Discerning the Times with Pastor Rusty
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Will 2022 Be a Year of Upheaval?

1/9/2022

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I think any American who simply pays attention to what is going on in our country will not sleep well unless they know the Lord.
 
Think about the unprecedented pressures coming to bear on our nation as we begin 2022:

  • Very real inflation that shows no sign of slowing down
  • The utter destruction of the dollar as government socialist spending (financed with the printing of several trillion more dollars) erupts like a volcano under the Biden Administration
  • Practically no border security as the current administration does little to nothing to stop the influx of illegal immigrants coming by the thousands
  • The ugly rise of open crime in our major cities with a record number of murders and the looting of stores in broad daylight
  • Unconstitutional vaccine mandates that threaten the jobs of millions of Americans
  • The very real attack on religious freedom from the elites promoting transgender confusion
  • Rising threats from Chinese and Russian aggression with the very real possibility of a major war in the Mideast as Israel prepares for an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities
  • Deep concerns over voter integrity at the State level as the nation preps for the 2022 election in November
  • Constant philosophical conflict between those who embrace traditional Americanism and those who desire to expunge our history, burn our constitution, and plunge us into the nightmare of a Marxist/Communist government
  • A blatant, in-your-face deceitful media that refuses to report the truth; once they filter the “news” through the narrative they staunchly defend the truth often lies dead in the street!
  • The corruption of our university system which has basically sold out to Chinese influence
 
This is not a pretty picture as we enter 2022 and to think this is not all the problems we face. What are Christians to do about this mess?
 
A lot comes to mind as I think about encouraging those I am called to serve as a minister of the gospel. However, if I could boil my advice down to a single point this is it: MAKE 2022 A NEW YEAR OF OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST.
 
No believer is ready for what might happen in 2022 without a life of obedience to Christ. I challenge you to take spiritual inventory as 2022 begins. Everyone who names the name of Christ needs a revival of personal obedience to Christ in 2022.

The simple illustration of our Lord in Matthew chapter seven needs to be revisited earnestly by the average believer. In verses 24 through 27 our Lord gives us the parable of two builders. One built upon the rock and the other built upon the sand.
 
Of course, we all understand the importance of a strong foundation. Houses and other buildings built on a weak foundation cannot endure the test of time. When the right storm comes along, they will collapse.
 
However, those structures built upon the secure foundation of solid rock can bear up under the stress of a terrible storm. Surely we can understand our Lord’s illustration.
 
The point is those who hear the words of Christ and DO THEM (this is obedience, not lip service) are like the wise man who built upon the rock.

Here are a couple of devotional thoughts that come to mind:
 
Obedience makes the Lord our hiding place
 
Only submission to the good shepherd leads us into green pastures.


Through-out this new year build your life upon obedience to Christ. It is the only way to possess a heart dominated by the peace of God. Trust me. You will need the peace of God ruling in your heart as we navigate the choppy waters of 2022.






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The Light of the World

12/21/2021

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     There is something special about Christmas for believers. Beyond the busy activity of the season believers once again muse upon their great God and Savior, Jesus the Christ (Luke 2:11; Titus 2:13).

     There is something about his humble birth in Bethlehem that captures our imagination. The reality of God taking to himself human nature and coming to us as a helpless babe is more than we can fully grasp. Yet, it is true. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us!

     The night of his birth also reminds us there is little room for our Creator in his own world. Joseph sought an appropriate place for his promised wife, great with child, upon arriving in Bethlehem. However, there was no room for them in the inn.

     This may seem harmless enough in as much as many were travelling to satisfy the edict of the government of that day, but John’s gospel points out that he was in the world, and the world was made by him, yet the world did not recognize him (John 1:10).

     A king was born that night in Bethlehem, but there was no palace for him. Instead, just a stable where he was wrapped with swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Unknown and unappreciated, the Light of the world had come.
    
Psalm 36 makes a wonderful statement that connects with this thought. For some context, read the following verses and note in particular the last verse:

     5 Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

     6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

     7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

     8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

     9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
 
     Indeed, “in thy light shall we see light.” 

     May I remind you that Jesus is the true Light that lighteth every man who comes into the world (John 1:9). Without his light we could never see light (that is, possess a right understanding of our world).

     The familiar words of the Christmas hymn say it so well:
 
     O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!
     Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, The silent stars go by:
     Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light:
     The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.
 
     May I say, the everlasting Light is still shining bright. In fact, he is the light that shines in darkness and the darkness cannot overpower him (Cf. John 1:5).

     Thankfully, all those who know the Lord Jesus Christ are no longer in darkness. As children of light (Eph. 5:8) we know the true Light.

     It is in this unique way Christmas rekindles the joy of our salvation. Our personal knowledge of Christ as Savior is the underlying reason we find such joy in the season. Indeed, the message of Christmas is one of good tidings and great joy. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!

     As long as we celebrate the Savior and carry the good news of his birth, life, death, and resurrection to others the Light of the world will continue to burn bright. May the Spirit of the Lord empower us to do so as we celebrate Him at Christmas and in every season.

​     Amen.

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The Incarnation of God in Christ

12/19/2021

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     The doctrine of the incarnation of God in Christ is the cornerstone of Christianity. Since the inception of the church authentic believers have confessed the deity of Jesus Christ. Simply stated, we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

     He is the Lord from glory (that is His deity). His human name is Jesus, which means Jehovah saves, or simply Savior. And He is the promised Messiah, the anointed one, and thus in our Greek NT he is called the Christ.

      He is the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who follow the Spirit of God (the Spirit of truth) confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. The Bible says in 1 John chapter four:

     “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

     Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

     And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world . . . hereby we recognize the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”
 
     In these verses the apostle John is certainly referencing his teaching in the first chapter of his gospel. He begins his gospel by revealing, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Then he declares, “And the Word was made flesh (that is, he took to himself human nature in the person of Jesus the Christ) and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth.”

     Thus, John insists those who refuse to confess the unique nature of Jesus Christ are not of God. The spirit of error denies the deity of Jesus the Christ. This is the spirit of antichrist that manifests in the world through all sorts of false spirituality.

     However, we confess that Jesus the Christ is the Lord of glory. Thus, we call him the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
    
     Now let's continue our examination of the incarnation of God in Christ as we consider 1 Timothy 3:14-16. The passage reads as follows:

14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
 
15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
 
16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.


     Let’s begin by noting Paul’s desire to come to Timothy. Timothy was a younger minister of the gospel serving in the office of pastor. He received much training from the apostle and in the opening verses of this epistle Paul refers to Timothy as his son in the faith.

     Paul hoped to see Timothy again, however, he wrote this epistle and sent it to Timothy so that he might know how to behave in the house of God. Look again at verse 15 where Paul says:

     “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

     You should take note of the reference to the local church as the house of God.  Local churches corporately comprise the church of the living God. If you are saved, then you are a part of the church of the living God. You are a part of the greater body of Christ that finds expression in local assemblies of believers. Every believer should be connected to a local, Bible believing church where they can grow in Christ and serve the Lord.

     Notice also, the important statement at the end of verse 15. The Bible says the church of the living God is the pillar and ground of the truth. If you want to know the truth, then you must turn to the church of the living God to get it! The authentic church is the steward of the truth of God’s word, and it is the steward of the truth as it is in Jesus.

     With that said, the apostle immediately turns his attention to the cornerstone of all truth, namely the incarnation of God in Christ. He says in verse 16:
 
     “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
 
     Now let’s follow the outline the Holy Spirt provides us in this verse. First, He says there is no question that great is the mystery of godliness. The word mystery in this verse speaks of a hidden truth now revealed. The truth is fully revealed since the coming of Christ into the world. Thus, the verse proceeds to detail the manifestation of the mystery of godliness.

     First, the Bible says, “God was manifest in the flesh.” We use the word incarnation to communicate this great truth. During the Christmas season our minds naturally turn to that time some 2000 years ago when God sent forth his Son made of a woman.

     We must remember that God sent his Son into the world. The eternal Word (a specific title for Jesus, the Son of God) left his Father’s side and veiled his eternal position within the Godhead taking to himself a human nature in the person of Jesus the Christ.

     Thus, Jesus the promised Messiah was God manifest in the flesh. Jesus was truly man, and he was truly God in one person. The miracle of the virgin conception occurred when Mary was found with child of the Holy Spirit. This miracle clothed the eternal Word with the human nature of Jesus.  Thus, Jesus is unique. He is one-of-a-kind. He is the only begotten Son of God. As such, he is God manifest in the flesh.

     The wonder of Christmas lies in the truth of the incarnation of God in Christ. How can it be that the Almighty could be wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger as a helpless infant child?

     Humbly God came into our world in the person of Jesus the Christ. The incarnation of God in Christ was an act of great humiliation. He stooped from the glory of heaven’s throne to become the second Adam. In the person of Jesus, the Christ, God donned the clothing of perfect, sinless humanity.

     In so doing He emptied himself of the privileges of His intrinsic deity. He laid aside the outer clothes that normally manifested his glory so he could function as a humble foot washer. Indeed, he made himself of no reputation but took upon himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men.

     Our Lord tells us exactly why he so humbled himself: “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me.”  Why did the Father prepare for him a body? A body prepared him to be the sacrifice for the sin of the world.

     The Son of God humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. By which we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

     At the cross God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself (2 Cor. 5:19). Upon the cross he bore our sins in his body. His death upon the cross was for us. Upon the cross he, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man.

     God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself by virtue of his infinite sacrifice. Yes, he must be a man to redeem Adam’s race, but he must be God to pay the infinite price required by Divine justice.

     I say thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift—the gift of his beloved Son!

     Thank God unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. He came for us. He came with a passion to do his Father’s will and he came with a passion to redeem his people.

     And so, in time he was justified in the Spirit. The mighty works he did as the perfect Spirit-filled Son of man confirmed his identity as the Christ, the Son of God.

     Upon the cross he offered himself through the eternal Spirit without spot to God. And then three days after his burial in a borrowed tomb he was fully vindicated by the Holy Spirit when God raised him from the dead.  (Somebody say Amen!)

     Furthermore, as our text states, he was seen of angels through-out his sojourn in this world. The angels watched in awe as the Son of God was born in the little town of Bethlehem. The Father gave them the cue and with the announcement of the angel to the shepherds heralding the birth of the Savior suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

     The angels watched over him in his youth and through-out his journey to the cross. Indeed, he gave his angels charge over him, to keep him in all his ways. They bore him up in their hands, lest he dash his foot against a stone.

     Later in the garden an angel came and strengthened Jesus so he could continue to the cross. And no doubt the angels waited for the summon from the Savior as he hung on the cross. Just one word from the Savior and they would have freed him. But he never prayed the Father to send them. Rather, he endured the cross. He endured the hour of darkness wherein his soul was made an offering for sin.

     The angels watched him die, but they also watched his resurrection. In fact, the angel of the Lord rolled away the stone. Not so Jesus could get out, but so we could get in to see that he is not there, but he is risen as he said!

      With joy the angel says to us, “why seek ye the living among the dead, come see the place where Jesus laid. He is not here, but he is risen.”
    
 
Conclusion
 
     Today he is still preached unto the Gentiles. Today he is still believed upon in this world. And today he is still received up into glory. As the apostle Peter says in Acts chapter three, “Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”    
 
     He is now in glory. The humble babe, Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God, is now seated by the Father from whence he shall return in great power and glory.

​     Exalt him during this Christmas season and through-out the year! 
 








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Gallup Poll: 71% of Low-Income Adults Report Inflation Hardship

12/9/2021

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Newsmax reports the following:

Despite Biden administration apologists' attempts to spin rocketing inflation as a non-issue for Americans, particularly those in lower-income households, that narrative is ostensibly outed as fake news by the latest Gallup poll.

An overwhelming majority (71%) of U.S. adults' households making less than $40,000 report a financial hardship from the rapid rise in prices of goods and energy heading into the holiday and winter season. That includes 54% of households without a college degree and 45% of all U.S. adults' households, according to the poll.  Access the full article here


Inflation certainly is touching us all. Unfortunately, it is not going to ease up anytime soon. While supply chain issues and various government policies play a roll in short-term inflation, the underlying reason for long-term inflation is easy enough to discern.

Our government continues to print money beyond anything we could have imagined just five or ten years ago. This is true not only of our government, but the governments of the world. Central banks over the past two years increased the global money supply by 20 trillion dollars. This increased money supply is the primary driving force behind rising inflation.

Since our government (and others) are bent on out of control spending there is no hope inflation will moderate any time soon. In fact, it is very likely to get much worse before it gets better.

Perhaps you have read more about inflation than I have, but to summarize what I have learned no nation in history has ever escaped the ravages of hyperinflation once on the path we are now travelling. It is reason for real concern.

The question arises as to how believers should react to this growing concern. I certainly am not going to pretend to have all the answers. However, there is some unchanging wisdom from God's Word that applies to every situation.  We would be wise to prepare for the future by applying that wisdom to our personal financial situation.

First, evaluate how you honor the Lord.  Do you find joy putting him first in your finances?  Remember, the promises of God's faithfulness to those who keep him first do not expire when the world is imploding. I suggest you evaluate your giving and always keep the Lord first (For a lesson on obedience and how the Lord is able to bless you even during a "famine," read Genesis 26:1-16; note verses one and twelve).

Next, embrace contentment. Contentment is the only antidote to the problem of covetousness. Covetousness has quietly troubled our nation as millions of Americans over extend themselves to live in houses that are to big, cars that are to expensive, and generally know no bounds on spending.

Of course, we have legitimate needs. However, why are so many Americans living pay check to pay check with household incomes of up to $150,000.00 per year? Simply stated we ignore the warning and wisdom found in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 and Hebrews 13:5-6.

Now don't misunderstand. Obviously household income varies greatly across the nation. However, without contentment it does not matter how much we make. While there are many families who do struggle with lower incomes, the fact remains millions of Americans should be doing much better than they are.

My advice to you is to beware of covetousness (Luke 12:15-21). The unique problem Americans have with covetousness is not that they are generating more income and thus need to "build bigger barns," rather they use debt to finance lifestyles that create the allusion of possessing "bigger barns."

As inflation grows new pressures are created on those who are over extended. The working poor feel those pressures, however so do the millions who look prosperous but are over extended.

The point is simple enough. Pull back and live simpler lives. Be contented with food and clothing. Evaluate your situation and do what is necessary to assure the ravages of inflation do not destroy your ability to have enough food and clothing. Vacations, gadgets, newer cars, etc. are not necessities. 

And that brings me to the next point. Reduce debt, do not increase debt.

The truth is those who are debt free can weather most any kind of financial storm.  It doesn't mean they don't feel the difficulties that come, but because they are free the situation is radically different for them. 

In the first place, in a bad economy you keep what you own. However, it is very possible to lose most everything you do not own. Consequently, strive to become debt free and in the current climate of growing inflation avoid consumer debt like the plague. 

Remember, the underlying spiritual problem that drives too much debt is discontent. Couple that with the problem of pride (keeping up with the Jones) and you have the perfect formula for personal financial disaster.

Unfortunately, greater challenges lie ahead for all of us. Our world is a mess and the ungodly do not have any answers. Sound, godly living is so minuscule there is little to hold back the inevitable collapse of the US and world economy. 

I cannot speak for you, but I believe the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter six. I believe we should obey the Lord and lay our treasure up in heaven where the thief (especially the one in Washington D.C.) cannot touch it and the rust cannot ruin it.

Be careful to strike the right balance. Fighting the battle against inflation to preserve the value of your net worth is only wise if you have an eye on eternity. Preserving wealth only to hoard it for self is the antithesis of the Spirit of Christ.

While our Lord certainly teaches us to avoid the accumulation of too much wealth in this world (we do so by becoming distributors of that wealth - Cf. 1 Timothy 6:17-19), that is not a prohibition against saving for legitimate needs. 

Appropriate savings is not in the category of "laying up treasure" on the earth. A good rule of thumb is to save 10 to 20% of your net spendable income for future needs. In time as the Lord may prosper you part of that savings can be put to work to grow more income over time.  

As your "fields bring forth plenty" you must then decide to avoid the "barn building" syndrome of which Jesus warns in Luke chapter 12.

I close with this summary: inflation is not going away and it could become very devastating; keep Christ first in your life; embrace contentment and by all means avoid consumer debt; if you are debt free STAY THAT WAY!; save appropriately; if the Lord has entrusted a measure of wealth to you beyond your needs be ready to help others as the needs around us grow.

​God bless.









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Two Important Pieces from the Epoch Times

10/24/2021

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TRANSGENDER INDOCTRINATION

​The stories of three different mothers dealing with the problem of transgender indoctrination has one common thread: online connections that introduced them to the transgender world through various social media groups.

I encourage you to read this entire report here. 

This story illustrates a very important spiritual truth. If you are going to fight and win the battle for your children it is essential you separate them from the ungodly.  

We need to recognize the Bible doctrine of separation from unbelievers is basic to victorious Christian living, and when it comes to winning children to Christ it is an essential element in the battle to do so.

Here is what the Biblical doctrine of separation looks like in the real world:

The Lord strictly forbids his people from learning the ways of a lost world (Cf. Deuteronomy 18:9; Psalm 1:1-6; Jeremiah 10:2). 

Consequently, the Christian parent must see to it that children are separated from the consistent influence of the ungodly.  In our day this certainly includes keeping children away from the ungodly online. It must also include avoiding ungodly entertainment via different forms of television and media.  

Of course, the question arises as to how children are to avoid learning the ways of a lost world when they are raised in a public school. The absence of diligent instruction in the fear of the Lord coupled with the direct influence of ungodly instruction and ungodly example in the schools is leading to the loss of many young people out of professed Christian homes.

It is high time Christian parents see to it their children are indoctrinated with Bible Christianity!!

HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AGAINST COVID-19

Here is another article from the Epoch times with important information on a supplement called Quercetin. Perhaps you already use this supplement, however, if not I suggest you seriously consider adding it on a daily basis.

As you shall see from the article, Quercetin is a help against all viruses and most certainly is helping in the fight against COVID-19.  It is a part of the early treatment protocol of AAPS (link to AAPS on my In The News page).

We need to be proactive in the care of our bodies on a normal basis, but especially during this on-going battle against the CCP virus.  I hope you find this information helpful.


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Important News Concerning the COVID Vaccines

10/9/2021

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I need to call special attention to a wealth of information concerning the COVID vaccines available across the nation.

In particular I urge you to watch the presentation of Dr. Peter McCullough at the annual convention of the AAPS (American Association of Physicians and Surgeons). The link to this important video is listed below.

We now have nearly a year of data feedback on the efficacy of the vaccines and there is reason for much concern.  Quite frankly, they need to be pulled and that is not my opinion.  While there seems to be some benefit for many from the vaccination, the fact remains thousands are having problems including death as a result of reactions to the vaccine.

I do hope you will watch the video from a renowned doctor, Dr. Peter McCullough.  It is informative and helpful.

Also, it is breaking news that not only has Sweden and Denmark halted the administration of the Moderna vaccine to those 30 years of age or younger, but so has Iceland.  Folks, these medical professionals are just as qualified as any in the U.S. and they are not satisfied about the safety of these vaccines for those who are younger.  In their opinion there is more risk from complications with the vaccine than from contracting the virus.  Check out the article on Sweden and Denmark in the In The News section of my site for starters.

I'm not anti-vaccines, however, I am pro information and I certainly understand that in the case of COVID natural immunity is the best of all worlds.  Certainly those with natural immunity should not put their self at risk from a vaccine they simply do not need.

And what can be said about the vaccine mandates? This is government over reach to say the least.  NO ONE should lose a job over a personal decision to forego a questionable vaccine.

I encourage you to check out the latest articles available via the posted links on my In The News page.  Now here is the special link to Dr. Peter McCullough's recent speech at the 78th annual AAPS convention:

https://rumble.com/vnbv86-winning-the-war-against-therapeutic-nihilism-and-trusted-treatments-vs-unte.html
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The Biggest Cybersecurity Story of the Year . . . Did the FDA & CDC Withhold Evidence-based Treatments from Americans?  . . . Can the U.S. Government Inflate Its Way Out of Debt?

8/15/2021

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Well, here we go again!

The times in which we live are exploding with technology and change (most of it for the worse).  Daniel's prophecy concerning the increase of knowledge as the end approaches (Dan. 12:4) is coming to past right before our eyes.

An increase in knowledge abounds in every area of endeavor ramped up by the ever increasing power of computer technology.  Consider the following story from Jeff Brown, Editor of the Bleeding Edge publication, on the biggest cybersecurity story of the year as just one example:

"We have profiled several major cybersecurity breaches in The Bleeding Edge recently. The level and sophistication of cybercrime are unlike anything I’ve seen before.
We had the SolarWinds attack, the Microsoft Exchange server breach, the Colonial Pipeline hack, the attack on the meatpacking industry, and the LinkedIn data breach. These were all major events that impacted countless companies, institutions, and people.

But the latest cybersecurity discovery just trumped them all.

Thanks to a fearless security researcher at Amnesty International, we now know that a technology firm based in Israel called NSO Group has just unleashed the most devious spyware the world has ever seen. It’s called “Pegasus.” And it is by far the most powerful spyware ever developed.

Pegasus spyware can be installed via a “zero-click” mechanism. Any organization that controls the spyware can secretly “send” it to any Android or iOS-based smartphone. Unlike most schemes to date, we don’t have to click on a bad link or open an infected file for our phone to be breached.

From there, the spyware becomes a 24-7 surveillance device on smartphones. It can copy text messages, record phone calls, and steal any pictures or documents on the phone. Even worse, it can secretly take videos using the phone’s camera or “listen in” using the microphone.

In other words, Pegasus spyware can access every piece of communication or information on any smartphone in the world.

What’s more, it can track location data. That means it knows where the person has been when they were there, and who they were with. There’s never been a more pervasive tool for human surveillance.

This begs the question – what is NSO Group’s motivation here?
Well, it’s a software company. NSO Group didn’t create Pegasus software for its own nefarious purposes. It sells the software to governments and other organizations around the world.

The problem is, this software is far too powerful to put in the hands of any government or private organization. Once the genie is out of the bottle, there’s no way to get it back in.

So what can we do to protect ourselves?

Unfortunately, the only way to be completely safe is to ditch our smartphones and go back to an old flip phone or potentially a “burner” phone. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Most of us depend on our smartphones for productivity and essential tasks.

There is a little bit of good news for those of us who aren’t willing to part with our smartphones. Security researchers believe the most recent versions of Pegasus spyware are stored in the phone’s volatile memory. This memory is cleared every time the phone is powered off.

So we should all get in the habit of powering our phones off at least once per day. Maybe more if we have especially sensitive information on our devices. A full off/on restart of our phone will clear out the spyware by deleting it from memory.

Looking at the big picture, we don’t yet know what the fallout from this frightening spyware will be. But I suspect we’ll hear about some major cybersecurity breaches very soon. That said, it is very difficult to detect the presence of Pegasus, which means that most security breaches will go undiscovered.

This is very scary spyware. Now that we know of its presence, hopefully Google, Apple, and perhaps others will find a way to stop its zero-click attacks."

Wow!  If you use a smart phone, then make sure you are turning it off a couple of times each day until this spyware can be stopped.  I found this story interesting as knowledge built upon knowledge just keeps exploding.  One things if for sure, a surveillance state is not hard to imagine in our day and time.

My next story is of great importance as it sheds light on the ongoing pandemic. 

Did the FDA and the CDC withhold evidence-based treatments from Americans? 

This story comes from Dr. Henry Ealy. You can access his long resume in the link below, along with the entire text of his detailed article.  Here are a few excerpts from this important article:

"Ivermectin, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Zinc, Quercetin, HCQ, Doxycycline…all have literally HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of doses administered over DECADES and their COMBINED injury history is FAR less than 1% of what the experimental COVID inoculations have accrued in just 7 months.

So, never mind that safe and effective treatments exist, as detailed in this second peer-reviewed paper my team published earlier this year.

Never mind that these treatments have been known for the large part since at least April 2020 and have been wrongfully suppressed, discredited, politicized, censored, and vilified by the corporate media, the people we elected, the people they appointed, and social media information barons…despite doctors from around the world seeing them work medical miracles right before our very own eyes.

Never mind that safe and effective treatments have been withheld from people in need before and that it was widely denounced…see Tuskegee Experiment and Belmont Report.

Never mind that we know the spike protein alone, as generated by the experimental COVID inoculations, to be injurious to the cardiovascular system & cellular mitochondria at the very least.

Never mind that we know the spike protein from the experimental COVID inoculations to be injurious to the respiratory system and immune system at the very least.

Never mind that we now know about additional safe and effective treatments in Glutathione (NAC), L-Arginine, Lecithin Powder, Iodine, Dandelion Leaf…

Never mind that Glutathione Deficiency (along with Vitamin D, C, A, E, Zinc deficiencies) all have been positively linked to hospitalizations and deaths related to the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Never mind that just like the CDC has reported for deaths, 94+% of the people hospitalized for COVID in this study of 540,667 enrolled participants were people with severe underlying conditions (comorbidities)…meaning all of these people have been severely nutrient deficient for a very long time.

Rather than look at the empirical evidence…think logically…address the root cause…NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES that the CDC has known about for almost 20 years…and get every American the nutrients they need, so they don’t have to live in fear…

EVERYONE MUST GET THE SHOT!!!!

Rather than allowing good people…who actually want to do the right thing…to use something proven beyond a shadow of a doubt to be safer and more effective than social distancing, masking, and even the experimental COVID inoculations…

EVERYONE MUST GET THE SHOT!!!!
 
Well, let’s see how that turned out for 19-year-old Simone Scott, a promising college student with her whole life ahead of her, who died on Friday, June 11, 2021, at 11:19 am after a truly horrific series of medically incompetent acts following the experimental COVID inoculation."

Here is the link to the full article by Dr. Ealy.

I share this information NOT because I am against the vaccination.  However, I am against any kind of vaccination mandate.  Also, I share this information because everyone should understand the risks involved should they choose to take the vaccination. 

Clearly, there is more risk with this vaccination than the average American is aware of.  Just give us all the information and then we can make up our own mind as to whether or not it is wise for us on an individual basis to take it.

Thankfully, with 90% of those 65 years of age or older already vaccinated in our country not many adverse effects are manifesting among them.  I'm thankful if the vaccination has helped them, but in the interest of total transparency all relevant information and treatment options should be made available to those making a decision about the vaccine.

Can the U.S. Government Inflate its Way Out of Debt?

I am wrapping up this blog with a quick look at the problem of our national debt.  I know, its boring to discuss and many of you may think it doesn't matter much in your own personal life.

Think again.

Inflation touches us all and the steady destruction of the dollar touches us all.  Here are some interesting thoughts on the subject from Trish Regan.  She writes:

"I've been sounding the alarm for months and months... pounding the table since last year... warning that, despite what the news and the Federal Reserve is saying, inflation is happening.

I truly wish I was wrong on this... It's not an issue one should ever want to be right on.
The personal consumption expenditures price index, better known as the PCE index, is a measure of the prices that people living in the U.S., or those buying on their behalf, pay for goods and services.

It's also an important gauge for inflation in this country...
Well, the PCE index just logged its largest increase in 30 years – crystalizing what I've been telling you since last summer: Inflation is real, and it's here.

Yes, I know, our government officials insist it's just a "temporary" thing... Everyone from President Joe Biden to Socialist Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Fed Chairman Jerome Powell claims these higher prices are just fleeting... Even the bond market seems to think it's temporary, given the record-low 10-year Treasury yield, but let me ask you something...

How often do local restaurants slash their prices?

How often does the cost of a movie ticket move lower?

Market forces are always at work, and if there's not enough demand, producers will eventually respond with lower prices... But price decreases are far fewer and more inconsistent than increases, and they also tend to be indirect.

Such as... Maybe you'll get a free appetizer to go with your entree at your local restaurant or the movie theater is offering free popcorn with that movie ticket... or perhaps (as a friend who's looking for an apartment in NYC recently told me) a landlord may offer a few months of free rent. (So the landlord would rather give away rent than actually lower the monthly rent rate.)

But bottom line? Prices overall rarely go down and usually go up...
Over time, these price increases have a disastrous effect on savers, consumers, wage earners, and even lenders to the U.S. government. Indeed, even China loses out in this scenario.

Now perhaps that's the intention. Because judging by the current trajectory, the U.S. government seems rather intent on inflating our way out of debt.

Consider this...

Some of us are quite concerned about the current $28 trillion in debt... After all, as history has proven, great societies typically fall because of too much debt.

But what if it wasn't quite that much debt because the Fed, with President Biden's administration and Congress's help, printed so many dollars that $28 trillion was no longer worth $28 trillion?

If you look at our current debt load and consider the destruction of the dollar over the last several decades, you'll discover some truth to this.

After all, $100 isn't what it used to be. In order to buy today as much as you could just 10 years ago with $100, you'd need an estimated $120.79.

The U.S. dollar has had an average inflation rate of 1.91% per year between 2011 and today – producing a cumulative price increase of 20.79%.

As a result, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the prices on store shelves are 1.21 times higher than average prices since 2011... And one single U.S. dollar buys just 82.79% of what it bought a decade ago.

It's clear this means consumers need to either make more money or risk falling behind if they hope to maintain their standard of living.

But what does it actually mean for debt?

Today's $28 trillion in debt may not be as massive as you think. (And to be clear, that's not a good thing... which I'll explain shortly.)

So with this thinking, the nearly $15 trillion in debt a decade ago is actually more like $18 trillion in today's dollars. While the increase to the current $28 trillion is not OK by any means, it shows how inflation has the power to erode the outstanding debt.

Which means if the recent consumer price increase of 5.4%, per the latest CPI report, continues climbing... that $28 trillion is not exactly $28 trillion.

Now, don't get me wrong – it's an insane number that's growing more by the day. But my point is that as money becomes worth literally less, that overall U.S. debt number isn't as meaningful.

Now, while inflation may help the U.S. government as it tries to get out from under the massive debt it created for itself... What does it mean for everyone else?
A reduced standard of living. 

It's important to take a step back and think about how inflation really affects us. You might think, who cares? All prices are marching upward in lockstep, so what's it really matter?

It does matter... Because incomes are not moving up at the same rate as prices.

Inflation is happening at a faster rate than wage growth. "Real wages" – a measure of income after accounting for the cost of goods and services people buy – fell by almost 2%, on average, last month compared with 2020. And that sure takes a bite out of the average American's spending power.

Meanwhile, what about savers? This is the part that really irks me...

Americans are effectively being punished for doing the right thing... If you save your money, those dollars over time become worth less and less. 

Plus, the current investing landscape is a scary one since it's forced too many people further and further out on the risk curve in search of returns. After all, folks need to find a heck of a return in order to just keep up with the ever-increasing rate of inflation – which based on the CPI right now is over 5%.

Simply said: investors need to make more than 5% after taxes just to have their money hold its value.

And I'm afraid, that with more and more financial engineering from the Federal Reserve, average Americans will continue to feel the pain."

The "times" they are a rockin!  I trust you are building your life on the only firm foundation that can weather the storm.  Of course, I'm speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ and his word.

During the past 40 years my wife and I have laid up our treasure in heaven and continue to do so.  Inflation can't touch it and the thieves in Washington cannot break through and steal it!  

In the meantime, the Lord will continue to prove himself faithful in this life as he provides for our needs and grants seed to the sower (2 Cor. 9:8-10).

Keep your eyes on Jesus and rest in him.  Our world is not destined to get better, but wicked men will wax worse and worse (2 Timothy 3:1-13).  However, we are called to stand for Christ even when persecution arises.  May the Lord give us grace to continue in the things we have learned and have been assured of (2 Timothy 3:14).

​God bless.

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Grappling with Issues of National Concern

8/1/2021

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Inflation. A border crisis. Election integrity. Vaccine passports. Big Tech censorship. Transgender confusion. Disney+ debut of a homosexual love song. Latest attack on Hobby Lobby.

Wow!  It seems every passing month is filled with more stress for the nation.  

I'm sure everyone is noticing the rise in prices for various commodities, houses, and automobiles.  While there are a number of contributing factors no one should overlook the obvious.  

One leading investment advisor points we are living through the greatest economic and social experiment since FDR’s New Deal.  Today 26% of the money in the U.S. economy was printed by the government since February of last year.  As a result, inflation has hit almost 5%... that’s the highest we’ve seen in 30 years.

Another report I read indicates if the annual rate of inflation remains at 5% the money we have saved will lose 50% of its purchasing power over the next 14 years.  However, what if the rate of inflation goes higher?

The point is, printing trillions of dollars is destroying the value of every dollar in the nation and around the world.  We cannot continue the madness of printing dollars until our currency is completely destroyed.

Remember, faithful stewardship positions us for God's best, but we will still feel the fall out from foolish monetary policy driven by our politicians and the Federal Reserve.  In my opinion you would be wise to avoid debt of just about any kind if possible.  Of course, this is wise under any circumstance. However, it is especially true at this time.  

As things potentially worsen economically in the country, we would do well to remember the virtue of contentment.  Take the time to read 1 Timothy 6:6-8 and let this instruction sink in.  I think we are about to learn some new lessons in contentment.

On another front, I trust you are aware of the crisis on our southern border.  It is troubling to say the least.  The current administration owns this crisis as they created it with the very unwise policies implemented since President Biden took office.

Sadly, one of the major fallouts from the border mess is the reality COVID is without question being spread by illegal immigrants who are not tested, not vaccinated, and may even be sick as they are turned loose in the country.  What hypocrisy on the part of our current administration.  They compel citizens to go the extra mile to fight the pandemic and then welcome illegals with open arms with no masks, no testing, etc.

Another issue coming to the surface in the nation, whether some want to face it or not, is the problem of fraud in the 2020 election.  If you are unaware of things coming to light in Arizona and elsewhere, I encourage you to catch up on the latest.  A good source of news is now available on WGGN 52.5 which features the Real America's Voice network.  It is available free via an outside antenna.

Next, I'm sure you are aware of the call by some to force every American to take the COVID vaccine.  This raises a grave issue relating to personal freedom.  Should the government have the power to make you participate in a medical procedure?  Check out this link for an important perspective from the American Association of Physicians and Surgeons on this issue.

I encourage you to join me and the rest of our team weekdays M-Th at 9am or 8pm on WGGN for CBM Today.  In our first segment each day we pass along information to help us discern the times we are living in.

Recently we have discussed issues related to transgender confusion, Big Tech censorship, and the sad promotion of the LGBTQ agenda on Disney.  And if you can believe it, Hobby Lobby was attacked for their annual July 4th ad in papers in which they had the audacity to title the ad "One Nation Under God."

Well, we are not going to be afraid to talk about such issues on television.  Furthermore, we are going to encourage Christians to take a stand for Biblical truth whenever and wherever it is called for!  Be sure to tune-in tomorrow as we discuss the biggest cybersecurity story of the year.

Obviously, we need to pray for our nation and that is exactly what our congregation is doing on Sunday evenings.  Since the beginning of the pandemic we are not conducting our Sunday evening service.  In its place I challenge our members to carve out time on Sunday evening somewhere around 6pm to pray as a family for the nation.

We are sticking with it!  I challenge you to do the same.  As we pray, petition the Lord to push back the wickedness of our day and pray He exposes the corruption in high places.  Pray also for the authentic church in America that we might stand for truth no matter how unpopular it is.  Our stand for Christ and righteousness is the only way the Lord will hear our prayers!

Pray also for our churches and for our children.  Remember, the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much!  May the Lord show mercy upon us and grant us the gift of freedom is our prayer.

One more quick announcement.  Please download one of the apps shown below and join me for CBM Worship.  You can access the sermons via video on demand (VOD).  Just search WGGN TV 52 on the streaming service you use below.  Once our app appears proceed to download it to your TV or phone. 

​I believe the sermons offered will challenge, equip, and encourage you to serve the Lord more diligently in these difficult days.

God bless.

​Pastor Rusty
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COVID Patient Treatment Guide

4/25/2021

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Here is information that is timely and informative.  Read it carefully and follow the guidance contained therein if you face a bout with the virus that causes COVID-19.  This is a publication from the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPSonline.org) 
​
covidpatienttreatmentguide.pdf
File Size: 2027 kb
File Type: pdf
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Fighting the Battle for our Children

3/7/2021

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     I assume Christian parents (and grandparents) desire to win their children to Christ and train them to be disciples of the Lord Jesus.  With that said, our good intentions must translate into consistent leadership, example, and teaching at home, at church, and yes—at school.
 
     Fighting the battle for your children starts in the home.  Ideally, Christian homes should be a haven from this world.  A place where children do not encounter the ungodly culture lurking just outside the home.  However, with the advent of technology parents must be proactive at home.  Otherwise, children can be exposed to course entertainment and the consistent conversation of ungodly peers via social media.
 
Here are a few things to remember: 
​
     Be wise with the use of smartphones.  Families these days often invest in phones for personal reasons, but they must be monitored.  If you cannot keep up with these subtle intrusions into your child’s life, then don’t provide one until they can earn money to buy one and pay their own phone bill.  By then they should be old enough to stay out of trouble with it.

   In general parents must chaperone children while online.  Websites of various kinds can introduce young eyes and minds to things no adult should see, much less a child. 

   Also, regarding home life daily Bible reading and prayer as a family is so important.  Parents who consistently work at spending this time with their children are communicating that Christ is important to them and a walk with the Lord is a priority.

   I could go on with this discussion, but for now let me simply direct you to a helpful resource at Focus on the Family sure to spawn ideas on how to keep Christ foremost in the minds of your children.
 
   Fighting the battle for your children includes a faithful church life.  Local churches all do things a bit different, but don’t worry about style over substance.  The main thing to instill in the heart of your child is a love for the house of God. 

  The local church is really about developing the discipline of denying self to participate in the cause of Christ.  Train your children to love the house of God, not a program the church has to offer.  Sure, we all want to be encouraged when we attend church.  However, church can never be a recreation center.  That’s not the purpose. 
   
   Participating in corporate worship, learning to care for fellow members of the body of Christ, and working together to win others to Christ must be the focus.  These things must be taught, especially as children transition to the teen years.  Learning to attend church when we don’t “feel like it” is a discipline our children need to learn.
 
   Fighting the battle for our children most certainly includes separating them from the public school system if possible.  Why?

   Well, passionate Christian leaders have written whole books on the subject.  But in a nutshell, we need to separate our children from the world and UNTO Christ.

   Our government run schools simply DO NOT teach children to fear the Lord.  They do not train children to pursue the will of God.  Instead, God, Christ, and His word has no place in the 13 year education of our youth (nearly 15,000 hour exposure).
How is this acceptable to Christian families?  And why do we think our children will avoid learning the ways of the world when they are exposed to them day after day in a humanistic, godless educational setting?

   Practically every day I come across a new article about what our children face in the public school system.  The situation is desperate if you hope to raise children to be disciples of Jesus Christ.  If it is in your power to make a change, then do it.

   I encourage you to revisit my website for the short article on “Why We Need the Private Christian School.”  I also encourage you to scroll through the IN THE NEWS section of my website for a glance at just some of the stories related to our public school system.  Among the links posted to important subjects, eight are related to our schools and education.
 
    Remember, fighting the battle for our children is worth all the effort.  After all, they are the priceless gift of God entrusted to us so we can love them, train them, and guide them to Christ.  At the end of the day winning them to Christ is our greatest reward.  God bless.
 
Pastor Rusty
 
 
 
 
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