In a Culture of Death, Teens Succumb to Myths About Christianity - DEBORAH HAMILTON CHARISMA NEWS

Teens need to understand what faith is all about. (Flickr/Creative Commons)

In a Culture of Death, Teens Succumb to 

Myths About Christianity

11/23/2015 DEBORAH HAMILTON  charisma news

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From violent video games filled with bloody action to blockbuster films that focus on teens fighting in a contest until only one "winner" survives, today's youth have been raised in a culture of death—even becoming desensitized to disturbing images and concepts.

It's impossible, says author and religion and culture expert Dr. Alex McFarland, to be embroiled in this culture of death and at the same time, embrace Christianity—the epitome of new life and hope.

McFarland speaks to and works with thousands of young people every year, and communicates to them the hope of Jesus Christ. In his newest book, The God You Thought You Knew: Exposing the 10 Biggest Myths About Christianity, McFarland dispels the myths and untruths about Christianity and replaces that with the truth of who God really is.

"Young people are leaving behind their faith at alarming rates, and it's no wonder," said McFarland said, who recently penned the column 'Valuing Life, in a Culture of Death' for CNSNews.com. "Very little shocks our youth anymore, as they are faced with violent images all their lives. We know that hope and life only comes from Jesus Christ, and His way of living is the only way. Through The God You Thought You Knew and events geared specifically toward youth, we hope to renew their faith in Christ and give them reason to embrace life in Him rather than hopelessness and death."

According to a new study released earlier this month by the Pew Research Center, young people entering adulthood are growing in the ranks of nonreligious adults. Millennials, the study found, are, in many ways, far less religious than their parents' and grandparents' generations.

"For example," according to Pew Research, "two-thirds of adults in the Silent generation say religion is 'very important' in their lives and that they pray every day, as do about six-in-ten Baby Boomers and more than half of Generation Xers. By comparison with older adults, Millennials exhibit far lower rates of involvement with religion. Fewer than half of older Millennials (adults now in their late 20s and early 30s) and roughly four-in-ten younger Millennials (adults now in their late teens and early 20s) say religion is very important to them and that they pray daily. And a majority of Millennials say they attend religious services a few times a year at most."

Oftentimes, McFarland adds, young people leave their childhood beliefs behind or shun Christianity altogether because of the myths and untruths they've heard about faith. In The God You Thought You Knew, available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats, McFarland works to dispel those myths with 10 truths:

• Myth #1: Christianity is intolerant and judgmental toward others.

Truth: Christianity teaches to love neighbor as self and to share the love of Jesus with others.

• Myth #2: Christianity cannot be true because of the evil and suffering in our world.

Truth: Christianity offers the best hope and power to deal with suffering.

• Myth #3: Christianity is untrue because it is based on faith instead of facts.

Truth: The claims of Christianity are based on historical facts that can be tested.

• Myth #4: Christianity has been disproven by modern science.

Truth: The latest scientific evidence points to an intelligent designer behind all creation.

• Myth #5: Christianity is not a religion for the educated.

Truth: Many of the world's top past and present scholars are Christians.

• Myth #6: Christianity is boring and would be a waste of my time.

Truth: Christianity is the most adventurous life a person can experience.

• Myth #7: Christianity isn't real because it didn't work for me.

Truth: The Christian faith is difficult, yet also the most rewarding way of life.

• Myth #8: Christianity is false because it is based on the Bible, which is filled with errors and contradictions.

Truth: The Bible is the most accurately preserved book in history.

• Myth #9: Christianity can't be true because it is based on a dead man coming back to life.

Truth: If the best explanation for the empty tomb of Jesus is the resurrection, then Christianity can be true.

• Myth #10: Christianity isn't real because a loving God wouldn't send anyone to hell.

Truth: God has made great efforts to make sure many will spend eternity with him.

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"Who Rules? A Vision Concerning Washington D.C."- Mark Virkler, Cheektowaga, NY - The Elijah List

"Who Rules? A Vision Concerning Washington D.C."

Mark Virkler, Cheektowaga, NY

The Elijah List

The vision God gave me concerning Washington D.C. which healed anger and fear:

It occurred during my morning journaling time as I asked God to show me His heavenly perspective and how HE saw Washington D.C. It was a life-changing experience!

Seeing evil: I looked in my mind's eye at Washington D.C. and all I wascorruption, lack of integrity and ineptness. It made me angry and it made me fearful: Angry because no one would stand up and do the right thing, and fearful because their terrible spending habits could destroy the entire economy.

Feeling evil: I realized that anger and fear were not proper fruit in my life, so I decided to journal about this in my morning devotions. I asked Jesus to show up in the picture of Washington in my mind. What I was viewing did not have Jesus in it, so it obviously was a lie since Jesus is everywhere, and because it was a lie, it was producing some pretty ugly emotions.

Seeing Jesus: I put a smile on my face, relaxed, and asked Jesus to show me where He was in the scene. 

Into my mind flowed a picture of Jesus enthroned on a throne above Congress and the White House. His long flowing robes were flowing down over Congress and the White House, and His glory was streaming down over the buildings and those who lived and worked in them. 

(Photo: One Nation Under God by Mike De Lorenzo via Elijah List Shopper)

Hearing Jesus: He spoke, "I rule in Washington D.C."

Reflection: Well, of course He does. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. And yes, I sure don't know why He puts certain people over us, but the Roman government was far worse than our government, and yet Jesus was clear that they had no power other than what God granted them.

So Pilate said to Him, "Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?" Jesus answered, "You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above." John 19:10-11

I said, "Yes, but God, they are removing You from all institutions in America!"

God reminds me of His reaction in Scripture to the identical situation...

Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!" Psalm 2:1-3

Will God ever be removed? The nations in David's day were also attempting to remove God from their lives – throw off His moral restraints so they would have no cords to bind them, and they could do anything they pleased.

Well, God wasn't too concerned about their puny efforts...

He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; Jehovah shall mock at them. Then He shall speak to them in His anger, and trouble them in His wrath.Psalm 2:4-5

You know, if God can laugh, then I can, too. Laughter is so much better than getting all down in the dumps and getting fearful, angry and depressed. So guess what? 

I have decided to laugh and set aside my fear, anger and depression, and I highly recommend you do so, too. It is healing to your whole body, and a testimony to your belief that the Lord is still on His throne. 

(Photo by Lillis Boyer "Throne Room Glory: Golden Splendor" via elijahshopper.com)

Taking authority: I can also ask for the nations to become the Lord's, which I do!

Ask of Me, and I shall give the nations for Your inheritance; and the uttermost parts of the earth for Your possession. Psalm 2:8

Church, let's rise up with a victory shout and declare the truth: The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1). and the Most High is Ruler over the realm of mankind (Daniel 4:17)!

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace! Isaiah 9:7

Dr. Mark Virkler
President, Christian Leadership University (CLU)
Communion With God Ministries

Email: cwg@cwgministries.org
Website: cwgministries.org | cluonline.com

Mark and Patti Virkler are the founders of Communion With God Ministries. They have co-authored 50+ books. Their writings are unique in that they are designed to draw the learner into revelation-based learning. Mark has received a Master of Theology from Miami Christian University and a Ph.D. from Carolina Christian University. 

Patti has received a Master of Ministry and Doctorate of Ministry from Vision International University. Their focus has never been on degrees, but simply growing to maturity in the Lord. Degrees are viewed as incidental accomplishments and signposts along the road of life which can sometimes open up people's hearts and minds to hear, listen, and learn what they have to share. They have two children, Charity and Joshua.

To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe

WATCH: JONATHAN CAHN Says 'Let This Produce Greatness in Your Life'

 8/27/2015 CHARISMA STAFF

While these indeed are very trying times, it's also a time of hope. Jonathan Cahn says, "this is the time that not only produces the greatest evil, but also produces the greatest good. These are the days that produce greatness." How great will you be?

Watch the entire video here:

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THE ANCIENT CHALLENGE (c) Morris E. Ruddick

Morris Ruddick

THE ANCIENT CHALLENGE (c) Morris E. Ruddick At the crux of today's culminating, age-old drama of good against evil have been game-changers, leaders with alliances both from within and outside the community of God's people, whose righteous response to His standard would advance His purposes. This advance has been demonstrated with strategies impacting the infrastructures of culture, economies and power. Yet, the most important elements for historians: God and His chosen people Zion have largely been ignored in recording the story of man. Understanding the times and knowing what to do rest on a realistic grasp of the historic strategies employed by God and His chosen. Abraham established the community model for God's people to live in self-sufficiency, as a people of God. Isaac gleaned the secret of God's economy and supernaturally prospered through God, despite the impact of famine. Joseph demonstrated how stewardship that abides in God's presence can influence the spiritual climate of a society and release God's authority within its infrastructures, to overcome impending evil and to accomplish God's purposes. Moses provided the framework for the Abrahamic model to inoculate itself from the subtle wickedness of the surrounding world and become a society of the righteous, living for God. David demonstrated the leadership response to God's guidance needed to shape a society of diverse factions into a Kingdom of God's people, that would prompt awe for God and His people from all those around them. Jesus raised the bar to the ancient challenge and opened the gates to the authority that governs cultures, economies and power. In so doing He set the Kingdom standard for applying righteous power in a corrupt world. The world has reached just such a flashpoint. A frequent question concerning the calling of modern-day Josephs has been "when will the time of the Josephs manifest?" The answer is the same as it was in the days of Joseph the Patriarch: "When God speaks to Pharaoh." However, the prelude to God speaking to Pharaoh will be shaped by the amassing of prayers and steadfast faith demonstrated by the stewardship of the Josephs. There's a shaking taking place all around us. God is allowing the box to be rattled so that we begin looking outside-the-box instead of at ourselves. The time of Joseph was a time in which God's plan was far bigger than the status quo and the short-sighted religious, ambitious thinking of even God's chosen. So it has been that the role of game-changers has never been limited to the parameters of the "box." With evil coming out of the closet today at unprecedented levels, the challenge, as it has reemerged across the centuries, is for God's people to stand against evil. With that will be the emergence of the leaders, the game-changers, whose influence impacts culture, economies and power to embrace this mandate of the ancient challenge. Read the full article: http://strategicintercession.org/2015/04/the-ancient-challenge/ ___________________________________________________ Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation and designer of the God's Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program, Mr. Ruddick imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" "Something More;" "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;" and "Leadership by Anointing," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available in print and e-versions from www.Amazon.com, www.apple.com/ibooksand www.BarnesandNoble.com. Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts are enabled by the generosity of a remnant of faithful friends and contributors whose vision aligns with God's heart to mobilize the persecuted church to be the head and not the tail. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to PO Box 370291, Denver CO 80237 or by credit card athttp://strategicintercession.org/support/ Likewise, email us to schedule a seminar for your congregation on the wisdom the persecuted church has for the West or on anointing the creative. 2015 Copyright Morris Ruddick -- sign@strategicintercession.org Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since early 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors and leaders committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check:http://www.strategicintercession.org

Morris Ruddick Global Initiatives Foundation www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org Global Initiatives Foundation is a tax-deductible 501 (c) 3 ministry

RESPONSE TO EVIL by Morris E. Ruddick

RESPONSE TO EVIL (c) Morris E. Ruddick "Lord, You have set up a banner for those who fear You, a standard displayed because of the truth. That Your beloved ones may be delivered, save with Your right hand and answer us." Ps 60:3-5 Mind-sets are a compilation of assumptions that influence how we live our lives. They are the predispositions of our attitudes which determine how we respond to the circumstances around us. Mind-sets shape an individual's behavior. Cultural mind-sets mold the identity shared by a people. Working with believers in cultures where freedom is at risk has often challenged me to take a closer look at my own individual and cultural mind-sets. One culture I've worked with in particular includes a number of leaders who have spent extended time in hard-labor prisons for their faith. The intent of these incarcerations of brutal conditions was to undermine their faith. It had the opposite effect. In each case, I've been struck by the strength of character, decision-priorities and genuine humility of these friends who bear these brand-marks of their faith. On the other hand, what I have not observed is the focus that the West can give to issues that impact the soul. In conditions designed to break their spirit, those issues included severe deprivation of such essentials as having enough food to live and the realities of facing death. In short, what I have witnessed has been a distinct absence of a victim's mentality. In lands of persecution, almost everyone has a story of tragedy and serious loss. Yet, contrary to Western predispositions, the choice has been to put their tragic pasts behind them to more fully live in "the now." "Forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forth for that which is ahead." Phil3:13 Paul's admonition is not to "stuff it," but rather to renew our minds and make a choice to transform our thinking by giving focus to remembering those things that are true, noble, just, pure and of good report (Phil 4:8). That's the rallying banner. It's the standard upheld by those we regard as heroes of faith. Foundations to How We Respond At the core of the way of the Kingdom is how we respond to evil. Our mind-sets play a significant role in this response. The first premise is that we cannot hope for much by responding in our own strength or cleverness, no matter how much we verbalize it. It takes a great deal more, even for the most talented. The opening Scripture is about that added dimension that only comes through God. It is from a Psalm describing a people who have strayed and lost the power and protection of God against evil. It outlines the need to be restored and highlights what is required to maintain that place in which God intervenes on their behalf. Over the centuries, the Lord has imparted banners and standards for the good of His people. They serve an initial function to help us avoid the subtleties of evil. When ignored, they still provide the means of deliverance, although at a higher cost when evil inroads can only be met by judgment. The banner displayed gives first priority to embracing the unequivocal fear of the Lord. That calls for a choice. The standard then sets the stage to unveil the truth and the reality of God that empowers deliverance. It is the foundation from which we can cry out to the Lord and expect the manifestation of His power. Bondages result when God's supernatural standards are watered down with the natural. Within the Body are many who enjoy God's blessings yet are constrained from crossing the boundaries into what is represented by the fullness of their callings. The constraints typically are self-imposed, driven by precepts of men, with the standards influenced by both individual and cultural mind-sets and predispositions. The response to evil draws a line in the sand. Not recklessly or arbitrarily, but rather as a choice and a priority to uphold the standard. That choice is contrary to the way the world responds. That sometimes means sacrifice. Yet, that choice is the very foundation that Jesus imparted to His followers during His three year earthly ministry. The Subtle Influence For years I have worked with men and women of God being prepared with modern-day Joseph-type callings. The calling of God in the marketplace is not one of position or status, but a calling of influence. The influence evolves around establishing God's standard against evil, harnessing resources, and bringing deliverance and transformation within the infrastructures of the world's systems. Yet, again and again the pressures and subtleties faced by these modern-day Josephs bring challenge and distortion to their mantles. With the distractions and deceptions, the result is being drawn into safe-places, of spiritually treading water. As an illustration of the subtleties that distort and diminish the standard, the Western media has long advanced a cultural mind-set that turns returning military heroes into victims. It has undermined the standard of the cause of freedom with subtle, downgraded and distorted moralizations. The brand-marks of true heroes are then dishonored and reduced to pity. Pilate's challenge to Jesus was based on this very premise: that Jesus was facing death and Pilate had the authority to release Him. Jesus' response to Pilate was that his authority was limited and defined only by the Father. Figuratively speaking, Jesus spit in the face of death. Jesus was never a victim. His response refused a mind-set of pity, as He held to the standard. Jesus said He came not to destroy the law and the prophets, but to fulfill, to bring completion to them. He drew a line in the sand with destruction and death. Yet, until the time He was turned over to Pilate and Herod to face crucifixion, the focus of His earthly ministry dealt with the response to evil within the household of faith. "From the days of John the Baptist, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force." Matt 11:12 The Evil Within The evil within the household of faith is far more subtle than the evil from outside the community of God's people. Ranging from factors such as obsessive introspection leading to majoring in minors and spiritual myopia to outright misuses of authority, the result has long been a people of feeble power, fragmented and divided. Nevertheless, overcoming these vulnerabilities represents the cohesive foundation needed to maximize the power in responding to evil coming from the world's system. No one group has the total picture, which is why we need one another. The level to which the evil within the community of God's people is properly addressed will be the level destabilizing and diluting the impact of the evil lurking outside the camp. "Do not be afraid of the sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being taken." Prov 3:25-26 The inroads of evil into the household of faith find their seedbed in mind-sets, the most devilish being religious mind-sets. Instead of being the influencers and overcomers, the Body has systematically become culturally compliant and spiritually anemic. The perception is viewed as the reality. Most purveyors of news are no longer presenting facts, but rather the spin of events within the view of a creeping system of godless values and evil-intended priorities. In God's eyes, the reality is based on the standard. God's standard is the driver for our mind-sets, the factor that determines what is right and the priorities we ascribe in stewarding our destinies. That standard is then wielded to the degree that our thinking and actions are in oneness with Him. "Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads and look. Then ask for the ancient paths where the good way lies. Then walk in it and you will find rest for your souls." Jer 6:16 When God's people are in alignment with Him, His glory will manifest. God's glory manifested when King David brought God's people together. That was King David's greatest accomplishment and will be the standard for the model in the millennium. To grasp the dynamics needed to realize the release of God's glory in the face of evil requires a closer look at what pride really is, how true humility upholds the standard and the role of suffering. With that is the need to understand how the Word of God defines wickedness within the ranks of the household of faith. The Seduction of Pride. There is a fine line between pride and honor. True honor comes from God. Pride, however, is self-created and rails against the knowledge of God. Self-righteousness is based on pride. It seduces and distorts. The Bible says that pride is like death and cannot be satisfied (Hab 2:5). Jesus addressed this dynamic manifesting with the Pharisees. They reached for the standard and missed. Their elitism and self-serving ambition for status and power pushed them away from God. It manifested in the mind-sets and the priorities they gave to the way they lived their lives. Jesus called them hypocrites because of their spiritual myopia. The history of God's people is filled with stories of "strays" who have misused their authority and operated under short-sighted, prideful illusions of their own significance in their stewardship of God's power. The Bible describes them as wicked. Proverbs 12:5-7 draws a sharp comparison between the righteous and the wicked. It applies within the boundaries of God's people. The divergence is between being just and operating with treachery and deceit. It speaks of the wicked seeking to entrap, of being ensnared by their own words, while the righteous maintain their integrity through backlash to emerge not only whole, but with new dimensions of purpose and enlightenment. Remember Job's response to his "friends" and the later end for Job. "When Job prayed for his friends the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as before." Job 42:10 It is the way of the Kingdom to respond to evil with good. In short, the root of the righteous, defined by this standard, cannot be moved or uprooted (Prov 12:3). It emphasizes our complete dependency on God and the importance of humility and a listening heart in maintaining the standard to stay the pathway. Humility and a Listening Heart. At the core of a righteous heart is the humility that comes from a genuine listening heart. We continually need to be hearing from God and the truth of His Word. We likewise need the wisdom from those who have gone before us as well as the God-fearing whose orientations are not constrained by our own search for what is truth. "[The Bereans] were more fair-minded.... in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."Acts 17:11 That's not to suggest a potpourri of opinions, but rather the discernment of the essentials needed to grasp the biblical standard guiding the steps of the community of faith. The need calls for more than a doctrinal statement on a web-site. The world we live in, along with today's factionalized Body demands strategic-level wisdom in establishing the scriptural common ground of how we come together and how we operate as the community of faith -- in a way that draws the world. "You are the light of the world, a city [community] set on a hill that cannot be hidden." Matt 5:14 The homosexual community mapped out just such a strategy roughly three decades ago. They have exceeded their goals. But then Jesus observed that the sons of this world can be more shrewd in operating with their own kind, than the sons of Light. To have a story to tell begins WITHIN the household of faith, with the degree to which we are listening to one another. The common ground involves how we OPERATE together. That will require humility. Humility toward God and others is a Kingdom key. It is an igniter for unity. Humility is the shield against pride and the fear of man. Paul described the ultimate spiritual enemy we are dealing with as death. True humility inoculates us against the fear of man and the age-old seductions of death and destruction. The Response and Role of Suffering. People who have faced death in combat and survived, understand the reality involved in face-offs that "cheat" death. Winston Churchill was a man who over the course of his life had many encounters with death. He was intimately acquainted with how evil operated. His demeaner was fearless. His consistently big-picture response was to uphold the standard against evil. When he was made Prime Minister, what he was dealing with was a faceoff with death. Hitler's machine had conquered most of the European continent. Churchill was surrounded by those seeking to appease evil. As irreverent and as unorthodox as Churchill could be, he was much like a modern-day Cyrus. God knew and called Cyrus long before Cyrus knew there to be such a One as the God of Israel. In the world of 1940, Hitler may have been the human mechanism, but it was death that was on the march. In its grip were the chosen of God, with the anemic stewardship of the Lord's standard in the crucible. Churchill's response to death, to this amassing evil was to draw a line in the sand. Not unlike King David, with wisdom beyond his own brilliance, he rallied the free world and brought them into unity. The response involved a time of extreme sacrifice and suffering. Historically, times of great revival have been directly correlated with times of sacrifice and suffering. So it is that we find ourselves today with evil amassing before us. The Big-Picture Response These are times described in Isaiah 60 as when darkness is covering the earth and deep darkness the people. Evil has aggressively come out of the closet. The clarion call for the household of faith is to give heed to the big-picture and gird up the loins of our mind-sets. Humility and listening hearts, along with facing the realities is no longer an option. "While following the way of your judgments, we have eagerly waited for You. At night my soul longs for You. Indeed my spirit seeks you diligently. For when the earth experiences Your judgments, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness." Isa 26:8-10 The need is to redirect the focus of the energies given to the fund-raising soap boxes, and sweep aside the idols occupying our minds (Ezek 14:5). In responding to the big picture of what is happening around us, is the need to draw a line in the sand, calling the evil within for what it is and to begin giving focus to the strategies needed to fully draw on our Great Equalizer in facing the realities. Peter notes (1 Peter 4:17) that judgment first comes to the household of faith. Jesus said that each would be seasoned with fire and every sacrifice seasoned with salt (Mark9:49). That's the mix, it is the cost required to be carriers of His presence. In facing the disarray and division, it is time for the household of faith to uphold the big-picture standard, serve as God's calling card, as He draws all men to Himself. "We have a strong city [community]. Lord, You have established and strengthened our walls and ramparts. So, open the gates, that all who are righteous may enter, the ones who have remained faithful. The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. For in You we have an everlasting Rock." Isa 26:1-7 ___________________________________________________ Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation and designer of the God's Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program, Mr. Ruddick imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world. He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" "Something More;" "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;" and "Leadership by Anointing," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available in print and e-versions from www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.comand other popular outlets. Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts are enabled by the generosity of a remnant of faithful friends and contributors whose vision aligns with God's heart to mobilize the persecuted church to be the head and not the tail. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to PO Box 370291, Denver CO 80237 or by credit card atsign@strategicintercession.org  Likewise, email us to schedule a seminar for your congregation on the wisdom the persecuted church has for the times emerging in the West.  2014 Copyright Morris Ruddick - sign@strategicintercession.org Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors and leaders committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check: http://www.strategicintercession.org

Morris Ruddick Global Initiatives Foundation www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org

Six Superstitious Myths About the Devil - J. LEE GRADY

Six Superstitious Myths About the Devil

10/29/2014 J. LEE GRADY    charisma magazine

There are many myths about the devil, including one that he has horns. (iStock photo)

Americans can't seem to get enough of horror movies. Every October, in time for Halloween, Hollywood releases a creepy new crop of films about masked serial killers, flesh-eating zombies, crazed vampires and demon-possessed children who crawl out of television sets to attack us.

This year's horror fare includes Annabelle (about a red-haired doll possessed by an evil spirit), Devil's Due (about a demonic pregnancy resulting from a voodoo ritual),Ouija (about teenagers who conjure ghosts by playing a board game) and Horns, (about a murder suspect who begins growing horns and taking on other devilish characteristics).

No thanks. The world is scary enough—I don't need a horror movie soundtrack to go with it.

Many horror movies are quite religious (last year's The Conjuring was about a Christian couple who did exorcisms), but Hollywood rarely gets it right when it comes to the devil, demons and the spiritual realm. The result is that many people today have wrong ideas about Satan—and Christians often subscribe to these kooky concepts because we haven't studied God's Word carefully. Here are six of the most common myths about the devil:

Myth No. 1: The devil is everywhere. God is omnipresent, but the devil doesn't have that kind of power or influence. Jesus said He saw Satan fall from heaven like lightening (Luke 10:18)—referring to the moment when our enemy was cast out of the highest heaven. Satan posts his demons in various regions, but the devil is not watching you 24 hours a day. And if you are in Christ, you are hidden in Him (see Col. 3:3) and the devil cannot detect you on his radar.

Myth No. 2: The devil has horns. Hollywood has perpetrated the idea that Satan has horns, a red cape and a pitchfork, but this is based on medieval folklore, not the Bible. In fact, the Bible says the devil is a master of clever disguises, and that he prefers to appear as "an angel of light" (see 2 Cor. 11:14). Without spiritual discernment, most people don't even recognize that the devil is working because he is so cunning and attractive. The devil often shows up in religious meetings, and he even deceives Christians. He also loves to work through charlatans who steal money and live in immorality but know how to quote Scripture.

Myth No. 3: The devil is afraid of crosses, holy water and religious icons. In the typical Hollywood vampire film, Count Dracula is repelled by a crucifix and demons scream in torment when a priest utters a Latin phrase. Don't be fooled. Satan is not afraid of religious people. Satan is quite comfortable hanging around religious buildings as long as the people inside are not preaching the true gospel. That's why Paul the apostle warned us that in the last days people who at one time followed God would fall away from the faith, "paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Tim. 4:1). Some of the most demonic heresies were hatched in church buildings when Christians turned away from the truth to follow the devil, the father of lies.

Myth No. 4: The devil is to blame for all the evil in the world. A lot of Christians have the idea that the devil caused them to sin. "The devil made me do it!" No, the devil was probably nowhere near. The Book of James says we must own the responsibility of our sin. "Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust" (James 1:14). Don't blame the devil for what you did. Take responsibility and repent.

Myth No. 5: The devil is all-powerful. We Christians ascribe to Satan way more power than he actually has. The Bible says in Colossians that when Jesus died on the cross, He disarmed satanic powers and made a public spectacle of them (see Col. 2:15). I love the way The Message translates this verse: "[Jesus] stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets." Satan's authority has been taken from him, and all he can do now is lie, steal, kill and destroy—much like a renegade terrorist army—until the church finishes the job of preaching the gospel to the world. And Satan knows his end is near.

Myth No. 6: The devil lives in hell. Popular artwork often shows the devil running his diabolical operation from a headquarters in the midst of the flames of hell. But that is not a biblical concept. Ephesians 2:2 describes Satan as "the prince of the power of the air" because he runs his show from a remote heavenly location. The good news is that he won't be there for long. Jesus said hell has been prepared for the devil and his angels (see Matt. 25:41), and Rev. 20:10 says after the final judgment, God will throw Satan into the lake of fire and brimstone where he will be "tormented day and night forever and ever." That is the horror movie the devil fears most.

If you are a believer in Christ, you have no reason to fear the devil. We should not be ignorant of Satan's schemes, and you should develop discernment to know where he is working, but you do not have to be afraid of him. If you are strong in faith, aggressive in prayer and filled with the Holy Spirit, you are a threat to Satan's kingdom. The apostle Paul's words in Romans 16:20 remind us of our victory: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."

J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. You can learn more about his ministry, The Mordecai Project, atthemordecaiproject.org.

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Golden Apples and the Glory of God - Part 2

Golden Apples and the Glory of God - Part 2 

by Tage and Dana Mathisen

Identity Network

 

Recap of the Dream from Part 1

 

The dream about the golden apples and the glory of the Lord

 

In the dream I was with my wife Dana and we were in an open place. It was like it was outside but also inside. There were very few people with us. It felt like a remnant.

 

Then suddenly some small items were covered in gold. One of the items was taken to a bank that valued gold. The value of the item was so high that all our debts were cancelled and we now had the resources for the journey ahead and the purpose of God.

 

There was a very big apple tree where we were. This tree had hundreds of apples on it. The apples were still small, like an inch in size. Suddenly ALL the apples were covered in gold. When this happened the dream shifted and I could feel that my understanding of what just happened increased a lot. I knew that the apples covered in gold were like the glory of God. It all became so precious and holy.

 

I knew then that we had to protect this and that many would come to try to steal the apples.

 

One older person in the dream tried to lay something over one of the apples to hide it and steal it. Suddenly something came upon this person and the person was diminished and disappeared in front of us.

 

Then a big person was seen in the distant with a lasso. We knew that this person was very powerful and came to take us with the lasso and steal the golden apples.

 

I was behind a wall that looked like a hallway. Then the lasso came towards me to catch me. I grabbed the lasso and saw that the big powerful person came towards me. I told the person that if he touched us or the apples he would be destroyed. He said he was very powerful, but I said again, that He that was with us was far more powerful. He then sat down and started to cry.

 

We all felt the peace of God take over the whole area and the love of God was heavy present. - End of dream

 

The Work of the Lord

 

The Almighty God is doing His work in His people and He will not relent until it is complete.  His purpose is to see that Jesus Christ will be King of spirit, soul and body. He is preparing us as His temple and He will make sure He can set up His throne in His temple to rule and reign. We are His, and the work will not be by might or by power (of humans) but by His Spirit.

 

Our Lord is confident in His finished works and so should we be. His word says, "It is finished!"

 

At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!" Matthew 27:51-54

 

The veil torn in two from top to bottom was God`s sign that the sacrifice of His Son was complete and He had now opened up the way back to the Father.  All who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior will be accepted before the Father.  The blood of Jesus paid in full for us to become free in Him. Salvation eternal is granted. God`s plan is that all will be restored through Jesus Christ and the finished work of the cross.

 

Like the centurion and those with him feared greatly, saying that truly this was the Son of God, we know that every knee shall bow for His name.

 

Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

When Evil Becomes Good and Good Becomes Evil

 

Today we see that good is called evil and evil is called good. God`s ways are not ours and ours are not His. The golden apples tell us that the glory of God, the divine nature of Christ, the hope of glory in us will cover us and make us whole in Him. We are about ready to cross over into the fullness that the Lord longs for. It will be a transformation like going from Pentecost to Tabernacles. Like Jesus made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, so will we. Those who will be taken from outer court, to inner court to the most holy place will come out of the wilderness with Him, leaning upon Him and trusting Him only. They have seen that none other holds the truth like Him. They have come to know The Truth as a person and will not bow for any other name than His.

 

God`s Temple

 

We are the temple of God on earth and He wants to have a dwelling place that is wholly yielded to Him. He knows that any area not surrendered to Him is a stronghold of the enemy and without true repentance, forgiveness and the blood of Jesus it will continue to be an unconquered area.

 

1 Corinthians 3:16-19 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

 

When the enemy came in the dream to attack and take us captive, he used a lasso. When he threw it towards me, I grabbed the lasso and saw that the big powerful person came towards me. I told the person that if he touched us or the apples he would be destroyed. He said he was very powerful, but I said again, that He that is with us is far more powerful. He then sat down and started to cry. Like Jesus encountered the most resistance by the religious authorities, so will we see that the religious spirits of old will try to attack those who carry His presence and stand in His truth, proclaiming His kingdom.

 

The gold that came upon the apples, represents a radical transformation that can only come from God. The apples were only an inch in size. That points to how far we have come in our walk with Him. We are not ready and will never be in our own, but God in His grace will make a transformation by His glory as He covers us and changes us into His image and likeness. All we have to do is keep positioning ourselves before Him and let our lives be a living sacrifice unto Him.

 

The Lukewarm Church

 

Revelation 3:14-22 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked - 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.  22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

 

Lord of All

 

My heart is filled and overflowing of His love and presence as I write this. I can feel that the Lord is telling us by His mercy to come to Him and surrender all to Him before it is to late. He died so that He could become LORD OF ALL. Too many are not willing to give up areas of their lives to Him or to lay down their own opinions or agendas. Many are rich and wealthy and have need of nothing, but God looks down and all He sees is a lukewarm, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked people that trust only in their own ways.

 

Look at the promises He gives us. He will come in to us and dine with us and we with Him, and for those who overcome He will grant to sit with Him on His throne.

 

This is a most crucial time to choose Him and to let Him do His refining work in us, to be zealous and repent. The day is drawing near when we shall appear before His judgment seat. Make a choice to stand for Him in this time and to prioritize Him in everything.

 

Much love and grace.

 

Tage and Dana Mathisen

www.1soul1nation.com

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