Monday, February 16, 2009

Where does your state rank in religious belief?


From WorldnetDaily
02-15-2009

A recent [Gallup] poll of more than 350,000 Americans on the importance of religion revealed that the nation is separated into enclaves of widely divergent viewpoints on faith, with some states and regions clearly religious and others significantly secular. Gallup conducted a telephone poll of 355,334 U.S. adults, asking the question, "Is religion an important part of your daily life?"

As one might suspect, states from the "Bible Belt" scored the highest, with 85 percent of Mississippians and 79 percent of Tennesseeans, for example, answering yes.

The poll also revealed, however, that in addition to the Bible Belt, the U.S. also has a pair of "secular strips."

Across the country's entirety, 65 percent of the respondents affirmed that religion is an important part of their lives.

full article:http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=8902

TD Jakes' Son Gets in Big Trouble.


Bishop TD Jakes's son was recently arrested and charged with indecent exposure. Fair or not, the actions of a preachers' kids are sometimes looked at as being a reflection on the preacher himself. I'd be interested to see what effect, if any, this will have on TD Jakes' reputation and/or ministry.

This must be a difficult time for Jakes and his family and they definitely deserve our prayers. I can only wonder though, if some of his past (and somewhat controversial) comments regarding homosexuality were influenced by his awareness of his own son's struggles.

Nevertheless, at this point, hopefully through this TD Jakes's son can be brought into a right relationship with God. What the devil means for evil, God can turn around and use for good.

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Jakes' Son Charged With Indecent Exposure

DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ― Jermaine Jakes, son of The Potter's House pastor T.D. Jakes, has been arrested and charged with indecent exposure.

According to a Dallas Police Department arrest warrant affidavit obtained by CBS 11 News, Jakes exposed himself to two undercover vice detectives at Keist Park on Jan. 3.

FULL STORY: http://cbs11tv.com/local/jakes.indec....2.933125.html

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Benny Hinn, We Have A Problem!






This video is called "Do You Believe in Miracles?" by the Candian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Interestingly, I very much DO believe in miracles; I think we need to see more of them in our day, and I believe we will. But the in my mind, the "miracle ministry" of Benny Hinn seems to be doing more harm than good.

This video speaks for itself in many ways. For those not able to watch the whole 41 minutes of it, just start at 19:32 mark, and you'll quicky see why many Christians have very serious misgivings about Benny Hinn's ministry.

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On a separate note, there's the little issue of Benny Hinn's prophecy in 1989 that predicted the demise of Fidel Castro. Of course, it didnt happen.

Orlando Christian Center, Dec. 31st, 1989.

"The Spirit tells me - Fidel Castro will die - in the 90's. Oooh my! Some will try to kill him and they will not succeed. But there will come a change in his physical health, and he will not stay in power, and Cuba will be visited of God."

- Benny Hinn.

Preparations Continue for Maitreya, the False Christ


I often get the sense that many, if not most, Christians live their lives on a daily basis not thinking that the Lord will be coming soon and that endtime prophecy is being fulfilled on a daily basis. Frankly, the time for that kind of inattentiveness is over.
It didn't get a lot of media attention, but a few weeks back Share International put out a press following up on a previous press release announcing the soon emergence of Maitreya, the coming "World Teacher".

An excerpt from the press release is here:

Share International News Release no. 88, 22 January 2009
LONDON, January 22 /PRNewswire/ -- For over 30 years author, lecturer and artist Benjamin Creme has been preparing the way for the emergence of Maitreya the World Teacher.

On 12 December 2008 Share International distributed a news release announcing that in the very near future a large, bright star will appear in the sky visible throughout the world, night and day. Around a week later Maitreya will give his first interview on major US television.
(Full press release at this link.)



Interestingly, they state that soon he will make his first appearance on American public television, giving his views on the world's current economic crisis. Although he wont be announced a the Maitreya in that interview, it will be his first time supposedly "coming out of the shadows" to the American people.


From the same press release:
"...The answer lies in the fact that this mysterious event is a sign, and heralds the beginning of Maitreya's open mission. Soon after the sign appears in our skies, Maitreya will give His first media interview on American television.


On that open, public occasion, still unannounced as Maitreya, the World Teacher will present His views on the economic and financial chaos which now grips the world. He will explain its origins and final outcome, and present, to some extent, His recipe for amelioration of the present heavy burden on the poor of the world. Thus He will prepare the way for a more detailed and specific announcement of His ideas."


A man by the name of Benjamin Creme has spent decades supposedly preparing the world for the coming of Maitreya, who will supposedly be Messiah to the Jews, Imam Mahdi to the Muslims, Maitreya Buddha to the Buddhists, and Christ to the Christians. Quite simply, this Maitreya is a false Christ, one of many Jesus said would come.


Interestingly, in the press release, his group Share International says


"Not alone in America but worldwide, people are awakening to the need for and the possibility of change. The politicians and economists call the present situation a 'downturn' and a 'recession'. In truth, we are witnessing the last stumbling steps of the old order. "


Obviously, the departure of the old world order will simply pave the way for the coming New World Order. It's interesting that both false messiahs and political leaders are both looking forward to this coming New World Order. And why? Simply, because there will be both a religious and a political component to the New World Order, and the same demonic spirit is behind it all, moving in both the religious and political realms to bring it about.


Believers should look for more such "new world order" talk from our politicians, as they move us all a step closer toward the coming One World Government. And watch for more false teachers and false Christs to rise up, also moving the world toward global religious unity.


Jesus said it plainly:


"...Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Matt 24:4-5)


"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." (Matt 24:11)


"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matt 24:24)
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"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28)

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Pro Basketball player visits Darfur



Really good video here from ESPN.com regarding NBA player Tracy McGrady's visit to witness first hand the effects of the genocide in Darfur, Sudan.

This Darfur situation is one of the worst genocides the world has ever known, yet it's gotten relatively little attention. I wish all our US Senators and congressmen would go and see it for themselves. Maybe then this would be a more high priority item for the US goverment to pay attention to. As much political energy as we've invested into the Israel-Palestinian situation, this situation in Darfur deserves as much or more attention.

One only wonders how much longer this thing will drag on.