Glad Tidings The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. ~Isaiah 40:8
Volume 1 4, Issue 2
March/April 2010
Glad Tidings January/February 2010 Something to Consider ....................... p. 3
Glad Tidings
by Vince Finnegan Parenting—šālôm ............................... p. 4
is published six times per year by
by Mary Ann Yaconis
Living Hope International Ministries 458 Old Niskayuna Road,
God’s Name Forbidden ...................... p. 6
Latham, New York 12110 USA
by Vince Finnegan Hearing The Original Gospel ............. p. 9
Office
518.785.8888
by Angela Moore
Fax
518.785.1990
Forgiveness and Restitution .......... .. p.11
info@kingdomready.org
by Vince Finnegan
Website www.kingdomready.org
Congo Connection .............................. p. 12 by Richard and Cheryl Elton Jesus is Lord ....................................... p.14 by Sean Finnegan Demonology......................................... p.17
Glad Tidings is mailed free to anyone who requests it. Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.
By Vince Finnegan
mark these important dates on your calendar!! March 28th - April 4th
June 27th - July 3rd
Passion Of Christ Observance
Family Camp 2010 at Silver Bay
________________________________ ________________________________ May 8th
July 4th - 10th
Building Blocks for Relationships Conference
Untried Passage Week (UP)
_______________________________ ________________________________ May 23rd
July 25th - 30th
Pentecost Celebration
Teen Camp 2010 at Silver Bay 2
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” These verses from 1Peter 1:3-5 summarize why our ministry is Living Hope. We are utterly convinced that Yahweh our God will send His Son, our Lord Jesus the Christ, to establish God’s Kingdom here on earth. This unreserved confidence in our hope influences all that we do; therefore, it is a living hope. The directive that Jesus gave right before he ascended, which is recorded in Matthew 28:19 and 20, provides understanding why we include International Ministries with Living Hope. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Jesus wants His followers to reach out to all the nations. The specific instruction is – “make disciples.” Making disciples begins with witnessing to the unsaved but includes much more. A disciple is an ardent and committed follower. A disciple is someone, according to John 8:3136, who continues in our Lord’s word and thereby experiences freedom. Disciples accept and assist in the spreading of the Gospel. The way we do this is each one wins one who will then win one. “Baptizing in the name…” is often misunderstood to mean immersing someone in water and saying these words while doing it; however, such a onetime ritual is not going to make a disciple. It may serve as a beginning point. The baptism implied here is to immerse with the teaching of these three things: 1) the name of the Father, 2) the Son, who is Jesus Christ our Lord, and 3) the holy spirit. Herein is where our ministry shines because we have developed biblical understanding regarding each of these subjects. You may want to listen to our Sunday Service entitled Our Ministry from 2/21/10 for more detailed information. God Bless You,
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Parenting — šālôm by Mary Ann Yaconis
P
icture young Jack in the backyard playing ball with his friends. The inevitable happens − a window in his home is broken by Jack’s homerun. There are many to choose from, but two scenarios of what can occur are:
his Dad.
B.Having heard the glass break, Jack’s Dad races out of the door to see what has happened and IF ANYONE IS CUT OR HURT. Assessing that there is no blood involved, Dad asks what happened and
A.Having heard the glass break, Jack’s Dad races out of the door to see what has happened and WHO BROKE THE WINDOW. Jack hems and haws, the other kids scatter like roaches when the lights go on; and Dad starts giving Jack a piece of his mind. Jack is called “stupid,” “idiot,” and other choice words. Jack is physically shaken by his Dad and yelled at that he has to work to repay the window and for all the extra work it will cause his father to make the repair. But that isn’t the last of it. Jack is reminded at dinner, breakfast, in the middle of the day, and at various times during the week how stupid and awful he was to have done such a thing and caused such a problem for
listens as Jack tells him about the homerun and the window being in the way. Dad then expresses concern over the broken window and provides his son ways of making restitution for the damage,
such as helping Dad clean up the mess, measure the window, and cough up some money to help pay for the damages. Jack expresses genuine remorse; Dad accepts his remorse; and the window issue is not brought up again to humiliate or shame Jack. Dad hugs Jack; the breach is mended; and life continues. Children learn how to be at peace from their parents. Peace is complex. Peace is not something that is taught the same way as using a fork and knife at the table. Šālôm is the Hebrew word for “peace.” The Old Testament Scriptures teach that peace is a relational concept between individuals, families, nations, and with God. At the beginning of Solomon’s reign, the effect of having peace with God resulted in Israel having peace with the surrounding nations. I Kings 4:25 During Solomon’s lifetime, Judah and Israel from Dan to Beersheba lived (Continued on page 5)
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in safety, each man under his own vine and fig tree. Peace in many places in the Old Testament emphasizes the absence of strife. In scenario “A” above, Jack’s Dad did not have peace with God, so life surrounding him could not be at peace either.
“Being able to teach our children from a heart of peace lets them experience that God is a loving, restoring God who rejoices in the absence of strife.”
To try to explain this, let’s think about painting a wall. The wall is already painted a very bright shade of red. You want to paint it white. Okay, most of you with any painting experience are already saying to yourself, “This will mean several coats of paint, even if it is Kilz.” Why several coats of paint? Because the red bleeds through. This is how the peace of God “colors” our everyday interactions. It is the base coat in our heart that bleeds through into every situation. Knowing and experiencing that God is good, that God will never leave us nor forsake us, that God is abounding in loving kindness and compassion give us peace. Being able to teach our children from a heart of peace lets them experience that God is a loving, restoring God Who rejoices in the absence of strife. Little Jack in
scenario "A" not only had the pain of the broken window incident, he had to live it every day over and over and over. There was no peace— no resolve or resolution, no restoration of love with Dad. Later on in life, Jack’s relationship with God is one of strife with horrific pain of knowing there is no restitution, no peace with God. Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. The Aramaic and the New Living Translation have slightly different translations of this verse. Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. NLT Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in our lord, for this [is] right. Aramaic-English 5
Linear Testament
New
God is commanding His precious, dear children to obey you, his or her parent. This thought can take our breath away. God has confidence that you will live a peaceful, godly life. If peace is an elusive concept to you, take time to learn more about our God of peace. One might say that God was a God of war and destruction thro ugho u t the Ol d Testament. At careful reading, one has to see the overwhelming desire of peace God had with mankind from the Garden of Eden forward. Rebellion against God (sin) is the major cause of lack of peace. In order to live with a foundation of peace, meditate upon the Word, live it, and repent from sin. So, if you were a Little Jack (or Jane) who wasn’t taught that God is a God of peace and that we can enter into peace with God, well, God will parent you and teach this to you. If you are blessed to have peace in your heart, make sure that this peace is transferred to your children by your example and speaking of it along the way in this very complex world.
God’s name forbidden By Vince Finnegan
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t one point in history, the Jews decided that they should not speak the name of God for fear of profaning His name and violating the second command - “You shall not take the name of the LORD [Yahweh] your God in vain.” They also decided that they should not write His name; therefore, they replaced it with the Hebrew Adonai which means Lord. The specific timing of this terrible decision is uncertain. Many scholars believe the Jews did this after the B a b yl oni a n e xi l e . T he Encyclopedia Britannica states: “After the Exile (6th century BC) and especially from the 3rd century BC on, Jews ceased to use the name Yahweh.” However, the historical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, written after the return from the exile, tell a different story.
the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD [Yahweh] according to the directions of King David of Israel. They sang, praising and giving thanks to the LORD [Yahweh], saying, "For He is good, for His loving kindness is upon Israel forever." And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD [Yahweh] because the foundation of the house of the LORD [Yahweh] was laid. Ezra’s prayers recorded in chapter 9 indicate that they prayed to Yahweh and did so by using His name. “O LORD [Yahweh] God of Israel, You are righteous….” Nehemiah’s prayer was similar. He said in chapter 1 – “I beseech You, O LORD [Yahweh] God of heaven, the great and awesome God….” Nehemiah and Ezra led the people back to their
Nehemiah 9:5-7 Arise, bless the LORD [Yahweh] your God forever and ever! O may Your glorious name be blessed And exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the LORD [Yahweh]. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before You. You are the LORD [Yahweh] God….
They held the same reverential concern for the name of Yahweh to be praised, glorified, magnified, and exalted as did their a nce st or s . To imply they stopped using His name contradicts the Scriptures and misses the point of what these b e l i e v e r s recommitted to God forever and after the return to name be blessed Israel.
Ezra 3:10 and 11 Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the L O R D [Yahweh], the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites,
God and boldly proclaimed His name. The Scriptures provide undisputable evidence that the Jews had no hesitancy regarding speaking the name of Yahweh.
“Arise, bless Yahweh your ever! O may Your glorious And exalted above all blessing and praise!” Nehemiah 9:5 6
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Malachi, probably written around 433-430 BC, is the last book of the Old Testament. In this small book of only four chapters, the name “Yahweh” appears over 40 times. The name “Yahweh” was never lost to the prophets who wrote the Hebrew Scriptures. If anything, they constantly encouraged Israel to revere and magnify the name. The prophets never commanded or slightly implied that Yahweh’s name not be spoken or written! Moses and the prophets warned Israel not to profane the name of God, but the context was always regarding how they behaved, especially regarding idolatry. They profaned Yahweh’s name because He was associated with Israel, and they were so sinful. The Jewish tradition of not using the name “Yahweh” did not begin during the time of the Old Testament. Another viewpoint is that the prohibition of His name began between the time of Malachi and Matthew; however, again history proves different. The Apocrypha, found in some Bibles today, was written in approximately 200BC. These writings are not considered to be divinely inspired for many good reasons, one of which is they are never quoted or referred to by our Lord or his Apostles. The New Testament has over 600 quotes from the Old Testament and not one from the Apocrypha.
However, these books are highly regarded for their historical value and understanding regarding the religious beliefs and activities of the Israelites. They reveal that some two hundred years after Malachi, the Jews still revered and used “Yahweh,” the name of God.
Jesus never hesitated to speak God’s name and taught the disciples to reverence His name. The intolerable and even hateful attitude of the Jewish people who lived in Israel toward the Gentiles (those not of Israeli descent) and their pagan ways is well documented in the New Testament. When Jesus read the Scriptures in the Temple and synagogues, he did so from Hebrew manuscripts that are certain and not the Septuagint. The common belief about the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) is it was written before the New Testament. Although the Old Testament quotations in the English New Testament were copied from the Septuagint, it is very doubtful that Jesus or his 7
Apostles quoted from anything other than the Hebrew. The Greek language was the language of the Gentiles and not the Jews. We have no biblical reason to think Jesus read the Septuagint or, for the matter, even knew the Greek language. The Hebrew manuscripts even to this day have the Hebrew word הוהיwhich is transliterated YHWH and pronounced Yahweh. Most English Bibles do not translate the Hebrew word “Yahweh” correctly. The translators decided to follow the Jewish tradition and not use God’s proper name. They replaced it with the word “LORD.” For some reason, those who translated the New Testament Scriptures into English decided to copy from the Septuagint rather than the Hebrew manuscripts and thereby eliminated God’s name, “Yahweh.” When Jesus read the Hebrew Scriptures, he did not read the Greek word kurios or the English word “LORD;” rather, he read what was written which is YHWH, Yahweh. We have no biblical or historical reason to believe that in the times of Jesus, the Septuagint would ever have been read in the Temple or synagogues that were in Israel. The Jews would have taken issue with the holy writings being in any language other than their own. They resented and resisted anything (Continued on page 8)
God’s name forbidden Continued . . . (Continued from page 7)
perceived as Gentile influences in the Palestine area. Quoting from the Old Testament was an integral part of Jesus’ teachings. He did it often. Jesus had a Hebrew understanding of the Scriptures. He thought in Hebrew, read in Hebrew, and he spoke in Hebrew. When he saw the name YHWH, that is what he thought, and that is what he said. If someone accurately quoted the words of Jesus, he or she would have to do so by referring to the same Hebrew texts that Jesus referenced. All of the writers of the New Testament understood Hebrew and therefore could read the Hebrew Old Testament. If these men quoted Jesus, they would not have done so accurately by using the Septuagint because it eliminates the words “Yahweh,” “Adon,” “Adonai,” and “Yah.” If they used the Septuagint when Jesus spoke from the Hebrew, they would have changed our Lord’s words. Those who translated into English and not the Apostles who wrote the original texts used the Septuagint. Jesus explained God as none other had done before, according to John 1:18 KJV – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” Immediately before his suffering and death, Jesus prayed to His Father and said, “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world.” Hebrews 2:12 states: "I [Jesus] will proclaim your name to my
“How can we do anything in the “name of” if we do not know the name?. . .We must decide how we draw our conclusions about what we believe. We can be influenced by tradition or by what is written!” brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise." How could Jesus make known God’s name if he was afraid to say it? Is it not ludicrous to conclude that Jesus feared breaking the second commandment, so he never spoke God’s name? On two separate occasions, Jesus taught his disciples how to pray. He said, when you pray say, “Hallowed be Your name.” Surely, Jesus never considered that there would be a time when his disciples would not know the name of God as it is today. He never said, “Don’t speak His name” or “Never write His name.” To keep God’s name “hallowed” means to keep it holy, consecrated, and revered. Immediately preceding the ascension, Jesus gave to his disciples his final instruction, a part of which is commonly called the great commission. He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son 8
and the Holy Spirit.” Three distinct and very important subjects were to be at the center of making disciples. The first was to baptize (immerse) in the name of the Father. How can we do anything in the “name of” if we do not know the name? It is shocking and dreadful that so many scholars and teachers use this record to prove the Trinity. By doing this, they lead people away from our Lord’s instruction and propound a false doctrine. Jesus is not talking about the Trinity; rather, he is telling his Church what they should do. We must decide how we draw our conclusions about what we believe. We can be influenced by tradition or by what is written! The name of Yahweh was spoken all the way through the Old Testament times, during the time of the Apocrypha, and in Jesus’ lifetime. So, when did the change come? It may very well be that the change occurred when so many other doctrines where corrupted − ages after the first century.
some integral part. I am proposing today, that the Church, some of its leaders and its people, have, over time, taken what was the Gospel that Jesus and his Apostles preached and somehow lost some of its meaning and focus. Over time, in the telling and the sharing of it, the Gospel we commonly hear in 2010 may be omitting a very significant piece that is good and thrilling news!
Hearing the Original Gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom By Angela Moore
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o you remember playing the game of “Telephone” when you were a child? You would whisper a short sentence to the child seated next to you, who would in turn whisper it to the next child. It was always funny to hear, by the end of the line, how the original sentence had changed by the time it had gone through a dozen little ears and mouths.
arose for our sins. This is all agreed upon! However, the other part of the Gospel that has gotten left off of the message is that important word (logos) that Jesus preached: the Kingdom of God. Who has ever heard that the Gospel was about the Kingdom of God and how we could enter it to have eternal life in the age to come? Next time you hear a minister, TV evangelist, or a friend of yours share the “Gospel” message, listen carefully! Do they mention the coming Kingdom of God? I am merely suggesting that how we define the message of the Gospel has been diluted, shortened, and adapted to something not drastically different, but changed enough over time that it just may be a different word than what Jesus and the early Church were preaching and proclaiming.
So, too, has it been with the Gospel. Today, if one asked someone what the Gospel is, you might hear it defined, “The Gospel is the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that provides full and free deliverance from the power and penalty of sin according to the grace of God alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone.” This was quoted on a website I found when I googled the question, “What is the Gospel?”
Strong’s defines “Gospel” (euaggelion) as “the glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom. After the death of Christ, the term comprises also the preaching of (concerning) Jesus Christ as having suffered death on the cross to procure eternal salvation for the men in the kingdom of God, but as restored to life and exalted to the right hand of God in heaven, thence to return in majesty to consummate the kingdom of God.”
In the game of telephone, sometimes the resulting message comes out similar to the original one, yet somehow changed, adapted, or missing
It is both true the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and very imporand believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15 tant that the Gospel message (Continued on page 10) includes that Jesus died and
In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of God, and said, “The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.” Luke 8:11 says that Jesus
“and saying, `The time is fulfilled, and
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Hearing the Original Gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom Continued. . . stand.” In Matthew 13:14-16,
(Continued from page 9)
“. . .but rather preaching Jesus quoted Isaiah 6:9, “began speaking to them “And in their case the prophabout the Kingdom of God.” the good news of a coming ecy of Isaiah is being fulPerhaps I am mistaken, but I filled which says, “You will don’t think Jesus was Kingdom in which there keep on hearing, but will not preaching his death and res- would be no end to the understand; and you will urrection at this point in his keep on seeing, but will not ministry; but rather preach- increase of his government perceive; for the heart of this ing the good news of a compeople has become dull, and or of peace, where Jesus as with ing Kingdom in which there their ears they scarcely would be no end to the in- Anointed hear, and they have closed One (Messiah, crease of his government or their eyes lest they should of peace, where Jesus as Christ) would rule on the see with their eyes, and hear Anointed One (Messiah, with their ears, and underthrone of David. . .” Christ) would rule on the stand with their heart and throne of David and over his return, and I should heal Kingdom to establish it and to time of his coming and the conthem. But blessed are your eyes uphold it with justice and rightsummation of the age would be because they see; and your ears, eousness (Isaiah 9). Jesus here. because they hear.” preached this good news to the afflicted, to the brokenhearted, I challenge you today to remove Instead of relying on what to proclaim liberty to captives the tradition, take away the mudyou’ve always heard, let us go and freedom to prisoners, to dle and distortion from the origiback to Scripture and the words comfort all who mourn and let nal message, and go back to the that Jesus spoke and listen to them know that the time of juswords of Jesus (the author and him. I pray that we will see with tice and righteousness was near! perfector of our faith) and examour eyes, hear clearly with our This was good news, indeed! He ine carefully what the original ears the words of Jesus today, taught how we could repent and Gospel was really about. As Jeand understand with our hearts be saved, to enter into the Kingsus said in Luke 8:8, “He who the Gospel of the Kingdom of dom and have eternal life in the has ears to hear, let him hear.” God! age to come. Jesus taught us that And in verse 10, Jesus said to his we will inherit the earth, see disciples, “To you it has been “And this Gospel of the KingGod, receive mercy, and be granted to know the mysteries of dom shall be preached in the called sons of God. He taught the Kingdom of God, but to the whole world for a witness to all what the Kingdom of God would rest it is in parables, in order that the nations and then the end be like and what to watch for to seeing, they may not see, and shall come.” Matthew 24:14. prepare us to know when the hearing, they may not under-
"The webcast is our lifeline" - TN
www.KingdomReady.org 10
Forgiveness and Restitution
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esus gave extraordinary instructions for dealing with people who wrong us. While most people desire proportionate retribution − an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth – we are commanded to turn the other cheek. Whereas the normal standard is to love your neighbor and hate your enemy, our instruction is love for our enemies and prayers for our persecutors. Our love is not to be reciprocal; rather, it is to be indifferent to the person’s behavior and based solely upon God’s love for us. Forgiving others is not optional for the disciple of Christ and again is to be based on God’s dealings with us and not restitution by the transgressor. We must be careful and not expand these instructions beyond what Jesus intended. For example, if someone is molesting you, forgiveness is required, but remaining in the abusive relationship may not be necessary or wise. Forgiveness and fellowship are not the same. When a person stops the transgression and makes restitution, unity and restored fellowship most often follow. However, to trust someone who is untrustworthy is not loving; it is foolish. Jesus provides equally remarkable directions for working with those we have wronged. “ If you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” Whenever we have wronged a brother, we are to do what is necessary to make
amends before approaching God. Additionally, we are to resolve issues quickly before they grow worse and worse. When a relationship is breached by an offense, normally restitution is required before complete reconciliation can be experienced. The teaching about providing restitution has its roots in the Old Testament as so many of our Lord’s teachings do. Exodus 22 outlines many restitution scenarios. For example, in verse one, "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.” When someone steals something of yours, very ugly feelings emerge within you that cause pain and require work to cope with, or they can become damaging to you. Therefore, just giving back the stolen item is not enough; more is required. Restitution such as is outlined in Exodus deters the thief from stealing again and opens the door for meaningful reconciliation with the offended one. If someone repays four or five times what he stole, empathy and understanding replace the pain and encourage restored trust and fellowship. The proportion of the restitution varies in Exodus 22, but it is always more than the violation. Leviticus 6:2-6 provides more insight on the subject. “When a person sins and acts unfaithfully against the LORD, and deceives his companion in regard to a deposit or a security entrusted to him, or through robbery, or if he has extorted from his companion, or has found what was lost and lied about it and sworn falsely, so 11
by Vince Finnegan
that he sins in regard to any one of the things a man may do; then it shall be, when he sins and becomes guilty, that he shall restore what he took by robbery or what he got by extortion, or the deposit which was entrusted to him or the lost thing which he found, or anything about which he swore falsely; he shall make restitution for it in full and add to it one-fifth more. He shall give it to the one to whom it belongs on the day he presents his guilt offering. Then he shall bring to the priest his guilt offering to the LORD, a ram without defect from the flock, according to your valuation, for a guilt offering.” Notice the “then!” If we stole or committed some other wrong, restitution is necessary for the injured party, and after that we can make things right with God. Whenever we trespass against someone, the godly action is to make amends along with our apologies. The right way is clear and simple according to Romans 13, “owe no one anything.” If we have wronged someone, we are indebted to him or her until we provide restitution. The godly concept extends beyond just stealing to include any wrong we commit against a brother. Jesus presents two different standards: 1) if someone has wronged you, lovingly forgive and hold no concern for restitution; and 2) when we have wronged someone, be very concerned and quickly make restitution.
Congo Connection
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he gospel message of the Kingdom of God is being preached with boldness and embraced with gladness in all three ministries that Living Hope International Ministries is partnering with in the Congo countries. Here’s a quick update: The Way Restored The special Children’s Fellowship held on Christmas Day in Kinshasa was a high point for a large number of kids. Rev. Kennedy Kutukwa Nsilulu wanted to do this to bless the children particularly on this day, so they would experience the love of God, and feel valued and cared for. The festivities included skits, games, refreshments, and teachings by some of the older children, as well as small gifts for all. In January, Kennedy, his wife Kabibi, and their one-year-old son Gradel visited the city of Kwilu-Ngongo, about 100 miles from Kinshasa. The saints there warmly received them and the teachings on the Kingdom, and
By Richard and Cheryl Elton
they made plans to run classes in the upcoming months. For Kennedy, it was a joy to be able to take his family with him on such a trip, which had not been available in the past. He is also starting similar work in the port city of Matadi, further to the west of Kinshasa. Zoe Church Under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Lulekamu (Kael), Zoe Church is now meeting four times a week and also running classes and outreach. All of the parents have expressed gratitude for the anonymous sponsorship of their children in school – perhaps none greater than a couple in Kael’s fellowship who has been struggling financially to raise elevenyear-old triplets. This family’s need was made known only after all the sponsors had been matched with other children, and the school year was well under way. Kael really wanted to help this
The Triplets all dressed and ready for school
family, and asked a few of us to join him in prayer about it and give it to our God to see what He would do. Amazingly, within about a week’s time, three different believers from across the U.S. independently contacted
Living Hope International Ministries asking if they could sponsor a child. All were completely unaware of this family’s situation and this need. We were happy to report to Kael that our God had supplied! Living Hope International Ministries of the Congo The report from Rev. Armel Ngo’s ministry in Brazzaville is that they just started their seventh house church! The gospel is spreading through this church, as well as the others, as they study and teach materials shared by Rev. Vince Finnegan when he visited in 2009.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers, love, and generous support for our brothers and sisters in this part of the world. You are making a difference!
Kennedy, Kabibi, and the leaders in Kwilu - Ngongo
Skits Congo Style Children’s Fellowship Dec 25th
Refreshments always a hit with the kids
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The Knot’s Prayer Dear God: Please untie the knots That are in my mind, My heart, and my life. Remove the have nots, The can nots and the do nots That I have in my mind.
Release me from the could nots, Would nots and Should nots that obstruct my life And most of all, Dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind, My heart, and my life all of the ‘am nots’ That I have allowed to hold me back, Especially the thought That I am not enough.
Erase the will nots, May nots, Might nots that may find A home in my heart.
Amen Author known to God
No
The real reason dinosaurs are extinct! 13
Jesus is Lord By Sean Finnegan
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rowing up, I r e m e m b e r memorizing and singing certain Christian songs. One of them was based on Romans 10:9-10: “Romans ten, nine and ten I believed it once and then I’ve got a life that’ll never end; I’ve got Christ in me. (Whoopee!)” Like most children, I did not deeply ponder the theological implications of this catchy tune. Though there are some major theological problems with this song, for now I would like to focus on the Scripture at its heart: Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; This verse lists two requirements: (1) confession of Jesus as Lord and (2) belief in resurrection. I remember as a child thinking that because I said the words “Jesus is Lord” that I had completed this first requirement. However, I had no concept of what “Lord” even meant. In present day America, “Lord” is not a common word apart from “christianeze” speakers. So, I just concluded that it was part of Jesus’ name. As time went on, and I began to think more
seriously about my faith, I came across the following texts which revolutionized my understanding: Luke 6:46 "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.' These verses shocked me into realizing that saying the words, “Jesus is Lord,” with my mouth did not work like a magical formula (i.e. abracadabra). In fact, Jesus had already predicted that people—just like me—would come to him on judgment day confessing him as Lord, and he would categorically and irreversibly reject them, even if they had prophesied, cast out demons, or performed miracles in the name of Jesus! At this point, I came to see that one’s Lord, by definition, is to be 14
obeyed. Consider these synonyms for “Lord”: master, commander, chief, ruler, boss, and director. If Jesus is my Lord, then I am his servant—I am obligated to do what he says—otherwise I am just confessing the words without meaning. Even though I had made a significant stride in the right direction, I still was unaware of a second significant meaning wrapped up in confessing Jesus as Lord. This second epiphany occurred when I learned that Caesar— the emperor of the Roman Empi r e —wa s commo nl y called lord. This is significant because early Christianity emerged mostly within the Roman Empire which had c o nt r ol of t he wh ol e Mediterranean world. In the first few centuries, before Christianity was legalized in A.D. 3 13 , t h e r e w e r e intermittent clashes between Christians and the empire. One of the issues that frequently surfaced can be demonstrated by these words of a Christian martyr just before he was burned in a state execution: Martyrdon of Polycarp 8:2-3 “And the Irenarch Herod, accompanied by his father Nicetes (both riding in a chariot), met him, and taking him up into the chariot, they (Continued on page 15)
(Continued from page 14)
seated themselves beside him, and endeavored to persuade him, saying, "What harm is there in saying, Lord Caesar, and in sacrificing, with the other ceremonies observed on such occasions, and so make sure of safety?" But he at first gave them no answer; and when they continued to urge him, he said, "I shall not do as you advise me." So they, having no hope of persuading him, began to speak bitter words unto him, and cast him with violence out of the chariot, insomuch that, in getting down from the carriage, he dislocated his leg by the fall. But without being disturbed, and as if suffering nothing, he went eagerly forward with all haste, and was conducted to the stadium, where the tumult was so great, that there was no possibility of being heard. The man here who refused to confess Caesar as lord and offer sacrifice (likely a pinch of incense) was Polycarp, overseer of a church in Smyrna, who was executed for being a Christian in A.D. 156. He is just one example of the thousands of Christians who perished under the Roman Empire because they could not bring themselves to confess Caesar as lord because they knew it conflicted with their core confession that Jesus was the true Lord. Still, this idea is even bigger than just Caesar— or whoever the current imperial commander and chief might be.
Jesus has not only been exalted above human rulers, but he is also superior to the spiritual principalities and powers. Ephesians 1:20-22 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, In fact, as of the resurrection, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). Furthermore, we know Jesus has already been given the name above every name— which means he will be universally recognized as Lord in the end.
Philippians 2:9-11 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus is Lord! To those of us in the Body of Christ, we already recognize him as the head. To the angels and demons, they already know that he is at the right hand of God (in the position of highest authority). The only ones who are not “with it” are the humans who have chosen to live out of tune with the facts of the matter. But, one day, even their knees will bow when Jesus comes to rule the nations with an iron rod (Psalm 2:6-8). This second cosmic meaning of “Lord” fits perfectly with the (Continued on page 16)
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Jesus is Lord Continued . . . (Continued from page 15)
first notion of Jesus as personal Lord. I choose to make him my Lord because God has made him the Lord of the world. It just makes sense to submit to and obey someone whom God has invested with such authority.
“. . .calling Jesus “Lord” is not some flippant act to be done without meaning. Rather, this confession is a requirement for salvation”
In summary, calling Jesus “Lord” is not some flippant act to be done without meaning. Rather, this confession is a requirement for salvation and may even result in death depending on whether or not persecution flares up in our time. Jesus is Lord because he is Yahweh’s agent who represents God’s interests to the world. One cannot reject Jesus without also rejecting Yahweh. This does not mean that he is Yahweh, but that he is totally transparent to God such that when we look at Jesus we see God. He is imbued with Yahweh’s authority and speaks the Father’s words. Furthermore, Jesus is the true
Lord of the world. Not only does he represent God to the world, but he has been exalted above all principalities and powers such that he is the true and rightful ruler of the world. This is a cosmic fact that God, the angels, the demons, and the spiritually in tune humans understand. Those who do not yet realize that Jesus is Lord will have their moment of confession when they bow the knee to him on the last day. Lastly, Jesus
is my personal Lord. This means that I agree to obey him in all matters of my life, even when what he says disagrees with my idea of common sense or what I have always done.
In conclusion, calling Jesus “Lord” is very significant. It reminds me of a scene from the cartoon movie The Lion King when the hyenas were talking about Mufasa (the king lion). Each time one of them said “Mufasa,” the other would tremble in awe saying, “Ooooh! Say it again!” And he would, which resulted in the same response each time. That captures, in some limited sense, how I think of the statement “Jesus is Lord.” When I hear someone say that, do I think to myself, “Duh, everyone knows that,” or do I shudder recognizing the power of that statement and call out, “Say it again; say it again!”?
The
Lord is Risen 16
Demonology III By Vince Finnegan
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n Jesus Christ, we can have authority over the evil forces of darkness and greatly limit their influence in our lives. However, we cannot eliminate their existence or persistent assault upon us. In the age to come, they will be completely and perpetually exterminated. A big part of utilizing our God given authority is awareness of the spiritual realm as is outlined in the Scriptures. The devil is cleverly camouflaged in secrecy. He functions undercover the most effectively. Ignorance or forgetfulness greatly enhances the battleground for his wickedness in humanity. He does not want people to understand what the Bible clearly makes known about him, unclean spirits, and the invisible spiritual warfare. When we are rightly informed and conscientiously alert, the probability of using our spiritual authority and power increases significantly. The first mention of the devil is in Genesis 3 when he seduces Eve to sin. In Genesis 6 with the record of the flood, we become aware that there are other evil beings also at work. The Scriptures provide limited explanation about how or when demons came to be,
with perhaps the record in the book of Revelation providing the most insight. In this record, angels are called stars. Revelation 12:3 and 4 Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven
what is written is counterproductive. The purpose of evil spirits is to cause evil in humans; the purpose of unclean demons is to effect uncleanness in people. The initial disclosure about the devil recorded in Genesis reveals his mission to cause man to sin by disobeying God’s Word. (Disobedience to God’s Word is sin; moreover, obedience is faith.) In like manner, demons strive to cause people to sin. Evil, uncleanness, and sin summarize the methods employed by demons to separate man from God and cause immense suffering. Demons primarily affect the way we feel and think accordingly shaping the way we act. In addition to ill affecting the mind, they can also cause physical problems.
“. . . (Disobedience to God’s Word is sin; moreover, obedience is faith.) In like manner, demons strive to cause people to sin” and threw them to the earth. We may rightly conclude that copious information about their beginnings is not necessary, or God would have provided more details. We may also appropriately acknowledge that the information provided in the Scriptures should be understood. To focus on what is not written rather than 17
Matthew 9:32-34 As they were going out, a mute, demon-possessed man was brought to Him. After the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." (Continued on page 18)
Demonology III Continued. . . (Continued from page 17)
Matthew 12:22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw. Luke 13:11-13 And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your sickness." And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God. A number of physical reasons can cause someone to be blind, mute, or bent double − all of which have nothing to do with demons. Good doctors consider all the possibili-
ties by examination and testing to determine the cause of our physical problems. How many doctors consider that a demon may be the cause of the affliction? Demon influence should indeed be a consideration for those of us who are believers in the accuracy of the Scriptures. After Jesus cast out the demon which caused the man’s muteness, the Pharisees made the following accusation: “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” The incident draws attention to one dominant characteristic of demons and demonic influence, which is: they accuse others. Often, what they were guilty of is what they accuse others of doing; hence, they are doing a crafty reversal.
Critically accusing people is clearly and repeatedly condemned in the Scriptures as an evil to avoid. Jesus was constantly attacked with false accusaAnd there was a woman who for tions by those eighteen years had had a sickness who were manipulated and caused by a spirit; and she was bent or occupied by double, and could not straighten up at demons. Again in the Genesis all. chapter 3 and When Jesus saw her, He called her even more evident in the over and said to her, "Woman, you are book of Job, Satan accuses freed from your sickness." God of wrongLuke 13:11-12 doing. Revela-
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tion tells us that Satan is the accuser of the brethren, which he does before God day and night. The demons emulate him, so those who are occupied by demons consistently accuse others and cause all sorts of evil, contentions, strife, and divisions. Consideration of demonic involvement whenever we are assaulted with critical accusations is wise. However, not all criticism is demonic. Right discernment between accusations and genuine godly confrontation is necessary. Questions prayerfully to consider include – “Is there legitimacy to what is said about me?” “Is this a demonic accusation?” “Is this person doing what he or she is accusing me of doing?” If the answer to the first question is yes, then accept the reproof with gratitude, and endeavor to change. If the answer to either of the next questions is affirmative, respond in a godly manner similar to how our Lord Jesus did in the Gospels. Do not take personal offense by the accusation; rather, understand you are under a spiritual attack. The design of accusations is to motivate a response. Evil accusations particularly provoke a sinful reaction. Act, not react, wisely with love, compassion, and faith; thereby, you will avoid the trap and possibly help the person.
HOLINESS TO YAHWEH
FAMILY CAMP at Silver Bay, June 27 – July 3, 2010 “Exalt Yahweh our God and worship at His holy hill, for holy is Yahweh our God” Psalm 99:9 Camp will run from Sunday dinner through Saturday lunch. Various price options are available based on your housing choice: rooms in the Inn with a private bath, rooms in the Inn with a shared central bath down the hall, or rooms in Hepbron (a bit more rustic) with a shared bath. Children, ages 4 -17, must stay in the same building with their parent or guardian. Teenaged children can stay in a shared bath on the Inn’s 3rd floor, as long as their parent or guardian is housed in the Inn. Prices listed below are per person and assume double occupancy. Camp is called “Family Camp” because it is designed for the family of God. It is not just for families, however. EVERYONE is invited – children, teens, young adults, single adults, married couples, families, and senior citizens. The activities are constructed in a way that is sensitive to the needs of all. MORNING WATCH starts off the day as campers join together in prayer. The highlight of each day is THE WORD SPEAKS, when a simple yet profound teaching of God’s Word is presented. DEVOTION WITH MOTION and EXPRESSIVE HEARTS provide unique ways to express our adoration to God. LAKESIDE SING is an evening quiet time when campers sing praises together to God. During NIGHT LIFE after the evening teaching, we will enjoy special activities such as a campfire, praise night, sweet fellowship, and more. Also, at NIGHT WATCH, campers can close out the day together in prayer. CHILDREN’S FELLOWSHIP is a program full of activities designed for those five to twelve and is held during adult fellowship time. Silver Bay offers a morning program for children four and younger from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. There is an additional charge of $35 per child for this activity, and pre-registration is required. If you have children this age, you will receive a medical form and application. These FORMS MUST BE FILLED OUT AND RETURNED to Living Hope two weeks prior to camp. Registration for this program is limited, and enrollment is on a first come first served basis. Many campers have expressed a desire to help serve at camp or share their talents. If you would be blessed to help out at camp this year, please indicate your desire in the space provided. Housing and acceptance are at the discretion of the registrar. Housing will be assigned by availability and on a first come basis. Confirmation and directions will be sent after the registration deadline of May 31st, 2010. Please return application and payment to: Living Hope International Ministries, 458 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, NY 12110. A $100 deposit per person will hold your reservation, with full payment due by the May 31st registration deadline.
First & Last Names
Gender
Birth date
(M/F)
(m/d/y)
Street ______________________________________
First & Last Names
Gender
Birth date
(M/F)
(m/d/y)
City _______________________ State/Prov ________ Zip __________
Phone ______________________________ Language _________________ Preferred Roommate _______________________ Email _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Special needs (i.e. dietary, medical, problems walking) ______________________________________________________________ I would be blessed to serve at camp in the following area: ___________________________________________________________ Housing
# Adults
# Teens (13-17)
# children (6-12)
# Babies
Inn w/
Private Bath
______ X $693
______ X $504
______ X $336
______ X $0
3rd Floor of Inn w/ Shared Bath
______ X $630
______ X $441
______ X $305
______ X $0
Hepbron w/ Shared Bath
______ X $515
______ X $378
______ X $257
______ X $0
Morning Program cost ______ X $35 for children under 5
Grand Total:
19
Total
Nonprofit Org. US Postage Paid Latham, New York Permit No. 128
458 Old Niskayuna Road Latham, New York 12110 USA