Thursday, April 29, 2010

Book of Eli: A movie review

When a well known Christian commentator in the U.S. praised this as the most Christian movie to ever come out of Hollywood , I couldn't wait to see it.
Well, eventually it made it's way to our shores and away we went.

So , my opinion you ask.

During the entire movie Jesus is never mentioned once that I can recall.The gospel is in no way that I could pick up alluded to and certainly not clearly articulated.
And so I would have to say that this movie does not qualify as a Christian movie -and yet there are some aspects of the film that Christians can take some comfort from.

The plot presents a story about a man ,Eli(played by Denzel Washington) who has in his possession the last surviving Bible on the planet.He is entrusted by the Lord with the task of delivering it to a destination which takes him 30 years to reach.

The Bible is presented in the movie in a very positive light and as the only hope to rebuild civilization after an apocalyptic event. The 'baddies 'in the story want to acquire the Book to use it to build their own power base.

It's a dark movie with little humour but there is some interesting twists and some intriguing symbolism.
There is a fair amount of violence although it's not glorified and no blatant sex scenes.
I must admit I was disappointed but perhaps was expecting too much.(A movie doesn't have to be very Christian to be the most Christian movie out of Hollywood)Still I can see it as a good conversation starter with unsaved friends and in fact I already have had the opportunity to speak to a couple of people about the themes the movie presents

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Australia : Untreatable Gonorrhoea Hotspot

There is a price to pay for ignoring God and His word.The most serious price will be eternal-but there is a price here and now ,in our nation ,amongst those we care about.
God gives His commandments for a reason;it's for our benefit not His .
The world has proved God right by the consequences we see all around us from people rejecting His eternal truth and embracing the insane notion that we can do what we want, where we want ,how we want and with whom we want and there will be nothing to pay.
I could list all the social ills in our nation that are a direct result of disobedience to the Lord of Glory but you know them as well as I do and I guess I just want to motivate you as a Christian to realize several important truths.

Much of the blame for the state of our society can be laid firmly at the door of the church.Many people are concerned that the world is having too much influence on the church-but I think the problem is actually the opposite.The church has lost her savour and fervour and treated holy things with disdain and apathy.
The state of our world is a RESULT of the state of the church,and not vice versa
Too often the church of Jesus Christ has retreated behind our stained glass and tutt tutted while those around us are going through hell even as they're on their way to Hell.The well-known scripture in 2 Chron. 7:14 states that if God's people will repent and pray and turn away from wickedness then the land will be healed.
Jesus said the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church yet by and large the church is cowering behind the doors of the sanctuary instead of assailing the gates of hell.
The church has been entrusted with a mandate ,a message and a mission and those outside of Christ pay the penalty if we don't fulfill our blessed responsibility.

The second thing this news item drives home is that the lies fed to us by politicians ,media and religious figures are deadly.Some can remember the grim-reaper adds when AIDS first became an issue.The message was that everyone had the same risk of contracting this deadly disease, but that was a lie and the safe immorality message put thousands at risk , which the current plague of STDs proves.
If we simply governed our sexuality as God has directed these issues would disappear virtually overnight but the wicked agenda of ungodly men continues to give condoms to children and promote the dangerous practices of promiscuity ,homosexuality ,rebellion and mindless me-ism.

The final thing I want to say in this short commentary is that the obvious failure of righteousness practiced, highlights the glorious promise of righteousness credited-through Christ ,through the cross ,through the Resurrection ,through the eternal promise,through God's grace.

Australians today are largely ignorant of the gospel;they don't know His commandments and they don't know His provision and it's up to us to inform and warn with diligence, grace, love and mercy...after all if you are a Christian today ,He didn't take you home the minute you were born again for a reason,there is work for us to do.

Eph 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves;it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Click on the link for the news story


Australia is untreatable gonorrhoea hotspot, says WHO | News.com.au

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

A Prophet's Prayer

Read this prayer from A.W. Tozer uttered in 1920 at his induction . Amazing how relevant this is to our day. Thanks to Bill Muehlenberg for posting this, you can read his full article on the link at the end.

Lord Jesus,
I come to Thee for spiritual preparation. Lay Thy hand upon me. Anoint me with the oil of the New Testament prophet. Forbid that I should become a religious scribe and thus lose my prophetic calling.
Save me from the curse that lies dark across the modern clergy, the curse of compromise ,of imitation, of professionalism.
Save me from the error of judging a church by it's size, it's popularity or the amount of it's yearly offering.
Help me remember that I am a prophet-not a promoter,not a religious manager, but a prophet.
Let me never become a slave to the crowds.Heal me of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity.
Save me from the bondage to things. Let me not waste my days puttering around the house.
Lay Thy terror upon me,O God, and drive me to the place of prayer where I may wrestle with principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world.
Deliver me from over eating and late sleeping.Teach me self discipline that I may be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

All I can add to that is Amen!

So Who Wants To Be a Prophet?

The Divisiveness of Unity

I'm no 'deep theological thinker' (which I think sometimes is a just a euphemism for someone who uses $100 words to promote two bob heresies), but it seems to me that Biblical unity is an exceedingly simple concept made complicated by many.
Unity, biblical unity ,that is the unity of the Spirit can only exist where the Holy Spirit is ,and the Spirit of God will always promote ,exalt and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ; His person, His work ,His ways and His word.

A crucial element of true scriptural unity is division. Jesus said "do not think I came to bring peace but a sword " He said that we would have enemies and at times they would even be members of our own household. The ecumenicists , the pragmatists, the emergents and the institutionalized religionists need to remember that unity REQUIRES separation: a separation from that which is not of God to that which is.

Every person born again by the Spirit of God ,through the word of God unto the Son of God for the glory of God ,is already unified with all others who have experienced this grace and we are already family.Church structures,religious activities and nice sounding words do not build unity .

See , unity is not uniformity as though if we could just act the same,dress the same, look the same ,talk the same we could please God ...but God created diversity and we are meant to treasure and value the differences that all His blood bought children demonstrate and like a multifaceted diamond, His true church reflects some aspect of his glory ,for His glory .

And unity is not the same as union. Organizational bridge -building is a futile human endeavour that ignores and demotes God and in His place puts an institutional idol. The scripture says how can they prepare if the trumpet does not sound a clear call . The muted ,muffled message of ecumenicalism is no way to preach the only and eternal gospel.
The truth is the false gospel of worldly unity far too often usurps the Lordship of Christ Jesus and ushers in a doomed kingdom of backslapping ,baby kissing religious politicians but as always these weak kneed non-combatants will reject ,sideline and slander the robust love and the united prophetic voice of the true church of God.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Roman Catholic Abuse: The Claims and the Facts

In these days of "evangelical leaders" pushing an ever more vigorous ecumenical agenda, it is wise perhaps to be reminded of the institutional corruption of the Romish religion. You may find this helpful as you minister the love and truth of the real Jesus Christ to Catholics you know.

In my own experience of ministering to young people in a detention centre, I was often amazed that a high ranking local catholic would refute the Biblical truth I was sharing with the kids.

Not long after he committed suicide when it was revealed that he was a paedophile.

What a tragedy that God's name is blasphemed because of the wicked behaviour of those who speak in His name , yet don't know Him or His waysRoman Catholic Abuse: The Claims and the Facts

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Paul Proctor - Who’s Taking Our Liberty?

Paul Proctor speaking to Americans ...but much of what he says can be translated to an Australian context. The video re: the passage from Isaiah is very interesting ;make sure you watch it.Paul Proctor - Who’s Taking Our Liberty?

Thursday, April 15, 2010

The Church of the Living God

There is a group of people walking this planet who seem to not belong.They are the called out ones ,the ekklesia ,the church of the living God.They are from every nation ,tribe and language, and each one has a story of how the God of Glory met them in their sin and released them into redemption.They are bound together with heavenly bonds ;there is a Book in their hands (and hearts) and a Name on their lips...Jesus. They seem other-worldly at times to those around them... because they are ,their citizenship is in Heaven and this current world and it's events interest them...but not too much.

They don't agree on everything but they know a brother or sister when they meet one and they love ;each other and what God has done IN each other.They are not usually the wealthy or the noble or influential by the world's standards ;they know that their God chooses the weak things of this world to shame the wise.They may or may not be able to articulate it well but they understand that God has opened the eyes of their heart and enlightened their minds by His pure grace towards them. They are called the salt of the earth ,the light of the world and although they don't understand all that means ;they accept it because these are the words of their King.

This people are the most influential group on the face of the earth...but their influence is not political or economic or through popularity,it's the influence that comes through heavenly means .They are meek and humble and often ignored (or despised )but they have weapons that the worldling simply does not comprehend .Their weapons are not carnal and earth bound but divine .Kingdoms rise and fall ,rulers come and go but this humble band of brethren endure forever.Their message is eternal and changes the destinies of men and nations. They are the temple of God ,the Lords field,the sheep of His pasture and ambassadors for the Highest Kingdom
Their prayers are heard in Heaven and their words are felt on earth.
They are pilgrims on a sacred journey ,worshipping warriors in a battle of love ,sanctified sinners recruiting for Glory, passionate proclaimers of the provision of God. Their transgressions forgiven and their righteousness given prodigals returned to the household of faith they are heirs of unimaginable wealth and brothers of the Son of God. They've been granted these honours through no credit of their own, but it's all been bought and paid for by Another and so with a humble gratitude they sing their praises to Him.All the wealth of the ages can not buy a place amongst them and yet any can join if they will bow to their King. They will stand in the judgement that all will face and with thankful hearts will gaze on their Saviours face.

The Church of the Living God

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Fundamentalists and Conspiracy Theorists

I am not a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but as the darkness of our age increases around us ,I predict we will hear these terms with increasing regularity.
These words are used most frequently by those who desire to shut down debate and sideline anyone who has the temerity to speak against the politically correct(or religiously correct) propaganda that is immersing us .

Fundamentalist is a word used to convey legalistic,hate spewing religious extremists but is regularly being used against Bible -believing committed and loving followers of Jesus.If a Christian speaks truth to power you can guarantee the terms fundamentalist and Pharisee will be brought out...and that is meant to end all discussion.

Now of course the original meaning of fundamentalist Christian as someone who adheres to the fundamentals of the faith has been tarnished by some who became elitist and unnecessarily harsh but that was because they neglected scripture not because they were being faithful to it.But the term has now taken on a life of it's own and has become an insult rather than a badge of honor for the faithful.

But there is another term being used increasingly against those who are aware of the prophetic instructions about the end-times.And this term is often being used against Bible believers by religious leaders!The term conspiracy theorist is meant to portray wild eyed extremists who see a plot in every event that makes the news.There are certainly those who have put the CON in conspiracy....just as there are those who"ve taken the FUN out of fundamentalist but to tar everyone with the same brush is a weak argument at best and deceptive at worst.

For Christians to say "I don't believe in conspiracy theories" simply means they haven't been reading their Bibles.There has been an evil conspiracy against God's people and God's agenda since the garden of Eden.King David ,inspired by the Holy Spirit writes "Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain ;the kings of the earth take their stand against the Lord and and His Anointed"Ps 2.
There are things taking place today that are initiated by demons but carried out by men,and without going in to specifics in this post ,I believe it's imperative for God's people to be aware ,so they don't end up throwing their support behind wrong things,wrong movements and wrong individuals.Even within Christendom there are those conspiring against the truth ;sometimes in ignorance ;but often deliberately and with cold calculation.
Ez 22:25 talks about a conspiracy amongst the prophets and there is no doubt in my mind that some of the nonsense going on in the visible church today is more than ignorance or apathy ...it's conspiracy.

Look ,I don't wear a tin foil hat ,I've never seen a UFO, and I've never noticed a black helicopter hovering over my home but I know there are powerful conspiracies being played out in our world today.. and some of them are happening in the church.

Do your own research ,investigate those who claim Christ ,yet push an ecumenical agenda.Do some homework on those confess Jesus but consistently sideline His word.Ask questions of those who say they stand for God but are allied with the devil's emissaries.This is not a day for apathy and ignorance but a day for God's people to have understanding and a holy zeal for truth.Dan 11:32-12:13.
You may not be thanked,you may be called crazy,but you may play a part in saving some from the fire...and that makes it worthwhile.

Friday, April 9, 2010

I'll Be Calm

I'm trying to be good here .I'm trying to be calm. I want to present my case reasonably,logically with grace and patience.BUT....I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT SOME BIBLE BELIEVING CHRISTIAN LEADERS SAY!!!(ok ;breathe in breathe out)

This whole shamozzle with Warren and Piper has brought forth some interesting responses from our betters(I mean church leaders)
The very same leaders who in their blogs cut people to shreds for overstepping doctrinal boundaries are now telling us all to calm down ,it's not that big of a deal.Warren may be an apostate and possibly never saved at all;he may misuse and abuse the Bible ,he may consistantly dishonor God's holy word, but the fact that the great man has endorsed him is not really that much to get excited about.After all Dr Piper can be trusted ,can't he?Well can't he??? No !He can't! Why? Because he is a man .A human; subject to all the weaknesses and temptations that all men are subject to.One well known blogger/pastor somehow managed to portray that those who are expressing concern are shrill feminists or conspirasy theorists.Hang on a sec!It,s a shame that the man who single-handedly created this mess;Dr piper, is a friend and colleague of some of the blogging celebrities but those contending for the faith didn't create this mess John Piper did.Let's not forget that in our snide and sarcastic remarks to the "little people"
To tell you the truth I'm sick of the whole deal.I have no dog in this fight .The only thing I'm concerned about is that the gospel and the glory of God may get sidetracked while people play church games. It's already happening.To hear some talk you would think that it's an issue about reformed Christians and Calvin and fundamentalists and second separation and new calvinists and styles of ministry etc etc etc.But it's not .It's about the Bible and truth and a clear gospel proclamation.

Ok ,I've said my piece.My heartrate is coming down.It's all good....but if you happen to be one of the "little folks" who are concerned about what some church leaders are doing to our gospel;speak up, don't be silenced.Don't let them push you into the laity corner.In fact I'm becoming more convinced all the time that the so called laity(unbiblical term and concept) are the ones who are truly the warriors in Christ's army. They have no agenda other than being faithfull ,they're not concerned about trying to grow a church or keep the offerings up or building alliances with those who can help them in their ministry and any born-again Spirit filled believer is a child of the most high God and has every right to speak their mind...and those who think they can talk down to God's children best beware because his true church is holy ground.
And it's best to remember ;there are no great men of God only weak and frail men serving a great God

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Beware of False Prophets – Warren, Piper, and the Legitimization of Heresy

Defending Contending contributor Coram Deo has posted what may well be the defining article on the Piper/Warren issue and all things Warrenesque.
What the whole issue has demonstrated to me is how easy it is to deceive the majority of Christians.
Bloggers known for a robust defence of the Biblical Gospel suddenly went soft and back peddled on the issue.Tim Challies for example wrote in his piece on the affair that it's not a big issue and then proceeded to state that Warren "does not and will not honor the Bible" and that he(Warren) "misuses and abuses" the word of God. HUH!! How can that not be a big deal!!!
The reason so many went weak in the knees, I presume, is that the other name in this fiasco is the highly esteemed (in reformed circles) John Piper.
Do you see how easy it will be for the antichrist when he appears to con gullible Christians ;he will just align himself with some high profile respected Christian celebrity. Make no mistake about it celebrity worship in the church is a dangerous idolatry.
A couple of other thoughts before you read the article on Def Con.
The most dangerous error is that closest to the truth. Piper has stated that Warren has answered all kinds of doctrinal questions correctly Well, that's good but a parrot can recite the creeds.In my reading of James this morning 2:17 says" thus also faith by itself,if it does not have works is dead," this verse and the others surrounding it are talking about this very issue .Anyone can say they have faith ;but truly regenerated ,faithful people are affected in their behaviour.This is where Warrens faith is shown to be lacking.You see if you truly believe the Bible you will preach it, If you honestly believe that without Christ people are going to Hell;you will warn them and if you know Christ is the only Name under heaven by which men must be saved you will proclaim Him. I have yet to see evidence that Warren does any of this no matter what he SAYS he believes.

The second point that has become obvious is that people are impressed by such things as numbers, worldly influence, fame etc ;even Christian leaders who should know better. Warren is highly visible ,rubs shoulders with the rich and powerful and is likable but he is a wolf whether he knows it or not, and a shepherd has no place inviting a wolf to speak to the sheep of God's pasture unless it's in repentance.

Third , I believe there is a time of sifting going on in the visible church and it's ordained of God. The true and faithful will separate from those who have religion without Christ, churches without the Spirit and teaching divorced from the word of God. Read Def Cons post and look up the links to be informed on this issue and Rick Warren in particularBeware of False Prophets – Warren, Piper, and the Legitimization of Heresy « Defending. Contending.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

What Are We Left With?

Moriel Ministries has posted a very straight talking article here that is well worth reading. Aussie Christians especially need to be reminded that we are hurtling towards the one world church predicted in the Bible and our cultural"she'll be right mate"won't cut it in these last days. Jesus warned us over and over to be aware, to be alert, to be watchfull, to notice whats going on ;especially in the religious world . Click on the link to read the article and can I encourage you ;when you have finished reading ;go to prayer.Moriel Archive » Blog Archive » What Are We Left With?

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Random Thoughts on Truth

"What is truth":Pontius Pilate asks ,not as the words of a seeker but a scorner



The truth is , truth is.



Truth is solid ,non malleable ,unshakable. Post modernists may deny it ,heretics may twist it,cowards may ignore it, sinners may reject it. Denominations lay exclusive claim to it, mentally and spiritually ill attempt to create it, some attempt to make merchandise of it.Truth is not determined by majority rule.It can be discovered ,it can't be invented.It must be declared but it may not be heard.
Orwell said "To speak the truth in an age of universal deceit is a revolutionary act"

JFK concurs with his statement"The great enemy of the truth is often not the lie-deliberate,contrived and dishonest...but the myth-persistent persuasive and unrealistic",and Amiel states "Truth is not only violated by falsehood but may be equally outraged by silence."

Truth is reality, to believe a lie ;delusion.Jesus said "My words are truth"

Men say "Who are you Jesus to make such a claim?" With all the authority of heaven and earth He declares"I Am the Way ,the TRUTH and the Life!

The truth must be spoken, it must be received it will often bring pain before it brings healing for it takes courage to admit you are a coward, purity of heart to confess you are defiled , imputed righteousness to acknowledge your depravity and resurrection power to see the need for the cross. Truth on a cross on behalf of deceived and deceivers alike.

If we won't bend to truth it will break us.

Friend bend your knee ,bow your head and bow your heart to Him .He is the embodiment and ultimate revelation of truth.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Hidden from the Wise and Prudent ;Revealed to Babes

Luke 10:21; In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said,"I thank You ,Father, Lord of Heaven and earth; that you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight"







Seventy disciples had just returned from a missionary tour of the surrounding region.They had been sent out with the mandate to heal the sick, cast out demons and preach the Kingdom of God . They returned full of joy at the power that had been revealed as they simply obeyed the Lord.



Jesus reminded them that the fact their names were written in heaven was even greater reason to rejoice than the demonstrations of God's power they had witnessed and then He makes the statement about God revealing to babes what He hides from the wise and prudent.







Now ,I'm someone who's wired up in such a way that I lean towards teaching and apologetics (an unfortunate name for defending the faith I think) and so I have great respect for knowledge of the truth.I believe what the prophet said that God's people often perish for lack of knowledge and I know ignorance is not bliss ;it's deadly...and yet the Lord reminds us here that knowing God;I mean to really KNOW Him is not an intellectual exercise of men but a revelational exercise of God.



We can know the great doctrines of our faith we can have tremendous wisdom and insight we can be intellectual giants ..and yet be unsaved and on the road to damnation.







As I look around the internet gleaning truth from many fine web-sites where courageous men and women hold up the word of God and hold church leaders accountable to the scriptures I find on occasion the unfortunate tendency to condemn those who may not have the same precise doctrinal understanding as themselves.



Hear what I'm saying now. Doctrine is hugely important. Theology is after all the study of the knowledge of God...but how much does one need to know to be saved? To hear some you would think it an essential for salvation to be able to articulate the finer points of Calvinism or to understand the precise order of end-time events to call yourself a Christian ..and yet Jesus says truth is revealed to babes.







History is filled with examples of religionists who understood the great doctrines of the faith and yet had not experienced the light that comes with the new birth. Whitefield ,the Wesley brothers and Spurgeon all knew doctrine before they knew the One the doctrines point to .And many a Christian was granted saving faith when they knew little more than their own wretchedness and the provision made at Calvary on their behalf.







Holy Spirit revelation leads to Holy Spirit education which is light and life..But education without revelation is darkness and death.







Many of the problems in the visible church in our day ,I suspect are not so much that the wayward preachers and teachers don't know doctrine for it's obvious that many of them do .No ; the problem is they don't know the Lord!







A wolf does not necessarily choose to be a wolf but he is one by nature ;he is a different species to a sheep and tragically the church at large has had the unfortunate tendency to appoint theologically educated wolves to care for the sheep. In a sense it's not the wolves fault that they do so much damage to the flock. The sheep by nature follow the Shepherd ;the wolf by nature avoids the Shepherd and destroys the sheep.The churches task is to discern and not appoint to leadership a wolf who can simply recite the creeds; but under shepherds who recognize the voice of the Great Shepherd.







Part of the fault for the prevalence of wolves lies with the sheep. We need to know not only what the pastor teaches but why he teaches it. Has he a story of God's dealings in his life . Can he articulate how he became a born-again follower of Christ and explain his call to leadership.If not, avoid him, no matter how likable,how educated or how well he can speak.



I think it is also wise to find out his associations. Birds of a feather as they say.That's not to say that he should spend no time with the unsaved (in fact it's imperative that he does) but what are his alliances.If the preacher is a Freemason for example, avoid him at all costs ,what has Christ to do with idolatry? The same goes with any interfaith or ecumenical connections.



The truth is I would rather listen and learn from someone who doesn't know his Calvin from his Arminius but has been truly regenerated than a theological and philosophical giant that has not the light of Christ within.



Whitefield was once asked "Why are you constantly saying ,'You must be born again?'" To which he replied "Because...You must be born-again"

Thursday, April 1, 2010

The Lord Jesus Christ...and Bert

Bert's not his real name but his story is true.

As far as I know ,Bert is not a follower of Jesus... at least not yet. But it seems Jesus has been following him.

When I was a brand new Christian I knew Bert well .I often spoke to him about the Kingdom of God and often spoke to his family about all that Jesus had done for me.

Initially Bert and his family were very interested and quite impressed with my story and the change that faith in Christ had made in me.
Bert's family all eventually professed faith in Christ but Bert began to backpedal.He had some negative religious experiences as a child and decided he wanted no part in this Jesus I was preaching.

One night we all (except Bert) were sitting around the dinner table discussing Christ and His word. Bert was watching TV a few metres away .He had it turned up loud to drown out the sound of zealous Christians joyously discussing Christ....when suddenly the show Bert was watching went off the air,there was the sound of static for a few moments and then ....a voice spoke!!
"Repent,for the Kingdom of God is at hand"then more static and the show resumed normal programming,

We all turned to look at Bert;our jaws kind of dragging on the ground.
He looked at us ,looked at the TV ,looked at us again; dumbfounded .Someone said "What do you think of that?!"
Bert's response "How do you know that was for me?"

Now I know some folks may have problems with this sort of thing .Can God talk to someone through the tele? Does God still do wonders in our day ?Is the omnipotent God still surprising people with supernatural events? I know that this event is, in comparison with the miracles of the Bible,a fairly minor interruption of normal circumstances. You may say "Someone being raised from the dead ! Now that's a miracle worth talking about!"

Funny you should say that.

A few years after the TV episode Bert had a massive heart attack.
The ambulance was called and his family rushed to be at his side .When everyone had arrived the ambos had been working on him heroically for twenty minutes. Finally they gave up and standing to look at Bert's family they stated the obvious "We are so sorry;but he's gone"
One of Bert's kids lifted up her voice and cried out to the merciful and powerful God to intervene.

And then. Bert. began. to .breathe!!!

Everyone was overcome with joy but the ambos warned us "Please don't get your hopes up.He's been without oxygen too long and if he lives, he will undoubtedly have major brain damage"

Well that was 20+ years ago Bert still lives and has no obvious health problems ..and still is not ,as of this writing, following Jesus. That does not take anything away from what God has done for this man and there is no doubt God will do more if he will call upon the Name of the LORD.