Cultivating Intimacy With Christ - "Does God Really Love Me?"

"Faith hangs on to Christ in the dark, it holds to a silent Christ, it holds to a refusing Christ, it holds to a rebuking Christ, and it will not let him go. Faith is the great holdfast that hooks a soul on to the Saviour.

Faith is thus powerful because of its effects. Faith enlightens, enlivens and strengthens. It is written of some of old that "They looked unto him, and were lightened." Faith shed a light upon many things, and lets us see that even if Christ has a frown on his face, he has love in his heart. Faith looks right into the heart of Christ, and helps us to perceive that he cannot mean anything but mercy to a seeking soul."
-- Charles Spurgeon

Have you ever asked God if He really loves you, or pleaded with Him for His affection? The following is an open letter to those of you who doubt, amended from a personal note I just sent to someone who is struggling:

"Dear Fellow Sojourner,

Believe it or not, I do understand what you mean and the doubts you are having about God's dealings with you and questioning whether He really cares or even if He loves you. Although I have not personally experienced what you are, I DO know the feelings and am all too familiar with the doubts. I want to be careful here not to sound like “Job’s friends” – although honestly, your situation reminds me of Job! – because that does no one any good.

I deliberately will not quote you the verses or pull out catch-all platitudes about Christ dying for the world (and of course I do NOT mean to diminish the Atonement one bit; but that is what people generally remind you of when you doubt God’s love.) I know EXACTLY what you mean when you write about knowing Christ loves the world; but what about you personally? One verse I would point out to you, however, is Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me," (emphasis mine), wherein Paul was making the point He loved [Paul] and gave Himself up for [Paul]. Who, of course, was a murduring Pharisee and all that; but you get the idea.

And of course, there ARE Scriptural statements to the effect that God’s love is infinite, faithful and PERSONAL to the believer (you) – Matt. 10:31; Luke 12:7; Hebrews 13:5 (the “you” is singular in the original), as well as the Psalms, which cover every range of human emotion. However, you are obviously intelligent and don’t need the references or a Bible lesson. Just thought I’d remind you anyway, though, because His Word IS Truth.

Regarding God’s nature, I know you wonder if He really cares because of all the pain and suffering you see all around you. I need not “defend” Him or say He always keeps His promises (in the way we expect, at least – I admit I also struggle with the exact meaning of Matthew 6, especially vs. 31-32: "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.") My guess is that is something like a Proverb – to be understood as a general rule, but NOT a guaranteed absolute. (I.E. “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” – it’s a general principle; not a guarantee. IF you do this – you may expect THAT.)

This promise doesn’t change the fact that there are millions of suffering, starving Christians whose daily bread is NOT provided….as a result of man’s sin. God knows/sees it; He COULD prevent it, but He does not. That’s where we get into the issue of His sovereignty, and we have to admit that we just don’t know. We DO know, if we believe the Scripture to be infallible, that A) He is good; and B)ultimately justice will be served and all wrongs will be righted. Beyond that, we can only speculate (and often that gets us in trouble when we do.) But we know that He is good, and does NOT enjoy torturing His slaves…even though it may feel that way sometimes. I’ve often wondered, for example, how miscarriages and stillbirth fits into His sovereign plan. Again, not that I’ve experienced that personally, but I’ve known many women who have and as a mom, I can only imagine the agony and grief.

What I keep coming back to as I turn this around in my mind (extreme suffering and God’s goodness)is this: we can’t say Jesus didn’t warn us. Count the cost; some of us will be persecuted; put to death. He offered NO promises about our comfort or emotional needs; He only said “in this life you will have many troubles; take heart; I have overcome the world.” We need to live with an eternal perspective, as hard as that can be sometimes. Jesus knew so well what it is to be rejected and despised (and still does…everything from people taking His Name in vain to Monty Python movies mocking Him, and worse). When you love someone, you make yourself vulnerable to them, and that is what God has done with us. We grieve Him when we are faithless - blowing off prayer time with Him; gossiping about one another; fighting with our spouses. Yet HE remains faithful.

This is what it means that He was “touched with our infirmaties” and “sympathetic to our weaknesses”. They’re not just words; He really understands (and cares.) Look at Paul (and the Apostles – close, intimate friends of Jesus during His earthy ministry). Paul got the stuffings beaten out of him on a regular basis; got run out of town more than once; was slandered and maligned (even by other “Christians”); was abandoned by friends; and was finally executed on trumped-up charges. He sure wasn’t getting his “emotional needs met” or his “love cup” filled! Jesus Himself was verbally tormented throughout most of His ministry, but He rested in the love of the Father (as did Paul).

Not preaching you a sermon, but just putting some thoughts out there. I’ve often thought of those first century Christians, and what a raw deal some of them got…like Perpetua, and the other martyrs under Nero and Dormitius (the ones who never actually had the pleasure of meeting and fellowshiping with Christ, yet they were still called to suffer and die for him.) Some of them lost everything – like Perpetua’s nursing infant; her marriage; her home and possessions. Even in recent history though, I think in some ways folks who’ve been called as martyrs or have been imprisoned in some ways find it easier to stand strong than some (like yourself, and many others who are just worn down by the day-to-day torment and disillusionment.)

I read Richard Wurmbrand’s “Tortured for Christ” a few years ago (founder of Voice of the Martyrs – he was in a Romanian prison for years) and I was gob-smacked. Honestly, I wouldn’t last 5 minutes in a Communist prison! But in his story and so many others like his, it’s just so “clear” to the ones suffering for their faith what they’re doing and why they’re there suffering (for Christ’s glory). Obviously, that has to be our goal and over-arching purpose, too, but it’s harder to “see” the purpose in what seems like needless, pointless suffering. And THAT is why it can become so much harder to believe that God really loves you personally. If you were in a Communist prison being beaten and starved because you were a Christian, you would no doubt have faith in His love (although technically your circumstances would be worse). That is why it is so important (even now) to continue to walk by faith and not sight, and to continue to put faith in what (intellectually) you know is true.

I truly believe that convincing people God doesn’t love them personally (or at least getting them to doubt it) is one of Satan’s biggest strategic weapons. How I wish sometimes that I could just see Jesus; have an audience with Him – even Skype Him – and all my doubts would be forever erased. But you know what He said to Thomas about those who have not seen being blessed…yet we have believed. Don’t stop seeking Him in the Scriptures, because God WILL use that to encourage you personally (often when you least expect it.) Have you ever been reading the Word, and something seems to “leap off the page”, and straight into your heart? His Spirit illuminates truth when and as we need it…personally.

The historical reality of the Cross should never leave us cold, but sometimes it does (if we are truthful). This is the dynamic of sin-stained human emotions. God gave them to us for a reason, and He designed us to feel deeply, yearn for Him, and want to be loved. He gave us that need to come to Him with that longing – even (and especially) when we don’t “feel” anything.

Be encouraged - He is still that friend who "sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). Don’t give up, please – and don’t abandon the Church, either. It’s especially important to be in fellowship and support during these “desert” times – a lone sheep, as you know, is more vulnerable prey.

In Him,

Marie

"Why Do You Call Me Lord, Lord and Not Do What I Say?"

We have already established here that the Bible is the infallible, inspired Word of God - His very speech. Let's now follow that truth to some logical conclusions.

If the Scriptures are infallible, what relevance does that have to our life?

It is the final authority. Non-negotiable, and not open to debate.

When we say that God is infallible, it literally means that He is incapable of erring or making mistakes. If we accept that all of the Scriptures are His inspired (“God-breathed-out”) Word, then by extension, the Bible is also “infallible” (from the Latin word “fallere”; to deceive). The infallibility of Scripture means that since it is the very Word of God, it cannot mislead or deceive us. Some passages of Scripture that attest to its own infallibility include Psalm 19:7-14 (speaks of the law of the Lord being “perfect” and the testimony of the Lord being “sure”); Hebrews 2:1-4; 2 Peter 1:16-21; 2 Tim. 3:15 and John 17:17.

Axiomatically, if we accept the infallibility of Scripture, it follows that it is the basis for authoritative counsel. Jay Adams writes, “The ministry of the Word in counseling…is totally unlike counseling in any other system because of its authoritative base. This authoritative character stems, of course, from the doctrine of inerrancy. If the Bible were shot through with human error, and were no more dependable than any other composition – if it were not a God-breathed revelation – this note of authority would give way to opinion. But, because the Bible is inerrant, there is authority.” (Jay Adams, “More Than Redemption”, p. 18.)

Where direct commands are given in Scripture, a Christian may give authoritative counsel in the form of a command or prohibition, appealing directly to what is stated in the Bible (i.e. pre-marital sex; insubordination to an employer; etc.) However, a believer will often have to deal with questions where the Bible does not give specific instruction (but does provide general, guiding principles.) In such cases, he must assess the situation and distinguish between his or her own opinion, based on knowledge of biblical principles, and the absolute authority of Scripture. In all cases, the counsel given both as absolute imperatives (“You may not commit adultery”) and advice given on the basis of Scriptural principles (“You might want to find a sport for your son to play that does not involve games on Sunday afternoons, since Exodus 20:8 tells God’s people to keep the Sabbath day holy”) must be rooted in the Bible, rather than any system of thought which does not claim divine authority.

Finally, Jesus’ example of absolute adherence to God’s Word in the wilderness should be used as an illustration of how, because Scripture is infallible, it is the final authority for how we are to make decisions and proceed. Luke 4:1-12 demonstrates how Jesus responded to every temptation and attempt at Scripture-twisting from the devil with “It is written…” His response and behavior, even at great personal cost, models the attitude we are to imitate when faced with temptation: what is “written?” Why does that matter? A biblical command or prohibition is metaphorically “written in stone” (is non-negotiable) because all Scripture proceeds from the mouth of God. As such, it is perfect (infallible) and is therefore the ultimate authority for issues both of orthodoxy and orthopraxy.

Interview with Stefan about Kid Ministry

Lately, especially since seeing the Family Integrated Church movement's "Divided", I've been involved in an online discussion regarding the pros and cons of Youth and Children's ministry versus the more controversial elements of the FIC agenda. I would not use the word "debate", because I honestly don't have super-strong convictions on this issue one way or the other -- I've seen the ugliness in the extremes of both positions.

We all know about the Peanut Butter Gross-Out games at Youth Group (my church's Youth Group actually does a Bible study, but there's no denying Youth Ministry at large is largely...foolishness). Likewise, it's no secret VBS and children's ministry, with the possible exception of AWANA programs, is watered down and overly-entertainment driven. These facts notwithstanding, my husband and I do not fully embrace a mandatory FIC model - we prefer to use basic biblical wisdom and common sense (which tells us that we, as the parents, have the primary responsibility to teach our children about God and the Gospel).

Pilgrim at Defending Contending has a convincing and well-researched post about VBS and the marketing-tactics that go into them. Now, my four children have grown up on VBS. My youngest two, 8 and 5, still go and love VBS. My oldest (14) is a music assistant. Since my 8-year-old son was walking through the office while I happened to be reading Pilgrim's article, I decided to do a little un-scientific survey and get my son's feedback on what he gets out of it.

Now, two caveats: Stefan is a bright kid. Not rocket-scientist, homeschooled-and-going-to-college-at-12, find-a-cure-for-cancer-at-15 smart, but a pretty sharp monkey all-around. He's grown up in a Christian home; been in Sunday school since he had teeth and knows all the stories. He's gifted at Scripture memorization and enjoys practicing it. He also genuinely loves God and feels a deep sorrow when he sins. Without getting into much detail, I do have reason to believe he's a child of God. I asked:

Me: "Hey Stefan, let me ask you some questions. Do you love God? I mean, really?"

Him: "Yes."

Me: "Do you enjoy learning about Him, and getting to know Him better?"

Him: (nods enthusiastically...he's been asking us for a "real" Bible since he could read).

Me: "Ok. Now, would you say you learn a lot of new things about God at VBS? What do you learn?"

Him: "Well....the only time we really learn anything is in the songs."

Me: "The songs? You mean like "In Christ the Cross"?

Him: "Yeah. The songs are about God. So you learn things about God from the songs. And the stories.....well, they tell us stories, but actually we already knew the stories from before; so I guess we didn't really learn anything new. But I liked the jumpy thing."

Me: "Okay, so you didn't really learn anything at VBS, but it was fun. What about Junior Church - do you learn a lot about God there?"

Him: "Oh, yes. We learn stories and good lessons from the stories!"

Me: "But didn't you already know the stories from before?"

Him: "Some of them, yeah; but not all of them. Like the one about Elijah and Elisha. I'd forgotten about that one."

Me: "Okay, so in what order would you say you learn the most about God: from Junior Church, VBS, from me and Daddy at home - like when Daddy teaches you guys on Sunday afternoon from the Bible - or Pastor Eric when he preaches?"

Him: "I would say from you and Daddy at home, the most. After that...maybe Junior Church; then Pastor Eric - but I don't understand everything he's talking about - and then last, VBS."

No big surprises there....but given that an 8-year-old himself admits he learns more in the modest time we spend on spiritual matters at home than in the weekly, structured "children's church" etc, I think the FICers may have a point, after all. Which doesn't mean I'll be switching churches any time soon. It just means I feel convicted to spend more time and effort, under my husband's leadership, teaching the kids doctrinal truths and how to live these truths out in their lives (orthodoxy and orthopraxy). I had been toying with the idea of finding a Bible study to go through together, each morning before school next year, or maybe we'll just read from the Bible together and discuss it (as my husband does with us after church on Sunday). If anyone has any resources for family devotionals they'd like to share, I'd appreciate that!

Skinny White Bulgarians Performing "Lord, You Are Good"

I didn't really know what to name this post, but the images speak for themselves. You'll enjoy this.

I've recently discovered the Bulgarian praise team, "Ново Поколение" ("New Generation") and, at my request, my husband brought me back several of their CDs last week from Sofia. The kids and I like to get our praise on while tooling around, doing errands. This group really is terrific, and have done several live, sold-out concerts in Bulgaria. Many of their worship songs are original, rather than translations of English ones, but they also do a few well-known songs. One of those, apparently, is "Lord, You are Good" (by Israel Houghton and the New Breed).

My first impression, upon watching the clip below, was "That girl looks awfully white to be doing lead vocals on that song." (Nothing against my fellow melanin-challenged peeps...I'm just sayin.') In fact, I don't recall ever seeing so many skinny white people in one place...singing that song. See for yourself:

And now watch the original version:

It just isn't the same, is it?

An Amaryldian in Albania

Where I will be in 4 weeks:

Like the title of my post? "Amaryldian" is a word I just learned this morning - from Jay Adams, of course - which apparently means "Four-Point Calvinist". From Wiki: "Simply stated, Amyraldism holds that God has provided Christ's atonement for all alike, but seeing that none would believe on their own, he then elected those whom he will bring to faith in Christ, thereby preserving the Calvinist doctrine of unconditional election."

Works for me. That describes my church's position on Limited Atonement pretty well, and while it's certainly not a hill I'd want to die on, that is where I stand, as well.

However, that's not the point of this post. I chose the word for it's alliterative properties, so I could share my REAL news: four weeks from today, I'll be headed to Albania on a short-term missions trip with the British ministry, Albania Evangelical Mission. Whilst my original plan was to go with my "alma mater" Campus Crusade for Christ, who was severely short of teachers for one of their seven camps in Albania, due to a sequence of events causing CCC to change their camp dates I was unable to join them. It all worked out for the best: this British group runs Christian camps all summer in the same location (near Saranda, in southern Albania) and I could join them much less expensively.

Most of the 17-18 year olds who will be attending this Christian camp the week I am serving there have not made a profession of faith in Christ. However, they are attending the camp with interest and in the full knowledge that we will be presenting the Gospel to them, teaching the basics of Christianity, and using the Bible as a medium to help them improve their English skills as well. Besides all that, I anticipate a lot of fun camp-type activities in the afternoons, worship, and fellowship as well! I have never been camping before, so this will be a new experience for me in that regard. I have taught English (in Bulgaria) before, as well as having led Bible studies for many years, both in the US and in Bulgaria....but I have never slept in a tent, so we shall see. (Cold water showers, on the other hand, are nothing new to me - that was par for the course in Leningrad and Sofia during the summer.)

I have read camp reports and seen photos from years prior, and many new young Christians have been baptized right in the Ionian Sea right there at the camp. I am hoping and praying to be able to develop lasting and fruitful relationships with some of the kids (and staff) I will be serving. (Given the rustic situation, it's unlikely that I'll be able to blog from there, but afterwards perhaps.)

Just When You Thought it Couldn't Get Any Weirder...

Some things need no comment.

I want to share with you all an "Event Invite" I just received from a women's ministry group on Facebook:

I wanted to make sure you knew about a very important upcoming training for those called to emotional and physical healing and deliverance to the Body of Christ. There is a Convergence Spiritual Cleansing Method(TM) Ministers' Training on July 8th - 10th both nationally via live stream video and locally in Raleigh, NC.

The 4 Essential steps to true deliverance will be taught in detail. It will be great for ministry leaders to attend. It will elevate your entire ministry! You can see the four steps on a brief teaching video and get full info at http://www.erickajackson.com/CSCM.htm.

Ooohhh....the "Spiritual Cleansing Method (TM)". Sounds like something no biblical counselor worth her salt should be without, right? Right. Yeah, that's exactly what I said to myself. Then I clicked on the link.

Look at all that's promised - and what's more, PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE TO WATCH THE VIDEO STREAM!!! Praise the Lord and Pass the Plate:

A special training for those men and women called to emotional and/or physical healing and deliverance for the Body of Christ.

Friday, July 8th - Sunday, July 10th, 2011
Marriott Courtyard North Raleigh/Triangle Town Center
Raleigh, NC


$397* - Live Training
$300 now through June 20th
You receive $97 off of your live registration before June 30th!

$197* - Live Video Stream
$140 now through June 20th
You receive $57 off of your video stream registration before June 30th!

*Payment Plans are available - see below.
Registration discounts do not apply to payment plans.

Jesus is raising up a new crop of ministers who truly believe and flow in His works upon the earth. Those who are willing to take off the masks of tradition and stand against the works of this world so the true believers of the Lord can usher the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven upon the earth to become the Kingdom of God.

The Lord is looking for those called to Truth and whose hands He can use to be His body and cast darkness away from his beloved children. He is equipping and training up those who are heeding His call to be vessels so others may know the liberty and freedom they can receive through the power, dominion and authority of Jesus.

Are you one of them?

Then, this training is just for YOU!

Three years ago the Lord revealed the process to fully being a vessel for a complete four-step process to fully deliver and heal His people to Ericka. He instructed her to put together trainings for those called to take the work into the Body of Christ. This is the first comprehensive training in which Ericka fully reveals the entire method the Holy Spirit laid out to her.

Do you have a heart for those in need of inner and physical healing?
Are you tired of seeing Christians live so far beneath all they are promised in the Word?
Do you long for the knowledge, wisdom and understanding to go along with your gifts of discernment and healing?
Then, this training is just for YOU!

If you have wondered why the people of God do not seem to be accessing and living the promises of scripture and are ready to learn why...

If you are ready to experience God in a whole new dimension…

If you are ready to be a vessel to guide others to truly be free from all emotional pain…

If you are ready to be a powerful vessel for physical healing in others…

If you are ready to finally access the full reward of overcoming...

Then you are ready for The Convergence Spiritual Cleansing MethodTM.


Who should attend?

Apostles, Pastors, Evangelists, Christian Leaders, Ministry Founders, Ministry Leaders, Teachers of the gospel, those with the gift of healing, those ready to better understand and appropriate the authority of Jesus upon the earth.
Based on the ground-breaking work of Ericka D. Jackson’s book, Beyond Fearless: How to Remove Every Hindrance From Your Life , this 100 % scriptural work guides you and all you work with into position to inherit the Kingdom of God. This work was breathed forth from the Holy Spirit through Ericka and she is bringing it to you at this training.


You will leave this training with:

A clear 4-step tested, proven and fail-proof process to walking people through full deliverance.

Standing in your authority over all sickness and able to cast out infirmities in yourself and others.

Being a pure vessel for the Lord to guide others into the freedom of the Lord.

Full knowledge of how to operate in your heavenly position upon the earth.

The clear step-by-step process of purifying the hearts of the people of God..

Understanding of how to recognize and demolish all 14 stronghold spirits and the thousands of unclean fruit they produce in Christians' lives.

Operating in the full power in the name of Jesus to cast out the unclean in others.

Activate the full ability to heal yourself and others that is contained within you.

Full understanding in how to walk into the fullness of your calling.

Be clear of all works of the flesh that have inhibited your ability to inherit the Kingdom of God and walk others through the same process.

Understanding and appropriating the 7 Spirits of God and how to catalyze their clean fruits to manifest and grow in your life and the lives of those the Lord sends to you to be a vessel for their wholeness.

The Lord told me that there were many of His flock that needed to take this training and that I needed to provide a way for everyone who desires to participate to receive the training. He instructed me to live video stream the training so there are no geographic barriers to being able to get the valuable information that you need to move forward in your calling as a healer and vessel for deliverance.

This will give you a choice as to what works best for your lifestyle. There are two ways that you can participate in this ground-breaking training.

You can either attend the event live in Raleigh, NC. If you attend the event live, it includes on-demand access to the live event recording through July 31st, 2011.


- or -

You can save the additional travel and lodging expenses and join us via live videostream. This means that you can join us from the privacy of your own home for the weekend or as much as you can attend during the actual event. Or you can access the event on-demand for the rest of the month of July. (I KNOW...this is exciting!!!)


LIVE EVENT PAYMENT PLANS

If you would like to travel into Raleigh, NC or live in the Raleigh, NC area, this option is ideal.

Your live event registration includes all training materials, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and refreshments throughout the conference, and access to the on-demand recording through July 31st, 2011.

To Pay in Full - $397
You recieve $97 off of your live registration before June 30th!
(your discount will instantly appear as you check out)

Click Here to Submit Your Payment in Full

- or -

Live Event 2-Payment Plan

2 Payments of $198.50 due by June 5th and July 5th

Click Here for the Live Event 2-Payment Plan

LIVE VIDEO STREAM PAYMENT PLANS

If you live outside of the Raleigh, NC area and would like to be a part of the training, this option is perfect for you.

Your live video streaming event registration includes all training materials and access to the on demand recording through July 31st, 2011.

Single Payment of $197

You recieve $57 off of your video stream registration before June 30th!

Click Here to Submit Your Live Video Stream Payment in Full

(your discount will instantly appear as you check out)

- or -

2-Payment Plan

2 Payments of $98.50 due on June 5th and July 5th

Click Here for the LiveStream 2-Payment Plan

Brilliant! So, after more than 2,000 years of Church history, the Holy Spirit has just now seen fit to reveal God's Plan for Healing (TM) to Ericka! And she can teach it to others for the low, low price of $400! (Only $200 to watch via "live video stream"!)

Notice NO mention whatsoever of the Bible's clear teaching on sanctification; "putting off" the old nature and "putting on" holiness and a life pleasing to God. Notice no exposition of a SINGLE biblical text or ANY of the numerous passages that deal with counseling, ecclesiology, or the little fact that PRIVATE REVELATION CEASED WITH THE CLOSING OF THE CANON.

Perhaps most galling is this little sidebar on the page:

"You will become a fully certified Convergence Spiritual Cleansing MethodTM Minister as a result of attending this training and completing the final certification exam that will be available online following the training.

Once you are certified, you will be able to:

• Have ongoing support as you minister this process to others.
  
• Create an additional revenue stream for your ministry. *
  
• Be a part of a network and team of trained ministers that Ericka can send out to train church and ministry leaders at retreats and conferences.
  
• Have access to ongoing training and breakthroughs in The Convergence Spiritual Cleansing MethodTM.

* Real biblical counseling is NOT designed to create a "revenue stream". That is a serious ethical and moral violation right there.

Wowzers; a certification exam! Almost like real biblical counseling associations offer, huh?! Gee, I wonder how many years of exegetical study a prospective minister of the "Convergence Spiritual Cleansing Method" would need? Goodness, a seminary degree would seem like a minimal requirement for such an exclusive, only-given-to-one-person, God-breathed "cleansing" method! And then, when they HAVE their certificates, these sheeple can "play counselor" just like those of us who have actually studied and trained to minister the Word of God to counselees.

Perhaps because I do not have cable TV (and therefore cannot watch the heretical Word of Faith charlatans bilking money from naive people night and day) this sort of scam still annoys me - big time. These false prophets and greedy, lying charlatans who evidently find extra-biblical, sensationalistic speaking more attractive than opening their Bibles are a blight to the Name of Christ. May He break their deception and offer them repentance before it's too late. (Isaiah 44:25; Jeremiah 14:14, 23:16, 50:36; Ezekiel 13:9, 22:28; Matt. 7:15, 24:11,24; Mark 13:22; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1).

The Loving Friendship of Jesus Christ (J.C. Ryle Quote)

Every true Christian has a Friend in heaven, of almighty power and boundless love. They are thought of, cared for, provided for, defended by God’s eternal Son. They have an unfailing Protector, who never slumbers or sleeps, and watches continually over their interests. The world may despise them, but they have no cause to be ashamed. Father and mother even may cast them out, but Christ having once taken them up, will never let them go. They are the friend of Christ even after they are dead! The friendships of this world are often fair-weather friendships, and fail us like summer-dried fountains, when our need is the greatest; but the friendship of the Son of God is stronger than death, and goes beyond the grave. The Friend of sinners is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.

~ J.C. Ryle

Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: John, volume 2, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1987], 275. {John 11:7-16}