YOUNG EARTH AND DISTANT STARLIGHT (PART 1)

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Creation Week entailed a series of miracles.

Throughout the account in Genesis 1, the Bible says that God spoke things into existence—eight times, “And God said … ”. And after He spoke, it is often concluded with, “and it was so”. The New Testament tells us,

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3)

The word of God brought the universe into existence from something that is not visible, something, unlike ordinary visible/tangible matter and energy. This is consistent with the scientific conclusion that the matter and energy that comprise the universe cannot be eternal. Thus, the cause of the universe must be supernatural.

And so the Bible describes the Word of God as powerful:

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

The New Testament tells us that this agency of God, the Word by which He created everything, was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. (John 1:1–3)

Genesis 2 tells us that God made the first man and woman. He took dust and made the man, Adam (Genesis 2:7), and took his rib and fashioned the woman, Eve, the mother of all.

I have never had anyone demand that I explain to them how God made a man from dust. And yet there is this demand that we explain how God could have created the stars such that we can see the light from distant stars.

Distant star cluster

The Genesis account makes it clear that the creation of the heavenly bodies was just as miraculous as the creation of the first people:

And God said, “Let there be lights … And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.” (Genesis 1:14–16).

Was this any less a miracle than the creation of the man from dust? And yet there is a demand for a naturalistic explanation for how God did this! This seems to me to be quite inconsistent and unreasonable to demand such a thing as a condition of believing the Bible’s account, especially the timeframe.

It’s also interesting that the timeframe of six days with the seventh day of rest—the basis of our 7-day week (Exodus 20:11)—underlines the miraculous nature of God’s actions. And that is part of the problem for those who don’t or won’t believe the timeframe, such as theistic evolutionists and long-age creationists. When they refuse to believe the timeframe, they then tend to think of ‘creation’ in a naturalistic way, over billions of years. And then secular ideas of how things came to be take precedence over the Bible’s clear account. Thus the miraculous nature of Creation Week takes a back seat and so we have this demand for a naturalistic explanation for how we can see distant starlight.

The bottom line: Creation Week involved a series of miracles, one after the other. Thus, these are things for which we can provide no natural explanation. We do not know how God could speak the stars into existence, and thus we cannot know how He created things in such a way that we can see the light from celestial objects millions and billions of light-years distant.

In other words, the question tacitly denies the supernatural nature of the Creation Week events. In doing so it robs God of His omnipotence and limits Him to work only in ways that we can understand. This results in a very diminished view of God. In effect, those who do this are constructing a god compatible with their own limited understanding, which is a form of idolatry.

Go to http://www.creation.com for the entire article.

MIRACLES TODAY

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Craig Keener’s new book: Miracles Today: The supernatural work of God in the modern world. is not about miracles that took place in the first century (see his outstanding two-volume tome Miracles for that); this book is about miracles that occur today.

Miracles Today: The Supernatural Work of God in the Modern World. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2021

Keener is not one to throw ideas against walls to see if they’ll stick. Keener is one of the best-known scholars of the Bible and early Christianity in the world today. He is careful with his research and documents everything. The point of the book, as the back-cover states, is to demonstrate via examples “that miraculous works of God, which have been part of the experience of the church around the world since Christianity began, continue into the present.”

This stated goal is admirably accomplished by Dr. Keener. He commences the book by addressing a few preliminary questions. What is a miracle, anyway? Why do some people assume that miracles don’t happen? Do many people witness miracles? Do only Christians report Christian healings?

He then launches into the main portion of the book in which he briefly relates the details of hundreds of well-attested miracles, but especially healings. This middle section comprises about 75% of the book proper. At the end of the book, Keener addresses a few more key questions people often wonder about miracles. Why don’t we see more miracles in the West? What is the role of faith? What about when healing is temporary? What does the Bible say about non-healing?

Let us not be tardy in praying for the sick but be on time in step with the Holy Spirit.

I appreciate Keener’s candid honesty in acknowledging that most blind people who have received prayer are still blind, and most dead people prayed for are still dead (pp. 137, 202). He comments, “What we call miracles are still the exception rather than the rule,” (p. 221). But his main point is that whether you or I have personally witnessed a dramatic miracle or not, many significant and verifiable miracles have occurred and still occur in answer to the prayers of God’s people all around the globe.

One other thing I appreciate about this book is Keener’s acknowledgment that more dramatic miracles occur more frequently on the frontlines of Christian evangelism than they do where the church is well-established (pp. 31, 33 135, 183, 201, 203). He still affirms, however, that such dramatic miracles sometimes happen in the West, too (pp. 151, 203).

Practically, this book reminded me to stay expectant when I pray. In any way He chooses, and at any time He chooses, God may do something momentous to display His glory and help those who witness His mighty acts of mercy to trust Him more fully.

LIFE WITHOUT LIMBS EVANGELIST CELEBRATES ONE MILLION DECISIONS FOR CHRIST

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What an amazing testimony of what God can do with people that are totally committed to serve Him. This article is by Stoyan Zaimov , Christian Post Reporter. Nick’s experience with the demonic is powerful evidence for the Bible’s account of the supernatural realm and of demons intent on deceiving and destroying humans.

Nick Vujicich, limbless author and inspirational speaker reported on a few major outreach initiatives last year, and said that his team witnessed 400,000 people repent for their sins and choose to follow Jesus Christ at an event in Ukraine in October 2017.

“The biggest event that our team at Life Without Limbs (LWL) has seen and maybe the largest event ever in Europe — 800,000 people in the streets of Kyiv Ukraine! Thank you God,” Vujicic wrote on Facebook at the time.

He added, “400,000 repented of their sins and began their spiritual journey with Jesus. Now LWL celebrates the witness of 1 million decisions to walk with and trust God in everything face to face.”

Nick Vujicic, known as the “limbless evangelist,” has said that one of the reasons why he’s not an atheist is because he has seen things that science can’t explain, such as 10-foot-tall demons in his hotel room.

Vujicic, who was born with no arms and no legs and has been inspiring millions throughout the world with his story of overcoming the odds, answered a few questions about his faith in a Facebook video on Friday.

In one of the questions he was asked, “How can we know God’s love is real, and how do you know it?”

To which he responded, “I can’t show you God, I can’t show you an angel, but one of the reasons I am not an atheist, and one of the reasons why I don’t believe science explains everything, is because I have seen miracles, and I have seen demons.”

Vujicic continued, “I’ve seen 10-foot-tall demons, 5-foot wide walk in through my San Francisco hotel room. And I felt the demon’s presence, the demonic presence, before the demon actually walked through the wall.”

He suggested that the existence of things like voodoo and witchcraft, which he said are real, also show that science can’t explain everything.

“There is a spiritual realm,” the evangelist insisted.

“You have to walk by faith despite what you see, despite what you feel — you believe it.”

Earlier in the Facebook video Vujicic explained that the mission and purpose of his ministry, Life Without Limbs, is to equip people to be “the hands and feet of Jesus,” so that they know that God loves them.

In response to some of the other questions, Vujicic talked about his growing family, and how he balances spending enough time with them and his ministry.

He said that Kanae, his spouse, is an “amazing wife, super mom, she is unbelievable.”

Kanae recently gave birth to Olivia and Ellie, the couple’s twin daughters, bringing their number of children to four, including their two older sons.

“In 2017, my total days away from home was about 105 days. [In] 2018, it’s going to be 84 days. And we’re going to stick to it, by the grace of God reaching the most amount of people ever,” Vujicic said of his plans.

The author and inspirational speaker reported on a few major outreach initiatives last year, and said that his team witnessed 400,000 people repent for their sins and choose to follow Jesus Christ at an event in Ukraine in October 2017.

“The biggest event that our team at Life Without Limbs has seen and maybe the largest event ever in Europe — 800,000 people in the streets of Kyiv Ukraine! Thank you God,” Vujicic wrote on Facebook at the time.

He added, “400,000 repented of their sins and began their spiritual journey with Jesus. Now LWL celebrates the witness of 1 million decisions to walk with and trust God in everything face to face.”

When he is home, however, Vujicic said his focus is on his family.

“Every week that I am home, me and Kanae, we do have a date. I am also about to start taking my son on a date once a week, and I also don’t want to forget my family. I am starting to take out my mom for a date every second week, and my sister every second week.”

The evangelist advised that in relationships, it’s important to take time to turn off the phone, and be real.

“Having those people in our lives is the greatest blessing, so we should live like it is,” he said.

WHAT EVERY PERSON NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT DEMONS

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“You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” said Satan to Eve.  Satan masquerades as an angel of light, lies to Eve and she believes Satan not God. Adam was given the headship role, so could have righted the situation, but chose to follow Eve and disobey God.

Satan and the demons that chose to follow him are still prowling around seeking to find those they can devour. Satan knows his time is short so the battle is desperate.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all stand.

Listen to Francis Chan teach on what you need to know about Satan and demons. Essential knowledge for these “last days”.

LIVING ETERNAL NOW – LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

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The Bible clearly says we are to be “led by the Spirit”. It means being led by our recreated (born again) human spirit. Our spirit is in essence: conscience, intuition and in communion with the Holy Spirit that indwells our spirit.

This is what the Bible means when it says “you are the temple of the Holy Spirit” and “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

LivingEternallyNow_CoverA_Page_1

We are made in God’s image and likeness so it is no coincidence we have a triune nature: Spirit, Soul and Body.

With our spirit we are in contact with the realm of God.

With our soul (will, mind, and emotions) we contact the realm of men.

With our five physical senses we contact the realm of earth.

We need to be like Jesus when He was on earth and say all of the time, “Holy Spirit, not my will but your will be done”. Sadly, so often after we err, we say, “something was telling me not to do that”. That something was the Holy Spirit speaking to our spirit.

We all have a conscience but in born again believers the conscience is in communion with the Holy Spirit, therefore it should be guided by the Holy Spirit. This is why the Bible warns; those who violate conscience end up shipwrecking their faith.

If, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our Spirit and therefore our soul (will, mind and emotions) then the fruit of the spirit will be evident in our lives: love, joy, peace, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, kindness, patience and self-control.  Also, some of the nine gifts of the spirit will flow and we will truly start to bring His Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.

Living Eternally Now available as an eBook on Amazon.

REVIVAL HITS MUSLIM NORTH AFRICA

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Jesus is visiting the Muslim world with supernatural visitations and this man has spent years traveling one particular region in N. Africa to document the visitations. Qahoush told CBN News some people recount “sitting in a room and see[ing] the appearance and the presence of God appear to them in reality, like a vision

 

When people have a personal encounter with our Lord, true repentance and revival take place. These people know they have eternal life and are able to boldly proclaim their faith even in the face of persecution and death.

As prophesied “last days” events are unfolding quickly. It is like we are in ‘fast forward’. The War Room movie is a reminder for us all, both personally and the church, to seek the Lord passionately in prayer, to know the times and our role to bring His Kingdom rule in our community.

 

New movie – WAR ROOM stunning success at the Box Office

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The Film “War Room” has stunned box office watchers by nearly dethroning “Straight Outta Compton” as the weekend’s highest-grossing domestic release with its $11 million debut. That’s particularly impressive given that the religious drama was playing on a third of the number of screens.

The film’s message on the power of prayer and that prayer is spiritual warfare not to be undertaken by lukewarm Christians is a much needed message for the church at this time. We need to get the word out about this awesome movie which will challenge all Christians about their attitude to prayer. We need more prayer warriors in the church and this film will help achieve that objective.

“War Room,” the story of a disintegrating marriage rescued by intense prayer, was produced for a slender $3 million and distributed by Sony’s Affirm division. It is on pace to be among the Kendrick brothers’ biggest hits, rivaling the $34.5 million brought in by “Courageous” and the $33.5 million generated from “Fireproof.”

Getting the word out about the picture involved a massive grassroots effort. Facebook was particularly active, as the film’s page attracted more than half a million fans, though its presence on Twitter was only marginal. More important was the work that the Kendricks did to raise awareness. The brothers shot set videos to keep audiences informed about the production and prepared packets that they sent to churches in the USA that included materials that could be incorporated into sermons prior to the film’s release.

 

 

You have a FATHER who loves you perfectly. Do you know HIM?

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Expelled from the Garden of Eden

Adam and Eve expelled

Adam walked and talked face to face with his FATHER in the garden of Eden. Adam knew GOD as HE knew Adam – there was no separation. Adam knew his value and the proof of that value was his assignment to be like HIM, to partner with HIM having dominion over all of HIS creation.

GOD’S enemy, Satan (the father of lies) knew the FATHER’S one desire is for HIS children to know HIM. The battle has always been over intimacy in its purest form, between the ONE who is love and the ones who were created to receive HIS love. This battle had its front lines in the garden of Eden. One bite of the supernatural fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil set into motion questions that would emanate from every human from Adam and Eve forward: “Is HE good or is HE evil?” and “Can HE be trusted?” Doubt was inspired by the mind of reason that had limited perspective based on a lie.

Generations later the battle continues to rage as GOD’S children wonder if they are loved and valued. We, the sons and daughters of GOD who couldn’t be more loved or valued, live as orphans with rejection complexes that cause us to look at every circumstance as proof of whether our FATHER loves us rather than going straight to HIM to experience HIS love for ourselves.

“In this the love of GOD was manifested toward us, that GOD has sent HIS only begotten SON into the world that we might live through HIM.” 1 John 4:9

The world lives as if GOD does not exist and if HE does, HE really watches from a distance to see how we’ll do without HIM.

Nothing could be further from the truth but you won’t know that GOD can be known and experienced until you dare to believe that HE wants to be known. You can gain access to all of HIS supernatural solutions to your problems.

Intimacy is a choice. It requires time and desire. Intimacy with the FATHER produces the knowledge of GOD, in which you know that HE is good and can be trusted. The choice is yours, start living eternal now.

IN THE LAST DAYS DECEPTION WILL BE RIFE IN THE CHURCH

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You need to watch this video, which is part 3 of a three part series and I suggest you watch the other two. I believe Andrew Strom has identified a satanic ‘Kundalini’ invasion of the church, that has reached and engulfed many of the leaders in the charismatic movement in the USA, even IHOP (started by Mike Bickle in 1999) has endorsed leaders such as John Arnott (Toronto Blessing), Rick Joyner (Morning Star Ministries) , Bill Johnson (Bethel Church, Redding, California), John Crowder to name a few.

(Kundalini (coiled one), in yogic theory, is a primal energy, or ‘shakti’, located at the base of the spine. Different spiritual traditions teach methods of “awakening” kundalini (sleeping serpent) for the purpose of reaching spiritual enlightenment. Wikipedia)

When Rodney Howard Brown visited Australia in the late 80’s, I attended an evening service at Brookvale, Sydney (Phil Pringle, C3 Church). It was so bizarre and unholy the Holy Spirit had me leave. One of the nine fruits of the spirit is self control, along with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and kindness.

The following scripture is just one of those warning of deception in the church in the last days.

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine , for reproof , for correction , for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:12-16

Christianity – a religion of RESURRECTION

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Jesus on Cross

 

EASTER is the time when we remember our Saviour’s resurrection which makes our own resurrection sure.

“JESUS answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”          John 2:19

Jesus knew He was going to die in Jerusalem, but He also knew he was going to be raised from the dead. He knew the Messianic Psalms were about Him:

“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”          Psalm 16:10         (Prophesy is proof the Bible is God’s Word)

Jesus knew nothing could separate Him from the Father’s love and we have been given the same promise in Romans 8: 38-39. And we have been given the same promise of resurrection Jesus was given.

” Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection from the dead? But if there is no resurrection from the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is in vain and your faith also vain ……………………….. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.”   But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.       1 Corinthians 15: 12 -20

“For this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with a voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will arise first.”           1 Thessalonians 4: 15-16

Paul says to comfort one another with these words and so we should, what a wonderful God we serve.