Knowyenot

Just in case some readers will find the following content quite frank and unceremonious sounding in places, this is by no means a suggestion I possess all the answers or have it all together. Also, you would probably be disappointed if you elected me as your leader, which I would turn down anyway. Most would agree it is the responsibility of all believers, everywhere, to shun the counterfeit and to take hold of everything God intended. However, a lot of controversy comes in when leadership is the issue. Not that I class myself as one (at least in the "official" sense), but scripturally, when it comes down to the individuals walk with God, leaders are called to point the individual away from themselves unto "all the counsel of God" and nothing more (still count yourself one?). Even the prophets of old never spoke for themselves, but always bore a word based message, unlike the self-appointed today.

Further more; although these articles may have unintentional errors, it is however, the sole purpose of its author to encourage the Lord's remnant to look to the heavenly and away from anything that may be "mine". Or "yours". Or "theirs". For I, nor you, nor anyone else for that matter, know or possess all truth. However, the word of God found in the scriptures, does. Therefore, it is not a matter of restoring lost truths, or starting a bible recovery programme, or founding another reformation, or offering a new revelation (sound familiar?); but chucking out all that is man-centred, and getting back to the scriptures in all that pertains to truth and revelation. For we do not need a new church. Nor do we need a new sect, cult, or movement for that matter. Nor a new prophet. However, we do need each other ... "which every joint supplieth". Wherewithal, and above all, the written word of God is paramount:

Let "God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings":

1 Corinthians 3:16 says, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

The above verse, "Know ye not that ye are the temple", is not deep and profound but a conclusive, clear-cut statement. It is aimed at the benefit of the believer to make him fully aware of his new situation in Christ, that he is simply the temple, or sanctuary, or tabernacle, the place of dwelling, or (get this!!) ... the church of the very God who called him! Which means God's very Spirit lives in every individual believer 'called out'. This means God is at home in the life of every blood bought Christian. Moreover, scripture is very clear ... God's people no longer go to "the temple" or to "church" to meet with their Maker. The Lord is not there, but only where the believer is. Simply because the believer is the church!

This is why Jesus' words to a certain inquiring Samaritan woman down at the village well one day, were nothing to do with saying she had the wrong religion, or He had the right one being a Jew. Of all people, Jesus chose a woman this time (remember, women were largely the underdogs in those days), who was a Samaritan (considered dogs by the Jews - being classed as "half-breeds"), who happened to be an immoral woman (time to cast stones?). With nothing mentioned about the "act" of repentance, or points to follow in "how to be saved". There was also an absence of staged atmosphere and vibes for her feelings to be captivated and respond to. Or an altar call plea or lofty oration to adhere to. Neither was there the bonus of having very soft music playing in the background.

However, Jesus chose her nevertheless, and merely spoke about the gift of God, adding "whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst"! It is also clear that Jesus was not endorsing worshipping in the mountain here (as her people did) or worshipping in Jerusalem (as His people did) but going beyond these boundaries, where He spoke these incredible liberating words (John 4:24):

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit (a city or a place man sets is not important) and in truth (towards the true God of the scriptures)."

Acts 7:38. "This is he (Jesus the end time prophet), that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us (the remnant church of the New Testament era)".

As it was then, so it is now ... the church in the wilderness! Where Jesus was present (1 Cor. 10:4)! More on this later.

There is a reference in Acts 24:10 however, of Paul going to Jerusalem "to worship". The reason Paul was going to the capital to worship was because Paul was going there on a voluntary basis, being all things to his fellow Jews in order to win some to Christ (Christ being the fulfilment of the God of the Old Testament), as you will see when you read the whole passage in context (vs 11-24) and in conjunction with 1 Cor. 9:20.

However, this was nothing to do with Paul "going to church" on a regular, habitual basis, to appease both God and the "elitist" church hierarchy. The Ethiopian eunuch, in Acts 8:27, was also going to Jerusalem to worship (with no reference he had knowledge of Jesus prior to paying service in Jerusalem). On his way home the Lord had other ideas, as his life was turned around for the better when he was introduced to the new temple (Jn. 2:19), the One that was not made or fashioned by man. The One which was destroyed for three days, then raised up ... His name being Jesus (v 25).

Man may have his place and edifice he calls the "tabernacle" or "sanctuary", using these terms in the Old Covenant sense, unable to discern or distinguish the reality of the New Covenant house of God. However, scripture says (Rev. 21:3):

"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

The Lord's interests are with people. His people! They are not in edifices or institutions (Matt. 24: 1-2). Nor in the little kingdoms or sub empires man has built audaciously in God's name.

Under the inferior covenant the Lord may have once presenced Himself in a tent, then in a physical temple. However, now (right at this present) the Lord lives (eternally) inside every true Christian, by-passing everything that is made with human hands. The earlier inferior version was just a mere shadow or a physical type of the superior reality to come, which is now the new wine in new wine skins ... the treasure in earthen vessels ... the pure, sweet perfume in the alabaster box. In direct contrast to what Western tradition (Christendom) has brought us up to believe, which is the lie the building or institution "down the road" is God's church on earth, or in your locality. Scripture is clear that the Lord presence's Himself in the midst of where the two or more believers gather together in His name (Matt. 18:20), save His name alone (Neh. 1:9 & Jer. 7:12). Which is absolutely nothing to do with a "sanctified" building of bricks and mortar. Nor a place where human credentialed clerics are based. Nor because man merely chooses a convenient time at a "sanctified" place, and brands it with the term "coming to" or "having church".

If someone builds an institution it is only appropriate it goes by a name. Right! Usually the name of the man, or his method the institution is built on. Irrespective of whether it is built for religious or civil purposes, and irrespective of fable or historic fact (we won't have to name any of the many denominations at this stage, or various cults, or numerous sects). Because Jesus said His church would be built on Him (and we can't add or substrate from Jesus, can we?). Meaning, any tag or brand given by man to what Christ is suppose to own or be (His Body on earth) would be a travesty as well as a contradiction of the saints praying in this manner ... "Hallowed (set apart for God) be thy name."

First (under the inferior covenant- 1 Cor. 15:46) there was the natural temple where the Lord only recognized His name:

1 Kings 9:3 ... "I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever"

Now (under the better covenant - Heb. 8:6) there is the spiritual temple where the Lord only recognizes His name:

Acts 15:14. "Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them (set apart for God) a people for his name."

Man, in his religious endeavour, kingdom building, controlling the masses, or remaining in control over his own estate, always makes a name for himself:

Gen. 11:4 ... "let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."

Religious man needs some sort of land mark, whether it be a tower, steeple or spire. Or a symbol or a sign post. A name always being the chiefest of his sign posts. A way of advertising to "the heathen" and nations "their" brand of religion is the way (or a way) or place to meet God. However, God being a jealous God, who will not share His glory with any other. Nor be dictated to by man (no matter how much mans ideas sound plausible and fitting), is sovereign, doing things His way, which are above man and are not uniform in wisdom but manifold:

Ez. 36:22. "Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen (by going their own way), whither ye went."

A manmade temple, or an institution, or a fraternity, relies on a name because it is physically or geographically recognized. However, the Lord's church does not rely on a name to exist, because it is only spiritually discerned. God's building does not rely on a name as it is not a concoction of man (yes, not another "con" in many more ways than one), and exists simply because Jesus said He will build His church, irrespective to the hellish opposition and spiritual confusion which would try and thwart this divine task. It also exists in the 'here and now' in the hearts of the 'called out' because the 'called out' are being faithful and are discerning it by faith. God has a place (where He sets His name) which is not governed by time, or circumstances, or a geographical locality, because it is only found in spirit and only found in truth.

Acts 7:7. "And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage (snared by man) will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place."

Which place? The spiritual place set by God Himself! This was the church found "in the wilderness" looking forward to the new. Not as a great adorning, lofty, edifice, perched for all to see. But something authentic and only observed by divine manifestation.

In reverse, scripture takes us back where we can see how the Lord always had His eternal place He was preparing for His saints (the spiritual place of inheritance). Genesis 28: 11-22 tells the story of an outcast called Jacob, travelling in the wilderness, and the significance of a dream he had one particular night. In this dream he saw a vision of a ladder bridging heaven and earth. Upon the ladder he saw angels ascending and descending. This story is a picture of the two way relationship God has with His people through Christ, the way and the gate to this place of encounter. Even though the Lord told Jacob in his dream his descendants would inherit the place on which he slept (meaning earthly Israel in the last Millennium to come), he awoke and said in regards to the vision:

"Surely the LORD is in this place (meaning, something different); and I knew it not (I tried to grasp it with my own human reasoning, but couldn't comprehend it)?"

"How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate (the way) of heaven."

Now, going forward again to the NT, it is clear that Jesus is this gate to enter by (Matt. 7:14), the way to walk, the truth and the life to find (John 14:6), and our one meeting place of encounter with God (Matt. 14: 15-16).

Jacob had received direct from God, revelation concerning God's place (the House of God) as being something outside of geographic boundaries and human reasoning. The stone on which he slept representing being under the direct Headship of Christ. The oil representing the anointing of life from above, the Holy Ghost, making him a living stone for a living building.

The physical place he then named Bethel (meaning the House of God), as a memorial, or type of the revelation he received concerning the new place, of which his descendants (Israel's remnant and the grafted in Gentiles) would be also knitted into as living stones. This place is only found out in the wilderness, without the camp, beyond the lofty and grandeur, where what is rejected by the world is received by the Lord:

Rev. 12:6. "And the woman (the church) fled into the wilderness, where she hath (present tense) a place prepared of God".

This is the place where we are fed by none other than the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls ... the Lord Jesus! During the second passover of the ministry of Jesus our Saviour did not go to Jerusalem (the physical place) but staged His own feast in the wilderness, outside the physical gate, by feeding the multitude. In this new place there was no earthly temple or city, as there was also no sacrificial ritual performed. Our living Jesus was Himself the one meeting place, and from this place the people were miraculously fed.

Deut. 14:23. "And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there (also read 12:5, 21; 14:24; 16:2, 6,11; 26:2; 1 Kings 14:21; 2 Chronicles 12:13)".

Can you trust Him this much? To go to Him there, to feast with Him there, to sup with Him there, to commune with Him there ... without the camp!

When the children of Israel were possessing the Land (a picture of the Christians forsaking the Old for the New) not only were they commanded to destroy the images, altars and shrines of the religious systems they came across (De. 12: 3-5), but were also commanded to destroy the names of them out of that place. Then in their place the Lord's name was to be established:

Verse 5. "But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there (no room for "scripturally" generic, gimmicky, or trendy names) ..."

Note: In the New the remnant go further ... bringing down any false imagination of God in our thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5).

Is God a jealous God? Is He jealous over His name? Remember, Jacob said, "How dreadful is this place!" King Solomon said in regards to the Bride:

"Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?"

"And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things (something amiss in today's religious clubs)."

To spell things out clearly, in plain speech, bulldozing away the confusion ... the important thing to know is that man has made it complicated, while God has made it simple in knowing His place. For He has promised in His word (Ex. 20:24):

"in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee."

Because, as Matt. 12:6 says ... "in this place is one greater than the temple (the physical place).

His name is JESUS, the foundation "can no man lay than that is laid"! The end time prophet for "the church in the wilderness"!

Spiritual things are only spiritually discerned. Meaning, we can only see these things in the Spirit through the Spirit, and by the Spirit. "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." This is true freedom, according to what Jesus said about the individual continuing (abiding) in His word as conveyed in John chapter 32. Also, it is in direct contrast to religious bondage and serving God through false obligation or according to false concepts and imaginations embedded in the minds of men. Therefore, in light of this, consider the following scripture for a moment please (2 Cor. 6:16)?:

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

What is the temple of idols? Is it a temple in some faraway, foreign, pagan land, filled with erected pagan idols, projecting the grotesque contorted faces of devils, with candles or incense burning continually before them? With heathen priests bowing down before them? With chants, bells, smoke and smells ... da whole bloom'n works, including bloodied sacrifices!

The scriptures bring home the truth to us that any misrepresentation of Him is an idol, even any imagination or thing which simply exalts itself against the knowledge of God in our thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5). Even a christianized version (2 Cor. 11:4). This is actually more misleading and therefore more abhorrent in God's eyes. Moreover, Paul says what agreement is there between them and His (meaning between what is God ordained and what is man invented)? In the same context as scripture ordering us to come out and be separate. That's clearly the believer being instructed in not having anything in common with mans substitutes for true worship, christianized or blatant!

Like the Church of Rome or the Protestant churches, or other generic churches, being full to the brim with inventions (traditions, regulations and rules), methodology, and substitutes, supposedly in place for God. Where you have to leave your home each week, and pay homage at a place of mans choosing and naming, restricted by mans set order of ceremony. This is not designed at all for fellowship or person to person interrelation, but keeping families busily apart, and keeping people from interacting on an intimate, personal level. This is where there is an absence of "every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love". With only a 10 minute catch up time after the meeting around shaking hands at the door with the Minister, and quickly touching base with someone you know, like ships passing each other at night with flashing lights. Something totally amiss from genuine New Testament fellowship. A church meal or afternoon tea may sometimes be provided (usually on "church" territory), with the purpose of keeping folk happy within "the club".

The "ecumenical movement" is actually saying the opposite to the command from scripture of coming out and being separate. It is in actual fact saying we should all (both religious and nominal Christians, and those 'born again' together) hold hands and be one (irrespective of the blatant or not so blatant religious inventions or beliefs they hold), and that this oneness will prove God is in it! Again, the total opposite to what GOD's word says ... that we would be one in truth. Which, according to John 17: 16-22 is being one in His word, separated and unaffiliated with all that is man pleasing, counterfeit and cheap. Meaning, the saints being together in agreement with the scripture is not a matter of organizing or dialoguing unity, but just 'being' and 'experiencing' oneness of the Spirit based on the word of God, spoken here by Jesus:

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (they are not building or instituting anything earthly or worldly).
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (truth is only found in the word, the scriptures - not in church dogma, creed, theology or tradition).
18 As thou hast sent me into the world (God has not sent us into isolation), even so have I also sent them into the world (to be witnesses of this truth).
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth (they are to be set apart from religion and mans ways and means, and not mix tradition with faith).
20 Neither pray I for these alone (going beyond existing as a clique), but for them also which shall believe on me through their word (there was to be true unity between Jew and Gentile only based on Christ, nothing or nobody else);
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me (by this true oneness and unity, people would see the authenticity and turn to the truth of God's word).
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one (this would be true unity and fellowship on the grounds of the cross only and independent of dialogue, diaprax, consensus, and religious collaboration)

If I believe in the plain scriptures, and you believe in the plain scriptures, without trappings or add-ons, then we are 'one' anyway, without officiation, initiation, and organization! Without fuss or ecclesiastical mumbo jumbo! Without even knowing or meeting each other! And this oneness is worked out not by fighting over doctrine, or proving our theological point, or being passive and indifferent to sin, idolatry, and spiritual harlotry, but loving each other in deed and in truth (1 Jn. 3:18), without pretence. "Love unfeigned" it is called in 2 Cor. 6:6 and 1 Pet. 1:22! Ecumenicalism is a false love ("the kisses of an enemy are deceitful"), because if you love someone you will correct them through care. Even snatching them out of the fire. And restoring them to the truth. With Ecumenicalism, truth is out of the equation, with the elimination of scriptures such as 2 Corinthians 13:8:

"Oh, I know Christmas was originally pagan. However, God now approves of it because it aligns with scripture and has true spiritual significance. And, besides, it is a good tradition where the world get to acknowledge Jesus' birth also!"

"I know the early Christians never meet or build church meeting places. However, you must realize the primitive church was poor and basic, but today is a different age, where we can afford to do these and enjoy these things. In the end God gets the glory doesn't He? So how can it be wrong?"

"I know marriage is a holy union. However, God also recognizes sleeping together as marriage. Therefore, because my husband has moved on and is no longer a Christian, and because the Lord never recognized my husband's marriage to me in the first place, and my new partner and I are fully committed to one another, then we are free to live together and attend church together. Besides our councillor has given us her professional advise on how our relationship is workable and appropriate at present."

There is two types of fornication (immorality) in scripture: One, is the physical type, where sex outside of marriage is justified and even approved of. The other, is the spiritual type, where a man professing to love Jesus does contrary to what Jesus says and becomes bedfellows with Bible correctors and people who are married to their brand of church no matter how off-key it is. However, a Bible believer can never go against the truth, contradict or compromise it; but only stand for the truth as 2 Corinthians 13:8 clearly states.

Just recently, a pact was signed in our town by all the mainline churches from Pentecostal to Catholic, to except one another as Christians, and to co-operate with everyone, and not to criticize each other. Meaning ... "we are all of the same family as children of God, on our way to heaven because we all come under the "Christian" banner! It's just that some of us have different preferences in how we choose to worship God and how we conduct having church!"

Oh yeah!! Does not the word of God say, "as many as received him (that's Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"?

So much for the truth and and standing by it! So much for Protestantism and the essence of its origin and existence ... protesting! Protesting against what? Protesting against all that is suppose to be unsound, biblical doctrine, disguised idolatry; and trusting in works, a church, or sacraments for salvation. Even more ... so much for biblical discernment and judging with righteous judgement, as well as the individual Berean attitude of studying and rightly dividing the word. Meaning ... the Bible has now been "officially" thrown out the door by these apostate churches by signing this 'selling-out' deed.

Interestedly, a brother in Singapore wrote to me telling me how the same thing had happened in his country about the same time, where even other heathen religions were involved in the pact. All reminiscent of what happened in the USA in 1994, when the evangelical churches officially sold out to Rome by signing the ECT (Evangelicals and Catholics Together) arrangement. Then after 911, we had this same "Christian" nation pulling together under a united religious front (from Evangelical, to Orthodox, to Moslem and other religions), blessed by both its political and religious leaders, to combat the so-called new enemy ... 'extremism' (under the guise of "terrorist"), and to move ahead together towards so-called world progress. Without the true God of the Bible:

1 John 2:4. "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

Mark 7:9. "And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."

Matt. 15:9. "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

2 Timothy 4:4. "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

It does not take much analysing of scripture to see that there is no true unity outside of truth ... the word of God. Yes, the Bible has now been "officially" thrown out the door by these apostate churches!

I will always remember the Sunday when I went to a meeting at the "church" I attended prior to leaving 'the system', and walking into the large foyer where a bookstall was temporarily set-up in the centre. Instead of dumping all the books and their former teaching the older generation had been bought up on, they thought they would do a favour of giving them away free, to whoever wanted them first (how nice and considerate of them). A complete mopping up of what 'the evangelical movement' once represented ... "out with the old and in with the new", and a pleasant and disinfecting way of washing their hands of the truth. Also, granting an ideal excuse to trash the many leftovers as "out-of-demand"!

During this freebee exercise there appeared not to be many takers as the "church" library was now being replaced with the new contemporary teachings of "prosperity and wealth", "Church Growth", "the Word of Faith Movement", "Living in the Fifth Dimension theology", and all that razzmatazz.

First, it was the Authorized Bible being thrown out and replaced with modern (new age) alternative bibles, when announced over the pulpit by Senior and Assistant "Pastor". They had updated their Bible to the new NASB, which had been introduced and endorsed by a travelling "superstar" evangelist from the States (who has since run-off with his young mistress). Now they were selling it to their flock and modifying their complete belief system. Next ... scriptural teaching was slowly being replaced with modern heresies and ear tickling sermons. It is always comes in that order!

Now this church was ripe for the picking. But not for me and my household. It was high time to take a hike and walk away.

About the time I initially left the Organized Church in 1978 I made a challenge to the pastor of the denomination my wife and I had attended, when this pastor made a "pastoral" visit to our home in regards to why I left his "church". The challenge I made was entailed with a clear condition, that I might consider coming back to his "church" if he dropped his association with 'the ecumenical movement'.

His response was a token reassurance to me (just after he had emotionally justified the Holy Spirit moving in the Roman Catholic Church) that if his "church" ever happened to officially join, then he would leave himself. I told him it would not be that easy as the nature of the whole ordeal was much more subtle than that, as it would be a gradual process of being assimilated into it.

About four years later, a meeting was arranged where a Catholic Priest was preaching and praying in his congregation, openly justifying the confessional and priestcraft, as the pastor publicly approved over the pulpit the local renewal that was apparently taking place in the Catholic Church, after previously announcing it as revival breaking out. This took place while fully knowing these Charismatic Catholics were still holding onto their sacraments, Mariology, and praying to the dead saints etc. Instead of leaving, he was going with it all the way.

Here's a thought ... if someone is a whore 'spiritually' (particularly a leader) then it would not be surprising if the Lord handed that person over to 'physical' whoredom.

1 Cor. 6:13 ... "Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body."

Gal. 6:8. "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

Although this man grew in popularity, was praised by many, both internationally and nationally, for saving (and reinventing) and taking over the head role of a defunct Pentecostal denomination in our country, he was undermining the faith of his sheep by his unsound associations. No longer was his spiritual constituency called a "church" but now a "movement" (still under it's old name). Due to his demise and failure as a true shepherd of God, it not surprising at all this man fell into sexual relations at times with female members as his fresh, redefined, trendy church, grew in popularity along with his name. This all took part while this man was instrumental in introducing New Zealand to the "New American Standard Bible", the "Faith Movement" followed by the "Laughing and Shaking Revival" (notice the digression), before his exposure and public downfall.

After being caught in affair with his youth pastor, by his wife (after years of hidden, "seasonal" immorality, while being a great public "spiritual" figure, and destroying his marriage and family), he ended up marrying this woman. Presently, after being reinstated back into "church ministry" by the latest trendy church to hit NZ, he is still unrepentant in his act of divorcing and remarrying, without scripturally reconciling to his wife first. If this affair turned 'marriage of convenience' is justified as biblically valid, by the Mainline in general, it would also open the door for any married Christian (clergy or laity) to run off with a secret lover after exposure, then plead repentance and remorse when they had consolidated themselves as "husband and wife", after the dust has settled. No doubt this will inevitably happen, as this helps to set a new precedence in moral behaviour among church goers, as the Lord hands these apostate churches over to more deception while they remain, unashamedly, living by deception.

This is also what happens when men are free to promote a vision not based on scripture, and are not kept in check (even when blatant acts of sin are exposed and major prophetic predictions do not come to pass) by a strong plurality of word based elders So much about their teaching of "coming under authority".

The Lord has not called us to redefine, or reinvent, or restructure anything, especially something which God did not set up in the first place. But to walk away from everything based on man and his method or replacement for the truth. Scripture says that old cloth cannot be patched up, but can only be replaced with the 'brand spanking' heavenly new. Is this New Testament sound doctrine or invented theology? Is this God's word or isn't it? When Jesus said new wine was only for new wine skins, He meant it! For "thy word is truth"!

1 Tim. 3:15 ... "that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."

It is also interesting to know that three other pastors this pastor was aligned with (or the pastors that aligned with him) during the 'heavy shepherding' doctrine and the Faith and Vision push in the mid seventies, were all later caught in adultery too. One being a international "Christian" celebrity, who just recently ran off with another woman again in the States, much younger than himself.

Just recently, my wife and I were introduced to one of the other pastors' new wife (after casually bumping into them), without an inkling of remorse from this friendly and nice and gentle ex-pastor.

Our ex superstar pastor's vision (or 'reinvented' movement) carries on today, with all reference to his name or presence being removed, yet built on his unscriptural foundation and planning. It is now just another mainline denomination offering the secular establishment a "Christian" alternative and just about using anything to prove it is "relevant". A new movement/church he has joined has gone one step further in becoming political and militant in behaviour, aggressively crusading against law reforms that accommodate and allow prostitution and homosexuality, while conveniently and blindly accommodating adultery in their own camp. As scripture says ... "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."

Religion is always outta kilter, hypocritical, and missing the point a million miles; along with a political agenda; while the deceived choose on being deceived by their leader/s, or choose leaders they will allow to deceive them. Following is one of the most incredible things I have ever read. Please give it much thought? It is the height of religious thinking in a nut-shell, and the way religious men act. It is also the height in which man will go to in deceiving themselves and making themselves "appear" clean in the midst of such brutal and devious behaviour. Yes, there "is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

Jn. 18:28. "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover."

They did not want to be defiled! Did you get that? They did not want to be defiled! They did not want to contravene their religion and upset their god. Too bad about their Maker! Too bad about the God of creation! Too bad about His sinless lamb provided who they thought was defiled anyway. Hence, it did not matter leaving Him in the hall of judgement. Here, was a complete innocent man, who only loved people with total selflessness, unfeigned, and wanted the best for them; who was arrested by corrupt religious leaders, who were blocking out the kingdom to the masses. The masses were the people who the bloody religious leaders loved to hear the praise of, while falsely taking their money from them, and manipulating them to betray the One who really loved and cared for them. Who just happened to be the One who exposed their leaders folly and hypocrisy. The dirty hounds!!!

Man will do anything to appease himself, even to the point of ruthlessly stamping out anyone who gets in their way, so he can feel he has done God a favour by destroying his enemy and purging the land of all opposition. There is no difference between a religious 'suicide bomber' and those who would rob people of the simple way (a part from the fact you will never get another chance with the former method). If you conform, man may give you paradise NOW by way of false pretences, "but the end thereof are the ways of death"!

Yes, what one does with Jesus does really count. For all eternity that is! Forget about the whales, the oil running out or polluting the planet, or how long the earth has got left. These things will take care of themselves. The issue is and always will be God's Son!! What are you doing with Him? Are you falling down at His feet in remorse for your own rebellious and stubborn pride, or are you joining the crowds and jeering at Him? You can't have it both ways!

So it is a matter again of either believing man or God. By believing man you will be accommodated, even highly esteemed at times. However, by believing God's word you will be rubbished, ostracized, and brushed off as irrelevant, or even dangerous. That's why it is now out in the open to banish large parts of the Bible by official legislation, even outlawing it in places. With legislation being prepared and even implemented to eliminate those who wont comply with the new world laws which will forbid exposing false religion, calling 'wickedness' sin and 'compromising truth' as a lie, and insisting the way to God is still narrow. A great breeding ground for the new 'watered down' apostate bible versions!

Therefore, we have two lots of temples (churches) clashing here. One is a place where idolatry (man-made representations of God or serving Him) is prevalent and popular, and the other is not a place at all (geographically speaking), but the individual believer himself, where God Himself resides. Or the situation in which the two or more believers come together in Him, for mutual sharing and fellowship around the scriptures, independent of an organization or set format. Aside from politics and being political. Whatta a contrast and whatta revelation!!

Jeremiah 7:4 says, "Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these."

Because we don't look for a temple made by the hands of man, which the Hebrews had to physically discern between the pagan or counterfeit, to what was God ordained. The children of God under the New Covenant, however, now discern the temple as not being physical, or geographical, but spiritual. That is where God sets up is abode in the heart of every believer. Anyone who tries to tell you the Lord's church is something else, outside of only being spiritually discerned, is not to be trusted but to be deemed as using" lying words", according to scripture:

Luke 17:21. "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

"You need to join a church (they mean "them" or "someone" they have made a spiritual alliance or affiliation with) so you wont backslide or go into deception"! (Or show up their method of spiritual monopolization!)

"You need fellowship (which is not really fellowship) where the majority meet (meaning the popular mainstream) so you wont become a cult"! (Or threaten the religious status quo or someone's job!)

"You need to come under a churches covering (meaning what is manmade) so you can be kept from going off the rails (where all 'manmade' roads still lead to ... Rome or the Harlot Church)!"

"Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us (doesn't belong to our "spiritual club). And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us (are just as much a brother or sister in Christ)."

In all religious platitude and tripe, the onus is to get the believer to conform to mans ways, and to be controlled by his system for service to God, than find the bona fide through scripture, where Jesus stands completely on His own credentials and credibility, and single handily claims to be ... the way, the truth, and the life, and only way to God. Where Jesus is both mediator and LORD, period! Having the pre-eminence in all things! This makes mans spiritual alternatives and religious apparatus' redundant and obsolete in one fell swoop! "It is finished!" Praise the LORD!!!

Here's the true pattern and starting point (after you discover you have been hoodwinked by mans method of salvation and religious service):

Go and rub shoulders with like minded folk who are hungry for God in their home or yours, and share a meal (called breaking bread in Acts) and interrelate on a natural level around the scriptures. Further more; divorce yourself from all artificial setting, religious paraphernalia and temple adornment you can think of. Pray together for God's guidance and blessing in order to reach out and win others who respond by the Holy Ghost. Make sure you do not place conditions on others (whoever they may be) for receiving your love and care. Like, f'instance, "You must come under the leadership's covering!" Or, "You must come under authority as there is no guarantee outside of it!". Forget not to be open, upfront and real ... confessing your faults (not sins ... Jesus is our go-between) one to another.

This is not hard really, until you find great spiritual opposition thrown at you from all angles, merely for looking and adhering to such simplicity in Christ, as well as your reluctance to be controlled by some form of human centralization or figurehead. However, this is God's way in dealing with where your priorities lie ... whether they be in heaven or the world, or will draw you closer to your brothers and sisters in Christ. It will also prove and deal with who you are spiritually governed by ... a form of religious monopoly or the Lordship of Christ. It will even create a greater dependence in the Lord. How many times does it say ... the just shall live by faith?

If it's your home, where you are meeting, the 'whosoever' male figure is the leader, whether he is the father, the husband, or the owner of the property, under the LORD. He is the head of this department in other words, not 'the man of the cloth' down the road. Just as Abraham was lord over Sarah and their household (1 Pet. 3:6) without an additional, senior, spiritual advisor without. Some homes will be owned by sisters in the Lord (especially in this day and age). However, they will obey the scriptures (1 Tim. 2:12) and respect faithful men taking the lead (Acts 12:12 & 16:40) who will not exploit their sisters vulnerabilities nor abuse their own call.

As God is a loving LORD so the head of the household is a loving father who cares for and nurtures his household tenderly. This is his saved or sanctified family (1 Cor. 7:14), plus friends who meet (even live) under his roof. You have the support of the apostles in scripture here (the foundations of the apostles and prophets - Eph. 2: 19-20) who went around ordaining proven faithful men as elders (2 Tim. 2:2). Read the book of Acts! It hasn't changed a bit and is still as reliable as ever.

To clear up some confusion here, in regards to scriptural references, with some passages of scripture saying Jesus is our foundation, and other parts speaking about "the foundation of the apostles and prophets", there must be some balance found in the word. Surely we can't have two foundations can we? Let's rightly divide ... okay! Here we go:

Jesus is the rock ... Psalms 18:31! "For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?"

Plus ... 1 Corinthians 3:11! "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

In unison to this, the teachings (the epistles) of the apostles are the foundation built on this rock (Jesus) which we are to continue building on.

Firstly, when a builder is going to build a house and as a part of counting the cost (which Jesus mentioned), he is going to look at the natural foundation first, which is the bedrock. This is the ground and base for erecting his house on, in other words (remember Jesus' parable about the wise builder?) ... the part which holds up the building. A wise builder would not build on sand or swampy ground. Jesus is that stable bedrock (the rock of our salvation), as Peter (just one of the apostles) is a stone (John 1:42) from the quarry outside the camp, one of many elect to be pieces of spiritual building material. This is how the word conveys it:

"He is like a man which built an house, and digger deep (counted the cost and did his homework), and laid the foundation (the apostles and prophets) on a rock (Jesus): and when the flood arose (persecution and trials), the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock (Jesus)."

On top of this solid, immovable, stone slab (the very foundation) the building is built. When building commences it commences with building the foundation first (on top of the natural foundation - Jesus), which is the teachings and ministry of the apostles (who were with, or who had met Jesus) and the prophets (throughout the Bible from the Old, lapping over into the New). These teachings all centre on Jesus the base, and are building stones for the believer on the apostolic foundation. No one can add to this apostolic ministry which has already been established. No one can go further than the epistles of the apostles. There is no such thing as Apostolic Succession. Nor a "special" end time prophet. Anything else is extra biblical commentary and has no substance for final authority or additional revelation. The gospels start with Jesus and the buck stops with the apostles. Which means no one can add to Paul's ministry (Eph. 3:4-7; Col. 4:3-4) who summed up the New fully with "the revelation of Jesus Christ". Period!

Jer. 6:16. "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein."

"We will not walk therein" ... the basis for building a denomination, or a clique, or an earthly kingdom.

Or are you looking for additional commentary and "new and exciting" forms of worship? Or are you trying to or endorsing surpassing or updating the ministry of Paul? Or jazzing up the scriptures into an entertaining commodity? Scripture is our safety net as Pr. 24:21:

"My son, fear thou the LORD and the king (Jesus): and meddle not with them that are given to change."

"Remove not the ancient landmark (it is written!), which thy fathers (the foundations of the prophets and apostles) have set."

"Change" is a magic name for a multitude of excuses. Today, the churches are following another Jesus. Who happens to be the contemporary Jesus everyone is talking about or promoting today, who changes to suit the times, so we do not have to change to be conformed to Him. This is not the Jesus who is the same yesterday, today and forever, is it?

Because Jesus' sheep hear His voice they do not add to or subtract from His word, they do not put the word of God on a par with tradition knowing one cancels out the other. Nor do they place His name on a par with scripture either, as His name must line up with the word (Ps. 138:2). The sheep merely follow the Shepherd. Any other voice is an impostor and out to shut out the kingdom of God from the people and replace it with an earthly one. The remnant is not entertained by scripture but fear and reverence it. Knowing what is written:

Ezra 10:3. "Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives (the mixing with other adulterating churches), and such as are born of them (religious adherents from wrong seed), according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law."

Isaiah 66:2 ... "but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit (not a showman or a superstar, or a fun filled audience), and trembleth at my word."

Here's some sobering questions: Are you trembling or are you mocking and scoffing? Is the word convicting you or are you being entertained by it, or using it as a fun commodity? Are you brought to your knees by the Holy Book or are you 'taking the Mickey' out of Biblical references and stories? In other words ... is the word changing you, or is it just tickling your ears?

On occasions I get website addresses and emails sent to me which poke fun of the scriptures, or jazz them up with cartoons and jokes distorting what is holy, in order to make fun of it. I guess this type of Christian feels he needs to relax sinners and entertain them why they go to hell. Or does not like the idea folk will go berserk at the truth or them (even physically threatening) before they break before the Lord.

Back in the early eighties I remember when "praise-a-size" came out for church goers as a "Christian" substitute for "worldly" "jazzasize" exercise for woman. The ads were promoted with the slogan, "Be a firm believer!" Many could not see the sickness behind such gimmickry and distortion of scripture, for the sake of selling a commodity using the fact it was "Christian" in brand only and not in substance.

Pr. 23:23. "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."

Here's some instances ... Christendom's book shops are full of paraphernalia and religious merchandise, and churches are full of such things as Toronto and Pensacola type manifestations. It is now important for a preacher to be a good comedian and to be skilled in cracking jokes in order to cushion any gutsy Bible verses. Or for "churches" to have exciting, well polished, and "awesome" talent; to flaunt their stuff from a "church" stage, and poke fun out of what is holy, in style and in plausibility, certainly not in truth and in spirit. You only need to visit these "churches" which are selling their merchandise at the back of their "sanctuaries" and using the pulpit to promote them. A well know Christian writer in the States just emailed me proof the other day of Christian online bookstalls, accommodating X rated porn in their sales. Click here to see that I am not pulling anyone's leg.

Lev. 20:26. "And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine."

Lev. 22:32. "Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you (sets you apart as different, real, true, unfeigned, unpretentious, genuine, clean, authentic, holy) ..."

Years ago, when the Lord was revealing to us about true fellowship and His authentic Body (even though we were still in the Institutionalized Church), we arranged the odd camp where we could get away from conventional church and find the Lord in the Spirit. These were exciting and fun filled times, but mixed with leaven nevertheless. On the last evening of a long weekend camp, an impromptu variety concert was organized, so people could relax and have a "good jolly" time. An excuse to "let off steam", so the notion went. One of the skits acted out was a mere copy of a famous non-Christian comedian, making a joke of Old Testament stories. After the demonstration of this act the whole mood and spirit of the camp changed, as the anointing was lost, and many of the non discerning were swept away by the fun and laughter of the event, where some have never recovered spiritually, to the best of my knowledge.

I also remember at another concert (one of the few and the second to last we went to) the "Christian" performers acting a skit and making a big joke of the story of the Prodigal Son. At the time, when everyone was caught up in the laughter and yahooing, my mind went back to the time I first read this story as a new born babe in Jesus, which greatly moved me to tears, by the personal and significant way the story related to my new life. These people had become blind by religious delusion and lack of fear for God and His terrifying word, and were missing completely the reality of why this story was in the pages of the Holy Script. It was not truth to them but fantasy. Disneyland sugar-coated with scriptural references is another way of describing it. By not being a doer of the word, they had lost the plot and deluded themselves. This is the gigantic difference between being tantalized by scripture and playing around with what is holy, and ignoring its vital and simple application. One is being lost in exhibitionism and externalism, while the other is just getting on with the job, without mumbo jumbo and drama!

Moreover, for those odd readers who will now email me with stupid humour, to ruffle my feathers: Warning ... I will remain unperturbed, while God will either get angry with you or laugh from heaven at all your folly before judgement. Here is His word again.

"Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh" ... "Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep."

The moral of the story here ... better to cry now and laugh later, than laugh now and cry later! Right!

There is a big difference between having a merry heart and joy than mockery and taking the Mickey outta God Almighty Himself!

Ecc. 3:4. There's a "time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance"! But never a time for tomfoolery, nor taking things for chance!

I maybe a bit intense at times and need loosening up, but my family and I do enjoy a good joke, and hopefully know when to clown and laugh. However, in our fun and joke times best to leave the Lord out of it, if it is making light of His word, which is to be feared and adhered to urgently and fearfully.

Rev. 22:11. "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still."

The Bible is no joke! Jesus is no joke! The gospel is no joke! The last one of these acts I took my family to hear was a "clean" looking 'contemporary music' band, which turned out to be a "Christian" concert in a newly opened church in town (how naive of me), obviously to give it a boost (yes, okay, I got sucked in). It was also, obviously, their form of "outreach".

I cannot take away the obvious talent these young folk were gifted with that particular evening. However, to start with, I cannot forget one member of the band who kept making mention of his very long, pretty hair, that went all the way down his back, while stroking and fondling it throughout the evening, and cracking jokes to justify it (1 Cor. 11:14). What was worse (which was actually very disturbing), was when they came to mentioning the crucifixion (I guess it could not be avoided as it was suppose to be a "gospel" outreach after all), they were so joke and fun orientated, they were actually poking fun about Jesus on the cross (believe it or not!!!). I thought to myself, "This is it! The last straw! It only proves anything can go now in these churches, without an inkling of discernment or protest! Or conviction! Or blush or shame!" I couldn't stomach it anymore, and taking my family with me, walked out in front of the audience, and straight past the suited 'heavies' at the rear.

Phil. 3:18. "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ".

The reason churches make fun and light of God's word is because they do not fear God Himself, as their religious organizations have become house's of trade, entertainment, and celebration; likened after the children of Israel celebrating around the Golden Calf. Spiritual 'whorehouses' could be another word. The object of the exercise is to lessen the impact of God's word, remove the sting, so people will feel comfortable and not walk out (it backed fired with us).

It is a numbers game all the way. Dependant on 'the system', and hidden among the masses. The more numbers, the fatter (but less mature) the members become (who dare not think for themselves) and the more successful looking the business. After all, "perception is reality", they tell us! All at the expense of truth, which cannot be sold. This is how the LORD sees this house (Ex. 33:32):

"And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not."

This is not God's church but mans church, building on another foundation of performance and show business, to keep their attendees occupied with 'thrills and spills' and warm fuzzies, done in the Lord's name to justify it as "Christian". It is also a cheap way to make easy money with many hucksters and opportunists peddling their ministry, cashing in on the popularity of Western style religion. This is only bringing the Lord's name into disrepute, portraying a mockery of the gospel, and letting sinners off the hook from being accountable to a holy God with whom we have to do. Better would it be, and lighter the judgement, if people got on with frolicking and partying without God in the picture. At least it would be more honest and less devious!

Getting back to the selling and trading of the "Jesus" thing, or using God for the sake of a buzz ... is it scriptural? No! Is it ethical? Not in God's eyes? Is it against scripture? Yip!:

John 12:16. "And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise."

By the way, they are still defiantly and audaciously selling doves in "the sanctuary" today, but it's got worse ... these doves are only symbols (icons made by human hands) along with the cross (the symbol of Tammuz), the Fish (Pieces in astrology and the fishgod Dagon in mythology), and the Cabalistic "Star of David" which the Jews were forbidden to follow (Amos 5:26).

In the kingdom of God there are no symbols. The kingdom of God differentiates itself from the kingdom of this world as one comes with observation (outward decorations and show) and the other "cometh not with observation (is only spiritually discerned)", according to scripture ... Luke 17:20. The only sign known to the true church is "the sign of Jonas the prophet" (Luke 11:29). Basically, this was the reality of what Calvary was all about ... three days and three nights underneath in darkness; followed by the miracle of resurrection life.

As it is written ... "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

I like the occasional good concert and can appreciate good talent. But I will leave it there. What I would like to point out is that while the Lord deals with 'within' as the outcome (the heart in this case), both the religious world and the secular world major on the external ... using 'imagery' and 'sound' for effect. Meaning ... as long as the crowd or audience are satisfied then so are those who are controlling the event. This may have it's place in the realm of entertainment but adds nothing to worship in spirit and in truth, and bears no consequence with our Maker! In other words, God is not impressed one iota in what we can perform or achieve. His concern is always with the quality of the inner man ... "simplicity and godly sincerity"! These are to two qualities which are akin to in spirit and in truth. Because nothing else satisfies our Dad in heaven.

Did you know the reason why the unbelieving masses flock to concerts and why there is such a preoccupation with clubs and outings, and why life is getting busier and busier, and why loud music and booze is predominant in so many places now? It is because man is shutting out God by all the noise, clamour, clutter and commotion. The religious world is doing the same thing with the aid of religious machinery, which brings me to the new trend in "Celebration" mania:

Nowhere in the New Testament are the true remnant exhorted or even encouraged to come together for the sole purpose of holding a celebration. Celebration is not fellowship. As each performance out strips the former in presentation, with the aid of hi-tech and improved methods, the world is now celebrating in style and exuberance under many canopies from religion to sport, where ancient mythology is being injected into these occasions to spruce them up and make them marketable, and packaged as a way for man to prove he is "one" without God. Just watch their opening ceremonies on TV and see the incorporation of 'new age' and 'old age' mysticism mixed together in the name of diversity of cultures?

Celebrating just happens as God's people are joyful in expressing their love for the Lord and one another, in the company of friends, and making merry around His table. This is a natural occurrence which does not need psyching up, or enhanced by technical brilliance, or injected with Babylonian flavours. This type of true adoration and service can't even be planned! We are commanded however, to come together for fellowship and for "exhorting one another (Heb. 10:25)". Nothing else. Definitely not for performing or for entertaining the world's way. Nor to confuse the presence of God with emotional pleasantries and vibes.

Hospitality is scriptural, and part and parcel with fellowship. However, hospitality is not entertaining the way entertainment is presented today, with a platform over an audience. Neither is it grandstanding or engineered, with orchestrated pump-ups and even mass hysteria. Yes, celebration will take place in heaven on a grand scale (read the book of Revelation), as we see this demonstrated in inferior typology, limited at this stage to the Old Testament; with musicians, processions and the like. However, in the New Testament things are not showy with fanfare, but simple and base, and at grassroots, in natural settings; in the homes of the saints. This is the church functioning in the wilderness, outside the city of ecstasy and celebration where they rise up to play and blur out God.

How does it go? Charity "vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own"!

Did you know that there is a vast difference between the humble church in the wilderness and the lofty, grandeur, one that likes to be seen? True, a bride takes delight in appearing becoming for her Bridegroom (which stems from an inner quality within the confines of fidelity), in contrast to a showy whore who likes to flirt, strut and flaunt her stuff, in order to attract, lure, and seduce her lovers.

Ez. 16:25. "Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms."

Everyone is aware of the phrase "taking artistic licence"! This of course has no bearing on the true saints as, after all, "art and expression" (as in everything) are confined to goodness, righteousness, and truth, according to scripture. At present, the behaviour of the whole world is changing, as it comes under the spirit of compromise and its accommodation for sin, in the form of "artistic' expression" and "cultural sensitivity"; terms to underscore its agenda and disarm the non discerning.

What is the true saint of God exhorted to dwell on? Certainly the opposite that what is presently being celebrated as "good"! This verse is addressed to the true saints of God:

"... whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

I remember seeing a person I knew at high school being on the front page of a Sunday newspaper (a few years on), because he was found attending a function with a ring in his nose. This made national headlines back in the early seventies, and shocked the general public who viewed things like this as abnormal occurrences. Today, in just three decades, this is common occurrence, where people do not even blink an eye at even worse self-violations to the human body, where even folk who name the name of Christ are body piercing and receiving tats in His name, saying it is just an expression of the freedom they have in Christ. Forgetting, they no longer own their own bodies, as they have been bought with a price, and are now suppose to be presenting their bodies as temples of the God who made them, who deplores marking and mutilating the body with images of the dead and grotesque, even if it is done as some sort of embellishment (Lev. 19:28). A ring embedded in the ear (or anywhere on the body for that matter) does not mark a Bible believer as a 'slave' to God ('servant' is the correct rendering - without marks and "artistic" mutilation), because His kingdom does not come with observation. This also goes for all flamboyance and non discerning dress conduct. Paul made it clear that a woman was to concentrate on her inner beauty more than her outer, and not enhance her voluptuousness:

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

Today, strange apparel, the "weird and wonderful", confused gender, cross dressing codes (Deut. 22:5), and "artfully" mutilating the body, all go hand-in-hand, and are fast becoming accepted as normal and natural by the general public. Where fashion is being reinvented into what is now termed "wearable arts". All subtle ways in caricaturing God's creation.

Zep. 1:8. "And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD'S sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel."

By the way, exposing this present behaviour problem has got nothing to do with being bound by a spirit of legalism, nor being a party spoiler, nor being an ignorant prude; but everything to do with avoiding Babylonian 'trend setting' and being conformed with this present world (as in the words of Paul - Romans 12: 1-2). Separation (circumcision of the heart) still remains the first principle in God ... whereby "we which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."

Rom. 1:23. "And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man (redefining and distorting God's ultimate creation), and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things (beautified half human and animalistic creatures). "

It started off when ET was made popular (although the distortion of the natural was already taking place) when creatures who have both a human and reptile appearance, and are portrayed as "cute and cuddly", could be naturally embraced (in the human imagination of course). "Without natural affection ..." as the verse goes (Rom. 1:31, 2 Tim. 3:3)! The very reason why Paul told us to mortify in our members "inordinate affection (Col. 3:5)"! What is inordinate affection? Affection that is unrestrained in conduct, feelings, and is disorderly and uncontrolled.

When I took my family to the UK in 1994 we found we could not buy breakfast cereals for our young boys without every single brand being marketed with "cute" little dinosaurs or "pretty" little monsters on or in the packaging, as if there was nothing wrong with children embracing what was once considered grotesque. Hollywood has also done a beautiful job in conditioning the "civilized" masses to turn again to making imaginations and outward images of unnatural creatures, or accepting it as normal. Even if they are being marketed under the guise of hi-tech and sci-fi! To the point of eventually turning 'good' being sold as 'bad', and 'bad' being sold as 'good'!

Mal. 2:17. "Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them".

To a 'true blue' Bible based, Holy Ghost discerning Christian, they know that these caricatured creatures are not alien beings from another planet at all. Nor are they the humanoid result of angels impregnating earthly woman. Nor are they real baby dinosaurs or ghosts of the dead haunting medieval edifices. Nor are they tangible monsters who lurk in city sewers or dense darkened forests. However, they are in essence, products of the activity of devils, deceiving and bringing the world down with them.

But of course, what the world does is their business. They are lost anyway. Furthermore, the Bible said all this would happen. That's why we (the true election) stay out of the world's politics and affairs (2 Tim. 2:4) and spiritually (even physically at times) are separated from it's behaviour. In other words ... leave sinners alone if you are not going to bring glad tidings of the good news to them! Don't condemn them by your sanctimonious behaviour! But allow them to be convicted by your sincere, no nonsense, uncompromising stance; in and through the word of God that is. However, what the "saved" do within the sanctuary, using the Holy name; is every bit the saints business, where they are to reprove, expose, mark, and name darkness disguised as light, and purge out the leaven. Even saving others "with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh".

1 Cor. 5:12. "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without (non Christians)? do not ye judge them that are within (Christians)?"

Yes, as I said before ... 'imagery and sound' are paramount in the kingdom of this world! Even "a noise of war" (Ex. 32:17) coming from God's backslidden children who rise up to play and pretend God looks on! Whereas, in contrast, in the kingdom of God "the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever".

Did you know all the attention given to so-called "praise and worship", "spiritual warfare", and all that razzmatazz, are just redefined terms for "a noise of war in the camp"? Also, did you know that all the emphasis on music as a New Testament requirement is from below? In our meeting together it is supposed to be simple and orderly, with no room for 'Toronto' or 'Pensacola' type crazy manifestations, bedlam and out-of-control behaviour. Nor hype of any kind. Nor repetitious singing to pump the congregation up. Nor raging and raving, and romping and stomping, as many are taking licence to do so today, with the aid of rock, or rap, or hip-hop groups. Or a charismatic superstar. How many tables can we partake from? Paul said in 1 Cor 10: 20-22:

"But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?"

"How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you (not just the special, the polished, the slick, the extrovert, and the charismatic) hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying."

Many of the evangelical performances today, from rock concerts to "Christian" theatre, have got nothing to do with being spiritually edifying whatsoever. But everything to do with glorifying the flesh and placing the god of gratification in the centre. Plus using God's name as a cover.

Matt. 15:8. "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me."

Do you also know that religious devils (masquerading as light and being "Biblical") are not only at home in Sunday services but are being fed and soothed by what's going on? One example from scripture is the account of David the musician, with his harp ministering unto King Saul, being taken out of context. This portion of scripture is not supporting 'music in church' as many have turned it around to do so, but is actually an indictment against it. The truth of the matter is, the evil spirits (devils) enjoy and are soothed by music. The evil spirit only departed from Saul because it had been refreshed (edified, fed, soothed) by the music, which was only a temporary thing. So it had to return when it needed pacifying again, as with Saul's mood swings and tantrums.

What happens on Sundays, in churches, is that religious spirits are greatly soothed by all the music and emotion generated in meetings, so that thousands of apparent Christians return home thinking they have met with God, as seemingly God has been blessed and satisfied by all the religious commotion and rigmarole ... until next time. Then once home, it is back to reality again by taking o