“They did not need to die!”
| Sadly today, people (Christians and non-Christians) cannot discern good from evil. Read “Woe to them that call evil good and good evil!” |
| So these days, to wake up to wicked, startling and unimaginable news is the new norm. I am reminded of the phrase “inventors of evil” in Romans 1:30. In a word, the description and destination of these events, is godlessness, and all godlessness (sin) yields some sort of death. (Rom 6:23; Gal 6:7-8) Godlessness comes in innumerable forms and it’s important to note that both un-believers and believers can operate in godlessness. It’s also important to understand the consequences of godlessness because whenever godlessness is practiced, some form of death is the result. And, “they did not need to die.” There’s a scene from the Avatar movie that effectively illustrates this “they did not need to die” dynamic. In the movie, our hero Jake is stationed on Pandora, a hostile planet where the air is unbreathable to humans. There is an Avatar program which allows humans to mind-link with a genetically-bred human-Na’vi hybrid, so the humans can function on the planet as natives. While out on his first patrol, guarding the research team, Jake unexpectedly gets separated from his crew and is not expected to survive the night. As darkness settles in, we find Jake frantically fashioning a spear into a flaming torch to fight off a pack of viperwolves. They attack and he jabs one and slices another with his knife, but there’s too many. On the verge of dying, rescue comes in the form of a female native warrior, Neytiri. She kills a few, wounds a few others, and beats the rest of the pack away. Netyiri then approaches the whimpering, wounded animals, prays over them and compassionately stabs their hearts, ending their suffering. In complete gratitude, but utter ignorance, Jake thanks her for helping him. Neytiri is furious and she smacks Jake with her bow, knocking him down. Here’s the following conversation: NEYTIRI: Don’t thank!!! You don’t thank for this! This is sad. Very sad only. JAKE: Okay, I’m sorry. Whatever I did — I’m sorry. NEYTIRI: All this is your fault! They did not need to die! JAKE: My fault??? They attacked me! How am I the bad guy here?!! NEYTIRI: Your fault!!! You are like a baby, making noise, don’t know what to do! JAKE: Okay, fine. You love your little forest friends. So why not just let them kill me? What’s the thinking? NEYTIRI: Why save you? JAKE: Yes, why save me? NEYTIRI: You have a strong heart. No fear. But stupid! Ignorant like a child! JAKE: If I’m so ignorant, maybe you should teach me. NEYTIRI: Sky people (because they fly in aircraft) cannot learn. You do not “see.” JAKE: Then teach me to “see.” NEYTIRI: No one can teach you to see. Did you catch that? Without question, Jake was responsible for the damage he caused through his ignorance. Today, naïve people – to include Christians – do exactly the same. In their godless, shallow ways they frequently cause disorder, pain, and death through their advice and actions. They are unfamiliar with the instructions provided in Jeremiah 6:16, “This is what the LORD say, ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, No, that’s not the road we want!’” They are unaware of the ancient path… the path that already works. As such, they haphazardly encourage and promote godless beliefs and lifestyles. They carelessly endorse and validate deadly social and moral issues such as abortion, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, multiple genders, false beliefs, idolatry, and flesh. Completely unaware of the Word of God, they are opinion-based and feelings-based, but not Word-based. They believe they’re operating in love and truth, but they’re actually walking in direct opposition to God. “This is sad. Very sad only.” This is just some of what their death sounds like: “No more prayer in schools!” They did not need to die. “Freedom is the ability to do what and whenever I want.” They did not need to die. “What you see and hear doesn’t affect you.” They did not need to die. “Porn is art!” They did not need to die. “Pass out condoms to kids in school!” They did not need to die. “It’s okay not to marry. Just shack up.” They did not need to die. “Nothing is wrong with premarital sxx!” They did not need to die. “If two men really love each other…” They did not need to die. “I accept them the way they are!” They did not need to die. “I self-identify as a _____!” They did not need to die. “Don’t assign genders at birth! Let children choose!” They did not need to die. “Address me by my chosen pronoun!” They did not need to die. “It’s a woman’s choice!” They did not need to die. “Legalize marijuana.” They did not need to die. “Open borders!” They did not need to die. “White privilege exists!” They did not need to die. “Black lives matter!” They did not need to die. “Defund the police!” They did not need to die. “We need stricter gun laws!” They did not need to die. “We need gun-free zones!” They did not need to die. “We need safe spaces!” They did not need to die. “We should have ‘Black Only’ classes!” They did not need to die. “Remove statues and history!” They did not need to die. “Be ashamed of America!” They did not need to die. “Universal healthcare!” They did not need to die. “Socialism can work!” They did not need to die. “Capitalism is evil!” They did not need to die. “Redistribute the wealth!” They did not need to die. “Rich people have too much money!” They did not need to die. “Increase taxes on the rich!” They did not need to die. “No child left behind! Outcome-Based Education!” They did not need to die. “College should be free!” They did not need to die. “Everyone gets a trophy!” They did not need to die. “You shouldn’t spank your child.” They did not need to die. “I love my smartphone!” They did not need to die. “I love social media!” They did not need to die. “Yay for Facebook Fact-Checkers!” They did not need to die. “Covid lockdowns!” They did not need to die. “Mask mandates!” They did not need to die. “Vaccines mandates!” They did not need to die. “Vaccine passports/papers mandates!” They did not need to die. “I’m for big gov’t!” They did not need to die. “I’m a Democrat/Liberal/Progressive!” They did not need to die. “All beliefs are equal!” They did not need to die. “It should be illegal to preach the gospel!” They did not need to die. “You are no longer welcome in the Brig, Pastor Nick!” They did not need to die. Look closer at this death that is caused. Women who carry regret and shame the rest of their lives for an abortion they were so encouraged to get. Men who have been used and abused and left empty after years of engaging in a homosexual lifestyle. Children who were advised and inspired to explore feelings of same-sex attraction, who are now hollowed and scarred. Boys and girls who were prodded into early, multiple sexual activities and are now adults with life-changing, incurable STDs and proclivities towards adultery. The many people who’ve committed suicide because they were told that life is only full of pain, meaninglessness, and that it ends at the grave. These people did not need to die! If you don’t believe in, or know the Word of God, what’s the best you can give people??? What have you been giving them?!! Your opinions? Your feelings? Your experiences? Your conclusions? This is very sad only. Honestly, the degree to which you don’t know the Word of God is the degree to which you are a child and ignorant. Neytiri said, “You are like a baby, making noise, don’t know what to do!” – 101/201/301/401 Apologetics topics. Read “We make disciples!” The Bible says this about children and infants. – Heb 5:11-14 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. (vs.12) You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. (vs.13) For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. (vs.14) Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. – 1Cor 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. – 1Cor 14:20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. – 1Pe 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation – Jer 4:22 My people are foolish and do not know Me, says the LORD. They are stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right! – Eph 4:11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (vs.12) to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (vs.13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (vs.14) so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Candidly speaking, to some degree, we all have blood on our hands. We’ve all sinned and affected (infected?) the lives around us. Conduct a personal inventory. Throughout your life, what godless, bad advice and encouragement have you given? Thank God for forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ! We repent! And now that we learn better, we do better. The only solution is to 1) Grow in His Word, 2) Do His Word, and 3) Share His Word… not our opinions and feelings. Give the world Christ! ▪Please Remember to Share ▪(Make a Donation) |
| After being disinvited from conducting ministry at the base Chapel, this was our first gathering off-base. Regardless of where we go, I carry a message from the LORD and I carry a burden to deliver that message. (Read “Nick, what do you want to do?” about a major crossroad in my life that I had navigate.) |
| Despite the setbacks, ministry continues simply because God has called us to “go” and souls need Christ. (Read “I have a confession.” It initially alarmed everyone in the Church.) |
| So as we’ve been pushed out of base ministries, at Camp Schwab we’ve moved the Bible study location to Zebulun Christian Discipleship Center in Henoko (just outside the Camp gate). Please, please, please pray for Schwab — the souls and the Chapels. They still need Christ. (Read “It’s still His Bride!”) |
| God gave us spiritual fathers – pastors. I often ask people, “Who’s your daddy?” Hint: Who’s your pastor? – Read “Enter not into the fields of the fatherless!” |
| Agree with us in Prayer: a. For the Base Brig and Base Chapel: Since we received the “disinvite” (their words) from the powers that be about two weeks ago, Sandy and I have gone through a gamut of emotions and questions. We’ve exercised great restraint as we’ve sought the LORD, and we’ve remained silent thus far. Please pray for me as I’m leaning towards requesting audience with the Commanding Officers in this Chain of Command of the folks involved in this disinvite decision. I’m fairly certain that these CO’s are unaware of what’s happened or why. I have about a dozen questions that demand answers. ▪I’ve had impeccable rapport with the Brig and Chapels for over twenty years. What happened? ▪When did these so-called dozens and dozens of complaints start? ▪Why wasn’t I advised that any of my conduct was substandard? ▪How long have these complaints been kept? ▪Where are my accusers? ▪Why can’t I face them? ▪What about due process? ▪Why didn’t the Supervisor call me and advise me of any substandard conduct? ▪Why didn’t the Chaplains call me and advise me of any substandard conduct? ▪Why haven’t I been asked for my side of these stories? ▪Why hasn’t any Brig Supervisors or Brig Chaplain fully attended any class in all these years? ▪How can these Supervisors speak firsthand about any content of the classes? ▪Is this a case of “religious discrimination”? Pray that God would give me words to speak as my ultimate goal is the souls of the men and women we’re being denied access to. Be assured that Sandy and I have done nothing wrong except that Truth is the new “hate language.” b. Pray for mature, Qualified Families and Permanent Personnel to co-labor with us in this northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. Henoko/Schwab outreach carries a constant rebuilding nature due its high turnover rate and operational tempo. We literally rebuild a congregation every six months and gather new members. Pray for the discipling and releasing of more laborers into the harvest here. Pray for our strength, wisdom, and resources as weekly we gather sheep and convert goats. c. Pray for our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength: – Sun: Share/Report Christians In Action ministries – Mon: Radical & Relevant (R&R) @7pm – Wed: Brig Christian Fellowship (BCF) @7pm (PRAY for Reinstatement/Resuming) – Thu: Publish Think On These Things newsletters – Thu: Publish YouTube Videos (Channel: YahwehHasASon) – Fri: Sexual Integrity & Restoration (SIR) @9am (PRAY for Reinstatement/Resuming) – Sat: Zebulun Christian Discipleship Center (ZCDC) @6pm – Make a Donation – Facebook Live Ministry Videos |
| Regardless of the increasing opposition, we press forward and make disciples. There are always souls who need the salvation of Christ and the Lordship of Christ. – Watch short video: “Your building is on fire!” A brief conversation I had with an atheist. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH67Q-qOtbA) |
| In closing… Saints, we can’t thank you enough for your prayers. These last two weeks have brought about a roller-coaster of emotions in us. However, I have held my tongue and prayed and continue to seek God. If nothing changes this week, I plan on approaching the Chain of Command of the individuals responsible for my disinvite. Pray that God would give me words to speak as my goal is the souls of the men and women we’re being denied access to. Be assured that Sandy and I have done nothing wrong. We just give everyone the truth and love of Christ and the Word of God. Please know that ministry hasn’t slowed down. It’s just taking other paths. Engaging, discipling, and counseling souls still occurs daily. And we can always, and definitely, use your help. As you’ve read, being full-time missionaries is extremely exhausting as it’s a constant fight. It’s expensive too. Please consider partnering with us in these works of the Lord. Financial gifts and contributions can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below. I declare you are confident that the eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; His ears are open to their cries for help. But the LORD turns His face against those who do evil; He will erase their memory from the earth! (Ps 34:15-16) <*{{{{>< In His righteousness, Pastor Nick & Sandy Guerra Contributions can be mailed to: Dominic Guerra (Acct# 426) c/o Christians In Action, Missions International 1322 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 150 Fresno, CA 93710 ▪ Please ensure Acct #426 is annotated on your contribution so the funds can be allocated correctly. ▪ Please share/forward these newsletters at your discretion. Make a Donation |
| — Our Mission & Vision — “Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!” “Catch, Clean, & Release!” |