Love Great Testimonies: U2, Bono’s is no exception

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“I pray to get to know the will of God, because then the prayers have more chance of coming true — I mean, that’s the thing about prayer,” Bono told interviewer Gay Byrne, RTE ONE Television. “We don’t do it in a very lofty way in our family. It’s just a bunch of us on the bed, usually, we’ve a very big bed in our house. We pray with all our kids, we read the Scriptures, we pray.”

Byrne presses Bono on his perception of Jesus — Was he divine? Did he truly rise from the dead? Bono answers in the affirmative.

“[Jesus] went around saying he was the Messiah. That’s why he was crucified. He was crucified because he said he was the Son of God. So, he either, in my view, was the Son of God or he was nuts. Forget rock-and-roll messianic complexes, I mean Charlie Manson-type delirium. And I find it hard to accept that whole millions and millions of lives, half the Earth, for 2,000 years have been touched, have felt their lives touched and inspired by some nutter. I just, I don’t believe it.”

When asked if he believed Jesus made promises that would come true, Bono replied, “Yes, I do.”

 

Image result for Bono and his family picturesImage result for Bono and his family pictures

Married to Ali for thirty two years. They have four children with whom they share their strong faith in Jesus. A family that prays together stays together.

What is more important than life? ETERNAL LIFE

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God defends the eternal life of all who, in true faith, stand for Him. This raises the question: If God defends them, why do they die? Which begs an answer to this question: What does it mean to be defended by God?

The story of Stephen in Acts 7 gives insight. When Stephen stood firm for Christ in the face of Jewish persecution in Jerusalem, he was stoned. But just before the stones began to fly, Stephen had a vision of Jesus in heaven standing at the right hand of God, waiting to receive Stephen’s spirit. Normally, Jesus is pictured seated at the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 8:1). But Jesus stood in honour of Stephen’s courage and commitment. It also says, “Then he (Stephen) knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this he fell asleep. Acts 7:60

picture of Stephen being stoned
There is something more important than life, and that is eternal life. God defends the eternal life of all who, in true faith, stand for Him.

Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast speech ignored by Obama

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Hear the prophetic warning given by God’s prophet to America for these last days, Jonathan Cahn, one hour before Obama’s inauguration in 2013.

Remember Obama placed his left hand on the Bible and swore to uphold God’s laws and God’s ways at that inauguration and yet the nation under His leadership has turned its back on God, His ways and His commandments. The nation is under judgement and we will see it intensify in the coming days.

FREE COPY of ebook on Amazon – LIVING ETERNAL NOW until June 5th

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If you want to know where we are at in terms of Bible prophesy in 2016, then get a copy of my ebook on Amazon. I have reproduced a section from Chapter 8 – Discerning the Times for you to judge the content.

LEN Cover

Chapter 8 – Discerning the Times

Jesus said, at His second coming it will be as in the days of Noah. The world will turn its back on God and His morality. If you need convincing that we are in the “last days”, the following posts from my website outline the extent of the moral and economic decline which is evident, particularly in the so called western nations.

I have already shown that the denominational church, which no longer believes God’s Word is inerrant, is in decline. It’s acceptance of evolution, abortion and now gay marriage, means Christians who hold to the truth of God’s Word, are being marginalized and coming under increased persecution as governments legislate to legalize gay marriage.

The acceptance of a history for the Universe in billions of years instead of thousands of years has convinced the world an imminent return of Jesus Christ is nonsense. Many Christians no longer have the zeal to evangelize, as did those like John Wesley, who believed the return of Jesus Christ was likely to occur at any moment.

A number of posts on my website, included in this chapter, show the rapid rise of Islam and terrorism which now adversely impacts most nations. Its possible relationship to ‘Revelation’ end time prophesies concerning the antichrist is explored.

As already mentioned, Israel’s (surrounded by hostile Muslim nations) very existence is proof God exists and the Bible is God’s Word.

Demonic activity is on the increase; it appears to be part of a climactic battle being waged over the future of mankind. Belief in extraterrestrial life (demonic deception) has effectively become a new religion for many. The young are bombarded with aliens in video games, films and other forms of entertainment. As Gary Bates reveals in his book Alien Intrusion[1] popular polls have suggested that up to 20 million Americans have seen an UFO and 4 million claim to have been abducted by aliens. Such ideas have become mainstream and children in particular are very susceptible and are openly targeted.

The Star Wars movies, created by George Lucas have prepared young people for Satan’s latest ploy. He stated, “I put the Force into the movie in order to awaken a certain kind of spirituality in young people… I think there is a God… What that God is or what we know about God, I’m not sure”. What spirituality has it brought forth? Britain’s Daily Telegraph reported in December, 2015 that the latest Star Wars movie “The Force Awakens” has led to a spike in people joining a sci-fi based religion known as Jedism. They reported that over 1,000 people a day were signing up, even before the movie’s release that month. Amazingly, this religion has gained serious traction. As far back as 2012, a UK census found that Jedism is the most popular faith in the ‘Other Religions’ category on the census. While adherents acknowledge that their religion is based on fiction, they claim to seriously follow the man made spiritual and moral teachings practiced by the characters in the movies. Moreover, they have asked the UK government for official government recognition as a religion.

In the last days, the Bible tells us in Romans 1:21-25, that although they knew God (or else why would they need to start their own religion to fill such voids in their lives) they did not acknowledge Him. It is their futile attempt to fill the God shaped void in the human heart.

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14

Many seemingly credible scientists now believe that life on earth originated from outer space. This is no longer just science fiction – such an idea has been promoted by well-known scientists including Richard Dawkins, Paul Davies, and even DNA co-discoverer, Francis Crick. He suggested that our DNA may contain revelation from our alien creators. Is it any wonder that people, prompted by these same themes promoted in science fiction, would then look to stars for inspiration? They are unwilling to accept the truth that the God of the Bible is responsible for life’s design.

Most evangelical Christians would now agree that the desperate godless scenario now being played out in the world is prophesied in Scripture as “last days”. The world has turned its back on God and His morality. We should not be surprised, concerning the time of His return to earth, Jesus told His disciples “For as were the days of Noah, and Sodom & Gomorrah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man …” Matthew 24:38 and Luke 17:28

In the days of Noah, the world was so corrupt and evil, God sent a worldwide flood to destroy all mankind save Noah and his family (8 people). With Sodom & Gomorrah, all but Lot and his family (wife looked back and died) were destroyed. Sadly, the world does not believe these events ever happened (Wikipedia – Flood Myth).

God judged the world and nations in the past and He is judging nations today. What is He doing in your nation and what is He calling you to do in these perilous times? It is an exciting time to be a Christian, God is calling His children to battle. Are you listening to the Holy Spirit? Are you in the right place, the right church? Do you know what He is calling you to do?

[1] Available from creation.com/store

TWO FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS ABOUT ISRAEL & PALESTINE – IN LINE WITH BIBLICAL PROPHECY

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The Satanic driven efforts to destroy God’s nation Israel are escalating, as clearly presented by Colonel Richard Kemp, former Commander of British forces in Afghanistan.

It is becoming evident, that what Joel Richardson (www.joelstrumpet.com) has been saying for years, that the Antichrist will be a Muslim coming out of a revived Ottoman Empire is correct. The similarities between the Quran’s Muslim Mahdi, whom both Sunni and Shia Muslims believe is coming soon, and the Biblical Antichrist are incredible. Check out Joel’s book, The Islamic Antichrist (2009).

We are in the Biblical end times; what is God calling you to do?

If you don’t know, can I suggest you spend time building a relationship with the Holy Spirit and He will reveal it to you.  Jesus said: “However, when He the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore, I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to You.” John 16:13-15

BUILD UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN – IT LASTS FOREVER

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Amazon image of LEN

My ebook Living Eternal Now – Empowered by the Holy Spirit will be available on Amazon as a FREE download from June 1st to 5th, 2016.

If you don’t believe God exists, the Bible is God’s Word, that God loves you and that He has provided a way for you to restore the lost relationship with Him, then you need to read my ebook “Living Eternal Now – Empowered by the Holy Spirit”.

You need to be born again by the Holy Spirit. You then know God is real and you have eternal life. The world becomes a different place, you notice the beauty of God’s creation in a new way, your priorities change. His priorities become your priority. The Holy Spirit living within your spirit (your body becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit) produces the fruit of the spirit in your life: love, joy, peace, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, kindness, patience and self control. As the Holy Spirit enables, many of the nine gifts of the spirit will become evident in your life. Each one of these gifts are major power gifts, and they are all direct, supernatural, miraculous manifestations direct from the Holy Spirit: 1. Word of Knowledge, 2. Word of Wisdom, 3. Gift of Prophecy, 4. Gift of Faith, 5. Gift of Healing, 6. Working of Miracles, 7. Discerning of Spirits, 8. Speaking in Tongues, 9. Interpretation of Tongues.

Your life is transformed and God will use you to build His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. You will truly enter into the joy of the Lord knowing you are a child of God, loved by your heavenly Father.

LIFE’S BIGGEST QUESTION HAS ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES

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In Matthew 16, Jesus is having a conversation about His identity with Simon Peter, and Jesus asked him an all-important question: “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And he got it right.

Getting this question right is both the quintessence of salvation and the starting point for an eternal journey. You are saved when you come to know and believe in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, but that is only the beginning of your relationship with Him.

When Simon correctly identified who Jesus was, Jesus identified who Simon was.

He said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” From then on, Simon was known as Rock. That’s what petros, or Peter, means in Greek.

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 ESV

What changed in that moment wasn’t who Peter was but rather his view of who he was. Jesus said he was a rock. Suddenly Peter could see the man he really was. Mind you, when it looked like his world was about to end, he denied Jesus three times just as Jesus said he would. Our journey will be no different. There will be times we need to repent and ask God for His forgiveness, which He freely grants.

Knowing God is paramount to finding out why He made you and who He means for you to be.

So who do you say Jesus is? It’s life’s biggest question.

God wants to give you a revelation of who you are too. He wants to show you your value now, and He wants to open your eyes to who you can become in Him. Jesus made it possible for our heavenly Father to send the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit to dwell within you to be your Counsellor, Comforter and Teacher. You have all you need to be who God meant you to be.

Stop talking about who you are not and what you cannot do, and start listening to what God says about your life. Stop labelling yourself, and start letting God do whatever He wants in, through, and with you. Dead to self, alive to Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I would like to thank Pastor Steven Furtick for providing much of the content for this post. For more information, please visit:   http://www.iamunqualified.com

IS GOD GOING TO USE MICRO-CHURCHES IN THESE LAST DAYS?

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A revelation received from the Lord by Lance Wallnau on the concept of micro-churches.

“A micro-church is what Daniel had in Babylon with his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah.

In Daniel 2:17, Daniel went to his house and made the dire situation known to his three friends.  If he could not interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream the king would kill Daniel and all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel encouraged them to seek mercies from the God of heaven—that the meaning of the dream would be revealed.  Later, the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. God gave him Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and a download of what was going to happen in Babylon.  As a result, Daniel was appointed by the king to rule over the province.  When Daniel was promoted, he promoted his friends.

No matter how dark our world becomes—even if it reaches the level of sin as in the days of Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar—those with the Daniel anointing will rise to lead. The Bible says that when Nebuchadnezzar had his dream, Daniel had to reach into the supernatural dream interpreting power of God.

As I reflected on this story, I said to the Lord, “So this is a vision of a house church.” The Lord said, “No, not a house church.  A house church doesn’t have a common work assignment.”

 So what are the characteristics of a micro-church?

  1. Common assignment. A micro-churchis when you come together with those who share the same calling and faith.  A house church is different. There is no common assignment in a house church other than fellowship and mutual edification.  A micro-church has a Kingdom agenda, a shared assignment that brings them together.
  2. Small in size.  I asked the Lord for another reference, and He took me to Peter’s arrest in Acts 12.  There again, when Peter gets supernaturally delivered he went to the one location that made sense—the house of Mary the mother of John.  When he arrived he discovered many gathered together in prayer for him (Acts 12:12).  It was a house filled with intercessors.  A micro-church is a praying company with a common assignment.  This is a group small enough to fit into a first century house.
  3. A company of people connected to your assignment.  Daniel’s friends all shared the assignment of Government, but Peter’s group was different. They were a company connected to the Apostolic assignmentof the twelve disciples. Therefore, even if the members do not share directly in your assignment, they may be connected to you as family and close friends. The key is that they are affected by what happens to you in the warfare of your assignment.  This group could include your spouse, your closest friends, your children. Proximity is critical. Gathering together is a core principle.

Micro-church is the natural extension of any strong local or apostolic church. Not everyone has an assignment to go up against the gates of hell in the various mountains. Those who have been given this call need to be involved not only in the give and take of community life in a local church, but in a micro-church as well. You need to have a small company of people who are holding up your arms and standing with you in the assignment God gave you.  And you need to be standing with someone else in the battle they face. Until the local church establishes micro-churches in proximity to the gates of influence we are not yet an Apostolic church at the end of the age.

If this applies to you, I pray that this year you discover the power of a small committed company of like-minded warriors in your mountain.  If you are on a college campus or in the military or travelling more than 100 days a year with your business, you should answer the call of God to START your own MICRO-CHURCH! “

This resonates with my spirit and I saw it operate in the company I owned and operated for 30 years – Care & Share Products. We had a prayer group that were all involved in the enterprise that prayed at least weekly for the company and more often during a crisis.

SPEAK THE MORALITY OF GOD AND THE SCOFFERS WILL HATE YOU

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How do we react to the scoffers and wicked people? The Bible gives us clear instructions:

“He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonour on himself, and he who reproves the wicked man gets insults for himself. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will still be wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:7-10

“Do not correct a scoffer… do not reprove a wicked man” We are not to try and teach God’s laws to unbelievers. It is counter productive! Sadly, the majority have become scoffers. Why? Because they no longer believe the Bible is literally true. This includes pastors and Bible teachers leading entire denominations into unbelief. They do not care what God says about morality.

Ten Commandments

“A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” 1 Corinthians 2:14

Look what James says about confrontations:

“Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God… If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.” James 1:19-20,26

What would listening to and understanding our “cultural” enemies look like? What would listening to homosexuals and alcoholics look like to understand their struggles? What would listening to liberals look like? How might we reach out to these groups with the love of Christ? How might we serve them? Remember the job of the Holy Spirit is to convict them of their sin. We need to be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is doing, if anything, in their lives.

James then gives a second piece of advice:

“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27

It is loving others as ourselves and living pure before Him despite what the world does that is what impresses our Heavenly Father. This is also what makes Christianity attractive. God does not win His battles through political means. He won and He wins by means of the Cross; self denial and love. Political activism won’t do it.

2500 year old Judah soldiers handwriting discovery confirms Gods word is true

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Israeli archaeologist Prof. Ehud Netzer displays the shard from a 2,000-year-old amphora bearing the name of “Herod the Great, King of Judea” July 9. The unique ceramic shard, found during a recent archaeological dig on the ancient desert fortress of Masada, came from a large amphora used for shipping Italian wine to the king who ruled the holy land at the time of Jesus’ birth.

2500 years old pottery
The discovery in question refers to findings posted in April by Israel’s Tel Aviv University, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which demonstrates that it was not only the elites who could read.

“We’re dealing with really low-level soldiers in a remote place who can write,” said Israel Finkelstein, an archaeologist and biblical scholar at Tel Aviv University. “So there must have been some sort of educational system in Judah at that time.”

Finkelstein suggested that what this discovery means is that people in the kingdom had the capacity to write and put together parts of the Old Testament even earlier than it was believed.

“There’s a heated discussion regarding the timing of the composition of a critical mass of biblical texts, but to answer this, one must ask a broader question: What were the literacy rates in Judah at the end of the First Temple period? And what were the literacy rates later on?” the researcher elaborated.

The Bible states in Genesis 5:1, that Adam, the first man in the Bible, had the ability to speak and write.

The Israelites were commanded to write the commands of the Lord on their door posts and bind them on their hands and foreheads (Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 11:18–20), if they could not read or write, what would be the point of these commands?

Most conservative biblical scholars who start with God’s Word believe the Old Testament record that the books were written by the persons associated with them or those who claim to have written them. They also accept that these books were written during the time period they claim to have been written in (e.g., the prophet Isaiah during the reigns of the pre-exilic kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah). If these books were not written until decades or even centuries after the events happened, the historicity, accuracy, and infallibility of the texts are called into question since they claim to have been written much earlier.

The pottery shards discovery in Judah, supports the accuracy of God’s Word, because it shows that Israelites were more literate than many scholars believe.

“If history has taught anything, it’s that eventually research and science will confirm Scripture. We have an imperfect and incomplete understanding of history and science, but God’s Word was ultimately written by the God who was there and who never lies (Titus 1:2),” the article added.