One of the most destructive practices that permeated the church during the “falling away” in the Middle Ages was the substitution of rituals for reality. For example, instead of communion being done in “remembrance of the Lord” and as a commitment to partake of Him, His life, and His body—known in the first century church as koinonia—a ritual took its place. Instead of having communion with Him and His people, they just took communion in a ritual and felt they had fulfilled their obligation.

As Steve Thompson related in one of our leadership team meetings, there have been scientific studies made which indicate that the way that we are born can affect our whole lives. One example that was given is a procedure developed called "drug them and tug them," which was to drug the mother and tug the baby out. That generation became the one that turned to drug use in mass. Drugs are used as an escape from the pains of life.

Derek Prince
(1915-2003)

     Born in Bangalore, India to British parents, Derek Prince became a Fellow at King’s College, Cambridge at twenty-four. He seemed destined to become a noted scholar, but the outbreak of World War II changed his trajectory when he entered the British Army.

First, my prayer for you this coming year is that it will be the best one you have ever had in the Lord. I pray that you will draw much closer to Him this year, and come to know His ways and His voice much better. I also pray that you will be changed more into His image by seeing more of His glory with your own eyes. His glory is going to be seen by His people this year.

I would also like to thank all of you who sent cards, encouraging words, and even gifts, all of which were very special and meaningful. Thanks.

In Luke 17:20-21 the Lord stated, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” This past week will go down in history as one of the most important weeks in the spiritual history of the world. There were major signs of this, but few observed them.

Our text for this week is Ephesians 4:30-32:

It has now been over two months since the tragic massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. There have been worse tragedies this year, but this one gripped the nation like few others have. It is fitting because this one was like a trip wire which has set off a series of events that have the power to define our future.

Ephesus means, "full purpose." Ephesus was one of the most strategic cities in the first century for both the Roman Empire and the church. It was also the center of worship for the goddess Diana, which represented a satanic counterpart to what the church is called to be.

Last week we briefly discussed how many of the trends in the meltdown that have been occurring in America are following a very definite pattern of God’s judgment on a nation. However, we must keep in mind that there are several different types of God’s judgment in Scripture, and only one is condemnation or destruction. God’s judgment is His discipline, and He disciplines those He loves. The worst thing that could happen to us is to go astray and for Him not judge us.