Ministry in the Netherlands: An Interview with Jacques Brunt

Greetings, Brethren, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Recently I had the opportunity to do a written interview with Brother Jacques Brunt, serving Christ in the Netherlands. Brother Jacques is supported by HeartCry Missionary Society. Please take a few minutes to read of the Lord's work in our brother Jacques' area of the world, to be informed about the spiritual state of the Netherlands, and to learn specific ways you can be praying for our brother and his family. 

The Brunt Family

Thank you so much, Brother Jacques for taking the time to do this interview with me. This interview has been translated with DeepL, to translate between English and Dutch. For those interested in the Dutch version of this post, that can be viewed here: https://katakalypto.blogspot.com/2022/01/ministerie-in-nederland-een-gesprek-met.html

V. C: "Tell us a little about your family."

Brother Jacques: "In 2004 I got married to Annette. What is special is that we were in each other's class in elementary school. Later we met again and eventually we got married. Meanwhile we have received four sons of the Lord; Levi (16), Boaz (13), Jesse (10) and Juda (4). Together with our children we want to make our lives completely available to Him, Who loved us and gave Himself up for us (Rom. 8:32). Last year in November our oldest son was baptized."

V. C: "How did you start in full-time ministry?"

Brother Jacques: "It was in the summer of 2000 that - after about four years of conviction of sin and seeking peace with God - the Lord Jesus was revealed to me as my personal Savior and Blessed One. Something I had perceived as an impossibility became a reality: peace with God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then He worked in me a spiritual hunger, which was and is only to be satisfied with His Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, I reached out daily to learn Him more deeply (Philippians 3:10). At the same time, desire pervaded my soul, as expressed in an old song, "Lord, take me, break me, fill me, send me.

This desire became a calling that the Lord fulfilled ten years after my conversion. This began with a speaking engagement at a youth conference. Within a short time I received several invitations to preach. I did this next to my job as a real estate agent. The number of speaking engagements increased so much that Annette and I decided that I would work less. The spiritual work grew and grew. The Lord fulfilled my calling, confirmed that calling, and provided finances. All did not happen suddenly, but gradually. Step by step. We prayed for the Lord to open doors for full-time ministry as the work continued to grow.

During this period, the financial crisis hit our real estate office, necessitating drastic measures. One of those measures was that I lost my job (April 2013). This development - although a trial - we have experienced as an intervention of God to set us free for a full-time faith ministry. The prophecy about the Lord Jesus from Isaiah 42:1A spoke to us (June 2013), "Behold, My Servant, Whom I support... We were allowed to apply this text to ourselves and both received boldness to make the step to faith ministry. And thus God's calling took concrete shape."

V. C: "As you serve full time in the Netherlands, what ministry are you involved in and what does that look like?"

Brother Jacques: "The work of our ministry consists mainly of teaching the Bible. I am allowed to do that in our church in Alblasserdam where I am also active as an elder. Besides that I travel throughout the Netherlands and Belgium to give Bible teaching. I am also involved in HeartCry Nederland as a board member. From there my connection with HeartCry Missionary came. I also lead study and group trips to Switzerland and Israel."

V. C: "What is the biggest challenge facing the Church in the Netherlands?"
Brother Jacques: "The greatest challenge for the church in the Netherlands is to remain faithful to the Word of God. The spirit of the times has influenced the church. We face the challenge to hold on to God's principles. These are under pressure in the Netherlands."

V. C: "What is the spiritual condition in the Netherlands?" 

Brother Jacques: "The spiritual condition can be described as lukewarm. The church has become conformed to the world and its system of life. We need the Lord to visit our country and humble our people before Him. At the same time, there is also in the Netherlands a faithful part (remnant) that lives devotedly. There are many places where the Word of God is preached in faithfulness and people are equipped for service (Ephesians 4:12)."

V. C: "In what ways have you seen God working in the Netherlands?"

Brother Jacques: "In different ways. I myself have been involved in the HeartCry movement from the beginning. Around the year 2002 we experienced a revival. We experienced conferences where the presence of the Lord was very clearly felt. Many young people came to faith and conversion. Many of them are now serving in the Kingdom of God in the Netherlands and abroad. Entire families devoted themselves to the Lord. Meanwhile, two Bible schools have arisen from this, where I also teach."

V. C: "How have you seen God working in your life, and the in the lives of your believing family members?"

Brother Jacques: "I have already said something about this in the answer to question 2. For a more comprehensive testimony, I would like to refer to the following link."

 https://heartcrymissionary.com/testimony/jacques-brunt/

V. C: "In the great commission, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations. How does this look practically in your area of ministry?"
Brother Jacques: "We read in Matthew 28:19 'Go therefore, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.' Two words stand out and form the core of our ministry; teaching and learning. Based on the Bible, I believe that Bible teaching renews our thinking. As you think, so you live. Therefore, Bible teaching is one of the most fundamental aspects of discipleship or the great commission."

V. C: "What are the challenges and blessings you experience being in full-time ministry?"

Brother Jacques: "The blessing is that I get to be busy daily investing spiritually in people. This investment has value for all eternity. That is a tremendous blessing. We have a message of Hope in a dark time. The best message; Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). In addition, in the midst of a young family and the many labors of our ministry, it is a challenge to keep our personal relationship with the Lord number one. We can be busy with anything and everything, but we are called first and foremost to the fellowship of the Son Jesus Christ, our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9)."

V. C: "What biblical principles or passages of Scripture has the Lord brought to mind at various times that have drawn you closer to Christ, challenged, or blessed you through your years of ministry?
Brother Jacques: "That's a great question. Two Bible verses have spoken strongly to my heart over the years.

When it comes to God's desire for my life and the process that is taking place in me: Romans 8:29 "For those whom He has known beforehand, He has also predestined beforehand to be conformed to the image of His Son.

Sometimes when I am struggling and Satan wants to discourage me, God often spoke to me from Hebrews 2:8b-9a 'Now we do not yet see that all things are subject to Him, but we see Jesus crowned with glory and honor'.

The Lord Jesus is on the throne and is absolutely in control no matter what happens!"

V. C: "How do you prioritize your time in full-time ministry so that you maintain a balance in washing your wife with the water of the Word, bringing up your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, making disciples, and building up the saints?"

Brother Jacques: "As you can read in the previous answers and also below, it is a great danger / pitfall if there is not a good balance between the topics mentioned. I have become more strict when it comes to filling out my schedule. I am first and foremost a husband and father, so I try very consciously to spend a lot of time with our family. Not only is it important, but it also brings a lot of joy. In addition, I am very grateful for my wife who is very dedicated to our family. After we had children, she stopped paid work. She is there full time for our family. That gives a lot of peace. She has told all the children a lot from the Bible from an early age and taught Bible verses to them. We also talk a lot with our children about the Gospel and my wife and I bring them to the Lord in prayer daily. What is especially important is that as parents we set the right example. With that, I have answered your question. I realize there is much more to be said about it."

V. C: "How can people be praying for you?" 

Brother Jacques: "In the work we do, we are on the front lines of the spiritual battle that is going on in this world. Therefore we consider the ministry of prayer and intercession to be of utmost importance and we want to give it priority. We cannot do without the prayers of brothers and sisters who stand behind us. Therefore, we would greatly appreciate it if you and yours would remember our ministry in your prayers. Important points are:

Family (love, unity and protection)

Bible teaching (right emphasis in these times)

Elder/elder (wisdom and courage to make right decisions)

Priorities (the right balance between relationship with the Lord, family and ministry)

Needs (that the Lord will provide for all our needs)"

V. C: "Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share with your brothers and sisters in Christ?"

Brother Jacques: "In closing, I would like to pass on the words of Jesus from John 16:33 'These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but have good courage: I have overcome the world.'"

Thank you so much, Brother Jaques, for doing this interview with me. 

Dear readers, please be encouraged by the Lord's work through His people, among the nations, and commit yourselves to come before the Throne of Grace, praying that God will continue to advance His Kingdom around the world. May the Lamb Who was slain receive the full reward of His suffering and may the Name of God be great among the nations. 

Please take some time to pray for our Brother Jacques and his family. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with His saints.

In Christ,

Virginia

God's Work in Zimbabwe: An Interview with Brother Joe Shoko

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Recently I was given the opportunity to do a written interview with Brother Joe Shoko. Brother Joe is supported by HeartCry Missionary Society, serving at Berean Reformed Baptist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe. You can read his testimony of conversion here: Joe Shoko.

Please take a few minutes to read this interview to become better acquainted with our dear brother, his ministry, the Church in Zimbabwe, and learn how you can be praying for them more specifically. Please bring our brethren before the Throne of Grace.

Brother Joe (right) with Conrad Mbewe

V.C: Tell us a little about your family.

Brother Joe: My wife’s name is Tinotenda Alice Shoko, we got married on October 19th 2019 by the grace of God. On December the 1st 2021 we were blessed with a baby girl and we named her Neraya (God is Light), Matipa (He has given us) Shoko. We pray that God would be pleased to bless us with more. My siblings are Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1 brother and 3 sisters. I am the second born. My mom passed away on February the 1st 2002.

V.C: How did you start in full-time ministry?

Brother Joe: I was saved in 2013 after initially visiting a church with the desire to strike a business deal with a former schoolmate who was part of the church, namely Bulawayo Baptist Church. After I got saved I served in the church for a year before my then pastor suggested that I go to seminary as he sensed that I had the gift of preaching. I did sense the call in that I could not stop preaching and serving in the church, at Sunday school and during our soup kitchens where we served and preached to the homeless and hungry with the Gospel and a meal, so I prayerfully applied. During my seminary, my convictions started to change as I came across John MacArthur, Paul Washer and Conrad Mbewe. These men preached the word, they really preached on sin and ‘scratched’ where it itched. In 2018 I was accepted on a year long pastoral internship program at Kabwata Baptist Church pastored by Conrad Mbewe, after a year, with much prayer and consultation Kabwata Baptist Church sent me as their missionary to plant a Reformed Baptist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe, and this is where we are to date.

V.C: As you serve full time in the Zimbabwe, what ministry are you involved in and what does that
look like?

Brother Joe: I do the work of an evangelist and pastor, I reach out to the lost with the Gospel whenever I can and wherever I go through forming friendships and using that to share the Good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. I also am very passionate about biblical ecclesiology and the formation of a church, thus with 2 and a half years into the church plant we already have 6 members at Berean Reformed Baptist Church including ourselves. My ministry entails follow ups on visitors who come to church, door to door evangelism, preparing sermons, administering the ordinances, and partnering with healthy local churches that have clear confessions. We as a church also work with an orphanage and preach there a few times a month, moreover we also have a Children's Bible Club that we do on Saturdays at our home.

V.C: What is the biggest challenge facing the Church in Zimbabwe?

Brother Joe: The Biggest challenge facing the Zimbabwean church is syncretism with African Traditional Religion and politics. There is a lot of talk about Christianity being a ‘whiteman’s’ religion, that it was brought by white people to persecute black people, oppress them and take their land. This is the biggest challenge that the church in Zimbabwe faces.

V.C: What is the spiritual condition in Zimbabwe?

Brother Joe: In addition to the ATR which I mentioned, the spiritual condition of Zimbabwe is such that the majority of the people have flocked to prosperity teaching churches where a lot of heresies are taught and peddled. Many people think and say that they are Christians but their lives tell a different story. Many Zimbabweans are in despair, despite many being religious a lot think that God has abandoned Zimbabwe because of the economic and political hardships that have plagued the country for a very long time.

V.C: In what ways have you seen God working in Zimbabwe?

Brother Joe: Until recently, there seems to be a young crop of people that desire to see a resurgence of reformation and reformed teaching. Many have been disgruntled by the prosperity teaching churches and the lack of biblical truth being taught. It is through this that we see God working in the lives of young Christians and God calling to Himself young people who have not grown in the church. There are young people who are part of a few healthy churches that we have become our friends and they are a huge encouragement to us. Many people in the rural areas are also seeking the truth of the Gospel and many are leaving unbiblical practices and entrusting themselves to sound teaching.

V.C: How have you seen God working in your life, and the in the lives of your believing family
members?

Brother Joe: Many of my extended family members are not believers, so I will just write about my wife and I. I have seen God working in the area of progressive sanctification, not that I am growing in righteousness no, for the righteousness I have is not my own but Christ’s. I have seen a desire to want to grow more, a renewed and growing hatred for sin, and yearning to commit more time to prayer. My wife has grown in ways I cannot fathom, she serves diligently and earnestly in our home, and is conscious of her own sin and inadequacies however she is continually laying all these at the foot of the cross. Our home has become a place that people are free to visit, either for fellowship, prayer and for counsel that we may offer. God has grown our dependence on Him for physical provision, life on the mission field has a lot of hardships, but we are constantly humbled by God’s provision for our needs.

V.C: In the great commission, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations. How does this look practically in your area of ministry?

Brother Joe: I am currently discipling two young men who are members of our church. We meet outside of church once every fortnight for prayer, sharing struggles, and reading a book together. I have realized that discipleship in the modern church is something that is professional and more about people being projects than the people themselves. Because our home is open, the brothers usually come to our home even after church and see how I practically live and lead my home. This is not easy at all as many people in Zimbabwe are too busy looking for money and earning a living, however so far, with the time we have together, we have seen fruit.

V.C: What are the challenges and blessings you experience being in full-time ministry?

Brother Joe: The challenges are that when working with sinners just like you, you are bound to be impatient with them and ‘step onto their toes’ and they too, step on yours. What really breaks my heart is when a young man or woman who has potential in serving the Lord gets swept away by the ways of the world. I have also realized that there is actually little rest that one can get in the Ministry, I mean taking into consideration that ministry is about people, how do you rest from people? The blessings are innumerable and immeasurable, in that we see the promises of God in scripture manifest in reality, for example the miracle of salvation, prayer being answered, victory over sin and joy in Christ Jesus.

V.C: What biblical principles or passages of Scripture has the Lord brought to mind at various times that have drawn you closer to Christ, challenged, or blessed you through your years of ministry?

Brother Joe: Whenever I am in spiritual hardship or any sort of turmoil, one of the most encouraging texts of Scripture is John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus didn’t promise that our problems will be miraculously erased, but He promises that he will be with us in this midst of tribulation. I have also found that being separate from the ways of the world is of immense importance in the Ministry, what does darkness have to do with light? There are so many areas that the minister should watch in his life, friends, associations, music, entertainment, desires, and even places to visit. This year we have been going through the psalms as a church and these have warmed our hearts and have blessed us as they have drawn us to God in our individual devotional life. We must abide in Christ continually.

V.C: How do you prioritize your time in full-time ministry so that you maintain a balance in washing your wife with the water of the Word, bringing up your daughter in the fear and admonition of the Lord, making disciples, and building up the saints?

Brother Joe: I have a schedule that I follow, my work essentially an ‘8-5’, however it is basically all day long, it’s work that you cannot ‘lay aside’. I make sure that during the day I do a lot of ministry and church administration work. This is when a lot of evangelism and oversight is done. In the evening I usually have family time where I usually catch up with my wife, spend time with her and lead family worship, or family devotions as we call them, that is where most of the washing my wife with the water of the word is done. I work from home so my wife has a lot of access to me, she can almost talk to me anytime, and so I am able to utilize that time as well. My daughter is a newborn so at the moment the schedule is jumbled up as she can and does demand my time anytime. My first ministry is my wife, then my daughter and then the church, that is what I see as the biblical pattern. It's very easy to say, but I always need Grace to practice it.

V.C: How can people be praying for you?

Brother Joe: Pray that I may glorify God by preaching Christ crucified. Pray that I may love my wife as Christ loved the Church. Pray that I may be a godly father. Pray that I may grow steadily in Christ and grow in my assurance of salvation. Pray that I may be a vessel through which God saves the lost through.

V.C: Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share with your brothers and sisters in Christ?

God is faithful to His promises, trust Him, preach the word, obey the word, and you will see your living rooms changing, your neighbourhood changing, the church growing and societies transformed. Pray for revival.

I would like to thank Brother Joe for taking time to do this interview with me. I hope it is a blessing to many. Please be sure to take time to pray for our brethren in Zimbabwe. 

For God's glory alone!
~Virginia Cowperthwaite

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I wanted to write my testimony of the truth of God and the glorious salvation He has worked in my life. As it explains in Ephesians 2, I was born dead in my sins, I hated God (Romans 8). Even though I was raised in a Christian home, my parents' faith could never cover the sin in my heart. Even though I was walking in my rebellion against God, I was very young and I had never committed what most people consider terrible sins. But even what we consider small sins, are cosmic treason, disobeying the commands of Almighty God. I went to Church with my family, I joined them as they did ministry, but that could never change the fact that I was still at enmity with God. I am not sure of the exact day of my salvation, but I can testify to the grace of God that has changed my life. As it explains in Romans 3, in my sinful nature I never saught for God. But in His grace, God saved me. None of my works could ever reconcile me to God. Even my righteous deeds were as filthy rags in the sight of God because He is absolutely Holy and Righteous. As fallen men, we are incapable of doing anything that can earn us favor with God. But God is so gracious and merciful. Before the foundation of the world, my Creator God chose me to be His child. I was born a child of Adam and a child of the Devil, and apart from the grace of God, that is how I would have stayed for all eternity. But in His great mercy, God came to me as I was dead in my sins and raised me to new life in Christ. God gave me the gifts of repentance and faith. God the Father predestined me for salvation, and adopted me as His child. God the Son died for me and saved me from my sin through His sacrifice on the cross. God the Holy Spirit dwells within me, leads me into all truth, and sanctifies me. In my life, though I stumble and fall, I know that my salvation does not rest on my works, but it is through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Jesus is enough for me. I do good works because I seek to please Him and because of God's working through me, but my works do not earn me favor with God, they are rather an outpouring of my gratitude to Him. I rest in the finished work of my Savior in my place. Religion could never save me and I could never be righteous on my own, but I stand before God justified and righteous in His sight because the righteousness of Christ has been imputed to me by grace. As a sinner saved by grace, I praise the Eternal Triune God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I rest in the finished work of Christ in my place, He is everything to me, and for all eternity, I, a humble creature will forever worship the Only True God. I testify to these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

An Interview With Presidential Candidate Tom Hoefling

I had the privilege to interview Tom Hoefling, a Christian husband, father, grandfather and Presidential candidate for 2020.

Mr. Hoefling

Mr. Hoefling stands firm upon the Word of God, and brings his Christian views and convictions to his campaign for President of the United States. In America, we need a strong leader who will lead by example to protect and preserve our God-given rights and liberties, pointing to God as the Giver and Sustainer of our life, rights, and freedoms.

VC: Why did you decide to run for President of the United States?

Mr. Hoefling: Because, for the third election in a row, I saw no one running who understands, much less consistently advocates for, the fundamental moral and constitutional principles upon which the survival of the American republic depends.
VC: What is your position on abortion? Is it acceptable in any circumstance?

Mr. Hoefling: The word “abortion” is itself a euphemism, one that tries to hide the fact that “abortion” doesn’t just stop, or abort, any old thing. When you commit “abortion” you are intentionally ending a precious human life. That’s called murder, and murder is never acceptable, in any circumstance. God’s command to all mankind, “you shall not murder,” is quite easy to comprehend. All court opinions, laws, or public policies that fail to provide equal protection for the God-given right to life of every person, born or unborn, are immoral and unconstitutional.

VC: We often hear pro-life organizations calling to overturn Roe vs. Wade, what are your thoughts on this? Is Roe vs Wade the law of the land?

Mr. Hoefling: Roe vs. Wade is nothing but an immoral, unconstitutional, opinion from the Supreme Court. As such, it is not the law. According to the moral, constitutional principles upon which our republic was originally based, such opinions are legal nullities. They can and MUST be ignored.

VC: If you are elected, what do you plan to do to work for the abolition of abortion in our country?

Mr. Hoefling: All officers of government in this country, in every branch, at every level, have as the first obligation of their sacred oath the protection of all innocent lives within their jurisdiction.

If I were elected to the office of President of the United States, I would keep my oath.

Justice Blackmun, in Roe vs. Wade, admitted that “of course” the child in the womb is protected by the Fourteenth Amendment, if they are a person.

Since it is self-evident that they are a person, my first act as President, after having sworn the oath, would be to publish a presidential finding to that effect.

My second act would be to ask for the resignation of anyone in the executive branch who would not act accordingly.

My third act would be to order the closing of every abortion facility in the country, as per the explicit, imperative requirement of the Supreme Law of the Land.

“No person shall be deprived of life without due process of law.”

“No State shall deprive any person of life without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

That’s the platform I ran on in 2012 and 2016, and that's the platform I am running on in 2020.

Please visit:http://prolifeprofiles.com/tom-hoefling-americas-party or https://www.tomhoefling.com/home/tom-hoefling-i-will-shut-down-every-abortion-facility-in-the-country

VC: In our culture today we see much discussion on marriage and homosexual relationships. What is your position on marriage?

Mr. Hoefling: From the beginning of the creation, marriage has been the sacred union of one man and one woman. That’s the way God made it, period.

Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind, the nexus of His eternal plan and all true, lasting, earthly riches. It is the foundational building block of all decent civic, governmental institutions. It is the basis of all true economics. It breeds peace and prosperity. It is the great stabilizer of civilizations. It is the well-spring and nursery of posterity. It must be restored and protected, or America will fail and fall.

The starting point is to destroy the fallacy of judicial supremacy. Immoral edicts from the courts are legal nullities and must be ignored.

VC: What is your position on mandatory public education?

Mr. Hoefling: Mandatory public education is communist in conception. Karl Marx included it in the Communist Manifesto. No American should ever put up with such a thing for a single minute. And, personally, I would like to see government out of the business of education entirely.

VC: What is your position on mandatory vaccines, including a vaccine for Coronavirus, as our country continues to discuss this topic?

Mr. Hoefling: I oppose mandatory vaccines. I also strongly oppose any use of any vaccine that contains cells derived from the broken bodies of murdered unborn children. Frankly, I would be very surprised if any corona virus vaccine they could come up with would be free of these cannibalized cells.

VC: In recent years we have seen discussion of whether women should have to register for the draft. What is your position on this?

Mr. Hoefling: I absolutely oppose subjecting women to any draft. I also oppose women being put in any combat situation.

VC: After the death of George Floyd, we have seen a lot of discussion about defunding the police, and anger over systemic racism. What is your response to these views?

Mr. Hoefling: "Defunding the police” is nonsensical. The ensuring of domestic tranquility is fundamental to our form of government. And if we have “systemic racism” it is in the U.S. Census, which is being used to divide the people up by race, so that politicians can continue to play divisive race politics with federal programs. I support removing all racial questions or designations from all government forms. I consider this to be a big part of the fulfillment of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream for this country.

VC: What do you believe are the biggest problems facing America today, and how do you intend to address these issues if you are elected?

Mr. Hoefling: The biggest problem facing the country is the loss of our moral basis. I intend to address it in the only way that it can possibly be addressed: by example.

VC: Transgenderism is a major topic in our culture right now. What is your position on this issue?

Mr. Hoefling: There are only two genders, male and female. Chromosomes don’t lie. Our public policies should all reflect that natural reality.

VC: In other countries we have seen attacks on parental rights, such as in England. What do you believe is the role of the parent in making decisions for their children, such as healthcare and educational decisions?

Mr. Hoefling: Parental rights are among our most important God-given, unalienable rights. Our Constitution makes reference to such unenumerated rights in the Ninth Amendment: “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.”

VC: What is your position on the right of the people to keep and bear arms?

Mr. Hoefling: The right to keep and bears arms is the God-given right that ultimately guarantees the preservation of all of our other rights. Samuel Adams rightly called the right of self-defense ‘the first part of the natural law.” I believe that we should immediately repeal every gun restriction that has been instituted since the 1934 National Firearms Act.

VC: An often heard slogan in the last presidential election was "Make America Great Again". We see much unrest, division, and sin throughout our country. What do you believe must happen before America is truly great again?

Mr. Hoefling: Spiritual revival, a sincere general return to God by the people, is our only real hope. Not only is our national greatness at stake, but so is our national existence.

VC: Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share?

Mr. Hoefling: Three quarters of the people of the United States still lay claim to the title, "Christian." If even one third of them would prove it by ceasing to vote for what even they confess is evil, the country would be well on its way back to the moral and physical blessings we once enjoyed. Personnel truly IS policy.

Don’t let anyone bully you out of your vote. The only vote that is "thrown away" is one that is cast for someone who doesn't represent you, and who doesn't represent the moral and constitutional principles of the country.

For more information on Mr. Hoefling's campaign please visit: Tom Hoefling 2020

Vote Tom Hoefling for President 2020.

Biblical Missions in Eastern Europe: An Interview With Don Currin From HeartCry Missionary Society

In this post I have had the privilege to interview Don Currin. Mr. Currin is the coordinator for Eastern Europe with HeartCry Missionary Society.  HeartCry supports 222 missionaries in 44 countries as they work to proclaim the Gospel around the world that God's name may be honored in all the nations.

Don Currin

Below my questions for Mr. Currin are in black, Mr. Currin's responses are in red.

·How did you get involved with HeartCry Missionary Society, and how long have you served
with them?
"My connection with HeartCry was providential. I was introduced to HeartCry
and Paul Washer by a friend while traveling through Hannibal, Missouri, over 20 years
ago."
·As coordinator of Eastern Europe what does your ministry with HeartCry entail?
"I serve our HeartCry missionaries in Romania, Ukraine and Moldova by visiting them once to twice a
year. I teach them in HeartCry Conferences and speak in their churches. Once I’m at their
churches, I obtain a personal update about their ministry, pics for the HeartCry website,
and provide counseling. I receive monthly reports from each missionary, from which I will
post content and prayer requests on the HeartCry website."
·Why does HeartCry support long term indigenous missionaries instead of advocating for short
term "missions trips" by foreigners?
"We believe that no one knows the language, culture, ministry context and people overall any better than missionaries in their country do. Furthermore, we find that it takes far less financial support to sustain someone who is indigenous to the culture than a missionary sent from another country. But please do not
misunderstand. We are not opposed to other churches and organizations sending missionaries. Indigenous missions is how we have been led to carry out missions. Regarding “mission trips”, once again, we are not opposed to them, but because of the limited amount of time that our staff and supported missionaries have, we don’t have the time to coordinate “mission trips.”"
·Here in the U.S. we have seen a progressive shift away from biblical principles to a secular, God-hating society. How does this cultural decline in America compare to the cultural climate in Europe, and does it differ from country to country?
"There is a difference between Eastern Europe and Western Europe. Much of the difference can be traced to Western Europe’s affluence. While both regions of Europe experience the spiritual drift, the rural communities where you find older people who have a traditional mindset have not spiritually digressed as much as the urban areas."
·In the U.S. we see much nominal Christianity and only a small percentage of the "churches" here preach a true Gospel. Is the same true of Eastern Europe as well?
"Yes. Eastern Europe is only a step behind the United States. The indifference is evident, as there are few local churches that preach a biblical gospel."
·What do you believe is the biggest challenge that the Body of Christ in Eastern Europe faces as they seek to establish biblical Churches?
"Three great challenges are an erroneous view of what is a biblical gospel, the wave of pragmatic teaching that comes from the West and an ignorance of what is a biblical church."
·What do you believe is the greatest challenge the European Church faces as they seek to engage
their culture with the Gospel?
"A false understanding of the gospel. Between the Orthodox Church and Western culture, the people have been fed an flawed view of what is the gospel."
·I know that HeartCry does not solicit donations and faithfully relies upon God to provide. How
has this practice of living by faith, impacted you?
"HeartCry’s example, patterned after Mueller, and more importantly, the Apostle Paul, has shown me that God knows what my needs are. While neither HeartCry nor myself are opposed to other ministries making known their financial needs, we do not have the liberty of doing so. HeartCry and our ministry believe that God is our Patron and if He determines it necessary for our work to continue, He will sustain it without our asking for support."
·What biblical principles or passages of Scripture has the Lord brought to mind at various times
that have drawn you closer to Christ, challenged, or blessed you through your years of ministry?
"II Corinthians 2:14 God always causes us to triumph in Christ.
Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he
not with him also freely give us all things?
Psalm 56:3 At what time I am afraid, I will trust in the Lord.
II Corinthians 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in
ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:"
·What is the most important lesson that God has taught you through your years of ministry?
"Never take on any more ministry than my devotional life can sustain."
·How can people be praying for you?
"1. That I might cultivate a greater measure of love for all people.
2. That my theological understanding would be experiential.
3. That I might have a better understanding of how to persuade men when engaging them
to repent and believe the gospel."
·Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share?
"Christian men and women must learn the art of fighting in faith. Passivity is a deadly
enemy. Only the violent take heaven by storm. Nothing of eternal significance is ever
accomplished apart from aggression in prayer."

I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Currin for taking the time to do this interview with me. May God use his example to encourage and spur us on to make God's name known, and to serve our Lord Jesus Christ with all of our lives. Please keep Mr. and Mrs. Currin in your prayers as they seek to serve our Lord in the ministry He has given them.

You can visit HeartCry's website here: HeartCry Missionary Society. You can visit Mr. Currin's ministry website here: Don Currin Ministries.
In Christ,
Virginia

Mormon Quotes To Memorize For Witnessing To The Mormon People

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ.
In this post are some Mormon quotes that are helpful to memorize for witnessing to the Mormon People. If you memorize these quotes, they can be useful as you engage Mormons to show the comparison of the god of Mormonism and the God of the Bible, etc. Mormon quotes will be in blue, and Scripture verses will be in italics. 

"We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see." ~Joseph Smith, King Follett Discourse

"God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!"
~Joseph Smith, King Follett Discourse

"It is the first principle of the gospel to know for a certainty the character of God, and to know that we may converse with Him as one man converses with another, and that He was once a man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ Himself did; and I will show it from the Bible." ~Joseph Smith, King Follett Discourse

For a biblical response to the King Follett Discourse, please refer to this post: A Biblical Response To The King Follett Discourse By Joseph Smith

"Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test."
~Brigham Young

This is probably my favorite Brigham Young quote. I like using this quote when talking to Mormon missionaries. You can use it in this way: "Brigham Young said to 'Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test.' This is what I desire to do." If you have opportunity for further discussion, you can bring up passages of the Bible in comparison to Mormon teaching and show that the "religion of the Latter-day Saints" does not "stand the test" of being compared to the Bible. Always remember to do this is love. Our aim is to share the truth of God with these men and women, not to rudely destroy their religion and send them on their way without having heard the truth of the Word of God presented to them in love. Bashing their religion and prophets and not sharing the truth with them, is not godly, and it is not a good way to build friendships with Mormons either.

"The truth is, my beloved brethren and sisters, man is a child of God—a God in embryo."

 ~Marion G. Romney, Man- A Child of God

This quote is blatantly contradictory to the Bible. The Bible teaches that Man is of a different nature than God, and that their is only one God. Historically Mormonism has taught that men can become gods. This teaching is clearly unbiblical. Let me share some verses that show the truth that their is only One God.

Isaiah 43:10

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.”

Isaiah 44:6

“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god."

(Please refer to "A Biblical Response To The King Follett Discourse By Joseph Smith" and see the discussion on Acts 14:15 on the different nature of God and man.)

"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."  ~2 Nephi 25:23, Book of Mormon.

"3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." ~ Articles of Faith 3

The important phrase in the first quote is: "after all we can do".
The important phrase in the second quote is "by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."
The Mormon religion is works based. The true Gospel in contrast is not based on the works of man, but affirms that salvation is through the work of Christ alone.
Romans 3:28 says: "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."
Galatians 3:10-14 says: "For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—  so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith."
Galatians 5:4 says: "You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace."
The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is apart from works and that no one can be saved by works of the law. The law is our tutor to lead us to Christ so that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24). The law can never save us, it only shows us our sin and our need for the Savior. It also says in Romans 11:5-6 "So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace."
If as the Mormon Article of Faith teaches we are saved by grace after all we can do, then the grace would be based on our works, and thus would no longer be grace. Rather, the biblical teaching is that we are saved apart from works, based only on the work of Christ in His sacrifice and death for us, bearing our sins in His body on the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. (1 Peter 2:24) 

Please know that if you present these quotes to Mormons, they may or may not believe these teachings. You may want to present the quotes this way: "Joseph Smith taught in the King Follett Discourse that god is an exalted man, do you believe that?" You can use a similar format for other leaders and quotes. While it is recorded that past Mormons have taught these doctrines, we do not want to misrepresent the Mormons that we are speaking to and tell them what they believe. These quotes however are still good to bring up, especially from Joseph Smith and Brigham Young as they are past presidents of the Mormon church to show the conflict between their teachings and the Bible.

With love in Christ,

Virginia

A Biblical Response To The King Follett Discourse of Joseph Smith

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ.
In this post I will seek to equip Christians to give a biblical response to the false doctrine and false god that is taught by Joseph Smith in the King Follett Discourse as they speak with Mormons. This post will address some of the teachings of this discourse although it is not exhaustive. Let us begin.

Quotes from Joseph Smith are in Blue.

"It is necessary for us to have an understanding of God himself in the beginning. If we start right, it is easy to go right all the time; but if we start wrong we may go wrong, and it will be a hard matter to get right."

You may wish to bring up this quote when witnessing to Mormons to show that even as Joseph Smith thought that it is "necessary to have an understanding of God himself in the beginning" it is indeed important to get the character of God correct as the basis of our Theology and doctrine. You can then use this as a springboard to go into a discussion of how the god of Joseph Smith is not the God of the Bible and this is a matter that we must get right.

"God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!"

"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"

Numbers 23:19 (Emphasis added)
The Bible is clear that God is not a man. Joseph Smith taught that his god was an exalted man. This is a clear section where the God of the Bible is seen to be different then the god of Joseph Smith.

In Acts 14:15 it says: “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them." 

Let us consider the context of this passage; Paul and Barnabas are at Lystra and a crippled man is healed. "When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, :The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!" The priest of Zeus wanted to offer sacrifices with the crowds. When Paul and Barnabas heard this they tore their clothes and cried out and addressed the crowds with the statement quoted above from verse 15. Let us now consider our text with this in mind; people wanted to worship these men, in response to this desire Paul and Barnabas made a distinction between the nature of man and the nature of God. They say that they should not worship them, they are men of like nature with them, however these men should turn from these vain things to serve the Living God. The True and Living God is of a different nature then men. Only the True Triune God of the Bible (Yahweh) The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit, is worthy of the worship and adoration of man. No man, regardless of how exalted they may seem, are worthy of worship. The god that Joseph Smith invented in his imagination is not worthy of worship and cannot save. There is salvation in no one other than the One True God, Yahweh. (Isaiah 43:11)

"In order to understand the subject of the dead, for consolation of those who mourn for the loss of their friends, it is necessary we should understand the character and being of God and how He came to be so; for I am going to tell you how God came to be God. We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you may see."

In Psalm 90:2 The Holy Spirit inspired these words: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

As you can see in a comparison of the text of the Bible and the claims of Joseph Smith, we see an irreconcilable difference between the God of the Bible and the god of Joseph Smith. God never came to be God, from everlasting to everlasting He is God. He was never a man, He never needed to be obedient to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, He never had a god before Him, He alone is God and He always has existed as the Supreme Ruler of all. 

"Here, then, is eternal life—to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power."

Joseph Smith taught here that "you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves." This is pure heresy. Examine these verses on the fact that there in only one God. 

"“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,“and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me." Isaiah 43:10

"Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god."

Isaiah 44:6

"Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.”
Isaiah 44:8

The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God. To say that men can become gods is blasphemy and expressly contradicts the teaching of the Bible. 

"It is the first principle of the gospel to know for a certainty the character of God, and to know that we may converse with Him as one man converses with another, and that He was once a man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ Himself did; and I will show it from the Bible."

While the above statement is false, I like the fact that Joseph Smith taught that this is the first principle of the gospel. The LDS people that you witness to, may not want to discuss the character and nature of God and prefer to speak of the restoration of the gospel and other topics. You may choose to bring up this section where Joseph Smith put such a great emphasis on this teaching. You can also point out the importance of knowing the character of the True God of the Bible as the basis for all of our Theology and Doctrine and that we must establish Who God is, before we can have a proper understanding of salvation and the Gospel.

I would also suggest finding the King Follett Discourse and other quotes that you discuss with Mormons, on www.churchofjesuschrist.org as the Mormons are more likely to accept the church's website as a trusted resource. 

While there is more that can be discussed from the King Follett Discourse, I hope that this post will give you some insight into topics and quotes to discuss and how to respond to this discourse biblically. 

With love in Christ,

Virginia