CHURCH AS GOD INTENDED

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Church as Jesus intended as described in the Book of Acts.

1) All believers were baptized.
2) All believers were added to the church.
3) All believers did all four church functions.
4) All church meetings were held in homes.

5) All people in the city heard the gospel.

The four church functions as described in Acts 2.

1) God’s Word
2) Fellowship
3) Breaking of Bread
4) Prayer

In N.T. churches everyone participated in all four church functions.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4

Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19

“I (Paul) myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” Romans 15:14

The leadership of the church is a man just as leadership in the home is a man. Paul made that abundantly clear.

“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God… For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.” 1 Corinthians 11:3, 8-9

“Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.” 1 Corinthians 11:11-12

“If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.” 1 Corinthians 11:16

The house church meeting must be orderly:

“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” 1 Corinthians 14:26

“If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.” 1 Corinthians 14:27-28

“Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.” 1 Corinthians 14:28

“If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged.” 1 Corinthians 14:30

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

“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

“See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or do not subtract from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32

“Do not go beyond what is written.” 1 Corinthians 4:6

What do traditional churches add that is not in the N.T.? What do traditional churches subtract that is not in the N.T.?

Do you need to have elders before you can or should function as a church? Remember Paul’s first missionary journey? For almost two years none of those churches had any elders (Acts 14:21-23). At the birth of the church, after “3,000” and then “5,000” were saved and new believers “added daily” to the church in Jerusalem, the vast majority of their house churches would not have had spiritual leaders meeting with them.

“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Acts 14:21-23

There were two categories of leaders in the N.T. church and in fact in the O.T. there were only two categories of leaders: National Leaders = priests, and City Leaders = elders/judges.

Two categories in the N.T. church: National leaders = apostles, and City leaders = elders/overseers. The Apostles ruled over God’s people in cities, and their elders. And elders would rule over God’s people in one city.

Does God have apostles for today? Many traditional Christians do not believe God has apostles for today and were only for the beginning foundation of the church. However, we believe there are many N.T. Scriptures confirming that God has apostles for today. So why is this so important? If God has apostles for today and traditional Christians think and teach otherwise, they would again be “canceling out the Word of God”

The word “apostle” in Greek is “apostolos” – it simply means, “one sent forth”. The Latin word apostle is “missionary”.

1. Jesus the Apostle – “sent forth” by God the Father (John 17:3; Heb. 3:1).

2. The 12 apostles – “sent forth” by God the Son (Luke 6:13; Acts 1:22).

3. Today’s apostles – “sent forth” by God the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:4). Paul & Barnabas (Acts 14:14), Andronicus & Junias (Rom. 16:7), Two unnamed brothers (2Cor. 8:23), Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25), Paul, Silas & Timothy (1Thes. 2:6), Multitude of apostles (Acts 15:6, 12).

“And he (Jesus) gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-13

The N.T. says (Ephesians 4:11-13): “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God…”

All of this information and more is found in Jim McCottrell’s book Church Revolution Today. You can get it on http://www.jimsbookstore.com

KENYA HOUSE CHURCH MISSION TRIP

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Report by Pastor Charles Otieno Owino on the Kenya House Church (KHC) Mission trip this month to Giribe Lwala in the Homa Bay County near Lake Victoria. It is the County next to Migori County where Pastor Charles is located.

KENYA HOUSE CHURCH MISSION TRIP TO GIRIBE LWALA:

Purpose of visit: Discipleship

Host: Mr Kennedy Onyango.

Arrival Date: Nov 9th/2022, Departure: Nov 15th.

The KHC team are delighted with how God protected them on this Mission Trip, no equipment failures and the response from so many people was positive. God was present the entire time with several healing miracles and other signs. Pictures truly tell the story and Charles has given a brief description of each one. The pictures are not in order the events occured but I hope this is understood from the descriptions given.

1. Pastor Nyarumba ( in the red T-shirt) is baptizing Mr Cleophas Odhiambo( in the white shirt). Mr Cleophas is a new disciple at Olassi house church. He was a former assistant chief of the county who was interdicted for abuse of office (corruption), and also for being deeply involved in alcoholic drinking. This baptism was carried out when the team visited Olassi on their return trip from Giribe Lwala,

2. Pastor Jacob ministered the gospel message of salvation and repentance at an evangelism meeting in one of the homes our team visited- among them was Shem Nyabuto, a former drug addict (with dreadlocks). He accepted the gospel message of salvation and repentance and gave his heart to Jesus, and accepted Him as his personal Saviour.

3. House fellowship meeting at the home of Mr Kennedy Onyango. Mrs Millicent Girago ( with a baby in her hands). She had a strong pain in her back, and the problem persisted for many years even after visiting many doctors and local herbalists. After receiving prayer, she was instantly healed and the pain was completely gone.

4. Pastor Osogo baptized Mrs Jane Odhiambo, the wife of the former assistant chief of the county. During the KHC trip to Olassi last month this woman at first didn’t believe our Gospel message, but on this trip visiting this house church, we taught her the word of God, she believed and was baptized. This baptism was carried out when the team visited Olassi on their return trip from Giribe Lwala,

5. Believers are in a moment of prayer on our arrival at Giribe Lwala. The opening prayers were at the home of Mr Kennedy (in a tie & brown suit).

6. Evangelism Ministry at the home of Mr Paul Ondiek. Pastor Saoke ministers the gospel message to the 10 adult members of this family. They believed the gospel message of healing and salvation and accepted Jesus as their personal saviour.

7. Pastor Charles ( in a white shirt) ministers the gospel message of end time events of Jesus’ soon return at the home of Mr Kennedy Onyango.

8. Pastor Julius Makacha ministers the gospel message of the coming Millennial Kingdom at an evangelism meeting at one of the homes.

9. Pastor Melkio ministers the gospel message on the role of women in the church at Giribe Lwala house Church.

10. Pastor Charles prayed for some women (on their knees) at the home of Mr Kennedy. And among them is Mrs Dorothy Ouma ( in a dotted white & black dress) This woman’s life was ruined by alcoholic drinks to such an extent that she couldn’t provide for her family. After hearing the gospel message she repented and accepted Jesus as her personal saviour.

11. Pastor Charles with hands raised praying at the home Mr David Garrison. His son (wearing a white shirt & kneeling ) was deaf and dumb, after hearing the gospel message his ears were opened, and he was able to hear and speak little but by using signs.

12. Pastor Kennedy addressed the Giribe Lwala house, church believers, at the close of our mission trip at Giribe Lwala.

A new house church of 10 people was newly founded at Giribe Lwala. This new house church will be under the care of elder Kennedy Onyango. 

On the way home, we arrived at the Olassi house church of our host Elder Walter Ogwati in the evening to do baptisms of the new believers the following day. In the evening, we had house fellowship with believers in their home. It was in preparation for the baptism the next day.

Today, at 11:am, we walked down to a new dam to baptize the newly converted believers of this house church, and among them is the wife of the former assistant Chief and her husband (included in the pictures). It was well attended. Later this afternoon, we shall pack our luggage for our trip back home in the evening.

May you kindly put us in your prayers for a successful remaining part of our mission here and also for a safe travelling back home.

As previously reported I have been supporting the KHC movement for four years now even including a trip to Migori to hold a three-day training session with 21 of the KHC leaders in April of this year. The picture shown is me delivering a PowerPoint presentation on Israel’s History and Purpose at this meeting. The image on the screen is of the Israel Feast Days.

As can be seen, the meeting is in a tin shed. We had no power so we had to hire a generator and I purchased the screen. I am hoping that some of my followers will be prompted by God to join me in financially supporting the growth of the Kenya House Church Movement. I have seen it grow from six house churches to twenty-two. If this is something you would like to do email me at ron@bakb.com.au.

CHURCH AS GOD INTENDED

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In the Book of Acts, we find that all New Testament believers always had church in their homes. It was only in their homes that they gathered to do what we call “church”: praise God with the Psalms, celebrate the Lord’s Supper, fellowship, share the Word of God, and pray together.

I have listed all of the scriptures so the church God intended to establish is obvious. Also, we only need to look at the church in nations where Christians are persecuted and it is obvious that believers are once again meeting in homes. This will be the way forward for the church as we approach the last days before Jesus returns.

“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem — a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying.” Acts 1:12-13

“And day by day, attending the Jewish temple together (evangelize) and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.“ Acts 2:46-47

“And daily in the Jewish temple (evangelize), and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42

“As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.” Acts 8:3

“And when he (Peter) had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.” Acts 12:12

“And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.” Acts 16:40

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.” Acts 20:7-8

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,” Acts 20:20

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus … greet also the church in their house.” Romans 16:3,5

“Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.” Romans 16:10-11

KENYA HOUSE CHURCHES IN RURAL AREAS

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The Holy Spirit is setting a fire under the believers in the rural areas of Kenya. I have been connected to the Kenya House Church Movement for about 4 years now and have seen it grow from six house churches to twenty-one. Moreover, I met with most of the leaders in April of this year in Migori, Kenya for a three-day training meeting. I reported on it in an earlier post.

Pastor Charles Otieno Owino, the leader of the KHC, is on the far left. All of the leaders received a copy of my latest book Living Eternal Now – Ready for Jesus Return. Some are holding it.

This post will help you understand the task ahead for the church in Kenya. As well, I have included pictures taken of meetings at some of the new house churches by way of inspiration which I hope will encourage some of my followers to join me in funding this work. I have put a DONATIONS icon on my Home Page for this purpose.

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Buembu House Church
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Bondo House Church
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Nyarombo House Church
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Nyarombo house church. Believers are praying after hearing the gospel message. They are not sleeping.
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Great teaching on the early church from the Book of Acts which is serving as the model on which the KHC movement is built.

VISIT TO KENYA FOR A MEETING WITH HOUSE CHURCH LEADERS

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Most of my followers will know I have been supporting the Kenya House Church (KHC) Movement for close to three years now. It has grown from 6 House Churches to 21 maybe even 22 now, in rural areas both in Kenya and Tanzania. I connected with Charles Otieno Owino through LinkedIn. We both agree that the “end times” church will be like the church in the Book of Acts, with no paid pastors and no buildings. The function of the church is mainly about making disciples who make disciples of Christ.

I have decided it is time to visit the KHC leaders to determine how best I and hopefully some of my followers can best help KHC to move forward. In particular, I want to connect them with ministries that can help train the leaders.

We will hold a three-day meeting with all the KHC leaders – April, 17th to 19th

The above picture was taken early on in the history of KHC

KENYA HOUSE CHURCH MOVEMENT – Preparing for Jesus’ Return

THREE DAY CONFERENCE – April 17th to 19th 2022

SUNDAY APRIL 17th

9.00 am Welcome and introduction – Charles Otieno

9.15 am Purpose of my trip – Ron Edwards

10.00 am CMI Zoom Meeting – Pieter le Roux Creation Ministries International

11.00 am Rest time

11.15 am  Bible provides true history of the universe (19) – R.E

12.30 pm  Lunch

2.00 pm    GOD & ISRAEL – NATIONS ARE GOD’S IDEA (24) – R.E.

3.30 pm    Rest time

3.45 pm    ISRAEL – HISTORY & PURPOSE (35) – R.E.

4.45 pm    Rest time

5.00 pm    ISRAEL – FULLY RESTORED (65) – R.E.

6.00 pm    Close

MONDAY APRIL !8th

9.00 am    ISRAEL FEAST DAYS IN TYPE & PROPHECY (33) – R.E.

10.15 am  Rest Break

10.30 am  Presentation continued

12.45 pm  Lunch

2.00 pm    PROPHESIED RESTORATION OF THE LAND TO ISRAEL (100) – R.E.

3.30 pm    Rest time

3.45 pm    Presentation continued

4.45 pm    Rest time

5.00 pm    Presentation continued

6.00 pm    Close

TUESDAY APRIL 19th

9.00 am    ARE WE READY FOR JESUS? How to Prepare for His Return (58) – R.E.

10.15 am Rest Break

10.30 am Presentation Continued

12.45 pm Lunch

2.00 pm   Presentation Continued

3.30 pm   Rest time

3.45 pm Presentation continued

4.45 pm Rest time

5.00 pm Presentation continued

6.00 pm Close

Note, the emphasis is first on the inerrancy of God’s Word and then on Israel, and its role in Jesus’ first and second coming.

I am blessed to be involved with the International Christian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC). The President of ICCC Kenya is also on the International Board of ICCC. I have already connected him with Charles and had him involved in a Zoom with the KHC leaders. Rene has asked me to give my testimony to ICCC members at a meeting in Nairobi on April, 22nd. Each member will receive a copy of my book shown on the left. It has been used by ICCC to train up young entrepreneurs.

ICCC has some great training materials that are available free of charge for church leaders to use. The website http://www.transformedworkinglife.net

Resources for the people of God to come forth in their Calling ​and manifest the Kingdom of God in their working Life.

I would appreciate prayer support and if any of my followers who believe as I do that this is a move of God and would like to support us finacially there is a DONATION link on the Home Page.

INSTITUTIONAL CHURCHES COMPROMISE WITH THE WORLD

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Over the last few decades in the West, and particularly in America, we have seen the destruction of the institution of marriage, the removal of God’s Word in most areas of public life, particularly schools, and the embracing of Critical Race Theory. Moreover, most pulpits are silent about governmental abuse, the LGBTQ agenda, and the blatant murdering of millions of babies. This is an indictment against the nations and the church – our silence speaks volumes. Are God’s people watchmen or cowards?

The pulpit regulates the spiritual condition of God’s people which affects the nation. A lukewarm, sex-saturated culture (and church) simply reflects the lack of conviction in the pulpit as well as the pew.

Sadly, many pastors under the direction of their institutions are exchanging truth for passivity, boldness for cowardliness, and conviction for comfort…they are not aflame with righteousness. They are motivational speakers rather than preachers of righteousness and females taking male roles of leadership in the church.

Arlington Street Anglican Church
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Westboro Baptist Church

Pastors (Christian leaders) must take responsibility for the spiritual health of today’s church, and the nation. We don’t need more marketing plans, demographic studies, or giving campaigns; we need churches as outlined in the Book of Acts filled with the Spirit of God. Disciples making more disciples of Christ.

The Institutional churches and the prosperity gospel have emasculated the church. It will be the church of Laodicea:

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” Revelation 3:15-18

This is the church that is “Left Behind” to experience the wrath of God with the Trumpet and Bowl judgements. As I have explained previously, each of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 represent the church in each of the seven years prior to Jesus return (70th week of the 70 Weeks Prophecy given to Daniel by Gabriel – Daniel 9:24-27). The church of Laodicea is the last church that will live through the seventh year when the wrath of God is poured out on an unrepentant world. The previous church, the church of Philadelphia is the church that is raptured.

“‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name… Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” Revelation 3:10-11

Which church will you belong to the church of Philadelphia or the church of Laodicea?

HOW CHURCHES ARE TRANSFORMED

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In this video, Pastor Craig from Destiny Church in Naples, Florida tells about his experience with the Kickstart Weekend they had there a few months ago. He tells how it has been a big blessing in his church, and how it has encouraged other pastors to have Kickstarts in their churches!

Jesus has given us a command, and that is to make disciples. This is truly what a Kickstart Weekend is doing. It is a beautiful tool in disciple-making – to equip people, to help people to understand and share the Gospel, pray for the sick, cast out demons, and make strong disciples wherever they are!

This is a description of the church as described in the Book of Acts. Church as God intended and certainly a description of the “end times” church which we are told will come under intense persecution.

THE UNSTOPPABLE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

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In the Book of Acts the Gospel bearers face threats, persecution, imprisonment, internal conflict, theological controversy, litigation, storms and shipwreck, but none of these impede the Gospel’s progress. 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.

All three persons of God are involved in redeeming mankind: God the Father, Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit

Luke gives us statistical summaries to show the growth of the church (Acts 2:41; 4:4) and comments throughout on the health of the Word. In Chapter 6, when dissension breaks out in the church, Luke tells us ‘the word of God continued to increase and spread’ (v.7). In Chapter 12 when Herod has James killed, the word’s health is contrasted with Herod’s wormy death (v.24). In Chapter 19 when people burnt their magic scrolls to ash, the Word, he says, ‘continued to increase and prevail mightily’ (v.20).

If the title of the book of Acts were to be changed, I would suggest a title which included ’the unstop-ability of God’s Gospel’. What a refreshing encouragement to read this Holy Spirit-inspired book and be reminded that God’s purpose prevails.

“The purpose of God is to glorify himself by saving a people of his own, through hearing and believing the Gospel of his Son, as it is carried to the world by his Holy Spirit-empowered people”.

This abbreviated and slightly modified inspiring article by David Cook is from AP – Reformed Thought for Christian Living

HOW THE CHURCH GREW AFTER PENTECOST

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“Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord” Acts 11:19-24

It was the church at Antioch that first reached out to non Jews and note the “hand of the Lord was with them”. “And a great many people were added to the Lord.”

When a famine struck Judea, the church at Antioch was the first church recorded in Scripture to voluntarily collect resources and send them to assist another church.

“Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:1-3

The church at Antioch had prophets and teachers. It was a worshipping church and its members fasted. It was Holy Spirit led, sending out disciples to spread the gospel and plant new churches.

How do our churches line up today to the Antioch model? It is an important question to ask. Could they be more like the church in Paul’s day back in Jerusalem? They were busy forcing Peter to defend his action of entering a gentile’s home and trying to get the gentile Christians to become Jewish. In other words, they were involved in activities other than those Jesus commanded church to do.

available on Amazon as a paperback and ebook.

I was prompted by the Holy Spirit in late 2013 to start a website
http://www.livingeternal.net. The circumstances were strange. I was in Isaiah 52 and 53 and had been thinking about the Pharisees and Sadducees and how blind they had been to Jesus first coming and yet so many Scriptures presented the facts of Him coming as a “suffering servant” and “pierced for our transgressions”.
Suddenly, the Holy Spirit cut across my thoughts and it was as if Jesus, Himself, said, “Let me tell you Ron, there are many more Scriptures about My second coming and the church is blind to it, they are asleep and are not prepared for the coming tribulation and persecution of Christians that is already upon us and will
escalate in the years ahead.
I have now published 1413 posts on livingeternal.net and into my seventh year. Its purpose is to not only alert the church to understand we are living in the “end times” exactly as prophesied in the O.T and N.T Scriptures but to convict Christians that church is about making disciples who make disciples as described in the Book of Acts and to connect them with movements that can help them get in step with God’s call on their life in these last days. This book is a distillation of the posts on livingeternal.net and is also available as an eBook on Amazon.
“Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12.
I am a pharmacist by profession. I worked in the pharmaceutical industry in senior management positions:
General Manager, Hospital Products Division of Abbott Laboratories Australia. General Manager, Abbott Diagnostics Division Australasia, Managing Director, The Ramsay Group, Division of C.R Bard.

After being born again in 1982, I purchased Christian Press in 1983 and managed it and Care & Share Products Pty Ltd for 30 plus years. God now has me now preparing the saints for His second coming with livingeternal.net and powerpointsermons.net.

CHRISTIAN INSTITUTIONS

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It is profoundly wrong that so many Christian institutions seem to be deliberately set up to insulate their leadership, from any private or public criticism, and designed to keep bad news from seeping out. It is past time for our institutions and our institutional leaders to act in ways that demonstrate they recognize and believe that our sinful nature applies to them as well to ordinary people.

Watchdog groups such as MinistryWatch and the Roys Report have extensively noted, many Christian ministries are run like family businesses. Ravi Zacharias’ ministry was a family affair: it was named after him, and his wife and several daughters were on the board or employed by the ministry at six-figure salaries. The same is true at Liberty University, where Jerry Falwell Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and his son is a vice president. I could name many other similar Christian celebrities. The reality is the Christian celebrity culture is toxic.

Ravi Zacharias was the head of an international, $40-million-a-year apologetics ministry devoted to explaining and justifying Christianity to a watching world. The position brought him international fame and fortune. When he died there was an outpouring of hagiographies of him from Christian circles.

But increasingly, evidence shows that Ravi Zacharias was guilty of significant levels of adultery and sexual abuse, and lying. Ravi lied about his academic credentials, claiming degrees from Oxford and Cambridge, along with a fake doctorate. Worse was his years long sexting scandal with a married woman that he repeatedly lied about and, more recently, the discovery that he was a part-owner of a number of “massage clinics” where he sexually abused women.

Zacharias and his ministry apparently spent years denying, obfuscating, and covering up piles of evidence of his misconduct. Finally, after Ravi’s death, the executive committee of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has admitted that there is credible evidence that he engaged in sexual misconduct for many years. In a statement clearly designed to claim a show of transparency, the board noted: “We are heartbroken at learning this but feel it necessary to be transparent and to inform our staff, donors, and supporters at this time, even while the investigation continues.”

In truth, the board seems to have been far from transparent. Only now, almost a year after Ravi’s death, and after years of obfuscation, has the board finally admitted that the stories about Ravi are true. To its credit, the board hired a law firm that has already investigated and authenticated many of the allegations and has engaged victim-advocate Rachael Denhollander as a consultant and a separate compliance firm to evaluate RZIM’s board. But frankly, for many, this comes far too late.

All about making disciples who in turn will make disciples

Thank goodness for the Francis Chan’s of this world who recognise that Jesus did not want an Institutional Church. He walked away from his church of 5000 to set up Home Churches without paid pastors or buildings. These churches are set up as the church is described in the Book of Acts. Look at the requirements Paul outlines for church leaders there. Also, the ante-Nicene churches were simple and free. They found their unity in wholehearted devotion to Christ, not in a systematic theology or set of doctrines.

The Last Reformation Movement initiated by Torben Sondergaard is a good example of what God is doing in these last days. Take a look at my recent post “Obedience and Listening to the Holy Spirit” and watch the video. It gives two great testimonies of the type of people God is using to complete the Great Commission before Jesus returns.