Right Relationships & The Restoration Of Marriage Pt. 3

#3~ DON'T ALLOW YOUR FAMILY TO SUFFER MATERIALLY BASED ON "PEOPLE PROMISES" 
AND
#4 ~ PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL ALLOW AND FACILITATE GROWTH BOTH ECONOMICALLY, SPIRITUALLY, EDUCATIONALLY, AND SOCIALLY.

I have enclosed 2 thoughts in this particular admonishment, and since both are centered around the same concepts I thought that we should look at both ideas on one page. The issues center around personal/family growth and development and accountability. The key here is that there is no reward or benefit in allowing yourself and your loved ones to suffer unnecessarily at the hands of the "whims" of people. Remember, there is a difference between God promises and people promises.  

In this life we will have tribulation. That is certainly a fact and each individual shall all run into their fair share...however, there is a difference between suffering due to a move of God and suffering due to the need or requirement to be associated with and tied to people. I hope I can outline the difference in the following narrative. 

ACCOUNTABILITY

Please follow this short dialogue:

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Bernie Sanders And Socialism aka: Legal Plunder

Socialism ~ A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.

“If you look at the issues — you don’t have to worry about the word ‘socialist’ — just look at what I’m talking about. If you go out and ask the American people: Is it right that the middle class continues to disappear while there has been a massive transfer of wealth from working families to the top one-tenth of 1 percent? Trillions of dollars in the last 30 years have flowed from the middle class to the top one-tenth of 1 percent. And the American people say, ‘No, that’s not right.’ And if you ask the American people: Do you think it’s right that despite an explosion of technology and an increase in worker productivity, the average worker is working longer hours for low wages? They say no. And what the American people are saying pretty loudly and clearly is they want an economy that works for ordinary Americans. For working people. Not an economy where almost all of the income and all of the wealth is going to the top 1 percent. That’s what we have now.” ~ Bernie Sanders in the Des Moines  2016 Register Newspaper

As the self ascribed "Democratic Socialist" Bernie Sanders continues to rise among Democrats giving Hillary Clinton all that she can handle, I thought it important to speak out on the political theory that Mr. Sanders actually embraces and explain how his democratic socialism, by nature, is one of the most problematic political philosophies in America today. In a sense Sanders claims to be an FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) restorationist, even hailing Roosevelt as the ultimate Democratic Socialist, but there is something more ominous about socialism that the American public needs to know, that Sanders certainly isn't volunteering.

[PLEASE excuse the previous paragraph (which has been corrected) as it was hijacked to reflect support for Sander's socialism, but we DECRY socialism, especially the political socialism and servitude that Sanders endorses]

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The Restoration Of Marriage & Right Relationships Pt. 2 ~ Building The Family

2: IF YOU DON'T HAVE A HOBBY, FIND ONE. A PERSONAL INTEREST, OR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH, CHURCH ACTIVITY, 

OR 4 WALL VISION.

In his book, "What I know For Sure, My story of growing up in America" author Tavis Smiley described scenarios that are all too familiar to many Black families, especially individuals in the early days of the Black church in America. He described a time when there was a church service and or a church function nearly every day of the week. He described at time when life in the Black community, was synonymous with church. There were only 2 conditions and possibly three of the average Black family and individual; going to church, coming home from church or going or coming home from work, getting ready to go to church.

In those days there was a different study, rehearsal, preparation or practice for something all the time and every day. If one wasn't in a study, then one was in prayer. You mother, father and the whole family was engaged in something. Church was certainly a lively place, and a place full of activity, but it was also one that made a generation of folk commit to themselves, that once they were free from being required to attend church, that they weren't looking back. Some of them grew, left home, left the church and made true on their promises. Some never came back, although many of them continue to send their children to church even if they stay home.

A Little Different, But A Little The Same

Although the church has changed in its core makeup and type of activities that it offers, many of its practices have not changed at all. One could spend weeks if not months simply traveling back and forth to church everyday, somewhere, someplace if one followed all of the outlined and regimented services that they are "required" to attend. As a District Supt, within the organization that I am a part of, if I were to attend all of the services asked of me, and give all the offering that I am asked to give ever year, not only would I be physically worn out, but I would have no time to pastor a church, yet alone be a husband to my wife or a father to my children, and on top of that I would be broke nearly all year round.

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The "Business" Of Church

Matthew 21:12-13 ~ 12- And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13-And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Although there is a healthy debate even among Christians as to whether the "church" as we know it today was ever supposed to be the "church" as we have become used to seeing it, or even whether Jesus came to establish a religion at all, one thing is for sure, whatever the church and religious practice associated with the church once was, it is hard pressed to continue to be that and as a result has lost it's luster in a ever increasing mine-field of church and even secular "alternatives".

In short, the rise of relative moral values, increasing secularism, and the desire for social relevance are among some of the more pervasive issues that the church faces. That doesn't even begin to touch on the ever increasing moral failures of some of the leaders and adherents of the church. All of these things have made the church, the modern physical church, a very difficult landscape for the average person to navigate.

Church, The Business

Then add the "business" of church to the mix. There has always been a business aspect to serving God through the corporate entity called the church. Even within the first church people sold what they had that the needs of the corporate group might be met (Acts 4). Under the Levitical system, sacrifices and offerings cost and had value. In Jesus time, ministry under the Temple System had become big business. Scripture records that Jesus drove out the "moneychanges" at least twice during his ministry (Matt. 21:12-13, John 2:14-15) and reprimanded temple leaders for their excesses. I believe, and have further taught, that Jesus did this at least annually as a symbol of his office and in expectation of what the religious Jew would have understood as the special authority associated with the Messiah who was expected to appear in every generation. By the time of Jesus, to say that the Temple and the people were being abused would have been an understatement. What was being done was not in accordance with what God had commanded and not in line with what he expected from those who would serve HIM. The poor were to be ministered to, not taken advantage of. The very fact that the nickname of the Temple at that time was "Herrod's Temple" indicates that money and evil associations had began to rule the day even in what should have been the most sacred of places.  

Show Me The Money!

From the historical position of Catholic "indulgences" to modern mega church "sacrificial gifts", to $50 million dollar plus places of worship, not to mention $250,000 monthly TV programming budgets. As we already know, on any given Sunday at mini-mega local churches offerings of the faithful can exceed $20,000. Big business exists within and surrounding the modern church. Much of the raised funds are delivered to folk

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Will You Be A 24%(er) in 2013?

Heb. 10:25 ~ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

In late 2012 The PEW Research Center set forth information regarding church attendance in the United States that suggested that approximately 79 % of Americans claimed that they identified with an "organized" church or religious group, while 45% said they attended service regularly. Quite naturally this lead to the conclusion that most folk, which identify with organized religion, were also church attendees.

In an October 2012 NPR report, science correspondent Shankar Vedantam, took a look at the data and the assumptions drawn from the PEW report. What he found was that there was a difference between what people "say" about their religion and organizations of faith than what they actually do regarding their faith. More specifically, Mr. Vedantam, pointed out that questions regarding religious affiliation usually shift from what one actually does by way of attendance and physical support, toward what one "feels" about their preferred group. In other words, most people feel strongly and have a preferred group of faith, but at the same time, not everyone attends or supports their preferred group with their presence.

The Time Diary Method 

Columbo: Surely, that wasn't you at the golf course because you  were at church the the morning of July 15th 2012 at 11:00 AM...Right?

The "time diary method" is a method of questioning that asks individuals to recount their exact whereabouts at a particular time and moment. Similar to how Detective Columbo (Peter Faulk- for those of us who still remember his screen genius) in a seemingly dumbfounded moment, asked the last question while exiting, to let the criminal affirm what he already knew. In this case, the "time diary method" allowed those that say they support a church an opportunity to expose themselves to through their own actions by following when and how often they actually attended a service with their personal presence.  

This difference in Vendatam's questioning led to the conclusion that on average, only about 24% of all of them that say that they support a certain faith were actually in attendance or physically in support of their church the previous week. In other words some are saying that they believe or in this case, have a church, but are not regular attendees. 

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Is "Pagan Christianity" A Distortion Of Truth?

In 2002 authors Frank Viola, and George Barna, undertook to deliver a work called "Pagan Christianity, Exploring The Roots Of Our Church Practices" in which the claim was made that after reading the book one would have "Tough questions. Nagging questions. Even frightening questions." and that what we would be left with would be "disturbing answers" that would lead us to "the richest truths that Christians can discover" (1)

While I can say that they were certainly correct, because after reading just a portion of the book, I am left with some tough questions, nagging questions and even some frightening questions, but not necessarily for reasons that either of them thought or intended that anyone would be left with such questions. 

Needless to say I am frightened at the completely overstated assumptions, special pleading, genetic fallacy and straw men arguments that Frank and George have delivered in order to critique and , in Frank's own words, "deconstruct" the modern church. While he does deliver a great deal of information, his assumptions are flawed and rooted heavily in genetic fallacy. All of this has led us to not only ask the tough questions of ...what the heck were they thinking???.... and the nagging question of,  "why would someone who does not honor or acknowledge the system of the church seek to profit from it, all at the same time trying to destroy it?"...But we ask other frightening questions such as why would authors interlace and mix so much error with truth if the whole point was to help reform the church? Similar to many groups that seek to undermine Christianity, Frank and George are ultimately making the case that post 1st century, Christianity has merely borrowed it's practices from Paganism and is not centered in truth. What is further puzzling is that they make these assertions as opposed to looking further to see the Jewish roots of many modern Christian beliefs and practices. 

A Brief Example:

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Falling Towers Coming Down Pt. 2

As Continued From Falling Towers Coming Down Pt. 1

Gulfstream G650 $58.5 Million in 2012
Necessary For Preacher Luxury and Ministerial Performance 

In modern times, Pastors and leaders are commended, praised and held in high esteem because they have personal and private jets and expensive cars as opposed to having personal and public commitments to the well being of the body of believers. The member, overwhelmingly of low to moderate income, is pumped and primed to give so that they can be blessed. Then certain expenditures present themselves so that the giving can be seen and made known. For the extremely opulent "ministries" on the other hand, spending what is given is sometimes directed toward the acquisition of private jets, Bahama vacations, luxury automobiles or some other personal cause, which is almost expected by and from some in leadership. For some it's the equivalent of executive privilege because mistakenly, some think that they "are" the church or that they are "the ministry". Only where is that outlined within the bible? What is the biblical mandate, endorsement or approval for such status.

"I need To Take This Trip To Win Souls"

One other thing, then I'll move on because many of my preacher friends get uncomfortable talking about these sort of things: I've heard of more and more pastors and leaders who supposedly go on "missions trips" without their spouses and families. These trips are almost never to places like Bosnia, Croatia or Antartica. They are almost always to places like the Bahamas and Jamaica. What makes it even worse is that many times these pastors only take certain selected members from the church along with them. (Does that remind you of anyone in the news recently?) Nonetheless, in most of these cases all expenses are paid by the church without question. Under normal circumstances that wouldn't be a bad thing, however what we are witnessing is flat out usury and pimpery among some of the leaders facilitated by the natural entity or the physical church itself.

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Falling Towers Coming Down Pt. 1

Matthew 16:15-19 ~"15-He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16-And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17-And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18-And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19-And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven"

Frank Viola, in his response to Dr. Ben Witherington over Ben's review of his book, "Reimagining Church", stated the following on pg. 4 pt. 9 of his rebuttal:

"The main point of all of this, of course, is my contention that the church is a spiritual organism and not a human organization." 

While Frank's books are certainly on my personal wish list, I couldn't help but conclude that although the gates of hell will not prevail against it, the "spiritual organism" known as the church, in it's modern form and under its modern composition,  is sick, afflicted, in pain and in serious trouble. If I were a Doctor I would send it home for a permanent vacation and bed rest. My reasoning is because what is currently transpiring in the body of Christ is nothing less than an epidemic.

First, as Frank states, the modern church is being built inversely of scripture. No matter the organizational affilliation, it has become a top-down or hierarchical entity. At the local level there is a considerable amount of  pressure placed on a single leader, usually the Pastor, to perform in an almost a superhuman manner. Balancing business acumen with social skills, all while finding time to give himself to God, and seek and deliver a word. Unfortunately even that word has been reduced to more of a motivational speech as many modern pastors do not preach against sin and have even reverted to calling themselves "Life Coaches".

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Let's Get Back To Church...

Hebrews 10:25 ~"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Thank God for the mission of "occupy" (Lk. 19:13). Though it's not always easy, it is timely and full of blessings not only for me and us, but for all them who are touched in the process.

For sure, we're certainly not the largest, nor are we the greatest, but you'll be hard pressed to find any more dedicated to Christ...News WEEK 25 Peoria delivered a pleasant surprise to us:



Why Is This Important?

Materialism and naturalism fails on every hand, is unsatisfying when addressing life's most complicated questions with consistency, and reason is not incompatible with faith...in fact faith is a more reasonable proposition than naturalism on every account. The evidence for God is abundant and the very reason for any existence is found in faith and far exceeds the rationalizations offered by naturalism.

Secondly, God through his institution of the church, offers individuals tangible experiences which cannot simply be discarded as myth or wishful thinking. God through his church continues to change lives for the better. Naturalistic premises offer no such hope or potential for change. In fact the predetermination that bind naturalistic explanations defy any potential individual change other than those genetically or naturalistically predetermined. These facts are supportable.

Thank God for HIS church!

Matt. 16:16-18 ~ "16-And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17-And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18-And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Blessed!

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Callin' Out Da Pastors & Churches

On my favorite radio station WVON AM 1690 Chicago, IL. Mrs. Monique Caradine skillfully used her 2 hour boradcast to call out the church and Pastoral community for its stark silence and amazing absence in taking the lead in tackling Chicago's crime and violence head on.

Mrs. Caradine I personally say THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU! It's time for the church leaders to wake up and do the work of HIM that has called us!

The backdrop is this:

Wed. May 19th former Iraqi war veteran and off duty police officer Thomas Wortham IV (30) was visiting his parents in Chatham, IL., the neighborhood in which he grew up. As he was leaving his parents home he was confronted by 4 young people who were acting upon a "dare". The "dare" was to rob somone at gunpoint. The target was a mortorcycle that Officer Wortham owned. Short of the long, the incident left officer Wortham dead, one of the criminals dead, another wounded and in critical condition and two more fleeing for their lives. One of those two eventually turned himself in and the other was apprehended in an unrelated incident.

Officer Wortham was a good man interested in helping the community and doing the right thing. He was ready and willing to what he could do to bring his community back from the destruction that it seemed headed toward. Here are some of his statements regardng crime a short time ago to the Chicago Tribune:

"It's starting to feel like it's expected in this community,"..."When people think of the South Side of Chicago, they think violence. In Chatham, that's not what we see. It's happened. And we're going to fix it, so it doesn't happen again." ~ Officer Thomas Wortham IV

Officer Wortham's death was the most recent in over 145 homicides in Chicago this year. This is after a 2009 total of 458 murders and a declaration that Chicago was the murder capital of the Unied States. An additional part of the problem is that many of the deaths have occurred among them that are 30 and younger. From what we've been able to gather, the murder rate of CPS (Chicago Public School) students and injury rates are at all time highs also. Some reports say that as many as 200 children have been injured either en route or coming home from school by individuals committing street violence.

The Gospel Is The Right Tool For The Job

Romans 1:16 ~ "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

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Some People Get Tired Of "Light Bread"

The Exodus

Exodus 16:13-16 ~ "13-And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. 14-And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness [there lay] a small round thing, [as] small as the hoar frost on the ground. 15-And when the children of Israel saw [it], they said one to another, It [is] manna: for they wist not what it [was]. And Moses said unto them, This [is] the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat."

Two and a half months after being set free from the bonds of slavery abuse and misuse, Israel came to the wilderness of Sin. That parallel of language is telling because it was in Sin that the complaint was made:

Exodus 16:3 ~ "And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, [and] when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger."

In Sin not only was the leadership of Israel tried, but also the patience of God was put to the test. Here in just over 2 months the people had forgotten about their sons being made slaves, their daughters being raped and abused and their seniors being disrespected, not to mention their hopes and dreams being destroyed. So, strangely it seems, that they clamoured for the old setting and way things used to be in order to suit their needs.

In spite of it all, God by his mercy and compassion fed the people daily. He prepared a little white wafer that sat upon the ground after the dew rose. Noone knew what it was so they called it "Manna" meaning "what it is" ie: it is what it is. So what they received was sustenance for them and obviously had the ability to nurture their complete physical being. The problem is that even after being fed by the hand of God himself, the people lost interest and wanted variety. They wanted something other than what God was giving them. The late Bishop G.E. Patterson preached a message on this subject some years ago, and in that message he said that the people got tired of eating "light bread" and demanded that the Lord feed them something else. In other words even though God was feeding the people and meeting their needs in the wilderness, their appetite was greater than the manna that they were receiving from the Lord.

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Swine Won't Stop The True Gospel or The Real Church!

The "Swine Flu" or now the H1N1 Virus has placed a scare into the country because of the virulence of the disease. Our current pandemic alert level in the US is 5, set by the World Health Organization. The H1N1 virus is a hybrid of swine, avian and human strain virus. The two anti-influenza drugs on the market, amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine) are ineffective in treatment. And there's no other current and effective vaccine made by any Rx company in the world as of today. In recent days it's been reported that shipments of influenza vaccine have been sent out to various locations, however any vaccine sent could not be to combat this particular strain of H1N1 as one does not currently exist. So the question is what was shipped and why?

According to CNN as of today there have been 331 confirmed cases of the disease worldwide, 109 confirmed US cases resulting in 1 US death and 156 deaths in Mexico, the suspected origin of the disease. Additionally CNN reports that known cases worldwide are as follows:

• Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8) An additional 230 cases are being investigated in the United Kingdom, and Spain has 84 suspected cases. Australia, which has had no confirmed cases, was investigating 114.
  
  

Could This Be A Biological Terrorist Attack?

There are a number of theories regarding the nature of this flu epidemic. Most of it comes as a result of a post 9/11 mindset.

Drug Cartels Working With Terrorist Groups Theory:
One thing is for sure is that the Mexican drug cartels and terrorist groups have seemed to "hook up" in recent times and this has been noted by the US Government. The cartels have more money and weapons than the Mexican Government and Army and are not afraid to engage the US law enforcement of any kind. This has led to a great suspicion that either Hezbollah or another Jihadist group, working through Iran, has either assisted or at the very least been resourceful in this venture. This theory overlooks the fact that the true Jihadist also views drugs as being not honorific to Allah and the West in general, including Mexico, as being inspired of Satan. Not to mention that the drug cartels wouldn't want to eliminate their clients right away. They would loos whatever money that have accumulated.

One point of interest regarding this is that Islam yet teaches against consumption of pork, and none of the countries known as "Islamic countries" are on the list. This is especially intriguing since the disease is said to easily spread by human to human contact past one generation, which, up until this point, is highly unusual so far as influenza viruses and illnesses are concerned.

Terrorist Test Theory:
Another argument is that this whole situation is only a warm-up much like a Beta-Test to see how far this could spread and to see the reaction of the world community. In other words a testing of the waters by the international community be they "terrorists" or other "string pullers" who need to know about our emergency preparedness systems. While this may be plausible, terrorists usually study and know procedures of countries and governmental agencies long before those procedures are implemented. The object of terrorism is death and absolute fear, and as sicknesses go this one within the US has not caused the death or fear that a genetically engineered virus would seem to aim for. So upon evaluation, it becomes a rather uncompelling argument to say that any terrorist was just trying to find out what would happen IF...

Drug Company Conspiracy:

Another theory is that this has somehow been structured and layered by the Rx companies in efforts to bolster need for their products and consequently allowing them to make more money. Although every company has to create a need for their particular products and services, I find this one kind of hard to swallow from a humanistic standpoint. Maybe that's just my hope that even the pharmaceutical industry would hold to better standards than that.

Population Control Theory:

Another theory (that goes in conjunction with the next one) is that this is the beginning of a population control measure. Many atheists, humanists and Christians and otherwise are so worried about the depletion of natural resources. There is a push for countries such as the US to adopt measures to stifle the growing population trends. Some have invoked ideas such as China's population control standards as a means to relive the earth of the growing threat of human expansion and resource depletion. In other words people need to die so that others won't be inconvenienced. I guess for them who hold this view, it's more a process of natural selection of survival of the fittest.

A Final Conspiracy Theory???

Government Control Theory:

A Final theory, and one that is much more malicious in its intent, is that the US Government had something to do with it. More specifically that President Obama, hid or is hiding information regarding it, or that former President Bush made some deals at the very least set the stage for this...

Well, the government's record hasn't been good historically. Look at Tuskegee and the controversial suspicion about AIDS. Sorry, but truth is what it is...However, since Katrina and Kanye West's statements that "Bush doesn't care about black people!" We've seen that everything that seems to go on in this country is somehow now part of a conspiratous governmental scam or theory...Since I'm in no position to investigate every claim, I can only say that I've been around the block a few times in these 45 years of mine and heard a lot of suspicion raised on many issues only to live and find out first hand that much of what people go to elaborate means to claim is garbage, and garbage is just what it is...GARBAGE...Take it out, throw it away and it'll eventually all fade away...One thing is certain, what's hidden will come to the light.

The More Than Likely Scenario:

More than likely the H1N1 virus is a reassortment of existing human virus which is a relatively new type of viral path as these sort of viruses are concerned. The sustained transmission from human to human means that this virus is not based on the standard or traditional norms that were previously understood. In other words, no conspiracy theory needed just an understanding of basic evolutionary science which most Christians agree that occurs on a micro evolutionary basis such as this. In fact, this just may be a micro evolutionary observation within our day and age that adds significant value scientific understanding...we'll see.

With All Of That Said, What's The Church's Response?

The most disturbing thing that I've heard during this course of days is that Saints (ie: Christians) are saying, they "ain't going nowhere", because of this flu pandemic. I've even heard them say they were changing and cancelling vacation plans and even church attendance plans. In other words church folk are afraid that they will catch the Swine Flu and die as a result. I've even had folk call us about our upcoming conference, asking questions about cancellation or the safety and health of our guests who are flying to the event. Some have even asked if I think it would be a "safe idea" to continue...

I can only respond by asking and saying, when did PIGS ever stop the preaching of the gospel or the blessing of God's people? WE ARE SHO-NUFF GONNA HAVE OUR CONFERENCE! Lay Hands on folk too! Jesus is Lord over swine flu and what we don't know that is yet to come, and HIS church won't be overcome by any of this.

Mt. 16:18 ~ "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

The Word of God has made it through multiple historic wars, 2 modern World Wars, at least one Great Depression, extreme persecution throughout history worldwide, a host of ungodly and godless world leaders and dictators who souught to stop Christianity, a series of plagues and unfavorable weather patterns, and horrible natural events. Not even the swine flu will defeat God's church or stop the message of Christ from being preached or stop the real Siants from fellowshipping.

With the exclusion of Vice-President Joe "Open Mouth Insert Foot Here"Biden, (and we probably all feel about like how Senator Leahy appears whenever Biden speaks) even the World Health Organization continues to encourage people to travel and do what they do. They say what they say based on their own humanistic understandings of things. What about the church that says it knows God? Where is our confidence in our redeemer?

What Have We Lost?

As a church we seem to have lost insights into the whole idea of a supernatural God. Another one of the principles that seems missing is a biblical understanding of the Israel/Egypt concept, and our inheritance as believers in Jesus. I mean yes, I agree that we may get sick like anyone else, however, our lives, as believers, ARE NOT in the hands of a virus, especially not one related to a pig.

Ps. 31:14-16 ~ "14-But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. 15-My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. 16-Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake."

Our lives (times) are in the hands of God. In other words, God always made a difference between HIS people and the people of the world. There is nothin NEW under the sun, (Ecc.1:9) simply a variation of what's already here:

1 Cor. 10:13 ~ "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

We all should remember the Passover. When the death came saw the "blood" and kept on movin'. What were we to say and how were we to respond?

Ex.12:27 ~ "That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

Who was that "passover" for us that are now hid in HIM?

Jn. 1:29 ~ "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

Jn. 1:35 ~ "Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!"

It wasn't because death didn't come to Israel that they lived, it was because the blood was there and the power of God was upon them that were obedient to HIS word. Does this mean that we should be foolish and uncaring about where we go and who we are around...absolutely not. We should however exercise the biblical faith the God has given us and expect that we will not be let down...As they say, We've come this far by faith and HE's never failed us yet...By the way, HE never will fail. I cheated a little bit and read the END of the book to find out how it all comes out and WE GOOD!

Jn. 16:33 ~ "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Blessed!
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Are You Travailing In The Spirit?

I received this email in response to my Radio Invitation Post from what I consider to be a very astute responder.(by the way I will place the interview on the blog as soon as I am able) This was the comment:

"Pastor Burnett, is it just my imagination, or has something really serious happened to the church during this election? I have never seen so many mean spirited Saints as now. They use very awful names to refer to other Saints who are not voting for Obama. I actually heard one of our deacons say "in church" that he "can't stand that Palin" - even though she names the name of God just like he does. It is as if the Saints have been "gassed" or something. They refuse to hear ANYTHING negative about Mr Obama, but speak so awful about the others. I've even heard Pastors laughing about how Palin "claims to be some kind of Christian - Did y'all see that picture of her hanging in front of that house? ha ha ha! " Can you please give some perspective on this? I am so burdened by what I'm seeing. I can't help but believe that our leaders are going to pay a big price for some of the things they've done, condoned and said this year. Please address this if you can. Otherwise, I'll try to listen to your radio interview." ~ Corrie Richards Nov. 1st 5:26 PM

To Corrie and others that are feeling, witnessing and experiencing the same or similar things,

Your observations are exactly on point. The Spirit of the spiritual man/woman travails due to what is happening in the land. We are in the middle of a TOTAL paradigm shift of values and cultural change. This is similar to the D-Day invasion of WWII only in this case Christianity and it's principles are being overrun. Make no doubt that the CHURCH will prevail as Jesus promised but there is a sifting among leadership, followers and believers in the land.

John 16: 20-22 ~ 20-Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21-A woman when she is in travail (Tikto-metaph. to bear, bring forth) hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22-And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

The leaders "so called" who have allowed and ushered in the deception of the ages and have also perpetrated lies in secret upon the people will cause our nation to pay the price for their sin, false leadership and indiscretion.

Isa. 9:16-17 ~ "16-For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. 17-Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."

This has little to do with Barack Obama or John McCain for that matter. It has everything to do with leadership that has allowed the enemy to seduced the minds of the people with their assistance both actively by saying things such as you've witnessed and passively by creating an aura of silence. This has happened to many in the pulpit and to many in the the secular world by the masses. Additionally, so far as the church is concerned exclusively, this has everything to do with the apostasy and heretical teaching that has taken place within the realms and confines of what has traditionally been called "Holy". Our decisions are now being made based on personality, history, relationship, and association. Promises of grandeur, and being or becoming a part of history is often cited as the reasons to promote and stand by ideologies that we know, from minimal biblical reading, are absolutely contrary to the nature and will of God and totally destructive to the community at large and more specifically the black community in particular. The biblical basis for relationship is non-existent in most quarters and has been replaced by what one wishes or chooses to see and be engaged with, rather than by what is TRUTH without compromise.

In my upcoming book, Ministering Effectively, I actually deal with this very subject. As found and explained within scripture and referenced in the book of Revelation, it's called adherence to the "Doctrine Of Baalim" (Rev. 2:4). I wrote this:

"What has arisen is a doctrine of Baalim that is being taught by secular mega-stars and mega-church guru’s. This doctrine places saint and sinner on the same platform and receives from each fountain as it pertains to what "self" needs. This doctrine uses the bible as a means to an end with no consideration for adhering to the standards of it’s message. The doctrine of Baalim, blesses what God has cursed, reaps where it has not sown, and seizes control of spirits and minds by means of smooth talking, personalities that are larger than life promising great associations and fame. One thing is for sure, to follow the doctrine of Baalim ends in hopelessness, despair and utter destruction." ~ Pastor H. Burnett, "Ministering Effectively" 2008 Dunamis Publishing Pg. 22 [manuscript copy]

Similar to the tribe of Dan, (1 Kings 12: 25-33) today's church has erected it's own brand of Golden Calfs to replace the God of the Bible, and has offered sacrifice upon the alter of flesh, pride, arrogance and self-centeredness. The WORD of Truth within the church has become secondary to self-perceptions and social affirmations of the populace. Motivational speaking has replaced the gospel proclamation of truth and righteousness and declarations of "friendship" has become the gauge whereby ministry is judged among men.

So Corrie, you're not seeing things and you're not having some type of mental delusion. You are seeing plainly what many are refusing to see, because they are yet connected to this world, and similar to the "Matrix" would rather live apart from true spiritual reality.

What is interesting here is just like we travail over what is happening, the righteous are coming out with a new determination, a new dedication, and a new fruitfulness that will shape the future of their lives and the life of the community in which we exist. This is true decision time as the truth is being revealed. (read Psalms 91)

The questions are: will we continue to support and be a part of ministries that have allowed themselves to be overtaken and overrun by the enemy? Is it good enough for us to remain a part of apostate ideals and value systems as they have revealed themselves in many of our top leaders? These ideals and commentaries have arisen to reveal and illuminate the righteous as to who is actually a follower of Christ. Because there is a birth at the same time there is pain, those of us who see what is happening and understand what we are witnessing will run on to be the next generation of vessels fit for the master's use.

2 Tim. 2:19-21 ~ "19-Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20-But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21-If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work."

Yes this is a revealing time and Tuesday Nov. 4th will reveal even more than we see now. More so, the next few years will be further reaching and revealing as we experience an agenda that will be crafted by apostates and sealed with secularism.

Luke 22:31-32 ~ "31-And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32-But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Blessed!

Sorry for an earlier version--I forgot to use spell-check-(LOL)

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God, Taking His Glory Back From The Philistines

1 Samuel 5: 1-2 ~ "And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. 2-When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon."

Because of the seriousness of this hour and this post, I will not display any pictures, and I will name names on a limited basis. I will however, speak specifically to what I believe the Lord is giving me to say for all of those who read this blog and who are further in anticipation of God reclaiming HIS church for himself.

Our brother in the Lord, Elder D.L. Foster, of Witness Freedom Ministries has been led of Lord to post one of the most serious and egrigious posts that I have read. It is entitled, "T.D. Jakes Becomes A Conduit For False Homosexual Theology". In the post Elder Foster sets forth Jakes's own false and perverted interpretation of scripture and brings to light the testimony of an individual who has experience with the ministry of Bishop T.D. Jakes. The claims are serious and the church should demand an answer from the minister who was hailed only a short time ago as "The Next Billy Graham"

This serious situation leads me to the thoughts that I will share with you and those who look back on these events in the future. The message is simple and plain:

God Is Taking HIS Glory Back From The Philistines

A tribe of people who had migrated from Caphtor or Crete as it would come to be known, would be the villains of the Biblical story for many years and enemies of the people of God. For a little historical context, these individuals had made their journey through Egypt before Abram was called by God from Mesopotamia. Between the times of Abraham and Joshua the Philistines (as they would come to be known) had changed their quarters, and had advanced northward into the plain of Philistia.

They were initially a peaceful people. They also had great wealth and appeared to be prosperous (Judg. 16:5,18) The had the ability to make and participate in great business ventures and display material wealth. They were strong fighters and defeated the inhabitants of Sidon around 1200 BC. They owned a portion of the promised land and during the life of Joshua, Israel was not able to overcome them:

• Joshua 13:1-3 ~ "1-Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. 2-This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri, 3-From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:"

After the defeat of Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron in Judg 1:18 the Phillistines quickly retaliated and regained their land. King Saul was later able to accomplish what had not been accomplished previously.

• 1 Sam. 13:3 ~ "3-And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. 4-And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal."

The Philistines had been defeated at Geba but for 25 years the Philistines would rebuild and reposition themselves in preparation to retake what they considered to be their land. During this time they would flex and send forth a champion named Goliath who would utter perverseness against the Lord and would be defeated at the hands of an anointed boy named David.(1 Samuel 17:50) Saul would later loose his life to the Philistines in valley of Esdraelon.

God blessed David to be able to subdue the Philistines. They would continue to serve under Solomon's Empire. However the Philistines would later gain liberation once again by aligning themselves with Syria, Assryia, and Egypt. Through all the ups and downs the Philistines seemed never discouraged in planning their next uprising. Even when Israel was taken into captivity, the Philistines were evil hearted towards Israel and had what God called "old hatred" toward Israel. This ultimately represented sinful man's hatred towards God.

• Ezekiel 25:15 -17 ~"15-Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; 16-Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. 17-And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them."

Now that you have a full sense of the rift between the Philistines and the Israelites, we can look closer at the text.

Our text places events around 1116 BC. Israel was in a serious battle with their Canaanite enemy, the Philistines. The difference was that Israel was suffering from a lack of integrity among their spiritual leadership. The Priest sons Hophni and Phineas were lascivious men who were stealing sacrifice from the Lord, taking advantage of the people by not rendering godly service, and using the women of the temple as prostitutes and personal cohorts.

• 1 Samuel 2:12 ~ " 2-Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD

These Priest had no relationship or fellowship with the Lord, but they were in the position as a servant to the people and as one of spiritual authority. They had found a way to have popularity, materialistic wealth and control over people. Eli, the high Priest had already been warned his sons of the problem but failed to end the situation only speaking to this children and telling them that they shouldn't behave that way.

• 1 Samuel 2:22-25 ~ "22- Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 23-And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. 24-Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD’S people to transgress. 25-If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them."

The Battle For The Glory

The conditions were ripe. This was the prime opportunity for the devil to do what he wanted to do from the beginning, steal the Glory of God:

• Isaiah 14:12-16 ~ "12-How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13-For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14-I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15-Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 16-They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;"

During the initial charge against the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4, Israel was disappointed and turned back. The defeat caused the Elders of Israel to call for the "Ark Of The Covenant". Previously, when the Ark appeared things happened. The Jordan parted (Jos. 3:17), and cities fell (Joshua 6). The dimensions of this box or Ark were about 45in. by 27in. by 27in. (Gen. 50:26) This was a powerful and small package because all hopes were dependent upon God. However:

The Ark Was Never Meant To Be Used As A Charm

The Ark Of God wasn't powerful because of itself...it was powerful because of the Glory Of God. The Church is not powerful because it grows, looks good and has a lot of cars parked around it. It is powerful IF it belongs to God and is controlled and directed by God.

Part of the problem was that the People of God did not know or respect what God respected. God respected purity, righteous and true holiness. The people respected their ability to gain, achieve and defeat enemies without a commitment to serve God. Therefore they called upon God wrongly and out of their own lusts.

This battle was different. After carrying the Ark to the battle Israel was surprised that the aggression of the Philistines was worse and even more surprised when the Philistines defeated them in battle and took the Ark. Thus one of the worst days in Israel's history is recorded:

• 1 Sam 4:19-22 ~ "19-And his daughter in law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her. 20-And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it. 21-And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. 22-And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken."

After all the years of victory someone other than the people of God were in possession of the GLORY of the Lord. The Philistines were deeply imbued with superstition: they carried their idols with them on their campaigns, 2 Sam. 5:21, and proclaimed their victories in their presence. 1 Sam. 31:9. The gods whom they chiefly worshipped were Dagon, Judges 16:23; 1 Sam. 5:3-5; 1 Chron. 10:10; 1 Macc. 10:83, Ashtaroth, 1 Sam. 31:10; Herod. i. 105, and Baalzebub. 2 Kings 1:2-6.

The Glory Was Taken Over By Those Who Had No Right To It, And Didn't Know How To Use It Or Honor It.

At this point I could give more history and theological and Biblical information, but I must cut to the point.

Because of unrighteousness, the church has been given to Homosexuals, Pimps, Jezebels, Adulterers, & Money Changers. They have possessed the Glory of God by possessing the Church. They have acted as if they were acceptable with God all the while creating a scheme, and perpetrating a scam of the worst sort in eternity upon God's people and HIS church, BUT THEY ARE BEING REVEALED AND THE DAYS OF THEIR KINGDOMS ARE NUMBERED!

Jude 4:4 ~ "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."

They have sang us into a gospel stupor and persisted to live with see under cover, their gay lovers, sometimes singing with them on stage and pretending to be one of the Holy children of God while the innocent sit and watch sometimes unknowingly being entertained with perverseness.

They have preached us to heaven and back, sold DVD's and books many times telling us what we wanted to hear about ourselves encouraging us to create our world with metaphysical constructs, yet we support their homosexual, lesbian and inordinate desires with tithes and offerings because they are seem to be "nice people"

They have raped and molested our daughters and sons and yet we attend their churches, supporting the very actions we say we hate, but yet living on every action and jumping through every hoop they ask us to because we don't want to be the one sowing "discord"

They have broken up families, under the guise of counseling, while they separate wives and husbands for their own perverted sexual desires.

They have bought TV and Radio air time claiming to preach, while sending messages to their illicit gay lovers, and using the ministry to promote themselves and their evil desires, challenging the righteous to speak against them in any way.

They have used the people of God, bleeding them financially, claiming prosperity and healing as a cliche, even hijacking the words and terminologies of the Saints while redefining anointing and revising the text of God's WORD.

They have stopped preaching the Gospel because they are afraid of it's power, and have become motivational and self-empowerment coaches teaching "how too's" but never "what Christ desires of"

They are the sort that pick up transsexuals and homosexuals and prostitutes late and night in strange cars, get caught and tell the church they were just giving people rides to certain locations. What are they taxi cabs?

They have set out to intimidate the righteousness threatening them with letters, and blinding other weak leaders by telling them to close their pulpits to righteous ministries that call people to repentance and to salvation.

They pretend to be concerned about the the church and the people but will not entertain the questions and concerns of the people because their theology is shallow and only centred on how they can angle the WORD of God to their own personal benefit.

They refuse to offer protections to the very ones they supposedly serve. In fact they expose the youth to perversions through the ungodly individuals, singers and musicians that they parade in the church as roll models.

They have stolen the Glory of the Lord because the people wanted everything BUT Righteousness and true holiness. Singers and musicians were given salaries when they should have been given the altar for repentance.

Prayer was replaced with player. Church leaders have given the Glory to the Philistines to PRETEND and carry on, making things look nice because we have assessed ourselves as weak and have been made ineffective by our flesh.

In Canaanite mythological texts Baal is sometimes called the son of Dagon. Dagon (Judg. 16:23; 1 Sam. 5:2–7; 1 Chr. 10:10) was the chief god of the ancient Philistines, a grain and fertility god whose most famous temples were at Gaza and Ashdod. Dagon continued to be worshiped by the Canaanites up to the time of Christ. In the Apocrypha mention is made of a temple of Dagon at Azotus in 147 b.c. (1 Macc. 10:83–84). Azotus was a later name for Ashdod, one of the five chief Philistine cities.

During the time of our text Dagon was worshipped. He was the God of fertility and celebration. He was the God of seasonal prosperity. Represented as a man with the tail of a fish, he was celebrated by dance, music, and perverted sexual activity.

The Ark Of God was set in the house next to Dagon.

The modern false apostles have taken the Glory of God, set it next to their idolatry and now DARE you to say anything against it and them. They dare you to say anything if you want to be a singer because they control the stage and unless you're willing to give them the Glory of God on your life they will try to hold your gift hostage.

They dare you to talk about the earrings in their ear. At that point they say their stage is greater than yours and there's nothing that you can do because they have the minds and hearts of the people.

They know the people won't believe that they offer perverted and non-biblical doctrines, twisted biblical interpretations, and a string of homosexual and lesbian lovers and lifestyles that display excess.

They DARE the people of God because they have positioned themselves to control the church and change it's message.

But They Forgot That They Can't Handle The Glory

The problem is that the Phillistine does not know that what they want will kill and crush them because they aren't qualified or chosen to handle it. First the idols of the people must come down:

1 Samuel 5: 3-5 ~ "3-And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. 4-And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. 5-Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon’s house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day."

The first lesson to the Phillistine is that you are not greater than God. No matter how much material you posess or how many people you pack in on Sunday morning, or how many auditoriums and churches you fill. Ypu are not Greater than God and He will, with a small, powerful recepticle filled with the Glory of God, bring you to a place where you are broken and flat on your face. The Phillistines are falling by the way side as soon as they build churches, houses and proliferate the message Dagon is falling under and because of the Glory and presence of the Lord.

I Samuel 5:6-12 ~ "6-But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof. 7-And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god. 8-They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither. 9-And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts. 10-Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. 11-So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. 12-And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven."

The next thing that God did was affilct the Phillistines in their "secret parts". These are symbolic of those places that are supposed to be kept from public light and review. However it's made manifest when we see Pastors and Ministers of Music murdered and find they they had homosexual lovers and adulturous reltionships in addition to their ministries. The secret part are revealed when we find leaders going to the clinic being treated for STD's (SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES) that they've contracted while serving in the ministry. The secret parts are further revealed when we hear messages of how GOd will keep the mind in perfect peace, while a review of their medicine cabinet reveals Prozac, venlafaxine, duloxetine, nefazodone and mirtazapine to name a few.

They sent the Glory back after 7 months and 57,000 lives and plagues from place to place and city to city. God fought himself for his people and in the end what had been taken from Israel was restored by God:

I Samuel 7:13-17 ~ "13-So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14-And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. 15-And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16-And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. 17-And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD."

What of those who had posessed the Glory? What of those who thought they could exalt themselves and get away with it without the judgement of the Lord?

Matthew 7:21-29 ~ "21-Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22-Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23-And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24-Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25-And- the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26-And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27-And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28-And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29-For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."

Many have never known HIM. Nice stages, but never have known HIM. Material prosperity, but never have known HIM. Book writer, but never have known HIM. Miracle worker, but never have known HIM. Beautiful church, but never have known HIM.

If they knew HIM they would repent. If they knew him they would confess their deeds. If they knew him they would insure that thier idols are destroyed and chopped up into a million pieces. If they knew him they would stop their silliness, stop their sins and present themselves to God and the people. If they do that they will have a chance to correct what is right and help a new generation that has been the victims of the worst type of spiritual crime in history.

Psalms 51:17-18 ~ "17-The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18-Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem."

As we witness God removing HIS Glory from the Phillistines, please keep in mind that God must first judge his house and he must first deal with them that have assumed leadership over God's people. Thank God for deliverance, for we must find the true and the Living God and worship him in the beauty of holiness.

1 Peter 4:17-19 ~ "17-For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18-And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19-Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator."

Blessed!

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