Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, October 19
Faces Not Places

These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.
Acts 17:6

Recommended Reading
Matthew 28:19-20
Did Jesus send a church building into the world to make disciples of all the nations? Of course not. He sent people. But this question helps clarify the definition of church. The New Testament uses the Greek word ekklesia (literally, "called-out ones") for Church, referring to those who are called together by God. The word always specifies people--the followers of Jesus--not buildings.

Our culture is questioning the relevancy of the Church. Unsavory things have happened to people "in church" or in the name of Christ throughout history. But that doesn't negate the good that has been done. Nor does it make the Church irrelevant. The pundits may rail against our stand on immorality, but they cannot deny our compassion for the poor, orphans, and widows. The Church's relevancy is based on the message we preach of "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Is the Church making an impact on the world? Before you answer that question, there is one place you must look: the mirror. If we're going to be ridiculed by the world, let it be for turning the world upside down with the Gospel as the early apostles did (Acts 17:6).

Now the church is not wood and stone, but the company of people who believe in Christ.
Martin Luther

Read-Thru-the-Bible
John 7:1-8:30

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, October 20

Steeple People

You are worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honor and power . . .
Revelation 4:11

Recommended Reading
Matthew 5:13-16
Burning most of the city in four days, the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed St. Paul's Cathedral and many churches. Architect Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned by King Charles II to rebuild these religious structures. In his design, Wren included steeples that visually guided men and women to gaze heavenward above the city's destruction. The steeple image quickly caught on, reminding people of the Church's purpose: to glorify our Lord and Savior.

Yet tragically, in the busyness of new programs and entertaining fads, churches can forget their purpose. Do we pamper our congregations with an entertainment mentality that leads to biblical ignorance? It's not about how smart we are at directing people toward our particular church. Our purpose isn't to be wealthy, famous, or praised by a degraded society. Our singular purpose is to pave the way for His return by sowing the Gospel person-to-person and nation-to-nation.

I'm thankful for the church steeple. It's a fitting symbol for the central purpose of the Church, unapologetically directing people toward the glory of God. Step outside and gaze heavenward. It will put your life in perspective.`

It is, perhaps, one of the hardest struggles of the Christian life to learn this sentence-"Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thy name be glory."
C. H. Spurgeon


Read-Thru-the-Bible
John 8:31 -10:21

[Judy Harder]

Culture Threat #7: The Attack of Spiritual Warfare



The Christian's spiritual enemy is not in uniform, and he doesn't meet us on an identifiable battlefield. He uses ruthless and unconventional tactics, such as deceit, deflection, and disguise. Yet a large number of pastors and teachers ignore or downplay spiritual warfare to the point that many professing Christians don't even know they're in a war.

That means we have a crisis on our hands, and we need to sound the alarm.

The Church of Jesus Christ needs to know its enemy and his strategies. Yes, God wins in the end. But the more unsuspecting or unbelieving a person is concerning the reality of spiritual warfare, the more easily he or she becomes prey. The only way to protect oneself from Satan's infiltration is to be on the side of the One who is more powerful than he is: "because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Today, as we move ever closer to the appearing of Christ for His Church and the subsequent Tribulation period, we are witnessing a biblically-predicted increase of demonic activity all around the world. Yet many self-professed Christians fail to take seriously the Bible's teaching about Satan and spiritual warfare.

The Bible could not be more clear about the existence of the devil and the reality of the spiritual conflict going on all around us. We must not lose sight of the fact that we are in a war - a war for the ages and a war for the souls of men.

Our task is to embrace what the Bible tells us about our enemy and be prepared for the battle we most certainly will face - even today.

What you can do:

Prepare:

Read Ephesians 6:10-18.
Be prepared for spiritual battle by daily studying God's Word.
Read Chapter Two of I Never Thought I'd See the Day! that examines the cultural signs of increased spiritual warfare. Now a #1 New York Times Bestseller!
Pray:

Ask God to help you navigate with discernment when involved with television, movies, or any entertainment that might take lightly - or glamorize - the powers of darkness.
Ask God to help you mature in your Christian walk so you can stand strong when spiritually attacked.
Pray for God to help your church understand the reality of spiritual warfare.
Participate:

You don't need to fight the devil alone. Get involved with an accountability partner who will pray for you and be available to you (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
Be committed to a Scripture memory program.
Listen and watch I Never Thought I'd See the Day! on Turning Point Television and Radio.
I want to help you know what God's Word says about the cultural and spiritual changes impacting America and the Church today and also know how to live faithfully in the midst of them.

Order I Never Thought I'd See the Day! now, and discover the extraordinary opportunity to help reverse the destructive trends and call America back to faith in God, back to the solid foundation of His Word.

God bless you,

[Judy Harder]

Friday, October 21

Love Your Enemies

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Proverbs 21:1

Recommended Reading
Matthew 5:43-48

On June 15, 2011, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met with the president of Russia and other Asian leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit held in Kazakhstan. In a speech, the Iranian president delivered a tirade against the "slavers and colonizers" of the West and called for a new world order. He asked, "Have any of us used an atomic bomb against the defenceless citizens of any other country?"--an obvious reference to America's use of the atomic bomb to end World War II.1

The Iranian president misses no opportunity to disparage America. Not to worry: Every king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, being turned wherever He wishes. No world leader makes a move, for good or for ill, outside the sovereign permission of God and for His purposes. The statements of those who would do us harm offer a good opportunity to pray for them as Jesus taught: ". . . love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who . . . persecute you . . ." (Matthew 5:44).

We need not look upon those enemies with fear whom God looks upon with contempt.
Matthew Henry


1Joel C. Rosenberg, "Russian and Iranian Leaders Meet for Summit in Central Asia: Echoes of Ezekiel 38-39 Coalition." flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/russian-and-iranian-leaders-meet-for-summit-in-central-asia-echoes-of-ezekiel-38-39-coalition, (accessed 6-15-11).


Read-Thru-the-Bible
John 10:22-12:19

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, October 22 & 23

Day of the Resurrection: God Provides Eternal Hope

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
1 Corinthians 15:19

Recommended Reading
1 Corinthians 15:12-28

The first half of 2011 saw a measure of suffering from tornadoes and floods unparalleled in U.S. history. Portions of entire towns were swept away by wind and washed away by water, reducing the work and dreams of residents to but a memory. Yet even such loss cannot approach the losses of Job in the Old Testament: children, property, health, even the loyalty of his wife. Yet Job persevered because He knew that there was life beyond this life: "And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God" (Job 19:26).

The apostle Paul, no stranger to suffering himself, agreed with Job. He wrote that we are to be pitied if the Christian life is about this life only. It is the promise of the resurrection to eternal life that makes faithfulness in this life reasonable. And we have that promise because of the resurrection of Christ. If Christ was not resurrected, neither shall we be. But because He was raised, we will follow Him out of the grave to an eternal day.

When the travails of this life weigh heavily upon you, remember the eternal hope provided by the day of the resurrection.

Christianity is essentially a religion of resurrection.
James S. Stewart


Read-Thru-the-Bible
John 12:20-17:26

[Judy Harder]

Monday, October 24

Sovereign Ruler

For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Romans 13:1b

Recommended Reading
1 Timothy 2:1-3

Parade magazine's 2009 list of "The World's Worst Dictators" ranked despotic rulers with reprehensible crimes against their countries, including: repressing religion, oppressing women, violence, torture, and controlling the media. If only these leaders understood that nations rise and fall and dictators come and go by the sovereign hand of our God. Do we as Christians grasp His sovereignty when we're prone to fear earthly rulers?

We live in unprecedented times as prophecy rapidly unfolds before us. In the midst of catastrophic world events, it's important to remember that God has a plan. The Book of Esther is a vivid reminder of God's sovereignty. This brave young woman's story reads like a bestselling thriller: a Persian official formulates a plot to exterminate the Jews living in Persia. By the Providence of God, Esther uncovers the sinister plan and it's derailed. Her spirit is an inspiration to those cowed by bullying leaders.

Why do we let our fears bully us into not sharing our faith? We should feel an urgency to do whatever needs to be done before Jesus returns. Make yourself available to Him, and stand strong in His sovereignty.

Are we not all immortal till our work is done?
Robert Murray McCheyne


Read-Thru-the-Bible
John 18:1-19:42

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, October 25

Toughen Up

The testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:3 (NIV 1984)

Recommended Reading
Revelation 3:10-13

Hardship sometimes destroys a spirit. But often character is strengthened in the crucible of suffering. Tom Dempsey, born with no toes on his right foot and no fingers on his right hand, was an American football placekicker in the National Football League. Remarkably, he broke the record for the longest field goal in football history. Forty years later Dempsey's record has been matched once, but never broken. Hardship fortified this man's spirit, instead of weakening him.

The tough-minded spirit, well-prepared for adversity, is clearly evident in the tiny nation of Israel. No race or nation has lived as long, contributed as much, and survived as much persecution as the Jews. Whether standing alone or supported by an ally, Israel has remained confident in her identity as the "chosen people of God" (Deuteronomy 7:6; 10:5). Her presence reminds us that God's kingdom is not just eternal. Ultimately He will establish His throne in Jerusalem (Zechariah 8:3).

Are you asking God to develop perseverance in you through each trial you face? Remember that God's strong arm of faithfulness is enough to help you withstand any crisis. Give God your attention and toughen up.

God has many ways that He might use to achieve His ends, but His wisdom determined the best way to accomplish them.
Samuel Willard


Read-Thru-the-Bible
John 20:1-Acts 1:26

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, October 26

God Bless You

I will bless those who bless you . . . and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Genesis 12:3

Recommended Reading
Deuteronomy 7:6-8
When someone sneezes we say, "God bless you." Or we use the phrase to appreciate someone who gives needed help. Sometimes we close our correspondence with it. But more than a figurative expression, the concept of blessing carries great significance. We read in Scripture that when God blesses, it is a sign of His relationship with a person or nation and His grace upon them.

God created a people for Himself, the nation Israel, to bless the world through the gift of the Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ, and His saving plan of redemption and grace. Genesis 12:3 promises that God blesses those who bless Abraham's descendants. Conversely, the history of nations that have abused the Jewish people proves the inevitable doom to those who don't choose to bless Israel. The promises of God toward Israel cannot be compromised or renegotiated at the political bargaining table. God has a plan for Israel, and His words never fail to accomplish their purpose (Isaiah 55:11).

As we wait for God's ultimate new world order, pray for your pastor and political leaders. And God bless you, friend, as you pray for "the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6).

Anything is a blessing which makes us pray.
C. H. Spurgeon


Read-Thru-the-Bible
Acts 2:1-4:22

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, October 27

Respond With Love

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice.
Romans 12:1

Recommended Reading
Philippians 2:12-13
The fact is: If we have to ask someone to tell us, "I love you," it's not going to mean as much as the spontaneous version. These universally desirable words are usually not something you have to teach. It's just natural to respond with love to those we care about. Why is it then that sometimes we're slow to verbalize and show our love to the One who loves us the most?

When the apostle Paul offered his appeal, "I beseech you," in Romans 12:1, he didn't command his readers to present themselves to God because our responsive attitude to God is crucial. "Beseech" implies an urging to respond to what God has already done--mercifully delivering us from sin and graciously bestowing blessings we don't deserve. Without hypocrisy or envy, Paul's counsel models a true spirit of love toward God.

The only spiritual service that honors and pleases God is the loving, thoughtful, heartfelt devotion of His children who give themselves totally to Him. Tell God you love Him, and think of some ways you can pour His love into those around you.

Every Christian would agree that a man's spiritual health is exactly proportional to his love for God.
C. S. Lewis


Read-Thru-the-Bible
Acts 4:23-6:15

[Judy Harder]

Culture Threat #8: The Attack on Jesus


I never thought I'd see the day in America when Jesus would be so profaned. Not only has a line been crossed that dishonors the name of Jesus, but the media industry and commercial entrepreneurs use it sacrilegiously for entertainment.

Is anything sacred anymore?

When Jesus is featured in profane ways on television shows like The Simpsons and South Park, He is reduced from His biblical stature of divine and holy to a cultural characterization of crude and common. But the blasphemous images continue to be tolerated for the sake of political correctness.

When people watch such shows or view similar representations of Jesus at the national level - and millions do - the national religious and spiritual psyche is changed. The message is, "Nothing is sacred anymore - and if anything is, it shouldn't be. Get over it."

Let's not be entertained at the expense of the One who created us and gave us life. Jesus is not just a good man; He is the God-Man. May we honor His name with our words and the entertainment choices we make.

What you can do:

Prepare:

Read Colossians 1:15-20 for a true portrait of Jesus.
Reflect on the humility of Jesus in Philippians 2:1-11.
Read Chapter Three of I Never Thought I'd See the Day! and examine how our culture is decreasing Jesus' deity and increasing His humanity. Now a #1 New York Times Bestseller!
Pray:

Pray that you will honor the name of Jesus in your everyday conversations.
Ask God to make you a discerning person as you choose entertainment that honors Him.
Pray for your family to honor Jesus in your words and actions.
Participate:

Don't spend money or time on entertainment that dishonors Jesus and His name.
Consider buying a foul language filter for your television that mutes foul language while you're watching television and movies.
Listen and watch I Never Thought I'd See the Day! on Turning Point Television and Radio.
I want to help you know what God's Word says about the cultural and spiritual changes impacting America and the Church today and also know how to live faithfully in the midst of them.

Order I Never Thought I'd See the Day! now, and discover the extraordinary opportunity to help reverse the destructive trends and call America back to faith in God, back to the solid foundation of His Word.

God bless you,



David Jeremiah