT prophecies of the final battle of history take place, without exception, in the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem and Mount Zion.  The plain of Megiddo is a two days walk north.
    b.  No Mountain of Meggido exists.  The name Armageddon means Mount of Megiddo or "mountain of attack."
    c.  OT battles in the plains of Meggido (the book of Judges (Barak and Gideon), the deaths of Saul and his sons, death of King Josiah, Zechariah 12-14) are typological pointers to the final battle of history which is Satan VS Christ and His Church.  It is there that the Israelites had some of their greatest victories and defeats.  Armageddon is the battle which has been going on and will continue to go on.  The time of this battle is between the first and second comings of Christ.  Such a view as we have here accepts the 1000 year reign of Christ as current (symbolical) and not future (literal).  
    d.  This spiritual battle which sees the saints (all true believers) persecuted has been clearly going on since the book of Acts and will continue until Christ judges the enemies of Himself and the Church.
    e.  Studying the results of the battle in Revelation 16, Revelation 19, and Revelation 20 shows in each instance a supernatural picture of the destruction of Satan and those who stand with Him.  See 16:18-21, 19:20-21, and 20:9-10.  There is no literal battle that takes place.  It is a supernatural and spiritual one.

6.  Armageddon is the culmination and climax of the war that began in Genesis 3:15 between Satan and Christ.  Revelation 12 explains this long battle in detail.  The final battle is a spiritual one that has varying degrees of intensity and at times looks as though Satan is the winner.  The Church is seen as destroyed in Revelation 11 (the Two Witnesses representing the Church dying and rising again) and throughout church history there have certainly been periods where the light of the Church burned dim.

Conclusion:  The Battle of Armageddon is the ongoing effort of Satan to destroy Christ and the Church as mentioned in Revelation 12.  He deceives nations and kings and leaders of all sorts to take their stand against the Church.  This is just as we have seen it as we study church history for the past 2000 years.  In the end Christ will deliver His church from years of persecution and opposition.

December Christmas Gifts

As we prepare for the coming of Christ in this season we are saying thanks to all who have given to Christ through us in order to promote the mission of making Jesus Christ famous in all the earth. We have a couple Christmas gift ideas for your loved ones here as well as some ways you can help God's mission at home and abroad through World Impact Now at the end of this year and next.

Christmas Gifts For You or Your Loved Ones

1. Celtic Daily Prayer (Click to see)

2. Celtic Woman Christmas (Click to See)

3. Jewelry! Buy Jewelry from TA and help missions. www.liasophia.com. Buy two get up to four more expensive items at half-price. Host a show gets lots of free jewels, lifetime guaranteed. Locals can come see with their own eyes.

Support a Pastor in Poverty

We are looking for folks who will give $25 a month to pastors in poverty overseas. We are looking to help 60 or more pastors and other leaders

Build a Church on a Primitive Island

We are hoping to build two churches in connection with the Fuga Island Project in the Philippines. Help us do it. $24,000 will build two churches.

Invest in our Ministry

We are not high pressure fund-raisers and believe that God is big enough to supply. We only present opportunities. We have plans to invest $130,000 in kingdom funds for next year to promote our Lord and we need $14,000 as we close out this year to accomplish our goals. If you can help do so. In 2010 we will be involved in Uganda, Philippines, India, Scotland, and locally in Virginia the Samaritan Inn and Kairos Prison Ministry.

Go With Us On a Trip (see trips on right side of this web-site)

Preparing for Christmas

As you prepare for Christmas this year remember that the coming of Christ was in fulfillment of the promises to Abraham and his descendants as Luke 1:55 and Luke 1:73 make crystal clear. Jesus is the fulfillment of the ancient promises and the only way to have relationship with God. Spend time in the Gospels and be content that though the story is Old it can be refreshing. There is no new story to be had. No new story is needed. However, let us hope for fresh revelation and fresh experiences of the living Christ who is God with us, revealing to us the trinitarian life of community which is fulfilled when we love others and give ourselves away to them. The best gift you can give anyone is to die for them by dying to yourself as you are with them.

The Trinity Makes His Home Within You

One of the key truths of the Christian church which is often neglected is that of the Trinity. Though not a biblical word it is beyond doubt that there is but One God existing in three persons who are wrapped up in love for one another. Let us avoid the heresies propagated here which were both ancient and modern. The truth is that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. The biblical evidence is overwhelming. They are not three modes or expressions of God but each one is fully God. The astounding thing to get is not a full comprehension of this mystery but a wonder that He as three in One has come to live within each person who has embraced Christ. Consider the following:

1. The Holy Spirit lives within you as promised in John 1417: "He abides within you and will be in you"
2. If you love Christ you will be loved by the Father. If not, you cannot know Father, Son, or Holy Spirit.
3. If you love Christ you will be loved by the Father and He and the Son will come to make their home with you. John 14:23

So we see that all three dwell within the believer and that knowing Him requires embracing Jesus Christ. Without Christ there is no possible knowledge of God. What an exclusive and offensive message. Stick to it and imitate for God and others the love that exists between each member of the Trinity. Understanding these things is one of the keys to the Christian life.

Key to Spiritual Battle

1 Chronicles 5:20-22 provides us with a key to the battles we face in our daily lives. (It does pay to read through the Genealogies!):

"they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him . . . For many fell slain, because the war was of God."

What we know is that for those who have pledged allegiance to Christ the main war is of God as we fight against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heaven places. Let us be careful lest we choose battles that God Himself has not chosen. This requires a sensitivity to the Spirit under the tutelage of the inspired Scriptures which we must know and cannot be left to our own whims.

Here in this passage is a commentary on much of the Psalms which are the cries of Christ and His Church against persecution and trials within the war of life which is composed of numerous battles. The keys for God's people are:

1. Cry out to Him in the battle
2. Trust Him to hear and answer
3. Count on the falling of the enemy as when Jesus saw Satan falling from heaven like lightning
4. Make sure your battle is of the Lord and not of your own devising

Keep up the good fight!

Join the Great Dance

For the relationship of the holy trinity as a Great Dance we have to thank St. Gregory of Nazianzus (4th Century) and C.S. Lewis (Perlelandra). It is the exciting reality that the members of the Trinity were in love with one another and had pleasure in giving themselves away to one another. Thus we see in the Scriptures that the purpose of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son, the Son's will was to do the will of the Father, and the Father glorified the Son and has given Him the kingdom.

God created and has called all of us to get in on the Great Dance by giving ourselves away in love to one another. In the gospel of John you are told that if you love Jesus you will be loved by the Father and the Father and Son will come and make their abode with you. The Holy Spirit is then promised in this passage as being sent by the Father to us and then later the Spirit is said to be sent by the Son. There is no contradiction here. The three are one and they are seeking to invade your life with their life-- which is a dance of love. See John 14-15

World Impact Update:

We encourage all to get in on this dance of love. What is God calling you to do in terms of bearing the fruit of love in the world. To bear fruit is why you were created and chosen (John 15:16). We challenge you to find your fruit-bearing place in the world which requires you give yourself away. Here is what we are trying to do and you are invited to join us if you will:

1. Uganda November 2009
2. Philippines December 2009
3. Monday Morning Prayer at 7:30 at the Daily Grind Coffee Shop 419
4. Wed Devotional Lunch at 12 Noon Corned Beef and Co.
5. Ministry to the Homeless and Down and Out Thursdays 11:30-1:00 at the Samaritan Inn
6. Fuga Island, Philippines April 2010
7. Spiritual Retreat to Iona, Scotland June-July 2010
8. Raise $20K for the remainder of 2009
9. A goal of $150k raised for our budget in 2010

Please pray for these matters, consider going with us on a trip, praying with us, or giving financially. We have no idea how all these things will happen. Thank God that He can do all things. If you have prayer requests or want to help please contact us. In Christ, Todd

Farm Prayer Event Like Woodstock?!

On Friday Night October 16th we have an opportunity in Roanoke, VA to make a difference in our communities, country, and world. Yeah, that is right. I am actually crazy enough to believe that God has organized a one night all night prayer and worship meeting that can have a big impact on lives world-wide and could be the start of something special . . . or at least a continuation of the already special something started long ago in the garden. We don't expect 500,000 people but . . . you could be there. Mark your calendar and travel to a place known as Taylor's Farm (not Yagurs Farm in NY!)

After missing the 1969 Woodstock festival Joni Mitchell wrote a song called "Woodstock." Here are some of the lyrics: "We are stardust, We are golden, And we've got to get ourselves back to the garden."

Well, some of the woodstock generation made it back to the garden due to the Jesus Revolution of the 60's and 70's. I believe God has called me to organize a one night all night "prayer march" on a farm near Roanoke, VA. It will begin Friday night, October 16 at 7:30 and last through the night. Perhaps God will use us to help others get back to the garden or return there ourselves . . . Here are some of the things you would need to know for this night.

1. There will be Live music
2. There will be Prayer groups meeting on the grass to pray in 45 minute bursts
3. Each prayer group will have a prayer leader and will be organized around various specific themes. In other words, we won't be sitting around sharing prayer requests.
3. Midnight bonfire with prayer and music
4. Smores and drinks provided
5. Bring your own blankets and/or chairs
6. More info to come later

I will be taking these night marches on the road to Uganda and the Philippines later this year. Mind you, this is nothing new in the annals of Christianity. However, it is what God has called me to do so there you have it. I only expect God to show up and change lives, perhaps some folks will get healed, etc. It will be something special.

This began one day while reading the book of Joshua, chapters 9-10. Then came these verse sand the calling: "So Joshua came upon them (5 kings and their armies) suddenly by marching all night from Gilgal. And the Lord confounded them before Isreael, with a great slaughter at Gibeon . . . the Lord threw large stones from heaven on them . . ." Joshua 10:9-11. The next day the sun stood still. God is calling us to fight in prayer on behalf of others and this is what we shall do the night of October 16, 2009!

For more info or if you would like to help in any way (prayer leaders, setup, advance prayer, finances, etc) call me at 540-353-6370 or email me at tapreach@yahoo.com.

Isaiah 1:21-26 Devotion

Isaiah 1:21-26 Text

How the faithful city has become a harlot, she who was full of justice! Righteousness once lodged in her, but now murderers. Your silver has become dross, your drink diltued with water. Your rulers are rebels and companions of thieves; everyone loves a bribe and chases after rewards. They do not defend the orphan, nor does the widow's plea come before them. Therefore the Lord God of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, declares, "Ah, I will be relieved of My adversaries and avenge myself on My foes. I will also turn My hand against you, and will smelt away your dross as with lye and will remove all your alloy. Then I will restore your judges as at first, and your counselors as at the beginning; after that you will be called the city of righteousness."

Isaiah 1:21-26 Devotion

What stands out here is the definition of what makes a person, city, people, or nation a faithful city or a city of righteousness. This is all very practical stuff. First, we see that the once faithful city is thus no longer but rather a whore. But note at the end of this passage that once again they will be a city of righteousness and that restoration happens. This is encouraging to all people everywhere-- that restoration is possible. However, the process of being made that way appears from this passage to be painful. It is one of discipline.

Note also the things that constitute unfaithfulness as listed here. Namely,

murder: are there any of us who hate others and speak to them or about them as Jesus has forbidden in the Sermon on the Mount?
rebellious rulers: If I am a person of authority am I rebellious against the Lord? What about the rulers in our society?
Loves a bribe: are we easily bought so that others suffer. Do we show favoritism based on favors given to us?
Chases after rewards: do I obey Christ out of love for Him or am I chasing after rewards? Do I do good in order to receive a good pay-off for my good deeds?
Not defending the orphan and widow: this seems to always come up in the OT (and also the NT) and it is time we paid attention to the orphans and the widows and not consider ministry to them as a lower tier of ministry.

Are you faithful? Are you considered righteous? Take a look at this passage to see how God defines such terms. They have to do with action on behalf of others and not treating others badly.

The Exciting Fuga Island Project

More than Five Years Ago God gave a vision for reaching and using a small, primitive island in the Philippines for His purposes. We are seeing that vision come to certain fruition and are excited to share with you what is happening. Here is a history of what has happened thus far!

1. 2004: A handful of believers began urgently praying at a campground facility on the South China Sea in the Philippines.

2. 2005: Todd and other Filipino Pastors lead a team to Fuga Island for evangelism.
3. 2006: Pastor Allan Bagoisian commits to pastoring a church on Fuga with in a dilapidated church building.

4. 2007: A second combined US and Filipino team goes to Fuga to do further evangelism and medical missions. A continued response to the gospel with baptisms.

5. 2008: A third US and Filipino team goes in; Orchard Hills Church in Virginia rebuilds the one church building on the island.

6. 2009: A fourth return trip to Fuga island doing evangelism and more baptisms; A boat is purchased for the ministry on Fuga Island through donations; Two more Filipino pastors commit to ministry on Fuga Island; A new church plant begins on the eastern side of the island with reports of an overflowing house church.

7. 2009: A new church plant begins in Taggat, Claveria under the direction of Pastor Glenn Pedronan, Philippines. This house church is already overcrowded also. Taggat is the launch point for boats to go on the three hour journey to the island and is known as "Fuga Village."

8. We have begun supplemental financial support for the pastors who are sacrificing great comforts to serve the Lord on the island.

9. Pastor Allan has married a school-teacher on the island.

Fuga Island Project Future Plans

1. Purchase land for the church plant in Taggat, Claveria

2. Build two new churches, one in Taggat and one on the Island

3. See the permanent establishment of a second pastoral couple on the island.

4. A 5th US/Filipino trip in April 2010 to do medical and evangelistic missions

Would you like to get involved in this Project?

1. Pray for the Fuga Island Project and Vision

2. Go with us to Fuga or Taggat in April 2010. Part of the team will go to the island and part can stay behind and minister in Taggat (the launch site for the boats). Some are fearful of the boat-ride but you can still go and stay in Taggat! We will do medical missions and evangelism, church planting during this trip.

3. Consider helping us buy land, build churches, and support the pastors on the island. Current estimated cost for the completion of the Project as it now stands: $20,000-25,000

To Donate to the Fuga Island Project mark your donations for Fuga Island and send to:

World Impact Now, PO Box 20852, Roanoke, VA 24018

Isaiah 1:18-20

Isaiah 1:18-31 Text
"Come now, and let us reason together", says the Lord, "though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." Truly, the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

Isaiah 1:18-20 Devotion

The invitation of God to reason together is legal language, the verdict of the highest court in the land. The verdict for all of us is "guilty . . . but . . ." The color red (scarlet) relates to blood-guilt and of course on any article of clothing is a nightmare to get purely clean. To be able to go from scarlet red to pure white is the greatest news given to mankind. It is the same as going from being a prostitute-whore to becoming a virgin again. Such is impossible except with God. This is exactly what happened with Israel and thus makes the study of their whore-dom and forgiveness very compelling to any and all of us who have given ourselves away to other gods-- whether to gods of sex, drugs, materialism, slander, gossip, or whatever it may be.

The invitation is twofold, however. First, we can be completely and actually totally clean by God's grace. However, combined with this is the necessity to repent and obey. The value of the one is nullifeid without this second response on my part. It is Lordship over your life that He demands which the gospels and New Testament also make perfectly clear. Without repentance and following Jesus as Master there can be no forgiveness. To refuse obedience is to reject the offer of forgiveness and a voluntary forfeiting of his blessings in your life. The road to blessings in whatever form always goes through obedience. Obedience will not save us or make us clean. Ironically, only the red blood of Christ can take out the dark red stain of sin . . . and that is procured by faith. However, faith without works of obedience is dead and thus we see that any person who will not follow Jesus as master will neither know God nor forgiveness.

Isaiah 1:10-17 Devotion

Isaiah 1:10-17 Text

10Hear the word of the LORD,You rulers of Sodom;Give ear to the instruction of our God,You people of Gomorrah. 11"What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?"
Says the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats. 12"When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts? 13"Bring your worthless offerings no longer,Incense is an abomination to Me, New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies--I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. 14"I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts,They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. 15"So when you spread out your hands in prayer,I will hide My eyes from you;Yes, even though you multiply prayers,I will not listen Your hands are covered with blood. 16"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight Cease to do evil,17Learn to do good; Seek justice,Reprove the ruthless,Defend the orphan,Plead for the widow."

Devotion

Here we see the comparison of Israel to Sodom and Gomorrah as complete. Many tend to think of homosexuality and wanton sexual sins when they think of those cities but as seen last week this was not their root problem, but rather a symptom. As was pointed out in the previous entry it was their failure to fight for justice and righteousness in society that led them far from God. Here we see the same with the people of God.

Could it be that all of my outward acts of worship are a stench in God's nostrils? Could it be offensive to Him when I raise my hands with closed eyes while singing loudly in church? Could it be that my service to Him in the church and community is considered by Him as worthless? Well . . . yes. It was the case for Israel and is the case for some so-called Christians today.

God took no pleasure in all the acts of Israel's worship. Note that their church worship gives Him no pleasure, is an abomination, and He cannot endure it. He is weary of it. In fact, He will not hear their prayers. Why? Because their hands were covered with blood. They were not protecting the widows and orphans and the ruthless were allowed to run rough-shod over the helpless. This reminds us to put no confidence in how we feel regarding our acts of worship-- singing, Bible studies, quiet times, prayers, etc. It could be that all these things mean nothing at all to God.

Many times we think God is angry about our wrong actions. . . and He does hate sin. However, let us not forget that often Jesus wants us to focus on what we are not doing that we should be doing as the main offense to the Lord. In other words, it is not what I am doing so much but what I am NOT doing. What has the Lord called you to do that you are not doing? In the case of Israel here it is to do justice and righteousness. The problem is that we often talk of these things, and even teach them. But it is doers of justice and righteousness that God is looking for.

Again, we have a way out if we are failing at this point. Verse 16-17 tells us all we need to know to get on track: Wash, repent, and do good. That is the summary of what it means to follow Christ. Wash in His blood, turn from your sins, and begin to do good-- practicing justice and righteousness-- which always includes serving the helpless and needy. How are you doing in doing on behalf of others?

Isaiah 1:1-9 Devotion

Isaiah 1:1-9 Text

1The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem, which he saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Listen, O heavens, and hear, O earth; For the LORD speaks,"Sons I have reared and brought up,
But they have revolted against Me. 3"An ox knows its owner,And a donkey its master's manger, But Israel does not know,My people do not understand." 4 Alas, sinful nation,People weighed down with iniquity,Offspring of evildoers,Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD,They have despised the Holy One of Israel,
They have turned away from Him. 5 Where will you be stricken again,As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick And the whole heart is faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head There is nothing sound in it,Only bruises, welts and raw wounds,Not pressed out or bandaged,Nor softened with oil. 7 Your land is desolate,Your cities are burned with fire,Your fields--strangers are devouring them in your presence;It is desolation, as overthrown by strangers. 8 The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard,Like a watchman's hut in a cucumber field, like a besieged city. 9 Unless the LORD of hosts Had left us a few survivors,We would be like Sodom,We would be like Gomorrah.

Devotion

Can it be that you and I are less intelligent than an ox or a donkey? They have no problem realizing who owns them and whom they obey. Yet, do we listen to the One who has purchased us with His own blood? It is a strong rebuke that God's own purchased people do not know or understand Him. Of course, this goes way beyond challenging us to just know His word. To know Him is to obey Him. As George MacDonald said, "It is better to be an atheist who does the will of God, than a so-called Christian who does not." Those who are quick to call Jesus "Lord" . . . are they obsessed with doing the will of God. It is our actions which always tell the story of whether we are also guilty of despising Him. I am thankful for George MacDonald for reminding me that having a correct theology does not mean I know God as I claim I do. It is the doing of the word that was important in the Old Testament and was important to Jesus. To refuse obedience is to refuse His lorship over my life and the end result is a forfeiture of His blessings in my life. Such a rejectin of the One true God can then result in our losing our minds and hearts to depression, grief, frustration, various illnesses, and eventual hardening and despair.

Thankfully, there is still hope for all as the history of Israel is designed to point out. God holds out grace for them (and us) at the end of this passage. There are survivors! It may surprise you to know Ezekiel 16:49: "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Of course, this describes us in America very well and reminds us that failure to love others can result in moral degradation which we see plenty of as well. The key question for my life and yours is: do I show that I know Him by my obedience to His will and ways? If you have revolted from obedience to the one who bought you, repent and turn back to following Him as your master and owner. Disobedience is rebellion. By God's grace show yourself one of the survivors who escape His judgment.

J.C. Ryle, 1816-1900

I commend to you today the writings of J.C. Ryle, faithful minister in England and author of some great writings that I am fond of, namely "Holiness" and his "Expository Thoughts on the Gospels" which is a very devotionally-focused walk through the Gospels.

Ryle became a Christian in a church while hearing a passage of the Bible merely read. He did not remember the sermon that day or much else. Rather, the reading of Ephesians 2 struck him at the age of 21.

He became a minister following the financial collapse of his wealthy family and became known as the working man's pastor. His funeral in 1900 was attended by numerous poor people.

Church Plant, Claveria, Philippines

We are excited to report that our recent church plant in the Northern Philippines has already reached 35 people! This place is know to the locals as "Fuga Village" and is the launching point for the three hour boat ride to Fuga Island.

Please pray for this new church, which is critical to the Fuga Island Vision. Next steps are to buy land and an eventual church building. Will you join us in praying for these things?

C.S. Lewis Describes the Perfect Day

The following comes from Lewis as he describes his ideal day in his book Surprised by Joy. He describes it as a selfish (though not self-centered) day and says that he has been prevented from this kind of day most of the time . . . for his own good. Enjoy!

1. Breakfast at exactly eight and to be at his desk by nine
2. Read and write until 1:00 pm, with a good cup of tea or coffee at 11:00 am,

"A step or so out of doors for a pint of beer would not do quite so well, for a man does not want to drink alone . . ."

3. Lunch at precisely 1:00 pm
4. "On the road" (Going for a walk) by 2:00 pm - "not with a friend." Walking and talking are two very great pleasures, but it is a mistake to combine them. Our own noise blots out the sounds and silences of the outdoor world; and talking leads almost inevitably to smoking. and then farewell to nature as far as one of our senses is concerned."

5. Tea at no later than a quarter past four. This is a meal in the British world, not a cuppa.

"Tea should be taken in solitude . . . for eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably." Lewis recommends gossipy, formless books for reading while eating-- such as
a. a translation of Herodotus
b. Lang's History of English literature
c. The Anatomy of Melancholy
HUH?? nice light reading for mealtime!

6. Back to Work at 5:00 until 7:00
7. Evening meal at 7:00 and now is the time for talking! If not, then more light reading

8. "Unless you are making a night of it with your cronies there is no reason why you should ever be in bed later than eleven."

Missions: Kickin' it Old School

It is certainly thrilling, challenging, and scary to head up a missions organization, church, or do any faith-based endeavor for the Lord Jesus. Doubts creep in at times and sometimes one is left wondering . . . am I doing the right thing? Or is this gonna work?

Well, although it sounds cliche, in the end it is God who must make it work. Futhermore, He is faithful to His own projects and plans. That is why I so much appreciate a couple of missionaries from the 1800's, namely George Muller and Hudson Taylor.

These men both attempted great things for God and kept at it when it looked like the way forward was impossible. Amazingly, neither of them never solicited funds for their work. They simply prayed and stepped out in faith to do what God called them to do. Muller was so bold as to say that His work had the goal of proving to God's people that God is faithful. There were no fund-raisers, no support letters, no banquets and in many cases no publication of the needs of the ministry. When I read about the fruits of their ministry I am left wondering (and believing) that God is the same today as always in the past. He can certainly work this way. Does He want me to operate a missions organization in the same way? Does He want churches built and ministries funded in this way. Well, maybe. Then again, God is the master of variety so let us not pigeon-hole Him into required methods that we have seen work elsewhere.

I pray the Lord will once again strike strong in the hearts of Western Christians, calling men and women to be bold risk-takers, intent on taking the gospel to peoples who have never heard of Jesus. I pray once again for sweeping national revival in America, like in the old days of George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, Finney and others . . . beginning with individuals in churches and then spreading. And how cool would it be to see it across the board denominationally, perhaps especially in the mainline churches?

I heartily recommend two books which are of great encouragement to those concerned about God's ability to provide and His work in accomplishing His own mission through focused individuals. The one is George Muller of Bristol by Arthur Pierson and the other is Hudson Taylor: The man who believed God by Marshall Broomhall. Of course, there are other books about these two that may well suffice.

I also commend to you mission trips that we have coming up. First is an 8 day missions retreat from Aug 25-Sep 1. This will be on the isle of Iona and only costs $1800. You will never find this trip through a tour group so cheap. Next, Orissa India, site of recent persecutions of Christians. $2500 for this one Sep 22-Oct 3rd. Third, Nov 5-16 into Uganda, Africa ($2500) and finally to finish out the year: The Philippines (Dec 3-13). Cost TBD but in the $2000-$2500 range.

Please pray to the Lord of the harvest for people to go on these trips and for the successful mission of World Impact Now to the world. Interesting, a group of churches in Africa recently prayed and fasted for a month for the ministry we are trying to do. That blows my mind! Thanks to all of you who remember us in prayer.

Obedience VS Right Theology

I know many people with the right theology . . . well, at least what I consider to be good and solid. None of us have the perfect mind but some are perhaps more accurate of mind than others. Yes, theology is important and I am in not in agreement with those who have no place for doctrine or theology in their Christianity. However, what good is a “correct theology” without obedience to the living Christ? None whatsoever according to Jesus of Nazareth. Calling him Lord and espousing all the right answers without doing what He says leads to the crawling condemnation of “I never knew you.”

The key to a vibrant Christianity is a true knowledge of the resurrected Jesus, the one who requires daily obedience and relationship. Such knowledge is nothing short of an experiential knowledge, biblically, theologically, and practically speaking.

George MacDonald would say that those who have a deficient theology yet live in obedience to Jesus know him better than the others who are most accurate in their mental understanding of the truths about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And with this does not the early leader of the first church in Jerusalem agree? Indeed, James teaches us that the demons all believe. In other words, they have a great theology . . . as do Pharisees and other hypocrites. What sets people apart as God’s own is a life of obedience.

The result? Study theology and doctrine and seek to love the Lord with all your mind. But do not forget that to really love Him requires also the heart and body as well, which includes the emotions and the will.

The Iona Retreat

Iona is a small island that was used of God in the 6th century to spread the gospel throughout Britain and into Europe. It is our inspiration for our Fuga Vision, another small island in the South China Sea in the Northern Philippines.

We are going to this island Aug 25-Sep 1, an 8 day trip, with 5 days on the isle of Iona. Our focus will be to pray and study, discuss missions and kingdom work in the world. For those who come, we want it to be a time of spiritual refreshment and re-focus on the radical call to build God's Kingdom.

The cost for this trip is $1800 and will involve one night in Oban, Scotland as well as one night in Glasgow. The rest of the time will be on the isle of Iona. Accommodations are set for one place at present but we should be able to get more depending on how many are interested in coming. If you are interested I need to know asap. A $1000 deposit will be needed by June 1st in order to secure airfare and a place to stay. Contact me at 540-353-6370. Blessings, TA

Mission Trips and Projects

We are looking for participants for the following Mission trips for the remainder of 2009:

* Note that trips have been made shorter so as to encourage more participation from others.

1. Iona, Scotland Mission Retreat for Prayer and Spiritual Renewal: Aug 26-Sep 2
* Dates could vary slightly depending on lodging availability. First come first serve.
Cost is $1800

2. Orissa, India Mission for Outreach and Ministry to the Persecuted: Sep 22-Oct 3

3. Uganda, Africa Mission with Churches near Lake Victoria: Nov 5-16

4. Laoag City, Philippines Conference near the South China Sea: Dec 3-13

We are currently involved in the following projects:

1. We are looking for dedicated people who will sponsor a pastor at $25 monthly for the remainder of 2009 and all of 2010.

2. We are planting two churches in connection with our Fuga Island Vision, one on the island itself and one from the boat launch town. Total estimated cost is $12,000 which will involve two church buildings going up.

3. We are looking for a sponsor for an Jesus centered Drug and Alcohol rehab center in Ukraine, run by a Messianic Jewish congregation.

4. There is opportunity to sponsor a radio ministry broadcast in the Northern Philippines. Need is only $100 monthly.

5. There is an opportunity to sponsor a Bible school in the Northern Philippines. Students graduate and are put into church planting ministries in the field. Total need is $300 month.

6. There is an opportunity to greatly assist the persecuted believers of Orissa, India with vocational training and ministry training: Total need is $20,000

7. Sponsor a student at Philippines Bible college for $100 which pays for one whole year of education and all expenses for one student!

8. Support families in former communist Ukraine at Messianic Jewish run family camp on the Black Sea. Current need is $1200 annually.

Our total estimated operational expenses for the remainder of 2009 is: $36,000

Please pray with us for the Lord to provide for all that He would like to accomplish through World Impact Now.

If you would like to donate to a specific project or to operational expenses you can make checks payable to World Impact Now and send to World Impact Now, PO Box 20852, Roanoke, VA 24018

We thank God for the guaranteed success of His kingdom building until He returns.

A Vision For Fuga Island

This larger map is a map of Fuga island, population of about 2000, approximate size 11 miles X 4 miles. It is reached from Claveria, Cagayan via small boats with outriggers.

A few years ago I had a vision of this becoming another Iona, an even smaller island (1 mile X 3.5 mile) in Scotland which became the hub of European missionary activity in the 6th century. Is it God's vision to use this small, poor island for His mighty purposes? I certainly hope so. Iona is pictured here.

Fuga island has no electricity, plumbing or health-care.

The folks here are very open to Christianity and our dream here is to see disciples made and another church on the other end of the island. I believe the enemies of Christ will put up a fight for this little place. Please join us in praying for:

1. Filipino's who will commit to seeing God's kingdom come to this island.
2. Permission to build another church on this island. One was restored by Church of the Holy Spirit, Orchard Hills, last year.
3. Open doors for evangelism and discipleship in all 7 villages of the island

Our team will share the gospel, pray for folks, give out eye glasses and vitamins, and enjoy eating and talking with the residents.

For a very interesting info on the history of Fuga and more check out http://www.sfu.ca/fuga/index.html

Your $25 Can Support a Poor Pastor/Missionary

This one-armed fiery pastor and evangelist in the Philippines makes less than $20 a month.

It is a travesty that many foreign pastors and missionaries are in poverty and trying to find other work so that they can spread the gospel.

Did you know that you can sponsor one of these poor saints for $25 a month and help free them up to do God's work in the world?

We are looking for up to 100 people who will take the plunge with us and take on a long-term commitment to support a pastor overseas. This will mean funds and an opportunity for you to correspond with and pray for the one you sponsor.

1 John 3:17 says, "But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

We in the West have been put in position by God to help spread the good news of Jesus in many ways. One of those ways is to give away our wealth . . . and yes, most of us are wealthy.

If you would like to sponsor a pastor or missionary in the Philippines, India, Africa, or Ukraine please contact us and we will show you how.

How to Avoid Becoming a Missionary

Top 10 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Missionary

1. Marry someone who things the Great Commission is what your employer gives you after a big sale.

2. Focus on your past failures and remember that God cannot possibly use you.

3. Worry about money non-stop

4. Remember that you are not super-spiritual, but missionaries are more holy than you.

5. Ignore the teaching of Jesus

6. Be content to know the Bible, teach the Bible and discuss the Bible in various group settings

7. Focus on the American Dream or some other dream which promises you a full reward now

8. Don't interact with Missionaries or read about those in past or present

9. Be afraid to Die

10. Read the Bible for pleasure rather than as a possibly life-changing practice

* Thanks to the Nazarenes at www.snu.com for their idea!

Today is the Day For a Better World

Our ministry of missions here at World Impact Now is built on the idea that now is the time to fight for a better world. This means in biblical language to fight for Justice and Righteousness in the here and now. We refuse to resign this world to the Evil One as if all we have to look forward to is a better world somewhere else other than right here.

Isaiah 59:8 and following speak of a dismal time for the people of God. They knew no peace and as verse 8 says "there is no justice in the tracks." As a result of their turning from God "justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us . . . we hope for justice but there is none . . . justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away." Even they had expectations of God improving their world . . . 700 years or so before Christ. They rejected the escapism that is common among Christians today.

What are Justice and Righteousness? In short we may say that they are putting everything right in this world, for people and creation. Moral principles of godliness lead to moral practices of living for a better world in the here and now. Let us not trash this world and its people in a resignation that "all will one day be right in the end."

The problem with the people of God was that they had rejected the truth and lost all moral bearings. The result? "Now the Lord saw, and it was displeasing in His sight that there was no justice." His people should have brought it but did not. It is true indeed that when Christ returns He will put everything to rights perfectly. Yet, with the first coming of Jesus this work has already begun. New creation has begun and as His people we are to engage now in this glorious work of ushering in the kingdom of justice and righteousness-- praying and expecting: "Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done On EARTH As It Is In Heaven." Watch God bring heaven to earth in your present reality!

Jesus was sent to start the new world order and it is underway. His own arm brought salvation. In Isaiah 59 we are told that God was "astonished that there was no one to intercede." So He sent Jesus. Now, as God's people we are intercessors for the world with Him. We fight for the poor, the neglected, the sinners, the widows, the broken, the hungry, all mankind . . . we beg others to be reconciled to God and we remember that all of creation is waiting for the day when Christ returns and we go to meet Him in order to usher Him back here to the new world which will be created in that day-- this old world changed and totally renewed. Note, it is not that He comes to rescue us from this world and take us away. Rather, He will come here where we are and the perfect world will begin. Let us get ready for that renewal by living for renewal of all God's creation in the present.

What do we do? We act today to save the world today. This means far more than just seeking to get people saved or born again. It means doing right for people who are oppressed and persecuted, etc. to give them a good life in the present. This has been the mandate on the people of God from the very beginning.

What are you doing with your life? Stand in the gap for others . . . give your life to serve everyone in this world, taking a stand for what is right, filled with grace and mercy for all. Let us not become self-absorbed, rejecting the call of God on our lives. Answer the call of God on your life and make a move to impact the world . . . NOW! Put Justice in Your Tracks.

Opportunities!

You can Support our ministry by:

Providing support for Filipino Radio Ministry: Need is $100 monthly for weekly broadcase which reaches the Northern Philippines, and the Islands to the North.

Providing Support for Ukraine Drug/Alchol Rehab Center: Need is $100 monthly for Jesus focused living quarters, food, and training for folks recovering in southern Ukraine.

Helping us Plant Churches in the Phillipines: You can build an entire church for $8400

Supporting an indigenous pastor ($25 monthly) in the Philippines, India, or Ukraine

Buy Books from the bottom of our site here and we will get a percentage paid to our ministry by Amazon.com. These are our recommended books.

Contact us for more information: tapreach@yahoo.com

Prayer Assault Fuga Island

We are asking folks to sign up for half-hour prayer blocks for our trip to Fuga Island, Philippines April 9-23. If you would like to pick a day and a half hour let me know.

We are asking God to establish His kingdom on this very primitive island and use it for His purposes in the 21st century.

The Orissa Project

Background: Last year more than 200,000 Christians suffered intense persecution at the hands of extreme radical Hindus whose desire is to eliminate Christianity from all of India. Many pastors and other Christians were executed via horrendous methods. Numerous churches and homes of believers were burned to the ground, as well as Bibles and all their material goods. The result was that Christians fled for their lives and many are now living in refugee camps or have been taken in by Christians (and even some Hindus) all over India.

In February 2009 we had the pleasure of sending in a team that had ministry opportunities to over 140 refugees in conjunction with our long standing partners on the ground in Orissa and other parts of India. Highlights of this trip were:

1. Bringing hope, joy, and comfort to more than 90 pastors who have lost everything: they danced and shouted praises to God in the midst of such persecution

2. We participated in a training of more than 40 people who are in a 6 month Christian discipleship training program. All of them are refugees who have seen horrendous actions against them and their families. Some of these have made the decision to go into the Christian ministry, going for further training in an effort to be salt and light in the face of the enemy.

Call to Action: We are in partnership with another missions agency to challenge Christians and churches to help these believers in what we feel is a critical place on the map in our current day for the expansion of the gospel in India and Asia. India is the home of the most unreached people groups in all the world. It is an intense battleground for the souls and lives of millions of people. As a result we are committed to the following:

1. Taking another team to Orissa in September 09 in order to conduct a prayer and praise retreat for persecuted pastors. They need the church around the world to surround them and help them get back on their feet, meaning fully engaged in spiritual warfare for Christ. They are in the fight but they need us to help hold up their hands while the gospel pushes forward. We need to raise an estimated $7500 to pull this trip off which includes all the expenses and food for these pastors to participate.

2. We are seeking to raise an additional $1500 to provide scholarships for the young people who want to push forward in training for the Christian ministry (roughly $200 per student).

3. Finally, we want to help 35 refugee students attend a one year Christian-based vocational discipleship school which will enable them to rebuild their lives and go forward for Christ in various parts of India. The Total cost for this project is $21,000. These schools have a proven track record of success.

Others have already committed to help raise money as well but we are asking churches and Christians to step up and get involved in Orissa. In Summary here is what we need:

1. Committed prayer for the Orissa Project

2. Pastors and others who will go into Orissa with us in September. The cost per person for this trip will be $2500.

3. $1500 which will provide training for 7 or more folks who want to go into Christian ministry in Orissa.

4. $21,000 which will set up and run a vocational Christian training school for one year for 35 folks. The breakdown of this part of the project is as follows:

a. $5000 to set up the facility and staffing for one year of training

b. $1400 monthly to pay for the cost of running a school

The Total cost of the Orissa Project is estimated at $30,000:

Conference: $7500

One Year Training School = $21,000

Scholarships for ministry students: $1500

Conclusion: This is an inexpensive opportunity for the church to make a serious investment into Orissa, India, a hot-spot for the kingdom of God in the early 21^st century. Even before recent events the state of Orissa had made the most recent edition of Foxe’s book of Martyrs. Let’s pray and invest in the coming of God’s kingdom in Orissa.

What can churches do?

1. Take on a phase of this project , committing serious prayer and finances

2. Consider sending in a team to Orissa in the future

What can individual believers do?

1. Commit to pray for the Orissa Project and the spread of the gospel there

2, Give money to one or more phases of the project

3. Consider going to Orissa to see for yourself

For those who wish to give to this project you may donate to:

World Impact Now
PO Box 20852
Roanoke, VA 24018

Disappointment at the Christian Bookstore!

I rummaged through the Christian bookstore recently for over an hour and was surprised and disappointed by the lack of "good books." Are we really reading the stuff they have out on their shelves? Well, at the bottom of my blog sight you will see what I consider to be great christian books new and old. And . . . if folks by them from my sight they will help our mission work as I get a cut of the cash from amazon. Even if you don't by them from my links here get some good books anyway. I also have recommended music here as well!

The Dancing Persecuted of Orissa India

In Orissa, Despite the burning of their homes and churches . . .
In Orissa, Despite the burning of their possessions and bibles . . .
In Orissa, Despite the loss of family and friends to persecution . . .

Still they dance and celebrate the risen Christ and His goodness!

The Orissa Project Coming Soon

As a follow up to our February trip to Orissa we will soon launch the Orissa project which will involve:

1. Investment in a One year Christian focused vocational training program for persecuted refugees which will lead to the rebuilding of lives and Christian training.
2. Support of 7 or more students who are going to be trained in the Christian ministry to serve Christ in the difficult place of Orissa in India.
3. A return trip to India to conduct a prayer and praise conference for persecuted pastors.

While we have opportunity let us do good to these fellow members of Christ's household, bearing their burdens and not losing heart in doing good to them. That opportunity we feel is now. More details to follow.

Galatians summarized in 33 points

Here is a practical summary of the book of Galatians:

1. True calling to God's work comes from God and not from man.
2. There is only one gospel and that is Christ crucified as the sole action securing my salvation.
3. Many are not happy with a simple gospel which brings liberty and try to add to it.
4. Each of us should realize that we have been entrusted with the gospel and that it is God who effectually works through us to bring about results.
5. It is impossible to be made right with God by following rules and laws.
6. The only way to be made right with God is by faith
7. It is hypocricy to consider ourselves more righteous than other believers because of outward practices.
8. Each one of us who is in Christ died with him on the cross so that we are no longer alive.
9. Each of of us who is in Christ rose with him from the grave so that now Christ lives through the new us.
10. You cannot receive the Holy Spirit by doing any kind of work.
11. The reception of the Holy Spirit and miracles among us come about because of faith alone.
12. To seek salvation by following rules or the law is to put ourselves under a curse.
13. Jesus became a curse for us to free us from the curse of the law and rules.
14. Jesus is the seed of Abraham promised in Genesis 22, through whom blessings come.
15. The purpose of the law is to imprison everyone in sin as a tutor which leads us to Christ.
16. All who are in Christ through faith are Abraham's descendants, Jew or Gentile.
17. Rules enslave so why do we run back to them? It is not even necessary to observe days and months and seasons and years as if these gained us anything.
18. Many teachers and others will seek to bring you under the bondage of rules.
19. Christian leaders are in labor until Christ is formed in their flock.
20. The descendants of Hagar and Ishmael persecute those who are from Isaac, children of promise.
21. Christ set us free to have freedom and what matters most is faith working through love.
22. Though we may be running well there is a danger of slipping back into a performance based religion which equals a fall from grace.
23. The danger of being so free is to use this liberty to indulge the sins of the flesh.
24. The Holy Spirit and the flesh are at war within us so that we will not do as we want.
25. Since we live by the Spirit we should also walk by the Spirit and be led by the Spirit, so that the deeds of the flesh are crucified with our old selves and the fruits of the Spirit rise up active within us.
26. We should seek to restore to fellowship those caught in sins with an attitude of humility.
27. We are to bear one another's burdens in love. At the same time, each of us has their own load to bear.
28. We should share good things with those who teach us.
29. If you sow to the flesh you will reap corruption, to the Spirit and you will reap eternal life.
30. It is tempting to quit doing good but we should do good while we have the chance, especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
31. Let all our boasting be only in the cross of Jesus Christ.
32. New creation is what matters.
33. The Israel of God is now Jew and Gentile together in one body.

Orissa India, Overcoming Persecution

This is a summary of my Feb trip to India detailing my experiences with more than 130 refugees who have suffered the burning of their homes, destruction of their churches, and taking of the lives of their loved ones. Having done over 20 short term mission trips this ranks right up there at the top.


To see more India pics go to http://picasaweb.google.com/tapreach/OrissaIndia2009#

The first pic is a video of celebration. On reflection here are some highlights and thoughts of this trip:

1. The persecution of Christians in Orissa and their continuing situation from Aug of last year is of a historic nature and little publicized in the west
2. More than 200,000 people were affected and those killed were beheaded, chopped up, burned, etc. Those who want to go back to their villages are not wanted and have been threatened. Some are being forced by the governement to go back. The rice being eaten in these camps has worms, etc.
3. The persecution has resulted in a uniting of believers and blurring of denominational lines which is good.
4. The preaching and teaching on this trip was some of the most anointed I have been a part of, showing the love and power of God towards His broken people.
5. Many Indian believers have responded by taking homeless, church-less believers into their own homes--even some Hindus have taken in some Christians. Our main contact in the state of Orissa, poor by our standards, took in 16 children into his home . . . hardly blinked an eye.
6. India is prime real estate for short and long-term teams to go and have significant kingdom impact. Any churches who want to bite on this and join us let's go.
7. Once again God used this trip to confirm my personal calling and fire my passion for kingdom work among the nations, including our own.
8. I still believe God is crying out to US churches to re-engage in foreign missions as in days of old and not follow European Christianity.
9. Our team ministered at a conference for 90 refugee pastors, discipleship school for 40 refugees, orphanage, two churches, and one home with children. We taught, prayed,sang, danced, gave medicines, laughed, cried, and two of our team visited a refugee camp several hours away.
10. Everyone should be required to take a 20+ hour train ride in India.

Summary of Teachings on This Trip:

1. Jesus bore not only our sins but our griefs and sorrows (Isa 53). This was followed by a powerful prayer time.
2. As Christians we are called to live and respond in the "opposite spirit" (using David and Saul in OT) (followed by breaking into small groups for prayer and sharing)
3. The Orissa Christians are among the un-named heroes who were "sawn into", put to death, fled, etc. (Hebrews 11:35-38)
4. Two very helpful practical session on setting goals as we move forward out of the past.
5. Three sessions on the ways God speaks to us today and personal testimoies to illustrate
6. Isa 49 and God's comfort and word to Israelites who lost their homes, children, and "church"
7. Isa 51-52 and God's call to rise up from the dust and loose the chains as we go forward, expecting resurrection power to follow times of crucifiction.
8. The forgotten dark side of Christmas from Matthew 2, showing that Jesus understands what it means to be on the run (followed by dancing and joy)
9. Teaching on the new heavens and new earth (followed by dancing and joy--1st time of celebration in months for these believers).
10. Discussion and prayer over Acts 4 in small groups.
11. Components of the Christian life from Isaiah 6 (Seeing Jesus, Woe is Me, Forgiveness, Here am I send me)
12. Exhortation for the comforted to be comforters from 2 Corinthians 1
13. Sermon on the goodness of God

Journal entries

1. Feb 3: "Muthu persecuted Christians and burned their literature. In 1991 he was saved at Bible college. He enrolled there to get a calculator because a Christian told him he would get one there and he wanted one!!"
2. Feb 5: "Awoke at 3:30 getting eaten by Ants! Bathed and shook the sheet out from my bed."
3. Feb 2: "Walked to the sea. There saw a whale shark." This is an endangered species and a rare sight."
4. Feb 3: "I then spoke on the new heavens and new earth and our future in the heavenly earth. Aferwards, wow. We all sang and shouted and danced. It was a real visitation of joy from God and a highlight of the many trips I have done."
5. Feb 9: "Back to room and a little TV, some tunes, fell asleep eventually after feeding mosquitoes with my flesh and praying--then bizarre dreams."

"I was lost and blind when a friend of mine came and took me by the hand, and He led me to His
kingdom that was in another land. Now my mind is blown, my head has grown, a Solid Rock
and a rolling stone, Wowie, zowie, well the Cat's got soul, He's the Rock that doesn't roll."
 Larry Norman

--

Despising Jesus

I have to wonder if Jesus were with us in literal flesh today if we would give him the time of day. My best guess is . . . no.

After all, as Isaiah 53 tells us he was a mere tender shoot, a suckling which most people pick off the branches, because they take away from the growth of the tree. Of course, the irony is that this one sprig, Jesus, would establish a kingdom that would grow large enough so that the birds of the air (all the nations) can find shelter in Him. See Ezekiel 17:22-23.

He was a poor carpenter from a family of no means, unlike his cousin John the Baptist, who had a priestly pedigree and a more reputable family. Thus, the baptizer often faced the questions regarding whether he was the Messiah. To Jesus they kept saying, "you are just the carpenter son of that poor family right?"

Isaiah 53:2-3 tells us: "he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows,and acquainted with grief;and as one from whom men hide their faces; he was despised, and we esteemed him not."

The poor fisherman disciples of Jesus, faired no better, in the book of Acts as the trained Seminary folk realized they had not been to Seminary . . . yet they were so wise and smart. This didn't add up then, just like it did not add up when the young shepherd boy was chosen to be King of Israel over those more deserving in the eyes of man.

It is likely Jesus would have been rejected in most middle class (and higher) churches. From these things we can take away some practical lessons which I take from a pastor in the 1600's named Thomas Manton:

1. God accomplished his greatest plans using the most unlikely of people and plans.
2. God shows up and delivers his people at the most unlikely of times.
3. Something with a poor and small beginning may grow up to be something glorious.

Is it any wonder then that God still chooses the weak, the poor, the outcasts of society to do the greatest kingdom work. Let us take from this both encouragement for weak selves and a warning about how we look at others in the kingdom of God. It may very well be that Jesus would fit in better with the local Rescue mission crowd than the church folk. No wonder Isaiah implies that not many believe the gospel message that is proclaimed about Him.

Orissa, India Bound

On January 30th we are heading to Orissa, India, site of recent persecution against Christians. We ask for your prayers of protection and effective power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's will for the two weeks we will be there. We will have opportunity to visit with persecuted pastors in this region and be involved in training of believers who are going to stand for Christ in the villages and cities of this State.

If you want to contribute to this trip or give a gift to the persecuted churches in this area please let us know.

Mission Work From Hell

Matthew 23:15 is intriguing and a stark warning to all of us who are engaged in gospel ministry. It says:

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves."

I think of this as I prepare to travel across the oceans and lands to serve the Lord in various places. This reminds me that it is not enough to see people "make a decision" for Christ. The key is what happens "when he becomes one?" The responsibility is to make real disciples who will bear fruit for God in the real world.

It is no good to boast in how many people are "saved" or how many people come to our church or any other such non-sense. This passage and others like it are certain proof that there are sons and daughters of hell who sit in the pews of churches each week.

Let's make sure of two things. First, am I a modern day hypocritical Pharisee? Second, have I lost the real focus of authentic disciple making, being content to see people commit to a sham religion, never growing into little Christ's? Something to think about.

Upcoming Trips Revised

Our upcoming trips for the first quarter of 2009 are as follows below. If you wish to go or donate towards these trips let us know:

1. India: working among those persecuted in Orissa. Jan 30-Feb 13. Cost $2500 per person.

2. Scotland: Construction and ministry at Overtoun House in Dumbarton. March 4-15. Cost $1800 per person

3. Fuga Island, Philippines and Laoaog City, Philippines: Evangelism, Church planting, dicscipleship: April 9-23. Cost $2500 per person.

We are asking the Lord to provide funds for ministry expenses for each of these trips. Pray along with us for:

1. Effective ministry
2. Protection
3. The right people to sign up for these trips
4. Needed funds and resources