A COVENANTAL COMMUNITY AWAITING THE DAY OF THE LORD

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The church of Jesus Christ is a community of redeemed sinners bound to their Lord and to one another in the bond of love known as the covenant of grace. God gives Himself to them with the Holy Spirit to be their God and takes them as His people.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26

The covenant promise to the Jews was spelled out in Leviticus. “And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” Leviticus 26:12

Likewise, Christians belong to their covenant Lord: “None of us lives to himself and none of us dies to himself…whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:7–8). This also means that Christians are bound to one another and must think of themselves as part of a community. 

Paul expresses this truth using the language of the body in Ephesians 4:25: “We are members of one another.” We are therefore to take our covenant brothers and sisters into account in all aspects of our Christian living. The covenant community is no place for rugged individualists. We must constantly be asking, “How will this affect other believers?”

If we love our covenant brothers and sisters, we will seek what is best for them, especially their growth in grace. This can be done in a positive way by exhortation and mutual encouragement. The writer to the Hebrews, after speaking of the blessings of the new covenant that are provided by the blood of Jesus, has this stirring call for God’s people:

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24–25)

What Day is drawing near? The Day of the Lord

“For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.” Obadiah 1:15

Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! Why would you have the day of the Lord? Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?” Amos 5:19-20

“Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.” Joel 1:15

“The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” Joel 2:31

“The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements.” Zephaniah 1:14

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of the Lord.” Zephaniah 1:18

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.” Malachi 4:1

“And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2: 19-21

“Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” 1 Thessalonian 5:1-3

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” 2 Peter 3:10

All of the above Scriptures reveal that the awesome Day of the Lord is a time of intense judgement for unbelievers. However, Paul also tells us the good news about the awesome Day of the Lord: “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8

We do not like to think about God’s judgement but Scripture is clear the time is coming when God pours out His wrath upon an unrepentant world

KENYA HOUSE CHURCH MOVEMENT MISSION TRIP TO KISII

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REPORT FROM PASTOR CHARLES

A wide door was open to our team and a warm reception was accorded to us by Mr Omwenga and his team. when we visited them at Ogembo in the Kisii region. God’s grace and favour was upon us granting peace and safety as we ministered to Kisii village administrators and local residents.
MEETINGS:
We held our indoor and out door meetings peacefully. This was answer to prayer as we had opposition on our previous trip. Our evangelism teams were able to go out most days visiting homes to pray and share the word of God with those who couldn’t come to our Central place of meeting. Gladly, all teams were able to report back with positive messages and good testimonies.
MIRACLES, SIGNS & WONDERS:
Led by elder Samson and pastor Jacob, our team entered the  home of Mr Nyakakundi, this family had been involved in a land dispute, which previously had caused intense conflict and even death amongst family members. Our team members were able to share the word of God, pray with them, and with the help of the Holy spirit they were able to forgive each other and we’re reconciled. Despite the fact that the case was already before the high court judge, they resolved to withdraw the case and settle it out of court.

In the house of Mr Odondi, our team ministered to a sick woman who was seriously bitten and injured  by a rogue dog. She was at the point of being taken to a medical facility, but before the ambulance arrived, Alfred and his team turned up, they prayed for her, she vomited and was instantly healed. She was praising God when the ambulance arrived. She later repented, believed and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour.
In one of our tent meetings, a woman under the influence of witchcraft heard our gospel message. She repented, surrendered herself to Jesus as her Saviour and Lord. She knew instantly what she had to do. She went home and brought all her items of witchcraft back to the meeting to be destroyed as a witness to all present.
On another day, our team visited a health facility, and upon entering, they met a woman who had a severe leg wound, was sufferings from strong pain, and couldn’t walk. She was prayed for and later testified the pain was gone. Subsequently, she also gave her life to Jesus Christ .
On one occasion, led by pastor Charles and Seth, we were able to minister to a few men and women under trees. We shared with them the gospel message and prayed with them, and many believed in the name of Jesus Christ.
In many of our meetings, we were able to minister to both the sick and people with disabilities where many were healed. Amazing testimonies were shared and much praise given to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
We had a wonderful and blessed trip for which we were all very thankful. We were also humbled as the Holy Spirit was present with healing miracles, signs and wonders. The birth of a new church group in Ogembo village, Kisii was a highlight.
A NEW HOUSE CHURCH BIRTHED:
The new home group comprises eight people. We are praying and trusting God to provide this new church group with copies of Holy Bibles.
APPRECATION:
I want to give my thanks and appreciation to Brother Ron Edwards and the LEN team, together with the  KHC leaders, this is for your prayers and financial  support you have offered and provided to our movement. 
Your prayers and support has so much contributed greatly to the growth of KHC movement. And without you, our movement wouldn’t have reached out beyond Migori, and we would not have managed to fulfil our call of making disciples.

I do hope that some of my followers will join me in supporting the Kenya House Church Movement with a small monthly donation. I will keep you informed of where they money is spent and you can join me on Zoom meetings with the KHC leaders. To do so go to the Donations icon on the Home Page. If you want more information email me on ron@bakb.com.au.

THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE PROTEST LOCKDOWN IN SYDNEY

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Protesters have swamped the light rail tracks near Sydney Town Hall, as police close in on a particular group of about 100 demonstrators among thousands that have massed in Sydney’s CBD to rally against lockdowns. Protesters holding banners and flags with slogans saying “love not lockdown” and “yes to freedom” as well as conspiracy messages have brought traffic to a stop along Broadway St.

NSW Police say officers from across the central metropolitan region were deployed with assistance from specialist resources, in a bid to contain an angry mob of protestors demonstrating against lockdowns and Covid vaccines.

Total confusion reigns

As shown by these protestors some do see it correctly as an “end times” sign and a prelude to the Mark of the Beast.

A man waving a Eureka flag, who refused to give his real name, said he was protesting because he believed the pandemic was a hoax.

Some protesters chanted “Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi”, while others simply shouted “Freedom”.

Some are wearing Guy Fawkes masks, while others are brandishing signs with images of Donald Trump and carrying signs reading: “This is Gene Therapy not vaccine”.

Another said: “we’re not anti vaccine we’re pro choice”.

“There is no virus, it’s a hoax,” another man said, when asked why he was protesting today.

“The carbon dioxide is worse (than the virus).”

“You need to go and do some science lessons,” one women told the Australian.

It is difficult to understand how these people can relate to one another as they are so ME focused.

Protestors clash with NSW Police officers at Town Hall during an anti-lockdown rally in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi
Protestors clash with NSW Police officers at Town Hall during an anti-lockdown rally in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

These young people are angry and close to breaking point and anarchy which fits with end times prophecy.

“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:12-14

OLYMPIC GAMES 2020 – ANOTHER END TIMES SIGN?

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A magical globe of drones and then ‘Imagine’ is the Olympics theme song as the ceremony awoke from the lengthy and muted parade of nations, a celebrity-lined rendition of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Imagine” echoed through the National Stadium with the sparkling globe hanging above.

“Imagine there’s no heaven, imagine there’s no hell,”

John Lennon’s “Imagine” is the humanist/ planetary anthem, full of lies, including “imagine there’s no heaven; there’s no hell.” Pure lies from your adversary Satan!

Heed what Jesus Christ has to say about Hell in these two verses:

“And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell,” Mark 9:43-47

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.“ Matthew 10:28

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1,824 drones light up the sky above the Olympic Stadium as the #Tokyo2020 emblem seamlessly becomes a revolving globe

CHRITIANS NEED NEVER FEAR DEATH

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Those in Christ should never fear death. The love of God continues from temporal life through to eternal life.

“The church is the only society in the world that never loses any of its members, even by death.” John Blanchard

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalms 116:15

The death of God’s people is safeguarded, watched over, protected, and secured. Much as we safeguard something highly valuable, so God safeguards His people when they die. As Jesus protected His disciples in life, so God protects them in death.

“While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” John 17:12

“For He delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence He redeems their life, and precious is their blood in His sight.” Psalms 72:12-14

When the wrath of God is poured out on an unrepentant world we are told that the lost will seek death but it will elude them.

“And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.” Revelation 9:6

If you are an unbeliever and you are reading this post I hope you will repent of your rejection of God and His values and seek to know what Jesus Christ has accomplished for you when He died on the Cross over 2000 years ago. He died to pay the penalty for your sins so that you might inherit eternal life and not fear death.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:16-18

OBSCENITY BECOMING THE NORM

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Jesus told us that filthy talk is indicative of the need for a heart cleansing. The heart can be like a septic tank spilling over or bubbling up into our speech.

“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:452

Can Profanity Serve A Godly Purpose?
it should be noted that Christians sometimes slip up and curse too. You can be sure whenever a Christian does this, he or she is not following the Lord closely at that moment and is certainly grieving the Holy Spirit

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:29

 A filthy mouth is indicative of a foul heart. Using profanity, regardless of those who suggest otherwise or the excuses made for it, is no small thing. It makes for a vulgar, loutish, crass life and culture. Christ can deliver us from the power of such sins by regenerating our hearts. Profane words should especially never be in the mouth of a believer. But when it does happen, the follower of Christ should take it seriously, confess it as sin, and trust the Lord to forgive and take it away.

These days it’s almost impossible to escape the hearing of some “potty-mouth”. A verbal sewer and its pervasive stench permeate the air. Sadly, our society has been lowered to this. Nevertheless, it should not ever come from you and me.

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5

This is another “end times: sign of the godless generation that awaits God’s judgement.

GOD’S NOT DEAD: WE THE PEOPLE

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“We feel honoured to provide our faithful audience another instalment in the God’s Not Dead series that provides a compelling, timely, and convicting message,” Pinnacle Peak Pictures founding partner Michael Scott shared in a statement with The Christian Post. “The themes in this film reflect news headlines and encourage believers to remain strong in their fight to protect their spiritual rights and God-given freedoms.”

God’s Not Dead : We The People is the next chapter in the faith-based film phenomena that began in 2014 with “God’s Not Dead” which starred Kevin Sorbo. Becoming one of the most profitable faith films of all time, the movie grossed over $65 million at the box office.

The film is a reflection of recent years’ headlines regarding the threats to “freedom of speech and religious liberties as the fundamental right to educate children.” Actors in this film include David A.R. White (“God’s Not Dead”), Isaiah Washington (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Antonio Sabato. Jr (“General Hospital”), and Grammy-winning Christian artist Francesca Battistelli.

“Reverend Dave (from the other GND films) is called to defend a group of Christian home-schooling families. He finds himself taken aback by the interference of the government, and believing that their right to educate their own children is a freedom worth fighting for,” the film synopsis reads. “Reverend Dave is called to Washington, D.C., to testify in a landmark congressional hearing that will determine the future of religious freedom in our country for years to come.”

This is an important and timely film make sure you watch for it and get the message out to your friends and family.

ENCOURAGING NEWS

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Thousands of Men on Their Knees, Crying Out to God: Promise Keepers Returns With Massive Response

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Nick Vujicic – A man of God

Nearly 30,000 men attended the 2021 Promise Keepers Men’s Conference last weekend in Dallas, Texas with hundreds of churches hosting even more men online.

The two-day event aimed to bring a positive message that would inspire transformation and empower men so they could return home equipped to lead their families, communities, and country.

The conference took place at the AT&T Stadium, home field of the Dallas Cowboys, and featured a special panel of prominent speakers including Nick Vujicic.

David Closson, director of the Center for Biblical Worldview with the Family Research Council, said it was a powerful sight to see men committing their lives to Christ in such an extraordinary place.

“Here is a stadium known for football, but instead of beer and profanity, it was filled with men confessing their sins, praying and praising God,” he said. “It was encouraging to see men kneeling at the 50-yard line on the Dallas Cowboy star, surrounded by thousands of men on their knees, crying out to God. That stadium became a sanctuary.”

Be inspired watch this short recap here.

JESUS RETURN TO EARTH

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This is an another revealing video from Nelson Walters. I met Nelson many years ago now in the USA at an End Times Conference and for over a year he was a member of the Board for a ministry that I started several years ago. It was premature but its time is fast approaching. Sadly, I have jumped the gun on a number of occasions with projects God has given me particularly when I owned and managed Christian Press and Care & Share Products. Timing is so important and we need to get it right. Much like Abraham and Sarah, I have birthed Ishmaels not Isaacs. God is good and He has always given me a second chance as He will you if you mess things up. Back to Nelson, he is always willing to listen and work with others that believe they have been called to alert the church to Jesus Second Coming and all that God has revealed will unfold at that time. You will note in his videos he will always tell you when what he is saying is conjecture or his opinion and not supported by Biblical evidence.

SUMMARY

Will Jesus set foot on earth before the Battle of Armageddon? It is not what is commonly taught. So, what does God’s Word say? Perhaps because what we currently call the Second Coming is not a single event! Could Jesus arrive an entire year earlier to take His church to heaven but also to take part in pouring out His wrath upon an unrepentant world. Is this what Scripture calls the acceptable year of the Lord? In this video Nelson examine four proofs that categorically prove Jesus is on earth prior to mounting his White Horse and leaving Heaven to fight Armageddon. What is the meaning of Jesus’ robe dipped in blood and how is it related to this concept? How are the Days of Noah involved? And does Satan know about Armageddon prior to Jesus riding the white horse? Does the Bible teach a second Exodus? Nelson does a great job of taking us to the relevant Scriptures that provide the answers we need.

SILENCING THE VOICE OF TRUTH

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Great message from Shane Idleman challenging pastors on what they are preaching in their churches. Can they be silent on the big issues: creation, abortion, marriage, gender, sexuality, morality.

Shane starts his message with this challenge “​Let Me Get This Straight: you can have your gun protests, lie in the media, teach evolution to our kids, flaunt sexual sin and gay marriage, teach preschool kids about transgenderism, support murdering a child in the womb, but I need to shut my mouth? I don’t think so.

Why can everybody voice, everything else, but the pulpit need to be silenced? It makes no sense. Let me tell you why. It’s because they want to silence the voice of truth.

We are talking about important moral issues that will have huge ramifications when a nation departs from God. What are you leaving for your grandchildren and your children?”