The Toronto Blessing

© 06-08 Born-Again-Christian.info

Bible is Better

Q: What is your view on the 'Toronto Blessing' please? Molly

A: I noticed the fuss in the 90's, but haven't given it any attention since. We are to keep our eyes on Jesus, not men. Heb. 3:1, 12:2. What dismayed me most was that people who should've known better, such as the leaders of London's largest Spirit-filled fellowship, flew to Toronto just to check it out. All they saw was fat Canadians rolling on the floor and giggling. Big deal! That doesn't impress me. What a waste of the Lord's money.

If they'd spent the airfare going to Africa, China or South Asia, and simply proclaimed the message of Christ, they'd have seen; blind eyes opened, cripples healed, the deaf hearing, the dumb speaking, and the dead raised. That impresses me, and it is Bible.

But God warned us that in the Final Days people would prefer ear-tickling entertainment in place of the Gospel. 2 Tim. 4:2-5. It's pathetic isn't it?

Fighting the Flab

Q: God has given believers the power to cast out devils, and heal the sick, so why do I struggle to keep my weight down? Shannan

A: You are right Shannan, when you are filled with God's Spirit you have all the power you need to do all the exciting stuff, as well as be self-controlled. But I think you are missing something. God gives you power to drive out (control) demons, but God's power will not control you. Instead, He gives us the power of self-control. Who does the controlling of self? That's right, you do, not God's Spirit, otherwise you'd be a robot.

It's not the Holy Spirit who forces you to consume more food than you need, but a lack of self-control and greed. Greed, is idolatry, sin, and it will kill you prematurely (Col. 3:5). You have the power to obey God and be self-controlled. (Gal. 5:22, 1 Pe. 5:8)

You don't need pills, fad-diets, and therapy; simply take responsibility for your food intake and weight, so that you honour God with your body (His Temple), and stop abusing it. Learn to exercise self-discipline (2 Tim. 1:7).

Write down your weight and waist measurements when you are in your physical prime (18-21 years old), and determine to stick to them until you are promoted to Heaven. I do this, so I know it works. If my weight creeps up, I simply halve my food intake for a week or two, and it's soon back to normal. Half-rations sounds drastic, but it isn't. During this period I say to myself, 'Unless I go to bed feeling hungry, I've eaten too much.'

If when you pinch a single fold of your tummy it measures more than an inch thick, you are over-weight. You only need two meals a day; a light breakfast and an evening meal. Throw out the sugar, (I've not bought a bag of sugar for over ten years). Use smaller plates, and dishes. It should go without saying; ditch all the junk food, ice-cream, confectionary, and alcohol!

Start now, and ask the Lord to give you even more practical tips. Use the money you save to buy tracts, and go and use them on the streets.

Computer games

Q: What about video games that use terms like God, Mercy, Truth?

A: Does that make them okay? No, Judaism, Islam, and all religions, are replete with such terminology, but still lead to Hell. Only heart faith in the LORD Jesus Christ saves. Your video game doesn't dare proclaim that message, does it?

The Name above all names

Q: I heard that when you know Christ's Hebrew Name in Arabic, you can no longer use his Latin Name 'Jesus'; is this true? Janeen

A: No. It sounds like unsaved Orthodox 'Christians', or Catholics, are trying to put you in bondage with their false religions. Jesus is Greek, not Latin. The Hebrew form of Jesus is 'Yeshua', the Arabic sounds very similar.

I can assure you Janeen, that The LORD Jesus Christ keeps His Promise to every born again believer who uses His Name in their mother tongue, when it is used in faith according to His Word. Jn. 14:12-14, 16:23-24.

The power in that Name, whether in English, Chinese, Lisu, Swahili, Norwegian, or Hebrew etc., is exactly the same. Phil. 2:9-1. Never let the Devil forget that Gospel fact.

The witching-hour?

Q: What time do evil spirits come out?

A: Between midnight and dawn, with alternate weekends off.

Only kidding. Out from where? Evil spirits are on Earth, and in the heavenly realms, all the time influencing the unsaved, and trying to seduce the saved all the time. The unseen spiritual realm is just as real as the visible. Eph. 6:10-13.

Believers are never alone

Q: If it is not good for man to be alone in his present state of life (Gen. 2:18), why would it be good for him to be alone for eternity? Janice

Saints won't be alone in Heaven (Rev. 7:9, 19:1), nor will the unsaved in Hell. (Rev. 20:11-15, 21:8, 22:15). And don't forget the tantalising prospect of the Marriage Supper, between the Lamb of God and the Bride of Christ.