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Today I will give a review of Heaven is for Real – A Little Boys Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back. I went to a local Christian book store called CUM Books stores here in South Africa to find hundreds of copies of this book stacked under the ‘Best Selling’ section. I picked one up and thought to myself, “Satan’s smart, he is now using little kids to sell his story.”
To give a brief summary of the story, little Colton aged 4, complains of stomach pains and runs a high fever. His parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo take him to a hospital where the doctor fails to diagnose the problem. The little boy is now deteriorating to such an extent that they remove him out of the hospital and take him to another one where he is diagnosed for a burst appendix. Rushed into surgery, little Colton while on the surgery table experiences something many people never do. He apparently goes to Heaven and meets Jesus. After he is home he starts to recount his story to his parents, as best as a 4 year old can, of his trip to Heaven and back.
There have been many books written by many people on their supposed trips of Heaven where they meet a ‘Jesus’ type person. One being Choo Thomas’ “Heaven is so Real” and then Don Piper’s “90 Minutes in Heaven”, who just happens to endorse Heaven is For Real. In the front of the book on the ‘Praise for Heaven is For Real’ pages, there are praises from 12 different people telling you why you should by this book, all reasoning as to why Colton’s story is just as good as that of the bible, and why you should “allow a little child to lead you.” – Don Piper, Speaker and Author, 90 Minutes in Heaven
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: Heaven is For Real – This Story is Not THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
Great Disasters Predicted for 2012: How Real is the Danger?
Prof. Johan Malan, Mossel Bay, South Africa (January 2012) www.bibleguidance.co.za
Frightening expectations of unprecedented natural disasters and apocalyptic judgements that would strike the world in 2011 had been stirred up in different quarters, but nothing happened! We are now in 2012, and for this year even more prophecies of doom alluding to the destruction or near-destruction of all life on earth have been uttered.
As far as 2011 is concerned, there were the predictions of Harold Camping of Family Radio in California that the rapture of believers would occur on 21st May 2011, followed by five months of divine judgements, up to 21st October 2011, during which virtually all life on earth would have been exterminated. Camping wrote a book titled, The Doomsday Code.
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: Great Disasters Predicted for 2012: How Real is the Danger? THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
Beer and Wine: The Bible’s Counsel
By William H. Shea, Associate Director, Biblical Research Institute
Doesn’t the Bible refer in a number of places to wine and strong drink? Don’t we quite often find people drinking alcohol in the Bible? Can’t we assume, then, that Scripture generally does not condemn drinking alcoholic liquor?
It’s true that we often find people drinking alcohol in the Bible and that Scripture speaks of alcoholic beverages, but we need to be careful not to read too much into a superficial look at such texts. When our English Old Testaments refer to alcohol, they generally use the words wine or strong drink. So any examination of the Old Testament’s attitude toward alcohol must take into account the different Hebrew words translated into these two English terms.
The term strong drink presents no major translation problems because only one Hebrew word, shekar, lies behind it. But even so, the translation strong drink is more general than it ought to be. Modern readers may well think of strong drink as distilled liquor. But that is not what the Bible means by the term shekar….
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: Drinking Beer and Wine: The Bible’s Counsel THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
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Where is the U.S. in Bible Prophecy?
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China said Wednesday it would avoid “invasion, expansion or war” — but not at the expense of its claims on Taiwan — as it seeks to dispel fears over its military build-up and territorial assertiveness. Washington and China’s neighbours have expressed rising concerns about Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea, military spending and new high-tech equipment that includes an aircraft carrier that trialled last month. Introducing a white paper on China’s “peaceful” development plans, Wang Yajun, head of the Central Foreign Affairs Office — which advises the top leadership — reiterated the “defensive” nature of China’s defence policy. |
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: Prophecy News – 10 September 2011 THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
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What does God think of us?
by Tom Lessing - www.1joh4.wordpress.com
About sixteen years ago Coetzee Zietsman, one of the cameramen of the series, “What does God think of us?”on SABC2, produced a similar program for SABC TV. It was probably one of the most shocking programs ever to hit the TV airwaves in South Africa. It showed in graphical detail how South African sangomas (witchdoctors) are initiated into the occult practice of communicating with their dead ancestors. One of the methods used to appease the ancestral spirits and to determine whether they approve of the candidates who have been chosen to become sangomas is the following:
The candidate is told to lie on the ground, usually on her left side opposite a goat which is lain down in a similar position on its right side. Both are covered with a single animal skin that serves as a blanket. The focal point in the ceremony is the goat because it allegedly functions as a medium through which the ancestral spirits communicate their wishes. The candidate must then simulate sex with the goat. If the goat reacts in a positive way, so to speak, it is a sign that the ancestors are pleased with the candidate and that she may proceed to the next part of the ceremony. The goat’s jugular vein is then slit and while a gush of blood spurts out freely the candidate puts her mouth to the gaping wound and starts to drink the blood. Sometimes the blood is caught up in a beaker for her to drink.
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: ‘WHAT DOES GOD THINK OF US?’ – Broadcasts on SABC2 @ 8:30am Presented by Theo Geyser THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
Houses Built on Sand
Prof. Johan Malan, Mossel Bay, South Africa (August 2011) – www.bibleguidance.co.za
A house built on sand is a house without a proper foundation – it is bound to collapse when it is battered by heavy storms, despite its solid appearance above the ground. The same principle applies to individuals and nations: without a sound spiritual and moral foundation they are heading for disaster when afflicted by the storms of life (cf. Matt. 7:24-27). Jesus Christ is the only true foundation that offers lasting stability against all the storms which are incessantly unleashed from an evil world: “For no other foundation can anyoAne lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11).
The unpleasant fact about our present situation is that, despite a small minority of evangelical Christians, we are essentially living in a post-Christian world which has rejected the only true foundation. Politicians are the architects of a nation’s ideological foundation and they, as well as the electorate who agree with them and have elected them to positions of authority, must take the responsibility when things go horribly wrong. Everywhere in the world problems are rapidly mounting and they sure spell disaster. We already find ourselves in a situation in which most countries are heading for a major collapse in all spheres of public life – political, social, economic, moral, as well as religious. The signs of a dramatic breakdown are there for all to see.
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: A World Collapsing THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
The Third Intifada
Prof. Johan Malan, Mossel Bay, South Africa (April 2011) www.bibleguidance.co.za
The widening circle of Arab uprisings in the Middle East is a cause of great concern to Christians, Jews, and all people who prefer peaceful solutions to violent struggles in settling political, religious and other disputes. The situation is rapidly deteriorating as the revolutions spread from one country to another, everywhere aimed at bringing down the local government and replacing it with an “Islamic people’s government”. The circle of violence is closing in on Israel and the scene is already set for a “Third Intifada” by the Palestinians and their millions of militant supporters in neighbouring Muslim countries.
Although the securing of human rights is offered as an excuse for the present uprisings, there is clearly a very strong Islamic motivation for the revolts. Islamic jihads (so-called ‘holy wars’) became an ever increasing phenomenon in modern times after the restoration of Israel in 1948. By the early 1980s Islamic revolutions were already so firmly established that Prof. E. Gellner wrote in his book, Muslim Society, (1983): “It is evident that Islam enjoys the biggest political support of all the world’s religions during the 20th century… It is able to generate intense revolutionary fervour and to combine with extreme radicalism. As a means for political mobilisation Islam has surpassed Marxism, as well as all other religions.”
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: The Third Intifada THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
 Hillsong - Kingdom Now Theology
Not a Kingdom Now
Prof. Johan Malan, Mossel Bay, South Africa (April 2011) www.bibleguidance.co.za
It is of the greatest importance that Christians should expect a future kingdom – not a kingdom now, during the church dispensation. One of the very serious forms of deception, which the Christian church worldwide is exposed to, emanates from wrongly interpreted promises and commands that we should establish a visible kingdom here and now. An orientation of this nature is the breeding-ground for spiritual deception since it offers Satan’s alternate kingdom the opportunity of holding out to believers something else than that which the Bible promises us for the present dispensation: a different faith, a different way of life, a different status, a different world, and ultimately a different Christ and a different kingdom.
Kingdom now theology, also referred to as kingdom theology or dominionism, is founded upon a large number of false premises. It deviates from the pure doctrine of the Bible in a number of ways. The following 20 characteristics of our present position in the world refute a kingdom orientation for the church dispensation:
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: Yes, a Future Kingdom, but Not a Kingdom Now THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
The Biblical Scenario for the End-time
Prof. Johan Malan, Mossel Bay, South Africa (March 2011)
The Bible contains a wealth of information on the end-time, and particularly on conditions in the Middle East. The restoration of Israel in their God-given land is an important theme in the Bible. The hostility which they experience from neighbouring nations (specifically the Arab nations) is discussed in detail in the Bible. It is even indicated that at a certain stage Israel will be besieged by a global force. According to the Bible, Israel and Jerusalem are not only the focal points for Christ’s end-time world government, but at an earlier stage also for that of the Antichrist, who will be followed and worshipped by all nations (Rev. 13:3-4,7). Big wars are prophesied for this time, also major natural disasters (Matt. 24:6-7). Serious religious deception and a virulent campaign of hatred against Jews and Christians will occur, which will strongly manifest in the Middle East (Matt. 24:4-5, 23-27; Zech. 12:2-3).
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: ‘Democratic Turmoil’ in the Arab World (Part 3) THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
Rick Warren considered a Dhimmi By The Muslim Brotherhood
Rick Warren spoke at the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) national conference
Islam –The 2009 Islamic Society Convention
Based in Plainfield, [Illinois -- not Indiana, as In Plain Site say], the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is an umbrella organization for Muslim groups across the country. The annual convention, now in its 46th year, regularly draws more than 30,000 people for lectures, prayer and socializing.
On Saturday, July 4th 2009 attendees of the 46th annual convention, with the Theme of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, were addressed by Rick Warren of Saddleback church who told them that “the two largest faiths on the planet must work together to combat stereotypes and solve global problems”, and “Some problems are so big you have to team tackle them,”
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: Rick Warren – Islam’s Useful Idiot, a Dhimmi or Both? THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
Suffice in Correction
Is there a logical reason for HARDSHIPS in the presence of a LOVING GOD?
Job 2:10 …….What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?……..
The Last Days and The Last Day.
Before we do get to the topic on suffering, there is one more stumbling block to overcome and that is question regarding the last days. I was also one of those, whose will too listen to Biblical truths was somewhat cooled off, when looking at the last days and trying to establish meaning pertaining to the significance of the last days. Everyone always said and so was my own train of thought, that the last days were spoken of two thousand years ago. How long are the last days then? Does the Bible have a never-ending plan for the world, or is there a final end? It seems as if the end is continuous. This is exactly what Peter was drawing on in 2Peter 3: 4 – 7.
Well, let’s see what is really meant by this. Can we take this in a literal sense or not? If the Scriptures are Holy inspired, then the answer should be found in the Bible. The Bible has many apparent contradictions, yet when one really delves into the studying of the Scriptures prayerfully, the Scriptures in its original context disprove any contradiction. There is a bigger picture to be found. Scripture always interprets Scripture and extended study will always permeate into a better understanding of the Bible, as a whole.
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: Why does God allow us to Suffer THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
Nation of Islam event to include talk of UFOs
2011-02-27 – USA today
CHICAGO (AP) — The Nation of Islam, long known for its promotion of black nationalism and self-reliance, now is calling attention to another core belief that perhaps isn’t so well-known: the existence of UFOs.
When thousands of followers gather in suburban Chicago this weekend for the group’s annual Saviours’ Day convention, one of the main events will include a panel of scientists discussing worldwide UFO sightings, which they claim are on the rise.
The idea of seeking the divine in the skies is deeply rooted in the Chicago-based Nation of Islam, whose late leader Elijah Muhammad detailed in speeches and writings a massive hovering object loaded with weapons he called “The Mother Plane” — although religion experts, Nation of Islam leaders and believers offer very different interpretations of what exactly happens aboard the plane, its role or how it fits into religious teachings.
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: Nation of Islam speaks about UFOs after UFO hovers over Dome of the Rock THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
Prophecies on 2011 and 2012 – Are They Reliable?
Prof. Johan Malan, Mossel Bay, South Africa (February 2011)
We are living in an ever changing and unpredictable world. People through the ages have always wondered what the future holds, and this is the reason why prophecies about the future have always been very popular, regardless of whether they are derived from divine or psychic sources. Now, more than ever before, there are ominous signs in nature as well as in human societies that more and more major disasters are in the offing. Consequently, there is a proliferation of various kinds of prophecies. In many of these, the next two years (2011 and 2012) are identified as appointed times for the fulfilment of major gloom and doom prophecies.
The following categories of prophecies are commonly encountered and should be evaluated:
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: Prophecies on 2011 and 2012 – Are They Reliable? THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
As I watch the turmoil taking place in Egypt I am saddened that a country such as Egypt will soon turn their backs on Israel. At the same time I rejoice because what is happening right now, is the fullfillment of biblical prophecy and the leading upto the time of Jacobs trouble (Jeremiah30:7). Jesus is COMING BACK SOON!
Where Does Egypt Fit Into Bible Prophecy?
From: Prophecy News Stand
These are the days when the Bible is its own best commentary. Imagine Isaiah the prophet standing on the streets of Cairo today speaking in front of a mainstream news camera declaring:
“The burden against Egypt. Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt; The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. “I will set Egyptians against Egyptians; Everyone will fight against his brother, And everyone against his neighbor, City against city, kingdom against kingdom. The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst; I will destroy their counsel, And they will consult the idols and the charmers, The mediums and the sorcerers. And the Egyptians I will give Into the hand of a cruel master, And a fierce king will rule over them,” Says the Lord, the LORD of hosts. (Isaiah 19:1-4, nkjv)
→ PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING: Egypt in Bible Prophesy THEN PLACE A COMMENT ←
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