How Dr Richard Kent got "provision from the Lord" the "Christian" way by setting up a charity.
http://www.revelationtv.com/programmes/episode/to-the-point496496
About 22:30 minutes in.
How very sad that the apostate church has come to this (Philippians 3:19). To his shame, Dr Richard Kent has repeated his "testimony" about how he found himself in debt to the tune of £260,000 after his illness at 50 years old in 1997. He claims that in today's money this sum is about £50M which is roughly correct using a historical inflation calculator. He was forced to retire as a GP due to ill heath and was facing the repossession of his house because his small pension had reduced his income by 80%. "The Lord" told Kent to set up a charity and to travel all over the world and voilà -- nine months later the debt was completely cleared and the Kents' income started going up again due to some large cheques: "All because we set up a charity and started putting God first. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."
One might reasonably ask Dr Kent how he managed to get himself into so much debt in the first place! It appears that his home had been in his family for two generations, so one would have thought it would be mortgage free. It seems he was quite well enough to travel the world, but he tells RTV viewers that he was not well enough to continue working! I understand that an NHS pension would be very good for a GP retiring at fifty years old due to ill health. As usual the RTV "stories" simply do not add up! I wonder if the contributors to Kent's charity would have given if they had realised that it was actually set up to get him out of debt! The scandal of charity CEO's greed is well reported, but apparently the questionable ethics of the world are easily transferable to the apostate church who twist the scriptures to suit their own agendas!
The fallacy that material wealth equals the blessing of God is widespread amongst the apostates who should perhaps read about the self delusion of Laodicea. The words wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and
naked come to mind (Revelation 3:17-18)! What a shame that the persecuted church across the world does not receive such "provision" from the Lord!!!
Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on
frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger
from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in
the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? (2 Corinthians 11:25-29)
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice (without right).
(Proverbs 16:8)
The name of the Kents' charity is The Final Frontier Charitable Trust, UK Charity No 1106663.{1}
{1} http://www.freechristianteaching.tv/about-dr-richard-kent-co-author-of-this-book
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.You will recognize them by their fruits (Matthew 7/15-16)
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Monday, 23 May 2016
Saturday, 14 May 2016
the bishop, the whore and the spirit of antichrist: the appointment of martyn snow in leicester
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of
your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what
is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Martyn Snow, the new Bishop of Leicester, falls within the "evangelical" tradition of the Church of England. Technically speaking, "evangelical" refers to a person, church, or organization that is committed to the Christian gospel message that Jesus Christ is the saviour of humanity. "New Evangelicalism" is a very far cry from the original reformers, and in typical Church of England style, the term "evangelical" has become unrecognisable and bears no resemblance to its original meaning (Ezekiel 34:18). The Archbishop of Canterbury: "He (Martyn Snow) wants Leicester to be a beacon for interfaith relationships, he wants the rest of the country to follow our lead." {1}
Syncretism is something that the Bible continually warns about in both the Old and New Testament. The clear differences between the gospel and other religions is unmissable. For instance the Koran states a number of times unequivocally that God has no son: Sura 9:29-30: .....and the Christians say: "The Messiah is the son of Allah." These are merely verbal assertions in imitation of the sayings of those unbelievers who preceded them. May Allah ruin them. How do they turn away from the Truth? {2} Buddhism does not believe in a deity and their temples are literally full of idols, yet Archbishop Welby has no objection if Prince George becomes a Buddhist. Similarly Hinduism has many gods and idols. The CofE are now developing "new forms of Anglicanism suitable for people of alternative beliefs." {3} and are blending elements of Christianity with pagan/neopagan beliefs in order to recruit new members.. I could go on and on. Jesus Christ called this hypocrisy (Mark 7:6)! I do not write these things to insult the people who follow other religions or philosophies, but in order to point out that other beliefs are provably incompatible with biblical Christianity.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6)
Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; (Revelation 18:4)
The Interfaith or "interreligious" agenda
of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England is a very
thinly disguised betrayal of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If
we dismiss the clear biblical warnings about what exactly
constitutes faith then we miss the whole point of Jesus' sacrifice on
the cross. The Christian faith is exclusively in a
particular person, Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son (1 John 4:9).
Jesus' death is meaningless if we accept any other belief system or philosophy. Why
did Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross if any other religious
system would have sufficed? The CofE's initial
description is deceptively reassuring, but a little further
investigation reveals inclusivism that directly contradicts
the scriptures:
"The Church of England, in partnership with other Christian churches, seeks to build up good relations with people of other faith traditions, and where possible to co-operate with them in service to society." {5}
"All of us involved in producing this report hope it will assist the Church as a whole, not only
those in the Presence and Engagement parishes, to be open, generous, and welcoming to our sisters and brothers from Faith communities other than Christian. {6}
and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.
"Unique among all books ever written, the Bible accurately foretells specific events-in detail-many years, sometimes centuries, before they occur. Approximately 2,500 prophecies appear in the pages of the Bible, about 2,000 of which already have been fulfilled to the letter—no errors." {9}
.....if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
1} http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Martyn-Snow-new-Bishop-Leicester-Dire-Straits/story-29260503-detail/story.ht
{2} http://www.islamicstudies.info/tafheem.php?sura=9&verse=36&to=37
{3} http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10133906/Church-of-England-creating-pagan-church-to-recruit-members.html
{4} http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/church-of-england-slowly-dying-as-congregation-set-to-halve-over-30-years-a6881641.html
{5} https://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/interfaith.aspx
{6}"https://www.churchofengland.org/media/36607/presence.pdf
{7} http://interfaithfoundation.org/worship-services/
{8} http://www.thefreepressonline.co.uk/news/1/2539.htm
{9} http://www.reasons.org/articles/articles/fulfilled-prophecy-evidence-for-the-reliability-of-the-bible
Further reading:
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/gods-plan-of-salvation-through-jesus.html
http://www.bereanbeacon.org/articles-on-christian-living/2015/6/20/the-alignment-of-new-evangelicals-with-apostasy
Martyn Snow, the new Bishop of Leicester, falls within the "evangelical" tradition of the Church of England. Technically speaking, "evangelical" refers to a person, church, or organization that is committed to the Christian gospel message that Jesus Christ is the saviour of humanity. "New Evangelicalism" is a very far cry from the original reformers, and in typical Church of England style, the term "evangelical" has become unrecognisable and bears no resemblance to its original meaning (Ezekiel 34:18). The Archbishop of Canterbury: "He (Martyn Snow) wants Leicester to be a beacon for interfaith relationships, he wants the rest of the country to follow our lead." {1}
Syncretism is something that the Bible continually warns about in both the Old and New Testament. The clear differences between the gospel and other religions is unmissable. For instance the Koran states a number of times unequivocally that God has no son: Sura 9:29-30: .....and the Christians say: "The Messiah is the son of Allah." These are merely verbal assertions in imitation of the sayings of those unbelievers who preceded them. May Allah ruin them. How do they turn away from the Truth? {2} Buddhism does not believe in a deity and their temples are literally full of idols, yet Archbishop Welby has no objection if Prince George becomes a Buddhist. Similarly Hinduism has many gods and idols. The CofE are now developing "new forms of Anglicanism suitable for people of alternative beliefs." {3} and are blending elements of Christianity with pagan/neopagan beliefs in order to recruit new members.. I could go on and on. Jesus Christ called this hypocrisy (Mark 7:6)! I do not write these things to insult the people who follow other religions or philosophies, but in order to point out that other beliefs are provably incompatible with biblical Christianity.
We are witnessing the slow death of the Church of England whose congregation is expected almost to halve over the next three decades. One wonders why Archbishop Welby, who has admitted that he even doubts God's existence, has chosen a career in the church at all. The latest news is that £72 million will be poured into a "renewal" programme, and astonishingly - ".....they expect their deity to guide and help them." {4} As they go further and further away from the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles the very opposite will be the case unless they repent!
Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? (Luke 6:46)
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6)
Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; (Revelation 18:4)
The Interfaith or "interreligious" agenda
of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England is a very
thinly disguised betrayal of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If
we dismiss the clear biblical warnings about what exactly
constitutes faith then we miss the whole point of Jesus' sacrifice on
the cross. The Christian faith is exclusively in a
particular person, Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son (1 John 4:9).
Jesus' death is meaningless if we accept any other belief system or philosophy. Why
did Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross if any other religious
system would have sufficed? The CofE's initial
description is deceptively reassuring, but a little further
investigation reveals inclusivism that directly contradicts
the scriptures: "The Church of England, in partnership with other Christian churches, seeks to build up good relations with people of other faith traditions, and where possible to co-operate with them in service to society." {5}
"All of us involved in producing this report hope it will assist the Church as a whole, not only
those in the Presence and Engagement parishes, to be open, generous, and welcoming to our sisters and brothers from Faith communities other than Christian. {6}
"OneSpirit interfaith ministers offer and lead regular interfaith and inter-spiritual services in different parts of the country....." {7}
"The so-called 'Church of England' becomes ever more a parody of itself, promoting paganism, holding “Harry Potter services” and even ordaining homosexuals. If you want a Christmas tree service or to get your pet rabbit blessed it’s a good place to go. Meanwhile, Great Britain is falling apart spiritually and morally, while the berobed bishops wring their hands and whimper – but in an all-inclusive way." {8}
Though they come in the guise of goodness (2 Corinthians 11:14), the Church of England is not representative of the beliefs of true Christians and by biblical standards they are a spiritual whore seeking a false unity that will lead them all the way to Babylon the Great and their ultimate destruction.
True Christians seek to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). Nevertheless compromise is unthinkable when we consider the exclusive claim that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), and that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God (John 5:24). The CofE has made a mockery of these core beliefs despite the great cost paid by people like William Tyndale, Martin Luther etc. The CofE have sold out to a new age political agenda and the spirit of Antichrist. Those who remain within it are risking their eternal salvation, the destiny that Jesus Christ bought for them at the cost of His own blood!
![]() |
| A Buddhist monk laying hands on a LCFC player |
Martyn Snow: "My Football Team: Sheffield United, but I have to say what a time it is to come to Leicester. I hope you don't mind me jumping on that bandwagon." {1} It appears that the new bishop will be jumping on more than one bandwagon!
We are moving inexorably towards what the Bible prophesies - the coming together of a one world religion under the power of the Antichrist - no one will be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:17).
The outcome for the prostitute:
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgement of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness,
and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.
When I saw her, I marvelled greatly. But
the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery
of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that
carries her. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit
and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not
been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will
marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; they
are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has
not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. And
the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received
royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour,
together with the beast. These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. They
will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is
Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and
chosen and faithful.”
And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:1-18)
And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:1-18)
My readers should understand that biblical prophecy is 100% correct up until this point in time, a fact which verifies that the Bible really is true:
"Unique among all books ever written, the Bible accurately foretells specific events-in detail-many years, sometimes centuries, before they occur. Approximately 2,500 prophecies appear in the pages of the Bible, about 2,000 of which already have been fulfilled to the letter—no errors." {9}
.....if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
{2} http://www.islamicstudies.info/tafheem.php?sura=9&verse=36&to=37
{3} http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10133906/Church-of-England-creating-pagan-church-to-recruit-members.html
{4} http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/church-of-england-slowly-dying-as-congregation-set-to-halve-over-30-years-a6881641.html
{5} https://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/interfaith.aspx
{6}"https://www.churchofengland.org/media/36607/presence.pdf
{7} http://interfaithfoundation.org/worship-services/
{8} http://www.thefreepressonline.co.uk/news/1/2539.htm
{9} http://www.reasons.org/articles/articles/fulfilled-prophecy-evidence-for-the-reliability-of-the-bible
Further reading:
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/gods-plan-of-salvation-through-jesus.html
http://www.bereanbeacon.org/articles-on-christian-living/2015/6/20/the-alignment-of-new-evangelicals-with-apostasy
Monday, 9 May 2016
beware of heidi baker: all nations church leicester visit 8th May 2016
Heidi Baker's visit to All Nations Church in Leicester last Sunday morning was kept very quiet!!! Had I known sooner I would have written a full exposé about her demonic "impartations"!
This woman is, in my view, one of the most dangerous false teachers on the "Christian" circuit who is linked with Bill Johnson (Bethel Church Redding). I would urge anyone attending All Nations Church to make it a priority to seek Jesus Christ for yourselves and to test the spirits.
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:29-30)
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/false-teacher-heidi-baker-imparting-demons-at-bethel-church/
https://www.moriel.org/component/k2/item/1742-warning-bill-johnson-and-bethel-church.html
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/bill-johnsons-sozo-poison-occult.html
This woman is, in my view, one of the most dangerous false teachers on the "Christian" circuit who is linked with Bill Johnson (Bethel Church Redding). I would urge anyone attending All Nations Church to make it a priority to seek Jesus Christ for yourselves and to test the spirits.
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:29-30)
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/false-teacher-heidi-baker-imparting-demons-at-bethel-church/
https://www.moriel.org/component/k2/item/1742-warning-bill-johnson-and-bethel-church.html
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/bill-johnsons-sozo-poison-occult.html
Saturday, 7 May 2016
the buddhist monks and leicester city football club's astonishing season
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (1 Corinthians 9:25)
The astonishing success of LCFC is widely thought to be the result of the "good karma" of the club's billionaire Thai owner, Mr Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha due to his community work and his support for the team. Mr Vichai built his fortune on a string of duty free shops and bought the then struggling second tier outfit in 2010. LCFC have the "benefit" of spiritual support of the monks from the Wat Traimit Withayaram Woraviharn (Golden Buddha) Temple, in Bangkok, Thailand. It is normal for Thais in all walks of life to seek the blessing of monks for new endeavours and acquisitions – from cars to homes to businesses.
LCFC players are "blessed" by a number monks before kick off. The monks then retire to a specially designated room at Leicester City’s King Power stadium where they spend the entirety of the match in deep in meditation at a special shrine surrounded by Buddhist statues and hangings installed by Mr Vichai. As well as praying during games, the monks have reportedly overseen the burial of religious images under the turf. Players and fans have also taken to wearing Buddhist amulets and talismanic cloths which have been blessed by the monks. Support continues during the team’s away games when the monks chant and pray for the team at their temple in Bangkok’s Chinatown district, where the Mr Vichai has been a devotee for several years.
Assistant Abbot Phra Prommangkalachan, who appears to be Mr Vichai's spokesperson:
“Khun Vichai is a very strong and devoted Buddhist who has done many good works,”
“His good deeds help generate support which becomes power for Leicester City Football Club. The club is benefiting from that good karma.
“His good deeds are rewarded with the good performances of Leicester City. He is also a very wise man and knows how to manage the club, bring together the team and coaches and make sure their approach is united. The result is their success.”
“This is not about magic..... We can only offer spiritual support. We believe that helps the players with their good health, with avoiding injuries, with their focus. But they must still perform well..... We know how Leicester are doing because the cheers and chanting rocks the room..... We feel the vibrations.”
Alex Hylton, Mr Vichai’s former personal matchday assistant at Leicester City, said that the owner also prays in the shrine room for up to 45 minutes before each match. “He’s clearly very devout,” he said. “It’s obviously unusual for a football club owner to bring along Buddhist monks to games, but now everyone at LCFC is used to it. It seems normal." {1}
I do not object to LCFC doing well and I hope they continue to do so. However, I do have concerns about beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Bible gaining an influence over the lives of many people who otherwise would not have been open to them. There is something much more pressing than football that those connected with LCFC should consider, namely: the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Buddhism has various definitions, but since it is essentially non-theistic i.e. Buddhists do not worship gods or deities, it cannot really be defined as a religion.
When the apostle Paul was in Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols (Acts 17:16). Paul reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him (Acts 17:17-18). His message provoked varying reactions, but the Athenians were curious enough about Paul's message to bring him to the Areopagus in order to hear him (Acts 17:22-33). He rebuked them for their idolatry saying: ".....we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:29-31)
Buddhism is based on reincarnation and karma and involves moral codes, practices, values, traditions and rituals, things which define it as a works based "philosophy". The Bible differentiates between two kinds of sowing and reaping: the flesh (human nature) and the Spirit (the Holy Spirit).
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8)
An interesting definition: "sarks (the flesh) is generally negative, referring to making decisions (actions) according to self – i.e. done apart from faith (independent from God's inworking). Thus what is 'of the flesh (carnal)' is by definition displeasing to the Lord – even things that seem 'respectable!' In short, flesh generally relates to unaided human effort, i.e. decisions (actions) that originate from self or are empowered by self. This is carnal ('of the flesh') and proceeds out of the untouched (unchanged) part of us – i.e. what is not transformed by God."{2}
Nirvana is a term which implies extinction, freedom, emancipation, liberation, release, deliverance, etc. the ending of and liberation from samsara, the repeating cycle of birth, life and death. If we talk in terms of "salvation", then nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism. Buddha claimed to reach that state during his enlightenment and it is his teachings which are employed by Buddhists as a means to that end. There is a heavy emphasis on self-reliance, self discipline and individual striving to attain the liberation of self which is ones own responsibility and is achieved in ones own strength. The Bible teaches something entirely different to any other religion or philosophy, namely: salvation without works (deeds to earn it) so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:9). The gospel of Jesus Christ takes the emphasis off ourselves and onto His sacrifice on the Cross. Unlike Buddha, Jesus Christ came not only to show us the way, but He actually claimed be the way. The claim of Jesus Christ is that salvation is found exclusively in Him:
I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6)
.....there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
The above statements put true Christianity outside the scope of any other religion or philosophy. We can do nothing to merit God's mercy, and if we miss the starting point, namely salvation in Jesus Christ without works, then we miss everything - ultimately our "good deeds" will be despised by God and we shall be eternally lost. (Proverbs 14:12).
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather! (Psalm 39:6 cf. 1 Peter 1:24; Psalm 103:15-19)
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
From a Christian perspective, it is simply not possible to increase one's spirituality without possessing the Holy Spirit and submitting to his transforming instruction and power.{3}
{1} http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/30/leicester-citys-good-karma-the-buddhist-monks-behind-the-foxes-d/
{2} http://biblehub.com/greek/4561.htm
{3} http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/mwest/130416
Further reading:
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/gods-plan-of-salvation-through-jesus.html
The astonishing success of LCFC is widely thought to be the result of the "good karma" of the club's billionaire Thai owner, Mr Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha due to his community work and his support for the team. Mr Vichai built his fortune on a string of duty free shops and bought the then struggling second tier outfit in 2010. LCFC have the "benefit" of spiritual support of the monks from the Wat Traimit Withayaram Woraviharn (Golden Buddha) Temple, in Bangkok, Thailand. It is normal for Thais in all walks of life to seek the blessing of monks for new endeavours and acquisitions – from cars to homes to businesses.
LCFC players are "blessed" by a number monks before kick off. The monks then retire to a specially designated room at Leicester City’s King Power stadium where they spend the entirety of the match in deep in meditation at a special shrine surrounded by Buddhist statues and hangings installed by Mr Vichai. As well as praying during games, the monks have reportedly overseen the burial of religious images under the turf. Players and fans have also taken to wearing Buddhist amulets and talismanic cloths which have been blessed by the monks. Support continues during the team’s away games when the monks chant and pray for the team at their temple in Bangkok’s Chinatown district, where the Mr Vichai has been a devotee for several years.
“Khun Vichai is a very strong and devoted Buddhist who has done many good works,”
“His good deeds help generate support which becomes power for Leicester City Football Club. The club is benefiting from that good karma.
“His good deeds are rewarded with the good performances of Leicester City. He is also a very wise man and knows how to manage the club, bring together the team and coaches and make sure their approach is united. The result is their success.”
“This is not about magic..... We can only offer spiritual support. We believe that helps the players with their good health, with avoiding injuries, with their focus. But they must still perform well..... We know how Leicester are doing because the cheers and chanting rocks the room..... We feel the vibrations.”
Alex Hylton, Mr Vichai’s former personal matchday assistant at Leicester City, said that the owner also prays in the shrine room for up to 45 minutes before each match. “He’s clearly very devout,” he said. “It’s obviously unusual for a football club owner to bring along Buddhist monks to games, but now everyone at LCFC is used to it. It seems normal." {1}
I do not object to LCFC doing well and I hope they continue to do so. However, I do have concerns about beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Bible gaining an influence over the lives of many people who otherwise would not have been open to them. There is something much more pressing than football that those connected with LCFC should consider, namely: the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.....
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Buddhism has various definitions, but since it is essentially non-theistic i.e. Buddhists do not worship gods or deities, it cannot really be defined as a religion.
When the apostle Paul was in Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols (Acts 17:16). Paul reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him (Acts 17:17-18). His message provoked varying reactions, but the Athenians were curious enough about Paul's message to bring him to the Areopagus in order to hear him (Acts 17:22-33). He rebuked them for their idolatry saying: ".....we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:29-31)
Buddhism is based on reincarnation and karma and involves moral codes, practices, values, traditions and rituals, things which define it as a works based "philosophy". The Bible differentiates between two kinds of sowing and reaping: the flesh (human nature) and the Spirit (the Holy Spirit).
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8)
An interesting definition: "sarks (the flesh) is generally negative, referring to making decisions (actions) according to self – i.e. done apart from faith (independent from God's inworking). Thus what is 'of the flesh (carnal)' is by definition displeasing to the Lord – even things that seem 'respectable!' In short, flesh generally relates to unaided human effort, i.e. decisions (actions) that originate from self or are empowered by self. This is carnal ('of the flesh') and proceeds out of the untouched (unchanged) part of us – i.e. what is not transformed by God."{2}
Nirvana is a term which implies extinction, freedom, emancipation, liberation, release, deliverance, etc. the ending of and liberation from samsara, the repeating cycle of birth, life and death. If we talk in terms of "salvation", then nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism. Buddha claimed to reach that state during his enlightenment and it is his teachings which are employed by Buddhists as a means to that end. There is a heavy emphasis on self-reliance, self discipline and individual striving to attain the liberation of self which is ones own responsibility and is achieved in ones own strength. The Bible teaches something entirely different to any other religion or philosophy, namely: salvation without works (deeds to earn it) so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:9). The gospel of Jesus Christ takes the emphasis off ourselves and onto His sacrifice on the Cross. Unlike Buddha, Jesus Christ came not only to show us the way, but He actually claimed be the way. The claim of Jesus Christ is that salvation is found exclusively in Him:
I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6)
.....there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
The above statements put true Christianity outside the scope of any other religion or philosophy. We can do nothing to merit God's mercy, and if we miss the starting point, namely salvation in Jesus Christ without works, then we miss everything - ultimately our "good deeds" will be despised by God and we shall be eternally lost. (Proverbs 14:12).
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather! (Psalm 39:6 cf. 1 Peter 1:24; Psalm 103:15-19)
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
From a Christian perspective, it is simply not possible to increase one's spirituality without possessing the Holy Spirit and submitting to his transforming instruction and power.{3}
{1} http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/30/leicester-citys-good-karma-the-buddhist-monks-behind-the-foxes-d/
{2} http://biblehub.com/greek/4561.htm
{3} http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/mwest/130416
Further reading:
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/gods-plan-of-salvation-through-jesus.html
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