Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. Editorial Comments unless otherwise specified are by Philip L. Powell (plp).
To comment go to –http://www.christian-witness.org/blog/Find the thread (topic) and make your comment at the end of that thread:
Dear Brother in Christ - I just finished reading your essay, 'A Different Movement with the Same Name' on what has happened in the AOG over the years. [see http://www.christian-witness.org/blog/?p=24] Renee and I were married at Mt. Gravatt AOG in January 1973, by Reginald Klimionock, then pastor. We moved to Africa shortly after that and I lost contact with the congregation. However a few years ago I heard that Klimionok had moved to TX, USA, where I then lived. I called him on the phone several times. He did not want to talk with me and I really did not know why. It turned out that Mr. Klimionok had to leave Australia because of some kind of financial scandal and he moved to the US where financial scandals are common. A number of folks we once knew have fallen into this strange worship of avarice and I grieve for them. After reading your article I forwarded the link to several believers who have had difficulties with some of what has been touted as REVIVAL in our day. We have lived in Kentucky since 1978 and we attended several AOG congregations since then, but I discovered that something was not right. I sought the Lord carefully by the Word of God and over the last 30 years I have watched with great concern the direction many in the AOG have gone. Today in Somerset KY the AOG has turned completely to something I cannot recognize.
What your essay did for me was confirm that I am not alone in seeing what is happening. As shocking as it is, I KNOW where it is coming from. We have been delivered from even being close to it. The Scripture is being fulfilled and I truly believe that we may be living in the last of the LAST days. Some who should know better are being deceived, some who I thought were among the elect. You have provided some assurance and confirmation that I have not read more into it than it is. I praise the Lord for you.Raymond - USAFor the unabridged blog by Raymond go to
http://www.christian-witness.org/blog/?p=24
Other interesting posts may be viewed at the following:http://www.christian-witness.org/blog/?p=21#commentshttp://www.christian-witness.org/blog/?p=15#comments
To subscribe go to –http://www.christian-witness.org/joinsearch.htmlAnd follow the prompts:
Justin Peters Exposes Word of Faith Preachers
Just what we need! Another “Christian” bagging other “Christians”... CP – AustraliaEd – Dear CP - These people actually "bag" themselves by their corrupt activity. We have a recording of Benny Hinn on TV telling his audience of millions that he will set up a trust fund for a severely handicapped boy of 8 or 9. Three years later the boy's father in an interview said they received nothing. Benny Hinn says, "Well we only received $300." Even if that were true, which is very doubtful, the $300 at that time had not been given. These men are liars and frauds. Call them Christians if you will, but I don't.
Acts 20: 26-32:
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Be watchful - God bless you- plp.
For some time now I have been reading CETF magazine with great interest. My father-in-law hands them to me after he has read them himself. I was saved in 1980 in an AoG fellowship, but over the years I have noticed a subtle shift from holiness and separation from the world to an embracing and allowing the world to influence the church, especially in the field of music and motivational messages as opposed to the inspired word of God. While this is nothing new, it still leaves the question of where can I fellowship without all the “hooha hulla baloo” and hype that comes with the false doctrine and manmade satanically inspired mayhem that pervades a lot of “churches”. I believe I have found a fellowship with sound doctrine, Godly worshipful music, loving caring Spirit led people, a local Gospel Chapel. Finally I once again have become excited about attending meetings again on Sunday and midweek Bible study. Thank you for the articles and letters in your magazine which I believe God has used to lead me to this decision. Could you please send your magazine to my home address. KM – Sunshine Coast, QLD.
Ed: We added KM to our database to receive free hard copies of CETF and will gladly add anyone in Australia, New Zealand and UK on a similar basis. Elsewhere we do ask for a donation to cover print and postage costs.Justin Peters' 2009 Tour went very well. He has indicated his desire to return “down- under” August-September, 2010. He may also participate in our CWM Conference - September 5 -11, 2010. Contact CWM if you are interested in a visit from Justin
Hello, I signed up to an annual subscription two or three years ago and to my knowledge have not received a subsequent annual invoice (other than the first). While there are aspects of your material with which I have not agreed, overall I have a deep conviction that you are on the money with the state of the church etc. I share your passion and concerns and now attend a local Brethren church that is so 'Word' based and it is fantastic. No ear tickling going on there…
So bless you for your ministry and can you please ensure I receive an annual invoice for the magazine. One day I also hope to attend your annual conference. CL – New Zealand
Ed – Our policy is to issue a Voluntary Subscription Invoice in September. Payment is NOT obligatory but it sure helps. We are always scraping the bottom of the financial barrel. For example this particular printing and mailing for Australia alone will be close to $10,000 (+ or -) – printing and post of CETF and the annual Resource Catalogue. Mailing and printing costs in New Zealand and UK are additional.]
Unsubscribed “These things I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17. Please, please, please start following God's command. In the meantime, I have unsubscribed. Sadly, Liz, Australia.
[Ed – Why are some people blind in one eye? Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?(Galatians 4:16).
Hi Philip - thank you for your April update. Having lived in Brisbane in the past and knowin a bit of history I am absolutely horrified with the article on Brian [and Bobby] Houston becoming senior pastors at Garden City, even more shocked watching the video. We certainly are living in end days and even though it is terrifying to see what is going on in churches, we can yet be excited that our Lord's return is so near. Blessings and shalom – http://pure-heartbeat-music- ministrie.gotfamiliesonline.com/
Witches Claim Religious Discrimination
Sandra Davis - High Priestess at the Crystal Cauldron - had reserved Our Lady's Social Club in Shaw Heath, Stockport for her Pagan group's Annual Witches' Ball. But when she rang to make payment arrangements she was told the event could not be held there. The Diocese of Shrewsbury have since confirmed witches are not 'compatible with the Catholic ethos'. Sandra set up the Crystal Cauldron as a pagan meeting place and hopes to turn it into a temple. This year's ball was planned for October. Revd John Joyce, from the Diocese of Shrewsbury, said there was no way the event could go ahead: "Parish centres under our auspices let their premises on the understanding users and their organisations are compatible with the ethos and teachings of the Catholic church," he said. "In this instance, we aren't satisfied such requirements are met."Apostasy Alert; Editor: Mike Claydon
NAB creates interest-free Muslim loan
Australian Muslims will be able to apply for interest-free loans, from one of the country's big-four banks. The National Australia Bank is trialling the scheme, which it believes will be particularly popular in high-density Muslim areas. The interest- free loans of up to a thousand dollars are designed to comply with Sharia law. The bank aims to structure an Islam-approved line of finance, and will recoup its profit from alternative methods.
Ed – So how does it work and will non- Muslims be discriminated against? Our advice is: the bank enters into a contract with the Moslem customer such that the bank owns the property until the customer has repaid the original loan, plus the rent for the period till the repayment is complete. When the loan is repaid the bank then gives the property to the customer. The banks still get the money, so the only purpose is to accommodate Muslims. Would they make similar concessions to "foreigners" in their Islam controlled countries?
In March 2009 media global warming groupies reported what was billed to be "the largest ever demonstration for civil disobedience over climate change". There was talk of hundreds of thousands of protestors converging on Washington to hear Jim Hansen, the scientist talk about "factories of death", and call yet again for all coal plants to be closed. The event was blanketed in nearly a foot of snow resulting in a forlorn group of a few hundred hippies showing. Yet Al Gore and others like him still soldier on reaping financial rewards from their cons. Meanwhile US climate sceptics such as those on the Watts Up With That website, for whom the predictions of the UK Met Office have become a regular source of amusement, recalled its forecast that 2007 would be "the warmest year on record globally", just before global temperatures dived by nearly a full degree Celsius, cancelling out the entire net warming of the past 100 years. Ever wilder Lord Drayson UK Science Minister was "shocked" to find how many of the captains of industry he meets are "climate deniers"....Meanwhile at the University of the West of England in Bristol, a conference of "eco-psychologists", led by a professor, are solemnly exploring the notion that "climate change denial" should be classified as a form of "mental disorder". (Booker, London Daily Telegraph Online, 6:06PM, 07 Mar 2009).
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In an effort to block posthumous rebaptisms by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Catholic dioceses throughout the world have been directed by the Vatican not to give information in parish registers to the Mormons' Genealogical Society of Utah. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/08024 43.htm
Bishop Earl Paulk dies March 30, 2009
Dogged by verifiable accusations of sexual abuse of women mega-church leader Earl Paulk now faces the reality test of the Judgment of Almighty God. We wonder how our own so called Bishop Harry Westcott now views things. Years ago we informed Harry of his bad associations but he wouldn't listen. You read the story now in the religious media - http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23375/earl-paul- dead
Victoria Baptists Downgrade
Dr. Keith Dyer (Professor of New Testament at the Whitley Baptist College recently said: "Christians concerned for public morality surely should support the efforts of all 'homosexuals' to gain State recognition for their committed relationships, so that they have full rights before the law, including adoption where appropriate" ..."I simply wish to argue in support of those local congregations that are both welcoming and affirming of faithful Christian homosexuals.” The Baptist Union of Victoria confirmed OPENLY that they unanimously agree with his views and re-elected Keith Dyer as Professor of New Testament (to teach the new pastors) for another 5 years.
http://mentonebaptistchurch.blogspot.com/2009/06/v ictorian-baptist-assembly-may-2009_8134.htmlhttp://mentonebaptistchurch.blogspot.com/
