Grace Magazine His
April 2022
He is Risen! WOOD
"He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.." Ministries
Luke 24:6-7
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Table of Contents His Grace Magazine!
April 2022
"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay." Matthew 28:6
Ontario Party - Aaron MacDonald.................................Page 3 From the Pulpit.................................................................Pages 4-7 Book in Review..................................................................Page 8 Comic.................................................................................Page 9 Timeless Truths.................................................................Pages 10-12 Entertainment News.........................................................Page 13 World News.......................................................................Pages 14-15 Sports News.......................................................................Page 16 Recipe.................................................................................Page 17 Athletes for Christ.............................................................Pages 18-19 Poetry.................................................................................Page 20 Bible Study.........................................................................Pages 22-23 Prayer Page........................................................................Pages 24 Movie in Review................................................................Page 26
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April 2022
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aron MacDonald like most Canadian’s, has watched as the nation, and world, have fallen deeper into moral decay, especially at the political level. Every policy and action taken seem to be done for power and control vs serving and protecting the people as it was meant to be. Aaron would periodically engage people on political and societal issues, but had not gotten involved where it could actually make a difference, speaking to people of differing opinions is a slow and arduous process that takes years. Taking on the challenge of the establishment is only something that can be done with supernatural support. Our biggest challenge is bringing God back into our public institutions, our moral fabric which was dictated by Him, has been systematically destroyed, removing God, and replacing Him with idols to keep people distracted and appeased. In 2019 he was inspired to write a political version of the 95 Theses famously written by Martin Luther in 1517, it was to challenge the political ideas of the day and share thoughts with potential solutions, ultimately to create a dialogue. Enter the Ontario Party. People may not know this, but they have been around since 2018 and began in order to challenge the current political system. Its Christian foundation is the basis from which its moral and policy initiatives come from. The first line of the Mandate in it’s Charter, which was ratified in Oct 2021 states, “Acknowledging the Supremacy of God and the Rule of Law”. This above all else defines what this party is all about. It is not specifically a Christian party as it serves all people, but the moral fiber is based on a Christian belief system which is rooted in the majority of its candidates. In December 2021 Derek Sloan, a deep believer in Christ and freedom fighter, became the Leader of the Ontario Party because of his belief in what the party stood for. In January 2022 Aaron again felt prompted to get involved, he looked up the details of the Ontario Party and was immediately caught by its charter and what the party stood for. Prayerfully, him and his wife Julie considered each step from the submission of the initial application, to the acceptance of the offer to run. Each time, praying that if it is not within God’s will, that doors be closed. They felt that if God was not in this, that they did not want to get involved, but if He was, they needed to proceed. Although the process has just begun, every time situations arise that seem to appear defeating, a door has opened in the most unexpected ways, the secular world would call it coincidence or luck, Aaron and Julie believe it to be divine appointments. Regardless of the outcome in June. The opportunity to talk about God to a broader audience, to show His love and kindness through day to day interactions, and the blessing that comes from meeting new people from all walks of life will be well worth all the effort required to complete such a task. It will take a supernatural effort to achieve the goals we have set out, but by putting God first, all things are possible!
Authorized by the CFO of the Ontario Party
Simcoe North Riding
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His Grace Magazine!
April 2022
VICTORY in JESUS!
He died on the Cross, and He rose three days later for you! Owner/Publisher: Rob Wood
W
ell, another Easter long weekend has come and gone. Did you take the time, especially on Good Friday, to think of the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us on the Cross? Did you think of the wonderful event that happened three days later as Jesus was resurrected on the following Sunday, the Lord's Day? I wonder how many people, even Christians, will actually give another thought to the importance of that day, or Easter weekend, for that matter. Will we stop and ponder the sacrifice that Jesus made around 2,000 years ago, or will we just get excited because it's another
long weekend? I pray that we all spent the day reflecting on what Jesus Christ did for us. The sacrifice He made for us deserves our attention, not only on Good Friday, or because it's a long weekend, but because of everything He went through just for us, the incredible pain and suffering He endured. That in itself is worth not only pondering, but also worshipping and thanking Him for what He did that day so many years ago. For all of us who believe in Christ and love Him, it truly is Victory in Jesus, isn't it? What does sacrifice mean to you? Sacrifice is something that we should take seriously. A Brother's Sacrifice: an eight year old boy had a younger sister who was dying of leukemia, and he was told that without a blood transfusion, his sister would die. His
parents explained to him that his blood was probably compatible with hers, and if so, he could be the blood donor. They asked him if they could test his blood. He said sure. So they did and it was a good match. Then they asked if he would give his sister a pint of blood, that it could be her only chance of living. He said he would have to think about it overnight. The next day he went to his parents and said he was willing to donate the blood. So they took him to the hospital where he was put on a gurney beside his six year old sister. Both of them were hooked up to IVs. A nurse withdrew a pint of blood from the boy, which was then put in to his sister. The boy laid on his gurney in silence when the blood was dripping into his sister, until the doctor came over to see him and asked how he was doing at
this point. The boy then opened his eyes and asked the doctor a serious question. He asked, "How soon will I die?" The boy thought he was giving up his life for his sister's life. Kind of sounds familar doesn't it, yes how Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for all of us on the cross. Also, He shed His blood and His blood is healing from all diseases and everything else that ails us in our bodies. He donated His blood to save us, so we can be with Him for all eternity. But first, let's check out a couple of other sacrifices in the Bible before Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice. One of my favorite stories of sacrifice in the Bible is of Abraham. When he was 100 years old, he saw God's promise come to him...the fulfillment of his son. Now just imagine how
April 2022
troubled he must have been when God then asked him to sacrifice his only son, the son that God had given to him. Then without question, Abraham arose and did exactly what the Lord called him to do. Can you imagine what he must have felt and what was going through his mind when God told him to sacrifice Isaac? On one hand, he knew what he had to do to honor the Lord, but this was his son, promised by God. Genesis 22:2-3, "Then He said, 'Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.' So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him." Now when Abraham
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VICTORY in JESUS!
was just about to sacrifice his son, The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham to stop him. At that moment, God provided Abraham with a ram for the sacrifice. Even though Abraham didn't sacrifice his son, he was going to, because God tested him to see what he would do. Genesis 22:10-13 said, "And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" So he said, "Here I am." And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son."
Abraham was willing to sacrifice his blessing to be obedient to God who blessed him in the first place. Abraham was willing to give up on all dreams with his son and the plans he had, and all the hopes he had for his family in the future, all because he had faith that, no matter what, there was nothing he could give up that God couldn't restore for him. Jesus Christ did the same thing for us; He died on the cross for all of us. Yet, alot of people just keep ignoring Him; they don't want to hear about Him or even hear His name. They would rather talk sports, the daily news or even the weather, but not about Him. Some Christians don't even like talking about Him, which I find very strange. After all, He is the one we are supposed to be following; He is the reason we are to pick up our cross and carry it, so why is it so difficult to mention His name or ask them
questions about Him. Matthew 16:24-27 says, "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works." When we mention the name Jesus, it should make people's eyes light up; it should make them smile; it should make them love more, just like He loved us first. 1 John 4:19 says, "We love Him because He first loved us." You have every right to resist and reject God if you want to; it is totally up to you. But the Bible does tell us that in spite of all our rebellion and our rejections towards God, He still loves you.
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He loves you so much that He gave His son to die on that cross for you. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." We don't understand all that happened on the cross that day. But we do know one thing, that He was tortured without mercy, He was whipped and scourged; they mocked Him, then He was made to carry the cross as far as He could until Simon of Cyrene helped Him carry His cross. Matthew 27:32 says, "Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying,
His Grace Magazine!
"Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified. Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross." Jesus took all our sins upon Himself because God took all of our sins and laid them on Christ as He was nailed to the cross. He took hell and judgment upon Himself, everything that we deserve He bore upon that cross. That is why Jesus uttered those terrible words from His mouth, as the skies drew dark and stormy. Matthew 27:45-50 says, "Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" That is, "My God,
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VICTORY in JESUS! My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Some of those who stood there, when they heard that said, "This Man is calling for Elijah!" Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. The rest said, "Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him." And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit." Jesus said this because He couldn't see or feel God anymore. For the first time, you see the very meaning of hell in separation from God in that a dark shadow passed between them both ... between God the Father and God the Son ... for the very first time since eternity began. Christ suffered all the pains of hell for us on the cross. We need to ask God every day for mercy because God can forgive all the sins that we have commited against Him. God will wipe them all away,
give us a clean slate, all because of what Jesus Christ did for us. Not because any of us deserve mercy and have our sins forgiven, but it's by grace we are saved, through faith and not of our own works, for any man should boast, because you cannot work or buy your way into heaven. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." That is why the cross is an offence to alot of people; they say they don't like the cross, it offends them. Isn't it funny how you can talk about anything else that is popular, but you can't talk about Jesus or the cross? That's because it claims to be the power of God and to be the only way to salvation. That's why it makes this claim without an alternative...because the world would say there are so many ways to heaven, and
April 2022
everyone will go to heaven. Many celebrities think this way; they will get a rude awakening one day, because we are going to heaven only because of what Jesus did on the cross. You see, there is no other way to heaven other than Jesus Christ. John 14:6 says, "Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." If there was another way, Jesus would have never died on the cross. Let's put it this way: if there was another way, any other way whatsoever, do you really think Jesus would have allowed the Romans to nail Him to the cross? No, I don't think so; in fact, there would have been twelve legions of angels come down to take care of the Romans that were there. As Matthew 26:53-54 said, "Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?
His Grace Magazine!
VICTORY in JESUS!
How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?" On the night before He died, He knelt in the garden of Gethsemane and He asked if it was possible to let this cup pass from Him. Jesus was saying, 'Oh God, if it's possible to save this human race, if there is any other way, Oh God, then save Me from the cross.' Matthew 26:39 says, "He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." You can almost feel God reaching His hand down to Jesus in the garden and saying to Him, 'Oh my Son, I know how hard this is, and You know how much I love You, but I tell You there truly is no other way; the cross is the only way that the human race can be saved.' After all, Jesus Christ died for us; He suffered terribly for us, it was nothing like they portray on
TV, a few cuts and a little blood. No, it was worse; it was horrible what happened to Him. His wounds were terrible, open wounds all over Him and He even had internal organs showing, totally horrific. Jesus was born to die for us. Isaiah 52:14 says, "Just as many were appalled at you-His appearance was so disfigured that He did not look like a man, and His form did not resemble a human being." So you see, without Jesus Christ, you can never enter into the kingdom of heaven. You can go to church every week, you can
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live a good life, give to charities, help everyone you meet, and not even know Jesus at all. Even atheists can live a moral life, but it's NOT enough. None of that matters. At some point in your life, you must receive Jesus Christ in your life and into your heart, it's the only way to the Father who is in Heaven. Eternal life doesn't begin when we die, it begins the minute we accept Christ into our heart. So give your life to Jesus Christ now, because once you pass, it's too late then. Do it now, and live with Him for all of eternity.
WOOD Ministries Publisher/Sales/Graphic Designer/Writer: Rob Wood wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com
Editor/Writer: Donna Wood
wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com
Writer: Lynne Wood
wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com
Owned and published by Rob Wood of Wood Ministries. Contact us @ 905-380-4489, or email us at wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com
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His Grace Magazine!
April 2022
A Likely Story
Reclaiming and Applying the Story of the Bible
Book by: Brad Peters Written by: Lynne Wood
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Likely Story was written by Brad Peters; he is the Senior Pastor of the Murray Street Baptist Church in Peterborough, On. The first day of this book's release it was in the number one spot in Christian Evangelism books; a week later, it was still number one in that category, as well as being ninth in the Christian Living category. That alone speaks volumes for this book; it is a very likeable story. This is a great book if you're just beginning to read the Bible or you are an avid reader of the Bible, either way Brad Peters brings the stories of the Bible to life. He has a unique way of capturing your attention and bringing new light into these stories. Brad Peters shows you through the pages of his book that the Bible is still relevant in your life today. I'm sure you all know the story of Jonah who was swallowed by the whale. In this story, he shows you that you can't run from your problems or God. It simply does not matter where you run to, God will always be there, and your
you to think about. Then Brad Peters comes to the greatest love story ever told and the importance of the cross. So as we look to the importance of Easter, may we reflect on Jesus' love for us. As Brad Peters tells you, so many people believe that if He was God, He would have saved Himself, but Jesus willingly went to the cross to be crucified. He endured all the suffering and humiliation for all of us, so those who believe in Him will be with Him for eternity. So with the dark shadow of Good Friday past comes the beautiful light of Easter Sunday and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Brad Peters said in his book, God's story and the story of the Bible is a love story, the greatest love story ever told. Yes, love conquers death. Yes, because God is love, love wins...love always wins. Great book, I know you'll love reading it, I, for one, hope he decides to write more books.
problems will never go away until you face them. God will be right there to help you if you ask Him. There are thirteen chapters, each one takes you through lessons from the Bible, such as Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Balaam and the donkey, and John 15:13 many more wonderful stories. "Greater love has no one than At the end of each chapter, he this, than to lay down one's life has written a beautiful prayer for for his friends."
Comic...The Word According to Elijah April 2022
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Thank You Jesus!
Wait!
Happy Resurrection Day!
Thank You Jesus!
Thank You Jesus!
Thank You Jesus!
John 11:25
“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”
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His Grace Magazine!
April 2022
Are you Watching?
The Rapture, the Tribulation and Christ's Return
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uke chapter 21 speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. by the Roman armies. When the conquest was complete, not a single Jew was left alive in the city. Over one million Jews were killed and another 97,000 were taken captive. The Jewish nation was obliterated and the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and became a desolation. In 1948, after almost two thousand years in exile, Israel was miraculously established, but it wasn't until 1968 that Jerusalem again became the territory of the nation of Israel, when the Jordanian troops were driven out. However, according to the Bible, Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the 'time of the Gentiles be fulfilled.' God has a purpose in the 'time of the Gentiles,' and that is to spread the gospel throughout the whole world. During this period of time, God's grace gives others an opportunity
to become part of His kingdom before He gathers His church together unto Himself. When the Jewish
known as the Church Age. In prophetic history, the Church Age falls between the 69th and 70th weeks of
people rejected Christ, they were temporarily cut off from the blessings of a relationship with God. So the gospel was given to the Gentiles, and they received it. This partial hardening of heart for Israel prevents the nation from accepting Christ as Messiah until God's plans are finished. When the time is right, God will restore the entire nation, and they will, once again, come to faith in Him, ending the 'time of the Gentiles.' So right now, we're living in a period of God's extended grace to man,
Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27) and is made up of people who have, by faith, accepted Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord. However, this present age will come to an end when Jesus returns in power and glory to save His own and judge His enemies. The majority of Christians believe that His return will come in three phases: 1) The Rapture of the Church: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes the Rapture as: "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." PreTribulation believers feel they will not go through the coming Tribulation. Jesus tells us to pray always that we be found worthy to escape the horrible destruction that is destined to come. Whether you believe in Pre-Tribulation, MidTribulation, or PostTribulation, one thing is true for all: the Church may experience some turmoil leading up to it. We are to carry out the Lord's work until He returns to take us home. Jesus warns us to watch for His return by being spiritually ready and working faithfully at the tasks He has given us. Don't let your mind and spirit be dulled by careless living or foolishly pursuing pleasure.
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2) The 7-year Tribulation: Before the Second Coming (the Day of the Lord), the time of the Great Tribulation will take place for a period of seven years, the remaining seven year period appointed to the Jewish people as stated in Daniel chapter 9. This is a seven-year period of prophecy that has not yet been fulfilled, Daniel's seventieth week. During this seventieth week, or the seven year Tribulation, strange and cosmic happenings will occur. These judgments will cause terror and confusion throughout the entire world. Jesus tells us that the earth will be in commotion, with earthquakes, trembles, reeling to and fro and the people alive at that time will be filled with unparalleled fright. There will be war, famine and death. The terror will be so great that people will faint and be ready to die in view of the approaching calamities. The sun will be darkened, the moon will be bathed in blood and the stars will fall from heaven. The book of Revelation speaks of a star, Wormwood, falling from heaven and striking the earth
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Are you Watching?
midway through the Tribulation, poisoning the fresh water system and making it bitter. For awhile now, there has been talk of earth experiencing a dramatic close encounter with the Asteroid Apophis on Friday, April 13th, 2029. Although scientists say that the chance of this hitting the earth is only 2.7 percent, many studies are being done to determine the effect it may have on tidal forces, being only 31,000 km. from our planet. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 speaks of the attitudes and actions of people during the Tribulation as well. During this era, the love of men shall wax cold and sin will abound. Many false prophets will arise before the Second Coming and great upheavals will take place. As Daniel 7:7-8 says, one man, the Antichrist, will speak arrogantly against God, but will captivate the attention and administration of the world with his attractiveness (Daniel 7:20), magnetic personality and eloquence during the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation. However, during the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation,
his rise to power will be inconspicuous and he will personify Satan himself with all power, signs and lying wonders. Every living person on earth at that time will be forced to worship him (Revelation 13:8) and will have to take his mark, the mark of the beast (666), in order to buy and sell. And if you resist, there will be terrible persecution, torture, suffering and death (Revelation 13:8). There are also these signs to watch for: 1) The rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem: There are prophetic events yet to happen which requires a Temple. Midway during the Tribulation, the Antichrist will walk into the Holy of Holies inside the Temple and proclaim to be God. And when Jesus returns a second time, He will begin His millennial reign on earth from the Temple. These events cannot happen if there is no Temple rebuilt in Jerusalem. 2) The Ezekiel war: Israel will lower her defenses when the Antichrist makes a seven-year peace treaty with her, where he promises to protect the Israeli nation (Ezekiel
38:11). Ezekiel chapters 38-39 prophesizes an invasion of Israel involving modern day "stan" countries (Magog), Russia (Rosh), Iran (Persia), territories in modern Turkey (Meshech/Tubal), Germany (Gomer), Turkey (Togarmah), Sudan/Ethiopia (Cush) and Libya (Put). 3) The Second coming of Christ: At the end of the seven-year Tribulation period, Jesus will return in power and glory with His Church. Mark 13:32-37 says, "But on that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye, therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he finds you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." Everyone
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April 2022
Are you Watching? on earth at that time will witness Christ's arrival. When Christ comes to judge the world at the last day, He will redeem all of His people from all their grievances. And the foresight of that day is as pleasant to all Christians as it is terrible to all unbelievers. The final fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the day of the Lord will come at the end of history, when God will punish evil and fulfill all His promises. As I mentioned earlier, we are living in the last Church Age, known as Laodicea. Jesus does not mince words when He describes the Laodicean Church as 'asleep, blind, naked, wretched, and lukewarm' (Revelation 3:14). These are harsh words from an all-seeing God, but nonetheless true. The Church in this age has enough Scripture to get people saved,
but also has enough Scriptural error to seriously mislead these people. We pick and choose and modify the words of the Bible until we get a watered-down version of what works for us. This is what the Bible refers to as the Laodicean Church - a church that makes up its own beliefs to suit them. When the disciples asked Jesus about the end-time events, Jesus' main concern was that the church would be deceived. Our biggest danger is that we are fooled to move away from Scripture. It is astonishing how much knowledge is out there today, but yet we lack the discernment to be able to distinguish truth from error. In a pandemic era, some Christians fear that a vaccine in the arm is the mark of the beast, simply because they do not know Scripture.
The Laodicean church age ends in the battle at Armageddon, with mankind fighting against God. Jesus comes on the day of the Lord to destroy those who give their military power to the Beast. Christ then sets up a true world kingdom, with Jerusalem as the centre of government. Jesus rules the world with His Bride, the true church from the seven church ages for one thousand years. Finally, the heavens will pass away with a roar and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved. The earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed and the new heaven and the new earth will be formed (Revelation 21) which becomes the dwelling place of all those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 20:11-15).
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
(Luke 21:28)
Jesus is meant to be our First Love. Strive to have that deep relationship with Him by reading your Bible, studying the Scriptures and praying with a fervent heart. When we begin to grow in grace, God gives us the mind of Christ, so that we are able to understand the Bible when it is taught to us. Don't conform to some cookie-cutter pattern of a specific religious denomination that picks and chooses out of Scripture what works for them. We are to make a difference in this world, and the only way we can do that is to know what God says in His Word. Be filled with the Spirit and become a beacon of light and help to lead lost souls to Christ. Let's pray that God is able to use us to further His Kingdom in this world and to make us worthy for Heaven in the world to come.
WOOD Ministries Written by: Donna Wood Photo by: Stock
April 2022
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For KING & COUNTRY
For KING & COUNTRY and Convoy of Hope together raise $150,000 for Ukrainian Refugees
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he Christian group For KING & COUNTRY has partnered with the humanitarian aid organization Convoy of Hope to raise more than $150,000 for all the victims of this war for the Ukraine refugees. Luke and Joel Smallbone who are a four-time Grammy Award winning band, had a free online concert back on March 24th from the Mojave Desert in California. Over 300,000 people had attended the live stream event on Facebook and YouTube as they performed songs from the new album, "What Are We Waiting For?" Luke and Joel said during an interview that the idea of a fundraising concert came from advice their father had given them when they were both young. He said, "When people are in need, you help. You know, everybody can play a part; everybody
can do something." Luke said, "For us, this is our way to hopefully help people that are being displaced that
for our supporters to show up with 150 grand and counting is just incredible." Hal Donaldson from
are going through incredibly difficult things as we speak." Before hosting the concert, the Smallbone brothers said they had expected to raise around $50,000. But they were completely overwhelmed by all the support that they received. Joel said, "We sort of said we are not going to put a price tag on this thing; we thought maybe 50 grand. So,
Convoy of Hope said, "The money they are helping raise will bring much needed relief to people inside Ukraine and refugees in the different areas of the country." Convoy of Hope will supply shelters, food, hygiene kits, sanitation, and many other supplies that are desperately needed by the Ukrainian refugees in the surrounding countries.
Hal Donaldson said, "Convoy of Hope is incredibly blessed by this partnership with for KING & COUNTRY. I truly appreciate Joel and Luke's hearts for the work that Convoy of Hope does and their desire to relieve the suffering of Ukrainians. The money they have helped, and continue to help raise, will bring much needed relief to people inside Ukraine and refugees in the countries surrounding it." For KING & COUNTRY released their new album "What Are We Waiting For?" on March 11th; it's the group's fifth album. This album has hit number 7 on the Billboard 200 charts and number 2 overall on Billboard's Top Album Sales Charts. It's the Smallbone brothers Joel and Luke's second album to jump into the Top 10 charts.
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His Grace Magazine!
April 2022
Flagship Moskva Sinks
Russian Warship is heavily damaged by the Ukrainians and sinks in the Black Sea
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ussia's Black Sea flagship, a guided missile cruiser that was a target of the Ukrainians in the beginning of the war, sank on Thursday after it was heavily damaged April 14th. Ukrainians say their armed forces hit the ship with a missile. Russia confirmed that a fire had broken out aboard the warship Moskva, but they said it wasn't from an attack. At the time, the United States and other Western officials were not able to confirm what had caused the fire. This is a huge loss for Russia; the warship is named for the Russian capital and is a catastrophic symbolic loss for Moscow, as their soldiers are regrouping for another offensive in the eastern parts of Ukraine after they had to retreat from the northern areas which included the capital Kyiv. The Russian Defense Minister had said that the ship sank during a
storm while they were towing the ship to port. Russia had said earlier that the flames on the ship carrying 500 sailors caused them to evacuate the ship. Later they said the fire was under control and they would tow the ship back to port, with all the missile launchers undamaged. The warship carries 16 long range cruise missiles and its sinking seriously decreases Russia's firepower in the Black Sea. Also,
this is a blow to Russian reputation in this war, and it's already seen as a historic mistake. The war is now in its eighth week. The Russian invasion has completely stalled because of the hard, courageous fighting from the Ukrainian soldiers, everyone that has picked arms to fight and to the Western countries that have helped by sending much needed weapons. When Russia first invaded Ukraine, the
Moskva was the warship that told the Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island to surrender. News of the warship's damage eclipsed the news of Russia's claims that they were advancing further into the southern port city of Mariupol, where they have been fiercely fighting the Ukrainians since the start of the war in late February. Russia's Defense Minister said the ammunition that was on board the warship exploded as a result of the fire, but he didn't say what started the fire. The Neptune weapon is an anti-ship missile that was recently developed by Ukraine that was based on an earlier Russian design. The launchers are on the back of trucks that are near the coast line. Washington said the missiles can hit targets up to 280 kilometers (175) miles away. The Moskva would have been in that range, where it was when the fire started.
April 2022
His Grace Magazine!
Advanced Lasers!
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Israel deploying Advanced Laser Technology to shoot down Missiles or Rockets
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sraeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that Israel has a laser system that will act as a wall of defense to stop rockets, missiles, and many other threats to their country. Prime Minster Bennett said as he was speaking at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) conference, "In about a year, the IDF will launch a laser interception system. At first experimentally and later it will become operational. First in the south and then elsewhere. This will allow us, in the medium to long term, to surround Israel with laser wall that protects us from missiles, rockets, UAVs and other threats. In
fact, it will take away the strongest card the enemy has against us." The Israeli Defense officials had previously predicted that the laser technology would not be in operation until 2025. Prime Minister Bennett said that they had notably speeded things up on the system's development. The Prime Minister said that the laser technology might one day take over Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system that the country depends on to shoot down rockets that are fired on Israel by terrorists from the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Bennett said, "If it is possible to intercept a missile or rocket with
just an electric pulse that costs a few dollars, we will have nullified the ring of fire that Iran has set up on our borders." Prime Minister Bennett also said, "The new generation of Israeli air defense could also serve our friends in the region who are also exposed to severe threats from Iran and its proxies. This is another way in which we will create assets, use them and give what we have to the world in order to gain support, create alliances and become even stronger." Prime Minister Bennett's statement came only days after Iranian backed Houthi rebels in Yemen had launched a missile
attack against the United Arab Emirates. The Prime Minister also talked on the situation with the nuclear negotiations that are happening now with the world powers, that are being held with Iran in Vienna. He said, "We hope that they conclude without an agreement. But even with an agreement, our assessment is that the Iranians will continue to be Iranians. The Israeli strategy remains the same in case of an agreement, which in any case only buys a very short amount of time until the sunset clause, or in the event that there is no agreement. In both cases, our campaign continues."
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His Grace Magazine!
April 2022
Kansas Wins the NCAA
University of Kansas wins Championship in a historic comeback, and gives God the Glory
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he NCAA final was held in New Orleans on April 4th, and the Kansas Jayhawks beat the UNC Tarheels to win the championship game. The Kansas Jayhawks had to overcome a 16point Tarheels lead to win the championship in the biggest comefrom-behind win in the history of men's NCAA championship game. The Kansas Jayhawks are now four-time National champions and this time they did it in style, with their record breaking victory for the ages. Kansas was totally ready to play; they came out on fire and they totally dominated the play early. They struck first on a three-point shot by Ochai Agbaji. But later on in the first half, as the game was tied at 22, Carolina started to play much better and they put a good run together-Manek again with a triple, giving the Tarheels a six-point lead. With the University of Carolina up 38-25, Puff
Johnson managed to tip the ball into the basket on a missed shot. At this point, Carolina was completely dominating the game. They had finished the first half after they had an 18-3 run and led the game by 15 points. In the second half, the Kansas Jayhawks came out flying; they were certainly not going to lose without a good fight. David McCormack had a huge slam dunk. Kansas then managed to get a turnover and Jalen Wilson gently shot the ball off the glass and in the basket, which helped Kansas to cut the lead down to
four points. Then Remy Martin dropped a three pointer to give his team the lead. As the game moved on, the teams started to battle back and forth. With one last chance to win, Carolina's Caleb Love couldn't get the ball in the basket and Kansas Jayhawks had completed their amazing comeback to win the championship. Kansas players Joe Yesufu and Jalen Coleman-Lands were the keys to Kansas' success. Both players give credit to their faith, the foundations passed down from their mothers. Joe said, "My
family was always around the church and I'm just grateful that she told me to believe in Him. It's definitely a blessing being here, you know without Him we wouldn't be where we are today. And just being in the Final Four, not a lot of people have gotten to this point. I try to spread His word through this game. It's bigger than basketball. That's the way I look at it." Joe records Philippians 4:13 on his Twitter page. It says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Jalen Coleman-Lands said, "My faith is the reason why I'm here today. It's molded me into the man I am. Being able to use this platform to spread His Word, and to have an opportunity to still play is an opportunity for us to continue doing what God has given us the talents to do, which is to play and use our talents for the greater good. I love the life God has blessed me with and the people he has around me every day."
April 2022
His Grace Magazine!
Cucumber Salad
• 5 Cucumbers, sliced into half moons • 1/2 red onion, sliced into half moons • 3/4 c Greek yogurt • 1 lemon, juiced • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1 tsp cilantro • 1 tsp Onion Powder • 1 tsp Dried Dill • Salt and pepper to taste • Cherry tomatoes, halved • Bacon Bits • In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice and seasonings. • Add in cucumbers, red onion, tomatoes and bacon bits; mix until everything is coated.
Ecclesiastes 3:13
"That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil - this is the gift of God."
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April 2022
Stu Grimson
Stu gave his life to Jesus the day he played pro hockey
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tu Grimson was born on May 20, 1965 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Stu is a retired NHL hockey player. Stu was 6'5" left winger; he was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1983 NHL entry draft. Stu didn't sign on with the Detroit Red Wings, as he decided to continue playing for the University of Manitoba of the CIAU for a couple of years. A couple of years later the 6'5" enforcer was then drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 7th round, 143th over all in the 1985 draft. Stu then played a couple of seasons in the minor league, he would get his chance to play in the NHL in 1988 with the Calgary Flames. In 1990, he was claimed on waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks. Stu would play a couple of years with a strong gritty Blackhawk team with players such as Mike Peluso, Chris Chelios and Dave Manson. Stu was tough and had a nose for fighting, which gave him the nickname of "Grim Reaper." During the 1993 NHL expansion draft, the Chicago Blackhawks decided not to protect him. As a result, he was picked up by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Stu would continue to play the role of their enforcer until he would once again be on the move. The Mighty Ducks had traded him to the Detroit Red Wings. After a couple of years with the Red Wings, Stu was placed on waivers and claimed by the
Hartford Whalers. Then he played with the Carolina Hurricanes as Hartford moved their team to Raleigh, North Carolina. During the summer of 1998, Stu was heading back to the west coast as Carolina traded him to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for the second time in his career; he was traded along with Kevin Haller. Stu would play a couple of years with Anaheim before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 2000-2001 season. He finished his hockey career with the Nashville Predators in 2002. Stu's career had him play with eight NHL teams; he played 729 regular season games and he managed to rack up a grand total of 2,113 penalty minutes during his 15 year career in the NHL. Stu is a strong Christian who doesn't try to hide his faith of Christ. The year Stu entered the NHL in 1988 with the Calgary Flames, he gave his life to Jesus Christ. Stu is on the Board of Directors of Hockey Ministries International. He has preached many sermons from the pulpit and has enjoyed many hockey camps as an outreach events for the kids. Stu, an ambassador for Christ, started
April 2022
His Grace Magazine!
Stu Grimson
a chapel service on every team he played for. Leading Christian fellowship, Stu said once in an interview that "Jesus was no wimp." Despite his terrifying reputation that he played on the ice, Stu won the respect of his fellow players as an intelligent and fluent man off the ice. The Grim Reaper is definitely on fire for Jesus Christ. After Stu retired from hockey, he finished his undergraduate degree and went to law school. He was In House Counsel for the National Hockey League Players Association from 2006 to 2008. He worked for the Nashville law firm of Kay, Griffin, Enkema & Brothers, PLLC from 2008 to 2012. He also worked as a Color Analyst for the Nashville Predators on Fox Sports South from 2016 to 2017 season. During the summer of 2018, Stu married Jennifer Ives Grimson; she is an entrepreneur and investor. They live in Nashville, Tennessee. Stu has four children; Erin, Hannah, Kristjan & Jayne.
Stu Gimson with the Nashville Predators 2002 Season
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April 2022
The Mountain of Fear
Fear is lazy and easy; It is a normal reaction to look at something scary and Run in the opposite direction. In the shadows of your life, Fear is an act of avoidance; It is staying hidden and takes The path of least resistance.
The problem with fear is that It distorts the size of the problem; It stops us in our tracks From analyzing the situation. When our problems appear big, Fear can be paralyzing; It keeps us from moving forward And experiencing God's blessing. When we only see giants before us, Reflect on God's promises; Measure by His abilities; Remember and recount His faithfulness. Just make sure that fear Is not your final reaction; Reflect on the promises of God; He will move your mountain!
(Psalm 34:4)
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."
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"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters."
Psalm 23:1,2
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R
Romans 12
"What is our function as Believers?"
omans 12:45: "For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." Because we have been made sons and daughters through Christ Jesus by God's mercy, we belong to the body of Christ, which is the church. We offer our lives to God as an ongoing act of worship, which requires that we not conform to this evil age, but renew our minds and perspective so that we can see and understand what God wants, so that we can be used by Him to get it done. We are the means by which Christ functions within the world. The church is a body with many members, yet it is only one body. They are all tied together by sharing the same life, and they are tied with the Head so that they function as His means of expressing His life in this world. As we are being saved by God, we become
more integrated with each other as believers. The body of Christ is the church...people born anew by the Spirit of God and added to this new creation by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. When somebody asks you, "Have you been baptized by the Holy Spirit?", the answer is, "Yes," if you are a Christian. You couldn't be a Christian
the very life of Christ. All believers are both baptized by and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit baptizes us into the Body of Christ, He puts us into Christ; as Jesus says in John 14:20, "At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you." It is this dual ministry of the Holy Spirit, baptizing us
without having been baptized by the Holy Spirit. You are made part of His body. It is not always accompanied by tongues, or healings, or fire, or even a chill down your spine. You do not feel it nor know when this takes place, but from that point on, when you exercise faith in Jesus Christ, there comes a flooding into your being
into the body, filling us with the Spirit so that we are both "In Christ," and He is "in us," that constitutes the mystery and the marvel of the church. It takes many members to make up a church; we are all joined together to make one body. We belong to one another in unity and service, bringing the operation
April 2022
of God's kingdom in this world, just like our physical bodies have many organs and parts, but each part cannot exist on its own. Some members of the church are more prominent and get the attention. But without the behind-the-scenes work of other members, the church cannot get off the ground. For the proper functioning of the body of Christ, there has to be dozens of faithful servants humbly working behind the scenes, who don't care about getting the glory. Their desire is to make the church be all that God wants it to be. Utilizing each other's gifts as a whole body is what brings meaning and fullness to the body of Christ. We are able to operate as God designed us, blessing the entire body. In the apostle Paul's letter to the Roman Christians, he explains the different gifts and how each gift has its special purpose which God uses as a tool to work His good: Prophesy The believer proclaims a
April 2022
divinely imparted message and brings light to something that is hidden. The Prophet applies the Word of God to a situation so that sin is exposed and relationships are restored. Usually, the Prophet would have a strong sense of right and wrong and speaks out against compromises and evil. Serving - The believer is driven to demonstrate love by meeting practical needs. The Server sees projects through to the end and enjoys doing physical work. Teaching The believer is passionate
His Grace Magazine!
Romans 12
about discovering and validating truth. The Teacher is concerned with the accuracy of information, especially church doctrine and is often gifted with research abilities. Exhorting The believer wants to see believers grow to spiritual maturity. An Exhorter encourages and is involved in the ministries of counseling, teaching and discipleship. Giving - The believer wants to use financial resources wisely in order to give to meet the needs of others. The Giver finds the best buy, notices overlooked needs
and maintains a budget. Organizing/ R u l i n g The believer accomplishes tasks and solves problems through analysis and delegation. The Organizer can discern talents and abilities of others and knows how those individuals can best serve on a project. Mercy - The believer is sensitive to the emotional and spiritual needs of others. A Mercy-Giver is drawn to people in need and seeks to demonstrate compassion, understanding and love to them. Our gifts are chosen for us by the Holy Spirit,
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and no matter what gifts we 'desire,' we are not going to get it unless the Holy Spirit has already chosen it for us. But we can earnestly desire that the higher gifts be manifested among us, which are those gifts that edify and help others. This is the purpose of the gifts. Each of us, in our individuality, possess a unique role in the church. There is nothing more beautiful, more effective and more delicately balanced than the church of Jesus Christ. Spiritually, it is the most marvelous organism in the whole universe.
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To be Ready
April 2022
Heavenly Father, We thank You for Your word. We ask for Your guidance as we prepare ourselves for the second coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Make clean our hearts and minds as we patiently await our Salvation. Thank You for all You do, In Jesus' precious name we pray,
Amen “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:36
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Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord ALmighty the whole earth is full of His Glory
Isaiah 6:3
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Risen
“The Resurrection of Christ”
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he movie, Risen, is about a nonbelieving Roman soldier who hunts for Jesus Christ's body, as he didn't know that Jesus had risen from the dead. Risen is almost the follow-up to Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion, with a few war violence and killing scenes but with a powerful Christian, biblical view and the reality of Jesus Christ's
resurrection. Clavius is a Roman military Tribune often called upon by the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, to lead missions. Pilate sends Clavius to make sure the Roman soldiers crucified Jesus correctly. The Pharisees came to Pilate to tell him that the soldiers needed to guard the tomb of Jesus because of the prophecy that Jesus will rise from
the grave. The Pharisees do not believe that Jesus was the Messiah who will rise again after three days, but rather believe that Jesus’ disciples would come and steal Jesus’ body in order to make the prophecy true. Clavius sends soldiers to the tomb to guard it, but they fell asleep. The next day, the soldiers come forward and says that Jesus’ body was gone from the tomb. Clavius is now at fault for not making sure more was done to protect the body. Pilate tells Clavius he must go out and investigate and find Jesus’ body, so Clavius gives the order to dig up all the recently dead bodies in order to hopefully find Jesus’ body. As the days go by, even the smell of the dead bodies doesn't bother the hardened heart of Clavius. Lucius is new to his job and he is assisting Clavius with the search. He is able to find one man who knows about Jesus’ followers. The two manage to bribe the man to give them the information they need.
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When they find and catch Mary Magdalene, she tells them they won't find Jesus’ body because He has risen. After more of Jesus’ followers are brought to Clavius, he wonders if what they are telling him could be true. Will Clavius begin to see the truth about Jesus and the resurrection? Risen is a dramatic movie about Jesus and the resurrection. The movie is very well done with great suspense and excellent acting. There are some violent battle scenes, but nothing gory. Overall, Risen is a powerful story and is a great movie to bring a secular friend to see, as it shows a skeptical nonbeliever turning to faith. This movie captures the essence of the biblical story of Jesus while also adding a dramatic element. After watching this movie with your friends or families, tell them about the rest of the story in the Bible; or better yet, ask them to read the Bible for themselves, or read the Bible to them. Risen is available on Blue ray and DVD.
April 2022
His Grace Magazine!
Grace Magazine His
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New stories every month! Interesting Christian topics, Great Movie, CD and Book reviews! Get your FREE copy of His Grace magazine today! Call 905-380-4489 wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com or check out our magazine on-line @ Ministries www.issuu.com/His-Grace
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JESUS
A V E S
John 14:6
Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY to Heaven Come to Him now, before it's too late!
