Wally Fry continues the study on Elijah and prayer.
1 Kings
Day 23 – Of Kings and Prophets
In the reading today we begin the reading of a king of Judah by the name of Asa (1 Kings 15), and it is said of him, “Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father” (15:11). We are also told previous to Asa of Abijam whose “heart was not perfect with the LORD his God as the heart of David his father” (v. 3).
Asa is Abijam’s son, and Asa walks with God.
In reading 1 Kings 15 – 22 we continue to see this phrase of the kings of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, “And he did evil in the sight of the LORD…” or something similar. We are told of two kings at least for Judah who were walking with God like David, who is the standard, for the walk of kings.
If kings are to do their kingdoms well; it would do them good to walk with God. Those who do not walk with God will lead their people to destruction. I would dare say the economic and moral collapse of a nation is due to the lack of godly, spiritual leadership in that nation. Including the United States of America.
Thank God for prophets of God who will stand for the truth, no matter what. In chapter 17 we are introduced to Elijah, often called the “prophet of fire”. When we are introduced to Elijah we have him saying to one of the most wicked kings to ever live – Ahab –
“And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, ‘As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” 1 Kings 17:1 (KJV)
Wicked kings need a prophet of God who will get in their face and call their sin and rebellion against God what it is. Elijah did just that, and God proves that Elijah is His prophet by answering Elijah’s prayers, sending drought, with no morning or evening dew, or rain. We learn later that this drought lasted for 3.5 years.
One thing we need to realize is that when this prophet pronounced this drought upon the Northern kingdom, it was a drought that affected the evil as well as the righteous, even Elijah. That is why we see Elijah being sustained by God through ravens providing meat and bread a the “brook Cherith” (17:5).
Elijah was a man of fire and faith. He believes God; acts for the glory of God; and challenges the false prophets of the wicked queen Jezebel on Mount Carmel. He does something unheard of. The prophets of Baal had been known to put fine under their altars and deceive people into thinking that Baal was actually lighting the fires on their altars; but Elijah says, “Put no fire under” (18:23), and he himself “put no fire under” the altar, but both he and the prophets of Baal would be totally dependent upon the one who would answer by fire. Elijah upon the GOD of creation and glory. The false prophets upon the foolish hopes of false teachings.
Could it be that the reason there is no one challenging the prophets of finance, health, technology, science, is because we have not any who are really confident in the power of God as Elijah was? Why not? Do we not have the power of Jesus Christ. I am only saying that our financial problems are related to spiritual bankruptcy, our health decay is spiritually related; the only reason for our technological growth is given us by creative thinking that was originally given to man by God; and true knowledge [science] comes from God. The rest is bunk and leads to spiritual decay and death.
When Christian churches across our land are lighting the fires of the altar with entertainment rather than preaching the word of God; it is of little wonder why we are so spiritually bankrupt. Those who are dependent upon drawing a crowd; and not preaching the word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ are similar to the prophets of Baal who put fire under the altars.
The answer to the sins and all ills in the world is Jesus Christ.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 22 – A Heart Turned Away
David, even though he had committed adultery against Uriah the Hittite, and had murdered him is still the standard of a man with a heart for God. The thing which makes a difference is that he did have a heart for God. He loved God, and wanted only to glorify Him. It is seen in his repentant heart and attitude when he comes to his senses about his sins. God even promises David and eternal kingdom, of course, which will be seen in the reign of the Son of David who is Jesus Christ.
In reading 1 Kings 1 – 14 this morning I noticed the rise and fall of Solomon. His rise came as David announced him king rather than Adonijah, so of David’s wife Haggith; who was trying to usurp the throne of David on his own; when it was not a God ordained thing.
Solomon starts off his time of king in a good way. He sets out to build the temple which David has had a heart to build. He has peace with all the surrounding nations; until his heart is turned away from God.
“But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, ‘Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods:’ Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.” 1 Kings 11:1-8 (KJV)
Solomon had began doing what God had given commandment to the children of Israel not to do; that is marry “foreign women” or “foreign men”. Because of his turned away heart he begins to build monuments and temples to idols, which the apostle Paul refers to as “demons”. This leads me to a question. Where did the “turning away” begin?
It began when he departed from the commandments of the LORD. Whether it was because he neglected to remember them, or be reminded of them; the responsibility of doing them was his own. Solomon was a man whom God had given much wisdom; and he shows great foolishness in his departure from God, and he brings ruin upon the nation.
He had had great peace, received much wealth; and because of “A Heart Turned Away” God brings judgment against the nation through outside forces (11:9-25) and inside forces (11:26-40).
Keep in mind that judgment came upon Israel because Solomon departed from the commandments of the LORD. God’s hand was not, and is not turned away from Israel, His grace is still sufficient. He still has plans for Israel.
God’s hand is not turned away from you. He still has plans for you. His first plan for you is that you come to Him through faith in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose bodily from the grave and ever lives as our great High Priest.
Has your heart been turned by departing from the living God; worshipping idols [demons]; who have stolen your heart. Now is the time to turn back from your path of destruction. There is forgiveness, cleansing and renewing only through Christ.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Spurgeon – Go Again Seven Times
The following is the evening devotion by Charles H. Spurgeon from Morning and Evening for September 28.
1 Kings 18:43
Go again seven times.Success is certain when the Lord has promised it. Although you may have pleaded month after month without evidence of answer, it is not possible that the Lord should be deaf when His people are earnest in a matter which concerns His glory. The prophet on the top of Carmel continued to wrestle with God, and never for a moment gave way to a fear that he should be non-suited in Jehovah’s courts. Six times the servant returned, but on each occasion no word was spoken but “Go again.” We must not dream of unbelief, but hold to our faith even to seventy times seven. Faith sends expectant hope to look from Carmel’s brow, and if nothing is beheld, she sends again and again. So far from being crushed by repeated disappointment, faith is animated to plead more fervently with her God. She is humbled, but not abashed: her groans are deeper, and her sighings more vehement, but she never relaxes her hold or stays her hand. It would be more agreeable to flesh and blood to have a speedy answer, but believing souls have learned to be submissive, and to find it good to wait for as well as upon the Lord. Delayed answers often set the heart searching itself, and so lead to contrition and spiritual reformation: deadly blows are thus struck at our corruption, and the chambers of imagery are cleansed. The great danger is lest men should faint, and miss the blessing. Reader, do not fall into that sin, but continue in prayer and watching. At last the little cloud was seen, the sure forerunner of torrents of rain, and even so with you, the token for good shall surely be given, and you shall rise as a prevailing prince to enjoy the mercy you have sought. Elijah was a man of like passions with us: his power with God did not lie in his own merits. If his believing prayer availed so much, why not yours? Plead the precious blood with unceasing importunity, and it shall be with you according to your desire.
Let’s avail in prayer.
-posted by Tim A. Blankenship
The Voice Of God
Sometimes the VOICE OF GOD is seemingly difficult to hear; other times not so difficult to hear. Some just flat out refuse to hear God speak at all. That is partly because they refuse to believe in Him, thus, not believe Him.
The first place God has given us to hear Him, and know Him is His creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1). The second place (and I am not putting these in any order of importance) is His written Word. The third place is His Son Jesus Christ. Then there are the circumstances and situations of life; and the words of wisdom from others – friend, foe, relatives or neighbors or work associates.
The written word of God is the place to put all into check to see if what we hear is from God. If it does not agree with God’s written Word, then it is not God speaking.
Maybe a couple was dating, talking of marriage, then the relationship goes sour, and one of the couple determines that God is not answering their prayer, because He does not bring them back together. Maybe that is God rescuing that individual from a life of misery. I know from personal experience that planning a marriage is not a sure guarantee of a good relationship. I am thankful to the Lord for destroying a relationship that I was refusing, as a young man, to hear Him. He worked and gave me a wife who loves and cherishes me; the love between us is stronger now than before.
Listening to God as things “go south” is as important as listening to Him when things are going great.
Hear the Psalmist in the 29th Psalm:
“The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.” Psalm 29:3-9 (KJV)
God is not silent. He may not be speaking loudly. It may just be in a whisper as with Elijah and the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-14). If you are born again through Jesus Christ you can and do hear His voice. If you aren’t hearing then you need to hear Him concerning His Son Jesus, and be saved.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Put No Fire Under…
It is amazing the numbers of people who fall for that which is sensational. Sensational is exciting, enthusiastic, and life changing, at least for that moment.
We have Christians wanting to add something to a worship service by yelling, screaming meaningless thoughts and words, and doing deeds that belong in the zoo. Then, we hear the attenders/spectators say, “Wow! Now that was a great worship service”. Was it, or was it a fire that was encouraged by a motivator of men to actions which can come solely from excitement which are not necessarily godly, or even Christian?
When Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, he charged them, “But put no fire under…” (1 Kings 18:23-24). It seems that the prophets of Baal, in order to entice more followers to Baal, had the tendency to put fire under their sacrifices in order to give the appearance of something miraculous. Elijah’s challenge suddenly became a real challenge. “And the God who answers by fire, He is God.” (1 Kings 18:24).
There were two priests, sons of Aaron who offered strange fire; “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” Leviticus 10:1-2. As the writer of Hebrews writes, “Our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29.
It is sad to think that what we have in a lot of churches that is seen as an exciting, fiery worship is something instead that is motivated by fleshly emotions, and human feelings, that get no one in touch with God. All the ranting and raving of the prophets of Baal got them nothing but bloody, sore, and tired aching muscles; and finally death.
Beware of false fire. Let us who are Christian leaders be sure to let the true fire of God fall at the Holy Spirit’s direction, and not according to our own desires and the flesh.
-Tim A. Blankenship
PROMISES AND PROPHECIES 10 & 11
These are the final references to prophecies, in this series, having to do with Israel in Scripture, God’s promises and prophecies concerning them, the land, and their return to God.
As I stated at the beginning of this series they were put together by my Brother in Christ (Dr. Wayne Stephens) who had been to Israel, and loved the Word of God, and the Promises and Prophecies concerning these events.
Brother Wayne went home to be with the Lord on January 6th of 2006. My contribution to these articles has been only adding the reference verse to the address of the verse, and publishing them on the pages of FIRE AND HAMMER.
VERSES REFERRING TO PLACES WE [Bro. Wayne Stephens and wife Sylvia] VISITED.
A. Ashkelon: 1 Kings 19:3 – “And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.” (KJV).
2 Kings 12:1 – “In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba.” (KJV).
Jeremiah 47:7 – “How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.” (KJV).
B. Bethany: Matthew 17; Matthew 21:1 – “And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.” (KJV).
C. Capernaum: Matthew 4:18 – “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.” (KJV).
John 6:16 – “And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,” (KJV).
Also see Mark 1:21; 5:41; 11:23
D. Caves of Machpelah: Genesis 25:7-10; 49:28 – 50:14. NOTE: Tombs of the patriarchs and matriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; Sarah, Rebeccah and Leah.
E. Caesarea: Acts 8:26-40.
F. Field of Ruth and Field of Shepherds Luke 1:8.
G. Jericho called city of Palm trees. Deuteronomy 34:3; Joshua 2:6; 2 Kings 2:15.
H. Joppa: Joshua 19:46; Acts 9:36; John 1:1-3; Acts 10.
I. Jordon River: Joshua 1 – 3; 3:3-4; Matthew 3:5; Deuteronomy 12:31.
J. Megiddo: 2 Kings 9:15; 1 Kings 10:26; 2 Chronicles 38:20; Revelation 16:16. NOTE: The ruins of Megiddo include the gate and wall, stables, “Manger”, palace where ivory fragments were found; water tunnel and Canaanite temple.
K. Mount of Beatitudes (Horns of Hattin) Matthew 5 – 7.
L. Mount Gerizin (Blessing) and Mount Ebal (Curse): Deuteronomy 12:29.
M. Mount Tabor: Judges 4:5; Hosea 5:1.
N. Nazareth: Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 2:23; Luke 2:51.
O. Pool of Siloam: 2 Kings 25:4; 2 Chronicles 32:4-30; John 9:1-11. Zedekiah and his men escaped through here to Jericho.
P. Rachel’s Tomb: Jeremiah 31:15 (Weeping).
Q. Sea of Galilee: Matthew 4:13; Luke 8:22-25.
R. Shechem: John 4; Genesis 33:18.
S. Valley of Elah: 1 Samuel 17:2.
T. Valley of Gahena: Matthew 27:5-8.
U. Wilderness of Judea: Matthew 4:1-2; Luke 3:2-4.
XI. PRAY FOR JERUSALEM.
A. Psalm 122:1 – “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. 2 Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: 4 Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. 5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
and prays for peace 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. 7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. 8 For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. 9 Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.” (KJV).
Psalm 125:2 – “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” (KJV).
B. Isaiah 66:10 – “Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: 11 That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. 12 For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.” (KJV).
Amos 9:14 – “And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. 15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.” (KJV).
Edited for tags and categories by t.a. 03/12/10
THE JUDGE OF CORRUPTION
THE JUDGE OF CORRUPTION
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 2:18-29 (KJV).
In these verses we will see that Jesus, as the holy and righteous Judge will not tolerate wickedness, corruption in His Church, but that He exposes and judges it, and sets apart those within the body who are not partakers of the vileness.
Jesus introduces Himself to the church of Thyatira as a judge. He is one who exposes unrighteousness in the forms of heresy, idolatry, and all abominable acts.
This church was a corrupt church. Toleration of “Jezebel” is their chief sin. Refusing to confront and judge her themselves Jesus would come and do so Himself.
False teachings still corrupt the church today. There is very little teaching of holiness or righteousness, but much about self-awareness and self-acceptance. There are also teachings of “Anti-nomianism” disguised as freedom in Christ, the priesthood of the believer, and the liberty of the Spirit. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” from the bondage of sin. We are not at liberty to sin, but at liberty to serve and follow Jesus Christ.
There may have been some who tolerated “Jezebel” in order to practice “Church Growth”. There is a “Jezebel spirit” in that area especially. BEWARE!!!
Verse 18 begins the longest letter, and it is addressed to the church of Thyatira.
This letter opens with a word of warning to the unrepentant church member. The way in which Jesus identifies Himself is the warning. “His eyes like unto a flame of fire and His feet are like fine brass” (1:14-15). His eyes are eyes which pierces through the hardest of hearts and determines the motive and sees the sin of every heart. The feet like fine brass. His feet are pure and He is worthy to judge all who fail to give Him place – His rightful place.
Thyatira was a small city approximately 40 miles East of Pergamum. It was know as a city which manufactured purple dye. It is mentioned in the book of Acts 16:14-15. Lydia, a purple merchant, was from Thyatira and very well could have been used by God to start this church.
The people of the church for reasons yet to e mentioned have to be reminded of the deity of Jesus Christ, therefore, in this letter alone does He identify Himself as the Son of God. What tragedy when the Church loses sight of His divinity.
This is a church that is the opposite of the church of Ephesus. It appears their love for Jesus was stronger, their works were not mere religion, but done out of true love for Jesus (v. 19).
The church of Ephesus had the works but not the love; but they hated false teaching and dealt with it. The church of Thyatira had the love, but tolerated false teaching and evil. Both of these are in the extreme on opposite ends. There needs to be both a love for Jesus and hatred for false teaching and evil, and confronting it. This church sounds much like many churches of the 21st century. “You can love the Lord, and other gods and things; we will love you, no matter what; and there will never be any judgment against you. Let’s love and tolerate one another.”
Sin and false teaching must be dealt with.
The condemnation against Thyatira is because of tolerance of evil, deceptive teaching led by a strong, domineering woman who is “Jezebel” in character. “Jezebel” is probably a symbolic character reminding the people of the domineering, deceptive practices of the queen of Israel in 1 Kings 16 and following, who led Israel into Baal worship while pretending to hold on to the worship of YaHWeH (vv. 20 – 23).
This woman may have had a large following because of her strong leadership abilities and her loose morals. She probably was seen by some as a peacemaker, a worker for unity, especially between Christians and the government, and employers who did not want Christians who stood up for their Savior. She was corrupting the Church. This was probably the beginning of Maryolotry. Putting the virgin Mary on equal, if not a greater scale with Jesus.
Jesus gave her time to repent, but she refused. All who yielded to her teachings and practices would be cast into judgment with her. The bed that had been a bed of pleasure, and peace would become a bed of pestilence. “Kill her children with death” is showing pestilence – disease, plague, drought – it would end in death.
By this judgment all the churches will know that Jesus knows the heart, mind, and motives of His people – and of the wicked as well. When these have sown seeds of corruption what is the harvest, except corruption – destruction.
“Jezebel” would be an unredeemed person who crept in by stealth and deceit. Her only purpose is to lead astray, corrupt, and destroy. God’s purpose would be to strengthen the believers.
To those who are pure – have kept themselves from this doctrine of “Jezebel” Jesus’s promise is to put no other burden upon them (vv. 24 – 25).
This is the third letter in which Jesus has mentioned the enemy (satan). To Smyrna, He calls the false Jews, “The synagogue of satan”. To Pergamos, He calls it the place “Where satan’s seat is”, “Where satan dwelleth”, and the of Thyatira, “Those who have not known the depths of satan” – probably referring to indulgence to sinful idol worshipping practices which “Jezebel” practiced along with her followers. “Give in to the world. Be silent about your faith. Do not lose your job because of Jesus, just go along with the crowd”. God forbid that we give up and give in to “The depths of satan”.
Jesus says to those who are faithful, “Hold on to that which you have.” Keep the faith. Be patient, “Until I come”. This is a promise of deliverance to the faithful.
In verses 26 – 28 Jesus mentions the overcomer. The overcomer operates by faith and keeps His works unto the end. He has no other life. He knows no other position, than the one he has in Jesus Christ.
Notice the mention of the Millenial reign of Jesus. Yes, I believe the millenial reign of Christ to be literal. There are hundreds of Old Testament passages having to do with a Kingdom of Christ on earth where the lamb with lie down with the lion and wolf, and children play over the dens of serpents. The “Overcomers” will be given a position of authority in that day. Remember! We are joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) and “All things under His feet” (Ephesians 1:22). This rule will be one of shepherding people who are on earth at that time. When do you see the “Morning star”? At the beginning of a new day. A new day begins in Jesus Christ. He is the Morning Star. The “Overcomer” is one who is a possession of Jesus, and Jesus is their possession.
Verse 29 gives us the call to hear. It is the first of the seven letters that has the invitation to hear on the very end of the letter.
It is on the end of the following three letters as well. Perhaps to let all know, who are reading and hearing these words, and find themselves in a similar predicament. Jesus will be the judge of all sin and sinners who do not repent of their sin. Woe be to the one who does not hear and heed the message to the church of Thyatira.
In conclusion, wickedness abounds in this world. This is not the time for the church to be tolerating evil practices and/or false teachings. When we give allegiance to the world and “Christ” we give no allegiance to Christ.
The world around us is looking for hope and deliverance from all the things which plague our world. The Church has the answer. If we follow the world, who does the world have to follow? We are the light that shines in the darkness. Evil corrupts, but the light will overcome.
Be a source of hope to a dark world by building on the foundation principles of the Word of God and His righteousness in Jesus Christ. Let the world know there is right in the Light.
Jesus, to this very day, is THE JUDGE OF CORRUPTION and He still will not tolerate evil within His Body, which is the Church.
Edited for tags by t.a. 03/26/10
The Fire and Hammer 