January 2015 next wave by Life Network

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8 Contrasts of the Confessing Churchâ&#x20AC;Ś Joseph Mattera

The License of Grace Derrick Day

Contributing Editors David Tait, Derrick Day, Lea Bates, Bernie Wade, John Rogers,

Night of Hope Joel & Victoria Osteen

Cindye Coates, Doc Burkhart, Barney Phillips & Bobby Sutton

Breaking From Legalism J. Lee Grady

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CHURCH @ COMMUNITY Ed Delph

Whatever You Need Jeremiah Johnson

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Humanistic Theism by Lea Bates

the degree of loyalty to biblical fidelity. It is sad but true that more and more believers will be compromising core biblical values and standards rather than be stigmatized or persecuted, and lose influence in society.

EIGHT CONTRASTS BETWEEN THE CONFESSING CHURCH AND THE COMPROMISING CHURCH

In John 12:42-43 we see that many contemporaries of Jesus believed in Him but would not confess Him because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

During the days of Nazi Germany there arose a Confessing Church movement that rose against the German Church movement, which became the religious arm of the Fascist Nazi Socialist movement. Of the 18,000 pastors in Germany during that time (from 1933 to 1945) less than 5,000 were aligned with the Confessing Church. Hence, only a remnant held fast to the biblical position with about half of the churches conforming due to political and societal pressure. Unfortunately, this demonstrates that, when push comes to shove, a large percentage of pastors, churches and socalled Christians will probably bow to pressure and allow the norms of culture to become their credo for Christianity. We see the same thing today in churches in the USA and beyond. With the accelerated pace of the attack on religious liberty today, there could develop a great divide in the church between confessing churches and compromising churches similar to what happened in Nazi Germany.

The following are contrasts between the confessing church and the compromising church. 1. In the confessing church Christ is over culture. Compromising church accommodates Christ to culture. The confessing church believes Jesus is Lord over all creation. Hence, they attempt to reflect Christ in every area of

This will not be a divide based on denominational affiliation but based on 3

culture. The compromising church has a posture of accommodation. Hence, the Christ they believe in and preach is shaped by the culture they live in.

marketplace because private Christianowned businesses do not have the same level of protection today as do local churches.

2. The confessing church holds fast to the word of God in spite of opposition. The compromising Church alters the word of God because of opposition.

4. The confessing church alters their methods of preaching. The compromising church alters the message they preach. While it is wise and biblical for the body of Christ to be relevant to culture regarding the preaching of the gospel, it should never put being relevant above being faithful. The compromising church puts being relevant before biblical faithfulness. Hence, they not only change the method of preaching but also the message they preach.

Soon in America it is quite possible that it will be illegal to preach from certain passages of the Bible dealing with human sexuality. Because of this, many will alter their theology to fit the culture while the confessing church will preach the word of God in spite of governmental fines, penalties, lawsuits and even serving time in jail.

5. The confessing church is a remnant in the minority of church and state. The compromising church wants to be in the mainstream of both church and state.

3. The confessing church puts the Kingdom of God above their culture and ethnicity. The compromising church puts their ethnicity before the Kingdom of God. The German Church during the Nazi era put nationalism and their Aryan heritage above the word of God. Many pastors and believers today view the scriptures more through the lens of their ethnicity and national heritage than through a proper exegesis of scripture. When, and if, our nation officially makes biblical Christianity illegal, we will soon see who will be the confessors and who will be the compromisers. In many ways, practicing biblical Christianity is already illegal when it comes to believers attempting to walk out their faith in the

The confessing church endures long seasons of feeling like aliens and strangers in their own communities. The compromising church wants to be in the mainstream of culture more than living in the divine flow of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favor and presence. 6. The confessing church is penalized by the state government. The compromising church is applauded by the state government. While the confessing church is hunted 4

down and ostracized by the humanistic state, the compromising church is celebrated by the far-left radicals and used as a model of how church and state should function together.

or whether we love our pleasures, conveniences, and material goods more than God. Truly, if we confess Christ before men He will confess us before His Father in heaven, but if we deny Him before men He will deny us before His Father in heaven (Matthew 10:3233).

7.The confessing church speaks truth to power. The compromising church conforms to those in power. The confessing church knows that at various seasons in their existence they will not gain a lot of converts and/or experience societal transformation. The best they can do is to maintain a prophetic witness to the cultural elites and surrounding communities. Since the compromising church enjoys the power and prestige the elites grant them, they always conform rather than confront.

Joseph Mattera has been in fulltime church ministry since 1980 and is currently the Presiding Bishop of Christ Covenant Coalition and Overseeing Bishop of Resurrection Church in New York. He is also serving as the United States Ambassador for the International Coalition of Apostles, and as one of the founding presiding Bishops of the International Communion of Evangelical Churches.

8. The confessing church desires the praise of God. The compromising church desires the praise of men. Ultimately at the end of the day it boils down to this: are we living for the praise of men or the praise of God? If things donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change in the coming days, we will be shocked at how many mega churches, mid-size churches, and smaller churches compromise the word of God so they could continue to keep their doors open. At some point we will all have to stand the ultimate test, which is whether we desire God more than we love our lives,

ICOF members have united over 50,000 ministers representing more than 25 Million constituents, several hundred colleges, universities and other Christian schools, orphanages & feeding programs, humanitarian aid organizations, chaplains and other charities.

JOEL & VICTORIA OSTEEN

Solomonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Porch.

LOUISVILLE NIGHT OF HOPE

Also in attendance were Bishop Derrick and Pastor Angela Day, Bishop Sanford & Evangelist Jackie Wade, Robert Upton, Terry Tripp, Drs. Ben & Jewel Tankard and an enterage from Life Church (Iglesia Vida) which included Drs. Bernie & Daisy Wade, Pastors Bernie II & Blanca Wade, Pastor Maricela & Juan Fuentes, and a plethora of volunteers.

Louisville, KY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A crowd of more than 10,000 gathered in the KFC YUM Center in downtown Louisville Kentucky for an amazing night centered on the theme of Hope. Hope for America. Hope that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Among the faithful that came to hear the message of Joel & Victoria Osteen were Drs. Stan & Cindye Coates who traveled all the way from Atlanta to represent their church

Before the historic Night of Hope service the ministers were guests of honor back stage with Pastors Joel & Victoria Osteen as well as Pastor Phil Munsey. It was an epic night. The group was priviledged to be joined by 8

Pastor Dodie Osteen, Pastor Joel Osteenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother. Drs. Bernie & Daisy Wade made a special presentation to Dodie Osteen which included a Lifetime Achievement Award from International Circle of Faith (ICOF) in recognition of her more than 50 years of service to Lakewood Church in Houston Texas in the next couple of pages we captured some of the flavor of the backstage events.

Joel Osteen, Stan Coates, Cindye Coates

Dodie Osteen with Daisy and Bernie Wade at the Louisville Night of Hope

The Mendenhalls with Joel Osteen

Cindye Coates and Victoria Osteen

Blanca Wade, Joel Osteen and Bernie Wade II

Ben Tankard and Robert Upton

10 DAY, ANGELA DAY, AND BEN TANKARD VICTORIA OSTEEN, DODIE OSTEEN, DERRICK

SABARN STEGER WITH PHIL MUNSEY

BEN TANKARD WITH SABARAN STEGER

A highlight for the team was the presentation by Life College President, Angela Day, of the Doctor of Letters to Pastor Joel Osteen (or Dr. Joel Osteen if you prefer)! After the backstage festivities, the Night of Hope began in earnest. The ministry team from Lakewood Church did an amazing job leading worship. Cindye Coates with Dodie Osteen

At each Night of Hope Pastor Joel Osteen invites local ministers to do proclamations. Pastor Phil Munsey who is the President of the Champions Network Our own Dr. Bernie Wade joined Pastor Bob Rogers, Pastor Craig Johnson, Pastor Steve Turpin, and others. Thousands responded to the invitation given by Pastor Joel Osteen. The night ended with all encouraged, excited and uplifted. For many of us, Friday Night was only the beginning of an epic weekend. The next morning we would begin Life Fest 2014 at Life Church in La Grange Kentucky.

powerful blocker of destiny. It takes courage to say, "I was wrong. I did my best. I did my worst. It didn't work out. Will you forgive me?"

Some Liberating, Activating Thoughts for You, Your Future and for Others

Now the second idea. The first to forgive is the strongest. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong." Where did he get that concept? From the Bible, of course. God showed us His strength by sending the Ambassador of Reconciliation, Jesus, to offer forgiveness from sin to all humankind. Why? Forgiveness makes the future possible...seventy times seven.

WITH ED DELPHs

Now the last thought. The first of forget is the happiest. Here's a story for you on this: Early is their marriage, my Dad did something really stupid. My Mom chewed him out for it. He apologized and they made up. However, from time to time, my Mom mentioned what he had done. "Honey," my Dad finally said one day, "why do you keep bringing that up? I thought your policy was to forgive and forget." "It is," she said. "I just don't want you to forget what I've forgiven and forgotten." Enough said!

Years ago I made the mistake of buying a Christmas present from a catalog I saw at my father and mother's house. The result? Now our mailbox is the recipient of Holiday catalogs from everywhere and on everything. I feel obligated to scan the catalogs. Someone did heaps of work to find all the weird stuff in them. Christmas catalogs were created for more than my Peoria, Arizona recycle bin. This week I found some 'word treasures' on plaques in one of those catalogs. I posted the sayings on my Facebook page. You should have seen all the 'likes' and comments. I was a 'Facebook Rockstar.'

As C.S. Lewis says, "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind."

Here's one of the quotes on the plaques: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Four things you can't recover: The stone after the throw. The word after it's said. The occasion after it's missed. The time after it's gone.â&#x20AC;? That quote is by Deanna Wadsworth. Every one of the ideas you could find in the Bible.

Ed Delph has been responding to God's call to the community and to the nations since 1979. He has ministered or been in over 100 countries as well as serving as a pastor in the United States.

Here's another quote on a plaque from an unknown author. "Three simple rules for life: 1. If you don't not go after what you want, you'll never have it. 2. If you do not ask, the answer will always be no. 3. If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place." That's Biblical. But here is the quote on the plaque that got the most 'likes' and comments. It's by an unknown author. "The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest." I like this one.

NATIONSTRATEGY

Let's contemplate that first idea. The first to apologize is the bravest. It takes courage to admit that we are sometimes wrong or did wrong. Isn't it interesting? We know in our minds that we were wrong but we just can't admit it. Like Adam and Eve, the second we fail in some way, we go right to the department store and buy a fig leaf. We hide. We hurl. We deny. That thick wall of selfprotection we build keeps others out but it also keeps ourselves in. We then underachieve. Hubris is a

LIFE CHURCH OF KENTUCKY Committed to leading people to become devoted followers of Christ.

502.265.3795

http://www.lifecommunity.us

ICOF Announces Formation Of Life Network

COULD YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE AN AMBASSADOR? Life Network and the International Circle of Faith Global Network has a mandate to help usher in a new wave of the Spirit of God in this century.

The Current World Population is 7,274,086,066 154,651 Births today COULD YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE AN 63,811 Deaths today AMBASSADOR?

From a handful in our beginning to networking more than 50,000 ministers impacting every nation under the heavens weBirths have this become 120,517,281 year what some call the largest Apostolic movement in history. 49,726,877

Deaths this year

90,840 Population growth today 70,790,405 Population growth this year Life Network and the International Circle of Today, Life Network and ICOF represent some 25 Faith Global Network has a mandate to help usher million people. It is our expectation that what God in a new wave of the Spirit of God in this has done in the past, He will do again. Jesus told us, century. Top 20 Largest Countries by Population (live) “Greater things than these you WILL do!” It is 1 China 1,396,838,072 11 thatMexico 124,346,654 evident we are destined to see the glory of the 2 India 1,273,098,730 12 Philippines 100,734,335 latter house be greater than the glory of the former house. From to networking 3 a handful U.S.A. in our beginning 323,525,487 13 Ethiopia 97,411,931 more than 50,000 ministers impacting every nation 4 Indonesia 253,911,820 14 Vietnam 92,871,442 under the heavens we have become what some call 5 Brazil 202,656,052 15 Egypt 83,884,667 the largest Apostolic movement in history. 6 Pakistan 186,252,301 16 in need Germany 82,624,743 We are of Ambassadors to every country! I am extending my hand to you and offer you the 7 Nigeria 180,366,264 17 Iran 78,852,357 chance to make application for Ambassador to you 8 Bangladesh 159,228,375 18 Turkey 76,174,567 country, state or region. If you think you might be Today, Life Network and ICOF represent some 25 9 Russia 142,332,389 19 Congo 70,056,372 interested, please take a look at a couple of links million people. It is our expectation that what God 10 Japan 126,946,628 Thailand here 20 that will give you more67,301,796 information. has done in the past, He will do again. Jesus told us, “Greater things than these you WILL do!” It is COULD to YOU THE POTENTIAL TO BE AN AMBASSADOR? evident that we are destined see HAVE the glory of the latter house be greater than the glory of the former Life Network and the International Circle of Faith Global Network has a mandate to help usher in a house. new wave of the Spirit of God in this century.

From a handful in our beginning to networking more than 50,000 ministers impacting every nation under the heavens we have become what some call the largest Apostolic movement in history. We are in need of Ambassadors to every country! I am Today, extending my hand toand youICOF and offer you thesome 25 million people. It is our expectation that what God Life Network represents chance to make application for Ambassador to you has done in the past, He will do again. Jesus told us, “Greater things than these you WILL do!” It is country, state or region. If you think you might be evident that we are destined to see the glory of the latter house be greater than the glory of the former interested, house. please take a look at a couple of links here that will give you more information. We are in need of Ambassadors to every country! I am extending my hand to you and offer you the chance to make application for Ambassador to you country, state or region. For more information: ambassadorprogram@lifenetwork.us 20

First Things, a religious movement encouraging pastors to refuse to perform marriages as representatives of the state. A signing statement called “The Marriage Pledge” has been posted to the journal’s website, where ministers can affix their names electronically.

Pastors Opposed to Same-sex Marriage vow not to Participate in any Civil Ceremonies By Jonathan Merritt Religion News Service November 23, 2014

The pledge was drafted by Ephraim Radner, an ordained Anglican and professor of historical theology at Toronto School of Theology’s Wycliffe College, and Christopher Seitz, an ordained Episcopal priest and senior research professor at Wycliffe.

Marriage is a sacrament1 of the Church. Indeed marriage is the first sacrament given to mankind and the Church adheres to the same.

“In many jurisdictions, including many of the United States, civil authorities have adopted a definition of marriage that explicitly rejects the age-old requirement of male-female pairing,” the pledge says.

What’s the surest way conservative pastors can avoid any government mandate to perform same-sex marriages? According to one prominent religious journal and a growing number of ministers, the answer is not to perform any civil marriages at all.

“In a few short years or even months, it is very likely that this new definition will become the law of the land, and in all jurisdictions the rights, privileges, and duties of marriage will be granted to

A sacrament is a Christian rite recognized as of particular importance and significance. There are various views on the existence and meaning of such rites.

men in partnership with men, and women with women.”

The concept that civil and religious marriage should be separate is not entirely novel. At US Catholic, columnist Bryan Cones has asked, “Is it time to separate church and state marriages?” And writer Len Woolley raised similar questions at the Mormon-run Deseret News.

The document concludes: “we, the undersigned, commit ourselves to disengaging civil and Christian marriage in the performance of our pastoral duties. We will no longer serve as agents of the state in marriage. We will no longer sign government-provided marriage certificates ….

And in July of this year, Paul Waldman argued at The American Prospect, a liberal publication, that religious couples should fill out state-mandated marriage forms and then have the religious ceremony of their choosing.

We will preside only at those weddings that seek to establish a Christian marriage in accord with the principles articulated and lived out from the beginning of the Church’s life.” Reno wrote:

“The wedding, in other words, should be a ritual with no content prescribed by the state, no ‘By the power vested in me by the state of Indiana’ at all.”

“For a long time Christianity has sewn its teachings into the fabric of Western culture. That was a good thing …. But the season of sewing is ending. Now is a time for rending, not for the sake of disengaging from culture or retreating from the public square, but so that our salt does not lose its savor.”

Waldman added: “The state doesn’t tell you how to celebrate Christmas or Ramadan, and it shouldn’t tell you how to get married.”

.McConnell’s theme throughout his talk was on the vision of “progress” for the U.S. Senate with bipartisan legislation on a variety of issues. Referencing divided government, with the GOP controlling Congress for the last two years of Democratic President Barack Obama’s second term, McConnell made it clear that he wants to achieve some progress.2

Bernie L. Wade President of Life Network meets with Senator Mitch McConnell

McConnell said, “It’s usual to have divided government,” he said. “What’s not unusual is how productive it’s been. Divided government provides the opportunity to do real difficult things, if you’re willing.

The atmosphere was jubilant as Senator Mitch McConnell joined the LaGrange Rotary and Oldham County Chamber of Commerce to appreciate some of his constituency that sent him back to Washington for an unprecedented 6TH term as Senator from Kentucky. McConnell had lunch with the group which included many local business people, leaders and legislators. Life Network President, Bishop Bernie L. Wade, Ph.D. was there representing Life Network http://www.lifenetwork.us and Life Church http://www.lifechurch.us “The projected next leader of the U.S. Senate updated leaders on his legislative agenda come January.

Bernie Wade & Mitch McConnell

McConnell said approving the Keystone XL pipeline, a natural gas pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast, would be one of many energy-related items the new Congress takes up. He also said he would find parts of the Affordable

McConnell lays out legislative agenda. By Colston

Care Act to repeal with the help of Democrats, namely the medical device tax.

The senator also said the president hadn’t shown much willingness to compromise so far. But with the new Congress starting in a few weeks, Kentucky’s senior senator said he held hope that the president’s stance would change. “I still want to accomplish things for the country,” McConnell said. “But he’s got to move to the political center.”3 The Senator made it very clear that under his leadership the Congress will govern from the “right of center”. Senator McConnell was very personable; taking time to personally shake hands and great each person attending the luncheon and then meeting with the press.

“If we’re going to make progress in this country, I’m going to look at Senate Democrats that have been marginalized,” McConnell said. McConnell said the Senate would vote on legislation, a change from recent years, without worrying about whether the president would veto it. “We’re not going to be intimidated by willy-nilly threats of vetoes,” he said. McConnell said Obama’s recent executive order on immigration was a “mistake” and said it would likely freeze any Congressional action on the issue. 3

McConnell lays out legislative agenda in La Grange By Kenny Colston Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 3:55 pm

Christmas Grandeur By Lea Bates

Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be grand if it could be that at Christmas we practiced Jubilee? Where debits are closed and slaves set free? Where the birth of a king means a time to give Another forgiveness so they too may live. Where we celebrated life with one another Where there is no difference in race or color. Yes, this would prosper unity Between what are now you and me. And the love we showed as we shined our light Would be shed abroad our hearts so right Like twinkling lights upon a tree so bright

As we sang together Silent Night. Jesus came for me and for you His sacrifice was costly too Our debit paid we are now free In righteousness for eternity. So for Christmas time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to think That each time I see a tree light blink Or a star twinkle from the sky That this man born came to die To save us from our sin so deep Within our hearts His love will keep. Merry Christmas to us one and all May His peace reign as we deck the halls.

is proposed to strike out “individuals, and” and insert “individual,” and strike out “influence legislation.” And insert “influence legislation, and which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.”

Resurrecting the Religious Freedom Act By Dr. John L. Hairston

Mr. JOHNSON of Texas: Mr. President, this amendment seeks to extend the provisions of section 501 of the House bill, denying tax-exempt status to not only those people who influence legislation but also to those who intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for any public office. I have discussed the matter with the chairman of the committee, the minority ranking member of the committee, and several other members of the committee, and I understand that the amendment is acceptable to them. I hope the chairman will take it to conference, and that it will be included in the final bill which Congress passes.”1

“Congressional. Record 9604 (1954) On July 2, 1954, Senator Lyndon Johnson was recognized from the Senate floor and the following colloquy occurred: Mr. JOHNSON of Texas: Mr. President, I have an amendment at the desk, which I should like to have stated. The PRESIDING OFFICER: The Secretary will state the amendment. The CHIEF CLERK: On page 117 of the House bill, in section 501(c) (3), it

And as history and the Congressional House Record has it, the voice of Church leadership was, in one stroke, rendered hostage by, ironically, the uplifting of hands. On that day, the Church became an 27

incidental casualty of an aggressive campaign to silence the opposition of two political non profits, who openly opposed the reelection of Lyndon B. Johnson to Office. According to the Annotation codes for the First Amendment, Churches were already Tax -exempt entities prior to the Johnson Amendment:

A church may simply hold itself out as a church and claim tax-exempt status pursuant to Section 508(c). See 26 U.S.C. § 508(c) (“New organizations must notify Secretary that they are applying for recognition of section 501(c)(3) status,” but that requirement “shall not apply to churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches”).” 3

“Every State and the District of Columbia provide for tax exemptions for religious institutions, and the history of such exemptions goes back to the time of our establishment as a polity.”2

That’s right; Churches were already tax-exempt BEFORE the Johnson Amendment was inserted into the IRS Tax Code revision of 1954 that placed churches under the 501(c) 3 classification. So, in light of these facts, exactly what did the 501(c)3 do for the Churches, and why is it “the thing to do” once a person called to ministry wants to begin a Church?

It has long been established and understood by the Courts that Churches were tax-exempt and treated differently under the generally applied laws. In a case focusing on the 501(c) 3, the United States District Court expressed this very fact: “The Internal Revenue Code treats churches differently from other taxexempt organizations. While a church may file for Section 501(c) (3) status, it is not required to do so in order to be tax-exempt.

Some want to appeal to potential donors and members by enabling them to deduct their contributions and offerings. Others are positioning themselves to receive grants from Funding Institutions and Foundations, which will allow them to further their programs; as it is 28

established practice of these funding agencies to require Non Profits to obtain a 501(c) 3 status before being eligible for grants.

and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided in subsection (h)), and which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.â&#x20AC;?4 This is stating that churches accept the 501(c) 3 status at the cost of their ability to politically mobilize their membership and the community. Most social issues that you find experienced by the majority of the membership and the communities where they reside, have political implications; they must be dealt with from a political context to effectively change the social issues that the Church has been called to address

Whatever the reason one may cite, one thing is for sure, the 501(c)3 is a topic that is misunderstood and in need of much clarification among the Churches of America. I want to take the time to look into the 501(c) 3 for a moment to focus on what it is and how it affects ministries in general: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Corporations, and any community chest, fund, or foundation, organized 29

and heal. It should be understood by the Church that we are the moral compass of our society, it is of grave importance that we retain our interaction under the First Amendment; as the 501(c)3 stands now, the Church has surrendered its First Amendment rights to free speech, and the most important part of the Gospel program, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice.

their programs and outreaches operating. The Great Spiritual Compromise!

Up until 1954 churches enjoyed taxexemption, while still maintaining their ability to speak on the sociopolitical issues of the day; it was the church that was the backbone of the Civil Rights Movement, as well as other social movements that made considerable changes in their respective communities. But as time progressed, the churches, under political and legislative pressure, began to relinquish the frontlines of their communities to keep a taxexemption status.

While I personally believe the 501(c) 3 in its present state, a noose around the neck of church leadership, how many churches would actually come from under the status? Not many. But, I began to ask myself, how could ministries reverse the â&#x20AC;&#x153;poison-dartâ&#x20AC;? legislation. After an exhaustive amount of research, guess what I discovered under a pile of dead legislative bills? The House of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act; known in Congressional records as H.R. 235.

With the amended legislation, and the wide acceptance of the Church to concede their voice, many of the granting and lending institutions structured their requirements that churches come under the 501(c) 3 status, or be isolated from funding. With a lot of the ministries young and having limited membership saw the 501(c)3 as a means of keeping the

House Resolution 235 is a bill that was introduced to the House of Representatives, in 2005, by Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to protect the religious free exercise and free speech rights of churches and other houses of worship. 30

All hope wasn’t lost, because the bill resurfaced in the House under a new name: S. 3957 Religious Freedom Act of 2006: “In General- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no organization described in subsection (b) may be denied its Federal tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by administrative or judicial action, nor shall donors to such organization be denied the deductibility of their contributions under such Code, because such organization engages in an activity that is protected by the United States Constitution, including comment on public issues, election contests, and pending legislation made in the theological or philosophical context of such organization.”6

Think People of God, if the 501(c) 3 did not take the freedom of the voice from the Church, then why would legislators feel the need to amend the Tax code to RESTORE IT? “No member or leader of an organization described in section 501(q) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by section 2) shall be prohibited from expressing personal views on political matters or elections for public office during regular religious services, so long as these views are not disseminated beyond the members and guests assembled together at the service.”5 The legislation was an attempt to return the power of the Church back into the hands of its leadership. But there was a very disturbing fact that was found upon further research of this bill; it languished in support and died after being sent to the committee of Ways and Means.

And as the last introduction, it died in the House without, so much as, an uttered whimper from the Church. Where were the voices of the leadership concerning this issue? Where were the billboards and mass bulletin distribution for the passing of

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

this vital piece of legislation, the like of what we see when some “prophetic” conference is being promoted? I am challenging our leadership and the people of God to begin contacting their local representatives concerning the resurrection of this Bill. There should be a mass mobilization of our Churches to enact this legislation, that would allow us to balance the protection of the 501(c) 3 Status and the ability to speak out in our communities and churches concerning ALL ASPECTS OF SOCIETY. Do not allow this door to close and relinquish our ordained opportunity to be of a reasonable service to our membership and our communities.

The Lazarus Project is a call to Church leaders and Ministries to unite and resurrect the House of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act, and to retake the power of OUR VOICE. 1.) Edward McGlynn Gaffney, Jr., “The Unconstitutionality of Tax Regulation of Activities of Religious Organizations Relating to Politics” 2.) 2.) Tax Exemption of Religious Property http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.co m/…/consti…/amendment01/04.html 3.) Branch Ministries, Inc. v Rossotti, 211 F.3d 137 (D.C. Cir. 2000). I am also providing a link to the case as well, where you can research the specifics. Internal Revenue Service website: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irsutl/branch_ministries.pdf 4.) 4.) U.S. Code, Title 26, subtitle A, Chapter 1, subchapter F, Part I, 501(c)3:http://www.law.cornell.edu/us code/26/usc_sec_26_00000501—-000.html 5.) 5.) You can find the Full Text of the H.R. 235 at the Government Track website:http://www.govtrack.us/cong ress/billtext.xpd?bill=h109-235 6.) 6.) See the Full Text of S. 3957[109th] Religious Freedom Act of 2006: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billt ext.xpd?bill=s109-3957

The enactment of the Bill would unleash a political power in the church that would allow us to make significant changes in how funds and programs are appropriated to our communities. The power to effectively change our future and shape policy that would initiate true social outreach is within our graspthe sword is embedded within the stone; we need only to wield it and return the greatness that our history so proclaims.

trial attorney, the award's first-ever white recipient.

JULIAN L. MCPHILLIPS JR. THE PEOPLES LAWYER

Backed by his 10-lawyer firm, McPhillips twice challenged and overturned city laws used to harass low-income residents and civil-rights demonstrators. He has won race-, sex-, and agediscrimination cases against dozens of employers, including Alabama's highway department.

By Bernie L. Wade

He's pursued elected officials for questionable actions, once halting the then-governor's taxpayer-funded flights to for-profit preaching engagements. McPhillips helped keep nuclear plants and hazardous waste dumps from locating nearby. And each of the five death-penalty cases he's taken on have resulted in acquittals. Asked about his career as a "crusader," McPhillips momentarily backs off. "That word conjures up different images," he says. "Some people assume that it means tilting at windmills.' But I've had a lot of good results. Only one percent of my cases make the news. The others help make the firm money."

Like his book of the same title, Julian McPhillips is indeed the “People’s Lawyer”. In 2000, Martin Luther King III awarded Julian L. McPhillips Jr. the Man of Distinction Award on behalf of the Alabama chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Council. That made McPhillips, a Montgomery-based

McPhillips, 54, was born in idyllic Cullman, Alabama. His namesake father was a vegetable canner who later 34

became an Episcopal priest. After graduating from the Sewanee Military Academy in Tennessee, McPhillips arrived in Princeton in 1963, just as black-white strife was tearing his state apart. McPhillips earned a history degree, wrestled and -- inspired by the university's "In the Nation's Service" motto -- joined other students in a service project in Harlem. After graduating from Columbia Law School, he worked briefly as a Wall Street lawyer. "Life's greatest meaning and purpose comes from helping other people," he says. "I didn't feel like I was doing that on Wall Street."

In 1975, McPhillips returned to Alabama with his wife, Leslie, and took a job in the state attorney general's office. In 1978 he narrowly lost a race for attorney general and went into private practice. In addition to his other pursuits, McPhillips helped preserve a Montgomery home once occupied by F. Scott Fitzgerald '17 and his wife, Zelda. In 1993 he helped organize alumni to save Princeton's wrestling program. McPhillips put politics on hold as he raised his family -- two daughters and an adopted son he saved from abortion. McPhillips, a Democrat, opposes abortion -- "an extension of civil-rights doctrine," he says. He also practices a charismatic variety of Christianity.4

PASTOR MCPHILLIPS Practicing law is only part of what makes Julian McPhillips so unique. In addition to this thriving law practice Julian and his wife Leslie are actively involved in the church that their family helped establish, CHRIST THE REDEEMER, Episcopal Church. Leslie and Julian McPhilllips

Louis Jacobson is a staff correspondent at National Journal magazine in Washington, D.C.

Finally, Bishop Sloan proclaimed that Christ the Redeemer will continue to serve the God whose name it bears and on April 28th, 2013 the church reopened for weekly 6 PM Sunday services. Let the Glory of the Lord Fill this house!â&#x20AC;?

Today, the spirit filled lay minister (who holds a ministerial degree from International Circle of Faith - ICOF) serves as lay pastor and administrator of the Christ Redeemer church. However, it has not been easy. Originally founded in 1980 the congregation moved to new facilities in 1982 and experience amazing growth. Then the church found itself in the national spotlight over their openly gay bishop and the congregation suffered a terrible split leaving only a handful of members to pick up the pieces. Many said it would just be easier to move on.

Christ the Redeemerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services are led by reverend James Muriuki a minister native to Kenya. The Church continues to emphasize the healing ministry, with spirited praise and worship, amidst a greater diversity that includes three races and four nationalities.

Undaunted, Julian and Leslie McPhillips were determined that Christ the Redeemer needed to continue to be a place of healing for the Montgomery Alabama area. In 2007 the congregation was determined dormant by the Episcopal Church and the building was leased to another church. Yet, Julian and Leslie believed that their church would be resurrected!

Christ the Redeemer is located at 6801 Vaughn Road in Montgomery Alabama. Sunday services are at 6 PM. Phone: 334.272.3890 Julian and Leslie McPhillips both hold Doctoral degrees in ministry from International Circle of Faith (ICOF) Colleges Seminaries and Universities 36

(ICOF CSU) now Life College. Julian has served for more than a decade as General Counsel for the International Circle of Faith (ICOF) Global Network. In addition to a full schedule and a growing family Julian and Leslie are charitable benefactors to a number of viable causes both locally and nationally. In addition to being Co-founders and members of Christ the Redeemer Episcopal Church they are Cofounders and board members of the Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum.

Life Church opened attracted over 100 people on its first weekend and continues to grow.

F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American author widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. He finished four novels: This Side of Paradise, The Beautiful and Damned, The Great Gatsby(his most famous), and Tender Is the Night. A fifth, unfinished novel, The Love of the Last Tycoon, was published posthumously. The McPhillips co-founded their own foundation for Religious and Racial Reconciliation. The McPhillips International Center for Religious and Racial Reconciliation

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School recently dedicated their new field house in honor of Pope John Paul II and the new McPhillips Wrestling Room in honor of the McPhillips family, thanks to the generosity of Julian and Leslie McPhillips.

Julian is also a member of the Executive Board of International Circle of Faith (ICOF) a global body of spirit filled ministers. In 2014 he and Leslie were part of the effort that helped to launch another new church, this one Life Church in LaGrange, Kentucky.

The new 5,000 square foot facility will house locker rooms for the middle, junior varsity, and varsity boys programs as well as a practice facility for the new varsity wrestling team, which will be added to the Montgomery Catholic Athletic Program this winter for grades 7-12.

THE LICENSE OF GRACE By Derrick Day

The second point, does it reveal Liberty in Christ. Jesus said the Son makes free (John 8:32, 36). Let me stop and hang my hat there for a minute. In the King James version, the text is rendered “make you free.” That is good news! Because being set free is merely conditional (there are “strings attached” and it is subject to change based on your actions); being made free is relational and positional (permanent and lasting based on Jesus’ Finished Work)!

I am a Gospel preacher. By definition, that means I preach — exclusively — the Good News of God’s unconditional Love and Grace and Liberty in Christ. As such, I have a two-point litmus test that I apply to every single sermon, message, book, or teaching:

Moving right along, the Apostle Paul wrote that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). So, if we “reverseengineer” that statement, we find that if Liberty is not present, then neither is the Spirit of the Lord”

The first point, does it reveal God’s Love? John 13:35 tells us that love is the hallmark of discipleship. Therefore, if love is not apparent and abundant, the message may be Biblical…it may be exegetically sound…it may have a solid hermeneutic…

There are a ton of messages that are Biblically sound, exegetically thorough, and have a solid hermeneutic but they’re binding, restricting, restraining, and even constraining. In other words, they aren’t Gospel messages.

But it ain’t the Gospel.

Let’s examine our core text:

Here’s another one I hear on an almost daily basis: “You’re telling people that they can do whatever they want and still be saved…”

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? (Romans 6:1-2)

Yep, that’s exactly what I’m saying (while I duck and dodge the thrown projectiles)! Now here’s the caveat: You can do what you want but some things are smart and others are just plain stupid. Sin is stupid. I’m accused, on a regular basis of teaching “cheap grace;” in other words, that I teach a Grace that gives people a license to sin.

Here’s what Paul had to say about this: “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Excuse me while I laugh at this… You need a license to drive a car, to do hair, to fly a plane, and to practice medicine. And there are people who do all these things — some of them quite well — without a license. What I’m saying is that a sinner doesn’t need a license to sin. People are sinning just fine without a license. You don’t have to be either a super saint or a rocket scientist to see that sin is rampant.

In other words, sin is neither helpful nor edifying! You can do anything, but everything has consequences. For any sin or sinful behavior you can think of, there are consequences. The question is, will you do what is smart — following the instruction of the Holy Spirit — or will you wallow in stupidity?

because we see His love clearly in the person of Jesus that we choose not to sin. This is the scandal of the Gospel! There are two ways of keeping your dog in your yard. You can either chain him to the house or a stake in the ground, which will physically keep him from leaving. Or you can lavish him with love, feed him good, and let him chase squirrels! The former dog is under law; the latter is under Grace. The unchained dog won’t leave the yard because he knows how good he has it; the chained dog will run at his first opportunity because he doesn’t know what freedom tastes like.

It’s really just that simple. Think about it this way, Adam could do anything he wanted. God gave him a simple instruction, “Don’t eat from the tree in the midst of the garden” (Genesis 2:16-17). God could have just dug a moat around the tree or sent some angels with flaming swords to guard it but He didn’t. So what did Adam and Eve do? They ate from the tree.

So, if Grace doesn’t give you a license to sin, what does it give you a license to do?

Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. They forfeited their lives and home for a snack.

Grace gives you a license to share the Gospel with others. When you’re born again, you become a franchisee of the greatest enterprise in the universe, God, Incorporated! You

God gives us free will. It is a key component of His Grace. Even when we’re born-again, we don’t loose our free will. It is God’s hope that 41

have access to training by the Holy Spirit, Himself!

Finally, Grace is a license to reign with Christ, instead of being ruled by the world:

Grace gives you a license to operate in supernatural intelligence; awakening you to righteousness by giving you the Mind of Christ.

Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through

Grace gives you license to access the throne of Grace — so you can speak to God directly and not through a middleman. Grace gives you the license to give — of yourself, your time, your talent, your treasure, and God’s truth — cheerfully and without coercion or compulsion.

righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:18-21)

Grace gives you the license to access all that God is and all that God has for you — salvation, deliverance, healing, protection, wisdom, and prosperity.

Derrick Day is Vice President of the Life Network http://www.lifenetwork.us

Grace gives you the license to lack nothing — to be complete and fully equipped in Christ. Grace is a license to shed your sinconsciousness and to embrace your righteousness consciousness.

He also serves as President of the International Circle of Faith – ICOF, Kingdom Covenant International, & Apostle to Agape Dominion Fellowship

Christians are still living in the Old Testament. They have never embraced the reality of New Testament faith. They are slaves to performancebased religion.

8 Signs of a Legalistic Spiritâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and How to Break Free

The apostle Paul wrote the epistle of Galatians to challenge us to make sure we remain in the grace of God. Do you struggle with legalism? Here are the most common signs of a legalistic spirit:

J. Lee Grady

1. Lack of true joy. Jesus didn't forgive us of our sins so we could be sour-faced and sad. Yet I've met hundreds of Christians who looked like they were attending a funeral when they came to a church service. Why? Legalism kills joy. When someone has an encounter with God's mercy, their hearts always overflow with praise and gratitude. The apostle Paul wrote: "The kingdom of God is ... righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 14:17). There's no such thing as Christianity without joy.

Are you a slave to performance-based religion?

Do you truly enjoy the grace of God? Many Christians know the Bible, attend church and even do ministry work while they struggle to understand the core of the gospel. They can quote Scriptures about what Christ did for them, but they still feel they must work to earn His loveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and often they end up feeling unworthy and separated from God.

2. No real victory over sin. All Christians struggle with temptations. But a person with a legalistic mindset finds it difficult to receive the grace of God to overcome sinful habits. Are you striving to break free from a particular sin in your own strength? You

Even though Jesus died on the cross so we wouldn't have to be judged according to the law, many 43

cannot do this on your own! We must admit our weakness and to invite the Holy Spirit to give us supernatural power to live a holy life. It is the indwelling Spirit of Christ who gives us victory— not you’re straining and sweating. Relax and let Him live His life in you!

people rejected a new move of the Holy Spirit because they didn't like a new style of music. Some churches today are in danger of missing God because they want to live like it is still 1973. Legalistic people tend to fight any new move of God. Remember: God is unchangeable in His nature, but He does new things. We must stay in step with Him.

3. Unhealthy performance orientation. God is a loving Father, and He wants us to lavish us with His affirmation and encouragement. Yet many Christians don't have a revelation of God's unconditional love. They feel they must earn His love by reading the Bible, praying and performing other religious tasks. Do you ever feel God is mad at you because you overslept and missed your morning devotions? He wants you to spend time with Him, but not to fulfill a duty. Chill out and just enjoy His love!

7. A sectarian attitude toward other Christians. People who don't understand God's grace believe they have a corner on truth, so they cannot accept the fact that the Holy Spirit might be moving in other denominations. Some churches even teach that they are the only people going to heaven. If your church believes they are the only true Christians, exit quickly. Legalism is toxic! Find a church that embraces the whole body of Christ. 8. Little or no assurance of salvation. People with a legalistic mindset often doubt their salvation because they trust their own obedience instead of Christ. When you receive the grace of God, the Bible says your heart will cry out, "Abba! Father!" (Rom. 8:15). One true encounter with Jesus will cause you to know that God has adopted you—and that He will never abandon you.

4. A critical, unloving attitude toward others. People who don't understand God's grace cannot extend grace to anyone else. This is why some Christians are hateful toward unbelievers. When you understand how much mercy God extended to forgive you, it's easy to show mercy to other people who don't deserve it! When you hear Christians using harsh language to condemn Muslims, atheists, liberals or gay people, you have just identified a legalistic spirit.

The apostle Paul wrote: "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Cor. 3:17). If you haven't experienced this freedom, ask the Holy Spirit to fill every area where legalism has distorted your understanding of God.

5. Obsessive focus on outward standards of dress or behavior. Some Christian denominations have taught that God demands strict conformity to dress codes. Some churches in the past have condemned makeup, jewelry, pants and short hair for women. Others taught it was wrong for Christians to play sports, play cards, dance, wear wedding rings, go to movies, wear jeans in church or even own a television! Yet God emphasizes inner holiness rather than outward conformity. When you walk in grace, the Spirit will lead you to dress and act in a way that honors Him, but this will not conform to a man-made religious code.

Don't fall for a graceless Christianity. If you see any of these warning signs in your life, invite the Holy Spirit to set you free from legalism. Stop striving, repent of pride and ask God to open your eyes to the reality of His amazing grace. J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter@leegrady. His newest book is The Truth Sets Women Free (Charisma House). You can learn more about his ministry, The Mordecai Project, at themordecaiproject.org.

6. Bondage to religious tradition. The Pharisees rejected Jesus because they couldn't leave Old Covenant religion behind. A legalistic spirit says, "This is the way we've always done it." Some 44

Worse than Trayvon Martin’s death in Florida and Michael Brown’s killing in Missouri, is what happened recently in Alexander City, Alabama when an innocent, 21 year old African-American male was killed by local police.

ON CIVIL LIBERTIES IN AMERICA By Julian McPhillips

(This article is about civil liberties abuses in several cities in the United States)

Emerson Crayton, Jr. was the victim. After getting off from work, Crayton stopped at the Huddle House, the only restaurant open after midnight in Alex City. Father of a 2 year old girl, young Crayton had no gun or weapon on him. He was simply hungry, and wanted something to eat. A white waitress, unhappy with Emerson's voice, hurled the "F" word at him. Crayton returned the description, and left Huddle House, telling it to keep its food and money.

I must respectfully disagree with the opinion that the grand jury’s no indictment in Ferguson, Missouri deserves deference. The reason it does not is because of the prosecutor’s extremely close ties to the police, and the one-sided nature of a grand jury presentation. It’s the fox guarding the hen house. No one represented the slain victim inside the grand jury room.

According to multiple eyewitnesses, and earwitnesses, not once did young Emerson speak any threatening words towards anyone at Huddle House. Yet, as Mr. Crayton was leaving, a Huddle House employee followed him, screaming at him while calling for a police officer next door. In response, a young white Alex City police

America is in dire trouble if a fairer method of determining criminal liability of a police officer shooting and killing an innocent and unarmed civilian is not reached. As national columnist Dana Milbank has proclaimed, “the Missouri prosecutor is the face of injustice.” 45

officer came running over. Never identifying himself as an officer, he shot Mr. Crayton five times, killing him. An investigation by the Alexander City police confirmed that Mr. Crayton had no weapon.

has absolutely no faith in law enforcement or in the Tallapoosa County DAs Office. To the credit of civil rights leaders, no violence has occurred, as compared to Ferguson, Missouri.

Eye-witnesses say Mr. Crayton was not aware of the policeman's presence in the dark of the night. The victim had committed no crime. He was not a fleeing felon. He was not speeding away down a highway, nor was he threatening the safety of others. Mr. Crayton’s windows were up, and his car doors shut, with music impairing his hearing. Young Emerson never had a chance. Two days after the killing, one Huddle House owner was overheard by a Caucasian customer as saying, “that's one dead nigger out of the way."

Unlike George Zimmerman in Trayvon Martin's case, this was not a "stand your ground defense." The policeman was not attacked by Mr. Crayton, and multiple witnesses say the officer was never endangered by Mr. Crayon’s car. Yet, the local District Attorney quickly closed ranks behind the policeman, with whom his office works regularly. Like Ferguson, like Alex City. A grand jury returned no indictment. Family and friends and many others, especially in the African-American community but many Caucasians as well, are incensed at what they perceive as a cover-up.

Alexander City and neighboring Dadeville, where Mr. Crayton lived, are in an uproar over the innocent killing of this young African American male, with nothing being done about it. Over 1000 blue t-shirts were sold the first week afterwards, with the words "No Justice; No Peace." Almost a thousand attended his funeral. Hundreds have marched on the Alex City police station to demand justice. The community

Lawyers say a prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich if he wants to. Conversely, great crime can be whitewashed. I except Montgomery County’s outstanding district attorney from this rule, but do not except the DA’s of Ferguson, Missouri and of Alexander City, Alabama.

ensure that it was without blemish. The priest did not examine the sinner. If the animal was without blemish, God accepted the animal sacrifice as well as the offerer who brought the animal. So when you come into God’s presence, don’t do any self-examination and be discouraged when you find faults in your life. God does not examine you. He sees you through the full value, and all the loveliness and acceptance of His Son. (Ephesians 1:6) He sees you holy and without blemish!

WHATEVER YOU NEED By Jeremiah Johnson

Ephesians 5:27 27that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Have you been to a worship service where you stood with your hands raised, ready to worship God, only to hear the worship leader say, “Before we worship God, let’s all search our hearts”? Then, as you search your heart, before long, you dig up something that you don’t like. The next thing you know, your hands are no longer raised and soon, you find yourself sitting down — you don’t feel good worshiping God any more.

Remember the woman who was referred to as a sinner, possibly a prostitute? She went to the house of the Pharisee who was hosting Jesus and wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair. (Luke 7:36–50) That was her act of worship. She came to Him as she was. Yes, she knew that she had sinned, but she worshiped Jesus first because of who He is. She was Jesus-conscious. Then, she heard Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48) She received the forgiveness she needed from Him.

My friend, I have good news for you. Come and worship Him as you are. Come into God’s presence Jesusconscious, forgiveness-conscious and grace-conscious! Come into God’s presence bringing only Jesus the spotless Lamb of God as your offering.

Whatever you need from the Savior, come to Him as you are. Worship Him for who He is and then you will hear Him say, “Go your way. Your restoration has come. Your prosperity is here. You are healed. You have been made whole!”

Your worshiping God is like the times God’s people in the Old Testament brought their offerings to the priest. The priest examined the animal sacrifice to 47

Dr. Barney Phillips and Bishop Derrick Day

Angela Day and Jewel Tankard

Secretary General. International Circle of Faith (ICOF) seeks a person to serve as Secretary General for North America. http://www.icof.net For more information contact Bishop Derrick Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Derrick@derrickday.com

IF YOUR COMPANY, MINITRY OR ORGANIZATION HAS AN JOB OPENING, MINISTRY OPENING OR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY YOU CAN HAVE IT LISTED HERE. EMAIL: BW@ICOF.NET

MINISTER OF MUSIC. Life Church is seeking a minister of music for the La Grange Campus. For more information visit http://www.lifecommunity.us

LIFE NETWORK is preparing for their 2015 launch and is looking for a variety of talented individuals. For more information email: info@lifenetwork.us

Seeking Spirit Filled Music leader that is knowledgeable in contemporary worship. Duties include leading music for all services and seasonal celebrations. Looking for an individual that leads from Keyboard or Guitar. Able to work with existing Praise Teams and develop vocals, musicians, etc. Experience with media and PowerPoint a plus. Must have strong leadership skills and be a team player. Send your resume to lifechurchky@live.com

Executive Vice President of Business. LIFE NETWORK seeks an experienced entrepreneur / business person to serve as the key person for our business division. http://www.lifenetwork.us For more information email info@lifenetwork.us

legal, information technology (IT), human resources (HR), and physical infrastructure.

LIFE AMBASSADOR for Life Network. As a Life Ambassador you will serve your city, area, state, or nation in bringing the vision of Life Network. For more information please email: ambassador@lifenetwork.us

As a member of the senior management team, the director will be involved in strategic planning, evaluation, and professional development initiatives, as well as planning for LIFE NETWORK’S Nonprofit’s expansion to multiple new sites both locally and in other cities. In keeping with LIFE NETWORK’S core values.

MUSICIANS. Life Church is seeking musicians for the Life Church Praise Band for the La Grange Kentucky campus. For more information visit http://www.lifecommunity.us Email: lifechurchky@live.com

Specific responsibilities include:

Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Life Network is seeking a CFO to Position Reporting to the Life Network President, the CFO will define the process and implement the infrastructure/ systems needed to support substantial growth over the next five to 10 years. S/he will continue to build and manage effective and streamlined administrative/financial systems, including financial, accounting,

Financial Management  Review and approve preparation and finalization of monthly and annual financial reporting materials and metrics Life Network’s board.  Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow for

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administration, existing programs, and proposed new sites. Coordinate all audit activities.

The director of finance and administration will have at least five to eight years of professional experience, including managing the finance and administration of a high-growth $10 million to $20 million organization (preference given to nonprofit experience). S/he will have experience creating and driving the analytic framework for planning and managing organizational change in a highly entrepreneurial organization. The CFO will have the following experience and attributes:

Administrative Leadership and Management 

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Serve as a business partner to the President of Life Network on the organization’s financial, budgeting, and administrative processes— including HR, payroll, and benefits functions—with an eye to continuously developing and improving systems. Lead Life Network’s technical staff to design an IT plan for the future, and implement it successfully to meet IT needs (hardware and software) as the organization grows. Program Recipient Mentoring

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Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (MA/MBA preferred) in Business, Management, or Finance. Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team. Demonstrated experience in financial management and accounting, ideally in the nonprofit sector. Experience should include legal, audit, compliance, budget, and resource development. Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing new ways of creating efficiencies, and guiding investment in people and systems.

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Proven effectiveness leading professionals in finance and accounting. Technologically savvy, with an ability to point to examples of having worked with IT staff to develop and implement new processes and systems that increased efficiency in a fast-moving environment. Flexible and a self-starter; able to multi-task while also being highly detail-oriented. Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to Life Network’s mission.

Secretary General. Life Network seeks a person with experience in government, or with a political action committee (PAC), or similar to serve as Secretary General of the Life Network. http://www.lifenetwork.us For more information email: bw@icof.net

Editor – Next Wave magazine is looking for an editor. The Next Wave magazine is the monthly voice of Life Network and is published 12 times annually. For more information email bw@icof.net

For more information contact LIFE NETWORK info@lifenetwork.us

April 1-3 Operation 10,000 souls â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ICOF Cameroon

FEBRUARY 1 , 2015 OFFICER APPRECIATION SUNDAY! 1 PM LIFE CHURCH

April 19, 2015 Life Church Anniversary Service. 1 PM. 1901 Prestwick Drive. La Grange, KY 40031. Phone: 502.265.3795 Email: lifechurchky@live.com

LAGRANGE, KY For more information email: lifechurchky@live.com Or visit us online: http://www.lifecommunity.us

September 4, 5, 6. LIFE FEST. La Grange, KY. Life Church. 1901 Prestwick Drive. La Grange, KY 40031. Life Fest Executive Director: Birgit Zeph. Phone: 502.265.3795 Email: lifechurchky@live.com 52

LIFE NETWORK Social Media Coordinator Volunteer

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Ability to identify threats and opportunities in user-generated content Basic SEO knowledge Ability to produce quality editorial and technical output

Position Overview Functions, Duties, & Responsibilities

Social Media Coordinators help engage the target audience via various social media channels

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Expectations

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Education/Certifications/Experience 

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Degree in marketing, journalism, new media, advertising, entertainment or social media experience. Will train in lieu of experience. Digital or communications experience

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Computer Skills  Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Utilizes posts, tweets, podcasts, articles, videos, or screen casts to interact Moderate and promote communications that encourage the exchange of user-generated content Create strategies and tactics to increase participation and ensure the clarity of the message across social media channels Coordinates campaign calendars with online activity Contact: Dr. Ralph Day LIFE NETWORK VP of Social Media

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities  Demonstrated, participatory expertise in various social media channels, including LinkedIn, YouTube, Foursquare, Twitter, Bookmarking sites, Flickr, Forums, Wikis, blogs, etc

biewebmaster@gmail.com

O.C. Isom II O. C. Isom II is the founder, Bishop, and Senior Pastor of Word up Apostolic Ministries founded in 2003. He also serves as a Bishop of the State of Michigan of the International Circle of Faith. He has a Bachelors Degree in Theology and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Cypress Bible College. He is the author of Wounds Caused By Gossip and has several years of experience dealing with negative attitudes, conflicts, and emotional wounds. For many years, he has sought to find a beautiful groundbreaking solution that will restore glory and bring about restoration resulting in the alignment of the body of Christ. He has written this book which covers the complete spectrum on attitudes among Christians. His focus is on educating leaders and Christians on how to improve communication skills and how to deal with conflicts that exist in church today. He writes practical implications, shines the light to expose gossip, and conflict within the Body of Christ by having a kingdom mindset. He has a lovely wife Marilyn, two daughters, Tiffany and Karissa, and a son Andre.

Hi Bishop Wade,

Bishop Tembi Alfred Tembi Director Revival Gospel Radio, President Revival Gospel Ministries CEO Christian Communication Network PO Box 598 Buea SW Region Cameroon. Africa. Cell: 23777640241. House 237 33322359 It was wonderful this week end in Ghana. it was during the 22nd anniversary celebrations of Kingdom Grace chapel.

Greetings in The name of LORD . Thank you very much for your prayers for our precious event on 14th December. We were able to give Bibles, Feed people and share The Word of God. Praise God. Our next event is on 21st December and we want to give Free Bibles & Christmas gift to Children and Families and celebrate Christmas with them. To these believers it would mean the world to have their own Bible and to be able to read the Word of God. There is great hunger for Bible in Pakistan.

God moved in unprecedented ways and souls were saved, healed and delivered. Amongst the many things the Lord did was the election of Rev Dr Seth Nana Opoku as Bishop pending consecration, which we pray will take place next year first week of July God willing. I will keep you posted as things unfold. My regards to the family of God under your care. 58

ICOF – GHANA ORDINATION 2014

Three days conference was held from the 3rd to the 5th of December, 2014 after which FIVE–FOLD MINISTRY, 1. Apostle 2. Prophet 3. Evangelist 4. Pastor 5. Teacher ordination ceremony was also held on the 6th of December, 2014 in Kumasi. In all, seventeen participants which consisted of three women and fourteen men which two of the men were honored with honorary Degrees were ordained on that day for offering their parcel of land for the building of ICOF college and mission center. The theme for the occasion was

ICOF GLOBAL NETWORK

This year has been a good season that ICOF can surely say; God has really blessed his people. Bishop Dr. Joseph Freeson and his team – Bishop Dr. Samuel Kofi Agyekum, Bishop Dr. Prince Owusu Bannie and Apostle Dr. John Afful-Sam visited a number of ICOF members in the various regions to encourage them pertaining to the ministry of which we have been called to serve as package to the world.

“ICOF Ghana Soaring like an Eagle”. It was marvelous the auditorium was full to its capacity, charged with the presence of the Lord. We hope to receive you next year in Ghana, where the good news of the International Circle of Faith is spreading very fast among the people, for a similar program.

Activities organized in the regions of the nation were well planned. Evangelism as well as Bible College is on course. However ICOF Ghana consider the ministry as very essential and with the help of Bishop Dr. Joseph Freeson the institution is progressing steadily-wanted the departments of the organization to compete internationally so that our colleges in Ghana will be well recognized in the Diaspora.

Thank You. 2014 ORDINATION LIST APOSTLES 1. APOSTLE ISAAC ADUTWUM 2. POSTLE EVANS OTOO PROPHETESS 1. PROPHETESS EUNICE ODURO 59

ICOF CAMEROON EVANGELISTS 1. EVANGELIST JULIET BOATING Bishop Tembi Alfed Tembi PASTORS 1. PASTOR COMFORT WIREDUWAAH 2. PASTOR PATRICK ADOM 3. PASTOR ERNEST TABI 4. PASTOR EMMANUEL BREFO 5. PASTOR JAMES MANSON 6. PASTOR SAMPSON OWUSU AMANKWATIA 7. PASTOR MALIK OWUSU BANIE 8. PASTOR ISAAC APPIAH 9. PASTOR KWABENA ADDO 10. PASTOR PETER AGOE AFUTU HONORARY DEGREE 1. NANA YAW ECHIE AMANKWAH 2. EKOW KOOMSON

Happy Christmas and a prosperous new year in advance.. Thank you so very much for being part of operation ten Thousand souls this year. It was the first of its kind and it worked wonderfully. Your prayers, seed and encouragements birthed 1349 people into the kingdom of God. We had 19 anointed men of God of international repute ministering over a period of 45 days preaching for 7 hours 15minutes daily. Our prayer for you is that the Lord will richly reward you.

Sincerely,

Note that you are a share holder of this ministry and your labor of love will surely be rewarded from heaven. As per the burden the Lord laid on our hearts we still have to reach 8651 to reach. As such our next operation Ten Thousand souls for Christ crusade has been scheduled from the 1st of April 2015.

Bishop Dr. Joseph Papa kojo Freeson

Once more thank you so very much. Remain blessed.

APOSTLE DR. JOHN AFFUL â&#x20AC;&#x201C;SAM (GENERAL SECRETARY)

Yours in the vine yard, Tembi Alfred Tembi.

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today’s world, there are many

Harvard celebrates academic achievement

reasons why graduating the traditional way just doesn’t work for

By Mitch Sneed

everyone. “We are so honored to be celebrating this day,” Williams said. “This is not a GED, This is a

Saturday was a day of celebration

diploma from an accredited high

for the students on Harvard High

school. So no matter what age,

School International in Alexander

when you walk in looking for that

City as those

job, you will now

who have and

have something

will earn their

that shows you

high school

are an achiever.

diplomas were

“There is no way

recognized.

to say how much Nine students, dressed in royal

that means, not only in the

blue caps and gowns, gathered

workplace, but what it will mean in

with family, friends and dignitaries

terms of confidence that you can do

at Jehovah-Jireh Ministries on

anything with the help of Jesus

Hillabee Street to celebrate a life-

Christ.”

changing accomplishment. Rev. Students from age 17 up to 44

Roderick Williams said that in

were in Saturday’s group of 64

honorees. Each had a story, but

otherwise,” Woody said. “This is a

Saturday they all had a smile. Two

great start.”

in the group were 44-year-old Dr. Bernie Wade of the Life Church

Aretha Smith and her 24-year-old

in LaGrange, Kentucky is one of

daughter, Saprena Woody.

the founders of Harvard “I wanted to get this diploma to

International. As president of the

show that it is never too late,” Smith

outreach, he said that to see

said. “I have four kids and six

students of all ages reach a life

grandkids now. But

goal is “more

now I can tell them

rewarding that words

that I did this to

can describe.”

show how important

“In this world we live

education is. Now

in – we put a man on

they will know that the moon in the 1970s what I say comes

– but we still do not

from experience.”

graduate all of out Woody said she will use her

children from high school,” Wade

diploma as she will attend Virginia

said. “It doesn’t have to be that

College and start with a CNA

way. That’s why we started Harvard

certificate and work her way up.

International. We are making a

She hopes to be a nurse one day.

difference. Graduates from Harvard High School now own their own

“This will open some doors that I

businesses, work as leaders in

may not have had open for me 65

major companies, serve in the

the medical field. That wouldn’t

military and even pastor churches

have been possible without this.”

all over the world.

The Harvard mission says “Harvard

“It all starts with getting that

High School was founded by

diploma and we are delighted and

concerned people who realized that

honored that we can now say that

our education system doesn’t work

there is no reason in the world not

for everyone. Many people are held

to have your high school diploma.

at an economic and social

You have all proven that. Now you

disadvantage because they do not

can go out into the world and tell

have a high school diploma.

people that God had has blessed

Harvard High School is committed

you with a gift that will change your

to helping all have a quality

life.”

education.”

For 18-year-old Breasia Smith, she said this program gives her a chance that she may not have had otherwise. “I am so thankful to have this program,” Smith said. “I just didn’t fit in at my high school and I couldn’t take it any longer. Now I can go on and start working towards my goals and a career in 66

Humanistic Theism? By Lea F. Bates

noun: humanism an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.

Today I observed someone accusing another of being humanistic – in other words they proclaimed that the other person practiced humanism. The words said were an all-out verbal attack that really saddened me. I can’t say I know the person being attacked very well so therefore I couldn’t defend them against this accusation. Besides, as aggressive of a personality as the accuser had it would have been pointless anyway. Kind of like casting pearls in the direction of swine. I did however look up this term – humanism, because the case the accuser made seemed to attack many out there who are (or claim to be) Christians.

 a Renaissance cultural movement that turned away from medieval scholasticism and revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman thought. noun: Humanism  (among some contemporary writers) a system of thought criticized as being centered on the notion of the rational, autonomous self and ignoring the unintegrated and conditioned nature of the individual. I suddenly realized as I read this terminology how dangerously close the body of Christ has leaned towards this direction. No one wants to hear a negative commentary; but we must be real here. We attend church services where “the praise team is wonderful” or we go to this church because “they still sing the old hymns.” Either music is fine with me, but if we are determining our attendance of a fellowship (ekklesia G1577 Strongs) gathering based on

Here is what I found: 67

the music, or the dress, or even the people, or the pastor, then have we not become humanistic in our own right? Have we forsaken our First Love? Who is at the Head?

us unto the strength of the law (1 Corinthians 15:56), because we follow our fleshly desires instead of dying to self so He can reign within us. God takes no pleasure in our desire to bask in selfish desires. “Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38). He predestined those he called – to be conformed into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29-30), according to the good pleasure of His WILL (Ephesians 1:5, 11). Our God is faithful to those He has called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9). He longs to scoop us up on eagle’s wings.

Christ is centered as the Head of the Church. We didn’t choose God, He chose us (See 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Romans 9:16). God chose the people he called Israel and called them out to bring them unto himself (Exodus 19:4). Not to satisfy their wants, but because He cared for them and to bring them into a covenant and communion with Him. Jesus came as a propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). His sacrifice didn’t give us carte-blanch to our own desires. No! We were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23). Oh, death where is your sting? Have we fallen short of facing the sting of the death to self? Therefore our sin calls 68

(Authoritative sources for these claims of inclusionism can be found here.)

50 Scriptures Inclusionism Can’t Explain

As I have explained elsewhere, inclusion is not the gospel of grace and it was not preached by the early church fathers. Inclusionism is a manmade philosophy that can damage your faith and one of the ways it does this is by contradicting scripture. By my rough count there are several hundred scriptures that refute inclusionism. Here are fifty:

BY Paul Ellis

Genesis 7:13 “On that very day Noah and his sons, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark.” Noah’s Ark represents Christ. If inclusionism is true, then humanity would’ve boarded the ark and been saved. Instead, the only people who entered were those who believed what Noah preached. (For more on how inclusionism is not reflected in Old Testament types and shadows, read this.)

“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Heb 2:1) Being careless with God’s word can cause people to drift away. This is why I am opposed to the doctrine of inclusion for it distorts and twists scripture and, as a result, some have drifted away.

Matthew 7:23 “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me.’” Inclusionism: “All have been united with the Lord. All are part of God’s family, so how can Christ claim he doesn’t know us?”

Inclusionism teaches that Jesus died not as one of us but as all of us and that humanity was included in his resurrection and ascension. Since “all are in Christ,” everyone is now reconciled, justified, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit whether they believe it or not.

Luke 7:50 “Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’” Inclusionism: “That must be a mistake since it’s the faith of Jesus that saves us. Anyway,

the woman was only sort of saved.” See next point.

over from death to life.” Inclusionism: “Since humanity was co-resurrected with Christ, all have crossed over to life whether they believe it or not.” Jesus said the unbeliever remains under condemnation and death (serious words!), but inclusionism says that’s just an illusion (not so serious really).

Luke 8:12 “Believe and be saved.” Inclusionism: “You are saved whether you believe it or not but you’re not really because there are actually three kinds of salvation.” This is one of greatest (and most confusing) perversions of scripture. Jesus and the apostles say “believe and be saved” (Mark 16:16, 8:12, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9), but inclusionism reverses the order: “You are saved. Believe it.”

John 5:40 “Come to me to have life.” The gospel that Jesus and the apostles preached came with sweet invitations (Matthew 11:28, 19:14, 6:37, 44, 65, 7:37; Acts 3:19, 20:21, 26:20). Inclusionism, in contrast, tells the unbeliever, “You are already in a relationship with Christ, you just don’t know it.” Jesus woos us with love, but inclusionism preaches involuntary union.

Luke 11:13 “… how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Jesus said the Father is eager to give the Holy Spirit to all who ask but inclusionism says “A loving Father gives his children what they need before they ask. You don’t have to ask for the Holy Spirit; you already have him. Everyone does.”

John 6:37 “Those who come to me I never cast away”. Inclusionism: “There is no coming to Christ. You’re already in!” John 6:47 “He who believes has everlasting life.” Jesus and the apostles preached so that you might believe and have eternal life (John 5:24, 40, 1 John 5:12-13). “These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). In contrast, inclusionism claims, “Raised with Christ, you already have new life. You just don’t know it.”

John 3:18 “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already…” Jesus said “God condemns no one (John 3:17), but unbelievers condemn themselves.” Inclusionism disagrees. “No they don’t. Since all are in Christ, there’s no condemnation for anyone.” John 5:24 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes… has crossed

John 10:9 “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” Inclusionism: “You were saved before you entered. Entering sounds like a work. So does faith. Your entering and believing have little to do with it.”

is righteous.” Inclusionism adds, “So is the unbeliever.” Romans 5:15,19 “…the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, will overflow to the many! … through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Inclusionism: “Not many, but all and not will be, but have been, as in all have been made righteous.” (What about when Paul refers to “all men” in v.18? See this note.)

Act 10:44 “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.” Inclusionism: “Actually Cornelius and his household already had the Holy Spirit hiding inside them. He didn’t come down, he popped out.”

Romans 5:17 “…how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” The Bible: “Receive the gift of righteousness!” Inclusionism: “All are exhibited righteous on account of Jesus.”

Act 19:6 “When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” Inclusionism: “Again, the Holy Spirit didn’t ‘come on them.’ One with the Lord, unbelievers are already joined to the Holy Spirit.” Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” Inclusionism: “No, the saving power of God is for all, including those who reject the gospel.”

Romans 6:3 “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” Inclusionism: “This is describing everyone since all were included or baptized into Christ’s death on the cross.” Yet the apostles found some who had not been baptized into Christ (see Act 10:48, 19:5). They were excluded.

Romans 3:22 “This righteousness from God comes through faith of Jesus Christ to all who believe” (see also Romans 4:24, 10:4). In many places the Bible says, “The believer

Romans 8:9 “You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not his.” Inclusionism:

“The second part of that verse is a fiction for all have the Holy Spirit in them.”

3:15).” Inclusionism: “Paul was confused for Jesus is the federal head of humanity.”

Romans 10:10 “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Inclusionism: “The unbeliever is justified and saved too – they just don’t know it.”

Ephesians 1:13 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” Inclusionism: “Wrong again. You were included before you heard and before you believed.”

Romans 10:13 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Inclusionism: “This is misleading for Jesus saved you before you called. But in truth it’s complicated because salvation means a whole lot of things.”

Ephesians 4:18 “They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” Inclusionism: “God has established a relationship with everyone and all have been raised to resurrection life. Any separation is a figment of the unbeliever’s imagination.”

Romans 16:7 “Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who were in Christ before I was.” Inclusionism: “Paul was mistaken – everyone was in Christ at the cross.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers … What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?” Inclusionism: “Quite a lot actually, since they are both yoked in Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” Inclusionism: “Unbelievers are reconciled to God. Indeed, they are married to Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:9 “We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinners…” (See also 1 Peter 4:18 and James 4:8.) Inclusionism: “Strong words! And irrelevant because there are no ungodly and no sinners. Just people living in a state of denial.”

Colossians 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church…” The Bible: “Jesus is the firstborn of (supreme above) creation (Colossians 1:15), the firstfruits of the resurrected dead (1 Corinthians 15:20), and the head of the family of God (Ephesians

1 Timothy 5:24 “The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.” Inclusionism: “What sins?”

Inclusionism: “Everyone has eternal life in them; they just don’t know it.” Inclusion appeals to some because it comes wrapped in borrowed ribbons of grace. But don’t be fooled – the involuntary union of inclusionism is a hideous distortion of God’s love for humanity. Jesus died to set you free and that freedom includes the freedom to choose. Thankfully, inclusionism is easily recognized as a counterfeit for it doesn’t fit with scripture. Indeed, scripture refutes it again and again, as we have seen. (If you can think of other scriptures refuting inclusionism, let us know below.)

Hebrew 4:2 “For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.” Inclusionism: “Hebrews was written for Hebrews, not us. It was written for people living under law so we can ignore this.” James 4:8 “Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Inclusionism: “James wrote for the twelve tribes, not you. He probably didn’t understand grace anyway, so we can take his epistle with a pinch of salt.”

In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ is revealed on every page and in every book in the Bible. That gospel is the divine announcement that God loves every single one of us, holds nothing against us, and draws us to himself through his Son Jesus. The gospel is the stunning announcement that God loves you like a Father – unconditionally, deeply, wildly. Those who respond to his overtures of love will never be turned away.

1 John 1:3 “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” The Bible: “Not everyone is connected to the Vine.” Inclusionism: “Everyone is connected. Unbelievers are non-participating members of the body of Christ.”

To embrace inclusionism one must either ignore large chunks of the Bible or rewrite it. I suggest we hold to scripture and dismiss the counterfeit

1 John 3:15 “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.”