AFBM MESSAGES

Introduction: If Amerijericho Free Barter Market plans are going to inspire better lifestyles for Christians, we need to share our ideas on the Amerijericho message board. The following messages are a few of many that will follow.

If Amerijericho was more than just a state of mind, it would become the most productive and prosperous nation in the world – thanks to guidance from God. If we are going to inspire better lifestyles for people in all nations, we need to share our ideas about how to proceed. We need to be asking ourselves "What Would Jesus Do?" to create better lives for His children here on Planet Earth? How do we think things will be different when the King of kings is on His throne in Jerusalem? What will we be doing each day to enjoy the perfection that will be possible once evil has been defeated? We children of the Father should be taking better care of our natural resources. We should be building better communities where homes would have doors without locks and where neighbors are honest and friendly.

Christians who become members of Amerijericho and start turning dreams into reality might encourage each other
to become land-based creators and producers. We will need to adhere to superior methods while sustaining lifestyles based on superior ideals. Weather controlled by God can serve to make abundant crops possible for farmers. He
can inspire us to grow and eat better food. Inspiration from Him can lead to many good things to fill our days
with happiness and satisfaction.

When we learn how to be neighborly in a Christian way, many wonderful things can be done to assure happiness. The unity made possible through shared labor and resources can form lifestyles worthy of emulation. If we focus on Tennessee and the surrounding ten states as a "state-of-mind" nation during discussions, we might begin to figure out what needs to be done to make our lives better. Other than vegetables, fruit, nuts, and grains to satisfy appetites, there can be clean water reservoirs for fish, and farms for chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks. We would probably see more green pastures for cattle, horses, sheep and goats as our endeavors progress.

People of this generation can recapture traditions -- like the historic Pennsylvania Dutch that have been lost due to ignorance, greed, coveting and all other sins related to rebellion against God.

Instead of conforming to the world, we can pattern ourselves after values that once allowed our forefathers to thrive. Priorities need to be set -- first on our heavenly Father, next on Planet Earth, and then followed by our families, our communities and our nations.

Like other Christians of this day who are devout in their faith, we can learn to appreciate the proper interpretation and application of the Bible. We can separate ourselves from outside influences which contradict holy lifestyles. We must understand how important it is to disengage from corrupted societies that hinder us from living Christian lifestyles that are designed to keep us compatible with the Master. Destructive, deceptive, thieving, advocates of evil should not be allowed to pollute the sacredness of Amerijericho.

In order to preserve tranquility among all residents of our new nation, communications between people should be polite, honest, instructional, and/or entertaining without offense. Limitations should be placed on technical instruments that have the capacity to deliver information. Anything contrary to Truth should be banned. Let's do our best to promote positive, intellectual growth to enable clear perceptions of Spiritual reality. Community schools can provide basic reading, writing, and arithmetic to educate children. Skills needed to keep Amerijericho functioning within the laws of God can be taught by private instructors.

Our focus as united families should be upon the growth and preservation of food, carpentry, masonry, voluntary programs to assure community development, and social activities to provide pleasure and relaxation. Many other aspects of daily routines should include care for the elderly, widowed, sick, and bereaved. The culmination of death should be cremation -- rather than burial in order to preserve and maintain the use of land for better purposes.

Reverence for God and life should always prevail over everything else!

Transportation of persons from one location to another will be limited to walking, horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, battery operated vehicles and a monorail system for long distances. Work in fields will be done without the use of equipment dependent upon conventional fuelst. Homes will be constructed and insulated in unique ways to make cooling and heating more natural.

Separation of millions of true Christians from gluttonous, tyrannical governments will help bring stability, equality, continuity, and will encourage the family-owned enterprises. We will build modest homes, provide good food, create stylish clothing, make pottery, beautiful furniture, wagons, carriages, wind generators, a variety of educational games, and other things to keep us content. While working to survive and thrive, we will gladly share excess resources with those in need while enjoying the company of each other at free barter markets.

Considering the present immorality of most people, according to statistics readily available to anyone doing research, the only hope for those of us who have given up on self-serving politicians is "Amerijericho." Let's do our best to salvage a small part of America. Any rational person should understand why our concepts are worthy of serious contemplation. We need to restore the original American heritage. We need new dreams.

Now is the time to reject those who believe freedom to do evil is a civil right!

True children of God are known to be honest, hard-working, modest, hospitable, reliable, forgiving of those who offend, and generous to neighbors in need. During the last few decades, degeneration of Christian values within the American culture and legal system has made "freedom of religion" and the "pursuit of happiness" impossible. Is it
any wonder, then, that "Amerijericho" should become a reason to promote community unity among Christians -- considering everything else that has been happening in this wicked world?

Everyone has permission to copy & share!

In this world where apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers appointed
by God have a desire to see the perfecting of the saints, are Chrstians listening? If we correctly edify the Body of Christ with consistent references to Truth, then we must avoid any departure from “unity of the faith” in our mission if we desire to achieve the fulness of Christ in our daily lives.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the UNITY OF THE FAITH, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the WHOLE BODY fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth,
according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh INCREASE OF THE BODY
unto the edifying of itself in love." Ephesians 4:11-16

Christians should remain mindful that it is “need” not “greed” that our heavenly Father has promised to satisfy – when we focus our desires and ambitions on those things within the Kingdom of God. The idea that “usury” has become an acceptable business concept and that “charity” can be qualified as tax-deductible in our world of today should have nothing to do with how we function as Christians.

"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither
do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have NEED of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:28-34

For the sake of discussion, let’s imagine that Lord Jesus Christ is now the King of kings and is ruling this planet from His throne in Jerusalem. As happy citizens in His eternal Kingdom, how do you think our lives will be different than before evil was overcome and removed? In what way will daily lifestyles be made better by the Master’s presence? Well, after thinking about what we have learned from the Bible, shouldn’t we be willing to stop conforming ourselves to this wicked world immediately rather than wait until Jesus comes? Shouldn’t true Christians be making a serious effort to live exactly the way true servants of God have taught us?

Maybe Christians need to get serious about the Lord’s prayer and the idea of “Heaven on Earth” right now: "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." Matthew 6:9-13

Are too many Christians lacking faith in God in this year of 2007? Are we feeling insecure in our struggle for survival? Instead of stepping out of worldly systems and turning away from materialistic desires, maybe too many Christians are compromising with evil?

Wouldn’t it be better to be trusting God than to think governments, rich people, insurance companies, banks, and employers can provide everything we need? Wouldn’t it be better to use time, talent, energy, desires, resources and opportunities to create and produce for the sake of our families, friends and neighbors – instead of cooperating with greedy, powerful people? Wouldn’t modest lifestyles keep us more in line with ideas like “servitude” and “humility” than what is happening when unethical or immoral motivations dominate because of dependency?

Focusing attention on “charitable love” instead of “excessive possessions” will be possible when Christians decide that love is better than competition, confrontation, fame, power, or excessive wealth. When community unity is designed for the purpose of helping each other instead of taking advantage of each other, great things will begin to happen in the Body of Christ. Perverse doctrinal differences and other manmade barriers that have divided Christians for centuries need to be set aside for the greater good.

How many Christian leaders will voluntarily participate in new Amerijericho Free Barter Market concepts? Will AFBM ultimately have thousands or millions of members with sufficient wisdom and foresight to realize that many positive things can be done once our concepts are developed? God knows that it will take men and women of faith who are willing to share this opportunity through preaching, teaching, and then making it happen. However, if we sadly discover that our lives on this planet are a replica of how it was during the days of Noah, then warnings and promises falling on deaf ears will result in dire consequences.

(1) Will Christian leaders be reminding selfish people about how they should be more willing to give than to receive?

(2) Will Christian leaders be telling fearful people about how we need to die to self for the sake of Christ if we really want to live?

(3) Will Christian leaders be explaining to earthly minded people that being heavenly minded makes conformity to God possible?

(4) Will Christian leaders encourage church members to make a new list of priorities to be designed as the basis for holy lifestyles?

(5) Will Christian leaders be willing to set a good example by caring about those who need to be fed when hungry, giving drink to those who thirst, provide a bed to sleep, clothes to wear, shelter from storms, offer kindness to those who are lonely, or prayer for the sick?

(6) Will Christian leaders be making plans to help those who need a new sense of direction, who need to be taught how to use talents to produce good things, who need moral support, hope, dignity, trust in God, and
a way to sustain themselves while living apart from evil systems?

(7) Will Christian leaders care enough about these Amerijericho Free Barter Market concepts to promote community unity, fellowship, charity, and “Love” among Christians in all nations?

Obviously, these questions will be answered when Christian leaders are contacted. They will decide what they will or will not do once they have been informed about Amerijericho. A few of the “leaders” might be inclined to take one or more ideas and simply incorporate them into existing programs. If “imitation” is their choice, then “unity” will never happen. Other “leaders” might not appreciate the significance of the concepts and will be comparing AFBM to “flea markets” and “garage sales.” Regardless of success or failure of this endeavor because of how “leaders” respond, we hope a few of them will understand that total trust in God, strong families, freedom from evil, and economic interdependence can be combined to create a powerful force for the Body of Christ.

How many professing followers of Christ are “One” with God?

Introduction: Let people of faith read this message, realizing that the “substance” of things hoped for is the “evidence” of things not yet seen. Just as the word of God spoke everything into existence, maybe more words coming out of invisible places can be the start of new realities.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Hebrews 11:1-3

Many Christian families lived on their own land in a secluded place far from the heathen. A narrow road between the many homes was the only connection between these people who lived according to their faith in God. It was their normal custom to travel only for reasons that made fellowship and bartering possible.

Most days for each family were filled with special activities. The father would take care of his livestock, build and repair buildings, work in the fields, and would teach his sons certain skills needed to be helpful when he was tired. The mother would keep the family fed, wash clothes, keep their home tidy, and teach her daughters certain skills needed to be helpful when she was tired.

Every family in the community was different. All of the fathers, mothers and children were blessed with unique talents. They all had skills that were used to make a variety of things that could be used for bartering. One family that had a wagon full of apples might decide to swap for a blanket, a few jars of honey, and maybe a nice chair offered by one of their neighbors. Another family with a horse, two dogs, nine wooden bookcases, and twenty jars of pickles might be willing to swap for handmade garden tools, ropes, clothes or candles to keep themselves content.

The Free Barter Market in the church parking lot always brought dozens of families together. It was amazing to see how “need not greed” was seen when families went about making their exchanges. Some of them would specialize in certain things in order to have enough to go around. If corn on the cob was all they had to barter, it was enough to swap for everything they didn’t already have.

Once family reputations were established, they grew to expect each other to provide the best of whatever it was they could bring to the free barter market. The Thompson family was recognized as the best craftsmen when it came to building furniture. Sarah Dunley always made the best apple pies, and her husband Daniel was known for apple cider. Whether it was Jake Langford’s fresh vegetables straight from the garden, or marble checker boards made by Bobby Olsen, it seemed that there was always more than enough stuff for everyone.

Even though there were only about nine markets each year in nearby towns, homes were always full of everything needed to keep families content. If they needed something they didn’t have, they just worked hard to make extra stuff they could barter the next time. If a father, mother or child became disabled or sick, they received stuff from the “Free Section” until their problems were resolved. Not one person was ever turned away when asking for help. They all knew that “giving the value of one out of every nine things bartered” was the main reason for experiencing joy. They knew that God had blessed them, and had made them more productive when loving compassion, and charity remained in their hearts. In fact, many families would give more than their share just to make sure that neighbors would always have whatever was needed.

When rumors were heard about credit card debts, high medical bills, unemployment, bankruptcies, homelessness, starvation, and crime in far away places where the heathen were living, these children of God were made to feel sad. They would often talk among each other, wondering if there was some way they could help.

“Those Christian haters mocked me for my faith in God,” Jane Jackson had told everyone. “I’ve had the door slammed in my face more than once when trying to lend a helping hand.”

“Atheists, agnostics, and other sinners think we are fools because we believe in Jesus. They are the reason I decided to move away from my old hometown,” Larry Morrison explained. “Trying to live with evil people like that almost broke my heart.”

“People back where I once lived were given many chances to repent and change how they think about things,” Barbara Mason said. “They could have made better choices, but they chose to stay in misery. Why should we feel sad because of their mistakes? We can’t force hard-headed people to serve God or to move here to be with us in Amerijericho -- and most of them would rather die in their sins than serve Jesus anyway."

After sharing many unhappy thoughts about past experiences, they would pray. They had realized over and over again that all they could do for suffering people was to leave them in the hands of God. Once sinners learn how to bow down in humility before the Lord, they will realize what is really important in life. He comes first, Planet Earth comes second, then family followed by community and nation. The part of the world where heathen dwell comes in last for most Christians. Until the “needs” of obedient souls are provided for, the “needs” of rebellious souls would have to be ignored. In other words, there will be no Hell in Heaven for those who serve God!

Even though Amerijericho is only a state-of-mind,
the land where Christian people choose to live is very real!