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Gary Patton

Congo's Chaotic Past - 0 views

  • Although the Congo has vast mineral resources and tremendous agricultural potential, it is one of the poorest counties in the world.
  • The Congo’s fertile fields and tropical forests cover an area larger than the combined areas of California, Oregon, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. The Congo is rich in diamonds, gold, copper, uranium and other precious metals. The huge Congo River has the potential to generate enough hydroelectric power to provide all the electrical needs of the entire continent.
  • Literally millions of Congolese have been massacred, often by the very soldiers and police who were meant to be protecting them.
  • ...15 more annotations...
  • Immediately after independence in the 1960’s tens of thousands of Christians and hundreds of missionaries were martyred, particularly in the Communist Simba rebellion of 1964.
  • corruption has continued to cripple the country,
    • Gary Patton
       
      For the opposite perspective, see the research article, "Economic growth with endogenous corruption: an empirical study" by Mushfiq Swaleheen of Florida Gulf Coast University (http://diigo.com/0ln18). In it he postulates that a measure of corruption in deeply corrupt countries such as Congo actually enhances economic growth ...perhaps by helping companies sidestep onerous rules. But that's only at the extreme; for a country with average endemic corruption, a one-standard-deviation increase in corrupt incidences depresses per-capita GDP growth by 0.12 percentage points, he has found. gfp
  • forces from Communist
  • Soon the armies of eight other nations were embroiled in the conflict in the Congo.
  • Documenting the human rights abuses and persecution of Christians in the Congo can be overwhelming.
  • the Christian church has emerged as the only viable national structure to survive the general social, political and economic collapse of the country. The growth of the church in the Congo over the last century has been dramatic. The number of Christians in the Congo has grown from 1.4% of the total population in 1900 to over 90% professing Christianity today.
    • Gary Patton
       
      Sicne Jesus went back to heaven, His "Body on earth", "The Church" has continued to thrive best when persecuted. The Congo is typical. So are Canada & the U.S where the Body has become flacid and is disappearing ...down to less than 3% by some estimates. gfp
    • Gary Patton
       
      Since Jesus went back to heaven, His "Body on earth", "The Church", has continued to thrive best when persecuted. The Congo is typical. So are Canada & the U.S typical of what happens to the Body without real persecution. It has become flacid and is disappearing ...down to less than 3% by some estimates. gfp
    • Gary Patton
       
      1 Chron. 16:24-25 is a powerful Scripture regarding God's glory & my role in proclaiming it that I have quoted in my Spiritual Mission Statement.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:24 – 25
    • Gary Patton
       
      is a powerful Scripture regarding God's glory & my role in proclaiming it that I have quoted in my Spiritual Mission Statement.
  • Estimates exceed a million AIDS and war orphans.
  • Just about the only functioning schools are church run. The Catholics have dominated the education field, but Protestants are increasingly striving to rise to the challenge as well.
  • There is a famine of Christian literature and an intense hunger for Christian books.
  • Many nominal Christians have no clear grasp of repentance and faith in Christ. Animism, witchcraft and syncretism are also major problems. The vast swamp lands north east of Kinshasa include many communities which have never been effectively evangelized. The half a million Swahili speaking Muslims need to be reached with the Gospel. Despite the Muslims mounting considerable efforts to spread Islam in the Congo, very little has been done to try to reach Muslims for Christ.
  • Despite the small Pygmy peoples of the Congo rain forests being despised and abused by the Congolese, there has been a tremendous turning to Christ amongst them. Nominally 30% of the Pygmies claim to be Christian.
  • Much of the country needs to be re-evangelized.
  • The “Democratic Republic of the Congo”, in its 46 years of independence from Belgium, has never been a democracy.
    • Gary Patton
       
      The Congo's past may soon be duplicated by numerous new, allegedly democratic nations that are merging in the Middle East following the so-called "2011 Arab Spring" i.e. Tunisia, Egypt, Syria and Yemen for starters. Democracy has never flourished, or even survived, when radical Islamists can gain control of a country & implement Islamic Sharia Law. Even the perdominately Muslim people of the previously relatively-free and secular Turkey have handed control of their country over to an Islamist dominated government in 2011. gfp
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    Here's how God arranged to effect from communist chaos to Christ in the Congo. gfp (2011-10)
Gary Patton

ISLAM World Fastest Growing Religion, PART-3 - YouTube - 1 views

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    A video featuring on the recent growth of Islam especially among young women with an average age of 27. GaryFPatton (gfp '42™ 2012-12-04) Satan obviously has implemented a major new push given the "spiritual" revival that Holy Spirit has inspired among GenY.
Gary Patton

M. Scott Peck's Stage Theory - YouTube - 0 views

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    Dave Schmelzer outlines Mr. Peck's theory of emotional and spiritual growth.
Gary Patton

"F-E-A-R NOT Speaking Up Because The Words Will Be Given To You", John 16:12-16 VOICE -... - 0 views

  • The Spirit of truth will come and guide you in all truth. He will not speak His own words to you; He will speak what He hears, revealing to you the things to come and bringing glory to Me.
    • Gary Patton
       
      When "speaking up" is regarding sin and/or wrongs in society when you are speaking to or writing politicians and others in authority, our enemy provokes F-E-A-R™. It is designed to keep us from being all Jesus plans for us as He God promises in Ephesians 2:8-10 (http://diigo.com/0n20e) ...for the moment. F-E-A-R™ is False-Evidence-Appearing-Real™. It is F-A-L-S-E™ because it also is Fear-inducing-Authoritarian-Legalistic-Sadistic-Enervating™ and not of God for those in King Jesus. Because of the promise of these Verses I believe most fear, which is not immediately either physically, emotionally or spiritually existential, is usually F-E-A-R. It and it's counter-F-E-A-R™ (Face Everything and Recover, in Jesus™) are what I coach Christians because God is a Promise Keeper re our NOT having to fear when stay dead and are walking in Him as the Apostle Paul says in Galatians 2:20 at http://diigo.com/0jggi . A true Jesus Follower's ability to be able to counter and thrive appropriately when F-E-A-R™ attacks is promised to every Jesus Follower repeatedly in the Bible including in Philippians 4:11-13 at http://is.gd/Zshro0 and in Proverbs 19:23 at http://is.gd/OfMz1s. So Christian: "Just trust God and speak up when yo feel led!"
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    "F-E-A-R NOT Speaking Up Because The Words Will Be Given To You" "F-E-A-R™" is diabolically induced and it is "F-A-L-S-E™". What my acronyms mean and why they are crucial to overcome in King Jesus are explained in the e-Sticky Note below. Peace & love in King Jesus, GaryFPatton (2013-07-01)
Gary Patton

"The Common Vicious Voices" - GaryFPatton - 1 views

  • "The Common 'Vicious Voices'"
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    Galatians 5:16-18 outlines clearly who and what are the "Vicious Voices" that can take you to hell!
Gary Patton

Why Was the Greek Word "Ekklesia" Translated 'Church' in English Bibles & its Ramificat... - 0 views

  • What is the Significance of the New Testament's use of the Word "Ekklesia?"
  • at the beginning of the Tribulation
    • Gary Patton
       
      It's a shame that many Christian authors cannot stick to one piece of theology at a time, and, by doing so avoid turning some people off, and protect their credibility. This bit of Pretrib Theology, with which all Jesus Followers do not agree and is an arguable interpretation, was a totally unnecessary addition to the key point the author was making. gfp
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    The article documents how the use of the extra-Biblical word "church" instead of accurate translation "assembly" or "congregation" came from those who had a bias towards a hierarchical and unscriptural form of church government. To have translated the word "ekklesia" accurately into "assembly" or congregation" would have exposed their form of church government as being in error. GaryFPatton 2013-09-21 gfp '42
Gary Patton

" Does Scripture Warn Against 'Replacement Theology'" - Bible Gateway - 1 views

  • Romans 11:17-21
    • Gary Patton
       
      Romans 11:17-21 seems to include a warning that some "Replacement Theology" adherents and, especially, its pulpit teachers would be wise to prayerfully take to heart. This is especially true regarding the antisemitic undertones that can slime this theological position in some Christians, even true Jesus Followers. GaryFPatton (2013-09-19 © gfp '42™)
  • do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches
  • Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
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    Romans 11:17-21 seems to include a warning that some "Replacement Theology" adherents and, especially, its teachers would be wise to prayerfully take to heart. GaryFPatton (2013-09-19 This is especially true regarding the antisemitic undertones that can undertone it in some.
Gary Patton

The Myth of the Existence of a Christian Nation - 1 views

"The Myth of the Existence of a Christian Nation" Messiah Jesus (Yeshua) came to earth and established His movement to serve the world with Christ-like love, among other reasons. He didn't die on ...

christians christianity government spiritual growth scripture Matthew non-violence peace-making peace politcs political-action

started by Gary Patton on 20 Jan 13 no follow-up yet
Gary Patton

"Inglorious Pastors" ...Jesus' Teachings on Pacifism - 1 views

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    Sermon series by Bruxy Cavey, Teaching Pastor at The Meeting House on the above controversial topic within the Body of Christ despite Jesus clear teaching in Mattew 5:35-48.
Gary Patton

The Unparalleled Teachings of Jesus - 0 views

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    Fifth sermon & Drive Home follow-up from series on "Evangelism" in March 2013.
Gary Patton

"Pacifism" - Bruxy Cavey & Greg Boyd - 0 views

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    Two sermons at Meeting House in Toronto in May 2010.
Gary Patton

Scattered Brotherhood, Letters of the - 0 views

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    "Of Myself I Can Do Nothing"
Gary Patton

"Reincarnation is a Lie & Judgement Follows Death" - Hebrews 9:26-28 NIV - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  •  Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many;
  • Hebrews 9:26-28
    • Gary Patton
       
      "Reincarnation is a Lie & Judgement Follows Death"
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    Judgement follows death ...NOT reincarnation... for all wo(men)! GaryFPatton (2013-06-16)
Gary Patton

"Jesus Followers Will Rule & Reign On the Earth" - 2 Timothy 2:10-13 NIV - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • 2 Timothy 2:10-13
  • if we endure,    we will also reign with him
    • Gary Patton
       
      Jesus Followers will rule and reign ON THE EARTH in the end ...NOT IN HEAVEN!
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    We will rule and reign ON THE EARTH in the end NOT IN HEAVEN! GaryFPatton (2013-06-16)
Gary Patton

"No Pain. No Gain! - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • Hebrews 12:1-12
  • Therefore
  • we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • ay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us
  • run with (C)endurance the race that is set before us
  • fixing our eyes on Jesus, the [b](D)author and perfecter of faith
  • consider Him who has endured
  • you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,“(L)My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,Nor (M)faint when you are reproved by Him; 6 (N)For those (O)whom the Lord loves He disciplines,And He scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you endure; (P)God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?
  • we had [e]earthly fathers to discipline us, and we (R)respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to (S)the Father of [f]spirits, and (T)live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them,
  • so that we may share His holiness
  • All discipline (V)for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the (W)peaceful fruit of righteousness.
  • Therefore, [g](X)strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble,
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    "No Pain. No Gain! The author of Hebrews said the above in Hebrews 14:1-12 to challenge Jesus Followers to "run the important race of life" and "stay the course". And s(he) did so long before Nike used the slogan to peddle over-priced shoes one doesn't really need to make it to the "finish line that is REAL-ly important ().
Gary Patton

"How Jesus Followers Must Work On Their Jobs" - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • Colossians 3:22-24
  • Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
  • Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters
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  • you know that you will receive an inheritance(A) from the Lord as a reward.
  • It is the Lord Christ you are serving
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    "How Jesus Followers Must Work On Their Jobs" Colossians 3:23-24 confirm clearly the only way a Jesus Followers can do the things God planned for her/him before the beginning of time and please Him! GaryFPatton (gfp '42™ 2012-08-15)
Gary Patton

The Root of Who a Jesus Follower is In Christ - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • baptized into His death
    • Gary Patton
       
      If you have Holy Spirit living in you, you're past tense dead! You are a brand, new "New Creation", not a patched up one or one with two natures ...despite what the NIV implies by its translation of "flesh" as "sinful nature" as outlined at by Dr. Bill Gillham at http://diigo.com/0j8w4 . The "Old You" (Old Man or Old Self) is dead and buried and a "New You" (Man/Self/Creation) is all that's left because of what Jesus has already done for you.
  • as Christ was (B)raised from the dead through the (C)glory of the Father
    • Gary Patton
       
      If you have Holy Spirit living in you, you're past tense dead! You are a brand, new "New Creation", not a patched up one or one with two natures ...despite what the NIV implies by its translation of "flesh" as "sinful nature" as outlined at by Dr. Bill Gillham. The "Old You" (Old Man or Old Self) is dead and buried and a "New You" (Man/Self/Creation) is all that's left because of what Jesus has already done for you.
  • walk in (D)newness of life
    • Gary Patton
       
      This promise confirms the truth of our "New Life" as a Follower of Jesus as we let Him live His life out through us as it says in Galatians 2:20 at < http://is.gd/BYVePk >. gfp (2011-09-08)
  • ...4 more annotations...
  • body of sin might be [b]done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin
    • Gary Patton
       
      In this verse, please go with the equally acceptable translation noted in (B) of "made powerless"! This makes clearer that "Mr. Sin" is finished and cannot resurrect himself as the flesh (what remains in your human nature after rebirth) continues to do in ALL Christians. You are clearly past tense dead to the power of "Mr. Sin" operating through your flesh to control your behaviour. You can read more about Mr. Sin in the short articles by Dr. Gillham at http://diigo.com/0j8w4 .
  • dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
    • Gary Patton
       
      How's this for a miracle .. you are a dead wo(man) and really alive for the first time. But only when you believe this truth. This verse makes even clearer that "Mr. Sin" is dead, powerless and cannot resurrect himself as can your flesh (what remains in your human nature after rebirth) continues to do in ALL Christians. You are clearly past tense dead to the power of "Mr. Sin". As I noted above, you can read more about Mr. Sin in the short articles by Dr. Gillham @ gfp (2011-09-08)
  • having been (A)freed from sin,
    • Gary Patton
       
      You do NOT have "two natures" Please believe it!. Then act on the truth you say you believe by keeping on keeping on abiding/resting/walking in Jesus, you dead wo(man) you!!!! Because when Jesus sets you FREE, you're free indeed as you're also promised at < http://diigo.com/0jiq6 > . gfp (2011-09-08)
    • Gary Patton
       
      There are four other short verses attached below. Don't miss the e-Sticky Note comments on each of these.
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    Please note and prayerfully meditate on the powerful truth that the verbs in each of 5 crucial verses in Romans 6:3,4,6,11,18 are each past tense? Please also reflect on what that means for you having a REAL life of abundance and true freedom if you follow Jesus. If you do, the "Old You" (Old Man or Old Self) is dead and buried and a "New You" (Man/Self/Creation) is all that's left because of what Jesus has already done for you. You already are a brand New Creation, not a patched up one or one with two natures ...even f you don't always act of feel like one. Plus you're dead to the power of Mr. Sin operating through your flesh (sinful habit patterns that remain as part of your human, not sinful, nature) to control your behaviour. gfp
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    The Bible says you ARE a "Dead Wo(man) Walking". But, you may not know it. And that's holding your spiritual growth back! gfp
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    Yes, you really are a Walking Dead Wo(man) when you are in Christ! And you're powerless if you don't believe and understand how and why God designed His children to be this kind of New Creation in Christ"! gfp
Gary Patton

Mark 10:17-18 "Jesus Is Sinless & God" - Bible Gateway - 0 views

  • “No one is good—except God alone.
    • Gary Patton
       
      Having had the man already call Him "good", Jesus is declaring here both His sinlessness, which He pointed out repeatedly, plus His membership in the Godhead. That truth most of His Jewish listeners at the time including the young man, plus most throughout the centuries, did not and could not understand or believe ...as Jesus also pointed out repeatedly... because of the ongoing demonic influence in unBelievers lives as He says in John 8:43-44 at http://is.gd/O3Wcwx until God elects.
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    When read in the context of the entire discourse, which is always wise, I'd suggest to you and others that Jesus' comment takes on a different perspective. I'd suggest that after having had the man already call Him "good", Jesus was declaring in verse 18 both His sinlessness, which He pointed out repeatedly, plus His membership in the Godhead. That fact most of His Jewish listeners at the time including the young man, plus most throughout the centuries, did not and could not understand ...as Jesus also pointed out repeatedly. GaryFPatton 2013-09-17
Gary Patton

Islamic-JihadandOT-Wars.pdf - 0 views

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    Downloaded from Francis Magazine, . GaryFPatton (2013-09-19)
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