Author: Martin

By Jim Towers

Dear Christian friends and seekers. I want you all to know that when I write about my exploits for the kingdom of God it is not in need of recognition, since I formerly worked in the entertainment industry and have had my share of acclaim. I write about these exploits because I want to encourage you to do the same. All too many of us are fearful about what others may think. Some of us are shy about sharing our faith because of lack of biblical knowledge, but one thing is sure, without concern for our fellow man we will do nothing.

Believing that we are living in the end times, today I pull out all the stops in proclaiming the Gospel even if it means rejection by nominal Christians and/or the government. We in the family of God seem to be so at peace with the world that we don’t give a second thought about the rest of humanity. 

There are a great many people searching for hope, in fact I would dare say that the vast majority of people in the world are doing just that, and for that reason I go all out in proclaiming the gospel without pretention or apprehension. 

Fear of man also makes us apprehensive about approaching others; something we should be doing out of love and concern since spiritual knowledge is the very thing they are looking for.  

The Holy Spirit is the revealer of truth and will shed light on the scriptures as we draw closer to God. This isn’t done through osmosis but through the diligent study of it. 

We are safe in God’s hands. Furthermore, He is the one who gives us the love and power to reach out to others without fear or shame. In this, we are asked to study (the bible) of course to show ourselves approved, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of God.  

I am convinced that God is going to bring in as many into the kingdom of God as possible before time runs out and they are left behind. So, don’t be afraid to share your faith with others. Many people are searching but in all the wrong places. You will be surprised at the response when you show concern for these lost souls. 

You don’t have to be sanctioned by your church or organization to reach others for Christ. This can begin in any numbers of ways, visiting a sick neighbor, praying for someone face to face or over the phone. 

Below is a recent encounter in carrying out my evangelical outreach. 

I took my car to the dealership to have the tires rotated and while the work was being done, I engaged two people in conversation. One was an older man and the other was a woman whose husband had just passed away. Right away I let them know what I was all about without any false piety. The response was exactly what I had anticipated. The man left to do something, and the woman opened right up, becoming teary eyed.  She exclaimed that she didn’t know what the world was coming to and was afraid – very afraid. I encouraged her and invited her to my church, emphasizing that she should read the Bible. She was a Catholic who hadn’t ever read it. Our conversation was cut short by a man telling me my car was waiting.

Later I went to the fishing pier to see the sunset and just missed doing so. Hundreds of people come each evening from all over the world to do so. Upon leaving I stopped to talk to an elderly black man who had gone to Catholic seminary but for some reason became discouraged and dropped out. I asked him where he went to church and he replied, “I quit going years ago and today I’m searching for Truth.” 

I knew then and there my reason for being at the right place at the right time. I told him what Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the life; no man comes to the father but by me.”  The man immediately came alive as if a bulb had been lit in his head. We talked a bit more and then I asked if he’d like for me to pray for him to get to know the Truth from scripture. He said, “Would you please.” I prayed like this with one hand on his shoulder. “Heavenly Father reveal to this man the Truth as written in the Holy Scriptures. May he find Jesus and grow in assurance that Jesus is the truth he seeks.” It was short and sweet. The man thanked me profusely and we parted ways.

Just so you know, I’ve been used of God to bring two sisters and a brother to faith in Christ. My youngest sister even came down from Michigan to have me baptize her in the ocean a few years ago. My latest exploit was to bring my nephew into faith in Christ over the phone and I’ve continued to disciple him over the phone as well, often with text messages.

The signs of the end aren’t becoming any less.  In fact, there are more earthquakes than ever before, more lawlessness, more wars and rumors of war and signs and wonders. People everywhere and in all parts of the world are searching for truth, peace and hope and the     salvation that only Jesus offers. We followers of Christ must pull out all the stops to make Jesus known.

As some of you know, I’ve written about my many exploits in a biography of my work in the film industry and the also the many miracles I’ve experienced over the years as I went about reaching others for Christ. It is still in manuscript form and I add to it periodically since my faith and ministry continues to grow. I could self-publish at this juncture, but I can see where this manuscript could be expanded as I go from one adventure to the next and I expect to eventually have a legitimate publisher publish my works.

YBIC

Jim Towers          

You can write me at jt.filmmaker@yahoo.com and you can check out my website www.propheticsignsandwonders to read the opening of my biographical manuscript.

By Jim Towers

We spirit filled Christians all have a responsibility to “out” heretics in these days of deception we can’t just let the minions of hell run over us. The days of “live and let live” are way behind us. We are entering into full frontal spiritual warfare with the forces of evil, there should be no more complacency for the Christian church, lest it be obliterated by the forces of evil. No more playing church or complacency. From now on we will be striving for our very existence. 

While it is much easier to just attend church and mind your own business and perhaps telling a few jokes or sharing the latest football score, it is imperative that we begin to get serious about our stand for Christ and the Gospel. Forget your favorite potluck dish for a while and begin to seek God’s face earnestly as the days ahead darken with evil plotting by evil people.

We have been called to be salt and light in a dying world. We are called to be a peculiar people as well, people who don’t run with the world in dissipation. Smoke, strobe lights and deafening music or entertainment is not what lost souls are seeking – they need the hope that only Christ can give.

In the meantime, the Roman Catholic church is still holding on to idol worship as well as harboring pedophiles and promoting the One World religion, making no bones about it. The pope even said recently that we shouldn’t be sharing the Gospel with others since we’re all children of God. I for one beg to differ since Jesus said, “Go ye out into all the world making disciples of all men….”

Protestants aren’t faring much better albeit, their idol is power and money and not some silly handmade ceramic images placed on an altar with candles lit in front of it. They are now letting sin laden women into the pulpits to spew their brand of religion making the word of God to no effect. Even homosexuals are mounting the pulpits these days as well as running for president.

Then there are the overt cults with their own twisted scriptures which gives us all the more reason to know scripture – to be able to refute their skewered claims. 

With so much deception going on in society and the church it’s hard to know where to turn. The only reliable source of answers to our most profound questions (and strength) being the unassailable Word of God. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing, by the word of God.” If you really want to know what’s going on these days, then crack open your Bible and “Study to show yourself approved rightly dividing the Word of God.”

We “born again, spirit filled” Christians are fighting a spiritual battle on several fronts and the inevitable consequences of letting these doctrines of demons proliferate will lead to our own self destruction as Christians.

As the days pass, we are hearing, seeing and reading about unbelievable atrocities happening all around the world with random killings, anti-Semitism and the rape of infants you would think we are doomed and indeed the majority of mankind is doomed to self-destruction for ignoring the Word of God.  

With the great falling away happening in our culture, those leaving the church may not even have been true Christians after all, and if they were, they were what Jesus referred to as seeds that fell on dry ground and had no depth and so they withered and died. 

Satan is having a field day in these days leading up to the great tribulation and it is becoming more evident that Satan is out to destroy the last remnants of sanity and Christianity from the face of the earth.

The lead usurper of the cabal at our church has finally thrown in the towel and left. In his wake of destruction and debt he finally called it quits. I expect his friends will soon follow suit. Half of the flock has scattered to the four winds in confusion and despair as the rest of the congregation dwindles and declines while remaining congregants venture into uncertainty. 

In the meantime, I am back in the hospital again to witness to others. (That’s the only explanation I can come up with since the doctors say I’m normal.) I witnessed to the first three hospital workers I encountered, one of whom was a young man who was a Jehovah’s Witness. The other two were nominal Christians just doing their jobs.

Being “cleared” after about two hours of examination I sat up in the gurney and immediately felt as if I had been sucker punched just under the heart. I twisted in pain and it happened again. Summoning the nurse over with hand gestures she came running when she saw me doubled over with pain. The young Jehovah’s Witness came with her, and together they hooked me up again to the monitor.

Long story short, I was kept overnight for observation.

Once I settled into my room a middle- aged male nurse came in to take my vitals once again. He was very amiable, and we hit it off immediately. I asked if he was a Christian and he affirmed that he was but when I asked his denomination, he said he was a teacher in the new reformed Roman Catholic church – a charismatic one.

As we talked, he attempted to school me about the Early Catholic Church and how it was the mother church for all Christian denominations. Knowing better than to go there and open a can of worms, I instead told him about my conversion over forty years ago and how I was “Born Again” in the middle of the woods at about mid-night after which I slept soundly for the first time in a long time. In essence – it was my testimony.  

When we talked about the dogma in the Catholic denomination particularly about “Mother Mary” I shared this scripture verse with him, “There is one mediator between God and man – the man Christ Jesus” Mary is found only to be his mother and not a mediator. 

As I countered the things he espoused and was apparently teaching, and he had no way to counter the scriptures I quoted, and he finally asked if I was a preacher. I, of course, replied no – but I told him that I had received Christ over forty years ago and gave him my testimony as he listened intently. Having to make his rounds, he left for a while, but when he returned, he was ready to hear more.  That’s when I said, “I could tell you things about how God has performed miracles in my life over and over again” and he replied please do! (Catholics love miraculous happenings.) And so, I began. 

After a short-abbreviated litany of a couple of these extraordinary “stories” he was fast becoming enthralled with what I had to say. Noting this, I quickly explained that I never told anyone about these things since they pertained only to me and I had no desire to be bragging about them for self -promotion.

In any case I finally concluded that God had me here to give a testimony to these lost and groping souls. What a privilege to think God could use me in this way.

Incidentally, a young single mother who’s a physical therapist here at the hospital is a former member of the church I attended. She too has left the church with over four hundred others.

YBIC

Jim Towers      

You can write me at jt.filmmaker@yahoo.com or check out my website www.signsandwonders.com or visit me at www.dropzonedelta.org.

By Jim Towers

I had only been out of the first hospital for a couple of days when I felt as if an Elephant was sitting on my chest as I sat in the easy chair at home. After the intense pressure subsided, I took my meds and hit the sack. As usual, I read a little non – fiction and then my raggedy marked up Bible. The book I read tonight was “The Plot Against the President” by Lee Smith and then as always, I read from the Bible. (These days I find it imperative to know scripture more and more intimately for my own sense of well- being as well as being well armed to do spiritual battle throughout the following day.) I thanked God for the day and although I usually fall asleep with the Bible in my hand, I was convinced I was on my way out and may not make it through the night. In spite of this foreboding, I fell asleep immediately as usual knowing  I had done all I could to prepare for the inevitable, just in case I don’t live to participate in the rapture by writing letters to my beloved children and sending them out the day before. ( I had been in and out of the hospital for the past three years and had had a triple bypass, a stent, and more recently, a pacemaker put in my chest.) 

I awakened at three in the morning and lay there thinking that maybe God had another assignment for me at another hospital, since things were not getting any better, so I got up from bed packed up my laptop and Bible and went to the other hospital. 

Even though I am constantly ready to meet My Maker I was also eager to see what He had in store for me in the present.

Sure enough, the very first person I encountered in a different hospital’s “holding pen” was a Jehovah’s Witness and since I’d done extensive research into the cult, I was prepared for what I knew would ensue. 

Through the curtains that separated us I had heard him speak with the nurse about his ailment, which was exactly what I was dealing with! Although he was a robust senior, he replied to the nursing staff with a sweet honeyed girly voice prompted by his “works” mentality and fooled no one about his religiosity 

At the same time he had also heard my conversation with a Baptist nurse about our common faith, so upon our initial face to face meeting I found the self – assured middle aged man a little put off by my sudden appearance – almost ignoring me when I went over to meet him.

Then I remembered that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught not to have anything to do with what they consider non-believers of the sect. So, right away the “action” began, and we were doing spiritual battle. 

I found the man to be knowledgeable about select scripture. But I knew that he had only been taught the basic rudiments and certain scripture but that he had no direct relationship with Jesus Christ. (Their faith is one of works, whereas scripture teaches the we are saved by grace and not of works lest any man should boast. Jehovah’s Witnesses take great pride in knowing the chapter and verse of a few verses of scripture learned by rote and one of the many names ascribed to God – Jehovah – but seem to know little or nothing about a relationship with Jesus Christ.)

We went round and round and although but I didn’t deviate from the necessity of acknowledging Christ Jesus as savior – I still forgot one essential verse that I lay on men like this – and that is, “There is no other name under heaven, given among men whereby you must be saved” – the man Christ Jesus. You see, they believe that just knowing God’s name plus works is how you earn salvation. 

My first nurse was a Portuguese woman whom I determined was a Christian or at least a decent person who really cared about people. 

After our initial meeting she – without prompting – expressed concern for her two children having to grow up in this climate of fear and Godlessness and when I asked her about her faith, she affirmed that she worshiped God and was a Catholic who rarely went to church. After I witnessed to her I gave her the names of the websites where she could read my writings and the writings of others to win her over to Christ. This way she will know what to believe and why. 

Now I was beginning to understand why I had been steered here – especially so after my next encounter.

A new nurse made her appearance on the second day and it proved to be a confirmation that I was where I needed to be. We hit it off after our first meeting and when she found out about my faith, she opened up to me sighting that she was afraid about what was happening in our society. 

Raised as a Pentecostal she drifted away in her teen years – like so many others. Now she feels the unction to get back into the faith. (This was another clue as to why I was here and that was to guild her back into the faith and as we got to know one another I told her of my favorite verse of scripture she told me that it was her favorite as well!  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” was the verse. This opened our conversation further, allowing me to share other scripture with her. The woman and I both felt that our meeting was not an accident and for her it was an answer to prayer. It was as if I had been placed there at just the right time to answer her questions and prompt her to return to Christ.

Later, after she told me of her concern for her grown children and the state of the country. I shared prophetic verses with her about Christs return and how there would be war in the Middle East. 

After the operation to put a stent in place I was placed on another floor where I watched the news the following evening and learned that a top Iranian Military leader was killed by U.S. forces which could escalate into all-out war.

Now, as I prepare to leave the hospital a male nurse from Haiti is questioning me about the truth of the Bible. 

NOTE:

It may be a good idea for Christians to follow the news about the threat of war following the killing of the Iranian General, after all Jesus said, “When you see all these things begin to happen – look up, for your redemption draws close”

YBIC

Jim Towers                   

You can write me at jt.flmmaker@yahoo.com or visit my website www.propheticsignsandwonders.com and www.dropzonedelta.org.

By Jim Towers

While, in this life, we must all go through trials and tribulations, but there are many promises for us to cling to in the word of God. Consider this verse, ^“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Such promises are backed up by the prophets of God as well.”

As most of you know, I used to consider the Naples Pier my mission station – but have since expanded my witnessing to wherever I may be at the time – including the hospital I happen to be frequenting more and more often. (I will tell you about some of my extraordinary encounters while there in a following article I’m composing while sitting on my hospital bed waiting to be discharged.) 

Though I still love being on the pier and talking to visitors from all parts of the world, over the years I’ve come to know many fishing “regulars” who even with the number of fish disappearing continue to come daily – hoping to catch something – anything.

Then I remembered reading Ezekiel 47: 6-9 (which was for me an eye opener for those who like to fish.) Noticing the guys frustration, I wrote this prayer to all the men I know who gather daily at the pier in hopes of encouraging them to seek God’s face and favor through Jesus Christ. 

I cut and pasted the passage and prayer into a Christmas card and went about delivering them to each of the discouraged and forlorn men.

The first part is a quote from the prophet Ezekiel followed by the prayer.

Ezekiel 47:6-9

And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me and caused me to return to the brink of the river. ⁷Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. ⁸Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. ⁹And it shall come to pass, that everything that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and everything shall live whither the river cometh. ¹⁰And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

I present this short prayer to you just as I wrote it.

A FISHERMAN’S PRAYER

By Jim Towers

Heavenly Father, creator of all things, I come humbly, asking that you grant me entrance to your heavenly kingdom – at my death – to enjoy the fishing there for eternity. A place of infinite variety of fish in great abundance. A beautiful place noted in your word – the Holy Bible.

Please accept my repentance and contriteness of heart for my many sins and lack of faith toward you and bid me enter your rest. This I ask in the most holy name of Jesus Christ. 

YBIC

Jim Towers                   

You can write me at jt.filmmaker@yahoo.com or visit my website www.propheticsignsandwonders.com also www.dropzonedelta.org.

By Jim Towers

Some of the most spiritual people are also the most afflicted through no fault of their own, consider Job. Now here was a man of whom it is written that walked uprightly before God, yet God had him go through severe testing. Although this could be an analogy prompting us to hang in there. It isn’t desirable to go through so much physical and emotional pain. Yet in the final analysis we are left with the knowledge that God will do the right thing in the end, and we will be the better for it. 

Albeit, there are others, who like Enoch, Ezekiel or Elijah who were whisked away from the face of the earth to live in eternal bliss free from worry and pain. 

I’ve been going through a severe bout of sciatica. This is the third time I’ve had it in two years. This time was the worse and it lasted for two months. (Don’t write saying you’ll be praying for me) – I have a tongue and a direct line to our Father, and He knows what is ailing me.) I’ve learned over the years that a person can approach God at any time – day or night and at any given moment and He will answer. 

Knowing we can come boldly to His throne of grace and He will listen, but if we ask amiss, then you can forget about Him answering the way you want since He is all knowing and knows what’s best for you. Benny Hinn – he’s not.

In grappling for answers, I have to ask, I’m a servant of the living God, why is this happening to me? Where have I gone wrong? Yet I know that Jesus told us we would go through many trials and tribulations for testing our mettle. (How great it is to know the answers to these profound questions just by reading scripture diligently.) 

In the past and the present as well I’ve experienced many miracles some more profound than others – some you would find hard to believe. Therefore, I should know better than to question God. If he is still flinging stars out into space, He is omnipotent enough to do anything and could have healed me immediately. God has tested my mettle time and again over the years and I always come back stronger than before. 

Of course, many of our afflictions are self-imposed (can you say guilty?) and much of it is due to breaking God’s laws.

We naturally have a propensity to leave God out of our lives believing He is too demanding. We want pleasure, ease and full bellies, but where would that leave us? We would become lazy, football watching, video game playing – porno viewing couch potatoes. The thought is repulsive. And the worst part is that we Christians consider this way of life normal and healthy. Wrong.

Some of us are busy, busy, busy carrying our big bibles even in a briefcase to a bible class we are teaching. Everyone just knows we are holy especially since we just got our doctorate, but just to impress others. Yet these are the people who having a form of godliness deny the power thereof.

At this point I must confess that I’ve encountered God our Father and even heard Him speak so I don’t have any doubts about what I write. Of course, I can back up what I say with scripture as well.

There are at least three things that bring us to the point of despair, and unless we know scripture, we can never know which is which.

In our trials we may be asking, do we serve a capricious God, one who like the Greek gods of old used human beings as pawns for their own good pleasure? Certainly not! God loves mankind with an undying love that transcends all human thinking – and took it upon Himself to bring all of mankind to Himself. The shame, ridicule and torture were the heavy price payed for our redemption collectively and individually all at once.

Secondly, God chastises those He loves. Like a good father He corrects us according to our failures to try to bring us back in line with good wholesome living. (Something that doesn’t hardly exist anymore.) He does this to keep us from self-destruction and damnation like any good human father would do.

Thirdly, we must always remember that we have an adversary in the form of Satan who would seek to destroy us. Thus, we are faced with a dilemma. Is our suffering due to God’s chastising or is it due to Satanic attack? After all, we know that “Satan goes around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” 

Unless we adhere to the word of God and understand the nature of our affliction we can succumb to anxiety, loneliness and even bitterness toward God. We’ve all seen evidence of this in our friends, neighbors and family members. While some are able to endure a wheelchair for all of life with a calm demeanor, others get angry over the slightest inconvenience. As an over achiever, I was one of them and patience was not one of my virtues.

Having had bouts with the deceiver, (who would have us believe God doesn’t answer prayer anymore,) I can’t say that. I’ve been blessed beyond measure when I consider the multitudes of people suffering around the globe and in my own neighborhood. In gratitude I’m ready to console anyone doing through the many forms of affliction and pray for them openly.

A soldier of the cross has self-control strength of character and a sound mind. How wonderful to be armed to the teeth with God’s word along with His assurance that “All things work together to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”

However, there is a caveat to the verse that proclaims, “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose”. Notice the word Love and the second condition, “and are called”. Do you fit the bill?

In the end, all who have received Christ will live forever in eternal bliss.

YBIC

Jim Towers         

You can write me at jt.filmmaker@yahoo.com or check out my webpage, www.propheticsignsandwonders.com.

By Jim Towers

Apostacy and anarchy, have you noticed the similarities between the two? They are twins in that both are shadows of their former selves, one involves the secular and the other the religion of our country and are today unabashedly and morally corrupt. Even evangelicals are slipping and falling in between the cracks into the muddy mire of corruption. Can you say adultery, vice, homosexuality, and other perversions?

As many readers are aware, we are living in perilous times, with governments toppling, wars raging and weather patterns changing drastically. Something appears to be in the wind. How much longer can humanity hold out?

My friend Stanley (an Orthodox Jew) and his wife Carol are scared out of their wits like everyone else who isn’t Bible savvy and I’m encouraged to have them over for dinner to talk things out. Their concern is about the state of the nation with all that’s going on in Washington right now.

Under the tyrannical rule of lawless, mentally ill Democrats, the government is now run like an organized crime syndicate. John W. Whitehead of The Rutherford Institute sums it all up perfectly in a recent column:

All of us are in danger.

In an age of prosecutions for thought crimes, pre-crime deterrence programs, and government agencies that operate like organized crime syndicates, there is a new kind of tyranny being imposed on those who dare to expose the crimes of the Deep State, whose reach has gone global.

The Deep State has embarked on a ruthless, take-no-prisoners, all-out assault on truth-tellers.

Activists, journalists and whistleblowers alike are being terrorized, traumatized, tortured and subjected to the fear-inducing, mind-altering, soul-destroying, smash-your-face-in tactics employed by the superpowers-that-be.

Following the current downward trajectory, it won’t be long before anyone who believes in holding the government accountable is labeled an “extremist,” is relegated to an underclass that doesn’t fit in, must be watched all the time, and is rounded up when the government deems it necessary.

Eventually, we will all be potential suspects, terrorists and lawbreakers in the eyes of the government.

At the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu like president Trump is being accused of corruption and his governing body is under strain. (Could it be that the same Satanic forces that are hounding President Trump are out to topple the Israeli government as well?) 

And it gets worse. Corruption has infiltrated the church as well. With new man-made ideas, programs and “Shows” they hope to reach the masses of Bible illiterate young people with entertainment when what they really need is the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Entertainment is only good for a fleeting moment of time, but the Gospel is forever. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word endures forever.” So says the Lord of hosts (countless many).

Apostacy is gripping the church, and many are crying out to be swept away in the rapture, dirty clothes and all. 

But the Church has become a playground for Satan. God has let him loose to wreak havoc in many a congregation with extremely loud and uninspired music written by uninspired men and women for the sake of a good show. Women have taken over the pulpit and homosexuals have been let in to run the “Show”. They ought to have at least acknowledged their sin and repented before gaining entrance. Instead, they are mounting the pulpit too. 

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” “But God has laid upon Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all.”

We are being shaken to the core so that all that remains is a complete dependence on God Almighty. No more cocky attitudes, social clubs, of dressing the part to cover our nakedness as in – “whitewashed sepulchers full of dead men’s bones” God is cleaning house once and for all. He wants an unblemished and holy wife at the marriage supper of the Lamb not a wimpy social climber out to impress others with their fake holiness.

Even though we have been blessed with things unnecessary to life (look inside your garage) we are still hungering for something more. We need spiritual food that can only be found in the word of God – and to adhere to it in deep humility.  As this Spiritual war wages on in government and the church, if we are not careful, we could be deceived into believing the lies of the enemy (Satan), – as so many already have.

If ever there was a time to get our act together it is now. The time for “playing church” is over. We must get real and many of us must repent for their apathy. We have a lot of catching up to do as quickly as possible as prophecy unfolds at an alarming rate. 

I know all this sounds preachy, but these are serious times that call for serious reflection and repentance. We Christians have been dozing off at the wheel and are in for a rude shaking in the days ahead and if we don’t wake up, we will fall prey to apostacy and anarchy.

Don’t be left behind to face the unimaginable horror that awaits those who chose to deny the signs of the times. Those who know our God can rest in assurance that He will prevail and bring about His eternal kingdom of bliss and harmony. Hope to see you there.

YBIC

Jim Towers        Feel free to write me at    jt.filmmaker@yahoo.com and check out my web page www.propheticsignsandwonders.com . 

Abraham – is called The father of the faithful.

Faith is not believing in spite of evidence.  Faith is obeying in spite of consequence-

 • True faith produces works (as a testimony); true works don’t produce faith (just bragimonies)

 • Only by faith is the Holy Spirit released to work through the believerfor enduring results.

Being not weak in faith, (Abraham) considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb.  Rom 4:19

The essence of true faith is found in this single verse.

-God had just promised Abraham he would have a son- one who would be become the seed of many nations- Abraham didn’t flinch at this- Old, deadness-

-He didn’t reason with God, instead of entertaining questions, Abraham “considered not”

-The faith that pleases God is born in a place of deadness. I’m speaking here of the deadness of all human possibilities. It is a place where man-made plans flourish at first but then die. It is a place where human hopes bring temporary relief but soon crash, adding to a sense of helplessness. Have any you been there? Are you there now? Has it seemed you have no options left?

-Abraham didn’t stagger in his faith. Rather, he was “fully persuaded that, what (God) had promised, he was able also to perform” (Romans 4:21). He recognized that God is able to work with nothing. Indeed, our Lord creates out of a void. Consider the Genesis account: out of nothing, God created the world. With just a single word, he creates. And he can create miracles for us, out of nothing.

Cast it all on God- When you realize you can’t do anything, no resources left-

Let’s contrast with Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist

• Zacharias was visited by an angel who told him that his wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a special child. But Zacharias-who was advanced in years, like Abraham-refused to believe it. God’s promise alone was not enough for him.

“Whereby [how] shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years” (Luke 1:18). Simply put, Zacharias considered the impossibilities.

“Behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season” (Luke 1:20)

The message is clear: God expects us to believe him when he speaks.

I am convinced that right now the faith of the body of Christ is under fierce satanic attack

-Just as wickedness abounds around the world today, so do the afflictions and trials of God’s church. We’re seeing an unprecedented barrage of sickness, affliction, trouble after trouble, one problem after another-all of which make an overcoming life seem impossible to any believer. Yet, all that we are facing right now is supernatural: Ephesians 6:12

Luke 22, We find Satan attacking Peter’s faith

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31).

Note that Jesus’ words here describe the same demand Satan made concerning Job.

Jesus forewarned Peter that the devil would sift him and attack his faith. Yet Christ assured him, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:32).

I am convinced Satan has intensified this same demand of sifting the Lord’s elect today.

So now he is determined to bring down the faith of this last generation.

Peter suffered a severe eclipse of faith.  I can only imagine what went through this man’s mind to cause him to curse Christ and lie, saying, “I don’t know this Jesus you’re talking about.”

 “If Jesus were God, how could he allow such humiliation? How could he be God and yet not be able to deliver himself, let alone humankind?”

Yet Peter’s eclipse here is recorded for the comfort and encouragement of all believers who are enduring their own eclipses of faith. Have your trials become so intense, you’ve found yourself in what seem to be impossible situations? Now Satan has planted doubts in your mind: questions about God hearing your cries, doubts about the faithfulness of His promises, questions about the effectiveness of prayer.

Peter came thru in the end- 

John 21:18-19- Jesus tells Peter “Follow Me” Those were the words that began all this in Peter’s life.

Jesus speaks and warns Peter that when he is old, he will be bound and Martyred. 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

— John 21:18–19

Peter is disturbed by the news that he will be martyred. He turns around and sees John standing by, and he asks, “What about him?” Jesus doesn’t tell them the answer to that question. Instead He says, “What does that matter to you, Peter? Just follow me.”

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

— John 21:21–22

Excerpts from Khouse.org and Study of Luke (Missler)

By Jim Towers

Do you remember I wrote about a young man I had started witnessing to who was into the homosexual lifestyle? Well he got saved today after receiving Christ into his life.

This thirty-one-year-old man had been ostracized and bullied all his life because of being effeminate. This brought on phobias and anxiety so much so that he takes medication and has a female therapist who tells him he must learn to love himself – just the way he is. She by the way worships Buddha, Jesus and some other entity and has a mural on the wall of her office depicting all three entities. 

Today the young man came to see me about helping me set up a tent at a local art show where I hope to sell my artwork, (I’ve participated in this “hobby” for years). I told him I had a book to give him and so he came right over. We made small talk about art and then we moved on to more serious matters. All the time he knew where I was coming from and because I had already tilled the soil – as it were. Today I thought I would just plant more seed, but God had other plans. 

We sat in my makeshift studio and after making sure he wasn’t pressed for time I began to explain the Jesus promise book to him. It had been on the shelf for some time now as I had already committed most of it to memory. Benny had tried to read the Bible but couldn’t make heads or tails of it. (That’s why I thought to give him these Bible verses to read on his own for now.) Then I explained to him that in order to understand the Bible one would need to have received Christ into his life to be able to read and understand the words in it with spiritual eyes through the help of the Holy Spirit.

I could sense his desperation and he was very open to what I had to say. After probing into his life, I knew that the Gospel was the only answer to his emotional and spiritual well-being. He spoke of his sleepless nights, anxiety and low self- esteem. I told him that God could give him hope freedom from guilt and forgiveness of sin and on top of all that – a peace that surpasses all understanding. I could see his eyes beginning to water up with a glimpse of hope.

After explaining the Gospel in a caring way, I asked if he wanted to receive Jesus Christ into his life and low and behold just after a moment of careful thought he said yes. Then I asked him to repeat the words after me in his own way. “God forgive me,……I receive Jesus Christ into my heart and life to change me and give me hope of eternal life……. After that short prayer I explained how he should be baptized by immersion to show his sincerity toward God, but then I thought – but where can he be baptized since my church is undergoing a tremendous polarizing struggle right now.

Then it happened, a still small voice said to me ask him if he’d like to be baptized right now, (or was that just my imagination?) In any case, I knew it was the right thing to do. (I had baptized my own younger sister a few years ago after leading her to Christ – when she thought she had cancer.) Benny again said yes, then I said, “follow me” and led him to the lanai. “I’ve got an extra pair of swimming trunks hanging on the pegs alongside the pool.” And so, I baptized him in the swimming pool in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. After talking a bit more while in the pool I left him to be alone with his thoughts and changed into dry clothes, but as I happened to peer out the lanai doors, I saw him sitting on the pool deck gazing heavenward contemplating, praying or meditating. Already he was beginning to feel peace.

Before leaving I showed Benny my old banged, taped up and highlighted Bible explaining the Old Testament and the New Testament and pointing out what the prophets said about Jesus three thousand years before he was even born. I was quoting scripture verbatim particularly from the book of John. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning and the was nothing made that was made without Him. In Him was life and……. But as many as believed on Him – to them was given the right to become the sons of God”. He was thirsty for every word but not wanting to overload him I bid him farewell and told him to call me anytime he had questions concerning the Christian faith.

Sunday after voting No to the pastor nominee (a “Woke” person with little experience) I went to lunch at a sit down restaurant and being famished I asked the server to please bring the biscuits and gravy right away. This the server did as I asked, and I thanked the frail hollow eyed young man profusely while looking at his name tag to thank him by name. The name tag read “Genesis”. Reading it aloud I asked, “Do you know what Genesis means in the Bible?” he said “No, I’ve never read the Bible.” 

“It means the beginning of everything.”

“Really?….I never knew that.” 

“Wow,” I thought as he walked away. How could a person not know that?

So today I stopped by Hobby Lobby to get material for the upcoming art show and low and behold – a Christian bookstand! I found what I was looking for – a Bible for Genesis. A red – letter edition with a beautiful purple leather cover.

On my way back home I stopped the restaurant and looking around I didn’t see him, so I asked a waitress if she knew Genesis and she replied yes but she’s not here today. She’ll be here tomorrow. SHE??…. Genesis was a girl! In any case I intend to stop by and give her the Bible and show her the name Genesis on the very first page.

Jesus said, “Only those who throw there lives away for my sake, will truly know what it means to live.” How true Lord – how true.

YBIC

Jim Towers             You can write me at jt.filmmaker@yahoo,com or visit my website www.propheticsignsandwonders.com . You can also find more of my articles on www.dropzonedelta.org. 

Editors note- I would like to address the following post before you read it. Church is messy, from small church’s to larger ones. One can almost read an article a day about some troubles/scandals happening with a pastor or church somewhere around the world. So i was hesitant to post an article about this here on my blog, its not my focus. One of the reasons I hesitate is because there is always two sides to a story and I am not privy to the other side. A second is I have seen well meaning people attack my pastor about something he preached or made them feel and they were completely off the mark. So it always gives me pause.

I urge the readers to read Titus and see how Paul dealt with appointing leadership etc.

Quoting from the study guide by David Guzic in the Blue Letter Bible online(LINK) These elders were not chosen by popular vote, and they were not chosen through their own self-promotion. It was Titus’ job to look for men of the kind of character Paul would describe in the following passage and to appoint them as elders in congregations.”

Also “

iii. The list in the following passage means that God has specific qualifications for leaders in the church. Leaders should not to be chosen at random, or just because they volunteer, or because they aspire to the position, or even because they are “natural leaders.” Leaders should be chosen because they match the qualifications listed here. It is fine if a man thinks he is “called.” Yet he must also be qualified.

iv. The qualifications for leadership in the following passage have nothing to do with giftedness. Paul didn’t say to Titus “Find the most gifted guys.” We might say that it is easy for the Lord to grant gifts by the Holy Spirit as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11), but developing character takes time and a real relationship with Jesus Christ.- Going to seminary doesn’t make one qualified for spiritual leadership.- Being a good talker doesn’t make one qualified for spiritual leadership.- Natural or spiritual gifts in themselves do not qualify one for spiritual leadership.- What one gives in money or volunteer time does not qualify them for spiritual leadership.- What qualifies a man for spiritual leadership is godly character – and godly character established according to the clear criteria Paul will list.

v. However, this is not a rigid list which demands perfection in all areas. It provides both goals to reach for and general criteria for selection. We should take this list and ask “Does the man in question desire all these things with his whole heart? Does that desire show itself in his life?” Titus was to take the following list, find the men who best fit the description, and then use the list as a training guide to disciple these men.

vi. As well, these qualifications are valuable for every person – not only those who aspire to leadership. They are clear indicators of godly character and spiritual maturity; they can give a true measure of a man.”

This would probably mitigate a lot of issues described below. I would also like to add what Dr Missler has been harping on for years, the once and future Church “Small home studies” As quoted here from khouse.org

“Over the many decades that I have enjoyed my love affair with the Bible, I have had the marvelous benefit of many great teachers. I’ve also had the incredible experience of fellowshipping in one of the most famous churches emphasizing expositional teaching from the Word of God.

But I also would like to let you in on a precious secret. Unquestionably, the greatest personal growth I’ve ever witnessed occurs in the home Bible study. From those early years on Harbor Island Road in Newport Beach, to those precious times on Mountain Home Road in Silicon Valley, the fellowship of those intimate home groups, where people can interact, ask questions, and hold one another accountable, was the place of growth for all of us — teacher and student.

This was, of course, the way it all started. A group of but a dozen — fishermen and others — along a seaside in Galilee. Even later as Paul traveled and planted, it was the intimacy of home fellowships that provided the earliest forums for the Gospel. The declarations in the synagogues and on Mars Hill were but an initiation. Their resulting questions were responded to in small groups in homes and on hillsides.”

The small home church is indeed the future. https://www.khouse.org/articles/2016/1284/

By Jim Towers

A while back I told you about my wonderful church falling apart because an egotistical and power-hungry group of men had taken over, after saying an untimely goodbye to our long-time pastor (27 years), practically kicking him out the door. 

It took 27 years for our Pastor under God’s supervision to make our church what it was. It was a conservative Bible based church in which the scriptures were read aloud while standing.  Then the pastor would expound on the verses read.  Afterward there was an altar call, and baptisms in the warm Gulf waters were frequent.  There were no flashing lights, abracadabra, smoke and mirrors or overt shenanigans among this crowd (as in a rock concert.)  All were well read educated people, with many professionals in the mix.

How sad that this had to happen just because a handful of men plotted to take over. Recently the pastor had bestowed “pastor” titles to them all just to keep them happy, but it seems they wanted more power and prestige than he was able to give.

An Email was sent to over seven hundred members – most of whom weren’t aligned with the usurpers. This group (and I among them) crashed their “business as usual meeting”. But knowing this was going to happen through spies they arranged for an experienced old timer to moderate the meeting while the lead usurper went into hiding. While these folks were claiming to be “transparent” the two huge monitors in the chapel (where the meeting was held) read “No recording devises or videotaping allowed,” which doesn’t sound very transparent to me.

Afterward, I queried the guys I knew were in cahoots with the Executive Pastor about his whereabouts and was told by the music director, “I’m not supposed to say,” and seemed offended that I should ask and he immediately turned to speak to someone else to avoid further questioning. I told the second man that it was quite a coincidence for the leader of the pack to be absent from this important meeting. This man just gulped as his face screwed up in defeat. The third crony said, “I heard he’s in the hospital”. Quite a coincidence indeed.  In trying to find out if this was true from the church office through an Email I sent, I received no response, and that was two weeks ago. This same guy tried to assure me that it was all in God’s hands and I had to agree. Had God laid up this man to a bed of affliction or is this just a ruse? It’s hard to say because all six of them have all shown themselves to be dishonest men. 

Whether these wolves in sheep’s clothing thought that they were doing good by trying to slander a man of God is questionable. One error on the part of the pastor is that he hired and promoted what he thought were sound spirit filled men and even if the pastor made a few other errors (as we are all prone to do) these usurpers have made a grievous mistake in scattering the flock the way they have. 

The director of communications must have been very hurt by the pastor’s suggestion that his son in law be given that role. With the pastor out this man takes to the podium every chance he gets. (I suppose it makes him feel powerful.)  Another thing that irks me is that one of them while being a good speaker, never refers to God as “Father.” This isn’t in keeping with the prayer Jesus taught, as in “Our Father who art in heaven…..” and that tells me that he doesn’t have a close enough relationship with God to address Him in that way. Also, it irks me that this childish man and the pompous music director tend to emote fake weeping during their public prayers on the podium, like the old-time televangelists used to do – think Tammy Fae Baker and Jan Crouch. (But this is just me – and although I am only a sinner saved by grace, I don’t tolerate phonies. The things of God are a very serious business.)  

While there are other lesser followers of this cabal, they aren’t worth bothering with, and like worldly people they are only vying for position, but you can be sure their sins will find them out – just as the leader of this fiasco. 

Such are these men. “They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” N.K.J.  The following passage hits the nail on the head in so many ways, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”….. “By their fruits you shall know them.” – Jesus.

“But if (they) do not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if (they) refuse to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer.” Matt. 18:15-17. None of these men are loving and kind but are phony and narcissistic in their behavior.

So, here is where we are now – having to take a stand and revealing these ruthless and divisive men for what they are. Although their family members may be hurt, these ambitious men took it upon themselves to take over the church hurting countless people and they must repent – pack their bags – and leave.

Postscript;

In my forty-five years of church attendance I have been privy to three other such events, and frankly I’ve seen enough ruthless men running roughshod over God’s people. If these men think they are capable, then they should venture out and start their own corrupt and loveless church.    

Many people in our church have had their faith shaken to the core, so much so that many have already left the church. What a tragedy.

Insofar as the integrity of the cabal that has taken over our church, I can’t think of anything worse for man to do than to shake another person’s faith in Almighty God.

YBIC

Jim Towers   

You can write me with your thoughts at jt.filmmaker@yahoo.com

A Time to Stand

by Dr. Steve Elwart

We are fast approaching a time when each of us will have to make some decisions—decisions aboutour life, our relationships, and our worldview

After World War II, the Communist Party assumed control of Romania. Once the Communists came to power, they proceeded to co-opt the Church. They spoke of love and tolerance, but these words masked their true intentions.

Those Christians (including the clergy) who did not have a strong Biblical foundation were easily deceived and many who did were intimidated into silence.

After the takeover, the Romanian Communists convened a congress of four thousand priests, pastors, and ministers of all denominations in their Parliament building with the proceedings being carried in a national radio broadcast. One by one, the ministers got up and had nothing but words of praise for communism and assured the new government of the loyalty of the Christian Church.

One of the pastors scheduled to speak was a man named Richard Wurmbrand. As he listened and waited, his wife Sabina leaned over to him and said, “They are spitting in the face of Christ. Richard, stand up and wash away this shame.”

He said to her, “If I do so, you lose your husband.” She replied, “I don’ twish to have a coward as a husband.”

So Wurmbrand rose and instead of repeating the same thing every other pastor said, he told the assembly how wrong they were and how this flew in the face of Christian doctrine.1 At this point, the broadcast was interrupted and the martyrdom of the Wurmbrands began. Sabina went on to serve eight years in prison while Richard served a total of fourteen years, eight of which were in solitary confinement.

As Richard Wurmbrand said, In solitary confinement, we could not pray as before. We were unimaginably hungry…The Lord’s Prayer was much too long for us—we could not concentrate enough to say it. My only prayer repeated again and again was, “Jesus, I love You.” After he and his wife immigrated to the United States, he was called to testify before the United States Senate, stripping to the waist to reveal the scars of eighteen wounds received from frequent tortures.

A reporter with the Philadelphia Herald said of Wurmbrand’s time in prison, “He stood in the midst of lions, but they could not devour him.”

Please click this link here. for the rest of the article. Very well worth it. KHouse is a treasure trove of great articles and insight.