Mission updates

09/09/09 Watch

riverflowsdown — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:09:07 +0000

Sept 9 2009 09/09/09 Watch . I am home recovering from surgery and will be watching the news to see if any NUT CASE has a humorous or sinister idea to make the news. What’s the big deal, well there is probally no big deal BUT for someone who’s trying to be funny or just plain crazy. There are some weird dots that someone may like to connect.

Here it goes

#1 09/09/09 is 06/06/06 upside down “yeah thats a stretch”

#2 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/08/AR2009090803664.html

#3 beatles number 9, number 9, number 9 The release date is awfully cute, considering the Beatles’ formally self-titled “White Album” contains that song called “Revolution 9″, which consists largely of a repetition of the phrase “number nine, number nine, number nine”. Conspiracy theorists say that if you play it backwards it sounds like “turn me on, dead man” and is hence one of the clues that adds up to reveal that Paul McCartney died and was replaced by a look-alike early in the band’s career. from http://www.applesource.com.au/news/soa/The-Beatles-Rock-Band-coming-09-09-09/0,2000068500,339295320,00.htm

For those of you who are not old enough to remember what this was about here is a youtube link to the song forward “it’s crazy”

Here it is backward, we all did yes we wired our record players backwards and off it went and it was scary I remember it well.

By the way that was off the white record that inspired charles manson . Manson saw the song as paralleling the message of the Bible’s Revelation 9. He saw the song as a prophecy of the upcoming black versus white revolution. From http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/manson/mansonbeatles.html

#4 9 the Movie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcKD7Wh14Xs

9 the movie poster

#5 09/09/09 falls on a Wednesday and both Wednesday & September have 9 letters

#6 Believers had high hopes for 09/09/09, particularly in the UK where 999 is the emergency phone number. from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1212107/World-end-today—Well-9-9-09–doom-mongers-predicting-disaster.html#ixzz0QaQathJQ

Ha HaSure here in the US 09/09/09 will come and go but out of boredom I have written and now I watch.

Continue on

#7 Google adds Date to Search Logo

Google adds date 09/09/09

#8 Interesting History on sept 9 th

September 9th 1776 Continental Congress renames “United Colonies,” to “United States”

September 9th 1850 California becomes 31st state

September 9th 1942 Japanese planes drop incendiary bombs on Oregon , 1st bombing on continental US soil, Mount Emily Oregon (WW II)

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I did not watch in vain it happened a crazy used the date : Mexico Hijacker

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,548540,00.html

A Bolivian religious fanatic hijacked a passenger jet from the resort city of Cancun after receiving a divine revelation, selecting the date 9-9-09 because it is the satanic number 666 turned upside down, Mexico’s security secretary said Wednesday.

Public Safety Secretary Genaro Garcia Luna says Jose Mar Flores, 44, used a fake bomb to hijack the plane, then ordered the pilot to circle over Mexico City seven times. He told Mexican officials that he wanted to warn Mexican President Felipe C alderon of an impending earthquake.

09/10/09More details from yesterday: the guy who took the spot light way from President Obama and the health care debate . It was for only a couple of hours but Jose Marc Flores Pereira aka Josmar Flores. He actually has his own web page.

www.josmarflores.net/

09/09/09 started off with the apple debut of the Beatles Revolution #9 and ended with Bolivia Revelation #9

So what would motivate a man who has recorded Cd’s, has music on UTUBE all in spanish to hijack a plane. There is a video where he’s singing before thousands in a stadium.

His message he so desperatly wanted to get out was “Christ is coming soon” and ” Mexico is about suffer a terrible earthquake.”

What was he thinking? The good thing no one was hurt. I am just curious await to hear the rest of the story.

I have a small update as I have been reading translated pages from spanish to english I have found a few things.

#1 He was well loved in the spanish speaking world.

#2 He had the plane circle mexico city 7 times ” bible story of Jericho”

#3 He tried to speak to the President for 3 months and become desperate.

#4 In spanish blogs reference to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon being there at the time of hijack

Update at 3:59 p.m. ET 09/09/09 : Security forces have stormed the plane from the rear and captured seven hijackers, according to TV reports. They are being taken to a detention center. No passengers have been reported injured.TV Azteca translators, via CNN, say there’s some confusion about whether the hijackers are Bolivian or possibly Colombian. Mexican President Felipe Calderon was at the airport when the hijacking occurred. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon also was there, preparing to fly out around 4 p.m. ET.

above from USAtoday post :http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/09/jet-hijacked-in-cancun-lands-in-mexico-city.html

Why would spanish blogs make that refernce well :

#1 Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon was in Mexico for NGO conference with 70 nations represented. and the topic was weapons of destruction from 9/09 – 09/11. His idea might be the world will be watching BUT not for long health care took the spotlight again within about 2 hours. Today it has not even been mentioned on TV news.

http://www.isria.com/pages/10_September_2009_55.php

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I found this bog is spanish and used a translate program and found a few things they said here is the site http://trinityeyes.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/pastor-boliviano-josmar

#1 He choose mexico because He said their shield was prophetic

#2 The massive Earthquake will happen between Sept before sept 20th

#3 Star of David or occult star is seen in pictures at arrest around the neck .

osmar-Flores-Pereira

Posted in end times, just plain fun, last days, Signs Of The Times Tagged: end times, last days

Preparing the Jacob generation for the time of Jacob’s trouble

riverflowsdown — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:43:47 +0000

Preparing the Jacob generation for the time of Jacob’s trouble. I tried to shake it off but I kept hearing it in my head. It was my second night back in my own bed after surgery. I had been dreaming the same dream, as the night before. I was a photographer, along with two of my friends Kevin Minor and Dan Zacharias. We had been given the task by the Lord to travel around the world and document it’s condition. We were investigating places of dark demonic delusions as well as places where the Kingdom of God was shining brightly.

We had traveled by bikes, canoe, and on foot to the most remote area’s, and had found ourselves at the end of a trail as I woke up. It was a moment frozen in time, with those words “Preparing the Jacob generation for the time of Jacob’s trouble” sounding inside me. It was just like the night before except the night before I woke with words “pray your flight does not take place in winter.” I was shaken but the next chapter was unfolding. I had fallen asleep with the TV on listening to christian music. But now with my eyes wide open I watched the preacher as He said Psalms 24:7 was the key for preparing the Jacob generation for the time of Jacob’s trouble. Now I had not taken my pain killer for 24 hours so I was thinking this must be real this can’t be a hallucination, get your pen and paper and write this down. So holding my stomach I slowly pushed through the pain and got out of bed and found my journal and began to write. when I finished I drifted right back to sleep.

The next night the same thing happened. I woke early on August 24 th 2009 I had finished the same photographer dream, but it ended with “you have 30 days to study Jeremiah 30″ that would be Sept 23rd 2009. and “Study american history through the eyes of the indigenous.” I have an idea that it is the Lord, and time will tell for sure. I am off from work recovering from the surgery, and I am on a liquid diet. I am dealing with some pain due to the fact I can’t stand the way I feel on pain killer. I have the time to study and the Lord has a captive audience, meaning I’m not going anywhere.

I have already noticed something in Jeremiah 30 that I have never seen. I am not sure why, I was not aware that Jeremiah 30 was about Jacob’s trouble. I read it I remembered many end time messages, taken out of those verses. One thing I had never heard or seen was verse 11. WOW, is all I can say right now, here it is.

For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

I will close for now check back in see what I find along the trail. I hope it is not a bunny trail, even so studying the Bible is a win win.

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It is early 09/09/09 I am posting a link for a message on Jacob’s trouble by Art Katz. It is not what we have been spoon feed but I think it will challenge us all. http://artkatzministries.org/the-time-of-jacobs-trouble/

Posted in Art Katz, Christianity, Discernment, dreams, end times, last days, prophetic, Signs Of The Times Tagged: Art Katz, Christianity, dreams, end times, last days

He is coming !!!

riverflowsdown — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:22:15 +0000

The whole world is looking for 1 man who will have an answer for every problem. Peace in the middle east , Health Care for everyone , and a plan to save the planet from certain destruction. I have had the pleasure to travel half way around the world and back this last year and I hear it everywhere. The reality is the world seems ready to follow anyone who is cloaked in the garments of change.

The truth is the 1 man is the fully God and fully man, He is Jesus Christ and is not cloaked in change.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Jesus came the first time as the prince of peace, but He will be coming back with a sword. He is coming back for War.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Revelation 19:11-16 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

It is still about love, and we better get ready !

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Check out the song by Misty Edwards from IHOP KC

Posted in Christianity, end times, faith, God, IHOP, last days, religion, Signs Of The Times Tagged: Christian Living, Christianity, faith, God, IHOP, Jesus, misty edwards, religion, Signs Of The Times

Hope City

riverflowsdown — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:11:31 +0000

Information just below is from the Hope City web page http://www.hopecitykc.org

Ray and Lisa Stribling

Ray and Lisa Stribling are the directors and founder of Hope City KC. They carry the heart and the mandate to see the message of prayer break into the inner city. Ray and Lisa through Hope City, long to see the lives of the addicted, the homeless, and the poor radically and powerfully changed and brought into a productive, self managing, and independent life style, and as a result have a clear and defined function by which they actively participate within the body of Christ.

Ray and Lisa, have many years of experience in jail ministry, housing for the addicted, prayer ministry and street ministries involving feeding the poor. The Striblings have a high level of commitment to the task at hand, as well as have the courage and heart to stand in the gap and to see others given an opportunity to succeed.

The ministry HOPE CITY ” inner city ministry located in Kansas City Missouri ” through my eyes, which are the eyes of a world missions guy. I bring that up because, through the years I have taken a lot of flak for doing ministry around the world while their is such need right here at home. The truth is, I have found such a similarity with 3rd world nations and the inner city and I love to be involved in both. Let me list a few.

#1 Needs are beyond complete human intervention !

#2 No facades, what you see is what you get !

#3 They are ready to receive !

Those 3 my friends are the ingredients that draw the heart of God. That my friends gives us Hope

HOPE CITY

Hope City KC

I do have a point here about my eyes of world missions, it is this thing called indigenous. The meaning is this :: having originated in and being produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment.

My point is that ministry is usually from the outside, coming in with all the answers, not understanding the culture or the needs. Indigenous ministry, are those from the outside coming in and serving what the Lord is doing in the local area. It means less control and Americans don’t like doing that, but the advantage is huge.

In Africa where I helped start an orphanage, we came in first and built relationships, and served the vision of local Christians. This form of missions work has been transforming Africa. it is effective because they understand the culture, and the needs, from a heart level, not a head level. It will transform the inner city as well.

INNER CITY : DO you really think white suburbanitescan can relate to what it feels like to live under a bridge in winter. You get my point, and it is that point that Ray and Lisa get. I have worked with them for several years and have watched them respond to zealous gifted people who are jumping at the bits to preach in the inner city. Their response ,”OK” but first come serve in the Kitchen for a YEAR and we will see when you are ready.

WOW , I tell you serving, lays the foundation to a life-long ministry, that is actually effective. Ray and Lisa have life experience not unlike those they minister to, but from a place of serving the local leaders of the inner city. It is powerful, to watch what God had been doing through the ministry of Hope City among all colors and backgrounds. Whether it’s free haircuts in the park or flipping hamburgers for 1000 people , those that have gathered around Ray and Lisa to serve the HEART of Kansas City are Family and the Family is growing.

3 ways you can get involved:

#1 Pray for them/us “prayer meeting every Monday night on forest just north of 27th at the Prayer Dome.

#2 Come Serve : many opportunities with related shelter’s and group homes.

#3 Your giving :

http://hckc.us.churchinsight.com/PaymentGroup/Registration.aspx?payment_group_id=1000000257

Their Story : http://www.melodygreen.com/Articles/1000053722/Last_Days_Ministries/LDM/Discipleship_Teachings/The_Devil_The.aspx?page=1

contact information

Lisa Stribling
816.729.2848
lisastribling@ihop.org

Posted in Christianity, faith, God, Indigenous Missions, prayer, religion Tagged: Christian Living, Christianity, faith, God, Hope, inner city, prayer, religion

Nothing Fiction about Crucifixion

riverflowsdown — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 04:02:06 +0000

Crucifixion, The most horrific public display of punishment unto death imaginable. While researching Crucifixion on any search engine you will find sites with the phrase CRUCI-FICTION. Many people believe the bible is a book of myth's and Jesus was just a man if he ever lived at all. The truth is Archeology puts together more and more evidence to prove historical biblical events. One such article you will find below. For me I couldn't care less about evidence. I was strung out on drugs and no hope at all. Jesus broke into my life and I know He changed me and for 25 years now I find life worth living that is all the proving I need. If you are sinking in skepticism you need an encounter with the resurrected Jesus and he does not have a problem providing that. Taste and see that the Lord is good!

The biblical account of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ found in John 19:1-42

1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3 Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands. 4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” 5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” 6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.” 8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” 11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” 13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” 16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away. 17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. 21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ‘ ” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things. 25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. 31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” 38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

Reflecting on the reality of the cross

Below you can read an article “Crucifixion — The Archaeological Evidence” an archaeologist working for the Israel Department of Antiquities, Tzaferis brings the evidence found in a tomb near Jerusalem that had been accidentally found by a construction crew. Bones of two generations of a Jewish family that lived in Jerusalem about the first century AD. A large nail piercing the heel bones of one skeleton led to the conclusion that this man had been crucified.

Tzaferis, Vassilios. “Crucifixion — The Archaeological Evidence”, Biblical Archaeology Review 11, February, 1985: 44–53.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Many people erroneously assume that crucifixion was a Roman invention.
In fact, Assyrians, Phoenicians and Persians all practiced crucifixion
during the first millennium BC. Crucifixion was introduced in the west
from these eastern cultures; it was used only rarely on the Greek
mainland, but Greeks in Sicily and southern Italy used it more
frequently, probably as a result of their closer contact with
Phoenicians and Carthaginians.

During the Hellenistic period, crucifixion became more popular among
the Hellenized population of the east. After Alexander died in 323 BC,
crucifixion was frequently employed both by the Seleucids (the rulers
of the Syrian half of Alexander’s kingdom) and by the Ptolemies (the
rulers of the Egyptian half).

Among the Jews crucifixion was an anathema. (2) The traditional method
of execution among Jews was stoning. Nevertheless, crucifixion was
occasionally employed by Jewish tyrants during the Hasmonean period.
At the end of the first century BC, the Romans adopted crucifixion as
an official punishment for non-Romans for certain legally limited
transgressions. Initially, it was employed not as a method of
execution, but only as a punishment. Moreover, only slaves convicted
of certain crimes were punished by crucifixion. Only in later times,
probably in the first century BC, did crucifixion evolve into a method
of execution for conviction of certain crimes.

Outside of Italy, the Roman procurators alone possessed authority to
impose the death penalty. Thus, when a local provincial court
prescribed the death penalty, the consent of the Roman procurator had
to be obtained in order to carry out the sentence.

Once a defendant was found guilty and was condemned to be crucified,
the execution was supervised by an official known as the Carnifix
Serarum. From the tribunal hall, the victim was taken outside,
stripped, bound to a column and scourged. Following the beating, the
horizontal beam was placed upon the condemned man’s shoulders, and he
began the long, grueling march to the execution site, usually outside
the city walls.

Sometimes the victim was attached to the cross only with ropes . . .
If the victim was attached by nails, he was laid on the ground, with
his shoulders on the crossbeam. His arms were held out and nailed to
the two ends of the crossbeam, which was then raised and fixed on top
of the vertical beam. The victim’s feet were then nailed down against
this vertical stake.

THE CRUCIFIXION OF YEHOHANAN

His remains reveal the horrible manner of his dying. From the way in
which the bones were attached [to the excavated nail], we can infer
the man’s position on the cross.

The two heel bones were attached on their adjacent inside (medial)
surfaces. The nail went through the right heel bone and then the left.
Since the same nail went through both heels, the legs were together,
not apart, on the cross.

A small seat, or sedile, must have been fastened to the upright of the
cross. The evidence as to the position of the body on the cross
convinced the investigators that the sedile supported only the man’s
left buttock. This seat both prevented the collapse of the body and
prolonged the agony.

Given this position on the cross and given the way in which the heel
bones were attached to the cross, it seems likely that the knees were
bent, or semi-flexed. This position of the legs was dramatically
confirmed by a study of the long bones below the knees, the tibia or
shinbone and the fibula behind it.

Only the tibia of the crucified man’s left leg was available for
study. The bone had been brutally fractured into large, sharp slivers.
This fracture was clearly produced by a single, strong blow. . . The
angle of the line of fracture on these left calf bones provides proof
that the victim’s legs were in a semi-flexed position on the cross.

The arm bones of the victim revealed the manner in which they were
attached to the horizontal bar of the cross. A small scratch was
observed on one bone (the radius) of the right forearm, just above the
wrist. The scratch was produced by the compression, friction and
gliding of an object on the fresh bone. This scratch is the
osteological (3) evidence of the penetration of the nail between the
two bones of the forearm, the radius and the ulna.

Christian iconography usually shows the nails piercing the palms of
Jesus’ hands. Nailing the palms of the hands is impossible, because
the weight of the slumping body would have torn the palms in a very
short time. The victim would have fallen from the cross while still
alive. As the evidence from our crucified man demonstrates, the nails
were driven into the victim’s arms, just above the wrists, because
this part of the arm is sufficiently strong to hold the weight of a
slack body.

The position of the crucified body may then be described as follows:
The feet were joined almost parallel, both transfixed by the same nail
at the heels, with the legs adjacent; the knees were doubled, the
right one overlapping the left; the trunk was contorted and seated on
a sedile; the upper limbs were stretched out, each stabbed by a nail
in the forearm.

Normally, the Romans left the crucified person undisturbed to die
slowly of sheer physical exhaustion leading to asphyxia. (4) However,
Jewish tradition required burial on the day of execution. Therefore,
in Palestine the executioner would break the legs of the crucified
person in order to hasten his death and thus permit burial before
nightfall. (5)

Several years ago while in Jerusalem we went to the back of the Arab bus station where the locals say Jesus was crucified at the place of the skull. Here is a picture we took, we made it to the top and Muslim men came running from everywhere to run us off. We did not know it but there was a cemetery on top of the skull.

The place of the skull

Ironic or not at the eastern gate of the walls around Jerusalem where one day Jesus will return you find the gate bricked in with solid stone. In front of the gate again a cemetary. Death, hell and the grave will one day be swallowed up in Victory and no one will keep Jesus from sitting those nailed pierced feet down where they are destined to rule from.

Eastern gate walled shut to keep Jesus out? It will not work.

Posted in Christianity, church, crucifixion, faith, God, israel, Jesus, prophetic, religion, theology Tagged: Biblical archeology, Chriistianity, cross, Crucifixion, faith, God, Jesus, Jesus christ, religion

The If’s of Jesus through the eyes of Matthew

riverflowsdown — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:35:34 +0000

I was asked to preach this last Sunday at the BARN at 8000 Oldham road in Kansas city Missouri. It is our Home church and it’s actually an old horse barn converted first to a large living room to be somewhat of a house Church. No one wanted to multiply into other houses so it just naturally grew into an over-grown house Church. We/They/Us are very un-traditional group that are growing in relationship with Lord and each other. A very diverse church in ethnicity and religious backgrounds, which can be a challenge. Pastor Todd and Vicki Bennett have done a great job pulling culture and even nationality into the mix. The best off times are usually topped of with a huge meal together not unlike a real family.

Well I was raised southern Baptist, and my adult life consistes of a 20 year history of charismatic/pentecostal churches, yet fundamental still very close to my baptist up-bringing. When I get to speak I can always bet I am a little controversial. I have a strong influence from Leonard Ravenhill and it seems to come out no matter how soft and loving I try to be. I try to add a little humor to help the medicine go down.

The truth is, I always preach to myself, and if someone gets anything from it, that is a bonus. This last week I had been thinking about the end times. Thinking about the world wide massive move toward Sin as the Bible calls it. Not just “all sex out-side of the bonds of marriage” but lust leading to pornography etc etc. Deception has all but swallowed up the church. Never hearing words like SIN, HELL, Repentance. Seldom see alter calls where Jesus is declared to be the only way to heaven.

It is time for change before it is to late. The message I preached was geared to see How Jesus dealt with the Sin issue by stopping it before it happens. HOW? By stopping it at temptation. The If’s of Temptation found in the book of Matthew. I listed a few below ranging from The Temptation of Christ with words “IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD” spoken by satan to the cross where the words are spoken by the crowd. In between, Jesus gives examples of some IF”S for us Christians they are a tough read. Look them over and let the Lord speak they are His own words. MARANATHA

Matt 4:1-11 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. 2 And after He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 But He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” 5 Then the Devil took Him to the holy city, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He will give His angels orders concerning you, and, they will support you with their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. ” 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: You must not tempt the Lord your God.” 8 Again, the Devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to Him, “I will give You all these things if You will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: You must worship the Lord your God, and you must serve Him only.” 11 Then the Devil left Him, and immediately angels came and began to serve Him.

Matt 5: 27-30 27 ”You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. 28 But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell!

Matt 6: 21:23 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 ”The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is generous, your whole body will be full of light.But if your eye is stingy, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness–how deep is that darkness!

Matt 16:24-26 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it. 26 What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?

Matt 18:6-9 6 ”But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me–it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea! 7 Woe to the world because of offenses. For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes. 8 If your hand or your foot causes your downfall, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes your downfall, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, rather than to have two eyes and be thrown into hellfire!

Matt 24:21-24 21 For at that time there will be great tribulation, the kind that hasn’t taken place since the beginning of the world until now, and never will again! 22 Unless those days were cut short, no one would survive. But because of the elect those days will be cut short. 23 ”If anyone tells you then, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it! 24 False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Matt 27:36-44 35 After crucifying Him they divided His clothes by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and were guarding Him there. 37 Above His head they put up the charge against Him in writing: 38 Then two criminals were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 Those who passed by were yelling insults at Him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “The One who would demolish the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked Him and said, 42 ”He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has put His trust in God; let God rescue Him now–if He wants Him! For He said, ‘I am God’s Son.’ ” 44 In the same way even the criminals who were crucified with Him kept taunting Him.

BOTTOM line, the answer to the Flesh and all it’s sin is to die to it, and walk in the Spirit. Paul gives the instructions below!!

Galatians 5:13:26 13 For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. 16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar, about which I tell you in advance–as I told you before–that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit. 26 We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Posted in Christianity, church, Discernment, end times, faith, Fruit of the Spirit, God, Jesus, last days, religion, Signs Of The Times Tagged: Christianity, Discernment, faith, God, Jesus, last days, Signs Of The Times, sin

Where I’ve been and where I’m going

riverflowsdown — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:46:22 +0000

My Family Portrait

Most people find their identity and self worth from their job
or in the things they do. It is my desire to paint a picture of my
family with words, discovering in the process just who we are. I
carry the same name as my Grandfather John Gross so let me
start there.

He was a strong man who had married my grandmother Sue
who was 12 years younger than him. He carried in his persona
what had been handed to Him, a strong German work ethic. My
father Ron Gross grew up in those days just after the great
depression and through World War 2. If eyes could see through
that filter you would most certainly understand how love was not
carried in words of sweet containers. Love was shown in those
tuff conditions by working long hard hours just to provide the
simple necessities of life. It was the right container for the times
and most knew it including dad. As it would happen times got
better and dad made his way to Kansas City to find his place in
the world.

It wasn’t long before dad had a job and settled in, until one
Sunday night God called him to preach. That didn’t fit in with
his father’s idea for his future, but dad obeyed God. Now
granddad got over it pretty quick and even showed hints of liking
the idea after awhile.

It was off to Southwest Baptist University for several years
then to Ouachita Baptist University to complete his degree. It
was there that he met my mother Evelyn Holmes who was
working as one of the school nurses. Mom’s family made the
ideal place to visit for Christmas. Her mother Leona
demonstrated the best example of pure love I ever witnessed.
Concerning mom, as they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the
tree

Mom and dad married in 1959 and they were off to Kansas City
for dad to attend Midwestern Theological Seminary. I came
along in 1961 so as I hear it we were very poor but they stayed
the course. While he didn’t spend the $10 for the certificate he
finished with a masters in theology. Dad pastored his first church
in 1964 in Clarksburg followed by Olean, Adrian, Scott City,
Warsaw, and Stockton all in Missouri.

I have two sisters, the oldest is Ginger 3 years younger than me. I
made her life miserable but she just loved her brother and kept
coming back for more. I have in recent years asked her to
forgive me for how bad I treated her and of course she did.
Ginger is married to my old school buddy John Underwood and
they have one daughter, Amber who is in college now she got the
smarts I wish I had. Janelle is my youngest sister and being 10
years apart I have only gotten to know her after we were adults.
She married Mark Gables after getting her teaching degree and
has 3 sweetheart daughters Holly, Olivia and Anna who keep them
active to say the least.
I grew up thinking I was born 100 years to late, you see
fishing and the great outdoors was it for me. Then something
happened to me around 1973, I started feeling rebellious and I
wanted to be a hippy or at least dress like one. But just as I was
felling good in my early teens it all changed with disco but not
with me, I was born to late again. By the late 1970’s I found it,
parties, drugs, what ever, I was in. I kept it secret for a while but
by 1979 when my teenage girl friend Dianna Holland came up
pregnant everyone knew.

The Baptist preacher’s kid has gone
and done it and he’s only a junior in high school. Well believe it or not,
We married and 9 days later came John David Jr. [ David ]. I finished
school while Dianna and I worked and all our families watched
David. Most people thought we would last about 1 year, lets see
we celebrated our 30 th year of marriage. Angela came 3 years later
and She was my my miracle baby. My rebelion died with Her birth, we
celebrate the same birthday, her natural my supernatral.

Enough for now you can check out our web page link below and see
what we are up to now but I will be telling more of our story as time permits.

http://www.houseoffriends.org

Posted in Christianity, faith, Family, inspiration, religion Tagged: Christian Living, Christianity, faith, Family, God, religion

Prophetic number ?

riverflowsdown — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:00:29 +0000

Prophetic numbers ? Well sometimes I am sure that is the case some times just weird coincidences. Yesterday I had record number of views of my blog site. That number was 333 double what the record was and triple what the average per day is. What is unusual is that while I am typing this, the total is now 33,033 that is 7 – 3’s. Now remember yesterday was good friday. The top view was a blog I did back on 3/12/08 , it was called Nothing Fiction about Crucifixion. You can view it at http://riverflowsdown.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/nothing-fiction-about-crucifixion/

Tomorrow the world will celebrate, or at least think about what the church does every Sunday, or at lest should. That is the grave could not hold back Jesus from His destiny. Resurrection , our hope is for the same. But friday the dark day in which the followers of Jesus mourned, hid and were dazed and confused. That gives us hope today as our whole world is shaking. Without a personal faith in Jesus Christ including His suffering, death, burial, and literal Resurrection there is nothing lasting to hope for or in.

So what does that have to do with all the 3’s I guess not much just this. As I used to drive an 18 wheeler for a living and from time to time I would think hey am I still on the right road, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a sign. Just about then I would top a hill and there’s your sign yip, still on the right road. Some times we need little signs along the way just letting us know we’re heading the right direction.

Here’s YOUR SIGN the Big 3 love ya, They have a great plan for ya. Father , Son and Holy Spirit

Jeremiah 33:3

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

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Ninth hour = 3 pm “Jesus died on the cross”

Mat 27:46

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

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I found this information below and copied the location

How old was Jesus when He was crucified? 33

http://www.carm.org/questions/about-jesus/how-old-was-jesus-when-he-was-crucified

We do not know for sure the exact age of Jesus when He was crucified, but He was probably 33 years old. Here is the argument.

Jesus was baptized. But the reason He was baptized was to “fulfill all righteousness,” (Matt. 3:15). He had to fulfill the legal requirements for entering into the priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4; Heb. 5:8-10; 6:20). Priests offered sacrifice to God on behalf of the people. Jesus became a sacrifice for our sin (1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21) in His role as priest.

To be consecrated as a priest, Jesus had to be: 1) washed with water – baptism – (Lev. 8:6; Exodus 29:4, Matt. 3:16). 2) Anointed with oil – the Holy Spirit – (Lev. 8:12; Exodus 29:7; Matt. 3:16). Additionally, He may have needed to be 30 years old, Num. 4:3, “from thirty years and upward, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tent of meeting.”

Therefore we can conclude that Jesus began His earthly ministry at the age of 30. Since it went on for 3 1/2 years before Jesus was crucified, it is safe to say that He was 33 at the time of His death.

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a funny 333 I found on a google maps search check it out .

Resurrection School Address : 333 Hilltop Dr Green Bay, WI 54301

Posted in Christianity, church, crucifixion, faith, God, Jesus, religion Tagged: Christianity, faith, God, prophetic, religion

The River Called Change : Part 1

riverflowsdown — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:12:28 +0000

I have been a stick in the mud on the banks of the river called change. What a big word CHANGE. It means nothing more than doing things differently. Differently or, not the same as before. Well, that sounds great in the current world view, but when change starts, where does it end? When change comes can it stop? Can it slow down or does change actually speed up? Could change under the right circumstances become out of control? Change out of control would be called what?

Cancer, uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Bad Change

Metamorphosis, Biology. A change in the form and often habits of an animal during normal development after the embryonic stage. Good Change

I think it is safe to say change can be good or bad. Who determines whether the change is good or bad? The expert I would say. It takes a medical expert to know when uncontrolled growth of cells has become cancer and if it can be stopped.

What about nations? Germany embraced change and ended up with a cancer called Das Dritte Reich.

Here is my take on America’s new highway called change. We were tired of business as usual and honestly thought any change is better than this. History will record the outcome but at this point I have never seen such a polarized view of the change.

On one polar cap is a flag waving : We love the change with undivided heart of pleasure.

On the other is a flag : We are scared and preparing for the worst.

America it is time to pray : meet you at the pole

Posted in life, politics, prayer, Signs Of The Times Tagged: politics, Signs Of The Times

Dianna , Her strength for my journey, we finish together !

riverflowsdown — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:24:57 +0000

Dianna always gives Her best and puts Her own desires on hold

Need an honest answer, come to Her, you know the truth is told

Though others leave when times get tough I know she will remain

When my heart is parched and dry Her words have come like rain

She has suffered much yet Her love has endured the test of time

The passion She has given me has caused my words to rhyme

Wisdom found a home in Her and what a treasure now resides

Watch her with our children’s children you’ll see great love inside

Precious are my memories with Her and inspiration for my life

She was cute as childhood sweetheart now beautiful as my wife

She’s my other half my better half and the half has not been told

She’s my one of a kind no average girl in Her they broke the mold

Progression of Dianna illness : Cushings Syndrome

Dianna and I were married in 1979 in 1982 She became very sick. No one could diagnose the Problem but after breaking several bones in Her foot by simply walking up the stairs we went to Dr. Travis in Harrisonville Missouri. He said something very serious was wrong and sent Dianna to specialist in Research hospital in Kansas City. He diagnosed Dianna with Cushings Syndrome. Cushings is basically a small tumor on the pituitary glad. Dianna has now had 3 brain surgeries and a gamma knife surgery. She has had Her pituitary gland removed and now takes more medicine than I can keep track of. Dianna has suffered so much yet keeps trusting God. She truly is inspiring when you have seen Her suffer like I have over the many years.

30 years who’d a thunk it

Well here we are Dianna and I have made it 30 years. When we got married Feb 9th1979 most people gave us a year. Nine days not months between our wedding and David’s birth had nothing to do with the jokes about people from Arkansas. Dianna was born in Hot Springs and my Mother was from Mena, so we both have razorback blood in our veins. We love Arkansas, jokes and all. We have survived every curve ball life has thrown our way, and though it has been hard to keep going back to the plate, we have, and we will. GOD has been so faithful to us. We have raised our kids and are enjoying our grandkids. Though Dianna can not go to the third world because of Her medical condition She has sacrificed alot and blessed my going. I always bring Her perspective with me as I am ministering. Her heart has provided me with the needed balance, as I work together with a great team here in the midwest to launch an orphanage called Abba House. You can check out the work at http://www.houseoffriends.org/Abbahouse.html .

Dianna

You were ruff and tough, a true Tom boy to the core

The first day I saw you oh how my spirit soared

You were like a mustang daring to be tamed

A loner never crying out for fame

I was a wild one, adventure would be my call

Our lives mixed together, like a painting on the wall

Colors differing, yet blending, and converging into one

On lookers set and wonder, what will it be, when done

Wisdom and zeal have found a home in We

We have given our selves to life, as we crucified our Me

We are one, We are the picture of one, and what is left is none

Dianna I love Us Together, John

Thank Jesus for investing your life in US !!!!

Posted in childrens home, Christianity, Cushings Disease, Cushings syndrome, faith, Family, God, health, inspiration, Jesus, life, marriage, missionary, missions, Orphanages, poetry, Putuitary Tumor, religion Tagged: Christian Living, Christianity, faith, God, Jesus, Jesus christ, life, missions, Orphanages, religion