I wish to take issue with you on two grounds. Firstly the Bible makes it clear how we are to know if a message is from the Lord - “You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord DOES NOT TAKE PLACE OR COME TRUE, THAT IS A MESSAGE THE LORD HAS NOT SPOKEN. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” (Deut.18:21-22) (My emphasis by the way)

We are also given a strong warning concerning prophesy, “But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death” (Deut. 18:20) - I know, it’s the “Old Testament” but it is the word of God - I am not suggesting we stone anyone who screws up on a prophesy, but if we took this seriously before opening our mouths, it would save a lot of pain and confusion.

With respect, God always knows the end from the beginning, and any word that is from Him will always be accurate. Unfortunately, we are easily able to place our own desires (however noble their foundation may be) in such a place that we actually fail to hear accurately from God, and confuse our wishes with His words.

When this happens, it is appropriate for us to acknowledge our error, not blame others who didn’t pray hard enough or similar, and repent of our false prophesy, and seek the face of God that we might hear more accurately in the future. I believe it is also wise to run prophesies past some other mature believers in order to obtain the witness of the Spirit concerning what has been heard.

We do not do the Church or it’s mission any service when we screw up like this, particularly when we then hold fast to our original (false) message. A number of cults have arisen as a result of their respective leaders given false prophesies, which failed to materialise, and then building a doctrine upon a lie rather than admitting the truth, we just got it wrong. I suspect that the usual motivation for this occuring is good old fashioned Pride.

During the last Election I personally found it difficult to know how to pray, I knew I wanted John Howard to win, however something in me was saying that this would not happen. I am not sure whether God has given us as a Nation “the desires of our (corporate) heart” or not, however I am sure of one thing, Australia’s problems are not going to be solved by political means, the issues are entirely spiritual.

The solution is in the hands of God’s people, the Church. It is time for us to stop stuffing around with religion (pardon the expression, but I am sure God is angry with much of what we do) , and start being obedient, and taking the Gospel to the nation, to those who are perishing.

Now I wish to take strong issue with you regarding your ignorant statements concerning Down Syndrome.

I suggest that you get your facts right, and try and get rid of some singularly offensive prejudices which you obviously hold.

Firstly some facts - (Source - The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Down Syndrome

Named after John Langdon Down, the first physician to identify the syndrome, Down syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause of mild to moderate mental retardation and associated medical problems and occurs in one out of 800 live births, in all races and economic groups. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an additional third chromosome 21 or “trisomy 21.”

The Chromosomal Basis of Down Syndrome

To understand why Down syndrome occurs, the structure and function of the human chromosome must be understood. The human body is made of cells; all cells contain chromosomes, structures that transmit genetic information. Most cells of the human body contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Only the human reproductive cells, the sperm cells in males and the ovum in females, have 23 individual chromosomes, not pairs. Scientists identify these chromosome pairs as the XX pair, present in females, and the XY pair, present in males, and number them 1 through 22.

When the reproductive cells, the sperm and ovum, combine at fertilization, the fertilized egg that results contains 23 chromosome pairs. A fertilized egg that will develop into a female contains chromosome pairs 1 through 22, and the XX pair. A fertilized egg that will develop into a male contains chromosome pairs 1 through 22, and the XY pair. When the fertilized egg contains extra material from chromosome number 21, this results in Down syndrome.

THE GENETIC VARIATIONS THAT CAN CAUSE DOWN SYNDROME

Three genetic variations can cause Down syndrome. In most cases, approximately 92% of the time, Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 in all cells of the individual. In such cases, the extra chromosome originates in the development of either the egg or the sperm. Consequently, when the egg and sperm unite to form the fertilized egg, three–rather than two–chromosomes 21 are present. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is repeated in every cell. This condition, in which three copies of chromosome 21 are present in all cells of the individual, is called trisomy 21.

I have recently remarried, and my new wife has a son with Down Syndrome, he is growing into a fine young man, has a strong relationship with Jesus, and is a great credit to my wife and his sisters and the support he has had throughout his life.

Before making misguided statements as you have in your (clearly well intentioned) prophesy, you might like to consider the following scripture :- “The Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? IS IT NOT I, THE LORD? Now go, I will help you to speak and teach you what to say” (Ex. 4:11-12) I suggest that God is making it very clear that when a person is born with a disability it has been done through the very hand of God!! We would do well to consider this soberly when contemplating how to relate to people who are “different”

I pray that you might accept this rebuke in the spirit in which it is given, and that the Lord “will help you to speak, and teach you what to say”

Wishing you God’s favour and blessing,

Sean W.

God doesn’t make mistakes. Is this our country’s start down the very slippery slope of immorality to the end times?

Watcher