Friday Night Notes

lots to say, though, not much change...

It has been a rough week for me and my church family. Our mid-week prayer meeting was cancelled due to everyone being sick with a terrible virus that is going around in my city. So, after a long week a fighting a nasty virus, my pastor and I were finally just well enough to head out for some street preaching. Both of us were at about 75% health/strength, which isn't great, but hey! with the two of us out there, it's 150% better than having no preachers out (hee hee!).

All and all, it was a good night. We preached for about 3 hours, with no one bothering or threatening us, we distributed a whole lot of gospel literature, and we had a few one-on-one conversations.

Best moments:

-I had a conversation with a man named Simon who asked me a few questions about my faith and after a brief exchange he said: "you know, as I get older, if there is one thing I have come to conclude about spiritual matters, it's this: it really is all by grace." A huge smile came on my face and said: "Couldn't agree more my friend." I encouraged him to study the Bible, and he said he would. He took a gospel tract, so please pray that the Lord would be very GRACIOUS to Simon.

-I had another conversation with a homosexual. He, at first, tried real hard to demonize me as a hateful guy who was out to get guys like him, but I calmly explained that I didn't hate sinners, I wanted them to repent and be at peace with God. He then explained to me how he had a dream once, and in it, he said, God told him that He accepted him exactly the way he was (as in, a homosexual). Well, I answered him, again quite kindly: "You see Sir, you put your faith in a dream, a dream that basically approved what you wanted approved. My faith is in the Bible, because God saved me. In the end, our faiths are different, and only one of us can be right, and one day, we'll both find out who was right, and who was following a fable." With that, he took his leave. I don't think anything much will happen there, but I was pleased that I was able to reason with him that the preaching of the Gospel was not equal to preaching HATRED towards homosexuals.

Worst moment:

By far my worst moment tonight happened when I was walking towards a crosswalk with a Gospel sign. In front of me was a young boy with his mother. When the mother saw me approaching the street corner, she turned her sons eyes away from me (and the sign) and said: "Oh! don't look at the stupid Jesus man." Poor lad, the person he trusts and loves the most, steering his eyes away from the Truth.


Well, that's all for tonight. I'm going to bed now. Have a great weekends my dear readers,

Rand

To All Those Who Worship By Sight

this is critical...


In my post What Is Truth?, I concluded that the Bible was the determining factor, the one thing that separates the true saint from the unbelievers and the false professors. It only follows then, that the main teaching of God's Word should have the same effect. And , IT TOTALLY DOES! The main teaching I'm referring to? FAITH.

Faith: Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.

Biblical Christianity is based completely on faith in the unseen; and that not only in the belief of it's God, but also in the practice of it's worship. The Bible is quite clear:

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

True Christians, unlike idolators, worship God in spirit. No pictures, no statues, no jewelry. None.

Only two "exceptions" can be found in Scripture, and I put the quotation marks there because these exceptions were NOT to be worshiped, rather they were symbols of God's character and/or doings. The first is God's Tabernacle/Temple and their contents; and since neither exist anymore, it is no longer applicable. The second is the Lord's Table. Yes, the Lord's Table. Christians are to observe the Lord's Table, with the cup and the bread, as a remembrance of the work of the Cross. This still applies today, and I repeat, is the ONLY permissible worship-object in the church. Again the Bible is clear, and I want you to notice the one thing that is used here to separate the true Christian from the idolator:

"Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?" (1 Corinthians 10:14-19)

Now, I repeat, the Lord's Table is NOT to be an object of worship (if it were John 4:24 would be of none effect), it is an object of REMEMBRANCE.

Should we accept the Romanist's argument that their pictures, statues, and jewelry are the same thing, just objects the help them remember? No. Again, the Scriptures are far to clear:

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." (Exodus 20:4-6)

God, through His Bible, has given us everything we need for "life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). And in this Book, how many pages are used to physical descriptions of God or God's servants? ZERO. How many verses are there that clearly sets an "exception clause" to the Second Commandment to allow for statues of Jesus/Mary? ZERO.

Christians are to worship God "in spirit and in truth"; spiritual worship means no physical objects required. Muslim, repent, there is no peace with God through the "Black Stone". Romanist, repent, there is no fellowship between your idols and the Living God. All you other idolators (whether it be Hinduism, or other types of spiritism), repent, the Living God's anger rests on those who worship stone and wood.

"Their (the heathens) idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them." (Psalm 115:4-8)

They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing? Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together. (Isaiah 44:9-11)

"For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go." (Jeremiah 10:3-5a)


Rand


UPDATE: My pastor has preached a sermon on this matter that is truly informative; it deals with a great number of Bible passages. You can hear it HERE.

Heading For An Election

Lord, give us a better government...

For well over a decade now, the Liberal Party have been in power in Canada (and yes, the name says it all, ungodly liberals!). They won 3 consecutive majority governments, but in the last elections, under a cloud of scandal, they only managed to win a minority government. Well, the rumors are becoming facts, and the opposition parties have the power to force another election; and that, only a year after the last one.

As I am writing this post, the Conservatives (a watered-down Republican party), the New Democratic Party (if Satan votes in Canada, this is where he places his ballot) and the Bloc Quebecois (a Quebec based separatist party) are fully engaged in polling the canadian population to gage whether an early election is in their favour.

Well yesterday, I got a phone call. It was a representative of the Conservative Party of Canada. This is a summary of our conversation (my words are in CAPITALS):

-Hello, my name is Jim and I represent Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada and we were wondering, Mr. Rand, if we can count on your support in an early election.

-MY FRIEND, I'M A CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALIST, THERE IS ONLY ONE PARTY I CAN POSSIBLY VOTE FOR IN ANY ELECTION, AND YES, THAT'S THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

-Ooookay! (I could tell that really made his day) Then I was wondering Mr. Rand if I could ask you five quick questions which you can answer with "agree", "disagree" or "not sure"?

-SURE, WHY NOT.

-The tax burden on Canadians is too high and it is time for some tax cuts.

-AGREE!

-It is time for stricter rules for immigration in order to safeguard our country and our American neighbours from criminals and terrorists.

-AGREE.

-We need to work closer with our American allies on such projects as "Missile Defense".

-AGREE.

-We need to maintain the traditional definition of marriage.

-OH YEAH...AGREE!!!

-Hee hee hee...right on (he actually said that). Finally Mr. Rand, it is better for parliament to legislate on social issues rather than differ decisions to unelected judges in the courts.

-YEP! I AGREE AGAIN!

And on that note, Jim thanked me for my time and support and we both said goodbye. I couldn't help thinking that after he hung up, he probably had a big smile on his face, and then hoping that he would be talking with more eligible voters like Rand that afternoon. I hope he got his wish, I really do.

To be honest with you, I don't push much hope in anything particularly good coming from politics in my country. My faith is in Jesus, not Stephen Harper, George W. Bush or any other "right-wing, Christian-friendly" political leader. That being said, there is very little doubt that Christian fair much better under Conservative leaders, so I certainly wish Mr. Harper victory.


Rand's prayer: Lord, your will be done the country of my sojourning; show it as much grace and mercy as You would show, for my sakes, for the sakes of my children, and indeed, for the sakes of my brethren in Christ. You are in sovereign control of every king, president and prime-minister on this Earth. You raise them up, you cast them down. All this for Your Own glory and honour, and no one can say: "What doest thou?"

Whatever You have planned for Canada, help me to stand and to withstand, that I may contribute my flame to a revival bonfire, or be a small, yet bright candle in darkness of apostasy.

I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour, amen.

What is Truth?

well???

"Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?" (John 18:37-38a)

You know, it never ceases to amaze me, that most born-again saints in the world, actually believe that God is "trying" to save everyone. If you are such a Christian, read the verse above again. Jesus came to "bear witness unto the truth", and "everyone that is OF THE TRUTH, heareth his voice". Really now, could it be any clearer?

Truth was/is what separates us from the unbelieving, Truth is what separates us from heretics. Truth really is the determining factor. I know unbelievers who are more hospitable, caring, morally excellent than me, but their lack of Truth is what makes them the devil's children. Think about it: how could king David be called "a man of God's own heart"? Was he not an adulterer and a murderer? You bet he was, but he received God's Truth and put all his faith in it.

So what is the answer to Pilate's question? What IS Truth?

Most would answer that these are the fundamentals, the necessary parts of Truth, whereby a sinner becomes a child of the Living God:

1- Belief that the Bible (all 66 books) is inspired by God and are completely without error in their original writing.

2- Belief in the doctrine of the Trinity

3- Belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, His virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death for our sins, and His bodily resurrection.

4- Belief that salvation is by grace alone, through faith, not of works.

5- Belief in the future personal, bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I have no objections to any of these doctrines being called "fundamental" truth, but I have to admit I have a problem with making distinctions where the Scriptures do not. My point: nowhere in Scripture do we read that the doctrines above are the critical aspects of Truth, while everything else is details. Consider this biblical example:

"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." (2 Timothy 2:16-18)

Hymenaueus and Philetus' terrible heresy came not by denying the inspired nature of Scripture, the virgin birth, the Trinity, the resurrection of Christ or even, His return. Their heresy was in their teachings that the resurrection of saints had already happened. If we define Truth as the five fundamentals listed above, these two men would not have been singled out by the apostle Paul.

So...what is Truth? As far as I'm concerned, there is only one safe, solid answer: the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD. Paul was "pure from the blood of all men" because he taught "the important parts of Scripture"? No, no. He preached "the whole counsel of God". Truth, brothers and sisters, is the Bible, God's word:

"Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy WORD. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy WORD. And take not the WORD OF TRUTH utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments." (Psalm 119:41-43)

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD OF TRUTH." (2 Timothy 2:15)

So what am I saying? That if you don't have all the doctrines of the Bible right, you don't have a chance? No. If it were the case, Heaven would most likely be without any human beings. I believe God's grace covers his elects doctrinal errors (which we all carry, ignorantly or willingly). That being said, I do believe that any degree of error in our understanding of who God is, and what He does, is quite serious. Any lie we carry in our theology cripples the Truth, and then the following question must be asked: "are we of the Truth?"

Doctrine, brothers and sisters, matters. Knowing the Truth (all of it) is our assurance of salvation, it is what separates us from the ungodly and heretics (the more you know, the more it will separate). It distresses me when I hear Christians (true or false) say things like: "I'm not big on doctrine", or "well, some people believe this, others that, I just don't think it matters".

Friends, let us pray with the psalmist:

"Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments." (Psalm 119:169-176)

And may the Lord make this a reality in my life, and all those who faithfully read "A Form of Sound Words":

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)


Rand

No Evangelism Tonight

makes me mad...

Well, my pastor is the only man tonight evangelizing downtown, much to my chagrin. Why am I not with him? Two reasons. The first is that I have a nasty cold; coughing, sneezing, aches and pains...the whole nine yards. The second is that my wife is REAL SICK, and because of this, I had to stay home today and be Mr. Mom with my kids. I was hoping that perhaps, after the kids are in bed, I could have made it out for at least an hour, but instead, I had to drive in to work to tend to a few experiments I started yesterday.

Anyway, the bottom line is that there will be no Friday Night Notes tonight. Sorry.

Please pray for a quick recovery that we may at least have a good Lord's Day.

Later,


Rand

St-Rand of Assisi

No...I haven't gone Romanist...LOL...





A few days ago, I took my wife and my kids out for a nature walk. It was a lovely day. In the picture above, you can see me feeding a black-capped chickadee. These birds are notoriously bold; apparently, they didn't get God's memo that they were to have "a fear and dread of man" (Genesis 9:2).





And here are my earthly treasures; in the front, my first-born gem, and in the background, my two other little jewels with my "most rare pearl of high value", I call my wife.

I occasionally look at people around me who are living together outside of the bond of marriage, some with children, others without; people who are in other immoral relationships; people who are married but who don't want children. My conclusion: poor fools, you really don't know what you are missing and you really don't know just how empty your "replacement relationships" really are.

"But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death" (Proverbs 8:36)

It sometimes hits me just how blessed I am to have such a beautiful, healthy, vibrant family, and just how much I cherish them. The Lord truly made the family to be a wonderful thing: A mother, a father and children under their care. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Rand

(btw...have you noticed? Someone has been having some fun with his mommy's digital camera...hee hee)

Jon Stewart, Terrorism and Homosexuality

if Jon can make the connection, it's time for everyone to catch up...

A few nights ago, I was keeping an eye on the television late night news while working on my PC. Right after the news, Jon Stewart's Daily Show started. I don't make it a habit of watching left-wing, comedic trash, but, being too lazy to leave the computer to turn the "idiot box" off, I indulged. And you know what? He actually made a fairly honest and accurate point! (I know, I'm impressed too!)

The point: Mr. Stewart rhetorically asked the audience how America could re-shape it's image in the Middle East. He then showed a video clip of how the average Muslim in the Middle East would view America today: images of half-naked women dancing sensually, drunkard revelings, ungodly television shows, and homosexuality were put to a dark, threatening soundtrack. He then asked how they could make America seem more like this clip: the exact same images stream through except this time, it's set to Lee Greenwood's "God bless the USA".

Now you may be thinking: "well that's stupid", but actually, there is some wisdom here. You see, Jon Stewart, despite his MANY shortcomings, has been able to make a connection that most people in the West refuse to make: the connection between our ungodliness and our problems in the Middle East.

Terrorists call the US and it's allies "the great Satan", and when you look at the ungodliness that we produce in any given week, I can't blame them. Am I excusing their murderous hate? No. But what I am saying is this: the wicked in our land are feeding our enemies' hatred of us, and that, by their own lifestyles. They see us as a bunch of immoral animals, and when I glance at what is on MTV, I can see their point.

You see, immorality, like any other sin has consequences, and these consequences are usually quite difficult, if not impossible to contain. There are many out there who make the argument: "well I believe immorality is something that is part of a group of individuals' PRIVATE lives, so it isn't anyone else's business, let them do what they want". The problem is, their activities most certainly doesn't stay private. It was only 30-35 years ago, that homosexuality was decriminilized in my country (can you believe it, my country actually had a standard of righteousness not too long ago), and now we have everything from "pride parade" to "gay marriage" legislation, and that for all the religious world to see!

Am I saying that Islamic terrorists hate us only because of our wickedness? No. I'm aware that there are plenty of illegimate reasons for their hatred of us; whether it be the Christian faith (what is left of it in the West), whether it be our support of Israel, or whether it be our democratic political system. But you see it's the legitimate gripes that take away our "moral" platform. Instead of "having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of us, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse our good conversation" (1 Peter 3:16), we are guilty of gross sin...and that, NATIONALLY!

And it doesn't end there. This is where a whole lot more trouble will come our way. You see, the ungodly amongst us are not pleased with just living wickedly in our lands (remember, as stated above, the consequences of sin are many, and uncontainable). No, no. They must show off their evil to one and all; taking pride in their evil, and calling it good before all (Romans 1:32). There is no greater proof of that than this (and you really have NO IDEA how much I hate posting that detestable link on my blog).

Yep, the Sodomites plan to have their festivities in the streets of Jerusalem this year. The location isn't by chance I can assure you of that. Jerusalem, today, is the crossroads of the three biggest religions in the world, all of them condemning homosexuality for the gross immorality that it is. This is nothing short of mockery and disrespect, and there will be a price to be paid for it.

Oh, I don't think that the "love your neighbour as yourself" group will cause much trouble, they have been manhandled by the Sodomites for some time now in the Free World; this is no surprise to them. I also doubt that the "Sabbath" folks will raise much ruckus, since, they have enough problems with their "other" enemies which physically surrounds them and who would like nothing better than to push poor old Israel into the sea. But the "moon-god" people...oh...there we have a problem.

The Islamic world will most likely, this summer, see "Judeo-Christian nations" pridefully display terrible immorality, and that very close to their backyards. And sadly, when Ahmed/Mohammed/Abdul straps his TNT on his chest to eliminate the people of "the great Satan", I really doubt that he'll be very selective of which Jew or Westerner he blows to bits.

Again, how true the Bible is:

"Woe unto them (North America, Free Europe, and yes, Israel) that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20)


Rand

Friday Night...Pictures!!!

here we are in all our "glory"...




Some people have their customary bar stool...Rand here is on his customary preaching spot.




My pastor with old "Excalibur" next to him...hee hee! Our 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 gospel sign is by far the sign that brings us the most reaction from the unbelieving.



Here's old Rand offering a Gospel tract to these ladies (if memory serves, they turned down my offer). Oh! the reason I'm looking away is I'm actually preaching to people across the street here.



Again, offering a tract, though this time, the young fellow reading the Gospel sign (brown jacket) took my offer. We had a long enough conversation. He's a Romanist, though nominally. He was kind of surprised (like so many others) that "homosexuals" were in the list of sinners, in 1 Corinthians 6:9, who would "not inherit the kingdom of God". In our conversation, he asked me why I had left Romanism; I showed him Exodus 20:4-5 and told him that that was only one of many reasons why I left the wicked religion. He was shocked! He just said: "Whoa! It couldn't be any clearer could it?" I answered: "No, no, it couldn't!" Pray that the Lord would do something with this young man.



My pastor's turn at preaching at "the spot".



You got to love this! This is my pastor's house, where we start our street preaching, and where it ends. But you see, my pastor's evangelism continues throughout the night with this lit up gospel sign in his front window. Talk about dedication to the Great Commission!




Okay, now for the notes:








Rand

Labels: Friday evangelism

Fame!

good side, bad side...

Well, it's all thanks to you!!! A Form of Sound Words made it into the triple digits yesterday in the number of hits. It's really cool to know that so many of you actually care to follow the thoughts and actions of a quack like me...LOL.

Unfortunately though, with fame comes...trolls. For those of you who are unaware of what an internet troll is, here is it's definition according to Wikipedia:

"An Internet troll is either a person who sends messages on the Internet hoping to entice other users into angry or fruitless responses, or a message sent with such content."

In other words, "a lazy bonehead with nothing better to do with his time than to look for people to mock online". I have had a number of such people come to my blog in the last couple of weeks (corresponding to the recent jump in my stats) and so far, I have been able to ban them out of my comment box pretty easily. I keep a very close eye on my blog.

Now, for my request: to all my online friends, please, DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS. If one should avoid my detection for a short time, do not respond to their lunacy; that's what they want! Ignore them, and rest assured their trash will be removed soon enough.

Hope you all continue to enjoy A Form of Sound Words,

See you later, on the Friday Night Notes,


Rand

Synthetic Cursing

we got to stop this...


"DARN it to HECK! I can't believe Billy believes that load of CRAP. I mean JEEEZ, what is he thinking. I tried and tried to talk some sense into him, but OH MY GOSH, he's stubborn."


I apologize in advance to all the good and faithful Christians reading the above phrases and are offended. Your reaction is appropriate. I still felt it was important for me to post it as an example. You see, in the above four little phrases, we have a remarkable four blasphemies, and one gross word that any civil human would avoid using (non-Christian's included).

So why in the world are Christians using such words? Ah! because they aren't the actual, letter-for-letter words. You see they are "simulated" blasphemies; switch an "M" for an "R" and there you go Christian, have fun!

This is stupid. Everyone knows what words "darn", "heck", "crap", "jeeez", and "oh my gosh" come from, and everyone knows that a Christian should not use these words in vain. Oh, I'm not going to pretend I have never used these words, but I'm not going to make any excuses for my sin; because it is sin.

We need to remind ourselves of this:

"In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, SOUND SPEECH, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." (Titus 2:7-8)

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and BRIDLETH NOT HIS TONGUE, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26)

Christians, don't pretend-curse, rather glorify God with your every word. We are not suppose to talk like the world (and changing a couple of letters in a curse word is still worldly speech). We should be holy in all manner of conversation (define "conversation" however you will...it'll still make the point).


Rand

Cars

this one will be light...

Got burned pretty bad today...financially.

I took my car in to get my brakes checked out; they were making that terrible squeeking sound whenever I used them. Well, parts had to be replaces, and some had to be fixed up. The list was long...oye.

By the time all was said and done, I was 500$ poorer. OUCH!

I was probably ripped off a bit, but I don't think I was hustled; I actually do know a thing or two about cars. And I must admit, when I brake now, it's much smoother, and quieter. So I guess that's something.

I'll put together something less whiny next time,

Later!


Rand

Why I Have Nothing To Do With Ecumenical Efforts

blame it on holiness...

Context: I received this e-mail a few days ago:

Labels: Biblical Separation, Fundamentalism, Holiness

Friday Night Notes

I'm a very poor man...

Another week done, another night of street preaching. In summary,


The good:

-we passed out a WHOLE LOT of gospel literature! Pray that the Lord would use those tracts to bring many souls into the kingdom of His Dear Son.

-we spent a good chunk of time dealing with a young couple who didn't believe the gospel (they were a bit offended by our stand against homosexuality), but we could tell our preaching wasn't leaving them indifferent. Anyway, they were quite respectful and civil, so we had a good exchange. It ended with her realizing that our conversation was just going in circles because my faith was in the God of the Bible, and she had no such faith. Let's hope the Lord will grant her the second birth.

-the drunkards that have been a problem for me the last few weeks were nowhere to be found tonight. All and all, our preaching went on for 3 solid hours with little interruption.


The bad:


-Ouch! the hard speech. Many cursed the Lord with harsh, terrible words tonight. Some of those words were reserved for us too...oye.

-I was called a very "poor" man who didn't have a clue by a member of the United Church of Canada (for those of you who know nothing of the United Church, it is the most liberal and unbiblical "churches" in my country).

-All and all, the reception to our preaching wasn't exactly a smashing success. I'm afraid we'll have to wait longer for the revival we're praying for.


Well, the Lord was glorified, and we did our duty, so that something. Seeing all those poor wretches tonight, living from one sin to another, wasting their lives away, walking towards condemnation, it really hit me: the power of God's grace. I would be walking the same way tonight had it not been for God's power in my life.

In Him,


Rand

Denomination Quiz!

this was kind of fun...

My friend Joe just posted his "denomination quiz" results on his blog and encouraged his readers to also fill out the quiz and post their results! I more than happily obliged:


1: Baptist (non-Calvinistic)/Plymouth Brethren/Fundamentalist (100%)
2: Baptist (Reformed/Particular/Calvinistic) (87%)
3: Congregational/United Church of Christ (78%)
4: Church of Christ/Campbellite (73%)
5: Methodist/Wesleyan/Nazarene (72%)
6: Pentecostal/Charismatic/Assemblies of God (66%)
7: Anabaptist (Mennonite/Quaker etc.) (65%)
8: Presbyterian/Reformed (59%)
9: Seventh-Day Adventist (54%)
10: Anglican/Episcopal/Church of England (38%)
11: Lutheran (37%)
12: Eastern Orthodox (26%)
13: Roman Catholic (16%)


LOL...now there is a surprised! Looks like I'm a fundy Christian with a twist of grace! Woohoo! (don't let the non-Calvinistic label fool you, I'm a TULIP guy!)

Now you know what kind of nut you're dealing with...why don't you fill out the quiz too and either post your results on your site (leaving a trackback on my blog so I can see the results), or just simply post your results in my comment box.

I sure would like to know what denomination you all gravitate around.

Later,

Rand

(oh yeah, I do expect you to comment...stop raiding my refridgerator!!!)

From Rand's Inbox

thought you might enjoy these...

With all the media coverage on the pope's funeral this week, it's pretty hard for a fundamentalist to not get aggravated. You know what I mean: hearing the title "holy father" used to identify a mere man, watching the idolatrous images that fill the Vatican and other Romanist places of worship, seeing evangelical leaders refuse to call Romanism for what it is (that is, a wicked heresy), it's not exactly what we born-again Christians want to see and hear.

So, here's a little treat for you fundamentalists out there. These were attached to two e-mails I got from a Christian brother and sister; one is a little cartoon I found quite humourous (and true), the other is an excerpt from Charles H. Spurgeon's sermon "Christ the Glory of His People". Hope you enjoy it!

#1-




#2-

Give no glory to this rubbish!

by Charles Spurgeon ("Christ the Glory of His People")


"Alas! alas! It makes a Christian's blood boil to see glory given to a pack of scamps who call themselves priests!

Does it not make a man feel, when you see pictures of 'his holiness' and the cardinals, and so on, scattering their benedictions at the Vatican, or at St. Peter's, while admiring crowds fall down and worship them, that it were infinitely better to bow to the devil himself?

We give glory unto God, but not a particle of glory to anything in the shape of a man, or an angel either.

Have I not stood and seen the crowds by hundreds fall down and worship images and dressed up dolls? I have seen them worship bones and old teeth; I have seen them worship a skeleton, dressed out in modern costume said to be the skeleton of a saint.

I have marveled to see people so infatuated as to think that such idolatry was pleasing to the most high God.

We, brethren, the people of God, who know Christ, can give no glory to this rubbish, but turn away from it with horror!

Our glory must be given to Christ, and to Christ alone! Christ and Christ only must be the grand object of the Christian; the promotion of His glory must be that for which he is willing to live, and for which, if needs be, he would be prepared to die.

Oh! down, down, down, with everything else--but up, up, up, with the cross of Christ!

Down with your baptism, and your masses, and your sacraments! Down with your priest-craft, and your rituals, and your liturgies! Down with your fine music, and your pomp, and your robes, and your garments, and all your ceremonials!

But up, up, up, with the doctrine of the naked cross, and the expiring Savior!"


(Does the world ever need a Spurgeon!)

Vindictiveness

I'm so bad...

"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

We all have our "thorn in the flesh", that irritating spiritual (or physical) infirmity that just drags us down. Mine is a vengeful, vindictive spirit; I don't like starting fights, but when someone gives me one, I'll tango!

Now you remember me mentioning this problem when street preaching a couple of weeks ago, well, I did it again...argh! I wasn't preaching this time (thank the Lord), I was playing hockey. This is EXACTLY what happened, this is how I relayed the story to my friends and colleagues:

I was sitting on the bench after my first shift on the ice. It was just me, and my friend Chris. While we sat there, our team got scored on. Now we are just playing "shiny" hockey, which is a no contact, no slap shot, no gloating form of hockey. Well! The goal scorer seemed to have forgotten the "no gloating" part, because he skated past our bench with his arms in the air, and made a mocking face.

I can't begin to tell you how that aggravated me! I went on to play some seriously INSPIRED HOCKEY. I was everywhere: offence, defense, you name it, I excelled. What drove me? The NEED for revenge. And as luck would have it, I got my heart's desire.

"Rand intercepts the pass! It's a 2-1! Rand is aiming for the pass...No! he fools every one and buries the puck in the net!"

And then guess what I did. Yep! you guessed it: I skated towards the player who had gloated, stared him right in the eye, and rose my arms in the air and mimicked his mocking face. That felt sooooo good!

The game was Monday afternoon, it took a solid 48 hours for me to realize that my behaviour was unacceptable. Oh! some will say I was just fooling around. Others will say that the guy had it coming. But no, my behaviour was evil and I need to repent and yet again, like Paul, pray for deliverance. The Bible is just way too clear on the matter:

"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men." (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44)

It was just a game you say? Yes, it was just a game, but if this Christian can't behave in such a situation, how well will I fair in a more serious situation?

I continue to covet your prayers.

Take care, and God bless,

Rand

Good and Comfortable Words

they are so soothing...

Is there anything sweeter than receiving a kind word, an encouragement from a brother/sister in the Lord? It's like a glass full of icy water in the middle of a dry and arid desert. And you know what? According to the Scriptures, Christians should be doing this, and doing it often:


"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (1 Timothy 5:11-13)

"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13)

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works." (Hebrews 10:24)


So, do you do it? I will admit I don't do it nearly enough (and I say this to my shame). Being an encouragement to another believer, like all other spiritual gifts, takes some practice; to some, it almost comes naturally, to others, it's a whole lot of work. It doesn't come to easily to me, but I'm working on it.

I thank God I have received much encouragement from fellow saints thoughout my Christian life; their encouragement was both a refreshment and an example. An example that I am responsible to follow.

Here are just a few examples of great encouragement/admonishment that I have received in the last few months. I post these as a sincere "thank you" to the authors of these sweet words, and as a standard for us to emulate. I'm keeping them anonymous for two reasons: I didn't ask any of them if I could use their words, and I wanted to help them keep their right hand from knowing what their left hand was doing (Matthew 6:3-4):



-"Hey! how's it going? I just wondered if you would like a cup of coffee? I'm really glad that you are here (on our street corner) preaching the Bible on such a cold night."



-"Once in a while after reading some of the shallow reactions people write into my blog (without naming anyone specific) there comes a time when I wonder how I can angle future content to be of any use to them, but there's always you my brother, and a few others who are sharp and sound to remind me that God has preserved a few wise people in this day. So, Ijust wanted to write you again to thank you for chiming in as often as you do. God bless - and let His grace continue in our dialogue."



-"As I read through your many posts, the thought of the big love of the LORD freshened my morning. I love to preach evangelize as you and have same experiences. I wanted to encourage you as a brother. Amazing I came to understand the doctrines of grace about six years ago and like you have been transformed. If there is any thing I can do please let me know! You have encouraged me as a brother. The WORD you are preaching on Friday nights, if you were not there preaching would not be heard. You may be tired, but GOD is using the WORD to save the elect{2 peter 3:9}!"








I'll be doing my best to encourage and admonish this week...won't you do the same?

Rand

The Romanist Pope Is Dead

sad, sad, sad...

It finally happened, the ailing leader of Romanism has died, and in complete honesty, I feel sad. My sadness, though, may not be of the kind you are thinking of. Most Romanists today (and probably for days to come) will be in deep chagrin over the loss of a man they viewed as good and spiritual; I have no such sadness.

This pope, like all the others before him, was an evil man. Now he didn't curse and revile anyone (that I know of anyway) nor did he physically harm anyone (again, as far as I know), but he was the leader of an abominable, idolatrous religion. He has directed and deceived thousands (if not millions) into grave heresy; this is why he was an evil man. Do I say this with some sick pleasure? No. The Scriptures are far too clear:

"Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him." (Proverbs 24: 17-18)

So in light of all this, this is why I feel sad:


-Another fallen sinner, and I will give credit where credit is due, a peaceable and gentle fallen sinner is MORE THAN LIKELY in Hades right now, in agony, reserved for the Day of Judgement.

-Romanists around the world will MORE THAN LIKELY spend the next few days in all sorts of abominable, idolatrous masses and other evil Romanist practices.

-The promotion of Romanism will be all over the media, which will most likely deceive even more sinners into joining the evil religion.

-Finally, if things follow the normal route, another pope will be selected, and the evil institution will continue as before; same abomination, new heretic at the helm.


It's all pretty grim, but in the end, all this is part of God's design for the Church Age, and we know that whatever the Lord does, it is PERFECT. Some how, even through all this sin and error, God's will is being accomplished, and in the end, HE WILL BE GLORIFIED! Praise God!

The Lord show as much grace and mercy to this poor, sin-filled world as He wills.


Rand

Friday Night Notes

another one done and over with...

Another Friday night of open-air evangelism, and nothing to report except a whole lot of hard hearts. We preached for about 3 hours and the only response we got was mockery, rejection, and even some wrath. The drunks were out again tonight, and yes, they interrupted my preaching...again. I think I conducted myself much better this time, though I will admit that, in my heart, the attitude wasn't right. Continue to pray for a change in old-Rand.

One sad moment tonight: a young man came by to talk to us, claiming he was a student at a Pentecostal seminary. We started chatting with him and it didn't take too long for us to figure out that he had come to "straighten us out". You see, he disapproved of our evangelism method (gospel signs and street preaching). So I asked him:

"Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by...what my friend? And on Pentecost, where did Peter go and what did he do? Did he not evangelize in the streets?"

He brushed off my questions by saying that these methods were for the past only. At that point, we told him he was wasting both his and our time and bid him goodnight. Well!!! He didn't take that too well! LOL! He started yelling at us, saying that Jesus would never say such a thing, and that he knew the Bible ten times more than we did (a remarkable diagnosis considering he spoke with us for appoximately 120 seconds). It was all pretty sad. Full of anger and indignation, he finally left; and I spent some time wondering if the man was really a Christian who was seriously messed up theologically, or if he is nothing but a deceived sinner. Guess I'll find out one day.

Anyway, it's been a long week, and indeed, a long night...it's time for bed.

Take care brothers and sisters,

Rand