In his most recent book “A New Kind of Christianity by Brian McLaren” he asks ten questions that he views his transforming the faith.  It is my personal belief that when anyone starts talking about ‘new faith’ or a new type of Christianity that sets up a red flag for me as someone who is really a wolf in sheeps clothing.  The truth is the Gospel message and those that belong to Christ (christianity) will never change.

Jude 1:3 “I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”  After reading his latest book I have to agree with the panel discussion below that a better title for “A New Kind of Christianity” could perhaps be entitled “An Old Kind of Heresy”.

The below panel discussion is worth the watch.

2 Timothy 1:14
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

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Haiti Needs Your Immediate Help – Now!

A massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, January 12th. The damage to buildings is extensive and the number of injured or dead is estimated to be in the hundreds, even thousands.

Daily Jesus is asking our entire family to help with the immediate and long-term Earthquake Disaster Relief now underway in devastated country.  Please prayerfully consider what you can do to help those who need immediate basic food and water, medical attention, and other survival needs.

4 Practical Ways To Help Now

1.   Just Send A Text – For those interesting in helping immediately, simply text “HAITI” to “90999″ and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.

2.  Red Cross – International Response Fund

The American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help with the recent Earthquake in Haiti.

3.  World Vision – Haiti Earthquake Relief

4.  Northwest Haiti Christian Mission – An on the ground Christ-centered missions organization in Port-au-Prince ready to receive money to give it directly to those in need.  They are literally on the frontlines in the Capital city.  Donate Now!

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Hold On!

“And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock.” (Mat 7:25)

“And Jesus said to him, ‘The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.’” (Mat 8:20)

So many people have lost or are on the verge of losing their homes. The economy has caused a landslide of stormy devastation all over the world. The rains bring a flood and the winds beat against our homes; our very lives as we’ve known them are in danger of being swept away. Right now I am thinking of Rev 12:14-15: “And the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, in order that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. And the serpent POURED WATER LIKE A RIVER OUT OF HIS MOUTH AFTER THE WOMAN, SO THAT HE MIGHT CAUSE HER TO BE SWEPT AWAY WITH THE FLOOD.”

How can so many people be out of work? Everyone was certainly trained and proficient to successfully accomplish his/her profession and surely, we saw those companies prosper. Yet, almost overnight the most educated and successful business owners and employees are suddenly out of business or unemployed. A larger force, like a huge domino, started the fall of a long line of dominos ~ and how quick and great is the fall! Amidst this hurricane of a storm, we try to find SOMETHING to HOLD ONTO, some sort of shelter to cover our heads amongst the falling debris. We suddenly feel so small.

I listened to a news report the other day about a huge landslide that occurred, having stopped just feet from the foundation of an apartment complex stationed on the beautiful cliffs of Pacifica, California. All the residents were evacuated as the threat of further destruction was imminent. The report stated that the owners of the land were called upon to make the cliff-side secure before residents could return. How in the world can anyone secure the earth from the ocean’s rage? BOULDERS! They are bringing in boulders to stack along the cliff! Rocks are stronger than dirt! And what does the ocean floor consist of? SAND. May the Spirit speak.

As I searched for scriptures to minister to my heart and yours, Luke 8:14 stood out to me: “And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard [the gospel], and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” Are you feeling choked by thorns? Now, the Apostle Paul obviously had a “thorn in his flesh”. 2 Cor 12:7 tells us why; “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me– to keep me from exalting myself!” Thank you, Lord.

The LORD of the Storm!

The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke tell us about Jesus and His disciples getting into a boat to travel from Galilee to Gerasenes, located on the opposite side of the sea. It was evening when they set out. Initially, the trip started out peacefully, so peacefully in fact that Jesus actually fell asleep on the stern (rear) of the boat. Peter, Andrew, James and John were experienced fishermen. Considering they knew more about how to handle the sea’s temperament than the others, no doubt they took responsibility for the safety of the trip.

However, a great storm rose up during their trip. A fierce gale of wind descended upon the sea; the waves were braking over the boat so that the boat was covered with the waves. The boat was swamped with water, endangering the lives of all of them!

Talk about FEAR! Do you think the disciples were greatly intimidated? I’m certain they did everything they could; it was beyond their control. And, here Jesus is ~ SLEEPING SOUNDLY on a cushion at the rear of the boat. The disciples rushed to Him and woke Him up shouting, “Save us, Lord! We are perishing!”; “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”; “Master, Master; we are perishing!”

Is that how you feel today? I’ve found my spirit shouting these things a time or two. Thus, why I turn to the Word of God. Jesus speaks to us just as He did to His chosen ones: “Why are you TIMID, you men of little FAITH? How is it that you have NO FAITH? Where is your FAITH?” What? Is Jesus not being compassionate here? Frankly, I don’t have the answer as to what the disciples SHOULD HAVE done, but I DO KNOW that Jesus stood and REBUKED the storm and it calmed immediately!

Likewise, I think of the Archangel, Michael. Surely, he had more power than any human being. But, if you read Jude, verse 4 I think we should do as he did! “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’” Our FAITH must be in the LORD. Prayer is our key. Jesus holds the KEY. HE IS the Authority!! Mat 28:18: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”

DO NOT FEAR.

Jesus truly KNEW the hearts of His disciples and He knows us, too. He KNEW there was a storm. He ALLOWED them to be challenged. They called Him “Teacher”. Wow; when God teaches a lesson, we NEVER forget it, do we? Now, what would have been the worst case scenario for all of them? What did the disciples FEAR? First of all, they were intimidated by the storm. Then, they looked at Jesus and were almost OFFENDED that He SLEPT! They feared He would abandon them. “Jesus, WAKE UP! Don’t You CARE?” Do we feel that way when we encounter fiery trials? Hey, we must remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! How hot was that fire again? (Daniel 3)

Next, they shouted, “We are PERISHING!” So, their next FEAR was DEATH. What if they’d been swept overboard? What Old Testament account would they have to remember? Jonah, of course! Okay, so maybe they all would have been swallowed by a great, big whale. What if they died? Well, Paradise awaits in an instant. Did you notice the “What IF’s”? Do we not ask ourselves the same thing?

Let’s talk about FEAR for a moment. Have you ever been advised not to show fear around a predatory insect or animal? A snake, a spider, a bee, a mean dog? How about an abusive spouse or criminal? Why would we not want to show fear? Predators FEED ON FEAR. Once you’ve learned the wisdom of this truth, you will also find out that predators react based on their OWN FEAR. Do you not think that Satan FEARS GOD? He fears the faith of God’s children, too! Amen!!

Now, God’s angels, when they appeared, often said to mankind, “Do not fear; do not be afraid.” Then, we remember the scripture found in 2 Tim 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline (a sound mind).” I have to admit; I keep hearing God say to me, “Do not fear”. What causes timidity? Intimidation. Who or what intimidates you? Is your faith in THINGS? Is your faith in MONEY? Is your faith in PEOPLE? Fear and/or worry is the opposite of faith! Peter certainly was fearful and intimidated when he denied Christ on the night of our Lord’s arrest.

This is Only a Test

A Test of the Emergency FAITH System!

Yes, we are human. We are not gods. How can God teach us faith if we are not tested? Ever see the military perform what they call “exercises”? They practice the real deal (of course, no one is in real imminent danger). They do this to prepare themselves for what lies ahead. How much more can we face imminent danger knowing God is in control? Why would He put us through such things? To prepare us for greater things! God is our commanding officer! What will you do, should you have to choose between buying and selling or receiving the mark of the beast? Will you fear so much that your faith will fail you unto eternal damnation? Will you abandon the very One Who will save you? We are not to love our lives even unto death (Rev 12:11). Jesus told us in John 11:26, “Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.” He then followed that statement with, “Do you believe this, [insert your name here]?” Do you? Believing is the same as FAITH. God knows what He’s doing.

I recently remembered the movie “Bambi”. Remember when the birds were hidden safely in the grasses of the field? The hunters’ footsteps could be heard; the vibrations of their steps felt in the ground. The wise birds stayed put and pleaded with the one who panicked with fear ~ the one that desperately wanted to fly away!! “WAIT!” She did not listen. She flew. The gun-shot was heard and the “thunk” that followed. I do know that we are to wait upon the Lord for His direction and His confirmation. Waiting is hard in times of crisis. We mustn’t panic. Keep sober; stay on the alert; pray; discern His voice; ASK for direction and CONFIRMATION (2 Cor 13:1). Only make a move when He makes it clear. Sometimes, you won’t know WHY He’s told you to do something; just be obedient. Obedience is BETTER than sacrifice!! He will NOT FAIL YOU. God is LOVE (1 John 4:8, 16) and LOVE NEVER FAILS (1 Cor 13:8).

We must STAND on His Word. These accounts are recorded because we NEED THEM today! We will need them until He comes again! Remember that Satan cannot do anything to God’s children without God’s permission (Job 1:6-12 and Job 2:1-6) . Have you no faith? Only a little faith? All we “need” is the “faith of a mustard seed”. I can guarantee you we have a whole plant of mustard seeds when it comes to fear and worry. We are but dust (Gen 18:27). Have you prayed for God to increase your faith? I know I have. If Jesus Christ be IN YOU, He has NO FEAR.

So, I suppose we are to embrace these circumstances and count it all joy! Jam 1:2-3 tell us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Then, we are told that “the one that endures to the end shall be saved.” That is TOTALLY THE OPPOSITE of our flesh, isn’t it? Oh, may we take our eyes and ears off the intimidating dragon and his smoking nostrils. Eph 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Remember, it is He Who crushed Satan’s head!! IT IS FINISHED!!

Comforting Scriptures

Phil 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prov 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Ps 37:23: “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.”

Rom 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Rom 10:13/Acts 2:21: “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Mat 6:7-8: “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the heathen do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Mat 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Mat 6:24-33 (summary): “Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will wear. And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Jer 29:11 is my absolute favorite verse in times of trouble: “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’”  AMEN!

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Download When The King of Pop Meets The King of Kings PDF

Download When The King of Pop Meets the King of Kings Audio MP3
Gospel of Luke 16:19-31

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels  to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’

But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house― for I have five brothers―so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets,neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”

There is without a doubt that Michael Jackson was one of the most gifted individuals of my lifetime.  He changed music, dance, and other forms of art.  There was never a new video that he released that you just did not have the feeling of ‘wow’ after you watched it.
I will let the media over the next few days and weeks share how gifted Michael Jackson truly was.

But what is next?

What about when the truly gifted means the Supreme Giver?  The Bible teaches that all gifts are from God, used through God, and are meant to be used back to God.  (Romans 11).
But on a day when the King of Pop meets the King of Kings what takes place?  The gifted encountering the Giver.  Let’s discuss this issue further:

Let’s clear up what the media and other worldly voices will be sharing over the next few weeks and months to come.  The world offers three views when it comes to the death of someone.  They are predictable, contain no source of verifiable truth, and are empty.

1.    Reincarnation:  This belief states that once your life ends you immediately start another life and you will climb the stairs to attain oneness with the universe.
2.    Annihilation:  This belief states that there is nothing beyond this life and once it is over there is no more existence.
3.    Universalism: This belief states that God will allow everyone into heaven no matter how they have lived their lives because He is good.

The belief that you will hear the most shared during the passing of Michael will be the third.  The belief of Universalism.

But here is what the Bible teaches:
Hebrews 9:27
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment

Right now let’s look at 3 facts from the words of Jesus that happen with Michael Jackson and all of us as we stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

As Michael Jackson Meets The King of Kings…

1.  All Earthly Prosperity and Earthly Suffering Cease
Luke 16:19-21
There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.

Jesus shares with us two men of died around the same time.  One is known as the Rich Man and the poor man is named Lazarus.  The Rich Man is extremely wealthy.  He has the finest clothing and the finest of everything.  He had a huge home which had a huge gate around his entire property.

Lazarus was a poor man who sat outside that gate every day.  Lazarus became a beggar and only ate if something was given to him that day.  He ate the broken and discarded pieces of bread that existed from outside the Rich Man’s table.  Lazarus was not only poor but was deeply sick.  His body was covered in sores that caused him much pain.  In fact Jesus shares that Lazarus was so weak he was unable to stop the dogs from licking his sores.

The name Lazarus means ‘God is my helper’.  Even though Lazarus’ final days were of poverty and sickness, he was still blessed in one key way.  He knew God and thus Jesus shares with us the name of Lazarus.  The Rich man was blessed in many ways except one.  He had no relationship with God and as a result the rich man’s name is not even mentioned.

As Michael Jackson meets the King of Kings all of his earthly prosperity ended as well as any earthly suffering he was going through as well.

As Michael Jackson meets the King of Kings,
2.  Michael Jackson’s Eternity Began.

Luke 16:22-23
The poor man died and was carried by the angels  to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.

The very moment we die there is no lapse in time.  The very moment we die we experience our eternal positions.  It happens instantly.  There is no second chances after we die.  Our eternal destination is sealed.

The rich man no doubt had a traditional week long funeral.  People from all over traveled to pay their final respects.  I’m sure great speeches were given in his honor.  I’m sure a large monument/tomb was constructed.  He was buried with the best flowers and oils.  He was probably paraded through the town.  None of that impressed God.  The story just says….oh yeah the rich man died and was buried.  He was not known by God.

When Lazarus dies his spirit is carried to heaven by the angels. There was no waiting for Lazarus, he was taken to heaven quickly.  Lazarus lived on after he died. Death was not the end for him and there was a life that was waiting for him to enter. Lazarus carried on his new life with the comfort of heaven.

Many people prepare for their funeral but fail to prepare for their death.

As Michael Jackson meets the King of Kings,
3.  Michael Jackson’s Eternity Was Set.

As we talk about Eternity I firmly believe there is Eternity with Jesus and an Eternity without Jesus.  This is the difference between Heaven and Hell.

Characteristic of Hell – Eternity Without Jesus
Often the Church is way too silent on the doctrine of Hell.  Part of the reason is it is just difficult to talk about.  I will be the first to admit that.  When I come across a preacher that finds it easy to preach and teach about Hell even I become a bit uncomfortable, as I should.  When I encounter a preacher who enjoys preaching about it there is also something Biblically wrong with that person.  The teaching of hell must be done with strong warning but amazing gentleness.

It is easy to believe that Hell is reserved for the utmost wicked and evil.  They are for the evil dictators of the world and mass murderers.  However no such description is given to the Rich Man in the text.  The truth is Hell is filled with those that are not known by God.  The Rich Man went to hell because He did not believe and as a result was not changed to be righteous with his riches; instead he was not saved and thus unrighteous with his riches.

What To Expect In Hell?
1.  Hell is a literal and physical place of eternal suffering.
The rich man begs for a drop of water to be placed on his tongue because he was in agony in the fire. This does not sound like a pleasant experience and it would be one that is experienced for eternity.

2.  Hell is an eternal place of emotional suffering.
- The rich man was remembering his former life and saw the foolishness of the way he lived and he had forever to dwell on it.

- The rich man had the desire to warn those he loved of the suffering that he was experiencing but the opportunity for him to do so was over.

· The rich man was now separated from God for all eternity and there was nothing he could do to change it.

3.  Hell is a place of eternal spiritual suffering.

The Rich man was clearly able to see the glory of all of Heaven and would never have the joy of sharing in it or experiencing it.  He now knows the truth and nothing can be changed.

What To Expect In Heaven?

1.  Heaven will be an eternal place of physical peace.
- Lazarus was plagued with sores and sickness that is gone when he enters heaven.
- Lazarus was living in need but in heaven has all he needs
2.  Heaven will be an eternal place of emotional peace
- Lazarus is focused on his new life not the former one because there is a peace
3.  Heaven will be an eternal place of spiritual peace
- Lazarus will be with God and Christ for all of eternity

As Michael Jackson Meets the King of Kings only two destinations are available to him.    This discussion was not meant to share where of those two destinations Michael is now in but to discuss what the Bible teaches about what happens after we die and why all individuals will end up in one or the other.

I will not rely on the Oprah’s of the world to share with me or influence me what happens to us someone when they die.  I only trust and believe in the One whom I will stand before to give an account of my life after I die.  I trust the ONLY ONE who is the Living Son of God who died for my sins and gave me Eternal Life.  I trust the one who died and rose again and now prepares a place for me as I wait to be home with the Lord.

Let me share some words from Christ:
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. John 6:51

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. – John 8:12

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. – John 10:9

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. -  John 11:25-26

“I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.”  – John 14:6

Right now, be honest with yourself, where will you spend your eternity? If you died right now where would you spend your eternity?

My prayer for you is that you would believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him.

For His Glory,

GatorWade

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