Category Archives: Faith

Articles, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

The Meaning of Christmas: A Promise Kept

For many people, Christmas means many things: a day off, a family gathering, a grand meal, and opening gifts under the tree. While in the west, there have been attacks on Christmas by culture warriors and purist Christians who dislike the ‘pagan’ aspects of Christmas. Yet this holiday is becoming wildly popular in non-western countries where Christians are in the minority. One thing we normally all agree on is that Jesus Christ was probably not born on December 25th, since it is much too cold in the hills of Bethlehem to have the gathering of the shepherds. Some have suggested a September birth to coincide with the autumn Feast of Tabernacles.

While we can give our own reasons why or why not we like Christmas, remember that it continues to provide the best opportunity in the year to tell a captive audience the story of Jesus. This can happen at a Christmas play, meal, or singing of carols. For that reason alone it is worth taking full advantage of this time of the year.

Yet this article wants to put a fresh Biblical meaning to Christmas – it is a divine promise that was kept. When you understand the nature of the promise given and the gracious divine fulfilment, you have just received the greatest gift of all.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end — Luke 1:31-33

This announcement was given by no one less than the archangel Gabriel, who stands before the presence of God. He came especially to Nazareth to inform the young virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Christ. Gabriel’s words confirmed that God’s promise was kept.

David’s Covenant

What was the promise? It is a covenant God gave to David. The Bible tells us about several key covenants by which God relates to His people. Brit in Hebrew and diatheke in Greek, ‘covenant’ means a ‘binding agreement between two parties.’ When the terms of the covenant are kept, it brings great blessings; but if they are violated, it can be disastrous. We connect with God via covenant and in the case of the Christian, it is the New Covenant of Jeremiah 31:31-34. 

When it comes to the covenant promise of God through Christ, it is called the Davidic Covenant, given in 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17. God gave an unconditional and unilateral agreement. The simple version is this:

  • God promised David that his son, yet to be born, would follow him on the throne;
  • He would reign over the House of Israel forever;
  • David’s son – the anointed one/Messiah – would simultaneously be God’s Son, too.

Notice Luke 1:32 notice the echo of the Davidic covenant – the promised Messiah, coming via the womb of Mary, would be called ‘Son of the Highest,’ and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. There you have it – in one verse we have the ‘two fathers,’ Son of God, Son of David. Verse 33 says he will reign over the house of Jacob forever and His kingdom will never end.

Christ’s birth occurred a thousand years after the time of David but it is a promise kept. Furthermore, despite the fact that the holy couple lived in Nazareth, a four-day journey by foot north of Bethlehem, the Roman census was used to bring them to the city of David, in fulfilment of Micah 5:2. 

In addition, Christmas is a promise kept to the patriarch Abraham. God made a covenant with him, too, that he would inherit the land of Canaan and have ‘seed’ that would bless the world. Galatians 3:16: Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Thus birth of Christ is a fulfilment to both the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants.

Favour from God

There is nothing like favour – to have people like you, give to you, and bless you with open doors, relationship or substance. When done in the right spirit – not as flattery or bribery – it can be like a tree of life. Notice that in the events leading up to the Christmas story, there are key people who were highly favoured by God. They included:

David: the prophet said he would have an indestructible, everlasting dynasty, all made possible by the favour of God.

Mary: Though probably a teenager, Mary of Nazareth received a startling visitation in Luke 1:28: And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Instead of being ecstatic at her new status, Mary was greatly troubled – understandably. Gabriel gave her the good news that she would be the mother of Messiah, a unique honour among women. Once she processed the news, she sang praises to the Lord in a song known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). After receiving the good news, she offered the Lord this timeless song to show her gratitude. This is a wise move.

The shepherds: They may have been on the bottom of the social ladder but in the eyes of God they were highly favoured. The angel of the Lord chose to appear to them first with glory shining around about and they, too, were afraid. They were told to not fear because he brought great news: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord – Luke 2:11. These are not just nice words – it was proof that the promise of God to David was coming to pass. They were favoured to be the first ones apart from the holy family to meet the Christ child.

Faith & Fulfilment

Faith is the key to finding favour with God; without it, you cannot please the Lord (Hebrews 11:6). Once you abide in faith and favour, you are in a position to facilitate, or even see, the fulfilment of the promise. 

The Christmas events are the fulfilment. Jesus had a double link to the Davidic lineage via Joseph (Matthew 1) and Mary (Luke 3). The Nazareth-based couple were forced to submit to a nuisance census from Caesar Augustus, in order to rendezvous at Bethlehem, thus fulfilling Micah 5:2. This passage pinpoints that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. This makes sense that the ‘Son of David’ would be born in the ‘City of David.’ All these things coalesced to bring fulfilment of the promise. Understand that God keeps His covenant, but in His sovereignty and wisdom, it is according to his terms, timing and territory.

So this year, when you think of ‘Christmas,’ remember that it is a promise kept to you, me, and the world.

Articles, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

Crown Chronicles Part 03: Elizabeth II – The Christian Queen

 

Many books, articles, assessments, and tributes have been written about Queen Elizabeth II since 1952. One of the least emphasised aspects of her personhood and reign is the most important of all: Elizabeth II is an overtly Christian Queen.

Of her many titles, she is called the Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. While these titles have been bestowed on her predecessors over the centuries – some of them notably undevout – there is anecdotal evidence that the Queen takes her Christian faith most seriously. In this third and final part of The Crown Chronicles in commemoration of the Queen’s platinum jubilee, we offer this assessment of Elizabeth R. – Christian.

The Conspicuous Christian

While only God knows the heart of each person, the Queen’s Christian track record is impressive. She goes to church weekly, even on holidays and makes it a point to pray daily. While at Sandringham, she attends the local church, quietly sits in a pew at the front, and requires no special attention. Her annual televised Christmas message speaks forthrightly about faith in Jesus Christ.

Political commentator Andrew Marr said these words:

There are no reliable recorded incidents of the Queen losing her temper, using bad language, or refusing to carry out a duty expected of her (The Servant Queen, 6).

These comments are in relation to her public persona but there is no evidence that she is different in private. A solid Christian faith makes such impeccable conduct possible.

One of the key functions of the crown in the political arena is to protect democracy through the separation of powers. No branch of government has more power than any other because the crown stands in the centre. Thus it is a symbolic reminder of the sovereignty of God; the Prime Minister, chief of the armed forces, and parliament, all recognise there is a power higher than them to whom they must give account. And yet, the monarch herself acknowledges a greater power than herself: Almighty God.

The Christian Coronation

This recognition was manifested at the coronation ceremony, which, for Elizabeth II, occurred on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey. In every way, the coronation is a Christian anointing service. The Queen held a sceptre representing authority, with the Star of Africa diamond as the centrepiece. This diamond is valued at GBP 400 million. Yet the Moderator of the Church of Scotland did not focus on the value of the sceptre or diamond, but on “The most valuable thing this world affords” – The Bible. Yes, the Word of God is of greater value than the world’s biggest diamond. 

Part of the coronation ceremony was ‘secret’ – where the crowned monarch was hidden under a canopy. She wore a simple white dress devoid of any royal symbols. She sat before God as an ordinary person without any trappings of high status. This demonstrated her complete dependence on God. Under the canopy she was anointed with oil, thus reflecting her need for the equipping and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 

Another crucial part of this Christian service was the coronation oath. The monarch swears “To maintain the laws of God and the profession of the Gospel.” It was a recognition that Her Majesty’s kingdom is a Christian realm and that she as monarch and the government she leads must maintain it (Gardner, 61-62). 

A Christian Country

Sir Winston Churchill was reported to have said: ‘It is the policy of the Conservative Party to defend the Christian religion in the United Kingdom’ (Gardner, 45). Former Prime Minister David Cameron, who called himself “committed” but only “vaguely practising” Christian, said in 2011: “We are a Christian country and we should not be afraid to say so … the Bible has helped to give Britain a set of values and morals which make Britain what it is today.” Cameron called for “a revival of traditional Christian values to counter Britain’s “moral collapse”.

Christian Character in Public

After the coronation, the Queen amply demonstrated Christian character in the following areas:

Servant Leadership: Even in her nineties she works full-time. In her 2012 Christmas message the Queen said: 

This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only Son ‘to serve not to be served.’ He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer this Christmas Day that his example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others (The Servant Queen, 23). 

As Christians, we should all have a servant or ministry mindset, just like the Master Himself (Matthew 20:28).

Consistency: The Queen exhibits old-fashioned values like faith, family, freedom, and respect for others. She employs 1,200 people whom she treats with respect. Unlike tyrannical bosses worldwide, she makes no unreasonable demands whatsoever. Apparently, she never refers to them as ‘servants.’ Their days off are truly off. Because she embodies the virtues of character, charity, devotion and duty, the concern is that when the Queen goes, so will these values. 

Role Model: The Queen understood from the very beginning that she would be a very public figure, watched with intense scrutiny by the nation and the world. Therefore, the expectation was that she would serve as a great role model. While some of her predecessors failed in this area, the longest reigning monarch in British history has not. Her consistency and personal integrity have been obvious for the world to see. The Queen has never been accused of personal or professional scandal in over seventy years, a remarkable achievement in itself.

Prayer: Despite the respect and affection that the nation, Commonwealth, and outside world hold towards Elizabeth II, she has had big challenges from the beginning. A particularly difficult year was 1992, her annus horribilis where two of her children’s marriages collapsed and Windsor Castle was torched by a major fire. She has remarked that it was the power of prayer – that of others and of her own – that sustained her through all these years.

In summary, Elizabeth II deserves much credit for her faithful and consistent service to the nation and commonwealth since 1952. Her success can ultimately be placed to her fidelity to the Christian faith. She has set an example for all to follow.

Sources:

The Servant Queen and the King She Serves: A Tribute for Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday (2016), Mark Greene and Catherine Butcher, Bible Society, HOPE, LICC

David E. Gardner, The Trumpet Sounds for Britain: Volume 3, Jesus is Alive! Ministries, Southend on Sea, UK

The BBC at bbc.co.uk

(Photo Credit: Joel Rouse/ Ministry of Defence, OGL 3 <http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Articles, Bible, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

The Eighth Commandment: More Than Ever – Part 03

 

The Eighth Commandment is so central to living a God-honoring life. It simply tells not to steal. Yet, stealing is practiced more and more, by the poor, the powerful, and those in-between. Theft is now on an industrial scale and uses variety of methods.

Covetousness can lead to stealing (we will learn more about this in the Tenth Commandment); defrauding people of what is rightly their’s is also stealing. Stealing does not merely involve the tangible; theft of intellectual property is just as real as taking any three-dimensional object. Large governments can cast an envious eye on private property wondering how to extract more revenue to pay for pet projects or a growing bureaucracy. While the Bible does accept taxation as an accepted practice of human government (give unto Caesar what is Caesar, Christ said in Matthew 22:21), there is a reason tax-collectors were despised in His day; they took more than they required and kept the difference. That’s why a penitent Zacchaeus offered to restore foretold to anyone he defrauded (Luke 19:8).

Other things to consider in upholding or violating the Eighth Commandment include:

Failure to pay: Failing or refusing to pay what one owes is theft. It’s one thing to be unable to pay and work out a repayment plan; it’s another thing to refuse payment altogether. Psalm 37:21 tells us the wicked borrow and do not pay again.

Co-Signing, guarantor or suretyship: If there is one thing that the Book of Proverbs warns against is surety or co-signing a loan (Proverbs 6; 22:26). Never agree to take responsibility for someone else’s debt; the horror stories of what follows are endless.

Contentment: We are commanded to be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5), for godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). The lack of contentment leads to covetousness, theft, and sorrow.

Get a job: The New Testament tells us to steal no more, but do an honest day’s work and you will have something to give to the needy (Ephesians 4:28); stated more starkly, … if any would not work, neither should he eat’ — 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Imagine how much better off things would be if those who are able to work would do so.

Key to All Ten Commandments

How central is the prohibition against stealing? Does it really contain the other nine commandments? See for your self.

First Commandment: We are to worship and serve no other gods, except the Lord God Himself. Violating this steals the primacy that the Lord our God deserves in our lives; in other words, God should be Number One, period.

Second Commandment: The prohibition on idolatry. Worshipping the creation or a created thing steals the focus and glory which belongs to the invisible God.

Third Commandment: God’s Name is higher than any other and brings salvation (Acts 4:12). Using God’s Name in vain is stealing the reverence and awe it rightly deserves.

Fourth Commandment: Desecrating the sabbath steals the rest and refreshment intended for the individual. The focus on God, faith, and family, which should be our highest priority, is taken away, too.

Fifth Commandment: Dishonoring your parents, whom you can see, mirrors and amplifies dishonour of the Heavenly Father, whom you cannot see. Both the earthly and heavenly are denied the respect, gratitude and credit they rightly deserve.

Sixth Commandment: Murder is the stealing the life of another person.

Seventh Commandment: Adultery is the theft of someone’s intimacy, trust, virtue, vow. It is the vile breaking of the holy covenant and commitment that was promised on the wedding day. Marital love is stolen and carnal lust is put in its place.

Ninth commandment: False witness is another form of lying, and a major form of betrayal, stealing one’s reputation, dignity, livelihood, and peace.

Tenth commandment: Covetousness is the down payment for possible theft, defrauding another and endangering one’s soul, as do the violations of any of the other commandments.

If we will remind ourselves that theft in all its forms is wrong, and teach others likewise, think how much better off this world would be.

 

NEXT TIME: We will learn about the Ninth Commandment – and how precious truth really is.

Articles, Education, Faith, Prayer, Prophecy, Teaching, Worship

Overcoming Trials and Temptations

 

 It is not a popular subject but it is oh so common. We live in a fallen world where bad things can happen to good people. While the limitations, indignities, and challenges of this flawed situation affect everyone, we can face each situation with faith and confidence. Psalm 91:5 promises the Godly person that the Lord will be with them in trouble, not necessarily keep them from trouble. There’s more: He will deliver and honor them.

That is the kind of outcome we all want.

Here are a few practical tips of coping with and overcoming trials and temptations.

1.        Grace Milepost: In the trial, God may give early on and periodically along the way ‘grace milepost,’ which are a reminder of God’s presence, mercy, and care for you. It is an immediate ray of hope in the midst of enveloping darkness. Like Rahab’s scarlet cord, this grace milepost will be your lifeline to which you hold onto until victory.

2.        Past Victories: It is always good to remember how God was faithful in the past. Since He never changes, God will be faithful today, tomorrow and forever. The same God who delivered you yesterday is there to deliver you again and again.

3.        Present Biblical promises: There are numerous Scriptural promises of answered prayer, deliverance, and victory. Identify these promises, write them down, confess and meditate on them. They deliver.

4.        Keep going: Don’t let the trial knock you off track. Keep doing what you are called to do. Nehemiah did. Galatians 6:9 says that at the right time you will reap, if you do not give up. The enemy would dearly like to stop you from exercising your call and give up; don’t let him succeed!

5.        Prayer unto peace: You should pray and it will deliver peace. So pray until you receive the peace; come boldly to the throne of grace (Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27).

6.        Meditate on the Word: This is a powerful practice that guarantees success (Joshua 1; Psalm 1). While you’re doing that, confess the Word aloud, again and again. It is a real faith-builder and victory-snatcher.

7.        Faith instead of sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight): Don’t be moved by what you see; respond to what you believe. What you see is temporal and what you don’t is eternal — 2 Corinthians 4:18

8.        Distress brings enlargement: Like labor pains before the birth and tribulation before a Millennium, trials are allowed by God to help the righteous grow. David knew all about it: Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer — Psalm 4:1; Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer — Psalm 18:18-19 (emphasis mine).

9.        Be strong: This is not just a good idea – it’s a divine command. Three times, God told Joshua to ‘be strong and of a good courage’ (Joshua 1:6,7,9). It’s not just a ‘good idea’ – it’s a ‘God-idea.’ The Lord will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:12-17: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. If you’re trial is strong, it means you are also strong … strong enough to handle it by God’s grace.

10.   Face it now: John Loeffler says deal with the situation now or it gets harder. Sam Sorbo says the second crime scene is worse than the first. It is understandable to run and hide from the challenge, but often God wants us to face it with Him. Jehoshaphat was victim of an unprovoked attack by three nations, but God wanted him to go to the wilderness and personally witness His miraculous hand at work – 2 Chronicles 20:16-17: God will fight for you but he wants you to see the victory. Psalm 91:7-8: A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

11.   Power of faith: 2 Chronicles 20:20: The trial is the gymnasium of faith. Just like resisting heavy weights causes you to grow stronger, so does standing with God in faith makes you an overcome. When you believe in God and His prophetic word, you are established and prosper.

12.   Power of praise and worship: Continuous, not just seasonal, praise and worship in the Spirit reconfigures the heavenliness, which brings down blessing to the earth. In addition to honoring the Name of the Lord, it is a potent spiritual weapon –  2 Chronicles 20:21-22.

In the midst of the trial, when you continue to seek the Lord and stand strong, make no mistake about it: you are honouring Him more than in normal times. By His grace, you will pull through and end up on the mountain top.

The season of trial will pass … and better days lie ahead … but you will be a bigger, stronger, and more victorious person as a result.

Then go, help others in their affliction. You’ll have much to offer.

 

Articles, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

Take Your Rest: The Fourth Commandment Part 05

 

 

The Sabbath & the Book of Hebrews 

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour,

and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it — Exodus 20:8-11

 

From Blessing to Burden?

 

The 10 commandments offer a concise portrait of God’s alpine high standards; they have been a bedrock for western civilisation and a major reason for its blessing. Of all the commandments, the fourth should be greatly celebrated: it is called the Sabbath rest.

Who wouldn’t want a regular day off?

As we have learned in earlier articles, the very commandment that was meant to bestow blessing became a great burden by the 1st Century AD – the time of Jesus. There were so many manmade ‘do’s & don’ts’ on how to keep the Sabbath ‘holy’ that one wonders if they all could be remembered, let alone observed. It drained the joy right out of the day

Jesus cut through the clutter with His statement that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath: the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28). For most Christians, we have accepted the concept of ‘Sabbath’ being on the first day of the week, a celebration of the new creation in Christ.

Insights from the Book of Hebrews

In order to have a complete and balanced understanding of the fourth commandment and rest, we need to turn to the Book of Hebrews 3:7-4:12.

Four times in this passage it makes a reference to Psalm 95:7-11, which says Today, if you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.

What does this have to do with the rest of Sabbath?

•    Weekly Sabbath: A day of rest on Saturday from your normal labour;

•    The promised land: When the children of Israel possessed the land of Canaan under Joshua, this was a type of rest. God promised the land to their father Abraham and now it was theirs. Instead of wandering through the wilderness or fighting off the locals, every man could ‘rest’ under his own vine and fig tree (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4). The Israelites have arrived and possessed their ‘rest.’

•    Ultimate rest: Making it to heaven, the Kingdom of God, and New Jerusalem, is the final rest. Our life and labours for God lead us to this destination.

Merely having a day off on Saturday or Sunday is not necessarily the rest of God. Jesus’ opponents – Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, scribes, chief priests – all observed Saturday Sabbath, but they in no wise pleased God or prepared themselves for the His rest.

Remember the words of Hebrews 3:7-11, quoting Psalm 95

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.

The Israelites during Moses’ day rested the Sabbath but God says in Verse 11 they shall not enter His rest.

Why couldn’t they enter into His rest? And how can we?

1.        Refusal to listen to God’s Word: God is always speaking (Hebrews 1:1-2) but we are not always listening. If you belong to Jesus, He says that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:27).

 

2.        Hardened heart: Rejecting God’s voice leads to a hardened heart, and that is more deadly to the spirit than hardened arteries to the body. It is a form of blindness and deafness.

 

3.        Missing out on God: Stubborn spiritual deafness means tempting God, rejecting His grace and miracles, erring in the heart, and ignorance of God’s ways. A person can miss heaven’s best if they persist in this condition.

 

No amount of Sabbath-keeping will remedy this dire situation. So what is the solution? Faith in God and His gospel is the key to pleasing Him, accessing His kingdom, and entering into His rest. Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes from the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Just as faith is commended, doubt and unbelief are condemned. In fact, Hebrews 3:12 speaks of the worse sin of all: the evil heart of unbelief. Any other sin can be atoned by faith in the gospel of Christ, but if you can’t believe, the gospel will not profit you. That’s why we need to mix the word of the gospel with faith (Hebrews 4:2).

Ironically, we are encouraged to labour in order to enter into God’s rest (Hebrews 4:11): This is not talking about hard manual labour. It is referring to effort to draw close to God in faith and to let the atoning work of Christ on the cross be credited to your life.

Faith and rest: Your standing in God is not determined by what you do but what Christ has done. Believe in receive.

In conclusion, regarding the Sabbath, a disobedient hard-heart will preclude you from God’s rest, even if you do observe the Sabbath. But a life of faith will cause you to please God, enter into His rest, and everyday belongs to Him.

 

 

Articles, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

From Meltdown to Mountaintop: Why Study the Book of Habakkuk Part 01?

INTRODUCTION TO HABAKKUK

 For students of history, and you can’t be future-ready until you understand it, the 20th Century was the most change-filled and crisis-riddled in history. There were two world wars that killed 10s of millions and completely altered the world order. In-between these two world wars was a Spanish flu pandemic that killed more people that the Great War. The Great Depression was possibly history’s greatest economic downturn to date. After World War II, the Cold War came on the scene, posed some ominous threats, and then quietly ended without a shot.

While the world heaved a sigh of relief, there were more shakings to come. The 21st Century began with the greatest terrorist attack on United States soil: September 11th. Hurricane Katrina was one of the greatest storms in history, virtually destroying the city of New Orleans. Then in 2008 came the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), where the world economy had a heart attack and there was no donor heart for the transplant.

In 2020, nations were reeling due to multiple challenges. Australia suffered from repeated drought, than widespread bush fires, then the Covid-19 lockdown. The United States was hit hard by Covid-19 and the lockdown, economic downturn with high unemployment, and followed by riots in various cities (partially related to the lock downs).

Many of these events can be described as a meltdown. And we need to ask the question why are these things happening? Is it the ‘judgement of God?’ ‘Is it merely a chastening? Is it an attack by Satan? Is it all or none of the above?

 In any case, we need a ‘word from the Lord.’ And in Habakkuk, we’ve got it!

This singular prophet lived through the tempestuous transition from the fierce, warlike Assyrian empire to ascendancy of the Babylonian Empire in the late 7th Century BC. His day was arguably more challenging than our own. In his own nation of Judah, there was a torrent of godlessness. This backslidden nation practiced immorality, corruption, and lowered standards. He was amazed that Almighty God, Whom he served, was so patient in the face of this brazen flaunting of His holy standards.

The prophet is so grieved and incensed at the spiritual laxness of his people that He sought the Lord for answers. While shocked and scandalised by God’s response, Habakkuk comes in for Round Two of questions. Why are you using that nation to punish Judah? God’s response, chronicled in Chapter 2, has changed history.

Habakkuk is the forerunner of the entire gospel of Jesus Christ: proud, unjust, unrighteous, condemned humanity can be made just and righteous through faith in the living God.

Yet there is more. During the 16th Century, a Catholic monk tried valiantly but in vain to drive out his sin. No matter what he did…be it prayers, fasting, asceticism, good works, religious ritual … nothing worked. Nothing. Then one day his eyes landed upon these seven words:

       …the just shall live by his faith (2:4)

Once he read this verse, the monk discovered the answer that eluded him for may months and years. No longer was the Christian life a matter of ‘trying’ but of ‘trusting.’ He was a free man. So central is this tenet that Habakkuk 2:4 is repeated three times in the New Testament (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; and Hebrews 10:38).

The monk’s name was Martin Luther. The gentle breeze of Habakkuk 2:4, which blew like a mighty wind in the New Testament era, now became a tsunami called ‘The Protestant Reformation.’ Habakkuk, a ‘minor prophet,’ turned out to have a ‘major effect’ on church and human history. 

Begin to walk by faith and not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7) and watch those mountains move!

This passage is truly the key regarding the needful transition from meltdown to mountaintop. If you can take hold and apply what is being offered here, you will never be glued to a valley bottom again.

 TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

CORONAVIRUS: Should We Worry? What Can We Do? Part 01

It is a familiar and eerie sight. People walking around in public with white gas masks, like they did during the Spanish flu pandemic in 1919 or the SARS outbreak in 2003. The scene looks apocalyptic!
Why the altered behaviour? Because out of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, perhaps from an illegal poultry or livestock vendor, has come a fast-spreading virus called Coronavirus, officially known as 2019-nCov.
Several cities in China are in ‘lock-down’ to prevent spreading. The United States has issued a rate health emergency. It, along with other countries, have banned non-citizens from entering if they have been to China.
At this point, despite their efforts, China has not been able to control the virus, not yet – even with the lock downs. This is even more concerning since China is a highly controlled, non-democratic society.
To gain perspective, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) affected 8,000 people in perhaps 20 countries, with a death toll of 800. Coronavirus has, as of this date, has stricken 12,000 cases, 100 of them outside of China, and 259 deaths, all in China until now, though a death was reported of a Chinese man in the Philippines. Many of the deceased were very young or older people with respiratory issues to begin with. In addition, normal flu and malaria are far more deadly than coronavirus.
Contrast this to the pandemic of a century ago, where millions of people died within that two year period. More deaths were credited to the Spanish flu than to World War I, which immediately preceded it.
Something else to consider in addition to the public health issue – it is the economic impact. The Chinese Lunar New Year has been greatly affected by coronavirus. It is normally the biggest shopping season of the year, but consumer appetites have dropped dramatically due to the virus. China has banned its citizens from going on overseas group tours. SE Asia will be see diminished Chinese tourists and overall curtailment of trade. This also applies to other parts of the world.
Should We Worry?
… and there shall be famines, and pestilences,
and earthquakes, in divers places — Matthew 24:7
Yes, Jesus Christ predicted last days pestilences before His return to this planet. Yet, in the previous verse, He strongly adds ‘See that you are not troubled.’ While we should be aware, we should not be alarmed. Under no circumstances, are people of faith to be troubled or afraid or worried (John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-9).
It is of the utmost importance that people are not provoked into panic. Such a reaction is worse than the health threat itself. Faith-people should remain calm and encourage others to do likewise. The opposite emotion can be dangerous and destructive. Fear can be conquered by faith and the perfect love of God (I John 4:18).
So what should we do? Relax, calm down, and be level-headed.
Practical Steps to Prevention
For those who would like to take some practical steps from being afflicted by any virus, not just coronavirus, here are a few tips on sanitation and supplementation:
1.        Wipe everything down: This includes computer keyboards, phones, things that might be on the floor like purses, briefcases, other bags, and even the table/tray used to eat meals on the airplane. Wet wipes, hand-sanitisers, and disinfectants are your tools.
2.        Get good sleep: That goes without saying; you can’t beat illness if your system is run down due to lack of sleep.
3.        Public coughing: Hold your breath if someone is coughing and sneezing your way. Face masks apparently are not that effective, unless it is to keep your germs from going to others;
4.        Hand sanitiser: Keep them handy on your person, your car, and/or your desk;
5.        Wash hands regularly: Good trusty normal soap and warm-water is actually the best. Hands should be washed thoroughly, 20-30 seconds – not just a quick run of the tap. Wash after being outside, in public, before meals, and, of course, after visiting the washroom;
6.        Toilets (public and private): Remember that public toilets, door handles, taps (faucets), soap dispenser and, yes, even the hand dryers, are a breeding ground for bacteria, including viruses. Hand dryers can spread the germs around and, if possible, use paper towels instead, for drying your hand and to use on the door handle. What about at home (or someone else’s home)? Be sure to put down the toilet lid before flushing to keep germs from becoming airborne;
TO BE CONTINUED: Next time, there will be an emphasis on supplementation and the Scriptures.

Articles, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Social Justice, Teaching

CULTURE WAR SERIES PART 13: Wisely Defending Your Values Part III

Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say Luke 12:11-12(NKJV)
In our timely culture war series, we have been exploring how to respond in a wise manner while simultaneously standing up for what we believe. So far, we have learned the importance of being spiritually strong, treat the opposition as friends rather than adversaries, project confidence and strength, and to keep calm at all times. We now continue to learn some other traits that can help us respond more effectively.
Avoid being defensive: If a smattering or barrage of insults are hurled your way – for example, ‘bigot,’ ‘hater,’ ‘sexist,’ ‘racist,’ ‘homophobe,’ ‘islamophobe’ are some of the current terms on offer – do not go on the defensive. This will be interpreted as going on the back foot and even weakness. No need to say things like ‘No, I’m no homophobe. I have gay friends’ – such statements will get you no where.
You would be better off going on the offensive. In football, failure to do so means no points and losing the game. If, and only if wisdom decrees you respond, then ‘go for it.’ Your sensible words, calm demeanour, and steely determination, will take you far and you will prevail. Don’t worry about vindication or being proven right – just fight the good fight of faith. God will do the rest.
Issues: Do your best to stay focused on the issues, not on your (screeching) opponent. Frame the topic on something highly valued and worth defending, like faith, freedom, and/or family.
If some argues that you are against the valued notion of ‘social justice,’ your response could be:
For me, social justice means supporting struggling families, caring for our courageous veterans, seeking justice for people being persecuted for their religious beliefs and conscience. Justice means protecting the unborn so they can have a right to life and liberty like everyone else.’
Such words are hard to refute, though there are no guarantees that your opponent won’t degenerate into a triggered tantrum. No matter what, keep calm and solder on.
Be prepared: Above all, be prepared factually, mentally and spiritually. You want to be truthful and accurate, because anything less will undermine your argument and discredit your Christian witness. You will have immediate access to wise answers and, in some cases, the words will deposited into your mouth at that moment (see verses above).
Stay on track: Don’t allow the opponent to get off track or sidle. Stick to the issue – make them answer your questions.
Word wise: Watch your words and body language. Both are potent tools of communication.
Inconsistencies: It won’t take long to identify inconsistencies in your opponent’s arguments. When discovered, hammer the point. For example, a high-profile politician spoke about his deep and sincere concern for taking up the cause of protecting the ‘poor and marginalised.’ Yet this same individual, in the same breathe, advocates liberal and late-term abortion. How about being a champion of the unborn, not just the post-natal? To harm one segment of society is to harm all.
Remember, we are not looking for a fight but if we are challenged on our views, be prepared to defend them. That’s what this, and other articles, are about.
TO BE CONTINUED.

Articles, Bible, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

Jerusalem, A Magnet for Christian Visits, 7th & Final Instalment.

We continue – and conclude – a 7 part series about Jerusalem and the Christian pilgrim.
Part 01:We learned that Christians have been visiting the holy city of Jerusalem since the beginning of the church. Christians of all stripes constitute 60% or more of incoming visitors to Israel.
Part 02: The effect of worldwide tourism on overall pilgrim numbers.
Part 03: After the 1967 Six Day War, number of visitors to Jerusalem increased due to the ‘tradition of pilgrimage’ and the innovation of modern tourism.
Part 04: When is a Christian visitor a ‘tourist’ and when is he/she a ‘pilgrim.’
Part 05: A continuation of identifying the Christian visitor as ‘tourist’ or ‘pilgrim.’
Part 06: The nature of today’s Christian visits to Jerusalem.
Now, in this 7th and final part, we will finalise the identity and nature of Christian visits.
First, when you contrast modern tourism with traditional pilgrimage, a Christian visitor, coming on a tourist visa, can still be a fully bona fide pilgrim. Just because there is a strong tourist element, similar to many secular tours, does not mean the journey lacks faith or inspiration. As we learned, being a pilgrim is less about activities and more about faith in the heart.
Like in the early years of the church, there are parallels with visits today. There is less an emphasis on visiting shrines or conducting liturgy, especially since Protestants, evangelicals, and Pentecostals constitute a high-number of visitors to Jerusalem. This is ironic, since these categories of Christians do not have a strong tradition of pilgrimage. In Europe, where Catholic shrines number in the 100s, Protestant pilgrim sites are only 10 continent-wide.
Today’s Christians visit sites that are non-classical, non-traditional, educational, etc. For example, many tours which spend a limited amount of time in Nazareth may elect to visit Nazareth Village, an educational site that recreates the Nazareth of Jesus’ day, rather than visit the Church of the Annunciation (the largest church building int he Middle East) and nearby Mary’s Well. Conferences, study breaks, religious marches, visits to non-Christian or non-Biblical sites, are some of the other ‘non-traditional activities’ they may partake.
A couple of major differences between ancient pilgrimage and today: modern pilgrims usually spend less time – significantly less – in the City of the Bible than the ancients. This is understandable: ancient people endured a long journey to get to Jerusalem and felt a long sojourn of several weeks, months, or years, was in order. Today’s visitor may spend no more than 10-14 days on tour nation-wide, not just in Jerusalem.
Second, the pace was very different – the ancients tarried and spent time in devotion. Modern visitors are eager to see as much as they can – as quickly as they can – and it can make for a superficial coverage of the given site.
A third and major difference – even a painful one – is that ancient pilgrims had significant and meaningful interaction with local Christians, often times worshipping and/or boarding with them. This is much less the case with modern pilgrims. Many are often unaware that there are local Christians with whom to fellowship. Even if they are aware, they may be uninterested in connecting due to denominational or even political differences. Besides, the touring schedule is ‘tight’ and many barely have time to breathe, let alone slow down enough to meet with local Christians. The danger of this approach is treating the holy land like Disneyland, altogether forgetting that Jerusalem is not an amusement park, but a vibrant city where 850,000 people call home.
Another possibility that can cause pain and division is politics. Modern Israel is highly politicised on all sides. One has to be very deft on avoiding any political entanglement. The June 2018 visit of HRH Prince William was a case in point, the first official of the royal family in 70 years. British royals have to be scrupulous to convey political neutrality wherever and with whomever they may be. Visiting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the West Bank put Williams’ regal upbringing to the test. t By all accounts, he successfully walked the tight-rope, stayed above the fray, and managed to pleased most everyone.
Summary
First, the pattern and nature of Christian visits to Jerusalem have changed since the June 1967 (Six Day) War. Instead of drawing from mainly local Middle East Christians, the post-1967 visitors are worldwide, including from countries that have not diplomatic relations with Israel. Overall numbers of Christian visitors have steadily risen in most recent decades.
Second, it has been argued that a Christian, with faith in his or her heart, is a ‘pilgrim,’ not just a ‘tourist.’ A pilgrim is a person of faith on a long journey to a sacred destination. The journey itself is a ‘pilgrimage’ and the person making the journey is a ‘pilgrim.’ It doesn’t matter what they do – visit Christian or Biblical sites, or conduct liturgies and services or not – as much as who they are. The Bible teaches that our entire earthly life is a pilgrimage, travelling on a journey to a sacred city, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). So since our earthly life in faith is a pilgrimage, then visiting the City of the Bible, mentioned 811 times in Scripture, has to be a pilgrimage, too. In recognition of the ‘faith-based’ nature of Christian visits, combined with a strong element of mass tourism, perhaps we can offer a unique title for all believers who come to Jerusalem:
Biblical Tourists
Rev. Dr. Kameel Majdali is Director of Teach All Nations (tan.org.au). ‘Jerusalem Christian Pilgrimage’ was the subject of his PhD thesis at Melbourne University. He teaches and preaches God’s Word worldwide.
Dr. Kameel has led 38 Bible land tours. For further information on the 2019 tours, log onto: tan.org.au

Articles, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

Jerusalem: A Magnet for Christian Visits – Part 07

I

Jerusalem: A Magnet for Christian Visits – Part 07
In Part 01 of our series we learned that Christians have been visiting the holy city of Jerusalem since the beginning of the church. Today, incoming Christian tourist numbers into Israel, with the goal of visiting Jerusalem, is 60% or more.
In Part 02, we learned about how ‘tourism’ affects numbers of Christian visitors.
In Part 03, we saw how since the 1967 War the ‘tourist factor’ and tradition of pilgrimage have caused the number of visitors to Jerusalem to increased dramatically.
In Part 04, we sought to define if the Christian visitor is a ‘tourist’ and/or ‘pilgrim.’
In Part 05, we will continued to explore the identity of Christian visitors as tourist and/or pilgrim.
Here in Part 06 we will explore the nature of today’s Christian visits to Jerusalem.
Onward Christian Pilgrim
First, it is this author’s conviction, after 6 years of study and  a 95,000 thesis, that a Christian who visits a holy city like Jerusalem is a ‘pilgrim,’ whether they consciously and proactively seek to be, or not. Why? Pilgrimage is simply a ‘long journey to a sacred destination.’ The Bible teaches that all believers are on a long journey to the city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). So our rationale is simple: if the earthly life of a person of faith is one long journey to the sacred destination, then visiting the holy city would be part of the larger pilgrimage.
This generous and inclusive label stands strong, even if the Christian visitor has all the hallmarks of a normal tourist. So they can float on the Dead Sea, hike at En Gedi, visit the popular non-non-biblical sites like Masada, plant a tree, go shopping, and other ‘secular’ activities and still be a pilgrim. Like the Christian faith itself, being a pilgrim is not so much a matter of ‘what you do’ but more like ‘what you believe.’ The faith in the heart, rather than the activity of the hand, is what makes you a pilgrim.
One of the evidences of ‘faith in the heart’ is the Christian pilgrims willingness to travel to the Middle East, even though it has pockets of strife and instability (for example, Syria, Libya and Yemen). Those who are mere tourists do not travel to a ‘war zone’ to have a holiday but the person of faith will. They believe God has led them to make the journey and will protect them along the way.
Do the labels ‘tourist’ and ‘pilgrim’ matter? Some can argue ‘No.’ This author says ‘Yes.’ Here is the reason: when you call someone a pilgrim, you recognise them as a person of faith. Second, a journey of faith will lead to the things of God. Furthermore, a reward awaits the person who ‘believes’ and ‘seeks.’ Hebrews 11:6 says it so well: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (emphasis mine).
So if a person understands that their trip is not just for tourism, but is truly journey of faith, they will be more mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared. A great reward awaits them.
This can apply even to the person who is blissfully unaware of these things. This author’s mother, raised in church while young but grew up to be a successful, unchurched, career woman, came for a visit to Jerusalem. Most of her time was spent visiting people and shopping. During the entire period she had only one day of touring Biblical sites and she spent much of it in the local diamond showroom! Yet, years later she commented how ‘close she felt to God’ while in Jerusalem and eventually became a believer.
The Nature of Christian Visits
Since the June ‘Six Day War of June 1967,’ there have been changes in the nature and number of Christian visitors. Prior to this date, since the 1948 war, Jerusalem was a divided city. Israel held the western sector and Jordan the eastern, including the Old City and the Mount of Olives. This means Jordan was the custodian of most of the Biblical sites. The partition of the city did affect tourist numbers. A person could only cross from one side to another via the Mandelbaum Gate, but there were restrictions. Local Jerusalemites, East and West, Jew or Muslim, could not cross to the other side of the city, full stop. Christian citizens of Israel were allowed a 3 day visit to the Old City once a year. Foreign pilgrims were allowed passage through the Mandelbaum Gate. Needless to say, the division of the city did not help foster increasing tourism. While local Christians from Middle East countries would have visited Jordanian-held Jerusalem, numbers of visitors from Europe and the rest of the world were limited.
To understand the nature of Christian visits today, let’s compare and contrast them with what happened in the past. Early Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem was a truly voluntary action motivated by love for the person of Christ and/or desire to see the site of biblical events. No religious merit was accorded for the visit. Byzantine and medieval practices like shrine visitation, liturgy, indulgences, and veneration of relics were minimal or non-existent. Visiting the city, holy people who lived in the city, and pious study, were some of the intentions of these early visitors (e.g. Melito of Sardis, Origen, the Pilgrim of Bordeaux, Egeria). The pilgrim could have sojourned in Jerusalem for weeks, months, even years.
Modern Christian Jerusalem visits are increasing in tandem with mass tourism. Both have influenced each other. Tourism has given the pilgrim fast efficient travel, comfortable lodging, and a sightseeing             element in respect of non-Christian or non-holy sites. Pilgrimage has made holy sites part of the program in many, perhaps most, tour itineraries.
TO BE CONTINUED
NOTE: If you are interested in our June 2019 Jerusalem Encounter Tour or November 2019 Bible Adventure Tour, including Book of Revelation/7 Churches Extension, log onto: https://www.tan.org.au/upcoming-tours/