Prayer Meeting – Spiritual Battle – 03-19-2021

“We have raised a generation on youth group skits and entertainment, failing to prepare them for the cost and battle of public witness to Christ… ‘Do not try to hide your children from the world forever, but do not try to pretend there is no danger. Train them. Give them sharp eyes and bellies full of laughter. Make them dangerous. Make them yeast, and when they’ve grown, they will pollute the shadows.’”
– Strong and Courageous: Following Jesus Amid the Rise of America’s New Religionhttps://press.founders.org/shop/strong-and-courageous/

Devotional

“When new gods were chosen, then war was in the gates. Was shield or spear to be seen among forty thousand in Israel? My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the Lord.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭5:8-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/jdg.5.8-9.esv

War was the result when Israel began to follow false gods. Even when the Lord commanded Barak to take up arms and confront the enemy, they hesitated. (Judges 4:6-8)

Are we ready? Are we ready to storm the gates? (Matthew 16:18)

I have two specific spiritual battle fronts in mind. 1) purity and 2) false gods.

Purity

Satan loves to use sexual immorality to destroy God’s people. We need to understand that besides personal sanctification and discipline, there is a literal war being waged against God’s people.

Sexual immorality, specifically pornography, is a literal weapon used by the powers and principalities of this world (Eph. 6). Not joking. Feminist Kate Millett has said they will make cultural revolution by destroying the patriarchs (fathers/heads of households), and taking away their power by… “destroying monogamy!” How? “By promoting promiscuity, eroticism, prostitution, and homosexuality!” And the Gay Liberation Manifesto of 1971 says “‘What is needed is a total social revolution, a completed reordering of civilization. Including society’s most basic institution, the patriarchal society.'” ( “By What Standard? God’s World… God’s Rules”)

Peter warns us about this in 2 Peter 2

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed…
For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2:1-2, 10, 14, 18-19‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/2pe.2.1-2,10,14,18-19.esv

Are we ready?

REVENGE OF [FALSE] GODS
“California’s proposed ethnic studies curriculum urges students to chant to the Aztec deity of human sacrifice.” https://christopherrufo.com/revenge-of-the-gods/

“The curriculum recommends that teachers lead their students in a series of indigenous songs, chants, and affirmations, including the “In Lak Ech Affirmation,” which appeals directly to the Aztec gods. Students first clap and chant to the god Tezkatlipoka—whom the Aztecs traditionally worshipped with human sacrifice and cannibalism—asking him for the power to be “warriors” for “social justice.” Next, the students chant to the gods Quetzalcoatl, Huitzilopochtli, and Xipe Totek, seeking “healing epistemologies” and “a revolutionary spirit.” Huitzilopochtli, in particular, is the Aztec deity of war and inspired hundreds of thousands of human sacrifices during Aztec rule. Finally, the chant comes to a climax with a request for “liberation, transformation, [and] decolonization,” after which students shout “Panche beh! Panche beh!” in pursuit of ultimate “critical consciousness.””

Are we ready?

Psalm 10 – read, meditate, sing

“Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted.
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭10:12, 17-18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/psa.10.12,17-18.esv

http://clearnotesongbook.com/song/psalm-10-rise-o-lord-msal
https://mysoulamonglions.bandcamp.com/album/songs-of-deliverance

Prayer needs

Prayer

O Church Arise!

Reform the Church and ReEnchant the World with God’s Truth and Grace!

Enchant (latin: encantio): to speak meaning into.

If the church is not reenchanting this fallen world with God’s truth and grace, then it is being disenchanted with the lies of Satan!

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
– Romans 10:14-15

Prayer, public witness of the church, and proclaiming God’s truth and grace.

Why are we here (in this sin fallen world)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:18-20

Why are we here (on the sidewalk outside an abortion clinic)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To love the captive soul and to preach the good news!
Romans 10:14-15

What message are we sharing and bearing witness to?
There is a God that created the heavens and the earth.
We humans are created in His image.
We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, and justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation.
But God is merciful and loving.
Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place.
Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation.
We need only confess our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and repent and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after!
Romans 3:10-18, 23
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
John 3:16-21
Ephesians 2:1-10

Leviticus 18:21; Matt. 5:17-19; Acts 2:37-41

Crypto currency and the Church – super noob getting started notes

“Bitcoin is free speech money.”
-Andrew Torba, CEO Gab.com

Why a blog post on crypto currency?

Crypto Currency and Cancel Culture: Because cancel culture includes being able to bank, i.e. being allowed to or able to buy and sell. The Church could learn something here. Revelation 13:17

Consider, the “Biden Administration Prepares Way For Banks To Refuse Service To Democrats’ Enemies.” (https://thefederalist.com/2021/02/19/biden-administration-prepares-way-for-banks-to-refuse-service-to-democrats-enemies/)

The Biden Administration, like Obama before him, are weaponizing the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to be used against anyone that opposes them or holds different political, economic, social, or religious views.

In response, Gab CEO Andrew Torba posted “Gab is already dealing with this happening right now. We have been banned by two banks this month alone.” (https://gab.com/a/posts/105759490802221636)

The Gab and BitCoin Story

And Big Tech is doing the same, the only question is, does big tech work for big liberal government, or does the government work for Big Tech?

“Gab has been blacklisted by Visa for standing up to defend free speech so we cannot accept debit/credit cards like most online businesses… [But we can] accept … Bitcoin” https://news.gab.com/what-is-bitcoin/

https://gab.com My profile https://gab.com/mickdobra

Gab CEO interview on CrossPolitic:
“Building anti-fragile Christian Businesses” !! Must Watch !!
On YouTube https://youtu.be/tibZCyLPHO8
On Gab https://tv.gab.com/channel/crosspolitic/view/building-antifragile-christian-businesses-w-gab-6029ec325e6306a1d6cce918

Bill of Rights and Crypto

Considering Biden’s extreme promises to eliminate the rights protected by the 2nd Amendment, “Cryptocurrency Seeks to Lure Firearms Companies Amid Threat Banks Will Cut Off Gun Industry” https://freebeacon.com/guns/cryptocurrency-seeks-to-lure-firearms-companies-amid-threat-banks-will-cut-off-gun-industry/ (https://youtu.be/oQzV7D_XE5g)

The War Poet explains the cancel culture here:

“We WILL get Canceled… Here is our plan. John discusses the inevitability of getting canceled by Big Tech and having to choose between our entertainment and our cultural values. Cancel Culture is destroying lives. This modern form of banishment attacks a person’s digital identity by humiliating and twisting the meaning of someone’s words to portray an image of what culture hates the most at the moment. Gina Carano has been thrust out of social and professional circles because of this very phenomenon. Meanwhile, the Left continues to degrade traditional values, champion fringe agendas, and label people as “fascists” while enacting fascist policies.” Video – youtu.be/v18sMcmJ-NQ

Warrior Poet NETWORK – https://www.watchWPSN.com
Warrior Poet WEBSITE – https://warriorpoetsociety.us/

Hyper-Inflation, when the loan is due!

Lastly, stepping out of my comfort zone here, but the Federal Government can’t keep borrowing/printing money without consequence. The Bill will come due!

This was one of my big griefs with churches that took the “covid” money, the money used to back that program was stolen from future generations of Americans.

Enough though. Go look at https://usdebtclock.org It is horrifying!

Hopefully those examples give you reason to learn more about Crypto Currencies. So lets get to it.

Note: this is not financial or investment advice. These are my notes from researching and getting started in the crypto coin market. This is super noob getting started notes!

Some terms

Exchange
Service to buy, sell, trade crypto. There are transaction fees for exchanging fiat currency to/from crypto, just like exchanging the dollar to/from the euro.
Examples: coinbase.com, binance, kraken
[Gab] Exchange recommendation gemini.com

I actually use multiple exchanges. Some exchanges will exchange certain cryptos that others won’t.

Make $10 of bitcoin!
If you choose to use Coinbase, use this link when you register [https://www.coinbase.com/join/dobra_ku] If you exchange more than $100 fiat dollars we both get $10 worth of bitcoin. This is a Coinbase promo.

Wallet
Used to store crypto

Web wallet
Wallet hosted on/at a website. exchanges by default are also a web wallet. In general, though, funds should NEVER be stored at/on an exchange. Exchanges should be utilized only for transferring or trading funds; when at rest, all funds should be stored in a local wallet.

App wallet
Wallet based on a phone app. Practical application for storing what “spending” crypto you want to have on hand. Just like a physical wallet in your pocket while walking around, how much you keep in your app wallet is based on what you might need to spend, and what an acceptable loss would be if it were stolen.
Examples: Atomic or Exodus multi-exchange wallets

Note: web and app wallets are under control of outside forces. The exchange or app owner or service providers could block or restrict access. Service outages could prevent access, etc…

Software wallet
Software application on your desktop/laptop. Like your checking account. Safer medium term storage of crypto likely to be moved around for buying, selling, trading, etc…

Hardware wallet
A device for high security long term storage. Like a savings account, or better yet, a safe deposit box.
Examples: Ledger nano x, trezor, coldcardwallet
[Gab] Wallet recommendation coldcardwallet.com, ledger.com

Note: search for the exchange and wallets that hold the coins you want to hold.

News: https://www.coindesk.com

Paying/Buying/Selling Transactions

Your wallet will have receive/send or deposit/withdrawal functions.

If you are paying (sending/withdrawing) with crypto, it will ask what address to send to, you just get that from the recipient. The address is a long string of numbers and letters or a QR code.

Same thing to receive a payment (receive/deposit). Your wallet will give you a list of addresses, choose one and send it (chat, text, email, etc…) to the payer, and they just paste it into their paying function in their wallet.

Thats it!

Note: There are many, many cautions to double verify the address you are sending crypto too! Once you send it you can’t get it back! Don’t fall for phishing/spam messages.

Staking and rewards

Some block chains have utility beyond crypto currency, like Cardano (ADA), and you can “stake” your wallet to earn rewards.

https://www.cardano.org
https://bluecheesestakehouse.com

“Cardano is a proof-of-stake blockchain platform: the first to be founded on peer-reviewed research and developed through evidence-based methods. It combines pioneering technologies to provide unparalleled security and sustainability to decentralized applications, systems, and societies.

With a leading team of engineers, Cardano exists to redistribute power from unaccountable structures to the margins – to individuals – and be an enabling force for positive change and progress.”

Some potential Cardano blockchain applications: Anti-counterfeiting, ID & credentials solutions, agriculture, and other, supply chain product certification and traceability, and more.

Tax ** I haven’t looked into this at all yet 😦

I hear “in the UK and US staking returns are taxed as income. When turned into fiat, you then have capital gains tax.” (??)

“When Should Staking Be Taxed? A recent letter sent to the IRS by four US congressmen wants the IRS to tax staking rewards at the time you sell the rewards of staking, not at the time you receive them.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/shehanchandrasekera/2020/08/07/when-should-staking-be-taxed

Any way… to conclude, someone smarter than me please go learn more and come back and teach us!!

“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he assembled his 318 trained men, born in his household, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.” Genesis‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭CSB‬‬

“The right to life is a good example of what legal historians refer to as an objective right: it is objective in the sense that it exists outside ourselves and is unalienable… The right to life imposes obligations: you must do everything in your power to preserve it.”
#SlayingLeviathan https://canonpress.com/products/slaying-leviathan/

AMENDMENT II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
https://ministry.family.blog/america/second-amendment/

The latest Gabs from Mick Dobra (@mickdobra). Glorify God, share the Gospel, protect your family…

HouseHold Prayer 2/18/21

If we have assumed… that our children learned what they needed to know simply by ecclesial and cultural osmosis, let us be clear that we may hold this assumption no longer. Now is not the time to play down our doctrine of mankind; now is the time to teach it with confidence and with joy, seeking to be witnesses to fellow sinners and guides to all God’s flock.
“Reenchanting Humanity: a theology of mankind” by Owen Strachan

Brothers, I was reading in Numbers 14, “And your children shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years and shall suffer for your faithlessness, until the last of your dead bodies lies in the wilderness.” Numbers‬ ‭14:31, 33‬.

I feel the time is short. I don’t want my children to suffer because of my faithlessness to prepare them. I want to walk with my children out into the ministry to be a witness, to go and make disciples, and to be an ambassador for our King and His Kingdom in this foreign land! To instruct and disciple them to stand firm in the faith, being bold with God’s truth and grace, even in a culture of growing hostility.

Pray for the motivation and energy to make discipleship a priority in our lives and in our homes. To lead by example. Pray that we would not be distracted by lessor things.

Read Numbers 14.

I’ll share opportunities for public witness and discipleship during the current 40 Days for Life campaign when the temps warm up a bit. I know making it out during the work day with your family is hard, but it is the best time to be a witness when Planned Parenthood is open, and it opens amazing discipleship opportunities with your children. Take a long lunch if you can. (Just encouraging in love, no condemnation if you can’t make it out! Find other opportunities.)

“We have raised a generation on youth group skits and entertainment, failing to prepare them for the cost and battle of public witness to Christ… ‘Do not try to hide your children from the world forever, but do not try to pretend there is no danger. Train them. Give them sharp eyes and bellies full of laughter. Make them dangerous. Make them yeast, and when they’ve grown, they will pollute the shadows.’”
– Strong and Courageous: Following Jesus Amid the Rise of America’s New Religion https://press.founders.org/shop/strong-and-courageous/

“We have to change our church philosophy from telling to training… ‘Jesus had twelve men with whom he traveled and lived for three years, and even they did not understand nor act on all He taught them. Jesus knew that disciples are best made by life on life interaction, living transparently, watching and observing, along with extensive times of question and answer. And we must do the same. His last words were to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” We have to stop emphasizing an “attractional” model and adopt a training and sending model of church philosophy’… Discipleship is not just what you know; it is a lifestyle lived.”
— The Church in Babylon: Heeding the Call to Be a Light in the Darkness by Erwin W. Lutzer https://a.co/3ezHHzp

We have been told that we people are the chance result of impersonal chaos working its dark magic on the universe… The outcome of such thinking? Humanity is disenchanted…

But this is not the biblical account of man… God, the beautiful one, made the human race as his capstone work, his corporeal masterpiece (Ps 8:3-6; 27:4) … The imago dei marks out humanity as an enchanted race. Tragically, humanity disenchanted itself by following the anti-wisdom of the serpent…

If we have assumed… that our children learned what they needed to know simply by ecclesial and cultural osmosis, let us be clear that we may hold this assumption no longer. Now is not the time to play down our doctrine of mankind; now is the time to teach it with confidence and with joy, seeking to be witnesses to fellow sinners and guides to all God’s flock.
“Reenchanting Humanity: a theology of mankind” by Owen Strachan

Prayer, public witness of the church, and proclaiming God’s truth and grace.

Why are we here (in this sin fallen world)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:18-20

Why are we here (on the sidewalk outside an abortion clinic)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To love the captive soul and to preach the good news!
Romans 10:14-15

Leviticus 18:21; Matt. 5:17-19; Acts 2:37-41

Household Prayer 2/11/2021

“The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith in modern English”
Founder Press

Brothers, today my heart is on community. What a grace of God is the community of the “visible saints” as they meet together in churches for worship, and what a grace of God is our community of households coming together to love and support one another in a common mission under God to educate and bring up our children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” A holy, set apart, loving and caring witness to the Kingdom of God.

Pray for our community. Pray for individual families you know, and pray for a heart to love and serve them. Pray that we can and will depend on one another in times of celebration, in times of mourning, and in times of trial.

Read John 13:34-35

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.””
‭John‬ ‭13:34-35‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/59/jhn.13.34-35.esv

“The Church… All people throughout the world who profess the faith of the gospel and obedience to God through Christ in keeping with the gospel are and may be called visible saints… Those who are called He commands to live together in local societies, or churches, for their mutual edification and the fitting conduct of public worship that He requires of them while they are in the world… saints by calling, visibly displaying and demonstrating in and by their profession and life their obedience to the call of Christ.”
“The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith in modern English” Founder Press

“It is easily forgotten that the fellowship of Christian brethren is a gift of grace, a gift of the Kingdom of God that any day may be taken from us, that the time that still separates us from utter loneliness may be brief indeed. Therefore, let him who until now has had the privilege of living a common Christian life with other Christians praise God’s grace from the bottom of his heart. Let him thank God on his knees and declare: It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren.”
— Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Prayer, public witness of the church, and proclaiming God’s truth and grace.

Why are we here (in this sin fallen world)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:18-20

Why are we here (on the sidewalk outside an abortion clinic)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To love the captive soul and to preach the good news!
Romans 10:14-15

Leviticus 18:21; Matt. 5:17-19; Acts 2:37-41

Household Prayer 2/3/2021

Brothers, this week my heart and prayers are on purity. The normalizing of sexual immorality is no longer just in your face, but closer to becoming required so as not to be shunned or punished. This is based on conversations my wife has had with family…

So, pray over our children and our community that they would be pure and innocent in their lives. Pray for protection over their minds and souls. Pray for us and all the parents to take the challenge to instruct and disciple according to God’s standard regarding the hard topics of gender and deviant sexual lifestyles, and to do it in a joyful and loving way.

Pray also that we would be good witnesses. Loving the person, the captive soul, and yet willing to give a gentle answer of the truth, even if it means we will be “reviled.” And if you are reviled “for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.”

Read 1 Peter 3:8-22

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:14-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/59/1pe.3.14-16.esv

Prayer walk – March for Life Resources 1/29/2021

“The right to life is a good example of what legal historians refer to as an objective right: it is objective in the sense that it exists outside ourselves and is unalienable… The right to life imposes obligations: you must do everything in your power to preserve it.
#SlayingLeviathan https://canonpress.com/products/slaying-leviathan/

Friday January 29, 2021 from 12:00 to 12:30.

Planned Parenthood 2709 N Knoxville Ave, corner of Knoxville and Hanssler Place.

If you want to walk, meet at the Dobra’s. We start walking at 11:55. It’s four blocks to the planned parenthood.

Backup up plan in case of bad weather: meet at the Dobra’s and we will pray together.

Prayer, public witness of the church, and proclaiming God’s truth and grace. Also a good time for family instruction and discipleship!

WATCH THE MARCH FOR LIFE LIVE

Friday, January 29, 2021 LIVE 12 p.m. ET

Watch the March for Life Rally and LIVE coverage of the March for Life beginning at 12 p.m. ET. The Rally will include inspiring speeches from pro-life leaders, information on how to stay involved in the pro-life movement all year long, and a performance by Christian singer and songwriter Matthew West. After the Rally, join us for LIVE coverage of the March for Life, as a small group of pro-life leaders march in representation of pro-life Americans across the country. https://marchforlife.org/2021-virtual-events/

Family Research Council

FRC’s 16^th annual ProLifeCon will share strategies, resources, and stories of hope to equip you for digital pro-life activism. You will hear from successful pro-life activists and elected officials, as they discuss how they have shared the pro-life message through digital platforms and look ahead to opportunities in the new year.

Tune-in to the broadcast streaming on ProLifeCon.org at 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday, January 29, and on-demand any time thereafter.

Visit ProLifeCon.org to find resources including social media kits, the Top 10 Myths About Abortion, Pro-Life Maps, and more!

40 Days for Life

The March for Life is virtual this year, but you can still take a physical stand for life. You don’t even need to sign up. Just find a prayer partner and stand in peaceful vigil at the 40 Days for Life site nearest you this Friday, January 29.

Find your nearest vigil at 40daysforlife.com/location.
Note: I don’t think there is a local event, but I will be leading prayer walks.

Prayer, public witness of the church, and proclaiming God’s truth and grace.

Why are we here (in this sin fallen world)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:18-20

Why are we here (on the sidewalk outside an abortion clinic)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To love the captive soul and to preach the good news!
Romans 10:14-15

Leviticus 18:21; Matt. 5:17-19; Acts 2:37-41

Household Prayer 1/26/2021

Brothers, pray for the challenge guys camp this weekend. Pray that these young men would develop closer relationships with Jesus and each other. Relationships that transcend this world and life. Pray that the devotionals would instruct and encourage to have a kingdom impact.

Also pray for health in our community. Pray for healing for the sick.

I would encourage loving graceful response to members of our churches that may be concerned about the coming government education mandates. We need to band together to love and serve others if they feel the need to make new educational choices. Pray for the young souls that will be exposed to deviant messages. They need Jesus! Pray for the teachers that would have to make career choices, and those that celebrate deviant education of children. They need Jesus too! (In the competition for “wokest school system of all,” Illinois just might be the winner. https://www.frc.org/updatearticle/20210122/woke-broke)

Read Galatians 5:19-24

BE A FORCE FOR GOOD!

Good vs. Evil, Jedi vs. Darkside, Spirit vs Flesh… there is a battle of good and evil.

Evil, the darkside

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

Good, the Jedi

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24

The Battle

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:10-18

Practical application: Confronting the Mob

How would you respond if confronted by the mob demanding compliance and submission? [BLM Mob https://youtu.be/dSnTTND0UcM ]

The dark side, the mob

They may want justice, but their actions and the justice they demand are not biblical Godly actions and demands for justice. This example is full of…

Enmity: hatred or ill will.

Strife: bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension.

Jealousy: envious, hostile to those with perceived advantage.

Fits of anger…

The good, the Gospel

How should a disciple of Jesus Christ and witness to the Kingdom of God respond?

Love: Love them. Do not bend to the will of the wicked. Protect innocent life from violence. But understand that they are image bearers of God that have been taken captive by godlessness, so love them.

Peace and Self Control: Do not fear or be incited to anger or strife.

Faithfulness: Share God’s truth and grace with them.

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!””
Romans 10:14-15 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/rom.10.14-15.esv

What message are we sharing and bearing witness to?

Hear this! If you desire true reconciliation and justice.

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth, and we are not Him.

He created mankind, the one human race, in His image, male and female He created them.

God determines what is true, good, and just.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, we are liars, thieves, fornicators, adulterers, and blasphemers, and justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation.

Our sin has created division and racism.

But God is merciful and loving.

Jesus Christ is God the only begotten Son and He was punished and died upon the cross for our sins.

He was buried and three days later rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation.

We need only confess and repent of our sins, believe Jesus is lord and savior, and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after!

“The blood of Christ is sufficient to reconcile us. It is the only thing that can reconcile us. We are one in Christ.”
Dr. Voddie Baucham, Dean of theology at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia in “By What Standard? God’s World… God’s Rules”

Marx vs Spurgeon

“Karl Marx vs Charles Spurgeon: An Epic Struggle for the Souls of Men in 19th-Century London” by LARRY ALEX TAUNTON

“Karl Marx, an apostle of evil, and Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers,” were evangelists with messages that couldn’t have been more different—and they lived in the same city at the same time.” https://founders.org/2020/09/02/karl-marx-vs-charles-spurgeon-an-epic-struggle-for-the-souls-of-men-in-19th-century-london/

Do not miss this article! Excerpts below.

“It is extraordinary to me that both Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) lived and worked in the same city at the same time. Both were, in a sense, evangelists contending for the souls of men with their competing visions of humanity. Moreover, each was at the height of his powers at the same time as the other. While Marx was preaching salvation through bloody revolution, Spurgeon, on the other side of the city, was preaching salvation through the blood and grace of Jesus Christ…

“It would be wrong to say—as many preachers do—that addressing matters of politics falls outside of the purview of the clergy. Of no other sphere of life do they say it. Regardless, Spurgeon certainly didn’t agree with this sentiment. Christianity isn’t merely an accessory to a man’s life; it should define it. Thus, a man’s politics are simply the outward manifestation of the convictions of his heart. Socialism, Spurgeon knew, was much more than an economic or political question. It is a spiritualquestion, if only because it denies the very existence of the spiritual. It is, as I have written elsewhere, atheism masquerading as political philosophy…

“It is very likely that the preaching of Spurgeon, and others like him, prevented the violent Revolution in Britain that Marx sought. Ironically, that revolution would come in the unindustrialized Russia of 1917, when Vladimir Lenin would, at the cost of millions of lives, implement Marx’s unworkable ideas. That is in no small measure due to the fact that there was no viable church to critique the undeliverable promises of socialism…

Posted: 2020-09-03 | Updated/Reposted: 2020-01-22

Household Prayer 1/19/2021

Brothers, here are some thoughts from last Saturday’s prayer meeting to pray about this week.

Pray that we have our minds set on Christ and have peace in the Lord whatever may come. Christ is Lord of everything! He has purpose in everything. Pray for gravitas! Strong confidence in the Lord! “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.” Proverbs‬ ‭14:26‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/59/pro.14.26.esv

Pray that we would have eternity in mind as we instruct and disciple our children, preparing them for the future. Mindful that in God’s providence our children were born for this moment!

Pray for a strong finish to this semester, and pray for planning that has already begun for next year. Pray that we will have all the tutors and directors that we need.

And lastly, pray that we would develop deep discipleship relationships and that we would be merry and rejoice in the work of ministry God has given us. We will need one another and the community of the Church built on the truth of God to stand strong against the cultural currents of the world.

Be merry warriors! “God put dragons in the world so that we could fight them, and we should fight dragons with shouts of joy.” – Pastor Doug Wilson 2020 Fight, Laugh, Feast conference

Read Nehemiah 8:9-10

“And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.””
Nehemiah 8:9-10 ESV https://www.bible.com/59/neh.8.9-10.esv

What then shall we do?

““Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/jer.29.4.esv

Fear God more than man. Confess and Repent of any sin including complacency or apathy.

Build Godly Households!

Be builders and makers. Be ready to be holy, set apart and independent, from the pagan culture around you.

“Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.”
Jeremiah‬ ‭29:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/jer.29.5.esv

Be fruitful and leave a Godly legacy.

“Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.”
Jeremiah‬ ‭29:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/jer.29.6.esv

Instruct your children!

Prepare them to be the leaders, witnesses, disciple makers of the future!

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
Psalm‬ ‭127:3-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/psa.127.3-5.esv

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:6-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/deu.6.6-7.esv

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” ‭‭
Ephesians‬ ‭6:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/eph.6.4.esv

The Church that will survive in Babylon

The Church in Babylon: Heeding the Call to Be a Light in the Darkness by Erwin W. Lutzer
https://a.co/5yok0Rt

People, not buildings.
Community not crowds.
Training not just telling. True Jesus discipleship: “come follow me” Doing life and ministry together.
Prayer not programs.
Hard truths not just positive suggestions. (Acts 17:1-10, 1 Peter 4:14, 2 Tim. 3:12, Heb. 10:32-36)
Christ is head of the church! (Rev. 2:10)

“Go and make disciples!”

Christians must be about making disciples. It isn’t a debatable matter. Speak truth in love.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:19-20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/mat.28.19-20.esv

Reach the lost and equip the saints for the work of ministry. (Eph. 4:12)
The Gospel of the Kingdom must be proclaimed to the world. (Matt. 24:14)
Speak the truth in love. (Gal. 6:1, Eph. 4:11-15)
Study and proclaim the pure Gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-8), contend for the faith against false gospels. (Jude)
Focus on Jesus. Reenchant the world with God’s truth and grace. (Matt. 4:18-30, Matt. 5:11-16, Matt. 28:18-20)

Be joyful in the fight!

Our King has won! He is on His throne! We are His ambassadors in this fallen world. So rejoice! Even if it feels like we are losing some political or cultural battle, rejoice!

“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭19:6-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/rev.19.6-7.esv

Prayer, public witness of the church, and proclaiming God’s truth and grace.

Why are we here (in this sin fallen world)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:18-20

Why are we here (on the sidewalk outside an abortion clinic)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To love the captive soul and to preach the good news!
Romans 10:14-15

Leviticus 18:21; Matt. 5:17-19; Acts 2:37-41

Household Prayer 1/12/21

Hey brothers, this week as CC is back in 2nd semester let’s spend some time praying for our wives and all the homeschooling moms in our community. Pray that they never diminish the eternal kingdom building role they are playing. Pray that they have energy, peace, and wisdom. Encourage them with these words…

“If you are a mother, don’t ever say, “I am just a housewife, I’m just a mom.” As a mother, you are shaping and instructing the children God has entrusted to you. You are raising them to know and serve God. You are training the next generation of Christian leaders. Moreover, you have a ministry to other mothers… You have much more influence for Christ than you probably realize. If you make yourself available to him, you will be like Nehemiah, doing a great work.”

God, Help Me Rebuild My Broken World: Fortifying Your Faith in Difficult Times (Leading the Way Through the Bible) by Michael Youssef https://a.co/5zeZMyX

Prayer, public witness of the church, and proclaiming God’s truth and grace.

Why are we here (in this sin fallen world)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:18-20

Why are we here (on the sidewalk outside an abortion clinic)?
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace.
To love the captive soul and to preach the good news!
Romans 10:14-15

Leviticus 18:21; Matt. 5:17-19; Acts 2:37-41