FEAR IS THE REAL VIRUS INFECTING THE WORLD, FEAR THAT WILL LEAD TO THE RUIN OF MANY

 

If mask mandates and restricting movement is so successful then why does Sweden only have 1 or 2 deaths a day?

Sweden experienced more deaths on the front end because the virus spread through their society much easier than it did in nations with restrictions, yet currently Sweden's deaths have completely leveled off and their health system was NEVER overwhelmed.

Many of the deaths in Sweden were in retirement homes/assisted living facilities just as it was elsewhere in the world due to the mixing of staff combined with those homes having a higher proportion of vulnerable people. Presently, as elsewhere in the world, more effective precautions are being taken in these facilities.

Treatments for the virus in Sweden, as elsewhere, have markedly improved, further reducing the death rate.

The truth is, just like the flu virus, this virus will go through society and do its thing. Just like with the flu virus people WILL die. It's a fact of life. Whether people die on the front end (no lockdowns) or on the back end (lockdowns) they will still die. It's a fact of life that in this life we all die, one way or another.

The effects of the virus will level off once it does its thing. Remember this is the NOT the Ebola or the Marburg virus which have fatality rates of upwards 70-80% in their worst cases though usually around 25%, Sars-Cov-2 is more akin to a very severe flu which in particular targets the elderly and already sick.

I don't think it is unreasonable to conclude that the authoritarian control and fear we are seeing promoted around the world doesn't really have ANYTHING to do with the state of people's health. If it did there would be a focused emphasis on promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle in order to strengthen and maintain strong immune systems among the general public. Yet this is not the case, "buy your soda, watch tv, continue to eat your processed food high in salt and sugar so long as you follow OUR mandates" is the order of the day.

It is very obvious to me that this virus is being used as justification for central planners to centrally plan. It's the perfect excuse and opportunity for the utopian dreamers whom are attracted to positions of power to actually implement authoritarian central planning with public support. The expression of giving someone an inch and they then taking a mile is certainly very fitting.

This whole irrational panic, tunnel-focused virus suppression, money printing and livelihood destroying situation has certainly been a most effective means, intended or not, of inducing a huge proportion of society into a state of government dependence which therefore feeds the justification for the increasing growth of big government, an outcome which permanently institutes increasing authoritarianism.

Is that what people want? I guess they do and it is nothing new. Even back in the day we have the story of the children of Israel wanting to go back to their enslavement in Egypt because they feared the wilderness (Exo 14:12). Better we submit to destroyed livelihoods, destruction of freedoms, government dependence, in order that we stop a virus. Oh, it hasn't been stopped yet?

The most alarming aspect of all this is how easily large segments of the public have thrown away any semblance of their own critical thinking skills and have given themselves completely over to a fear based mob mentality promulgated through the media and selected "experts."

If this isn't the case then why the ongoing fear based promotion and support of authoritarian restrictions and mandates even in the face of clear examples like Sweden and the multitudes of immunologists now speaking out against such authoritarianism? The media and political theater is generally one of no critical discussion with objections to authoritarianism being framed as "ignoring science."

I've witnessed this same kind of fear based mob mentality and manipulation grow in the "Climate Change" hysteria over the years. Back in the early 80s I vividly remember the threat was "acid rain" which was drummed into us in school and by the media when I was a little boy. Then it was the "hole in the ozone layer" which was drummed into us by the media. Then it became "global warming" which was heavily promoted by Al Gore in his book "Earth in the Balance" which was chock full of doomsday predictions that later failed to materialise, just as with acid rain and the hole in the ozone layer fears. Then the threat morphed into "Climate Change," a more generic term to which pretty much ANYTHING could be associated as "evidence." I ought also mention that before I was even born there were the Malthusian's in the 1960s with "Limits to Growth" and the "Club of Rome" promoting dire consequences of the mass starvation and famine that would occur worldwide in the 1970s due to over population, the solution then was that government needed to take authoritarian control over their populations by limiting birth rates.

Nothing has changed. There is ALWAYS a "dire threat" to be promulgated to the public as a means of convincing them to support the authoritarian power of "expert" central planners over their lives. Power that once given is NEVER taken away. Yet those who do not know history or understand the human condition are certainly doomed to travel down the totalitarian road dragging everyone else along with them. After-all, Adolf Hitler was elected to power by the people and his rise to a supreme authoritarian leader was supported overwhelmingly by the public.

Totalitarian governments don't just happen. In every case the population at large has to allow it to occur. It's no different in 2020.

This incessant fear of death by people is certainly a direct indicator that they are spiritually bankrupt. Mere "existence" is the god of many, not the quality or purpose of that existence. This is why so many people are so willing to both promote and submit themselves to tyranny no matter what the cost.

I have learned in my life that the real answer to all this madness is summed by three verses in the Bible...

1Jn 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 

1Jn 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 

1. God is love (real genuine love).

2. Being established in and therefore abiding in God's love brings true peace and purpose to one's life.

3. Perfect love destroys fear because one becomes readily aware of the bigger picture whilst also aware that they are aligned with God and righteousness.

Those lacking in the above will have no such peace in this life. They will fear death and often suppress this fear by "keeping busy" until the day comes when reality taps them on the shoulder.

One of my favourite verses in the Bible is...

Pro_9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

The fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom. A careful reflection upon our mortality and an honest examination of our hearts will bring to pass a fear of God because it brings to a conscious awareness our real state before a Holy and Righteous God. In other words, it brings about a sober comparison between "our love" and "God's love."

If an individual continues along this path they will develop the necessary "good and honest heart" Jesus spoke of in the parable of the sower (Luke 8:15). A "good and honest heart" is the individual mindset of both accepting reality for what it is and truly desiring to do the right thing. Such a mindset is thus "willing" to receive and abide in God's influence. This is what "receiving Jesus" REALLY means, not the superficial "receiving Jesus" so common in religion today.

In Hebrews we read...

Heb 10:16  This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 

Heb 10:17  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 

Heb 10:18  Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

God is love and our love is made perfect when we dwell and abide in God (1Jn 4:16-17) but in order to do that we must "receive" that love. This is done via "repentance and faith" or as James explained...

Jas 1:21  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 

Jas 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

We MUST lay apart ALL known evil doings and imaginations in our lives. In other words, we truly yield our mind/heart to the influence of God (having been truly broken in our spirit) and thus allow ourselves to be filled/transformed by God's power. Thus "God's law," which is genuine love, is "put into our heart and written on our mind" (Heb 10:16). The outworking of this is true peace and purpose in our lives as mentioned earlier.

God CANNOT transform someone whilst they still remain in rebellion to Him. This is because a heart rebellious to God casts God out. This is why a real repentance experience is essential, not some superficial emotional experience, rather godly sorrow working a real change of mind (2Cor 7:10-11).

Most people NEVER do this in their lives and thus they never escape fear because they never come to experience the genuine love of God (1Jn 4:18). Don't be one of them.

The reason people in society fall for totalitarian government is because they never escape FEAR and are thus very easily manipulated by their fear. Look at the world today, look at the media, look at political leaders, it's a world of fear. People are being directed by fear. Don't be! Be directed by God Himself through repentance and faith and the subsequent refreshing found through being established in genuine love. Not religion but a real transformative spiritual experience that you MANIFESTLY KNOW.

Again, fear God FIRST and continue on through repentance and faith that you be established in wisdom for such a path brings forth the true knowledge of love.

Pro_9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Take the time and about it.

Scott.

(Graph data as of October 15, 2020, Worldometers)

SKYPE FELLOWSHIP "EKKLESIA'S" BELIEF STATEMENT

 Are you interested in joining our weekly Skype Fellowship? Please read on.


WHO ARE WE?

We are regular people from across the globe. Different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicity who are led by and walking in God’s Holy Spirit. We follow the head of the body – Jesus Christ.

Of course, no person can claim to be perfect in knowledge over every little matter. However, we are convinced of and deeply grounded in the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness 1 Timothy 6:4.

Many of our group’s core beliefs are asserted at http://standingthegap.org/ and our beliefs have been refined over many years as we grow in grace and knowledge – there is no wavering from them. That said, in choosing to fellowship with us we ask that you agree with or are at least open to the following core beliefs.

OUR FELLOWSHIP NORMS

On our Skype calls we have a few “standards”. The base being peace. When the Spirit of God leads our hearts and minds there is no room for contentious debate, especially while engaging in robust discussion on biblical matters. Christians who love their fellow Christians can and should be able to discuss any matter yet keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace (Ephes. 4:3). We must be respectful of others and let them have their chance to speak.

The Spirit of Christ, which is love, should always be at the centre of our conversation. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone” (Col. 4:6).

If a person is disrespectful, overly disruptive, cannot let a non-salvation matter rest, or is subversive, attempting to undermine our core beliefs, that person will be asked to leave, in following the sound words of Paul in Romans 16:17 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” 

 
TRANSACTION VS TRANSFORMATION

We believe Jesus gave himself to redeem us, that is deliver us from the power of darkness and translate us into the kingdom of his dear son (Titus 2:14, Col. 1:13&14) the evidence of which is a transformed heart/life.

Redemption apolytrosis means liberation procured by the payment of a ransom.

Christ paid our ransom, not our debt.

Having one’s debt paid to fulfill the wrath of God or satisfy his need for justice is different to having one’s debt forgiven by a compassionate God on the grounds that one has forsaken all known sin (Matt. 18:27)

Having one’s debt paid is also different to being bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20, 7:23, 2 Peter 2:1) or purchased (Acts 20:28) from a slavery situation, to become the servant of God.

There is NOT ONE scripture that says Jesus died to pay our debt but there are NUMEROUS scriptures which say he died to redeem, ransom or purchase us.

The notion that Jesus was punished “in our place” to pay our debt for the penalty for sin is unbiblical. There is no such thing as some kind of cosmic legal transaction, requiring no change on our part, that we are to simply “trust” and “believe” in, in order to be saved. That kind of teaching subverts both the heart and mind from truly seeking the radical transformed life of genuine redemption.

The bible teaches that Jesus died as an EXAMPLE for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21). It is in following this example set forth by Jesus that we die to self through a genuine repentance. This is why Peter would write that those whom have "suffered in the flesh" in the context of arming oneself with the "same mind of Christ" have "ceased from sin, no longer living the rest of their time in the flesh to the lusts of men" but rather, "living to the will of God." Real redemption is the outcome of a real repentance and faith and that outcome is inclusive of having been set free from serving sin (Rom 6:6-7) and being established in love wherein we walk in righteousness having been granted a fresh start in God freely forgiving our past life of rebellion.

The power of darkness is really rooted in a person’s will, the fact that they don’t WANT to stop sinning, therefore it’s in submitting one’s own will unto God’s will through repentance that one obtains deliverance in being transformed into an entirely new creature by the Spirit (2 Cor. 5:17).

Salvation is NOT a legal transaction, rather it is a heart/life transformation.

There is no such thing as “positional salvation”, neither is Christ’s righteousness magically transferred or imputed to a person when they give mental ascent to his death and resurrection (1 John 3:7).

We partakes in salvation by being crucified WITH Christ (Gal. 2:20) that we may be resurrected with Him (Rom 6:4-5) which is known as being "born again" (Joh 3:3). It is through the Cross that we partake in "eating" Jesus' flesh and "drink" His blood (John 6:51-56) which is a metaphor for partaking in the spiritual substance of Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life (Joh 14:6).


JESUS SACRIFICE UPON THE CROSS

The death of Christ upon the cross is multifaceted.

His death served to establish the New Covenant/Testament for a testament is only of force after the testator has died (Heb 9:17). Jesus' sacrificial death declared the righteousness of God that God might be just in the forgiveness of past transgression (Rom 3:25-26). Genuine righteousness is rooted in sacrificial love (Joh 15:13) which is why it is the foundation standard of God's righteousness and the New Covenant is predicated upon this standard being manifest (Heb 10:16-17). God is just in the forgiveness of past sins because those forgiven (Heb 10:17) are established in genuine righteousness (Heb 10:16) which means His forgiveness does not serve as a license for ongoing wickedness. This is why the Bible states that where remission of sin is there is no longer any offering for sin (Heb 10:18) and also warns that no sacrifice remains for ongoing willful sin (Heb 10:26). The love of God is the ANTIDOTE to sin, not a cloak.
 
"Redemption IN Christ Jesus" (Rom 3:24) is the same as "dwelling in love" (1John 4:16). Being "IN Christ Jesus" (Rom 8:1) is inclusive of "walking in the Spirit" (Rom 8:4) by which the righteousness of the law (ie. genuine love) is fulfilled and upheld (Rom 3:31, Rom 8:4) because love works no ill (Rom 13:10).

The death of Christ also served as an "example to follow" (1Pe 2:21-25). Without a death there can be no resurrection. Without being "dead to sin" (Rom 6:2, 11) one cannot be "alive to God" (Rom 6:11). Jesus taught unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies it abides alone, but if it dies it then brings forth much fruit (
John 12:24). Jesus then stated that if we love our life we will lose it, but if we hate our life we will keep it unto life eternal (Joh 12:25) and then put that statement into context by teaching if we are to serve Him we must follow His example (Joh 12:26). Therefore, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Mat 16:24-25).
 
Jesus also partook in flesh and blood and a very real physical death that He might destroy him that had the power of death (Heb 2:14) through His resurrection, for death could not hold Him (Act 2:24). This gives all of us hope that we too will be raised up (2Cor 4:14) as we remain steadfast in the faith, comforted and strengthened by Jesus whom identified with us by being tempted in like fashion (Heb 2:18, Heb 4:15).
 

GRACE AND REPENTANCE

Grace charis is not simply God’s unmerited favour towards mankind rather, God’s divine influence upon the heart, convicting people of their sin and drawing them to Christ (Titus 2:11&12).

Grace does not mean “easy forgiveness” and forgiveness is not based on a mere confession or “repeat after me” prayer.

Forgiveness is CONDITIONAL upon one forsaking all known sin (ie. forsaking rebellion to God) and continuing in steadfast obedience to God (Pro. 28:13). This is why Paul wrote, our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin (Rom 6:6). Service to sin ends in repentance that a service to righteousness may begin for we belong to that/whom we serve (Rom 6:16-18).

Jesus did NOT die to provide a cover or cloak for ongoing wilful sin (Heb. 10:26). If that were the case, his death and resurrection would be a license to sin, establishing Satan’s first lie ye shall not surely die (Gen 3:6) as truth.

Hence there is no sin, confess cycle in genuine salvation.

Repentance is part of the first works (Rev. 2:5) one does when coming to Christ. Once having laid that foundation we are not to lay it again (Heb 6:1) rather we patiently continue in doing good (Rom 2:7, Rom 11:22).

Most “professing” Christians have never experienced true repentance which is why they are caught in a perpetual sin-confess cycle.

However, just as Jesus died ONCE and for all (Rom. 6:10 Heb. 10:10) our old man must die ONCE and for all through repentance.

Grace (God’s divine influence) brings about Godly sorrow (conviction) which brings about genuine repentance (1 Cor. 7:10).


OBEDIENCE IS NECESSARY

Those who not only hear but DO the Word “dig deep” and lay their foundation on a rock (Luke 6:48). Faithfully DOING the Word is essential for salvation.

Obedience is NOT filthy rags (Is. 64:6) to God, neither is it “self righteousness”, rather obedience is proof that one loves and trusts God (John 14:15).


HEART PURITY

In yielded obedience to God one’s heart is made pure (1 Peter 1:22)

A pure heart does not plan to commit sin (Is. 55:7).

As long as one is not planning to commit sin, one can live above wilful sin.

A regenerated person is perfect (Matt. 5:48) in the sense that he has a pure motive towards God but not in the sense that he has all knowledge. We grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18) over time.

Therefore it is possible for someone with pure motives to have secret faults (Psalm 19:12) or commit unintentional sins. There is a biblical distinction between sins of ignorance and sins of intent (Num
15:29-31, Heb 10:26-31).

It is essential that we walk in the light (1 John 1:7) or live according to truth as it is revealed to our heart by the Spirit through the Word. In this way we maintain a pure heart and clean conscience towards God (1Tim 1:5, 1Tim 3:9).


SIN AND THE NATURE OF MAN

Sin is not inherited from Adam. It is not a physical substance that can be passed from one person to another. It does not reside in our physical flesh or blood for sin is a moral choice (1 John 3:4)

Hence we are born innocent (Ecc. 7:29), yet with natural appetites and instincts that make us susceptible to temptation (1Co 10:13, Jam 1:14&15). Temptation is NOT sin but can lead to sin if we choose to fulfil our natural desires unlawfully.
 
 
THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is received upon, not subsequent to salvation. (Rom. 8:9)

The life of the flesh being in the blood (Lev 17:11) typifies the life of the Spirit which is in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:2), thus it is the Spirit that gives life under the New Covenant (2 Cor 3:6).

Therefore it is the Holy Spirit that purges our conscience (Heb. 9:14, Heb. 10:22, 2Pe 1:9) and bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God (Rom. 8:15:16) meaning we can be bold (1Jon 4:17) and confident in the knowledge that our past sins have been forgiven and forgotten because we forsook them in repentance and have been transformed into a “new creature” (2 Cor. 5:17) being established in the love of God (1Jon 4:16).

The Holy Spirit also strengthens and empowers us (Ephes. 3:16 Phil. 4:13) to continually live above sin, for through it the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts (Rom. 5:5) thus we receive the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) hence we obey God because we love him.


END-TIMES PROPHESY

We reject dispensational teachings such as the “rapture”, a seven year tribulation period and millennial reign. Believing instead that on the day of the Lord the elements will simply melt and the earth shall be burnt up (2 Peter 3:10).

Furthermore we see the book of Revelation as containing signs and symbols (Rev. 1:1 signified semaino to give a sign) which point to spiritual realities "soon to come to pass" (Rev 1:1) in the "time that was at hand" (Rev 1:3), rather than some far off literal future events.


TONGUES

We see tongues in the bible as pertaining to actual languages and reject the notion of an incoherent “private” or “heavenly prayer language."

The tongues spoken in Acts chapter 2 were miraculous for the purpose of being a sign (1Cor 14:22) and a means of preaching the Gospel (Act 2:4-12) to a broad range of people in establishing the early church.

The tongues mentioned in Corinthians pertain to actual languages spoken by church members of various nationalities that required interpretation (1Cor 14:27), not the vain and repetitive “babble of confusion” practiced by many Pentecostals today.

Furthermore the evidence of having received the Holy Spirit is a Holy lifestyle, not speaking in tongues.


HEALTH AND WEALTH GOSPEL

We believe that the health and wealth gospel is a corrupted version of the faith that was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3) and that we should withdraw ourselves from those preaching that gain is godliness (1 Tim. 6:5).

We also believe that the only “sign and wonder” one should seek is the sign or Jonas (Matt. 12:39), meaning repentance from sin and a transformed heart/life through the Spirit, which is the greatest miracle. Hence our message is centred on repentance and ongoing obedience to Christ, not physical healing.
 

LEGALISM

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). What this means is that genuine faith represents the substance and outworking of the heart. Faith is not outward form or formality and thus we view "love" as the root of genuine faith (Gal 5:6).

Legalism is when "outward form" is placed before the "substance of a heart rooted in love." This is why genuine salvation in Christianity is not of any rules, regulations, rites or rituals. Outward conduct in Christianity is merely a reflection of a heart truly established in love. Hence the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self control (Gal 5:22-23).

We do not believe any physical ordinance, ritual or ceremony such as water baptism is required for salvation/redemption.

Water baptism, communion and feet washing are physical illustrations teaching us spiritual lessons. It is more important we experience the spiritual reality that these ordinances represent e.g. spiritual baptism (Ephes. 4:5 Rom. 6:4 1 Cor. 12:13) than to partake in the ordinances themselves. This is not to devalue the physical ordinances, it is just to put them in their proper context.

The Old Covenant ordinances of dietary laws, holy days, new moons and sabbaths (Col 2:16) were a shadow of things to come (Col 2:17). These ordinances were nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14) and are fulfilled in Christ. The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom 14:17). This is why we don’t put any emphasis upon Old Testament feasts, holy days, nor mandate the abstaining from certain foods nor use “sacred names" for God as per the “Hebrew Roots” or “Sacred Name” movements. The substance of our heart is the issue with God, not outward forms.

We do not adhere to man-made rules in regards to dress or hair standards, rather we follow our own conscience in light of scripture pertaining to modesty (1 Timothy 2:9 & 10 1 Peter 3:3-5) and the distinction between the sexes (Deut. 22:5, 1 Cor. 11:14&15).

Furthermore women are free to speak/teach/preach in fellowship meetings (Gal. 3:28, Acts 2:17). Paul’s objection to a woman teaching (1Ti 2:12) is in the context of a woman lording over her husband causing disruption in a fellowship (1Cor 14:34-35). A Christian husband and wife are one flesh (Eph 5:31) and thus are to serve as an illustration of Christ and the Church (Eph 5:32).


THE CHURCH

We believe that God has ONE church/body. It is a spiritual entity made up of all born-again believers. Therefore we do not identify ourselves as belonging to a particular sect or denomination, rather the “church” or the “body of Christ."

We also believe that the New Testament church is “spiritual Israel”, God having brought both Jew and Gentile together in one Spirit (1Cor 12:13, Eph. 2:15-18, Eph 3:3-6, Gal 3:28-29).


CHRIST’S DIVINITY/DEITY

We believe that in the beginning was the Word and that the Word was God and the Word was made flesh (John 1:1&14). God directly manifested Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ, "God with us" (Mat 1:23). Jesus didn’t merely show humanity the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Joh 14:6). Jesus is “I Am” (Exo 3:14, Joh 8:58).
 

CONGRATULATIONS

You've read our belief statement! If you feel that you are either like-minded or open to learning and understanding more in regards to our core beliefs and the bible in general, send us a message indicating your interest in joining Ekklesia.

Cath Gavin email address is crystalriver053@gmail.com
Scott Wilson email address is sinmuststop@gmail.com


HOW OUR FELLOWSHIP WORKS

As per the nature of Skype, anyone from around the world with a device and good internet can join in our bible study/discussions, which typically last 2-3 hours.

Currently we have people from Australia and the USA joining the call on a regular basis. If you do join Ekklesia, a call will come through to you at a set-time, however you can enter and leave the discussion at any point, whatever is convenient.

We communicate through audio only, unless you really want to show us your face. We take turns to speak and often mute our microphones while others are speaking, to eliminate background noise. The subject of study/discussion is indicated well ahead of time in the chat, so each member can study, mediate upon and formulate thoughts pertaining to that subject during the week, in preparation for the fellowship.

Cath Gavin (https://crystalcleartruths.blogspot.com) facilitates the meetings and makes sure everyone is given opportunity to present their thoughts and findings, though no-one is obliged to speak, you can just listen.

Also, we record our sessions, so if Ekklesia doesn't suit your time-zone or you're otherwise occupied, you can always listen to the recording, comment and ask questions in the chat.

Those used to a traditional church service may be challenged by our interactive style of fellowship, the goal is not to scare people but to help them grow and mature into the spiritual "fathers" they can be, able to help and mentor others.

Though we are friends and sometimes discuss our personal/family struggles, Ekklesia is not just a friendship group or counseling service, rather it is a group of people in submission to the Word, who seek to build up one another in the Word.

Hence it is of upmost importance that we stay tightly focused on the portion of scripture or subject of study, so that each member comes away both challenged and edified spiritually.

END OF FREEDOM IN AUSTRALIA??? WHAT IS REAL FREEDOM???

It is very sad to see my country of birth openly embrace totalitarianism.

Melbourne, in the State of Victoria, is now under a Stage 4 lockdown which means...

1. A curfew – from 8pm to 5am - The only reasons to leave home during these hours will be work, medical care and caregiving.
2. Where people slept last night is where they'll need to stay for the next six weeks (exemptions for work or partners).
3. Exercise will be limited to a maximum of one hour per day and no more than five kilometres from your home.
4. Shopping will be limited to one person per household per day. Again, the five-kilometre rule will apply.
5. Face coverings continue to be mandatory both inside and outside (except at home). A jogger is permitted to take their mask off when jogging.
6. Weddings and all gatherings banned. Groups limited to a maximum of two people subject to curfew and stay-at-home and exercise rules.
7. All schools closed.
8. Fishing and organised sports are banned.

Victoria has gone from a declared "State of Emergency" now to a declared "State of Disaster." This means that authorities now have the ability to suspend Acts of Parliament, take possession of property and the Police Minister now controls and directs all government agencies.

For really the first time in Australian history, the State has declared that they have the power to suspend ALL statute law. There is no more "Rule of Law" in the State of Victoria and this sets a very dark precedent for both the present and the future.

The Australian people, whom are mostly ignorant of the concept of the "Rule of Law," appear to have embraced this as "necessary" and have thus just given up any notion of the individual liberties they had previously held (and taken for granted) under their Westminster System of Government inherited from England under the long developments and precedents set under Common Law.

The Magna Carter and the 1688 Bill of Rights are now mute, not that many Australian's even know what is written in those documents. Very sad in my opinion.

People have been conditioned in a relatively easy time of prosperity and have forgotten the great sacrifices that have been made throughout history which has given them the freedoms they take for granted. It's certainly understandable with all the modern conveniences and alluring entertainments.

Freedom and liberty have not been the norm in history and few really think much about that. Instead people elect bureaucrats to "give them stuff" instead of electing representatives to uphold the hard won principles of the Rule of Law.

The future is quite certain in my opinion, not just in Australia but around the world. An authoritarian surveillance state run by immoral power hungry bureaucrats whom govern a mostly immoral people whom have abdicated their personal responsibility both spiritual and in civics.

Thomas Jefferson wrote to Charles Yancy on January 6, 1816 saying...

<<<...if a nation expects to be ignorant & free, in a state of civilisation, it expects what never was & never will be. The functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will the liberty & property of their constituents. there is no safe deposit for these but with the people themselves; nor can they be safe with them without information. where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe. >>>

That quote is as true today as it was over 200 years ago. One cannot sustain any semblance of freedom if one is ignorant. This applies both physically and spiritually.

Jesus of Nazareth said...

<<<If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. >>> John 8:36.

Free indeed from what?

<<<Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.>>> John 8:34

Free from committing sin. "Commit" in the Greek is "Poieō" and it literally means "to produce" or "bring forth." It is what we produce in our life by our chosen conduct, our DEEDS or FRUIT as the Bible calls it.

Real freedom is being established in righteousness by having one's heart (ie. the REAL SELF) purged of evil/selfishness and being established in the love of God by the Spirit of God. It is ONLY from such a foundation that we can live a life of true inward peace with true purpose because we KNOW we are aligned with our Creator and are living for that which will not perish.

Anything less is to be merely living from one moment to the next suppressing the conscience until one day, when our life is over, we find ourselves standing before God totally naked with our real self exposed. God will rip away the veil of any self-delusion.

The Apostle Paul quoted the Prophet Isaiah in saying that, "As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God" (Rom 14:11). This is because God IS the ultimate rule and proper function. God is the measure, not ourselves.

In order for a motor vehicle to function properly we must use the correct oil and petrol. We must ensure it has wheels and tires and there must be a responsible driver. Take away any of these things and the car will eventually malfunction or crash. It's the same with life. Upright living, honesty, carefulness, respectfulness, sexual purity and marriage fidelity, personal responsibility etc. is the PROPER FUNCTION of things and to reject that breaks both individuals and society.

Most people never stop to truly consider the depths and implications of this. True uprightness is not a menu of "some right living" with a little compromise. Jesus spoke about that in saying...

<<<The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.>>> Mat 6:22-24

The Apostle Paul put it like this...

<<<Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.>>> Rom 6:16-18
Notice the parallel between Paul's "free from sin" (Rom 6:18) in the context of "not serving sin" (Rom 6:16) and Jesus "free from sin indeed" (Joh 8:36) in the context of "not serving sin" (Joh 8:34). It's the same message.

John the Apostle wrote...

<<<Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.>>> 1Jn 2:15-17

John is explaining that we cannot serve two masters. We cannot have an incessant passion for the things of this world and at the same time have the love of God in us. It is one or the other, not both.
The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life is what tempts people to compromise with upright living and do evil. It is Jesus that sets us free from doing that. How? Via this...

<<<If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.>>> John 8:31-32

<<<Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.>>> Mat 7:24-25

HEARING AND DOING. In other words putting into action and actually obey the teachings of Jesus whom commanded us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neigbour as ourselves.

The only way we can actually do that is to come to an end of ourselves in a real repentance in order to produce, in us, a heart TRULY yielded to God's grace (His influence). This means a very sober and real reflection of whom we really are, being plainly honest about our real self, the self that will stand naked before God one day when we are no longer able to deceive ourselves by suppressing the things we don't want to think about. This is why the Apostle Paul wrote...

<<<For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.>>> 2 Cor 7:10-11

If this never happens then there can be no true love of God established in us and this there can be no true upright living. Without this it is all form with no real substance.

This world is full of form without substance. So many people are "nice." So many people are "friendly." So many people "take care of their families." So many people "volunteer in their communities." Yet they still serve two masters because they compromise due to the "lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life."

The Apostle Peter wrote...

<<<...ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust>>> 2Pe 1:4

The corruption that is in the world is through lust because it is lust that entices people to sin.
<<<But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.>>> Jam 1:14-15

It is through godly sorrow working a real change of mind (repentance) that we turn away from that temptation once and for all in putting our old self, who did that stuff, to death. We still all experience temptation but instead of the temptation and lust ruling over us, we rule over it, thus we mortify the deeds of the body by being led/submitted to the Spirit by which life is brought forth (Rom 8:13) instead of death.

<<<Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.>>> Rom 6:6-7

<<<And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. >>> Gal 5:24
That is the Cross of Jesus Christ. That is REAL Christianity.

Real Christianity involves the old "selfish us" dying in repentance through godly sorrow/reflection which produces a heart TRULY yielded to the upright living revealed to the human conscience through the Spirit of God. Thus the light established in us is the Light of God, not a deceptive self established "dark light" which Jesus warned about (Mat 6:23). A deceptive "light" that is actually "darkness" is GREAT DARKNESS according to Jesus (Mat 6:23). This is because such darkness disguised as light immunises an individual against the real truth and thus lures an individual into a state of spiritual complacency. MANY people are under this deception in the world right now. MULTITUDES meaning BILLIONS or MOST PEOPLE.

<<<Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.>>> Mat 7:13-14

<<<Then said one unto him, Lord, ARE THERE FEW THAT BE SAVED? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all YE WORKERS OF INIQUITY.>>> Luk 13:23-27

Genuine Christianity is the antidote to working/bringing forth/producing iniquity in our lives. The Spirit of God truly established in us is the literal power of God energising us to walk a self-controlled and circumspect life as true ambassadors of Jesus Christ.

The Cross is something the Christian participates in by following the EXAMPLE of Jesus. If we partake in the Cross by dying to our old life of sin then God raises us up with His power, just like He raised Jesus up, and establishes us in His love whereby we live a new righteous upright life in the Spirit. We also have the hope of being resurrected from the dead due to Jesus overcoming physical death. That is real Christianity and it is seldom if ever taught in any of the denominational churches. I've been in many throughout my life and spoken to hundreds of pastors/priests whom are all pretty much held in bondage to various traditions. Many are nice enough people but are they bringing people to a real freedom?

The Australian people are losing their freedom generally due to a lack of historical perspective and understanding of the principles of the Rule of Law. If one doesn't understand how it ought be then those things are very easily lost. They have no concept that they walking headlong into bondage.
It's the same spiritually when it comes to being in bondage to sin/evil. People, lacking understanding of their true self and lacking an understanding of the true nature of God, have no concept that they are actually enslaved. The Bible calls this state "darkness" throughout. People have eyes but cannot see.

Anyone trying to serve two masters, in the sense of having a heart still in rebellion to a pure and godly life, are in the worst form of bondage of all. This is well worth considering because whilst the injustices in this world are only temporal, the righteousness and justice of God is not.

Solomon, Son of King David, once wrote...

<<<If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.>>> Ecc 11:3
When we leave this life, the way we are is the way we are and it is how we will stand before God.

The Apostle John in the Book of Revelation put it this way...

<<<He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.>>> Rev 22:11-13

What we do matters. The choices we make in this life matter. Not only as it pertains to our example and leading of others but also as to whether we have chosen or rejected the ways of God. God is going to destroy those souls that have rejected Him because those souls are like dangerous viruses or sickly refuse. Love is a choice and God cannot impose righteousness on people, God can only show people the way of righteousness and people have to choose it for themselves.

God would be reckless to grant eternal life to those whom reject righteousness. A truly loving and righteous God could not do that anyway as it would go against His very nature.

We ought fear God for it is the very beginning of wisdom (Pro 9:10). It is only through a healthy respect of God and a deep examination of our true self that we might come to Him and thus yield to righteousness. When we do that we find true peace and purpose because we find ourselves no longer a part of the problem but united spiritually with the solution. God writes His nature into our minds and into our hearts. Sure we are not perfect, we still have much to learn as we continue to address our flaws, but in no longer living for ourselves (that us being dead) we now live for God and righteousness with an urgency to be an example and aide to others. Do that and live. Do that and be truly free.

Thanks for reading.

sources :

Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-changes-melbournes-restrictions

Victoria Health Minister - Jenny Mikakos

https://twitter.com/JennyMikakos/status/1289834211105320960

Emergency Management Act 1986

http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ema1986190/s23.html

Thomas Jefferson Quotes and Family Letters

http://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/327

SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASK MANDATES

Social Distancing and Mask mandates = An expressionless, fearful, germaphobic, socially distanced, distrustful society dependent on government as their parent telling them what to do.

If health is so important then why is there ZERO government advice pertaining to developing healthy immune systems via a healthy diet and lifestyle??????? Not a peep.

There is no emphasis whatsoever on developing or maintaining a healthy immune system via healthy living. A healthy immune system is the PRIMARY means of defence against viruses and microbes of all sorts, not government mandates.

All the emphasis in both the political and media sphere is on "following mandates" and "living in fear" and shaming anyone who values independence, personal responsibility and freedom.

Power has gone to the heads of the "experts" whom perceive themselves as saviours of humanity. They certainly hold the general public in utter contempt and clearly desire to implement THEIR plans over the plans of individual citizens.

The initial modelling which was used to justify economic and livelihood destruction was proven to be a grossly inaccurate overstatement. The "experts" were wrong but the consequences of their error are very real.

Consequences of an Economic Shutdown

http://www.pearlofgreatprice.info/2020/04/consequences-of-economic-shutdown.html

This current situation is the most incredible experiment in group-think I have ever seen.

Consider that if the central planners, whom desire to impose "their plans" on everyone else, were to instead primarily emphasise healthy living, it would serve to minimise their role as saviours and thus miminise their role in society. Human ego is at stake here.

An emphasis upon independence, personal responsibility and freedom would shift the ball back to the individual and therefore lessen any imperative towards group-think where people look towards government as their parent.

Who are the people most at risk from SARS-CoV-2? We know it is the unhealthy, those with immunological or respiratory deficiencies. A considerable amount of these people are the elderly and obese. Certainly it makes sense to protect the elderly by taking extra precautions such as temperature checks or mask wearing at retirement homes, even altering some services makes sense like grocery stores allocating specific shopping hours for the vulnerable.

Yet that has not been the primary focus has it? The primary focus has instead been the total reorientation of society within a context of subservience to social distancing and mask wearing mandates. Mandates which will clearly have a deleterious effect upon societal cohesion.

People are not thinking, they are following blindly and encouraging others to do so as well. I have even seen babies with masks on outside when the temperature is over 80 degrees fahrenheit (27 degrees celcius) and the air is very humid. Mothers have been put in absolute fear and somehow think that placing a mask on their baby on a hot day is beneficial. I don't need to be a doctor to know this is stupidity.

Here are the re-opening guidelines for schools in Tennessee written by the Tennessee Department of Education...

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/health-&-safety/Reopening%20Schools%20-%20Overview%20Guide%20for%20LEAs.pdf

Here are the three videos they released...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G6eb1LSoUg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3SPRuD69XU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl7t76c347o

One way walkways between desks?

Children to wear masks?

Children to keep 6 feet away from each other?

Children not allowed to share pencils and other stationary/articles?

Classes no longer allowed to mix?

Lunch to be eaten in classrooms?

What kind of psychological damage will this do to children? Do we really want to encourage children to be germaphobic automatons constantly in fear for their health, even afraid to share a pencil, dependent on living a life according to a strict set of rules set by "experts" ?

You can't make this stuff up but many people seem to be going along with it without even a pause.

Do we really want to live in a fearful, distrustful, expressionless society with an emphasis on being distant from one another? Have we all gone mad?

Or am I the mad one? Am I the one who just doesn't get it?

No! I do get it. Masses of people can certainly be psychologically manipulated to work against their own best interests and follow along with the crowd, even to the most extreme of examples.

Don't believe it? Just read up on what is known as the "Great Purge" conducted by Joseph Stalin between 1936 and 1938. Joseph Stalin managed to convince his entire apparatus, the very people whom had brutally collectivised regional areas, to inform on and murder each other for crimes they did not commit and was even able to obtain confessions of treason from his most loyal supporters for the many show trials that were conducted. It's a stunning moment in history where Soviet society entered into a mass psychosis of a war of all against all. A mass delusion where an estimated 750,000 people were murdered by their fellows, not the Russian peasants or those defined as Kulaks whom were murdered during the collectivisation, no, rather those of the apparatus loyal to Stalin's cause.

Whilst we may not be in a murderous purge of all against all, we have certainly entered into a state of mass psychosis wherein many are unwittingly working to destroy the very fundamentals of a cohesive and free society all in the name of a virus with an estimated .1% to .3% fatality rate.

Jesus spoke of how the "blind lead the blind" (Luk 6:39) within the context of how those not grounded in truth unwittingly mislead others unto destruction. I encourage everyone to diligently seek truth, especially spiritually. Don't blindly follow the herd.

BLACK LIVES MATTER IS EVIL

Black Lives Matter is a collectivist oriented organisation which is the very opposite to both individualism and Christianity.

<<<We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and “villages” that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable.

We foster a queer‐affirming network. When we gather, we do so with the intention of freeing ourselves from the tight grip of heteronormative thinking, or rather, the belief that all in the world are heterosexual (unless s/he or they disclose otherwise).

We cultivate an intergenerational and communal network free from ageism. We believe that all people, regardless of age, show up with the capacity to lead and learn.>>>

https://blacklivesmatter.com/what-we-believe/

Their promotion of the destruction of the family serves to enhance the value of the "collective" over and above that of individual family units. The reason for this is because "family loyalty" tends to undermine a "collective loyalty" to the group or state. Such rhetoric is extensively written about in marxist and socialist writings and it is even alluded to in various occult writings where the "All" has preeminence over the individual (marxism/socialism/collectivism is rooted in occult philosophy).

It is for this same reason that Black Lives Matter affirms and promotes the "transgender" and "homosexual" movements, for they are an attack on traditional family structure as well as biblical and Christian morality.

A collectivist entity can only thrive when loyalty is FIRST to the collective whereupon everything else thus has become subject to that first loyalty. This is why collectivist systems are necessarily totalitarian for each individual is viewed more as a "cell" of a larger "organism." There is no such thing as individual rights under collectivism, only group or collective rights.

Dividing society into "group identities" also serves to undermine individual worth or value, value becomes more associated with one being "part of the group.:"

<<<We embody and practice justice, liberation, and peace in our engagements with one another.>>>

https://blacklivesmatter.com/what-we-believe/

"Justice, liberation and peace" is actually a wishy-washy "anything goes" moral relativist position where no value really challenges another. Thus people unify into what is basically a "believe in nothing, go along to get along" herd grouping. The people, lacking any real firm principled foundation, are thus very easily manipulated by those whom would lead them. Critical thinking has been replaced with emotionalism and a blind loyalty to the group.

Black Lives Matter has NOTHING to do with race or injustice, it merely USES race and injustice as a means to recruit and propagandise naive people into supporting collectivism.

Collectivism is ultimately where the FEW rule over and decide for the MANY. Individualism is where the MANY rule and decide for themselves.

Individualism ONLY works when a majority of the people are moral, virtuous and upright for then they are "self-governed" which is the antidote to disharmony and destruction in society. When people are immoral and act like animals then they are like wild beasts in waiting to be caged for their own good.

This is why a society that rejects God, whom is love, will eventually experience totalitarianism. The consequences of immorality bring disharmony and destruction to society and the only solution without love and self-control is tyranny by men.

WHO PAYS THE PRICE?

What a year and what an example of the absolute wreckage that central planners leave in their wake.

"Flatten the curve" they said, "we must lock everything down." Was this all to save lives or destroy lives?

Mao Zedong, the communist leader of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, once thought it would be a great idea to eliminate sparrows. After-all, the sparrows ate the grain, if the sparrows were eliminated then there would be a more abundance of grain available. Therefore sparrows were listed as one of the four great pests to be eliminated in one of his 5-Year-Plans. After a time the sparrows were almost completely eliminated and what was the result? Well, it happened  that sparrows also ate locusts and without the sparrows the locusts multiplied into plague proportions and then it was the locusts that ate all the grain. Millions of people starved to death as a result, thanks to the 5-Year-Plan.

So how about "flatten the curve" and "we must lock everything down"? Well, the sparrows are dead, so what is the result?

We locked down and have watched the utter destruction of many businesses and livelihoods in the private sector. Take note that we didn't see the same destruction of the jobs and livelihoods of those pushing the lockdowns, no, those people are insulated from the direct consequences of their decisions just as Mao Zedong still had grain to eat even in the midst of famine.

There is a principle at work here. Milton Friedman understood it. Milton Friedman wrote in his book "Free to Choose" and stated in an interview...

1. You can spend your own money on yourself. When you do that, why then you really watch what you’re doing, and you try to get the most for your money.

2. You can spend your own money on somebody else. For example, I buy a birthday present for someone. Well, then I’m not so careful about the content of the present, but I’m very careful about the cost.

3. I can spend somebody else’s money on myself. And if I spend somebody else’s money on myself, then I’m sure going to have a good lunch!

4. I can spend somebody else’s money on somebody else. And if I spend somebody else’s money on somebody else, I’m not concerned about how much it is, and I’m not concerned about what I get.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RDMdc5r5z8

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_to_Choose

The principle Milton Friedman understood is that it is much easier to take an action which may have negative consequences when you are not the one whom directly pays for it.

Thomas Sowell understood the same principle and worded it in the following manner...

<<<Why anyone would expect better decisions to be made by third parties who pay no price for being wrong is one of the mysteries of our time.>>> Ever Wonder Why? And Other Controversial Essays, Thomas Sowell, 1987 [1]

<<<It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong.>>> Wake Up Parents!, Thomas Sowell, Jewish World Review, August 18, 2000, [2]

This is the fundamental reason as to why there is so much waste and inefficiency in government, In government the consequences of waste and inefficiency are not directly paid for by the inefficient and wasteful. It is very different in the private sector where waste and inefficiency leads to bankruptcy due to losses. In the private sector competitors whom are less wasteful and more efficient can offer their goods and services at a lower price than their more wasteful and inefficient competitors and thus draw away market share.

So how does this relate to "flatten the curve" and the "mandated shutdowns"? Well, it is the same principle at work. Those in government have taken actions which have resulted in consequences which they are insulated from. Without directly being affected by the consequences of one's actions, there is little incentive to change or even admit error.

Back in early March, Professor Ferguson of the Imperial College said: "We're now moving towards trying to slow the spread to allow the health systems to cope and try to mitigate the impact of the epidemic." He stated that the UK was in the 'early stage' of an epidemic and said time is running out to contain the crisis by reducing the spread with drastic measures. He added that the UK was in the 'early stage' of an epidemic and said time was running out to contain the crisis by reducing the spread with drastic measures. [3]

This was followed by the March 16 report number 9 of the Covid-19 Response Team, "Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to reduce COVID-19 mortality and healthcare demand." This was the report that many nations, including the United States, UK, and Australia among others, would use as their basis for implementing draconian lockdowns in order to "flatten the curve."

The Imperial College report predicted that if action were not taken then the United States faced 2.2 million deaths and Great Britain faced 510,000 by June due to medical care resources being overwhelmed. The report concluded that, "epidemic suppression is the only viable strategy at the current time. The social and economic effects of the measures which are needed to achieve this policy goal will be profound." [4]

We then had government officials turning to their new "task forces" telling us that we must "follow the science" as the mandated lockdowns began. "we all need to endure this together" and "this is a war" was some of the rhetoric heard from various podiums around the world.

There was also talk of fast-tracked vaccine development, talk of social distancing and that the world would never be the same again. A new buzzword began to come into vogue, "New Normal." We were told that things were going to be very different from now on.

The authorities were going to "save us" so long as we just trusted them and "did what we were told." Eliminate the sparrows. We obeyed.

Now here is something to consider. What has been notably absent was any talk by the experts is any emphasis whatsoever on how to strengthen our immune systems.

There has been no real emphasis on a healthy diet of raw fruits and vegetables, going out in the sunshine, or getting regular exercise. There has been no emphasis on the importance of Vitamins C, D or Zinc, all of which strengthen the immune system.

Why?

I mean, think about it. Which president, prime minister, governor or mayor has said anything about the individual being responsible for their own health? It's as if this simple concept doesn't exist in their minds. Instead the attitude is "we'll save you" so long as "you do what we say." Authoritarianism will save the day.

I suspect it is like this because of the way authoritarians think. Intellectual elites tend to think they grasp the complexities of the world better than the people they govern and thus see themselves as the saviours of society. Thus the solution to the problems of the world is in the managing and directing of others. The solution is never really seen in people managing and directing themselves (ie. freedom and liberty). The people are sheep or cattle that need to be herded and penned for their own good.

Intellectual elites mix with other intellectual elites whereupon they are constantly praising one another and therefore stroking each other's egos. They love to come up with "plans" for society and then desire to "force" these plans upon everyone else for their own good. It's a vicious circle of arrogance and conceit especially when they are insulated from the consequences of their enforced plans, which is why, in order to address the unintended consequences of their plans, they come up with new and further "plans" to be enforced.

So back to these "expert" public health task forces. None of these task-forces on health are economists, philosophers, lawyers, business people or historians, they are exclusively and narrowly focused on public health. What we have seen is the political representatives of the people hand over policy decisions to a very narrow and UN-ELECTED field and damned be everything else.

So what are the results? What have been the consequences?

Well, every day I am confronted with MANY people whom are now unemployed in the Nashville area. All these people work in the small businesses which has been absolutely decimated here.

Official statistics state in the United States that the "national unemployment rate rose by 10.3 percentage points over the month to 14.7 percent and was 11.1 points higher than in April 2019." [5]

I'm sure those figures are not accurate due some of the government loan programs which have kept unproductive businesses paying the wages of their idle workers. Basically many businesses became defacto unemployment dispensaries and a means to offset official unemployment rates.

Then there are many other businesses which didn't qualify for the loans and so their staff have filed for unemployment and many have actually been receiving MORE MONEY than they would otherwise make working their normal jobs. Many people have told me directly that they are collecting more not working than they were actually making when working. This again brings us back to the waste and inefficiency of government spending other people's money.

The Federal Reserve Balance Sheet beginning on March 2 has ballooned from 4.2 trillion dollars to over 7 trillion dollars as of May 20. [6] Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, stated back in March that “there is an infinite amount of cash in the Federal Reserve. We will do whatever we need to do to make sure there’s enough cash in the banking system.” [7] He wasn't joking. In May the Federal Reserve announced it would even begin buying Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that own corporate bonds [8], in effect indirectly bailing out failing companies that would default otherwise. The economics of all this madness is only beginning to unwind and we have certainly seen nothing yet.

Debasing the currency by creating dollars whilst at the same time cutting production only serves to mean that there is more dollars chasing fewer goods and services. The U.S. dollar is somewhat insulated from the inflationary effect on prices due to being the defacto world currency which is in demand world-wide for liquidity, on other words, the U.S. is in the unique position of being able to export inflation. The debasement of currencies by other governments will certainly have a more drastic and direct effect on their people than the U.S. government will have on theirs. Yet make no mistake, debasing a currency has terrible consequences for all because printing money as a means to forestall the consequences of a loss of production does not increase the wealth of a nation which is in real goods and services, it is rather a magicians trick to psychologically fool the people into thinking all is well and thus bring confidence. It just delays the inevitable realisation of the truth.

Moving along, the United Nations has warned that the number of people starving could double due the results of the lockdowns, that those dying from hunger and hunger related diseases could likely double from 9 million to 18 million people [9]. The United Nations has also stated that an estimated 42 million to 66 million children could fall into extreme poverty as a result of coronavirus. [10]. Food banks and food organisations have been giving similar warnings. [11]

More than 600 doctors have signed a letter to President Donald Trump stating that the lockdowns must end immediately due what they call a "mass casualty event." They have stated, "We are alarmed at what appears to be the lack of consideration for the future health of our patients...the downstream health effects ... are being massively under-estimated and under-reported. This is an order of magnitude error." [12] These doctors claim that many have died and will die due to an increase in undetected illnesses, delayed medical care, increased alcoholism and drug use, increased depression resulting in suicide and the family destruction that results. They state that "poverty and uncertainty" leads to death.

In Ontario, Canada, it was reported on April 19th that 35 Ontarians had died as a result of delayed treatment due the enforced shutdowns and prioritisation of all healthcare towards Covid-19 only. [13) Extrapolate that number all across the world.

We have also seen the ridiculous situations of the police arresting surfers and paddle borders in California, people sitting on the beach being arrested in Florida, bans on playing tennis here in Nashville and even a padlocked playground (still padlocked as of today) in the subdivision in which I live. People have been ticketed or arrested for assembling together to worship. We see growing civil disobedience as people see how destructive, partial and absurd many of the lockdown measures have been. Gyms and hair salons re-opening in rebellion to various Executive Orders around the nations, district attorney's and sheriffs refusing to enforce "unconstitutional executive orders," judges ruling against authoritarian overreach. None of this division and conflict is good for a cohesive society. It's the beginnings of civil war without the shooting. God forbid we see violence in the future.

We see a growing division among people with public shaming for those wearing masks or not social distancing. Basically those whom support a "new normal" opposing those whom do not. When I have been out walking I have seen people step off the path to avoid me because they think they might catch the virus. The fear and panic being manifested by people is quite disturbing.

During the first week of re-opening here in Nashville, there were 400 violations reported by the public, neighbour reporting on neighbour. [14] I have read of similar reports from all around the world.

I read the new CDC guidelines for re-opening schools. [15] It is being recommended children wear masks all day for a virus which has basically a zero percent chance of killing or causing serious illness in children. Children are no longer to touch each other or share objects? Children are to be closely monitored whilst washing their hands? Children are to be kept 6 feet apart via the use of signs on walkways and partitions and playgrounds and communal areas are to be closed? These are the "recommendations" of the "experts"?

What kind of psychological damage will this kind of thing do to children? Is anyone even thinking of that? These children are in their formative years and yet we want to keep them apart, strictly regimented in everything they do, teach them to be germophobes and constantly be in fear?

Will school systems actually follow this nonsense? It wouldn't surprise me having seen people abide by bans on tennis, jogging and hiking with masks on, and things like plastic utensils replacing steel cutlery in restaurants.

Who is paying the price for all of this? We all are. The destruction of life, liberty, property, of plain common sense and personal responsibility, the institutimg of a new normal which is more and more moving towards a dystopian surveillance oriented authoriarian state.

Is this what we really want? Is this the price we want to truly pay? Will we actually be any safer and healthier?

All for a virus in which the vast majority of deaths are of people 75 and older who have other illnesses. [16] [17] [18] Clearly many of these people were dying already and their deaths certainly inflate the fatality rate of Sars-cov-2, and that doesn't even account for the distinction between a fatality "with" Sars-cov-2 and a fatality "because" of Sars-cov-2.

Another consequence is that lockdowns, social distancing and mask wearing all serve to prevent the spread and therefore obviously work against herd immunity thus insuring a second wave as the lockdowns are lifted. A second wave which will surely be addressed by "experts" with "new plans" which result in "new consequences," the cycle just continues.

None of this makes any sense if the objective is to serve the best interests of the people. If the objective is to further foster a societal dependence on government central planning, increased welfare dependence, increased surveillance, increased authoritarianism at the expense of the principles of limited government then it all makes perfect sense.

Either way we will all still pay the price. Sars-cov-2 may be a very serious illness for the elderly and those with already deficient immune systems but the more dangerous virus is the "social virus" that is infecting the minds of many in society. A "social virus" that results in irrational fears and submission to lunacy and distrust of one's neigbour.

If people want to mitigate the damage of this new "social virus" that is spreading throughout society, then they had better stop being passive and stand in the gap and take action, stop being fearful of what others think, pressure their representatives, team up with others of like-mind. If they don't then true representative government and limitations upon power will be but a blink in the tides of history.

So what are we going to do? Are we all going to continue to eliminate all the sparrows?Note: It wasn't Mao Zedong that eliminated the sparrows, it was the body of people actually following his instructions.

Be well. :)

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Ever-Wonder-Other-Controversial-Essays/dp/0817947523

[2] http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/sowell081800.asp

[3] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-8074613/Coronavirus-fight-LOST-Leading-scientist-admits-world-tried-hard-failed-stop-it.html

[4] Report Number 9, Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to reduce COVID-19 mortality and healthcare demand, Imperial College Covid-19 Response Team

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/sph/ide/gida-fellowships/Imperial-College-COVID19-NPI-modelling-16-03-2020.pdf

[5] Economic News Release, Friday, May 22, 2020, State Employment and Unemployment Summary, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

[6] https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/bst_recenttrends.htm

[7] https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-03-23/coronavirus-fed-s-infinite-cash-tested-in-world-of-leverage

[8] https://www.fxstreet.com/analysis/infinite-money-printing-fed-now-buying-etfs-202005130820

[9] https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/05/05/850470436/u-n-warns-number-of-people-starving-to-death-could-double-amid-pandemic

[10] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-children-un/u-n-warns-economic-downturn-could-kill-hundreds-of-thousands-of-children-in-2020-idUSKBN21Y2X7

[11] https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/2020/03/impact-coronavirus-food-insecurity/

https://foodfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Report_COVID19FoodInsecurity-final.pdf

[12] https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doctors-raise-alarm-about-health-effects-of-continued-coronavirus-shutdown

[13] https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/04/28/ontario-has-recorded-1012-deaths-from-covid-19.html

[14] https://fox17.com/news/local/nashville-receives-400-complaints-over-businesses-during-first-week-of-reopening

[15] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html

[16] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1109867/coronavirus-death-rates-by-age-new-york-city/

[17] https://www.epicentro.iss.it/coronavirus/bollettino/Infografica_16marzo%20ITA.pdf

[18] https://www.epicentro.iss.it/coronavirus/sars-cov-2-decessi-italia#3