Gold City - What Children Believe
Friday, March 16, 2012
Find Out More About God's Beautiful Creation! - ParsonRobTuesday, March 13, 2012
Billy Graham Gets Saved!
I just read about this on a CNN Blog. Here's a part of the transcript of the interview:
During this interview, Graham related an event that happened to him in 2001 when he was in the hospital.
GRAHAM: But you're right, if I died right now, I would be very happy.
KING: Why?
GRAHAM: Because I know what's ahead. It's a paradise that we are going to go into, because to be in the presence of God itself will be a paradise. And I have total, total certainty of that from scripture. And I believe the Bible. I believe that I have received Jesus Christ into my heart. I believe that he has covered all of my sins.
And I had an experience where I thought I was dying. I was at the Mayo Clinic about four years ago and having -- I have had three brain operations, and that is my biggest problem now is hydrocephalus, and they were trying to get stents into my brain, and one night I thought, this was it, and during the night I prayed and told the Lord that, please receive me into his presence. And all of a sudden, all of my sins came before me. Everything I had ever done wrong that I had forgotten about years ago came into my mind. And I prayed, Lord, forgive me, may the blood of Jesus Christ cleanse me from all of my sins.
And I had the greatest peace come over me, and that peace has not left me since. And I am very certain that the Lord was ready to receive me at that time -- not because of my good works or because of all the things I have tried to do, but because the Lord had forgiven me……
GRAHAM: But you're right, if I died right now, I would be very happy.
KING: Why?
GRAHAM: Because I know what's ahead. It's a paradise that we are going to go into, because to be in the presence of God itself will be a paradise. And I have total, total certainty of that from scripture. And I believe the Bible. I believe that I have received Jesus Christ into my heart. I believe that he has covered all of my sins.
And I had an experience where I thought I was dying. I was at the Mayo Clinic about four years ago and having -- I have had three brain operations, and that is my biggest problem now is hydrocephalus, and they were trying to get stents into my brain, and one night I thought, this was it, and during the night I prayed and told the Lord that, please receive me into his presence. And all of a sudden, all of my sins came before me. Everything I had ever done wrong that I had forgotten about years ago came into my mind. And I prayed, Lord, forgive me, may the blood of Jesus Christ cleanse me from all of my sins.
And I had the greatest peace come over me, and that peace has not left me since. And I am very certain that the Lord was ready to receive me at that time -- not because of my good works or because of all the things I have tried to do, but because the Lord had forgiven me……
KING: Don't you ever, ever doubt it?
GRAHAM: No. No. I used to. But not since that experience I had that I just told you about. I have no doubts.I find this to be a most incredible statement by the man many consider the greatest evangelist of our time. Apparently Billy Graham experienced that peace that passes all understanding (Phl 4:7) for the first time at the age of 82. Here is a man who preached about Jesus for over 50 years but it seems never really knew Him. You may well ask, how is that possible?
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Math 7:22-23I am grateful that Billy Graham finally knows the peace of God but I wonder how many more like him sit in the churches of America? How many of those sitting in pews week after week know about Him yet do not know Him? Could this perhaps account for the recent Barna Survey that found 80% of U.S. adults consider themselves Christians? Better yet, how many pulpits in America are filled with men who know the word but have never known THE WORD that became flesh?
Graham still exhibits a lack of understanding regarding some basic biblical issues. He is mistaken in his statement that Christ “covered all of my sins”. Under the old covenant, the blood of bulls and goats covered sins but under the new covenant the blood of Jesus actually removes sin – a big difference that many in the church fail to grasp. Graham still seems to lean too much to the preaching of the love of God at the expense of the judgment of God but all these things are secondary.
It seems clear that sometime in 2001 at the age of 82, Billy Graham repented of his sins and God forgave him.
How about you? Are you one that knows about Jesus but you’ve never really known Him? Maybe you’ve been in church for years. Perhaps you’ve even responded to an altar call but you’ve never actually repented of your sins.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2Cor 13:5Is Christ in you? If you have any doubt at all you need repent (turn away from) your sins today and ask his forgiveness. Trust in and rely on the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ without which you have no life. Don’t wait, today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:27
GRAHAM: No. No. I used to. But not since that experience I had that I just told you about. I have no doubts.I find this to be a most incredible statement by the man many consider the greatest evangelist of our time. Apparently Billy Graham experienced that peace that passes all understanding (Phl 4:7) for the first time at the age of 82. Here is a man who preached about Jesus for over 50 years but it seems never really knew Him. You may well ask, how is that possible?
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Math 7:22-23I am grateful that Billy Graham finally knows the peace of God but I wonder how many more like him sit in the churches of America? How many of those sitting in pews week after week know about Him yet do not know Him? Could this perhaps account for the recent Barna Survey that found 80% of U.S. adults consider themselves Christians? Better yet, how many pulpits in America are filled with men who know the word but have never known THE WORD that became flesh?
Graham still exhibits a lack of understanding regarding some basic biblical issues. He is mistaken in his statement that Christ “covered all of my sins”. Under the old covenant, the blood of bulls and goats covered sins but under the new covenant the blood of Jesus actually removes sin – a big difference that many in the church fail to grasp. Graham still seems to lean too much to the preaching of the love of God at the expense of the judgment of God but all these things are secondary.
It seems clear that sometime in 2001 at the age of 82, Billy Graham repented of his sins and God forgave him.
How about you? Are you one that knows about Jesus but you’ve never really known Him? Maybe you’ve been in church for years. Perhaps you’ve even responded to an altar call but you’ve never actually repented of your sins.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2Cor 13:5Is Christ in you? If you have any doubt at all you need repent (turn away from) your sins today and ask his forgiveness. Trust in and rely on the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ without which you have no life. Don’t wait, today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:27
I'll Do Anything - The Ball Brothers
About Them:
"Music That Spans The Generations"
The Ball Brothers are three real-life brothers, Andrew, Daniel and Joshua Ball, and a life-long friend, Andy Tharp. The group, along with pianist Cody McVey, and sound technician, Josh Gibson, travel world-wide, singing their distinctive brand of Christian music.
Biography:
When it comes to the Ball Brothers, forget what you know about other "gospel quartets." Because this unique group stands in stark contrast to many preconceived notions regarding traditional quartet music, the Ball Brothers have found life "outside of the box." Tenor vocalist, Andrew, states, "We're a younger group and we're a different kind of group. At first, it was a struggle trying to imitate other groups and fit into the proverbial 'southern gospel mold'. We finally stopped apologizing for what we weren't and have embraced the uniqueness of our God-given voices and harmonies. Since then, our musical horizons have expanded, and our ministry has really taken off."
Since their formation in 2006, the Ball Brothers have rapidly made their mark in Christian music by finding a musical balance between the old and the new. "We've never been to a place where every person in the audience was the same age. On the contrary, most places we go have a mixture of young, middle-aged, and older people. So, our music style and song selection is based around that blend. It's great to see a grandmother and granddaughter worshiping together and enjoying the same music. We get to see that on a regular basis," says lead vocalist, Daniel.
What can someone expect when they hear the Ball Brothers? A mix of musical styles, melted together by tight, four-part harmony. Each song is hand-picked to be message-driven, and theologically sound. "Our goal is to spread the message of the Gospel and encourage believers," says bass vocalist, Josh. Baritone vocalist, Andy, states, "We want to be real on and off the stage. We love to have fun, and that shows through our stories and comedy, but at the same time, we refuse to waste the opportunities God has opened for ministry."
One won't have to look very far on the internet to find out what the Ball Brothers are like "behind the scenes." The guys have a popular YouTube series called, "Rollin' with the Ball Brothers" that offers an inside look into their ministry and lives on the road. "Rollin' with the Ball Brothers” is our way of tearing down the divide that sometimes separates us from our audience. We're not interested in promoting ourselves as "rock stars." We're interested in showing everyone how God can use "normal" people for His honor and glory," says Daniel.
From Gaither videos, to national television appearances; from Youth Conferences to Senior Retreats; from Sunday morning worship service, to Saturday afternoon at the state fair; the Ball Brothers thrive in a balanced ministry, carving out a sound and approach that is uniquely their own. Regardless of your age or musical preference, the Ball Brothers invite you to see and hear the difference.
Quick Facts:
- Won the 2011 Singing News "Horizon Group of the Year"
- Appeared on the popular Gaither Homecoming video series.
- Performed on the Main stage of the National Quartet Convention.
- Shared the stage with some of the biggest names in Gospel and Country music including: The Gaither Vocal Band, The Oak Ridge Boys, Diamond Rio, the Gatlin Brothers, the Martins, Legacy Five, and many more.
- Travel more than 150 dates per year across the World.
Please visit their web site @
and purchase their music!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Abomination of Desolation
History’s Watershed Moment
"Watershed" - A critical point that marks a division or a change of course; a turning
point
The
Abomination of Desolation Assumes:
1.
Israel is back in their land, and has control of the Temple Mount! (Obviously,
Islam has been dealt a severe blow)
2. The
Jewish Temple is functioning! (Sacrifices are being made, daily)
3. The
Anti-Christ has been on the scene for 3 1/2 years! (Most likely as the Head of
the E.U.)
4. It
also marks the last 3 1/2 years of Daniel's 70th. Week! (Or the "end of
the world", as we know it)
5. It
shows us what Satan &; "sinful-mankind" is all about!
(Self-worship & pride)
6. Jews
& Christians are aware of the end of days! (The worst is yet to come)
Introduction
"When ye therefore shall
see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in
the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand :) Then let them which be in
Judea flee into the mountains. . . For then shall be great tribulation, such as
was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall
be" (Matthew 24: 15, 16, 21).
·
What is this prophecy all about, and
does it really affect Christians in today's world?
One
of the most interesting prophecies in the Bible concerns the abomination of
desolation. The element that makes this prophecy especially intriguing is that
Jesus identifies it as a specific sign that the end is near.
It
was in answer to the disciples' question, "When shall these things be and what shall
be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" that Jesus spoke of the abomination of desolation. He said,
"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by
Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (Whoso readeth, let him
understand:) then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains... for then shall be great
tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no,
nor ever shall be" (Matthew 24:3,15-21).
1.
What Is “The Abomination of Desolation?
“Abomination”
means, - Abhorrence;
disgust. A cause of abhorrence or disgust. Detestable and vile!
“Desolation”
means, - "to be filthy,"
"to loathe," "to abhor," "filthy," especially
"idolatrous." This word is used to describe specific forms of
idolatrous worship that were specially abhorrent!
** It is a Biblical Prophetic Event, that will begin the 3 ½ Year Countdown to Christ’s Return to Earth! Daniel spoke of it (3) times in Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11! Jesus mentions it in Matt. 24:15, & Mk. 13:14! Paul speaks about it in 2 Thess. 2:4! And finally, the Apostle John mentions it in Rev. 11 – 13!
** According to Daniel it takes place in the
middle of Israel’s final “week” of 70!
Rev. 11:2-3 - But the
court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is
given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty
[and] two months. And I will give
[power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred
[and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth
** Paul in 2 Thess. 2:4 says, - Who opposeth and exalteth
himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God
sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
·
A man, we call the ‘anti-christ, the ursurper, & the
beast”, will set himself up in the Holy Place, and claim to be God Almighty,
and demand worship from mankind!
·
He will slaughter & persecute all who do not receive his
make and worship him & the Dragon!
·
Isn’t this what sinful mankind, (Gen.3:5) and fallen Satan
has always desired? (Ezek. 28; Isa.14)
** It is important to notice
the wording that is used to describe the action of the abomination; it makes something desolate. This
entails that there is an action that must take place by the abomination to make
something desolate. So what exactly is
the abomination? It may help to better understand the timeline how the
abomination comes into the picture. History tells us that Antiochus Epiphanies,
a Greek ruler, went into Jerusalem (167 B.C.) and offered a pig on the altar,
and forced the priests to eat pork, by stuffing it down their throats. He also
set up an image of Zeus & Jupiter! He changed laws and demanded worship
from the Jewish Nation! He slaughtered male children, who had been circumcised,
and then tied them about the mothers, and made them walk everywhere with their
dead child!,
One day Satan, and “evil”
mankind will do far worse than this!
2. Why Is The Abom. of Des., Important & A Turning Point in
World History?
** Remember, this is mentioned, directly, over 6 times in the Bible!
**
God has allowed Satan & mankind close to 6,000 years to rape and ravage the
Earth! 3 ½ years after this event, Jesus Christ will return in great glory and
power, to set the Millennial (1,000 years) Kingdom! Can you imagine after God’s
Wrath, what it will be like in the New World, ruled by Christ, and His Saints?
(You & Me)?
**
God is now dealing directly with Israel! (Daniel’s 70th. Week) God
keeps his promises!
**
This is the time Satan has been aiming for:
o To be worshipped by mankind!
o To take glory from God, for himself! To sit in
God’s seat!
o To destroy God’s people, (Trib. Saints) and God’s
Nation! (Israel)
**
It marks the end of human dominance & history; and begins a Theocracy, that
ultimately last forever! Hang in there Christian, THINGS DO GET BETTER!
3. How Should
The Abom. Of Des. Effect Us? (Practical Aspects)
Note
in Matthew 24:
A. The
Importance of God’s Word! (whoso readeth, let him
understand:) - 15
B. The
Obedience to God’s Word! (Then let them which be in
Judaea flee into the mountains:) - 16
C.
The Urgency of God’s Word! (Let
him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is
in the field return back to take his clothes.) – 17, 18
D. The Burden
of God’s Word! – (And woe unto them that are with
child, and to them that give suck in those days! - But pray ye that your flight
be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:) – 19-20 – Note How
O.T. Prophets would say, “the burden of the word of the Lord came…”
E. The Promises
and Purpose of God’s Word! – (For then shall be great
tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no,
nor ever shall be. - And except those days should be shortened, there should no
flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.)
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