This link from my friend Mike. A commemoration of the second anniversary of Pope John Paul II's passing has received a surprise visit from the Supreme Pontiff himself, according to a news report broadcast by the Vatican News Service. Gregorz Lukasik attended one of the events in Poland marking Pope John Paul II's death, but it was only when he returned home and was looking through the photographs he had taken that he realized how significant this commemoration had been. In one particular photograph he had taken of a bonefire, Gregorz believes the image of John Paul II can clearly be seen in the flames. Vatican officials, including a close friend of John Paul II himself, Jarek Cielecki, believe that John Paul II did indeed appear in the flames, as a mark of respect to his faithful followers. 

Quote: "The bonfire was lit during a service at Beskid Zywiecki, close to John Paul's birthplace at Katowice, southern Poland, on April 2 - the second anniversary of his death. Hundreds had attended the ceremony. Gregorz Lukasik, the Polish man who took the photographs, said: "It was only afterwards when I got home and looked at the pictures that I realised I had something. "I showed them to my brother and sister and they, like me, were convinced the flames had formed the image of Pope John Paul II. "I was so happy with the picture that I showed it to our local bishop who said that Pope John Paul had made many pilgrimages during his life and he was still making them in death."

No doubt this will be taken as further evidence supporting the beatification of Pope John Paul II. I feel that Jarek Cielecki's comments says it all, "You can see the image of a person in the flames and I think it is the servant of God, Pope John Paul II". The reality is, if Pope John Paul II hasn't trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation, then he is indeed in the flames - of hell. As any one of us will be if we haven't had our sins forgiven, through faith in Christ's atoning death on the cross. Jesus said, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven", Matthew 18:3. When it comes to sin, God is no respecter of persons. Revelation states that the dead, small and great shall stand before God, and shall be judged out of those things which are written in the books (Revelation 20:12). Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will be there, US President Bush will be there, and all the Popes will be there if they haven't trusted in Christ for salvation. At the Great White Throne, all vestments of earthly authority will be gone. Praise God that when it comes to salvation, He is also no respecter of persons. There will be many great and important people in heaven who will point to the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross as the only reason why they are there. Nobody in heaven will have any cause to boast. Praise God that I will be there. Is you name written in the Lamb's book of life?

Luke 10:23-24
And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:  For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Source Daily Mail

US President Bush has repeated his claim that Christians and Muslims worship the same God, during an interview for an Arabic TV station. He made the comments during an interview with a reporter from Al Arabiya television at the White House. Elie Nakouzi questioned the President on whether the Islamic perception that the US is out to destroy Islam is justified or not. President Bush praised Islam, and said he believes people of all religions pray to the same God.

Quote: ""Well, first of all, I believe in an Almighty God, and I believe that all the world, whether they be Muslim, Christian, or any other religion, prays to the same God. That's what I believe. I believe that Islam is a great religion that preaches peace. And I believe people who murder the innocent to achieve political objectives aren't religious people, whether they be a Christian who does that – we had a person blow up our – blow up a federal building in Oklahoma City who professed to be a Christian, but that's not a Christian act to kill innocent people.

The President made a similar comment during another interview, when he stated that people of all religions just have "different ways of getting to the Almighty". As far as I remember, Prime Minister Tony Blair has also made similar claims that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. Leading Christian theologians have proposed that Christians drop major doctrines, including the Deity of Christ, for the sake of peaceful relations with other religions. Recently another prominent Bishop proposed that Christians use the name of Allah in addressing God, in an attempt to improve relations with Islam. And last year, the Episcopalian Church voted down a resolution at their annual conference which declared that the Jesus Christ is the only name whereby we must be saved. I don't know whether President Bush is a born again Christian or not. If he is, his recent comments certainly do not reflect that. In other related news, it has now become illegal for ministers at council meetings in Fayetteville and Cumberland County to pray in the name of Jesus, or any other name for that matter. Attorneys asked for the ban following a series of lawsuits from people complaining after hearing the name of Jesus mentioned in prayer.

Quote: "Attorneys asked for the ban after recent lawsuits, including one in Forsyth County in which three citizens were offended at hearing Jesus' name in prayers at county meetings. Both memos cited a 2004 case in which the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that routine invocation of Jesus in the opening prayers of a South Carolina town's council meetings unconstitutionally endorsed one religion. "Frequent invoking of the name of Jesus (or any other Deity) in opening prayer could lead to a lawsuit under the federal civil rights statute," McDonald wrote, in the memo.

The claims of President Bush and other world leaders that Christians and members of other religions pray to the same God may be politically correct, but it is completely unscriptural. And as we have seen of late, it is sad to say that this viewpoint is becoming more and more popular in apostate Christendom. Although Christians, Jews and Muslims may lay claim to a shared history, recognition of the Deity of Jesus Christ is what sets apart Christianity from other religions. Traditional Judaism denies the Trinity and refuses to recognize Yeshua as the Messiah. Islam does slightly better, honouring Isa as a prophet, but denying His claims to be the Son of God. But as the last article shows, the real goal behind this false teaching, that people of all religions pray to the same God, is not to improve relations with other religions. It is the name of Jesus that they cannot tolerate. Christians are instructed by the Lord throughout the Scriptures to pray to the Father in the name of the Son. Any other type of prayer is Scripturally incorrect. 

John 16:23-27
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. 

While President Bush claims that we all worship the same God, Peter states in Acts 4:12 that the name of Jesus is the only name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Contrary to the recent ruling of the Episcopalian conference, and contrary to what Pastor Joel Osteen and others like him have been proclaiming, the Scriptures state that the wrath of God remains upon those who have not believed on the name of the Son of God.

John 3:18
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

So let us continue to pray in the precious name of Jesus Christ, giving honour due to the Son as our Mediator and Intercessor between God and man, and to the Father which has provided for us this great Gift of Salvation.

John 5:22-24
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Source WorldNetDaily, Catholic News, WRAL

The son of Pentecostal televangelist Oral Roberts is facing litigation after a string of political and financial irregularities at the Oral Roberts University were made public. A lawsuit is being brought against Richard Roberts by three former professors of the university, who allege that they were wrongfully dismissed after whistle-blowing on the university's participation in a local government election. The ORU is listed as a non-profit organization, and is forbidden by law from participating in party politics. Other allegations have surfaced concerning Richard Robert's wife, of whom it is said misused ministry funds to purchase expensive cars, dresses, horses and holidays for their children. Richard Roberts has vehemently denied the allegations. The university is carrying out a full investigation into the accusations.

Quote: "At a chapel service this week on the 5,300-student campus known for its 60-foot-tall bronze sculpture of praying hands, Roberts said God told him: "We live in a litigious society. Anyone can get mad and file a lawsuit against another person whether they have a legitimate case or not. This lawsuit ... is about intimidation, blackmail and extortion." San Antonio televangelist John Hagee, a member of the ORU board of regents, said the university's executive board "is conducting a full and thorough investigation." 

I picked this news, not because I want to tear down Oral Roberts or his ministry. I would never seek to tear down any person's ministry, for when it comes to service we are taught by Scripture that we should judge nothing before the time (1st Corinthians 4:5). But while we shouldn't judge people's character or motives, we are commanded by Scripture to judge what they teach from the Word of God...

Romans 16:17 
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

1st Corinthians 5:3-5 
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Paul warned the Church at Ephesus that after his departing, grievous wolves would enter in among them, not sparing the flock. And of their own assembly, there would arise false teachers who would seek to draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:29-30). Peter also warned that just as there were false prophets among the people of Israel, so there would be false teachers among Christians (2nd Peter 2:1). The Apostle John says false teachers went out from us because they were not of us (1st John 2:19), while Jude states that they crept in unawares (Jude 1:4). Throughout the New Testament, the apostles mentioned by name those who opposed the truth delivered unto the saints. Clearly if we are not judging what we are being taught, we are deceiving ourselves.

I have satellite television at home, and some of the programming on it is very good. But sadly a majority is not. A majority of it seems to be controlled by a group of Christians that have deviated from the truth of Scripture, and are preaching a false gospel. Discernment ministry is not my "gift", and there many sites that deal with this topic. But I just wanted to make a few comments in relation to this prosperity gospel. I commented recently on Pastor Joel Osteen, known by some here under the name of the "Colgate kid" (Colgate is a toothpaste in my country). He preaches a feel-good gospel... no blood shed, no repentance necessary. I mentioned Pastor John Hagee, who believes that the Jews can get to heaven without coming to Christ for salvation. Rory and Wendy Alec... they seem so sincere and perhaps the God channel is being used of God in some ways, but they dupe millions of people out of their living in making false promises of blessing and prosperity. They would do well to study the life of George Muller, who raised millions of pounds for God's work without asking anyone for a penny. Since when does God need to compel people to go to their phones? He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. I could mention many more, who teach things completely foreign to the Scriptures. Things which sound very, very good. Believe me, I have been deceived by some of the stuff these men have come out with. The Lord said that in the last days, false prophets would arise and shall show great signs and wonders, which if it were possible they would deceive even the genuine believers (Matthew 24:24). The Bible states that the Antichrist will deceive the world through all manner of lying wonders (2nd Thessalonians 2:9). One name that immediately springs to mind in relation to this verse is Benny Hinn, who claims to work great miracles in God's name, some of which have been found to be fraudulent after thorough investigation. But he talks about Jesus Christ... Didn't the Lord say, not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven? (Matthew 7:22). Through the signs and wonders movement, I believe apostate Christendom is being prepared for the coming of the Antichrist and false prophet.

So where is all this leading? I believe that we are living in the age of the Laodicean church, mentioned in Revelation 3. This church received absolutely no commendation from Christ. The Lord says the church believed it was rich, increased with goods and had need of nothing. Spiritually the Lord said they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked (Revelation 3:17). I can't think of more adequate words to describe this church generation. The Lord also stated that in relation to Laodicea, He was outside the door (Revelation 3:20). As we have seen, many churches today aren't interested in preaching the Gospel. All they are interested in is church growth and how much money they are bringing in. I add the names in these verses, not to tear these people down but to emphasize the days that we are now living in...

2nd Peter 2:1-3 
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies (Kenneth Copeland who claims we are gods), even denying the Lord that bought them (Joel Osteen who claims Jesus is not the only way), and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of (scandals such as Richard Roberts). And through covetousness shall they with feigned words (promising material blessings in return for money) make merchandise of you (God channel telethon): whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 

Source BreitBart

Letters belonging to Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who spent her life helping the poor of India, are to be published in a new book entitled "Mother Teresa: Come be my light". The Catholic Church is presently seeking to turn Mother Teresa into a "saint", giving the green light for millions of Catholics to pray to her for special favour and guidance in their lives. Following her death, Pope John Paul II waived the customary 5 year waiting period, and started the lengthly process which would result in the beatification of Mother Teresa. She had asked for her letters to be burned after her death, but instead they were preserved at the behest of the Vatican so they could be enshrined as the relics of a "saint". But the letters are causing no small stir among the Catholic Church, for they reveal another side to Mother Teresa. That of a woman tormented with doubts about faith, God and salvation. In a letter to Rev. Michael van der Peet in September 1979, she wrote, "Jesus has a very special love for you. As for me, the silence and the emptiness is so great that I look and do not see, listen and do not hear". Mother Teresa was worshipped by many Catholics as a living "saint", for many saw her good works as a testament to her devotion to God. But it seems that this devotion did not grant her genuine peace with God.

Quote: ""Please pray specially for me that I may not spoil His work and that Our Lord may show Himself -- for there is such terrible darkness within me, as if everything was dead," she wrote in 1953. "It has been like this more or less from the time I started 'the work.'" Then in 1956: "Such deep longing for God -- and ... repulsed -- empty -- no faith -- no love -- no zeal. (Saving) souls holds no attraction -- Heaven means nothing -- pray for me please that I keep smiling at Him in spite of everything." And then in 1959: "If there be no God -- there can be no soul -- if there is no Soul then Jesus -- You also are not true." At times she also found it hard to pray. "I utter words of community prayers -- and try my utmost to get out of every word the sweetness it has to give -- but my prayer of union is not there any longer -- I no longer pray."

As Christians we often go through periods of doubt and despair, for Satan is constantly accusing us to God and trying to hinder our effectiveness for the Lord. I myself have been feeling quite down this past few days. On Thursday I felt very empty inside, and yesterday I was in despair over my sins and the failures of my life. Although I may often feel discouraged and downcast, somehow I always know deep down inside that there is restoration, that there is still hope even in the darkest dungeon, and although I may be far from the Lord, He is still within reach if I will turn to Him. I guess that is the Holy Spirit within the true believer, who intercedes on behalf of us to the Lord (Romans 8:26), maintaining a work of Grace in the heart. 

I like that story of John Bunyan's Holy War, a similitude of how the town of Mansoul was wilfully taken captive by Diabolus, and was later conquered by El Shaddai, its Creator. The elders of the town had asked forgiveness of El Shaddai for letting the Devil take control of Mansoul, and even when the Lord presently refused to come to their aid (for they had not sent the right messenger to petition El Shaddai), still the town elders were able to take courage for they were persuaded that by His reply El Shaddai would at some time come and deliver them from their enemy. Later the town elders were instructed that their letter must be written by the hand of El Shaddai's Servant (the Holy Spirit), if the Lord was to respond to their petition.

But for Mother Teresa... a silence and emptiness, a terrible darkness within her, having a love for God yet being repulsed by Him, having no faith, no zeal, souls hold no attraction, heaven means nothing... For a person to devote their entire life to what they thought was God's work, yet at the end of it all to find no favour with Him! Why would such a person be repulsed by God, who has seemingly done so much good in His name? A person like that can find no cause for hope in God, nor find favour with the Lord, for they remain under the wrath of God. Though they served Him with all their heart during their lifetime, the heart of God could not be moved towards them, because they have not put their faith in Christ's sacrifice on the cross. They have not fled to Jesus Christ for cleansing and justification from sin. The Bible states that "without faith it is impossible to please God", (Hebrews 11:6).

Hebrews 10:38-39 
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

The "drawing back" in this verse is not backsliding, but a drawing back in unbelief from the revealed truth of Jesus Christ to a system of works. The writer was warning Jewish believers in Yeshua that God has no pleasure in those who turn away from the truth of the Gospel and go back to the Jewish sacrificial system. But so it is for many Catholics, Protestants and other nominal "Christians" who are serving God with all their heart, but are not justified by faith in Christ.

Galatians 3:10
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Sadly millions of Catholics will be following in Mother Teresa's footsteps, hoping to obtain favour with God by praying to her, and seeking blessings from a woman who, if she wasn't saved through faith, is in hell at this present time. Few could match Mother Teresa for devotion, but her experience shows us first hand that we cannot obtain favour with God through good works. Praise God our faith is in something much more steadfast, in Christ's finished work on the cross. If you have not trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation, if you have no peace, if your sins are not forgiven, if you have an emptiness inside which cannot be filled, put your faith in Jesus Christ today. Admit you are a sinner in need of salvation, and the Lord has promised that whoever comes to Him, He will in no wise cast out (John 6:37).

Colossians 1:20-22
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Source Reuters, Gutenberg, BBC

Quote: "Younan told the assembly that the separation wall, located in the West Bank, is "not a sign of justice and peace." The wall "does not provide security, it breeds despair and a culture of separation." Younan said he has "no doubt that the separation wall in the Holy Land will one day fall." Many people have asked what they can do to help, said Younan. People can help through education, prophetic interfaith dialogue and continuity of Christianity in the Holy Land. "Christians are leaving because of the unstable political situation, the harsh restrictions of the occupation and the loss of hope in a just peace. We are now less than 2 percent of the population." Younan said 2007 marks 40 years of occupation. "Forty years of wilderness is enough for both Palestinians and Israelis, indeed for the whole world." The Lutheran church "calls (for) the Palestinian state (to) be a modern, democratic, secular, civil society and live in peace with justice alongside Israel, so that both nations will become a light to the world."

The Lutheran Church's call for the boycott of Israeli goods brought condemnation from the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, an organization that works to oppose anti-Semitism worldwide. Rabbi Abraham Cooper blasted the Lutheran Church for its hypocrisy in laying the blame for the conflict in the Middle East solely at Israel's feet, while turning two blind eyes towards Palestinian terrorism and the plight of Israeli civilians and Christians living in the territories.

Quote: "The Simon Wiesenthal Center blasted the assembly's "mixed message" of rejecting divestiture but "studying" a boycott. "This marks the first time a mainline American Protestant church has moved toward a possible boycott of Israel," said the centre's associate dean, Rabbi Abraham Cooper. "ELCA delegates would have made a stronger contribution to the quest for peace and justice in the Holy Land had they also raised the ransacking of Christian places of worship and [the] recent forced conversion of a Christian professor in Gaza, as well as the unrelenting targeting of Israeli civilian communities by Palestinian Kassam rockets," Cooper said.

By the way, what on earth does "prophetic interfaith dialogue" mean? If "interfaith dialogue" is ecumenicalism by another name, and entails Muslims, Jews and Christians coming together as one, then what is "prophetic" interfaith dialogue? Is it possible that the Lutheran Church, in order to ease tensions between the "three monotheistic faiths", is seeking to unify our beliefs on the end times? Muslims believe that their Mahdi will conquer Jerusalem and rule over it for a period of seven years. Christians believe this man will be none other than the Antichrist or False Prophet, whom the Lord will destroy at His Second Coming. These opposing views, in the eyes of the world, will ultimately bring about a full scale war of civilizations. Sadly more and more Christian organizations are rejecting the correct interpretation of Scriptures, and adhering to the anti-Semitic teachings of Replacement Theology and Preterism. As a result they cannot see the imminent fulfilment of end time events, such as the appearance of the Antichrist and the division of God's land. This, I believe, will lead to apostate churches accepting the Antichrist as their Messiah during the tribulation period, when he finally brings "peace" to the Middle East. 

Source Worldwide Faith News, JTA