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Have you ever watched a video with your family and at the end think, "Isn't this a message from the Bible?"
"The Seeker" does not come across as a syrupy Christian movie....in fact, it just looks like an exciting, secular adventure type movie starring a fourteen yr. old boy...like the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.
Produced by 20th Century Fox and Walden Media, rated PG and the receiver of the family approved dove award, the Truly Moving Picture Award, and Kids First Approval Rating, this is a movie that does not come across like a Christian movie, until later when you realize it is. Wow!
After a bit you realize there is no swearing or immorality in this movie, but that it IS exciting from start to finish. And you have a feeling that this movie could be in the category of "Chronicles of Narnia" for mystery and symbolism of a religious nature...yet nowhere does it come right out and mention the Bible, or Jesus or heaven....but a Christian familiar with the message of the Bible will notice that the message comes through loud and clear. I'm sure any laurels the producers of this film get will probably be laid at the feet of Christ.
The plot involves a boy who finds out HE is chosen to save the world. (Christians are chosen to share Christ, who saves the souls of humankind as they turn to Him alone as their sacrifice for sin.)
He must fight"The Darkness" (who is a caped demon or the devil usually shown riding on a pale horse, spreading a haze of dark mist and destruction) and allow "The Light" to retain control of the world. He has one week to do this.
He is shown glimpses of what will happen if he cannot locate six symbols, which he must travel in time to find. There is a fortress he can resort to, an all important Book that gives him instruction on how to do his mission, and he is assisted by the Old Ones (people in town who gather in the fortress with him and are actually strong enough in the faith to battle "The Darkness" with him.)
His large family is loving but has some problems. One of his brothers is a "Judas" figure to him,
and he is tempted to hand over his powerful symbols to a seductive girl that he is attracted to, but he resists.
As he finds each symbol, his power over "The Darkness" grows. There are spectacular battles with "The Darkness" who assumes many forms, and eventually a showdown. The sixth symbol is the boy's own soul...HE is the means, as a type of Christ...(Christ in him, the hope of glory) to overcome evil and restore the harmony of his family, as well as bring salvation to the world. The devil is put in a snowglobe and dropped into a lake. (That seems symbolical too!)
I recommend this movie to youth groups and families. You can discuss the message of the book of Revelation, and the purpose of Christians on the earth...especially how young people are important in the fight and empowered as they read The Book and obey their marching orders and listen to the advice of older Christians.
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Blessed are the suffering saints of Orissa who do not walk in the counsel of their Hindu neighbors who insist on their "Homecoming."
They do not stand among them or sit in agreement with them...but hide in the jungle for their lives.
Their only delight is to think of the Words of the Lord that they have memorized and meditate on day and night.
This is comforting when alone with the beasts and bugs in the jungle, fighting waves of intenstinal sickness from the mosquitos.
But through the power of prayer, they endure.
They do not wither away but draw strength from the Holy Spirit.
And they have faith that through their suffering God will build the Church in Orissa into a mighty banyan tree that spreads its roots in all directions deep down into the soil of India.
They pray that whatever testimony they have will bear fruit and that they will someday emerge from the jungle to be restored again...with another house, another car...another church....another pastor to replace the one burnt alive for Christ.
Alas for those who did all that destruction....their end will be the lake of fire for eternity.
They will not stand with the righteous before God's throne in total happiness and praise.
Blessed be the name of the Lord who watches over the way of those now living in government tents under the armed protection of soldiers, dependent on a little daily food from the authorities God has provided.
May God change the hearts of those who walk in darkness before they perish for eternity and have no more chance to accept the Light. |  |
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"Kiristhu Jayanthi!" Joyous Christmas! It was on our lips and in our hearts as we met in our church on Christmas Eve, 2007 in the Phulbani district of Orissa, India.
As we gathered outside our church to sing carols around a manger scene in a tent...Indian style, with tambourine, sitar and drone, we explained to neighborhood children what the figures meant...that they were not idols of avatars.
Suddenly, we were astonished by some cars roaring up the street toward us. Fellow Christians from the neigboring village were jumping out of their cars, running up to us in great distress!
"The RSS! The Viswa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal are on the march...500 men strong! They are going village to village beating Christians up...they killed two! Do you know the pastor and head deacon in the church of Barakhamba village? Dead! The mob is wrecking computers and schools and burning churches..burning cars and homes and businesses! We were in the middle of a Christmas feast and they burned it up and wouldn't let us have our church service. We slipped away while they were occupied burning some other cars!"
We knew it wouldn't be long before it was our church's turn. Eleven churches had been attacked and we were next! We grabbed a few bags of rice, a pot, some matches, a machete and bug repellent and our Bibles and headed for the jungle. We split up so it would make it harder for them to find us. We hacked and pushed through the thick undergrowth and I kept going by myself until I was far from the sound of civilization. I found myself by a stream, so I walked down it a long way and then crossed over it again and again, pushing deeper and deeper into the jungle.
"There, that ought to confuse them," I thought. By now I was tired and I climbed up the vines of a tall tree and found a limb to sit upon. My emotions were raw. I turned in my Bible to Psalms...and briefly rested my eyes on Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones." I thought of the men of Barakhamba village who were now being warmly welcomed by the Lord Jesus into their eternal reward. Welcomed by the King of Glory, whose birthday we were celebrating. Tears filled my eyes. Tears of gratitude to be allowed to suffer for Him, who gave up everything and died for me so I might be one day in HEAVEN with Him.
I whispered into the night, "No darkness and uncertainty for me...only light and freedom of my soul. Praises! Glory to God in the highest...and on earth, peace, goodwill to men!"
"Yes," I thought, leaning back against my tree trunk, "Especially to Swami Laxmananand Saraswati who has been campaigning against what he called "forced" conversion of the low caste Hindus to Christianity."
I brushed off a tarantula, crawling up my leg. "Totally ridiculous! I just bet he lied and said he'd been personally attacked by Christians on Christmas Eve. How can people believe THAT! We are peaceful, never forcing anyone, only helping those in need."
The sounds of the jungle at night broke in on my thoughts. Birds and monkeys calling...insects buzzing, the distant snarl of a tiger...or was it a cougar? That made my heart jump up in my throat. I gripped my machete harder. Then I relaxed. God was with me.
"My Bible, where is it?" I almost panicked at the thought of being without my most cherished possession...the tool I used most often in my missionary efforts and church planting.
"Ah. There it is...and Psalm 116 is most appropriate. I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live."
The godly men of Barakhamba and also Graham Staines and his two little boys who were all killed because they were Christians came to my mind. I read, "The cords of death encompassed me and the terrors of Sheol came upon me. I found distress and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the Lord. O LORD! I BESEECH THEE, SAVE MY LIFE!"
"Isn't that the truth!" I breathed. I contemplated, "Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate. The Lord preserves the simple; (that's ME! I live very simply!) I was brought low, and He saved me. (Yes, my house is probably burned down by now. With all I own...well, I don't own much. Sure could use a bicycle!)"
"Concentrate on Scripture! God has a message for you!" I chastised myself. "Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For Thou hast rescued my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living."
"Well spoken, Psalmist." I commented, remembering how I had been a devil worshipping, fear-filled astrologer and spell-caster...until the Lord showed his power and might in raising my mother from terminal illness to total health when a Christian man prayed for her at death's door. Now, after Bible college, I walked in newness of Life, free from the dark bondage of Satan, whom I no longer served.
'I believed when I said, "I am greatly afflicted." I said in my alarm, "All men are liars."
Then, filled with hope and joy, I finished my Psalm: 'What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I SHALL LIFT UP THE CUP OF SALVATION AND CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD!"
"Oh, yes, my Father...save out those whom you have chosen before the beginning of the world in your land of India. Cause a mighty church to be founded on the blood of the saints...I willingly give my life's blood if you will turn the heart of India toward You."
I finished reading: "I shall pay my vows to the Lord. Oh may it be in the presence of all His people. PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS GODLY ONES. Oh Lord, surely I am Thy servant. I AM Thy servant, the son of thy handmaid, thou hast loosed my bonds. To Thee I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the Lord."
"OH, MAY IT BE IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL HIS PEOPLE. Save the suffering church of Orissa. Oh God, raise up the church to flourish once more and cause all to wonder at it. Defeat the plans and purposes of the devil. May we PRAISE THE LORD once more in the courts of the Lord's house...in the midst of you, O India."
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With that, the missionary closed the Book, put it at his back for safekeeping from any rain that might fall, and closed his eyes in peace. His slumber was like that of one sleeping on a cloud or feather bed, and not once did he start to fall or wake in fear...for the Lord was holding him in the palm of His hand.
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Hello MyChurch friends!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Did you enjoy your holiday?
After we had our delicious Christmas feast here in Florida with my 84 yr. old father as guest of honor, my daughter was joyfully and obediently doing the dishes. (?)
As "after-dinner mints" go, I had two that stuck in my throat. I sat down and read two appeals on the internet to help lepers and widows who were in great need. These stories had me ready to stand outside Target with a tin cup...but Job Anbalagan, my wise mentor from India caught me just in time...he certainly is on the ball! He had already checked this source out and did not believe it was a bona fide ministry. He is very much against ministers lining their pockets, in case you haven't noticed.
Job wants us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Thank the Lord there are people like him in the body of Christ to guide us. When I get back from India in 6 months or so with e-video material, you can believe me then. I'll show you who's for real! Then you may want to help me get the word out. India is a fantastic, ripe fruit ready to drop into the lap of the Savior for Him to share the sweet juice of His love with the surrounding nations. As a nation I believe they will eventually turn to Christ, even as millions are turning to Christ in communist China! We must be ready to support them in their efforts to bring the Prince of Peace to the hearts of those hurting and walking in darkness...whatever it takes.
| Do not believe all the reports from India |
| | | Dear sister, I thank God for your heart towards the suffering members of His body in India. I saw that appeal from one Pastor Raju from Andhra Pradesh. Any servant of God who appeals for funds for helping the orphanages, poor people, cannot be believed at all. If a person comes with an appeal like this, we should not believe such things. He may send you photographs and reports. I did warn my friends in USA about this scam in India. You can enlist the support of the saints in USA for ministry to the poor saints in India after ascertaining the bonafides of such people. There are evangelical organizations in India who are doing wonderful work in India. Their missionaries are poor saints. Please do not support any individual minister in this nation until and unless you know him personally. Please do not go by what is reported in their websites, etc. Only after your visiting personally the servants of God in India, you can judge their ministries. In fact I was also deceived by these people. I did visit the church of a servant of God and saw things for myself. Then I stopped helping him financially. Job Anbalagan |
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Dear sister,
What an awsome message! I agree with you. Why cannot you post this in your blog?
Job Anbalagan
O.K. Job, I'll do as you suggest. Do you think anyone will read it?
Job was blogging about seeking wisdom and understanding (Prov. 3:13-18) and somehow the subject of horns and their significance came up.
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"How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound (or blast of the trumpet)
O Lord, they walk in the light of Thy countenance.
In Thy name they rejoice all the day,
And by Thy righteousness they are exalted
For Thou art the glory of their strength,
And by Thy favor our horn is exalted."(Ps.89:15-17)
The shofar has been used for millenia to call the people to worship and in Rev. 8, seven angels will blow trumpets to herald the start of the Judgment Day.
Horns have been used as symbols for Crowns,
King David said,"But Thou hast exalted my horn like that of the wild ox;
I have been anointed with fresh oil."
Horns have been used as symbols for Nations (Zech.1:21),
and as symbols for boastful powerful Rulers:
"I said to the boastful, 'Do not boast', and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up the
horn; Do not lift up your horn on high, do not speak with insolent pride.'"
"But as for me, I will declare it forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
And all the horns of the wicked He will cut off, but the horns of the righteous
will be lifted up." (Ps.75)
"The horn of Moab has been cut off,and his arm broken, " declares the Lord.(Jer.48:25)
The horn of the rhino, and ram are symbolic of strength. A horn was also were used as a container for the anointing oil used to proclaim King David through whose lineage we have King Jesus
I'm a music teacher, so I pricked up my ears about horns...the early forerunners of the brass instruments we use today.
The ram's horn was blown in battle and the reason the WALLS OF wicked JERICHO fell down was because the priests were faithful to obey the rather strange command to simply march silently once around the city for six days.
Seven priests were to go ahead of the Ark of the Covenant, each carrying a ram's horn trumpet. On the seventh day (God's number of completion) after marching around seven times, the seven priests were to blow one loud, long prayful blast on their horns and the people were to shout.
The walls fell down.
The battle was the Lord's, not won by human strength.
Is there a lesson in there somewhere for today's prayerful, battling New Covenant Priests?
I have on good authority (Job Anbalagan) that "this shows the unity in the Body of Christ. The seven priests are symbolical of the seven types of ministers who are united in the one and the same Body."
(One thing leads to another in the Bible...now we are discussing the number "seven")!
If you have "seven" you have total and complete unity.
God completed creation in seven days and rested.
Our seven days make up a complete week.
Deut. 15:1 calls for a seventh year remission of debts.
There's the 70 weeks of Daniel. Seven churches in Revelation, Jacob served seven yrs. for Rachel, Joseph's seven ears of corn and cows, Namaan dipped in the Jordan seven times, Elisha's dead child sneezed 7 times and came alive, seven loaves and fishes with 7 baskets of leftovers, forgive 70 x 7, Mary Magdalene had seven demons cast out, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, lamps, Spirits, seals, angels, trumpets, thunders, vials of plagues, 7 mts.= kings (7 heads with 10 horns) .
So God really likes the number seven because it signifies completeness.
Imagine if ALL the people on MyChurch (the total group) agreed and prayed about...say...the total conversion of India (my favorite.) Then for India to reach all the Muslims.
Or imagine if a complete group (every Bible-believing Church in America) agreed to ask God to lead someone already seeking for God across their path each month to be saved? What would that do?
Or what if we all in MyChurch.org began to ask God to suddenly cause a wholesale American repudiation of secular humanism....and for everyone to feel mysteriously compelled to brush the cobwebs off their dusty Bibles that most people have lying around. What if they started comparing and lining up their present world views with God's views?
(I can really think of them, can't I? Can you think of any?)
You realize, of course, it only takes TWO PEOPLE to agree on earth about ANYTHING that they may ask and it SHALL BE DONE FOR THEM by our Father who is in heaven, for where two or three have gathered together in His name, there Jesus IS in their midst. (Matt.18:19-20)
So who wants to agree on something? Tell Job...he's the expert on making a world-wide website for Agreement in Prayer available. (WHOA!!! NOW WE'RE AGREEING ALL OVER THE WORLD!) Maybe he could put up a topic and we could all sign our names to pray for it.
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