Monthly Archives: July 2019

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Social Justice, Teaching

CULTURE WAR SERIES PART 14: Wisely Defending Your Values Part IV

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.— Luke 12:12
In our previous article, we began to look at the steps you should take if you must respond to a leftist/progressive argument. As we learned from the Book of Proverbs, there are times when wisdom decrees no response, while others times we should. Unless you are a politician or debater, much of the time silence is golden. Yet, there could come a time where you have no choice; in that case, your response should be straight and strong, clear, calm, and robust. Remember the other side is not your real enemy so don’t treat them as such. Yet, don’t let them walk over you, either.
1.       Don’t allow them to interrupt you: You gave them a fair hearing, demand to be given the same. Do not allow brow-beating or interruptions to keep you from giving your perspective.
2.       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 – along with God-given authority – 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.
3.       Issues: Do you best to stay focused on the issues, not your (screeching) opponent. Frame the topic on something highly valued and worth defending, like faith, freedom, and/or family. If someone argue 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.
4.       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 (Luke 12:12 above).
5.       Stay on track: Don’t allow the opponent to get off track or side. Stick to the issue – make them answer your questions.
6.       Word wise: Watch your words and body language. Both are potent tools of communication.
7.       Inconsistencies: It won’t take long to identify inconsistencies in your opponents arguments (e.g. antifa using forcible fascist means to silence ‘fascist’ opponents). When discovered, hammer the point.
8.       Firm but Fair: No need to be Mr. or Miss ‘Nicey-nice.’ It will be misinterpreted as weakness. Yes, you can be collegial and confident, controlled and strong, firm and fair, not faint-hearted and flustered.
9.       Honesty is the best policy: Be willing, when necessary to admit if your side has made mistakes or if you don’t something. Do not try to bluff your way through. Truth and honesty are powerful weapons.
10.   Personal experience: If you have a personal experience involving an issue, don’t hesitate to share it. It can be a powerful counterpoint, especially in an age of relativism, since most people are reticent to challenge other people’s experience. Even if they disagree with your position, they normally won’t gainsay what you have lived through. A good, true, well told story can do wonders.
11.   Audience: If there are others watching, keep them in mind. You are more likely to persuade them than your debating opponent.
Now if some of these principles appear to be ‘un-Christian,’ remember this: is it un-Christian for a Christian to be a soldier and fight to defend his or her nation? If not, then remember: this is a culture war and what you are doing is defending the values you hold dear. This is a God-honouring thing to do. What’s more, you are not killing anyone in this war; in fact, you might just help deliver them from the error of their ways.
As emphasised from the beginning, remember that ultimately the culture war is a ‘spiritual war’ and your spiritual weaponry is of the utmost importance (II Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 6:10-18; I Thessalonians 5:17). When you are in spiritual ‘tip-top’ shape, you are optimally prepared to face a culture war dialogue, debate, or outright confrontation, with wisdom, grace, anointing … and success.
TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

No Safe Space: The Prayer for Trump Part 01

Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, called for a day of prayer for US President Donald Trump on June 2nd 2019. Mr. Trump has been under a heavy barrage from a variety of opponents: Congressional Democrats who are eager, if not desperate, to impeach him; the Deep State of entrenched bureaucrats and high-up government officials who feel their turf is threatened, the mainstream media whose negative coverage is 91%, and even members of his own political party, called by the acronym RINO (Republic In Name Only). Let’s not forget the ‘never-Trumpers,’ too. While all Presidents face opposition, impartial observers following events in the US should admit that Trump’s opposition has gone to a whole new level of ferocity. Hence, the day of prayer.
‘He’s our president,’Graham added in a Twitter video clip, ‘and if he succeeds we all benefit. But if his enemies are allowed to destroy him and pull down the presidency it will hurt our entire nation.‘ Graham said, ‘Many thousands of churches’ would take part in the targeted prayer sessions. 
On that very Day of Prayer, Mr. Trump made an unscheduled, impromptu stop at the mega McLean Bible Church in Vienna, Virginia, near Washington DC. Once hearing of the President’s imminent arrival, the senior pastor, Dr. David Platt, only had a matter of minutes to gather his thoughts and make a decision what to do next. The decision: to offer a beautiful prayer for Mr. Trump.The President made no public comments; he merely thanked the pastor and departed after being in the church for only 11 minutes.
Then the backlash began.
For President Trump, backlash, verbal attacks, insults, are all in a day’s work. Yet for Dr. Platt he was criticised within and without his congregation. The pastor seemed concerned that he caused ‘hurt’ to some in his congregation who, for a ‘variety of valid reasons,’ were unhappy with the decision to pray for Trump. So Dr. Platt penned a pastoral letter to the congregation – confessing his love for every church member, acknowledging the hurt, reassuring them that his prayer was in faithfulness to Scripture and in no way an endorsement of President Trump, his policies, and/or the Republican Party.
At the same time, Pastor Platt was criticised by outsiders that thought he was appeasing those who were disgruntled in the congregation. No matter what the pastor did, there would be criticism.
Then there were those who had no comment to make about prayer. Instead, they were mesmerised by the President’s new hair style, which allegedly broke the internet!
While there were many high-profile ministries who endorsed the ‘Day of Prayer for the President Trump,’ McLean was not one of them. Pastor Platt said regarding the day of prayer: ‘Many of you may have seen that there were calls to, particularly on this Sunday, pray for our president. We don’t want to do that just on this Sunday. We want to do that continually, day in and day out….  And then he proceeded to pray for the President, in-person.
It is not clear why the President did not choose a more ‘Trump-friendly’ church, where the backlash possibly would be less, although there were no guarantees.
In an age of seeking ‘safe-space,’ couldn’t the church be a haven, oasis, a ‘cave of Adullam,’ a ‘refuge from the storms?’ Apparently, not when it comes to Donald Trump.
What are we to make of this situation? There are several takeaways.
DIVISION: There is no question that many consider Donald Trump to be divisive leader. Yet, he is by no means is alone; several modern US Presidents were called the same thing. Leftists and progressives are united in their opposition to him for his policies and personhood. Yet, even among conservative whose cause Trump champions there is disunity, though for different reasons – more about his personhood than his policies. Even Christian families are divided – one pastor admitted, ‘I can’t even talk to my (adult) children about Trump.’ And he’s from Canada!
People can be divisive because they are evil troublemakers who revel in strife. They have a ‘divide and conquer’ mentality. Some are divisive because they ‘dare to be different.’ Yet there are people who are ‘divisive’ because they take a strong, courageous principled stance on a major issue in time of crisis— and the other side reacts strongly. Some of history’s greatest leaders were called ‘divisive’ during their time in power.
This author leaves it with the reader to decide which category fits Donald Trump.
When it comes to ‘division,’ remember the words of the Saviour Himself:
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three — Luke 12:51-52.
Divisive people who are strong and principled are in good company.
In our next edition, we will look at the commands of Scripture and what is a God-honouring attitude towards leadership.
TO BE CONTINUED.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

No Other Gods: The First Commandment

And God spake all these words, saying, 2I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3Thou shalt have no other gods before me — Exodus 20:1-3
The 10 Commandments have had a profound affect on the world, particularly western civilisation. This is so even though the average Christian has a hard time quoting some of them. In our series of the Commandments, we seek to understand the commandments, especially in the light of Christ and the New Testament. Let’s begin with the very first one. It can be summarised in three words: no other gods.
Exodus 20begins with he simple phrase: And God spake all these words …. This began as an oral law. God spoke the words of the commandments. God would eventually write with His own figure the words of the commandments on tablets of stone. He would do that twice; since the first set of tablets were deliberately broken by Moses at the foot of Mount Sinai due to Israel’s apostasy involving Aaron and the golden calf.
In one sense, see this as a memo. The ‘From’ part is the LORD thy God. Lord means ‘master.’ However, this is no human master, like pharaoh king of Egypt. This is the ‘Master of all masters’ and ‘Lord of all lords.’ To make sure Israel did not confuse their Lord with the many false ones they may have met in Egypt, He uses a qualifier: which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. The LORD God of Israel claims to be the Creator of all (Genesis 1-2) but He is also the liberator and redeemer.
He delivered Israel out of the land of Egypt and the redeemed them from the house of bondage. The only major command He gave Israel before liberation was shedding and daubing the blood of the passover lamb on the doors and window frames of their houses. This act of obedience caused the death angel, who came to slay the first-born of Egypt, to ‘pass over’ their houses and preserve their lives.
Now, at the foot of the holy mount, Israel awaited while their leader Moses received the commandments directly from the mouth of God. He would teach them how to live holy, moral, and ethical lives. Yet, before He gave the commands on how to relate to each other, they would learn how to relate to Him. They were to have ‘no other gods’ before the LORD.
Remember, their father Abraham came from ancient Mesopotamia, a land steeped in polytheism and idolatry. As a family which grew into a nation, they were also surrounded by the many gods of Egypt. The same would apply in the land of Canaan, which they were called to inherit. Some of the more prominent gods included Baal, the god of fertility and prosperity. Another was Ashtoreth, which represented sensuality.
The phrase: no other gods before me is not a license to have other gods in addition to the Lord, as long as He is Number One. The Hebrew word is paniym, literally ‘in the face.’ The other gods should not be equal to God in your life, nor a few steps behind. They should be off the scene altogether.
This is a true and right standard. Yet how easy is it to keep God as the one and only? As we will discover with this and all commandments, wishful thinking alone will not help you fulfil them. It takes the cross of Christ, God’s ever-increasing grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
TO BE CONTINUED

Baptist, News

IGNITE 2019 – TRANSFORMED

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
 
Last weekend, over 400 youth and young adults from our BUV multicultural churches attended the 5th IGNITE 2019 Conference at Syndal Baptist Church. It was an amazing opportunity for the 1.5 and 2nd generation migrant young people to organise the two day conference and join together to celebrate the diversity of our church communities – worshipping God together as one and many.


The IGNITE theme this year was “TRANSFORMED”. We saw many young people (and their leaders) from different cultures, nations and tribes come together to learn how God can transform us from the inside out and in turn, transform our communities and the world!

Our first day started with conversation over a sausage sizzle provided by the young adults from Lautu Baptist Church. Many of our participants were meeting one another for the very first time and connected over the warm food on a cold Melbourne day.


The team from Australian Zotung Church helped guide the traffic with big smiles as the church progressively filled with expectant participants and their leaders.


The conference began with Rev Billy Jangala Williams who led us in the Acknowledgement of Country in Gamilaraay language. He shared his story and encouraged us to value our cultures and how God has made us.


David Devine and Meewon Yang from the BUV Church Health team, welcomed everyone to the conference. David said: “The church can be innovative and church can be multicultural, and no matter who we are or where we come from, we come together as one body of Jesus.”

Coopy Bly, a multi-award winning gospel artist from Uganda, kicked off the first session with a lively performance and New Vision Baptist Church led us with powerful worship. 30 minutes into the conference, the auditorium was buzzing with energy from the crowd.



We then had the privilege to hear from not just one keynote speaker, but three wonderful speakers from an intercultural family. Tarquin Neilsen shared with us that it was his first time preaching to a big crowd (he is only 11!). He delivered a clear and confident message of his personal experiences of being transformed in Romans 12:2. In his words: “From my very existence, I’ve gone to church, and it has been a great experience”. His parents, Sulari and Peter Nielsen, also shared what it's like having an intercultural marriage and growing faith through different heritage.




The rest of the afternoon was jam-packed with workshops and electives where our presenters led the young people in bible reflection and small group activities. “I had the privilege of leading a Bible reflection on Romans at IGNITE. I was immensely blessed by the attentiveness of the young adults and their keenness to participate in the discussion. Their eagerness to learn is a sign of God's transforming work in their lives.” commented Siu Fung Wu, a lecturer from Whitley College.


The night was capped off with a delicious beef stew dinner prepared by Croydon Hills Baptist Church and an energetic performance by Vee&Josh. At the end, everyone stood to their feet and there was a lot of (Baptist) dancing for the rest of the night!



The second day was another diverse and exciting time! The breadth of the sessions and topics led by our presenters, the sense of energy and the involvement from our churches, truly demonstrated how important it is for us to be Together on Mission and to sow into our next generation.

“I found hope through this conference for making space for voices of young people who carry their cultural heritage. They are bridges in many ways between two worlds, that of their parents and their own. I enjoyed seeing a growing network, friendship and discipling in their local communities.” Meewon said.

Participants arrived wearing their cultural/traditional clothes to celebrate and acknowledge that our cultural diversity is an important part of God’s creation. We enjoyed cultural performances from Westgate Karen Baptist Church, The Terminal Church and Wodonga Congolese Baptist Church. And of course more food was enjoyed, this time by Bentleigh Korean Baptist Church, serving us beef bulgogi.






Workshops such as Learning about Indigenous Cultures, Spiritual Practices and Disciplines and Sharing your faith, sought to equip our young people in their discipleship as they continue to navigate questions about faith and culture.





Rev Petone Toelieu of Terminal Baptist Church, closed off the conference with Communion. Charlene Delos Santos, one of the Ignite Conference organisers shared, “As we took Communion together, I was moved to tears. I was reminded of the scripture from Revelation 7:9 where every nation, tribe, people and languages were standing before the Throne and before the Lamb. It was beautiful to watch so many diverse groups come together and worship our Creator. I was also moved by the emerging generation of young people and leaders passionate about serving their Lord.”




We hope to see the IGNITE conference continue growing to be a safe space and platform for our 1.5 and 2nd generation migrant young people as they seek to develop their voice and contribute to our wider BUV movement.

Watch and share the IGNITE 2019 highlights video with your friends!

Baptist

IGNITE 2019 – TRANSFORMED

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRo4u3F7DSA]

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
 
Last weekend, over 400 youth and young adults from our BUV multicultural churches attended the 5th IGNITE 2019 Conference at Syndal Baptist Church. It was an amazing opportunity for the 1.5 and 2nd generation migrant young people to organise the two day conference and join together to celebrate the diversity of our church communities – worshipping God together as one and many.


The IGNITE theme this year was “TRANSFORMED”. We saw many young people (and their leaders) from different cultures, nations and tribes come together to learn how God can transform us from the inside out and in turn, transform our communities and the world!

Our first day started with conversation over a sausage sizzle provided by the young adults from Lautu Baptist Church. Many of our participants were meeting one another for the very first time and connected over the warm food on a cold Melbourne day.


The team from Australian Zotung Church helped guide the traffic with big smiles as the church progressively filled with expectant participants and their leaders.


The conference began with Rev Billy Jangala Williams who led us in the Acknowledgement of Country in Gamilaraay language. He shared his story and encouraged us to value our cultures and how God has made us.


David Devine and Meewon Yang from the BUV Church Health team, welcomed everyone to the conference. David said: “The church can be innovative and church can be multicultural, and no matter who we are or where we come from, we come together as one body of Jesus.”

Coopy Bly, a multi-award winning gospel artist from Uganda, kicked off the first session with a lively performance and New Vision Baptist Church led us with powerful worship. 30 minutes into the conference, the auditorium was buzzing with energy from the crowd.



We then had the privilege to hear from not just one keynote speaker, but three wonderful speakers from an intercultural family. Tarquin Neilsen shared with us that it was his first time preaching to a big crowd (he is only 11!). He delivered a clear and confident message of his personal experiences of being transformed in Romans 12:2. In his words: “From my very existence, I’ve gone to church, and it has been a great experience”. His parents, Sulari and Peter Nielsen, also shared what it's like having an intercultural marriage and growing faith through different heritage.




The rest of the afternoon was jam-packed with workshops and electives where our presenters led the young people in bible reflection and small group activities. “I had the privilege of leading a Bible reflection on Romans at IGNITE. I was immensely blessed by the attentiveness of the young adults and their keenness to participate in the discussion. Their eagerness to learn is a sign of God's transforming work in their lives.” commented Siu Fung Wu, a lecturer from Whitley College.

The night was capped off with a delicious beef stew dinner prepared by Croydon Hills Baptist Church and an energetic performance by Vee&Josh. At the end, everyone stood to their feet and there was a lot of (Baptist) dancing for the rest of the night!

The second day was another diverse and exciting time! The breadth of the sessions and topics led by our presenters, the sense of energy and the involvement from our churches, truly demonstrated how important it is for us to be Together on Mission and to sow into our next generation.

“I found hope through this conference for making space for voices of young people who carry their cultural heritage. They are bridges in many ways between two worlds, that of their parents and their own. I enjoyed seeing a growing network, friendship and discipling in their local communities.” Meewon said.

Participants arrived wearing their cultural/traditional clothes to celebrate and acknowledge that our cultural diversity is an important part of God’s creation. We enjoyed cultural performances from Westgate Karen Baptist Church, The Terminal Church and Wodonga Congolese Baptist Church. And of course more food was enjoyed, this time by Bentleigh Korean Baptist Church, serving us beef bulgogi.

Workshops such as Learning about Indigenous Cultures, Spiritual Practices and Disciplines and Sharing your faith, sought to equip our young people in their discipleship as they continue to navigate questions about faith and culture.

Rev Petone Toelieu of Terminal Baptist Church, closed off the conference with Communion. Charlene Delos Santos, one of the Ignite Conference organisers shared, “As we took Communion together, I was moved to tears. I was reminded of the scripture from Revelation 7:9 where every nation, tribe, people and languages were standing before the Throne and before the Lamb. It was beautiful to watch so many diverse groups come together and worship our Creator. I was also moved by the emerging generation of young people and leaders passionate about serving their Lord.”

We hope to see the IGNITE conference continue growing to be a safe space and platform for our 1.5 and 2nd generation migrant young people as they seek to develop their voice and contribute to our wider BUV movement.

Source: BUV News

Baptist, News

Churches together on mission

This winter, we've experienced some of the coldest days in Victoria with temperatures close to zero in some areas. But in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, four of our Baptist churches have collaborated with ten other churches to provide warmth and shine the light of Jesus to those without shelter in the city of Maroondah. As part of the Winter Shelter Program, these churches open up their doors every night to provide shelter, food and support for homeless men in the community.

"We love the idea of the church as God's whole body working together to care for people who otherwise would fall through the cracks,"  Mark Nidenko, Associate Pastor from Heathmont Baptist Church said.

Gitta Clayton, Community Engagement Coordinator at Croydon Hills Baptist Church said that it's the second year that they're involved in the program.

"I hope the word gets out to more people across churches in Melbourne as it's a real privilege to be involved," she said.

To find out more about Winter Shelter visit wintershelter.org.au

Baptist

Churches together on mission

This winter, we've experienced some of the coldest days in Victoria with temperatures close to zero in some areas. But in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, four of our Baptist churches have collaborated with ten other churches to provide warmth and shine the light of Jesus to those without shelter in the city of Maroondah. As part of the Winter Shelter Program, these churches open up their doors every night to provide shelter, food and support for homeless men in the community.

"We love the idea of the church as God's whole body working together to care for people who otherwise would fall through the cracks,"  Mark Nidenko, Associate Pastor from Heathmont Baptist Church said.

Gitta Clayton, Community Engagement Coordinator at Croydon Hills Baptist Church said that it's the second year that they're involved in the program.

"I hope the word gets out to more people across churches in Melbourne as it's a real privilege to be involved," she said.

To find out more about Winter Shelter visit wintershelter.org.au

Source: BUV News

Baptist, News

The journey towards God

Before Easter a group of 30 young Karen and Karenni Baptists and Catholics went on a one-day pilgrimage together.

Before he was arrested, Jesus prayed that his followers would be one. Two thousand years, and hundreds of Christian denominations later, Christian unity seems far away. Christian missionaries arrived in Burma (Myanmar) more than a hundred years ago when Catholics and Protestants regarded each other as heretics, and different Protestant denominations had an only slightly higher opinion of each other. The Catholic, Baptist and several other denominations now cooperate through the Myanmar Council of Churches, but at a grassroots level attitudes are often unchanged. Christians sometimes treat other denominations – and refer to them – as different religions. The divisions between Christians hurts Christian mission. A Karen Buddhist monk once asked me why it was that at Buddhist festivals monks from different monasteries would gather together, but at Christmas and Easter pastors lead worship in separate churches.

In addition to the denominational differences, churches are divided by ethnicity as well. While Catholic and Anglicans in Burma have national bodies, Chin, Karen and Kachin Baptists have separate organisations. Neither do these differences magically disappear when Christians from Burma arrive in Australia. When 30 Karen Baptists and Karen and Karenni Catholics gathered in the You Yangs National Park, it was a group of youth who rarely meet and never worship together.

The Karen Baptist youth mainly came from Werribee Karen Baptist Church, while the Catholic youth were led by Father William Matthews, a Burmese-background and come from Sunshine Catholic Parish.

The group started with icebreaker activities to get the different groups talking to each other. The group then walked up Flinders Peak. After taking the mandatory selfies and group photo, we gathered in a circle on a granite outcrop and Father William opened in prayer. We then read a psalm about God’s creation and had gospel readings about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness and the transfiguration on top of the mountain. Christians read these psalms and passages from gospels all the time – but not usually on top of a mountain. Hearing them in the bush was a new and different experience.

From the You Yangs we drove to Eastern Beach at Geelong. Here we read another psalm and read about Jesus calling his disciples by the sea and calming the storm. The weather was cool and we got off the beach to eat lunch. Lunch was rice and pots of spicy Karen and Karenni curries.

From the beach we drove to Holy Spirit Church, a beautiful Spanish-style church in a quiet Geelong suburb. Father William welcomed the group to the church and spoke about he had visited Baptist churches and learned from the experience, and said that Baptists could also learn from visiting a Catholic church.  Like most Catholic churches it has the Stations of the Cross, a series of fourteen paintings depicting Christ’s arrest, trial, walk to Golgotha, crucifixion and burial. We walked around the church, standing in front of each painting with the youth taking turns reading prayers. “We adore you O Christ and we bless you, for by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world…” Praying the Stations of the Cross was particularly appropriate leading up to Easter.

 

 

Diana Taw, a youth leader from Werribee Karen Baptist Church closed in prayer, and we returned to Melbourne.

 “It was great,” Diana said about the pilgrimage, “I loved it when we were reading the bible on top of the rock and on the beach. Next time when we read that we should read louder. I loved the Stations of the Cross because it reminds us of what Jesus did for us and the sacrifice he made for us. I feel like all Christians should do the Stations of the Cross.”