Monday, November 18, 2013

Which Bible Translation Should I Read?

Translation Matters?
Have you ever cared about what Bible translation you read? When I first became a Christian I never even knew there were over two hundred Bible translations. My first Bible was what I later learned is called a "paraphrase," called the Good News version. Easy to understand and it even had simple illustrations. It was a gift from my dear Grandma when I turned thirteen. At the time, I was foolishly 
Grade 12 Graduation and my dear Grandma - 1984
  disappointed that I got a Bible for my birthday.  At thirteen, narcissistic was me! Uninterested in the meaning of life that year, busy trying to be cool, a tad narcissistic, busy smoking in the school yard, wearing my first pair of "La Cullotier" jeans, over plucking my eye brows, and using my trusty, handy dandy tape recorder, to record the 580 CKPR  top ten countdown, oh yes, and writing, "Anita loves Allan" on every surface I could find.
Ashamedly, I ignored the precious gift of life Grandma had given me, God's Word, Sure Hope and New Life.  She went Home during my darkest years, not knowing that her prayers for me were answered. Thank You Lord for Grandma. It wasn't until I was about twenty when I committed my life to Jesus Christ.
Not sure what happened to that first Bible, but it sure meant a lot. God knows us best and His timing is perfect.
King James?
About fifteen years ago a friend taught me that some Bibles are literal word for word translations based on the original languages, Hebrew and Greek. And then there are Bibles called paraphrases. They are simple to read and easy to understand, but can't be considered complete translations. Based on what I know now, I would suggest reading other translations along with a paraphrase if you want. Bottom line, ask God what to do. Don't avoid reading them if that is all you have. As you can see below, I have agonized a lot about which Bible translation is "approved" by God, only to end up not reading the Bible at times. Not because I don't believe it is the Word of God, but because I was so worried I might be sinning by reading the wrong Bible.
As for the King James translation, I avoided that one all together. As far as I knew, it was in Shakespearean, old english language and that meant I would never be able to understand it. So I pretty much settled into the NIV or New International Version. About fifteen years ago I fell in love with the New Living Translation. When I read it, it was just like how conversations went. It flowed and it went into my brain super easy! I didn't question it at all.
However, Over the last ten years, I seem to keep being lead to learning about the King James Bible Translation. Hearing valid arguments for why the NIV and some others are mistranslated or missing Truths of God, I have to say it has caused great confusion.
Which One Do I Read?
Each and every time these encounters have happened, I feel conviction to read the KJV and then, because I don't understand half of the words or the way the language flows, discouragement sets in. Again, unable to understand the translation that many say is thee True and only Word of God that is in english.
Then I would go back to the NLT and then parallel (multi translation Bibles). But, these battles keep coming back.
Just when I would have it settled another teaching would be presented about the merits of the KJV.
The arguments are so convincing. Wanting desperately to please God and not be mislead, I try it again. I have serious issues with the KJV supporters who actually say that they are reading the ONLY true Word of God.
However, I have prayed and done the research and am here to testify that it behooves us to check out the comparisons and consider reading the King James Version. I use an old english dictionary and pray for help. My husband has been lead down the same path and also has seen for himself that there is more "meat" to the language that some of the other translations.
Now do we subscribe to King James only views? No, we can't because there are too many questions. However, we are reading this classic translation as much as possible. And I myself, am reading it along with other translations. And just when I think, what does it matter, again, I see things that seem more substantial than the modern translations.
What Should We Read?
Why the Bible of course! As for which translation, I am not an expert and as always, can only talk about my experience. So below I have provided a couple of the videos that I have watched that are pretty convincing, along with some great Bible study resources.
Because I have had such struggles concerned about which is right, don't think I am saying we all should go through such anxiousness. We can trust God and that is what matters most. He won't let us be deceived if we cling to Him. He makes Himself known even when we don't have a Bible.

Cling to His Word and if you feel at peace with the translation you have, keep reading. Pray for discernment and wisdom and the Holy Spirit will teach us.
Be reminded that ...
[2Ti 3:16-17 KJV] 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
[Hbr 4:12 KJV] 12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
[Hebrews 13:8 KJV] 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Useful Bible Study Links:
Interlinear Bible (a study resource that has the original languages of the Bible with the King James Translation)
Which Bible, You Be The Judge by Pastor Mike Hoggard
A Lamp In The Dark (A Video documentary about the true history of the Bible)

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Church...Does it Matter?

Attending Church Makes Us A Christian?
How many associate Christianity with church attendance? Probably most of us would concur, that
attending church has nothing to do with qualifying to be a Christian.
In fact, when I first became a Christian about twenty five years ago, for a short time, with great cockiness, I vowed that I didn't need to attend church to prove I had become a Christian. However, conviction came upon my heart and before I knew it, I had to find a Bible believing Christian church.
Had I learned that attending church proved my faith? No, not at all, it is only by believing in Jesus Christ and what He did for us all, that qualifies us a Christian. There are absolutely, no works we can perform, attending church included, that can give us new life and save our eternal souls.
Then why did the Holy Spirit convict my heart and cause me to find a church? What is church all about?
I Don't Need Church...Or Do I?
At the time I didn't know any of this, I just did what I knew I was being lead to do. But now I can share a few of the passages in God's Word about what the body of Christ is all about. Just incase, you are wondering.
Ephesians 4:12-16 KJV - For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Romans 12:4-8 KJV - For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Ephesians 1:22-23 KJV - And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
1Corinthians 12:12-21 KJV - For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where [were] the body? But now [are they] many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Jesus As Our Head


Not only are we to meet together to encourage each other to grow and mature as Christians. We are to be under the direction of Jesus Christ, He is the Head part of our body. That means that even if we faithfully attend church, participate in all the churchy activities such as Bible studies, choir, Sunday school teaching and such, yet we don't submit to the Head of our body, Jesus, we will be rather lost. The only way we can live in unity with each other, pleasing God,  is to submit to His leadership. Here are a few verses that are very clear about Christ as our Head:
Ephesians 1:22-24 KJV Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephesians 5:23 KJV - For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV - But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.
Colossians 1:18 KJV - And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

We all know the importance of our brain and how it is the control center for our entire body. It is the only reason why we are to wear helmets when participating in activities such as biking, skateboarding, hockey, football, mountain climbing and such. It only takes one injury to our very delicate brain, to result in a debilitating head injury, that can render us utterly dependent on others to care for us. Well, even if we avoid those activities we can still be impacted by diseases that we have no ability to avoid, such as alzheimer's, strokes and aneurisms. And I am reminded of my own disorder, Spinal Muscular Atrophy. No matter how much I tell my muscles to work, they won't get any stronger because my motor neurons, the part of my brain that is to make my muscles work, deteriorate and therefore my muscles atrophy, resulting in weakness, and resulting in increasing dependence on the assistance of others.

It is evident that being a part of the Body of Christ, with Jesus as our Head is critical to our spiritual growth and walk with God.

What If I Can't Find The Right Christian Church?
A very valid question that we'll talk about that topic in the next posting.

For now,  I will leave you with these verses that encourage us to not give up meeting together.

Hebrews 10:25,26 KJV And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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.
Acts 2:46.27 KJV - And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.


Walking, Way Overrated...incase you are interested.

When your brain bounces around like mine, (Did I mention that I was diagnosed with ADHD in my early fourties!) it takes effort to focus on one topic at a time. It is why I have more than one blog focused on various topics.
Here, the Sure Hope Gazette is intended to be a place to provide hope for those who want to know why we exist on this earth, to provide resources and encouragement to fellow Christians.
I thought perhaps it would be a good idea to share the other blogs for anyone who may want to know...
Walking, Way Overrated - is a blog intended to encourage persons living with disabilities like my
husband and I do. More specifically, anyone dealing with Spinal Muscular Atrophy or Spina Bifida Occulta and Scoliosis. As well,  be a place that  provides resources for each other, parents, siblings/relatives, and friends that may be helpful. And to share the lives of others who inspire and encourage us.
A Bergie Creation - Is a personal extension of my online Etsy shop. Most of my life has been spent as a visual artist and about five years ago, I discovered jewelry making and haven't looked back.
Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Not Selling Anything Or Are They?

Wares For Sale
If you live in a house, it is quite likely that you have had visitors rap at your door who are selling something, be it energy, vacuums, or avon. As we know, sales people make their livelihood from what they sell, so as unnerving as it can be sometimes, it's understandable why they often talk to you as if they hear nothing you say, especially after you have told them, "no, not interested." In fact these days, be it by phone call or a home visit, I am not very polite because, even while they are speaking, I will firmly declare, "I am not interested, have a good day, BYE!" Hanging up the phone without their acknowledgement, in fact as they are speaking - it is a sure way to avoid being lured into whatever product/service it is they are offering.

Door To Door
But when you are face to face with a stranger, standing in your open doorway, (opened often, without being invited in, with one foot on your threshold) and they insist on continuing their spiel, cutting them off is much more challenging. After all, a well trained sales pro knows to not take "no" for an answer. So again, if a sale means bread on the table or this months rent money, it's understandable why they are so insistent and even annoying at times. We can't hang up on these folks as easily as we can with the phone. It is why, when we see someone walking up our driveway with clip board or booklet in tow, we muster up our courage, head to the door, cracking it just enough to boldly declare - "NOT interested, thank you!" And usually, as you may have experienced as well, they are off to the next home.

And yes, on occasion, there are those who refuse to listen, even trying to open the door! They cross the line into the "pushy" category. Not that I don't understand their position,  my heart goes out to them,  but when you are positive you really aren't interested, then abrupt good byes feel justified. And therefore, I don't have any conflicting feelings or conscience checks. In fact, I must admit, over the years, my conscience has become somewhat hardened when it comes to how I handle sales persons or should I say the "role" of a sales person.
Been There, Sort Of...
There actually was a time when I was on the receiving end of those who are rude, those who want nothing to do with what you are selling and out of about fifty phone calls in total, a few kind "no thank you's." Way back in the '80s, on two separate occasions, I initially, enthusiastically, entered the telemarketing world and was fired after three days, because I stunk at selling CKP gift cheque books!  Then the second time round, assuming that all such jobs ended after three days with no sales - I quit! So kudos to those of you who can press on with a tough sell like me.

Not Selling Anything Or Are They?
Now today we had another kind of "sales person" come to our door and I must say every time these kind appear, my conscience reacts quite differently... pricked with conflicted feelings and questions, wondering if I handled things the way God wanted me to or not.
What are these people selling? Usually Mormonism - a.k.a., the Latter Day Saints or
the Jehovah's Witnesses- "ism." also known as the Watchtower Society.
Incase you were wondering, these two groups are "selling" false beliefs. They are deceived and even though they will say they are "Christians" if you say, "I am a Christian," they are not following The Way, The Truth and the Life. (For an overview of each watch the videos above by Matt Slick from Christian Apologetics Research Ministries.)
When it comes to false doctrines and anything contrary to the Word of God, it behooves us to always follow God's Word closely...consider these passages.

Rom 16:17-18 NKJV - Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.  For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Eph 5:6-11 NKJV - Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now [you are] light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),  finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose [them].
2Cr 11:12-15 NKJV - But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.


What About Seventh Day Adventism? 

Well, about an hour ago from when I started this article, an older man appeared at our door grasping this booklet (image to the right) in his hand. Knowing that he could not have been a mormon because they are always clean cut young fellows in suits that travel in pairs or he couldn't have been a jehovah's witness because again, the travelling in pairs thing...unclear of what he was here for, my husband and I tested the waters by refusing his offer of the booklet he believed we needed to read, by telling him that we are Christians and that the Bible is God's Word.  Assuming he if he was a fellow believer, he would have concurred. Sadly, he did not because his immediate reaction was a statement about how that was how Jesus responded to the pharisees. (assuming he was saying we were behaving like pharisees?) My husband said to him that the pharisees were being religious, were arrogant and believed they were above others. This fellow then said that Christianity is religion and again really wanted my husband to take this booklet. Craig made it clear to him again, that the Bible is the only Source of Truth and no other books as well as, emphasizing that Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship with
Jesus.
After he left, we looked up the booklet and it turned out he is a Seventh Day Adventist. For years I have wondered are they or aren't the Christians? After hearing this person's emphasis today, taking away from the importance of God's Word and wanting us to read this booklet. We must affirm that we would not recommend following their teachings. To show why, here are some informative articles.

This website explains the dilemma well...
"The Seventh-Day Adventists are an anomaly. Evangelical Christians have never been comfortable with them, but they have been unable to decide whether the SDA is a legitimate expression of Christianity or whether it is a cult, like the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses..." 
...After I concluded this essay, I decided to contact Dr. Ron Carlson, the man who is considered to be Christendom's foremost expert on the cults today. I asked him for a statement about the SDA, and this is what he wrote in response:
"As you may know, Walter Martin was my mentor and dear friend for 20 years and spoke at my ordination. I was to have lunch with him the day he died in 1989. Walter had a real influence on many of the SDA leaders in the 70's and early 80's seeking to move them to a Biblical position. Many were, and there was hope for the SDA Church. What has happened in the last 20 years is that nearly 50% of the SDA pastors and leaders who were seeking to move it to an evangelical position have all been 'kicked' out or left the SDA. The people who are now in control have moved the organization back to following the teachings of Ellen G. White and denying some basic doctrines of Biblical Christianity. In fact, their official position is that if you do not worship on Saturday you are not a Christian and will not go to Heaven. Sunday worship is the mark of the beast. They are clearly today a false Cult."48
And here ere are a few links to learning more about what Seventh Day Adventism is.
(just click on each title)
The Seventh Day Adventists Christian or Cultic in Nature?
Hidden Heresies of the Seventh Day Adventists

The false teaching booklet that the "salesman" wanted us to read is here:
The PDF book of the "The Great Hope" by Ellen G White

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Another Jesus, Another Gospel - Teaching Series

We have been watching a series by one of our favourite online pastors, Mike Hoggard. Here are the videos to his most recent teachings titled, "Another Jesus, Another Gospel." They are listed in order and we will add more when they are posted on the Watchman Broadcast website. He addresses issues in these and other videos, regarding the warning that God's Word issues in:
2Corinthians 11:3,14 NKJV - But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or [if] you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted--you may well put up with it!
Even two thousand years ago a false gospel was already being preached, how much more today. It is a difficult thing to discern because there are so many well meaning, Jesus loving people, who naively follow persuasive teachers. And more often than not, those teachers themselves, are also unaware of what it is they are actually saying. As stated before, it is so critical that we read God's Word prayerfully and not deviate from it. It isn't a simple thing to post information about false teachings and doctrines under the banner of Christianity, because we know the information will offend the very people you believe God wants you to warn. On that note, we stand firm and present information, collected by committed believers in Christ and pray that we all will see God's Truth and avoid false gospels.

These videos cover movements from the "Sacred Name," to The Emergent Church, to the Word Faith or Prosperity Gospel movement. Please know that we don't mean to be insensitive but feel convicted that once we learn such things and know that they are backed up by the Word of God, it is our duty to use resources such as the internet to share the information for anyone who is seeking it. The information isn't easy to learn, especially when so many people you love are involved in and promote doctrines that don't mesh with God's infallible Word. As well it is heart breaking to hear how twisted God's Words can become when we seek to appease our flesh, justifying ourselves.

Lord, please help us all to  be alert and sober at all times, remind us to test the spirits always to not be deceived. Please give us wisdom and discernment to know what Your Word says. Please protect all of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. For those who follow these false "gospels," believing they are on Your path,  please help them to see Your Truth, causing them to be delivered from deception. 
Thank You so much Lord for Jesus and His finished work on the cross, defeating death, blessing us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. Please give us eyes to see and ears to hear and cause us to love those who hate us and pray for those who persecute us. Forgive me for every time I judge others without knowing the truth, and forgive me for ever thinking I know more than someone else. Please humble me and teach me Your Truth. Help us all to listen to You and please remind us each day to put on Your armour, as Your Word says in Ephesian 6, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms. Thank You that we can only do Your will, by the power of your Holy Spirit. A part from You, we can do no good thing. Thank You for Pastor Mike's heart to warn us about the deceptions in this world. Bless and protect him as well and thank You for the internet, being able to reach a world for You, while sitting in our home.
We love You Lord. In Jesus' Name Amen
Part 1

Part 2
Part 3

Part 4
Part 5

Monday, April 15, 2013

Witchcraft in the Church

Act 20:30 KJV - Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

1Timothy 4:1 KJV - Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;


A Watchman, is one who literally watched for danger and then warned the people. Read Ezekiel 33:1-20, to learn more. Ezekiel 33:3-4 KJV - If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.

We live in a time when many of us are tempted to follow the latest in "Christian" trends, be it the latest author, leader, or ideologies. It isn't a wise thing to do. We have been given God's Word for a reason. If we don't ensure that our plumb line,  is God's Word and God's Word alone, we are left open, unprotected - able to be easily mislead. Even the many teachers and authors out there, are well meaning and not purposely deceiving anyone. 

It isn't a shocker these days, that more and more Christian churches are promoting questionable authors and ideologies, that take people away from using the Word of God as their number one life support. Instead, for those who fall prey, they are devouring up whatever the latest "Christian" trend or guru is. Attending the latest seminar, conference or what have you. I say this as one who has been there. Praise the Lord, He opened my eyes and showed me that following any Christian leader is dangerous. Even the most godly or well meaning one. Because guess what? They are fallible and sooner or later, the very one or trend you are so dedicated to will let you down. You will then find yourself some what lost and discouraged and even possibly falling away from Jesus, the very One Who saved you. That may sound extreme to some, but it is a very real possibility.  

Today, as I was browsing a local church's website, curious about what they may be up to these days, I was stupified by what I saw (see top right image). If you know what it means when someone draws a circle and prays in it, then you know why. The first words that came to mind were, witchcraft and freemasonry. It was a promo for a live webcast featuring the above title by author Mark Batterson,  offered back in February. Aware of what circle drawings and praying in circles are all about, the alarms blared and quickly, I researched this "best seller." What disturbed myself and my husband, the most, is that the church promoting the event, is home to many of our fellow believers, people we love. 

God's Word tells us that:
2Ti 3:16 KJV - All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
1Jo 4:1 KJV - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

On that note, here are the results of today's research:

The Circle Maker
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. Ever hear of this book, teaching series or the author? Like I said, we hadn't until today.
Here are but a few links, of many, from other believers who also want to share with whoever will listen, about the occult, non-biblical teachings coming from Mr. Mark Batterson. Maybe he has no idea what he is promoting, and we should pray for him. Considering the number of Christians who are speaking out, exposing what this book is really all about, he can't be that unaware. Instead of regurgitating all of the excellent reviews and information that others have done, I have posted just a few of the many links from others who are equally concerned what this teaching encourages.

The Circle maker Exposed web site link
The Circle Maker Exposed video link
Empowered by Christ: The Unbiblical Teachings of the "Circle Maker" and Mark Batterson
Christian Book Review: The Circle Maker is Nothing more than....
Witchcraft in the Church
Be A Circle Maker?


Witchcraft In The Church
We were able to reach Pastor Mike Hoggard yesterday, our favourite Watchman and turns out he has addressed "The Circle Maker" in his Watchman teaching videos. Just click on the title. We really love watching/listening to Mike's teachings. His heart for Biblical Truth is what endears him to us, not to mention he is my age and he is just a really great dude! The video is not exclusively about this book, it  covers an array of other false teachers and concerns within the Christian church. Worth a listen.

Witchcraft In The Church

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Death Sentence

You're going to die and so are we. Of course, unless Jesus returns and believers are translated (raptured) before we leave this earth physically, physical death will happen. Some Christian teachers apparently don't believe that the rapture will happen, but based on what the Bible says, it seems pretty clear that dead or alive, Christians have this to look forward to. However it plays out, we can trust God's Word and either way, it's all good.
1Cr 15:52 KJV - In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Th 4:16 KJV - For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The Bible does tell us about two fellows who didn't face physical death, very cool... Enoch and Elijah. (worth reading about.) 


Not sure how I found out about it, but I knew at a very young age that we will die. There were a couple particularly dark periods in my wee life, at about the age of seven or eight, when thoughts and questions about the meaning of life and the fear of death, tormented me. It would always seem to culminate by bed time, after a long day of activity - you lie there, alone and quiet, time to think. Over and over, questions like..."I can't relive today and it is over already...what is the purpose of it all? What happens when we die? Is it going to hurt before?" It is more than possible, that the thoughts were provoked by a Doctor who declared to my Mom, in front of me around this age, that I was going to die at the age of twenty due to Muscular Dystrophy.

The depths of depression reached an all time low while I was living at an institution, starting in my pre-teen years. I remember being nauseated and literally terrified, worse than before because now there was a sense of terror, terror at what awaited me after death. Before it was more about they whys and a general fear of death itself. But this time, it was more real than ever. There would be no way to avoid the death sentence that awaited me. Being more aware of the unseen realm and that there had to be more to life than what we see, I was afraid of this place I had heard about called hell. Would that be where I would go? Blinding fear swallowed me up.

I received some comfort having my favourite child care worker to talk with, but no concrete answers came. Death, as she knew, was a fact for everyone. What else could she do but listen. Word must have gotten out, because, one woman who worked there, brought me to her church once. I appreciated her gesture, but it meant nothing to me because I didn't know why that would matter. Sleep was tough and my nerves were ragged, unable to tolerate what flew through my head night after night. Eventually, these feelings lessened somewhat and I was able to regain some kind of normalcy. But, the fear and uncertainty of what awaited me after death, never left. Not until God opened my eyes and removed the sting of death. That would take another 8 years or so.

Suddenly at thirteen, my folks were told that I had scoliosis so severe, I would be dead in six months if I didn't have corrective surgery. Off to Toronto we flew. The curve in my back was and still is the shape of the letter "S." It worked for about a year, but it collapsed. Here I am, at fourty-seven, alive and breathing easily, in spite of my spine curved worse than it ever was. Always take note, God is in charge of our lives, not Doctors, not us...Well it was during this hospital stay that I was re-diagnosed with
Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Even though I was under a five day intravenous, morphine haze, along with a couple of blood transfusions, I remember the bright look on my Dad's smiling face. For some reason, he seemed excited when he told me about the mistake and how I don't have Muscular Dystrophy but turns out I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The five day haze of intravenous morphine and blood transfusions, clearly clouded my brain because it is all I can remember.

Needless to say, the fear of death remained and battles with depression and bad life choices invaded my life as the teen years ensued. As I reflect back and why I am writing this, is to give glory to God and thank Him publicly, for allowing that fear of death because I know now, it was valid and it kept me from making even worse life style choices and ultimately, it caused me to search and ask questions about the real meaning of life.

During a random conversation with my husband and my parents a few years ago, when my Dad mentioned that they told me all those years ago, that they let me know how my life expectancy changed to "normal" with the new diagnosis of SMA. Stunned at that moment, I gasped, "no, you never told me that!" I  had no recollection of this event, it was news to me. It became evident, that I was not to know about my life expectency change because, it was what drove the search for meaning. It was that fear that caused me to refrain from making deadly life style choices. So I am living proof that God allows whatever He knows is best, to cause us to search Him out. I was not one to accept whatever to make me feel warm and fuzzy. When He opened my eye about one year after I was "supposed" to die, every ounce of fear regarding death disappeared. Just like that!


1Cr 15:54-56 KJV - So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?  The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law.

So if you don't know the freedom Jesus gives us, He is far worth listening to. Here is a web site that has some answers you may find interesting.

I am so thankful for all He has shown me. There is far more to this amazing life that He has blessed me with, I could write a novel about it...but for now, hopefully you can see that there is Truth and meaning to why we are here. Better still, there are answers!

Check out this site:

Friday, January 18, 2013

Stay Free - Parts 6- 10 by Mark Fairley

How Christianity Changed The World part 2
Law of Decay
How Morality Decays Without God

Put Faith in God Not Man
The Gates of Hell Shall NotPrevail

Stay Free - Parts 1-5 by Mark Fairley


After the "Know Your Enemy Series," Mark Fairley produced his latest series called "Stay Free." It has been designed in short segments, just like his previous series.
We have listened/watched the entire series and must say again, he has done an excellent job in researching and presenting Biblical truth. In fact, Mark presents what Christianity is all about in a way that is easy to understand. He expounds on spiritual warfare, the importance of walking right before the Lord and how we can not do anything right apart from Jesus Christ's finished work.
We highly recommend this teaching series. 
And even though, this series is geared toward those of us who already believe in Jesus Christ, Biblical Christianity, it offers a treasure trove of information, in an easy to understand method for anyone who is searching for the Truth.
 Say Free. Remember Jesus told us, that He came to set the captives free!

"A Series exploring why society collapses without God and what the future will look like unless we return to Him."

The Trailer - What Has Gone Wrong With the World?
Moral and Spiritual Agents
Keeping the Camp Clean
Where Morality Comes From
God Civilises the World
How Christianity Changed the World


Know Your Enemy video series parts 74- Mark Fairley


The Emerging Church - Christianity - Post Moderism

Emerging Church - Road to Rome


Emerging Church - Road To One World Religion

God Wins


Know Your Enemy video series parts 67-72 Mark Fairley

The War on Parents
Truth VS Unity
United Religions
Israeli Supreme Court
Mormonism
Jehovah's Witnesses

Know Your Enemy VIDEO series - parts 62-66 by Mark Fairley

More Of "The Fuel Project"  Series by Mark Fairley

















European Symbols
The United Nations Background



The Spiritual United Nations

The World Core Curriculum

Alice A Bailey

Know Your Enemy video series parts 57-61 Mark Fairley

The Rothschild Era

The Jews And Three World Wars

The European Union- Rome Reborn

Know Your Enemy video series parts 52-56 Mark Fairley

The Hidden Hand
The Capitol
American Symbols
Lilith
Bohemian Grove

Know Your Enemy video series parts 46-51 Mark Fairley

Science Dictatorship
Evolution
Population Control
The Hegelian Principle
The French Revolution
The American Revolution

Know Your Enemy video series parts 40-45 Mark Fairley

Freemasons
The Illuminati
Illuminati Themes
Masonic Symbols part 1
Masonic Symbols part 2
Republics