Download Volume 7 Issue 8 AUGUST 2012

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Volume 7 Issue 8
AUGUST 2012
Which generation of people will be living when the King of kings and Lord of lords makes his trek back to Planet Earth at the end of this age? Will
the European, Asian, and Mideast leaders we see on television and read about in the newspaper every day be involved in the endtime battle called
“Armageddon”?
According to Isaiah, the prophet, God knows every generation that will ever be born. “Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from
the beginning? I the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he” (Isa. 41:4). God also has a plan for every generation: “Lord, thou hast been our
dwelling place in all generations” (Psalm 90:1). The prophetic Word indicates one generation that will not pass away completely; that is, not
everyone in that generation will die. Some people will be taken directly from Planet Earth after an instantaneous, miraculous change into
supernatural minds and bodies, for eternal residence in heaven.
GOD’S BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE Christians who take the Bible seriously should be actively watching the prophetic shadows that are
appearing in today’s headlines. The primary purpose of God’s prophetic Word is to point people to Jesus Christ, “the author and finisher of our
faith.”
A Chosen Generation As we entertain the possibility that we may be the generation Jesus was talking about in the fig tree parable nearly 2000 years
ago, we are admonished by the Scriptures to watch and be prepared. As stated clearly by Jesus in Matthew and Mark, no man knows the day or the
hour of his coming but the Father only. The same Jesus, however, was very angry with the Pharisees and Scribes for not discerning “the signs of the
times” and not knowing the “time of their visitation.”
In these thought-provoking and challenging times in which we are living, we need to be informed and discerning like “the children of Issachar,
which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” (1 Chronicles 12:32). One day there will be a generation of
Christians that will escape the grip of death and be ushered into heaven, the “final frontier” for believers. The generation that is “left behind” will
face the ruthless tyranny of a global dictatorship.
The world stage is now being set for the closing act of this dispensation, and the climax of world history, Christ’s return, is drawing near. As God’s
children, we may very well be the generation that is chosen to “escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man”
(Luke 21: 34-36). That possibility is certainly worth pondering!
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From the Editor
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From The Editor
The Last Generation
The Church Mouse- Astrology vs
Biblical signs?
Masonry
Healthy Living – 3 Veggies?
The Kings Kids
Classifieds
Eric Grimes
If you would like to contribute information, power points, pictures or articles, please submit
them to: [email protected]. If you would like to receive an electronic copy, the current and
past year issues of the Messenger are now available on our church web site @
3575 Portland Avenue
Tacoma, Washington 98404
(253) 472-6222
Articles and views expressed in this publication are presented for
the information and benefit of the members of Eastside Baptist
Church and may not necessarily reflect the position of the
Church.
CHURCH OFFICE:
Monday-Friday
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
So here's where this specific class of vegetables comes in
handy...
Jehovah-Rophe
“Jehovah heals”
"I WILL PRAISE THEE; FOR I AM FEARFULLY AND
WONDERFULLY MADE: MARVELLOUS ARE THY
WORKS; AND THAT MY SOUL KNOWETH RIGHT
WELL." (Psalm 139:14)
The use of cruciferous vegetables to help fight against stomach
fat.
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower,
brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy, cabbage, etc. contain
very specific and unique phytonutrients such as indole-3carbinol (I3C) that help to fight against these estrogenic
compounds...
And by fighting against these belly fat stimulating estrogenic
chemicals, this is just 1 more step in helping you to win the
battle against abdominal fat!
A surprising way that specific vegetables can
actually stimulate the burning of abdominal fat...
So there you go... just another excuse to do what mom always
told you and eat more broccoli and cauliflower!
I bet you didn't know that there is a specific class of vegetables
that contain very unique phytonutrients that actually help to fight
against stubborn belly fat.
Health Disclaimer: The information provided In this article should not be
construed as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken
based solely on article. Consult appropriate health professionals on any matter
relating to health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here
are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to
the author, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume
the risk of any injuries. The Editor is not responsible for errors or omissions.
Let me explain what these unique vegetables are and why they
help to burn stomach fat...
Chemicals that force your body to hold onto belly fat
Something you may have never heard about is that certain
chemicals in our food supply and our environment, such as
pesticides, herbicides, and certain petrochemicals from air and
water pollution, household cleaners, plastics, cosmetics, etc can
react with your hormones and make your body store excess
abdominal fat.
These harmful chemicals are known as xenoestrogens.
Xenoestrogens are chemicals that you are exposed to (and are
hard to avoid in the modern world) that have an estrogenic
effect in your body. Excess exposure to these can cause
hormone balance disruptions for both men and women. So if
you thought this article was just for the guys, these chemicals
can wreak havoc in the body for both guys and gals.
These estrogenic chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily
basis can stimulate your body to store belly fat, along with many
other problems (including cancer risks in the long term).
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of
righteousness; Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be
able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Eph 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (KJV)
exclusive Word of God, nor is it considered to be God’s sole
revelation of himself to humankind; but only one of many religious
sourcebooks. It is a good guide for morality. The Bible is used
primarily as a symbol of God’s will, which can also be captured in
other sacred texts, like the Koran or Rig Vedas.
Please note - by this article, we are not claiming that all who are
involved in Freemasonry are cultists, or that all Freemasons believe
all the items mentioned below.
What we are saying is this - Freemasonry at its core is not a Christian
organization. There are many Christians who have left Freemasonry
after discovering what it is truly all about. There are also good and
godly men, true believers in Christ who are Freemasons. It is our
contention that this is because they do not truly understand
Freemasonry. Each person should pray for wisdom and discernment
from the Lord as to whether to be involved with Freemasonry. This
article was reviewed and approved for accuracy by a former
Worshipful Master of a Blue Lodge.
Question: "What is Free Masonry and what do Free Masons
believe?"
Answer: Freemasonry, Eastern Star, and other similar "secret"
organizations appear to be harmless fellowship gatherings. Many of
them appear to promote belief in God. However, upon closer
examination, we find that the only belief requirement is not that one
must believe in the True and Living God, but rather, that one must
believe in the existence of a “Supreme Being”, which includes the
“gods” of Islam, Hinduism, or any other world religion. The unbiblical
and anti-Christian beliefs and practices of this organization are
partially hidden beneath an outward appearance of a supposed
compatibility with the Christian faith. The following is a comparison
of what the Bible says with the "official" position of Freemasonry:
Salvation from Sin:
The Bible’s View: Jesus became the sinner’s sacrifice before God
when He shed His blood and died as the propitiation (payment) for the
sins of all those who would ever believe (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans
5:8, John 3:16).
Mason’s View: The very process of joining the Lodge requires
Christians to ignore the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
According to Freemasonry, a person will be saved and go to heaven as
a result of his good works and personal self-improvement.
The Doctrine of God:
The Bible’s View: There is one God. The various names of God refer
to the God of Israel and reveal certain attributes of God. To worship
other gods or to call upon other deities is idolatry (Exodus 20:3). Paul
spoke of idolatry as a heinous sin (1 Corinthians 10:14) and John said
that idolaters will perish in hell (Revelation 21:8).
Mason’s View: All members must believe in a deity. Different
religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc.) acknowledge the same
God, only call Him different names. Freemasonry invites people of all
faiths, even if they use different names for the ‘Nameless One of a
hundred names,’ they are yet praying to the one God and Father of all.
The Doctrine of Jesus and the Trinity:
The Bible’s View: Jesus was God in human form (Matthew 1:18-24,
John 1:1). Jesus is the second person of the trinity (Matthew 28:19,
Mark 1:9-11). While on earth, He was fully human (Mark 4:38,
Matthew 4:2) and fully divine (John 20:28, John 1:1-2, Acts 4:10-12).
Christians should pray in Jesus’ name and proclaim Him before others,
regardless of offense to non-Christians (John 14:13-14, 1 John 2:23,
Acts 4:18-20).
Mason’s View: There is no exclusivity in Jesus Christ or the Triune
God who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; therefore there is no
doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ. It is deemed to be un-Masonic to
invoke the name of Jesus when praying, or mention His name in the
Lodge. Suggesting that Jesus is the only way to God contradicts the
principle of tolerance. The name of Jesus has been omitted from
biblical verses that are used in Masonic rituals. Jesus is on the same
level as other religious leaders.
Human Nature and Sin:
The Bible’s View: All humans are born with a sinful nature, are
totally depraved, and need a Savior from sin (Romans 3:23, Romans
5:12, Psalm 51:5, Ephesians 2:1). The Bible denies that because of the
Fall, humanity has within itself the capacity for moral perfection (1
John 1:8-10, Romans 1:18-25).
The View of the Bible:
Mason’s View: Through symbols and emblems, Masons teach that
man is not sinful, just “rude and imperfect by nature”. Human beings
are able to improve their character and behavior in various ways,
including acts of charity, moral living, and voluntary performance of
civic duty. Humanity possesses the ability of moving from
imperfection toward total perfection. Moral and spiritual perfection
Mason’s View: The Bible is only one of several “Volume(s) of Sacred lies within men and women.
Law,” all of which are deemed to be equally important in
Freemasonry. The Bible is an important book, only as far as those
members who claim to be Christians are concerned, just as the Koran
is important to Muslims. The Bible is not considered to be the
The Bible’s View: The supernatural and plenary inspiration of the
Scriptures—that they are inerrant and that their teachings and
authority are absolute, supreme, and final. The Bible is the Word of
God (2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 2:13).
When a Christian takes the oath of Freemasonry, he is swearing to
the following doctrines that God has pronounced false and sinful:
1. That salvation can be gained by man’s good works.
2. That Jesus is just one of many equally revered prophets.
3. That they will remain silent in the Lodge and not talk of Christ.
4. That they are approaching the Lodge in spiritual darkness and
ignorance, when the Bible says Christians are already in the light,
children of the light, and are indwelt by the Light of the World—Jesus
Christ.
5. By demanding that Christians take the Masonic oath, Masonry leads
Christians into blasphemy and taking the name of the Lord in vain.
6. Masonry teaches that its G.A.O.T.U. [Great Architect of the
Universe], whom Masonry believes is the true God of the universe, is
representative of all gods in all religions.
7. Masonry makes Christians take a universalist approach in their
prayers, demanding a “generic” name be used so as not to offend nonbelievers who are Masonic “brothers”.
8. By swearing the Masonic oath and participating in the doctrines of
the Lodge, Christians are perpetuating a false gospel to other Lodge
members, who look only to Masonry’s plan of salvation to get to
heaven. By their very membership in such a syncretistic type
organization, they have severely compromised their witnessing as
Christians.
9. By taking the Masonic obligation, the Christian is agreeing to allow
the pollution of his mind, spirit, and body by those who serve false
gods and believe false doctrines.
As you can see, Masonry denies and contradicts the clear teaching of
Scripture and numerous issues. Masonry also requires people to
engage in activities which the Bible condemns. As a result, a Christian
should not be a member of any secret society or organization that has
any connection with Freemasonry.
Bible Questions -
In Genesis it says that the lights,
in the sky are for signs and seasons, and for days and
years. I now the Bible speaks strongly against
Astrology, but how is it that the stars are for signs but
Astrology is wrong?
In Genesis we read:
Gen. 1:14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the
expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the
night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for
days and years;
The Lord says the heavens were created for signs, seasons
and counting time. Obviously, we can understand how the
heavens create our seasons on earth, but the other two uses
(signs and counting time) leave open the possibility for some
confusion. Let's consider what the Lord meant.
First, the sun and moon were given so we could count time.
Obviously, our process of counting time has always involved
counting revolutions around the sun, rotations of the earth
and revolutions of the moon. It's important to note that the
process of counting time is one of tracking the passage of
time, not predicting future events. Clearly, mankind uses the
heavens as God intended when we count the passage of time.
Why did God want us to count time? Remember, God Himself
lives outside time, so He doesn't count time for His own sake.
He gave man the ability to mark the passage of time for our
own needs. The answer is God wanted man to track progress
toward the fulfillment of His promises concerning the end of
the age. Because man could count time, Israel could
anticipate God's fulfillment to bring the Messiah (from Daniel
9). Because man can count time, we can know the length of
Tribulation (seven years), the length of the Kingdom (1,000
years), and so on.
Until this present age ends, man will have reason to track the
passage of time so we can verify the faithfulness of God in
keeping His promises. Interestingly, after this age ends, the
sun and moon will depart, presumably because the tracking of
years is no longer needed in the New Heavens and Earth (as
described in Revelation 21 & 22).
Secondly, these heavenly objects are for signs. The word
"sign" in Scripture means omen or a warning that something
promised is about to occur. God has promised in His word that
certain events must take place in the future on earth,
particularly events related to His Son's first and second
coming to earth. God intends to use the sun, moon and stars
as signs in the sky to warn the world of the approach of these
events.
Remember, these heavenly bodies do not by themselves
predict future events - the Bible itself has already given us
prophecy concerning these events - the heavens simply alert
us when the promised event begin to occur. Contrast these
purposes with astrology. Astrology is a demonic-inspired
means of predicting future events by the movement of the
sun, moon, planets, and stars. This is divination and is evil
and forbidden in Scripture. Satan is the one supplying the
insight to those practicing astrology (or any other occultic
practice of divination), and the only future he can predict are
his own future actions. Satan can tell us what he might do in
the future, but he can't tell us what God will do in the
future. Satan is limited to supplying us prophetic information
about his own actions and nothing more.
Therefore, the predictions of astrology and other dark arts are
often inaccurate. Even when astrological predictions are
accurate, it is only when Satan has revealed future demonic
activities. The Spirit of God will never participate in any effort
by us to learn about the future outside what's already
provided in God's word, so when we consult astrology, we are
consulting Satan alone. We are tapping into the enemy's
knowledge and seeking truth from him rather than from God's
word, repeating the sin of Adam in the Garden.
Therefore, any "prophecy" or "telling" obtained through
astrology or other means of divination will be at best
inaccurate and worthless, or at worst it will be demonicsourced information about the future activities of Satan. In
either case, such predictions say nothing about God's
purposes or plans, and seeking after them is a dangerous and
ungodly practice.
While we may watch the heavens for signs and omens
confirming God's word (e.g., the sun turning black and the
moon turning to blood and the stars falling from the heavens
as described in Revelation 6:12), we should not turn to them
for any other source of information.