Michael C Kekel
Personal commentary of M C Kekel - New Testament Christian Churches of America, Inc.
Linked From Here
Links
This Blog
Copyright 2010-You have the right to copy anything you want from this blog; PASS IT ON!. April 20, 2012Verrrrry Cool Q
Here's a few last pics of the Pavilion for you. Hope you enjoy them, but I hope you enjoy the Pavilion more! If you want a different perspective on the pictures, see my Sermons and Lessons blog for a slideshow format. See you at Conference 2012. The Lamb has Overcome!
    Pray for Rev. and Sis. Cyrius
Rev. and Sis. Cyrius, directors of the NTCC Servicemen's Home and Church in Woodbrook, Wa., took a day to get away on a trip to the Portland area. It was his birthday. Upon return however, they were in a very serious auto accident. They hit a horse while traveling at 80 mph! Not a deer, a HORSE. Obviously they will not make the Conference due to their injuries, but overall they will be alright, thanks to the miraculous protection of God. Sis. Kekel and I went down to the hospital in Portland Thursday, and Rev. Cyrius expressed to us that he didn't want to miss the Conference, so we know that their heart will be with us during the Conference, and our love will be with them. If any of you have distributed or "facebooked" incorrect information about this accident, please correct it, to avoid causing unnecessary panic and grief.
The airbag saved the driver's (Sis. C's) life, and sliding legs-first up under the dashboard, saved Bro. Cyrius' life. I say that because the horse was lifted and took the entire top off that BMW 745Li. The speed probably helped save their lives also. They never saw the impact coming, they said, since it was at night. Rev. Cyrius smashed the left side of his face on the dash, and has some stitches by his left eye (kind of like a 1-inch "crow's foot") and left ear lobe, but the worst thing was the knockout. He will be in surgery some time soon to repair the fractures around his left eye and cheek, so let's keep them in our prayers.
Apart from the small cuts, his face (especially his skin) looks perfectly intact, but swollen of course. His left eye is swollen shut. The cheek looks slightly 'flattened' but that's what they are going to repair. I really pray and believe they will both heal with almost unnoticeable marks. Sis. Cyrius' nose was smashed and she has a already stitched-up cut between her right eyelid and eyebrow, which hopefully will hide well later on. She just came out of surgery today which, I believe, was to repair her broken nose.
Over and over again, I see the outpouring of love and concern by the people of God when adversities arise in our lives, and it is amazing! I'm so glad to be going to heaven with people like you; people who demonstrate the love of Christ through your lives of dedication and love for the brethren. God bless all of you, and if the Lord wills, we will see you in just a few days as we lift our hands together unto the Lord our God.
April 12, 2012Do you like my hat?    April 6, 2012 Hello Brethren, We are officially 2 weekends away from Spring Conference. Anticipation is building, and already the Holy Spirit is moving in that special conference way here in Graham. I am looking forward to seeing you all, fellowshipping and worshipping together with you! If you would like to download and print a copy of this poster for your church just email me and request the jpeg and I'll send it to you ASAP. Our prayer is that God will bless you and move in a special way this Easter Weekend. Yours in Him, Mike Kekel March 6, 2012Indecent Liberties by Mike Kekel
TEXT: John 8 (33) “33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?”
BR: John 8 (31-38)
INTRO: Indecent liberties. Two words used to describe when a person takes unlawful freedoms.
Indecent
not conforming with generally accepted standards of behavior or propriety
Liberty
the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views
Jesus faces the Pharisees
They said they weren’t in bondage, but they were. Jesus said they were in bondage, because, only those whom HE sets free, are free INDEED (TRULY FREE). The Pharisees were not TRULY free, but pretending to be free; claiming freedom, but TRULY in bondage.
We see a trend in the churches of today, that advocates the use of ‘salvation by grace’ as an “occasion for the flesh” Gal. 5: 13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.“ These Pharisees were calling their bondage, freedom. Jesus was calling their sin, bondage.
One wonders, what does Jesus set people free from? Sin? Or Sin and the WORLD? Or does He set them free from the restrictions of service? Obedience? Rules? Law?
I John
Truly free Christians are set free from the ‘spirit that is in the world’
I) Worldly Christians
Brethren beware of such! To be entangled in Christian Rock and Rap, cross-gender dressing, and the vanities of immodesty and profligate behavior is bondage, not liberty. Worldly Christians are not “free indeed”; they are in bondage rather, to a spirit of the world that causes people to walk according to the vanity of their minds, the course of this world. (Eph. 2)
We would do well, brethren, to practice the instruction of the Apostle John in I John, in which he tells us to TEST the spirits (what’s behind people’s actions) and determine if it is coming from God or not. This is not being judgmental, it is spiritual self-defense. He also says not to just believe every one of them.
Chapter 4 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
This is how you will know:
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Is merely acknowledging that the Lord came in the flesh, viable proof? No, the emphasis is on the presence or absence of love, or the opposite, worldly speech and behavior.
We live in a time when many seek to justify such things in the name of ‘grace’ and even speak against holiness of life and separation from the world (aka blaspheme). The worldly Christian must speak against the dedicated Christian, and claim that he is trying to be saved “by his works”, when the problem is that he knows he has no works of his own, that God will truly accept.
II) People’s Idea of Liberty is Warped:
We live in the time once described by the bible in II Tim. 3:
3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away...
He is talking to Church people in the passage above, and instructing us to “turn away” from them. Today, the Apostle would have said “def-riend them”.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
The gospel and holy living have come under attack over and over, even until now. Those who are slothful about God’s work, who don’t want to persevere to success in what God has called them to do and excuse their failure to follow through, maintain loyalty to the body of Christ and the brotherhood, and integrity, by resorting to the basest form of excuse; “I’m not saved by working”.
It is not the authority of GOD that Christians are supposed to be liberated from, but the power of sin and satan. It is not God’s authority that we want to be separate from, but the authority of satan, which is broken when a newborn Christian is ‘liberated’. It’s supposed to stay that way, but time and neglect gradually eat away, and as lust is conceived (for lands, money, prominence, prosperity, possessions, etc) it brings forth sin and soon God’s call to separation becomes, in their view, a type of bondage and unnecessary restriction; and unwanted authority or rule over them.
We cannot call Jesus Lord, unless He rules us. We must also remember that the Bible is a Rulership of God, not a certain church’s or a man’s rulership. So that leaves a man only one option to justify his rebellion; twist the scriptures. This necessitates denouncing the views of other Christians who, if anything, go ‘the extra mile’ for God. They claim liberty, yet behave and speak indecently.
III) Walking after the flesh is TRUE BONDAGE
Peter presents two opposites in his discourse in I Peter 2: one using liberty as a cloak (a garment that covers- hides) and abstinence from lusts, i.e., having TRUE liberty (freedom).
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood.
We see many today who claim to be “free” but abide in malice: malice is from the Latin “malitia” (think ‘malo’) meaning - the intention or desire to do evil; ill will.
Notice several things above:
II Peter 2
This chapter describes exactly what we’re dealing with in churches today, brethren. Notice some things in the following passages.
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:”
This happens to people in NTCC ministry, Baptist ministries, any ministry or church. Why think it a strange thing that many follow such blasphemers? The basis of their behavior is (3) covetousness. Those who listen to their “feigned” words, have some kind of lust of their own going on.
To FEIGN is actually a verb meaning to ‘pretend to be affected’ by a feeling, state, or injury. To invent (a story or excuse) To indulge in pretense.
I”M SO WOUNDED! they sniffle...
...whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Be ye separate!
II Cor. 6
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
February 6, 2012February 6, 2012What happened to Fellowship Meetings?Those monthly 'get-togethers' were always so special! I remember one many years ago at Rev. Espinoza's Tacoma church with a bunch of us out on the front porch, just singing and having church; a pleasant memory. The meetings weren't fixed at any certain interval, but often occurred monthly and usually on a Saturday. You knew that there would be singing, shouting, praise and blessings, and surely that fellow that needed that breakthrough would find it there!Over the years however, Fellowship Meetings became a monthly requirement in every region of the US where we had churches. The original intention was to give members of those churches to have a chance to see that there were other churches like theirs and that having church together was very exciting; they were to have that same 'old time' feeling. The 'more the merrier' so to speak. In addition, you could enjoy hearing a message preached by someone different, and afterward laugh, talk, eat! Why were they stopped? Well, they weren't, not completely. "Ahh, whatever happened to those wonderful 'Fellowship Meetings?'" some watery-eyed person would ask. This question seems to come up often, but maybe people have forgotten the things they 'didn't like' about them. There are still many meetings held, but only those supervised by an Overseer, and they aren't monthly requirements anymore. The primary reason for this, was to ease the financial burden on the churches and pastors, and stop the monthly disruption of their schedules. Contrary to the rumor, it wasn't because the ministers "weren't trusted to conduct the services". There were no guest speakers, only the same pastors preaching to each other's congregations, and each other, every month. Many times ministers are peers or Dorm buddies, so in some ways, the meetings became more than just a financial burden; the burden of resentment. FMs should never be a burden. But for some people, everything is a burden. Count the Cost Going to a fellowship meeting could sometimes be a budget buster! Consider for example... *Expenses for travel including gas, meals, and in some cases a hotel room *Soul-winning programs reduced 25% (1 week out of each month) *Saturday services cancelled, impacting the church evangelistically and financially But wait, there's more! A few preachers strove over who was leading service, whose wife would sing, who would preach, etc. And then there's the preacher who took a cheap shot at another preacher on the front row, saying 'men who part their hair on the right, "are homosexuals" (?) Such behavior is un-ministerial, childish, carnal. Unfortunately you can't give people brains. There was also a degree of resentment on the part of some pastors for having to deal with some of this stuff, every month. Let those who lament the changes, remember. The offerings taken up in those meetings went to the Home Missions program; a reserve fund for expenses related to helping fledgling churches in the USA. The money wasn't just given out to 'spenders', but used to bail out lots of Pastors in a bind, trying to get their church started. Those offerings didn't come near covering the expenditures, and the Org. carried the rest. Home Missions is no more. Under the new setup, offerings go to expenses of the Fellowship Meetings to defray expenses of the meeting that fall on the host church, and whatever else is needed for the meeting, like refreshments, etc. Some additional benefits of the new setup are things such as:
My hope is that in the future, Fell. Mtgs. will be promoted more effectively and in advance. It used to be a great excitement for us because someone would get the Holy Ghost, or get saved, and the excitement was always high. In Graham, we never have them because the nearby Pastors and some members come every Thursday anyway. Plus, the Graham congregation could never fit in the smaller buildings, and we have a lot of Conference-like services as it is. Either way, God is good! And now you know...the true, 'rest of the story'.
July 2, 2011
Team Spirit
I have posted a new sermon outline on my "Sermons, Lessons and Other Stuff" blog. This sermon will also appear in the recent issue of our periodical 'The Trumpet'. Read it carefully, including the scriptures, as it explains many things. It's a compilation of messages I preached in Graham, WA, over 4 or 5 services. God bless you, enjoy!
M. C. Kekel http://mckekel.wordpress.com/2011/07/02/team-spirit/
June 7, 2011False gods
THE MANUFACTURE OF GODS
One of the strange and dreadful powers of men is the ability to make gods for themselves. No matter how ordinary their talents, and unsuccessful their efforts in other directions, here in the deity constructing business they always excel, and from the successful manufacture of one, they can soon turn out “gods many.” In fine scorn and irony the prophet addressed an idolatrous people, and said, You take the trunk of a tree, make an image of it, call it God, and then afterwards burning it up, fail to see the silliness and absurdity of the whole proceeding. But this and all other arguments fail to deter idolaters from their God manufacture; so intellectual Greece had thirty-three thousand false deities, military Rome possessed as many, and benighted Africa owned as great a multitude. No tribe, no matter how degraded and poverty-stricken, seems to be poor when numbering their gods. They are legion, and they are of brass, iron, wood, stone, and anything and everything but spirit. In enlightened America we have as many false gods as the countries mentioned ever possessed. Men are still busy making gods. It is true that in this nation men have better conceptions of the Divine Being than the Asiatics and Africans possess; they know that God is a spirit and is not to be constructed in the forms and images which the heathen fashion for themselves. Nevertheless, all misconceptions of God are idolatrous. All wrong ideas which result in the robbing him of certain moral attributes, or which deny his Will and Word and Work, inevitably make an idol or false God. It is marvelous to see what impertinent and sacrilegious hands men lay upon the Almighty. They take from him attributes which belong to him and clothe him with qualities which he plainly disclaims, and which are perfectly alien to his character. The result is of course a false God. Evidently the God of the Bible does not suit people in America, and so they have gone to work to cut him up, shave him down, and then add a certain worldliness, weakness, and general molluscousness to his character which really brings another false God upon the scene, whom men worship, and whom at last they will find powerless to save. It is a sickening thought that there are so many Christian congregations in the land today who are worshipping a false Christ. About all some of them have of the real, true Savior is the name Jesus Christ. That a certain divine man named Christ died on Calvary two thousand years ago is the one fact and truth they start out with, but after that comes in their handiwork in all that remains. Instead of changing their hearts and lives to suit the Holy One of the Bible, they alter him to suit their worldly and sinful lives. So a soft, easygoing, worldly Christ is lifted up in their Church as the object of worship. As a God he is indifferent to the amusements and business life of his followers. He winks at card-playing, theater-going and Sunday traveling. He does not mind white lies, gossip, and various kinds of diversions in the family and church. He is perfectly satisfied that his people come to his temple twice on Sunday, sing him an anthem or two, bow slightly in the pews, and if convenient attend the prayer meeting on Wednesday night. The rest of the week can be spent anywhere and everywhere, it suits them; it is all the same to him. We have not the shadow of a doubt in our minds that we have churches throughout our country called “The Church of the Redeemer,” or “The Church of the Messiah,” that if the real Christ, as he is, should walk down its aisles, the congregation would not know him and if he preached a single sermon they would never hear another; and if he persisted in his rebuke they would kill him as certainly as did the Jews. It is purely an imaginary Christ that many congregations are worshipping. They have manufactured a God to suit themselves. The boundary lines of his salvation have been so run in and out as to allow not only questionable things, but matters forbidden by the Law and the Sermon on the Mount.The Christ of the Bible, demanding a complete consecration, a devoted service, and a rulership without a rival in the heart, is one being, and the one they call Christ who permits compromise, a half-hearted following, and actual sin and worldliness is another person altogether different. The first is the true God, the second is a false one manufactured by the worshipper and unable to save in life, comfort in death or deliver at the Day of Judgment. In our goings about we have often heard the following expression: “My God allows me to do so and so, or this and that.” We never heard the speech, but felt that some kind of sin was being covered. In numerous instances the proof was finally given to verify the suspicion. The explanation of the phrase is that the man, being plainly forbidden by the God of the Bible from committing certain things, or acting in various ways, immediately proceeded to make a God for himself who would allow him to do whatsoever he desired. This manufactured deity he calls “his God.” Then in due season we hear the words, “My God allows me to play cards,” or to “go to the theater,” etc., etc. These gods of course are very diverse, as people do not all favor the same kind of sin; and so they differ and are numerous as well. If a town has a population of three thousand people it is perfectly safe to say there are over one thousand false gods in the community, while a city of a million would have an array of man-created deities that would make the thirty-three thousand idols of Athens look like a corporal’s guard. It stands to reason that if we would wield a harsh, slanderous tongue, we must be under the necessity of creating a God who will allow this, so that we can in the indulgence of such unkindness and spleen be able to say that our God continues to smile upon and bless us. The God of the Bible is against such words and such a spirit; so the counterfeit deity is struck off, elevated into position, and then, with hands wet with the blood of a brother’s reputation, the deluded man looks upward, while the lips say, “My God allows me to do this,” “My God continues to bless and prosper me while I do and say such things.” If a man wants to be divorced from his wife for other than the scriptural cause, he is under the necessity of making a God to let him do it, for the true God forbids it. Hence we do not have to travel far these days to hear a man or woman say, “My God allowed me to get a divorce; and the ground was incompatibility” Another God-maker! If a person would like to gossip, or repeat evil reports; if he would condemn a fellow-being unheard, and nurse a grudge; he must manufacture a God to permit such a spirit and life, for the true God is against it all. No one need be surprised to hear people, who are well-known to be guilty of these things, stand up in testimony meetings and say that God dwells in their hearts, and they never enjoyed religion more in all their lives than now. The explanation is that a God has been manufactured to suit the unloving, unChristlike life. It is true that their tongue is sharper than a serpent’s tooth, and their conversation is one of abuse, detraction, and slander; yet here comes the stereotyped expression, “My Lord was never nearer and dearer to me than now. He fills me now. He keeps me blessedly all the time.” In spite of the bold declaration many of the readers of this chapter will recall how the God of the Bible failed to make his presence felt at this juncture; and how, when the testifier sat down there was a peculiar silence, unctionless, ominous and oppressive. False gods allow us to retain right eyes and right arms that offend. They grant seats at Jezebel’s table, and most distinguished favors and attentions from the world. They generate no fears, whisper nothing about a coming judgment, but rock the soul to sleep with the nonsensical but soothing doctrine of Final Restoration. It is dreadful to mark the confusion and horror which comes with the light of the death hour revelation to men who have worshipped gods of their own creation. They find with a sudden and unspeakable shock that they have been adoring fantasies, delusions, and silly imaginations of their own. They find vanishing illusions where they wanted a divine Person, and mental fog where they needed the arm of the Omnipotence. They compassed themselves with sparks of their own kindling, and now, says the prophet, they lie down in sorrow. They took their own desires to be divine leadings; their personal spleen to be righteous indignation, and their pitiless treatment of their fellow-creatures to be zeal for the Lord. With Christ’s own statement that no one who cast out devils in his name could speak lightly of him, and could not be against him, yet they proceeded to condemn and cast out from their regard and presence all that did not “follow with them,” no matter what miracles of grace these same people were performing in Christ’s name. This strange anomaly and contradiction was their religion, and this un-Christlike Christ was their Lord. Of course at death no such God appeared to help and save. The true God had been substituted with a false one, and he was not only powerless to deliver, but being a mere concept, and a vain one at that, he was not even present to comfort, and so the now undeceived soul was left to flounder in darkness and despair in the hour of death. Better far to serve the true God, though that service cost not only the right eye, and hand and foot, but all of earth beside. What are our members to us if we be cast with them in the Lake of Fire? and what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul? If the reader has a God, he should take it at once to the Bible and see how it compares with the Holy Being revealed there. If dissimilarity exists, and the prodigious blunder has been made of making a God instead of receiving One who never had a beginning, there should be an instant destruction of the idol, the abandonment of the false, and a cleaving now and forever to the one true God, high over all and blessed forevermore. It is infinitely better to discover a great spiritual mistake in life, than in death, when the senses are failing, the mind wandering, devils are assailing, and all the strange, trying and paralyzing sensations attending dissolution sweep like dark billows over the soul. It would be a dreadful thing in the midst of dying gasps, fading faces, and a receding world, to discover in the last moment of life that we had worshipped a wretched counterfeit, a base imitation, a helpless idol, a God that we ourselves had manufactured. Alas for the man who has created an imaginary God; served all his life a false God; and dies at last with no God! From "Bundle of Arrows" (Chapter 4) by Beverly Carradine
June 6, 2011Letting Go
"The Bible says that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19 ] People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.Let them go. And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.. . You've got to know when it's dead. You've got to know when it's over." "Let me tell you something.. . I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye.. . It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay. Let them go. If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to... LET IT GO!!! If you are holding on to past hurts and pains... LET IT GO!!! If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth... LET IT GO!!! If someone has angered you ... LET IT GO!!! If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge... LET IT GO!!! If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction... LET IT GO!!! If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents ...LET IT GO!!! If you have a bad attitude... LET IT GO!!! If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better... LET IT GO!!! If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him... LET IT GO!!! If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship... LET IT GO!! If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves... LET IT GO!!! If you're feeling depressed and stressed... LET IT GO!!! If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need to... LET IT GO!!! '" "The Battle is the Lord's!' During the next 60 seconds, Stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity. .. (Literally it is only ONE minute!) All you have to do is the following: You simply say 'The Lords Prayer' for the person that sent you this message: The Lords PrayerOur Father, who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever.Amen. Next, send this message to everyone you know.
In a while, more people will have prayed for you and you would have obtained a lot of people praying for others! Next, stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him. Jesus said, ‘If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before My Father’If you are not ashamed, send this message... only if you believe. 'Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and My Savior. He Keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do everything, Christ is my strength.' This is a simple test. God loves YOU and watches over YOU everyday."
By T. D. Jakes
June 2, 2011Conference 2011 Check out http://www.myntcc.org for information about the Fall Camp meeting in September. Click on the "campground" link on the home page. There's a printable map and a Google link to print step-by-step directions to the Camp from any location. The Calendar on http://www.myntcs.org has also been updated, just use the Calendar link in the sidebar to view Seminary breaks and Fall Conference dates. God bless you, M.C. Kekel
March 29, 20115, 4, 3, 2, 1...
Can you believe that it’s only 5 days until conference? Wow!
If you have hospitality reservations on campus and will be arriving during office hours (9:00-4:30 Monday-Friday) please come by the office upon arrival, or call or at 360-893-4188, and we will direct you to your temporary home. If you will be arriving outside of office hours, please let us know when, so we are prepared to direct you to your dormitory. Send your ETA to my wife at tanyakekel@hotmail.com.
Thanks, and we’ll see you soon,
God Bless you,
Pastor Kekel
March 27, 2011Consider this...
"The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve.
Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An
important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative
thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will
change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you
to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to
crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that
don't increase you will eventually decrease you."
Consider this...
"Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.
With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful
where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the
person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with
wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you
will learn how to soar to great heights.
"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the
kind of friends he chooses."
The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you
closely associate - for the good and the bad.
Note: Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends.
Yes...do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will
always be your family no matter what. Just know that they are human first
and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above."
Colin Powell
March 12, 2011Workshops for the NTCC Spring Conference 2011
NEW! Click the poster above to see the animated version
Click here if you would like to view the cool poster for the Mastering your Music and Worship Workshop. The afternoon workshops on Tuesday and Thursday will last about an hour, and presenters will remain afterward for Q and A, discussion and more. We plan to stay as long as needed, so bring all your questions!
On Wednesday after lunch, there will be Workshops and Presentations by Children's Ministry workers at the NTCS Educational Classrooms, with open discussion of related topics and creative ideas.
March 2, 2011Conference 2011 Attire
Hello Everyone,
We are definitely doing the conference countdown around here; it’s going to be a family reunion of the best kind. By now most of you should have received confirmation of your hospitality in the Seminary Dormitories or host’s homes; if not please contact my wife at 360-893-5355 or tanyakekel@hotmail.com.
We’ve had inquiries concerning the dress code for Conference so here it is:
Casual for the Morning Services and Workshops. Dress clothes for the evening service. If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to call or e-mail.
Yours In His Service,
M C Kekel
February 11, 2011All ThingsJesus said to Peter, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."In John 13:7 Here the Master was giving us the foreword to the promise that the apostle Paul would later be inspired to write in Romans 8:28. Vance Havner wrote; "When before the throne we stand in Him complete, all the riddles that puzzle us here will fall into place and we shall know in fulfillment what we now believe in faith-that all things work together for good in His eternal purpose. No longer will we cry "My God, why?" Instead, "Alas" will become "Alleluia," all question marks will be straightened into exclamation points, sorrow will change to singing, and pain will be lost in praise." "God marks across some of our days, 'WILL EXPLAIN LATER'."
February 4, 2011Fight or Flight
I preached this and gave credit to the author of most of it, but I'm not sure now what website it came from. You can search out "fight or flight" and probably find it. It was written by a Doctor of whose name I'm not sure. I posted it to my Sermons, Lessons and other stuff blog, but since it ties into a series I'd like to do, I placed it here also.
TEXT: II Tim. 1 (7) “ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
BR: II Tim. 1 (6-14)
I What is the "fight or flight response?"
This fundamental physiologic response forms the foundation of modern day stress medicine. The "fight or flight response" is our body's primitive, automatic, inborn response that prepares the body to "fight" or "flee" from perceived attack, harm or threat to our survival.
II What happens to us when we are under excessive stress?
When we experience excessive stress—whether from internal worry or external circumstance—a bodily reaction is triggered, called the "fight or flight" response. Originally discovered by the great Harvard physiologist Walter Cannon, this response is hard-wired into our brains and represents a genetic wisdom designed to protect us from bodily harm. This response actually corresponds to an area of our brain called the hypothalamus, which—when stimulated—initiates a sequence of nerve cell firing and chemical release that prepares our body for running or fighting.
III What are the signs that our fight or flight response has been stimulated (activated)?
When our fight or flight response is activated, sequences of nerve cell firing occur and chemicals like adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol are released into our bloodstream. These patterns of nerve cell firing and chemical release cause our body to undergo a series of very dramatic changes. Our respiratory rate increases. Blood is shunted away from our digestive tract and directed into our muscles and limbs, which require extra energy and fuel for running and fighting. Our pupils dilate. Our awareness intensifies. Our sight sharpens. Our impulses quicken. Our perception of pain diminishes. Our immune system mobilizes with increased activation. We become prepared—physically and psychologically—for fight or flight. We scan and search our environment, "looking for the enemy."
When our fight or flight system is activated, we tend to perceive everything in our environment as a possible threat to our survival. By its very nature, the fight or flight system bypasses our rational mind—where our more well thought out beliefs exist—and moves us into "attack" mode. This state of alert causes us to perceive almost everything in our world as a possible threat to our survival. As such, we tend to see everyone and everything as a possible enemy. Like airport security during a terrorist threat, we are on the look out for every possible danger. We may overreact to the slightest comment. Our fear is exaggerated. Our thinking is distorted. We see everything through the filter of possible danger. We narrow our focus to those things that can harm us. Fear becomes the lens through which we see the world.
We can begin to see how it is almost impossible to cultivate positive attitudes and beliefs when we are stuck in survival mode. Our heart is not open. Our rational mind is disengaged. Our consciousness is focused on fear, not love. Making clear choices and recognizing the consequences of those choices is unfeasible. We are focused on short-term survival, not the long-term consequences of our beliefs and choices. When we are overwhelmed with excessive stress, our life becomes a series of short-term emergencies. We lose the ability to relax and enjoy the moment. We live from crisis to crisis, with no relief in sight. Burnout is inevitable. This burnout is what usually provides the motivation to change our lives for the better. We are propelled to step back and look at the big picture of our lives—forcing us to examine our beliefs, our values and our goals.
When you finish reading about these fundamental principles of the Fight or Flight Response and the Relaxation Response, don't forget to visit our home page at www.TheBodySoulConnection.com to discover the very practical ways you can utilize these principles in order to achieve greater health, happiness and peace of mind in your own life.
IV What is our fight or flight system designed to protect us from?
Our fight or flight response is designed to protect us from the proverbial saber tooth tigers that once lurked in the woods and fields around us, threatening our physical survival. At times when our actual physical survival is threatened, there is no greater response to have on our side. When activated, the fight or flight response causes a surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones to pump through our body. This surge is the force responsible for mothers lifting cars off their trapped children and for firemen heroically running into blazing houses to save endangered victims. The surge of adrenaline imbues us with heroism and courage at times when we are called upon to protect and defend the lives and values we cherish.
V What are the saber tooth tigers of today and why are they so dangerous?
When we face very real dangers to our physical survival, the fight or flight response is invaluable. Today, however, most of the saber tooth tigers we encounter are not a threat to our physical survival. Today’s saber tooth tigers consist of rush hour traffic, missing a deadline, bouncing a check or having an argument with our boss or spouse. Nonetheless, these modern day, saber tooth tigers trigger the activation of our fight or flight system as if our physical survival was threatened. On a daily basis, toxic stress hormones flow into our bodies for events that pose no real threat to our physical survival.
By its very design, the fight or flight response leads us to fight or to flee—both creating immense amounts of muscle movement and physical exertion. This physical activity effectively metabolizes the stress hormones released as a result of the activation of our fight or flight response. Once the fighting is over, and the threat—which triggered the response—has been eliminated, our body and mind return to a state of calm.
VII Has the fight or flight response become counterproductive?
In most cases today, once our fight or flight response is activated, we cannot flee. We cannot fight. We cannot physically run from our perceived threats. When we are faced with modern day, saber tooth tigers, we have to sit in our office and "control ourselves." We have to sit in traffic and "deal with it." We have to wait until the bank opens to "handle" the bounced check. In short, many of the major stresses today trigger the full activation of our fight or flight response, causing us to become aggressive, hypervigilant and over-reactive. This aggressiveness, over-reactivity and hypervigilance cause us to act or respond in ways that are actually counter-productive to our survival. Consider road rage in Los Angeles and other major cities.
It is counterproductive to punch out the boss (the fight response) when s/he activates our fight or flight response. (Even though it might bring temporary relief to our tension!) It is counterproductive to run away from the boss (the flight response) when s/he activates our fight or flight response. This all leads to a difficult situation in which our automatic, predictable and unconscious fight or flight response causes behavior that can actually be self-defeating and work against our emotional, psychological and spiritual survival.
VIII Is there a cumulative danger from over-activation of our fight or flight response?
Yes. The evidence is overwhelming that there is a cumulative buildup of stress hormones. If not properly metabolized over time, excessive stress can lead to disorders of our autonomic nervous system (causing headache, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure and the like) and disorders of our hormonal and immune systems (creating susceptibility to infection, chronic fatigue, depression, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and allergies.)
IX To protect ourselves today, we must consciously pay attention to the signals of fight or flight
To protect ourselves in a world of psychological—rather than physical—danger, we must consciously pay attention to unique signals telling us whether we are actually in fight or flight. Some of us may experience these signals as physical symptoms like tension in our muscles, headache, upset stomach, racing heartbeat, deep sighing or shallow breathing. Others may experience them as emotional or psychological symptoms such as anxiety, poor concentration, depression, hopelessness, frustration, anger, sadness or fear.
Excess stress does not always show up as the "feeling" of being stressed. Many stresses go directly into our physical body and may only be recognized by the physical symptoms we manifest. Two excellent examples of stress induced conditions are "eye twitching" and "teeth-grinding." Conversely, we may "feel" lots of emotional stress in our emotional body and have very few physical symptoms or signs in our body.
By recognizing the symptoms and signs of being in fight or flight, we can begin to take steps to handle the stress overload. There are benefits to being in fight or flight—even when the threat is only psychological rather than physical. For example, in times of emotional jeopardy, the fight or flight response can sharpen our mental acuity, thereby helping us deal decisively with issues, moving us to action. But it can also make us hypervigilant and over-reactive during times when a state of calm awareness is more productive. By learning to recognize the signals of fight or flight activation, we can avoid reacting excessively to events and fears that are not life threatening. In so doing, we can play "emotional judo" with our fight or flight response, "using" its energy to help us rather than harm us. We can borrow the beneficial effects (heightened awareness, mental acuity and the ability to tolerate excess pain) in order to change our emotional environment and deal productively with our fears, thoughts and potential dangers.
ADRENALINE means “on the kidney” which is where the adrenal glands are. There are many types of glands throughout the body which perform different functions.
GLANDS discharge chemical substances into the bloodstream to produce certain and instant results. The adrenal gland is one of the most remarkable!
M. C. Kekel
January 23, 2011When God makes a man
When God wants to drill a man,
And thrill a man And skill a man, To play the noblest part; When He yearns with all His heart To create so great and bold a man That all the world shall be amazed, Watch His methods! Watch His ways! How He ruthlessly perfects Whom He royally elects! How He hammers him and hurts him, And with mighty blows converts him Into trial shapes of clay which Only God understands; While his tortured heart is crying And he lifts beseeching hands! How He bends but never breaks When His good He undertakes; How He uses whom He chooses, And with every purpose fuses him; By every act induces him To try His splendor out-- God knows what He’s about! from The Disciplines of Life by V. Raymond Edmond
January 12, 2011Astonishment
(Not really, this is just a note for clarification)
Then Michael, whose name was Kekel, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. (Daniel 4:19)
You're kidding, right? In my recent blog announcement concerning Spring Conference 2011, I stated that Conference was voluntary, of course. Saying "voluntary of course" meant only that it's not mandatory, and it has not been mandatory for some time, as you well know. I wasn't discussing whether it was ever mandatory, that wasn't even the context of the announcement. Since then, I have heard that there is some stir about it, saying that I was "denying that Conferences were ever mandatory". Oh, you weren't kidding, were you? Alright then, let's just take a moment to clarify things.
"He that hath an ear, let him hear"; Conferences are sometimes required! I'll go further than that; Ministers were supposed to have their licenses revoked if they failed to attend mandatory Conferences, but that's never been enforced. I don't know of anyone who actually lost their license, so why have the requirement?
There, I said it. Now I'm free from the "Dungeon of Denial".
Hear ye, hear ye?
Perhaps the reason we sometimes don't get things right is, we just "don't want to hear it". Straining at gnats and swallowing camels was a metaphor Jesus used when he spoke to the Pharisees, religious "X-perts" (who had no blogs at that time) who had nothing good to say about Christ, no matter what He said or did. They didn't WANT to hear what He had to say. "Double standard!" they cried, and "He didn't make His disciples wash their hands before they ate!" (they rasped disdainfully through crinkled noses) "Your Father (God) DEMANDED in Moses' law that we wash!" All they got from Jesus was a sermon about the filth inside them, which was worse than dirty hands. God is telling us that, if we have ears, we should use them to hear.
*They strained at gnats - made big deals out of small, insignificant things; Not because those things weren't important, but it refilled their bag of stones to throw.
*They swallowed camels - ignored the enormity of their own heaps of sins, while criticizing others.
Thats the same thing Paul warned Titus about when he taught him to shun people;
"But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself." (Titus 3:9-11)
Is it wrong to require ministers to attend Conferences?
Is it "life control" to require this, as some say? What about morning formations in the military? Staff meetings on your job? Union meetings? Would you muster yourself to attend an activist event on Pennsylvania Avenue in protest of injustice? Would you clamour to attend an event in support of your favorite cause? Would you attend the huddles if you were on a football team, if they weren't mandatory?
Is it too much to ask God-called, Holy Ghost-filled ministers of God whose whole life is dedicated to the cause of Christ to the point that they seek full time ministry, to attend an annual event? Why must one view an event, so integrated with their life's goals, as an unbearable burden imposed upon them? Why would it HAVE to be mandatory? Especially knowing the critical healing process that occurs during a conference, and that God never fails to restore our vision, purpose, resolve and zeal. If someone says they don't get a tremendous spiritual boost from one of them, he must have been that statue in the back (sometimes in the front) during service. You know, the "non-clap, no laugh-I refuse to sing" types. In their heart they're already gone.
Maybe some have integrated too many other things into their lives, or maybe their cause has changed. Pastor has required Conferences at times, but it has never worked beyond giving someone that little extra "push of themselves" to get there, which they never regret. By the way, that makes the requirement worthwhile. Those who don't WANT to be there, still won't come. To further demonstrate their lack of a sense of accountability, they don't even have the courtesy to offer an excuse as to why, or let someone know they won't be there. They have all kinds of money to go everywhere else though, or to buy new toys, whatever they want, but not for the horrible, horrible fellowship of the saints.
Matt. 13 (10-23) "And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
Brethren, I'm not really worried about it because, like you, I want to be there and it's going to be a great time in the Lord, as always. It was no different in the days when I could not afford it. Besides, it makes for better church services when everyone is there by choice. Amen!
Got Ears?
Rev. 13 (9) "If any man have an ear, let him hear."
M C Kekel
December 25, 2010
To our Friends, Family and Co-workers,
Merry Christmas! As we celebrate His incarnation today, we pray and hope that you will enjoy and abound in every good gift that He came to bring; hope, joy, peace, abundant mercy and amazing grace! Love and Prayers, Mike and Tanya Kekel 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.“
Posted by mck at Saturday, December 25, 2010
December 21, 2010
 The New Testament Christian Seminary Choir gladdened the hearts of many with song last Saturday, first in the morning at the Silver Creek Retirement Home, and in the afternoon at the Pavilion of the South Hill Mall near Puyallup, WA. It was a blessing to see the gathering shoppers listening and applauding, and carrying church postcards. It's so wonderful to bring joy to others, the smiling faces of all the precious people made it worth it all. There were so many people gathered that they were blocking the store and mall entrances. Some were singing along and taking photos. Our sincere thanks to the Mall Managers who were so helpful in putting it all together, and also the Choir and Rev Malone for their hard work during many months of preparation; it was truly a spiritually uplifting experience. If you'd like to sing along, here's a link. Not exactly Christian Charioke, but a blessing nevertheless! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv0i1rfXgo8 Thank you Sis. Martinez for putting the video together with such short notice! NTCS Graduation The New Testament Christian Seminary Graduation will be held at the NTCS in Graham, WA on Friday, June 10, 2011 FALL CONFERENCE 2011 The Fall 2011 Conference will be held at the National Campground, Mexico, MO September 12-15, 2011  
Posted by mck at Tuesday, December 21, 2010 0 comments
December 4, 2010Message Outline; Striving for the Mastery
Speaking of Striving for the Mastery, here's an outline of a message I recently preached, if you're interested. The topic of self-mastery however, should be of interest to everyone, whether a Christian or not, Preacher, congregant, anyone; self-analysis with the intent to improve how we live, how we serve (minister) and how we treat others.
To me, this is the true essence of pioneering; finding solutions for problems and challenges; making a road where there is no road. There are many who say they pioneered or are pioneering churches, but in fact they sat/ sit there lonely, overcome by challenges. The true pioneer takes a project through all its obstacles to success. If you think you have arrived, you haven't even begun.
TEXT: I Cor. 9 (25)
BR: I Cor. 9 (19-27)
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
MASTERY
The authority of a master : dominion; The upper hand in a contest or competition : superiority, ascendancy; possession or display of great skill or technique.
Skill or knowledge that makes one master of a subject : command.
INTRO: There are many passages of scripture that instruct us to work at improving ourselves in every area of our lives. Besides instances like Paul saying “grow in the grace and knowledge of God,” etc., the II Epistle of Peter begins by telling us that the knowledge of God has given us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness, and that God has called us to Glory and Virtue.
THAT’S ALL THERE IS TO IT!! He has given us ALL!! But then he says (5) “Beside this.........???” I have to do something too? Yes, here’s few of those things we must do.
I STRIVE
A. ...make great efforts to achieve or obtain something
(5) Beside this, GIVING ALL DILIGENCE...
DILIGENCE means... careful and persistent work or effort
So these things listed don’t just come “bundled” in a package that comes with being saved nor with having the knowledge of God.
II ADD
II Peter1 says to be diligent in “adding” to your faith. You must do this...
Look at verse 8
*You must do this to be fruitful
*You must do this to ensure the stability of your calling and election
*You must do this to get to heaven (11)
*You must do this to keep from FALLING (10)
III RUN
( ) ...so run that ye may obtain
2 Pet. 1 (9) “He that lacketh...”
This man isn’t going to obtain anything, because he’s moving backward; he lacks them, because he hasn’t ADDED them, or he FORGOT them.
Be Temperate
He had no obligation to anyone (I Cor. 9:19) “though I be free from all men.” Yet he became a servant, and did whatever was necessary in terms of self-restraint, to reach others. He wasn’t a tin-pot dictator with a bully-pulpit, he actually LOVED and therefore SERVED.
A. You must strive lawfully
2 Tim. 2 (1-5)
“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”
See 26 and 27
*Incorruptible crown (eternity minded)
*Some people fight but fight uncertainly (26)
*When a punch misses, it takes strength out of you
I KEEP UNDER my BODY
(I KEEP MY BODY UNDER) He restrained himself from even things it was okay to do, if it helped someone else.
mck1 comments
December 2, 2010
Time is flying as Conference 2011 draws near. From what I've heard, many have already made their own arrangements to stay with people. That's great! It looks like there's going to be a great turnout this spring. Some here in Graham will be extending hospitality for Ministers to stay with them during the Conference. If you haven't made your own arrangements with anyone here, and you wish to stay with someone but no one has invited you, or you don't know who to stay with, send me your name and I'll add you to the list. We don't have a list of who wants to open their homes yet since it's a little early, but when we do, it will be first come first serve.
There are free lunches! Lunch will be served to out of town guests during the daytime activities. We'll probably start in the morning with some workshops of various kinds with breaks in between, then lunch, and back to a few more workshops or a skit. Evening meals will be your responsibility, but we will have fellowship each night after church. Sandwiches and snacks will be available for purchase. Workshops The "Striving for the Mastery" Conference Workshops are about discussion, questions and answers, sharing, obtaining information and generally bettering ourselves to do better work for Christ. Have a sound system challenge? We'll have a workshop for that. Want to put together a small singing group, band or choir? We'll show you how we do it (but we're still striving for the mastery). Need resources about legalities surrounding church administration? We'll give you access to valuable information to help you ensure your success. That means accounting, counseling, liabilities, organizational structure and more. Just want to get together and jam on some Christian music, fellowship and perform our songs for a few hours or so? Be at the fellowship hall Monday morning with your favorite instrument, and lets make joyful noises together! (No lunch on Monday). Workshops will be short (approx. 45 min) and followed by Q and A, discussion, etc. Some workshops may be going on at the same time. The structure isn't set yet, but we're thinking about 4 each day with breaks and lunch in between. There's so much more, and I'll keep you informed as things are set in place. God's blessing upon you, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at Thursday, December 02, 2010 0 comments
Labels:Michael C Kekel conference, m c kekel, workshops Links to this post
Nov 10, 2010
Did I say "Bout?"
Posted by mck at Wednesday, November 10, 2010 1 comments
Nov 8, 2010
 Both Conferences of 2011 will be exciting- and voluntary of course- but Spring Conference 2011 in Graham, Washington is going to be a spiritual feast! Here's some of the highlights:
Where?
New Testament Christian Seminary Graham, Washington
When?
4th-7th of April 2011
What?
Services and teachings Skits and demonstrations Workshops about ministry related topics such as music, choirs, PA systems, Church Admin, Children's Church and more! Food and fellowship every day and night on campus Seminary Campus tours and information packets for potential students and aspiring ministers Prayer meetings
Why?
Because it's going to be awesome! Because it will save you money on food and hotel expenses* Because of all the great things going on! Because it's a chance for your members to visit the church in Graham and experience Conference Because Washington is beautiful!
Got ideas??
Send them to me at mckekel@hotmail.com Some things listed above are subject to change, but the date and place of the Conference is confirmed.
*Lodging arrangements are the responsibility of attendees; information about local hotel accommodations will be available on request; it will also be posted on the myntcc.org website, along with maps and directions, and pertinent information. As for people who wish to stay with someone locally, enquire by email to mckekel@hotmail.com
Posters will soon be available for your church to promote attendance by your members.
God bless you everyone!
M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 11:15 PM 0 comments
Labels:m c kekel conference, m c kekel, NTCC Graham
Nov 7, 2010
"Divine Stick-to-it-iveness" Excerpt from New Testament Christian Seminary-Practical Theology
"But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." (Luke 8:15)
"There must be perseverance in the face of obstacles within and without, if there is to be fruitfulness. Many of us have all of our strength exhausted in mere endurance, and have let obvious duties slip from our hands, and if we had done all that we could do when we had forced ourselves to submit… You do well if you do not sink under your burden, but you would do better if with it on your shoulders, you would plod steadily along the road; and if you did, you would feel the weight less. It seems heaviest when you stand still doing nothing. Do not cease to toil because you suffer… still bear up and steer right onward."
-Alexander Maclaren –
Many successful pioneer veterans have written to the author of this book urging him to admonish the pioneer worker to develop a divine stick-to-it-iveness. Several of their quotations follow:
"Zeal in Pioneer work is the combining of enthusiasm, ambition, and stick-to-it-iveness."
"Perseverance – willing to keep working for the Master whether you are able to see any fruit or not."
"Determination – willing to stick when the going gets hard and black."
"Faithfulness to the task begun, regardless of other opportunities coming your way."
"Stick-to-it-iveness under all circumstances, patience and more patience."
"Willingness to undertake pioneer work, determination to stay with it until victory comes."
"Downright stick-a-bility with patience and confidence based upon faith toward God."
"Workers must be willing to face all difficulties and be dependable so that the work can be successful"
"Stick-a-bility, endurance, determination to see it through. (Luke 9:62)
A willingness to stay even at great personal sacrifice until a work is on its feet. A change in the early stage is something dangerous, both for the work and the worker. One must keep his eyes on the final goal: That is, that you are not working for a superintendent or people or denomination, but you are working for the Lord. This in itself will change the whole work for Christ.” (Unknown)
“PERSISTENT PEOPLE BEGIN THEIR SUCCESS WHERE OTHERS END IN FAILURE.”
(Edward Eggleston)
What good are highly trained soldiers who make but one heroic charge, and then give up and lose the battle and the war? One dear old lady said, “Did you ever notice that when the Lord told the discouraged fishermen to cast their nets again, it was right in the same old place where they had been working all night and had caught nothing?” Perhaps, to this point, you have been casting your net at your own direction; how about waiting on the Lord a little more, and a little more frequently, and getting your orders from Him. He is still the Master Fisherman!
Once upon a time, two frogs fell into a great milk can of a farmer. Before the farmer was aware of what had happened, he put the cap on the can and drove off to the creamery. It is alleged that the following conversation ensued between the frogs after both were painfully weary from trying to keep afloat. “Let’s give up and drown,” said the discouraged one. “Oh, no,” replied the other, “I’m going to keep on kicking and hope for the best. Maybe things will turn out all right yet.” The first frog gurgled and went to the bottom, the other threw back his head and kept on kicking. And, lo when the farmer got to the town and lifted the lid, there was a lucky frog on top of the pad of butter which he had unwittingly churned from the cream at the top of the can as he kept on k-i-c-k-i-n-g! The lesson: keep on k-i-c-k-i-n-g!!!
Professor Drummond once saw a glass model of a famous mine on display at a fair. The original owner drove a tunnel a mile through the rock at which he believed contained the gold. He spent $100,000.00 and a year and a half in the effort and failed. Another company later took over the property and drove the tunnel one-yard farther and struck the precious metal. So the gold of our God-given GOAL may be only one yard away when we feel like quitting. “Winners don’t quit, and quitters don’t win!”
The Scriptures say:
"IF THOU FAINT IN THE DAY OF ADVERSITY, THY STRENGTH IS SMALL" (Pr. 24:10)
"The LORD, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, …fear not, neither be dismayed.
(Dt. 31:8).
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, the hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? (Zech. 4:8-10)
Hang on! Cling on! No matter what they say
Push on! Sing on! Things will come your way
Sitting down and whining never helps a bit!
Best way to get there is by keeping up your grit
Don’t give up hoping when the ship goes down
Grab a spar or something – just refuse to drown
Don’t think you’re dying just you’re hit
Smile in the face of danger, and to your grit.
Folks die too easy – they sort of away
Make a little error and give up dismay
Kind of man that’s needed is the man ready wit
To laugh at pain, and trouble, and his grit
(L. E. Thayer)
Of your divine Master it is written:
"Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb. 12:2)
"It pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days… He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied." (Isa.53:10-11)
Take heart, the Scripture says:
"If so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom. 8:17-18). To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne. (Rev. 3:21)
Posted by mck at 4:02 PM 0 comments
Labels:m c kekel m c kekel, ntcc, perseverance, quit, resolve
Nov 6, 2010
While both Conferences of 2011 will be exciting, and voluntary of course, the Spring Conference 2011 will be unique. This is a quick heads-up for you, but it will be formally announced soon.
Where:
New Testament Christian Seminary
Graham, Washington
When
4th-7th of April 2011
God bless you,
M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 4:34 PM 4 comments
Oct 16, 2010
This is an excerpt from Practical Theology class. I was recently teaching from this section, and I thought some might glean a blessing from it. A word of thanks to Bro. Dorsie for doing the typing on the entire 80 plus pages of the notes. The first 40 pages cover the "Primary qualities of a pioneer worker and minister for God." This is part 6 of the Secondary qualities (pages 41 to 81) It reveals the thinking behind people who leave and rise up against people they once revered.
6. THE PIONEER WORKER MUST BE HUMBLE, LOWLY, AND CONTRITE IN HEART.
“God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (I Peter 5:5-6). “Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not.” (Jer. 45:5). “Who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zech. 4:10).
“Many times Christians are God-fearing and humble as long as there is distress and difficulty in their lives; they are humble as long as they have a small assembly and when the Movement they belong to is in disgrace, trampled upon and belied. It is then they are humble and are drawn close to the heart of God, but when people begin to recognize them and see success marking their pathway, then that humble feeling leaves the heart and another takes possession of their head. If you are proud because of success you may have had, you will be sure to lose that success.” -Anonymous –
P. C. Nelson said that if he were to begin his ministry again with the experience which the Lord had vouchsafed to him, he would among other things: “FIRST – SEEK THE HONOR OF CHRIST AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF HIS CAUSE in the salvation of souls and the edification of the saints.” He added, “Do this in utter forgetfulness of self, or personal interests, honor, place, comfort or gain. SECONDLY, BE ENTIRELY IMMUNE TO FLATTERY AND PRAISE, remembering that any good service you can render, or any good thing in yourself is all from Him, and by His grace done. (I Cor. 4:7). Remember how utterly helpless the most talented, learned and experienced among us is without Him. 'Without Me ye can do nothing.' (John 15:5). 'My strength is made perfect in weakness.'” (I Cor.12:9).
Said an old preacher: “Tell my younger brethren that they may be too big for God to use them, but they cannot be too small.” Daddy Welch said, “Just as soon as you get your head an inch above anyone else’s head, you are out of place. Leaders in the church are not to be exalted above the rest. There is plenty of room to go down, but there is no room to go up.” Jesus said, “I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29).
He bid us learn of Him as we take His yoke upon us.
“Put your finger into the ocean, and then pull it out. So much will the world miss you after you are gone. Joshua stepped into the shoes of Moses before they were cold. So God can spare any man. But we cannot spare Him.” -Anonymous-
“The love of power is innate in the soul of man. The man is maimed who does not have it. All virile and vigorous men are ambitious. It would be strange if ministers of the gospel had no ambition. The love of prominence, the craving for distinction, the desire for exalted rank, these are deep-seated instincts in our human nature, and a course of study in theology does not eliminate them. Like all the native appetites of the soul, they may become abnormal, bringing to their victims suffering and death. No other sin has wrought such havoc among the ministers of Christ as the inordinate life of place and power. What is the story of a thousand years of Church history but the tragic narrative of how the ministers of Christ, little by little, compacted themselves into a hierarchy which became at least the most blighting and intolerable despotism that the world has ever known. Every man has in him the elements out of which Rome built despotism which enslaved the world.”
“It is worth noting how many things conspire to develop in the minister a proud and imperious disposition. His relation to Christ, the Son of God, the consciousness that he is the ambassador may easily pass into a vice. The fact that he is entrusted with the oracles of God, and is ordained to minister in holy things, separates him from men engaged in secular occupations, and this if dwelt in, has a tendency to beget the feeling, ‘I am holier than thou…’ The shepherd idea… can be constructed in such a way as to imply that laymen are weak and silly creatures, while clergymen are wonderful beings endowed with supernatural powers, enjoying unique and exclusive favors from Heaven."
“No other man, but the retired millionaire, is such a monarch of his day as is the minister. He can read on Monday morning, or write, or walk, or mingle all three, just as he deems best. On Tuesday morning, he can attend to his correspondence, or catalogue his library, or eat the heart out of some new book, or meet a company of friends, just as he decides. The order of his going out and coming in is largely at his own discretion. Living within wide liberty is dangerous; it has spoiled thousands. He can adapt any style of preaching that he likes, he can follow whatever line of thought he chooses … and … (this) begets in certain types of men a tone of mind which says: “I am Sir Oracle, and when I open my lips, let no dog bark.” … Here is a true description of ministers not a few: ‘They love the chief places at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the market-place, and to be called of men, Rabbi.’ There are preachers who by the expression of their face, the pose of their body and the character of their gestures say quite plainly: ‘This is God’s truth! Do not dare to deny it! Take it! Take the whole of it! Take it immediately!! By the Eternal, I will make you take it!!!’ It is not necessary to put grass into the sheep’s mouth. Cram the grass down the sheep’s throat, and the animal is so flustered he will not eat at all. Put the grass within reach of the sheep, and he will eat it himself. So it is with the truth… Dictators are out of place in the pulpit. Dictator-ship is a form of carnal striving after power."
“In the realm of parish administration, a puffed-up shepherd exhibits symptoms which have been often deplored. He resents all divergence from his opinions. Men who do not agree with him are set down as his foes. He treats them as traitors to the cause of truth. All who will not carry out his wishes have the mark of the beast. He is irritated by the least opposition. He is mortified by the failure of a single plan. Any independence of thought he considers a personal affront. Many a minister has in the church meeting made a triumph, only to discover the next day that he was overthrown. A majority of votes were secured for his project, but that amounted to nothing because of the number of hearts which were estranged. What cannot be secured by a sweet persuasion had better be done without. It is only a bully who tries to tyrannize or club people into advocating his projects, and the minister who attempts it is a man whose heart has been eaten out by the over-winning love of power. It is a good thing for a minister to be defeated now and then, in order to find out that he is not invincible, and that there are other people in the world beside himself. Victory is often only by
way of the cross. A good shepherd ought not to shrink from an occasional crucifixion.”
“The pastor is possessor of a power that is extraordinary and hence, he must be evermore on his guard against the temptation to play the Lord. Peter, in writing to the pastors in his day, said: ‘Tend the flock of God, not as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.’ In other words – your power is not denied no man can take it from you. It is given to you by God Himself. Be careful how you use it. Do not strut. Do not clothe yourself in pomp.” - The Ministering Shepherd – by Charles E. Jefferson-
“Be clothed with humility. Pray that you may always feel that you are nothing, less than nothing. In this spirit speak and do everything; giving all the glory to Him that lives and rules in your heart by faith.” – John Wesley. D. L. Moody used to like to quote these words of another, “Faith gets the most, love works the most, but humility keeps the most.” Oh, how D. L. Moody loved to put himself in the background and other men in the foreground.
“To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals is courtesy, to inferiors is nobleness, and to all – safety.” – Anonymous - Birds, such as the Lark and the Nightingale, which soar the highest, build their nests on the ground.
“Only the strongest people can be humble. How strange we should ever think that humility and meekness indicate weakness! They call for greater strength than any man has - - only the omnipotence of God can bring to pass the miracle of true humility in man. Here, for example, is a remarkable statement made many years ago by Archbishop Benson, which describes the truly humble man and at the same time - - as all will admit upon reading it - -the most extraordinary character. This was the expressed desire of that great Christian: ‘Not to call attention to crowded work or petty fatigues or trivial experiences. To heal wounds which in times past my cruel hands have made. To seek no favor, no compassion: to deserve, not ask for, tenderness. Not to feel any uneasiness when my advice or opinion is not asked, or is set aside.’ There is only one way by which a human being can live a life as miraculous as this, and that way is the way of death. Entering unto Paul’s experience which God would have us all know; ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:’” - The Sunday School Times –
“Humility is to have no trouble. It is to have perfect quietness of heart. It is never to be fretted, or vexed, or irritated, or sore, or disappointed. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed or despised. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing that is done against me. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord. Where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness, when all round and about is trouble.” - Anonymous –
“The Christian is like the ripening corn; the riper he grows, the more lowly he bends his head.” - Guthrie – “He that swells in prosperity will shrink in adversity.”
THE WAY UP IS THE WAY DOWN! “If thou wouldst find much favor with God and man, be very low in thine own eyes. Forgive thyself little and others much.” - Leighton - “Much misconstruction and bitterness are spared to him who thinks naturally upon what he owes to others, rather than on what he ought to expect from them.” - Mad. Guizot - Do people criticize you? They would criticize you more, if they knew you as you really are.
“There is no greater pride than in seeking to humiliate ourselves beyond measure; and sometimes there is no truer humility than to attempt great works for God.” – St. Cyran –
“John Bunyan had a great dread of spiritual pride; and once, after he had preached a very fine sermon, and his friends crowded round to shake him by the hand, while they expressed the utmost admiration of his eloquence, he interrupted them, saying, ‘Ay! You need not remind me of that, for the devil told me of it before I was out of the pulpit!!’” –Southey-
WHOSOEVER EXALTETH HIMSELF SHALL BE ABASED; AND HE THAT HUMBLETH HIMSELF SHALL BE EXALTED.” -Jesus (Luke 14:11) –
“For thus saith the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Is. 57:15).
Forget each kindness that you do
As soon as you have done it;
Forget the praise that falls to you
The moment that you have won it;
Forget the slander that you hear
Before you can repeat it;
Forget each slight, each spite, each sneer,
Whenever you may meet it.
Remember every kindness done
To you, what’re its measure;
Remember Praise by others won
And pass it on with pleasure;
Remember every promise made
And keep it to the letter;
Remember those who lend you aid
And be a grateful debtor.
-Unknown-
God bless you, Michael C Kekel
Posted by mck at 5:48 PM 0 comments
Labels:m c kekel humility, Practical Theology, pride
Oct 12, 2010
The first move of God on record is found in Gen. 1 (2) and represents the very definition of the word; to go or pass from one place to another with certainty of direction and by continuous motion. In Genesis, the Spirit of God was passing over the destruction, and God spoke re-creation. “Let there be light.”
It’s also defined this way: to put into activity or rouse up from inactivity. When a congregation is milling about before a service starts, though God is probably active, no one is getting healed, saved or filled with the Holy Ghost for the most part. But when the saints begin to call on God and He is roused to greater activity among the crowd, it is said that “God is moving.” And, He moves the people, as a button actuates or causes a machine to move.
Judges 13 (24)
“And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. 25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.”
In Chess, players make moves. When God moves, He executes an advance that has an obvious effect. That is, He DOES something. He allows His presence to be felt, in a clear and evident way, followed by various physical and spiritual manifestations. When a thousand people simultaneously erupt in loud worship, -as it happened in this last conference- and the presence of God passes over the place in undulating waves you actually feel, God is doing something. And He DID.
Letting God move in your life
Some synonyms of the word “move” are, actuate, drive, impel, set or keep in motion.
Move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position 〈moved the furniture〉. Actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion 〈turbines actuated by waterpower〉
When God moves in your life -with your permission of course- He transfers power to you and sets some wonderful things in motion. "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." (Acts)
II Peter 1 (21)
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Mark 1 (40-42)
“And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed (moved) from him, and he was cleansed.”
Now when I got saved, I was in the military barracks and had never heard of NTCC. I was greatly moved, weeping with joy, experiencing for the first time the actual feeling of the peace and love of God. My hands went up! I leaped across the room for joy in the Holy Ghost! Nobody taught me to do that, they didn't have to. Nowadays, if you lead a worship service and say "raise your hands and praise God!" the living dead will say "why does he have to force us to raise our hands?" Yeah, good question.
Psalm 5
11 “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”
Thing is, it was total spontaneity, I knew nothing about God and had never been exposed to worship or church. The next day, I met a brother from NTCC and I’m thankful that the Lord led my life from there, to be part of the mighty move of God in these latter times through NTCC.
I’ve worked with thousands of people over the years, and have seen God move in different ways to many effects. When this happens, anyone in tune with God immediately knows it, and spontaneously responds.
Others however, look on skeptically. Their hands are half mast at best. They think its just emotion generated by a preacher; they are without a clue. One man I worked with in bible school days, was even a teacher in the bible school -which makes you nothing if you are wrong- I was young and spiritually green, but I was saved, and what I felt and knew, was no joke or imagination with me. I was so excited one day about some scripture I had read, I began to share it with him. He (H.M.) went “wooo!” with a perfectly straight face. I instantly knew why his preaching was always so dry, as he mocked and smirked about my enthusiasm. When you see people respond like this during a move of God’s Spirit, or mocking enthusiastic worship and rejoicing, mark it down; they aren't just "laid back," but they don’t get it, because they never got it. They will not make it, unless they begin to truly BELIEVE.
II Chronicles 5 (11-14)
11” And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: 12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) 13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; 14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.”
Posted by mck at 11:58 PM 0 comments
Labels:m c kekel church, move of God, prayer, worship
Oct 1, 2010
Hello everyone,
I was scheduled to preach the first night, which was a rare thing as I usually preach the last night, if at all. I used comparisons from the battle of Pointe du Hoc at Normandy during WWII. There was more than I could touch in the limited time, but I included it all in the outline I will post here soon. I don't normally spend an entire message on history, but it worked in this instance. I consider it a privilege to address God's people on any occasion, and may the Lord help me in doing so, that I may both impart and receive a blessing. I had a great time because I enjoy preaching. I figured I would be able to "skate" the rest of the week. The second night, Rev Jones preached and then Rev. Ashmore came to sing an altar call, but waited. People packed the front, and prayed in hushed tones. Then everyone felt it simultaneously as a wave of the Holy Ghost moved through the place. Hands and voices went up everywhere as people began to rejoice in the Lord. Pastor exhorted some, and by the time things settled, we could have all gone home and said it was a good conference! Wednesday night was similar; when Rev. Olson finished preaching, the choir came up and God moved incredibly again and in much the same way. Pastor had taught each day, so his voice was growing weak. Thursday morning I asked about his voice for the evening service, and he said he was going to try anyway, "but if not, guess what." "What?" I asked. "You're my backup." My aorta trembled slightly. I was ready, since Tuesday morning. Well, in spite of his voice, he preached and it was a good service, God is so good! It was great to see so many people, and though no one was required to be there, the place was packed. The Spring Conf. dates should be set and published soon, don't miss it! God always does special things during conferences, and that has been evident as long as I can remember. People whose heart is perfect toward God want to be there, and God always makes a way, and rewards such, that they don't leave disappointed! God bless you,
Michael C Kekel
Posted by mck at 9:09 PM 0 comments
Labels:m c kekel conference, preaching, worship
Oct 1, 2010
Hello all,
I'm sorry I couldn't put up anything about the Conference, as I had limited web access. I'll get to it later. Man was it a good one! God is simply amazing in how He does so much more in a few moments than we can do in a lifetime. Just a note here; The previous 3 articles are "best if used by 10/3/10" God bless you, Michael C Kekel
Posted by mck at 9:09 PM 0 comments
Sep 25, 2010Changes
I would like to thank all of you who have followed my blog and have contributed positive things, good reports and sincere questions. I have made a few changes, and you probably noticed I removed a lot of material. I did this for several reasons:
Resetting a positive direction for the blog means talking about what I want to talk about. If it is of value to you, I am thankful. If you wish to comment, join the blog. No more anonymous “cut and run.” Policies, doctrines and standards of NTCC are theirs, and discussions of such should be addressed to the General Board of NTCC as described in their bylaws. If you wish to enact a change in NTCC, you should go through the proper channels. I am not that channel.
I am already in Missouri and ready for a great Conference 2010! I know God is going to do great things among us and, as always, I’m not going away disappointed. Conference has traditionally been a special time in NTCC; a time to update friendships and see one another! A time when God always seems to bring revival to a personal level and touch you in a unique and unforgettable way. It’s a blessing and truly a privilege to work in God’s harvest with so many wonderful Christian people.
I’ll try to post updates to the blog about the services and events, if I have internet access. If not, I’ll have to do it afterward. I know this Conference is a voluntary one, and many may not be there, so I’ll try to put out the word about it. I’m scheduled to preach the kickoff service Monday night, I thank you in advance for your prayers. Time for some sleep, morning church and off to the camp tomorrow.
God bless you, Michael C Kekel
mck0 comments
A Contrast of Character
A Contrast of Character
Let's contrast the behavior of the X-Men with that of NTCC people. I don't suggest that NTCC people are perfect, of course, because we aren't. Some people in NTCC do things that amaze one's mind. Nevertheless, we must all get along and forgive and move forward. To illustrate how NTCC people act as they sit at the table of God in the presence of their enemies, (Ps. 23:5) I give you the following:
How do NTCC people act?
Some time ago I received word from a certain family concerning the tragic loss of their son who was serving in the military. We first knew them when their son was just a boy in Sunday School. The family had moved away. They had some friends who happened to be among the notorious X-Men. They invited us to the funeral, but we knew they would surely invite the others. Now, consider the fact that these X-Men are people who, with visceral hatred to this day, publicly slander NTCC and its officers by lies and false accusations; people with nothing at all to be upset about, except that they couldn’t have their way. Nevertheless, laying aside "religious differences" and being above such petty grudge matches, many from NTCC attended the funeral; but only, to show support for the family. We were not there for any other reason, than the fact that we loved them and it was a terrible time for them.
Except for their obvious discomfort, the X-Men were courteous. Cool, but hesitantly courteous. NTCC’ers on the other hand, were at ease, smiling, affable and friendly. That is how true Christians should behave, even in the face of haters. Believe me, I can think of better things than walking into a room full of X-Men, but our love for that family was bigger than the problems of people who don’t like what we represent. “Greater is He that is in you...” (I John)
How do X-Men act?
Here’s how they responded when an NTCC preacher passed from this life; these comments were posted anonymously to this blog immediately after the passing of Brother Harmon. He fell asleep at the wheel and went off a bridge into the water and drowned. Brother Harmon wouldn't "Harm-one." He was always the same, friendly, smiling, just a great guy with a great attitude. So is his wife, who was left with two twin boys. Condolences and finances began to pour in from NTCC'ers around the world. But I held the following comments until now, since they were just too offensive to post at that time, and I didn't want to add to her grief, nor to the sorrow of his friends.
“Is NTCC going to take care of the family and two sons? It's not like the widow can just start looking for a good young healthy man to marry!”
“One preacher down, 500 more to go!”
“Ya'll probably kept him up all night praying and deprived the guy of sleep and then you want him to go check on someone, of course he is going to have a wreck! Brothers get in accidents in NTCC all the time!”
“Wonder if NTCC rigged his vehicle so he dies??”
“I was hoping you stated that you lost RW Davis! I was getting ready to have a party!!”
“It is NTCC's fault that this guy died. This guy's blood is on Kekel's hands. Shame on the NTCC leadership for not telling this guy to slow down. He is not the first, and he will not be the last to die at the hands of Mike Kekel!!” (Concerned Reverand getting ready to leave)
“Reverand,” you are more than ready. -MCK
mck0 comments
Who are the X-Men?
The REAL X-men are members of a group of Marvel comics characters; mutant super-heroes. Professor Charles Xavier's School for “gifted” (mutant) youngsters began with five students -- Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Angel and Ice Man. The students of this school became known as the X-Men, (Xavier’s men) a controversial mutant group that preaches tolerance between mutants and humans.
mutant |ˈmyoōtnt| (adjective)
...resulting from or showing the effect of mutation : a mutant gene.
(noun) -a mutant form. ORIGIN early 20th cent.: from Latin mutant- ‘changing,’ from the verb mutare.
Over the years the X-Men roster has expanded to include dozens of mutants. Splinter groups formed, including Generation X, the New Mutants and X-Factor. No matter how many new groups emerge for Xavier's teachings, the X-Men remain the core team. The X-Men are currently headed by Scott Summers and Emma Frost (unknown source)
The group we call the "X-Men" is a select group of Ex-NTCC people. This does not refer to just any and ex-NTCC members, but a mutated group who believe they are ministers of justice; spiritual superheroes who, though they loved the church for many years, mutated into the bitter enemies they are today. Each seems to have his own, distinct area of expertise (super power) or technique for inflicting psychological damage on existing members of NTCC. Simply put, they are persecutors of the church who now seek to destroy the faith they once preached.
Paul was the opposite
Gal. 1 (23-24) “But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.”
I Tim. 1 (12-15)
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
Most people in this world of ours who develop a problem with their church, just change churches or go back to what they were doing before. “Yeah, I need to get back into church” they may later say, or “it wasn’t the church, it was me.” Some even come back to welcoming arms. The X-men were like this when they first left church, but like Cain, they mutated into haters of the Abels, knowing their sacrifices were unacceptable to God and their own works were evil.
Genesis 4 (4-9)
"And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? "
I John 3
11 "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore (WHY) slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you."
Jude
10 “But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
Now you know,
Michael C Kekel
mck0 comments
Sep 14, 2010It's time to cast the devil out!
Here's a sermon outline for you preachers out there.
Text: Acts 16 (18)
Bible Reading: Acts 16: 16 "And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them" Intro: Paul grew weary of the woman mocking him, knowing she was of the devil. SO he turned, and sent the devil packing. You would think the religious men would be happy they were rid of that devil, but they were upset about Paul's teaching. They rose against them, and beat them, and put them in the deepest part of that prison; but they were still free and focused on praising God. I God threw Lucifer down Isa. 14 (12-15) "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." Luke 10 (18) "And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven" That was his first attempt to overthrow God II God will throw him out again Satan regained power when Adam sold God out, and satan became the prince of the power of the air Eph. 6 (12) Satan now rules the world and its behavior I John 5 (19) "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. " And I John 5 (19) "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness" Rev. 12 (7-11) His imminent downfall is already written 7 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Rev. 10 (1-7) Jesus announces that it's about to be over 1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: 2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. 5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: 7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. Rev. 11 (14-15) The Third Woe 14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Rev. 12 (7-11) The Third Woe is the wrath of an angry devil . 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. III Throw out the devil and move King Jesus in! This is done by being born-again. Col. 1 (12-13) "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" When you are a Christian, though you are IN this world, you are not OF this world, and no longer obligated to obey the dictates of satan and the flesh. Rom. 6 (17-18) "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." John 17 (11-16) "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (Jesus) IV We have to keep Jesus on the thrones of our hearts *God loved the world (Jn. 3:16) but He doesn't love their behavior *Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (I Jn. 2:15-17) To which of this world's pleasures have you ceded your heart's throne? It's time to become grieved at the constant taunting of the devil, (like Paul in Acts) failures, negative thinking, insecurities, wordliness, and anything else unlike God, and "cast the devil out!" BTW: Notice anything missing from this blog? God bless you, Michael C Kekel Sep 8, 2010
Sorry this comment took so long, I thought I had lost it and wanted to reply.
"I actually have that book where that quote is from (A word fitly spoken....). It was in my grandpa's library that I inherited. I always looked up to you, even after I left.... Where is the part of your blog where you answer questions instead of starting a link slandering an individual and post a whole thread of their emails? I have lots of questions I'd like answered but this comment will probably be deleted and I'll never hear anything back." "P.S. thanks for the t-shirt from your trunk and the pirated copy of Windows98." slander |ˈslandər noun Law ...the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation : he is suing the TV network for slander. Compare with libel . • a false and malicious spoken statement : I've had just about all I can stomach of your slanders. Response:Thanks for your comment, Well, it's good to hear from you, and I used to consider you a good friend also. I'm not sure what quote you mean; the place for answers is all over the blog, so read on, but there are no slanders here. As the definition shows, slander is usually spoken, and always untrue. I do have to post an apology soon to Casey Hayes because someone said he was playing golf, but the source of that information retracted it saying that wasn't true. I will include that when I post about the starving missionaries. Anyway, emails aren't taken in confidence and aren't private. Further, April Mickalick didn't tell me which things she didn't say, so we can assume she did say the majority of them. But I know for a fact, (because they were forwarded by some people who no longer attend NTCC) she emailed criticisms of NTCC to others, falsely accused leadership and brethren, sowed discord and spammed the blog with much worse things than what I put up here. I figured if she had something to say, let's let everyone hear how she talks behind the curtain. I took "April's page" down anyway because it was a total waste of time. Plus, she was working the facebook crowd, and cozying up to NTCC'ers so she could undermine. That's why I exposed her, which is totally biblical to do, so the unsuspecting can be aware. (Redacted by request)-MCK You know, I'm tired of trying to talk to all these "rocks" who won't listen because they're "wounded" over rules. GROAN. I want to go back to more edifying matters. This blog isn't here for Q and A, it is a "weblog." I really don't care if they like they rules, agree with the rules, etc. Hos. 4 (17-19)
"Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone. 18 Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, Give ye. 19 The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices."
Titus 1 (10-16)
"For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
BTW, if I gave you a Win 98 disk, I didn't continue to use the software, because I don't pirate software or music. And if you have the disk, neither are you a pirate. You also stated on" flaknut" years ago that you kept me supplied with video games, which was not true. You gave me all kinds of stuff out of your trunk from the MS giveaway bin, keyboards, mice, misc. disks, but the only video game I used was the Ocean one (which was a legal original) and it scared the boy, so it was never used again. You're welcome for the T-shirt (whatever it was) and thanks for all that hardware. If you would like to email me, that would be great. I would like to know how the folks are. If not, I understand. God bless you, MCK
Posted by mck at 5:23 PM 8 comments
Sep 3, 2010
Why are people this way?
I've been preaching a message from Gen. 25 about Esau and Jacob called "Birthright." It deals with selling out the riches of God’s blessings for the beggarly "bean soup" of the world, because of appetite; it happens all the time. All spiritual blessings are located in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1) and nowhere else. These rights to God's blessings are ours by the new birth (i.e. birthrights). II Cor. 5:17 and John 3 teach that ”ye must be born again.” We have then, what we could call “birthrights” in Christ. We are BORN into the family of God (John 1) The right to healing, joy, salvation, the Holy Ghost, heaven, etc. So much to trade away! All else is bean soup by comparison.
After Esau the firstborn to Isaac despised, (disdained and spit upon,) his birthright, and sold it to Jacob for a bowl of boiled beans, he hated Jacob, and oppressed him. The name Esau means oppressor, and Jacob means supplanter or deceiver. Later God changed Jacob's name to Israel; Prince with God! Then, like you and me, he quit deceiving and stealing and supplanting. Esau hated and tried to kill his own brother because of his own bad decisions. Because of their own bad decisions, people also hate NTCC, or anyone that enjoys what they threw away for a moment's appetite.
You see, no one "tricks" people out of their birthrights in God, nor tricks them into or out of their church but, once they have despised and traded off what they had, (the love of the brethren, the fellowship and the joy of Christianity) for "Jacob's Java" they hate. Just like Esau.
I John 3 (11-13) 11 "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? (WHY did he do it?)...Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." That's why people are that way. Another comment for your consideration; "I do believe that respect is laking among many people. I do not however believe it's cure or fix comes from using last name vs first name. It seems what happens when at least in 'the church' is that there becomes a separation between the clergy and the laity. There is no separation...at least not since Jesus did what he did. There is no longer a separation, the clergy have no special pathway to God that the laity don't have. It is all the same. We all come to God the same way...through His grace. So if we keep this separation by elevating people higher than ourselves in terms of their relationship with the Father, we will always struggle with self identity, comparison, and lack. Lets get it in order...he who has ears let him hear!" by Anonymous on What's in a name? on 8/24/10 I appreciate your comment, but you must realize that no one is suggesting that the first name issue fixes anything, or that they have "a special pathway" to God, Jesus is the way to God. However, you are wrong, because there is always a biblical distinction between clergy and laity, (preachers and church members). If you don't think that the call to preach is a "higher calling" and you think that all (clergy and laity) are equal, then Paul saying he was "called to be an Apostle" (one sent in full authority of the sender) meant nothing at all. Carefully study the bible here. I Tim. 1 (1) "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope" 2 (7) "Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity" Rom. 11 (13)
"For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office"
Authority is biblical and real, but should be neither misused nor despised. If you are not a leader, then you are a follower. Oh wait, you can't be a follower without a leader can you? "But I am a follower of God and not man" you say. Then God put leaders in the church in vain (this was God's first time building a church after all) and there are no Pastors, there's no church government, no leadership. There are no offices, no callings, just disorganization and loose cannons rolling all over the ship's deck shootin' the rails off! Notice I Peter 5 (1-4) "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd" (a leader of Shepherds who oversee and feed the sheep / laity)" shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." You are right, all men come to God exactly the same way and on the same level, but they do NOT have the same callings or positions of authority in the church. I Cor. 12 teaches that! Paul teaches that, though each of us are members of the body of Christ, we all need each other and are members of the same body, never saying "I have no need of thee." If you will study the epistles of Titus and Timothy, you will also see that clergy is held to a higher standard than laity. This is so that they can LEAD THEM, by example. Don't be quick to criticize clergy, if you are not an example yourself. If a man thinks that clergy and laity are the same, he does not know the scriptures. Notice the highlights in the following passage;
Heb. 5 (1-5)
"For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee."
So? A minister is from among men, for men, honored of God and has infirmities (weaknesses). Looks like, since great pains have been taken to point out the infirmities of NTCC's ministers, they must have some pretty good ones. They are able to have compassion on the ignorant and wandering people who keep attacking us, and pray for them instead of hating and being like them. It is not the will of God to hate them. You might have to correct them, or expose them for the protection of others, but not hate them. In addition, it appears you feel that clergy is somehow wrong by assuming its God-given position; they are "arrogant people" because they raise an eyebrow at disrespectful behavior. They are high-horse riders. "Give us Pastors like those teachers who tell Johnny that 2 + 2 is 5, lest they wound his tender conscience!" If there are no leaders, there are no followers. If God meant for there to be no leaders, the bible wouldn't speak of placing them in the church, neither would the bible instruct them how to lead. Jesus is our ultimate example, so let's see how He handled things; Phil. 2 (6-11) "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Jesus has a position, and thinks it NOT ROBBERY, but rightful, that he is God, and He is neither disdainful nor proud in His treatment of others. He served and died for others, yet He has never refused worship; He didn't demand that people in Jerusalem bow; neither did He refuse the throne and absolute power given Him after His resurrection. Of course, if He used His power the way some preachers do, we would all be dead I suppose. Paul was teaching ALL of us to have the same attitude, whether leaders of a flock of God, or members of the flock. His preachers in the book of Acts DID refuse worship, even angels refused worship! And no preacher should desire to be worshipped.
Look back at (2-5) now;
2" Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus"
And again in I Peter 5 (2-4)2" Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight (that's leadership) thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd (He's the Shepherd over His Shepherds who feed His flocks) shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
When a man has been called of God, it is not robbery for him to assume the sacred responsibility of serving in that capacity. If indeed he is arrogant, he's wrong. He shouldn't DEMAND that people bow, but he should obey God. Now if there is honor and respect due, God will give it. Having an office in the church and being placed in the the body (I Cor. 12) in leadership, does not constitute pride or arrogance, but this is the true meaning of arrogance;
ORIGIN late Middle English : via Old French from Latin arrogant- ‘claiming for oneself,’ from the verb arrogare (see arrogate )
If people wish to "claim for themselves" that preachers are equal to them, and therefore you "don't have to respect" the clergy" then you are arrogant indeed. Therefore, let the arrogant man who said "Mike, Mike, Mike, etc" get off my horse and get his own saddle. Let him not seek to pull down the called of God, but let him ask of God, and serve God, and find his own place of blessing, then he shall be accepted also. James 4 (5-10)
5 "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
I Timothy 5 (17-21)
17" Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality."
Thank God for His word that pierces even to the dividing asunder of our thoughts and the intents of our hearts. Study the Word friends, that ye may "rightly divide the word of truth." (II Tim.)
God bless you all, Michael Craig Kekel A servant
Posted by mck at 10:33 PM 7 comments
Labels:m c kekel Arrogance, authority, Clergy, respect, subjection
Sep 1, 2010
Woo, this article has really kicked up the dust! I put part one of this article on this blog on purpose, knowing what would be said; it was partly an experiment, I admit. I have lots of people with whom I’m on a first-name basis, and I introduce myself regularly by my first name. Michael is a very good and popular name, meaning "who is like unto God?" My middle name is Craig, which means "crag of the Rock." I like that one too. God only knows what the Kekel is, it was a step-dad's name; one I never met. My first name has even been on the top of this blog all this time. One church member called me “pasture mike” for years, and I never said a word. I was amused at her sincerity. Soon she learned the word Pastor, but I was still" Pastor Mike" for a long time. I never corrected her about it because I am quite comfortable in my skin in regard to this. If people introduce themselves by first names, I usually use mine, no big deal.
What follows is a few comments that we simply must take a closer look at. The first quote below is one person's response to another commentator who told him to grow up, (because he had posted my first name repeatedly in the comments to article one).
"To the Anon who said to grow up....what about Roger Davis singing "nobody loves me, everybody hates me I think I'll eat some woorrmmss" while taunting the people he claims to love. I'll grow up when old man Roger grows up, and your arrogant leader MIKE kekel comes down off his high horse and humbles himself so people can address him by his first name. And yes I do have better things to do, but choose to chime in here now and then to get a good laugh!” By Anonymous on What's in a name? on 8/16/10
What underlies the way a name is used?
I must say that I doubled over with laughter when I first saw this post repeating my first name many times and, joining the fun, I replied "what?" many times. But let's look deeper. An analysis of this commentator's violent response shows that he wasn't joking at all, nor was he getting a good laugh.
Pastor has sung that song indeed, in the same way that the person who wrote the actual parody, (yes there really is a song about worms,) was poking fun at whiners. Whiners typically "poke" but don't like being poked. They do regularly enjoy worms however. If my memory serves me right, the bible teaches that people who love, are not easily provoked (I Cor. 13). I’d say he became angry at the pastor he claimed to love, and couldn't take the taunt. In fact, it seems his problem is that he mistakenly thought Pastor didn't love him. So, "the song's for you."
Hmm, you have to watch those people who never laugh in church.
Whiners hate any kind of authority or accountability. They see themselves as “victims, and entitled" but everyone else is, in their opinion, "arrogant" or "abusive." They are spiritual "union laborers and government worker" types, who deserve to be paid whether they work or not. This is the type that must pull you down and criticize your God-given calling. Jesus faced them; as it is said in John 1 (10-11), He came unto His own, and they didn't receive Him or know Him. Thus, the "worm eaters" resorted to calling Him a devil.
(to be continued)
It's already prepared to publish
Posted by mck at 3:22 PM 4 comments
Labels:m c kekel Arrogance, authority, respect, subjection
Aug 29, 2010
Here's one issue I'd really like to clear up:
"saying something in the past never was to begin with isn't acknowledging your mistakes. sports, tv, internet, video games..... instead of repenting you lied to yourself and said these were always ok. Why are you lying to yourself instead of being honest and say ok, I made a mistake, an error, I was wrong, forgive me ? God would honor that more than how you are behaving now." anon2234 By Anonymous on What's in a name? on 8/25/10 I know, that first sentence is hard to read isn't it? Let me help. He means that I am denying that there were ever rules against the things he mentioned here, and should acknowledge that I made mistakes in making those rules. I never denied it at all I'll say it again; THERE WERE RULES AGAINST SOME OF THESE THINGS. I DO acknowledge that, but do NOT acknowledge any mistakes, because I didn't make any. I have made plenty in my life; that I will acknowledge. But what I said was, there weren't ALWAYS rules against these things. NTCC goes back to the late 60's, so the internet and PC Games didn't even exist at that time. There's something that everyone needs to understand I do not make the rules, and have only recently had opportunity to affect them. In the past I have only been in the unfortunate position of having to enforce them. That doesn't mean I agreed with them. If so be they were mistakes, they weren't mine. As for the church organization? I have nothing to do with policies and doctrines of the organization concerning things like TV (which ministers aren't to have if they carry license in NTCC- unless it is solely as a gaming monitor or something, and not connected to TV input) and couldn't change them if I wanted to. If that gets changed, Rev. Olson will have to do it by mandate or through board approval. I have no such power. Even in the Bible School realm I am limited. Here's an example During Forest Ave. days in bible school, we always went out to restaurants in groups by dorm, or several dorms. In the mid 80's one brother with a particularly loud mouth started telling jokes at the table at Denny's. Loud, and obscene jokes. Customers complained, the manager called the school, and bam! No more dorm fellowship but two brothers at a time. No bible involved, just a simple, necessary disciplinary measure. It kept going and going, so when it fell to me to have a say, I lifted it. The rule was like saying "no talking in the library" or "no shirt, no shoes, no service" in a restaurant. My influence on the bible school rules has only been to lighten them, not increase them. Further, since I wasn't a bible school student during that time, I was not UNDER those rules. The sports rule was not bible based to begin with, and was for bible school students. Not me. There NEVER WAS a rule against internet Admittedly Pastor spoke vehemently against it, and for good reason; it has destroyed many Christian walks, many ministers. The very nature of it is obsessive and distracting. Yet he never banned it, EVER. Neither were DVD's ever banned, but there are some who now watch nudity, profanity in movies of all kinds, so was it wise to speak against movies? Absolutely. He also apologized publicly about the internet issue, stating that he really didn't understand at the time, how it worked, and had pre-judged it, but still believes that it can mess people up, so "do what YOU want to do" he said. I don't understand why you are here years later asking ME to apologize, when he already did. Either you didn't hear or see it, or you want to keep the issue alive. There never was a rule against video games, but there surely was preaching that warned against the distraction. There is still a rule about no-Video Arcades-( hangouts for troublemakers), but that's kind of a thing of the past now too. Playing Video games is not sin, but In general, anything that keeps you from the will of God for your ministry, is wrong...even if it's something as harmless as drinking milk! Brother, I know you probably mean well, but don't be angry with me. I "ain't misbehavin' " (the title of a Jazz classic I believe). I sincerely hope that you will now apologize since you spoke without knowing the situation, but that's up to you. God bless you, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 6:18 PM 12 comments
Aug 2, 2010
"MIke, Why do you not want to be called Mike? that is your God given name....are you too holy for a first name? are you better than others? My Pastor prefers that people refer to him by his first name and he is a REAL Pastor"...t
Reply;
When people ask this question, it stems from different motives. Well, here is a quote from a forum about first-name basis in relationships. This was not written by religious people, or anyone in NTCC but was written by a person who was simply brought up well.
"My eighth-grade English teacher was the first to call me “Miss X—.” He said it was his practice to address students as young ladies and gentlemen because he wanted them to think of themselves that way. He called all his students “Miss” or “Mr.” with last name, and I do think it made us sit up straighter. People should not be afraid to be addressed with dignity. In a personal relationship, an invitation to first-name address used to follow initial formality. Now we often have no such initial formality. It no longer has the same meaning. I still prefer a younger person (for example, my sons’ friends) to address me respectfully as “Mrs. X—” even though in the workplace I am used to having people the same age use my first name routinely. A classroom environment is not a social setting or a workplace. The teacher has the right to set the tone and establish certain conventions. I believe that it is up to the teacher to get each student’s name right, but if a teacher wants to preserve a more formal instructional setting by using a proper title for each student (treating all alike), I think the teacher has that right."
She followed that by saying the "context makes a lot of difference."
Notice the highlighted part in the paragraph above:
"In a personal relationship, an invitation to first-name address used to follow initial formality. Now we often have no such initial formality."
That means, that a polite person never treads there, until they are invited to do so. In a situation where a person is one's teacher or leader, this invitation to call him by his first name would never occur, because they are not peers. In the case of NTCC, respect is shown even among peers, against which there is no law. If one transgresses this almost universal etiquette, they are thought to be uneducated, spiteful or rude. You used to hear people say "just call me Mike" or "may I call you Mike?" It's rare these days however. But there is no reason for courtesy to be a thing of the past, and America shouldn't allow it to be.
A Bible Story (Acts 28:7-10)
" In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. 8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: 10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary."
People often consider the centuries past as coarse, barbaric times, and so they were. But there were also many who regarded their fellow man to be important, and observed *proprieties. These were usually the refined and educated.
*propriety |p(r)əˈprīətē|noun ( pl. -ties)the state or quality of conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals :he always behaved with the utmost propriety.
This practice is encouraged in the scriptures (I Peter 3: 8-9)
8" Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. "
courtesy |ˈkərtəsē|noun ( pl. -sies)- the showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior toward others
That is clearly not what the writer of the aforementioned comment or the notorious X-Men mean to display, when they call me by my first name or imply that I am not REAL. It is nothing less than a deliberate attempt to defrock and insult, but that is their problem, isn't it? Alas, I am but a figment of the imagination!
People may no longer observe the age old practice of respect, but it doesn't change the way they are thought of when they despise it. Thanks, M C Kekel P.S...please don't call me Mike
Posted by mck at 4:25 PM 25 comments
Jul 27, 2010
Here's a comment posted back in May that I overlooked; I'm sorry Avery, and since I let your post get buried (I just discovered it among a list of many 'on hold' comments) I'm placing it here at the front, and also letting it go through on the Bro. Harmon page. Thanks, and God bless you. MCK
"This is a great blog that was started for the family. I did not know his wife but his grandmother was a grandmother to me. I went to Brainerd High School with Walter. He was a grade under me. I can remember him coming down the hall laughing with his books in his hand. He was always positive, had a heart of love, and found joy in helping others. I know that he is going to be greatly missed because he comes from a family that is "ON FIRE FOR THE LORD" from his grandmother, grandfather, aunts, uncles, and cousins. If I had not witnessed it myself, I would not believe it. His grandmother was an anointed, fasting, and GOD Fearing HOLY GHOST Woman. I call her a flower hand picked by GOD. If you were sick she would come running filled with the HOLY GHOST to offer a prayer of Healing and Deliverance. When I read all of the comments it takes me back to his grandmother. Walter had the same spirit as his grandmother. I pray the LORD see the family through these challenging times." Avery Ragland Chattanooga, TN |
Linked From Here
May 29, 2010Happy Memorial Day
Exodus 12 (14)- The Passover
14 “And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.”
Numbers 16 (39-40) A Different Memorial
“And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar: 40 To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD”
Unlike a computer, the human mind has no RAM, (random access memory) i.e., temporary memory. Memories are written on all our hard disks (minds) to stay, yet at times the details are difficult to recall. Then suddenly something “jogs” our memory and something we haven’t thought of in years will come up! God often instructed men of the bible to setup memorials; from the altar of Abraham to the stones placed in the river by Joshua (Josh. 4:9) God wants remembrance. Remember His mighty works! This jogs the mind and stirs it to vivid remembrance of what God has done for us on a personal level, and inspires us to be about the Father’s business.
In connection with these memorials, animal sacrifices were often made. These sacrifices foretold the death of Christ, who is our true sacrifice, so they were actually memorials in advance. Let’s remember the Veteran of Veterans, the King of Kings and all He has done for us through the giving of His life. This pleases Him, for it was He that said "this do, as oft as ye do it, in remembrance of me."
This memorial day, according to the holiday tradition, let’s remember what the Veterans have done to secure our freedom. Take time to remember what the holiday is about, and give prayerful thanks for that BBQ that some Veteran made possible. God bless our troops, and God bless America!
M C Kekel
NTCC
May 11, 2010
Here's a great comment on Divorce and Remarriage, posted to the blog article entitled "Damage Control" (MCK)
Biblically speaking, I don't think there is room for divorce and remarriage if spouce leaves God but is content to remain with their spouce. That means that if the husband leaves God but doesn't move away from her, or kick her out of the house, and the wife leaves him, she is abandoning him, and cannot remarry. The Bible talks about us honoring and obeying our husbands, but I don't believe that this means we obey them if their words contradict that of God's. So, if the husband wants his wife to start living in sin, she doesn't have to listen to him. But neither does she have the biblical right to leave him and marry another. Now, if a man leaves God, and moves away or kicks his wife out, biblically speaking, she can remarry, as she has been abandoned.SO - biblically speaking, it doesn't matter if the spouce goes to church or not, as long as he or she is content to remain with his or her spouce, the other spouce does not have the right to leave... and if he or she does leave, he or she does NOT have the right to remarry. You will notice that I said "leaves God" and not "leaves NTCC" because one can be a Christian in any church, if they believe in Christ as their savior and follow his commandments. NTCC is just a place one can go to to find God. It is not the only place. NTCC-ites seem to confuse their church with God. God may dwell there in many hearts, as I know for a fact he does, but NTCC does not equal God. I have seen this happen over and over. There are so many divorces and remarriages, it is impossible to keep everyone's names straight. This is all because one of the spouces leaves NTCC. It is not biblical, it is in direct opposition. Posted by Anonymous to Michael C Kekel at Saturday, May 08, 2010 Thank you for this piece, I agree! What you've said is exactly what NTCC teaches. Except the last line, however. It is NOT because they leave NTCC. I don't agree with that statement for the following reason; The "many name changes" you refer to are NOT caused by a spouse leaving NTCC, but rather by NTCC's UN-INVOLVEMENT, and the chosen course of action taken by the people involved. The couple must decide how to proceed, NTCC doesn't decide. For example; a man's wife leaves him, and he knows in his heart that he tried to drive her away so he could "upgrade" or get a new wife. Or what if he didn't mean to drive her out, but he made her so miserable that she left. Is that really desertion? Wouldn't he share the responsibility for her departure? Does the woman have an excuse for leaving him, because the situation was bad? The only bible grounds for divorce is death, (see scripture below) desertion and adultery. Not mistreatment, abuse, etc. I'm not suggesting a person has to tolerate such treatment, or endanger their life; I'm only pointing out biblical facts. There are many unseen twists and turns behind a bad marriage, and if you don't know what people have been through, you should really remain uninvolved. These are things a church cannot dictate, because you're right, NTCC is not God, and only God knows people's hearts. The COUPLES must search their own hearts, and compare their situation to the bible and decide where they stand. The minister's job is not to LEGISLATE, (make laws) but to share God's already established Word. If people don't ask, then it's none of the preacher's business. So many people look on from the sidelines forming opinions, while they prejudiciously accuse NTCC for "breaking up a family" or sanctioning "unlawful marriages" but they don't even know the circumstances of the people involved; they just "think" they know. Even NTCC doesn't often don't even know for sure, so the church leaves it up to them. Maybe they committed sins, or made the wrong decision, shall we just throw them out? Shall we not pick up the pieces of their broken lives and make the best out of it? If they say they feel like God's okay with what they're doing and they feel like they're biblically free, what can anyone say? You have no choice, but to accept their word. So you might not agree that one of your parishioners is really saved, would you not baptize him "upon his profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ?" Les Rinehart is a case in point. Les Rinehart is an X-man from way back, who has aggressively attacked the church for years, especially regarding the issues of divorce and homosexuality. Well, the bible lists homosexuality as a sin, but not divorce. He disagrees and thinks that NTCC promotes "unholy unions" and he doesn't realize that those people made their own decisions according to the judgment of their own hearts before God. The ULTRA holiness group he's involved with teaches him that ALL REMARRIAGE is wrong, regardless of the conditions of the divorce. Years ago, Les Rinehart was very outspoken against Pop Gaylord and purposely annoyed him with unsolicited communications; Pop was a widely-loved old preacher and pioneer of NTCC. Mom Gaylord was Pop's second wife so, according to Les Rinehart's teachings, Pop and Mom are in hell today. I still remember Pop saying something during a discussion of Les Rinehart's attacks, like "why is he so concerned about my divorce, but not concerned about his being so effeminate?" Well, what could anyone say, he is very effeminate. In Pop's view, the man was hypocritical and arrogant. I Cor. 6 (9-11) 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Pop was something else, to say the least. Les Rinehart went through bible school in the 80's I think, and was always passing out printed material and trying to "change" the bible school, but failed. Then he got deeply involved with an "UBER-HOLINESS" group up in Illinois, the "Highway of Holiness." He was always passing out tapes of this group's preaching among the NTCC congregation, so we would know that we weren't holy ENOUGH. If the X-men hate NTCC's "old-fashioned ways" I don't know how they accept Les Rinehart, because he's of the "closed-toe shoes, long sleeves only" crowd. Further, if you are divorced, according to his affiliates, you can IN NO CIRCUMSTANCE remarry or you will go to hell. Well, that is simply against the bible. Here's just a few scriptures pertaining to loss of a spouse through death: I Cor. 7 (39-40) 39 "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. 40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God." I Cor. 7 (10-20) 10 "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. 12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart... Paul wanted to "split up families?" ...A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?" Here's proof, that if a man gets saved and his wife doesn't, he should not change anything, God "sanctifies" or "allows him to remain married to" the unbelieving wife. 17" But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. 18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." More on this later, God bless you, M C Kekel (NTCC) Labels: desertion, Divorce, effeminate, remarriage
Posted by mck at 4:01 PM 0 comments
May 8, 2010
With a heavy heart I’m writing to let you know that we lost a precious brother today;
Reverend Walter Harmon, Associate Pastor of NTCC in Newport News, VA, died in a tragic car accident about 7:00 AM this morning. He leaves behind a loving wife and 2 small sons. Please pray for them that'the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost’ will inundate and uphold them. You may send your condolences to: Mrs. Tanya Harmon c/o Rev L.D. Goff 7713 Wickham Ave. Newport News VA 23605-2203 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalms 116:15 Yours In Him, M C Kekel
May 7, 2010
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post " "
"A man concerned for his wife. After watching other widows being IGNORED and not taken care of in ntcc. Does not consitute having his eyes on the money!" Posted by Anonymous to Michael C Kekel at Friday, May 07, 2010 Okay, here goes one more time; if this scripture isn't good enough for you, then I'm sorry, you can't be helped to understand this. I'll highlight a few things in bold, so you notice them. I Tim. 5 (3-16) 3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, (that means no family-MCK) trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. To date, we've had none that qualify by the Bible. I'm sorry if that presents for you or the an inconvenience, but God wrote it, not NTCC. People are taught this in Bible College, they cannot claim ignorance. Please provide either a name of ONE Widow Indeed that has been ignored, or an apology for saying such a horrible thing. Thanks, have a good day! M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 2:52 PM 0 comments
Here's a comment posted to the "Facebook" blogpost, and I want to deal with it.
Anonymous said... How has anyone done Damage to ntcc. What about the DAMAGE that ntcc has done to marriage's,live's,financial ruins,PTS,amd much much more! But that does not matter. Because you will do as you always do Mike. SLIDE right out of any of the blame or take responsiblity for what has happened to others. As if you can wipe the blood from your hands. You may wash it off. But God can still see. And judgement is coming for you and others that have done so much DAMAGE! Well, that's a good question, and since persecution strengthens a church, I guess you haven't damaged NTCC; but you've tried, and your last sentence will apply to you also, so walking softly would be a better approach. Why haven't you damaged NTCC? Because you can't fight God and win. I have spent countless hours with couples in counseling, encouraging them to work things out, helping them to call a truce and find ways to KEEP THE FAMILY TOGETHER. That's ALWAYS the goal. No one, has tried to break up any family, or any of these things you have said. Further, if there is a disagreement between a couple as to the church, it's always your choice as to how to proceed. NTCC has never made couples separate, it is the choice of the couples. Just because a wife CHOOSES not to follow a man who wants to launch into immorality or whatever, the blame doesn't lie with the church. It isn't the spouse leaving the church that constitutes desertion, but it is desertion because they abandon their spouse. If a man doesn't want to go to NTCC anymore, he doesn't have to leave his wife, or a wife her husband. There are Catholics and Protestants who are married, other mixes, and religion is irrelevant. Let's be real here. *NTCC endeavors to keep families together, sin tears them apart *NTCC puts lives together, because it preaches Jesus Christ the Master of reconciliation *NTCC doesn't know what PTS is *NTCC teaches you FRUGALITY with your money, and taking care of your own *NTCC teaches much, much more good stuff Now I really want you to tell me whose blood is on my hands? Give me one example of what I've done to someone Tell me how I have damaged you Tell me one instance of something that's happened to others, that I was responsible for It's easy to say cruel things like this, so now bring your evidence or your apology. If I've done someone wrong, I'll make it right; but I have wronged no man, yet if I have unknowingly done so, I really want to know. "I'm sorry" is part of my vocabulary. One thing I know; I haven't "slid out of" any blame, and I'm not to blame for anyone's marriage or divorce, past, present or future. I refuse to make anyone's decision for them; ask around and see if I've ever done it. Thanks, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 12:07 AM 4 comments
May 6, 2010
Just a quick note about the blog post about Facebook
The recent Facebook discussion was about following the bible's instructions, not my instructions concerning personal communications. Decisions concerning this, as always, are up to you. However, I think some may be reacting too harshly, because there is nothing wrong with Facebook in itself, as I said before. So don't just Knee-jerk and throw out everyone. People are going to freely communicate in this new techo-world of ours, but courtesy is always in order, (the bible requires it) in groups both secular and religious, and Facebook can be a GOOD thing too, you just have to be careful. There are many people that don't attend NTCC any more, who haven't done damage to anyone, and no one should be mistreated in any way. If you plan to remove someone from your Facebook list, at least give them a good reason and explain yourself. The same God that said to mark those that cause division and avoid them, said "love thy neighbor." Mike Kekel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Links
May 2, 2010
PSALM 101
A Psalm of David. 1 "I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer."
Posted by mck at 6:54 PM 0 comments
Last week was incredible! The Spring Conference in Missouri was a wonderful time of fellowship in the Spirit and the bond of peace. The Tabernacle was packed out with about 1,100 people, and the moving of God's Spirit prevailed in every service. Very few messages were preached because worship and adoration of Jesus Christ was so strong, and another Conference is coming up in the Fall, so let's be in prayer for greater things! I thank God for the opportunity to serve all of you, and to be a blessing to others in the years ahead.
God bless you, M C Kekel Apr 20, 2010S
I apologize for the excessive length of this article.
There are no words to express the deep regret I feel for the loss of Debbie , and I would rather write about anything than this. So I ask that you simply maintain an attitude of prayer concerning the matter, and for her, for she knows not what she does. It wasn’t a glad day for me when she put away her first husband, we loved them both. I have tried to keep events surrounding their departure from NTCC quiet, but due to the fact that they actively seek to harm not only my family, but the work of God and NTCC in general, the NTCC side of the story must be known for the protection of others. For us, she represents one of the “two sisters that sing together.” She and her Sister, Becky, a Missionary in the Philippines, always sang together and also as soloists, and it is kind of part of the NTCC “beginning” and a precious part of “old times.” I remember a certain prayer meeting at old Forest Ave., where I was down at the altar. We were all praying in the dimly lit chapel and God was moving; Debbie Blumenthal was right on the other side, praying in tongues. We were pouring our hearts out, and I noticed her sincerity most of all. I still believe she had something from God. I remember the Conference at Myrtle Beach when her husband, who was AGO of the Central Division at the time, got in trouble for rebuking Pastor over something he preached about ladies and tight skirts. It really cost him more than he’ll ever know. He went back to pastoring, and I see no need to speak of that, except a downhill trend was beginning. Greg was one of the “boys in the home” in Okinawa where they pastored, and once she was a free woman, Greg got the job. There were mixed reactions and somewhat of a nervous concern in the ranks of her friends over this new alliance; Greg’s demeanor was a trifle strange, very stiff, loud and military-like. While in Augusta, GA, Greg suffered an exploding appendix I believe it was. Pastor sent him a good sum of money to help him through such a time. Sometime after that, they returned to Graham. After some time, they were ready to go again, and we were at their house for fellowship. He said that God had really opened doors for them while they were in Graham, and it was the best thing that ever happened to them, a great blessing. Then Korea This is when things got complicated, and I saw signs that disturbed me. I noticed his public address at conference included the clear message that he got saved without NTCC, and “if I ever leave...” ?? In addition, he had been soliciting me to create a Korean Day-Worker for soul-winning in apartments. I spoke very positively about it, but I made no promises. He acted like I had given him my word, and then implied in an email that I’m NOT a man of my word. I still am though. Then his method of follow-up concerned me; he didn’t just ask about the day worker, but made insinuations. “The Printshop Policy states...” “you said, you said.” It got to the point that I just flat told him I wasn’t going to make it, period. Around that time, he cut off his phone and communication with the office, and the leadership. He stated that he wanted a record of everything, so he wouldn’t talk by phone, so he had “proof.” Among this series of emails over months, came some pretty insulting and offensive tones, most of which isn’t found below. I found out during the Asian Conference 08, he had not only been throwing raging tantrums toward Korean Co-workers, but also jacking up the brethren. He could not speak kindly to Bro. JS, because the Brother was putting together a work, and Greg’s was failing. You’ll see why in a while. Deb was doing the ministering while Greg worked weekends out of town on his secular job. It was reported later that Debbie was also working, and the email below verifies that in his own words. Pastor also got to where he just said to let Greg do what he wanted, he had no plans to send him anywhere after the way he had acted. Hard Choices I had to make a hard choice, having all these emails in my possession. There are many more emails with rougher language than what you see below. He began to obsess about what would happen to his wife if he died, would the church support her. No NTCC answer was given to such a foolish and unlearned question. Also, in some emails he demanded this reimbursement, for UNAUTHORIZED expenditures, and obsessed about “what the org wanted him to do.” Not in a normal way, but with a cocky and accusatory tone. When Rev. Mac left Seoul, Korea, he left a self-supporting church with Koreans and GIs, and was full-time. Then came and when he left, there was little left. Pastor sent Rev. D to meet at the airport with the demanded reimbursements anyway, (meaning he really didn’t have them coming to him,) and an offer of a ride to a hotel, or wherever he wanted him to take him. My hard choice was, do I show these emails to her Sister and have the upset, or withhold them and have Debbie sister mad at me? I elected, since I was visiting Panama at that time, that if Sis. Rod brought it up, I would let her read them. She did the first night, and I let her read them. She was flabbergasted. Here’s only some snippets from his emails; August 27, 2007 Pastor DS (Korea) asked him, in trying to resolve an auto issue, per instructions from pastor and Rev. O To Greg DS asked, “Can you call me at work? 0505-765-7729” (about the car issue) Response; “No thank-you. As I have shared with Reverend Olson in the past, I prefer a written record as much as possible for Church business. E-mail suits this exceptionally well.” August 28, 2007- From Greg Have you all decided what God wants us to do yet? If so what is it? When may we expect to be reimbersed the $4,472 we loaned the Organization? (This is quite a bit of our savings and creates a hardship for us for as long as it remains unpaid.) Would you please respond as soon as possible to all the above questions. We are still scheduled to leave Korea for Seattle on 29 August 2007 and would like to have these issues resolved before we arrive. In His Service, Greg & Deborah There was no loan, he created an unauthorized indebtedness. Bro. DS in Korea emailed Greg saying, “Reverend Olson and Pastor Davis are not in favor of disposing the car for almost $1,700.00. If you don't have a buyer, please go to the JAG at Yongsan and prepare a Power of Attorney for me to sell the car for you. This morning I spoke to JAG at Camp Henry concerning the POA procedure. It's quite simple. I will not need to be with you when you get the POA.” Greg answered, “This sounds good, thanks for your e-mail. I already checked on all this and I was told the military does not provide any legal support for invited contractors. Also, this issue has been pending from Reverend Olson for almost two months and this would be a lot to get done by COB today (3.5 hours). As you know we have been available to take care of the Seoul Church's affairs for almost two months. Now we are only available for our personal affairs. But, I will see what I can do...I cannot make any promises. I will e-mail you and Reverend Olson tonight.” This one takes the cake; after he met Rev. D at the Seattle airport, he went on to his wife’s mother’s house in Idaho to “wait for instructions from the org” 9/4/07 Dear Reverend Olson, Reverend DiFrancesco and Reverend Stevens (FYI Pastor Davis), We both thank-you for sending someone too meet us at the airport and for the prompt reimbursement check. We have arrived in Idaho safely and are still recovering from our trip (I typed this between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. on 31 August 2007). I have already begun doing maintenance around my father-in-law’s Church facilities (he is the Pastor). Mostly roofing, vehicle maintenance and cutting grass thus far. He is very old (almost 80) and could use the help and a lot needs to be done. When I have completed all of the maintenance that my father-in-law wants done and any additional work I think needs done I will probably be getting a job in Idaho if we still have not received a response from the Organization. The cost of living is a lot cheaper here than in Washington State and surprisingly the pay for many jobs is about the same (this means we will be able to make from $1,000 to $1,500 per week once we get up to speed). And a great deal cheaper than living in a hotel as Reverend DiFrancesco shared was the interim plan for us when he met us at the airport. We were mildly surprised and mildly disappointed we were not to be accommodated by a Church family in the area as at other times (the fellowship is always exceptional). But, my in-laws have a three bedroom home they graciously and eagerly assented to share with us, immediately after our request for help, for as long as we needed a place to live. But, this was serendipitous as my wife has not visited her Mom and Dad for over twelve years. We have our own room, our own office, our own bathroom and two vehicles at our disposal. We will be giving them an offering of $600 per month--what we would have also given whoever kept us in Graham. They did not even want this small amount but we gave them no choice in the matter. We could not live as cheap or as well any other place at this time (other than Korea). We will be paying our own way and they have told us they do not consider us a burden (they may not think this after a few months though). While I am helping my father-in-law with his Church facilities Deborah will be doing the housework for her Mother. My mother-in-law is also very old (almost 80) and welcomes the break. We gave Reverend DiFrancesco a small token offering for his trouble but we would also like to reimburse the Organization for the hours of his lost productivity around the Graham office because we know Reverend DiFrancesco was on the clock when he came to pick us up at the airport; so please let us know how much this is. For example, if Reverend DiFrancesco’s monthly executive pay is at least $9000 per month this would be a total of $62.50 for five hours (monthly executive pay ÷ 30 ÷ 24 × numbers of hours dedicated to picking us up at the airport on time and then returning to Graham) and any expenses associated with the use of the Graham Church van. The only reasons Reverend and Sister DiFrancesco were not able to return from the airport with us are as follows: NOTE HERE: None of the Execs. in this Org make anywhere near that much salary. (Continues) As you know we have been requesting/waiting for an answer to the below questions (listed in order of importance to us) for over two months: NOTE HERE: This next paragraph shows that both of them were working at the time, while the church spiraled downward: …What has Pastor Davis and the Organization decided God wants us to do? (We quit our $1,200 a week total, tax free jobs, to come back to the U.S. merely at Pastor Davis original say so. No subsequent direction was ever forthcoming from anyone. No one even told us merely to come back to Graham although you all probably should have assumed this would be a given.) …What is our Church’s position regarding 1 Timothy 5:9-10 in the event of my death (my wife does not want to need to get remarried again if she doesn’t want to) and will I ever be allowed by our Church to fulfill my obligation as a husband as set forth in 1 Timothy 5:8 while I am alive? As you could have known two things needed to reasonably happen before we could return to Graham: (1) The above two questions answered and (2) getting reimbursed for our loans to the Organization this last time in Korea. Only the reimbursement was accomplished (pending the checks clearing the bank). We wanted to give our Church every opportunity and as much time as possible to accommodate/accomplish these two things. We gave our Church all the time and all the opportunity from 27 June 2007 up to the moment Reverend and Sister DiFrancesco left us at SeaTac Airport to return to Graham without us on 29 August 2007. We will be sending our final weekly report from the Seoul Church when the latest reimbursement checks clear the bank. Our address in Idaho will be contained therein in the appropriate section. All of the financial events for the Seoul Church for the week of 27 August to 2 September 2007 will be reflected in it--to include the latest reimbursements. We will also be mailing all of the pertinent administrative records from the Seoul Church when the latest reimbursement checks clear the bank (within the next 30 days). Also, we are prepared (and have been for over thirteen years) to give any desired/needed account regarding ourselves to the Executive/General Board or any part of the Executive/General Board, whether in person or in writing. Although a complete account of the last few months could easily be assembled from Reverend Olson’s notes of our phone conversations and the e-mails we have sent to the Organization. At this time, with two weeks notice, we will appear in person any Saturday at any place in the contiguous 48 if our airfare (economy class) and all other expenses for said trip are paid by the Organization or anyone other than us. We would have to be returned to Idaho (or wherever we are living) by this same weekends Sunday. We would also insist that this potential meeting be audio recorded by us and we would also provide our Organization with a copy of any audio recordings of any official meeting. It would also be reasonable for the Organization to also answer my above questions in writing in any interim. Reverend Stevens: Thank-you for all of your help in researching, after our own initial research, regarding how to dispose of the Seoul Church vehicle. And please change the account for your work’s phone, if you have not already done so, as this is still in my name as of 24 August 2007 from when we pioneered your work in Waegwan, South Korea. In His Service, Greg & Deborah My take? It's all about the money. So for telling Debbie sister about the situation, this is what I got from him. We could not get in contact with her, he blocked us on every turn. To all concerned, In spite of the real risk of being further misunderstood and/or misrepresented et cetera I present the following. My ongoing intent is never harm but forthrightness, clarity, completeness, honesty etc to minimize misunderstanding regarding official matters and so those I deal with regarding official matters will understand precisely what I mean to make more informed decisions as is necessary. This has served me well since 1982, when I became a Christian, until about five months ago. As I have shared with some of you in the past, as a general personal rule I do not send cute casual emails or make cute casual phone calls to any but my wife and my immediate secular family. When I write regarding official matters it is in the same manner as I would speak to someone regarding official matters; this may have caused problems for some because they do not have the added benefit of reading my facial expressions. Although, by this time, I may have been around long enough that people could know me and have confidence regarding my actions and intentions. To illustrate this point: This email is my normal style of writing. If this is too direct for your liking, please forgive me though many others appreciate my directness. It has come to my attention in writing and by phone that certain of my communications of the past approximately five plus months are being misrepresented, mischaracterized and misunderstood by a certain party and/or certain parties within our Organization. I have reviewed my official inter-organizational written correspondence of the last eighteen plus months and am satisfied that they convey correctly and completely what I intended and was surprised when it came to my attention that they are being represented and/or understood as more than official inter-organizational correspondence. I have also been recently berated with scripture, in writing and verbally, based on recent assumptions that are not correct, regarding the aforementioned communications. But, instead of further defending myself (I have tried this in the recent past and it has solved nothing) and/or further showing the gross error of certain allegations (I have tried this in the recent past and it has solved nothing) or bringing formal charges against them I forgive them. Additionally, in the interest of making these and any other perceived offenses and/or wrongs right please note the following: If I have ever said, written or done things that have offended and/or wronged you please forgive me. My goal is that anything you may think I have done wrong will not happen again. In other words I will do better in the future. I have learned a lot about people’s perception in the last approximately five months. My current intent is to make no further defense, clarification or justification of myself for anything to anyone (that has happened in the past) since in this email I have officially forgiven and officially apologized. Although, if I continue to receive further written and/or verbal evidence of gossip and/or slander against me something may be done…only not by me. As we all know the Bible and our Organization are not without written guidelines regarding those who cause division and strife. And please do me one more duty…If you have further participated in or know of any other recent gossip and/or slander about me that was broadcast beyond the recipients of this collective email, please forward this email to them. Thank-you. In His Service, Greg Whatever he was referring to, I don't know, but all I did was show the Sister the emails, she made the conclusions. So now they somehow derive pleasure from slandering us to the media; Greg asked Ramtha man to do this to us, and that tells it all. The reporter isn't going to publish anything we said, except to twist it, so there was no "getting your two cents in." All their allegations we denied, but that means nothing to these people, so it it what it is, there's nothing you can say. There's just nothing about that the resembles Christ, because Christ doesn't enjoy the fall of His enemies. NTCC isn't going to fall, no matter what they do, because it's God's church. They must say what they will say, and God will still be God. Thanks, M C Kekel
mck
1 comments:
Anonymous said...
Thanks for the information. Now that should CLEAR all that up, but I agree with you, it will not. And if they did not want all this out in the open, they should have thought of that BEFORE they yacked all those lies!
May the Lord Bless You and Yours!
Apr 22, 2010
From a biblical perspective, Facebook is no sin. From a social perspective, the character of Facebook is, like anything else, what you make it. Let’s throw MySpace and all other Social Networking sites into the mix too. Thumbnails are the little photos that Facebook users have all over their pages. While you can’t control what people use as their thumb, you can say “hey, not on my page you don’t.” Why though, do some NTCC folks have some of their OWN photos that look like that?
Here’s how it works In Facebook, you first setup your home page. Then as you add people to your “friends list,” each one creates a constant connection from your page to the friend’s page, and a thumbnail photo of the new friend also appears next to his name on your page. Click on that photo, and you’re then taken to their page, and you see all THEIR friends. Each person has their OWN list of “friends” (connections) to whomever they choose. Thing is, all your friends are exposed to anyone that can visit your page. That means your friends list people can contact your family, church members or fellow ministers, from your list. You can become the conduit that channels filth to your brother or sister. Some of the resident evils of Facebook and MySpace are cases where for example teens, find themselves in contact with the wrong types of people and sometimes run off to meet them; then it’s a very bad situation. In that sense, these sites are a tool of evil. In the business world, it’s a tool of productivity, etc. So what about Ministers of the gospel, whose wives display themselves with their legs revealed, cleavage, their hair cut and faces painted? Why are they in NTCC? That’s not what we are, neither is it godly. Does that show everyone that you aren’t really “one of the NTCC nuts” but you’re part of what’s “in?” For the average Joe who wants to share his photos with his family and friends, or maintain a private dialogue with others, Facebook is fine I suppose. If Joe gets rank, that’s entirely up to him. If a Christian posts risque’ photos of her/himself? It is hard to reconcile that with shamefaced, modest, humble and chaste behavior. I don’t have a Facebook right now, but maybe someday. If I do, it will be up to me to keep it clean, and I don’t see why people want to publish information about themselves anyway, so maybe it’s just the fun of it. One more thing NTCC follows a system of ethics, not unlike many other institutions such as the military, non-profits, doctors, counsellors, businesses and so forth. You who are ministers know what they are. The New Testament teaches us, without regard to a certain churches or denominations, that certain people are not to be fellowshipped with. But some of you have your church members on your Facebook, along with X-ers and ministers, etc. So you are putting church members, members of OTHER Pastors and churches, at RISK on your Facebook, making them accessible to haters of the church. How is that ethically right? It’s time to clean up the mess. Eph. 5 (8-13) 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. I Cor. 5 (11-13) But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. I Cor. 15 (33) 33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 2 Thess. 3 (6) 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. II Tim. 4 (14-15) 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. Col. 1 (27-29) Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. The Apostle said that he labored and strived to both preach Christ, AND WARN PEOPLE. That’s why I feel no grief about warning you. I’m not “posturing” as one man said, or seeking vengeance on this blog. But these X-ers have been flying under the radar long enough, creeping among you, ostensibly as your friends, while sowing discord and driving wedges. It is high time for NTCC’ers to realize that these serpents hanging in nearby trees need to be grabbed by the tail and yanked out, and removed from the garden. Remember, no one can control your Facebook but you. Labels: evil_communication, friends, Social_Net
Posted by mck at 9:31 AM 0 comments
This is one of the most polite comments I've ever received, and I thank you for the opportunity to address it. Thanks for your comment, sorry for packing it in here to save space.
Dear Reverend, At the last conference you preached a message about the Wacky Jack teachings some of the ministers have taken upon themselves to teach. This seems to be a very common occurrence, and has been going on since I first became acquainted with the church.(About 21 years) Why do you suppose this is? Why is it so prevalent? I quote from one of the previous posters:"If he didn't like it(dogs,cats,pie,perculated coffee,internet,kids playing sports....) then they followed his like's or dislikes to be there own."My question is WHY? Men in good standing with the organization...pardon me...church. (And why must people call it that? I know it is an organization, but why can't people call it a church???) The things taught in many of my Bible School classes reflect what I now believe to be their opinion on Pastor Davis' opinion! Classes like Doctrines and Practical Theology to name just a couple. From my own personal experience, my husband would not allow any pets because he said Pastor Davis would not allow him to be a "preacher" if he owned one. I was belittled for adding cream to my coffee and therefore chose to drink water instead (which caused my husband great consternation.) These things were of great "concern" to him. He also often spoke about "What would Pastor Davis think?" and "Letting Pastor down". Sir, you have been kind enough to graciously respond to many of the posts here, and I truly would like to hear your responses here. Sir, I lived a life of abuse you simply wouldn't believe...Afraid to say anything else because I was so reprimanded. It is not my intention to discuss that here, but some of these issues just seem to be so prevalent and I just can't fathom WHY? I sat under numerous other pastors in the "organization" and fellowshipped with many of these good people with the same attitudes. If Pastor never wanted this to be, why are some of these men so esteemed? Why the prevalence? Why does Pastor allow these men to esteem him so highly; to the point that I really believe they are worshipping him and/or other "men of god", just as my husband did. It is my belief that if a man pleases God and that is truly his hearts intent that Pastor should be pleased with this, not disgruntled or displeased. I do not wish to "bash" anyone. But, I certainly wish I had some answers! In your sermon during conference, I was glad to hear this addressed, but it has left me with many questions.Respectfully yours,RB Well, I wouldn't call it common, but it happens. This isn't something for preachers only, but all men. Pastor himself calls them "super spiritual." People say that ONLY I could DARE to step out of line and "do something different," but not "other people." I say Pastor doesn't expect me to be stupid, and doesn't care if I have my own preferences. If a man doesn't have the guts to speak up, what can you do about it? You know I'm always joking about the evils of cream and sugar, but once I heard of a student "jacking up" a church member (a real burden for souls huh?) and telling him that I preach it's a sin. Well, I drink it too, at times. You have to be dense and imperceptive to even think that. I straightened that one out. I'm as exasperated as you, because I can't give people brains, or courage to think for themselves. A mentor is a great thing, but not in the way you have described. Pastor was telling one man (and he does try to stop the stuff) "you can't run a church like a bible school." Later I said "But Sir, I don't run the bible school like that." He agreed. I've heard him for years telling people (not all preachers) that they aren't Drill Sgts., etc. As far as how they esteem him, he really doesn't allow it if he knows it. Often he tells them, "just preach, don't go off on how much you appreciate the leaders and stuff." Or, "don't talk about me, tell them about Jesus." Amen, we would see Jesus, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 8:38 AM 2 comments
Here's a new comment on the POOF article
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The POOF is in the offering plate": "Just curious as to why there are escrow accounts that are supposedly untouchable by the ministers. What is the money for, if it isn't to be used to keep the church up without the pastor having to pay everything out of pocket? Please explain." Thanks :) Thanks for your comment, It IS used to keep the church up, they just can't spend away. Though a Pastor pays some out of pocket into a work for God, he should only be doing this in the beginning, and there wouldn't even be an Escrow until it is established. Once the church is healthy it should be taking care of itself and saving against a rainy day, in an Escrow. Some people haven't the will power to save, and this helps to control the spending and build up the church's resources. The pastor's goal should be, to become full time in ministry, without having to work a secular job. Thanks, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 12:58 AM 0 comments
Apr 21, 2010
As I said before, We opened wide our doors; we spent two hours with the reporter, including a full tour of the Campus and answered all his questions. He was laughing and joking with us, and then said we were “shifty.” He was in service with us that Sat. evening and again Sunday morning. He meandered around talking to various people, and noticed one precious brother, a veteran of the war on terror, standing in the back who stands during the services due to a condition contacted during his deployment. It somehow affects the nerves, and he can’t keep his shoes on because of the intense burning sensation. Bruce Smith took a photo of him and related his words in tones of mockery in his second article. That man stands back there because he fought for me and my family; thank you soldier, and God bless you.
In the first article, every quote is attributed to the wrong person. He called us Associate Pastors, which neither of us are. I don’t worry about titles, but in truth, I’m the Senior Pastor and Rev. Kinson is the Pastor and, as we explained to him twice, we have 3 Associate Pastors and 13 Lay Pastors working with us. He was told that all the students take classes at night and work during the day and, yet for some reason he kept asking where the women were. If he wants to see if we have women, Ladies Prayer Meeting is what he should visit, and by the way, they recently had a ladies’ luncheon with over 100 in attendance. Here’s a few more; “A unique strategy of the NTCC outreach is to target military bases, particularly overseas, where single, lonely American soldiers need something more than honky-tonks and bars. We provide a home-away-home," said Kinson, "and get them out of those filthy, evil barracks." (Bruce Smith) Pastor Kinson didn’t even use those adjectives, nor mention honky-tonks and bars, and I said (not Kinson) “home away-from-home.” And why the buzzword “target?” His tone here is mockery, “ewww, filthy, evil barracks” as if to say he doesn’t think they are. I understand that he doesn’t agree with any church, and we don’t expect him to, but is it alright to create quotes of things not said? He also contradicts himself; The photo says we are “Assoc. Pastors” but one paragraph calls Pastor Kinson my Assoc. Pastor. He says we “stay to ourselves” and then says we are very evangelical and reach out to the community by knocking on doors. (?) He can’t keep facts straight, therefore he won’t get any more from us. Numbers We told him that we don’t keep close count of the churches and student numbers, but we could easily get that information for him, but he refused it. So then he writes; “Rev. Kekel was unable to provide definitive answers about his organization, such as how many churches worldwide belong to the corporation, or how many members attend services, even though Kekel is the CEO.” (B.Smith) The church in Graham is also a Christian Seminary with approximately 100 students, and a congregation of about 700-800 people, a mixture of Lay Ministers and church members. We have an outstanding reputation nationally with business people, employers, housing administrators and many others, that we have built over 30 years of serving this community and others. Our doctrinal statement demonstrates the biblical integrity of the church, and has satisfied the US Government, the College board of Washington State and the Military at home abroad. Most people who visit our churches are amazed at the differences they find, as compared to many others. They find all nations represented, worshipping together. They find a very joyful group of believers, lively interaction and upbeat services that center on Jesus Christ. We have 116 churches, and just added two more buildings and a bunch of graduates are headed out after this Conference. Amen. All his facts are mixed up, and neither PK or myself said the things he said we said. Now in the last article, I’m the co-pastor. In another article, PK is my Assoc. Pastor. This man emerged from our interview with either total confusion or disregard of the facts. Question is, which? After Bruce’s second Bible Study Then he came to a second bible study. He accused Pastor Kinson of “shooting at him” in the first Bible Study, but the lesson from Acts about the ungodly fighting the church was not pre-arranged “just for him”, sorry. Bruce Smith followed Pastor Kinson around, red-faced and flailing his arms and reciting the accusations of the X’ers. We had already told him in the interview that we had no interest in debate of the X’ers issues and lies, but he kept on. We still have no such interest. He proceeded to angrily protest to PK, saying, that if he didn’t surrender sensitive, private information about how much people are paid, and what the income of the church was, he would publish that PK is level-3 child abuser and felon (which he isn’t) Bruce Smith stated in the interview that he is a professional story-teller. PK said to him “Well, you said you are a professional story-teller, and that’s what you’re interested in isn’t it, a story, not the truth.” “That’s right” Bruce replied. He continued to demand to speak with PK’s wife about false allegations Victor Johanson made (which she factually denied); he demanded to know how much everyone is paid; he threatened PK that, if he didn’t get the information he demanded, he would publish these false accusations about him, as truth, in his paper. Now Vic Johanson pastored in Alaska at one time. Bro. Eric Barden passed away a while back, but he was Vic Johanson’s helper at that time. I don’t know if Angela Reggio was Eric’s wife at that time and in Alaska with them, or not. But they had divorced I understand, and the “Angela R” you see posting negative things is her I believe. She has no knowledge of anything pertaining to the beginning days, and should never parrot someone else’s words when they aren’t validated with the rubber stamp of truth. Well praise God, this blog is about to break the 50,000 mark! There’s around 100 new visitors weekly, and that’s good. I also noticed a recent increase in viewings, due to recent events here in Graham, WA at the church, so I felt the need to broach the subjects here, so that the brethren and anyone who cares about it, could know the truth of the matter. This blog was originally (long ago) setup to display facts and photos of the “X-ers” so that the brethren could know, not only the words, but the appearance (that’s generated many of the initial page views ) Once it had served its purpose, it was de-activated. I still have the photos and articles, so if anyone would like them, just email me at mckekel@hotmail.com God bless you, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 10:00 PM 30 comments
Many of you have probably heard by now that Bruce Smith, a leader in the Ramtha School of Enlightenment (he’s 5th from the top I’m told) and reporter from the Dispatch, a smalltown newspaper in remote Eatonville, WA, recently contacted us requesting an interview. I immediately said “sure.”
Bruce Smith said he was commissioned by Greg to investigate NTCC and, after two hours on the phone with Greg , said “Nevertheless, Gregory contacted the Dispatch a week or two ago, describing his destructive - as he sees it - relationship with the NTCC, and asking us to do a story on it. He calls NTCC a cult. That was all I needed to get going,” Smith said. When he requested an interview with us, we opened wide our doors; we spent two hours with him including a full tour of the Campus and answered all his questions. He was in service with us that Sat. evening and again Sunday morning. Afterward he expressed astonishment at the delightful things he saw; he was amazed and, by his own words, “never saw anything like this, it's great.” But while I was preaching Saturday evening, I read the verses below, and he went out the door in a flash, and I mean fast; ostensibly to see the Sunday School program. I John 2 (20-24) 20” But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.“ So, why didn’t he report any of that in the article? Why did he choose to paint a murky, shadowy picture by a poorly-written article, rife with misquotes and self-contradicting rambling content which was rather insulting, contemptuous, dismissive, mocking, taunting, sneering, scornful, derisive and sarcastic? Let’s take a closer look. First of all, what is the “Ramtha School of Enlightenment?” I received an anonymous tip from a Brother in another church, saying "do you realize who Bruce Smith is?" "A reporter?" I asked. He proceeded to fill me in, including that Bruce Smith is fifth from the top in leadership of this cult, and the email below, sent to one of our pastors in Texas, seems to validate this allegation. But for the record; a cult is a group that follows a man that claims to have special insight and spiritual knowledge; knowledge that is against the bible and isn’t Christ focused, like Jim Jones, who claimed that they had to be in Guyana to escape nuclear war, or Joseph Smith and the golden plates; Pastor Davis has never talked that way, but has always pointed us toward Jesus and the bible and said that the church isn’t built on him, but upon the only foundation, Jesus Christ. “I'm not even sure what a cult is, really, although as a student in Ramtha's School of Enlightenment for 20 years, I sure know what it feels like when other folks tell me I'm in a cult.” (Bruce Smith) This group is located near here, in Yelm, WA, and he lives on their compound behind a stone wall, speaking ill of “the church behind the fence.” Ramtha is supposedly a 35,000 year old warrior-spirit that “channels” through this woman, the leader, JZ Knight. The bible does show that people can “channel” ancient spirits, but the name was Legion, I believe. Okay, everyone has a right to their beliefs, but so that all may know what it really behind his agenda, I give you the following information: http://ramtha.com/html/pdf/introduction.pdf This is what summarizes the thinking of Ramtha... *Create your own reality *There is no good or evil *You are God *No one can know who or what God is *Christians are arrogant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChdL-mM17u0&feature=related *You can be your OWN Savior http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnSZZafpf1c That means you don’t need saving, doesn’t it? YOU are God, yet no one can know what or who God is, and you are your own Saviour, who has nothing to save himself from. Look in JZ’s eyes when she speaks in this video; but first, here's some info from... http://mondovista.com/liarx.html How to use this information to detect a lie "Let's say that you have a friend who owes you some money. You have heard that they just got paid and you want to suggest that they pay you back. You try to be polite and ask them, "Did you get paid yet?" They answer, "Gee, not yet. The boss said maybe next week." and look to their right (your left). This would indicate that they are constructing or "making up" what their boss said. They are telling a lie." Now watch the video link above under "Christians are arrogant." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kWAy65ZFnk&feature=related In all these videos, the whole concept of God is questioned and dismissed by suggesting that we can NOT know. Notably, the soundtrack on Ramtha’s home page, http://www.ramtha.com contains blasphemous lyrics against that “man with that bible in his hand” and with profanity, instructs you to do something vulgar to him. Maybe it would be better to stop him and ask, because he knows. Antinomian |ˌantiˈnōmēən| (adj) All that stuff harks back to the ancient practice of “antinomianism.” which means of, or relating to the view, that Christians are released by grace from the obligation of observing the moral law. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from medieval Latin Antinomi, the name of a 16th-cent. sect in Germany alleged to hold this view, from Greek anti- ‘opposite, against’ + nomos ‘law.’ In other words, AGAINST LAW. Rev. Chapters 2 and 3- Letters to the churches This gives you insight into the nature of the woman in the church at Thyatira (Rev. 2-3) and why she was called Jezebel. She taught God’s people to commit sacrilege claiming Christian liberty as a license to eat things sacrificed to idols and to fornicate. Daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon (1 Kings 16:31) Jezebel became the wife of Ahab, king of the northern kingdom of Israel. An impious and cruel queen who protected idolatry and persecuted the prophets of God and murdered them. The marriage was probably a continuation of the friendly relations between Israel and Phoenicia begun by Omri (another earlier King of Israel) and this marriage of Ahab to a heathen woman confirmed a political alliance between the two nations. Jezebel exerted a strong influence over the life of Israel, as she insisted on establishing the worship of Baal and demanded the absolute rights of the monarchy. So strong was her pagan influence that Scripture attributes the apostasy of Ahab directly to Jezebel (vv 30–33). Jezebel’s efforts to establish Baal worship in Israel began with Ahab’s acceptance of Baal following their marriage (1 Kings 16:31). Ahab followed Jezebel’s practices by building a house of worship and altar for Baal in Samaria, and by setting up a pole for worship of the Asherah. A campaign was then conducted to exterminate the prophets of God (18:4), while Jezebel organized and supported large groups of Baal’s prophets, housing and feeding large numbers of them in the royal palace (v 19). To meet this challenge, God sent Elijah to prophesy a drought that lasted three years (17:1; 18:1) (unknown source) Thus, the symbolic name of a woman in Rev. 2:20 who pretended to be a prophetess, and who, addicted to antinomianism, influenced others to be free from law. Antinomianism explains why the X’ers and Ramtha’s man get along so well. The unholy political alliance; aimed at, not protecting but persecuting the church. A local woman of significance; leader and head of a successful educational institution commented that when she read the first article, it was clear that the reporter had an agenda. Now that you know where the reporter is coming from, let’s look at the events that took place after his call for an interview.
Posted by mck at 9:59 PM 6 comments
Apr 21, 2010
Please take a look at this post, I'm sure it's April Michalick again;
"let see,90% that is left to us. After the pastor of a local Church is DOUBLE,tripled TITHED! and then pledges and other offerrings. And if you the books were opened. You would see that money is not going to where it is supposed to." **It's going exactly where it belongs, as the books also testify, and in each church's respective escrow is where their money belongs. An escrow is a holding account between two parties and is at the disposal of neither party. Just because a Pastor tithes his income from work, and tithes the income to the church, doesn't mean he's double tithing; tithe means 10% and no one pays above 10% of their income" "Ask the missionaries that have been forgotten about!! A FACT!" **No April,that is a fallacy. We maintain accurate records of the monthly support sent to Missionaries, and none of them have ever been forgotten. If you are referring to Casey Hayes and some of the things he said on Jeff Collins' Blog, no wonder. He wasn't forgotten, he was receiving support from the org AND WORKING a job, and still told everyone he was starving there. He tried to push the Cespedes' into "upgrading" their life and spending money on better furniture, criticizing their things, while he was moving to the "highlands" and putting his kids in the nicest music schools, etc. He NEVER got a building, never started a church, in all those years. The other Bro and Sis didn't get that, so they started their own thing and had a building, services and people in a few months. Casey Hayes stayed there in Puerto Rico for a few more years, and only went to their services ONCE. He wouldn't even go to church with them. He was flying to Florida with the boss, and golfing, etc. So now, how is that NTCC's fault? He should have been cut off really, but who knew? When he got back here, he told me he'd never seen such an outpouring of love. He posted to Collins' Blog that he saw NO love. Uh..? When the support money ran out, (money raised from NTCC people for Casey's endeavors,) it went red to the tune of 40k, just to keep it going. Now someone doesn't know what they are saying. What you call NTCC Fog, is the clouds that you see, and we're up above them in the sunshine. "Those of you still under the ntcc fog. Do not get it. We do not want what others have. IF it was recieved honestly. And not off the backs of others work. I am sorry,but some do not work! and take from others hard work. As with escrow accounts that dissapeared! and was never given back to those local churches. Thousands of dollars,poof,gone! Giving while in ntcc,and without grumbling. ntcc jargon. oh we will take money from you even if your not happy. So I guess that person will be blessed,if ntcc will take it from you wether your happy or not happy to give. As I stated,it is not the condition of our hearts. All of us gave willing and believed. We were sacrficing to be blessed. It will NEVER happen,while your in ntcc." **Another untrue statement If you weren't envious, you wouldn't complain about what others have, sorry. There have been no Escrow accounts disappearing, and I get a weekly balance sheet showing what the churches hold. It's all right there, on deposit in each church's name. Just because it isn't available for any pastor to walk off with, (which is what they are designed to prevent and have proven effective) doesn't mean it disappeared. None of it goes to the Graham church, only the books are kept here. How would you have any knowledge of that, and why are you making a statement like that without basis? How much did you personally sacrifice? You may get by,pay your bills,buy something new now and then. But your never going to achieve the home,car's,ect that others in ntcc have. Why,you will be moved around and around. At your own expense. You will go out and start a pioneer work,out of your own pocket. ** Why? Because you said God wants you to do it. People are normally moved because of personal problems and to restore them, or God wants them moving on in their ministries. The leaders of this organization contributed to this org out of our own pockets by the way, and we're glad about it. I don't know of anyone that gives more than the board members, and they don't resent building for God and don't look for returns in this life. If you ARE April, and I'm pretty sure you are, please don't attempt to instruct us about pioneering, because you haven't done it. Then go and tithe and offerrings from one income. Nope,it will never happen. ANON is skipping over everything to get to a person's giving. When that is at the bottom of the barrel. Let's just ignore everyone's testimonies of there true stories. That they lived. and lets pick apart there giving. As if you know they had grumbling while in ntcc. or since leaving!I have attended a Church where a bucket is left at the entrance for giving. And seen more giving,without passing a plate. Because they are giving from there HEART. As is stated in the Bible! some give,just to look spiritual. look how much I gave. Whoopty-Do! so much pride is there! Keep those blinders up and that fog thick! This is sad, isn't it? I think SHE is talking about "how much she gave," and I guess buckets ARE more spiritual than plates; is it because they hold more? God bless you all, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 1:27 PM 0 comments
Dear Anon. Apr. 20th,
Thanks for your comment on the "A $uggestion" thread. My portfolio would be MUCH larger without her, or without "pastor" is what you are trying to say. Do you know what a portfolio is? I don't think you do, because your comment is highly charged with cynicism and a note of class envy it seems. Here's a question; a man has a wife that is a millstone around his neck. Can he do anything for God? Yes. Does she hinder him? Yes. So if the man is the millstone to his own ministry (as you seem to think I am) how can the woman make the difference? She can't, not much. Well, I am thankful that, in all ways, Tanya Kekel is a blessing to me and no millstone, and if you are a Christian I know you are so glad that she is a help to me in so many ways. Thanks for your prayers by the way. A portfolio is a thin, flat folder actually, and "portfolio" investments are the paper kind; mutual funds, stocks, bonds, so forth. If I hadn't met pastor, I probably would have wasted my money on IRAs and Mutual Funds, and other foolish investments, so thankfully, my portfolio is thin. It might be much fatter had I never met them, although I've always been one to read and learn about what I want to achieve. I probably wouldn't have stood still in my tracks just letting life go by until I was so old I couldn't work and feed myself. Pastor, and my wife have been great blessings in my life, that I would never deny. They arethe best thing that ever happened to me actually. But I was called by God, before I ever even heard of NTCC, and received distinct direction of the Holy Ghost to not only become part of it in 1979, but to remain part even now. Pastor didn't have a lot back then himself, and it's irrelevant. What I could get out of anyone has never been an issue with me, and position has never been an aspiration for me. I just want to serve Christ, and be what HE wants, and that is ALL. I'm not the only one he's been good to, so again, it's what you DO with what you have. Quit whining about the "unfairness" of life and get your own share. Thanks, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 12:25 PM 0 comments
Apr 20, 2010
Here's a comment that Vic Johanson left on the post entitled "A Great Question" that touches on something I really want to discuss later in-depth, concerning finances and the NTCC. This is just one small part of it, but it saves me from writing it all over again. First his post, and then my answer.
Vic Johanson said... "You know, a simple yearly financial statement would remove the controversy. When people act like they have something to hide, they usually do. Why not do as other legitimate groups and tell the people exactly where their money went? There would be no need to huff and puff and act all offended; just give out the info. But when you take cash and don't give receipts, people will wonder--and they should." Hi Vic, Thanks for your comment! This issue is being given attention, but no one has acted the way you describe. I know you might disagree and that's fine, however when inquiries have been answered, the church and the messenger's character are slammed with accusations of lies, and I personally haven't lied about any of it. Therefore, no one has huffed nor puffed and acted offended; astonishment would better describe it; that the thirst for blood is greater than the honest answer. "But when you take cash and don't give receipts, people will wonder--and they should." (Vic Johanson) The majority of what comes into the office from the field (churches) is in the form of checks; unless the pastor has bounced some, which rarely happens and is usually an accident. If it continues to happen, he goes on money orders only. Here at the New Testament Christian Seminary in Graham, church members do whatever they choose; if one of their checks bounces (which is rare) we let them know without pressure, and they are left to choose how to resolve it if at all; it was their choice to give it. What you are referring to, applies to local ministers and students ONLY, for that same reason; rubber checks. That's about to change also, as we move toward a cashless society. By the way, we give out plenty of receipts, and everyone gets a monthly statement on their account. The IRS code states that non-profits do NOT have to provide receipts for tithing and offerings, but can if they WISH, upon request of the contributor. Many people list their tithe on their tax deductions, which is okay. We annually mail out receipts for that, and don't even wait for regulars to request them. Thanks, M C Kekel P.S. Anyone ever seen those signs in stores, "we no longer accept checks?"
Posted by mck at 10:10 AM 0 comments
Apr 19, 2010
Here's a reply to a great post under "The will of new testament christian churches of America"
See the comment under that article for what she said. Hi and thanks for your comment, and thanks for being polite! Having a difference of opinion is no problem and part of life. I'm not sure what you're referring to as doctrine taught in NTCC, but the whole point of the birth control discussion is that babies, like any other blessing, take up time. Can you see from the responses over the "what does the bible say about birth control" article how people get things all messed up? Hindrance ; (noun) impediment, obstacle, barrier, bar, obstruction, handicap, block, hurdle, restraint, restriction, limitation, encumbrance, interference; complication, delay, drawback, setback, difficulty, inconvenience, snag, catch, hitch, check, stumbling block; informal fly in the ointment, hiccup, wrench in the works. Babies aren't ALL of these things now are they? They certainly take up time, that's all. Let me say this loud and clear and simple... WHEN PASTOR TAUGHT THAT BABIES ARE A HINDRANCE (i.e. DIFFICULTY, RETRAINT, RESTRICTION, LIMITATION) to the MINISTRY, he did NOT TEACH that they are flies in the ointment, or in any way something that you consider WEIGHT or SINFUL. Only that they will take up your time, and the obsessing over having them to the point of disregarding the will of God is wrong. Someone brought up the point that it was hard on kids in Servicemen's work and it is. That's precisely why Pastor stopped it, for the children's sake. I'm sure that you didn't mean to say that cooking, cleaning and so forth are a WEIGHT, since that's things done in love for the whole family, husband included, but you referred to the extra TIME you would have without these hindrances. It did sound like you view those things, as hindrances, but not the baby obligations. Perhaps it's in how we look at things. Delight, or work. Therefore we conclude, that if one had NO children, she would have more time for the MINISTRY. I believe you can do both, if things have their proper place. What God is looking for is people who DELIGHT in the ministry He has called them to. God bless you, M C Kekel
Apr 18, 2010
Just in case you missed this, buried in the comments section;
Wow! So Jeff Collins and the gang have made a deal with the devil.. or rather a deal with a pagan high priest? In Ramtha we Trust? What's next...."he casteth out devils through the prince of the devils..." ? The insane contradictions of those who cry "CULT CULT" is astounding! Anyway Sir, I wanted to post a comment here because I was at the camp, working with Eric Barden and Russ Mears when Eric departed. If what I say here is out of place, I apologize. I want to at least testify about what I have been a witness to. My sister, who is not a member in any NTCC, wrote me with many accusations based on the untrue stories of life in NTCC and false info on Collins' blog. In spite of the fact I am an eyewitness, she chooses to believe a guy she met on the internet over her flesh and blood brother. It just validates the warnings of Jesus: Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. I can testify in a court of law under penalty of perjury that many of the written statements made by Angela about the campground on the Jeff Collins blog are false. This is my recollection of the events I have knowledge of: Around the time he left, Eric was concerned about working on the roof without a harness and he didn't have one that would fit him, rated for his weight. Russ told him essentially that if he didn't feel safe on the roof, then he should not get on the roof. He was never pressured to do anything unsafe, or threatened for being concerned about his safety. Eric was a smart guy and he always placed the safety of his co workers and himself as a top priority. Based on my knowledge of him and friendship with him, I do not believe this issue was a factor in his departure. Over the course of that summer as we worked together, Eric shared some things about his marriage at the time to Angela with me that I imagine she would not want posted publicly. I remember he even offered friendly warnings about what to look for in a woman before I marry her, warnings based on his personal experience. He left the camp one weekend without her and without telling me; If I remember correctly, Russ didn't know either. On that Monday morning, when he didn't show up at the job site, Angela was found in her room alone. Russ and I helped her move her stuff to a storage unit and Russ and Jan gave her a ride to the bus station, which is what she wanted to do and requested, when help and assistance was offered. Eric was good man to work with and he taught me many things that I remember and use today. I am glad to have known him. To my knowledge, Eric never blasphemed the church before or after he left the camp. He had a heart for God and cared about The Campground as if it were his life's calling. I remember he was always willing to go the extra mile and do a little bit more in whatever job we were doing. He always wanted to work late into the evening, which, allowed him to be away from Angela and do a little more work for God. I have never talked to or heard from him after he left. I was saddened to hear of his early death and hope that he found peace in his personal life and had peace with God in his death. Thanks, Rev Kekel D. Smart Thank you Bro. Smart And now you know, the REST of the story...good day!
Posted by mck at 5:55 PM 0 comments
You have to see this; and this is one of the nicer emails I get when the blog is open for anonymous posting. This had to be April Michalick, because of the "writing style." I want to explore the great question at the end. She really doesn't understand "why it is," and I can tell her.
Anonymous said... "YOu do know we were all in the same postion ya'll are in. Thinking the same hogwash that you now spout. We said those same jargon sayings. That have NO TRUTH to them at all! It is really quite laughable. If you think that people sharing such horrible TRUE stories. Since NONE of us get together and come up with our accounts. All come from different era's of being in ntcc. And pretty much the same abuse has been accounted for. Why would anyone think there winning. if people come on and share there life accounts while in ntcc Organization? yes you are doing something. Your lining the pockets of these men and women. Who do have more then you and always will. You will hear,keep sacrificing,do the work of God and God will bless. It is all jargon that is shared over and over. And who do you see living on the SAME level as the leader and his SIL and family? There are men that have been in ntcc longer then the SIL of the leader. And they do not have a more "blessed" life then he does. Why is that?"(April Michalic?) Awhile ago, I had a series of rather insulting, and irreverent emails from a relative of a current NTCC member, about financial issues and questions such as; *Do you have a mortgage, if so how much? *How much did you pay for your car? *How did you become financially independent in so little time? *How much do you get paid? *How much is in your bank accounts You can't get any tackier than that, and none of that is anyone's business. Let me tell you a few things about finances that will help you, and that you should have learned in bible school had you listened. How MUCH you make isn't as important as what you DO with it, or how you handle it. I arrived at bible school with a few hundred dollars left from exiting the military and bused around St. Louis in the June heat, looking for employment. When my last $10.00 went in the offering bag that night, my attitude was this; "Lord, you know I need a job, and this isn't even enough to get back home; I'm believing you to provide, and it all belongs to you anyway." There was a Brother next to me who knew nothing about it, and was on his way to Germany. While the music played and people talked, he leaned over and said, "here's ten bucks, that'll hold you til you get a job." I was floored, and the next day they called me in to a place I had applied. I worked there for years; starting at $2.25 hr and then got on a GI Bill apprenticeship; it was a machine shop, but wasn't too bad except for the heat. Each day you had to clean from your shoes all the metal chips. I worked there three years until I went graduated and went onto the Evangelistic Field as a single man. Cracker Barrel restaurant parking lots make great hotels, by the way. The job was worse than others I'd had as a teenager, rehabbing buildings, maintenance and working with my Uncle. He liked to harvest firewood from cleared construction sites, and sell the cord wood. We'd cut and split, and deliver. We also did landscaping maintenance in the "rich area." I never thought "why do these people have more than us?" I knew why. He taught me to work, hunt, fish, encouraged me to think about God. He tried to be the Dad I never had, and I guess he was. He was a WWII Vet from infantry/ halftrack missions in Germany, and liberated some camps over there, after battles in Herken Forest http://history340wescoe.blogspot.com/2008/04/herken-forest.html He would let me use his snow blower back in Flint, Mich. where we lived, and I would drum up work up and down the street, clearing driveways. In the summer, I delivered newspapers on good sized route, and also cut lawns and in the fall raked leaves. My mom and her siblings were depression era kids, and believed in the power of saving their money, and they imparted that to me. Too bad I didn't listen better! So when my wife and I married, we set up a budget, and saved like Pastor taught us to. There wasn't much income, but we saved 20% (pastor taught to save 10%) and we cherished the $20.00 budgeted "just for us." A lot of those people back then that R W Davis helped to get properties, sold them off and spent the money, etc. Not us. Ask them, and they'll tell you that they made some wrong decisions, as we all do. I was teaching two classes and preaching every Thursday night during my final semester of bible school, and I immediately said "yes!" when Pastor asked me IF I WANTED TO GO OUT. I quit the next day; no more grease. The Attitude of Giving During that time in school, my apprenticeship check wasn't coming in, for months. I called the VA again, and again, and this time said "I'd hate to call my Congressman about this" and I got the check in two weeks. The Lord put it on my heart to give that check to the school, 4 digits worth. I still have this same faith today that God is doing a great work in NTCC and no matter what you give to, or how much you give, an attitude of giving is one key to blessing. There are many more, but look at the bible if you won't believe me. * The widow that gave two mites, gave sacrificially, Jesus said, and continued to say that the Pharisees gave of their abundance, but the widow gave of her life sustinence. Her attitude was different. Jesus was saying that the amount wasn't most important. *He that gives a prophet or one of His little ones a glass of water in His name, shall not be without his reward, Jesus said. It was but one more supportive statement to the fact that one's attitude toward not only God, but toward His ministers, determines God's attitude toward you. It was the ATTITUDE with which people gave, in these accounts and all through the bible, that incurred the blessing of God. Blessings Biblically speaking, the blessing of God isn't a compliment from the throne of God, saying "Hey, God bless you son." but rather it is the opposite of a curse. Something that follows you all the days of your life! Ps. 23 -Goodness in addition to mercy, my cup runneth over. If someone's cup runneth UNDER, perhaps the Lord isn't really their Shepherd Ps. 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. That means that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR YOUR GOOD! That the "lines" will begin to fall in pleasant places for you. Heh, God is sooo preferential, isn't He? He treats His kids better than He does the devil's kids. Here's an example; Tracy Ann Pelfrey. Rev Olson was asked if someone's kids should be in contact with Tracy Pelfrey's, and knowing the spiritual condition of Tracy, he adivised against it. Tracy went into a rage with huge red letters (that's how you know when she's mad) and called him some of the filthiest names I've ever heard someone call a minister; it was very repugnant. She said he was so low that he would dare to mention children. He did nothing wrong. Then later, she proceeded to talk filthy about NTCC people's kids; the point is, preferential treatment of her own. EVERYONE treats their own children differently. You see April, we should listen to the blessed people and tell ourselves that we can have it too, and NOT choose the opposite, which is to company with the whiners and the entitlement-minded. That brings us to another great way to have blessings... Rule #2 Never resent and criticize others who have more than you, because there's always someone who has less. Saying "serve God and you will be blessed" is the BIBLE, not NTCC Jargon. With what measure you mete it out, you receive. There are some other things that your fellow money-lovers need to learn, no offense. Such as principles of work, saving, frugality (part of Practical Theology class, I'm sure you know) wise spending habits, coupons, finding the best price when you buy. I say money lovers not to offend, please don't feel that way, but ONLY money lovers snipe about what others have. You know my $100,000.00 red sports car people complain about? It's a black 2003 model SLK32, and the blue book value is about $13,000. Check it yourself. Someone should feel really embarrassed over hearsay they repeated about that. "How is it?" I shopped, I researched, I waited over a year, and prayed, yes prayed, without a covetous spirit, and BAM, there it was. You aren't being truthful about, the X-men "NOT getting together." You have regular meetings on private groups, strategy sessions, etc. If you would talk to some of those people who have "been around so long and have less than us blessed people" they would tell you that they really didn't need two cars, a quad, a boat, tools, a dog and 3 cats and 4 birds with all their expenses; the stereo, the 4 kids that they wanted so badly; their sporting gear, tickets to the game, the music lessons, eating out all the time, sodas, lunches (because their wives wouldn't prepare for them) computers and internet service, curves, fingernail jobs and pedicures, brand name groceries and horses, shall I go on? Let's expand your great question Why do doctors who make 6 digit incomes have no money? Have debt, no time for their families, etc. And then there's the man in Panama who is a millionaire or very rich, because he started a business and bought properties, etc., and has rental income. There are some of those in the Philippines too. If a person can't see "how that is" then they don't know the first thing about how money works. I was visiting a couple who had a big problem similar to yours, and the man quit coming to the church (this should make Tracy Ann Pelfrey's day) because of your false accusations concerning the 40 acres, which I already explained over and over, only to be called a liar. So I said "well, you guys have a nice home here, and a BMW, and nice things right?" "Yes" they replied. I said "you must have stolen them." All I got was a chuckle, but the point was made, with impact. People with the "victim" mentality, think everyone else is the villain, when the problem really is within them. Some people expect the Organization to give them a handout, while others lend a hand. Remember Nehemiah, "the people had a mind to work" We have a great work to do, and we can't come down. I Tim. 6 (17-21) "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen". Thanks, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 12:35 AM 3 comments
Apr 16, 2010
As I said before, We opened wide our doors; we spent two hours with the reporter, including a full tour of the Campus and answered all his questions. He was laughing and joking with us, and then said we were “shifty.” He was in service with us that Sat. evening and again Sunday morning. He meandered around talking to various people, and noticed one precious brother, a veteran of the war on terror, standing in the back who stands during the services due to a condition contacted during his deployment. It somehow affects the nerves, and he can’t keep his shoes on because of the intense burning sensation. Bruce Smith took a photo of him and related his words in tones of mockery in his second article. That man stands back there because he fought for me and my family; thank you soldier, and God bless you.
In the first article, every quote is attributed to the wrong person. He called us Associate Pastors, which neither of us are. I don’t worry about titles, but in truth, I’m the Senior Pastor and Rev. Kinson is the Pastor and, as we explained to him twice, we have 3 Associate Pastors and 13 Lay Pastors working with us. He was told that all the students take classes at night and work during the day and, yet for some reason he kept asking where the women were. If he wants to see if we have women, Ladies Prayer Meeting is what he should visit, and by the way, they recently had a ladies’ luncheon with over 100 in attendance. Here’s a few more; “A unique strategy of the NTCC outreach is to target military bases, particularly overseas, where single, lonely American soldiers need something more than honky-tonks and bars. We provide a home-away-home," said Kinson, "and get them out of those filthy, evil barracks." (Bruce Smith) Pastor Kinson didn’t even use those adjectives, nor mention honky-tonks and bars, and I said (not Kinson) “home away-from-home.” And why the buzzword “target?” His tone here is mockery, “ewww, filthy, evil barracks” as if to say he doesn’t think they are. I understand that he doesn’t agree with any church, and we don’t expect him to, but is it alright to create quotes of things not said? He also contradicts himself; The photo says we are “Assoc. Pastors” but one paragraph calls Pastor Kinson my Assoc. Pastor. He says we “stay to ourselves” and then says we are very evangelical and reach out to the community by knocking on doors. (?) He can’t keep facts straight, therefore he won’t get any more from us. Numbers We told him that we don’t keep close count of the churches and student numbers, but we could easily get that information for him, but he refused it. So then he writes; “Rev. Kekel was unable to provide definitive answers about his organization, such as how many churches worldwide belong to the corporation, or how many members attend services, even though Kekel is the CEO.” (B.Smith) The church in Graham is also a Christian Seminary with approximately 100 students, and a congregation of about 700-800 people, a mixture of Lay Ministers and church members. We have an outstanding reputation nationally with business people, employers, housing administrators and many others, that we have built over 30 years of serving this community and others. Our doctrinal statement demonstrates the biblical integrity of the church, and has satisfied the US Government, the College board of Washington State and the Military at home abroad. Most people who visit our churches are amazed at the differences they find, as compared to many others. They find all nations represented, worshipping together. They find a very joyful group of believers, lively interaction and upbeat services that center on Jesus Christ. We have 116 churches, and just added two more buildings and a bunch of graduates are headed out after this Conference. Amen. All his facts are mixed up, and neither PK or myself said the things he said we said. Now in the last article, I’m the co-pastor. In another article, PK is my Assoc. Pastor. This man emerged from our interview with either total confusion or disregard of the facts. Question is, which? After Bruce’s second Bible Study Then he came to a second bible study. He accused Pastor Kinson of “shooting at him” in the first Bible Study, but the lesson from Acts about the ungodly fighting the church was not pre-arranged “just for him”, sorry. Bruce Smith followed Pastor Kinson around, red-faced and flailing his arms and reciting the accusations of the X’ers. We had already told him in the interview that we had no interest in debate of the X’ers issues and lies, but he kept on. We still have no such interest. He proceeded to angrily protest to PK, saying, that if he didn’t surrender sensitive, private information about how much people are paid, and what the income of the church was, he would publish that PK is level-3 child abuser and felon (which he isn’t) Bruce Smith stated in the interview that he is a professional story-teller. PK said to him “Well, you said you are a professional story-teller, and that’s what you’re interested in isn’t it, a story, not the truth.” “That’s right” Bruce replied. He continued to demand to speak with PK’s wife about false allegations Victor Johanson made (which she factually denied); he demanded to know how much everyone is paid; he threatened PK that, if he didn’t get the information he demanded, he would publish these false accusations about him, as truth, in his paper. Now Vic Johanson pastored in Alaska at one time. Bro. Eric Barden passed away a while back, but he was Vic Johanson’s helper at that time. I don’t know if Angela Reggio was Eric’s wife at that time and in Alaska with them, or not. But they had divorced I understand, and the “Angela R” you see posting negative things is her I believe. She has no knowledge of anything pertaining to the beginning days, and should never parrot someone else’s words when they aren’t validated with the rubber stamp of truth. Well praise God, this blog is about to break the 50,000 mark! There’s around 100 new visitors weekly, and that’s good. I also noticed a recent increase in viewings, due to recent events here in Graham, WA at the church, so I felt the need to broach the subjects here, so that the brethren and anyone who cares about it, could know the truth of the matter. This blog was originally (long ago) setup to display facts and photos of the “X-ers” so that the brethren could know, not only the words, but the appearance (that’s generated many of the initial page views ) Once it had served its purpose, it was de-activated. I still have the photos and articles, so if anyone would like them, just email me at mckekel@hotmail.com God bless you, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 7:53 PM 29 comments
Here's one for you, lifted from one of the many comments on the Post concerning Birth Control
These are a few selected parts of a post in which Anonymous said... "I don't think anyone is saying that they can't do the will of God and have time for their family too. I think what I am hearing is that they can't do the will of NTCC and have time for their family. I know many ministers who made the time for their family AND God's ministry. They also weren't spending every spare minute of almost every single day trying to do what was required of them to remain NTCC ministers.I guess what I am saying is that it's hard to spend time with your kids as it is, as a working man. It's extremely difficult, but still doable while having a ministry, I believe. It's when all this extra stuff comes into play that the family is squeezed out. And you'd better believe I have heard MULTIPLE times from RW, and people whom he taught, that children are a hindrance to the ministry of God. If everyone is called, as seems to be taught (although seemingly less than in the past), who is left to, as the bible says, "be fruitful and multiply"? Here we have a collection of myths worthy of close examination. For one, what is the "will of NTCC?" Couple this with the part about Pastor saying "children are a hinderance to the ministry of God." I will not deny that Pastor has said that, but I can see from this that you must have misunderstood. I have an 17 year old, and I think I have a very busy ministry with many facets. I can't truthfully say that having him has freed up any time for other ministry. I can't say that there weren't sleepless nights, diapers, times of instruction, medical emergencies, correctional needs, school driving, teacher issues and appointments at the school; not to mention homework, related supply purchases, and THEN the UNNECESSARY ADDED burden of the sporting events, in which he was never unclad or missing from church. Now you expect me to believe that children are not a hinderance to the ministry?? Your WHOLE LIFE changes when you have a kid, it is fantasy for people who don't have one. It HINDERS EVERYTHING! And I still take time for him, just like you do. Can I get an amen from you parents out there? SO PASTOR IS RIGHT! HE WARNED US, and never said you can't have any, but that you must take God into consideration in all you do; but it's a blessing in many ways to have kids, and I have no regrets about it. I don't care if Debbie , Tracy Ann Pelfrey, Greg , Jeff Collins, all the Xmen hate him, and begrudge the blessings he enjoys, but like our Heavenly Father, I would lade benefits upon him daily (and probably do) even MORE if I could. God doesn't consult the devil before He blesses us, and I'm glad He likes Kids! Has mankind been a hinderance to God's availability to go bowling with friends? Yes. He once even said it repented Him that He made man, and once sought to wipe them out, so He knows the frustrations of dealing with raising kids. Ever notice that Christ is the High Priest of our profession, and that His ministry is to the children of God? The ministry and your children are really inseparable demands, for we must minister to them in many ways. What is the will of NTCC? I could make a list, but in short it is, and has always been, what you know God wants YOU to do. Not all callings are the same, no people are the same (I Cor. 12) and no two ministries. Is it the will of NTCC that you witness, or God's? That you maintain a professional appearance and conduct your business in the right way? That you minister to people in love; to pastor or help; to build what you claimed God was sending you to build? Is it too much to ask for the One that gave all for us? Because you are unwilling, is it your place to tell us it is "too much" for US? Is it not OUR choice to take the work of God seriously and give ourselves to it more than you are willing to do? I think not. I wrote yesterday about Vic Johanson's association with Angela Reggio; I don't know if she was in Alaska with Eric (Vic Johanson's helper) but Eric stood in my foyer weeping and ready to quit the ministry, (not teary-eyed) weeping, a grown man, because, while he was with Vic, Vic didn't build a church or soul-win, and Eric wanted to do something for God. But did Vic go because it was the will of NTCC, or God? Ostensibly, God's will, and Pastor takes people's word on that. I told him to kick it to the curb and keep on for God, and he did. Thanks for your comment, God bless you. M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 2:56 PM 6 comments
Apr 15, 2010
Here's a copy of Nellashara's comment under the blogpost "Hot Topics (final)"
Rev. Kekel, I wanted to comment about church policy. My second Pastor in NTCC clearly, I repeat CLEARLY defined policy and Bible. Examples of words he used(I am capitalizing the policy language): "Well I understand that what you are doing is not inherently sinful, OUR CHURCH DISCOURAGES IT" "Sister, the is nothing wrong/sinful with wearing a necklace, WE DONT LIKE OUR WOMEN TO WEAR THEM."The cool thing was he never, never went behind the pulpit and preached policy as thus saith the Lord. Not saying was the perfect Pastor, we had our share of drama and falling outs(probably mostly on my part because I was a 18 yo old no-it-all...notice the word NO in there lol). Like some things about the notorious N- word, and some things about women that I have gotten over now.(it wasn't about Biblical teaching) okay chapter II Our older in the Lord friends and the Pastor PCS'd. We had a new Pastor come in with a church of recently saved Christian. A church full of "Green- horns"! My husband and I were watching DVDs/games on the computer with our daughter. We are listening to contemporary christian music(like the Martians). Servin' the Lord and chillin'! The new Pastor preached against those things. Alot of things that were policy became thus saith the Lord. Well of course all the "greenhorns" went to the Pastor and told on us(never got that whole telling on people thing over minor stuff). We were plowed,plowed, plowed,...and can I say plowed! It didn't bring conviction, because our Pastors before us clearly defined Policy and the Bible. It only brought irritation, frustration, and distrust. Sir, can you see were people may have a little frustrated with the policy issues? Blessings, Nellashara Thank you Nellashara, I really like the issues you have raised here and I'm eager to discuss them, especially since the DVD thing was never a policy to begin with, and whoever plowed you owes you an apology. I however apologize that it happened, I think such behavior is wrong. I viewed your comments on the newspaper article though, and I think you kind of gave us a bad rap on one subject, but that's okay. Rony Denis was the one that orchestrated that "welcome party" stuff, (he was kissing up to overseers, something he did a lot of) and it was always portrayed as the unexpected benevolence of the people. I mean, Overeseers didn't expect that, but it was made to appear that it was something the pastors wanted to do for various people, but in fact, Rony Denis was strong-arming those Pastors to do that stuff. I think that was so wrong; That'a tackier than trying to stage your own surprise birthday party. I recently joined the celebration over the new Chapel in Jacksonville, NC, and they were going to outfit my room with a bunch of stuff, so I thanked them, and told them to keep it, I would get my own stuff from the store when I got there, which I did. A correction in the newspaper article would be appreciated, and I'll definitely deal with the issues you have raised, very soon. God bless you also, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 1:04 PM 1 comments
Many of you have probably heard by now that Bruce Smith, a leader in the Ramtha School of Enlightenment (he’s 5th from the top I’m told) and reporter from the Dispatch, a smalltown newspaper in remote Eatonville, WA, recently contacted us requesting an interview. I immediately said “sure.”
Bruce Smith said he was commissioned by Greg to investigate NTCC and, after two hours on the phone with Greg , said “Nevertheless, Gregor y contacted the Dispatch a week or two ago, describing his destructive - as he sees it - relationship with the NTCC, and asking us to do a story on it. He calls NTCC a cult. That was all I needed to get going,” Smith said. When he requested an interview with us, we opened wide our doors; we spent two hours with him including a full tour of the Campus and answered all his questions. He was in service with us that Sat. evening and again Sunday morning. Afterward he expressed astonishment at the delightful things he saw; he was amazed and, by his own words, “never saw anything like this, it's great.” But while I was preaching Saturday evening, I read the verses below, and he went out the door in a flash, and I mean fast; ostensibly to see the Sunday School program. I John 2 (20-24) 20” But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.“ So, why didn’t he report any of that in the article? Why did he choose to paint a murky, shadowy picture by a poorly-written article, rife with misquotes and self-contradicting rambling content which was rather insulting, contemptuous, dismissive, mocking, taunting, sneering, scornful, derisive and sarcastic? Let’s take a closer look. First of all, what is the “Ramtha School of Enlightenment?” I received an anonymous tip from a Brother in another church, saying "do you realize who Bruce Smith is?" "A reporter?" I asked. He proceeded to fill me in, including that Bruce Smith is fifth from the top in leadership of this cult, and the email below, sent to one of our pastors in Texas, seems to validate this allegation. But for the record; a cult is a group that follows a man that claims to have special insight and spiritual knowledge; knowledge that is against the bible and isn’t Christ focused, like Jim Jones, who claimed that they had to be in Guyana to escape nuclear war, or Joseph Smith and the golden plates; Pastor Davis has never talked that way, but has always pointed us toward Jesus and the bible and said that the church isn’t built on him, but upon the only foundation, Jesus Christ. “I'm not even sure what a cult is, really, although as a student in Ramtha's School of Enlightenment for 20 years, I sure know what it feels like when other folks tell me I'm in a cult.” (Bruce Smith) This group is located near here, in Yelm, WA, and he lives on their compound behind a stone wall, speaking ill of “the church behind the fence.” Ramtha is supposedly a 35,000 year old warrior-spirit that “channels” through this woman, the leader, JZ Knight. The bible does show that people can “channel” ancient spirits, but the name was Legion, I believe. Okay, everyone has a right to their beliefs, but so that all may know what it really behind his agenda, I give you the following information: http://ramtha.com/html/pdf/introduction.pdf This is what summarizes the thinking of Ramtha... *Create your own reality *There is no good or evil *You are God *No one can know who or what God is *Christians are arrogant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChdL-mM17u0&feature=related *You can be your OWN Savior http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnSZZafpf1c That means you don’t need saving, doesn’t it? YOU are God, yet no one can know what or who God is, and you are your own Saviour, who has nothing to save himself from. Look in JZ’s eyes when she speaks in this video; but first, here's some info from... http://mondovista.com/liarx.html How to use this information to detect a lie "Let's say that you have a friend who owes you some money. You have heard that they just got paid and you want to suggest that they pay you back. You try to be polite and ask them, "Did you get paid yet?" They answer, "Gee, not yet. The boss said maybe next week." and look to their right (your left). This would indicate that they are constructing or "making up" what their boss said. They are telling a lie." Now watch the video link above under "Christians are arrogant." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kWAy65ZFnk&feature=related In all these videos, the whole concept of God is questioned and dismissed by suggesting that we can NOT know. Notably, the soundtrack on Ramtha’s home page, http://www.ramtha.com contains blasphemous lyrics against that “man with that bible in his hand” and with profanity, instructs you to do something vulgar to him. Maybe it would be better to stop him and ask, because he knows. Antinomian |ˌantiˈnōmēən| (adj) All that stuff harks back to the ancient practice of “antinomianism.” which means of, or relating to the view, that Christians are released by grace from the obligation of observing the moral law. ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from medieval Latin Antinomi, the name of a 16th-cent. sect in Germany alleged to hold this view, from Greek anti- ‘opposite, against’ + nomos ‘law.’ In other words, AGAINST LAW. Rev. Chapters 2 and 3- Letters to the churches This gives you insight into the nature of the woman in the church at Thyatira (Rev. 2-3) and why she was called Jezebel. She taught God’s people to commit sacrilege claiming Christian liberty as a license to eat things sacrificed to idols and to fornicate. Daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon (1 Kings 16:31) Jezebel became the wife of Ahab, king of the northern kingdom of Israel. An impious and cruel queen who protected idolatry and persecuted the prophets of God and murdered them. The marriage was probably a continuation of the friendly relations between Israel and Phoenicia begun by Omri (another earlier King of Israel) and this marriage of Ahab to a heathen woman confirmed a political alliance between the two nations. Jezebel exerted a strong influence over the life of Israel, as she insisted on establishing the worship of Baal and demanded the absolute rights of the monarchy. So strong was her pagan influence that Scripture attributes the apostasy of Ahab directly to Jezebel (vv 30–33). Jezebel’s efforts to establish Baal worship in Israel began with Ahab’s acceptance of Baal following their marriage (1 Kings 16:31). Ahab followed Jezebel’s practices by building a house of worship and altar for Baal in Samaria, and by setting up a pole for worship of the Asherah. A campaign was then conducted to exterminate the prophets of God (18:4), while Jezebel organized and supported large groups of Baal’s prophets, housing and feeding large numbers of them in the royal palace (v 19). To meet this challenge, God sent Elijah to prophesy a drought that lasted three years (17:1; 18:1) (unknown source) Thus, the symbolic name of a woman in Rev. 2:20 who pretended to be a prophetess, and who, addicted to antinomianism, influenced others to be free from law. Antinomianism explains why the X’ers and Ramtha’s man get along so well. The unholy political alliance; aimed at, not protecting but persecuting the church. A local woman of significance; leader and head of a successful educational institution commented that when she read the first article, it was clear that the reporter had an agenda. Now that you know where the reporter is coming from, let’s look at the events that took place after his call for an interview.
Posted by mck at 12:11 PM 0 comments
Apr 14, 2010
What a controversial subject! I don’t wish to make an in-depth study or even an argument about this, but some concerns have arisen. It goes without saying that God’s original intention for the family was designed to perpetuate the human race on earth. He instructed many to “multiply” and also referred to such family expansionism as a token of God’s blessing. The Law of Moses in the Old Testament presented responsibilities regarding perpetuation of the family, and Onan found out the hard way, that resisting God doesn’t pay!
Gen. 38 (7-10) 7 “And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. 8 And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. 9 And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. 10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.” To snip or not to snip; that is the question Some hold one of two extremes; no birth control at all vs. total control. Others are somewhere between the two ideas. Some say that it would be wrong to follow the example of Onan, yet it was his rebellion against the Law of Moses, not the loss upon the ground that made him wrong in God’s sight. To some, it doesn’t matter how you control childbirth; the bible is silent about birth control so, as always, it’s up to the individual. But what about people who pressure others about it? Pastor never did, and if he had, the choice was still theirs. (Obviously abortion is not really an option) Some state that Pastor taught “against having children” but nothing could be farther from the truth. He NEVER taught such foolishness; his only point has always been the point that Jesus made...That God must be FIRST, even before family. Luke 14 (25-30) 25 “And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. His Point? Some would say Jesus was teaching hatred, or He didn’t care about families. No, He wanted them to count the cost of discipleship. The cost is putting the other things in their proper place, even family planning. Wait, there's more! 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” It’s a matter of our priorities, and though some don’t seem to get it, that is what Pastor taught also. Those who pervert Pastor's words only seek self justification. He taught us that we should consider waiting before starting a family, that we should be sure our ministry was established; for one, that the children would have less poverty to endure in the days of our youth. He taught us to be wise with our finances and invest, to take care of ourselves so as not to be an encumbrance upon the state or others and be financially ready to raise a family. Many come to bible school and, like the tower builder, never really count the cost of following Christ. Jesus knew the cost of His ministry and, resolved to accomplish the Father’s mission, He followed through. When He was crucified, the Romans and Jews tore Him apart, just like the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz, swooping and tearing apart the poor scarecrow, straw by straw. That’s the price we also must pay; become a Christian, become a target. Servicemen’s Work There has been a long standing “no-children” policy for ministers who Pastor Servicemen’t homes in NTCC. This policy has its roots in mostly, the impact the work has upon the children. That was Pastor’s motive for instituting the policy. Due to the demands of such work, it would be hard for anyone in SW to have time for their kids, as there is plenty more time for them, when you are in civilian church work. His decision also had to do with the children being around the GI’s to an unhealthy extent. THIS POLICY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH BIRTH CONTROL. The choice has always been YOURS; Servicemen's work or raise a family. The only time it would be wrong to choose the latter, is if God wanted you doing that kind of work. Some say they have no time in civilian ministry, but that’s not true. We make time for what we want to make time for. We could have gotten out of our chairs and picked up the baseball glove; NOTHING stopped or discouraged that! We could get out the basketball, but someone at some time didn’t tap their intellectual potential and told you it was wrong. You can make time for children without neglecting what God wants you doing, if you really WANT to. At one time, there was very little organized sports in many schools across our land, and children grew up to be fine, honorable citizens, without it. Kids find their own fun, and suffer no damage if they don't join a football team. I have heard so many express, not that the ministry of God’s word was their delight, but that they “didn’t have time for their kids” because of the ministry. Whatever happened to loving the work of God? Enjoying what you do? The JOY of believing? To say that something as insignificant as a policy regarding sports, or the necessary duties of being even a “mildly dedicated” Christian, (not to mention being a “full-time” minister) hindered “time with the family” or even “damaged” the fragile psyche, is very immature. Besides, if you are called of God, why would you want to blame anything on His will for your life? And why blame it on your Pastor, when you are the one that said “God is sending me?” It reminds me of the couple who complained that Pastor forced them to go to Puerto Rico, but I remember when they begged to go, knowing they never had any fiscal stability. Later, I’d like to write about Facebook and MySpace, if I get a chance, but in short let me say that, like anything else, they aren’t wrong intrinsically. But the friends that some people keep on those lists? Whew! It’s no wonder they get bad attitudes and turn on the church. “Evil communication corrupts good manners.” I have heard that many are cleansing their “friends” list, and that’s good. Of course, you will become targets and be accused of “shunning” them, but the bible has something to say about that too. Some people have, not only risque' pictures of friends and questionable material on their social pages, but unchristian photos of themselves too. The brethren are saying that they don’t know who is who, who is an enemy and who isn't, so I think I can help to identify them; just ask. Unfortunately, the work of God is a battlefield and there are casualties. April Mickalik is definitely bad news for starters, and she's all over NTCC people's facebooks. (II Tim. 4:14-15) 14 "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words" Carly St. Clair cursed a blue streak to one anonymous facebook poster. Debbie blames Pastor for being partial to his Grandson and causing her divorce. Might we take the advice of Sarai in Gen. 21(9)? There was a series of events surrounding the Greg and Debbie departure; but when they left Graham, he said Graham was the greatest thing that ever happened to them, and that it was a tremendous blessing; God had opened doors and done so much in their lives. It was no surprise to me when they left however, because some of us picked up on something in a Conference a while back, when he gave a speech in which he made sure we knew that he got saved before he knew about NTCC, and "if I ever leave" he said. So now NTCC is bad; I guess maybe the “bad stuff” takes time to sink in, like “getting” a joke. Her first husband was a dear friend to us, and we still love him and pray for him; we miss him and speak of him often. I knew he had a problem over the birth of our son, but that isn’t what caused his fall. And besides, I wasn't into vasectomies and planned to have a family some day, which is my business. Rick never blasphemed the church, and that speaks volumes as to his character, and I still feel the loss today. The birth of our son didn’t cause any changes in what Pastor teaches at all. We did take him to stay at Hanna’s pig farm, as Debbie said, but people started going to Pastor and insisting that he move us to the Lodge, since the Lodge was his and was separate from the Camp itself. The poor kid’s been picked apart by the flying monkeys, but he doesn’t care much. If Pastor is preferential, then so is God. If the boy asks for bread, throw him a stone. Some ministers back then, DISTORTED Pastor’s teaching and pushed the “vasectomy” thing. I never considered having one, because I both followed and listened to the teaching, which left the choice in my hands; and my ministry wasn’t yet established. What God wanted later became clear, and knowing I would never enter Servicemen’s work but was called to administrative work, moved forward with it after being married 8 years. It was our choice, and either way, everyone else had their choice, whatever they try to say. I don't like to discuss this type of thing, but many of you wanted to know, so there it is, some of it. God bless you, have all the kids you want. I'm beginning to wonder though, what they will have to go through before the wrap up. God bless you, M C Kekel
Posted by mck at 9:02 PM 0 comments
Hot Topics (Final)
 In conclusion, *No policy can dictate what you do, or make you live right *Man’s free moral agency doesn’t negate necessary law and order *No leader’s wisdom can help you avoid any snare, if you despise the leader *All Christians have to make judgment calls (choices) concerning their activities *The name given to a location doesn't necessarily represent its character For example, when some people hear the words “bluegrass festival” they think “rednecks sitting on the lawn chewing grass and drinking beer, cussin’-and-a-belching, listening to ungodly music twanging devilish songs through their noses.” The Sheraton hotel for example, hosts an annual event called Wintergrass; daytime sessions are held in numerous 40 X 50 rooms with small platforms, and guys teaching one hour instrument lessons during the day. Alcohol free, nudity and profanity free, they are merely acoustic music lessons (how to hold a pick, recommendations of instrument name brands, so forth,) without the ungodly, writhing music found in pop-gospel, some Brooklyn Tab, etc. If the atmosphere changes for the worse, then its time to go! I went to one, learned some great tips and late in the day, when the mood began to change, we left. SO, if anything, we did the RIGHT thing. “I was there when it happened, and I think I oughta‘ know.” I once wandered from the park in Graham to another area where they were holding a dog show. When I saw the Tomboys kissing their dogs, I said “Lord, what’s a preacher doing here?” I promptly departed. There was no written law saying “thou shalt not go to dog shows.” It was an on-the-spot decision based upon the conflict between the Holy Ghost in me, and the spirit of bestiality. This is why one of the gifts of the Spirit is discernment (I Cor. 12) Some places that were once “places of ill repute” are no longer disreputable because times change. Skating rinks aren’t what they were years ago, and neither are Pro Sporting events, therefore policies concerning them have also changed. Some places that were never before discouraged, have become questionable, but there is no way to predict some of these things, you just have to "go with your gut," as they say, and the Holy Spirit amplifies that natural sensitivity in the discernment of evil. No adopted policies of NTCC, or any group for that matter, could ever cover all the bases. But in regard to policies that are good and that encourage the prescribed separation ("come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord, II Cor. 6:17) I have never understood why Christians in “free” churches resent someone going the extra mile for God. Why does it bother cowgirls so much when a feminine woman walks into a room? Why do they sardonically grin and declare, “I’m not pretentious like miss-priss over there!” So if someone doesn’t think something is right, something you happen to love, what makes you lash out at them if they have chosen the better part? I have never understood that; I do understand really, more than people are willing to admit. Ultimately, we have to make choices for God, for the ministry, for our families; and give account to God. This is why God told both Israel and Christians to “walk circumspectly” (Exod. 23:13 and Eph. 5:15) Look around and keep watch! If you want to be a Lion for God, watch out for those encircling hyenas. So, any group, church, organization, army or scout troop, should have the God-given right to say what they, as a group, will or will not do, and anyone that signs up thereby agrees to uphold the integrity of the group. NTCC isn’t perfect because no church is, no people are, but it is an incredible oasis in a desert land. We have the right to say what we choose to abide by, in the interest of pleasing the Lord. Those who don't want that, have always known the location of the door, no hard feelings. So, in the midst of new battles, fresh attacks of satan, there’s such a blessing, because it lets you know that we’re on the right track and still a threat to the kingdom of darkness. That’s why the scripture of the month (which I have delayed in posting) will be from Philippians, but first, here’s a companion passage... II Thess. 1 (4-10) 3 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” Phil. 1 (27-30) 27 “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (Photo above) 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” Brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t be afraid of those who hate us without a cause; they think they are destroying us and doing God a favor in trying to bring us into perdition. But to us who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, it is an evident token of salvation, your salvation, from God. "Is there not a cause?" (I Sam. 17) Yes, and it's a great one! Yours in Christ always, M. C. Kekel *Anon. Posting has been reopened Labels: adversaries, faith, persecution, suffering, Teamwork
Posted by mck at 6:45 PM 0 comments
Anonymous said...
"Your comment will be visible after approval."
Ha Ha! Let's see it!
mck said...
Thank you for your comments,
On the contrary, until yesterday, I have posted very little in response to anyone, and persecution makes the church stronger, (read Acts) and no one can damage it. The publicity brings people in the doors. I had the anonymous posting up much longer than it was down; it was because of X-ntccer hate mail I shut the door. It's open now because some good people have things to say too. The truth is already out; just because you listen to the wrong people, doesn't make their words true. Keep reading, you just might realize how mistaken you are God bless you, M C Kekel
Anonymous said...
This blog was only started to counter Tracy's blog and now Jeff's blog! We make you stronger. Why do you not allow folks to post on blogs. It has even been preached over the pulpit. For folks to stay away from them. Ordered not to make any comments.
Why is that? because it makes ntcc look horrible. Exposes the truth and the mind set of the people in ntcc. you have just lost the Butlers from ntcc. Hopefully even more longtime folks will leave ntcc. And realize how unhealhy of a atmosphere there in. Concerning how folks thinking can change after being away from ntcc preaching,influence. The Fog begins to lift. That false conviction is no longer there. You can read and allow God to help put two and two together. Many of us have had God try and get out attentions throughout the years. But we tried to push it down. If your unhappy,then there is the door!
mck said...
Hi Anon, thanks for your post,
This blog was NOT started to counter Tracy's or Jeff's. I think you are referring to Tracy Ann Pelfrey and Jeff Collins, correct? Jeff Collins' blog counters itself, because like a First Sgt., he carelessly throws about insults and false information concerning things and people he knows nothing about. He doesn't even know me, and yet feels no sense of restraint about slamming my character, leadership and family, and all of it is is based upon hearsay. How can that be justifable for anyone? Smart people quickly see the sparks from the grinding axe. Tracy Ann Pelfrey had her blog down for awhile due to divorce proceedings or something. She was a great lady that we loved very much, and the feeling was mutual when she left here, but something happened to her to turn her into what she is now. I think Brian Pelfrey wore her down with his bitterness. I still pray for her, and fail to understand what I ever did to her to deserve such mistreatment. This blog was started long ago to expose the "Xmen" with some photos donated by a friend, which he acquired from their private group by legal process. It showed Edna Johanson peeping out from behind a hand of playing cards, a bottle of wine at one of their get togethers, all of the Linda Smit aka Linda Lamblim crowd with their trousers on, etc. They were trying to keep open communication with NTCC people, who were unsuspecting, and the bible speaks against that. It was put up for a short time to show people who they are and warn others. This was explained in the blog at that time, and Jeff Collins may as well stop flattering himself, this blog is not about Jeff Collins or Tracy Ann Pelfrey. The blog was later deactivated, and then I later reactivated it for better use. I don't say any of this to harm anyone, but people out there deserve to know the truth; we just want to get our side told, on our turf. It wasn't a "fog lifting" for you by the way. It's called in the bible, "a seared conscience." Regardless of offenses, real or perceived, hatred is obvious to the objective person. You don't know anything about the circumstances surrounding Bro. Butler, and embarrass yourself for bringing it up, because you are way off base. Anyway, thanks for contributing, M C Kekel Feb 4, 2010
“Why are these places off limits?”
Is it because of the appearance of evil? II Thess. 5 (22) “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” Eidos (Greek) Sight, form, figure or shape of evil, or evil as it appears. Many Christians wrest this scripture to imply that, if you do anything that may cause someone to think bad about you, you have sinned. Well, you can’t stop people’s imagination, no matter how much you isolate yourself. This scripture is about avoiding evil when it appears in the way, not avoiding doing things that could cause people to imagine evil. One example is the teaching of Paul in I Cor. 5 (9-13) 9 " I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person." Again, I Cor. 6 (9-11) A Summary 9 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." So if you want to avoid every fornicator, he said you would have to leave the planet, which would be foolish, and that was his whole point, that he wasn't talking about EVERYONE; He was misquoted, as preachers often are. He specified in vs. 11, that “if any man that is called a brother” does these things, not those WITHOUT. A restaurant may have a bar, but you’re not going to be keeping company with the patrons over there, are you? Are you ordering a beer to the table? You would have to leave the earth to get away from appearances of sin, but it’s up to you to “abstain” (I Thess. 5:22) Many Christians would gladly stay clear of such things, but what if a person who calls himself a brother, fits the description in the summary found in I Cor. 6? Let’s pick one or two of the items there, maybe railers and revilers. Will that Christian also stay clear of this type of person? revile |riˈvīl| verb (I Cor. 6:10) “criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner.” rail - verb - rail against/at/about (I Cor. 5:11) “complain or protest strongly and persistently about" railer noun ORIGIN late Middle English : from French railler, from Provençal ralhar ‘to jest,’ based on an alteration of Latin rugire ‘to bellow.’ So the bible tells us to avoid people who bellow, and jest, and revile and rail upon others in an angry, insulting manner persistently, even if it is in protest. Here's the one occurrence of this word "jesting" in the scripture; Eph. 5:1 "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." In I Cor., Paul seemed more concerned about the influence of other "Christians" in the church, than he did about those who were "without" (in the world.) It is clear; those who do this will not inherit the kingdom any more than an effeminate man or a fornicator will. We have some in NTCC who regularly keep company with railers and revilers on their blogs, facebooks, forums and websites, places where evil and railing appears continually. A casino or a brothel might be more edifying than that. So then, what specifically is, a bad environment? There is an alcohol aisle in Safeway grocery store, shall I stop buying groceries? Will wine jump out and fly down my throat? Not without my consent. You can't even become possessed of the devil without your consent, and who would do that? Yet evil speaking is readily ingested by the hungry Christian, to his destruction. As far as Applebees, it depends on when you go. On Friday night it is totally different than Tuesday afternoon. There are many situations where you might feel uncomfortable and sense a need to quickly depart. Ultimately, you are the judge, but if your judgment is out of touch with mainstream understanding, what then? As Paul said in vs. 12, if you can’t judge these things within the church, what then? If sinners are intuitive enough to pass laws against gambling, smoking, etc., why can’t Christians see the potential evil in them and properly label them as vices, rather than touting them as virtues? More to come, God Bless You, M. C. Kekel
Posted by mck at 12:59 PM 2 comments
Feb 3, 2010
Your question is, “why are these places off limits?” So let's ask a few questions in order to follow a process of elimination.
Is it because the activities are wrong? They are excluded from biblical mention and therefore can not be intrinsically wrong. While it’s not sinful to roll a ball, glide along on skates or see a game in play, it would be wrong to... * Enter places of ill repute to engage in these or any other activities * Covet them to the extent of idolatry Col. 3 (5) “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry” Stay tuned for part 3! M. C. Kekel
Posted by mck at 6:59 PM 1 comments
Feb 2, 2010
 Good news, the NTCC Goodnews website is now available. Click the link on the right, or the header of this posting to visit it. Also notice we have added another link. Visit Rev. Devonshire's Blog for inspiring articles and information about the work in Angeles City, Philippines. Please overlook some of the placeholder text, etc., as we build the site! God bless you all! M. C. Kekel P.S. The Conference Schedule for 2010 is available too.
Posted by mck at 7:51 PM 0 comments
The following anonymous comment was submitted back in August and held for later posting. You may have noticed that the anonymous comment feature of this blog has been shut down; my reason for doing so, is like a song I heard that said "I'm so much cooler online." It easy for people to be cruel when they can hide, so now you'll have to step into the light to post here.
Anon Post 8/3/09 Sir, You seem to be answering questions. Questions that have been unclear for many years. For example,why is a bowling alley,rollerskating rink,professional baseball game's off limits. You sit in a Chili's or AppleBee's. More drinking goes on there then at a bowling alley. rock and roll is being played at Malls,Fairs. And baseball stadiums have family sections. with no drinking or smoking allowed. So if these place's are to be avoid. As to avoid the appearance of evil. Even rollerskating rinks have Christian music night. This is shared as a policy at Bible school. Could you cover this as a topic for your blog? Thanks so much! Dear Thanks so Much, (TSM) I apologize for the delay, but I wanted to hold your comment until now because it raises some important topics that deserve more attention than I had time to give, and that I am eager to address. I think you meant to say answers have been unclear, not questions. You asked the questions; most people understand their own questions. Past answers and explanations concerning these issues however, haven’t been unclear to everyone. You may not agree with my answers, but I hope they will at least be clear. Your question is, “why are these places off limits?” Stay tuned, this will be fun, M.C. Kekel
Posted by mck at 1:04 PM 0 comments
Jan 27, 2010
Note: Richard Abanes attends a church that is not affiliated with NTCC-I posted his article that you might see we're not the only ones defrauded in this manner. MCK
"We live in an era of too much information; an era wherein anyone/everyone can post whatever they want to post on the Internet—unchecked, unverified, unaccountable, unhindered, and unstoppable. Rumors, gossip, baseless accusations, outright lies, fear-mongering, hate rhetoric, hoaxes, slander/libel, and false information now litter the Internet. So today's word of advise from me to all of you is: BE CAREFUL!!! Most tragic is how so-called "Christians" are contributing to this proliferation of misinformation and disinformation throughout cyberspace. It's almost beyond belief that individuals supposedly indwelt by the Holy Spirit could be partakers of such activity. But the facts show that a significant number of "Christian" blogs & websites have indeed become dedicated to attacking others; more specifically, dedicated to attacking other Christians! And such attacks are not just limited to simple assaults on other points of view, but penetrate into the realm of questioning another person's Christianity, misrepresenting the faith of others, and deliberately seeking to destroy the reputation of various public figures (i.e., fellow believers). These persons have actually formed a new "cult" of sorts. This "cult," which I have termed the "Cult of Online Discernment Ministries (ODMs)," has demonstrated that its real mission/ministry is the destruction of fellow Christians with whom they disagree. Ironically, they do it under the guise of defending the faith against cults and false doctrine via apologetics/discernment. This has caused great division within the church—unnecessary division because their attacks are based on things that have NOTHING to do with doctrinal teachings or whether or not a person is in the church. They base their attacks on: - political views, - methods of preaching, - preferred styles of music/dress, - different perspectives on various non-essentials of the faith, - positions on eschatology, - public friendships/associations they enjoy with certain believers/unbelievers - certain verbiage used to communicate biblical truths The targets of these Online Discernment Ministries (ODMs) are summarily labeled heretics, false teachers, deceivers, conspiratorial players in some Antichrist scenario, apostates, fake brethren who lead fake churches, compromisers, New Age sympathizers—the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, the way these people/ministries make their charges stick is by use of: - half-truths, - false information, - outright lies, - faulty reasoning, - unsubstantiated assumptions, - quotes taken out of context, and - manipulation of facts As a public figure, I myself have been enduring this kind of persecution for years—as have several of my friends and associates in ministry. It's been discouraging, frustrating, and painful to witness. So, for the sake of all that is good, right, true, just and biblical—don't believe everything you read on the Internet: - Test all things, and hold fast to that which is good (1 Thess. 5:21). - Verify information before you simply believe it. - Go to the actual sources of isolated quotes that sound damning (they're often taken out of context). - Contact, if you can, the person being attacked and ask them for confirmation of what you've heard. And for those of you who, like me, have had unkind/untrue things said about them on the Internet, hang in there. JUDGMENT WILL ONE DAY COME. I close this word of warning/caution with a quote taken from someone who, in my personal opinion (as a professional apologist for over 15 years), is one of the worst of the worst ODMs. She has posted her attacks repeatedly against God's people and encourages others to do likewise (very much like Jezebel encouraged false charges to be brought against God's people, see 1 Kings 21:10). She stated the following in one of her recent posts: "Technology affords so many opportunities now to communicate with others and the world that can be used for good. It also offers us many new snares and opportunities to sin. . . . We need to be ready to examine ourselves and honestly look at our motives and behavior in light of God’s Word. If we can’t control the temptation a technology brings, we need to do rapid surgery and get rid of it so that Satan does not gain a foothold in our lives. If we can use a technology for God’s glory with a clear conscience, we need to carry on and thank God for the opportunity." Indeed. I couldn't agree more with this individual. Now, let us all pray that such people will begin following their own words of counsel and in so doing, not only avoid hypocrisy, but also avert God's judgment and God's chastisement in their lives." peace in him, RICHARD ABANES
Posted by mck at 7:15 PM 0 comments
Jan 15, 2010
During the holidays I received a call from Rev. Cespedes in Puerto Rico. It was like cold water in a dry, thirsty land, especially to me, because I know of the years they have invested there, starting the church from scratch and forging ahead through the typical frustrations that accompany a ministry. I got a firsthand look about a year or two ago, when I went there and preached for them, and it was a great time, for me at least, because it was a time of edifying fellowship and laughter, as they are always a blast to spend time with.
Our support of them has not been in vain, because they work with people and love souls. They have labored through one disappointment after another, which again reminds me that we must preach the Word, and the results is God's problem. We plant, another may water, but ultimately God must give the increase! In Noah's time, only 8 cared to listen (if that). Adam and Eve didn't listen, Israel didn't listen and many of a preacher's congregants don't listen. But God still wants us to "preach the Word" and to be instant without regard to the season, speaking for God and against sin. (2 Tim. 4) (I Cor. 3:5-9) "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building." Knowing their battles and the sacrifice they have invested there, it made my heart glad when he called that day to say he had 60 in service. This is why the scripture for the month of January will be from Hebrews 10; 19 "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." May our faithful God continually bless all of you in this new year, keep us in your prayers as we also keep you. MCK
Posted by mck at 1:03 PM 0 comments
You may have heard of the most unfortunate injury of Rev. Johnson, General Overseer, so I thought I might update you about the incident, and encourage you to continue praying for him. He was working on the tension springs of the large garage door in his shop, (a dangerous job for anyone,) when one let loose and the door flew into the up position. He was atop a tall ladder and attempted to stop the door, but instead it knocked him off. He fell to the concrete 8-10 feet below, and by God's grace, he had his cell phone to call for help. His hip was broken off, including the ball of the socket. The bones in his right forearm were severely fractured also. He has already undergone two surgeries to repair the damage and place pins in the bones. Some talked of putting him in some kind of home to convalesce for weeks which, in our eyes, wasn't a viable option.
I went to see him last weekend, and wound up going to the therapy room to find him, and then pushed him back to his room in the wheelchair. He looked so much better than the week before when it first happened, that I was surprised. But when he came to church last night and walked in with only a walker, I was rejoicing! He is home recovering, God is good, and we thank Him for the way He helps His children along this pilgrim road. Jesus Christ is still a miracle worker! Labels: healing
Posted by mck at 11:06 AM 1 comments
Dec 7, 2009
Hello everyone,
Here's some new scriptures to think about. I like to select certain passages for consideration, and this one is very sweet to the soul. It's good to be a Christian with no axes to grind! I'm sorry I haven't blogged in awhile, but I intend to soon, and I have been super busy. So Merry Christmas to all of you and God bless you. Romans 13 (10) "10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." I John 3 (11-23) "11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."
Posted by mck at 6:32 PM 1 comments
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jul 13, 2009
4th of July Blast!
I hope and pray that you all had a good week in the Lord, and that you enjoyed the Independence Day Weekend. I recently read the stories of some of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence and I was moved by their courage and their sacrifices; many of them lost houses, lands, businesses, their families and some of them lost all, but they would not betray their beliefs nor go back on their convictions. If youʼve never read their stories itʼs definitely worth the effort.
On the 4th, we had a Lay Pastor/Staff/Faculty picnic at our home; we were about 100 strong and did we ever have a great time. 2 Volley Ball courts, Bocci Ball, Basketball, food, food, and did I mention food? Fellowship, laughter, friendly competition, we had a blast. It reminded some of us 'old timers' of the old times at Forest Avenue; when Sis. Davis would beat us youngsters at ping pong; playing guitar and singing and simply enjoying one another's company. A blast from the past, LOL!
Psalm 133
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
On the 4th, we had a Lay Pastor/Staff/Faculty picnic at our home; we were about 100 strong and did we ever have a great time. 2 Volley Ball courts, Bocci Ball, Basketball, food, food, and did I mention food? Fellowship, laughter, friendly competition, we had a blast. It reminded some of us 'old timers' of the old times at Forest Avenue; when Sis. Davis would beat us youngsters at ping pong; playing guitar and singing and simply enjoying one another's company. A blast from the past, LOL!
Psalm 133
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
mck8 comments
Ck1-
|
Jul 2, 2009
NTCS Graduation 2009
On Friday, June 12 we celebrated the Graduation of NTCS class of 2009-'The Commissioned.' It was a special evening for the graduates and for us too. Paul said that he travailed in birth with the Galatians (4:19) and, though I wasnʼt present when each graduate was spiritually reborn, I have had the privilege of sharing their growing pains and observing their spiritual maturation through their Bible College years. After the service there was a beautiful reception at the Fellowship Hall; lots of food, fun and fellowship, and I wish that all of you could have been here to celebrate their accomplishment. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so...
In dedication to the graduates the the choir sang "Lead me Lord”, and the words were especially fitting;
It's hard to take the first step, when I don't know the way
The path seems so uncertain, I'll learn to walk by faith
But you gave me a promise, that you would never leave
You will lead and guide me, Lord I do believe
Your plans for me are perfect, I never need to fear
And though at times I feel alone, I know that You are near
My heart just wants to follow, Iʼm willing to obey
Take my hand and lead me, Iʼll follow all the way
Lead me Lord, I will follow
Lead me Lord, I will go
You have called me, I will answer
Lead me Lord, I will go
(Brooklyn Tab. Choir)
mck5 comments
Ck1-
|
A Note from the Davis Family
This was actually received as an anonymous comment to the original post concerning the fire, but I moved it here so you would be sure to see it. Thank God for the body of Christ and true Christian Brothers and Sisters. (M C Kekel)
My wife and I would like to thank each and everyone for their prayers and financial blessings during our loss due to fire. We greatly appreciate your love and concern for us.
God bless you, Rev & Sis M. Davis
My wife and I would like to thank each and everyone for their prayers and financial blessings during our loss due to fire. We greatly appreciate your love and concern for us.
God bless you, Rev & Sis M. Davis
mck0 comments
Ck1-
|
Jun 6, 2009
Davis Family Address
Dawn posted a comment to the June 4th 'Prayer Request' post regarding an address for Rev. McDaniel Davis and his wife. Rev. Davis assists Rev. DeBlanc in Dayton, OH. Their apartment building burned down and they scarcely had time to escape, leaving everything behind. Nevertheless, they can receive mail directly at the Post Office, so here's their address.
Rev. and Sis. M. Davis
2261 Crew Cir.
Dayton, OH 45439-3253
Rev. and Sis. M. Davis
2261 Crew Cir.
Dayton, OH 45439-3253
mck1 comments
Ck1-
|
Jun 4, 2009
Prayer Request
Good Morning to you all,
I know that itʼs been a while since Iʼve blogged; Donʼt give up on me, PLEASE....
Today, I just want to present a prayer request; A few days ago Rev. & Sis. McDaniel Davis, in Dayton OH were burned out of their apartment home. Their neighbor left a lit cigarette in a cabinet. They suffered a complete loss of everything that they owned. Please hold them up in prayer; pray that God will bless them with 100 fold of what they lost, and grant them the desires of their hearts.
You all are a wonderful family; the greatest brothers and sisters that anyone could have.
Have a blessed day and a weekend abounding with all of the fulness of our Father.
Yours In Him,
M. C. Kekel
I know that itʼs been a while since Iʼve blogged; Donʼt give up on me, PLEASE....
Today, I just want to present a prayer request; A few days ago Rev. & Sis. McDaniel Davis, in Dayton OH were burned out of their apartment home. Their neighbor left a lit cigarette in a cabinet. They suffered a complete loss of everything that they owned. Please hold them up in prayer; pray that God will bless them with 100 fold of what they lost, and grant them the desires of their hearts.
You all are a wonderful family; the greatest brothers and sisters that anyone could have.
Have a blessed day and a weekend abounding with all of the fulness of our Father.
Yours In Him,
M. C. Kekel
mck3 comments
Ck1-
|
May 12, 2009
Stay Tuned!
Well Folks, it's time to get busy blogging again; our semi-annual Conference last month was great, packed wall to wall! The Conferences this Fall will be regional, i.e., held in various churches throughout the U.S., like last year. God bless you! M C Kekel
Labels: Conference
mck4 comments
Ck1-
|
Apr 9, 2009
GIVE ME A BRAKE!!
Before we were Christians most of us lived our lives pedal to the metal, no holds barred, running to the ʻexcess of riot,ʼ described by Peter (I Pet. 4:4). But now as Christians we are commanded in Romans 6:12-13-“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”
You are in control
I contend that a STOP sign has never once made your car stop. A yield sign has never made it yield, nor has a speed limit sign made the car slow down. As a driver you have often seen these signs and, by using the accelerator or the brake, have brought your car into compliance. So it is spiritually; no rules or bible commands can make us obey, we must choose to bring ourselves into compliance, we must yield! Through the Holy Spirit we have the power and authority to maintain absolute control. I say this because the fruit, i.e. the evident product of the Spirit is, in part, temperance (Gal. 5:23). We have the God-given power to take control, and all Christians must exercise this power as part of holding fast the confidence to the end (Heb. 3:14).
Many years ago when our son was small, we took him to Frontier Park in Graham, WA. We noticed a dog show going on nearby, so we wandered over to watch. After a few minutes of witnessing the interaction of the people with their pets, it became clear to me that it was time to leave. I was uncomfortable and troubled in my spirit by the atmosphere. Another time a few years ago we went to an annual event in Tacoma called Wintergrass; basically one hour acoustic music lessons/workshops taught by professionals. Iʼve played guitar since 1966 and Iʼm always trying to improve, so it was an absolute treat for me to listen to these pros play and teach. Later in the evening when things started jumping, and started to get crazy, we looked at each other and said something like, “letʼs get out of here!” These are just 2 examples of many kinds of situations that we as Christians may find ourselves in and no one can hit the brakes but us! Here’s another scenario; Restaurants that serve alcohol. If you refuse to eat at such places, youʼre left with McDonalds and the BK; but the environment is quite different on Tuesday afternoon than it is on Friday or Saturday evening when the crowd is rockinʼ and prowlinʼ. So then, is it the PRESENCE of alcohol, or the activities INVOLVING it that is wrong? For that matter, alcohol is present at the supermarket, but walking near it should not be a temptation for a Christian. If there is no lust (desire) for it in your heart, there should be no temptation (James 1:14-15)- “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Even if you WERE tempted by it, you still have a brake pedal beneath your foot. Use it! If a certain place put you in a position to be tempted, then you should avoid even going there.
I Thess. 5 (22) “ Abstain from all appearance of evil.” APPEARANCE ( from the Gk. Eidos, sight, meaning 'when it appears')
Spiritual Judgment
Drunk drivers have brake pedals too, but their judgment is impaired by their intoxication. I Cor. 2 (12-16) sheds light on why some people’s judgment is anything but objective, even somewhat twisted; they think with a natural mind, their judgment is impaired by their intoxication. They are drunk with carnality, jealousy, their own self righteousness, their speech is slurred with resentment toward that which is truly spiritual and sweet to the soul. They propose a toast to evil, and pronounce curses upon good. The Corinthians’ bickering, protests, emulations and pride (I Cor. 3:3-4) manifested their carnality and lack of true judgment. “I am of Paul,” and “I am of Apollos” they insisted, even as some now say “I was close to the Pastor,” or “you are closer to the Pastor than we are,” etc. Such people vaunt themselves, and seek to nullify their own feelings of inferiority by “who they know” or “insider information they’re privy to.” Later in that same letter (Chapter 6) Paul rebuked them for poor judgment
(I Cor. 6:2-3) “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?"
A successful Christian life requires proper judgment, and that is only possible by having the mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16). God expects you to control yourself and Heʼs put you behind the wheel. No church policy, or Seminary rules can control your life or give you proper judgment; they only impose a discipline that you should be putting on yourself to an even greater extent. You must judge when to hit the gas and when to hit the brakes! But if you are intoxicated with your issues, how can you even see or speak clearly?
Years ago, Bro. and Sis. Cespedes were descending the hill to Orting when the brakes went out on their van; their runaway ride to the bottom of the hill is quite a story, (ask them to tell you about it) but Christianity is not a ‘runaway’ ride. We have control if we want control, because God’s brakes can never fail! The devil can’t ‘cut your brake lines.’ Think about the reckless drivers youʼve witnessed or known; those who have a penchant for running red lights also love speeding, they seldom yield on freeway ramps and never signal lane changes. It is their habit and way of life. Likewise, there are law-breaking Christians, who refuse to restrain and discipline themselves and, even though they might brake momentarily for one of Godʼs ʻspeed trapsʼ, they keep the accelerator floored, making haste toward whatever, as if God wasn’t even watching.
Paul admonished us in Eph. 5:15 to walk circumspectly (akribos), which means accurately and exactly as a result of our carefulness. It also carries with it the idea of alertness. This is how we determine when to hit the the brake. Always alert and carefully examining situations and circumstances: does this edify me, does it glorify God? In I Cor.10:23 Paul said; “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” He was willing to do whatever it took to reach the lost, and willing to pay any price in order to know Christ and the power of His resurrection (Phil 3). Let us live our lives with this exhortation ringing in our hearts and minds; “For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Godʼs.”
M C Kekel
You are in control
I contend that a STOP sign has never once made your car stop. A yield sign has never made it yield, nor has a speed limit sign made the car slow down. As a driver you have often seen these signs and, by using the accelerator or the brake, have brought your car into compliance. So it is spiritually; no rules or bible commands can make us obey, we must choose to bring ourselves into compliance, we must yield! Through the Holy Spirit we have the power and authority to maintain absolute control. I say this because the fruit, i.e. the evident product of the Spirit is, in part, temperance (Gal. 5:23). We have the God-given power to take control, and all Christians must exercise this power as part of holding fast the confidence to the end (Heb. 3:14).
Many years ago when our son was small, we took him to Frontier Park in Graham, WA. We noticed a dog show going on nearby, so we wandered over to watch. After a few minutes of witnessing the interaction of the people with their pets, it became clear to me that it was time to leave. I was uncomfortable and troubled in my spirit by the atmosphere. Another time a few years ago we went to an annual event in Tacoma called Wintergrass; basically one hour acoustic music lessons/workshops taught by professionals. Iʼve played guitar since 1966 and Iʼm always trying to improve, so it was an absolute treat for me to listen to these pros play and teach. Later in the evening when things started jumping, and started to get crazy, we looked at each other and said something like, “letʼs get out of here!” These are just 2 examples of many kinds of situations that we as Christians may find ourselves in and no one can hit the brakes but us! Here’s another scenario; Restaurants that serve alcohol. If you refuse to eat at such places, youʼre left with McDonalds and the BK; but the environment is quite different on Tuesday afternoon than it is on Friday or Saturday evening when the crowd is rockinʼ and prowlinʼ. So then, is it the PRESENCE of alcohol, or the activities INVOLVING it that is wrong? For that matter, alcohol is present at the supermarket, but walking near it should not be a temptation for a Christian. If there is no lust (desire) for it in your heart, there should be no temptation (James 1:14-15)- “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Even if you WERE tempted by it, you still have a brake pedal beneath your foot. Use it! If a certain place put you in a position to be tempted, then you should avoid even going there.
I Thess. 5 (22) “ Abstain from all appearance of evil.” APPEARANCE ( from the Gk. Eidos, sight, meaning 'when it appears')
Spiritual Judgment
Drunk drivers have brake pedals too, but their judgment is impaired by their intoxication. I Cor. 2 (12-16) sheds light on why some people’s judgment is anything but objective, even somewhat twisted; they think with a natural mind, their judgment is impaired by their intoxication. They are drunk with carnality, jealousy, their own self righteousness, their speech is slurred with resentment toward that which is truly spiritual and sweet to the soul. They propose a toast to evil, and pronounce curses upon good. The Corinthians’ bickering, protests, emulations and pride (I Cor. 3:3-4) manifested their carnality and lack of true judgment. “I am of Paul,” and “I am of Apollos” they insisted, even as some now say “I was close to the Pastor,” or “you are closer to the Pastor than we are,” etc. Such people vaunt themselves, and seek to nullify their own feelings of inferiority by “who they know” or “insider information they’re privy to.” Later in that same letter (Chapter 6) Paul rebuked them for poor judgment
(I Cor. 6:2-3) “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?"
A successful Christian life requires proper judgment, and that is only possible by having the mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16). God expects you to control yourself and Heʼs put you behind the wheel. No church policy, or Seminary rules can control your life or give you proper judgment; they only impose a discipline that you should be putting on yourself to an even greater extent. You must judge when to hit the gas and when to hit the brakes! But if you are intoxicated with your issues, how can you even see or speak clearly?
Years ago, Bro. and Sis. Cespedes were descending the hill to Orting when the brakes went out on their van; their runaway ride to the bottom of the hill is quite a story, (ask them to tell you about it) but Christianity is not a ‘runaway’ ride. We have control if we want control, because God’s brakes can never fail! The devil can’t ‘cut your brake lines.’ Think about the reckless drivers youʼve witnessed or known; those who have a penchant for running red lights also love speeding, they seldom yield on freeway ramps and never signal lane changes. It is their habit and way of life. Likewise, there are law-breaking Christians, who refuse to restrain and discipline themselves and, even though they might brake momentarily for one of Godʼs ʻspeed trapsʼ, they keep the accelerator floored, making haste toward whatever, as if God wasn’t even watching.
Paul admonished us in Eph. 5:15 to walk circumspectly (akribos), which means accurately and exactly as a result of our carefulness. It also carries with it the idea of alertness. This is how we determine when to hit the the brake. Always alert and carefully examining situations and circumstances: does this edify me, does it glorify God? In I Cor.10:23 Paul said; “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” He was willing to do whatever it took to reach the lost, and willing to pay any price in order to know Christ and the power of His resurrection (Phil 3). Let us live our lives with this exhortation ringing in our hearts and minds; “For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Godʼs.”
M C Kekel
Labels: control, Judgment, temperance
mck10 comments
Ck1-
|
Mar 27, 2009
Beautiful Music
My son had a piano recital recently. All parents of children in lessons can relate to the mixed emotions these events evoke; the joy and pride as your child performs, and the twitchy tolerance as you listen to everyone else’s child perform.
As recitals usually do, this one began with the smallest performers first. All in the audience grinned and clapped after the first small student played her little 2 finger, 2 measure piece; but then the teacher announced that he would be playing a duet with his student. Oh, what a difference! Two figures on the bench; a tall, confident and most assured man, and a little girl who’s hands were shaking. Taking his cues from her, they began to play; and together they made beautiful music. As they played, the scene shifted before my eyes. I saw myself and my heavenly father together; going through my days, living my life and trying to accomplish His will. Me with only 1 or 2 shaking fingers playing a simple 1 note melody, trying out all that He’s been teaching me, and Him on the other side of the bench, gently and intuitively leading the way, affirming my abilities, and filling in all the gaps, turning my struggling, tiny and sometimes inept efforts into something beautiful and productive. The apostle Paul expressed it like this in 2 Cor. 4:7- “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Without Him I can do nothing, but with Him I can do all things. Even better is the fact that He isn’t just working beside me, He’s working in me mightily, and I’m being changed into his image from glory to glory!
I love you all and pray that today you and He make beautiful music!
TMK
As recitals usually do, this one began with the smallest performers first. All in the audience grinned and clapped after the first small student played her little 2 finger, 2 measure piece; but then the teacher announced that he would be playing a duet with his student. Oh, what a difference! Two figures on the bench; a tall, confident and most assured man, and a little girl who’s hands were shaking. Taking his cues from her, they began to play; and together they made beautiful music. As they played, the scene shifted before my eyes. I saw myself and my heavenly father together; going through my days, living my life and trying to accomplish His will. Me with only 1 or 2 shaking fingers playing a simple 1 note melody, trying out all that He’s been teaching me, and Him on the other side of the bench, gently and intuitively leading the way, affirming my abilities, and filling in all the gaps, turning my struggling, tiny and sometimes inept efforts into something beautiful and productive. The apostle Paul expressed it like this in 2 Cor. 4:7- “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Without Him I can do nothing, but with Him I can do all things. Even better is the fact that He isn’t just working beside me, He’s working in me mightily, and I’m being changed into his image from glory to glory!
I love you all and pray that today you and He make beautiful music!
TMK
mck7 comments
Ck1-
|
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Mar 20, 2009
My wife received this in an e-mail this evening; it was such a blessing I decided to share it with you.
Hater/ By Maya Angelou
A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough!
When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters.. that's why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed...
It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right? You never know what people have gone through to get what they have...
The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story...If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too! We've all got some haters among us!
Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb
(if he / she isn't about the right thing)
e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home
Haters can't stand to see you happy
Haters will never want to see you succeed
Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side
How do you handle your undercover haters?
You can handle these haters by:
1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are
*(VERY IMPORTANT!!)
2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not
mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled.
A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be.
Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.
3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation.
Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its your time to leave this earth, you 'want' to be able to say, 'I've lived my life and fulfilled 'my' dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME!
When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me...Look at Who is in charge of me...'
Pass this to all of your family & friends who you know are not hating you, including the person who sent it to you.
If you don't get it back, maybe you called somebody out! Don't worry about it, it's not your problem, it's theirs..
Just pray for them, that their life can be as fulfilled as yours! Watch out for Haters...BUT most of all don't become
a HATER!
We love you all, and thank the Lord that he allows us the privilege of serving together with you. Have a blessed weekend lifting Him up!
Yours in Him,
Michael and Tanya Kekel
Hater/ By Maya Angelou
A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough!
When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters.. that's why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed...
It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right? You never know what people have gone through to get what they have...
The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story...If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too! We've all got some haters among us!
Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb
(if he / she isn't about the right thing)
e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home
Haters can't stand to see you happy
Haters will never want to see you succeed
Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side
How do you handle your undercover haters?
You can handle these haters by:
1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are
*(VERY IMPORTANT!!)
2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not
mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled.
A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be.
Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.
3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation.
Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its your time to leave this earth, you 'want' to be able to say, 'I've lived my life and fulfilled 'my' dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME!
When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me...Look at Who is in charge of me...'
Pass this to all of your family & friends who you know are not hating you, including the person who sent it to you.
If you don't get it back, maybe you called somebody out! Don't worry about it, it's not your problem, it's theirs..
Just pray for them, that their life can be as fulfilled as yours! Watch out for Haters...BUT most of all don't become
a HATER!
We love you all, and thank the Lord that he allows us the privilege of serving together with you. Have a blessed weekend lifting Him up!
Yours in Him,
Michael and Tanya Kekel
Posted by mck at 9:56 PM 5 comments
Ck1-
|
An old adage states “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” and this might be so. I’ve never been able to teach my dogs any tricks regardless of their age, but isn’t it comforting to know that God, unlike man, is not limited?
The other night in church we were reminded of this fact when a precious new sister received the baptism in, with and of the Holy Ghost. Her name is Jessie May, and she can tell you without a doubt that you are never too old for God to move in your life! Why would I say this? Because sister Jessie is a 78 year old great grandmother who attends church almost 5 nights a week, driving with her family for over 1 hour each way just to be in church.
I’ve often said in preaching that you never get too old, but that statement was made on faith, as there has always been difficulty in reaching people advanced in years, let alone getting them to even so much as acknowledge their need of the Power of God. Not Sister Jessie though. While people were at the altar the other night, she made her way up to the front (as difficult as that is for someone of her age and physical condition). She actually knelt down to pray – now that’s a miracle in and of itself in this day and age! Most churches have long since ditched the altar of prayer for more modern methods, and getting people to bow their knee is almost as hard as getting them to pray for salvation. Yet Sister, a long time Christian woman, had no problem with the concept. In fact, she beat many younger ones to the altar that night.
The real story does not begin with the altar call though. After the service was ended and people were getting ready to go home, I was at my back door post shaking hands with those who were leaving, when someone told me that Sister Jessie wanted to pray for the Holy Ghost. I went back into the chapel to find her and, lo and behold, there she was with Rev. Bright and a couple of sisters from our church, praying. Tears were running down her cheeks. As I approached, the brethren stopped praying and Sister Jessie opened her tear filled eyes. I asked her what she was praying for, and without hesitation she told me of her desire for the Holy Ghost power. She said she had been praying for Him to fill her for years, and that night's sermon had brought out that long overdue desire once more. I followed a formula I witnessed Rev. Ashmore using years ago (that has never failed to produce results). We spoke briefly and I told her what the Bible said, and then, got her praying one more time. As I laid hands on her she began to quiver ever so slightly… the Spirit of God was moving, and all it took was a moment when what had taken years for her to achieve, became the reality of an instant. Like water breaking through the obstacle of a man-made dam, the Holy Ghost broke through all of her self-imposed restrictions and cascaded out of her in torrents of “other tongues”. She was filled!
Of course, tears were still streaming out of her eyes, but this time the expression of her face had changed from one of earnest entreaty and anguish of soul to joy unspeakable and full of glory! She prayed for some time, and when she was done we talked a little. She said this to me; “Pastor, I’ve been seeking for the Holy Ghost for a long time, and had almost given up on ever receiving it. But I told myself tonight ‘If God has something more for me then I want it’ and nothing was going to stop me from trying”.
Praise God she kept trying! Though advanced in years and weak in body, Sister Jessie is a testimony to the presence of Him who said, (In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying) "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John. 7)
God is good, and still moving in our ranks!
Sincerely,
Bro. Briggs
The other night in church we were reminded of this fact when a precious new sister received the baptism in, with and of the Holy Ghost. Her name is Jessie May, and she can tell you without a doubt that you are never too old for God to move in your life! Why would I say this? Because sister Jessie is a 78 year old great grandmother who attends church almost 5 nights a week, driving with her family for over 1 hour each way just to be in church.
I’ve often said in preaching that you never get too old, but that statement was made on faith, as there has always been difficulty in reaching people advanced in years, let alone getting them to even so much as acknowledge their need of the Power of God. Not Sister Jessie though. While people were at the altar the other night, she made her way up to the front (as difficult as that is for someone of her age and physical condition). She actually knelt down to pray – now that’s a miracle in and of itself in this day and age! Most churches have long since ditched the altar of prayer for more modern methods, and getting people to bow their knee is almost as hard as getting them to pray for salvation. Yet Sister, a long time Christian woman, had no problem with the concept. In fact, she beat many younger ones to the altar that night.
The real story does not begin with the altar call though. After the service was ended and people were getting ready to go home, I was at my back door post shaking hands with those who were leaving, when someone told me that Sister Jessie wanted to pray for the Holy Ghost. I went back into the chapel to find her and, lo and behold, there she was with Rev. Bright and a couple of sisters from our church, praying. Tears were running down her cheeks. As I approached, the brethren stopped praying and Sister Jessie opened her tear filled eyes. I asked her what she was praying for, and without hesitation she told me of her desire for the Holy Ghost power. She said she had been praying for Him to fill her for years, and that night's sermon had brought out that long overdue desire once more. I followed a formula I witnessed Rev. Ashmore using years ago (that has never failed to produce results). We spoke briefly and I told her what the Bible said, and then, got her praying one more time. As I laid hands on her she began to quiver ever so slightly… the Spirit of God was moving, and all it took was a moment when what had taken years for her to achieve, became the reality of an instant. Like water breaking through the obstacle of a man-made dam, the Holy Ghost broke through all of her self-imposed restrictions and cascaded out of her in torrents of “other tongues”. She was filled!
Of course, tears were still streaming out of her eyes, but this time the expression of her face had changed from one of earnest entreaty and anguish of soul to joy unspeakable and full of glory! She prayed for some time, and when she was done we talked a little. She said this to me; “Pastor, I’ve been seeking for the Holy Ghost for a long time, and had almost given up on ever receiving it. But I told myself tonight ‘If God has something more for me then I want it’ and nothing was going to stop me from trying”.
Praise God she kept trying! Though advanced in years and weak in body, Sister Jessie is a testimony to the presence of Him who said, (In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying) "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John. 7)
God is good, and still moving in our ranks!
Sincerely,
Bro. Briggs
Mar 17, 2009
Here's a word fitly spoken from Rev. Ashmore;
To those who would say that God working WITH US in our churches means nothing, let me add that in MARK 16, it says "the Lord WORKING WITH THEM, CONFIRMING THE WORD with SIGNS FOLLOWING" First, if God confirms His WORD then it is because we are preaching it; Second, if God confirmed it for the early disciples by, as the scripture says, "working WITH them", then that implies God was actively working in behalf of them! He evidently is NOT ashamed to be associated with them IF He is working WITH them. God IS working TOGETHER WITH US! Let no one tell you otherwise, and IF we have made mistakes in the past, and EVERYONE HAS, then let's get over it and move on unto perfection, and let ALL the disgruntled get over it and set out to show us what God REALLY wants to do by WORKS and not just WORDS! As Jesus sent word back to John, He told them to tell him "the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, etc..."! Christ said the WORKS speak for themselves! "though ye believe not Me, believe the WORKS.."(John 10:38), and again, as Paul wrote, "for the Kingdom of God is NOT in WORD, but in POWER."(1 Cor. 4:20)
To say that miracles of deliverance from the works of the devil in peoples' lives means nothing, is foolish, as even Jesus said, if the people of Sodom had seen the mighty miracles done in their midst as He was doing for those of His day, they would have repented and not have been destroyed! No, WORDS alone don't save, but words accompanied by POWER and miracles do! If Jesus appealed to the accompanying miraculous works as proof of His ministry and standing with the Father, then one cannot lightly dismiss such an argument. Let us all get on with the works of God and the GOOD NEWS, and cease from judging one another once and for all. To nurture a GRUDGE is to nurture a poisonous garden which can bear naught but bitter weeds. Let us nurture that garden wherein blooms the sweet Rose of Sharon, where the fragrance of Christ blooms in all His beauty!
J. R. Ashmore
To those who would say that God working WITH US in our churches means nothing, let me add that in MARK 16, it says "the Lord WORKING WITH THEM, CONFIRMING THE WORD with SIGNS FOLLOWING" First, if God confirms His WORD then it is because we are preaching it; Second, if God confirmed it for the early disciples by, as the scripture says, "working WITH them", then that implies God was actively working in behalf of them! He evidently is NOT ashamed to be associated with them IF He is working WITH them. God IS working TOGETHER WITH US! Let no one tell you otherwise, and IF we have made mistakes in the past, and EVERYONE HAS, then let's get over it and move on unto perfection, and let ALL the disgruntled get over it and set out to show us what God REALLY wants to do by WORKS and not just WORDS! As Jesus sent word back to John, He told them to tell him "the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, etc..."! Christ said the WORKS speak for themselves! "though ye believe not Me, believe the WORKS.."(John 10:38), and again, as Paul wrote, "for the Kingdom of God is NOT in WORD, but in POWER."(1 Cor. 4:20)
To say that miracles of deliverance from the works of the devil in peoples' lives means nothing, is foolish, as even Jesus said, if the people of Sodom had seen the mighty miracles done in their midst as He was doing for those of His day, they would have repented and not have been destroyed! No, WORDS alone don't save, but words accompanied by POWER and miracles do! If Jesus appealed to the accompanying miraculous works as proof of His ministry and standing with the Father, then one cannot lightly dismiss such an argument. Let us all get on with the works of God and the GOOD NEWS, and cease from judging one another once and for all. To nurture a GRUDGE is to nurture a poisonous garden which can bear naught but bitter weeds. Let us nurture that garden wherein blooms the sweet Rose of Sharon, where the fragrance of Christ blooms in all His beauty!
J. R. Ashmore
Posted by mck at 11:52 AM 4 comments
Ck1-
|
Mar 15, 2009
Greetings to all who are interested in the wonderful works of God!
My wife and I have seen Jesus at work in saving, healing and filling believers with His Spirit wherever we go in ministering God's Good News. I'm thinking of one miracle of healing in particular in the life of an elderly woman in the El Paso Church who came forward for prayer. She had arthritic hands and wanted to have them prayed for, and Jesus met her there at the altar with instant healing. A day or more later, she was talking to someone in the church and holding up her hands saying that God had given her new hands! He Who gives people new hands will also give them new minds so they too can testify to His transforming grace!
Many say they believe the Bible from Genesis to Revelation but are sometimes reluctant to really put it to the test! Let us throw aside our fears and prove Him Who promises "I am the Lord that healeth thee." We witness miracles of healing almost everywhere we go and can testify that God is still working wherever people will dare to throw off carnal reason and TRUST that God is Who He says He is! Many may TALK about us and say that we are all deceived, but God hasn't left us and is still testifying to His presence in saving, healing, encouraging, establishing and filling people with the Holy Spirit. This Gospel is still effectual and God still blesses it in all the world wherever men will preach it in its entirety! It's still all about JESUS and what we do with HIM. Salvation is in HIM, healing is in HIM, preservation is IN and THROUGH His working in our lives, and EVERYTHING that can be received from God is received through HIM. Let us then continue preaching HIM Who is the fount of every blessing! May all the detractors cease with their criticisms of us, and, if they dare, examine the wonderful works of God in our churches! God's best to all who are "pure in heart",
J. R. Ashmore
My wife and I have seen Jesus at work in saving, healing and filling believers with His Spirit wherever we go in ministering God's Good News. I'm thinking of one miracle of healing in particular in the life of an elderly woman in the El Paso Church who came forward for prayer. She had arthritic hands and wanted to have them prayed for, and Jesus met her there at the altar with instant healing. A day or more later, she was talking to someone in the church and holding up her hands saying that God had given her new hands! He Who gives people new hands will also give them new minds so they too can testify to His transforming grace!
Many say they believe the Bible from Genesis to Revelation but are sometimes reluctant to really put it to the test! Let us throw aside our fears and prove Him Who promises "I am the Lord that healeth thee." We witness miracles of healing almost everywhere we go and can testify that God is still working wherever people will dare to throw off carnal reason and TRUST that God is Who He says He is! Many may TALK about us and say that we are all deceived, but God hasn't left us and is still testifying to His presence in saving, healing, encouraging, establishing and filling people with the Holy Spirit. This Gospel is still effectual and God still blesses it in all the world wherever men will preach it in its entirety! It's still all about JESUS and what we do with HIM. Salvation is in HIM, healing is in HIM, preservation is IN and THROUGH His working in our lives, and EVERYTHING that can be received from God is received through HIM. Let us then continue preaching HIM Who is the fount of every blessing! May all the detractors cease with their criticisms of us, and, if they dare, examine the wonderful works of God in our churches! God's best to all who are "pure in heart",
J. R. Ashmore
Posted by mck at 6:28 PM 5 comments
Ck1-
|
Mar 9, 2009
The following is a comment someone left on another topic thread, so I’ve pasted it here as a separate subject;
“Concerning different opinions unbiblically based:
If a minister decided to grow a beard, because he was of a differing opinion that it wouldn't be of harm to the ministry, would it be ok? Or would the leadership say, "He has chosen to be rebellious because he knows it is one of our standards for ministers." I know which one it would be...and I think you know too! And so does everyone else. So quit trying to hide behind lies.” (Anonymous)
This is another policy that has been misconstrued. Ministers are taught in seminary that the bible says nothing at all about facial hair being wrong; therefore NTCC does not teach that it is wrong. Jesus had a beard! Isa. 50:6 spoke about Jesus, saying that He gave His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. He STILL has a beard; Rev. 1 states that His head and His hairs are white like wool. So if having a beard was a moral issue, then Jesus could be considered immoral. In addition, Jesus wasn't the only bible figure to sport a beard.
David (I Sam. 21:13) allowed spittle to fall down upon his beard.
Ezra (Ezra 9:3) plucked his beard out in humbling himself.
Aaron the High Priest (Ps. 133:1-2) had an anointed beard!
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;” In Israel back then, all men wore beards, and they were the elect of God.
If a Minister says that having a beard is wrong, he is wrong. He has forgotten that the message is Jesus Christ crucified and risen again!! It is however, the policy of NTCC that ministers and students (not church members) will not wear facial hair, it’s that simple! Our desire is to be as clean cut in appearance as is possible and that desire is definitely not wrong. Obviously, a minister desiring to minister in NTCC would be required to keep this simple policy, as it represents the common practice of our organization. So to answer your question/ comment/ accusation; of course the motives of a minister walking in with a beard would be questioned, not for the beard’s sake but for the obvious statement made by his actions.
No Minister is forced to remain in the ministry of NTCC against his wishes, but if he remains; he’s expected to be a part, and to abide by the policies of the Organization. Since these things are taught and explained during seminary training, I fail to see how anyone has hidden behind lies.
Michael C. Kekel
“Concerning different opinions unbiblically based:
If a minister decided to grow a beard, because he was of a differing opinion that it wouldn't be of harm to the ministry, would it be ok? Or would the leadership say, "He has chosen to be rebellious because he knows it is one of our standards for ministers." I know which one it would be...and I think you know too! And so does everyone else. So quit trying to hide behind lies.” (Anonymous)
This is another policy that has been misconstrued. Ministers are taught in seminary that the bible says nothing at all about facial hair being wrong; therefore NTCC does not teach that it is wrong. Jesus had a beard! Isa. 50:6 spoke about Jesus, saying that He gave His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. He STILL has a beard; Rev. 1 states that His head and His hairs are white like wool. So if having a beard was a moral issue, then Jesus could be considered immoral. In addition, Jesus wasn't the only bible figure to sport a beard.
David (I Sam. 21:13) allowed spittle to fall down upon his beard.
Ezra (Ezra 9:3) plucked his beard out in humbling himself.
Aaron the High Priest (Ps. 133:1-2) had an anointed beard!
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;” In Israel back then, all men wore beards, and they were the elect of God.
If a Minister says that having a beard is wrong, he is wrong. He has forgotten that the message is Jesus Christ crucified and risen again!! It is however, the policy of NTCC that ministers and students (not church members) will not wear facial hair, it’s that simple! Our desire is to be as clean cut in appearance as is possible and that desire is definitely not wrong. Obviously, a minister desiring to minister in NTCC would be required to keep this simple policy, as it represents the common practice of our organization. So to answer your question/ comment/ accusation; of course the motives of a minister walking in with a beard would be questioned, not for the beard’s sake but for the obvious statement made by his actions.
No Minister is forced to remain in the ministry of NTCC against his wishes, but if he remains; he’s expected to be a part, and to abide by the policies of the Organization. Since these things are taught and explained during seminary training, I fail to see how anyone has hidden behind lies.
Michael C. Kekel
Labels: Beards
Posted by mck at 2:29 PM 2 comments
Ck1-
|
Hello All,
A lot of anonymous e-mails have been left here in the last week and I feel the need to clarify my desires and vision for this blog. First and foremost I want this to be a place of blessing, a conduit of reliable information and an avenue of communication between you and me. It is not a venue for malicious accusations, slander or negativity in general, others have that ground well covered. BTW, I do not read fnet or TPʼs blog; if you would like to ask something of me, those are not the places to pose your questions. My e-mail is mckekel@hotmail.com, and I will do my best to answer sincere queries, however I like to know with whom I am ʻspeakingʼ. My name is at the top of this page, Iʼm owning what I say, I'd really appreciate you doing the same.
I will not participate in vicious mud slinging; thereʼs an old southern colloquialism that really expresses my feelings; “Lie down with dogs, get up with fleas.” Paul expressed this sentiment much more aptly when he wrote in II Tim. 2 (14-17) “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;”
Iʼll end this post with another of Paulʼs admonitions: “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4(8)
Michael C. Kekel
A lot of anonymous e-mails have been left here in the last week and I feel the need to clarify my desires and vision for this blog. First and foremost I want this to be a place of blessing, a conduit of reliable information and an avenue of communication between you and me. It is not a venue for malicious accusations, slander or negativity in general, others have that ground well covered. BTW, I do not read fnet or TPʼs blog; if you would like to ask something of me, those are not the places to pose your questions. My e-mail is mckekel@hotmail.com, and I will do my best to answer sincere queries, however I like to know with whom I am ʻspeakingʼ. My name is at the top of this page, Iʼm owning what I say, I'd really appreciate you doing the same.
I will not participate in vicious mud slinging; thereʼs an old southern colloquialism that really expresses my feelings; “Lie down with dogs, get up with fleas.” Paul expressed this sentiment much more aptly when he wrote in II Tim. 2 (14-17) “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;”
Iʼll end this post with another of Paulʼs admonitions: “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4(8)
Michael C. Kekel
Posted by mck at 1:54 PM 6 comments
Ck1-
|
Mar 5, 2009
Another rumor that I heard recently was built on a misunderstanding of something Pastor Davis said in the last Camp Meeting. He was discussing some of his vision for the campus in Graham, and said something close to this: “...we’re building a house for the Pastor.....” This was misunderstood and relayed that the church was building me a house; in reality Pastor was referring to a house being built as a residence for the Pastor of the Graham church; Pastor Kinson lives there, but the house is owned by the Seminary and church. The church has never built me a house!
Since we are talking about Real estate, let me bring up another rumor that sprang from a misunderstanding and lack of real information. This one concerns 39 undeveloped acres on Orting-Kapowsin Hwy. Pastor Davis purchased this land years ago with his own funds; it was deeded in the church’s name because he was unsure of what the land was to be needed/used for; thinking that perhaps the campus would be extended. When it became clear that the School/Church had no real use for the land, and desiring to protect the rights to it, he put it in our name (mine and my wife’s, who happens to be his only daughter.) To the pure all things are pure; and he never thought that transferring land bought with his own money to his daughter would be any kind of issue; well you all know the rest of the story...... He has publicly apologized for the misunderstanding and the appearance of impropriety. He has paid all of the taxes on this land with his own funds since it was purchased; we, as the recipients of a “gift” owe no taxes on it. (It was a paper transfer anyway, as we’ve had nothing to do with, or say about the property.)
Rev. Olson was party to this transaction and wrote a letter explaining the details; Pastor also called a special meeting to explain the hows and whys of his actions; now, I’ve had my say and maybe we can put this misunderstanding to bed once and for all.
Since we are talking about Real estate, let me bring up another rumor that sprang from a misunderstanding and lack of real information. This one concerns 39 undeveloped acres on Orting-Kapowsin Hwy. Pastor Davis purchased this land years ago with his own funds; it was deeded in the church’s name because he was unsure of what the land was to be needed/used for; thinking that perhaps the campus would be extended. When it became clear that the School/Church had no real use for the land, and desiring to protect the rights to it, he put it in our name (mine and my wife’s, who happens to be his only daughter.) To the pure all things are pure; and he never thought that transferring land bought with his own money to his daughter would be any kind of issue; well you all know the rest of the story...... He has publicly apologized for the misunderstanding and the appearance of impropriety. He has paid all of the taxes on this land with his own funds since it was purchased; we, as the recipients of a “gift” owe no taxes on it. (It was a paper transfer anyway, as we’ve had nothing to do with, or say about the property.)
Rev. Olson was party to this transaction and wrote a letter explaining the details; Pastor also called a special meeting to explain the hows and whys of his actions; now, I’ve had my say and maybe we can put this misunderstanding to bed once and for all.
Posted by mck at 11:57 AM 2 comments
Ck1-
|
Mar 4, 2009
My wife received this e-mail recently from Sis. Rendla, it was such a blessing to us that we asked her if we could share this good report with you.
To: tanyakekel@hotmail.com
Subject: A BBQ and an invite
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:05:31 -0700
God is amazing! A lady at church invited us to a BBQ. We didn’t realize that when she has a BBQ she invites her neighbors. From this one event six new people have come to church with most of them coming faithfully.
Another lady in Wal-Mart commented on how cute Sabrina is. As we were talking I invited her to church. Her family has been coming faithfully and they’ve invited friends. From that one invitation ten people have come to church.
From a BBQ and an invite we not only have sixteen new people, but they want to be involved. Two ladies want to become Sunday School teachers. One man is helping with the music. Another man is picking up people and taking them home.
God has truly blessed our efforts in “sin city.” It wasn’t too long ago that we were sometimes the only ones at Bible Study, but now we normally have at least 10. Many people are coming to every service. A lot of people are getting involved in inviting people, Sunday School, picking up people, music, cleaning, and the many other aspects of church work. The church growth is amazing to watch.
Marie-Anne
This good report reminds us of God's promise to Abraham, "saying, surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." (Heb. 6:14)
To: tanyakekel@hotmail.com
Subject: A BBQ and an invite
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:05:31 -0700
God is amazing! A lady at church invited us to a BBQ. We didn’t realize that when she has a BBQ she invites her neighbors. From this one event six new people have come to church with most of them coming faithfully.
Another lady in Wal-Mart commented on how cute Sabrina is. As we were talking I invited her to church. Her family has been coming faithfully and they’ve invited friends. From that one invitation ten people have come to church.
From a BBQ and an invite we not only have sixteen new people, but they want to be involved. Two ladies want to become Sunday School teachers. One man is helping with the music. Another man is picking up people and taking them home.
God has truly blessed our efforts in “sin city.” It wasn’t too long ago that we were sometimes the only ones at Bible Study, but now we normally have at least 10. Many people are coming to every service. A lot of people are getting involved in inviting people, Sunday School, picking up people, music, cleaning, and the many other aspects of church work. The church growth is amazing to watch.
Marie-Anne
This good report reminds us of God's promise to Abraham, "saying, surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." (Heb. 6:14)
Labels: Divine Multiplication
Posted by mck at 11:29 AM 2 comments
Ck1-
|
Mar 3, 2009
A Rumor that’s not...
There’s one making the rounds that my son is playing organized sports. Please allow me to set the record straight; that is not a rumor it is a fact and is definitely no secret. It is widely known that Grant plays football. Why does he? Because after much consideration and prayer I decided that the positives outweighed the negatives, and so allowed him to play. I have never thought that team sports for kids were wrong, and so I made the decision without consulting anyone but God. I thought that it would be good for him, and it has been. There are other sports from which he has been forbidden, and his school has been very understanding and respectful of our religious beliefs. He is not allowed to dress immodestly, nor is he allowed to miss regular church services. My wife and I have never allowed his sports activities to interfere with or infringe upon our responsibilities to the congregation or to God.
POLICY vs. BIBLE
NTCC’s stance concerning sports has always been a policy, based not upon the bible, but upon Pastor’s oversight of the flock. (A policy is practice established to discourage unwanted actions or activities, it is not a bible doctrine or commandment.) A Pastor is a Shepherd and must guide the flock away from all apparent dangers. If he sees you going down a potentially dangerous path, it is his Biblical right and obligation to warn you in an effort to protect you; but the control of your life is still yours! God made us free moral agents. “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.” Proverbs 15:32
When the focus among brethren in Servicemen’s Homes, shifted from God to playing sports, Pastor stopped it; within the ministry and the bible school. Sports, in and of themselves, are not wrong, if the participant is modestly dressed, and maintains the proper conduct of a Christian. If a person becomes angry at a referee or something, the sin of anger isn’t really linked to the sport, but comes from his heart. Can a Pastor tear down his influence with the members by over-fraternization and over familiarity? Yes. Is it all too easy to have our vision diverted from Christ and onto other things, yes! These were factors in Pastor’s mind when some of these decisions were enacted.
Pastor Davis and I have different views on some things; motorcycles, paint colors, what constitutes good food and especially coffee! But I have made my opinions known to him, and he respects my views. I have never been one to just say ‘yes’ to everything, which in his view, is a virtue not a vice. We also agree that this in no way represents the ‘touching of God’s anointed’ or renegade behavior. As a result of these personality differences my “call” has been and is different from his on some of these minor things; but there is no ‘division among us’. Our objectives and motivation are one and the same: glorifying God and helping people to make it to heaven!
M.C. Kekel
There’s one making the rounds that my son is playing organized sports. Please allow me to set the record straight; that is not a rumor it is a fact and is definitely no secret. It is widely known that Grant plays football. Why does he? Because after much consideration and prayer I decided that the positives outweighed the negatives, and so allowed him to play. I have never thought that team sports for kids were wrong, and so I made the decision without consulting anyone but God. I thought that it would be good for him, and it has been. There are other sports from which he has been forbidden, and his school has been very understanding and respectful of our religious beliefs. He is not allowed to dress immodestly, nor is he allowed to miss regular church services. My wife and I have never allowed his sports activities to interfere with or infringe upon our responsibilities to the congregation or to God.
POLICY vs. BIBLE
NTCC’s stance concerning sports has always been a policy, based not upon the bible, but upon Pastor’s oversight of the flock. (A policy is practice established to discourage unwanted actions or activities, it is not a bible doctrine or commandment.) A Pastor is a Shepherd and must guide the flock away from all apparent dangers. If he sees you going down a potentially dangerous path, it is his Biblical right and obligation to warn you in an effort to protect you; but the control of your life is still yours! God made us free moral agents. “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.” Proverbs 15:32
When the focus among brethren in Servicemen’s Homes, shifted from God to playing sports, Pastor stopped it; within the ministry and the bible school. Sports, in and of themselves, are not wrong, if the participant is modestly dressed, and maintains the proper conduct of a Christian. If a person becomes angry at a referee or something, the sin of anger isn’t really linked to the sport, but comes from his heart. Can a Pastor tear down his influence with the members by over-fraternization and over familiarity? Yes. Is it all too easy to have our vision diverted from Christ and onto other things, yes! These were factors in Pastor’s mind when some of these decisions were enacted.
Pastor Davis and I have different views on some things; motorcycles, paint colors, what constitutes good food and especially coffee! But I have made my opinions known to him, and he respects my views. I have never been one to just say ‘yes’ to everything, which in his view, is a virtue not a vice. We also agree that this in no way represents the ‘touching of God’s anointed’ or renegade behavior. As a result of these personality differences my “call” has been and is different from his on some of these minor things; but there is no ‘division among us’. Our objectives and motivation are one and the same: glorifying God and helping people to make it to heaven!
M.C. Kekel
Labels: Sports
Posted by mck at 7:20 PM 13 comments
Ck1-
|
Mar 2, 2009
Isn't it funny how rumors begin with misunderstandings?
Not long ago a song leader was hesitant to lead the song 'Higher Ground' because Rev. Ashmore had preached against it; I told him to sing it anyway. Rev. Ashmore was merely stating that our standing in Christ can't get any higher than heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3) The song leader took it to mean that singing the song was wrong. A small thing, but people often misunderstand, and sometimes rumors are created and spread. It's hard to understand the thinking behind people who repeat rumors, when they know it's hearsay.
Hearsay is information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate; the report of another person's words by a witness, usually disallowed as evidence in a court of law: hearsay evidence. Unfortunately, Christians don't always reject hearsay evidence offered in regard to a brother or sister, even though the scriptures teach us to do so. Prov. 17 (9) "but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends." Even that, was in the context of a friend's PROVEN transgression, much less hearsay (unproven).
In Rom. 3(8) Paul stated that, not only did some render slanderous reports, but others affirmed them. Another passage sheds even more light, in I Tim. 1 (7) he told Timothy of people who wanted to be teachers. Problem was, they didn't know what they were talking about nor how they validated it. Have you allowed unproven statements to separate you from a friend?
Let us be sure that when we state, repeat or believe a matter, we know for sure; and that it is affirmed by reliable sources, amen!
M.C. Kekel
Not long ago a song leader was hesitant to lead the song 'Higher Ground' because Rev. Ashmore had preached against it; I told him to sing it anyway. Rev. Ashmore was merely stating that our standing in Christ can't get any higher than heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3) The song leader took it to mean that singing the song was wrong. A small thing, but people often misunderstand, and sometimes rumors are created and spread. It's hard to understand the thinking behind people who repeat rumors, when they know it's hearsay.
Hearsay is information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate; the report of another person's words by a witness, usually disallowed as evidence in a court of law: hearsay evidence. Unfortunately, Christians don't always reject hearsay evidence offered in regard to a brother or sister, even though the scriptures teach us to do so. Prov. 17 (9) "but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends." Even that, was in the context of a friend's PROVEN transgression, much less hearsay (unproven).
In Rom. 3(8) Paul stated that, not only did some render slanderous reports, but others affirmed them. Another passage sheds even more light, in I Tim. 1 (7) he told Timothy of people who wanted to be teachers. Problem was, they didn't know what they were talking about nor how they validated it. Have you allowed unproven statements to separate you from a friend?
Let us be sure that when we state, repeat or believe a matter, we know for sure; and that it is affirmed by reliable sources, amen!
M.C. Kekel
Labels: RUMORS
Posted by mck at 3:14 PM 9 comments
Ck1-
|
LIGHT
'Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun' (Ecclesiastes 11:7)
Welcome!
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
God has been good to me; and in the months ahead I'd like to share with you some of the wonderful things He has done for me personally and within NTCC. I have lots of great things to talk with you about!
Bear in mind that I have three jobs, including CEO of the Organization, President of the Bible Seminary and Senior Pastor of the local church in Graham, WA. Therefore, I cannot guarantee that you will read something new every day but I'll try to update in a timely fashion.
I'd love to post your comments, just remember that this is a moderated blog. Please keep your comments civil; I don't mind serious issues, but I cannot justify meanness or cruelty. If you have something GOOD to share, by all means jump in and share it! You can send email direct to mckekel@hotmail.com, or my phone number is (360)-893-5355.
God bless you, let's get started!
SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH
Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Archives
HIT COUNTER
   |
Subscribe
Posts All Comments Links
Followers
Search This Blog
Content Labels
- Love (2)
- healing (2)
- miracles (2)
- Beards (1)
- Conference (1)
- Divine Multiplication (1)
- Dreams (1)
- Fire (1)
- Hate (1)
- Holy Ghost Baptism (1)
- Home (1)
- Judgment (1)
- Old (1)
- RUMORS (1)
- Sports (1)
- blessings (1)
- brethren (1)
- control (1)
- temperance (1)
Copyright 2010-You have the right to copy anything you want from this blog; PASS IT ON!.
1 comment:
What I don't get is, he lectures about manly man stuff & peppers his text with fruity colors. Underlines, italicizes, highlights & boldfaces? Is he not confident about what he writes? Or, hear me out, is he a context massager? A scripture wrester?
Post a Comment