Monthly Archives: March 2019

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

CULTURE WAR PART 11: Wisely Defending Your Values Part I

The culture war is not a war of bullets and bombs but of words and semantics. In this regard, the leftists and progressives has been very adept. They adopted catchy euphemisms to make their agenda palatable. For example, abortion on demand has been called ‘pro-choice’ or ‘a woman’s right to chose’ or even ‘women’s reproductive rights. Same-sex marriage is called ‘marriage equality.’ Illegal aliens are merely ‘undocumented workers.’ These terms have been stunningly effective in helping advance their cause.
On another front, when they have an argument with a conservative opponent, they go on a blistering personal attack – insulting, swearing, demeaning the other party. Terms like ‘hater,’ ‘bigot,’ ‘homophobe,’ ‘sexist,’ ‘racist,’ ‘misogynist,’ ‘Islamophobe,’ ‘intolerant,’ are common pejorative labels throne at conservative and non-conformist debaters. It is like the piranha effect – focus on one target and make they so despised that they don’t dare answer back and others like them will be sufficiently bullied to ‘beware’ of crossing the politically correct line.
If you believe in traditional values (chastity before marriage, traditional heterosexual marriage, biological (or adopted) family, fear of God, hard work, benevolence, the Golden Rule), and want to stand strong in them, you are on the frontlines of the culture war. Neutrality is not an option. People of faith and Godly fear will not be left alone; they will need to make a stand, at some point in their lives. As we have seen, the ultimate source of the conflict is not ideological but spiritual.
Do you believe that traditional values are worth defending and promoting?
If so, this article is for you.
For starters, you may want to use a new label: cultural conservationist. Younger people are very concerned about the environment, so they will be warm to ‘conservationism.’ The difference is that instead of championing the environment, you are defending the good things of the culture that made the West great.
How can you navigate through these shark infested waters of the culture war? How can you survive, even thrive, in a culture that relentlessly seeks to undermine the values you hold dear?
Whether you are a student in the university or someone who deals with public issues, here are some tips to help you through.
BE IN THE KNOW: First, know what you believe and why you believe it. Biblical Christian values are what made western civilisation great (no wonder western civilisation is under attack by progressive culture warriors). There are solid statements about what we believe and solid reasons why we believe it. Once you understand this, you will be more ready to defend your values, which are a hedge of protection for you and your family. I Peter 3:15: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: We need to be ready, in and out of season, to explain what and why we believe.
DON’T RUN FROM THE FIGHT: Second, don’t go looking for a fight but don’t shrink back either. As mentioned, one of the most notable methods use by the progressives (not all, but many) is shamelessly attacking the person, not the principle. Because their platform is more subjective, emotive, and ‘feel good,’ rather than based on logic, fact, reality, and common sense, when you come up with a reasonable arguments, they are on the back foot. So they will attack you, rather than the issue.
During the campaign for the republic in Australia in the 1990s, conservatives who wanted to retain the crown in the constitution were attacked as ‘unAustralian’ or given other horrible insults. Since the conservative side had strong arguments for the status quo, the ‘change-crowd’ could not counter their logic, so they had no other recourse than to  verbally attack. Despite having the near-complete support of the Australian media, the elites, celebrities, and every-shade of leftist, not to mention progressivists having more money, the conservative side prevailed and the referendum was lost.
In the face of childish school yard talk – which has no correlation whatsoever with truth and reality – you will have to make a wise decision.
Option One: Turn the other cheek and move on. ‘Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him’ — Proverbs 26:4
Option Two: Fight fire with fire – however, keep calm, don’t insult, but put your opponent on the defensive, while not being defensive yourself. ‘Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit’ — Proverbs 26:5
Both options are valid but you need wisdom which know which one is appropriate for the occasion. In many cases, it is better to walk away because talking to an irrational emotive person is pointless.,However, if you are cornered, and have no way out, then it is okay to respond. In fact, you must, and do so powerfully.  TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

2019 What Lies Ahead? Elections Aplenty

ELECTIONS APLENTY
2019 is the year for elections. Even the 2020 US Presidential election has become. What lies ahead?
2020 US Presidential Campaign: Other countries continue to stand aghast at how lengthy, and expensive US presidential campaigns are. The upcoming election will be in far way November 2020, and already the gun has sounded and the runners have taken off.
If the Democrats can’t remove Trump from office via impeachment, they are hoping to do so at the ballot box. The field of declared contenders for the Democratic Party nomination is already crowded and more and more are ‘mulling over’ a run for the White House. Chances are, the number of Democrats running for President in 2020 will exceed the 17 Republicans who campaigned for their party’s nomination in 2016. Already, more women are declared candidates than ever before.
How will President Trump fare? His approval rating at the moment is 44% versus 57% negative. Ronald Reagan was 33% approval rating at this same time in his administration, yet the following year he won re-election by a landslide. Some things to consider:
1.       Power of incumbency: Usually, Americans give an incumbent president a second term. There are exceptions: George HW Bush in 1992, Jimmy Carter in 1980, and Herbert Hoover in 1932. However, conducting one’s presidential duties, in a presidential manner, with the backdrop of the Oval Office and the White House is a powerful campaign tool.
2.       Ideas & the future: If the 2020 presidential campaign focuses on ideas & the future, Mr. Trump will win. He can claim that Americans, including minorities, are better off under his leadership than they were before.
3.       The economy: If the economy continues to roar along, as it has, he will win. No one wants to overturn the economic apple cart as its delivering the fruit.
4.       Radicalism: The American Democratic Party is shifting from the mainstream to the radical far left. While academics, millennials, the media, and the elites think this is wonderful, the average American will not. Radicalism could literally push voters into the arms of Donald Trump. Hard left Democrats, including those who have declared their candidacy for President, are advocating things like:  
1.       A. ’Green New Deal,’ which will cost $49 trillion in 10 years;
2.       Single-payer socialised, nationalised, medicine, called ‘Medicare for all,’ with a price tag of $32 trillion over a decade;
3.       Banning private cars; 
4.       70% upper tax rate, and more.
5.       Private health insurance would be banned.
6.       Reduction of military spending to half;
7.       Ban coal and natural gas within a decade;
8.       While they may not say so aloud, they also want soft borders, if any. Even if America didn’t have a 21 Trillion dollar national debt, it is questionable whether these costly program could be implemented.
Mr. Trump will have to work hard to get re-elected but if a Democrat has any hope of defeating the President at the ballot box, she or he will have to do the same.
CANBERRA: There will be a federal election in Australia by May 2019. The current centre-right Liberal Coalition government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison is trailing in the opinion polls against the left-leaning Australian Labour Party with Bill Shorten as opposition leader (of interest, Mr. Morrison gets higher points than Mr. Shorten as preferred prime minister).
Progressivism, with its emphasis on big government, entitlements, open borders, redefined morality, has done very well in Australia in 2017-2018. Same-sex marriage was legalised before Christmas 2017. In 2018, abortion was legalised in Queensland, the ‘safe Liberal seat’ of Wentworth in Sydney was lost to an independent, and the Andrews Labor government in the State of Victoria was re-elected in a landslide. Mr. Andrews boasted that his is and will continue to be ‘the most progressive government in Australia.’ He is right, it is. If Mr. Shorten becomes Prime Minister, fully expect for him to follow in the progressive footsteps of his Victorian counterpart.
The issue of religious freedom will be very much at stake. In their quest for ‘equality’ ‘diversity,’ and ‘non-discrimination,’ the progressives will demand that faith-based institutions, particularly Christian ones, toe the line and accept people as students and employees who do not share the religious or moral tenets of that institution. This battle is already being waged elsewhere in the western world and warning shots have already been fired in Australia.
Another issue is that of Australia’s relationship with Israel. The ‘land down under’ has been considered a solid friend of the Jewish state from the very beginning, including its pivotal role in the successful campaign at Beersheba, October 1917, that saw the beginning of the end of 400 years of Ottoman rule and paved the way for the British Mandate and establishment of Israel 30 years later. Australia took in more holocaust survivors per capita than anywhere else on earth, except for Israel. Until now, Australian Jews felt they were the safest in the Diaspora. Yet, in 2018, there was a 60% increase in anti-Semitic incidents. Jewish schools and synagogues now are being patrolled by armed guards.
And there’s more. The government of Prime Minister Morrison recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The media poured contempt on the idea, Indonesia threatened not to sign the trade agreement, and the Labor Party also poured cold water. Bill Shorten said he would reverse the decision once he becomes Prime Minister. Labor MP Penny Wong said it was wrong to recognise Jerusalem as even part of Israel’s capital, saying it ‘…puts Australia out of step with the international community…’ Ms. Wong says the Labor government will advocate the ‘two-state solution’ (which now also means a ‘two-Jerusalem solution, too). Labor won’t recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but they are poised to recognise the ‘statehood of Palestine.’
EUROPEAN UNION: In May there will be elections for the European Parliament. There are 751 MEP (Member of the European Parliament), representing 28 national and 512 million people. They have already voted to reduce the number of MEPs from 751 to 705 in anticipation of Brexit, when the UK exits the European Union.
JERUSALEM: Israel is going to the polls in a national election April 9th. Incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin, already the second longest serving PM in Israel’s history after David Ben Gurion, is seeking a 5th term. Known for his security credentials, he faces a stiff challenge from a new politician Benny Gantz of the new Blue and White Party. As a retired Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (2011-2015), military man, Mr. Gantz may also scrub up as strong on security. Netanyahu was an underdog in the 2015 election, yet had an upset victory. Now that Israel’s attorney general is threatening to indict the PM, can Netanyahu pull a Harry Houdini again? Watch this space.

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

Baptist

International Women's Day – Women need to be "Loyal Radicals"

The International Women's Day is celebrated around the world on 8th of March and is a day to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still have to go to truly achieve gender equality. This year's theme is #BalanceforBetter and we've invited women leaders here at the BUV to share with you their thoughts to better the balance and better the world.

Week 2: Women need to be “Loyal Radicals”
By Gayle Hill
Head of Mission Catalyst 

I grew up in an era when women had the option of being a secretary, teacher or nurse. These professions were seen as “soft” and appropriate for women. I fell into the middle category and remember my mum advocating on behalf of my sisters and I with my dad, to continue on at university and study towards this. This might seem remarkable now but the prevailing attitude at the time was, “why waste education on a girl, she’ll just get married and have children anyway”. It was an uneducated, mistaken and paternal view of the world which we would all now realise was totally counterproductive.

Look at the contributions that women have made in the 40 years since those comments. Women have become prime ministers, leaders of industry, science, business and church movements and have imparted untold significance to our society. It’s testament to both my parents that they challenged these paternal beliefs and allowed my sisters and I to express our God given talents in ways that I trust over the years, have added value to the various workplaces we have been invested in. 

And so to the church today and women who aspire to be leaders, I’ll like to encourage you to help create a gender-balanced world. Everyone has a part to play – all the time, everywhere. It is clear in the New Testament that God’s aspirations for all people and all creation is to be saved and then to be agents of reconciliation and redemption towards this end. EVERYONE’S gifts despite gender, creed or background are employed. A gender-balanced world is essential for economies and communities to thrive.

For women who are already leaders in your community, you need to be “Loyal Radicals”. The balance is to assure people that we love the church and we will always remain loyal to the gospel, and the ecclesial movements the Spirit develops. We will always be loyal and willing to serve and happily carry out (almost) any function because we love Jesus and love others. But we need to balance this with a healthy love for ourselves which honours the aspirations, capacities, call and capabilities that lie within. This is the radical part that can sometimes seem like personal advancement but as truly humble, totally devoted followers of Jesus, we must remain radically obedient to the One we call Lord and Saviour – and this might mean, even into leadership.

As a female and a leader at the BUV, I am humbled and honoured to be able to use the gifting God has given me to lead the Mission Catalyst Team while also inspiring women (and men) within our communities to work together on Mission.

Source: BUV News

Baptist, News

International Women’s Day – Women need to be “Loyal Radicals”

The International Women's Day is celebrated around the world on 8th of March and is a day to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still have to go to truly achieve gender equality. This year's theme is #BalanceforBetter and we've invited women leaders here at the BUV to share with you their thoughts to better the balance and better the world.

Week 2: Women need to be “Loyal Radicals”
By Gayle Hill
Head of Mission Catalyst 

I grew up in an era when women had the option of being a secretary, teacher or nurse. These professions were seen as “soft” and appropriate for women. I fell into the middle category and remember my mum advocating on behalf of my sisters and I with my dad, to continue on at university and study towards this. This might seem remarkable now but the prevailing attitude at the time was, “why waste education on a girl, she’ll just get married and have children anyway”. It was an uneducated, mistaken and paternal view of the world which we would all now realise was totally counterproductive.

Look at the contributions that women have made in the 40 years since those comments. Women have become prime ministers, leaders of industry, science, business and church movements and have imparted untold significance to our society. It’s testament to both my parents that they challenged these paternal beliefs and allowed my sisters and I to express our God given talents in ways that I trust over the years, have added value to the various workplaces we have been invested in. 

And so to the church today and women who aspire to be leaders, I’ll like to encourage you to help create a gender-balanced world. Everyone has a part to play – all the time, everywhere. It is clear in the New Testament that God’s aspirations for all people and all creation is to be saved and then to be agents of reconciliation and redemption towards this end. EVERYONE’S gifts despite gender, creed or background are employed. A gender-balanced world is essential for economies and communities to thrive.

For women who are already leaders in your community, you need to be “Loyal Radicals”. The balance is to assure people that we love the church and we will always remain loyal to the gospel, and the ecclesial movements the Spirit develops. We will always be loyal and willing to serve and happily carry out (almost) any function because we love Jesus and love others. But we need to balance this with a healthy love for ourselves which honours the aspirations, capacities, call and capabilities that lie within. This is the radical part that can sometimes seem like personal advancement but as truly humble, totally devoted followers of Jesus, we must remain radically obedient to the One we call Lord and Saviour – and this might mean, even into leadership.

As a female and a leader at the BUV, I am humbled and honoured to be able to use the gifting God has given me to lead the Mission Catalyst Team while also inspiring women (and men) within our communities to work together on Mission.

Baptist, News

The Good Samaritan – A Lent teaching from Brooke Prentis

This Lent, Common Grace and Bible Society Australia invite us to rediscover Jesus's profound teachings veiled in everyday stories. As we come together, we're praying for ears to hear these teachings of Jesus afresh, to let them get past our defences and under our skin, as they transform us to make things right in this world.

The Good Samaritan – A Lent teaching from Brooke Prentis

Why can’t you see us?
Have you ever felt invisible? Unseen? Discarded? Devalued?

In today’s video Brooke Prentis shares a powerful reflection, inviting us to see our neighbour who is hurting and who does not feel loved. The Parable of the Good Samaritan tells the story of a person who was attacked, robbed and left half dead on the side of the road. Two different men come across the gravely injured person: a priest and a Levite (a member of the Israelite tribe who carried out special religious duties). Both of these men come face to face with the injured person but instead of helping, they cross the road and pass by. Help comes from a Samaritan. A Samaritan was the most unlikely hero: in Jesus’ cultural context, Jews and Samaritans despised each other. In Jesus’ telling of this story, he uses the Samaritan’s actions to illustrate what it really means to love your neighbour and live out the Kingdom of God.

The first two men in the story both belonged to the dominant religious culture. They were likely viewed as men of God. Why would they ignore such desperate need, when they were respected, holy people? What does this say to us about what it truly means to be God’s representatives on earth?

In this parable, Jesus gives a shocking illustration of what it means to love one’s neighbour. To love our neighbour sometimes means seeing the people and the need we would rather ignore. It requires us to face and experience discomfort. Yet in showing love to people who we may prefer to ignore, we discover the true nature of love and the freedom it brings.

This series has been produced by Common Grace and Bible Society Australia.

Click here to read full article

Baptist

The Good Samaritan – A Lent teaching from Brooke Prentis

This Lent, Common Grace and Bible Society Australia invite us to rediscover Jesus's profound teachings veiled in everyday stories. As we come together, we're praying for ears to hear these teachings of Jesus afresh, to let them get past our defences and under our skin, as they transform us to make things right in this world.

The Good Samaritan – A Lent teaching from Brooke Prentis

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCbf5qzDNp8]

Why can’t you see us?
Have you ever felt invisible? Unseen? Discarded? Devalued?

In today’s video Brooke Prentis shares a powerful reflection, inviting us to see our neighbour who is hurting and who does not feel loved. The Parable of the Good Samaritan tells the story of a person who was attacked, robbed and left half dead on the side of the road. Two different men come across the gravely injured person: a priest and a Levite (a member of the Israelite tribe who carried out special religious duties). Both of these men come face to face with the injured person but instead of helping, they cross the road and pass by. Help comes from a Samaritan. A Samaritan was the most unlikely hero: in Jesus’ cultural context, Jews and Samaritans despised each other. In Jesus’ telling of this story, he uses the Samaritan’s actions to illustrate what it really means to love your neighbour and live out the Kingdom of God.

The first two men in the story both belonged to the dominant religious culture. They were likely viewed as men of God. Why would they ignore such desperate need, when they were respected, holy people? What does this say to us about what it truly means to be God’s representatives on earth?

In this parable, Jesus gives a shocking illustration of what it means to love one’s neighbour. To love our neighbour sometimes means seeing the people and the need we would rather ignore. It requires us to face and experience discomfort. Yet in showing love to people who we may prefer to ignore, we discover the true nature of love and the freedom it brings.

This series has been produced by Common Grace and Bible Society Australia.

Click here to read full article

Source: BUV News

Baptist

What does it mean to be intentionally open to God and others?

What does it mean to be intentionally open to God and others?

Glenn and Liz have recently relocated to another area of Thailand. Here, Liz shares of their intentional openness in the new location. 

"Before we left Ban Luang, Glenn and I decided that as soon as we arrived in our new home, we would be very intentional to stop what we were doing when we had people pop in to check us out, or if the neighbours were willing to chat. Glenn made many trips to the local hardware and paint shop, and also goes to the morning market every day to buy some curry for our lunch and to chat with the sellers. 

We live on a busy street, so we spend a lot of time sitting out the front greeting people as they ride or walk pass curiously looking in to see what the new “Farang” (Westerner) family are doing. When we found out our neighbour had just had an operation, we took her a meal. A week or so later the same neighbour returned our plastic container with a local Thai dish in it for us to try. As we sat on our front step she said to me, “We used to have a Farang live just over there” (pointing out towards some houses). “He never spoke to us, he would just stare. I’m happy that you can talk with me.”  

We pray for God to sustain us in our openness in this community as we seek to become trusted and accepted. We pray for willingness to step out of our comfort zone and perseverance to sustain relationships even through cultural differences and challenges. We ask for God to use this time to shine His light and love into the hearts of the people in our community."

This story was first published by Global Interaction – Mar 19

Source: BUV News