."Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart..."
"You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll cut your heart open," he continued, to see how much damage has been done ".
"But when you open up my heart, you'll find Jesus in there," said the boy.
The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. "When I see how much damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up, and I'll plan what to do next."
"But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You'll find Him in my heart."
The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart.
I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I'll find out if I can make you well."
"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there "
The surgeon left. The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, "...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis: here he paused, "death within one year."
He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud."Why did You do this? You've put him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"
The Lord answered and said, "The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is apart of My flock , and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow.
"The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. "You created that boy, and You created that heart. He'll be dead in months. Why?"
The Lord answered, "The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for He has Done his duty:
I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb. YOU!"
The surgeon wept.
The surgeon sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered , "Did you cut open my heart?"
"Yes," said the surgeon.
"What did you find?" asked the boy.
"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon
--Author Unknown - Celebrate Jesus in 2007 !
Run, don't walk, to see this video!
Contact ministry owner at: Freedom_Beacon@yahoo.com.
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Freedom Beacon Ministry's Chronology
January 24, 2008!
Look How Far We’ve Come in Just One Year!
1/24/07—Freedom Beacon Ministries is conceived, in blog format, under the name "Soundness of Mind at www.soundnessofmind.blogspot.com. The earliest posts were part of a series refuting the Watch Tower Society’s new tract entitled, "The End of False Religion is Near". The name "Soundness of Mind" was appropriate at the time, since the early focus was praising the Lord for leading me out of the unsound dogma of the Watch Tower and into a sound spiritual mind. Blog discontinued in November, 2007.
3/1/07—A multi-page site is established at www.freewebs.com/wwwsoundnessofmindcom. It contained the same posts as the blog and was originally intended to replace it since the new format seemed more efficiently organized. Later, it was realized that all of the reader feedback was being left on the blog, so rather than lose the blog’s readership and feedback, both sites continued until everyone could make the transition to the new site. Each site had its pros and cons: while it was easier to find the most recent posts on the blog, it was easier to find posts by topic on the multi-page site.
4/2/07—The on-line forum launched at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Freedom_Beacon_Ministries (link is updated with new name). It’s purpose was to take the focus off my individual testimony and use what I had learned to benefit others. The target audience was primarily ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses, and family of active JWs, but I also hoped to help individuals leaving other cults. I also wanted to provide apologetics help to Christians who wanted to witness to cult members. Lastly, I wanted to offer Christian counseling to those who wanted it. Currently, the members of the forum are still mostly ex-JWs, who left the WTS anywhere from 1 to 20+ years ago, as well as their Christian supporters. We also have an ex-Mormon and an ex-member of the World-Wide Church of God.
10/8/07--I posted a question in the Yahoo Answers’ Religion & Spirituality forum, asking for suggestions for a name change that would better reflect the direction the ministry has taken. I wanted a name that would speak to those who sought freedom from the legalistic oppression of cults and let them know that they could find a supportive and safe haven. The suggestion I chose as "Best Answer" was "Freedom Ministries", but I still wanted to incorporate a direct reference to our lighthouse logo. Not only do I love lighthouses, but they remind me of Jesus’ admonition to let our light shine prominently before men, so that they, too, may be led from darkness into the light of God’s word. Thus, "Soundness of Mind" aptly became "Freedom Beacon Ministries".
10/15/07—A loosely formatted Freedom Beacon Ministries’ audio room was launched on Paltalk at http://chat.paltalk.com/g2/group/1138101927/. The intent was to facilitate fellowship among forum members. It was also hoped that we would experience growth by introducing ourselves to the Paltalk community. This has certainly proven to be the case, as we have seen everyone from Christians, with their own unique ministries, to Atheists drop in. Individuals in need of Christian Counseling also regularly access the room.
10/15/07—Freedom Beacon Radio was launched. This customized radio station airs in the audio room during the music and chat segment in the early evenings. The format is Contemporary Christian music. You can link to the station directly, even when the audio room is not open, at http://radio.music.yahoo.com/launchcast/stations/default.asp. Search for Freedom Beacon in the radio station guide under the Contemporary Christian genre.
10/22/07—An organized format was introduced in the audio room. The format continues to include Christian music and chat, but we have added different teaching elements on each night of the week, including: Bible Reading, Discussion, Apologetics Help, Doctrinal Fallacies, Personal Testimonies, Praise Reports, and Prayer Circles. Overall, our mission continues to be one of edification, encouragement, and sound doctrine.
October/November, 2007—The first issue of Freedom Beacon Ministries’ e-newsletter goes out to all group members and ministry supporters. The goal is to help us stay informed of new developments (i.e. new articles posted to the site, new members, prayer requests, etc.) There are also devotionals, website links, recommended reading, and apologetics tips for your edification.
November, 2007—First videos posted to You Tube with the purpose of debunking WT doctrine:
11/8/07: Charles Russell’s Occult influences at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeiBhhUaKNA
11/15/07—4-part series contrasting WT with Biblical doctrine at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4uqo5eLMR8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z08rYbWjnT8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vME94FOI-7c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ibi4QRXN4QBoth videos contain end comment supplying the Freedom Beacon e-mail address for those who would like more info.
December, 2007—Recovery from Cults videos posted to You Tube:
Four part interview giving an overview of Freedom Beacon Ministries, the new book by FBM’s founder, and thoughts on recovery from cult spiritual abuse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiA_ZyfPuGIhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42TBJxbaZ8c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e84v31cE5U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqU6cGXmpfo
Comparison of Battered Women's Syndrome & Cult Spiritual Abuse--Similarities in abuser tactics and effect on victim (2 parts):
Spiritual Battery - Part I & II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LGBtRpv09U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QccGmUJfdpc
March, 2008--You Tube 5 part series on the history, beliefs, and Masonic connections of Mormonism:
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcyHwrIOztw
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naokxmWI0a0&feature=user
Part 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vKLacR0Bio&feature=user
Part 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9uY-eU5vRw
Part 5:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoehU6Op5Ew&feature=user
April, 2008--New group is started in Yahoo Groups' "Health & Wellness" section. This is a non-religious cult recovery group for non-Christians and individuals who, because of their experiences in cults, are angry with God/religion. This group focuses on recovery, rather than on a combination of theology and recovery, that is the focus of the main group (Freedom Beacon Ministries). The URL for the new group is: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CultRecovery
July, 2008—You Tube videos on the New Age Movement & "The Cult of Oprah":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8Jfy_r-6EQ
Overview of New Age Movement:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03eR7E0gejEOverview of "The Secret"/Law of Attraction promoted by Oprah:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuXglQiNhnoOverview of "A Course in Miracles" promoted by Oprah:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dSzOH-mR6c
What’s the message of the
GOSPEL?
What does "Gospel" mean?
The word Gospel means "Good News".
What is this "Good News"?
It is the "Good News" of God’s plan to save us from sin and death, through Jesus Christ, and to reconcile us to Him.
Why four Gospels in the Bible?
Actually, there is only one Gospel presented in four different eye-witness testimonies. According to the Apostle John, one (or even four) Gospel records wouldn’t have been enough to cover all of the miracles, teachings, and events that occurred while Jesus was on earth (John 21: 24, 25).
How do we know they were "eye witness" accounts?
The writer of the Gospel of Luke tells us so (Luke 1: 1-4). As is typical of eye-witnesses, the four Gospel writers sometimes varied in their perspectives, and in their views of which events ought to be given precedence in their accounts. Each author wanted to portray Jesus in a different way and he used the events he thought would best bring out the part of His character that he wanted to emphasize. This was done as follows:
In Matthew,
He is revealed as a King. Written primarily to the Jews, He is presented as the promised successor of King David of Israel. His royal genealogy is given in chapter one. In his Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), he reveals the laws of his "Kingdom". He is the coming Savior of promise, whom the Jews eagerly anticipated.In Mark,
He is revealed as a Servant. Written to the citizens of the Roman Empire, no genealogy is given, since the Romans looked upon the Jews as servants and had no regard for the royal lineage of nations under their rule. More miracles are included in this account--Romans were men of action and it would only be action that would get their attention. He is revealed, in this account, as the powerful Savior who, while humble in origin, had the power to save the Jews from oppression.In Luke,
He is revealed as the "Son of Man". Written to the Greeks, whose own gods were very similar to human beings, He is revealed to be a perfect man. He is seen in prayer often and with angels ministering to him. He is the perfect Savior, full of grace, as opposed to the often vengeful gods of the Greeks.In John,
He is revealed as the "Son ofGod". Written to those who would believe, everything in this account demonstrates His divinity. It opens with emphasis on his eternality and pre-incarnate state.
The four accounts should be taken as a composite portrait of Jesus Christ. Only when we read all four accounts, do we see every aspect of His true nature
.How do the Gospels reveal Him as the long-awaited Messiah?
The four Gospel portraits are all directly related to prophecies concerning the Messiah that were given to the prophets of Israel in the Old Testament. The prophets had been told of his offices, mission, birth, suffering, death, resurrection, and glory. Like the Gospel accounts, the prophets portrayed the Messiah as:
KING:
Psalm 72; Isaiah 9: 6, 7; 32:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 9:9; 14:9. These passages, and others, foretell the Messiah’s kingly office. They tell us details about the kingdom itself, the extent of its dominion, its ultimate triumph, and what its rule will be like for its subjects.SERVANT
: Isaiah 42: 1-7; 52: 13-15; 53.SON OF MAN:
Genesis 3:15; 22:18; Isaiah 7: 14-16; 9:6.GOD:
Isaiah 9:6; 40: 3-5; 47: 4; Jeremiah 23: 6.It is in these very same capacities that Jesus is set forth in the Gospel accounts of the New Testament.
What Was His Mission?
To reveal God to us through His presence on earth
--Isaiah 40: 3-5- Moses, for example, spoke to God through a burning bush (Exodus 3: 1-6).
- Jesus, being the "image of" God, was able to reveal God to us, through Him. (John 14: 1-11; Philippians 2: 5-8: Isaiah 9: 6, 7).
To preach the Gospel message--
- To the dead in Hell who hadn’t had an opportunity to hear the Gospel before they died (1 Peter 3: 19; then see Matt. 27: 50-54).
To lead ALL men to God—both Jews and "Gentiles"
--Isaiah 42: 1-7To deliver us from darkness
--Colossians 1:13To "redeem" us
- In Scripture, it also means to become "reconciled" to God (Colossians 1:20; 2 Corinthians 5:19). Reconciliation is the act of reinstating a harmonious relation-ship between individuals. Thus, Christ paved the way for us to once again enjoy a relationship with God without sin getting in the way. (Hebrews 2: 9-18)
Because it was foretold in Scripture
- It was foretold that God Himself would redeem us—one proof that Christ was God (Isaiah 47:4)!
To be Lord of our lives
- By following His example (1 Peter 2: 21-25).
To be our Salvation
--Hebrews 5: 8, 9So we could become "sons of God"--
Romans 8:14-18; Galatians 3:26-29
To give us an eternal "inheritance" as God’s children
--Colossians 1:12What is that inheritance?
- Eternal life in heaven (John 14:1-4).
- To be in the presence of Our Lord forever (Revelation 21: 1-5).
- Freedom from sickness, pain, suffering, and death (Revelation 21: 3, 4).
The 4-Fold Gospel
How, then, do we become
reconciled to God?
There are 4 basic steps, sometimes called the "Four-Fold Gospel". The passages of Scripture that outline these steps are some of the most important verses of Scripture. They sum up the Gospel message in such a simplistic manner that even a person with no theological background can understand it. In fact, the Bible tells us that the Gospel is one of simplicity (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4). There-fore, if we are presented with a gospel that is complicated to understand and to live by, we ought to recognize it for what it is--a FALSE gospel contrived by the devil and not God.
STEP 1:
God's purpose is that we enjoy eternal life, peace, and fellowship with Him:
Romans 5:1
John 3:16
Romans 6:23b
STEP 2:
Sin has broken our fellowship with God:
Romans 3:23
Romans 6:23
Isaiah 59:2
STEP 3:
God has provided a means for that fellowship to be restored once again--through Jesus Christ:
Romans 5:8
Acts 4:12
1 Timothy 2:5
John 5:24
PLEASE NOTE
:According to the Bible, it is ONLY by God's Grace that we are saved--NOT by any works we can do. If anyone says otherwise, they are preaching a FALSE Gospel to you!
Please see Ephesians 2:8, 9
STEP 4:
Accepting Christ as Lord and Savior gives us reconciliation with God. Christ becomes` our High Priest and Mediator:
Hebrews 4:14-16
Acts 10:43
John 14:1
John 1:12
PLEASE NOTE:
You can be CERTAIN of your salvation in Jesus Christ, when you accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Any group that claims otherwise preaches a FALSE Gospel. Notice what the Bible says:Romans 10:13
Romans 8:39
Romans 5:1
John 5: 12-13
But, what if we fall into sin after we’ve received Christ?
According to 1 John 1:7-9, once we have received Christ as Savior, we can come directly to God the Father, in prayer, and confess our sins to Him. We do not need to go through any human priest to do this. After that, we must repent (meaning to "turn away from") the sin and strive to walk in line with God’s will, each day, from then on.
Q’s? Contact us at:
WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?
WE ARE "SONS [AND DAUGHTERS] OF GOD"
What does the term "son" mean in Scripture?
It means someone who is "the image of" another. When we conform our lives to God’s commands, we become sons of God, just as the first man, Adam, was before he fell from grace (Genesis 1: 26, 27). Please read Romans chapter 8.
How do we become children of God?
John 1: 12—"But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:"
1 John 1: 3—"that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."
John 14: 6—"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Matthew 12: 30—"He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth."
What does this mean for us?
John 17: 3—"And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, [even] Jesus Christ."
Romans 10:9, 10—"because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus [as] Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
John 14: 2-4—"In my Father`s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also. 4 And whither I go, ye know the way."
HOW DO WE KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS?
We live by the Spirit of God and not for the "flesh" or the "world":
Romans 8: 9-16—9 "But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 16 The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God"
Galatians 6: 14—"But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
What does this look like to others?
2 Corinthians 5: 17—"Wherefore if any man is in Christ, [he is] a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new."
Colossians 3: 12-17—"Put on therefore, as God`s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things [put on] love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms [and] hymns [and] spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. 17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Compare Hebrews 10:25—"not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting [one another]; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.")
What does this cause us to do?
We each make a personal choice to act in obedience to Christ:
Philippians 2: 12—"So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
We share the Gospel with others through our testimony and sharing God’s word with them.
Matthew 5:14-16—"Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do [men] light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. 16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 28: 19, 20—"Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
We walk in faith in our daily lives:
Deut. 6: 6-9—"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; 7 and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates."
Psalm 119: 104-106—"Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances."
2 Corinthians 5: 7—". . .for we walk by faith. . ."
James 2: 26—"For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead."
James 1: 22—"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves."
John 14: 15—"If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments."
How do we accomplish all of this?
Draw close to God:
James 4: 6-8—"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore [the scripture] saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 7 Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. "
Rely on His Holy Spirit:
John 14: 16-18—Jesus told us about the Holy Spirit: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever, 17 [even] the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you."
12 steps for Spiritual Recovery
Freedom Beacon Ministries’
Twelve Steps of Cult Recovery*
- We admitted that, on our own, we lacked the strength and insights needed to recover from our cult experiences and to thrive within outer society (Psalm 119:104-107; Romans 8:37).
- Came to believe that God’s Word, as revealed in the Bible through His Holy Spirit, is the sole path to spiritual wellness (John 14:16,17; Acts 4:12).
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to God by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (John 14:6, Acts 10:43).
- Using God’s Word as our guide, we took an honest moral and spiritual inventory of ourselves (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
- Admitted to ourselves, and to God, all the ways we’ve fallen short of His Will for our lives (1 John 1:8, 9).
- Became entirely ready to have Jesus Christ remove our sinful natures and replace them with His nature (2 Corinthians 5:17, 18).
- Humbly asked God to cleanse us of all unrighteousness and to fill us with His Holy Spirit (Romans 6:11-13).
- Made a list of all persons we’d harmed--especially friends and family we’d shunned when we were in the cult, and Christians who sought to help liberate us--and asked them, and God, to forgive us (James 5:16a; 1 John 1:9).
- Made direct amends to all such people, wherever possible, exhibiting the Fruits of the Spirit and the love of Jesus Christ (Galatians 5: 22, 23; John 13:34,35).
- Continued to walk in sanctification, confessing and repenting of our shortcomings, in the name of our Mediator, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4: 14-16).
- Sought to improve our personal relationship with God, through prayer and study of His Word, praying for knowledge of His Will for us, and His power to carry it out (Joshua 1:8; 1 Timothy 4:15).
- Having been Born Again, as sons and daughters of the only true and living God (John 1:12), we accepted His commission to share His Gospel of Grace to others who seek to know Him, especially those who are still in captivity (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:16; Luke 4:18).
* Adapted from the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The heart
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