General Articles

Education and Christianity Go Hand in Hand :: By Sean Gooding

Published on: by RR10

2 Peter 1:3-8: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him, who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Everywhere that Christianity has flowed, education has also followed. Missionaries understand that people need to be able to read the Bible for themselves, and as such, an education is essential. There are many instances around the world and in the history of the church that show that many, many schools were opened by Christians. In Little House on the Prairie, the local school is hosted right in the church building. Many do not know that Harvard, Princeton, and Yale were founded as seminaries. Here in Canada, the home-schooling roles doubled during COVID, and the vast majority seem to remain. Some people saw for the first time what their kids were learning (or not learning) at school.

When I began school in Barbados a long time ago, we were reminded that freedom and education go hand in hand. As Christians, we understand that there is a need for people to be able to read the Bible for themselves. Men like Tyndale died making sure that the Bible was available to be read by all who wanted to read it.

Peter, in our text above, tells us that the Scripture can equip us to ‘participate in the divine nature.’ The Scripture is filled with precious promises, promises that get us through the tough times of life and equip us to help others. Paul tells us in Colossians, “Let the word of God dwell richly in you.” This is done by reading over and over the word of God. Sadly, in our schools, public schools, the standards of reading continue to go down more and more. Many teens and young people cannot read much, and even if they can pronounce the words, they do not understand them. Many cannot write a paragraph or a story, for that matter.

I recall, as a young man in Barbados, hearing how some of the US missionaries were astonished that the older Barbadians could read when they came to begin missions in the 50s and 60s. They remarked that many of that age in the US could not read. Freedom and education go hand in hand. No one who is involved in a church should want to have uneducated people. We should equip and encourage people to learn how to read and then to encourage it as often as possible.

In addition to reading, there should be history and mathematics, geography, and the like. These are all important. The Bible is full of all of this. The Bible gives us specific locations where things happened and will happen; it tells us about science, and it tells us about people who lived in history. The books of Luke and Acts are filled with historical facts that we can use to verify information and gain confidence in the Scriptures. However, one cannot do this if one cannot read and do research.

Ignorance is the tool of the Devil. He does not want people to read, verify, and be re-assured of the Scripture by reading it for themselves. Parents, we should not tolerate the dumbing down of our education system, especially since, in the past few years, the focus has been on the indoctrination of our kids to everything that God hates. It may be time to take our kids out of public schools and put them in home-schooling or Christian schools.

I recently heard of a father who found out that his son was being transitioned into a girl at school. The school had dresses at school that he could change into when he got there, and this was done all behind Dad’s back. This is going on all around us, and the Devil is stealing our kids. This is not an isolated incident. Public school is a spiritual death trap for Christian kids. Even if they are not trying to indoctrinate them, and honestly, not all are. There is a lack of serious education that stunts out kids and ill-equips them to become sound and productive citizens. Many cannot read what rights they have either here or in the world to come. Reading will set your kids apart, and it will equip them to succeed. God wrote the Bible for the purpose that we should read it and have access to its power.

Children who go to Christian schools do not suffer from diminished social skills; they do just fine. I know; all of my kids are in or went to Christian schools. I know of countless families who have done the same with all of their kids, and they do not lack. What they do lack is ignorance. They lack stupidity. My 12-year-old is memorizing scripture and asking me about the Ottoman Empire, asking me about history and the like. I have 16-year-old twin nephews who are obedient, hardworking, can be trusted, and do not need to be babysat all the time. They have been taught that their parents are to be honoured, not shunned and lied to. They interact with adults and understand manners. These are still important.

Christians should always strive for a good, godly education. While I did not attend a Christian school in Barbados, we began each day with Scripture reading and prayers before any classes. If any of my teachers doubted God, it never came up in class, and no one ever encouraged me to defy my parents.

If your local church has the capacity to do so, maybe you should consider starting a school. It will make disciplining your kids a bit easier. And, yes, I know the argument that when we take our kids out of public school, we lose the witness. I can appreciate that observation. Then, maybe make sure that you set the foundation and have them in Christian schools until they are in grade 10 or 11, and then let them attend. Even then, be very careful; the Devil will come hard for our kids. But equip them to stand before you unleash them in the battle.

God wants us to read the Bible. He wants us to know it and to have it in us so that the Holy Spirit can recall it to us. One must know how to read and how to study the Bible. Churches should promote good education; we should want people to be able to read for themselves. Maybe begin an ESL ministry at your church and use the Bible or other Christian books to learn how to read. We should be looking for ways to get the Gospel out, and this may be one way. Teach people how to read, and get your youth involved; they have to read to be able to teach.

Psalm 19:7-11 “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”

God bless you,

Dr. Sean Gooding
Pastor of Mississauga Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church

How to Connect with Us

Online: https://mmbchurch.ca/

Email: seangooding@mmbchurch.ca

Join us on Zoom every Sunday (10:30 am) for Sunday Service AND every Tuesday at 8:00 pm for Bible Study: Meeting ID: 700 794 460 Passcode: 032661; https://us02web.zoom.us/j/700794460?pwd=M3NFRG91ZW5Sa2Z3amVyWkFnYXd6QT09

The Foundation Is Being Laid :: By Daymond Duck

Published on: by RR10

Last week, I went to a local restaurant for breakfast, and a long-time friend came in and asked if he could sit with me. He quickly started talking about Bible prophecy.

I told him when I talk about that, I often hear someone say, “No one knows the day or the hour.” I agree, but that is just part of the story. The rest of the story is that we can see the day approaching (Heb. 10:25), and we can know when it is near (Luke 21:21).

I added, “I don’t think anyone knows the day or hour of the Rapture, but I believe those who are watching can see a New World Order (world government) and the technology to track all buying and selling approaching now.”

My friend responded, “People are laying the foundation for that now.”

I replied, “That is an excellent analogy. Less than one mile from here is the foundation that carpenters laid for a new house about a week ago. That foundation is a sign that they will soon build a new house there. We will soon see the wall studs, plywood on the walls, plastic wrap around the walls, roof trusses, etc., going up.”

And sure enough, three days later, it looked like the wall studs were all in place. The next day, they put plywood on the wall studs and plastic wrap around that. Then, they put the roof trusses in place. Now, they are putting plywood decking on the roof trusses.

This is the point: the foundation was a sign that a new house would soon be built on the lot, and more signs quickly followed. In like manner, the foundation that is being laid for the New World Order (globalism, open borders, censorship, a plan to restructure the UN, etc.) is a sign that the end of the age is approaching, and more signs will quickly follow.

Here are recent events that seem to indicate that the end of the age is near:

One, concerning an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters at the end of the age: on Oct. 30, 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that,

  • The United States experienced a record-breaking 24 “billion-dollar” weather and climate disasters thus far in 2024.
  • 418 people lost their lives.
  • With 2 months to go, this year’s toll already greatly exceeds the long-term annual average of 8.5 events recorded between 1980 and 2023 and surpasses the recent five-year average of 20.4 events per year.

(More: Chiva, Spain recently got 19.33 in. of rain in 8 hrs. – 6 1/2 in. of rain in 1 hr. – the Jucar region of Spain got 17 ½ in. of rain in 24 hrs., and Valencia got 20.47 in. of rain in 24 hrs. Some areas of Valencia got a year’s worth of rain in 8 hrs. More than 200 people drowned, and about 2,000 are missing.)

Two, concerning the division of Israel and a covenant with many for peace and safety in the Middle East: on Oct. 28, 2024, Israeli Prime Min. Netanyahu,

  • Expressed hope for future peace agreements with additional Arab countries once the ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah comes to an end.
  • He said, “I aspire to continue the process I led a few years ago with the Abraham Accords and achieve peace with more Arab countries.”
  • With US support, Israel seeks to deepen ties with neighboring nations as it envisions a Middle East united by shared interests in peace, security (peace and safety), and economic development.

Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in a peace treaty, but they want Israel to agree to the Two-State Solution (division of Israel) first.

(More: On Oct. 30, 2024, Saudi Arabia hosted the first meeting of a new global alliance aimed at establishing a Palestinian state. Saudi Foreign Affairs Min. Prince Faisal urged the international community to come together to increase joint efforts in finding a two-state solution for the return of security and stability and anchoring peace in the region, and to translate this determination into a tangible reality through working steps and a definitive timeline.)

Three, concerning the back-and-forth attacks between Iran’s proxy Hezbollah and Israel (and the potential for that to lead to the Battle of Gog and Magog): on Oct. 30, 2024, the sheik that was chosen to replace Hassan Nasrallah as the leader of Hezbollah delivered his first speech and promised to continue the war with Israel.

Four, concerning Israel having a great army (Ezek. 37:10) at the end of the age: on Oct. 31, 2024, Israeli Prime Min. Netanyahu said…

  • We are dismantling the axis of evil that we face with calculated blows. No longer will terrorist armies be on our borders. Hamas will no longer rule in Gaza, and Hezbollah will not sit on our northern border at positions a few meters from our border from which it could invade. This will not happen anymore. We are also severing Iran’s weapons pipelines to Hezbollah – through Syria and from there to Lebanon.
  • The haughty words of the Iranian regime’s leaders cannot cover up the fact in Iran today, Israel has greater freedom of action than ever before. We can go anywhere that we need to in Iran.

Israel is delivering devastating blows to her enemies wherever they are, her enemies know it, and they are afraid of what Israel can do.

(More: On Oct. 30, 2024, prophecy teacher Amir Tsarfati said, “Iran and its proxies aren’t battling Israel, they’re going up against Almighty God…. Nothing has changed in the Lord’s heart since the day He told Abraham that He would make him into a great nation and would bless those who blessed him and curse those who cursed him.”)

Five, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog (Russia, Iran, Turkey, and others attacking Israel in the latter days and latter years): on Nov. 1, 2024, it was reported that Russia and Iran are expected to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in the coming months.

Russia’s Foreign Min. said, “It will confirm the parties’ desire for closer cooperation in the field of defense and interaction in the interests of peace and security at the regional and global levels.”

Russia has criticized Israel several times since its war with the Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists started (and Russia has criticized Israel’s retaliation attack on Iran), so Russia’s signature on a treaty to defend Iran should get the attention of every prophecy teacher.

Six, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog (Russia, Iran, Turkey, and others attacking Israel in the latter days and latter years), on Nov. 1, 2024, it was reported that 3 Iranian officials said:

  • After reviewing a report from senior military commanders on the extent of the damage caused by Israel’s Oct. 26, 2024 retaliation strikes on Iran’s missile production capabilities, air defense systems, critical energy infrastructure and a main port, Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei said the scope of Israel’s retaliatory strikes was “too large to ignore.”
  • According to the report, Khamenei has instructed Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to prepare for another assault on Israel.

(More: On Nov. 2, 2024, Ayatollah Khamenei released a video with threats to the U.S. and Israel. Khamenei said, “The enemies, whether the Zionist regime or the United States of America, will definitely receive a crushing response to what they are doing to Iran and the Iranian nation and to the resistance front.).

(More: On Nov. 2, 2024, it was reported that the Biden administration warned Iran that the U.S. will not be able to curb Israel’s retaliation should Iran attack Israel directly for a third time.)

Seven, concerning antisemitism and violence at the end of the age: on Nov. 4, 2024, it was reported that Britain was reeling from a weekend of massive anti-Israel protests tainted by violence and expressed support for terrorism.

British Jews are saying they no longer feel safe in the nation they called home.

Israel’s future is in God’s hands; the nation will go through the Tribulation Period, but it cannot be defeated (Dan. 9:27; Amos 9:15, and more).

Eight, concerning Israel’s future, as I am writing this, it appears that Donald J. Trump will be the next president of the U.S.

It is common knowledge that:

  • The Biden-Harris administration helped Israel in many ways (defended Israel against Iran; gave Israel money, gave Israel certain kinds of weapons, etc.), but they tried to tie Israel’s hands, they threatened Israel, tried to force Israel into a ceasefire, they withheld some weapons from Israel, told Israel not to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities, oil wells, etc.), they pushed the Two-State Solution (the division of Israel), pushed Israel to give up the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), they funneled large sums of money to the Palestinians, they courted anti-Israel protestors in the U.S., and more.
  • During his first presidency, Trump recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel, recognized Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel, supported Israel’s claim to part of the West Bank, etc. As a candidate this time, Trump rejected a ceasefire, advocated a quick military victory, promised unwavering support for Israel, and more.

I cannot predict what will happen in the future, and God will protect Israel with or without Trump, but I believe the record shows that Trump will be more supportive of Israel, and that is a good thing (a blessing for America, not a curse).

(More: Israeli Prime Min. said, “Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.”

(My opinion: It will be about 2 ½ months before Trump takes office, and the globalists are not going to stop trying to bring him down. Anything can happen. Also, Trump promised an American golden age, but the Rapture could change everything.)

Here is my daily update on the Israel-Hamas war:

Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 (Day 391) The three hundred and thirty-sixth day of the resumed war. Day 169 of the attack on Rafah.

  • Netanyahu said Israel’s supreme goal is stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 (Day 392) The three hundred and thirty-seventh day of the resumed war. Day 170 of the attack on Rafah.

  • Israeli jets struck more than 200 targets in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
  • Israel assassinated one of the few remaining high-ranking members of Hamas’ political bureau and his assistant.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 (Day 393) The three hundred and thirty-eighth day of the resumed war. Day 171 of the attack on Rafah.

  • An Israeli commando unit landed in northern Lebanon, seized a Hezbollah operative at his home, and took him back to Israel for questioning.
  • Hezbollah has fired 160 rockets and drones at Israel in the last 24 hrs. 11 people were wounded, and 7 others were treated for acute shock and anxiety.
  • Thousands of self-proclaimed peace-loving Muslims protested against Israel in London, England, by marching, smashing glass windows, damaging property, etc.

Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 (Day 394) The three hundred and thirty-ninth day of the resumed war. Day 172 of the attack on Rafah.

  • Netanyahu said a deal (a ceasefire), or no deal (no ceasefire), Israel will push Hezbollah back across the Litani River.

Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 (Day 395) The three hundred and fortieth day of the resumed war. Day 173 of the attack on Rafah.

  • Israel officially informed the UN that Israel is withdrawing from the 1967 agreement recognizing the Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA. Israel said it will not cooperate with groups that promote terror.

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 (Day 396) The three hundred and forty-first day of the resumed war. Day 174 of the attack on Rafah.

  • Israel is continuing to destroy Hezbollah’s leaders, tunnels, and weapons.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 (Day 397) The three hundred and forty-second day of the resumed war. Day 175 of the attack on Rafah.

  • In response to Trump’s election victory, Hezbollah fired several rockets at Trump Heights on the Golan Heights (mountains of Israel).

FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin),
but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6).

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com