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VOLUME VI - ISSUE 1

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T H E

FROM THE

THE DESK OF

PUBLISHER

ONFIDENCE, ONCE DESTROYED, IS RARELY EVER FULLY RECOVERED.

THE VOICE

Volume VI • Issue 1 • Winter 2009 Edition __________________________

DO “WE THE PEOPLE” STILL HAVE THE POWER?

No. 1

V O I C E

SOME OF THE

people I meet convey feelings of helplessness. They have lost that sense of confidence in our American way of life. They see life-changing decisions made by our federal government for example that are contrary to their desires. They feel robbed when they are taxed to fund programs that are adverse to their moral compass. They feel betrayed, lied to and deceived. Some feel like they will never be able to make a difference with their lives. Others have lost trust in their government leaders, media and newspapers, employers and even with church leaders. That’s right, church leaders. Some tell me that church has become nothing more than a place to learn how to cope rather than a place for equipping and empowering God’s sons and daughters for victorious living.

THE PEOPLE I MEET WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD. THEY WANT TO FIGHT BACK. WHY

is this? What’s going on in people? I agree with this maxim, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Could it be possible that people are turning to God for answers and toward His leaders to step up to the plate and lead? Obviously it’s the responsibility of leaders to lead. When they don’t, we fall into apathy, hopelessness and despair.

TIMES ARE CHANGING AT LIGHTNING SPEED. FORTUNES ARE BEING LOST. THINK FORMER

NASDAQ Stock Exchange President Bernard Madoff ’s $50 billion ponzi scam, think pension funds and 401(k)s. Think about States like California with a massive $14.8 billion budget deficit. We see morals collapsing both inside and outside the Church, cities desperate to fund excessive budgets using creative strategies to fee, fine and tax its citizens, government sticking its proverbial nose in everything you do, experimental schooling by social engineers that graduate students that can’t think and barely able to read, and a Congress of sullied officials that won’t listen to the populace who don’t agree that every failed bank and financial institution needs a taxpayer bailout for “the common good.” We see the rise of socialism, liberal judges, a police state and big and bigger government.

AS GOOD CHRISTIANS WE ARE BEING DRAWN TO SOME CONCLUSIONS, THERE ARE SOME things happening in our generation that we have a duty to resist. Our leaders therefore are going to have to make some important decisions. Will they?

IN THIS ISSUE OF THE VOICE MAGAZINE WE TALK ABOUT THE SYSTEMATIC DISMANTLING of Free Market Capitalism, No Child Left Behind and education, Thriving in a Crisis Economy and much more. Be sure to share this and other issues with as many Christians as possible.

T H E V O I C E is a media platform for the apostolic voice. Our editorial board is pulling on the Spirit of God to bring present day truth about issues that impact our readers. _______________________

PUBLISHER Jonas Clark EDITOR Jennifer LeClaire MANAGING EDITOR Melanie Madon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Coker Mary Ann Lowry Dr. Don Colbert Marvin Marshall John Dillard John Louis Muratori Jim Bob Howard Rosemary Nardone Mary Alice Isleib Darrin J. Rodgers Carol Kinsey Goman Joel Thornton Bob Lotich ART DIRECTOR Brian Burke DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Karen Ledbetter EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Elvera Baker Rhonda Clark C o p y r i g h t © 2 0 0 9 b y Jo n a s C l a r k Communications, Inc. All rights reserved, including translation. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations in this magazine are from the King James version of the Bible. EDITORIAL INQUIRY: Have a question? Send your letters to: T H E V O I C E , 27 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach, Fla. 33009 or send e-mail to editor@thevoicemagazine.com. CUSTOMER SERVICE: For a change of address or other customer service issues, call 954.456.6032 or send e-mail to service@thevoicemagazine.com.

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No. 1

C O N T E N T S

THE VOICE 38

DISMANTLING FREE MARKET CAPITALISM

FEATURES 29 GOVERNING THE AFFAIRS OF MEN

Is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God political? What is politics really? By Jonas Clark

It’s time for every American to wake up and say no to more bailouts and the nationalization of USA banks. It’s time to stop Washington from dismantling our free market capitalistic system. BY JONAS CLARK

44 NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

Overcoming the Hurdle of Government Legislation in Public School Education. By Mary Ann Lowry

IS HOMESCHOOLING A CRIME?

Education is merely a portion of the responsibility that comes with parenting. Children learn, often in spite of us. They are learning from us and those we allow to surround them regardless of whether we want them to or not.

COLUMNS 54 Leadership

BY JOEL THORNTON

LEADERSHIP IN CHALLENGING TIMES Staying Focused Amidst the Currents of Recession. By Carol Kinsey Goman

HIP -HOP: AN URBAN MYTH

21 Family Life

STOP HOMESCHOOLING

The Editor-in-Chief of Homeschooling Magaz ine offers a paradigm shift on how you may think about homeschooling. By Jim Bob Howard

G. Craig Lewis exposes how fatherlessness, rebellion, oppression, anguish, poverty, violence, and other negative influences have created the Hip-Hop subculture that uses rap music to spread its negative ideologies. BY JENNIFER LECLAIRE

More Articles Online: www.thevoicemagazine.com

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P. 7

C O N T E N T S

THE VOI CE

DEPARTMENTS

en Español

Economy

THRIVING IN A CRISIS ECONOMY

CARACTERÍSTICA

The secret to surviving in a down economy is to be educated in seed time and harvest time. By John Louis Muratori

Health & Healing

PRACTICAL WAYS OF DEALING WITH INSOMNIA Planning for a good night sleep. By Dr. Don Colbert

Marketplace

IS YOUR DIET SABOTAGING YOUR HEALTH?

Learn how to strengthen your immune system to ﬁght off germs and viruses all year long. By Rosemary Nardone

SPRINKLE SOME SALT, SWITCH ON THE LIGHT IN YOUR... WORKPLACE By John Dillard

INFLUENCIANDO TU MUNDO

Personal Finances

Education

ADVICE FOR TEACHERS: HOW TO DISCIPLINE WITHOUT STRESS, PUNISHMENT OR REWARDS By Mar vin Marshall

Salvación es más que una relación personal con Jesús. Dios tiene expectaciones de ti. El quiere que uses Su autoridad para hacer diferencia en tu vida y hacer este mundo un mejor lugar. Por Jonas Clark

FINANCIAL KEYS

Financial strategies from wise King Solomon By Bob Lotich

Christian History

STEPPING STONES: CARL M. HANSON

19 Spiritual Growth

Scandinavian Harbinger of Pentecost By Darrin J. Rodgers

REAL CHANGE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

LANZANDO EL MAJESTUOSO PODER DE DIOS

Discover how to start your journey towards true change through the power of fasting.

Descubra lo efectivo que es la oración ferviente para hacer que tremendo poder sea dispuesto a traer victoria y avance aun a aquellas situaciones que parecen imposibles. Por Mary Alice Isleib

By David Coker

Has THE VOICE inspired you? Has one of our articles stirred your spirit? Send us your feedback... ....story ideas, testimonies or discuss article with readers online and share your opinions. Please send your e-mails to editor@thevoicemagazine.com or write us at: 27 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach, Fla 33009

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T DH EEP A V ROT IM CE EN T

Health & Healing

PRACTICAL WAYS OF DEALING WITH INSOMNIA S

LEEP IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT

pillars of good health. While we sleep, we are recharged both mentally and physically. Our bodies become rejuvenated, allowing them to secrete an important growth hormone that signals the tissues and organs to enter a time of repair and rebuilding. During periods of sleep, toxins are also removed from our systems, and our minds are given a break from mental activity. This break allows our memory to be restored and helps us sort through and resolve emotional conflict through dreaming.

ALTHOUGH SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL, WE SEEM TO

be getting less of it these days. In 1910, the average adult slept about nine to ten hours a night. Now, however, the average American

PLANNING FOR A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP. BY DR. DON COLBERT adult sleeps about seven hours a night. Individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, frequent colds or infections, depression, anxiety, or most

any other chronic disease, usually need at least eight hours of sleep a night and would benefit even more from nine hours.

ALL THE KNOWN SLEEP DISORDERS ,

insomnia is the most common. Webster’s II New College Dictionary defines insomnia as a “chronic inability to sleep.” Over 50 percent of adults in the U.S. experience insomnia at least a few times every week. Researchers have found that about 41 percent of all insomnia is linked to stress or other emotional factors. Many people are suffering as a result of depression, anxiety, being overstressed, consuming too much caffeine, medication side effects, chronic pain, frequent urination, hot flashes, menstrual cramps, or heartburn to name a few.

More Related Articles Online: Health and Healing

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T H E

I HAVE FOUND THAT ONE OF THE BEST WAYS

to overcome insomnia is to plan a good sleep environment. In other words, create an atmosphere in your bedroom that is conducive to good sleep. For instance, keep the room dark, eliminating excess light from streetlights, night lights, and digital clocks. Your sleep should also be free from distracting noises such as sirens, horns, cars, and motorcycles. If the telephone is a problem, take it off the hook when you go to bed. And if for some reason you can’t control the noise, I suggest you get a machine or recording that reproduces sounds like ocean waves, waterfalls, babbling brooks, etc. These are very helpful in relaxing the mind and body.

KEEPING

THE ROOM AT A COMFORTABLE

temperature is also important. Find a good medium temperature that is not too hot, not too cold, and not too humid—maybe around 70 degrees. I would also encourage you to keep your bedroom free from clutter in order to avoid distractions that can lead to stress. For example, remove things such as fax machines, computers, and paperwork. Hearing the sound of a computer or fax machine can create feelings of anxiety and stress, which can easily lead to insomnia. To avoid this, use your bedroom strictly as a place to sleep.

ADDITIONALLY,

IF YOU KNOW YOU HAVE

trouble falling asleep, I would encourage you not to watch television in your bedroom.

In Matthew 11:29 Jesus said, Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. Removing the television from the room will lesson the likelihood of experiencing insomnia. And by all means avoid all action-packed movies, thrillers, and sporting events before bedtime. These types of shows tend to get the adrenaline flowing and only make the situation worse.

F URTHERMORE ,

No. 1

V O I C E

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A

comfortable bed and pillow. Believe it or not, you and I will spend about one third of our lives in bed. That is why it is so important to invest in the best mattress and pillow you can afford. The mattress should be firm enough to support your body weight and keep your lower back and spine in alignment, but soft enough to

enable you to sleep comfortably and soundly. Likewise, your pillow should not be too hard or too soft—it should have just enough stuffing in it to support both your head and your neck, keeping both in alignment with your spine.

AND LASTLY, IF YOU’RE NOT SLEEPY, DON’T GO

to bed. If it’s late and you are still not sleepy, try doing a relaxing activity such as taking a warm bath, doing some simple stretching, reading a novel, or reading the Bible. In Matthew 11:29 Jesus said, Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. By abiding in the Vine, Who is Jesus, we can experience the rest that brings health, restores energy, and increases the overall quality of our lives. DR. DON COLBERT, MD graduated from ORU Medical School in 1984. He then moved to Central Florida where he did his internship and residency at Florida Hospital. For over twenty years, Dr. Colbert has practiced medicine in Central Florida. He has been board certified in Family Practice since August 1987, and is also board certified in Anti-Aging Medicine. He can be reached at www.drcolbert.com.

More Related Articles Online: Health and Healing

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D E PA R T M E N T

Health & Healing

IS YOUR DIET SABOTAGING YOUR HEALTH

UR IMMUNE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE

strong enough to fight off germs and viruses all year long. Eating nutrient-rich foods is a great way to keep your family healthy. We are all running on tight schedules these days, many of us eating on the run and sacrificing good nutrition, but this can sabotage our health.

COLDS AND FLU CAN SNEAK UP ON YOU AND your family. Over 200 viruses can cause cold

B Y ROSEMARY NARDONE symptoms. Luckily, eating healthfully can boost oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune system to help battle these bugs.

HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM IS YOUR BEST

defense against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and carcinogens that can make you sick. Immune cells are found throughout your

body, lymph glands, endocrine system, bone marrow and tonsils. By focusing and adding nutrient rich foods to your diet instead of high-calorie denatured foods, your family can ward off illness.

THE IMMUNITY BOOSTERS FISH: As a Nutritional Health Counselor, I

recommend consuming at least four servings

More Related Articles Online: Health and Healing

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a week of Omega 3 seafoods such as tuna, salmon, sardines, mahi mahi, tilapia, also shrimp and fresh shellfish.

PROTEINS: Lean chicken, turkey, beef,

antioxidant which fights respiratory infections including colds and boosts the response to antibodies and certain immune cells when we are under stress.

lamb, calves liver, pork (hor mone free – organic) as well as eggs, and some organic cheeses not processed such as goats cheese, raw milk cheese. These all contain high levels of zinc which is an important mineral for boosting the immune system. As a matter of fact, certain types of immune cells, including white blood cells, cannot function without zinc.

YOGURT AND KEFIR: In addition to

FOR VEGETARIANS: You can get your

important these wonderful foods that most of us use daily. Both onions and garlic contain compounds that stimulate the activity of immune-system cells also called the T cells. The old saying “a clove a day keeps the doctor away” really is a truism. Garlic is natural anti-microbial and antifungal compound that increase production of white blood cells which defend against invading pathogens. The key ingredient is called allicin, which activates when eating the garlic raw or smashing it and letting it sit for a minute or two before cooking with it. Try pressing a clove raw in your salads.

zinc from whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, tofu, nuts and seeds, especially pumpkins seeds one of our high sources of zinc.

PLANT FOODS: Serving your family

a variety of fruits and vegetables at meals and snacks ensure you are getting your photonutrients. These compounds help boost your immune system, strengthen heart and blood vessels and even fight various cancers.

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T TH HE E V VO OI IC CE E

YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET FRESH, FROZEN

vegetables may even have more nutrients than produce that has spent days in transit. In Winter, try hubbard squashes, greens and root vegetables such as yams and sweet potatoes, as well as cranberries, and organic dried fruits in moderate portions

CITRUS FRUITS ARE PRIMARY, IN FACT EATING

them in the morning first thing continues the body’s natural detoxifying process from accumulated fats and toxins from the day before. Not only is grapefruit a potent detoxifies, but is packed with high levels of Vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium, but rich in glutathione, an antioxidant which battles killer T cells. Oranges inactivate histamines, which cause runny noses and congestion as well as helps reduce inflammation. Don’t forget the berry family, strawberries high in silicon for tissue and bone strength, blueberries, one of the highest antioxidants known to man, lemons and limes.

NUTS AND SEEDS: Instead of grabbing for potato chips, grab a handful of nuts or seeds. As mentioned above, they not only are high in zinc, but contain Vitamin E, a powerful

widespread attention as an immune strengthener. As a Nutritional Health Counselor, I recommend and encourage including all the above foods for maintaining a healthy immune system as well as reaching a healthy weight, taking

the probiotic effect of yogurt and kefir which keeps good bacteria in your intestines and crowds out the harmful bacteria, but yogurt and kefir increase the production of a substance called gamma interferon which helps knock out viruses.

ONIONS AND GARLIC: We forget how

multivitamin/mineral supplements, exercising at least 30 minutes four times per week and sleeping eight hours every night. A good night’s sleep detoxifies the body as well as burns excess fat, so this is good news for dieters.

AVOCADO: These delicious creamy fruits LAST BUT NOT LEAST, KEEP THE SUGARS AND have different properties which provide strong defense against imminent colds. Vitamin E is the main defense which combines with B complex vitamins promoting antibody production. They also contain essential fatty acids which are necessary for reducing inflammatory conditions associate with colds and flu.

MAITAKE AND SHITAKE MUSHROOMS: These delicious mushrooms contain lentinan, a compound that stimulates production of interferon a potent antiviral and antibacterial protein which activates natural killer cells at the site of infection. Research has recently discovered that these mushrooms deliver 40 time more disease-fighting antioxidants than many others. These properties as well as many others contained in these fungi have drawn

added fat low – studies have shown that diets high in both sugars and fat reduce the number of killer cells. Even as little as two sugary drinks a day can lower the power of your immune cells by 40 percent.

R O S E M A RY NARDONE became a CHHP, RM Certified Nutritional Health Counselor after many years battling to overcome bulimia, food addiction and the diet/ yo-yo syndrome to stay thin. This struggle led her on a path to re-empowering herself through education and exploration about what the body truly requires to stay slim, healthy and free.

More Related Articles Online: Health and Healing

Is Homeschooli

By Joel Thornton

ome issues are difficult and require a lot of ground work before the real discussion can begin. To me education is not one of those complicated issues. At least that is true if we look at education the same way as we look at parenting. What is parenting? Parenting is the act of raising a child or children. It is really about distilling our values into our children. It is about taking babies and turning them into mature citizens; in our case, mature Christians who are able to divide the Word correctly. To me education is merely a portion of the responsibility that comes with parenting. Children learn, often in spite of us. This means that our children are learning from us and those we allow to surround them regardless of whether we want them to or not. The secular world has proudly created a term for this often negative form of education: peer pressure.

Peer pressure is that moment when we first used profanity to fit in with those around us. Peer pressure is when we smoked our first

ing a CRIME?

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T H E

V O I C E

YET, GERMANY HAS DECLARED WAR ON HOME

school families – all 300 to 400 of them. German officials have fined these families, they have placed parents in jail, taken the children from the parents and delivered them to school, anything to stop home schooling. I am often asked, “Why does the German government care about 400 students?”

SEVERAL

EXPERTS HAVE FINALLY GIVEN ME

an answer that makes sense. The German government officials fear the strong families that are created by home schooling, especially among Christians.

THE CHILDREN ARE NOT LOYAL ENOUGH TO THE STATE.

In spite of the negative influences on our children, we continue to send them to day care; we continue to send them to pre-school; we continue to send them away to school. cigarette because it was considered cool. The list goes on and on – mostly negative in the world in which we live.

SPITE OF THE NEGATIVE INFLUENCES ON

our children, we continue to send them to day care; we continue to send them to pre-school; we continue to send them away to school.

FOR

THE SAKE OF FULL DISCLOSURE, MY WIFE

and I home school our children. It is not easy; it has required a lot of sacrifice, mostly for my wife, but for our family as well. It has caused conflict within our larger family. Yet here we are, nine years in and still happy with the distillation of our values into our children.

WIFE AND

ARE BOTH EDUCATORS BY

training. She taught in a parochial school for a decade, I spent four and a half years teaching before I went to law school. Both of my parents are retired educators and my sister is currently working in education.

IT IS THAT

APPROACH THIS SUBJECT WITH

a lot of ideas, but a sympathy for those who are working hard, for little pay, to educate our children in the public and private schools. It is hard to discuss these matters without creating anger in the education system. My intention, however, is not to wage war against public education, it is merely to let us consider a higher, more costly way of educating our children – a way that allows us to protect our children from a deteriorating world that spirals deeper and deeper into decay everyday.

ONE

OF THE BEST PLACES TO SEE THIS ISSUE

clearly is in Germany. There are at least 100,000 truant students in Germany, maybe a lot more if you believe some of the figures I have seen thrown around. The government does nothing in an organized way to bring those students back into the system. When Melissa Busekros was taken into state custody for over three months for the “crime” of home schooling she was not once given any education. More Related Articles Online: Education

And here lies the core of what I think about education. Education, by the state, is designed to create some knowledge in children. More than that, however, education is designed to create good citizens, wards of the state if you will. We teach conformity, how to line up and move from one place to the other at the ringing of a bell. These are important lessons, particularly the more populated the world becomes. Like Disney World, our success depends on getting the most people through the ride in the least amount of time in an orderly fashion.

SURE

WE TEACH SCIENCE – WITH THE CORE evolutionary theory driving the curriculum. Sure we teach sex education – with the liberal mores of our ever more depraved society. Nonetheless, in a modern, crowded world like ours we must have citizens who are properly committed to society. The public education system is the best place to mass produce these model citizens.

MANY WAYS CONFORMITY AND GROUP

thinking are more important than individuality and creativity.

EQUALLY IMPORTANT ISSUE IS:

“WHO

going to raise our children?” God gave them to you and to me. Why am I letting the state educate them with virtually no questions asked?

I REALIZE THAT IT IS NOT REASONABLE TO THINK that we can all educate our children at home. There are a number of factors at play. What are our skills? What is our economic situation? What needs do our children have, are they special needs that cannot be met at home?

THE VERY LEAST WE MUST DEMAND THAT

our public schools reflect our values. If they will not do this, we must insist that they respect our

T H E

P. 17

V O I C E

BACK HOME: Melissa is back home after being arrested from being schooled by parents. (Photo: www.ihrg.org)

LOOKED AT MY QUESTIONER AND ASKED

a simple question of him. “What exactly are you concerned about? Is it that my third grade son will not be able to interact with children whose parents do not control what video games they play, what television they watch? Is it that he will not be interacting with children who are not Christians, learning a new religious belief system?”

THEN I

STOPPED.

QUESTIONER DUCKED

his head, “I hadn’t thought of that.” WORLD RESPONDS: Melissa’s Mother received letters of suppor t while seperated from her daughter. (Photo: www.ihrg.org)

values and not force questionable education on our children.

M ANY

OF OUR FOREFATHERS WERE NOT

educated in formal school settings. Even the Little House On The Prairie school was more closely aligned with home school than today’s public school classroom. Yet, as a society we suddenly do not believe in the ability of parents to teach their own children.

WHEN WE FIRST BEGAN HOME SCHOOLING OUR

children my wife and I were questioned about the loss of socialization our children would experience not being educated in the public schools. Eventually it became more than I could bear and I quit trying to be nice to those who questioned our decision as parents.

THIS IS THE REAL ISSUE TO ME. WHO IS GOING to determine what my children believe about anything? Am I willing to turn them over to an increasingly secular school system? Am I willing to put them in with a group of people who do not believe what we believe and hope for the best?

WHEN LOOKED AT THIS WAY, IT HARDLY SEEMS like a question with a difficult answer to me.

JOEL THORNTON, ESQ. is a lawyer, author and President, CEO amd General Counsel of the International Human Rights Group. The International Human Rights Gr oup pr otects r eligious liberties around the world concentrating on Europe. You can reach him at http://www.joelthornton.com or http://www.ihrg.org

More Related Articles Online: Education

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T H E

V O I C E

No. 1

some time together just being a family. Define who you are as a family, but remove the stress of having to take “schooling” home.

THE FOUNDING FATHERS

OF OUR NATION ARE CONSIDERED BY MOST

to be the most literate, well-read, and well-informed generation the world has ever known – before or since. (Thomas Jefferson conducted a survey which revealed a literacy percentage rate in the high 90s.) And most of them had very little formal schooling, if any. Those who did, didn’t go to school until they were at around nine or 10. If they went to “university,” they did so at the age of 14 - 16. That’s why you’ll often hear that so-andso had “no more than an eighth grade education.” What they really had was only three or four years of schooling, and eighth grade was as high as it went. After that, were working, building a business, learning a trade, running the farm. They were not dunces who only completed the eighth grade and then dropped out.

The move to family discipleship needs to be the first step. When she knows that you care about her and love her and that is why you are doing what you are doing, then it will be easier to reason with her about further changes you want to make.

SO, ALL THAT TO SAY, REMOVING YOUR DAUGHTER FROM THAT SITUATION

can be a major paradigm shift in the way you look at education. Their way may have (a) been the standard by which she was considered abnormal, and (b) exacerbated the manifestation of the problem. Don’t pull her out of that just to keep her home to do it the same way. She may be acting out because she’s bored with a subject she has already mastered. She may be acting out because she can’t keep up with her classmates academically, so she tries to do it socially. It may be a combination of those two, or more. But don’t stress about her not getting enough schooling.

BABY STEPS TOWARD A FAMILY CULTURE OF LEARNING If she has strong friendships, don’t break those up right away (even if they’re somewhat unhealthy) or she is likely to rebel against everything you are trying to do. The move to family discipleship needs to be the first step. When she knows that you care about her and love her and that is why you are doing what you are doing, then it will be easier to reason with her about further changes you want to make: whether that involves letting some friendships go, or accelerating some subjects she does well in, or stepping back a few steps to get back to her pace on other subjects, or spending less time on subjects and more on service or music or art or giving or a family business. Each step take together. You and your wife may have to adjust your strides a bit for all of you to stay together, but the rewards are worth it!

DON’T DO IT ALONE

Back to my first suggestion. If you and your wife are not Christians, perhaps a lot of what I said is completely foreign to you or sounds impossible. I can tell you that in my home, were it not for Jesus Christ, all of what I mentioned above would be a shabby, weak façade that would not stand up against any kind of pressure. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

COMMIT YOUR MARRIAGE, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR HOME DISCIPLESHIP TO the Lord, leaning on His Word and He will direct your path.

JIM BOB HOWARD is a follower of Christ; husband of one; father of four;

and Editor-in-Chief of Homeschooling Today magazine. He can be reached at www.homeschooltoday.com More Related Articles Online: Education

Stepping Stones

P. 24

D E P A R T M E N T

1910: Hanson with his daughter, Anna, who with her husband, Arthur F. Berg, served as a missionary in Belgian Congo from 1922 to 1926.

CARL M. HANSON

Scandinavian Harbinger of Pentecost BY

ARL

DARRIN

M. “DADDY” HANSON, A SPIRITUAL FATHER TO MANY EARLY

Pentecostals on the northern Great Plains, earned his Pentecostal stripes on both sides of Azusa Street. His brand of radical Scandinavian pietism prefigured the emerging Pentecostal movement, in which he became an early leader. Hanson traversed Minnesota and the eastern Dakotas during the late 1890s and early 1900s, spreading glossolalic revival even before the Topeka and Azusa Street revivals.

HANSON

WAS BORN ON

DECEMBER 15, 1865

MINNESOTA

Norwegian immigrants. In 1881, he enrolled in the college preparatory program at Augsburg Seminary, a Lutheran school in Minneapolis. Curriculum for the freshman class (known as the “Greek Division”) included the English, Norwegian, and Greek languages, Religion, History, and Geography. According to school records, he attended classes from October 1881 until March 1882. Presumably, Hanson was among the many students who left to engage in farm work and who did not return for April classes.

RODGERS

HANSON CONVERTED TO CHRIST WHILE AT AUGSBURG. IN A 1906 TRACT,

Hanson wrote that he began to experience conviction at age 14 and “became real earnest and was blessedly saved” nine months later. In 1904, he testified, “A short time after my conversion at the age of 16 years I was called of God to offer my life in the Lord’s service to preach the Gospel. But through Satan’s frightful might and cunning I was hindered for eleven years.” Hanson lamented that he listened “to the voice of the enemy telling me I was too young, was uneducated and would only be a man going around doing nothing for his living.” Instead of following the call to ministry, Hanson recalled, “I yielded to his suggestions of waiting until I had become older and made some money.”

HANSON MARRIED MATHILDA LOUISE FOLKEDAL OF BLUE EARTH County, Minnesota, on November 28, 1888. The young couple moved

to Lemond, Minnesota, where Carl operated a creamery and general merchandise store. While working in a saw mill in 1895, he severed a finger, developed blood poisoning, and entered a hospital in Wauseca, Minnesota,

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T H E where Drs. Young and Swartz deemed his condition ter minal. Facing death, Hanson turned to God and experienced conviction for his sin. Hanson testified:

AGONY

…

OPENED THE DARK

The Holy Spirit then, as a person, took possession of His Temple, speaking in other tongues, while I realized myself as a listener and an instrument in the hands of the Almighty. Oh, the joy that filled my soul; and how unworthy I felt as it now became clear that the Holy Spirit had come in to dwell, and I knew Him as a person, not merely as an influence or a blessing.

of the abyss, and the revelation of the dreadful depths made me exclaim, “Thou condemn me in righteousness if Thou cast me into Hell.” In a moment I experienced a burning of fire, and the peace of God with a glow overfilled my spirit, soul, and body. A peace, which cannot be described, came with new life and living power in my years. God’s power overshadowed me, and I gained life. The blood poisoning was no longer present and I began as a newborn child who gathered strength. Shortly after his healing, Hanson became an evangelist. He recounted how, in 1895, he received his “anointing to preach”:

COMMENCED TO WITNESS FOR THE

LORD

AND AFTER A SERIES OF

meetings – we had had a cottage meeting in our home – as I arose to testify the Spirit of God came upon me in such a way that I became unconscious of a single word spoken. But the result was that the whole audience was moved. Some cried, others rejoiced, while others exclaimed, “The Lord has spoken.” I myself realized such a joy in my soul and a keenness in my spirit to know the condition of things, and received an anointing to preach, and revivals followed. Hanson recorded how his understanding of water baptism and spirit baptism evolved during that first year of ministry.

SOON AFTER (RECEIVING AN ANOINTING TO PREACH) I BECAME AWARE there was much more for me and that I needed it, as I realized in studying the Word that Jesus required the same works to be done now as in the days of the Apostles given by Jesus. Matthew 10, etc.

WAS ALSO MADE PLAIN THAT IF WE CAME TO THE PLACE THE

Apostles were (Acts 1 and 2), the same power would fall. This brought me to pray for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and searching the scriptures I soon found I was not baptized in water according to the Word. Also many false doctrines had to be cleansed out. My hunger became so great at times I made up my mind to go home and wait until I was endued, but had to go out again and again.

I N 1895,

WHILE HOLDING MEETINGS AND PREACHING THE FULL

gospel, as I saw it, with a full consecration, sanctification and Baptism in the Holy Spirit, one came clear through and spoke in tongues, as in Acts 2.

SIGNIFICANTLY,

P. 25

V O I C E

THE TONGUES - SPEECH WITNESSED BY

HANSON

occurred a decade prior to the Azusa Street revival. The 1895 instance of tongues took place during services he held on the H. N. Russum farm near Grafton, North Dakota, and the person to speak in tongues was a small girl. Hanson initially declared, “This must be that which was spoken

by the prophet Joel,” referring to the prophecy in Joel 2:28. After searching Scripture, he became convinced the experience was of God, but he had not yet connected tongues to Spirit baptism. Former General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, G. Raymond Carlson, traced his family’s Pentecostal roots to that Grafton revival. Hanson continued to thirst for more of God and questioned whether he was truly Spirit-baptized.

WHILE

THERE (IN

GRAFTON) I

MET

a Brother whom I thought had more than I had. I then thought that I had the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, but that he had the fire also. I asked him to pray for me, and I received a wonderful anointing, so that I was laid out under the Power a long time, being filled with exceeding joy. I had also gone through a wonderful cleansing before, and was clear in my spirit, but was struggling over Baptism in the Holy Spirit. With all this and many other blessings and administrations of the Holy Spirit I could not get satisfied.

HANSON WROTE THAT TWO YEARS LATER (APPARENTLY IN 1897) HE PRAYED

for a woman who, shortly after being Spirit-baptized, “leaped, shouted, and praised God, sang and prophesied and spoke in other tongues.” In another two years (apparently in 1899), Hanson also received this experience.

BUT WITH ALL THIS, AND MANY OTHER WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES, I

was not satisfied until two years later, while laboring in the country, I was led to get alone with the Lord. Opportunity was given, and as I knelt down to pray I fell backwards to the floor and all at once, like a mighty rushing wind, the Spiritual atmosphere was cleared up and my whole inward soul was enlightened. The atoning blood justifying me before God made everything clear. The Holy Spirit then, as a person, took possession of His Temple, speaking in other tongues, while I realized myself as a listener and an instrument in the hands of the Almighty. Oh, the joy that filled my soul; and how unworthy I felt as it now became clear that the Holy Spirit had come in to dwell, and I knew Him as a person, not merely as an influence or a blessing.

HANSON CONTINUED TO ITINERATE AS AN EVANGELIST, PREACHING

the Word and sharing with others how he was saved, healed, and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Hanson’s daughter recounted, “My father began giving testimony wherever doors were open to him: in churches, schoolhouses, homes, and missions. The response was amazing. Everywhere people were saved. This was usually followed by a consuming desire for more of God’s power in their lives.”

HANSON

WAS

NORWEGIAN,

WHILE THE

SCANDINAVIANS

TO WHOM

he ministered were mostly Swedes. Hanson primarily preached in the Swedish and English languages, causing some Norwegian listeners to mistake him for a Swede.

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P. 26

T H E

V O I C E

P UBLISHED

WRITINGS OFFER A GLIMPSE INTO

DESCRIBING

THOSE

Hanson’s emerging Pentecostal theology. In a February 1905 letter, Hanson discussed the relationship between salvation and Spirit baptism: “With the New Birth one has the opportunity to see the Kingdom of God, but with the Spirit Baptism one comes into the Kingdom, into the Ark, into the Father’s House.” He further claimed that with Spirit baptism, “The sin of mankind is annihilated and Christ is glorified in us.”

ON THE TRAIL: Hanson (left) with John Feuk and Jennie Olson in front of a cabin in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota. Early Pentecostal camp meetings were held in the Turtle Mountains in the 1910s.

Describing those Christians without Spirit baptism, Hanson wrote, Without the power of the Holy Spirit the work became defective,”and “their missions are not perfect for God.” IN 1900,

THE

HANSONS

MOVED FROM

LEMOND, MINNESOTA

Minneapolis, where Carl worked as a carpenter to support his evangelistic ministry. While in Minneapolis, Hanson attended Zion Tabernacle, a congregation pastored by Frederick A. Graves and affiliated with the Christian Catholic Church, a denomination founded by faith healer John Alexander Dowie. The Hansons moved in 1904 to a small farm near Anoka, Minnesota, located eighteen miles north of Minneapolis.

SOON

AFTER LEAVING

MINNEAPOLIS, CARL

TESTIFIED THAT THE

urgent need to save souls prior to Christ’s second coming drew him back to urban ministry: “... in heartfelt prayer to God His Word became clear: Jesus soon arrives to fetch His own … I must go down to Minneapolis and witness to many.” On November 12, 1904, Hanson walked 18 miles to Minneapolis, then continued on to St. Paul, where he arrived that afternoon. Hanson, seeing men and women who were drunken, homeless, and poorly clothed, became convinced God wanted him to open a mission for “these wretched children of need.” In a plea for financial support to open a mission, Hanson set forth his needs: “... your sincere intercessory prayers and help for this ‘God’s Saving Arm Mission’ that breaks the Living Bread for the Hungry, tells the Saving Word to the unsaved, nurses the sick both in body and soul, clads the naked, gives the homeless shelter and the hungry bread, the unemployed work.”

CHRISTIANS

WITHOUT

SPIRIT

baptism, Hanson wrote, “Without the power of the Holy Spirit the work became defective,” and “their missions are not perfect for God.” Addressing the supposed novelty of his doctrines, he explained, “the question about spirit baptism has been buried in God’s Word together with the teaching of baptism and the laying on of hands and recovery for the body, etc.” These teachings, he claimed, were obscured by church leaders who kept the masses in the dark.

H ANSON ’ S

BEDROCK BELIEF IN DIVINE HEALING APPARENTLY

excluded reliance upon modern medicine. When his daughter, Anna, contracted typhoid fever at age eight and again became ill at age11 (approximately 1905 and 1908), Hanson refused medical treatment. In 1913, Anna testified, “Our neighbors were angry because we would not send for a doctor. They said it was cruel and inhuman to let me sit there suffering and not to do anything to help me, but we trusted in the Great Physician and we did not trust in vain.” Interestingly, at the same time as he was promoting Spirit baptism and healing, Hanson named a son, Clarence Philip Melanchthon Hanson (born December 1, 1904), after an early sixteenth century German Protestant reformer and systematic theologian.

AS A FREE MISSION EVANGELIST, HANSON ITINERATED IN MINNESOTA,

the Dakotas, Wisconsin, and Iowa, preaching his brand of radical evangelicalism, making converts, and seeking funds and workers for his new mission. In late February and early March 1905, Hanson held meetings in the Gotland neighborhood near Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Seizing upon local gossip, a reporter wrote, “Several young people have been attending these meetings and it is reported that they work themselves into a perfect frenzy, rolling on the floor, endeavoring to climb up the walls, tossing chairs about and talking oddly in what is supposed to be ancient or peculiar languages, imagining that they have the gift of tongues.”

O STENSIBLY

SYMPATHIZING WITH ONE EMOTIVE

18- YEAR-OLD

participant (whom the reporter freely named), the article continued, “One of the meetings came to a climax Thursday evening when a young girl named Miss Olga Nelson appeared to lose her reason entirely, and became so violent that the family was finally compelled to take her to the county jail. She quieted down to some extent there, but does not appear to be very materially improved today, as she walks up and down in the jail, singing hymns and imagining she is going to Africa. It is hoped that she will come out all right in a few days.”

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P. 27T TH HE E V VO OI IC CE E

T HE

P. 27

NEXT DAY , THE NEWSPAPER REPORTED THAT

Hanson planned to take five or six young female converts to Minneapolis to help them find positions as domestics or to engage in mission work. According to the article, Nelson’s irate father swore out a warrant for Hanson’s arrest on charges of disorderly conduct. Hanson spent the night in jail, then appeared in court, where the judge fined him $35 and ordered him to leave town. The reporter admitted, “nothing in the shape of assault or anything of that kind was alleged,” but wrote, “the evidence was decidedly interesting.” Several boys testified that Hanson seemed to hypnotize his converts.

ACCORDING TO THE REPORTER, HANSON CLAIMED THE

testimony was somewhat exaggerated, although cheerfully admitting that he and his converts roll about on the floor whenever the spirit so moves them. He vehemently denied any insinuations as to hypnotic influence, and claims that the violent actions just described are the results of the working of spirits either of good or evil, and in some instances of the conflicts of the powers of light and darkness as described in the Scriptures. He also states that converts are frequently given the gift of tongues, as they were of old, and that they talk in whatever language the spirit directs. He claims further that he knew one lady who had no knowledge whatever of German who was able to talk this language when thus moved, and that the converts know exactly what they are doing at all times.

THE TEAM AND FAMILY: C. M. Hanson (second row, fourth man from left) reported as many as 2,000 people in attendance at this September 1924 tent revival in Fargo, ND. Two years later, Norwegian immigrant Henry H. Ness came to pastor the fledgling flock and organized Fargo Gospel Tabernacle (renamed First Assembly of God in 1949). Photos courtesy of Irene Hankin

DESPITE THE CONTROVERSY, SOME CONVERTS APPARENTLY STUCK BY

Hanson and paid his fine. In a November 1905 letter to Folke-Vennen, Hanson recounted opposition he faced, referred to his critics as false prophets, and reiterated his call to minister to youth. Hanson’s daughter recalled angry mobs interrupting her father’s services: “Eggs, tomatoes, and even stones were thrown. In tent meetings the ropes were sometimes cut and at times burned.”

IN 1906, THE YEAR OF THE AZUSA STREET REVIVAL, HANSON PRINTED

a tract, in which he testified to having already lived with the Pentecostal blessing for over seven years.

AFTER

OVER SEVEN YEARS OF CONSTANT CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE

Holy Spirit dwelling within, witnessing for Himself, speaking in other tongues, praying, glorifying God, rebuking Satan, comforting, guiding, taking of Christ’s and committing unto me, pleading the Blood against principalities and powers, glorifying Christ, rejoicing unspeakably, suffering, etc., I am convinced beyond a doubt that now in the fulness of time this wonderful Baptism in the Spirit, that has been hid from the Church for over 15 centuries, is brought back by the mighty power of God removing the covering and revealing the mighty arm of God that is to be revealed with a greater glory than on the day of Pentecost before the coming of the Lord, which is at hand.

C. M. HANSON SOON IDENTIFIED WITH THE EMERGING PENTECOS-

tal movement in Chicago, which had roots in the 1906 Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles. On September 25, 1909, Chicago Pentecostal

Fergus Falls (MN) Daily Journal, March 11, 1905

leader William Durham ordained Hanson as a minister with the Full Gospel Assembly. Durham served as pastor of the North Avenue Mission, where F. A. Sandgren, editor of the Norwegian-language evangelical newspaper Folke-Vennen, was an elder. Hanson transferred his ordination to the Assemblies of God (AG) on September 11, 1917. Participants at the 1922 organizational meeting of the North Central District Council (AG) unanimously elected “Daddy” Hanson, revered

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P. 28

T H E

as one of the region’s Pentecostal pioneers, to serve as the district’s first chairman (1922-23).

IN ADDITION TO SERVING AS AN EVANGELIST, PASTOR, AND CHURCH

official, Hanson provided for his large family by farming. In 1906, Hanson moved to a farm near Dalton, Minnesota, where he and Mathilda reared 13 children. Seven children preceded their parents in death; nine survived infancy. Two daughters became missionaries: Esther M. Hanson (who served at L. M. Anglin’s orphanage in Taianfu, China from 1921 until her death in 1924) and Anna C. (Mrs. Arthur F.) Berg (who with her husband served in Belgian Congo from 1922 to 1926 prior to pastoring in Sisseton and Sioux Falls, South Dakota). C. M. Hanson served pastorates in Chicago, and in St. Paul, Sauk Centre, and Princeton, Minnesota. He and Mathilda moved to Braham, Minnesota in 1945 to live with their son, Arthur J., until their respective deaths on June 28, 1954 and January 16, 1957.

THE HANSON

FAMILY’S

PENTECOSTAL

No. 1

V O I C E

WITNESS HAS SPANNED MORE

than a century. Carl M. Hanson’s son, C. Lloyd, served for over 40 years as deacon and Sunday School superintendent at Minneapolis Gospel Tabernacle. A number of budding Assemblies of God preachers, including Ted Ness, Lloyd Christiansen, and Curtis Ringness, sat under his tutelage. C. Lloyd Hanson retired in San Jose, California, where he was active at Bethel Church until his death in 1984. His daughters, Ruth Erickson and Irene Hankin, have been active in Assemblies

of God congregations in Minnesota and California. In April 2006, Irene’s grandson, Wesley Sheley, was ordained by the Oregon District. Recognizing the significant impact that his great grandfather’s faith had on his family, Wesley used Carl M. Hanson’s Bible in the ordination ceremony.

HISTORY HAS SPIRITUAL VALUE; IT GIVES WITNESS OF THE FAITHFULNESS

of the saints of the past. More importantly, history tells of God’s faithfulness to his people. Carl M. Hanson, who preached Pentecost before the broader Pentecostal movement was recognized, was one of those saints. His testimony is important, not only because it provides intriguing insight into an often-forgotten aspect of Pentecostal origins, but also because it confirms that one person, working within the fabric of the Christian community, can make a difference that affects eternity. DARRIN J. RODGERS, M.A., J.D., is director of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center and editor of Heritage magazine. He authored a book, Northern Harvest: Pentecostalism in North Dakota, and numerous articles published in journals and reference works. All Photos Courtesy of Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (http://www.iFPHC.org). Originally published in Assemblies of God Heritage 26:1-2 ( Spring-Summer 2006). Reprinted with permission of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. All rights reserved.

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F E A T U R E

P. 29

GOVERNING THE AFFAIRS OF MEN No. 1

Is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God political? What is politics really? BY JONAS CLARK

VERY BORN AGAIN BELIEVER HAS A

governing spiritual nature. That’s because you have the nature of Christ in you. When Jesus ascended into heaven he gave five gifts to His Church. We call these five-fold ascension gifts apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These gifts were given by the apostle and founder of the Church. Through these gifts the Holy Spirit equips and empowers God’s mighty warriors to invade, occupy and influence the world for Christ. Contrast that to the lukewarm, apathetic and diluted model of withdrawing, avoiding, coping and escaping the world. The nature of the Church of Christ is like its founder: build, restore and govern. These three words provide definition for us and by them we understand a measure of our purpose in life and ministry. When Jesus said He would build His Church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it He was speaking of the battle of one government against another or, said another way, the kingdom of darkness battling against the reconstitution of the Kingdom of God on the earth through the Church of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:10). As citizens of the Kingdom of God you and I are part of the restitution of all things and participants of the most profound revolution of all time (2 Corinthians 5:18).

SALVATION YOU BECAME A MEMBER OF

Christ’s revolution of righteousness. When you were saved, you repented of your sins, asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior and turned from your wicked ways. You were also supernaturally translated from one government to another. In this new government you will discover a different way of thinking and living. When you were translated out of darkness you were born again

NEW POLITICAL ERA Thousands gather to see historical inauguration of President Barack Obama, January 20th 2009.

and became a new creature in Christ Jesus. Not a saved Adam, but a new creature in the last Adam, Christ. You were moved out of darkness into the Kingdom of Christ. As a born again believer you are now a citizen of a different government, the Kingdom of Christ. Now things are going to get really exciting for you.

ESTIMATES SAY THERE ARE OVER TWO BILLION living citizens in the Kingdom of God. After salvation and the spiritual change of government, however, please take note that you’re still on the earth. Now it’s time to wake up and understand what you are involved in. Things are going to be quite different than they used to be. You are in the same world but with two different kingdoms

battling for dominion. The war for dominion is all around you. It is in every part of life and there is no escaping it. Now, ready or not, you are partakers of the divine nature and agenda of your king. Your king, Jesus the Christ, is the King of a government, His government. That government of the Kingdom is right here on the earth warring against the kingdoms of darkness through His body until all things are become subject under the feet of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:28). Scripture confirms “this gospel of the Kingdom (not simply the gospel of the cross) shall be preached in all the world as a witness then the end shall come” (Matthew 24:14). I wrote about this in my book “Kingdom Living.” Another Scripture declares that “the kingdoms of this world have

P. 30

become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign for ever and for ever” (Revelation 11:15). All of these scriptures point toward a spiritual warfare for dominion that is not finished. Our opposition is not confined to the spiritual realm alone. This needs to be said again and again. Christians must be proactive in their faith. Some have accused Christians of ineffectiveness because they are only willing to pray and not much more. This is sad indeed because effective prayer should empower you to move forward in faith and action, showing yourself to be disciples of Christ. If this prayer apathy is true then this must be overcome by every believer. Again, the success of spiritual warfare should be visible in the natural. When we win the war of kingdoms, shared Christian values for example, we get involved in governing within the affairs of men. Until our involvement as salt, light and Kingdom’ representatives the wicked will continue to rule over us. Is that what you want for your children and grandchildren?

POLITICS AND THE CHRISTIAN’S GOVERNING NATURE One day I

received and email saying, “Jonas, just preach the Gospel and stay out of politics.” You may receive suggestions like this too from well meaning

T H E

V O I C E

friends and family. This was an interesting proposal that prompted many questions in my mind. What is politics, for example? Should believers stay out? Let’s examine the e-mailer’s recommendation a bit more.

ESSAY HIS SUGGESTION WE NEED TO PULL

together a definition of politics. Politics is not just voting in local or national elections for a particular party candidate whether Democrat or Republican. The definition of politics is this: Governing the affairs of men. Everyone should take a moment to digest that definition.

THE

WORD POLITICS IS OFTEN USED

interchangeably with Local, State or Federal Governments. That is a mistake because politics is not limited to those arenas. Politics, governing the affairs of men, is practiced in corporations, in the church, family or any organization of men working toward a common purpose. If politics is “governing the affairs of men” then how can a citizen of the Kingdom of God avoid the political realm? The answer is they can not. Politics is integral within the Gospel of Christ. This definition therefore has only one conclusion for the born again citizen of the Kingdom of God. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a political

gospel. You cannot separate, for example, the Gospel of Christ from governing within the affairs of men.

NOT ONLY IS THE GOSPEL A POLITICAL FORCE,

Christ has a Kingdom and a Church. Within that Church resides His government, laws, Spirit and citizen representatives. The Church is the seat of governing authority in the earth (Genesis 28:17). When you attend the right one you can get equipped and empowered to advance the Gospel of the Kingdom. The Church that Christ is building cannot be defeated. Kingdoms have come and gone throughout history but the Church of Christ still remains.

DIVISION OF GOVERNMENT: AUTHORITY AND POWER In the

Republic the United States Constitution divides authority and power through the various branches of government the executive, legislative and judicial. Those elected as political leaders are delegated certain powers and given authority to exercise the rule of law dictated within the Constitution. In the Kingdom of God, however, the Word of God is the rule of law. Unlike the government of the United States the citizens of the Kingdom of Christ cannot elect their leader.

T H E

through slavery. It’s the same within the Kingdom of Christ. The citizens of the Kingdom of God, those new creatures, must choose to submit to be governed by their free wills. When they do the blessings of the covenant are manifest. If they do not, whether through ignorance in the Word of God or outright rebellion the blessings of the covenant are withheld.

THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM IS GIVEN, AND, CHRISTIANS ARE CITIZENS TOO To segragate from the world is to abandon Christ’s mandate.

Their leader is Christ and he cannot be exchanged for another even by unanimous vote. He is the founder and King. He is also the Sovereign One. As citizens of the Kingdom of God they can, however, share in His delegated political power (governing in the affairs of men) and use His delegated authority as spelled out in His Word. Jesus said, for example, “I give unto you authority…” (Luke 10:19) and “whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven” (Matthew 16:19).

IN FREE NATIONS THE POPULATION CONSENTS to be governed by their free wills and confidence in their elected officials. Any other way would be

by virtue of its design, governs within the affairs of men because it consist of two basic elements, authority and power. The laws of God were given to help guide our lives into righteousness, keep us out of danger and given that we might fulfill God’s mandate to be productive, increase, subdue and have dominion ( Genesis 1:27). Because serving God is voluntary it is possible to break His laws and thus suffer the consequences. When the laws of God are violated, for example, the law is still in play – whether you agree with the Word of God or not – as one reaps what he sows. Therefore the law of God will perform that which it is sent to do. So whether the ruled submit or rebel the law still produces consequences.

OUR

P. 31

V O I C E

MODERN SOCIETY IS EXPERIENCING A

rise of rebellion against God and His law. The

socialistic agenda for instance denies the need of a Savior and believes in the progressive enlightenment through knowledge that creates the utopian man. Ignoring God and His Word does not make His Word of no effect. If we keep His Word, we are blessed. If we break it, we suffer the results. Our nation is reaping the effects of ignoring God’s wisdom as they continue to embrace an agenda of secularization.

ALL

OF THIS LEADS ME TO MY POINT.

THE

Gospel of the Kingdom is a political gospel. It governs the affairs of men. There is no escaping it. Our God is the Sovereign. His laws were given for our protection and happiness. When we hear the term “separation of Church and State” that in no way means a lack of involvement by Christians in governing the affairs of men. So when people suggest that you stay out of politics remember that Jehovah has an expectation of His sons and daughters. In fact Scripture declares that the world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. As the world free falls into an abyss of confusion and chaos they will finally turn to God and look for leadership. That leadership will come through Christ’s Church and through His people. In your born again nature is the ability to govern. Get busy influencing your world today.

P. 32

T H E

V O I C E

THRIVING IN A CRISIS ECONOMY By John Louis Muratori

ow that the U.S. economic crisis has contributed to a global recession, many wonder if life will ever be the same. I sure hope not! We did not get into this situation by accident, nor is this the judgment of God, which most prophets of doom declare at the mention of bad news. INSTEAD,

THIS CRISIS IS THE CONSEQUENCE

of violating certain principals that govern the creation, accumulation and perpetuation of wealth. Like the law of gravity, God has woven into the fabric of life specific laws that govern wealth. Violate them, and sudden economic disaster is imminent.

H OPEFULLY ,

WE ’ RE LEARNING WHO

N OT

to call during this crisis. Ever wonder what happened to all the financial professionals, economists, forecasters, bankers and brokers? Many top “experts” have instructed individuals to remove their money from investments and put it under their pillows—as if “hoarding” is a viable solution for any financial problem.

A ND

LET ’ S BE HONEST , TURNING TO THE

government for financial wisdom is like another sequel to “Dumb and Dumber.” When words like “stimulus” and “bailout” are used in any proposed economic strategy, the long-term impact is not promising. These two strategies are in direct opposition to each other. It’s like a sinking sailboat trying to catch a good headwind,

when there are obvious holes needing to be patched. Wall Street and the government have left Americans short on answers and long on questions. Many families are asking,: How long is this crisis going to last? How do I prepare myself for an uncertain future? Those of the faith are wondering: Is there a difference for faithful believers in Christ?

MUST REMIND YOU THAT

JESUS

WARNED US

that “…. the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike” (Matt. 5:45). However, God always gives believers an advantage in every circumstance, including finances.

SADLY,

BELIEVERS HAVE BEEN ILL-EQUIPPED

for financial success. For the most part, we have “trusted the experts” at the neglect of personal fiscal responsibility and proper financial education.

LIVE IN A TIME WHEN ECONOMICS IS NOT

part of Church teaching or curriculum. Finance has been over-spiritualized and limited to giving and receiving. This is true even at the Seminary level. Students graduate from Bible College More Related Articles Online: Money

having learned nothing about budgets, markets, cash flow, economics, interests rates, balance sheets, or banking. The subject of acquiring, creating and managing wealth is largely ignored. For the most part we have been “catching up” rather then, like the Jews, “setting the pace.”

THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF FINANCE IN EDUCATION

“The church must teach or die,” is an old adage that reminds us that the Christian faith may always be only one generation away from extinction. In its ministry of education, a congregation is able to fulfill its scriptural commission to teach people

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P. 33

And the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. (Luke 16:8) in this generation the understandings, traditions, faith, and lifestyles of the Christian community (Matthew 28:19-20).

THE

DESTRUCTION OR SUCCESS OF A NATION

can be found in its educational system. Today, there is a silent war being waged over the minds of the emerging generation, and it’s never been more important for local churches to teach people the biblical worldview and lifestyle.

T HE

STUDY OF THE ACCUMULATION AND

distribution of wealth plays a vital role in the quality and direction of education. How

important is education to national security and survival? A recent news article reported “Billions Spent by Saudi Royal Family to Spread Islam to Every Corner of the Earth.”

prominent American universities to help advance an Islamic Agenda through education. It is no coincidence that Islam is the fastest growing religion on college campuses.

THE MARCH 1, 2002

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF STRONG CHRISTIAN

EDITION OF THE

SAUDI

government English weekly Ain Al-Yaqeen extensively detailed the Saudi royal family’s efforts to spread Wahabi (Islam) throughout the world. Recently, Harvard and Georgetown Universities each received $20 million from a member of the Saudi Royal Family, Prince Alwaleed bin Tala, the richest man in the Muslim world. What’s the Prince’s motive? To establish strong seats in More Related Articles Online: Money

education can only be accomplished through biblically based curricula and church-governed schools. Most importantly, strategies of wealth creation and distribution must be developed to assist Christian schools to survive and thrive. Financial education remains at the core of Kingdom enterprise in the world. As Solomon states, “money answereth all things” (Ecclesiastes. 10:19).

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V O I C E

JEWS, EDUCATION & FINANCE

As a church begins to shift from economic experts, leaders might ask, “Where do we turn to for guidance, and what model can we follow?” The answer may not be far from our JudeoChristian roots.

FOR

CENTURIES THE

JEWISH

PEOPLE HAVE

provided the world with an example of God’s faithfulness and provision. You cannot be a serious student of the Bible without acknowledging the relationship between God and His beloved people – the Jews. The biblical principals given to the Jews continue to be applicable to the believer today. Scripture after scripture demonstrates the validity of applying the wisdom given by God to Israel. God provided Israel with patterns, principles and strategies to elevate their power and influence amongst diverse nations.

WHAT MAKES JEWISH HISTORY SO AMAZING IS

that the Jewish people didn’t always experience success, prosperity and wealth. They’ve been dismantled as a nation, pillaged and robbed by the world, persecuted, killed, and trampled underfoot throughout Europe. They’ve suffered poverty and shame. They were a people without a country for more than three thousand years. Yet, wherever they sojourned they prospered and flourished. The Jews possess promises from God for success, influence, wealth, and riches.

IT’S

AMAZING THAT IN EVERY SITUATION AND

climate, the Jews flourished. They started businesses, erected factories, and pioneered capitalism in foreign lands. They started in the ghettoes, yet rose to the upper class in each nation. Sadly, once the Jews helped these nations prosper, they were asked to leave, and many times forced out.

WAS

THIS A COINCIDENCE?

WERE

THE

JEWS

merely lucky when it came to prosperity? I believe not. In every nation where Jews resided they rose to positions of influence and power within the judicial systems, executive offices and legislative branches of governments. Though they were in the minority, they outmatched the majority due to their intelligence, innovation, industry and spirituality.

TODAY, CHRISTIANS

ARE FACING PANIC AND

fear, wondering if they will survive this unstable time, while at the same time Jews are praising God for the opportunity to thrive during this economic crisis, as they have done in previous periods. What is it that causes Jews to flourish in troubled economies? Could it be they know

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease (Genesis 8:22). how to utilize biblical strategies to prepare for every circumstance?

THE BIBLICAL PATTERN OF CYCLES

in time and progresses in a straight line towards the future. Very little value is placed on the past or future. The major emphasis of this type of thinking is on the “Now.”

I want to unfold the most important pattern in the Bible concerning success, productivity, and increase. It is so fundamental God interwove this pattern into every aspect of Jewish life. It has shaped the Jewish perspective on finance since the creation of the Torah. Jews throughout the world have used it to succeed in all economic endeavors, no matter what the financial climate. This pattern is a central component of their financial education.

FIRST,

— making it a pattern for life itself. Perhaps the best- known verse that speaks of cycles is found in Genesis 8:22, While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

CONSIDER THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE

Bible is written by Jews and uses manners and customs supported by Jewish thought. Jesus himself was a Rabbi, and the Apostle Paul—a former Pharisee—instructs believers, let the mind of Christ be in you (Phil. 2:5). What kind of mind was in Christ? Definitely, it is a mind shaped and influenced by Jewish manners, customs and theology. Without an in-depth understanding of this viewpoint, much is lost or, worse, misinterpreted.

JEWISH

THINKING DIFFERS FROM

WESTERN

thought. The Western (Gentile) mindset is based upon linear progression. It begins at one point More Related Articles Online: Money

COMPARISON , THE

J EWISH

MINDSET IS

cyclical in nature. Time is continually repeating itself. The patterns of cycles are woven throughout the entirety of Jewish life. There are cycles of the Sabbaths, cycles of feast days, cycles of festivals, cycles of New Moons, cycles of new years, cycles of Jubilee and cycles of Torah reading. This is the basis of the cornerstone Jewish teaching from birth to death, “The Cycle of Life.”

WE FIND CYCLES EMBEDDED WITHIN CREATION

THIS

SCRIPTURE INFORMS US THAT WHILE THE

earth remains in the form in which it was created it will experience seedtime and harvest. More important, this cycle will not cease! To fail to understand this pattern is to encounter continual difficulty. Agriculture in the Bible is a reference to economic productivity. The Jews understand this verse to instruct that everything in life has cycles, including markets, economies, people,

T H E relationships, and political environments are going to change.

YES,

LIFE IS LIVED IN CYCLES.

THROUGHOUT

history, one thing has remained constant, and that is change. You cannot alter the seasons or their timing – you must adjust to them. Congress and Wall Street are attempting to stop a natural cycle of retraction from taking place. This bailout will prove to be the most costly mistake in U.S. history. The most our government can salvage is delaying the inevitable. The bailout is based on linear thinking which is willing to sacrifice our future security and prosperity on maintaining our current lifestyles.

PEOPLE GET INTO TROUBLE BECAUSE THEY LIVE

and operate on the assumption that their current economic situation will never change. Individuals and organizations that will survive economic downturns are those that realize everything is subject to change. Those that will experience sustainable success are those that respond to the changing market. They become flexible and adapt their businesses, product lines or employment to the current trend.

WE SEE THIS WITHIN THE FAST-FOOD MARKET.

It was once labeled the catalyst for obesity in America, but has now added calorie-friendly menus featuring everything from salad bars to healthy desserts. Those that will experience compounded success are those that anticipate the change and position themselves ahead of the curve.

THIS

IS EXACTLY WERE THE JEWS HAVE BEEN

educated to be. Being able to anticipate the market provides a tremendous advantage. Clothing stores buy winter jackets at wholesale in the hot summer; and below-cost bathing suits in the cold winter to resell at a premium to consumers who need it now. This is an opportune time to buy undervalued stocks, underpriced real estate, or to change vocations or employment to future industries such as green, energy and education.

TODAY,

WHILE ECONOMISTS AND SO-CALLED

government experts are baffled, confounded and confused by the global economic crisis, many Jews are harvesting an economic windfall. They expect cycles of expansion and cycles of contraction. They know well the story of Joseph and how he advised Pharaoh to store up grain for seven years in a time of plenty so that they would have provision in a time of lack. The key difference is they are not surprised by the current economic crisis. They have been prepared because they were taught to anticipate this circumstance long before More Related Articles Online: Money

V O I C E

the signs became apparent. This type of financial education is needed in the church. With millions of Americans faced with economic trouble, the Church must be a light with answers.

THERE IS AN OLD MARKETING STRATEGY THAT

states, “Find a need and fill it. Where there is no need, create one.” There is a tremendous need for education and empowerment classes to be made available at local churches on “Biblical Economics, Wealth Creation and Distribution.” These types of ministries will not only attract believers, but will provide an evangelistic opportunity to gather non-believers from the local community. Churches providing these services will experience dramatic growth. Great things can be accomplished for the Kingdom through this type of cross-pollination. If the Church plays no role in this area, it is likely to experience the

P. 35

decline of yet another sphere of influence as it moves deeper into the 21st century. All comments and opinions are solely those of the writer and are not in any way comments or opinions of Jonas Clark Communications or its affiliates.

JOHN LOUIS MURATORI is a recognized authority in organizational management and strategic planning, advising numerous agencies including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Mental Health. John is the author of several books including the recent national best seller, Rich Church Poor Church. He can be reached at www.johnmuratori.com

COVER STORY

DISMANTLING FREE MARKET CAPITALISM BY JONAS CLARK

t’s time for every American to wake up and say no to

According to the Wall Street Journal the United States

more bailouts and no to the nationalization of USA

money supply has increased dramatically. An increase

banks. Folks, your standard of living will decrease

in the money supply (M1) by the Federal Reserve, the

if Washington continues to dismantle our free market

best indicator of approaching inflation, will directly

capitalistic system.

affect your life in a negative way. Look at the chart on the next page. The increase of the money supply looks

Big Brother socialism and governments attempt to

like a rocket launch. Can you see the increase in the

manage the economy is not the solution to recession.

last quarter of 2008? The monetary base is close to

Someone needs to tell Washington to stop it right

$1.8 trillion up 100% since September. This means

now with the purchase of worthless corporate debts,

the Federal Reserve (not federal and has no reserves)

inflating the nation’s money supply and spending more

are trying to inflate us out of the recession. Couple

money than it takes in. This madness has to stop! Where

this inflation of the money supply with Washington’s

are the patriotic voices opposing this nonsense? Why

strategy of banker and corporate bailouts, and getting

aren’t more Christian leaders on television, radio and

out of debt by increasing debt reveals that we are in a

print speaking out against this? Sure there are a few

leadership crisis. European banking giant BNP Paribas

but there needs to be thousands more. Our nation is

forecasts the yen will appreciate about 14% against the

in serious trouble!

dollar by June of 2009.

P. 38

THE

T H E PRINTING PRESSES ARE RUNNING NIGHT

and day printing more green ink on white paper. Printing money and manipulating the interest rates to tame the resulting inflation is what causes the boom, bubble and bust economies. Our currency is in danger. You could wake up one morning with its value drastically reduced. When that newly printed money works its way through the banking system and hits Main Street you can look for a serious devaluation in the purchasing power of the dollar coupled with massive inflation. That means every thing you buy this week from gas to groceries will increase in price, everything! If you think you are struggling financially now, you “ain’t seen nothing yet.” You can forget higher wages to offset the inflation. Perilous times are approaching! Hey prophets – wake up! Hey leaders where are you? Somebody needs to blow the trumpet in Zion.

V O I C E

ADJUSTED MONETARY BASE Averages in Daily Figures, Seasonally adjusted Billions of Dollars

DANGEROUS GAMES

Our government is playing the most dangerous game of our lifetime and they are making terrible mistakes. We are moving rapidly toward socialism. Socialism is not the working man’s friend. It is not your savior and government is not your God. Jesus didn’t teach you to pray “government give us this day our daily bread.”

SOCIALISM

IS A FORM OF

STATE

CONTROL AT

every level where people you will never meet, the mammon kings, control where you live, how much money you can make, where you send your children to school, what you eat and what you can and cannot do every single day of your life. In short, socialism is a lifestyle framed by someone other that God and your personal ambition to make something of yourself. It’s not liberty, it’s serfdom. The utopian society propagated by European revolutionary socialists of the 19th and 20th centuries cannot be framed by 21st century American progressive secular humanists.

THE AMERICAN

BRITISH POUND CRUMBLES

MIDDLE-CLASS IS ABOUT TO

take a shellacking. Our government needs our prayers but also our patriotism. Patriotism does not mean you submit like good little soviets to ungodly leadership but remember your duty to uphold the United States Constitution of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness outside the despotism of a socialistic oligarchy that desires to seize control of our nation and create a new society.

INFLATING

THE CURRENCY BY THE

FEDERAL

Reserve is a bad idea. Look what happened to the British pound in the last few weeks. The pound, a symbol of British independence, has lost 20.5 More Related Articles Online: Culture

T H E

percent against the euro from a year ago and 29.3 percent from the dollar. We won’t see many British tourist on Florida’s sandy beaches this year.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RECESSION MASSIVE

inflation is on the way. It is destructive and will destroy the purchasing power of our currency. When will the result of the increase of the new money supply hit? Will it be late 2009 or 2010? No one knows for sure but it will come. There is no stopping it. Will you prepare yourself ? Probably not, but maybe we can reach a few. If God’s leadership wakes up we can reach more. We might even be able to stop the dismantling of American free market capitalism.

PRAYER IS

G OD ’ S

PEOPLE WILL READ

articles like this one and make the move to do something about it. When Christian leaders wake up and educate themselves then there will be hope that God’s people will rise up and be that salt and light Christ spoke of. Jesus is author and finisher of our faith, not the State.

T HE

DEMISE OF

A MERICA ’ S

FREE MARKET

capitalism has been planned. The supporting

V O I C E

P. 39

are independently owned. If the Socialists have He that controls their way this may soon come to an end. If they succeed we can say goodbye to more of our the banking system American liberties. controls commerce – and everything else! SOCIALISM’S NATIONAL BANK That’s you too Wall Already in the works in Washington is the of a national “aggregator bank.” On the Street. Think about this, creation surface it sounds like a needed strategy but this one source for deposits aggregator bank is another bad idea and is the next step toward a socialistic controlled society and one source for by nationalizing our banking system. loans. Think about an THERE IS A SUGGESTION OF AN AGGREGATOR economy micromanaged bank (Click here ) by the US Treasury Department by Congress and the US and the FDIC under President Obama’s new administration. We must say no to more bailouts Treasury department. and the creation of a new national aggregator actors of a free market capitalism system are found in the grit of America’s entrepreneur spirit and the free market capitalistic system. Yes, our banking system has many problems and needs to be freed from the fiat printing powers of the Federal Reserve but at least these banks More Related Articles Online: Culture

bank. This aggregator bank will do direct lending. It will also purchase more toxic assets from banks and financial institutions in an effort to “clear the balance sheets of our nation’s banks.”

POLITICIANS AND WASHINGTON BUREAUCRATS don’t want to admit that our economy is in

P. 40

T H E

an economic contraction. The party is over! The government created economic bubble has popped and deleveraging must take place. This means living within your means, selling assets to cover losses, even bankruptcy and liquidation to clear the system, not bailouts and purchases of bad debts passed on to you the American taxpayer.

GOVERNMENT

IS COMPLAINING THAT BANKS

are not lending and that is hindering economic recovery. Folks, hundreds of banks are insolvent. Others need to be broken up. Too big to fail is a myth. The financial system is broken. Our government knows this and wants to side step the real issues by creating a new national bank. It appears they may close hundreds of banks and absorb them into this new aggregator bank. Closing them is a good idea because competition and the fear of bankruptcy is the best regulator. Creating a new national bank is not.

IS A GOVERNMENT NATIONAL BANK DANGEROUS?

You bet it is. He that controls the banking system controls commerce -- and everything else! That’s you too Wall Street. Think about this, one source for deposits and one source for loans. Think about an economy micromanaged by Congress and the US Treasury department.

THE BEST WAY TO CLEAR THE SYSTEM IS TO LET weak financial institutions fail. Period. Will that

V O I C E

not returning a $13.95 library book she checked out last April. If you stole a cheeseburger from McDonalds you would be thrown in jail too but not Madoff.

Is it possible we will end 2012 with over a $5 HERE COMES TARP 2.0 trillion deficit? How will The first round of banker bailouts did not work. won’t work the second time either. The that affect our nation’s They banks are still insolvent and collapsing. Tarp 1.0 credit rating? Will the failed. We don’t even know how most the funds were spent. We don’t even know what junk Chinese, Japanese assets were bought. The reason for this lack of transparency is because they don’t want us to and Saudis still be know. Billions of those taxpayer dollars went to willing to buy our paper places you would never approve including foreign promises and fund our banks and foreign nation central bankers. government spending? WATCH THE VIDEO! failure and liquidation in a free market system happen? Only if we can get past the corruption and government cronyism in Washington. President Obama has a chance to stop this insanity once and for all. Will he?

T HE CROOKS NEED TO BE PROSECUTED . WE need to pray that corrupted deals done in darkness will be exposed for all to see. Some people need to be thrown in jail. Think investment manager Bernie Madoff, the man that created one of the largest Ponzi schemes in American history robbing people of over $50 billion. Instead of jailing him he is out on bail living in his multi-million dollar Manhattan penthouse. Is this fair? Ask Shelly Koontz that was just arrested in Buchanan County Iowa for More Related Articles Online: Culture

NOW

OUR GOVERNMENT IS DESIGNING

TARP

2.0. The banking industry acknowledged losses of roughly $1 trillion since the start of the financial crisis. Goldman Sachs projected that banking losses could more than double this year. Nouriel Roubini, a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business said that losses could hit $3.6 trillion. Ouch! Will we add another $3.6 trillion to the $1.2 trillion budget deficit plus President Obama’s new stimulus (aka more political pork) package of another $825 billion this year? Is it possible we will end 2012 with over a $5 trillion deficit? How will that affect our nation’s credit rating? Will the Chinese, Japanese and Saudis still be willing to buy our paper promises and fund our government spending?

T H E

CAN YOU IMAGINE BANK LOSSES WELL OVER 3

trillion dollars? No you can’t, and they know that you can’t. So how can the American taxpayer pay for such massive losses? To expect the taxpayer to fund those losses is criminal because you had nothing to do with producing those bank losses. You also didn’t get any million dollar bonuses last Christmas out of Tarp 1 like those working at Merrill Lynch and “retention payments” at AIG.

T HE

GOVERNMENT KNOWS THAT YOU ARE

catching on and won’t stand for much more of

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V O I C E

these bailout games and they have a plan b. So how are the losses and looting to be funded? As already said, to cozen the taxpayer the government may create a new national bank. The details are not complete but this may well be the strategy of the beast funded by Tarp 2.0

COULD

THIS NEW AGGREGATE BANK BE THE

first step toward the nationalization of the entire USA banking system? Again, if so we can say goodbye to free market capitalism, and the America you have known and say hello to

PRAYING FOR AMERICA’S CHANGE

ONSIDER THE WISDOM OF THOMAS JEFFERSON,

“If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their money, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them, will deprive the people of their property until their children will wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.”

CHRISTIANS WOULD DO WELL TO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION to the changing face of American culture. Change has come and all of us will be affected by it both financially and spiritually.

THE APOSTLE PAUL EXHORTED US TO PRAY FOR THOSE in political authority:

“I

EXHORT THEREFORE , THAT , FIRST OF ALL ,

supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth”

PRAYER

IS THE

“FIRST”

OF ALL THINGS WE SHOULD

underneath the bushels? When we pray God wants to do more than do the work for us. He answers us with wisdom and sends us forth with Kingdom assignments to represent Him in this world – when the righteous are in authority the city rejoices. Believers need to act, get involved and NOT withdraw themselves from culture or politics.

C HRISTIANS

ARE CITIZENS TOO .

ARE IN THE

marketplace, in education, in politics, business, entertainment and media. Why should the wicked rule? Didn’t Christ say, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)?

SO WHILE YOU’RE DOING THE “first of all” THING, ask Him what is second, third and fourth thing He needs from you to bring change in America. – By Brian Burke

do to make sure the Gospel can be preached unhindered in this Nation and abroad. What could be the second, third and fourth thing we should do after we’ve prayed? We must pray, but we must also come out of the prayer closet and go where the sinners are – on Wall Street, Main street and yes, Capitol Hill too.

DOES

PRAYER MEAN GIVING

GOD

Big Brother socialism. Is this what you as an American citizen want? Do you want government involved in single every aspect of your life?

MASSIVE INFLATION

Let’s get back to our opening statement: Your standard of living will decrease if Washington continues to dismantle our free market capitalistic system. Somehow our government will force the banks to lend all those newly printed dollars. When those dollars hit Main Street, hold on to your hat, because massive inflation will be the result and the devaluation of your hard earned dollars. I recommend you speak up because massive inflation will affect your life. Unfortunately, I know most people that read this article will do absolutely nothing and our government is counting on the apathy.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE NOT APATHETIC?

LIVE IN THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE

First, educate yourself. The Internet is outside the establishment media. Read, study and understand the wiles of these mammon kings. Learn about economics. Start today. Forward this article and others like it to your friends and relatives. Start a blog. Complain. Do something! There are more of us than there are of them. We can reclaim America. I don’t know about you but I don’t want to live with “trillion dollar deficits for years to come.” Mail a teabag to every Senator that votes for more government bailouts. They will get the point. world. Together we can turn back the tide but we can’t do it through apathy. Come on! Rekindle that same revolutionary spirit that your founding fathers carried and become proactive in your faith. David, the King of Israel, said when facing the fear of Goliath, “Is there not a cause?” I believe there is. The future of our nation is being weighed in the balances. Together we can make a difference. It’s time to stop putting blind trust in the Washington DC “experts.” The experts got us in this mess. They can’t get us out. The looting of our nation must stop and the criminals jailed.

SAY NO TO MORE BANKER BAILOUTS, CORPORATE

rescues and Tarp 2. Say no to socialism. Say no to a new national bank and the purchase of more junk assets. Say no to bigger government and out of control Congressional spending. Let’s get back to God, moral and fiscal responsibility, less taxation, a balanced budget, the United States Constitution, free market capitalism and a strong dollar. And, to use a socialist’s mantra, let’s do it for the children.

OUR TO-DO LIST

and watch Him do it, while we hide our lights

More Related Articles Online: Education

No. 1

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7. GREAT TEACHERS KNOW EDUCATION IS ABOUT INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION. Unfortunately, today’s educational establishment still has a 20th century mindset that focuses on external approaches to increase motivation. An example of the fallacy of this approach is the defunct self-esteem movement that used external approaches such as stickers and praise in attempts to make people happy and feel good. What was overlooked was the simple universal truth that people develop positive self-talk and self-esteem through the successes of their own efforts.

YOU FOLLOW THE ADVICE ABOVE AND IN MY BOOK

“DISCIPLINE

without Stress, Punishments or Rewards” and you will promote education and social responsibility in a positive learning environment.

DR. MARVIN MARSHALL’s “Discipline without Stress® Punishments or Rewards” is used in schools around the world. The system uses internal motivation so students WANT to behave responsibly and WANT to learn. He has been a keynote speaker and distinguished lecturer at numerous state, national, and international conferences and has presented in 43 of the United States and in 14 countries on five continents. Download his Free Video at www.marvinmarshall.com

7 THINGS GREAT TEACHERS KNOW, UNDERSTAND, AND DO TO MOTIVATE STUDENTS TO LEARN WITHOUT USING PUNISHMENTS OR REWARDS. 1. GREAT TEACHERS UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BUSINESS. Many students—especially those in low socio-economic areas—put forth little effort if they have negative feelings about their teachers. Superior teachers establish good relationships AND have high expectations. 2. GREAT TEACHERS COMMUNICATE AND DISCIPLINE IN POSITIVE WAYS. They let their students know what they want them to do, rather than by telling students what NOT to do. 3. GREAT TEACHERS INSPIRE RATHER THAN COERCE. They aim at promoting responsibility rather than obedience. They know that OBEDIENCE DOES NOT CREATE DESIRE. 4. GREAT TEACHERS IDENTIFY THE REASON THAT A LESSON IS BEING TAUGHT AND THEN SHARE IT WITH THEIR STUDENTS. These teachers inspire their students through curiosity, challenge, and relevancy. 5. GREAT TEACHERS IMPROVE SKILLS that prompt students to WANT to behave responsibly and WANT to put effort into their learning. 6. GREAT TEACHERS HAVE AN OPEN MINDSET. They REFLECT so that if a lesson needs improvement they look to themselves to change BEFORE they expect their students to change. More Related Articles Online: Education

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P. 52

LEADERSHIP IN CHALLENGING TIMES E

MPLOYEES ARE NERVOUS – AND

responsive to the emotional reactions of others is a prerequisite for effective leadership in chaotic times. So find a safe place to vent, to be heard, to mourn and then offer that kind of “emotional safety net” to others.

rightfully so. The economic crisis and its resulting layoffs, consolidations, and organizational restructuring have people worried and distracted. Motivation is down. Absenteeism is up. Everyone wants to know, “What’s going to happen to me?” Rumors are running wild.

COMMUNICATE LIKE CRAZY! Whenever the situation is ambiguous or uncertain you can expect the rumor mill to kick into high gear. And a lack of formal communication only compounds the problem. Believe me, false rumors are already flying. Don’t let the grapevine take over the communication function. You need to be the one to keep your people informed.

IN THE MIDST OF ALL THIS UNCERTAINTY

and fear, it’s your job to help your team (or department or organization) stay engaged and focused on the business at hand. And for that, the “soft skills” of compassion, encouragement and motivation become crucial. People are looking to you for comfort and reassurance – and, most of all, for leadership by example.

RESPECTED

HERE ARE FOUR RECOMMENDATIONS TO help you lead in challenging times:

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. In

times of uncertainty people need leaders who are steady and reliable. You can’t be a stabilizing force for others unless you have developed a sense of personal stability. And for that, you need to take good care of yourself.

N OW

IS THE TIME TO COMPENSATE

for the demands and pressures of the workplace by developing counterbalancing activities in other areas of your life. Engage in exercise programs and healthful eating habits, cultivate interests outside of the workplace – sports, hobbies, art, music, etc. – that are personally fulfilling, and develop/nurture external sources of emotional support.

A ND

ST AY ING F OC U SE D AMIDST THE CURRENTS OF RECESSION B Y C A R O L K I N S E Y G O M A N , P H .D.

CHANGE - MANAGERS ARE

candid communicators who don’t ignore or sugarcoat negativity. Instead, they help people make sense of it. The most motivational leaders are those trusted by their team to share knowledge and “tell it like it is.” Not everyone will appreciate such honesty, but few will tolerate anything less.

T ODAY ,

PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR

honest answers to the following questions: Where is the organization heading? How secure is my job?

What will the work priorities be for my team? What are the organization’s new core competencies?

UNDERSTAND THAT THE REASONS FOR DISRUPTION MAY

be logical (even inevitable), but your reaction to change is primarily emotional. Being aware of your own emotional responses and staying

What are the new job skills and accountabilities? How will we measure success?

More Related Articles Online: Leadership

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TRUST IN YOURSELF AND IN THE VALUE OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION

To be a vital contributor, you must believe that your opinions and insights matter, and that your knowledge and experience (regardless of job title) are valuable to someone else. Unless you trust the innate wisdom and creativity of your ideas, there is little impetus to offer them to others.

TRUST BETWEEN TEAM MEMBERS

Even in good times, people are reluctant to share information with others when they don’t know them well enough to evaluate their trustworthiness. Effective teams have learned that the time to get to know one another and to build valuable “social capital” develops the kinds of trusting relationships that pay off in increased collaboration and productivity.

TRUST IN LEADERSHIP

What are the consequences/rewards for the organization and for me?

GET OUT OF YOUR OFFICE AND MEET WITH EMPLOYEES FACE-TO-FACE.

For global organizations, technology has been a wonderful tool for reaching geographically dispersed employees. But when dealing with fear and uncertainty, it is not the time to rely on email or intranets. People need to meet with you face-to-face.

AND IF THEY CAN’T SEE THEIR LEADERS IN PERSON, EMPLOYEES WANT

to view the next best thing. Consider the case with one Fortune 25 Company, where teleconferences provided an ongoing opportunity for small groups of employees to get up close and personal with the CEO. Time after time, employees would ask questions that had already been communicated in various company publications and through dozens of email announcements.

A FTER

THE SESSIONS , THE BELEAGUERED

CEO

ASKED HIS

communication manager, “How many times have we told them about that? Why don’t they know that?”

“OH,

THEY KNOW IT,” THE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER REPLIED.

“They just want to hear it from you. More importantly, they want to be able to look at you when you say it.”

HARNESS THE POWER OF COLLABORATION.

A company’s competitiveness is a combination of the potential of its people, the quality of the information that people possess, and a willingness to share knowledge with others. The leadership mandate in challenging times is to link these components as tightly as possible.

BUT KNOWLEDGE CAN ONLY BE VOLUNTEERED. LEADERS CAN’T FORCE people to collaborate. It is all a matter of trust . . .

Regardless of the overall corporate culture, individual managers and team leaders can create mini-cultures of trust within their own work group or staff. The best of these leaders do so by taking the time and effort necessary to make people feel valued. They emphasize people’s strengths while encouraging the sharing of mistakes and lessons learned. They share the credit and the recognition. And, most of all, they encourage and respect everyone’s input.

LEADERSHIP’S TRUST IN OTHERS

People learn what is important to leadership by the actions they see modeled by those leaders. Too often, employees see leadership saying that knowledge sharing is essential, but still regularly withholding information it deems unsuitable or inappropriate for employees. Employees also see leadership giving lip service encouragement to the idea of collaborative input, when what it’s really seeking is a rubber stamp for decisions already made.

T HE

MOST EFFECTIVE MANAGERS IN CHALLENGING TIMES ARE

catalysts, creating synergy in their organizations. They delegate responsibility and authority. They encourage and protect their teams. They model attitudes and behaviors they want to see reflected back. Most of all, they realize that thriving in today’s erratic business environment takes emotional literacy. It is no longer enough to appeal solely to people’s logic. Leaders also have to touch people’s hearts. And the best of today’s leaders do so by revealing their own passion - for the future success of the organization and for the individuals in that organization who face the tough job of transforming themselves in order to collectively create that future. CAROL KINSEY GOMAN, PH.D. is an international speaker, consultant, and executive coach. She is the author of ten books, including “This Isn’t the Company I Joined: How to Lead in a Business Turned Upside Down,” “Ghost Story” a business fable about the power of collaboration, and “The Nonverbal Advantage: Secrets and Science of Body Language at Work.” She can be reached by email: cgoman@ckg.com, phone: 510-526-1727, or through her websites: www.CKG.com and www. NonverbalAdvantage.com.

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THE VOICE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

HIP-HOP: AN URBAN MYTH G. Craig Lewis gets real about the Rap and Hip-Hop subculture in the world.

he devil is trying to erase lines that divide holiness from godlessness – and he’s using hip hop to do it. So says G. Craige Lewis, founder of EX Ministries. Lewis is shouting from the rooftops about the Satan’s strategy to infiltrate the Church of Jesus Christ with hip hop beats that are nothing less than demonic. Lewis has produced DVD series including, “The Truth Behind Hip Hop” that he says is corrupting praise and worship in the Church and “What Every Church Needs to Know About Hip Hop.” He’s also produced DVDs that expose, “The Truth Behind Abortion” and “The Truth Behind Rock and Roll.” The Voice caught up with Lewis to draw from his 15 years of reaching out to those that have been led astray by our cultures embracing of evil and perversions and also to attack the enemy’s invasion of the media and music. THE VOICE: What is the root of hip hop music and why is it so wicked? G. CRAIG LEWIS: If you trace Hip Hop back to it’s conception, you will see that it has never been a music genre. Most people are surprised to learn that more than a music art form, 

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hip-hop is a way of life. As one of its founders says, “Rap is what you do, hip-hop is what you live.” Hip Hop is wicked because it is a subculture influenced by false religious beliefs from the Universal Zulu Nation, Nation of Islam, 5 Percent Nation of Gods and Earths, Rastafarianism, and other religions, and believes that the Black man is god and denies the supremacy of Jesus Christ as the only way to eternal life. Of course, we know that this mixture is in error, because Jesus said He alone is the way, the truth and the life, and know one comes to the Father, except through Him. (John 14:6). To Hip Hop’s founders, Jesus Christ is either one of many gods, or is just a prophet, or is just the White man’s God used to oppress Black people, not the Son of God. Like all subcultures, Hip Hop tears away or deconstructs mainstream culture. This subculture that was birthed out of lack and oppression began to express those feelings more and more, essentially becoming the sounding board or platform for elicit speech and anti-establishment teachings against American society. Hip Hop celebrated being distinctly different from society, and saw rejection of the mainstream as a vehicle to obtaining a street credibility to earn the right to speak or be a voice for the “hood.” Rap music was a genre and the art of rapping was basically rhyming to a beat with a poetic flow. However, Hip Hop is a street subculture that used rap to convey a language, a lifestyle, and a total street related way of thinking and behaving. Before long, Hip Hop’s spiritually mixed, self absorbed, self-empowerment “positive” message changed. As the streets became wicked and the heart of those in the streets became full of violence and rejection, so did Hip Hop. Rap music began to change and take on the characteristics of the subculture of Hip Hop, thus, the rappers began to celebrate street life and their lack became their prize. In other words, when rap became about Hip Hop, then rap music began to promote the evils of the street, (pimping, hustling, cussing, slanging crack, etc.). It became a good thing to be a product of the streets and the street life began to be portrayed as the desired “way of life” because the music promoted it. This is a subculture and not a true culture because it takes the ideals of the parent culture of America and deconstructs them to form a

V O I C E

“Hip Hop has no lyrics. Hip Hop is not music, instead, it’s a subculture that uses rap music to spread its ideologies.” – G. Craig Lewis

group of people that are in America, but have a modified understanding and interpretation of the language, dress, and behaviors of American citizens that seeks to be set apart and have its own distinct identity. And because Hip Hop encompasses the street language and the negativity of deconstructed ideals, it becomes dangerous to those that buy into it. Sure, the leaders of every subculture profit because they are the leaders of a following, however, those that are not leading suffer the consequences of being separated from the American culture. As a result, they are rejected by mainstream society when it comes to making the grade, getting a job, and fitting into the mold that is deemed “acceptable” by American society. For example, well known hip hop artist that have black racist philosophies, sagging pants and tattoos are paid to look the way they do, but their followers who emulate them will not make it in society. You see, the devil makes the

leaders rich, to keep the followers rejected by society, unable to function in the mainstream society and impoverished. THE VOICE: How did you get this revelation about hip hop? G. CRAIG LEWIS: God revealed this stuff to me in a vision many years ago. I saw it all happening just as it is happening now. I talk about it in depth in my first video and I still share the vision on my website and when I speak. It was a powerful vision because we wrote it all down almost 20 years before it ever happened. THE VOICE: So all hip hop is bad, then, right, no matter what the lyrics say? G. CRAIG LEWIS: Hip Hop has no lyrics. Hip Hop is not music, instead, it’s a subculture that uses rap music to spread its ideologies. If you

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listen to any real Hip Hopper, they will tell you that Hip Hop is not music, it’s a way of life. They say that rap is something we do, but Hip Hop is something we live. And if it’s a way of life, then it is self expression. If it’s self expression then it is a way to convey a message through a lifestyle. Isn’t that essentially what Christ is, or rather, what Christianity is suppose to be? The other subgoup in a culture, is a counterculture, and Christianity is a counterculture which transforms us so that we don’t have to express ourselves; Rather, we express Christ. The church doesn’t have to model a street thug, gangster, or even have street credibility at all. We model Christ. So, your question about Hip Hop must be answered like this: Rap is just a form of conveying a message like singing. Nothing is wrong with that. But Hip Hop is a lifestyle expressing one’s self through a street subculture that was birthed out of lack and a deficit in the home. There was something wrong with it from the beginning. In Hip Hop’s inception, people were poor, so they celebrated lack to feel better about poverty. It’s like eating pig feet. Let me explain. My race of people, African Americans, as slaves, were once forced to eat pig feet because that was the worst of the pig. Even today, many people eat pig feet. Does that make pig’s feet good for you? NO. It’s still as bad as when it was only food for slaves. The popularity of it does not change the fact that it is terrible for your body and has no nutritional value. You see, it’s the same with Hip Hop. It was created in the streets as a way to celebrate lack and having a deficit in life. Children without fathers in the home and those that lived in severe poverty would get together on the streets and have rap battles and such. The clothes they wore, (dickie’s and handed down attire) became the “in” thing to wear because that’s all they had. way they spoke (broken English and slang) became their language because they didn’t obtain quality education. The way they behaved, walked, and carried themselves became their identity, because they didn’t have fathers to mold them or model, so they used the streets as their guide. Now, we want to take what the streets taught them and bring it into arenas where there are better examples of living, better language and communication skills to be learned, and better role models to follow and ignore the fact that Hip Hop is a street subculture? Why not end Hip Hop once

you leave the streets? Why not forsake what the streets taught you when there is a better way? We must realize that music is just a vehicle being used by those that prosper off this subculture to forward their money-making agenda. So, Hip Hop is just like pig’s feet. No matter how popular eating it gets, it’s still slave’s food and terrible for you.

the dominant culture deems illegal or illicit: sell drugs, or escape reality by endulging in sex and drugs. As a result, while hip hop artists may rap about these things, their followers are led by these pied pipers to the only place where

In Hip Hop’s worldview, the only way to “make it,” is to engage in behavior which the dominant culture deems illegal or illicit: sell drugs, or escape reality by endulging in sex and drugs. THE VOICE: Is it the beats, the culture, what is the issue? G. CRAIG LEWIS: The issue is the consequence of buying into a subculture that hinders your forward progress in society. When you submit yourself to the ideal of a subculture that has set itself against the establishment, you heap pain and discouragement upon your life and immobilize yourself from being prosperous in the parent culture. You see, If the parent culture views saggin, grillz, broken English, earrings, cornrolls, etc. as deviant behaviors, then you are labeled by the parent culture as a deviant. And because the American culture has the jobs and the Hip Hop subculture only prospers the leaders, then your average Hip Hop subcultural “wanna be” is without hope. When you are labeled deviant, you are judged by your appearance, language, and demeanor and left out from achieving any real success in the parent culture. In Hip Hop’s worldview, the only way to “make it,” is to engage in behavior which

sagging, tattoos, black racists philosophies and cornrolls are embraced: Prison. THE VOICE: What would you say to proponents of so-called ‘holy hip hop’ who would argue this music reaches our youth in the name of Christ? G. CRAIG LEWIS: Music reaches everyone. It’s not a surprise that a gangster for God will have an audience just like a gangster for the streets will have followers. Mass murderers in prison have cult followers and many of them believe it’s a godly following, but does that make it valid? The validity of it has to come from the Word of God and in my bible music was never used by God as a tool to spread the gospel message. Music has the power of coercion and can influence a person to feel changed when

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“The roots of hip-hop subculture are demonic, and are similar to other subcultures with an antiestablishment, “Down with the man” mentality. Fatherless-ness, rebellion, oppression, anguish, poverty, violence, and other negative influences created this subculture.” – G. Craig Lewis they are not. This is dangerous because people have emotional experiences and believe they are spiritual experiences. Music can make you feel good, bad, happy, sad, and people take this for God’s power when in essence, it’s just a feeling. This is why in the bible music was only used to bring Glory to God and never to win a soul. When a soul is drawn to music, it is soulish and fleshly. A person cannot make a valid choice for God under the influence of music because they are making a decision at that point based on feeling rather than a knowledgeable, informed decision with their mind and heart versus their emotions. Emotional decisions blow with the wind, but informed heart and mind decisions are based upon understanding and last longer. God does not take subcultures and make them holy, he takes people. He takes prostitutes everyday and saves them, sets them free and makes them holy! He takes drug addicts and crack addicts everyday, saves them, and makes them holy. Those that belong to the red-light subculture, the goth subculture, the drug subculture, the hippy subculture, the

gay/lesbian subculture, and the streetwalking subculture are saved, set free and delivered, never returning to the way of life they were delivered from. But when he makes them holy, are they still what they once were? Are the prostitutes “Holy Hoe’s?” Are the drug addicts “Holy Crack Heads?” Are Hindus, “Holy Hindus?” Or are they new creations? They will be new creations that will not resemble their old ways, and are ex-pimps, ex- gangsters and ex- hip-hoppers. Once they have been transformed by the renewing of their mind, they no longer think, act or desire to look like what they were delivered from. It is called repentance, (see Acts 3:19)! Once God has changed our minds, we change our ways, and turn the opposite direction. Gospel Gangsta’s, Preachin Pimps, and Holy Hip-hoppers are not new creations, but they are spiritual mutations that retain portions of who they were and thus, are flawed. They are not new, but just amended. They are not hot, but luke warm, a mixture of hot and cold. This is exactly what God said he will spew out of His mouth: Those that desire the world and God, (Revelation 3:16).

The roots of hip-hop subculture are demonic, and are similar to other subcultures with an antiestablishment, “Down with the man” mentality. Fatherless-ness, rebellion, oppression, anguish, poverty, violence, and other negative influences created this subculture. Zulu customs, Black Muslim teachings and other false religions established the so-called “positive” aspects of hiphop. Thugs, gangs, drugs, sexual promiscuity and prison life make up the other overtly dark facets of hip-hop. You must realize that God did not play a part in the creation, establishing, or foundation of hip-hop, so how can we drag him into it at this late stage? When KRS-ONE and Afrika Bambaata say they were visited by a spirit and the spirit influenced them to accept their callings into hip-hop, how can we embrace this subculture when it’s origins are evil, demonic and destructive to society? THE VOICE: Is there anything positive about so-called holy hip hop? G. CRAIG LEWIS: I believe that most holy hip hoppers want to do good, but they also want

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to hold on to the world and what they rode through their own personal storms with them. Most of them didn’t have fathers in the home growing up, so they gravitated to Hip Hop for identity, purpose, and fulfillment. This became a father like figure, so when they turned to Christ, they wanted to bring their “father” into knowledge of Christ with them. This is why they want to sanctify Hip Hop and make it holy because it’s the only father many of them know. That is the biggest problem we face as black people: the lack of fathers. If there is no earthly father in the home, children have a harder time receiving the heavenly father once they come to the knowledge of him. So, they want God to be mamma instead of father. Mamma will allow things that father won’t because of the emotional nature of a women. This causes many of these rappers to figure God will allow certain things, even though they are not scripture, because of their love and desire for these things. That’s a “mamma god” mentality. Momma will allow it in many cases when fathers won’t because of her emotional sensitivity to the child. But just because they want it, and because many desire it, it does not make any of it right. Hip Hop is a street subculture that has no place in God’s church. THE VOICE: Just to be clear for our readers, is Gospel rap and holy hip hop the same thing? Or is there room for rapped lyrics in some instances? G. CRAIG LEWIS: Rap is an artform that is comprised of rhythm and poetry. Preachers have done it for years. Children have learned fundamentals from it for years. It’s a way of conveying large amounts of lyrics in short times for memory purposes and enjoyment. That is not essentially a bad thing. But Hip Hop is not rap. I believe a person can rap a song about Jesus and entertain others without it being Hip Hop, so long as they don’t emulate hip hop lifestyles or images or attempt to emulate leaders within the subculture. The problem I see is that many Holy Hip Hoppers will never be content with calling themselves Gospel Rappers. Unfortunately, they need and desire the validation of Hip Hop to feel legit and have street credibility. You see, if you are subject to the streets by being apart of the subculture, then you need the streets validation, right? They can’t just rap for Jesus. They have to look the look, walk the walk, talk the talk, and do what the

KRS-ONE, and others teach these things and Hip Hoppers consider him the true prophet of Hip Hop. Even Holy Hip Hoppers pay tribute to the founders and consider them leaders and moguls. False god worship is devil worship. real hip hoppers do. Hip Hop must be their way of life. What they don’t understand is that you don’t change hip hop, hip hop only changes you! THE VOICE: I’ve heard you say hip hop causes youth to worship the devil. Can you expound upon that? G. CRAIG LEWIS: Knowledge of self. Hip Hop rest upon the teachings of it’s original founders who submit to the doctrine of the Zulu Nation and the 5% nation which teaches false god doctrine. KRS-ONE, and others teach these things and Hip Hoppers consider him the true prophet of Hip Hop. Even Holy Hip Hoppers pay tribute to the founders and consider them leaders and moguls. False god worship is devil worship. THE VOICE: Why and in what ways does music have so much power? G. CRAIG LEWIS: Music can do what regular speaking cannot. It can bypass the frontal lobe of your mind and enter your brain without your consent. It bypasses your “guardian,” so to speak, and influences you without your knowledge or your permission. That’s why you remember so many TV jingles, and marketing companies know this and spend millions on them to influence what you buy. Because music can affect your subconscious without your permission, it gives music crazy power and makes it a dangerous thing in the wrong

KRS-ONE performing in Vooruit, Ghent, Netherlands. (Photo by Lieve Neven)

ORIGINS AND INFLUENCE: In his teenage years, he frequently accompanied the Hare Krishnas and was subsequently nicknamed “Krisna”, hence “Kris”. “KRS-One” was originally Parker’s graffiti tag, short for “Kris Number One”. He began using it as his stage name and later devised an backronym for the name: “Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone.” (Source: Wikipedia.com)

hands. That’s why we should glorify God in our music and never use music to bring glory to ourselves. Music that glorifies God draws us to Him; unfortunately, music that glorifies self draws people to you and makes them worshippers of you. This is why we have people with celebrity mindsets even in the church. They are doing exactly what Lucifer did in heaven and that is making fans and followers that chase their talent rather than follow the God that they sing about. The bible says that their mouths draw close, but their hearts are far from Him, (Isaiah 29:13). This same principal can also refer to how you can sing God’s praises and yet draw people to yourself. When music is used in this manner it’s dangerous. THE VOICE: How has the devil managed to inﬁltrate the church with concepts like ‘holy hip hop’? Where’s the deception? Where’s the cracks? G. CRAIG LEWIS: Well, the devil just made the church folks worldly. Years ago, you didn’t

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have to worry about anything like Holy Hip Hop coming into the church because people practiced sanctification from the world and didn’t desire to bring the world into the church. But when Kirk Franklin came on the scene, he brought the club dances and worldliness into the church and made it okay to dance, party, and gyrate sexually without rebuke. Then you bring in bishops like TD Jakes who put on megafest and other conferences, with the worldly artists and performers headlining, and you have turned what was once deemed worldly into something that is now necessary to draw crowds and sell product. These 2 men, I feel, are responsible for the downfall of worship in the black church as a whole. Kirk destroyed Gospel Music as we knew it and made songs with secular overtones and worldly dances the norm, while TD Jakes turned preaching into an artform and totally removed the anointed call of God from the resume of black pastors all over. They both made it okay to be in the world and of the world. They crept in unaware and have removed the sacred landmarks of God’s word and now the world looks at the church as a money making, powerless, group of folks that desire pleasure as much as they do. Those are the 2 cracks that Hip hop and every other worldly movement crept in through. THE VOICE: What’s the hidden message in the hip hop culture? G. CRAIG LEWIS: Hip Hop doesn’t hide anything. The message is clear in the behavior, the music, and the appearance of Hip Hoppers. Love yourself and do what you want. Don’t let the church, God, or man stop you. Do what you feel and do what makes you feel good. That’s Hip hop’s theme and the current that drives our millennium youth that are apart of it. THE VOICE: What does hip hop music ultimately lead to? G. CRAIG LEWIS: Self worship. People that suffer for lack of validation and desire to be seen and known can find what they are looking for in Hip Hop because it causes you to practice self absorption all day, everyday. The beats satisfy your flesh. The lyrics lead and guide you to flesh gratification. The artists give you fleshly fashions and things to mimic so that you can get the looks and attention that they posess, while all along they are getting paid and the people

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THE VOICE: How can parents get through to their kids about this?

“The church is supposed to get the streets out of people and get them in position to progress, not regress. How can you take care of your family and be an upstanding man, when you are carrying yourself like a street thug and gangster? You can’t. Parents, wake up!” – G. Craig Lewis

that mimic them are lowering their chance of success. Since Hip Hop came on the scene in 1980, black men went from having 180,000 imprisoned to now over 1million black men imprisoned. Also, our crime rate has tripled. 50% of all black teens have genital herpes now. 1,400 abortions occur everyday in the black community. Our young black boys have a 75% drop out rate. And this is what is supposed to reach our youth, Hip Hop? Before there ever was Hip Hop, we were better. Hip Hop is a pied piper that led a generation into sexual immorality, false god religions, death and hell.

G. CRAIG LEWIS: Research. Get informed on what these folks are saying and doing. Don’t just sit back and allow a Gangsta for God rap show to happen at your church or youth function but research it and don’t tolerate it. Most of the youth pastor’s that are bringing these Holy Hip Hoppers to their churches are uninformed, or they are fans. But a father or mother that is raising their child to be successful in America cannot afford to allow a street subculture to influence their child. Don’t let anyone force you to allow this, but take action and fight against it. If it’s allowed at your church then that speaks volumes about the leadership that you serve under. I can’t think of any real man that would want the streets to be celebrated in his ministry or church. The church is supposed to get the streets out of people and get them in position to progress, not regress. How can you take care of your family and be an upstanding man, when you are carrying yourself like a street thug and gangster? You can’t. Parents, wake up! THE VOICE: How can we conquer this demonic weapon that’s inﬁltrated the Church? G. CRAIG LEWIS: If church folks would stand up and say “no more,” then weak youth pastors and worldly pastors as a whole would reconsider supporting this movement. It’s a money movement and when the money is not there, the movement stops. If you stop buying the cd’s, the folks will stop making them. If you stop supporting the movement, the folks will find something else to move to. Plain and simple, the only way to stop Hip Hop is to shut it down financially. When secular Hip Hop is dead, guess what happens to Holy Hip Hop! That’s why God is never relevant, but always absolute. He never chases the world’s ideals, but he always creates his own. Why? Because the grass withereth, and the flower fadeth, but the Word of God will always stand, (Isaiah 40:8). The word is never contingent upon what the world is doing, but it always counters the world. We must follow God and not the world because the world will change, but God stays the same.

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THE VOICE

en Español

Característica Lanzando El Majestuoso Poder De Dios Descubra lo efectivo que es la oración ferviente para hacer que tremendo poder sea dispuesto a traer victoria y avance aun a aquellas situaciones que parecen imposibles.

INFLUENCIANDO TU MUNDO

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CARACTERÍSTICA

LANZANDO EL

MAJESTUOSO

DE DIOS Descubra lo efectivo que es la oración ferviente para hacer que tremendo poder sea dispuesto a traer victoria y avance aun a aquellas situaciones que parecen imposibles. P OR M ARY A LICE I SLEIB

ADA VEZ QUE ORAMOS, SI LO HACEMOS

correctamente, el poder majestuoso de Dios es lanzado y hecho disponible para traer victoria y avance a situaciones que parecían imposibles. Nosotros no necesitamos sobrepasar la resistencia de Dios cuando oramos. Ese no es el problema. Cuando oramos, estamos rompiendo a través de resistencia de los poderes demoniacos y manteniendo la voluntad de Dios para hacer su plan en la tierra. Esa oración hace que su poder sea lanzado a nuestro favor.

PODER DE

DIOS

ESTA EN EL MUNDO

espiritual. No siempre lo podemos ver y algunas veces no lo podemos sentir, pero sin embargo esta allí. En muchas ciudades y naciones, ha sido detenido por anos; no porque Dios se resiste a actuar, pero porque

la gente de Dios carece del entendimiento espiritual necesario para atravesar y usar Su poder para ver sus peticiones realizadas.

TODO LO QUE NECESITAMOS ESTA YA PAGADO

y creado por el trabajo de la cruz. Ahora tenemos que agarrarlo con un corazón de fe y la voz de la oración y hacer el Poder de Dios disponible en la tierra. Tú tienes una parte activa en el Reino de Dios viniendo a la tierra así como en el cielo. Quien hará el trabajo de oración. Cada creyente es llamado a orar. Es un regalo que Jesús nos ha dado.

A DIOS LE ENCANTA OÍR A SU GENTE ORAR. El siempre contesta el llamado del justo. Hay tristeza en su corazón cuando hay falta de oración en la tierra. Dios esta esperando por ti a que te

wwww.thevoicemagazine.com

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levantes y ores. El anhela que tú sobrepases tu carne y la resistencia sobre tú vida de oración. Esta esperándote para ensenarte y ayudarte.

ERES UN CREYENTE, ESTAS LLAMADO A

orar- oración ferviente, osada, oración regular! Santiago 5:16 dice la oración efectiva y ferviente del justo puede mucho. La Biblia Amplificada lo traduce así,” La intensa (de corazón, continua) oración del hombre justo hace que tremendo poder sea disponible” (dinámico en su trabajo). Que promesa mas grande! El poder de Dios esta disponible a nosotros hoy! Hay una manera para que nosotros experimentemos ese poder y hacerlo disponible a nuestra generación. Ese camino es a través de la oración –oración efectiva, ferviente. Este tipo de oración es un generador para el poder de Dios el cual cambia las vidas individuales, ciudades y naciones.

QUE

ES LA ORACIÓN, REALMENTE?

U NA

VEZ OÍ DECIR A ALGUIEN QUE LA

más simple definición, oración es amistad con Dios. Es la habilidad de entender y trabajar con el mundo espiritual. Oración es comunión con Dios, tu hablas con Dios y el habla contigo. Es donde tú puedes ver el estado espiritual de la gente y sus situaciones. Es poderoso, funciona y es necesario para tu vida cristiana. Oración no es solamente un tema de estudio: es una forma de vivir. oración es a tu vida espiritual lo que el respirar a tu vida natural. Si paras de respirar en lo natural, sabemos lo que va a pasar- te vas a morir. La oración es el aliento de Dios en tu vida que mantiene tu amistad y tu camino con El fresco y vivo. También te mantiene libre y fuerte contra las estrategias del enemigo. Tal vez no lo sepas pero hay un deseo y una habilidad en tu espíritu recreado para orar. Tu espíritu tiene hambre por orar. Tu carne puede estar débil y carecer de entrenamiento en cosas espirituales, o puedes estar atado, pero tu espíritu esta hambriento de orar. Hambriento de conocer a Dios y de hablar y conversar con El. Hambriento de ver al demonio derrotado!.

EN ZACARÍAS 12:10, EL PROFETA ZACARÍAS

profetiza que un espíritu de oración y suplicación será derramado sobre la casa de David. Esto se refiere literalmente a Israel natural experimentando los últimos días de visitación de Dios, pero nosotros sabemos en nuestros días que el espíritu de wwww.thevoicemagazine.com

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PABLO

ESTA HABLANDO AQUÍ

ACERCA DE

mantenerse fuerte en el Señor y conociendo como luchar contra principalidades y poderes. El esta hablando acerca de oración. Tu lucha contra estas principalidades y poderes se da en oración. Dios te ve como un soldado un fuerte guerrero- un guerrero de oración. Dios quiere que tú como Su Guerrero ores en el Espíritu de Dios, usando las armas que El te ha dado, desde la posición que tienes en el Espíritu, y que venzas al enemigo. Tenemos que realizar que nosotros tenemos todo lo que necesitamos para ganar en Jesús. Aunque no te sientas como un guerrero, la Palabra de Dios dice que lo eres en Cristo. Tómalo por Fe. Levántate y lucha! Levántate y ora, guerrero orador!

ESTAMOS SENTADOS EN LUGARES CELESTIALES

en Jesucristo, a la derecha del Padre. Mucho más alto que las principalidades y poderes. Nosotros nunca oramos pensando que somos parte de un concepto religioso o filosofía religiosa. No oramos en la tierra, tratando de hacer algo, esperando que algo pase. Nosotros tenemos ya una posición en el mundo espiritual con Cristo, y oramos desde esa posición, con las armas que Dios nos ha dado.

DIOS QUIERE QUE COJAMOS NUESTRAS ARMAS

La oración es a tu vida espiritual lo que el respirar es para tu vida natural. Si tu paras de respirar en lo natural, por supuesto todos sabemos lo que va a pasar- te vas a morir. oración ha sido derramado sobre nosotros, su Iglesia. El Espíritu Santo dentro de ti ama el orar. El es el espíritu de oración. Oración, vas a descubrir, es una de las cosas mas excitantes que veras y harás!. Si, puede ser arduo trabajo pero hay satisfacción y recompensa que solo viene por la oración en tu vida.

NUESTRA POSICIÓN ES DE VICTORIA. PORQUE

por nuestra posición en Cristo, nosotros oramos osadamente y con gran confidencia. Efesios 2:6 nos dice que estamos actualmente sentados con El en lugares celestiales. Tenemos una posición en el realmo del espíritu, y oramos desde esa posición espiritual-sentados con Cristo! No oramos vencidos o por circunstancias o porque

estamos bajo ataque. Oramos desde nuestra posición de quienes somos en Cristo, sentados en lugares celestiales, redimidos por la sangre, hijos de Dios; Oramos debido a lo que Jesús hizo por nosotros.

LA BIBLIA DICE ALGO MAS ACERCA DE USTED

y su posición espiritual en Efesios 6:10-12 “Finalmente hermanos, sean fortalecidos en el Señor y en el poder de su fuerza. Pónganse la armadura de Dios para que puedan pararse contra las artimañas del diablo. Porque no luchamos contra carne y sangre, pero contra principalidades y poderes, contra gobernantes de la oscuridad en esta era, contra anfitriones espirituales malvados en lugares celestiales.” wwww.thevoicemagazine.com

y luchar. No con miedo de escuchar un mal reporte, pero en el Espíritu de Dios dentro de nosotros, desde nuestra posición en Cristo. Fortalecidos por la Victoria en Cristo. Cuando empecemos a realizar lo que nuestra posición es realmente, eso nos dará gran confidencia y osadía para iniciar nuestra vida de oración. Dios nos ha dado una fundación segura para una vida de oración fuerte y madura- Fe en Dios, relación de convenio y posición en Cristo. De la fortaleza de esta fundación, estamos preparados para construir la estructura de nuestros hábitos de oración y lanzar oraciones fervientes y efectivas que hacen el Poder de Dios disponible en la intensidad y fuerza que nuestra generación en el mundo debe tener. M ARY A LICE I SLEIB es Apóstol de Oración a las ciudades y naciones. Autora del mejor vendido libro “La Oración Ferviente y Efectiva.” Puede contactarla a www.maryaliceministries.com

INFLUENCIANDO TU MUNDO

INVADIENDO

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ALVACIÓN ES MÁS QUE UNA RELACIÓN PERSONAL CON JESÚS.

Dios tiene expectaciones de ti. El quiere que uses Su autoridad para hacer diferencia en tu vida y hacer este mundo un mejor lugar. El quiere que seas sal y luz en una sociedad decadente y desesperada por liderazgo moral (Mateo 5:13-16). El quiere que seas un fiel servidor avanzando activamente el Reino de Dios y “ocupando hasta que El venga” ( Mateo24:45-46). Esto es lo que la nueva reformación apostólica está ayudando a hacer. Los cinco dones de asunción –apóstoles, profetas, evangelistas, pastores y maestros- están trabajando juntos para equipar al creyente nacido de nuevo para regir. Nuestro Señor está construyendo una Iglesia gobernante constituida de gente que rige, preparados a batallar contra cualquier fuerza anti- Cristo que se oponga. LIDEANDO CON LOS QUE ODIAN A DIOS

Los que odian a Dios continúan esparciendo su religión. Es un evangelio que predica una sociedad secular llena de puntos de vista humanísticos. Cuando los Cristianos presentan los puntos de vista del Reino e ideales en un mercado competitivo, son tachados de intolerantes, irrelevantes y criticadores. Las noticias de la noche están llenas de puntos de vista mundanos (excepto los Cristianos) considerando el estilo de vida de la audiencia. La hipocresía contra los cristianos no es nada nuevo. Es un continuo esfuerzo para silenciar al rival leal de humanismo: La gente promesa de Dios. La Verdad está bajo ataque como nunca antes, nuestras verdades bíblicas y no las verdades humanísticas seculares. Sin embargo nosotros somos fortalecidos sabiendo que “más grande es El que vive en mí que aquel que está en el mundo”.

“ENTONCES

POR JONAS CLARK

POSEANDO

PORQUE ESTE CONFLICTO”? TE

preguntas. Porque la Palabra de Dios está llena de morales absolutas. Esto reta el dicho”si se siente bien hazlo.” Lo correcto y lo malo, lo negro y blanco tienen sus raíces en las morales absolutas de Dios. Cuando son violadas, hay consecuencias. Las escrituras declaran, por ejemplo,”lo que siembras, cosechas.” Morales absolutas son encontradas en la Biblia y no dentro de las opiniones cambiantes de egoístas seres humanos que cambian sus valores

basados en circunstancias, envidia u opiniones públicas temporales.

DOS GRANDES COMISIONES

Como cristianos tenemos que defender justicia y estar listos a compartir nuestra fe “en tiempo y fuera de tiempo”. No debemos de olvido.ar la lucha por las virtudes santas que se libra en los campos de batalla fuera de la Iglesia local. Pelear la buena batalla de la fe requiere un entendimiento de propósito. Nuestro propósito se encuentra en lo que yo llamo las dos grandes Comisiones. La primera comisión viene de Génesis 1:28. “Y Dios los bendijo y les dijo, fructificad y multiplicad, llenad la tierra, sojúzgala y domínala.” Dominio fue el primer mandato que Dios dio a la humanidad. Dominio en este verso es la palabra hebrea rada que significa “regir” 13 veces en el Antiguo Testamento. Este es también el primer pacto de promesa de Dios a sus representantes Adam y Eva. Ellos no eran solo jardineros pero gobernantes de un reino. La jurisdicción del reino es la tierra, lugar de autoridad delegada.

ENTRENAMIENTO AVANZADO DE GOBIERNO

Cuantas veces has oído que Jesús es el Rey de Reyes y Señor de Señores? La palabra Señor en esa escritura viene del griego kurios , que significa “gobernante supremo”. Jesús es el gobernante del Reino. Así como El llamo a Adam y Eva a gobernar, así te ha llamado a ti a gobernar. En el

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momento que fuiste nacido de nuevo, cualificas para entrar en el curso de entrenamiento avanzado de gobierno. El Apóstol Pedro llamo a los participantes “sacerdotico real” de creyentes. Ellos eran los sacerdotes, reyes.

SEGUNDA COMISIÓN PROPÓSITO PRESTADO

al creyente nacido de nuevo esta en Mateo 28:10 “Ve al mundo entero y ensena a todas las naciones, bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre, el Hijo y Espíritu Santo; ensenándoles a observar todas la cosas que les he mandado a ustedes.” Este verso no se refiere a ser un predicador de los domingos en la “Red de Televisión Evangélica” No, esta escritura se refiere al trayecto de tu vida avanzando el propósito de Cristo en la tierra. Esto da validez a tu llamado a ministrar en público.

MÁS QUE UNA RELACION PRIVADA

Noten que ninguna de las dos grandes comisiones limita a las personas a una relación privada con Jesús. Que evangelio es el que produce conversos que se jactan de una relación personal con Jesús y descartan cualquier

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participación en afectar la sociedad a su alrededor? El autor cristiano A.W. Tozer escribió acerca de esto. “Todo es hecho para centrarse sobre el acto inicial de “aceptar” a Cristo (termino que incidentalmente no es econtrado en la Biblia) y no se espera de nosotros después, el ansiar mas revelación de Dios a nuestras almas.”

TOZER

ESTABA DETRÁS DE ALGO.

ALGUNOS

han anunciado un evangelio enfocando al Cuerpo de Cristo con una interna relación con Jesús mientras niegan las dos grandes comisiones de dominio y discipulado mundial. Si, una intima relación con nuestro con nuestro Salvador es lo principal. Ignorar nuestro mandato de ser sal y luz en el mundo, sin embargo, deshonra a Dios, viola la Escritura y es un error trágico que deja a la nueva generación sufriendo los estragos de los poderes incontrolados de las principalidades. Yo digo que es hora de que el Cuerpo de Cristo se despierte de su sueno egoísta y se envuelva otra vez en la sociedad con el Evangelio del Reino. Es hora de otro Gran Avivamiento.

IMPACTANDO TU MUNDO

Las palabras de Jesús fueron específicas acerca del propósito eficaz en esta tierra. Justo antes de su arresto en el jardín de Getsemaní, El se comunico íntimamente con su Padre acerca de sus discípulos.” Te pido no que los saques fuera de este mundo, pero que los protejas del malvado. Así como tú me mandaste a este mundo, así también los mando yo a este mundo”. (Juan 17:14-18).

C OMO

CREYENTES NACIDOS DE NUEVO

debemos llevar nuestra experiencia

al mundo entero y ayudar a otros discipulandolos en la palabra de Dios. Salvación encierra mucho más que una relación personal con Jesús. De hecho salvación tiene “frutos de arrepentimiento “y es visible a través de nuestra obediencia a de nosotros es hacer algo con nuestra relación personal con Jesús influenciando la cultura a nuestro alrededor. Estas dos comisiones son tan validas ahora como nunca antes en la historia. Ambas tratan con el hacer este mundo un lugar mejor estableciendo el Reino de Dios en su lugar de autoridad dele gada.

AUTORIDAD PARA INFLUENCIAR

El Señor nos ha dado ambas autoridades espiritual y natural para influenciar y tomar dominio. En el Nuevo Testamento el Apóstol Pablo habla de la habilidad para gobernar en su jurisdicción en 2 Corintios 10:13. El usa la palabra griega metrón para definir lugares de jurisdicción, autoridad e influencia. Un metrón es tu lugar de reinado y gobierno. Es tu lugar de influencia para Cristo. Todo seguidor de Cristo tiene un lugar asignado de influencia. Este es el lugar donde llenas el primer gran mandato de dominio y el segundo gran mandato de discipular a otros. Ese lugar es donde vives, trabajas y juegas.

JURISDICCION DEL REINADO

La palabra jurisdicción viene de dos raíces latinas, juris(ley) y diction-em (dichos) una jurisdicción por lo tanto es gobernada por la ley de los dichos. Estas dos palabras nos dejan ver luz muy valiosa acerca de la autoridad que tenemos como cristianos para influenciar la sociedad.

CUANDO

NACISTE DE NUEVO POR EJEMPLO,

dejastes la jurisdicción del reino de la oscuridad y entrastes la jurisdicción del Reino de Cristo. A través de esta experiencia no eres más un esclavo a las creencias propagadas por reinados antiCristo como principios humanistas, religiones y filosofías del Este o teologías socialistas.

PONIENDO EL REINO PRIMERO

Las escrituras dicen que los cristianos debemos poner primero el Reino de Dios y su justicia (Mateo 6:33) esta escritura no se refiere a nuestra salvación solamente. El reino de Dios incluyendo sus ciudadanos está gobernado por la Palabra de Dios, sus dichos de ley. Si los creyentes continúan poniendo primero el Reino de Dios resultara en una visible expansión de la influencia, prosperidad y eventualmente el establecimiento del Evangelio de Cristo a través del mundo. wwww.thevoicemagazine.com

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Tú eres un gobernante bajo la jurisdicción del Reino de Dios. Tú puedes hacer una diferencia con tu vida. Júntate al sacerdotado real y cambia el mundo a tu alrededor.

OBEDECIENDO

PALABRA

DIOS

trasciende a tener una relación privada con Jesús pero te habilita a llevar el Reino de Dios, el gobierno de Cristo y sus dichos de ley a los reinos de este mundo. El resultado será “los reinos de este mundo se han convertido en los reinos de nuestro Señor, y de su Cristo; y el reinara por siempre” (Apocalipsis 11:15).

SERVIDORES FIELES OCUPAN

Que es lo que todo esto significa para ti? Quiere decir que Dios espera que transformemos nuestras vidas primero aplicando su palabra, después introduciendo Su Palabra a todos los reinos del mundo que toquemos. Usando tu autoridad real para tomar dominio y discipular a otros. Rebeldes anti-Cristo nunca sobrepasaran el mundo gracias a creyentes como tú. La escritura declara, “sométanse a Dios, resistan al diablo y el huira”. El mundo está esperando desesperadamente tu llegada. Cristo espera que seas un servidor fiel que ocupa victoriosamente hasta que El regrese. Tú eres un gobernante bajo la jurisdicción del Reino de Dios. Tú puedes hacer una diferencia con tu vida. Júntate al sacerdotado real y cambia el mundo a tu alrededor.

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A Christian Arab journalist who witnessed the deadly beginnings of fundamentalist Islam issues a passionate wakeup call to America. Brigitte warns that radical Islam will stop at nothing short of domination of all non-Muslim countries. She points out mistakes the West has made in consistently underestimating the single-mindedness with which fundamentalist Islam has pursued its goals over the past thirty years. Gabriel outlines the history, social movements, and religious divisions that have led to this critical historical conﬂict. Fiercely articulate and passionately committed, she refuses to stand silently by while it happens here.

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M I NOI SNT - FRI RY E DCIHRUERCCTHO R Y M I N I S T RY D I R E C TO RY THE VOICE Ministry & Church Directory is also online: www.thevoicemagazine.com

Locate an On-Fire Church or Ministry in your City, State or Country. C o n n e c t i n g Mini stries, Leaders and B e l i e v e r s W o r l d wide

ARKANSAS

DELAWARE Praise to the King Ministries, Inc. Apostle Nailah & Pastor Wayne Gilliam Wilmington, Delaware (302) 571-0695 www.praisetothekingministries.org

Sharejoy Ministries International Pastor Andra Maxwell Fort Lauderdale, Florida (954) 825-7189 andramc@hotmail.com Spirit of Life Ministries Apostle Jonas & Pastor Rhonda Clark Hallandale Beach, Florida (954) 456-4420 www.jonasclark.com GEORGIA

FLORIDA Christ’s Kingdom Life Center International Apostle Leslie Brown III Hollywood, Florida (954) 963-1355 communitymission@bellsouth.net Prophetic Revival Center Pastor/Prophetess Sandra Moore Miami, Florida (305) 248-0033 www.sandramoore.org Restoration World Outreach Ministries Apostle Steve & Michelle Lyston Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (954) 297-9552 Jamaica (876) 754-0500(1) rwominc@yahoo.com Resurrection Life Family Worship Center Apostle Trevor & Pastor Martha Banks Fort Pierce, Florida (772) 465-0036 www.trbanks.com

Sandy Hall Ministries Rev. Sandy Hall Jonesboro, Georgia (678) 479-6472 www.sandyhallministries.com Gateway Believers Fellowship Apostle David Coker Carnesville, Georgia (706) 384-5242 www.gatewaybelievers.com Dr. Kluane Spake Jubilee Alliance Atlanta, Georgia (877) SPAKE 99 www.kluane.org Life Center Ministries Apostle Buddy & Prophetess Mary Crum Atlanta, Georgia (770) 399-0660 www.lifecenter.org

INDIANA Whole Truth Gospel Tabernacle Bishop Kevin B. Wise, Sr. Gary, Indiana (219) 884-1353 www.wholetruthgospeltabernaclehc.org MARYLAND Redeemer International Family Church Pastors Chris and MaryEllen Geeslin Frederick, Maryland (301) 514-2759 www.RedeemerFamily.org MINNESOTA Five-Fold Ministries Bishop Mark & Kathryn Shaw Rochester, Minnesota (888) 808-5455 www.5fold.org LOUISIANA AEGA International Headquarters Dr. Henry Harbuck, General Overseer Monroe, Louisiana (800) 842-5176 www.aega.org MISSISSIPPI End Time World Ministries International Apostle James & Prophetess Theresa Jones South Haven, Mississippi (901) 628-6969 jamesjones1027@yahoo.com

LISTINGS CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

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M I N I S T RY D I R E C T O RY

Shout Restore Ministries Apostle Jerry & Sheryl York Flippin, Arkansas (870) 736-0214 www.theyorksonline.com

FLORIDA (Cont’d)

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M I N I S T RY D I R E C TO RY NEBRASKA Zion Restoration Int’l Ministries Apostle Donnetta Mathis Lincoln, Nebraska (402) 435-4260 www.zrimhome.org NORTH CAROLINA

MINISTRY DIRECTORY

HE VOICE Activate Church Pastor Jorge Parrott Charlotte, North Carolina (704) 517-2557 www.activatechurch.org Heart House Ministries Apostle Noland M. & Prophetess Jo E. Owens Raleigh, North Carolina (919) 413-5260 hearthousenc@aol.com Healing Rain Ministry Prophet Michael and Lyn Bacon Wake Forest, North Carolina (919) 671-3614 www.healingrainministry.org OHIO Believer’s Church International Apostle O. Michael & Prophetess Beverly Smith Deﬁance, Ohio (419) 782-9723 www.believerschurchinternational.org Judah Tabernacle Pastors Jeff & Louanne Leslie Columbus, Ohio (614) 492-6000 www.judahtabernacle.com PENNSYLVANIA Awake The Bride Ministries Lisa Jo Greer, Prophetic Teacher & Director Grantham, Pennsylvania (717) 802-0922 awakethebrideministries@gmail.com

SOUTH CAROLINA Disciples of Christ Evangelistic Church Apostle Daniel & Eva Harmon Elloree, South Carolina (803) 353-8681 Harvest Center Church Apostle Rufus & Bertha Smalls Summerville, South Carolina (843) 875-6238 RufusLSmalls@comcast.net World Harvest Ministries Apostle Alvin Green & Apostle Alva Green Columbia, South Carolina (803) 765-9090 www.worldharvestministries.org TENNESSEE Christ the King Inc Apostle Prega Gounden Dandridge, Tennessee (423) 790-9980 goundenprega@yahoo.com TEXAS Equippers Outreach Fellowship Apostle Jerry Adkins Weimar, Texas (979) 725-8233 pastorja@equippersoutreach.com VIRGINIA Cornerstone Ministries Prophetess Thialyn Reed Quinton, Virginia (804) 536-4945 Cornerstoneministries1@gmail.com Covenant Life Church Apostle Jeff H. & Prophetess Linda R. Herbert Alexandria, Virginia (703) 321-8092 www.covenant-life-church.org

VIRGINIA Mercy and Truth Ministries Apostles Eric & Johniene Miller Newport News, Virginia (757) 240-4695 www.matministriesva.org

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY BAHAMAS Bahamas Faith Ministries Dr. Myles Munroe Nassau, Bahamas (242) 341-6444 www.bfmmm.com HONDURAS Grace Life Ministries Pastors John Paul & Edith Yesenia DuBose Siguatepeque, Honduras (504) 773-4977 NICARAGUA Center of Christian Fellowship Apostle Arturo Sanchez Managua, Nicaragua (505) 265-7096 www.casabetesdanicaragua.com La Paloma Bay Christian Church Pastors Juan & Lidieth Hernandez Masachapa, Nicaragua (954) 456-4420 Redeemer International Ministries Apostles Chico Hernandez, Chris Geeslin Jenotepe, Carazo, Nicaragua (301) 514-2759 www.WinNicaragua.com

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