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Thoughts, Opinions & Facts

Henry Drummond

God does take strange ways to start a man for heaven. The way home is sometimes shown him by an unexpected finger-post; and from a motive so unworthy that he dare not tell it in after-life, there comes to many a man his first impulse toward God. And long after he has begun to run the Christian race, God may try to hasten his lagging steps by the spur of a motive as far beneath an heir of heaven as his spiritual life is beneath what it ought to be.

There are versions of Christianity, which no self-respecting mind can do other than disown. Versions so hard, so narrow, so unreal, so super theological, that practical men can find in them neither outlet for their lives nor resting place for their thoughts. With these we have nothing to do. With these Christ had nothing to do ... except to oppose them with every word and act of His life. 

Spurgeon

How many there are who are rich in their own good works and cannot therefore come to Christ! "I will not be saved," they say, "in the same way as the harlot (prostitute), or swearer. "What go to heaven in the same way as them!" ... 

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 Reflections

Thought for the day 

Perfect Peace

Do not worry dear Christian friend, cast your anxieties, fears, concerns, doubts, and mysteries onto your heavenly Father and lose yourself in the beauty of His creation. Enjoy music, art, food and good company for He delights in His children's happiness. This is true worship, living in praise for all the good your Father in heaven has done for, and wants to do in you. Live in the presence of your Father then and do not worry, precious moments are lost through worry. 

Worry looks down, praise and faith looks up, up to the marvellous Creator and Father who created and fathers all; He is worthy of all admiration and beholding. When the soul is released in death, all the pain of the innocent is swallowed up in God. In heaven there is no evil and sickness is no more, our broken hearts and bodies are mended and His love heals all our wounds.

Imagine that you have completed your mission here on earth, and was just about to fall asleep and enter paradise. As you lay there, all the troubles of this unbelieving and deceived world wouldn't mean very much, they are completely out of your hands and there is nothing you can do. All you can do, is rest in the bosom off the heavenly Father safe with Him and trusting that He will take over from here. 

Christian Friend

The true story of 'A Lady Of The Night.'

For nearly five years a prostitute rented a flat over a shop owned by a Christian landlord. Despite criticism, he stubbornly allowed her to stay. His reasoning was it better she carried on her profession (which she was intent on doing) in a Christian environment, than on the streets surrounded by pimps, drug addicts and all the other potential dangers her profession attracted. 

Advice offered by a bible believing Rector in the Church of England who really loved the Lord helped strengthen the Landlord's conviction. "If you really believe this is what the Lord wants you to do, then you must carry on despite what's thrown at you." 

The classic words of C.S. Lewis also proved very significant: "What heaven desires and hell fears, is precisely that one step, out of our depth, out of our own control. In total dependence on the Lord." 

To the lady herself, sex with a client was little more than drinking a cup of tea and she considered it as no big deal. 

It could be said that despite it's apparent glamour to an outsider, the sex industry ultimately becomes just a job to many. A lucrative way to make large amounts of money.

The landlord admits he had to walk in faith. He dare not do otherwise. 

"The lady eventually gave her life to Christ." 

Escort Agency Advertisement! 

Many escorts use agencies. It is a fact of life. Whilst as a Christian one could hardly feel at ease with the business, the agency who's advertisement I have allowed is ethical as agencies go. Especially in this day and age. This particular agency,  ghanaescorts.com  has a real concern for the welfare of ladies enrolled with them. 

Sin is sin, we are not trying to excuse it. However, if despite this fact an escort decides to continue in her profession, it is surely a lesser evil that she is enrolled with an agency that despite it's function, holds to an ethical base and has a real concern for the escort

"For those who do not believe in a devil, try winning a prostitute to the Lord. See how attempts are made to "politely" dissuade you from the quest!" The Spirit that is in you, (the saved) is greater than the spirit that is in the world.

The child of God is not first a British or American subject. He is not a sanctified patriot, but one who's sympathies have broken all parochial bounds and who's aims beat in accordance with God's own heart. ... Oswald Chambers.

Selling the blue skies!

Many have lost confidence in some church ministers of this age. Whilst the majority of God's preachers truly love the Lord and are genuine in their outreach, the forces of evil, have succeeded in perpetrating the belief that most ministers are con men or women, and some are. I have heard statements by evangelical ministries on satellite television to the effect that tithing 10% of your income to the Lord, is just giving back God His due. But the "love gift" over the top of this will cause the Lord to "really" bless you! If He doesn't, presumably your heart is not right with God. The so called "Prosperity Gospel."

It is obvious that churches need money for their up keep. It is also obvious that great evangelical crusades and air time costs a fortune. To me, if one needs to ask for money, and does not our Lord know our needs, then just do it honestly and explain the reason. 

The Lord ALLOWS certain thing to happen, but the Lord does not necessarily APPROVE of all that happens. 

"I will not nullify the grace of God; if righteousness comes by law, (The ten commandments and various other laws that God gave to His people) then Christ died for nothing." ... Galatians 2:21 NEB  

Salvation is not exclusive

A body worker must want her life sorted out before anything can happen. For her to become saved, she must first realise she is lost! Sometimes adverse circumstances which at the time seem to hold no merit whatsoever, may be the spur to a person asking Jesus in to their own heart. Our Lord does not force Himself on any one, but He mercifully outstretches a welcoming hand to the sinner that sincerely seeks Him. 

When one truly and honestly asks Jesus into their life, conscience is sharpened and the Holy Spirit convicts, for our own good. Sometimes the newly saved experiences an immediate awareness of a change, sometimes it can happen much later. But on the strength of God's own word, saved is saved. However, it is at this point that 'well meaning' as well as 'dark' forces can take their toll on that individual. Many churches would put the new convert, washed clean by the shed blood of Christ, back under the law of Moses. 

Some Christians even subscribe to the "Saved But!" proviso. As if there is something we can add in our own strength, to what Christ has already done for us. You mustn't do this now you are saved! 

Some would even put grace itself under the law. The implication! Our Lord's death was not enough to cover all our sins. Or, He only covered them up to the time we are saved. To try to live a perfectly good sinless life in our own strength, is like throwing raw meat into a cage of half starved lions, it just can't be done. No matter how good our intentions, sooner or later we will sin. Even an evil thought will then condemn us. "If we could be saved by keeping the law, then Christ died needlessly." The only way salvation could be lost is by falling away from the faith, and rejecting the Saviour.

The Holy Spirit our Comforter and Help.

The way the Holy Spirits works in a saved individuals life, is right for that individual. The saved body worker can ignore the prodding's of conscience she may be experiencing. If it is God inspired, she will never feel completely at ease until she passes through the open door that leads her to a new life. When one door closes, another opens. Jesus is now at the helm. 

It may not always be an easy life, but it will be a life with purpose and meaning. She would not exchange it for anything this world can offer. She may lapse again into sin,  but she will know our Lord's love is unconditional. He will wait with open arms for her return to Him. He died for her just as surely as He died for us. His love is real. 

Masturbation

For the sexually frustrated, is artificial masturbation the answer to sexual relief with it's imaginary fantasies? Jesus said that he who looks on a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart? Fantasizing must fall in to the same category. It must surely follow that the Christian that masturbates, whilst he may think it the lesser evil, is as guilty of sin as the man that commits adultery in actuality.

Prostitution  

Common Sense

On a secular level, it could be argued that a prostitute is providing a much needed service. How many men for one reason or another have found relief from intense frustration at the hands of a prostitute? 

How many men have a strong, God given sexual drive? (lets be honest) This, unchecked, could lead them in to real frustration and potentially be a danger to others. Relief obtained by enlisting the services of a prostitute has perhaps averted many rapes? 

Even St. Paul says of marriage that the couple should 'come together' lest they be tempted of the devil.' Unfortunately, he does not follow through and state what should be done if that is no longer possible for whatever reason. 

1Corinthians 7 : 9 Amplified Bible

"But if they have not self-control (restraint of their passions), they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame (with passion and tortured continually with ungratified desire)" 

Escort/Prostitute? Biblical References

Tamar, Rahab, Ahollah, Aholibah, The Book of Hoseah, Proverbs, Mary Magdalene alleged prostitute - and more.

Please don't confuse actual references to a person who is a harlot, with Israel 'playing the harlot' by going after other gods. A picturesque description of such an happening can be found in: Ezekiel  Chapter 23 Samaria = Aholah  ... Jerusalem = Aholibah.

Propagation 

Scripture makes it clear that a husband and wife should come together. 

Being the greatest of all intelligence, God was obviously aware that despite the fact sex is a culmination of the love a couple share and used in that context it cannot be improved upon, it would also be used promiscuously.

 The Ideal

The virgin bride and the innocent groom is the ideal. The couple madly in love with each other marry & consummate their relationship.

But whether or not a couple have always lead a chaste existence, they may still be blessed with their own miracle of creation. Is the extremely complex mechanism to produce a child, shear random chance in a time plus chance plus change universe? Or the end result of the Master Architect's planned design? 

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Proverbs

Some years ago I was studying proverbs 5, 6 and 7. Late at night which was my custom. I was contending with our Lord that if one were to (As Solomon states) 'avoid the very scenes of temptation,' how could one in fact establish contact with a 'Lady of the night?' In order to witness to her. (that may seem over simplistic now) 

Without receiving a direct answer, a reference to a particular scripture at the side of a verse, took on a particular significance. Although having read the verses many times before, in addition to the rest of the relevant proverbs which had experientially proved so true, I had not paid any attention to this particular note. 

It referred to a passage in Nehemiah. On checking it out I found: "For did not Solomon himself fall on account of such women." Solomon, the supposed author of the passages I had been reading. The Solomon who's warnings were so grave. The same Solomon which the Lord gave a special gift of wisdom to. The Solomon who stated learned by actual and costly experience. Coincidence? 

I remember feeling, yes, the Lord does have a sense of humour. Even Solomon himself fell on account of such women. It somehow gave me the assurance that provided the underlying motive is right, (and that's not always an easy thing to have) then get on with your witness. 

The Church and Sex

For generations the church has been guilty of frowning on things of a sexual nature. In fact in some, sex was almost regarded as a sin even amongst married people. Certainly not the thing you talk about in polite company. Sex is one of the strongest urges we have. Did this urge happen by itself, by chance? Of course not, it was God given. Like most things, it is open to abuse and misuse. 

How many have prayed for release from a particular fleshly lust? Yet have found the desire still there. How many have gone in to a self condemnation trip because they cannot help themselves from continually thinking about sex. 

Many Christians have truly experienced that wonderful spiritual realm where sex itself, like anything else for that matter, does not count for anything in comparison. An uplifting by the Holy Spirit that brings to naught the most happy secular times. Whilst providing wonderful blessing at the time, the experiences do usually fade. At times we are to push on in faith. If we constantly feel the high of dynamic Spiritual blessings, then little faith is needed to go on. I don't need faith to tell me I am sitting on a chair, I know I am. 

The Bible Lives!

Our Lord communicated truth about His character in Scripture. However, He did not communicate it exhaustively. He has made us completely free with minds to think and judgements to make, our selves. The conscience therefore "argues the case on either side."

There is little doubt that some scriptures seem particularly relevant to a Christians circumstances at a given time. They suddenly become very alive and enlighten one in ways that no other book is capable of.

How many Christians have found the Bible to be a dry text book? On becoming 'born again' it suddenly takes on a life of it's own. Now enlightened by the Holy Spirit the Bible becomes compulsive reading. Not because it is the thing for a Christian to do, but because one thirsts for it's wisdom. Many Christian authors have provided us with excellent literature. But the Bible stands alone in superiority. Dry Book? Get saved and "Try Again."

Jesus paid the price for sin. Because of that we who gratefully accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, are seen as holy and righteous because He is Holy & Righteous. He took our sins on himself and died in agony for them. We are washed clean because of Jesus. What a Saviour. 

Compromising Church

There are churches with a 'cheap all embracing grace' view of scripture. There are those that believe scripture but do not consider it as being applicable to them today. With their 'this is not really true, it was just written to make a point,' attitude, some churches can cause the sincere seeker of truth to question which parts of the Bible are actually true, and which are purely superstition. Consequently, scripture that does not convict one personally is OK, scriptures that may well make us think, belong to the 'written to make a point category.'

 Different Teachings 

There are as many interpretations of the word of God, as there are churches. Different schools of thought will emphasize different points. The Anglo Catholic wing of the Church of England, has it's emphasis on Baptism. The Evangelical wing! Emphasis on Salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and being "born again." What both schools of thought have in common, salvation is through the shed blood of Christ alone.

Without getting bogged down by theological dogma, we just spread the Good News (Gospel) of Christ. The simplicity of salvation. How far scriptural knowledge is pursued then, is up to the individual. What changes are made, if any, to a life, is between the individual, his or her conviction by the Holy Spirit, and our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. 

God, the creator of everything there is, is not bound by human limitations.

It is said the Lord works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. Certainly, no matter how one might try to reason out every possibility that could arise given a particular circumstance, invariably when our Lord is at work what actually happens is often contrary to our expectations. So often we expect God to work in the way we, as mere mortals expect Him to work. How often we fail to acknowledge just how great God is. How often do we underestimate His great power and apply our human limitations to just what He can do. How often do things work out in ways we could never have envisaged. Is your God too small? 

I am often amazed at arguments by Christians who try to explain away the virgin birth. To me, such a miracle is as nothing to the creator of everything there is. So powerful is God. 

If the Spirit makes you free, you are free indeed.

The Bible is true. Sin is indeed sin and cannot be just explained away as if it is not important. After salvation our conscience is sharpened. The Holy Spirit which we have received does convict, but always in love, never anger. My own experience after asking Jesus in to my life was such that a passion that was hitherto my prime interest, suddenly took on no importance. 

By way of a series of mini miracles, no other description could accurately describe them, Jesus became the be all. and end all of my whole life. But even knowing Him as Lord and Saviour, experiencing a shot in the arm through an added infilling (baptism) of the Holy Spirit, experiencing the gift of tongues, and being convinced without doubt of His reality in my life, there were times when I deliberately, and knowingly chose sin instead of doing right. 

The Big Ten

Not at that time aware of the difference between old testament "law" &  New testament "grace," (how many Christians really understand the difference?) I was still living in bondage to 'the law.' This made me an easy prey for the forces that delight in causing misery by getting one on a guilt trip. 

It is at such a time, the saved Christian really needs to know his salvation is NOT IN DOUBT. The Holy Spirit will convict a Christian of sin, often through conscience. When we sincerely confess our sins, we are forgiven them on the strength of God's word. 

We may feel unclean still, but when we confess our sins "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." Our salvation has been paid for already by our Lord Jesus. It is not in doubt. It is not dependent on confessing all our individual sins either. Can you remember every single thing you have done wrong? I know I can't. By confessing our sin's, our fellowship with our Lord is restored. He has never stopped loving us, but we have separated our self from Him. 

Guilt Trip

If a Christian allows himself to get on a guilt trip, this will invariably cause alienation. How can one truly love God if you are constantly thinking He is holding something against you? I have said it so many times, Jesus paid the price for ALL our sins and they were future tense from the time He died for us. It is essential we know and believe this. 

Once we get on a satanically inspired guilt trip we are rendered ineffective in our witness. We start looking to ourselves and our own shortcomings instead of looking to Jesus and praising Him for what He has done for us. Guilt is a killer. We are not saved by our works, but because we have accepted Jesus Christ AS OUR SAVIOUR! We are seen as Righteous and Holy because Jesus is Righteous and Holy. He took our sins on Himself. No matter what we do, we cannot improve on that.

A book by Hal Lindsey opened my eyes to the true meaning of grace. Seeming too good to be true and being naturally sceptical, I researched his claims on grace by exploring a great deal of other Christian literature. Not only did Hal Lindsey's teaching make sense, my hitherto somewhat joyless Christianity, suddenly became alive. I owe a lot to that book. The Lord had set me free. How can one not love such a Saviour? 

What are we to say, then? Shall we persist in sin, so that there may be all the more grace?

 No, no! We died to sin: how can we live in it any longer? ... Romans 6: 1NEB

  "We Love Him because He first loved us."

And what of secular man? An unsubstantiated belief in 'Evolution.' No God. No Creator. Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. We don't answer to any body. Look after number one. So what! Nothing really matters. You only live once. 

The Bible says ... "And after death, the Judgement!" ... "Depart from me you cursed into the lake of everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Get Saved

Sex Workers

Prostitutes, sex workers. Jesus Loves You! Welcome to our church. 

"Sin never sends anyone to hell, but rejecting God's provision for our sin, Jesus, will."

 We do not condone sin. Neither do we judge the sinner. Neither should any truly Born Again Christian, for he/she was just as lost before coming to the truth. We are all sinners. 

It's like an exam, if the pass mark is 90 and someone gets 89, that person has failed. Just as much as the person who only gets 5. It makes no difference.

But when it pleased God . . . to reveal His Son in me . . ." Galatians 1:15-16

The call of God is not a call to any particular service; my interpretation of it may be because contact with the nature of God has made me realize what I would like to do for Him. The call of God is essentially expressive of His nature; service is the outcome of what is fitted to my nature. The vocation of the natural life is stated by the apostle Paul - "When it pleased God to reveal His Son in me that I might preach Him" (i.e., sacramentally express ) "among the Gentiles."

Service is the overflow of super abounding devotion; but, profoundly speaking, there is no call  to that, it is my own little actual bit and is the echo of my identification with the nature of God. Service is the natural part of my life. God gets me into a relationship with Himself whereby I understand His call, then I do things out of sheer love for Him on my own account. To serve God is the deliberate love-gift of a nature that has heard the call of God. Service is expressive of that which is fitted to my nature: God's call is expressive of His nature; consequently when I receive His nature and hear His call, the voice of the Divine nature sounds in both and the two work together. The Son of God reveals Himself in me, and I serve Him in the ordinary ways of life out of devotion to Him. 

Additions

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