St. Lawrence He was born in A.D. 225 in a place now in modern day Spain. He was one of the seven Deacons of ancient Rome under Pope Sixtus-II. He gave all the money he had to the poor people. When the Pope Sixtus-II was condemned to death by the Emperor Valerian and when the Pope was led to execution, St. Lawrence followed the Pope. He asked the Pope "Father, where are you going without your deacon". To this the Pope answered him that "in three days you will follow me". After the death of the Pope Sixtus-II, the Prefect of Rome, who was a greedy pagan, ordered Lawrence to bring all the Church's treasures to him. Lawrence asked for three days to bring the treasures to him. He then gathered all the poor and sick people in Rome and brought them before the Prefect and told him they are the treasures of the Church. The Perfect became furious and condemned Lawrence to a slow and cruel death. He was tied on top of an iron grill over a slow fire. This roasted the flesh of Lawrence little by little and led him to a slow and very painful death. Tradition says that he was martyred at San Lorenzo in Panisperna on August 10, 258. Legend says that St Lawrence, while he was roasted on the iron grill told the soldiers that his flesh is now suitably roasted so that it can be eaten by them. Emperor Constantine constructed an Oratory in honor of St. Lawrence. The grill of iron of martyrdom was placed by Pope Pascal-II in the Church of St. Lorenzo in Lucina. He is one of the widely venerated saints of Catholic Church. The Perseid Meteor Shower occurs every year in mid-August on or near San Lawrence feast day, is called by many people as the "Tears of Saint Lawrence". #lawrence #faith #sacrifice #Catolic #trust #meteor #shower #church #death #honor #august #world #treasure

Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional. If You're Gonna Be a Bear, Be a Grizzly Bear! By Robert Pierce July 17th, 2026 “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 A friend and I were discussing home remodeling plans the other day. I was waffling on whether or not to proceed with a difficult and risky—but beautiful—plan, when he looked at me and said, “If you’re gonna be a bear, be a grizzly bear!” What he meant, of course, was that if you’re going to do something, do it all the way, with all your heart. You’ve probably heard the sporting phrase, “Go big, or go home.” These are both ways of telling us to do our best at whatever we set our hands to. What could be more difficult and riskier than choosing to follow in the footsteps of Christ? And what could be more beautiful? It’s the most important decision we’ll ever make—how will we follow and serve God? As author Mark Lawrence wrote, “No half measures. Some things can’t be cut in half. You can’t half-love someone. You can’t half-betray, or half-lie.” You can’t half-believe in Christ. As believers, we are admonished in Scripture to pursue God and His ways with all our heart. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He directly replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Let’s heed Joshua’s challenge: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15. Choose, decide, and stay the course. Put your hand on the plow and don’t look back. For, as Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (ESV). “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” Philippians 3:13–16 (ESV). No half measures. If you’re going to be a believer; be a believer—and do it with everything you have.

Hello, friends, I will be spending the next 24 hours in fasting and prayer. If you have any prayer requests, please send them to me. I would be honored to pray for you. God bless you. Hola, amigos. Durante las próximas 24 horas estaré en ayuno y oración. Si tienes alguna petición de oración, por favor envíamela. Será un honor para mí orar por ti. Que Dios te bendiga. Pastor Lawrence Manickam

Tomorrow (June 27), I will be spending time in fasting and prayer before the Lord. *How can I pray for you?* Please share your prayer requests in the comments or send me a private message. Nothing is too small or too difficult for God. Pastor Lawrence Manickam Calvary International Mission

The First 15. “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3 ESV Through prayer we have access to deep encounters with the heart and mind of our heavenly Father. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” God longs for us to call to him as our source of life, wisdom, guidance, and truth. He longs to answer our calls by shepherding us into a lifestyle of continually seeking and receiving revelation from his word and Spirit. But in order for us to truly engage with God in prayer, we must learn what it means to listen. Mother Teresa said, “Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” I find that we do not pray incorrectly as believers from a lack of earnest desire for God, but rather from a lack of knowledge and past experience. Do you know and believe that you can truly put yourself in the hands of your heavenly Father and listen to his voice as Mother Teresa did? Do you know that your Creator longs to open your eyes and heart to receive the knowledge of his love, will, and divine nature? Taking time to listen to God in prayer is at the very core of Christian spirituality. It is a skill of the highest value that is only learned by patience, repetition, and faith. You can hear God because he wants to talk to you. You have no less inherent ability to hear God than me, Mother Teresa, or any of the disciples. Those who hear God are simply those who make space and seek out his voice. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” In stillness we grow in our knowledge of who God truly is. God longs to make us a people who know him the way you know your family and friends. He longs to make us a people who live, think, and work out of true encounters with him. And learning to encounter God throughout your daily life starts with getting alone in the secret place, quieting your heart, and growing in your knowledge of God. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:5-6: And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. May you seek and find the knowledge of your heavenly Father today as you enter into the secret place, quiet your heart, and listen to him in guided prayer. 1. Meditate on the importance of listening to your heavenly Father in prayer. Allow Scripture to stir up your faith and desire to know your Creator by being still, opening your heart, and listening. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 2. Ask the Lord to reveal himself to you in the secret place today. Ask him to shepherd you into an encounter with him that you might grow in your knowledge of his heart. 3. Take time to simply listen to God. He knows what you need even before you ask him for it. He will speak to you exactly what you need to hear. Pay attention to the way you feel as you quiet your heart. Pay attention to thoughts and ideas that he places in your heart. Pay attention to any desires that shift. Brother Lawrence said, “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.” Meeting with God consistently is the foundation of everything God desires to give you in this life. All of the abundant life stems from a place of intimate and continuous encounters with your heavenly Father. May your ears and heart be opened to receiving the knowledge of your Father’s love, grace, and purpose for your life. May you experience to greater levels the joy of intimacy with the God of love. And may your heart come alive in the stillness of meeting with the God who dwells in all of eternity. Extended Reading: Psalm 42

The First 15. “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3 ESV Through prayer we have access to deep encounters with the heart and mind of our heavenly Father. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” God longs for us to call to him as our source of life, wisdom, guidance, and truth. He longs to answer our calls by shepherding us into a lifestyle of continually seeking and receiving revelation from his word and Spirit. But in order for us to truly engage with God in prayer, we must learn what it means to listen. Mother Teresa said, “Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” I find that we do not pray incorrectly as believers from a lack of earnest desire for God, but rather from a lack of knowledge and past experience. Do you know and believe that you can truly put yourself in the hands of your heavenly Father and listen to his voice as Mother Teresa did? Do you know that your Creator longs to open your eyes and heart to receive the knowledge of his love, will, and divine nature? Taking time to listen to God in prayer is at the very core of Christian spirituality. It is a skill of the highest value that is only learned by patience, repetition, and faith. You can hear God because he wants to talk to you. You have no less inherent ability to hear God than me, Mother Teresa, or any of the disciples. Those who hear God are simply those who make space and seek out his voice. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” In stillness we grow in our knowledge of who God truly is. God longs to make us a people who know him the way you know your family and friends. He longs to make us a people who live, think, and work out of true encounters with him. And learning to encounter God throughout your daily life starts with getting alone in the secret place, quieting your heart, and growing in your knowledge of God. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:5-6: And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. May you seek and find the knowledge of your heavenly Father today as you enter into the secret place, quiet your heart, and listen to him in guided prayer. 1. Meditate on the importance of listening to your heavenly Father in prayer. Allow Scripture to stir up your faith and desire to know your Creator by being still, opening your heart, and listening. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 2. Ask the Lord to reveal himself to you in the secret place today. Ask him to shepherd you into an encounter with him that you might grow in your knowledge of his heart. 3. Take time to simply listen to God. He knows what you need even before you ask him for it. He will speak to you exactly what you need to hear. Pay attention to the way you feel as you quiet your heart. Pay attention to thoughts and ideas that he places in your heart. Pay attention to any desires that shift. Brother Lawrence said, “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God.” Meeting with God consistently is the foundation of everything God desires to give you in this life. All of the abundant life stems from a place of intimate and continuous encounters with your heavenly Father. May your ears and heart be opened to receiving the knowledge of your Father’s love, grace, and purpose for your life. May you experience to greater levels the joy of intimacy with the God of love. And may your heart come alive in the stillness of meeting with the God who dwells in all of eternity. Extended Reading: Psalm 42

A Little Light Reading. THE COMING ONE WORLD CHURCH. Gary Gibbs One Christmas, a rabbi from Russia vis- ited an American family as part of a cultural exchange program. His host family wanted to treat him to a new culinary experi- ence, so they took him out one evening to their favorite Chinese restaurant. After the meal, the Chinese waiter brought each of them a little ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 1 6/9/09 3:41:59 PM  Coming! One World Church Christmas gift. It was a small, brass Christmas tree ornament that was stamped with the words “Made in India.” They all laughed at the irony of receiving a “Made in India” gift from a Chinese restau- rant. But suddenly, everyone stopped chuck- ling when they noticed tears rolling down the rabbi’s cheeks. Had they offended him in some way? “Nyet,” the rabbi replied. “I was shed- ding tears of joy to be in a country in which a Buddhist gives a Jew a Christmas gift made by a Hindu.” 1 Such peaceful co-existence and affirma- tion doesn’t happen often between religious faiths. Even today, religious differences fre- quently escalate into fierce war. It’s no wonder that many people want to dismantle the reli- gious “Berlin Wall” that exists between faiths. In no other community is this truer than within Christianity. Even though all Christian churches profess faith in Jesus as the Son of God, they have not been able to find a way to form a single, united group. For near- ly two thousand years, doctrinal differences have splintered Christians into hundreds of ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 2 6/9/09 3:41:59 PM Coming! One World Church  independent denominations. But many within Christianity desire to reverse this. Foremost in the crusade for Christian reunification is the pope. During the last few years he has been doing all he can to pave the way for a single world church. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls reports that the pope “is pushing hard on the accelerator toward unity.” 2 One of the road signs along the pope’s autobahn to unity are his confessions to non- Catholics. While conducting Mass in the Czech Republic, Pope John Paul II said, “Today, I, the pope of the church of Rome, in the name of all Catholics, ask forgiveness for the wrongs inflicted on non-Catholics during the turbu- lent history of these peoples.” 3 And this isn’t the only confession. He is also trying to bridge the gap between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. He says, “men of both sides were to blame” for the con- flict that erupted between their churches in the 11th century. 4 The pope’s confessions have found a favor- able response. Pennsylvania State University professor William Petersen remarks: “He’s ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 3 6/9/09 3:41:59 PM  Coming! One World Church bringing the church into the 20th century. You’ve had statements from the early popes that the Roman Church can never err.” 5 Pope John Paul II is not only making ver- bal overtures; he has also committed himself in print in three highly publicized works. In his letter “Orientale Lumen” (“The Light of the East”) he writes: “The sin of our separation is very serious. … How can we be fully credible if we stand divided?” “These divisions must give way to rapprochement and harmony. The wounds on the path of Christian unity must be healed.” 6 The twelfth encyclical of John Paul’s papacy is dedicated to the subject of Christian reunifi- cation and is appropriately entitled “Ut Unum Sint” (“May They All Be One”). The pope calls it his “contribution to this most noble goal,” which is “to increase the unity of all Christians until they reach full communion.” 7 And in his book Crossing the Threshold of Hope, John Paul says it is his desire to see Christian unity achieved within the next few years—before we reach the new millennium. “By the year 2000 we need to be more united, more willing to advance along the path toward ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 4 6/9/09 3:41:59 PM Coming! One World Church  the unity for which Christ prayed on the eve of His passion.” 8 Without question, a united Christian church is a very worthy goal. It was Jesus’ great burden just before He died. He prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 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” (John 17:20, 21). While none should fault the pope for seek- ing unity, several questions must be carefully considered. What is the true source of disunity within the Christian church? One Vatican insider suggests, “The main obstacle is not doctrine, but history with all its prejudices.” 9 But is this an accurate evaluation? Do the differences stem merely from prejudice, or is it doctrinal? And, if it is doctrinal, which doctrines are in question? Furthermore, where Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox doctrines differ, which body will adjust their beliefs to appease the others? And most important of all, how does the Bible instruct God’s people to achieve true unity? ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 5 6/9/09 3:41:59 PM  Coming! One World Church The pope is already anticipating some of these questions. In “Ut Unum Sint,” he identifies five key doctrines that need further study before we “reach full communion”: the relationship of Scripture and tradition, the church’s authority, the ordination of priests, the sacrament of the Eucharist, and the role of the Virgin Mary. 10 While this is a good start, there are numerous other areas that must also be covered before unity of any degree can be reached. But for now, let’s briefly look at each of these five doctrines to see what the Catholic Church teaches and what must transpire if a united world church is ever to become more than a dream in the night. Scripture Versus Tradition Admiral Byrd, the famous explorer, knows death is only minutes away. He’s caught out- side in an unforgiving blizzard at the South Pole. Snow swirls around him like a dancing sheet. The temperature, well below zero, chills him to the bone. His limbs stiffen and threaten to freeze. The cold is painful. But all is not hopeless. He knows that he is within 100 yards of the warmth and security of ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 6 6/9/09 3:41:59 PM Coming! One World Church  his hut. But how to find the hut is the problem. Everywhere he looks there is the same snow and ice. White. Everything is white. There isn’t a single landmark. If only he could find one to use as a central reference point, then he could navigate to find the hut. But without it, he might head in the wrong direction to certain death. “A man can’t last long out here,” he thinks. Byrd knows there is no time for panic. Calmly he assesses the situation. In his hand is the 10-foot pole he always carries. It is his only chance. He sticks the pole in the snow and then ties his brightly colored scarf to it. Then he strikes out to find his hut, first in one direc- tion and then in another—but always keeping the pole with the waving scarf in sight. Three times he returns to the pole, and on the fourth excursion he discovers his hut and stumbles into its warmth. Our world is like trackless Antarctica in a blizzard. The devil blinds the minds of humanity “lest the light of the glorious gos- pel of Christ … should shine unto them” (2Corinthians 4:4). We are lost in sin, but there is a place of safety—heaven. It is out ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 7 6/9/09 3:41:59 PM  Coming! One World Church there. And it is not too far distant. That is, if a person can find the straight and narrow path that leads to it. Just how do we find this path? We need a reference point. We need an inerrant guide that can lead us through all the twists and turns and the ups and downs of life. But there is one danger. If the thing we use as our refer- ence point slips either to the left or to the right, then we are sure to stray and die. Catholic and Protestant churches have disputed the identity of this reference point for centuries. The Catholic Church teaches that the guide to heaven consists of the Bible and nearly two thousand years of church tra- dition. “We find the truths revealed by God in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. … Both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition are the inspired word of God, and both are forms of divine revelation.” 11 Protestants, however, believe the Bible alone must form the basis for faith and practice. In fact, this was a major issue in the Protestant split from the Catholic Church in the 15th cen- tury. John Wycliffe, John Huss, Jerome, Martin Luther, and many other Protestants began as ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 8 6/9/09 3:42:00 PM Coming! One World Church  faithful Catholics. But while in pursuit of a closer relationship with God they discovered the practices of their church often contradict- ed the clear teachings of the Bible. The ensuing conflict was more than a battle of ideologies. These men had tried to live by the authority of tradition and person- ally found it bankrupt. Luther had a tortured conscience. Painful penances and fastings threatened to rob him of life itself. He didn’t find peace until he discovered the plan of sal- vation clearly presented in the Bible as a gift to all who believe. Somehow the traditions of the church had obliterated this most vital truth. For centuries it taught that salvation could be had by penance, pilgrimage, and payment. Salvation by faith as the free gift of God had been completely forgotten. Clearly tradition and Scripture were at odds—a fact that was not lost on the Protestants. A fact for which Luther was willing to die. In Worms, Germany, Luther stood before an august assembly of bishops, prelates, priests, and noble men to answer for his strange “new” doctrine of salvation as a free gift to those who accept Christ as their Savior. When commanded ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 9 6/9/09 3:42:00 PM 10 Coming! One World Church to renounce his “heretical” teachings, he said, at peril to his life, “Unless I am refuted and convicted by testimonies of the Scriptures or by clear arguments (since I believe neither the pope nor the councils alone, it being evident that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am conquered by the Holy Scriptures quoted by me, and my conscience is bound in the Word of God. I can not and will not recant anything, since it is unsafe and dan- gerous to do anything against the conscience. Here I stand. God help me.” 12 Tradition or Scripture. Luther had drawn the Mason-Dixon line for the Protestant Reformation. In 1545, the Catholic Church finally con- vened the Council of Trent in Austria to answer the questions raised by the Protestants. What will it be, tradition or Scripture? The answer came near the conclusion of the meetings. “Finally, at the last opening on the eighteenth of January, 1562, all hesitancy was set aside. The archbishop of Reggio made a speech in which he openly declared that tradition stood above Scripture. The authority of the church could not therefore be bound to the authority of the Scriptures.” 13 ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 10 6/9/09 3:42:00 PM Coming! One World Church 11 Like a sledgehammer striking a wedge in a block of dry wood, a split was created that has never been mended. But now, nearly four hundred and fifty years later, the pope is call- ing for reunification. And he accurately states that this issue of Scripture versus tradition must be resolved. So what is correct? Is it Scripture and tra- dition, or Scripture alone? Certainly the best source for an objective answer to this dilemma is the Word of God itself. What does the Bible say about tradition? It teaches several things. First, traditions that are in harmony with God’s Word are to be respected. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Secondly, not all traditions are pleasing to God. “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. … Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7:7–9). Traditions that replace God’s commandments are vain worship. They reveal contempt for God’s authority. ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 11 6/9/09 3:42:00 PM 12 Coming! One World Church Lastly, God has promised to rid His church of unscriptural traditions. “Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” “Every plant, which my heav- enly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matthew 15:6, 13). We cannot depend upon the traditions of men. They are often an erring guide. And not surprisingly so. Humans are erring. Even while trying our best, we make mistakes of mam- moth proportion. For centuries Protestant churches have claimed that Catholicism follows numerous unscriptural traditions. Is this charge accurate? If you are a Catholic, this question is doubly important. You love God and desire to please Him. But fellow believers say that many of your church’s doctrines are not found in the Bible. Your pope also acknowledges that this is a serious issue that needs study. And he says it must be resolved if we are to answer Jesus’ prayer for unity among Christians. Therefore, you will want to ask your- self this very important question. Does the Catholic Church really have many unscriptur- al traditions? Yes, unfortunately it does. This ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 12 6/9/09 3:42:00 PM Coming! One World Church 13 may be hard to accept, but it is true. Cardinal John Henry Newman made this candid admis- sion: “The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, and ornamented on occa- sions with branches of trees; incense, lamps, and candles; votive offerings on recovery from illness; holy water; asylums; holy days and seasons, use of calendars, processions, bless- ings on the fields; sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure, the ring in marriage, turning to the east, images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesi- astical chant, and the Kyrie Eleison … are all of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the Church” (emphasis mine). 14 Many Catholic doctrines are of pagan origin and are not found in the Bible. But, wait. Catholics need not feel that this is an unkind thrust against them. This is not just a Catholic issue. Protestants also hold many unscriptural traditions that contradict clear teachings of the Bible. This fact has not been missed by some Catholics. Notice the following Catholic challenge to Protestants to be consistent with their “Scripture alone” maxim. “The Bible does not contain all the teachings of the Christian ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 13 6/9/09 3:42:00 PM 14 Coming! One World Church religion, nor does it formulate all the duties of its members. Take, for example, the matter of Sunday observance, the attendance at divine services and the abstention from unnecessary servile work on that day, a matter upon which our Protestant neighbors have for many years laid great emphasis. Let me address myself to my dear non-Catholic reader: “You believe that the Bible alone is a safe guide in religious matters. You also believe that one of the fundamental duties enjoined upon you by your Christian faith is that of Sunday observance. But where does the Bible speak of such an obligation? I have read the Bible from the first verse of Genesis to the last verse of Revelation, and have found no reference to the duty of sanctifying the Sunday. The day men- tioned in the Bible is not the Sunday, the first day of the week but the Saturday, the last day of the week. “It was the Apostolic Church [i.e. Catholic Church] which … changed the observance to the Sunday. … In observing the Sunday as you do, is it not apparent that you are really acknowledging the insufficiency of ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 14 6/9/09 3:42:00 PM Coming! One World Church 15 the Bible alone as a rule of faith and reli- gious conduct, and proclaiming the need of a divinely established teaching author- ity which in theory you deny?” 15 John A. O’Brien’s logic is glaringly accu- rate. If Protestants are going to insist that Catholics return to the Bible, then they must do the same. And back to the Bible we all must go—Catholics and Protestants. God’s Word is the only true founda- tion for consensus of faith. Catholics must stop defending their position that tradition and Scripture are of equal authority. And Protestants must surrender their unscriptural traditions and truly live by “every word” of God (Matthew 4:4). We should all keep the Bible’s Saturday Sabbath along with every other teaching of God’s Word. Only as we Christians are honest with God’s truth can we hope to positively impact an unbelieving world for eternal good. Church Authority India has a problem. They worship rats. And their worship is literally consuming them. Tens of thousands of rats overrun certain ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 15 6/9/09 3:42:00 PM 16 Coming! One World Church cities. They race across floors; feasting on anything they can sink their teeth into. Rats are especially revered and worshipped at the temple of Karni Mata. Here the furry critters leap onto the platform where food is placed for them. They eat while the priest serenades them with hymns and plays cymbals. These well-cared-for rats reproduce prolifically. And few Indians will kill them, fearing that in so doing they will kill their god’s companion. But the rats have introduced something worse than more rats. They’ve brought the plague. Hundreds have died as a result. But since the Indians won’t kill the varmints, the plague continues to spread. The issue of what we worship is crucial in all cultures. This is why the Catholic posi- tion on the authority of the Church and pope is so sensitive with non-Catholics. Catholic catechisms teach that church authority refers to the infallibility of the pope. “When the pope in his official capacity, with the fullness of his authority, as successor of St. Peter and head of the church on earth, proclaims a doctrine of faith or morals binding on the whole Church, he is preserved from error. It is to be noted that ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 16 6/9/09 3:42:00 PM Coming! One World Church 17 three conditions are required: (1) The pope must speak ex cathedra, i.e., from the Chair of Peter in his official capacity; (2) The deci- sion must be binding on the whole Church; (3) It must be on a matter of faith or morals” (emphasis mine). 16 These infallible doctrines of the pope are “certainly true and binding in conscience on all the faithful.” 17 So what should we believe regarding the pope’s authority? Catholics and Protestants must turn to the Bible to form their opin- ions. Here we’ll find that Scripture teaches no human is infallible. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Even those who have been specially called to holy service are fallible. History is an eloquent witness to the foibles of church leaders, includ- ing popes. The apostle Peter himself fell into sin numerous times (see Matthew 16:21–23; Luke 22:54–62; and Galatians 2:11–14). Now, the church must have leaders. But every thing they teach as truth must be tested by Scripture. The Bible never teaches that spir- itual leaders have periods where they speak ex cathedra. There is no special chair or office from which they can proclaim infallible truth. ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 17 6/9/09 3:42:00 PM 18 Coming! One World Church But the Bible does tell us to test our leaders by the Word. The believers in Berea were com- mended for being “more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they … searched the scriptures daily” to see if Paul’s teachings were in accord with God’s Word (Acts 17:10, 11). The Bible also warns us against spiritual leaders who are used by Satan to lead many astray. “Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away dis- ciples after them” (Acts 20:30). Infallibility is a dangerous doctrine. If we ascribe it to any man, we make ourselves very vulnerable to deception. Therefore, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). How are we to “try the spirits?” Isaiah 8:20 says, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” They are to be tested by the Bible. When Paul warned the church to beware of leaders who introduce erroneous teachings, he said to test them by the Word. “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 18 6/9/09 3:42:01 PM Coming! One World Church 19 to build you up, and to give you an inheri- tance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32 emphasis mine). We can be safe only as we test every declaration of truth by God’s Word. Now the pope may be a good man with noble intentions. Nevertheless, all that he says and advocates must be tested by the Holy Bible. No human has carte blanche infallibility. For centuries, popes have claimed infallibility as direct successors of Peter, who they believe was the first pope. But according to Scripture, Peter was not established as a pope. He wasn’t even the leader of the early church councils— James was (see Acts 15:1–22). Another problem with the papacy is that it runs counter to God’s truth. Popes have great power. People bow before them. They confess their sins to them. Popes live amid great pomp, splendor, and riches. They have been some of the most powerful men who have ever lived. But when one studies the Bible for examples of men of God, we find a much humbler model. Our Lord Himself taught that those who desire rich robes and to sit in high places are not fol- lowing Him (Matthew 23:1–12). ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 19 6/9/09 3:42:01 PM 20 Coming! One World Church Clearly, the Bible never claims for church leaders what the papacy claims for itself. The papacy, therefore, is an unbiblical position. If consensus of faith is to be achieved, then all Christians will need to get back to the Bible. The claims made regarding the powers and rights of the papacy will need to be officially renounced. The pomp and splendor should also be traded for Jesus’ example of humility. The pope has indicated he is willing to explore some change in the function of the papacy. While not promising to surrender his ultimate authority over the church, he has said that he would seek “to find a way of exercising the primacy which, while in no way renounc- ing what is essential to its mission, is nonethe- less open to a new situation.” 18 What possible new situation could the Vatican be considering? The president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Unity of Christians has suggested that the pope may act as a mediator in religious disputes. Unfortunately, it seems the pontiff is only considering not insisting that Protestants accept the doctrine of papal infallibility. What he will settle for is to be the final mediator in ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 20 6/9/09 3:42:01 PM Coming! One World Church 21 doctrinal disputes between Christians. But this is still unacceptable to those who desire to take their faith from the Bible. No single human can claim the power to be the final word on doctrine and morals. Every believer must study the Scriptures for himself to determine what God would have him do. When there is a controverted point of doc- trine, the question can come to an assembly of representatives of the church for their humble study of God’s Word to see what Scripture truly teaches. Many minds working together to find God’s will is always a lot safer than one man being in charge of determining truth. But even in religious assemblies, we see the weakness of man. Many Christian con- vocations have made declarations that run counter to Bible truth. What should believers do in such cases? They should follow what the Bible teaches. Many American Catholics are already following their own convictions to some degree. Catholicism officially teaches that nearly all forms of birth control are sin. But most American Catholics disagree. Thereby they too deny the absolute, infallible authority of the pope. ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 21 6/9/09 3:42:01 PM 22 Coming! One World Church The authority of the church is a crucial question, and the pope is correct in tagging it for discussion. But until he reverses the supremacy and primacy of the papacy, apostol- ic succession, and the authority of the church to be the sole interpreter of Scripture, no unity can be achieved with those believers who want to remain true to the Bible. Christianity cannot unite around a fallible human, no matter how noble a person he may be. Only as we humbly submit ourselves to God and His Word will we be able to come together. The Ordination of Priests We now come to the third doctrine iden- tified by Pope John Paul II. What does the Catholic Church teach about the ordina- tion of priests? Official Catholic teaching is that priests are ordained to have the power to forgive sins. 19 Some American Catholics may disagree with this representation. They may be honestly unaware of this doctrine. Nevertheless, it is true. Here are a few excerpts from official Catholic sources. “An authorized priest … [says] the words ‘I absolve you from your sins.’ … All bishops ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 22 6/9/09 3:42:01 PM Coming! One World Church 23 and priests have the power to forgive sins or absolve sins.” 20 “Who has the power to forgive sin today? All bishops and priests of the Catholic Church can forgive sin. … What do you have to do to have your sins forgiven? You have to be truly sorry for them and confess them to a Catholic priest.” 21 Sometimes American Catholics defend the confessional by comparing it to going to a counselor or psychologist. They claim the priest does not actually forgive sins, but simply plays the role of a counselor. However, when the pope speaks about priests, he refers to the official Catholic posi- tion and not the “corrupted,” Americanized version. The Church tries to make its official teaching clear in its catechisms. “Does the priest merely pray that your sins will be for- given? No, acting as God’s instrument and ordained minister, he truly forgives the sins.” 22 “This is not a mere ritual repetition or psy- chological exercise.’’ 23 “Does the priest really forgive your sins? … the priest really forgives your sins. The priest does not merely ‘pray away’ your sins.” 24 ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 23 6/9/09 3:42:01 PM 24 Coming! One World Church This Catholic teaching is based on John 20:23: “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” A correct under- standing of this verse requires reading the context. Before telling the disciples about the remission of sins, Jesus said, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” The dis- ciples were to go to the world in a way similar to which Jesus was sent to our world. How did the Father send Jesus to our world? Jesus said, “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak” (John 12:49). “I do noth- ing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things” (John 8:28). “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). Jesus was sent not to speak His own words or teach His own doctrine or to do His own will. He came to speak the Father’s word and will and sent His disciples to do the same. Like an ambassador, the disciples were to tell others about the will and word of the Person they represented. “God … hath given to us ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 24 6/9/09 3:42:01 PM Coming! One World Church 25 the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye recon- ciled to God” (2Corinthians 5:18–20, empha- sis mine). Notice that the power to actually forgive sins was not given to the disciples as priests, but only the word of reconciliation as ambassadors. Ministers and believers can only pass on the word of truth that Jesus has recon- ciled the sinner to Himself if they will confess and believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. We have the right to invite and urge people in behalf of Jesus to come to Him. But the actual ability to read the heart and to grant forgive- ness is something only the Almighty can do. So how is it that “whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained”? Whenever an unbe- liever does not accept a believer’s call to repen- tance, then we have caused them to retain their sins. “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (1 James 4:17). “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 25 6/9/09 3:42:01 PM 26 Coming! One World Church ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth” (John 9:41). Sin remains and is retained when a sinner has encountered truth and has refused to repent and accept it. So when the disciples took truth to people and they refused to accept it, their sins were retained. “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak [margin: excuse] for their sin” (John 15:22). “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Matthew 10:14, 15). On the other hand, if people accept the good news of sal- vation in Christ, then their sins are forgiven by God. Man is on dangerous ground when he tries to usurp God’s prerogatives. No one should ever say the words used by the priests in the Catholic sacrament of penance: “I absolve you from your sins.” Only God can forgive sin. “Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone” (Luke 5:21)? “Blasphemy,” ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 26 6/9/09 3:42:01 PM Coming! One World Church 27 the Bible calls it. Strong language we would do well to remember! Sin requires the death penalty be paid. Whenever we sin and confess to God, Jesus applies the blood of His death on the cross to our account. He alone can read the heart and apply the blood accordingly. We do not have this power. We don’t know if a person is truly sincere and desirous of transformation. We misjudge others all the time. There is a danger in accepting humans as our mediators with God. God regards only one Mediator. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1Timothy 2:5). For humans to take the place of this Mediator is presumptu- ous. This is trying to take the place of Jesus and God. And no good Catholic or Protestant Christian wants this to happen. One cannot find any indication within the biblical record that the apostles exercised the authority supposedly conferred upon them to forgive sins. They certainly would have done it if they had understood Jesus’ words in the manner the Catholic Church teaches. Neither does the Bible refer to the Catholic Church’s ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 27 6/9/09 3:42:01 PM 28 Coming! One World Church confessional. There is no record of sinners going to the apostles to confess their sins and receive forgiveness. Yet, we do read numerous instances of the disciples directing people to God for forgiveness. “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22, emphasis mine). Associated with the ordination of the priest is celibacy. According to the Catholic catechism, “The basis for clerical celibacy is the example of Christ and His apostles.” 25 Does the Bible really teach that priests are to remain unmarried and celibate for life? Admittedly, Jesus was celibate. But He did not command this for all who should follow Him in ministry. He called Peter to be an apostle, and Peter was married. “[Peter’s] wife’s mother lay sick of a fever” (Mark 1:30). Although it is recommended for those who choose it, celibacy is not a requirement for ministry. Jesus says that there are those who “have made themselves eunuchs for the king- dom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it” (Matthew 19:12). The apostle Paul highly recommended celibacy. ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 28 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM Coming! One World Church 29 He saw it as an opportunity to care only for the things of God (1Corinthians 7:32). But he also says this is his opinion and not a direct command from God. “I speak this by permission, and not of commandment” (1Corinthians 7:6). Furthermore, Paul did not forbid marriage. “If thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned” (1Corinthians 7:28). The Catholic position is not as flexible as that of Paul. “By Church law a Catholic priest in the western Church is obligated to live a life of celibacy [no marriage].” 26 The dilemma the pope finds himself in is that he forbids that which God clearly permits. Many Catholics, recognizing this, are trying to get their church to change this teaching. But the pope has indi- cated it will not change. A church in Georgia once installed chimes to play hymns over a loudspeaker for the townspeople to hear during supper. Every evening the chimes faithfully played their sweet music. But a nearby turkey farmer was not soothed by the sound. It seemed that the chimes disturbed his turkeys during their evening feeding. The birds just wouldn’t eat ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 29 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM 30 Coming! One World Church while the music played, and they were not get- ting fat for the market. Discussions between the farmer and church deteriorated. Pretty soon things became quite ugly. The farmer tried to silence the loudspeaker on the steeple by shooting it. In retaliation church mem- bers sneaked into the turkey pens at night, spooking the birds and giving them one more reason not to eat. Only after the birds had a complete nervous breakdown and the church steeple was peppered with bullet holes did the two parties finally come to an agreement that met both their needs. The church played the chimes at a different hour and the farmer called a cease-fire. 27 Resolving doctrinal differences does not need to become a shouting match and cer- tainly not a shooting match. Both the pope and Protestants agree that the Catholic doctrine of the ordination of priests must be resolved. And it must be done in light of Bible truth. Teachings regarding the priest’s ability to forgive sins, apostolic succession, and celibacy will need to be radically changed to come into harmony with the Bible. This is the only wise thing to do if we are to answer Jesus’ prayer for Christian unity. ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 30 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM Coming! One World Church 31 The Eucharist Four children were born to a family in Amman, Jordan. Each birth certificate said the child was a girl. And for 13 years the fam- ily believed this. But when the oldest child reached puberty, “she” started revealing male characteristics. The teenage “girl” grew facial hair, her voice broke, and she developed a male physique. Doctors examining Mohammed diagnosed him with a rare genetic defect that left him appearing to be female when in reality he was male. Apparently, during his development in the womb his male organs never descended. Mohammed’s three younger siblings were also diagnosed with the same defect. Fortunately, all the children were successfully operated on and are now males. The day of their transformation was one of great celebra- tion. The girls, now turned boys, cut their long hair, removed their jewelry, and wore boys’ pajamas. And their jubilant grandmother Fatima Netasha said, “I had six granddaugh- ters and two grandsons, and now I have six grandsons and two granddaughters. I thank God and the doctor.” 28 ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 31 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM 32 Coming! One World Church Sometimes things aren’t as they appear. This is what is at the heart of the contro- versy over the Eucharist, or the Lord’s Supper. Protestants view the bread and grape juice as symbols of Jesus’ body and blood. But accord- ing to Catholic teaching the bread and wine aren’t what they appear to be—mere bread and wine. Instead, they are literally the real body, blood, and person of Jesus. Official Catholic teaching is unambigu- ous. “The Eucharist is a sacrament which real- ly, truly, and substantially contains the body and blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine.” 29 “After consecration, this sign contains the whole Christ, his body and blood, his soul and divinity.” 30 “Christ is present in the Eucharist … with all his physical properties, hands and feet and head and human heart. He is present with his human soul, with his thoughts, desires, and human affections.” 31 Another difference between Catholic and Protestant beliefs is that of relevance. Protestants view the service as a holy ritu- al in which people voluntarily participate. However, the Catholic Church teaches that ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 32 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM Coming! One World Church 33 “The Eucharist is necessary for salvation.” 32 This is because of their view that the benefits of the cross can be had only by partaking of Jesus’ “literal” body as found in the bread. Follow this to its logical conclusion. The only bread that can be Jesus’ body is bread that has had the special prayer and bless- ing of the Catholic priest. No priest means no changing of the bread into the body of Christ. No body of Christ means no salva- tion. A Protestant pastor cannot do what the Catholic priest can with the bread. Only the priest has the power conferred upon him to command God to come down from heaven and enter the bread. Therefore, if people are going to be saved, they must go to a Catholic Church to receive the Eucharist. Furthermore, in order to receive the Eucharist they must first become a Catholic. “The person who is receiving instructions in preparation for full membership in the Catholic Church should participate in the Mass but may not receive Holy Communion.” 33 What did Jesus mean when He said in Matthew 26:26–28, “Take, eat; this is my body. … Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood”? ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 33 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM 34 Coming! One World Church Did He really mean that His literal body and blood were present in the bread and wine? The disciples knew this wasn’t what He referred to. They had heard Him speak like this before. Jesus once said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. … Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you” (John 6:51–53). On that day, many who listened inter- preted Jesus’ words very literally. They thought He advocated salvation by cannibalism. They were shocked. Jesus knew their thoughts, so He clarified what He meant. “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Jesus says His life is contained in His words. To eat His Word means to read and meditate upon its meaning. When we apply Jesus’ teachings to our life, then we’ve truly eaten His Word. The Catholic teaching of the Eucharist misses this point. Instead, what Jesus intends to be spiritual is taken literally. ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 34 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM Coming! One World Church 35 Another controverted point regarding the Eucharist concerns the wine. In the Catholic communion service, only the priests drink it. This teaching came into the Church at the Council of Constance, a.d. 1414–1418, and is not taught in God’s Word. When Jesus took the cup, He gave it to all those present, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me” (1Corinthians 11:25 emphasis mine; See also Matthew 26:27,28). The blessing of this service is for every believer, not just priests. Yes, the pope is right again. The Eucharist needs to be studied. Imagine what blessings can come to Christianity if we all return to Bible truth. United on the clear teachings of God’s Word, we can be a powerful witness to unbelievers. But before unity can be reached, we must also resolve another doctrinal dif- ference the pope said must be resolved—the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary The Lawrence Welk Show had its televi- sion premier in 1955 and launched Welk into becoming what Life magazine called “the most ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 35 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM 36 Coming! One World Church popular musician in U.S. history.” But things weren’t always so rosy for Lawrence Welk. Once, after playing his accordion for a dance, he overheard one of the band members remark, “Did you get a load of that accordionist? If I had to play every night with him, I’d go back to jerking sodas.” 34 At the time, it appeared Welk might be a failure, but he continued to play and finally landed his television show. Though many would rate him as an average musician, 40 million people tuned in to his program faithfully every Saturday night. Quite a large following for an ordinary musician! To many Christians, Mary, though extremely blessed to be the mother of Jesus, was still just an ordinary human. In the Catholic Church, however, she “is honored and loved second only to God Himself.” 35 Because the pope is well aware that this reverence for Mary is a major block in the road to unity, he has put it on the list for discussion. And Protestants have some very good reasons to raise objec- tions to this Catholic belief. The Bible is very clear that Jesus is our Savior. No other person can atone for our sins. So to God alone should we pray. It is Jesus ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 36 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM Coming! One World Church 37 “who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Romans 8:34). Yet, Catholic catechisms contain numerous prayers to Mary pleading for her to make intercession for our sins. The very popular Hail Mary prayer says, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” 36 The Hail Holy Queen prayer addresses Mary as mankind’s advocate. “Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears! Turn, then most gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. … O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, o holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”37 The Bible, however, says that there is no advocate for man other than Jesus. “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1). The second problem with the Catholic doctrine of Mary is called the Immaculate Conception. This teaches that Mary was ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 37 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM 38 Coming! One World Church “conceived without sin.” 38 “Not only was she free from the slightest stain of actual sin, but by a singular miracle of divine grace she was free also from original sin, with which all the other children of Adam are born into this world. It was eminently fitting that she … should be undefiled by even that slight shadow of Adam’s fall. To her alone, among all the members of the race, was granted this singular immunity … the Immaculate Conception [refers] … to the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother without the stain of original sin.” 39 Unfortunately, this teaching finds no sup- port in the Bible. It was only recently pro- claimed as a dogma of the Catholic faith in 1854. 40 The Bible unequivocally declares that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Only one person ever lived a life of perfect sinlessness—Jesus. He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). So why does the Catholic Church teach that Mary never sinned? Simply because if Jesus was sinless, then they feel that His mother had to be sinless. But it is a mistake to assume that just because Jesus’ mother was ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 38 6/9/09 3:42:02 PM Coming! One World Church 39 a sinner, He had to be born a sinner. You see, Jesus received from His mother a body “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3). But He received from His Father a divine spirit and mind. Jesus’ body, degraded by the effects of four thousand years of sin, did not control His actions or sully His character. Though His sinful flesh provided a launching pad for temptation, His divine nature recoiled from it. He chose not to heed temptation’s slightest whisper. Therefore, He was without sin. If Jesus had been born of a sinless mother, then He couldn’t be the sympathizing Savior that He is. It is because He did receive “the likeness of sinful flesh” from Mary that He is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15). He is our Mediator and heav- enly Priest by virtue of this very fact. He under- stands us because He was tempted from His flesh. “Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17,18). ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 39 6/9/09 3:42:03 PM 40 Coming! One World Church The Immaculate Conception veils the compassion of Jesus. This is why Mary is often prayed to as a mediator and interces- sor. Catholic catechisms portray her as one who understands our weaknesses better than Christ. “She is our Mother, near and dear to us, loving us with all the warmth of a mother’s love. As the little child frightened by the shadows of night finds safety in his mother’s arms, so will we in time of temptation find a safe refuge by fleeing to the outstretched arms of Mary our Mother. If we will but clasp the loving hand of our Mother, stretched out to aid us in every danger, our uncertain foot- steps will be guided safely to that golden lad- der upon whose rungs we will climb step by step, to the very throne of her Son and Savior, Jesus Christ.” 41 The Catholic teaching of the Assumption of Mary is another area of concern. This declares that Mary was taken to heaven before her body decomposed in the grave. “It was eminently fitting that the body of the chaste and Immaculate Mother of God was not per- mitted to undergo disintegration and putrefac- tion but was assumed into heaven.” 42 ComingOneWorldChurch.indd 40 6/9/09 3:42:03 PM Coming! One World Church 41 Given the burial process in Bible days, this would have had to happen very soon after her death. Four days after Lazarus’ death, his sis- ters expected his dead body would be decom- posed. “By this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days” (John 11:39). Therefore, according to Catholic teaching, for Mary not to “undergo disintegration and putrefaction” we must conclude she was taken to heaven within four days. Again the Bible does not teach this. It is a new doctrine of the Catholic Church. “This belief … was formally defined as a dogma of the Universal Church by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950.” 43 Instead, the Bible declares that all who die go to the grave to sleep in the dust until the return of Christ. “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2; see also Ecclesiastes 9:5,10; Psalms 146:4; 13:3). Catholics need to re-examine their doc- trines c

CHAPTER 9 THE CLOSED DOOR Acts 16:6 “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.” In early 1997, I returned home to Morecambe. My mum was glad to see me back home. I was able to take her shopping and spend time with her, and she was able to look after me. The only thing missing was work. Morecambe was not exactly a magnet for employment. It was a quiet seaside town, and the main employers were the university, the local colleges, and the two nuclear power stations — now four. The job hunt continued through the local job club. I did get a couple of short-term contracts, but nothing permanent. Life was good in many ways. Mum and I got on very well together. She was heavily involved in her local Church of England congregation. I occasionally attended with her, but there was still no real spiritual response from me. In the year 2000, I organised a special meal to celebrate Mum’s 80th birthday. The grandchildren attended, and my brother and his family in Canada were able to see her through Skype. Three days after that meal, my niece Victoria — who was always struggling financially — was returning home with her boyfriend at the time. He spent one pound on a lucky dip lottery ticket. Later that night, at around 11:30 pm, I received a hysterical phone call from Victoria screaming, “I’ve won the lottery!” Well, she hadn’t — but her boyfriend had. He gave her a little money, although sadly the relationship ended soon afterwards. My brother Peter and I were very close. Sadly, my eldest brother and I became estranged and no longer have contact with one another. After I returned to Morecambe, Peter wanted Mum and me to move to Canada, so we began the immigration process. We completed all the forms and medical checks. The final step was the interview at the Canadian Embassy in London in early January 2000. We travelled down to London and attended the interview. Mum passed, but I was refused. I urged Mum to go without me, but she said we came as a package, so in the end we did not go. To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. Life continued, but Mum’s health slowly began to decline. She was now over 80 years old and started forgetting things. Gradually, it became clear that Alzheimer’s disease was taking hold. The Lord was speaking to me. In November 2001, I was alone in my room while Mum was in the kitchen. Suddenly, I broke down in tears. I fell to my knees crying out to God in repentance. Part of my change began when I started looking for a girlfriend. I met a Christian girl who lived nearby, and we spoke both online and in person. I remember saying to her: “Even if God forgives me, He will never trust me again to serve Him. He will hold my faults against me.” How wrong I was. Mum was happy when I started attending church again, even though it was not her church. I began attending Heysham Free Methodist Church. I joined the fellowship, became involved in many ministries, and even started writing devotional thoughts. I also became involved in website ministry, but sadly that eventually led to my downfall. More about that in the next chapter. Devotional Thought For many years I wondered why God closed the door to Canada. Now I understand why. If He had opened that door, I almost certainly would never have come to China, met Helen, or experienced all the amazing things we have done together. So often God closes a door, yet we keep banging on it, trying to force it open. We need to remember that when God closes a door, it remains firmly shut unless He Himself chooses to open it again. Sometimes we resent those closed doors. For years I resented that closed door to Canada. I questioned God and complained: “Why have You said no? They are letting thousands of people in from other countries — why not me?” Those thoughts only created resentment and anger, and I became trapped in that cycle. God sees the complete picture. We only see from ground level, but He sees everything from His heavenly perspective. His plan for our lives is perfect, pure, and complete. One verse that immediately comes to mind is: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Other verses to consider: Jeremiah 29:11–13 Psalm 37:1–4 Proverbs 3:5–6 CHAPTER 10 BEING A JONAH IN TADOUSSAC Jonah 1:17 “Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” At the end of the year 2000, Keith obtained a new temporary job working at Her Majesty’s Prison at Lancaster Castle, located in the centre of Lancaster. He worked as a messenger, carrying out administrative tasks such as photocopying, delivering mail, and franking letters. He really enjoyed the work. Although it was only temporary and part-time, he was able to accumulate some holiday leave, which he later used to visit his brother in Canada. Mum had already spent the summer there, and the plan was for Keith to spend the last three weeks in Canada before accompanying Mum back to the UK. Valerie, his sister-in-law, had asked him to bring some packets of Bird’s custard powder. Trying to save space, Keith removed the packets from the main box and hid them among his clothes. Unfortunately, the small white packets — complete with expiry dates — looked rather suspicious! Sure enough, when he arrived at customs in Montreal Airport, a customs officer pulled him aside and insisted on searching his suitcase. Oh no — how was he going to explain packets of creamy white powder hidden among his clothes? Nervously, I stammered: “It’s custard powder!” Thankfully, she believed me and even repacked my suitcase better than I had packed it myself. The previous year, my brother had visited Tadoussac, a resort town at the mouth of the St Lawrence River where several species of whales could be seen. So we travelled there and had a wonderful time. First, we went out on a large boat, but to be honest, we did not see any whales. Later that afternoon, we decided to go out on a much smaller and faster boat. This time we saw many whales. That evening we excitedly told everyone that we had to go out again the next day — this time with Mum. The following morning, Mum, Peter, and I boarded the small boat. It was extremely windy, and Mum struggled to keep her headscarf on. Peter was becoming increasingly irritated. The trip was supposed to last three hours, but it ended up lasting four. By the end of it, both my brother and I were absolutely desperate, as Peter put it, “to get to the bogs.” We had never been so happy to set foot on solid ground. The moment we landed, we ran like Usain Bolt straight to the nearest toilet! Our final adventure was a helicopter ride. There were eight of us altogether, so the pilot had to make two trips. Later, my nephew Paul informed us that the helicopter door on his flight had been slightly open during the journey. I am very glad he did not tell us that while we were in the air! Back on land, life seemed ordinary on September 11th, 2001. I had just finished taking a shower when I walked into the living room and saw Peter watching television. At first, it appeared that a plane accident had taken place. What we were actually witnessing was one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in modern history — an event that changed the world forever. Devotional Thought Why have I shared this holiday story? What significance does it have? It was the last time we were all together as a family. We all have earthly families, but one day they will pass away. Yet we also belong to a spiritual family made up of people from every nation and language, and we will spend eternity together. I now live in China and have many brothers and sisters in Christ who love me dearly. I have Christian friends who are American, Australian, South African, French, and Ukrainian. God’s family has no language barrier. When we meet another brother or sister in Christ from a different country, we may not understand one another’s language, but there is an unspoken bond between us that cannot be broken. In Galatians 3 we read these words: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28

God's creation = 100 /evolution = 0 I thought I would do something different today. So often atheists say there are no “real” scientists who support young earth creation or a global flood. That simply isn’t true. Here is a partial list of real scientists and their credentials from CMI's website. And yes, this is only a partial list. We are not claiming numbers equal truth. But sometimes a little pushback is needed so people can see reality for what it is and understand that this claim just doesn’t hold up. Dr Paul Ackerman, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Wichita State University. Dr E. Theo Agard, Medical Physics Dr James Allan, Genetics Dr John Ashton, Chemistry, Food technology Dr Steve Austin, Geology Dr S.E. Aw（胡瑞永; Pinyin Hú Ruìyǒng,) Biochemistry Dr Geoff Barnard, Immunology Dr Don Batten, Plant physiology Dr Donald Baumann, Solid State Physics, Professor of Biology and Chemistry, Cedarville University Dr John Baumgardner, Electrical Engineering, Space Physicist, Geophysicist, expert in supercomputer modeling of plate tectonics Dr Élizabeth Beauchesne Biomedical Sciences. Dr Jerry Bergman, Psychology, Human Biology/Physiology Dr Kimberly Berrine, Microbiology & Immunology Prof. Vladimir Betina, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Biology Dr Markus Blietz, Astrophysicist Dr Raymond G. Bohlin, Biology Dr Andrew Bosanquet, Biology, Microbiology Dr Edward A. Boudreaux, Theoretical Chemistry Dr David Boylan, Chemical Engineering Dr Bernard Brandstater, Anesthesiology Prof. Stuart Burgess, Engineering and Biomimetics, Professor of Design & Nature, Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol (UK) Prof. Linn E. Carothers, Associate Professor of Statistics Dr Ben Carson, Professor and chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University. He has 51 honorary doctorates, including from Yale and Columbia Universities. Dr Robert W. Carter, Marine Biology Prof. Sung-Do Cha, Physics Dr Eugene F. Chaffin, Professor of Physics Dr Ainsley Chalmers, Biochemist, medical researcher Dr Choong-Kuk Chang, Genetic Engineering Prof. Jeun-Sik Chang, Aeronautical Engineering Dr Xidong Chen, Solid State Physics, Assistant Professor of Physics, Cedarville University Dr Donald Chittick, Physical Chemistry Prof. Chung-Il Cho, Biology Education Dr John M. Cimbala, Mechanical Engineering Dr Harold Coffin, Paleontology Dr Bob Compton, DVM, PhD Dr Matthew Cserhati, Molecular Biology Dr Ken Cumming, Biology Dr Malcolm Cutchins, Aerospace Engineering Dr Lionel Dahmer, Analytical Chemistry Dr Chris Darnbrough, Biochemistry Dr Nancy M. Darrall, Botany Dr Bryan Dawson, Mathematics Dr Douglas Dean, Biological Chemistry Prof. Stephen W. Deckard, Assistant Professor of Education Dr David A. DeWitt, Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience Dr Don DeYoung, Astronomy, atmospheric physics Dr Geoff Downes, Plant Physiology Dr Ted Driggers, Operations research Robert H. Eckel, Medical Research (more than 80 research papers) Dr André Eggen, Genetics Dr Leroy Eimers, Atmospheric Science, Professor of Physics and Mathematics, Cedarville University Dr Dudley Eirich, Molecular biologist Prof. Dennis L. Englin, Professor of Geophysics Prof. Danny Faulkner, Astronomy Dr Dennis Flentge, Physical Chemistry, Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Science and Mathematics, Cedarville University Prof. Carl B. Fliermans, Professor of Biology Prof. Dwain L. Ford, Organic Chemistry Prof. Robert H. Franks, Associate Professor of Biology Dr Kenneth W. Funk, Organic Chemistry; biologically active peptide synthesis. Dr Alan Galbraith, Watershed Science Dr Roger G. Gallop, P.G., Geology Dr Robert Gentry, Physics Dr Maciej Giertych, Genetics Dr Werner Gitt, Information Science Dr Steven Gollmer, Atmospheric Science, Professor of Physics, Cedarville University Dr D.B. Gower, Biochemistry Dr Stephen Grocott, Industrial Chemistry Dr Donald Hamann, Food Science Dr Barry Harker, Philosophy Dr Charles W. Harrison, Applied Physics, Electromagnetics Dr John Hartnett, Physics and Cosmology Dr Mark Harwood, Satellite Communications Dr Joe Havel, Botanist, Silviculture, Ecophysiology Dr George Hawke, Environmental Science Dr Steven Hayes, Nuclear Science Dr Margaret Helder, Science Editor, Botany Dr Larry Helmick, Organic Chemistry, Professor of Chemistry, Cedarville University Dr Harold R. Henry, Engineering Dr Dewey Hodges, Professor of Aerospace Engineering Dr Joseph Henson, Entomology Dr Jonathan Henry, Chemical Engineering, Astronomy Dr Robert A. Herrmann, Professor of Mathematics, US Naval Academy Dr Kelly Hollowell, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Dr Ed Holroyd, III, Atmospheric Science Dr Bob Hosken, Biochemistry Dr George F. Howe, Botany Dr Neil Huber, Physical Anthropology Dr Russell Humphreys, Physics Dr James A. Huggins, Professor and Chair, Department of Biology Dr G. Charles Jackson, Science Education Dr Evan Jamieson, Hydrometallurgy Prof. George T. Javor, Biochemistry Dr Pierre Jerlström, Molecular Biology Dr Arthur Jones, Biology Dr Raymond Jones, Agricultural Science Dr Valery Karpounin, Mathematical Sciences, Logic, Formal Logic Dr Dean Kenyon, Biology Prof. Gi-Tai Kim, Biology Prof. Harriet Kim, Biochemistry Prof. Jong-Bai Kim, Biochemistry Prof. Jung-Han Kim, Biochemistry Prof. Jung-Wook Kim, Environmental Science Prof. Kyoung-Rai Kim, Analytical Chemistry Prof. Kyoung-Tai Kim, Genetic Engineering Prof. Young-Gil Kim, Materials Science Prof. Young In Kim, Engineering Dr David King, Astronomy. Dr John W. Klotz, Biology Dr Vladimir F. Kondalenko, Cytology/Cell Pathology Dr Felix Konotey-Ahulu, Physician, leading expert on sickle-cell anemia Dr Leonid Korochkin, M.D., Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology Dr John K.G. Kramer, Biochemistry Dr Johan Kruger, Zoology Dr Wolfgang Kuhn, biology researcher and lecturer Dr Heather Kuruvilla, Plant Physiology, Senior Professor of Biology, Cedarville University Prof. Jin-Hyouk Kwon, Physics Prof. Myung-Sang Kwon, Immunology Dr Barry Lawrence, Nuclear Engineering Dr Matti Leisola, Biochemistry (esp. of enzymes), D.Sc. in biotechnology, Dean, Faculty of Chemical and Materials Sciences, Aalta University, Finland Dr John G. Leslie, biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine, biblical archaeology Prof. Lane P. Lester, Biology, Genetics Dr Jean Lightner, Agriculture, Veterinary science Dr Peter Line, Neuroscience Dr Jason Lisle, Astrophysics Dr Raúl E López, Meteorology Dr Alan Love, Chemistry Dr Gloria Luciani-Torres, Molecular Oncology Researcher (Cancer Biology) Dr Heinz Lycklama, Nuclear physics and Information Technology Dr Ian Macreadie, Molecular Biology and Microbiology Dr John Marcus, Molecular Biology Dr George Marshall, Opthalmology researcher Dr James Mason, Nuclear physics Dr Ralph Matthews, Radiation Chemistry Dr Mark McClain, Inorganic Chemistry, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Cedarville University Dr John McEwan, Organic Chemistry Prof. Andy McIntosh, Combustion theory, aerodynamics Dr David Menton, Anatomy Dr Angela Meyer, Plant Physiology Dr John Meyer, Physiology Dr Victor Meyer, Entomology, environmental science Dr Douglas Miller, Professor of Chemistry, Cedarville University Dr Robert T. Mitchell, Internal Medicine (specialist) Dr Colin W. Mitchell, Geography Dr Gina Mohammed, Plant physiology Dr John N. Moore, Science Education Dr John D. Morris, Geology Dr Len Morris, Physiology Dr Graeme Mortimer, Geology Dr Stanley A. Mumma, Architectural Engineering Dr Ron Neller, fluvial geomorphology Prof. Hee-Choon No, Nuclear Engineering Dr Eric Norman, Biomedical science Dr David Oderberg, Philosophy Professor Douglas Oliver, Professor of Biology Prof. John Oller, Linguistics Prof. Chris D. Osborne, Assistant Professor of Biology Dr Charles Pallaghy, Botany Dr Gary E. Parker, Biology, Cognate in Geology (Paleontology) Dr Terry Phipps, Professor of Biology, Cedarville University Dr Jules H. Poirier, Aeronautics, Electronics Dr Georgia Purdom, Molecular Genetics Dr Graeme Quick, Engineering, former Principle Research Scientist with CSIRO (Australia) Dr Dan Reynolds, Organic Chemistry Dr Chad Rodekohr, Engineering, Physics Dr Jung-Goo Roe, Biology Dr David Rodda, PhD, Population Genetics Dr David Rosevear, Chemistry Dr Marcus Ross, Paleontology Dr Ariel A. Roth, Biology Dr Ronald G. Samec, Astronomy Dr John Sanford, Plant science / genetics Dr Jonathan D. Sarfati, Physical chemistry / spectroscopy Dr Joachim Scheven Paleontology Dr Ian Scott, Education Dr Saami Shaibani, Forensic Physics Dr Young-Gi Shim, Chemistry Prof. Hyun-Kil Shin, Food Science Dr Mikhail Shulgin, Physics Dr Emil Silvestru, Geology/karstology Dr Roger Simpson, Engineering Dr Horace D. (‘Skip’) Skipper, Professor Emeritus Soil microbiology, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Clemson University, SC, USA Dr E. Norbert Smith, Zoology Dr Andrew Snelling, Geology Prof. Man-Suk Song, Computer Science Dr Timothy G. Standish, Biology Prof. James Stark, Assistant Professor of Science Education Prof. Brian Stone, Engineer Dr Esther Su (苏绯云，Pinyin Sū Fēiyún), Biochemistry Dr Dennis Sullivan, Biology, surgery, chemistry, Professor of Biology, Cedarville University Dr Greg Tate, Plant Pathology Dr Stephen Taylor, Electrical Engineering Dr Larry Thaete, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology Dr Ker C. Thomson, Geophysics Dr Michael Todhunter, Forest Genetics Dr Lyudmila Tonkonog, Chemistry/Biochemistry Dr S.H. ‘Wally’ Tow (Tow Siang Hwa), retired chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Singapore (d. 8 March 2019). Dr Royal Truman, Organic Chemistry Dr Brandon van der Ventel, Nuclear scientist Dr Gerald Van Dyke, Ph.D. and Professor Emeritus in Botany, North Carolina State University Dr Larry Vardiman, Atmospheric Science Prof. Walter Veith, Zoology Dr Joachim Vetter, Biology Dr Erich Vorpagel, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology; computational protein function. Dr Tas Walker, Mechanical Engineering and Geology Dr Jeremy Walter, Mechanical Engineering Dr Keith Wanser, Physics Dr Noel Weeks, Ancient Near-East History (also has B.Sc. in Zoology) Dr Carl Werner, Biologist Dr A.J. Monty White, Chemistry/Gas Kinetics Dr John Whitmore, Geology/Paleontology Dr Kurt Wise, Paleontology Dr Bryant Wood, Archaeology Prof. Seoung-Hoon Yang, Physics Dr Thomas (Tong Y.) Yi, Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering Dr Ick-Dong Yoo, Genetics Dr Sung-Hee Yoon, Biology Dr Patrick Young, Chemistry and Materials Science Prof. Keun Bae Yu, Geography Dr Daiqing Yuan, Theoretical Physics Dr Henry Zuill, Biology

This morning I was editing a chapter in an upcoming book in my series. God laid it on my heart to share it. So… from years of experience, I can truthfully say… somebody needs it today. Please know that I’m already praying for you, whoever you are. In a world gone mad, its easy to shrink back. Especially when we face the wickedest of the wicked. That’s what Jake, my main character, has been doing. I love writing his sermons, as he stands for God, even at great cost to himself. This is only the first part, but it gets even better, as a sanctuary filled with 30,000 people respond. May God richly bless and keep you, as you join with him, when—like Elijah—he challenges them to prove their gods… and invites them to know his… (that’s in the next chapter) Everyone today.... tell at least one person the gospel. If we all do, that's knowledge of HIS calling, doubled. Do it again tomorrow. And the next day. Pray for Divine appointments. Keep telling. Our world is growing darker, and the lost are too. They're everywhere. When you stand before HIM, know you did your best, with HIS word. Amen. "I’m not letting anyone take her, Kase. Trust me.” “I do.” He hugged Maggie, and went to find Aaron. He filled him and Michael in. “You and the others, sit right behind that group of women, with Kasey. If she takes Avery out, Aaron, you go with her.” “I already was. Just preach, uncle Jake. We’re all here. We’re all watching. And we’re all trained. I’m going tonight, and don’t even argue. We all are.” Jake nodded, “I need to go. I love you all; and I’ll see you later.” He hurried backstage, found the chair he’d been shown, and sat. He lowered his head, resting his elbows on his knees, and prayed for them all, then let it all go. He asked Jesus to fill his mouth with His words to his people, and was deep into his thoughts, when he heard someone softly cough. He looked up, and saw Charles. “It’s time. Jake… we’re so glad to have you. Many of us are men of God, who’d prayed a long time, for God to send someone that could reach those we couldn’t. Like the church last night, I strongly suspect we have a coven down here, and if that spirit’s power is gone, maybe we can reach them too.” “I’m sure of it. Charles… what you and the men who’ve been praying with you, are about to witness, will change you forever. Are you ready?” “I’m ready for whatever God brings, Jake. I’ll be sitting behind you, across from your brothers. I’m armed, and capable. I’ll be watching, and I have several in mind I think need watching. I’m especially curious to see if God reaches the leader down here too. I have no idea who it is, but I’d like to. Don’t worry about behind you, or any direction, really. With the security you brought, and all of us, this building is in good hands.” Jake nodded and stood. He was wearing pressed Khaki’s, a tucked in, blue plaid shirt that matched his eyes, his usual polished boots, and his holster. He carried his phone to lay on the podium for a stopwatch, so he could keep up with the time. He was used to classes an hour and a half long, and was still working on keeping it in check. His glasses gave him a scholarly look, that along with his time-dusted moustache, goatee, and blow dried, too long hair, was exactly like he’d looked online, except he’d skipped the jacket, due to the temperature outside. His poison oak rash wasn’t as prominent tonight, and he looked more his usual self. He carried one page of notes, but really didn’t need them. This message was etched on his heart, by the Lord Himself. He felt that peace he was used to, fill him, and when his name was called, he followed Charles to his seat. He glanced down at Maggie and the women surrounding her, and another piece of confidence, as a man, settled down beside his confidence as a teacher, as they all smiled at him. It was right. He was right where he was supposed to be, and knew exactly where Jesus was standing, and that the room was filled with heavenly warriors. He glanced briefly at the areas where the shots would come from, and then dismissed it. He knew, they’d miss, just like the ones last night. He looked at all the starved children, and thanked God for sending them straight to them, as the music swelled. When it was over, Frankie took the stage, and after a brief introduction about the freeze-dried food, he preached a short, to the point message, for those his age and younger. Then Meri, the pastor’s wife, came out. She introduced Maggie, who Russell and Levi, brought up. Again, she was radiant, lovely in her flowing dress and flaming hair. As he filled his eyes with her beauty, he glanced at the women he’d gotten to know in college. She was the sum of them all, and held their attention, while they were intently listening as she spoke. His gaze moved over the audience, as he prayed, please don’t let Cherise hurt any of them. Lord, reveal her, and her dark plans. Save whoever she’s currently married to and keep Seymour, Lawrence, and all the others, in your hands. He caught a glimpse of a heavy-set woman watching the stage as she was entering, and taking a seat at the back, but dismissed her. Cherise was taller, and much slimmer. He decided to leave it in Liam’s hands, and turned his attention back to Maggie, listening as she gave her testimony. As before, it hurt, especially the pictures; but as he saw how artfully she discussed a very rough topic, he saw how it was helping her, to help others. He very well understood that. Every woman, and most men, stood to their feet clapping, as she finished. The numbers to call were on the screen, with boxes beside them, showing the number of people who were currently calling; and he was amazed at how fast they were growing. He walked over and hugged her, then took her to his brothers, waiting until they were all seated. He allowed the clapping to die down, as he looked out over the thousands of people, who’d come to hear him speak; almost mesmerized by the constant movement, with the mingled colors of their clothes and hair resembling a flower garden. He wondered if that’s what Moses, Paul, or Jesus, saw, as they spoke before the multitudes. Or David, his forefather, as he stood before them as their king. The weight of responsibility settled upon him, as he glanced once more at Maggie, beautiful among a bevy of beautiful women, then said, “God can heal anything. He can bring you through the worst things, man can throw at you. He can also save you from being that one who does the worst. How many here read the word?” he waited while people raised their hands, noting how many there were. “How many talk about it during your daily lives, and teach it to others?” Fewer hands went up. “What are you waiting on? Me? I’m no superman.” He looked down, “Oops, I forgot to start my stopwatch. I better do that, so you won’t throw rotten tomatoes at me.” Tittering filled the huge room as he did that. He was saying again, “I’m no superman, as he looked back up, and stopped short at what he saw. He worked hard to suppress his laughter, finally losing that battle, as he looked down at his family, then across the auditorium. Each man who’d come with him had unbuttoned their shirts and pulled them open. They were all wearing a t-shirt underneath, with a superman shield, and the words, ‘We’re with Super J’ written above it. Even Maggie, all the women, and the women who’d come to support him, had pulled them over their clothes. Just as he had it back under control, all the kids across the room, not just those they’d brought, started waving flags that said, ‘Glory to God… and Super J… who tells us about him.’ He grinned, “My brothers told me a while back, that it was my job to preach, and theirs to keep me humble. I can testify tonight, that they’re all doing a spectacular job.” Every last man who was on security detail, all Charles’s men, and the men of the church, pulled their shirts open at the same time, having already unbuttoned them, and been ready, and they were wearing them too. His grin widened, but before he could respond, the sound of helicopter rotors filled the room, and on all the overhead screens, one flew into view, escorted by several others, with ‘A Super God, needs a Super J, to proclaim His Truth to a Super Wicked Nation,’ on the bottom, as they tilted sideways. It too, had the Super J shield on it, and a cartoon Jake rappelled down with one hand, holding an armful of bibles, and began to throw them all over the city as he descended. The entire room, including him, lost it, laughing hysterically. When he could speak again, he managed, “See what I mean. I can tell you, as a college professor, who’s graded thousands of students, they’re all acing keeping me humble. Liam, Tucker, and Kai—that’s my media man—you’ll all need to see me after class.” They all laughed again, then he saw Apex and his ever-present entourage, enter and make their way down to sit by Lorenzo. It was comforting having his so close, reminding him exactly who he was. “I can’t take them anywhere. Seriously, they’re trying to help my anxiety, tonight. You all know what last night was like for me, and today we reburied our parents. Someone we trusted, desecrated their graves, and others. We buried children. We buried friends. They know, I’m struggling with it all, and that’s my family. We’ve long gotten through tough days and times, together. With laughter and love, it’s possible. Thank you for helping them prank me like that. Laughter is truly good for the soul. God loves to laugh. I know that. He loves people who care about other people. As I was trying to get to, God loves it when we tell people about Him. He even tells us He ‘entrusts’ us with His word. It’s sacred. It’s important. It’s the words of life. How many come, week after week, and listen, hearing your pastor, as he teaches, then leave this building and never remember? How many see friends, family, co-workers, and others, and never pass it on? Why? This is your sacred duty. He’s entrusted you with His very words, that bring life to others. Here, let me read it, so you can see. Turn to 1 Thessalonians 2:7, and I’ll start at verse four: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a Cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe. Tell me. I want to know. If you’ve shared the truth of God with someone this week, raise your hand?” He nodded, as some did. “Tonight, God’s going to challenge you. How many watched the sermon last night?” Hands raised all over the room. “Last night I spoke about pagan worship. About how it’s hurting people everywhere. I want to show you what that looks like, so you’ll understand what it means to me, and others. Kai, stop the visual recording part, for a minute. Boys, bring the kids up here, please.” He waited while they lined them up across the front. As before, Louie went straight to him. “See their condition? That’s what men and women who don’t follow God’s laws are capable of. See those beautiful dresses, the girls are wearing, and the nice clothes, the boys are? That’s what God’s people do. The ladies from the church last night, bought clothes that will last for years. We only needed a few, right now, but they were so generous, it was stunning. They even thought about suspenders for the boys, since nothing fits, no matter what size we use. Today, someone else showed us the same type of generosity, providing therapy animals and entertainment. Your pastor, set up a room for them to be taken care of, while we’re here. That’s God’s people. People have hurt them all their lives. You see the starvation. You don’t see the rest. But, like verse seven says… let me read it again…. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. Folks… that’s what we’re doing now… helping them. Nurturing them… and cherishing them. Being affectionate… like you are to us. Hear me… the WORD says, it’s not just the gospel He’s asking us to impart to others, but our own souls. Because they’re dear to us. My family’s dear to me; and as you saw, I seem to be their favorite. My nickname, is Klutz, they love me so much.” He grinned, while they all laughed. “They gave me that brief moment of fun. They spent money to make me laugh. They spent time to draw you all in. They don’t want me hurt. God doesn’t want any of us hurt. He doesn’t want children starved—or anyone starved of His words. Those of us called by His name… we’re entrusted with it… we’re entrusted to tell them, and care for their souls, like we care for our church and our bodies. It’s life. It’s salvation. It’s changes, taking place, because… like us rescuing those kids, giving them a home, love, laughter, food, and acceptance… it’s what He longs to do for us. It's easier to turn away. Let me quote verses 4-6 again. But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a Cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. Did you get it? It pleases men for us to keep it to ourselves, but He allows us to speak for Him, about him. For those who don’t know Him, its offensive. We so often bow to that, don’t we? 1 Corinthains 18, says: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Verse 23, says: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness. No one wants to be seen as divisive, foolish, or offensive. So, we keep our mouths shut… as day-after-day, week-after-week, and year-after-year, people leave this world for an eternal destiny away from god, with spirits so wicked they lead people to do that to kids.” He noticed they were still standing there, and asked them to return them to their seats, again keeping Louie. “I spoke to a man from your congregation earlier, and he expressed to me his shock and outrage, that what happened to those kids, could even happen in America, and in the state of Texas. You know why it did, and does every day? Because the church has dropped the ball! We’ve become politically correct. We’re more worried about people not seeing us as foolish, than we are that God Himself, entrusted us with His words. Their anger, laughter, derisiveness, and hate, has shut our mouths. While they’re hanging out in cave systems—and I know, because I’ve been there—while they’re breeding monstrosities meant to kill thousands, while they’re doing rituals to the demons of old, and fallen angels at war with God, while they’re raping, starving, and murdering children and adults, we’re not speaking about Jesus and his sacrifice for all of us, so that men and women can be free!” Jake was pacing now, striding across the front, not seeing any of them. He was filled with the spirit and walking in his calling, as comfortable, as he could be. Louie was clapping, and he never even noticed; he just shifted him, and pulled him back up, when he all but turned upside-down, as he responded to Jake’s energy, and tried to look behind him when Jake’s volume increased, to see what he was yelling about. “Let’s go on in Corinthians: But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: You see, I’m nothing special. I just have a calling. A mandate, like all of you. I’m entrusted to speak His word, and tell people there’s a choice. A better way. A way that leads to Him and everlasting life. That leads to love and laughter, and plenty. Why me…? Well… according to my brothers, I’m a klutz. You all know, after last night, I’m as capable of foolish choices, as anyone. But verse 27 says: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; Let’s go on. Verse 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: Why? Verse 29—That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. I don’t glory in who I am. I don’t glory in my position as a professor, or someone who’s asked to speak. I don’t glory in having the ability to cast out demons, and send evil spirits out of this world to await their punishment in the abyss. That’s not my power. It’s not my might. It belongs to God! I’m merely His messenger. I’m Super J, remember, not God. He sends me. He wants to send you. Are you willing? Will you take the gospel, that’s His message to the world, into the people surrounding you, like He entrusts us all to do? You can go, just like me. I promise you, if I sat down, any of my brothers could come up here and finish this sermon. My sisters could. My wife could wipe the floor with me, in a head-to-head preaching contest. It’s not about me! It’s about Him! I’ve been told, there’s a coven of pagans in this area, too. I’m, not surprised, and neither should you be. God’s people have always been intermingled with those who refuse to serve Him. And those who hide in His house—using His name—to hide their wicked endeavors. I know, you’re here. If you were there last night, or watched online, you saw the pagan leader in that area, surrender to the Lord. You saw his daughter and him be freed from the spirits bound to them. I know you have them, too. I’m familiar with how they hurt you, lie to you, use you, and twist you into someone who does every form of evil known to man. It’s the same spirits from the Levant! The same ones that caused Sodom, Gomorrah, and three other cities, to be destroyed! The same spirits the caused all the firstborn boys to be destroyed in Egypt! The same spirits that caused God to send one angel to wipe out an Assyrian army of 185,000 hardened soldiers, in one night! He’s powerful! He’s mighty! And he’s angry! He hates it when children are hurt! He said, in Luke 17:2, It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he be cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Did you see the offense to them? Did you participate? Or maybe not them—but other little ones? Have you done rituals to those who war against God? I know some of you feel trapped. I also know some of you revel in it. I know some, like him, were born into it, and never had a chance to know anything else. But guess what?! You know enough to pretend to be Christian! You know to hide it! That tells me, that like the word states, God’s law is known to you! You can’t war against someone you don’t believe exists! You scream that he’s a fairy tale, but I don’t see you doing rituals against the tooth fairy, or those that tell, about it. He’s real, and you know it! You’re afraid of Him, and you know it! I’m aware that rituals have been done in anticipation of me speaking tonight. I’ve had death threats for six months, openly… and many before that. I’ve been raped, shot, stabbed, cut, poisoned, and my very reputation so slandered it’s ridiculous. My horses have been shot. My wife taken. I’ve watched my nieces and nephews attacked, and held dying babies in my arms, and picked up bodies of those murdered. You’d rather serve demons—who twist your bodies and souls into parodies of what God made us to be—than surrender to Him. Can you ask yourselves now, tonight, here in this room, or by the internet…. What really holds you? It is fear? Pride? Position? Money? Family, and friends? Is hell really that appealing to you? It’s eternal, folks. Its everlasting. Eternity with God is too. But you have to choose. And for those of you feeling righteous, because although you know you’re not what you’re supposed to be, you haven’t served demons, and may not have even known people did… don’t sit there and feel good. If you haven’t surrendered your entirety to him, your about in the same boat. He said, we’re hot or cold. And if you try to stay in between, He’ll spew you out. When that happens, you get the same eternity of those who did the worst. It’s Him, or them. It’s right or wrong. It’s all or nothing. Hell is real! The lake of fire is real! Fallen supernatural beings, you’d call angels, are real! Demons are real! Those who worship them, rather than the creator, are real. God is real! As real, as me, standing here before you. Many were healed last night. Many were set free of demons. Many, experienced salvation for the first time; and many were renewed, as they surrendered anew, or deeper. He’s here. He’s issuing the same message he’s issued since Adam walked the earth. The same message, John the Baptist issued, and Jesus Himself. Repent, and be baptized. Surrender your all. We’re so close to the book of Revelation being fulfilled. Watch the news. Watch what’s happened to me. Why would anyone go after a simple college professor, teaching how a book written so long ago, has truth and validity? Ask yourself, why, that using the same criteria used to evaluate other ancient texts, to find that the New Testament, meets all the criteria—and indeed meets them better than any other known text—Is worth killing me, students, a home health nurse, and children! For a God, that supposedly is just a pie-in-the-sky dream! Why, have men fought since the dawn of time, over religion? Why is Christianity, so hated across the world, and its adherents, killed. And not just killed—killed in heinous ways. In ritualistic fashion. In sacrifice to demons. If you’re here tonight, and you’ve participated in any of this, I challenge the demons inside you, to manifest, and show their power and presence, and stamp me out. You saw the results last night. You game? I’m holding my son. He’s an innocent child, that was sodomized. He had a tracker that was poisoning him put in his bladder. Every child, God brought to us that night, had them. I’m just a man. Demons, do your best. Watch.” He shifted Louie to his right side. “Now, even my draw is hampered. Hear me, denizens of hell… put a bullet in me, if you’re capable! You think your god will prevail?! Either tonight, or in the end?! Show me, and everyone else, that you believe it enough to reveal your true colors! I call, bullcrap! My God is real, He’s the only God, and he’s about to send you to where you belong. Let’s dual! You come forth, and I’ll send you to the abyss,” he taunted. “It won’t take long. You’ll be, before Lucifer, before I get out of this building. Now’s your chance.