Which Assets Are Most Likely to Survive the Inevitable “System Re-Set”?

According to the following article in the link :

The main takeaway is this: your skills, knowledge and social capital will emerge unscathed on the other side of the re-set wormhole. Land and real property you own free and clear (no debt) is likely to remain in your possession, as long as you can pay soaring taxes/junk fees during the crisis phase. Your financial assets held in centrally controlled institutions will not make it through unscathed; they are simply too easy for central authorities to expropriate.

http://charleshughsmith.blogspot.sg/2017/02/which-assets-are-most-likely-to-survive.html

In my book, The Coming Economic Flood, or in talks, I have suggested similar preparation :

1.  Debt free property ownership.

2.  Learn certain skills that are required at all times.

3.  Help one another during good times to build self sustaining industries so that those with the eventual capable means can help those without during the hard times.

 

How Can We Know God’s Will ?

Whenever  some believers talk about knowing God’s Will, what they actually mean is to know the correct decision they are making for a particular area of their lives, such as,  finding the right partner or job, or buying the right apartment or car at the right time.

Search for the words “God’s will” or “the Lord’s will”, or what does God wants for us in the Bible, you can find the following verses :

  1. 2 Pet 3:9. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
  2. Eph 5:15-18. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
  3. 1 Thess 4:3-5. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honourable,  not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.
  4. 1 Pet 2:13-15. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
  5. 1 Pet 4:12-19. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.  However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

It is God’s predestinating purpose for us to be saved in Christ Jesus and to be a people growing in Christlikeness and eventually be perfect in Christ.  Eph 1:4-14, Titus 2:11-12,  Rom 8:28-29, Eph 2:8-10.

So from the Word of God above,  we can see it is the same purpose that God wants us to be saved in Christ Jesus (2 Pet 3:9),  be Spirit-filled (Eph 5:15-18), be sanctified (1 Thess 4:3-5), be submissive (1 Pet 2:13-15), and be willing to suffer for Christ’s sake and doing good (1 Pet 4:12-19).

If we are walking in these 5 areas according to God’s will, God is already controlling our wants and desires.  And when the Word of God dwells richly in you and the Spirit of Christ is filling you, you will prosper in whatever you do because you will make the right and wise decision for any area of your life.

Psalms 1:1-3

Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

– Gleaned from the book, How To Get The Most From God’s Word, by Dr John MacArthur.

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Bearing Fruit

John 15:1-8

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

From the above passage,  it is clear that branches which do and do not bear fruit are both grafted onto the True Vine.  God, being the Vinedresser,  will prune those that bear fruit to bear even more fruit while cutting away those that do not.  This clearly illustrates that there are false and true believers staying together in Christendom and it will be futile for those that do not bear fruit to insist and claim to be in Christ to their own peril.

It is also clear from the above passage that every true believer in Christ will bear fruit as evidence of truly abiding in Him and so prove to be His disciple.

What is the fruit that a true believer will bear ?

Search the Bible for the word “fruit” and these defining verses will come up.

  1. Gal 5:22.   The fruit of the Spirit.
  2. Heb 13:15.   The fruit of our lips that bless His Holy Name.
  3. Col 1:10.   Fruit in every good work.
  4. John 4:35-38.  Gathering fruit (souls) for eternal life.

The question to ponder seriously is how to be the branch that bear fruit and do not end up as one that does not !

Abide in Christ and obey His Word !   John 15:4,7.  John 14:23-24

John  15:4,7

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me... If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

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Fellowship And Ministry In Olangapo, Philippines

Felt so blessed to fellowship with these godly servants who love our Lord so much that they give all of their lives to caring for God’s people and are so committed to reach out and share the gospel to their city folk and beyond –  Pastor Anton of Jesus Love You City Church and Pastor Ramil and Pastor Jimmy of True Life Ministries, and several ministers who came to worship and fellowship in an afternoon conference hosted by Pastor Rolly.

(This is no casual praise for I know of their personal sacrifice in serving the Lord.  It will take much time to share their testimonies here but the Lord knows.  All glory and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ.)

So touched that they made time to fellowship despite their heavy schedule and out-of-the-way inconvenience.

So grateful to Pastor Martin who accompanied me all the time.

All thanks to our Lord Jesus. Bless His holy name.

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Confession Of A Former Hyper Grace Believer

Could not say it better than the below-mentioned confession about the reality of believing this false gospel. From the confession of all former believers, it is ironic to note that they said it was the grace of God which opened their blinded eyes eventually to see the deception of the false grace gospel.

The following confession is shared with permission from the confessor.

Quote

The bottom of my motivation, is to warn others about the false gospel taught by Pastor XXX.

(We are contending against false gospels and not people per se who are sinners just like us.  So it is my personal policy not to name names if possible.)

I too, was under the spell of his false doctrine, having listened to him day and night since year 2000. He taught that God is a good God, and his deepest desire is to make us happy. So whoever is under Grace, will receive every blessing that he desires, and will get anything that he asks for. He taught us to practice positive confession, to claim my dream car, career promotion, material blessings, declaring that I am the Righteousness of God in Christ, and I can claim everything I want in the name of Jesus. He also taught that just as our obedience cannot save us, our disobedience cannot un-save us, as long as I believe in Jesus and trust him, no amount of Sin can take Salvation away from me. Sounds familiar?

This resulted in an outward righteousness, with no heart transformation. On the outside, I appear like an obedient Christian who serves God in Church. But on the inside, I covet for all the blessings, I indulge in Sin without guilt, thinking that since God has forgiven me, I need no repentance from Sins. Every time I pray, I proclaim that I am the righteousness of God in Christ, and I can claim million dollars sales, drive sports car, marry a supermodel and live for 120 years old.

It was until 2 years back, I decided to read the bible for myself, from cover to cover. I analyzed God’s plan from Abraham to Moses to the Kings, the Exile, to Jesus and the Apostles. I realized that contrary to what Pastor XXX taught, Jesus actually came to establish the Law. Israel has fallen to a hopeless state, and Jesus came to die for the faithful remnants of Israel, so that those who wish to repent and follow him will have their Sins covered. Those who reject his commandments, also rejected the Law and the Prophets, and subsequently Jesus and the Apostles. Jesus called them, workers of Lawlessness.

Then I begun to change my perspective. I realized through my reading, that those who love God, cannot love the world. Hence one cannot say “I am the righteousness of God in Christ, I want a big car”. Simply because, wanting a big car is covetousness, and the bible says covetousness is idolatry, and those who covet cannot inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Does this sound familiar to you?

The bible teaches that we cannot earn Salvation through our merits, therefore our obedience cannot bring us life. But the Bible also says, those who have true faith in Jesus Christ WILL live in obedience, repent from their worldly values and turn from their sinful deeds. I was a false Christian who thinks he is saved but in fact was not. If I had died 2 years ago, I would have died without true saving faith of Jesus Christ.

(The false) doctrine did not help me become a better Christian, but instead had made me a Christian who is outwardly positive and enthusiastic to serve in church, yet inwardly denying my struggles and temptations, coveting worldly values, and blind to true doctrine. I was a true Pharisee who forsook the commandments of God, and complied to man made human rules made by false interpretation of God’s word and church leaders.

Now I no longer desire to be rich. I no longer desire the values and status that the world offers and desire to walk simply in his ways. God has been faithful to provide for me even though I did not ask for it. I did not marry a supermodel, and I thank God that I married someone whom I love and loves me for who I am. I serve in Church because I love God and want to serve His people.

The Gospel of Grace aka Hyper-grace does not save, but in fact cause those who are not truly saved think that they are saved. You might think (the false teacher) is spreading the gospel and saving millions worldwide. But the fact is, he is deceiving millions into his false teaching.

My advise to you, stay away from this false teaching, and join a local church that teaches sound doctrine verse by verse.

Unquote

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Hopeful Launch Of The Prison Fellowship International Ministry In Indonesia

By the grace of God, Pastor Jhonston Silitonga, Chairman of the Body of Christ Fellowship Indonesia (BOCF) welcome Sister Penny Gonnay, Asia Pacific Director of Prison Fellowship International (PFI), to grace the BOCF pastoral conference and hope to launch the PFI ministry in Indonesia, by the grace of God.

She spoke passionately about sharing the Good News and discipleship through the prison ministry on a national effort and had appointed Pastor Lukas to be the main contact in the hope that the PFI ministry can be established in Indonesia.

For 20 years, the pastors of BOCF numbering up to a thousand, obeyed the exhortation in Heb 10:24-25 to meet every month to stimulate one another to love and good works while waiting eagerly for the return of our Lord.  Most do so with much personal sacrifice.

Hallelujah ! All glory and honor to Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Hopeful Launch Of The Prison Fellowship International Ministry In Philippines

Ms Penny E Gonnay, the Asia Pacific Director of Prison Fellowship International has graciously turned up to grace the conference of 200 chaplains and pastors in Bangasinan, Philippines on 13th January 2017.

All praise and thanks to our Lord Jesus and God our Father for answering our prayer to have her tremendous support in selecting the National Chaplains of Philippines as possible partner in the prison ministry.

43 chaplains and pastors in Bangasinan Province have signed up for the 3 day training program to be conducted by Ms Penny personally probably in February 2017.   More chaplains from other provinces will sign up very soon as well.

All glory and honor to Jesus our Lord.

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Thanksgiving Night In Villasis, Bangasinan, Philippines

13th January 2017

So full of joy to join the whole town in celebrating the goodness of God our Father and Jesus our Lord.  Together with the mayor, vice mayor, municipal leaders, church leaders and the whole town, we worshiped the Lord and give thanks together for His blessings for the past year.

I thanked the Lord for the honor to deliver a short message to the town.  I shared about honoring the leaders who work hard for their welfare and doing good to one another while waiting eagerly for the return of our Lord.  I gave the concluding exhortation in 1 Thess 5:12-22.

All thanks and glory to Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Principle Of Probability

In John MacArthur’s book, How To Get The Most From God’s Word, I was excited to read about the principle of probability in validating prophecy.  He mentioned that the strongest objective argument for the validity of Scripture comes from fulfilled Bible prophecy.  He added that the principle of probability could objectively prove the validity of the prophecy if the event occurs exactly as prophesied with incredible odds.

John MacArthur is a well known cessationist.  Though he is correct that prophecy in the primary sense has ceased¸ I believe he errs in not believing in the possibility of prophecy in the lesser sense at all.  (Please see footnote.)  Let me explain.  I believe prophecy as in special revelation in the Bible is complete, but the gift of prophecy in the lesser sense (such as the prophecy of a global famine by Agabus in Acts 11:27-30) is still possible. This type of one-off message must not be confused with the ridiculous frequent fortune telling practiced by some.

For such message to be valid as prophecy in the lesser sense, it must have incredible odds of probability to start with.  For example, if I prophesy an earthquake this year in a particular country like Japan, the probability is actually pretty high, say 50%.  The odds of difficulty will be compounded if I prophesy the month, the day, the city, the exact building that will collapse and finally subsequent visions to reinforce the first vision and the message as well.  By then, the odds will be so incredible that when all these details occur according to the prophecy, it is incomprehensible to deny it is not a message from God.

Just a few prophecies concerning our Lord would yield incredible odds of probability which could only proved Him to be the Messiah – born in Bethlehem, of the tribe of Judah, raised in Nazareth, betrayed with 30 pieces of silver, died on the cross, and men casting lots over his garments.

Agabus’s prophecy of a global famine will not twist the doctrine of salvation a bit and is inconsequential to Christian spiritual growth in his or her daily walk with Christ. So the significance probably was something which would affect the ordinary life of the Judea Christians at that time.   In this particular case, the famine brought hardship on the Judea Christians which the Antioch Christians were able to help by preparing such relief for them upon learning of a coming global famine.  They sent the relief later through Paul and Barnabas to the elders in Judea.

Footnote :

“…in the primary sense of prophets, as vehicles of direct and fresh revelation, it seems we must say that this charisma is no longer given. There is no longer anyone in the church who may dare to say, “The word of the Lord came to me, saying…” or “Thus says the Lord.” It has been argued, however, that prophets may be used in other and lesser senses. Some think there may be men today like the prophet Agabus (Acts 11:28; 21-10-11) whose function is not to add to revelation but to foretell some future event. This is possible. But both church history and personal experience make me cautious…”  – John Stott, Baptism and Fullness.

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All Israel Shall Be Saved

Rom 11:25-28
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob”…28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.

I have always wondered why the Jews do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah over the centuries. That is because they believe in only ONE advent of the Messiah to establish His glorious reign on earth which is prophesied in the OT.   Even when our Lord appeared to the apostles speaking much about the Kingdom of God during the forty days after His Resurrection,  the apostles still asked for the specific time that God will restore the kingdom of Israel.  A clear evidence of the very consuming hope in the psyche of the Jews that one day,  the Messiah will restore the Kingdom of Israel and reign in glory as prophesied in the Scriptures.  Acts 1: 3-8.

(But Christians believe in 2 comings – the First Advent and the Second Coming – so that all prophecies of the initial suffering and the eventual glorious reign of the Messiah on earth are not contradicted.)

They can only believe in ONE advent of the Messiah in glorious reign. And not a crucified Messiah which is a stumbling block to them. 1 Cor 1:23.

So when the fullness of the Gentiles has come and Christ Jesus finally returns to reign on earth for 1000 years, the nation will see that the Messiah has finally come to reign and BELIEVE in Him. To them, it is the PROPHESIED COMING finally and not the first advent of a crucified Messiah.

I believe ALL ISRAEL does not mean every single Jew. It means the majority of the nation. They are still saved by faith alone in Christ Jesus.

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