BIDEN’S FUTURE AS LEADER MUST BE IN QUESTION

Posted on by

Is the United States, in the wake of the Afghanistan crisis, in a “Chamberlain moment”?

In 2021, the question is this: Has Joe Biden’s image been damaged so severely through the events that have occurred in Afghanistan that he has the credibility and ability to lead a powerful nation midst the chaos of our times? Bearing in mind Joe Biden clearly has cognitive issues and has struggled to communicate lucidly on many occasions in the media.

The UK Parliament was faced with a Prime Minister that thought he could negotiate peace with Hitler, and then Hitler made Chamberlain look like a fool. Even as Chamberlain was proclaiming that he had tamed Hitler, Hitler’s armies were blitzing the Sudetenland. Just as the UK parliament had to grapple with the Chamberlain leadership issue, so must Congress now confront the Biden leadership issue. The fate of the United States and perhaps even global security in a nuclear age may be at stake.

Foreign news shows, using Biden as a source of jokes

Wallace Henley, exclusive columnist for the Christian Post was a junior aide in the Whitehouse at the time of Nixon and Watergate. He makes the point that Nixon revealed a compelling purpose in his resignation speech: “In all the decisions I have made in my public life, I have always tried to do what was best for the Nation … In the past few days, however, it has become evident to me that I no longer have a strong enough political base in the Congress to justify continuing that effort. As long as there was such a base, I felt strongly that it was necessary to see the constitutional process through to its conclusion, that to do otherwise would be unfaithful to the spirit of that deliberately difficult process and a dangerously destabilizing precedent for the future.”

Henley now asks a valid question: “Has Joe Biden’s image been damaged so severely through the events that have occurred in Afghanistan that he has the credibility and ability to lead a powerful nation midst the chaos of our times?”

GOD USES SUFFERING

Posted on by

God often uses suffering for His purposes, even Christians, to purge sin from our lives. The suffering causes us to stop and re-evaluate our lives. Holy Spirit conviction comes upon us and we realise we have grieved Him and quenched His work in our lives, This invariably leads to repentance and make us realise how dependent we are upon God’s grace. It will also lead to a lot of other good things in our lives, greater discernment, greater sensitivity to things of the Spirit, transformed minds, wisdom, expanded hope, increased desire to spend time in His Word and to know the truth, teach us to give thanks in all circumstances, increased faith, strengthened character. Hopefully, when we see God transforming our lives in these ways we will come to the conclusion that the suffering was worth it.

Quadriplegic painter Joni Eareckson Tada shares ‘life-changing’ words on anniversary of her diving accident

Not all of us have had to suffer like Joni Eareckson Tada but she wrote in he book When God Weeps: “Before my paralysis, my hands reached for a lot of wrong things, and my feet took me into a lot of bad places. After my paralysis, tempting choices were scaled down considerably. My particular affliction is divinely hand tailored expressly for me. Nobody has to suffer ‘transverse spinal lesion at the fourth-fifth cervical’ exactly as I did to be transformed to His image.”

How about Nick Vujicic born without arms and legs. He tried to take his own life at age eight in four inches of water. Thank God he was unsuccessful, hundreds of thousands maybe even more will be in God’s Kingdom because of the testimony of this man.

STATE OF SOULS IN HEAVEN

Posted on by

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.” Revelation 6:9-11

These martyrs knew that God had not judged those that had killed them. They knew what was transpiring on earth. The martyrs remembered their life on earth even though they were murdered. The key to heavens joy is not ignorance to what transpired on earth but perspective.

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.” Hebrews 12:22-23

This verse indicates there is continuity of this life to the next – “righteous men made perfect”. We are the same people just relocated.

“And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” Luke 9:30-31

Jesus was talking to Moses and Elijah about what Jesus was soon to accomplish and about His departure from this earth. They fully knew what was happening on this earth. For this Transfiguration event both had visible bodies.

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7

“Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

Who is rejoicing in heaven over the sinners who repent surely it is the Saints in heaven, because it is not the angels. Why? Because it is “before the angels“, they are just observers. The Saints will be particularly rejoicing when it is one of their own family that repents.

Remember, this is Jesus telling us this, to rejoice over conversions on earth they must be aware of what is transpiring on earth, specifically not generally.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1

Here we are told the Saints are a great cloud of witnesses watching us surely good reason to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,“.

Earth is centre stage awaiting earths climatic event, Jesus return to this earth. Jesus is watching closely the events that are unfolding on earth and these Scriptures would lead us to believe so are His followers even though they have not received their glorified bodies as yet.

KENYA HOUSE CHURCH MISSIONAL TRIP REPORT

Posted on by

REPORT FROM PASTOR CHARLES (leader of KHC) :

We are doing well here in Kogaja, farthest end  part of Kenya near the  boarder of Kenya and the republic of Uganda. Today, being our fifth day of meetings here, we have held many meetings, ministering to people under a tent and sending out an evangelism team to villages, bus stages and homes, sharing the gospel message and praying with people, even with passengers on the buses. Gladly the outcome has been very positive with many people repenting of their sins and  subsequently giving their testimonies.
The one great challenge is that Elder Samson who has played a major role, teaching and leading our evangelism team fell sick on Friday night, and was rushed to the hospital where he continues to undergo treatment.
This came after he started feeling some body pain in his whole body parts and headache. Later at the hospital the doctors’ report said he was diagnosed with a severe case of malaria.
He is under treatment and has shown very little improvement and the doctors recommend he remains in the hospital for the next three days. This means he will be discharged  possibly on Tuesday.
Our meeting here was scheduled to end today and we are supposed to be travelling back home tomorrow (Monday) in the morning. However as Elder Samson is not due for release until earliest Tuesday, I and my team have decided to extend our time here two days so that we may be able to travel back home on Wednesday together with him. Now the burning issue is where the medical bill, and the additional two days meeting budget money can be found. In prayers, we have asked for God’s wisdom and leading and look for His provision.

Finally, KHC leaders in liaison with the Kogaja house church believers have agreed to make some donations to help in the additional two days budget for the meeting. However, we do ask you and the church meeting in your house to  help donate for us some love offerings in support for Elder Samson medical bill which is KShs 8,400/, approximately Au$120 / depending on the exchange rate.

May you all have a blessed Sunday house fellowship with full of God’s blessings.

I have just sent money to fund the trip so it would be great if three people could donate $50 to help with their expenses. You can do so using the Donation icon on the Home Page.

Pastor Charles at home church meeting in Migori

More on CHRISTIANS: The Urgent Case for Jesus in our World

Posted on by

In this Direct interview, John Anderson (former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia) is joined by Greg Sheridan, widely-respected foreign editor for The Australian. . They discuss the Christian foundations of Western civilisation and the profound importance of religion at a societal, cultural and individual level. They delve into the deep rationality that often undergirds Christian faith, and question the capacity of atheistic philosophies to truly nourish the human soul. Greg Sheridan is one of Australia’s most influential national security commentators, who is active across print media, television and radio and also writes extensively on culture. He has written eight books. His latest, Christians: The Urgent Case for Jesus in Our World is a compelling argument for the modern relevance and importance of the New Testament. As foreign editor of The Australian, he specialises in Asia. He has interviewed Presidents and Prime Ministers across the world.

CHRISTIANS – The Urgent Case for Jesus in Our World.

Posted on by
Christians The Urgent Case for Jesus in our World / Greg Sheridan

Greg Sheridan widely-respected foreign editor for The Australian. has written an impassioned, informed and utterly compelling case for the truth and importance of Christianity in our lives. He presents a strong argument for the historical reliability of the New Testament, meets the living Jesus there, explores the extraordinary personality of Paul, celebrates Mary’s activism and examines the magnificent richness of John.

Filled with insights, intelligence, warmth and humour, Greg also introduces us to a range of fascinating Christians today, among them political leaders, and young activists offering the radical Christian interpretation of love to their generation. His book explores the journey of those who have been guided by faith, such as Gemma Sisia, whose school in Tanzania has transformed the lives of thousands of children, and the dynamic Chinese Christians pursuing their beliefs under harsh restrictions. He examines where Jesus can be found in popular culture and talks to Christian leaders – Pentecostal, Catholic, Evangelical and others – in Australia, the US and Britain.

At a time when the chasm of understanding between secularism and faith has never seemed wider, Christians is timely, relevant and convincing.

‘At the heart of the Christian story is the truth about the life of Jesus … Greg Sheridan’s book is a good read about Good News.’ Peter Comensoli, Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne

‘If there is ever going to be a Renaissance of Christian belief to save us from the dreariness of much secular humanism, it will come from a book like Christians. I will be buying it and giving it away to believers and sceptics alike.’

Watch this video: an unbeliever who knows and is impressed by Greg’s work as a journalist interviews the author. He now believes there is a valid case for God that needs to be explored.

https://fb.watch/7xML_9LI7z/

ALFRED DEAKIN’S LIFE AND PRAYERS

Posted on by

How times have changed. Read about a wonderful leader of old. However, know for certain God appoints our leaders and we usually get the leader we deserve, certainly the leader that will fulfill God’s purposes. Even the Antichrist’s appearance will be at God’s appointed time.

Alfred Deakin was Australia’s second prime minister. He was one of two prime ministers who held the position three times from 24 September 1903 to 27 April 1904, 5 July 1905 to 13 November 1908, 2 June 1909 to 29 April 1910 Deakin was a founding father of Federation, along with Edmund Barton.

Older Sir Walter Murdoch - Melbourne Uni

Walter Murdoch (great uncle to Rupert Murdoch of News Corp) was a young man and a journalist for the Argus when he met Alfred Deakin. Deakin was also journalist for the Age during his 20’s.

In 1923, just 4 years after Alfred’s death, Pattie asked Walter to write a biography on her husband. “Alfred Deakin: A Sketch” became a masterpiece of writing. Murdoch who became a close family friend and admirer of Deakin writes:

“Some piece of writing of mine had the good fortune to please him; and it was entirely characteristic of the man that he should at once sit down and write me some generous words of praise; for he was ever the helper and encourager of young men…” “It was impossible to spend a dull moment in his company…he had the power of loosening the tongues of others…men showed themselves at their best in his presence. He understood before you had half finished your sentence… his talk, when at his best, was like sparkling wine. I think his charm as a companion was due not so much to the richness and brilliancy of his talk, but to the fundamental friendliness that shone through what he said, – there was something winning and affectionate in his nature” (page 289 “Alfred Deakin: A Sketch” by Walter Murdoch)

Walter Murdoch at Alfred's retreat - Pt Londsdale
Pattie, Alfred and grandson Wilfred - Pt Londsdale retreat

Alfred Deakin’s Prayer No 9

“God grant me the virtue of sincerity and the voice of truth that without fear or falsity I may speak the word and do the deed best for this country and its people. Let me shake off self and ignore success, let me be guided sufficiently to guide others and gifted to perform the most necessary service.”

“To this make my private aims absolutely subordinate and my private life sure and harmonious as a sure pedestal from which I may utter my message. Let this be Thy message and Thy will and grant that as it’s mere mouthpiece I may repeat it without admixture and without regard to the welcome it may procure for me. God help me to help” 13th Feb 1892″

Copyright © 2016. http://www.alfreddeakin.com, All rights reserved.

WHAT NEXT FOR AFGHANISTAN?

Posted on by

Let me make a few observations: In the Book of Acts the Gospel bearers face death threats, persecution, imprisonment, internal conflict, theological controversy, litigation, storms and shipwreck, but none of these impede the Gospel’s progress. If the title of the book of Acts were to be changed, I would suggest, ’The Unstoppable Gospel’. What a refreshing encouragement to read this Holy Spirit-inspired book and be reminded that God’s purpose prevails.

The Gospel is the powerful instrument the Holy Spirit uses to produce believers – in Jerusalem, Samaria, Cyprus, Lystra, Derbe (city of Galatia) and throughout Europe. In rural areas (Acts 14) and philosophical centres (Acts17), the Gospel is equally at home, with the Holy Spirit revealing the truth of the Gospel.

Scripture alone makes it clear that what is happening in Afghanistan will not impede the progress of the Gospel. Look what happened to the church in China when all the missionaries were either killed or ejected under the rule of Mao.

Persecution threatened to wipe out Iran’s tiny church. Instead, the Iranian church has become the fastest growing in the world, and it is influencing the region for Christ.

How did this happen? Mark Howard serves as the Director of Development for Elam Ministries where he oversees the ministry’s efforts to share globally the story of the church in the Persian-speaking world. He suggests two factors have contributed to this openness. First, violence in the name of Islam has caused widespread disillusionment with the regime and led many Iranians to question their beliefs. Second, many Iranian Christians have continued to boldly and faithfully tell others about Christ, in the face of persecution.

As a result, more Iranians have become Christians in the last 20 years than in the previous 13 centuries put together since Islam came to Iran. In 1979, there were an estimated 500 Christians from a Muslim background in Iran. Today, there are hundreds of thousands—some say more than 1 million. Whatever the exact number, many Iranians are turning to Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

God is raising up amazing ministries that are already aware of what God is doing in the Muslim countries of the middle east. Global Catalytic Ministries is one of them. I have followed and know the leadership. Check out what they are doing:

Since 2011, GCM has served in two of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians. Additionally, these countries have the fastest growing movement of Christianity in the world, as featured in the documentary films Sheep Among Wolves I & II.

“We are doing whatever it takes, and continue to be obedient to the Lord as He calls. If you are feeling led to give, pray, or desire more information, visit our newly updated website at catalyticministries.com.”

Due to their extensive network and years of investing into Afghanistan, they have trusted leaders and multiple options to deliver needed goods and operations in and out of the country. In just three days, GCM has raised over $429.000 from more than 1500 people! This is what they had to say: “We are so grateful for all who have stepped up to help. Thank you! We had a goal of raising $500K by September 11, but it looks like we can up that goal to $1 million. Rest assured that our commitment is for 100% of these donations to go directly to the basic needs of our people in Afghanistan; food, water, medicine, shelter.” Go to the website given above to make your donation.

WHAT IS GOD’S CALL ON YOUR LIFE?

Posted on by

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:16-17

The following testimony from Joseph Kazembe from Malawi shows he is a chosen one, who has obeyed God’s command to go and bear fruit. Joseph is part of a new youth ministry, yOUT that has reached over 1,400 young people already in one year! yOUT leads them to not only the best gift of all — Jesus Christ— but also helps them discover His call on each of their lives.

Pastor Jeff Daly explains: “YOUT sprung up under our repentance ministry, national day of repentance (http://www.dayofrepentance1.org). We focus on teaching Matthew 4:17 and then John 15:16 giving each young person the unique calling on their life. All Christian denominations are included:  we give each participant a banner bearing simply “JEHOVAH NISSI”
We believe this new “wine skin” is directly from Him in these end times and He started in the very impoverished nation of Malawi to show that it is from HIM alone!”

Joseph Kazembe has left a significant position and salary in a major denomination to travel, sometimes on foot, to deliver the Gospel message all throughout Malawi. Here is his most recent email.
“Today is July 31st, we are believing God for great testimonies from young people this coming month. God continues to show us the importance of this ministry. Young people need hope, just a few minutes ago l received a message from Mathew, one of our translators, that his brother killed himself this morning by suicide. Apart from that many young people are catching Covid 19 and dying. This third wave is killing many young people. Let’s pray for Mathew too in his time of trouble. I am writing to remind the team to pray for our budget for Mchisi. We have only 6 days to go and we still need to book accomodation in Chikondi ,Hamidah and Henderson. Prayer moves the hearts of people to do something l thank you all for your prayers. Printing of additional repentance route booklets is needed as many pastors needs the booklet in Mchisi.”
Joseph Kazembe

As many of you know I support the Kenya House Church Movement in Kenya and have been seeking donations to fund new Missional trips and for Bibles for the new House Churches that are being established in these new regions. Here is another request for funds this time for repentance route booklets for Malawi. If you would like to help you can use the Donations icon on the Home Page. I would also appreciate an email to ron@bakb.com.au to let me know how you would like to be involved, e.g. I connect with the KHC leaders every 3 months by Zoom. It would be good to have other supporters join the Zoom meetings.

SO MUCH FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

Posted on by

Republicans blasted Twitter on Monday for allowing Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s official spokesman in Afghanistan, to tweet freely while President Donald Trump remains permanently banned from the platform.

“The Taliban Spokesman has a Twitter account without any problem. Meanwhile, President Trump is banned from the platform,” said Rep. Claudia Tenney.

Image

Tweet from Michael Tracey@mtracey· – Good to know we’ll be able to receive regular updates from the new Taliban government on Twitter, but to get updates from Donald Trump you’ll have to go elsewhere

Censorship is rife. On my previous post “Pray for our Afghan Brothers and Sisters” you will notice the YouTube video from a Christian brother in Afghanistan which revealed persecution of Christians by the Taliban was removed.

This is “last days” events prophesied in Scripture. Start living eternal now ready for Jesus return. How you complete God’s mission of discipleship here on this earth of course will determine your rewards and position in Jesus Millennial Kingdom.

Why not ask God to help you prepare now to serve in Jesus Millennial Kingdom. What are the talents that God has given you to use for His service? Are you using them well now? If not ask the Holy Spirit to help you hone those skills. Remember, if you want to lead you will serve, that is leadership in Jesus Kingdom.