Monthly Archives: March 2016

News, Presbyterian

Chaplain to the Kirkbrae Presbyterian Home

Chaplain to the Kirkbrae Presbyterian Home (1.0EFT)

An exciting opportunity exists for a Chaplain to work with residents, families and staff at Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes in outer eastern Melbourne, commencing 1/7/2016 or as negotiated.

Applicants should be an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church of Australia.

They should demonstrate a heart for aged care chaplaincy work with relevant theological qualifications ,practical experience and a commitment to personal, spiritual and professional development.

For a full position description and details of the application process please contact:

Mrs Kathy James
Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care Co-ordinator
Presbyterian Church of Victoria
at chaplaincy [AT] pcvic [DOT] org [DOT] au

These details are also available on this website – please view the Health & Community Chaplaincy Committee or Social Services Committee pages:

Applications close 15th May, 2016

(Please note this position is being re-advertised)

News, Presbyterian

HMWA Annual General Meeting

Dear Friends,

You are invited to the Annual General Meeting of the Home Mission Workers’ Association (HMWA) on Tuesday 12 April at 10:30am. The meeting will take place in the Robert White Hall, Level 1, 156 Collins Street, Melbourne, and our guest speaker will be Mr Steven Arbuckle, Home Missionary at Eaglehawk Presbyterian Church. A light lunch will be provided by the HMWA. 

The HWMA supports Home Mission Stations, Home Missionaries and student candidates for ministry as part of a work of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria. Come and join us to show your support for this important ministry of the PCV!

 

Articles, Bible, Prophecy, Teaching

ABORTION: How Would You Answer Your Niece?

Recently I received a friendly Facebook message from my niece, who lives in the United States. A 24 year old millennial, she is an intelligent thinker, thoroughly postmodern, has a soft, sweet, and compassionate side. She loves US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders – she ‘feels the Bern.’ Though she had been exposed to the gospel, she chose to embrace an alternative lifestyle. She knows and respects that I am an ordained Christian minister with a conservative, high-view of Scripture.
Imagine my surprise when she asked me the following question:
What is your view on abortion, and why do you feel that way? Your professional and personal qualms with the issue would be appreciated. Please feel free to get as deep as you would like. The more information the better. Thank you uncle.
So, as a blogger, I decided to share my answer to my niece with the world.
What would you say to your niece if she asked you about abortion?
Here is what I said to mine:
Terminology: First, let’s define terms. Abortion means the deliberate termination of a pregnancy. Miscarriages are actually called ‘spontaneous abortions,’ meaning they come from nature at any time, usually in the early weeks or months of a pregnancy. ‘Therapeutic abortion’ is caused by direct human intervention, normally by a medical professional. It is the latter type to which I will address.
Why abortion was outlawed in the past: If the foetus in the womb is truly a human-person from conception, then abortion is clearly murder. This was the consensus for centuries and the laws treated it as a criminal offence. The Judeo-Christian heritage of the western world, and the Ten Commandments as the foundation of the legal system, made it so. The sixth of the ten commandments clearly states ‘Thou shalt not murder’ (Exodus 20:13).
Even so, abortions have happened throughout history, despite the physical risks and the legal and Scriptural prohibitions.
Why did things change? We have had 200 years of The Enlightenment, where human reason became king. Then we had the advent of liberal theology, higher criticism that has a lower view of Scripture, and the rise of evolution. Add to this a cultural civil war that has lasted over half a century. In this war we’ve had a sexual revolution, the feminist movement, and postmodernism with its ‘truth is relative’ and ‘tolerance is a must.’
Roe vs. Wade 1973: The watershed happened on January 22, 1973. On this date, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision called ‘Roe vs. Wade,’ which gave American woman a constitutional right to have an abortion. Thirty-one states had their abortion laws overturned in an instant. Though ‘Roe’ was considered a ‘compromise’ and not a ‘blank cheque’ for abortion on demand, the fact is that over 55 million abortions have been performed in the US since 1973. That is about as many people who perished in World War II.
Roe vs. Wade cited the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution (ratified in 1865, just after the Civil War), which guarantees Americans the right to ‘life, liberty, and property.’ Then the court applied ‘substantive due process’ to the 14th Amendment, and somehow created a ‘woman’s right to privacy,’ though this is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. Thus, the amendment that was meant to protect life was now used as justification to terminate the life of a future American citizen. As one person put it, the US Supreme Court created a constitutional right to privacy ‘out of thin air.’
Abortion Justified: If you can successfully deny that the foetus is a ‘person’ and worthy of legal protection, or at least, be ambiguous about its personhood, then abortion goes from being ‘murder’ to merely a ‘constitutional right’ and ‘medical procedure.’
Today’s Scene: Apparently, many millennials are more pro-life than their baby-boomer parents. The annual rate of abortion in the United States is declining (e.g. from 1.6 million to 1.2) and clinics are closing across the country. Being an abortion doctor can be hazardous to your health: a string of high-profile assassinations of abortionists have clearly encouraged some to close their doors (pro-lifers condemn these assassinations; of course, the ‘right to life’ extends to abortion doctors, too). Even Norma McCorvey, the ‘Jane Roe’ in Roe vs. Wade, apparently defected from the ‘pro-choice’ camp to ‘pro-life.’ The 2015 revelation from surreptitious videos that Planned Parenthood medical staff were selling aborted baby body parts (clearly an illegal act) keeps this divisive issue on the ‘front page.’
On high-profile retired US politician, with universal name recognition and says he is a evangelical Christian, claimed to search the Scriptures on this issue. His conclusion: The Bible does not say when the human spirit enters the body. Once the spirit enters the foetus, it is a person, he reasons. Needless to say, this politician is ‘pro-choice.’
Is the Bible really silent on the personhood of the foetus?
My position: as a born-again Christian and ordained minister, I take an predictably pro-life position. I have no other choice: my understanding of Scripture compels me.
•    God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah: Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you’ – Jeremiah 1:5.
•    Psalm 139:13-16: there are some incredible statements in this passage. Apparently, the detailed mapping of our very being (perhaps right down to the molecular level) was written in God’s book, even before we were conceived. 
•    Ephesians 2:10: God knew us from before the foundation of the world (eternity past) and ordained us for good works.
•    Matthew 10:30: The hairs of our head are numbered.
•    Matthew 19:14: Jesus commanded that the little children be brought to Him and no one was to forbid them. They are what constitute the kingdom of heaven.
•    Genesis 1:27: This affirms that humankind is made in the image of God.
•    Genesis 9:6 says simply: Whoever shed man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.
Could it be any clearer?
With such meticulous care, there is no question that in God’s mind the foetus is a person, even before they are in the womb. Therefore, deliberately terminating that pregnancy is destroying a life.
Don Feder says speaks of abortion as part of a larger culture of death. When it was legalised in 1973, prophetic voices warned that euthanasia would be next. People scoffed at them and said it would never happen – yet, it is happening before our eyes. The most vulnerable people – the very young and very old – are being targeted for destruction, often for economic or expedient reasons.
Simple, true justice means we should do our best to defend those who cannot defend themselves. This includes the very young and very old.
Are we a better country because of Roe versus Wade?
Does 55 million abortions improve our quality of life, instil compassion for the needy, or improve our ability to care?
Does it help strengthen the family?
If a child cannot be safe in its mother’s womb, is there any safe place on this planet?
I am unashamedly pro-life and, where possible, and to the best of my ability, I would encourage and support any courageous woman to refuse abortion and carry the child to term.
Dear niece, thank you for allowing me to answer your question on abortion.
I conclude with a simple challenge given by God to all of us. It is found in Deuteronomy 30:19:
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

CABBAGE & MEAT: A Stir Fry ‘Home-Run’

We have been serving this stir-fry style dish for years and it always hits a home run.
Ingredients
2 T. oil (coconut, peanut, olive oil, or some other healthy oil)
1 onion, chopped finely
2-3 cloves of garlic
1-2 carrots, grated or chopped small
3 celery ribs, chopped finely
500 to 750 grams of mince (ground) meat: beef, chicken breast, or turkey
1/2 cup of rice, preferably long-grain (basmati, jasmine, or similar)
2 chicken stock cubes or a packet of dry chicken noodle soup
2 cups of liquid chicken stock
2 T. curry powder
1 cup water
1/2 cabbage, cored and shredded
1-2 spring (green) onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
1.    Heat a wok or frying pan with oil, using medium to high heat. Pan fry onions, garlic, carrots and celery for 3 minutes. Add meat and cook for 5 minutes, making sure the mince is broken up. Drain excess fat.
2.    To this mixture add rice, stock cubes/soup mix, liquid chicken stock, water and curry powder. Stir thoroughly.
3.    Allow to boil and immediately reduce heat to simmer. Cover and allow to cook at low heat for 20-25 minutes. Stir from time to time so the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
4.    Shredded cabbage: add either at the beginning of the simmer, during the simmer, or at the very end. Stir it through the mixture and serve immediately. Salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Serves 4
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

CABBAGE & MEAT: A Stir Fry ‘Home-Run’

We have been serving this stir-fry style dish for years and it always hits a home run.
Ingredients
2 T. oil (coconut, peanut, olive oil, or some other healthy oil)
1 onion, chopped finely
2-3 cloves of garlic
1-2 carrots, grated or chopped small
3 celery ribs, chopped finely
500 to 750 grams of mince (ground) meat: beef, chicken breast, or turkey
1/2 cup of rice, preferably long-grain (basmati, jasmine, or similar)
2 chicken stock cubes or a packet of dry chicken noodle soup
2 cups of liquid chicken stock
2 T. curry powder
1 cup water
1/2 cabbage, cored and shredded
1-2 spring (green) onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
1.    Heat a wok or frying pan with oil, using medium to high heat. Pan fry onions, garlic, carrots and celery for 3 minutes. Add meat and cook for 5 minutes, making sure the mince is broken up. Drain excess fat.
2.    To this mixture add rice, stock cubes/soup mix, liquid chicken stock, water and curry powder. Stir thoroughly.
3.    Allow to boil and immediately reduce heat to simmer. Cover and allow to cook at low heat for 20-25 minutes. Stir from time to time so the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
4.    Shredded cabbage: add either at the beginning of the simmer, during the simmer, or at the very end. Stir it through the mixture and serve immediately. Salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Serves 4
Articles, Bible, Prophecy, Teaching

A HASTY DEPARTURE: Why Study the Book of Exodus

Introduction
It has captured the world’s imagination: ten dramatic plagues meant to chasten a recalcitrant Pharaoh, the parting of the Red Sea as on dry land, manna descending from heaven, fire and shaking that hits the holy mount. It was even the subject of a block-buster movie called The Ten Commandments.
Those who want to be ‘future-ready’ need a solid grounding in God’s Word. Understanding Exodus is fundamental for such grounding. May this article be a resource for further Bible study.
Hebrew Name
All these things – and more – are part of the great Bible book called Exodus. The name in the original Hebrew is we’elleh shemoth, ‘And these are the names …’ which happen to be the very first words of the book. The name ‘Exodus’ comes from Greek, meaning
Pentateuch Introduced
Exodus is one of the five books of Moses, known as the Pentateuch (Greek for five volumes) or Torah in Hebrew. These include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Originally, the Pentateuch was written as one volume and Moses was the universally recognised author throughout the ages. While some scholars and higher critics question Mosaic authorship of the Torah, ancient Israel and the early church did not. Indeed, Jesus Christ Himself attested to Mosaic authorship without hesitation (Matthew 8:4; 19:8; Mark 1:44; 7:10; 10:3; 12:19, 26; Luke 5:14; 16:29, 31; 20:28, 37; 24:27, 44; John 1:17, 45; 3:14; 5:45, 46; 7:19, 22, 23). If Mosaic authorship is good enough for Jesus, it should be good enough for us, too. The Torah/Pentateuch is also known by other Biblical phrases, like ‘The Law of God,’ ‘Book of Moses,’ Book of the Law,’ etc.
Genesis Summary
Genesis tells us of creation, the origin of all things, and the the holy family – the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God made a covenant with these men, known as the Abrahamic covenant, which promised to use them and their seed to bring blessing to the world, especially redemption. The book ends with the sons of Jacob living in Egypt because of the great famine. It was prophesied that their descendants would be there for 400 years.
Exodus Summary
Exodus begins with that 400 year period drawing to an end. The sons of Jacob, who started off as 76 persons from Canaan, had grown during this period to a great nation. The census: 600,000 men of military age, not counting women and children, thus possibly exceeding 2 million people.
The Egyptians, who felt threatened by the size and prosperity of the children of Israel, oppressed them. All this was allowed by God to prepare them to return to the land of promise, Canaan.
The Lord raised up Moses to challenge Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go. He stubbornly refused and thus began the 10 sensational plagues that punished Egypt. The final plague was the death of the first-born. Israel was authorised to sacrifice a lamb, put the blood on the doors and window lintels. When the death angel came to the house and saw the blood, he ‘passed over’ that house and it was not visited with death. This sacrifice, and the feast that follows, became known as ‘Passover,’ one of the Jewish people’s great holy days.
After Israel departed Egypt, Pharaoh got ‘buyer’s remorse,’ regretted letting Israel go, and sent his military forces to bring them back. This was where the great miracle of the parting of the Red Sea occurred. Israel walked through the sea as on dry land but once they went past, the closed in on the pursuing Egyptian troops. On the way to Canaan, they stopped at Mount Sinai and Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The remainder of the book speaks of sundry laws, case studies, and the design of the tabernacle, the tent of meeting.
Exodus: This is a Greek word which means ‘to go our, depart, exist.’
Author: Moses
Theme: Salvation by blood
Key verse (6:6): Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
Portrait of Christ & Biblical Typology
Though there are no direct messianic prophecies, Exodus is rich with typology that teaches us more about Christ and His ministry.
•    Moses was the prophet, priest, and king, so is Christ;
•    Both were threatened with destruction at birth;
•    Like Boaz in the Book of Ruth, Moses is a type of kinsman-redeemer. So is Christ, who comes from the tribe of Judah and offers salvation to Israel and the Gentiles;
•    Both Moses and Christ forsook worldly ambitions in order to serve a higher purpose and receive a greater reward;
•    The passover lamb prevented the death angel from destroying anyone who was under the blood; Christ saves us from the death of eternal condemnation;
•    Christ is our passover lamb (I Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29; Isaiah 53:6) and
•    His shed blood causes us to pass from death to life; blood spread by hyssop (faith) and is applied for our salvation (Exodus 12:22; John 1:12; Hebrews 9:22);
•    Lamb is to be eaten. This reminds us of holy communion, take eat, this is my body, take and drink for this is My blood (John 6:54-48);
•    Remove all leaven, which represents pride and sin. See Psalm 139:23-24; I Corinthians 5:7; leaven of Pharisees (Matthew 16:6);
•    Bitter herbs: represents suffering in this life (Hebrews 12:11);
•    Quick departure from Egypt: Christians are to promptly depart from the world spiritually and in the rapture (I Thessalonians 4);
•    Exodus from Egypt, where the latter represents the fallen world system (Kosmos), is like the believer forsaking the world in order to follow Christ;
•    Seven feasts of Exodus all teach an aspect of Christ;
•    High priest in Exodus is a type of Christ, our faithful priest (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25; 9:11,12, 24-28);
•    The exodus and crossing the Red Sea are a type of water baptism (Romans 6:2,3; I Corinthians 10:1, 2);
•    Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting:
•    3 courts;
•    Outer court has laver (washing) and altar of sacrifice. Type of Christ’s sacrifice, which happened outside the city walls;
•    Holy Place: altar of incense, shewbread, candlestick. Incense a type of Christ’s intercession (Hebrews 7:25), bread and candle is Christ the bread of life and light of the world;
•    Most holy place: Ark of the covenant (God’s throne, containing the 10 Commandments), represents God’s presence;
•    Conclusion: Though there are no direct messianic prophecies, Exodus is rich with typology that teaches us more about Christ and His ministry;
•    Exodus and the New Testament: This book is quoted 44 times in the New Testament by every author except Jude, who himself alludes to the exodus. Only Psalms, Isaiah and Deuteronomy are quoted in the New Testament more than Exodus.
Special Features
10 Plagues
    1      waters turned to blood (7:14-24)
    2      frogs (7:25-8:12)
    3      Lice (magicians said: “This is the finger of God.” (8:16-19)
    4      Flies (8:20-32)
    5      Diseases in livestock (9:1-7)
    6      boils (9:8-12)
    7      hail (9:13-35)
    8      locusts (10:1-20)
    9      darkness (10:21-29)
    10    firstborn (11, 12:1-30)
10 Commandments
    1      You shall have no other gods (heart – 20:3)
    2      You shall not make any graven images (hands – 20:4-6)
    3      You shall not take the name of the LORD in vain (mouth – 20:7)
    4      Remember the Sabbath day (mind – 20:8-11)
    5      Honour your parents (hold them up – 20:12)
    6      You shall not murder (don’t place them down – 20:13)
    7      You shall not commit adultery (heart – 20:14)
    8      You shall not steal (hands – 20:15)
    9      You shall not bear false witness (mouth – 20:16)
    10    You shall not covet (mind – 20:17)
Outline of Exodus
I.         Israel in Egypt (1:1-12:36)
A.     Israel oppressed by Egypt (1:1-22)
B.      Moses’ early life (2:1-2:25)
C.      Moses called by God (3:1-4:31)
D.     Moses Meets Pharaoh the 1st time: remove straw (5:1-23)
E.      God reminds of covenant (6:1-13)
F.       Genealogies of Moses & Aaron (6:14-30)
G.     Moses Meet Pharaoh 2nd time: rod turns to serpent (7:1-13)
H.     Ten Plagues (7:13-12:36) Passover instituted (12:1-28)
II.      Exodus from Egypt (12:37-18:27)
C.      Journey from Egypt to Red Sea (12:37-14:20)
D.     Journey through the Red Sea ((14:21-31)
E.      Songs of Moses and Miriam (15:1-21)
F.       From Red Sea to wilderness of Shur (15:22-26)
G.     From Elim oasis to wilderness of Sin (15:27-16:36)
H.     From Sin to Rephidim (17:1-7)
III. Israel at Sinai (19:1-40:38)
A. Rephidim to wilderness of Sinai (19:1-2)
B. The Law given (19:3-25)
C. Ten Commandments given (20:1-26)
D. Judgements and feasts given (21:1-23:33)
E. People agree to the Word of the Lord (24:1-18)
F. Tabernacle of Moses in detail (25:1-31:11)
G. Specification and Building of Tabernacle (31:12-35:3): in this period we have the giving of the two tablets of stone, golden calf incident, veiling of Moses’ face because it shined with glory)
H. Building of Tabernacle (35:4-39:43)
I.      Tabernacle finished (40:1-38)

Articles, Bible, Prophecy, Teaching

A HASTY DEPARTURE: Why Study the Book of Exodus

Introduction
It has captured the world’s imagination: ten dramatic plagues meant to chasten a recalcitrant Pharaoh, the parting of the Red Sea as on dry land, manna descending from heaven, fire and shaking that hits the holy mount. It was even the subject of a block-buster movie called The Ten Commandments.
Those who want to be ‘future-ready’ need a solid grounding in God’s Word. Understanding Exodus is fundamental for such grounding. May this article be a resource for further Bible study.
Hebrew Name
All these things – and more – are part of the great Bible book called Exodus. The name in the original Hebrew is we’elleh shemoth, ‘And these are the names …’ which happen to be the very first words of the book. The name ‘Exodus’ comes from Greek, meaning
Pentateuch Introduced
Exodus is one of the five books of Moses, known as the Pentateuch (Greek for five volumes) or Torah in Hebrew. These include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Originally, the Pentateuch was written as one volume and Moses was the universally recognised author throughout the ages. While some scholars and higher critics question Mosaic authorship of the Torah, ancient Israel and the early church did not. Indeed, Jesus Christ Himself attested to Mosaic authorship without hesitation (Matthew 8:4; 19:8; Mark 1:44; 7:10; 10:3; 12:19, 26; Luke 5:14; 16:29, 31; 20:28, 37; 24:27, 44; John 1:17, 45; 3:14; 5:45, 46; 7:19, 22, 23). If Mosaic authorship is good enough for Jesus, it should be good enough for us, too. The Torah/Pentateuch is also known by other Biblical phrases, like ‘The Law of God,’ ‘Book of Moses,’ Book of the Law,’ etc.
Genesis Summary
Genesis tells us of creation, the origin of all things, and the the holy family – the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God made a covenant with these men, known as the Abrahamic covenant, which promised to use them and their seed to bring blessing to the world, especially redemption. The book ends with the sons of Jacob living in Egypt because of the great famine. It was prophesied that their descendants would be there for 400 years.
Exodus Summary
Exodus begins with that 400 year period drawing to an end. The sons of Jacob, who started off as 76 persons from Canaan, had grown during this period to a great nation. The census: 600,000 men of military age, not counting women and children, thus possibly exceeding 2 million people.
The Egyptians, who felt threatened by the size and prosperity of the children of Israel, oppressed them. All this was allowed by God to prepare them to return to the land of promise, Canaan.
The Lord raised up Moses to challenge Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go. He stubbornly refused and thus began the 10 sensational plagues that punished Egypt. The final plague was the death of the first-born. Israel was authorised to sacrifice a lamb, put the blood on the doors and window lintels. When the death angel came to the house and saw the blood, he ‘passed over’ that house and it was not visited with death. This sacrifice, and the feast that follows, became known as ‘Passover,’ one of the Jewish people’s great holy days.
After Israel departed Egypt, Pharaoh got ‘buyer’s remorse,’ regretted letting Israel go, and sent his military forces to bring them back. This was where the great miracle of the parting of the Red Sea occurred. Israel walked through the sea as on dry land but once they went past, the closed in on the pursuing Egyptian troops. On the way to Canaan, they stopped at Mount Sinai and Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The remainder of the book speaks of sundry laws, case studies, and the design of the tabernacle, the tent of meeting.
Exodus: This is a Greek word which means ‘to go our, depart, exist.’
Author: Moses
Theme: Salvation by blood
Key verse (6:6): Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
Portrait of Christ & Biblical Typology
Though there are no direct messianic prophecies, Exodus is rich with typology that teaches us more about Christ and His ministry.
•    Moses was the prophet, priest, and king, so is Christ;
•    Both were threatened with destruction at birth;
•    Like Boaz in the Book of Ruth, Moses is a type of kinsman-redeemer. So is Christ, who comes from the tribe of Judah and offers salvation to Israel and the Gentiles;
•    Both Moses and Christ forsook worldly ambitions in order to serve a higher purpose and receive a greater reward;
•    The passover lamb prevented the death angel from destroying anyone who was under the blood; Christ saves us from the death of eternal condemnation;
•    Christ is our passover lamb (I Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29; Isaiah 53:6) and
•    His shed blood causes us to pass from death to life; blood spread by hyssop (faith) and is applied for our salvation (Exodus 12:22; John 1:12; Hebrews 9:22);
•    Lamb is to be eaten. This reminds us of holy communion, take eat, this is my body, take and drink for this is My blood (John 6:54-48);
•    Remove all leaven, which represents pride and sin. See Psalm 139:23-24; I Corinthians 5:7; leaven of Pharisees (Matthew 16:6);
•    Bitter herbs: represents suffering in this life (Hebrews 12:11);
•    Quick departure from Egypt: Christians are to promptly depart from the world spiritually and in the rapture (I Thessalonians 4);
•    Exodus from Egypt, where the latter represents the fallen world system (Kosmos), is like the believer forsaking the world in order to follow Christ;
•    Seven feasts of Exodus all teach an aspect of Christ;
•    High priest in Exodus is a type of Christ, our faithful priest (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25; 9:11,12, 24-28);
•    The exodus and crossing the Red Sea are a type of water baptism (Romans 6:2,3; I Corinthians 10:1, 2);
•    Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting:
•    3 courts;
•    Outer court has laver (washing) and altar of sacrifice. Type of Christ’s sacrifice, which happened outside the city walls;
•    Holy Place: altar of incense, shewbread, candlestick. Incense a type of Christ’s intercession (Hebrews 7:25), bread and candle is Christ the bread of life and light of the world;
•    Most holy place: Ark of the covenant (God’s throne, containing the 10 Commandments), represents God’s presence;
•    Conclusion: Though there are no direct messianic prophecies, Exodus is rich with typology that teaches us more about Christ and His ministry;
•    Exodus and the New Testament: This book is quoted 44 times in the New Testament by every author except Jude, who himself alludes to the exodus. Only Psalms, Isaiah and Deuteronomy are quoted in the New Testament more than Exodus.
Special Features
10 Plagues
    1      waters turned to blood (7:14-24)
    2      frogs (7:25-8:12)
    3      Lice (magicians said: “This is the finger of God.” (8:16-19)
    4      Flies (8:20-32)
    5      Diseases in livestock (9:1-7)
    6      boils (9:8-12)
    7      hail (9:13-35)
    8      locusts (10:1-20)
    9      darkness (10:21-29)
    10    firstborn (11, 12:1-30)
10 Commandments
    1      You shall have no other gods (heart – 20:3)
    2      You shall not make any graven images (hands – 20:4-6)
    3      You shall not take the name of the LORD in vain (mouth – 20:7)
    4      Remember the Sabbath day (mind – 20:8-11)
    5      Honour your parents (hold them up – 20:12)
    6      You shall not murder (don’t place them down – 20:13)
    7      You shall not commit adultery (heart – 20:14)
    8      You shall not steal (hands – 20:15)
    9      You shall not bear false witness (mouth – 20:16)
    10    You shall not covet (mind – 20:17)
Outline of Exodus
I.         Israel in Egypt (1:1-12:36)
A.     Israel oppressed by Egypt (1:1-22)
B.      Moses’ early life (2:1-2:25)
C.      Moses called by God (3:1-4:31)
D.     Moses Meets Pharaoh the 1st time: remove straw (5:1-23)
E.      God reminds of covenant (6:1-13)
F.       Genealogies of Moses & Aaron (6:14-30)
G.     Moses Meet Pharaoh 2nd time: rod turns to serpent (7:1-13)
H.     Ten Plagues (7:13-12:36) Passover instituted (12:1-28)
II.      Exodus from Egypt (12:37-18:27)
C.      Journey from Egypt to Red Sea (12:37-14:20)
D.     Journey through the Red Sea ((14:21-31)
E.      Songs of Moses and Miriam (15:1-21)
F.       From Red Sea to wilderness of Shur (15:22-26)
G.     From Elim oasis to wilderness of Sin (15:27-16:36)
H.     From Sin to Rephidim (17:1-7)
III. Israel at Sinai (19:1-40:38)
A. Rephidim to wilderness of Sinai (19:1-2)
B. The Law given (19:3-25)
C. Ten Commandments given (20:1-26)
D. Judgements and feasts given (21:1-23:33)
E. People agree to the Word of the Lord (24:1-18)
F. Tabernacle of Moses in detail (25:1-31:11)
G. Specification and Building of Tabernacle (31:12-35:3): in this period we have the giving of the two tablets of stone, golden calf incident, veiling of Moses’ face because it shined with glory)
H. Building of Tabernacle (35:4-39:43)
I.      Tabernacle finished (40:1-38)

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

HE IS RISEN: A Case for Easter

What is Easter all about? For many, it is a much anticipated long weekend. For younger ones, it means Easter egg hunts, chocolate treats, bunnies and baskets. There is even the origin of the name ‘Easter,’ which is meant to be derived from the goddess Astarte.
Putting aside the folklore, the Easter holiday, including Good Friday and Easter Sunday, commemorates the most important event in Christendom, indeed, of history itself – and that is, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We know that the word ‘gospel’ means ‘good news.’ The Apostle Paul, in his famous chapter on the resurrection in I Corinthians 15:3-6f, gives a wonderful summary of the gospel:
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once … (emphasis mine).
The key points of the gospel are:
Christ died,
Christ was buried,
Christ rose again on the third day,
There were many witnesses,
And all of this was according to the scriptures
Believe these simple statements (Romans 10:9-10), and receive Him as Saviour and Lord (John 1:12), and you have the new birth, forgiveness of sins, and the gift of eternal life.
In short, Easter is about the atoning death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without this, there would be no forgiveness of sins, no justification, no new birth, no Christian faith and no Christian Church.
Why the Crucifixion?
The execution of Jesus of Nazareth was the worse miscarriage of justice in history, both from a Jewish as well as a Roman point of view. This man never sinned nor broke any laws during His entire earthly life. Yet, despite legal safeguards, He was sent to the cross while a seditious murderer named Barabbas was released in His stead.
The reason a holy God allowed for this horrific event had to do with redemption and salvation. Sin has a price and someone had to pay it – it could not be written off. Christ willingly paid that price that the unjust – namely all of us – could be made ‘justified’ (declared ‘righteous’). I Peter 3:18 puts it succinctly:
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Another reason for Christ’s suffering and crucifixion was because of the Scriptures. Jesus Christ had a ‘high view’ of God’s Word (Matthew 5:18; 22:29; 26:54, 56; Mark 12:24; 14:49; Luke 24:27, 45; John 5:39). The Bible is all good, all glorious, all God. Totally inspired, wonderfully infallible, and gloriously profitable.
Jesus had a clear passion that the Scriptures must be fulfilled. The New Testament records how Christ fulfilled so many wonderful prophetic passages of the Old Testament in His suffering, death, and resurrection, the very things we remember at Easter.
Here is a partial list:
PROPHECY
OT Reference
NT Fulfillment
Betrayed by a close friend
Psalm 41:9
Luke 22:47
Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver
Zechariah 11:12
Matthew 26:14-15
Accused by false witnesses
Psalm 35:11
Mark 14:57-58
Answered His accusers by silence
Isaiah 53:7
Mark 15:4-5
Spat upon and struck
Isaiah 50:6
Matthew 26:67
Hated without a cause
Psalm 35:19
John 15:24
Vicarious sacrifice for sin
Isaiah 53:5
Romans 5:6-8
Crucified with criminals
Isaiah 53:12
Mark 15:27
His hands and feet were pierced
Zechariah 12:10
John 20:27
Mocked and sneered
Psalm 22:7-8
Luke 23:35
Reproached
Psalm 69:9
Romans 15:3
Prayed for His enemies
Psalm 109:4
Luke 23:34
Soldiers cast lots for His garment
Psalm 22:17
Matthew 27:35-36
Forsaken by God
Psalm 22:1
Matthew 27:46
None of His bones were broken (unusual at a crucifixion)
Psalm 34:20
John 19:32, 33, 36
His side was pierced
Zechariah 12:10
John 19:34
Buried in a rich man’s tomb
Isaiah 53:9
Matthew 27:57-60
Resurrected
Psalm 16:10; 49:15
Mark 16:6
The record is clear: crucifixion is a horrific way to die – agonisingly slow, totally humiliating, and unspeakably painful. Jesus Christ was willing to do all this for the sake of world redemption (Hebrews 12:2).
The Resurrection
The resurrection is the central event of sacred history. If you can prove the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then all other miracles in the Bible become believable, for the simple reason that Jesus believed in all of them, too.
One point believers and nonbelievers can agree on: the tomb of Jesus Christ was empty on the third day. The argument is why the tomb was empty. Let’s take a quick look at the ‘objections’ to the resurrection of Jesus.
Stolen body: Skeptics say that the disciples came by night while everyone slept and stole the body of Jesus, only to announce His resurrection later. How can this be? The disciples were very fearful and kept away from both Golgotha and the tomb. Peter, the spokesman, denied Jesus three times. Furthermore, the tomb had been sealed and guards posted outside (Matthew 27:66). How could these affrighted men pull off such an act of trickery, only to turn around and say ‘He is risen?’ After the resurrection, the chief priests and elders conspired to spread the lie that the body was stolen (Matthew 27:11-15).
Swoon theory: This teaches that Jesus did not die on the cross but only swooned. Then, in the coolness of the tomb, He revived and walked out. How could Jesus, having been scourged with the Roman cat-o-nine tails, endure 6 hours on the cross, be pierced on His side, be pronounced ‘dead,’ put in a dark tomb without food or water for 3 days, push away the stone and walk past the guards? It takes more faith to believe in the swoon theory than in the resurrection.
Wrong tomb: This says that the disciples went to the wrong tomb, found it was empty, and pronounced Christ as risen. Not even remotely plausible: Jesus’ tomb was close to where he was crucified (John 19:41-42) and the faithful women had made careful note where the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea was located. The latter, also, could verify the correct location of his tomb.
Spirit only: This theory teaches that the disciples saw only the ‘spirit of Jesus,’ but not the bodily person. Again, a ‘spirit Jesus’ would have to get up from the tomb, fold the grave clothes, push the rolling stone, walk past the guards, and then convince everyone He was alive. Yet, he said these words in Luke 24:39:
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
Verse 43 says He ate a broiled fish and honeycomb in their presence.
Hallucination theory: This teaches that the disciples merely ‘imagined’ Christ rose from the dead. There is no such thing as a ‘mass hallucination’ or ‘imagination.’
Only one other conclusion is possible: the tomb of Christ was empty because He rose from the dead! The grave clothes were folded in an orderly manner, the angels rolled away the stone, the guards became as dead men, and Jesus proceeded to show himself to those chosen by God.
The great physician and historian, Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts, put it very clearly in Acts 1:3:
To whom (the apostles whom He had chosen – verse 2)  He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God (emphasis mine).
There were many sightings of the Risen Christ by many witnesses over a period of 40 days. This can not be a coincidence, and it totally disproves the above theories. Biblical references of the bodily resurrected Christ, include:
Appearance of the Resurrected Christ
Reference
Mary Magdalene, the first to see the Risen Christ
Mark 16:9; John 20:11-18
Seen by the other women
Matthew 28:8-10
Seen by Peter
Luke 24:34
Seen by the ten disciples
Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25
Seen by the eleven disciples, including ‘Doubting Thomas’
Mark 16:14; John 20:26-29
Seen by the disciples at the Ascension of Christ
Mark 16:19, 20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:4-12
Seen by the disciples on the Emmaus Road
Mark 16:12,13; Luke 24:13-35
Seen in Galilee
Matthew 28:16-20; John 21:1-24
Seen by 500 people at once
I Corinthians 15:6
Seen by James and the apostles
I Corinthians 15:7
Seen by Paul on the Damascus Road
Acts 9:1-6; 22:1-10; 26:12-18; I Corinthians 15:8
The early church came into being because of a rock-solid conviction that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. They were even willing to suffer and die for this fact. Think about it? Who is going to risk their life for something they are uncertain about or know to be a lie? Answer: No one. Remember that skeptics have tried research in order to disprove the resurrection, only to end us as believers in Christ!
No Resurrection? Big Trouble!
A good place to understand the Resurrection is I Corinthians 15. We learn about the nature of the resurrected body, the surety of a coming resurrection, and the perils if there was no resurrection of Jesus.
Without Jesus’ resurrection, we would be in dire straits. Here is a catalogue of woes:
•    Prophecy would be unfulfilled (Psalm 16:10);
•    If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ did not rise, either (I Corinthians 15:13);
•    Our preaching would be in vain (v. 14);
•    Your faith in Christ and the gospel would be vain (v. 14);
•    We would be false witnesses of the resurrection of Christ … if there is no resurrection of the dead (v. 15);
•    Our faith would be futile and we would still in our sins (v. 17);
•    Those who are ‘dead in Christ’ would be eternally lost (v. 18);
Have no fear … the gospel truthfully and victoriously proclaims that Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first-fruits of those who have died (I Corinthians 15:20). His resurrection guarantees yours. The early church was founded on the Rock of Christ and the Resurrection, and has been flourishing ever since.

So as you celebrate this nice long weekend, remember that the very event it commemorates – the death and resurrection of Christ – has transformed history. Open up wide and it will transform you, too.

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

HE IS RISEN: A Case for Easter

What is Easter all about? For many, it is a much anticipated long weekend. For younger ones, it means Easter egg hunts, chocolate treats, bunnies and baskets. There is even the origin of the name ‘Easter,’ which is meant to be derived from the goddess Astarte.
Putting aside the folklore, the Easter holiday, including Good Friday and Easter Sunday, commemorates the most important event in Christendom, indeed, of history itself – and that is, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We know that the word ‘gospel’ means ‘good news.’ The Apostle Paul, in his famous chapter on the resurrection in I Corinthians 15:3-6f, gives a wonderful summary of the gospel:
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once … (emphasis mine).
The key points of the gospel are:
Christ died,
Christ was buried,
Christ rose again on the third day,
There were many witnesses,
And all of this was according to the scriptures
Believe these simple statements (Romans 10:9-10), and receive Him as Saviour and Lord (John 1:12), and you have the new birth, forgiveness of sins, and the gift of eternal life.
In short, Easter is about the atoning death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without this, there would be no forgiveness of sins, no justification, no new birth, no Christian faith and no Christian Church.
Why the Crucifixion?
The execution of Jesus of Nazareth was the worse miscarriage of justice in history, both from a Jewish as well as a Roman point of view. This man never sinned nor broke any laws during His entire earthly life. Yet, despite legal safeguards, He was sent to the cross while a seditious murderer named Barabbas was released in His stead.
The reason a holy God allowed for this horrific event had to do with redemption and salvation. Sin has a price and someone had to pay it – it could not be written off. Christ willingly paid that price that the unjust – namely all of us – could be made ‘justified’ (declared ‘righteous’). I Peter 3:18 puts it succinctly:
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Another reason for Christ’s suffering and crucifixion was because of the Scriptures. Jesus Christ had a ‘high view’ of God’s Word (Matthew 5:18; 22:29; 26:54, 56; Mark 12:24; 14:49; Luke 24:27, 45; John 5:39). The Bible is all good, all glorious, all God. Totally inspired, wonderfully infallible, and gloriously profitable.
Jesus had a clear passion that the Scriptures must be fulfilled. The New Testament records how Christ fulfilled so many wonderful prophetic passages of the Old Testament in His suffering, death, and resurrection, the very things we remember at Easter.
Here is a partial list:
PROPHECY
OT Reference
NT Fulfillment
Betrayed by a close friend
Psalm 41:9
Luke 22:47
Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver
Zechariah 11:12
Matthew 26:14-15
Accused by false witnesses
Psalm 35:11
Mark 14:57-58
Answered His accusers by silence
Isaiah 53:7
Mark 15:4-5
Spat upon and struck
Isaiah 50:6
Matthew 26:67
Hated without a cause
Psalm 35:19
John 15:24
Vicarious sacrifice for sin
Isaiah 53:5
Romans 5:6-8
Crucified with criminals
Isaiah 53:12
Mark 15:27
His hands and feet were pierced
Zechariah 12:10
John 20:27
Mocked and sneered
Psalm 22:7-8
Luke 23:35
Reproached
Psalm 69:9
Romans 15:3
Prayed for His enemies
Psalm 109:4
Luke 23:34
Soldiers cast lots for His garment
Psalm 22:17
Matthew 27:35-36
Forsaken by God
Psalm 22:1
Matthew 27:46
None of His bones were broken (unusual at a crucifixion)
Psalm 34:20
John 19:32, 33, 36
His side was pierced
Zechariah 12:10
John 19:34
Buried in a rich man’s tomb
Isaiah 53:9
Matthew 27:57-60
Resurrected
Psalm 16:10; 49:15
Mark 16:6
The record is clear: crucifixion is a horrific way to die – agonisingly slow, totally humiliating, and unspeakably painful. Jesus Christ was willing to do all this for the sake of world redemption (Hebrews 12:2).
The Resurrection
The resurrection is the central event of sacred history. If you can prove the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then all other miracles in the Bible become believable, for the simple reason that Jesus believed in all of them, too.
One point believers and nonbelievers can agree on: the tomb of Jesus Christ was empty on the third day. The argument is why the tomb was empty. Let’s take a quick look at the ‘objections’ to the resurrection of Jesus.
Stolen body: Skeptics say that the disciples came by night while everyone slept and stole the body of Jesus, only to announce His resurrection later. How can this be? The disciples were very fearful and kept away from both Golgotha and the tomb. Peter, the spokesman, denied Jesus three times. Furthermore, the tomb had been sealed and guards posted outside (Matthew 27:66). How could these affrighted men pull off such an act of trickery, only to turn around and say ‘He is risen?’ After the resurrection, the chief priests and elders conspired to spread the lie that the body was stolen (Matthew 27:11-15).
Swoon theory: This teaches that Jesus did not die on the cross but only swooned. Then, in the coolness of the tomb, He revived and walked out. How could Jesus, having been scourged with the Roman cat-o-nine tails, endure 6 hours on the cross, be pierced on His side, be pronounced ‘dead,’ put in a dark tomb without food or water for 3 days, push away the stone and walk past the guards? It takes more faith to believe in the swoon theory than in the resurrection.
Wrong tomb: This says that the disciples went to the wrong tomb, found it was empty, and pronounced Christ as risen. Not even remotely plausible: Jesus’ tomb was close to where he was crucified (John 19:41-42) and the faithful women had made careful note where the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea was located. The latter, also, could verify the correct location of his tomb.
Spirit only: This theory teaches that the disciples saw only the ‘spirit of Jesus,’ but not the bodily person. Again, a ‘spirit Jesus’ would have to get up from the tomb, fold the grave clothes, push the rolling stone, walk past the guards, and then convince everyone He was alive. Yet, he said these words in Luke 24:39:
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
Verse 43 says He ate a broiled fish and honeycomb in their presence.
Hallucination theory: This teaches that the disciples merely ‘imagined’ Christ rose from the dead. There is no such thing as a ‘mass hallucination’ or ‘imagination.’
Only one other conclusion is possible: the tomb of Christ was empty because He rose from the dead! The grave clothes were folded in an orderly manner, the angels rolled away the stone, the guards became as dead men, and Jesus proceeded to show himself to those chosen by God.
The great physician and historian, Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts, put it very clearly in Acts 1:3:
To whom (the apostles whom He had chosen – verse 2)  He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God (emphasis mine).
There were many sightings of the Risen Christ by many witnesses over a period of 40 days. This can not be a coincidence, and it totally disproves the above theories. Biblical references of the bodily resurrected Christ, include:
Appearance of the Resurrected Christ
Reference
Mary Magdalene, the first to see the Risen Christ
Mark 16:9; John 20:11-18
Seen by the other women
Matthew 28:8-10
Seen by Peter
Luke 24:34
Seen by the ten disciples
Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25
Seen by the eleven disciples, including ‘Doubting Thomas’
Mark 16:14; John 20:26-29
Seen by the disciples at the Ascension of Christ
Mark 16:19, 20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:4-12
Seen by the disciples on the Emmaus Road
Mark 16:12,13; Luke 24:13-35
Seen in Galilee
Matthew 28:16-20; John 21:1-24
Seen by 500 people at once
I Corinthians 15:6
Seen by James and the apostles
I Corinthians 15:7
Seen by Paul on the Damascus Road
Acts 9:1-6; 22:1-10; 26:12-18; I Corinthians 15:8
The early church came into being because of a rock-solid conviction that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. They were even willing to suffer and die for this fact. Think about it? Who is going to risk their life for something they are uncertain about or know to be a lie? Answer: No one. Remember that skeptics have tried research in order to disprove the resurrection, only to end us as believers in Christ!
No Resurrection? Big Trouble!
A good place to understand the Resurrection is I Corinthians 15. We learn about the nature of the resurrected body, the surety of a coming resurrection, and the perils if there was no resurrection of Jesus.
Without Jesus’ resurrection, we would be in dire straits. Here is a catalogue of woes:
•    Prophecy would be unfulfilled (Psalm 16:10);
•    If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ did not rise, either (I Corinthians 15:13);
•    Our preaching would be in vain (v. 14);
•    Your faith in Christ and the gospel would be vain (v. 14);
•    We would be false witnesses of the resurrection of Christ … if there is no resurrection of the dead (v. 15);
•    Our faith would be futile and we would still in our sins (v. 17);
•    Those who are ‘dead in Christ’ would be eternally lost (v. 18);
Have no fear … the gospel truthfully and victoriously proclaims that Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first-fruits of those who have died (I Corinthians 15:20). His resurrection guarantees yours. The early church was founded on the Rock of Christ and the Resurrection, and has been flourishing ever since.

So as you celebrate this nice long weekend, remember that the very event it commemorates – the death and resurrection of Christ – has transformed history. Open up wide and it will transform you, too.

Catholic

Archbishop Hart’s message after the Brussels bombings

categoryMelbourne News

categoryLatest News

Thursday 24 March 2016

MELBOURNE’S Archbishop Denis Hart has today spoken publicly on the recent bombings in Brussels, lamenting the loss of life and expressing his shock and sorrow.

Thursday 24 March 2016
Media and Communications Office

MELBOURNE’S Archbishop Denis Hart has today spoken publicly on the recent bombings in Brussels, lamenting the loss of life and expressing his shock and sorrow.

He said:

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have occurred this week in Brussels.

The world looks on in disbelief at the appalling actions that have been perpetrated leaving more than 30 people dead and hundreds injured.

The suffering stretches to so many more people with families, friends and entire cities affected both psychologically and emotionally.

On behalf of all my brothers Bishops and Priests and all of the Catholic community of Melbourne, I pass on our sincere sympathies.

Let us ensure our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Brussels at this important time of Easter where we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

Easter Blessings to you all.

Download the Archbishop’s statement in PDF form here

Source: Catholic News