#019 - The rest is silence

Well guys i am signing out for the rest of the year - I feel the Holy Spirit pulling on me for some stuff, plus i have a heck of a lot of stuff to do in the run up to Christmas.
I'll see you guys next year.
To Joe Have a good Thanksgiving
To T and E, have a merry Christmas.
I'll leave you with the scripture that has captivated my heart over the last week or so
1 John 4;17b
SO AS HE IS, SO ARE WE, IN THIS WORLD
I want to know the full extent of this verse, and then also live in it's fullness.
Ben (Youngblood)

#18 - Greater Works

I am currently reading Greater Works by Smith Wigglesworth - A collection of four studies
1: Healing
2: The Holy Spirit
3: The Gifts of the Spirit
4: Faith
Let's just say it is off the chain in a big way. I had it for my birthday, a most unexpected gift from my father in law.

I am well into the book already - so expect future posts to be in the following subjects -
If anyone is interested in moving in various gifts listed in 1st Corinthians 11 i would advice you getting this book. It is practical and profound, insightful and wise.
Another recommended book for further reading on the Gifts of the Spirit is
The Gifts of the Spirit - by - Harold Horton
Harold Horton was baptized in the Spirit under Smith Wigglesworth - he has traveled the world since that day in power and might and a great understanding of the operation of the gifts in the world today
Give me fuel give me fire give me all that i desire - Matalica (Fuel)

1 John 4; 17 - As HE is, so are we in this World -
Peace guys

#017 - Approachable

I was at work today and i had to ask this one woman for some help, because it is a new job for me so i don't know hardly anything yet; but when i was asked to talk to this woman i knew it would be hard work; why? Because she is so unapproachable. I have never met a person so hard to talk to and work with; but it made me think, and of course all good thoughts lead to Jesus - When Jesus walked the earth it said that the Children cam to him. He was approachable, he oozed out grace and truth, love and compassion. There was no shred of judgment in his eyes, he was and is love.
I sometimes ask myself if i am an approachable person. Do i present myself in a way that Christian's and more importantly) non-Christians feel comfortable enough to talk to me and even confined in me. The Christian who is ready to judge can expect not to have 'the children' of this world come to them, but the loving man who has compassion in his eyes and love radiating from the Spirit can expect to be a friend of all men.
I suppose i am thinking about this because over the next few months my wife Debbie and i are going to be Mentoring teenagers (or younger) from the area.
We are exciting about this opportunity to speak into their lives and their families.
God is on it.

#016 - 3 Fold

I love numbers in the bible. Early languages used numbers to make words, especially languages like Aramaic. Three is a great number than can be used time and time again that really does give a full picture of many of God's acts and actions.
I am reading a book on hermeneutics at the moment and i am enjoying the whole three fold revelation God provides in his word.
Let's take Salvation as a great example:
Scripture presents salvation in terms of definitive-progressive-final structure, and that is why biblical prophecies seem to overlap. Salvation was definitively accomplished in the perfect work of Jesus Christ (Praise him); it is progressively and increasingly applied during this age, personally and institutionally; and it will finally be achieved, in its highest fulfillment, at the end of history on the last day.
We have been saved - 2Tim 1;9 - Definitively
We are being saved - Phil 2;12-13 - Progressively
We will be saved - 1 Peter 1;9 - Finally

Salvation therefore restores man to his o0riginal calling and purpose, and guarantees that man's original mandate - to exercise dominion under God over the whole earth - will be fulfilled.
Consider this threefold structure when reading the so-called end times prophecies and all escatologically tinged themes in the word. The tongue of God is a three fold prong.

#015 - How to end the world Organically

Southward through Eden went a river large
Nor changed his course but through a shaggy hill
passed underneath in gulfed, for God had thrown
That mountain as his garden mold
High raised upon the rapid current, which through veins
Of porous earth with kindly thirst up drawn,
Rose a fresh fountain, and with many a rill
Watered the garden thence united fell
Down the steep glade and met the the nether flood
Which from his dark some passage now appears,
and now divided into four main streams
Runs diverse wandering many a famous realm
and country whereof here needs no account,
and rather to tell how, if Art could tell,
how from that Sapphire, fount that crisped brooks,
Rowling on orient pearl and sands of gold,
with mazy error under pendant shades
ran nectar, visiting each plant, and fed
Flowers worthy of paradise which not nice Art
in beds and curious knots, but nature boon
brought forth profuse on hill and dale and plain,
both where the morning sun first warmly smote
The open field, and where the un-pierced shade
in brown and noontide bowers.
John Milton - an excerpt from Paradise Lost

In order for us to understand how God will end the world it is imperative to understand how he began it. It is of grave importance to see the beginnings of God to understand his endings, we must all come to know the alpha and the omega of 'the study of end times'. It is not simply a pulling of scriptures because i have heard countless teachers do that, yet unable to bring forth a case, an apologetic, that is organic in nature, not impulsive, neither a reaction, but a preemptive ideology from the mastermind of Christ. To say that when God speaks in all of his manifold wisdom can only mean one single (literal) thing, is very naive, and does not do God a good service. It may even be down right lazy hermeneutics.
I will say from the start that i will never win this argument about eschatology because of the schools we are coming from. You can tell me; 'but the scripture says so!' yet i can only answer it from its organic origin and hope that you will follow the 'Golden Thread' (Oral A. Palmer - Christ and the Covenants) through the word of God to give an all together frame work of ones scriptures meaning and origin.

#014 - Dead Future?

"It would be easy to show that at our present rate of progress the kingdoms of this world never could become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. Indeed, many in the Church are giving up the idea of it except on the occasion of the advent of Christ, which, as it chimes in with our idleness, is likely to be a popular doctrine. I myself believe that King Jesus will, reign, and the idols be utterly abolished; but i expect the same power that turned the world upside down once will still continue to do it. The Holy Ghost would never suffer the imputation to rest upon his Holy name that he was not able to convert the world."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon

#013 - The Rapture Exposed

Well i guess its time to stir the hornets nest - a personal struggle i have with the evangelical right winged Christian's of America is their end times theology and their extremely dangerous foreign policy for the middle east.
My next few posts will be arguments taken from Lutheran writer Barbara R. Rossing taken from her teachings at the Lutheran Theology School in Chicago.
Going into my local Christian book store looking at the prophecy section makes me sick. It is a one sided arguement cemented in a very puzzling and incorrect view of what is prophecy and what is the whole purpose of prophecy.
So let me throw out a little question:
What is the purpose of Prophecy?

#012 - Wyndam Lewis

Great painter and writer of the early 20th century said this awesome quote:
WHEN A MAN IS A YOUNG
HE IS USUALLY A REVOLUTIONARY OF SOME KIND.
SO HERE I AM
SPEAKING OF MY REVOLUTION

Chew on that cud.

#011 - Andrew Murray on Power

Here is an extract from a teaching by Andrew Murray (great South African minister around the turn of the twentieth century)
Is it permissible to ask of the LORD, "Grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak they word, by stretching forth thy hand to heal" Acts 4;29-31?

In this present day God's servants need his power to be clearly evident among them so that the word can be preached with all boldness.
The apostles knew very well that it was not the eloquence of their preaching that caused the truth to triumph. They were aware of their dependence on the Holy Spirit manifesting his presence by miracles. It was necessary for the living God to stretch forth his hand, so that there might be healing, miracles, and signs in the name of his Holy Son Jesus. Only then could his servants rejoice. Strengthened by his presence, they could then speak his word with boldness and teach the world to fear his name.

#010 Abraham

I read in a book i think by Arthur wallis that Abraham was not only our father in the faith
but he pioneered 'Faith'.
He set the tone to which men and women of Faith walk in.
He walked in obedience - he walked in fear (reverence)
He walked on the highways of faith - and he recieved what God has for him, by Faith.

#009 many promises

The bible is full of great promises, for health, salvation, forgivness, for the individual and the world at large, but there is one promise that starts with a 'THE' and that is the promise of the Holy Ghost-
Luke 24; 49 - Behold i send THE promise of My Father upon you, but tarry in the city of jerusalem until you are enduedwith power from on high.

Acts 2; 38-39 - Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit, For THE promise is to you and your children , and to all who are far off, as many as our Lord God will call.

This is a promise that God gave Abraham -
Galatians 3-13-14 - Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law having become a curse for us (for it is written; cursed is everyone who hangs on the tree) that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus , that we might recieve THE promise of the Spirit through faith.

The Spirit mentioned in Galatians is The one and only Holy Spirit as noted with a capital 'S'.
He is THE Promise -
It can't be just for the 'Charismatics' out there can it? It looks like Abraham was a Holy Ghost man!!

#008 - New Music

Two new albums added to my collection are real fine -
Suburban Kids with Biblical names - self titled - crazy folk music with a great twist of other genre's mixed in.
Au Revoiur Simone - The music of Birds - Three girls who sing and play keyboards, very fun and cute.
Album of the year contender for me - MuteMath - self titled - crazy prog rock with serious melodies - And Debbie and I are off to see them on Friday!!
What are you listenning to?

#007 T.G.I.S

Thank God for Sunday. Its no good having a friday without a Sunday. If there is a death then there is a resurection to follow.
I love the fact that Christ raised from the Dead as much as i am forever greatful for his death on the cross.
Sunday (yesterday) was an insane time in the Holy Spirit. I go to a church called New Life in Grand rapids Michigan, and for the majority of this year we have spent our Sunday's in the presence of God, lingering like Joshua did after Moses had left the tent of meeting. Most of the church would just bask in the presence for up to hours after the meeting was officially 'dissmised'. but there have been a few times, like yesterday, where the power and the kabod of God is so heavy it stops everything.
the reason i share this is not to tell eveeyone how cool my church is, but to confirm what has been in my spirit for the last year, and it can all be summed up in one word; Power.
One of my favorite stories in the gospels is when the paralized man is lowered in the room where jesus is preaching. jesus tells him that is sins are forgiven and the scribes (or scrubs as i like to call them) told him he was blaspheming, but in verse 10 of the third chapter of Mark Jesus says; but that you may positively and beyond a doubt that tyhe son of man has authority and power on earth top forgive sins- he said to the paralized man, i say to you, arise, pick up and carry your sleeping pad or mat, and be going home.
As we know the man stood up. A demonstration of power brought authenticity to his message and validated him as the son of God.
And now as Acts 1;8 shares, that he has given us, the Church, the Holy Spirit to be wittnesses to the ends of the earth; saying; and you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes apon you.
A demonstration of Power in his people will vallidate us as not an organization, another religion, a club, or just people who follow a doctrine word for word. t's crossed and I's dotted; but a people of POWER and demonstration in the Holy Ghost.
Jesus says that if we can't believe in his words, then believe in his works (or his miracles). So i don't have to believe in God unless there is a demonstarion of power and works.
Peace

#006 Will and Grace verses Friends

In trying to convince a friend of the fact that all sin and fall short of the glory of God, i used this analogy to help him see the error of his ways; only kidding, it was a fun debate had by all.
700pm Friends is on the tv.
A Christian viewer says; "Oh i can't wait for that i love friends."
and then after Friends has ended the tv announces; :And next on Channel 4, Will and Grace!
The Christian Viewer says (in disgust): "Oh i hate that show it's full of homosexuals!!"
Both friends and Will and Grace are both, in my books, very funny shows, however they are very heathen in their subtext, which is often blatant, but neither one is better or worse than the other. one show promotes a bunch of friends who live very promiscuous sexual lives while the other has two starst that are opennly gay and they too have promiscuous sexual lifestyles. both lif choices are sinful in nature and equal in offense towards God and his holy standards.
The point i tried to make to my friend is; that everyone judges some sins worse than others when in fact they are all the creations of a fallen generation
Ben

#005 True artists have no country

I just heard that my brother is coming home...to America. I now call America my home, not neglecting nor forgetting my history in Wales, but it's where you lay the root and where you invest yourself in. 'One Nation, One Flag, One God, America' That's a army slogan out here.
A german artist named Alfred Du Masset said that Great artists have no country, and allthough not all of us are artists or even great ones, i believe there is a truth in that quote for us as Christians. The earth is Christs inheritence, not just Israel! The whole World. Christ has no nationality where he is right now, and who's that sitting next to him......US, seating together in Heavanly places. The questions i pose to myself and i suppose those who read this; That if we are in this world but not of it, how far do we take that?
Ben
Congrats to my Brother getting his visa and his family back.

#004 Todd bently

Hey Guys; Todd bently is an insane man of God who has brought me to a new and concious level of understanding the things of the super natural, the spiritual realms and the presence of God.
Please visit his web page:
www.Freshfire.ca
Watch the videos, and try and fine his messages on visions and his testimonies.
This man is for real.
For all my friends in Wales, mr Todd Bently will be in Wrexam on October 28th through the 30th. it is a free event so get your seats booked. the location is still TBA (much like Joe's visa), but it will be a life changing experience. I saw him in August in Grand Rapids Michigan and he was off the hook. The power of God was insane and the annointing was thick as thick can get. In my own life i have expereinced dense visions from god and great understanding of the word. i am empowered to run the race to take the prize that is calling me heavenward.
Peace be with all y'all.
Joe if your still in Wales by that time, pop up.
Ben

#003 A word from our Apostle

Our Apostle, Kerri Jones is full of quotable moments, But at a recent meeting with him he spoke of humblness and he said;
"Being humble is admitting that God is allways right".
I like to think of Moses, and in Numbers it says that 'Moses was the most humble man"-
Who wrote that? Moses.. Moses was fully aware of who he was but also what God thought of him. Think of Gideon, he was in fear, treading the wine press and God calls him out as a Valiant Warrior. God see's so much more in us than even we do, and remember, true humblness is admitting that God is always right.
Chew on that!!

#002 9/11

it has been six years since 9/11/2001 - it has become the 'where were you when kennedy got shot?' for this generation -
please feel free to comment on where were you when it happened and how did it make you feel.

#001 - The Acts Of The Apostles

These are the acts of the Apostles......................