Monthly Archives: April 2020

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

No Other Name: The Third Commandment Part 02

What Does It Mean to Use God’s Name in Vain?
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain — Exodus 20:7
 It is a most precious sound and defiling it brings great punishment. We are talking about God’s Name – YHWH / יְהֹוָה – Yeshua / ישׁוּעַ. This wonderful name is the key to life, salvation, and eternity itself. Yet to misuse and abuse it will, in time, bring great punishment.
In light of all this, we can now focus on the third commandment and how to avoid sinning against the most important Name in the universe. When it says ‘do not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain,’ the word ‘vain’ comes from the Hebrew word shav’ שָׁוְא, meaning: vain, false, empty, lying, worthless, useless (in conduct).[1]
Let’s look at three ways a person can be guilty in using God’s Name in vain.
Frivolity: This means to carelessly and superficially use God’s Name. One person described it as using God’s Name without thinking about, focusing, or worshipping Him. Perhaps, when people say, ‘O God’ while focusing on people, not the Almighty, that could also apply to this principle. However, it is God who ultimately judges by the heart and not necessarily from the outward actions.
Hypocrisy: To be a hypocrite is to put on an appearance on the outside that has no connection with the heart condition on the inside. It implies deception and pretence in trying to impress people or, as the Bible puts it, ‘to be seen of men.’ The hypocrites’ vain use of God’s Name stems from invoking Him, as if to impress, but living a life that contradicts such profession. For example, trying to convey a pious, ‘holier than thou’ appearance while lacking integrity or being riddled with worldly vices. Or, as Isaiah prophesied to a people whose lip-service and heart-attitude were at two different ends of the earth. Isaiah 29:13: Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Blasphemy: This means to grievously insult the Almighty. Yes, God can more than handle the insults but the impenitent blasphemer will not be able to handle the punishment that is coming in return.
Psalm 74:10: O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever? (Answer: No!).
James 2:7: Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
Revelation 13:6:And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Of course, the abuse and misuse of ‘Jesus’ Name,’ as if it were a swear-word, would fall into this category; even though, as often the case, the person does this in ignorance. By the way, be willing to confront someone on their profane talk – if you are in a position to do so.
Next time, we will seek how to rightly use God’s Name, for the benefit of all.
TO BE CONTINUED

[1] “H7723 – shav’ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 2 Feb, 2020. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7723&t=KJV

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

CORONAVIRUS: Should We Worry? What Can We Do?

It is a familiar and eerie sight. People walking around in public with white gas masks, like they did during the Spanish flu pandemic in 1919 or the SARS outbreak in 2003. Traffic jams are non-existent because the streets are deserted. Many places of business are closed. The scene looks apocalyptic!
Why the altered behaviour? Because out of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, perhaps from a poultry or livestock vendor ‘wet market,’ came a fast-spreading virus called Coronavirus, officially known as Covid-19.
Several cities in China went into ‘lock-down’ to prevent spreading. Unfortunately, for various reasons, the virus in China spread rapidly around the world. Travel restrictions were slapped on stricken nations, ‘stay-at-home’ orders and ‘lock-downs’ have been placed around the world. The pandemic epicentre moved from China to Europe with Italy and Spain most affected. New York (city and state) has the most cases of any country – as of this writing, 188,694, with 9,385 deaths (5%). Indeed, 41% of all US fatalities come from the empire state at this time.
For perspective, here is a comparison with other pandemics:
NAME
DATE
GLOBAL CASES
GLOBAL DEATHS
Spanish Flu Pandemic
03/1918 to 08/1919
500 million
50 million (incl. 675,000 Americans)
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
11/2002 to 07/2003
8,098
774
H1N1
01/2009 to 08/2020
24% of world population (60 million Americans)
284,000 globally; 12,469 Americans
Ebola
03/2014 to 03/2016
28,652
11,325
Covid-19
12/2019 to Easter 2020
1,897,373 (568,176 in USA)
118,304 (22,935 Americans)
Covid-19 in New York
Easter 2020
New York 188,694
9,385
Seasonal flu
Annual
9% of global population up to 1 billion
Annually between 300,000-650,000
Statistics courtesy of healthline https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-deadly-is-the-coronavirus-compared-to-past-outbreaks
Should We Worry?
… and there shall be famines, and pestilences,
and earthquakes, in divers places — Matthew 24:7
Yes, Jesus Christ predicted last days pestilences before His return to this planet. Yet, in the previous verse, He strongly adds ‘See that you are not troubled.’ While we should be aware, we should not be alarmed. Under no circumstances, are people of faith to be troubled or afraid or worried (John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-9). God really does take care of those who trust in Him.
It is of the utmost importance that people are not provoked into panic. Such a reaction is worse than the health threat itself. Faith-people should remain calm and encourage others to do likewise. The opposite emotion can be dangerous and destructive. Fear can be conquered by faith and the perfect love of God (I John 4:18).
So what should we do? Relax, calm down, and be level-headed.
Practical Steps to Prevention
For those who would like to take some practical steps from being afflicted by any virus, not just coronavirus, here are a few tips on sanitation and supplementation:
1.        Wipe everything down: This includes computer keyboards, phones, things that might be on the floor like purses, briefcases, other bags, door knobs, and even the table/tray used to eat meals on the airplane (when flights resume again). Wet wipes, hand-sanitisers, and disinfectants are your tools. Items brought into the house from outside like grocery bags or cardboard boxes need a wipe. The virus can live on surfaces for awhile.
2.        Wash hands regularly: Good trusty normal soap and warm-water is actually the best. Hands should be washed thoroughly, 20-30 seconds – not just a quick run of the tap. Wash after being outside, in public, before meals, and, of course, after visiting the washroom; remember to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
3.        Social distancing: Stay 2 metres away from others who live outside your own home. This is crucial.
4.        Stay-at-Home: There is a distinction between stay-at-home and lock-downs; the former allows for limited journeys outside the home for exercise, doctor visits, grocery stores and essential services. The latter does not allow for anyone to leave their homes. In any case, cooperation with the authorities is essential.
5.        Supplementation: At the first sign of colds or flu, reach for echinacea. One medical doctor and health specialist said it could actually be the ‘cure for the common cold.’ Australian supplement company Cenovis has a great product called ‘Echinacea, Garlic, Zinc & C.’ Our family has used it for years with remarkable results. Remember, only take echinacea if you are coming down with the flu, not as a daily supplement. Don’t forget B-Vitamins, Vitamin C and D; higher doses can be very helpful at the outset of a cold or flu but should be taken regularly to build up one’s immunity.
6.        Food: When you are battling cold or flu, nothing seems to work like chicken soup, preferably home made. For more power, add some lemon juice (a Mediterranean version) and/or garlic. Of course, rice and/or noodles in the soup are always a treat.
7.        Get good sleep: That goes without saying; you can’t beat illness if your system is run down due to lack of sleep.
8.        Public coughing: Hold your breath or turn away if someone is coughing and sneezing your way. If you are the cougher, try to cough into a tissue (quickly disposed) or into your elbow; never cough without covering your mouth in some way. Face masks apparently are not that effective, unless it is to keep your germs from going to others;
9.        Hand sanitiser: Keep them handy on your person, your car, and/or your desk;
10.   Toilets (public and private): Remember that public toilets, door handles, taps (faucets), soap dispenser and, yes, even the hand dryers, are a breeding ground for bacteria, including viruses. Hand dryers can spread the germs around and, if possible, use paper towels instead, for drying your hand and to use on the door handle. What about at home (or someone else’s home)? Be sure to put down the toilet lid before flushing to keep germs from becoming airborne;
Spiritual Remedies
While the practical side is good to observe, the spiritual side is much more important. Faith can do what natural resources and human effort cannot. And faith comes by hearing and hearing comes from God’s Word (Romans 10:17). If you build up your ‘spiritual immune system,’ it will positively affect all aspects of your being, including
Here are some Scripture promises to meditate on and confess aloud.
Psalm 91:3, 6, 7:Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.
Exodus 15:26ff: … I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”
Proverbs 18:10: The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Mark 5:34: And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Out of conviction and experience, this author is convinced that putting the spiritual side first reaps benefits spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Put these principles into practice and watch the blessings flow.

Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

The ‘Country Prophet:’ Why Study the Book of Micah

But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. — Micah 5:2
Introduction
Isaiah from Jerusalem was a ‘city and court prophet’ and had access to kings and authority. Forty kilometres to the west in Moresheth Gath, part of the Shephelah or lowlands (Samson’s territory), came his contemporary, Micah, the ‘country prophet.’ He understood the needs of the peasant and rural people. The prophet courageously decried immorality, injustice, and idolatry. He foretold the defeat of both the Northern Kingdom and Judah. His prophetic book gives us some powerful points about the coming King Messiah and the kingdom He will inherit.
Hebrew Name of Micah
The prophet’s name comes from Michayahu, meaning ‘Who is like God?’ Short answer: No one! The LORD God is the One and Only God; no one even comes close.
Author of Micah
Micah from rural Judah in the Shephelah, did not have the connections or graces of the Jerusalem prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. Yet, he received a burden from the Lord against oppression, injustice, and tyranny and it catapulted him out of obscurity into the divine spotlight. Micah understood that what we lack in the natural, God can more than compensate in the spirit. It was he who said, ‘But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord’ (Micah 3:8). When you have the Holy Spirit in control, He will give you the right words, authority, and the power to deliver them. Micah prophesied during the reigns of Judean kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Micah’s prophecy helped influence Hezekiah’s religious reforms.
Portrait of Christ in Micah
Christ is the Ruler and Judge of Israel who comes from Bethlehem-Ephratah (5:2). Since Bethlehem is David’s city, and Messiah is the ‘Son of David,’ it is no mystery why the Almighty ordained that David’s Son would be born in David’s city. It took the census of a heathen Roman emperor to bring the holy couple from their normal residence in Nazareth, Galilee, to Bethlehem, Judea, in order for Christ’s birth to fulfil prophecy.
Theme of Micah
As a country prophet, Micah was uniquely placed to spotlight the oppression of the peasants, the poor, the widows, the fatherless, the hidden people and other vulnerable categories. He was a true and noble ‘social justice warrior.’ He exposed the sins of both kingdoms of Israel and Judah, predicting their demise (Chapter 01), denouncing corruption, covetousness, oppression, pride and evil. Balancing this emphasis on judgement comes his message of mercy, righteousness, and humility. The same Judah which is punished for sin will experience God’s restoration power
Key Verses of Micah
Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Micah 7:7: Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
Micah 7:18: Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Abortion: How Would You Answer Your Niece? Part 03

We are speaking about issues that people are talking about and need to be addressed by the Church. Here we continue our comments on abortion, a blog written in response to a question asked by this author’s millennial niece: What do you think about abortion, and you can say whatever you want?!
Today’s Scene: Apparently, many millennials are more pro-life than their baby-boomer parents. The annual rate of abortion in the United States has been declining in recent years (see table below). Why are abortions declining? The theories include increased availability of the morning-after pill, better education and understanding of contraceptives, and a declining birth rate. It can also be because of the pro-life movement, who provide education and support of expectant mothers.
An interesting fact is that abortion clinics are closing across the United States. In 2017, there were 780 abortion clinics nationally. As of 2019, that number reduced to 755. Why the reduction? Finances is important factor, since many seeking abortions can be lower income mothers. There are less pregnancies and people are choosing to terminate at home (again, the morning after pill). State regulations may inhibit some clinics and anti-abortion protestors outside the clinic may be another factor.
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. Of course, most pro-lifers condemn these assassinations; since the ‘right to life’ extends to abortion doctors, too.
Public opinion is slowly shifting toward the pro-life stance. Even Norma McCorvey, the ‘Jane Roe’ in Roe vs. Wade, apparently defected from the ‘pro-choice’ to ‘pro-life’ camp. 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.
Year
Number of reported abortions to CDC
Abortions compared to 1000 live births
1970
193,491
52
1971
485,816
137
1972
586,760
180
1973
(Roe v. Wade 22 January)                    615,831
196
1978
1,157,776
347
1979
1,251,921
358
1980
1,297,606
359
1981
1,300,760
358
1990
1,429,247
345
1991
1,388,937
339
1997
1,186,039
274
1998
884,273
264
1999
861,789
256
2013
664,435
200
2014
652,639
193
2015
638,169
188
2016
623,471
186
Abortion Statistics in the United States of America (Select Years)Statistics courtesy of Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_statistics_in_the_United_States
Abortion Rates in Australia
Year
Estimated number of abortions
1985
46,500
1990
80,113
1995
90,182
2000
74,888
2005
70,153
2010
66,200
2015
54,700
http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/policy/abortion/ab-australia.html
The United Kingdom has had legal abortions since 1969. Since then the rates of abortion have increased 275%. The highest rate for one year was 205,598 in 2007 (England & Wales; Scotland’s highest was 13,908 in 2008). Until recently abortion was illegal in Northern Ireland. Altogether, there have been 9,120,000 abortions in the UK during the 50 years period from 1968-2018.
YEAR
ESTIMATED NUMBER OF ABORTIONS IN THE UK
1970
91,819
1975
147,029
1980
168,808
1985
181,062
1990
197,131
1995
174,781
2000
197,372
2005
207,018
2010
209,057
2015
203,148


Statistics courtesy of: https://www.abort73.com/abortion_facts/uk_abortion_statistics/

To be continued

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

PART 03: Evangelical Christians and Donald Trump

This is the third part of a series regarding American Evangelicals and Donald Trump. This is the voting bloc that made possible his unlikely 2016 election win for the American presidency. While most evangelicals support him, there is a vocal minority who do not – the magazine Christianity Today is one of them.
Are they being principled and Biblical or are they judgemental and drifting to the left?
In addition, it is important to understand the bigger picture, which transcends Donald Trump.
Trump’s Spiritual Journey
Donald Trump has been on a fascinating journey: from billionaire businessman, to reality TV show host, to President of the United States. Yes, there has been personal scandal in his previous life like adultery, but that is not the entire story. After all, Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery (John 8) and the woman at the well with 5 husbands and living in a de facto relationship (John 4).
At some point in his life, he reached out to evangelical Christians. As a life-long New Yorker, where leftism and progressivism is part of one’s ‘mother’s milk,’ Trump turned unambiguous to the right. During the 2016 presidential campaign, he made significant promises to the evangelical community and by all accounts, he is keeping them. He has surrounded himself with born-again believers, including the Vice-President, cabinet, personal pastors and advisors. The White House is full of prayer meetings and Bible studies. Mr. Trump in less than 3 years has appointed nearly 25% of all federal judges, and two Supreme Court justices, and they are all conservative. The economy has boomed under his watch – coronavirus not withstanding – and he advocates for the persecuted church at home and abroad, defends the unborn and has been very supportive of Israel. This is only a partial list.
American voters, Christian and non-Christian knew about Trump’s past life but appreciated his policies and promises. They noted that his 5 children, though from broken homes, are very devoted to him. He is on a personal spiritual journey. Whether he is yet ‘born again’ or not, or sought forgiveness or not, only God knows, but it appears that his moral failure was in the past; unlike some Presidents in the last 80 years who committed adultery in the White House. To dredge up Trump’s past now, and make it a reason and excuse for his removal from office is most inappropriate. Such evangelical opposition is puzzling when you see the report card: Mr. Trump is arguably the most pro-faith, pro-family, pro-life, and pro-Israel President America’s seen in a long-time.
The Pew Forum did a survey a thorough survey of Trump’s relationship with Christians, including evangelicals. You can click on the link below for the entire report. However, in summary, they said this:
It finds that white evangelicals largely see Trump as fighting for their beliefs and advancing their interests, and they feel their side generally has been winning recently on political matters important to them. But when it comes to Trump’s personal qualities and conduct, many express mixed feelings. Even among this strongly supportive constituency, most do not view Trump as a veryreligious, honest or morally upstanding person (though many white evangelicals say he is somewhat religious, fairly honest or fairly morally upstanding).
https://www.pewforum.org/2020/03/12/white-evangelicals-see-trump-as-fighting-for-their-beliefs-though-many-have-mixed-feelings-about-his-personal-conduct/