The website name is taken from Matthew 18:20 which
reassures us that, "For where two or three are gathered
together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
Updates on the gathering Bible studies and
various lessons, etc., will follow:
Our Bible Study, aka the gathering, is
being accomplished by weekly email or
snail mail of Meditations.  This site
serves the same purpose.

2007 meditations      2008 meditations

2009 meditations
Things you will want to
remember
Be still and know that I am God.   Psalm 46:10

Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for man
comes from the Lord.   Proverbs 30:26

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1

To everything there is a season, a time for every
purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

"The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the
one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who
rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me."  Luke
10:16

But as it is written:  Eye has not seen, nor ear
heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the
things which God has prepared for those who love
Him.  Acts 2:9

"I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as
a mustard seed ... nothing would be impossible."  
Matthew 18:20

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs
1:7

Where is He now?   John 9:12

We live by faith, not by sight.  2 Corinthians 5:7
"Whoever drinks of this water will never thirst
again."   John 4:13

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.    
Ephesians 5:10

A fool has said in his heart there is no God.  Psalm
14:1

" ...'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out My
Spirit upon all people.  Your sons and daughters
will prophesy.  Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.' ..."  Acts 2:17

"But who do you say that I am?"
Matthew 16:15

And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord
and my God."   John 20:28

From various sources in the Bibliography on this website
If you haven't run into the devil it's probably
because you are traveling in the same direction.  
Adrian Rogers, Pastor

God's fingerprints are ubiquitous in His creation.
 Walter Bradley, Physical Scientist

Never think that God's delays are God's denials.  
Hold on; hold fast; hold out.  Patience is genius.
Georges Buffon (1707-1788) Naturalist

The highest purpose a man can find for his life is
to serve the will of God.
Raymond Damadian, Inventor of the MRI  

Our God is the living God, and he gave life to
Adam.  David DeWitt, Neuroscientist

The laws of nature are but the mathematical
thoughts of God.  Euclid (about 300 B.C)
Mathematician

I want to know God's thoughts.  The rest are
details.  Albert Einstein (1879-1955), Physicist

We must not build on the sands of an uncertain
and everchanging science ... but upon the rock
of inspired Scriptures.
Ambrose Fleming (1849-1945) Inventor of the
Thermionic Valve

The end is not near, it is nearer.
Chris Wulfert, Mathematician

Adrian Rogers paraphrased

Copyright 2002, 2004 AFSS Corp. located on the WWW
Recommended Links
Rev Sean's thoughts on the issue,
which is not solely Lutheran in scope
If you are interested in the differences
between Islamic beliefs and the contending
Christian/Judaic perspective, then open this
link to see what the Koran really says.

Not sure whether the material is being taken out of
context?  I urge you to read both the Koran and the
Bible.  Pray about it and make your own decision.

email me at the address above with comments.
Check this out ... a mural painted
out in New Mexico at Trinity
Lutheran Church
My credentials (if it matters).  Keep in mind
that this is for legal purposes.  No one, to my
knowledge, has successfully certified their
"calling."
The link below is to an article on a
rather cool approach to cross bearing.  
It uses the 14 Stations of the Cross
to recreate the passion of Christ on
the Via Dolorosa
Gospel of Judas
translation and commentary
Alan Capasso's Words of
Encouragement
NOTICE!

I have had some time to consider &
reconsider what this website should be,
and what it should not be.

I have come to the proper conclusion that
this site will celebrate life as a blessing:
one that God created, one that Christ was
born into, and one that the Holy Spirit
resides in.

This life is meant to be lived as a praise
offering ... fully AMPLIFIED!

We are called to live a lifestyle of worship,
not perfection ... that is a task we leave to
God in His time.
Thoughts from Rev. Sean

A crumb of His grace is more than all the world can offer ... there is no greater prize.  

Satan's methods haven't changed, just the spin.  He has many adherents, though they'd be
surprised to know it.

This is the awesome thing about God's Word:  it speaks to all persons, in all places, at all times.   
His Word is irrespective of creed, origin, gender or race.  But, we must be willing to listen ...
and that is truly difficult.  It separates most of us.

The Word says, "you are acceptable in My sight."
The world says, "zero defects ... your best is not good enough."

Greed is such a consuming practice that it has become its own enterprise.

So ... whom will you serve?  Whom are you serving?  But, of course, Bob Dylan said it best.

Now is the time to prepare.  Tomorrow is already too late.

I do not believe in luck; I believe in Salvation.
I do not believe in control; I believe in sound management.

Not unlike indulgences and the purchase of relics, the sacrifice of tithing has been misused        
in an effort to accumulate wealth, and to bully congregations into giving out of fear of                   
judgement.

Let the name of Jesus Christ pass through your lips as a sweet prayer of hope.

We have been indoctrinated by our fathers to the extent that we have attempted to work              
ourselves into a state of grace.  God is only pleased if we embrace His Son.

Faith is about believing when it's not convenient or immediately profitable.

A family of unbelievers needs a believer in their midst more than any church needs another
saint.

RU4JESUS?

Ninety percent of our fears and concerns are taken care of by time ... God takes care of time,
and the other ten percent.

A gift freely given, and meant only for you, cannot be returned ... rejected, but not returned.

Sample letter expressing my concern over the flagrant use of our          
Savior's name in vain ... notably in film  (& the media at large).
(below this sample are the files of the letters that can be personalized for individual
or organizational use)  Note:  look for specific recipients for best chance to have
mail received and read.  I do not yet have these names.

COMEDY CENTRAL
1515 Broadway, 45 floor
New York, NY   10036  

                                                                         March 11, 2008


To: Mr. Doug Herzog, President

I am writing about the unabashed, and persistent, use of Christ’s name as a vain exclamation in motion pictures today…  
generally this tool is applied in an apparent effort to draw audience attention to a character’s predicament when he or
she is venting frustration or caught unawares.  I suspect that it is meant to underline the intended gravity, vexation or
shock.

However, I am personally disturbed by this misuse because

  •     It is offensive to me as a believing and practicing Christian
  •     You would never apply the same dialogue using Mohammed, Allah or Buddha
  •     It is irrelevant as a plot tool or mechanism
  •     If “damn” were used, or something less expletive, it would in no way alter the theme or momentum of the picture
  •     It comes across as subtle discrimination and persecution
  •     It illustrates a blatant lack of respect
  •     It promotes the notion that Christianity is marginal and deserving of such treatment … encouraging further use  
        of the language
  •     It numbs the viewing public to the practice
  •     It makes me question the personal faith commitment of the actors and actresses
  •     It assumes that this is an acceptable, mainstream practice; etc.

Note:  Understand that I am not naming names or referencing specific titles because the practice is so widespread that
the list would be too extensive for this forum.  I am sure that you better than me who the culprits are, and that these folks
can have a critical impact on the film and television viewer ship.

Ultimately, I wonder why the various actors and actresses would support the practice since it is disrespectful in a way that
no one would tolerate if it was a personal  attack.  Therefore, I am asking that you, your peers and associates, support a
new approach … one that does not disrespect and marginalize the Christian faith, and does not promote the subtle
persecution of believers in Christ Jesus.  

This is, effectively, asking you to become part of the solution, not remain a part of the problem.  Ask yourself this
question, "Have I become so numb to the use of  Jesus’ name in vain language that I no longer respond, perceiving it as
a normal function of free speech?"  

What is your belief stance?  Are you about being politically correct or spiritually intact?  This is about righteousness, not
being right. You can, if you wish, deny all that Christ is, however that does not absolve you of your personal
responsibility.  This responsibility is one that has eternal consequences.  It is, of course, a personal decision … one that
has a very definite ripple effect; maybe one you have considered from time to time.  If you decide to change your
behavior you can have a significant impact on thousands … and on your own outlook.

I have a few thoughts for you …

  •    Would you like to hear your children swearing the name of Christ in vain as though it didn’t matter?
  •    Do you personally approve of  the practice or are you just not doing anything about it?
  •    Do you really think that God doesn’t care, that He requires nothing specific of us?
  •    Do you believe that there is something more at stake than just this life?

Remember that not all Christians represent Christ.  Many are silent sufferers and will not say what is on their mind. Many
are self serving.  But don’t judge too harshly.  None of us can claim perfection.  So, since you are in a position to make a
difference, why not pray about what you should be doing, and be an activist?  You don’t have to be perfect or apologize
for your past.  You just need to do what’s right in the eyes of God.   

If you want to know more, dust off your Bible and see for yourself.  Or, you can check out the website  
www.gatheringspirit.org.

Either way, you now have to answer the critical question … RU4JESUS?

It’s yes or no and it’s now up to you.

Thanks for reading this letter and giving some serious thought to the influence you have.

In Christ,

Sean
Rev. Sean A. Lawrence
1608 Brentwood Street
Middletown, OH   45044

revsean@gatheringspirit.org
"the gathering" is dedicated to praise and glorification of the One True God (the Great I Am)
through Jesus Christ (His only Son) who serves and guides us in the Holy Spirit (the third
manifestation of the Trinity).  This site is absolutely non-denominational, and therefore has
allegiance to no one but Christ Jesus.  Subjects presented here are the sole choice of the author,  
who also supports the authenticity of the Gospel of Thomas, the Shroud of Turin and the
Divine inspiration of Holy Scripture both inside and outside the accepted canon of the universal
orthodox church.
In addition, this will serve as a focal point for those who are interested in Bible
study lessons, communication about events such as "the Illumination Festival"
in Darke County, OH and the inclusion of items that glorify God's gift of life.

The following are areas of interest, however, the list is not necessarily all
inclusive.  
What is the mission of "the gathering"?  What kind of stuff will you find?  


  • Bio Stuff:  Background, etc., on
    Reverend Sean.  Whys, wheres, etc.  
    This whole thing is my biography in
    concert with Christ.

  • Witness: Testimony and witness
    from believers that will lift you up.  
    This site is a testimony for Jesus
    Christ as Savior and Lord.

  • Updates:  New event coverage and
    new pages, changes to existing & other
    points of interest.

  • Lessons:   Biblically based lessons
    that will speak to a variety of subjects.  
    There are lessons for 52 weeks:  that's
    a whole year.

  • Tables & Maps: Cool stuff for
    personal research & passing along.  
    All kinds of graphic ways of seeing our
    faith differently, and in perspective.

  • Gospel of Thomas:  I believe this
    is legit.  See what I have found.  Check
    out the new version.  "Gnostic" is an
    easy out for a complex set of  questions.

  • Media: I am an artist, by the grace of
    God.  See what I've done.  Take a look
    at what Mike Lewis, the Jesus Painter
    has done.

  • Various Links:  Believers are
    bound by Christ.  We work together.
the gathering
                       ... a Christian website hosted by Reverend Sean Lawrence  
contact me at ... revsean@gatheringspirit.org
    Bulletin Board    (links in red)

1.)  Links to NHRA, Spirit Song and other stuff above right!
2.)  link to: Gospel of Thomas Re-translated listed on the        
      Gospel of Thomas page.   Updated thru GOT#100.
3.)  the Gospel of Judas has been shown on the National        
      Geographic Channel, etc. my paper added below  on        
Home page for theological & media balance.
4.)  Illumination Fest 2009 was September 19th, 2009:         
      Sanctus Real, Phil Wickham, Splat Experience,           
      paintball and Guitar Hero. Illuminations Past
5.)  read commentary about economics and our nation
6.)  Pete Maravich link below.  remember "Pistol Pete"?  
7.)  Red, Pillar, The Wedding & Me In Motion coming to    
      the Greenville fairgrounds Feb 21, 2010
8.)  New Meditations have been added under About the Site.
9.)  Pope, Islam & the Truth document under Lessons
10) Cafe 707 is now the Gathering at First an FUMC        
      combined effort of Bible study and solid preaching.
  
This is a draft example; other network and
motion picture executives can be located by name
and position at www.hoovers.com
This image came out a bit garbled, however the link above should be crystal clear.  Keep in mind that the gray arrow denoting
the period between 3976 B.C. and the age of the earth (creation) would, in scale, reach back more than 50 miles, while the
time since Adam & Eve would remain the size as shown, or about 4-1/2 inches.  God's timeline is truly vast!  He is awesome.
more links Rev. Sean recommends
He is coming soon!  
Be PREPARED!

Consider the alternatives:







    or just maybe ...
Scroll to the bottom of the Topics page
"... the Bible clearly teaches
that no one becomes a
Christian by default."  (pg 218;
Seeker Small Groups by Garry Poole)
God's little fuzzball
This is a little levity from a loving
and gentle God.  Praise Him!
I know this looks and sounds like one of the thousands of "crazies" out there who are drug addicted, and
unfit to be parents ... but what if that is the intent, and this is legit?  What if this is true and no one
believes it.  Wouldn't it be perfect to hide the real game behind a life that has no credibility?

What if?  1 Peter tells us that Satan is like a hungry lion who prowls around waiting to devour us.
Comments from the Kaballah
Meditations from the Kaballah

Note:  My thoughts and references are in italics.

One pillar extends from earth to heaven.  Its name is Righteousness One, named for the
righteous.  If there are righteous people in the world, the pillar is strengthened, if not it is
weakened … So if the world contains just one righteous person, that person sustains the world.  
(58B; pg 78)

Can you recall Lot and his pleading with God “that if there were 50 people or even 10 righteous people in
Sodom & Gomorrah (the plain of Siddim) would they would be spared?” In Genesis chapters 18 & 19.

One who understands this secret (that good builds and evil destroys) understands the immense
power a human has to build and to destroy.  (pg 79)

The true essence of God cannot be grasped by anyone but God.  (pg 81)

All of the things we know and use to describe God are merely symbols employed to capture what cannot be
known.

For the essence of the divine image is action.  (pg 83)

In the Gospel of Thomas, passage #50, it ends with this sentence: “If they ask you, ‘What is the evidence of
your Father in you?’ say to them, ‘It is motion & rest.’”  Evidently this is a direct reference to the ancient ways
of the Kaballah, and not simply a jumbled array of unoriginal material.

The scroll of the Torah is written without vowels, so you can read it variously.  Without vowels,
the consonants bear many meanings and splinter into sparks.  That is why the Torah scroll must
not be vocalized, for the meaning of each word accords with its vowels.  Once vocalized, a word
means one thing.  Without vowels, you can understand it in countless, wondrous ways.  (58B;pg
146)

Thus YHWH (God) without the vowels, and without being vocalized, can mean many things and in that way
be countless and wondrous ... which is what God is.  He is infinite in His ways and His wonders.

The purpose of the soul entering this body is to display her powers and actions in this world, for
she needs an instrument ... By descending to this world, she is perfected in every dimension.  
(58B;pg 148)

This might explain our belief or feeling that we have had experiences in previous lives.  The soul is a separate
entity inhabiting this vessel we call the flesh or the body.  It appears that [she] is a collective which further
lends credence to that notion.  The soul emanates from God, and that also is why it yearns to return to its
place of origin.

You can mend the cosmos by anything you do -- even eating.  (58B;pg 148)

I have nothing to say on this ... it is self-explanatory.

Pray like this:

"Blessed are you, YHWH our God, sovereign of this world, who brings forth bread from the
earth."  Then by eating, you bring forth sparks that cleave to the soul.  (58B;pg 149)

An ancient prayer that invokes God.

Note:  There is more, much more, but not the stuff that Madonna peddles.  This is not glamorous or
entertainment for the Hollywood elite.  This is really mysterious and is best coupled with an understanding of
Old and New Testament teachings.  And I do not think it is to be toyed with or taken lightly.
Jesus Christ:  

who was He ... who is He?  There are
only 2 possibilities.  You'll have to
decide for yourself based on the
evidence ... and there is an abundance.  
Be mindful of your choice because it is
you who will be changed by your
decision, not Him.  He is unchanging.

He is:

1.) A lunatic or worse

2.) Exactly who He claims to be.

Thanks to C.S. Lewis
The real message from 9/11
was not about God's displeasure or
judgmental nature, although He has
ample reason for both.

In reality, the clarion call was about
individual decision-making and
preparation.  There will be both
wondrous & horrific occurrences
as long as man has
free will.

ARE YOU PREPARED?
hits= 5249
will update periodically
This a fabulous response from the recipient of a chain letter.  It's about time someone had the
courage to say what we've all been thinking:  the image was attached below the original email text.
Note: go to
Mike Lewis
page for more
of the Jesus
Painter
As I have discovered, unless you have a specific name
these places will not forward to the appropriate department
or person.  Use my template and customize or write your
own.  The more voices the more difficult it is to ignore

These letters will go somewhere now.  By using
www.hoovers.com you can find the right persons to whom
any correspondence should be addressed for proper
receipt.  That doesn't mean that they will be read, but they
should arrive at the appropriate destination.

I will be trying this periodically.  Pray for me!
Take care of one another  (lesson #9 from the 2008 collection)

1Corinthians 1:10-11  Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that you all say the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be
united with the same understanding and the same conviction.  For it has been reported to
me about you, my brothers, by members of Chloe’s household, that there are quarrels
among you.  (eSword, c. 2005 Holman translation.)

As we approach the end of days, we as Christ followers, need to take care of one another.  We need to
take fewer pot shots at each other and find a common bond … that bond is Jesus Christ.  He
above all else will heal and recover what is lost.  Beating up on one another only creates hardship in a
world that is filled with more than enough pain.  Sadly, we end up being the sharpest tools in Satan's arsenal.

Like Paul writing to the church in Corinth we need to support, rather than quarrel with one another, and unite
against the Adversary.  It is about Christ, and Christ is not divided.  It is not about rituals, laws,
corporate names or denominations.  Otherwise, we will fall prey to the very enemy we claim to be in spiritual
warfare against.  Put on the full armor of God and create a united front.  Those issues that unite us
should be far greater than those that would divide us.  Even Satan’s legion is not divided against
itself.  When Christ healed the madman in Matthew 12:25, and the Pharisees confronted Him about doing so
on the Sabbath, He made that very statement about divisions being the downfall and destruction of those not
united.  Are we not aware of our conflicts?

We are but a small flock, yet with God we will taste victory.  On our faith walk we need to take care of
all of our neighbors, but more importantly we should see that our body in Christ is healed and whole.  An
infection, not matter how small, can spread and bring down even the strongest of warrior.  Beware of the
splinter that is Satan.

1.)   When was the last time you had a disagreement with a fellow Christ follower?
2.)   Did you make amends?  Did you pray for him and ask forgiveness?
What are you waiting for?
3.)   Do you sometimes treat family worse than a stranger?
4.)   Does Paul’s message hit home in your church?
5.)   What exactly is the “Body of Christ?”
The recipient received the following email regarding the image to the
left:  Friday, December 14, 2007 12:36 PM

RE: A Picture of Mary ... see carefully

The President of Argentina received this picture and called it "junk
mail", 8 days later his son died.  A man received this picture and
immediately sent out copies ... his surprise was winning the lottery.  
Alberto Martinez received this picture, gave it to his secretary to
make copies but they forgot to distribute: she lost her job and he
lost his family.  This picture is miraculous and sacred; don't forget to
forward this within 13 days to at least 20 people.  Do not forget to
forward and you will receive a huge surprise!!

The response is from Missy M. in Ohio

I started to write a response, trying not to offend anyone because
I'm being "religious".  But even the picture below would offend
someone, so I am only speaking what I know to be true.

I do not believe that any piece of art or any material thing could hold
that type of power.  There is no power in anything , but Jesus Christ.
The fact that bad things happened to other people "because they
did not forward this" is only mere coincidence. (And how could
anyone know that the President of Argentina got this, didn't forward
it, his son died, and then somehow this reached Middletown, OH?)  
God has a plan for everyone's life, and He able to allow bad things
to happen, in order to shape our character, allowing us to be strong
men and women He knows we can be.  Perfect example --Job-- he
lost everything he ever had, including his health.  God allowed this
to happen.  And then Job was blessed far beyond what he had
before -- and he was stronger in character.  Nothing could phase his
faith in God!!  My point is, try not to fall into a trap of believing
material things can determine what happens to you.  God has that
perfect plan for you!  Trust in the promises He has for you.  
Remember -- especially in this season -- just why we celebrate!  
Jesus came to earth to die for our sins -- so we wouldn't have to live
in fear of material things like this.  All we have to do is believe He is
our Savior, and trust that He has everything under control.  He
desires to have a friendship with you.  He doesn't look to punish
you.  He loves you!

Maybe that was to "Forward" ... but if I don't share it, someone may
decide to live in fear, rather than trust in the Joy of Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas!!!
Missy
The image of the Virgin,in and of itself,
is not evil or bad.  However, if it or any
other image is taken too seriously, and
feared more than God, it becomes a
variety of idol worship.  As Missy said,
whether we send this on or not, it does
not have any bearing on deciding our
fate ... that is in God's hands, and His
alone!  Beware of obsession, and
Satan's misdirection.  People are more
afraid of not sending a chain email
than they are of going to hell.

I'm blessed to have been a witness to
a long overdue outcry against this type
of fear-based,urban myth entrenched,
garbage.

I see more legitimate concern
surrounding the image of Christ on a
grilled cheese sandwich.

Way to go, Missy!

--Rev. Sean
><>  our God is an awesome God  <><
There may be a few useful
granules here, but it has passed.
a favorite childhood image
A sculpture from Italy in the morning light.  Notice anything
interesting?  There are many cups, not just one.
This is tiny ... maybe 3.5 inches wide.
my response dated 6/3/2009

hmmm,

i believe this is "the pot calling the kettle black."  Pravda seems
more like a tabloid to me ... and [they] have also yielded, like we
have, to news as entertainment.  folks, keep in mind that God is
our overseer, not Karl Marx.

the U.S. is an experiment, if you recall, not an end game.  i am
hopeful, and ever mindful, that we are accountable for our
choices, that God can and does use all aspects of His creation
for His glory, and that God is very much in control ... we cannot
"vote Him out."  He needs nothing from us, yet desires a
relationship ... to be praised by choice.  our denial of Him as
Lord does not change the fact that He exists or that He remains
the author of all things.   all of the ranting by our gods of the
moment effectively drowns out the voice of reason and balance.  
(Psalm 46:10)

all of the political meanness and blaming distorts our eternal
truth ... and i am speaking as one still unemployed.  so, really it
is still a journey of faith and trust in God through Jesus Christ.  
to do otherwise is to yield to ideological fears and to abandon
our deepest strengths and values.

we like to be social but abhor socialism; we like community, but
shy away from communism.  the root words are the same.   what
we have become, and will become, has to do with our actions ...
bearing fruit so to speak.  the tree will be known by its fruit.  are
you known as hopeful and faithful or hopeless and faithless?  do
you believe only in the here and now or is your treasure where
your heart is in the eternal and higher places?  (Matthew 7:20)

capitalism (or what passes for it) has become synonymous with
greed, and greed without out a social contract is a recipe for
disaster ... precisely how we got to this point.   read your history
... it has taken 35 years to build this tower ... and it being
dismantled and we are a scattered people.  (Genesis 11:5-9)

praise God, think clearly, and don't forget that we arrive no
where by accident or coincidence.

remember that being part of the solution is a more noble thing
than contributing to the problem.  Satan knows our weaknesses
and does not require an "act of congress" to get the job done.  a
whisper, a nudge, or an unobstructed path is all it takes to
topple the best intentions and cripple the strongest among us.

please take care and God bless you all.  

if you would like to read my weekly lessons, please email me at
revsean@gatheringspirit.org
or visit my website www.gatheringspirit.org for more stuff.
Original comment dated 6/2/09

Subject: Fw: Pravda Article

To all!

This is from Pravda, the New York Times of Russia!
We the sheep are headed for the "Silence of the Lambs!
God help us not slide into Marxism!
Pravda article from 4/27/09


American capitalism gone with a
whimper  
Front page / Opinion / Columnists
27.04.2009 Source: Pravda.Ru           


Pages: 12

It must be said, that like the breaking
of a great dam, the American decent
into Marxism is happening with breath
taking speed, against the back drop of
a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me
dear reader, I meant people.






BREAKING NEWS

Israel becomes Obama's biggest
dilemma




Anna Kournikova eleven years ago  
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True, the situation has been well
prepared on and off for the past
century, especially the past twenty
years. The initial testing grounds was
conducted upon our Holy Russia and a
bloody test it was. But we Russians
would not just roll over and give up our
freedoms and our souls, no matter how
much money Wall Street poured into
the fists of the Marxists.

Those lessons were taken and used to
properly prepare the American
populace for the surrender of their
freedoms and souls, to the whims of
their elites and betters.

First, the population was dumbed down
through a politicized and substandard
education system based on pop
culture, rather then the classics.
Americans know more about their
favorite TV dramas then the drama in
DC that directly affects their lives.
They care more for their "right" to
choke down a McDonalds burger or a
BurgerKing burger than for their
constitutional rights. Then they turn
around and lecture us about our rights
and about our "democracy". Pride
blind the foolish.

Then their faith in God was destroyed,
until their churches, all tens of
thousands of different "branches and
denominations" were for the most part
little more then Sunday circuses and
their televangelists and top protestant
mega preachers were more then
happy to sell out their souls and flocks
to be on the "winning" side of one
pseudo Marxist politician or another.
Their flocks may complain, but when
explained that they would be on the
"winning" side, their flocks were ever
so quick to reject Christ in hopes for
earthly power. Even our Holy Orthodox
churches are scandalously liberalized
in America.

The final collapse has come with the
election of Barack Obama. His speed
in the past three months has been
truly impressive. His spending and
money printing has been a record
setting, not just in America's short
history but in the world. If this keeps up
for more then another year, and there
is no sign that it will not, America at
best will resemble the Wiemar Republic
and at worst Zimbabwe.

These past two weeks have been the
most breath taking of all. First came
the announcement of a planned
redesign of the American Byzantine tax
system, by the very thieves who used it
to bankroll their thefts, loses and
swindles of hundreds of billions of
dollars. These make our Russian
oligarchs look little more then ordinary
street thugs, in comparison. Yes, the
Americans have beat our own thieves
in the shear volumes. Should we
congratulate them?

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Galatians: don’t turn away or distort

Galatians 1:3-8  Grace to you and
peace from God the Father and our
Lord Jesus Christ,  who gave Himself
for our sins to rescue us from this
present evil age, according to the will of
our God and Father, to whom be the
glory forever and ever. Amen.
I am amazed that you are so quickly
turning away from Him who called you
by the grace of Christ, and are turning
to a different gospel--
not that there is another gospel, but
there are some who are troubling you
and want to change the gospel of
Christ. But even if we or an angel from
heaven should preach to you a gospel
other than what we have preached to
you, a curse be on him!  (eSword c.
2005 HCSB)

Galatia was a plateau region in Asia
Minor or modern day Turkey.  The name
comes from Gauls, or Celtic tribes that
lived there until about 250 B.C. when
they were scattered by conquering
Rome.

Have we ever listened with interest to
people who want to distort the gospel or
change it to suit their needs?  What if
these needs are said to be your needs
that you are simply unaware of?  What
about the move in the eighties to honor
only Jesus the historical figure?  

The Jesus Seminar assembled in 1985
is viewed by the publishing media and
general public as a group of refreshing
scholars that base their “new findings” of
Jesus on scientific and historical
analysis. Therefore, the public has been
made to feel comfortable with the
following 21st Century “facts”: the
resurrection of Jesus didn't really
happen; the miracles of Jesus are
myths; there is no authentic messianic
prophecy in the Bible; many accounts of
Jesus are merely legends written long
after He walked the earth; the accounts
of Jesus were not written by
eyewitnesses to the events; and the
foundation of the Christian faith cannot
be trusted … (http://www.allaboutreligion.
org/jesus-seminar.htm)

Without accountability, and strong
maintenance of a discerning spirit, it is
easier to follow the next charismatic
preacher especially if he is espousing
important cultural values.  We have to
be careful that we don’t “take up with”
just anyone.  The real fear Paul had
then, and it applies today, is that we
may be fooled into leaving behind the
true Christ for the worship of a false
christ who is convenient and
recognizable though weak.  This christ
will be a chameleon.  This will be an
antichrist!  (21B;pg 2110)  

It says that “there are some who are
troubling you” which would suggest that
there were new holy men and women
knocking at their door, but what they
were selling was hollow and without the
main ingredient:  Jesus Christ Son of
God.  This would have been tempting
purchase without Paul’s guidance.  A
return to old behaviors would have been
attractive.  The “new-age” trends of the
day would have been mixtures of pagan
and Christian customs or sometimes just
magic disguised as religion. Nothing has
changed!

Paul’s concerns should be our
concerns.  Use Godly discernment to
guide you at all times and in all places!
2 Samuel: the cost of a reputation

2Samuel 8:13-15  David made a
reputation for himself when he returned
from striking down 18,000 Edomites in
the Valley of Salt.
He placed garrisons throughout Edom,
and all the Edomites were subject to
David. The LORD made David
victorious wherever he went.
So David reigned over all Israel,
administering justice and
righteousness for all his people.

The Edomites are today’s Syrians.  
David conquered many but at a cost.  
Psalm 60 is written in conjunction with
this particular engagement, and while a
victory, it seems uncertain in David’s
heart.  For he writes in verse 5, You
have shown Your people hard things;
You have made us drink the wine of
confusion. It is uncertain whether this
was written before or after the battle,
but no matter how victorious the cost of
victory can be enormous.  
(21B;pg 555 and 969)

David was blessed, that much we know,
but rather than yielding to God he
began to believe in himself in ways that
sowed the seeds of arrogance.  Even
the most blessed individual can begin
to believe what he hears, and may
attribute his success to his own ability
rather than honoring God’s power and
will.  It is an easy thing to get caught up
in.

Is it possible to administer justice,
appear to be righteous, reign over all
and still be living an ungodly lifestyle?  
Yes it is.  Our secular leaders do it all
the time.  We know they do not
outwardly honor Christ, they play to the
common denominator, and they
legislate to create rules that govern …
and they don’t necessarily do a bad job.

The problem is that they are living a life
that passes, in layman’s terms, for a
split personality.  They may or may not
be spiritually vacant, but they are able
to put those interests aside for the
purpose of doing a job.  The problem,
as I see it, is that the divide can
become wider and wider until it
becomes an abyss that cannot be
bridged.  This is how seemingly very
spiritual people, very faithful people,
can end up doing the strange and the
unthinkable.

I believe David paid a price for this
schizophrenic behavior, and that we
also have convinced ourselves that we
can compartmentalize our faith and use
it only when it is convenient.  Sadly,
this is often how we end up living but
God sternly warns us against it.  
Worship is best treated as a lifestyle,
and no one should feel as though they
must deny their Lord for “the greater
good.”  Yet we do this and worse.

Step out as a person for Christ and as
a loyal worker.  This does not have to
be mutually exclusive … Jesus tells us
to serve our God and to be good
stewards.
My journey my Passion

I know that passion is to do what is
compelling and affirming.  One of
these areas of passion is research into
the veracity of the Gospel of Thomas
codices.  I did this originally out of
curiosity, and then for the benefit of
personal edification.  Other similar
interests are lesson preparation for e-
ministry and for small group study.  My
ministry is partly exhaustive research
and partly the uplifting of other
believers through what I have learned
on my journey. This knowledge (some
would call it “gnosis” however, I would
only do so with qualifiers) is insight into
the nature and person of Jesus Christ
during His ministry.  This project
neither addresses His birth nor His
death since both were, at the time,
irrelevant.  More importantly, my
message is for the gathering of what
will be termed “the third reformation of
true believers.”  This is, in fact, the
End of the Church Age … the
corporate church and the world are
becoming one.  The Body will remain,
and then be taken as we learn in
Matthew.  We do not need The
Revelation of John to understand this.

I am blessed to be able to use my
talents and spiritual gifts to touch lives
and to spread the Word as Christ
directed. This is made possible
through the written word, photography,
theological research and study
leadership.  

I find more inspired discernment
through the Holy Spirit with each new
day.  There is ample evidence in our
daily lives to support the notion that
there are no accidents, no
coincidences, no random acts.  I am
convinced that God is directing my life
in a way that will truly praise and glorify
Him.  
      
Now, as an ordained independent
minister, I continue to follow what I
know [in my heart] is the best use of
my talent and giftedness.  My research
is relentless, and I continue to be
blessed with opportunities to minister
to believers and the curious among
us.  The believers in my life have
dissimilar faith walks, but my walk is
about planting seeds, not about taking
full responsibility for cultivating and
fruit bearing.  The acts of cultivation
are the realm of the Holy Spirit, not
mine.  

The Qabalah says that God is infinite
in His wisdom and perfect in the
management of His creation:  we can
exist to serve at a level that provides
us the peculiar place at a designated
time for a singular purpose … a
specific encounter that can forever
change a life.  We may never know the
outcome … at least in this world … yet
we must continue to pursue our calling
at all costs.  

I absolutely trust God to do what He
says He can do.  That is my faith, my
transformation.   

Joel 2:28 & 32  “…that I will pour out
My Spirit on all mankind … your old
men will dream dreams, your young
men will see visions.  I will pour out My
Spirit in those days.  And it will come
about that whoever calls on the name
of the Lord will be delivered.”  (13B;pg
1193)