Pre-Born Purpose

I have been reveling in the joyous truth of Jesus birth today; one of the most meaningful events in human history.  I was listening to Bill Randles speak about who the Maji were in Matthew 2 and he stated this truthful fact in his message. " The first person to recognize Jesus was an unborn child."
I keep reading Luke 1:44 where this fact is stated, "As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy."

The Saviour, still in the womb of Mary, was recognized by John the Baptist, in Elizabeth's womb. (*Note: Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins).  The pre-born babies both had a calling of service to the Lord, the connection between them was before birth and was shown through both their ministries after birth.

The dynamic of pre-born calling for God's service is throughout scripture and shows that God's plan for human kind is indeed inter- active, inter-relational and full of purpose.  King David was told that He was formed by God in his mother's womb (Psalms 71:6, Psalms 139:13). Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet from before birth (Jeremiah 1:5).  Sampsons' parents were told their son was to be a Nazarite (Judges 13:5,7) Jacob and Esau were to be fathers of great nations (Genesis 25:23).

Meditating on the fact God wants to bless humankind through His involvement in their lives which does take an obedient stance to what He has planned on the part of the individual is mind blowing to say the least. 

I told my daughter of this joy I was thinking upon as we sat and watched It's A Wonderful Life. I told her the Lord made it very clear to me when she was born how I was to make sure she knew Him. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 has been my parenting motto to live by. I told her this command given by God for all his people but specifically impressed upon us for her life shows how important she is to God. 

I find all this very rich with meaning. Alex chose to write a research paper on abortion and learned quit a bit about the subject. We have a friend who works for Pre-born, an agency that helps point toward adoption. She shares when a mother-to be makes the choice to bring life into the world instead of death  and we rejoice that another soul has a chance to glorify God. Reading the account of Jesus' birth and reflecting on the purpose of his life, to bring salvation to all, causes me to worship in wonder at such an amazing gift.

Listen to O Holy Night and Silent Night a few times and think upon the birth of Jesus this Holiday Season. Let the delight of the gift of life (physical and eternal) sink in your heart and praise God for giving you purpose.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Chandra

Leaven

Saying it like it is... the best method for delivering truth...

If your church leans on the teat of The Gospel Coalition it's time to start doing your research on that subject.

Below is a primer for your research:

Here is more detail on the error of The Gospel Coalition

When there is ERROR... you correct error with TRUTH... not a mix...

Mark my words (just like Brannon Howse). The Gospel Coalition's support of Calvanism (some even 7 point) and Socialism is NOT what the church should be feeding on. Yes, there are some well done articles on the site as well BUT a house divided against itself will fall (Matthew 12:25- Jesus' words). Calvanism and Socialism are nowhere to be found as systems in the Bible to follow.

The Gospel Coalition: The road to Babylon. A road you don't want to be on...

Books to Read on the issue in the American Church:

Marxianity by Brannon Howse

What Love is This? by David Hunt

2 Corinthians 2:11....

STRONG Post... I know...when the blinders are off, and the serum of truth is applied, it is strong. God cares enough so you won't go back to the trough of error.

When I speak the truth there always seems to be a consequence against me or my family. I wonder what that will be since I posted this... Speaking the truth in this day in age is tough! If anyone out there cares, I do ask for your prayers over my family!

Here is the reality of double talking...

Spot On:
"Failure at a crucial moment, may mar the entire outcome of a life." Charles Spurgeon....

Interesting quote when you find that Surgeon a self- proclaimed Calvanist struggled with some of the points, especially limited atonement. He even was called an Arminian after one if his sermons.
FACT: Calvanism causes contradiction. Systems of man cause problems folks.
FACT: Calvanism muddles the clear and plain text/meaning of the word of God.

When will men of God oust this non-biblical system from the church? It is human philosophy disguised as truth. Salvific heresy that positions itself in front of the true gospel. Purity and simplicity of the gospel is FREEING, Calvanism causes angst!


And another educational video for the research file:

Great Article:
Brannon Howse on John McArthur

Will You?

Will You?
Photo by Chandra Brown

Will you walk the path with me
Whether laden with flora or dry and bare?

It leads I know not where...

Cockscomb captivates with Tyrian purple
Gold crowned rudbeckia hold their heads high
Bellis perennis sway with the wind.

A welcomed diversion as we peregrinate forward...

Will we speak of God's hand in the spread set before us
lauding the creation of the divine?

Will you?

By Chandra Brown

The Tribulation

I have been studying the rapture for some time. I have come to the belief that the Pre-Trib position is false and the Intra Seal Rapture is closest to biblical exegesis.

Here are a few things I learned in my study over the past few years...

Immenency does not equal rapture

Blessed Hope does not equal rapture

Fellowship and unity with other believers abiding in Christ is key for comfort and support to prepare for and endure persecution.

The garments of salvation are a must. Check your salvation (Philippians 2:12)  If you are not wearing the garments you are toast. Rev. 3:4.  See to it that NO ONE misleads you. (Mark 13:5)

These words are important:

harpazo

anostasis

Episunagoge

Parousia

kleptos

Material to Read:

Harpazo, The Intra-Seal Rapture by Jacob Prasch

Shadows of the Beast (On the Anti-Christ) by Jacob Prasch

Video to Watch:

The Great Pre-Trib Rapture Deception by Joe Schimmel


My Prayer:

May we not be ignorant but prepared like the wise virgins. (Matthew25).
And abiding in Christ is the only way this can occur. (John 15 and 16).

NOTE: There is a difference in what the tribulation means and what God's wrath means.

VIDEO on that subject

VIDEO on clarification of terms...

I love ya Jacob...

Time

Where does it go?

Why does it fly?

Oh, how it bypasses me and 

leaves me high and dry.

I look at the calendar

The months, weeks and days,

all organized and numbered

with the intention to help plan our way.

Time plays catch-up

like a game in our life

a play against measured out days

as we try to win back hours, up against delays.

Time

A good construct

to keep life in check

it's the circumstances interfering

that cause havoc and stress.

pushing the construct to its' limit

with seconds to spare,

"I just need one more minute!"

 I frustratingly declare.

But time is a constant

a never bending device

to try and compile it is a futile exercise

to use what you've got,

now that is wise!

We like to play games that only trick us

pushing it forward 

and then back again

to manipulate, 

a game 

we can't win.

Time

A construct for man

to use within a lifespan.

Chandra Brown

(Poem is a work in progress... I ran out of time....HA HA HA!)

The Whole 'Council' of God

Yes, the word 'council' is meant to be used in the title of the post.

For anyone in leadership or of the 'council' in churches. The whole counsel of God can be tough to teach in the church age we live in.

Acts 20:27- FOR I DID NOT SHRINK BACK FROM YOU THE WHOLE WILL OF GOD. -Paul to the Ephesians. (CR- Jeremiah 26:2).

If anyone has ears to hear and truly cares about delivering balanced teaching of the Word of God. Jacob Prasch is one of the best teachers to sit under.

As teachers go, they have a very high calling and responsibility. Answering to God for the handling of His Word is a lofty weight to bare.

Just so it doesn't look like I put Jacob on a pedestal and promote him for ulterior purposes. Dave Hunt, David Hocking, Sandy Simpson are all great teachers to learn under as well.

Let's not underestimate the believers in the pews. Those that truly are founded on Jesus and in Jesus want to know the depths of God's word. A great deception in western church culture is eliminating eschatological study. The mainstream mind goes to 'boogey man' mentality of end times and prophecy teaching because of all the charlatans out there. It's time to eliminate that trap and delve into the whole counsel in Revelation, Thessalonians, Daniel etc.
If the church doesn't teach this, it is a travesty and a hole left in the equation of who Jesus is and what He promises to do. Yes, you will be met with views contrary to each other. (Especially in the realm of the 'rapture'.) this should not stop the teaching of God's word. I do think most teachers are afraid of this subject because the content is sobering and the truth of the matter can cause loss of attendance and financial support. If that is the case, priorities are wrong. The subject matter is for ALL and not just the upper echelons of leadership.


Prepping and Equipping the Saints does include looking for His return.

A good read


VIDEO

The Whole Council of God: Jacob Prasch

Update: David Hocking is out. He had an affair. 

It is amazing the once sound start of pastors who then end up in sin. The great apostasy is upon us.
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-10-09-me-790-story.html

They Call Me Abner

They Call Me Abner

I take a stroll down the lane

and saunter slowly back again

lounging lazily in the shade

I realize I have it made

What's that?...

I hear my name

Someone's calling from inside

I'll ignore it and just hide

The trees, the birds are in my view

the horizon is such a pretty hue

Well, it's getting late

and my tummy is empty

I think it's time I go inside and see

What kind of dinner is ready for me.

Stretch, yawn

I'm at the door,

It swings open, I look up!

My special someone scoops me up

and sighs

"Oh, It's my Abner!"

Participation Equation

I am glad to say, I think our family has found a decent church to attend and become more involved in.  It isn't Jacob Prasch or Devore Truth something I wish was here in Texas but the need for local fellowship has been met through this particular avenue. Wish casting set aside; as far as southern, reformed western churches go, it has balance in the Sunday messages and is gospel-centered. I hear the gospel every Sunday. That is glorious!

We are checking out the high school ministry and small group ministry to find relationships that sharpen, encourage and spur towards our goals as Jesus loving individuals.

It is a heart break for me to see the Women's ministry succumb to worldly influence. I can not participate in this arena because of this and my heart grieves. Not that I am perfect and arrived but when the Holy Spirit teaches you truth, you are held accountable and must obey. If anyone out there wonders why I can't participate it is due to the support of apostate teaching. The teaching lies in Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer centered learning tools. Read this link to discover where the error occurs and may eyes be opened to the deception.

One thing I'd like to put out there... this churches congregation has a high percentage of 'recovering' Catholics. Many of the congregation has come out of the deceptive, religious rituals and apostate nature of Catholicism. Contemplative practices supported and taught by Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer are part of that deceptive system.  We need to protect that portion coming out of religious deception by removing this error.

I also have to count the cost and realize this flies in the face of leadership and puts me in the 'watch out for her' category.  Ahh, the story of my life.  I will just stand outside and look in at this point and pray over the ministry leaders. That is all I can do.  I do pray God puts me where He wants me, to use me and to grow me.  I think He is doing that.

Truth and Grace... Truth and Love...

John 1:14
Participation Equation Principles to Live by...
Ephesians 4:15

GREAT LISTEN

ANOTHER GREAT LISTEN...(temporary online) Food for Thought

SIMPLE TRUTH

Saturnalia...Finis

Saturnalia, the lively Roman pagan celebration during the winter from which we derive many of our modern, Christmas traditions' has come to an end. Our family has made it out of 2018 a little worse for wear but intact and ready for a healthy 2019.

During our time of celebration, we binge watched history, art-history, art-tutorials, documentaries with a few film noir and classics splashed in the mix; not rambunctious enough for those die-hard Saturnalia festivities but we were entertained.

One such documentary was on King Herod's (The Great- 37 -4BC) reign, his life, his wicked character, his accomplishments as a great architect and his painful end. He lived during the times of Jesus and was appointed to his position by Agustus (Caius Julius Ceasar Octavianus 63 BCE-14CE.)

The documentary stated that the only place the evil deed of decreeing male babies under the age of two be killed after realizing he was duped by the Magi was in the gospel of Matthew, that no other source mentions it, therefore, this deed can not be attributed to Herod. My ears pricked up at this claim and sent me on a little research path.

Just to make it clear, I do this for fun, not to prove a point, I also am not a teacher and may have missed things. I already believe the Bible is inerrant and perfect, I don't need to question it but these exercises help my thinking and study skills. A Christian should be able to think in a well-rounded manner about all subjects. We are given a lifetime and oodles of material to try and perfect that habit!

Findings:

The Book of Matthew is a synoptic gospel. Synoptic meaning to afford a general view of a whole. Matthew, Mark and Luke are symbiotic and similar yet written by different men with different personalities and views, the three books are very similar with shared content. The book of John is different in its stylistic composition. I like to point out that Matthew hung out with Mark and John but most likely didn't meet Luke. The four gospel accounts are like a puzzle piece that fit together, unique with similarity, yet different but when looked at in larger context, fit together beautifully.  Mathew also wrote from first-hand experience, he was Jesus' disciple. A tax-collector who could understand more complex systems (finances and government) and the political environment, hence the reason why he discusses Herod more than the other books.

Fact: Matthew is the only gospel account with the mention of the decree to kill the male boys under two in Bethlehem.  Matthew 2:16.

Fact: The Matthew 2:16 scripture fulfills a prophecy from Jeremiah 31:15. Matthew takes the time to re-write the prophecy that was fulfilled down in his gospel. It relates to Rachel weeping over her children. Israel weeping for the death of their children.

• No one knows the exact number of babies killed. Often the number may be exaggerated to thousands. Bethlehem and the surrounding areas were small and the number may be less, regardless any number is tragic.

'Saturn Clause'
Photo by: Chandra Brown

Fact: Luke mentions the rule of Augustus and that he decreed a census should be taken while Quirinius was the Governor of Syria. The first Census was around 4-6 B.C. and displaced many people temporarily to their ancestral homes. Travel in those days took time... (*Syria is important). Luke 2:1-4. (Also fulfills a prophecy, Micah 5:2). Quirinius was probably involved in helping Augustus acquire territory and maintain the control. Judea was under full Roman control by 14 AD.

Scholars say Josephus, the secular, 'go to' historian of that time did not mention this evil act of Herod and Josephus wrote of Herod's atrocities in detail and liked to demonize Herod in his writing. They use this as a point to nullify Matthews account.
I'd like to point out Josephus didn't mention Nicolas of Damascus, a central figure and right hand man to Herod. Nicolas was important before and after King Herod's death and is no where to be found in Josephus' accounts of the death of Herod. Should I nullify Nicolas entirely as being at the death of Herod? Was Josephus in error to not put Nicolas in the account? The answer to both is NO. All historians have a personal view with discretion to add a detail or not. Josephus is still extremely credible. Matthew is too.

Fact:  Herod was a paranoid, evil man who acted against those he supposedly loved and did not love with murderous decrees. His view of humanity was consistent across the board. He killed all with no regard. On his death bed, his paranoia and pain drove his madness to order a collective assassination of the notables of Judea, they were held in Jericho's Hippodrome theatre and were ordered to be slaughtered as his death commenced in order to ensure there would be mourning in the city.  (Thank goodness they were spared by Salome and Alexas...)

• Herod's character and history support his maniacal behavior

Fact: Ambrosius Theodosius Macrobias (395-423), a pagan Roman scholar mentions in his book, Saturnalia, "When he [emperor Augustus] heard that among the boys in *Syria under two years old whom Herod, king of the Jews, had ordered killed, his own son was also killed, he said: it is better to be Herod's pig, than his son." 

• There are variations of this quote...Some say it was in reference to the Jewish aversion to pork
• Saturnalia was a fictional tale written to educate and discuss various subjects with the festival's theme in mind; frivolity, jest, protagonist - antagonist wrought dialogues. Could the quote in his book be tongue and cheek to teach truth? Macrobias was erudite but playful in the manner in which he tried to teach history, philosophy, rhetoric and grammer.
• I haven't read the book in entirety... I would need an educated opinion on the quote above.

Fact: History repeats itself

• Exodus 1:15 and Matthew 2:16 are parallels in the Bible.
• Powerful Egomaniacs tend to murder innocents (Pharoah and Herod)
• Herod is a foreshadow of the Antichrist. Study his life and you'll have a clue to what the Ant-Christ will be like.

Conclusion: Finis

My daughter asked a good question. Did Macrobias read the Bible to glean for his knowledge of writings? I do not know the answer but surmise since he was a devout pagan, he wouldn't have stated the above quote and given the Bible a nod. From what source was he gleaning from?

In any good research, fact finding mission, one tends to be left with more questions. That is good!

I have the Bible and I am fortunate to have the best source of truth at my fingertips. 

Resources:

Ambrosius Theodosius Macrobias
Augustus
Saturnalia Translated Quote
Saturnalia-Holiday
Characteristics of Saturnalia
Herod The Great
Josephus_Herod Death
Hippodrome
4th Century Christianity