One man’s accidental path to a music career
Monthly Archives: November 2020
Does Jesus advocate stealing from your employer?
The strange sayings of Jesus
Take 2 – God in Film Bible Study series
From Creation to Christ
You do you: freedom
‘You do you.’ Is there a better motto for life and how we love others?
How can we find joy in a joyless year?
2020 has been a difficult year, what is there to be happy about?
Issues Facing the Church: A Common Act No One Talks About – Part 01
It is a most common practice that stretches back to millennia. Yet, when a high-profile television personality was caught doing it on Zoom – not realising the camera was still ‘On’ – he was sent home in disgrace to have some ‘personal time.’ Many people, including Christians, want to ask about this subject but are afraid to ask. How do we handle it from a Biblical perspective?
The ‘subject’ is masturbation, also known as ‘self-stimulation.’
Before we address the issue itself, be assured that it will be handled in a pastoral manner. The goal is to help, not hurt nor condemn, people along the way. No doubt, some who read this article are engaged, casually or regularly, in this practice.
It’s time to have a much needed chat. What are we to make of it?
First, by definition, masturbation (from now on referred to as SS – ‘self-stimulation’) is ‘stimulation of the genitals by hand for sexual pleasure,’ in order to reach a climax – ejaculation or orgasm – without the involvement of their spouse or partner. It is a form of solo-sex. It is mostly done by men but woman can do it, too.
What do we know about this practice? It is a very widespread, involving young and old, single and married, Christian and non-Christian. The fact that people are delaying marriage in our sex-saturated popular culture – with plenty of visuals – means that SS is being done at record levels. With 2020 Covid-19 lockdowns, one can imagine that possibilities.
SS provides a quick and easy ‘release’ if one is feeling aroused but does not have a sexual partner available. It is even considered ‘safe-sex:’ you cannot get someone pregnant or contract STDs (sexually-transmitted diseases) by SS. Furthermore, on the surface, it appears that the Bible is silent about it.
The one Bible story that seems to refer to it involves Onan and Tamar in Genesis 38:9. His older brother, Er, who married to Tamar first, was so wickedness that the Lord slew him. As was the prevailing custom at the time, when a man died childless, his brother married the widow and the first child born was dedicated to the deceased. It is called Levirate marriage and described in more detail in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. It was a form of familial social welfare. Onan did not want to ‘do his duty’ so he spilt his seed en route to Tamar. As a result, the Lord slew him, too — Genesis 38:10.
In times gone by, preachers used this story to scare the daylights out of people if they practiced SS – or even contemplated doing so. Some referred to SS as ‘onanism.’
Yet, in all honesty, the reason Onan was judged was his failure to fulfil the mandate.
Does this mean that it is okay to practice SS? Let us consider the following:
1. Human sexuality, as the Bible and particularly the New Testament teaches, is an expression of physical love to our spouse. The command that husbands ‘love their wives’ (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19) includes all areas of being: mental, spiritually, emotional, and physical. The idea is that the couple seeks to fulfil each others sexual needs, not just their own.
2. On the surface, SS seems similar to sexual intercourse but is actually very different. It strives to fulfil one’s own need without any reference to another. The accent mark of SS is ‘self.’ We are made in the image of God, Who loves and seeks the welfare of the ones He love. With SS, love has nothing to do with it; it is a self-centred mechanical solo act.
3. Unfortunately, SS often involves lust, either mentally or in visual form like pornography. The Sermon on the Mount teaches that lusting after someone, who is not your spouse, is the same as if they committed the illicit physical sexual act, be it adultery or fornication — Matthew 5:27-28. Please consider.
4. SS can be very addictive and a difficult habit to break. The more we feed the lust, the more it grows, and the more entrenched the habit becomes. It is the opposite of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ which includes ‘self-control’ — Galatians 5:22. In other words, SS does not eliminate the lust problem; it exacerbates it.
5. A sad by-product of SS is a feeling of guilt after the climax, something that doesn’t happen with Biblically ordained sex. The person knows that something is wrong, even if they don’t know why.
6. Finally, there could come a time when SS is simply no longer satisfying, and the person reaches out for more. The danger is that it could lead to other sexual expressions that are condemned in Scripture, like 3D fornication or prostitution.
7. In summary, the Bible does not directly talk about SS, but it does deal with lust, lack of self-control, and guilt. These factors make SS a troublesome proposition.
Sometimes, it is possible to have a ‘release’ without any touching and any lustful thoughts. These are called nocturnal emissions or ‘wet dreams.’
Human sexuality is a wonderful gift from Almighty God but it has to be on His terms, not ours. Think of it like electricity: handled correctly, it harnesses beneficial power. Mishandled, it can be deadly.
Now that we have spoken about the problem, in our next article, we will look at tips to lead us to a fulfilling solution. TO BE CONTINUED
The Fifth Commandment: Honour Your Father & Mother
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee — Exodus 20:12 (KJV)
The 10 Commandments are like 10 rules for life – a good, Godly, blessed life. We have learned that the first four commandments are about God: have no other gods in your life. Do not worship idols. Do not use God’s name in vain. Keep the Sabbath day holy unto the Lord.
The next six commandments are related to our conduct with people. Number five is special: honour your father and your mother. It is very simple: righteous people honour their parents; unrighteous people do not. There is blessing for compliance and curses for failure:
The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it — Proverbs 30:17 (KJV)
The word for ‘honour’ is kabad כָּבַד, related to the word for ‘glory,’ which means heavy. Some other meanings include ‘to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant, glory, honour’[1]
How Do You Honour Your Parents?
Practically speaking, how do you honour your parents? Obedience and respect are good places to start. But what if they are not Christians? The commandment does not give exemptions because of their religious affiliation. My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother – Proverbs 6:20 (KJV)
We honour parents by caring, sharing, and cooperating with them. When they have a need, we meet it if we can. When they age, we continue to provide care where possible.
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God — 1 Timothy 5:4 (ESV)
At the same time, Jesus condemned those who used religious precepts to deprive their parents of what they needed. Such dishonour brings a curse. — Matthew 15:4-6.
In fact, parents are the closest thing to God in your life. They beget, nurture, feed, care, love unconditionally. Sound familiar? That’s what God does. It’s part of the reason Jesus wants us to refer to Almighty God as ‘Heavenly Father.’ That’s why treatment of parents is a litmus test on how we treat God. If you honour the parents you can see, then you’ll honour the Father whom you can’t see.
Remember that the Fifth Commandment is the first to offer a promise: if you honour father and mother, … That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth — Ephesians 6:3b (KJV). Think about it: longevity is not pegged to vitamins, exercise, or diet – but to the fear of the Lord and walking in wisdom (Proverbs 3:2; 16; 4:10; 14:27; 19:23; 22:4), watching your words (Psalm 34:12-13), and honouring your parents.
Scriptural Examples of Honouring Parents
The Scripture is replete with examples of people honouring their father and mother.
Joseph: He put his ageing father and brothers in the best of the land of Egypt where they could tend their flocks and live their lives securely — Genesis 47:12
David: Though he was the youngest son, it was David that looked after his father Jesse and his mother. While fleeing from king Saul and his murderous intentions, he took his parents to the king of Moab and left them in his care while he was on the run — 1 Samuel 22:3-4. Why Moab? Because his great-grandmother was Ruth the Moabitess.
Solomon: Now king of Israel, honoured his mother Bathsheba by bowing to her. The he gave her an honoured seat next his throne – 1 Kings 2:19-20
Sons of Jonadab: Though he was probably deceased, the children of Jonadab refrained from drinking wine because their father commanded them not to. They obeyed him even when he was not around — Jeremiah 35:8.
Jesus: He is the template of righteous obedience to the commands of God. As a 12 year old, He was at the temple speaking to the chief priests. When he parents came to get him, the Scripture says he returned with them to Nazareth and ‘was subject unto them …’ — Luke 2:51.
Care from the Cross: Jesus’ care for His mother was evident even while He suffered on the cross. While his mother Mary and John the beloved disciple were watching, He commended John to Mary and Mary to John. And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home — John 19:25-27. Though Mary had other sons, it was the Son who honoured her.
One of the fundamental precepts of Scripture is the law of sowing and reaping. If you sow sparingly, you will reap sparingly, if you sow abundantly, you will reap abundantly (2 Corinthians 9:6). Here is another incentive for obeying the Fifth Commandment: if you honour your parents now, when your turn comes you, your children will honour you. The opposite is also true.
Come to think of it, honouring your parents is not just the right thing to do, it is a blessed thing, too.
[1] “H3513 – kabad – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 5 Nov, 2020. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3513&t=KJV
The Day of the Lord – Amplified: Why Study the Book of Zephaniah Part 02
In Part 01, we learned that Zephaniah, the ‘hidden one,’ lived near the end of the kingdom of Judah, especially, after the evil reigns of kings Manasseh and Amon. He inspired king Josiah and the prophet Jeremiah, and Jesus Christ quoted him (1:3 cf Matthew 13:41; 1:15 cf Matthew 24:29). His is the most concise, comprehensive description of the key period known as the ‘day of the Lord’ (1:14-15). Just as Zephaniah was ‘hidden’ from the evil designs of Manasseh, so the meek who seek the Lord may be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger (2:3).
In order to encourage serious study of Zephaniah and other books of the Bible, we offer this concise background information.
SUMMARY OF ZEPHANIAH
Judah and Jerusalem in the days of good king Josiah are the immediate objects of Zephaniah’s prophecy. By this time, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had already been deported a century earlier in 722 BC. Zephaniah’s ministry may have spawned king Josiah’s reformation, where he destroyed the altars of Baal, burning the bones of false prophets, getting rid of the incense altars, breaking down the images of Ashera. Later, when Hilkiah found the Book of the Law (most probably Deuteronomy) in the temple, a second reformation commenced. Most probably the young Jeremiah was also greatly influenced by the older prophet.
The Day of the Lord is mentioned or alluded to 23 times. What is the Day of the Lord? It is the time of judgement, return, and restoration; the tribulation followed by the Millennium. It is when God’s righteous anger finally spills out after showing legendary patience. While people don’t like the idea of God being angry, it comes after a long wait and is righteously executed. Jesus, who is the Son of God and image of God, showed this same anger when He cleansed the temple (John 2:14-17).
1. Judah would be judged, Day of Judgement for God’s people comes first 1 Peter 4:17 – For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
2. Followed by the judgement of the nearby nations – he prophesied the downfall of Assyria and Nineveh fell in 612 BC. (Zephaniah 2; Rev 4-15);
3. Jerusalem & the whole world will be judged (3:1-8 cf Revelation 20).
DISTINCTIVE OF ZEPHANIAH
1. Gives his genealogy, though we know nothing else about him;
2. Most concise and extensive description of the Day of the Lord;
3. God’s people are recipients of strong warnings and promises of restoration;
4. Coverage of faithful remnant (3:9-20) restored when God comes;
5. Sets template of wrath against the wicked and salvation for the just, a clear New Testament theme;
6. Parallels the Book of Revelation: Both speak of God’s people judged first; then the judgement of the nations; finally, what we know as the Last Judgement (3:1-8 cf Revelation 20).
7. Of the 400 Old Testament allusions (rather than direct quotes) in Revelation, it is possible that Zephaniah comes closest to it.
OUTLINE OF ZEPHANIAH
Introduction (1:1)
I. Judgment in the Day of the Lord (1:2-3:8)
A. Judgement on the World (1:2-3)
B. Judgement on Judah (1:4-18)
1. Judah’s sins (1:4-9)
2. Warning to Jerusalem (1:10-13)
3. The Great & Notable Day of the Lord (1:14-18)
C. Call to Repentance (2:1-3)
D. Judgement on the Nations (2:4-15)
1. Philistia (2:4-7)
2. Ammon & Moab (2:8-11)
3. Cush (2:12)
4. Assyria (2:13-15)
E. Judgement on Jerusalem (3:1-7)
1. Jerusalem’s sins (3:1-4)
2. God’s Justice and Jerusalem (3:5-7)
F. Judgement on the World (3:8)
II. Restoration & Salvation in the Day of the Lord (3:9-20)
A. Faithful Remnant Restored & Jerusalem Cleansed (3:9-13)
B. Rejoicing People with God in the Midst (3:14-17)
C. Promise of Restoration (3:18-20)
Beyond Covid-19: Is There A Word from the Lord? Part 6 Prosperity During Crisis
We learned in our last article that, ‘Yes,’ it is possible to prosper in the midst of crisis, of which our present world is awash. You can have peace where there is panic and pandemic; joy even where misery reigns; and to be positioned to help others experience the same.
We see this in the life of the patriarch Issac who prospered enormously during a time of drought and famine. How did he do it? It came by obeying the call of God on his life, and then doing the clear word of the Lord. God commanded him to sojourn in the land of Canaan and He would bless him there (Genesis 26:3). Isaac wisely chose to obey God and stay, even though everyone else was fleeing to Egypt.
In addition, Isaac had a strong work ethic. He sowed in the land and reaped 100-fold (Genesis 26:12). He dug and re-dug wells in the otherwise dry Negev wilderness. Wherever he inserted his spade (shovel), the water flowed.
Opposition
All of this is wonderful, but remember, his prosperity stirred up deep envy on the part of the locals in Canaan. How he handled this and powered on in prosperity is an example for us all.
Opposition is a fact of life in a fallen world. When God prospers you, especially in time of crisis, people will not necessarily pat you on the back and congratulate you on your success. Surprisingly, people who you think would be happy for you, like family and friends, can be the worst opponents. Resentment can rise up and manifest in some strange and unsavoury ways.
The Bible illustrates a catalogue of envy, like Rachel to Leah, Jacob’s sons to Jospeh, Balak to Israel, Dathan and Abiram to Moses (Psalm 106:16), Saul to David, chief priests to Jesus, and Diaspora Jews to Paul and the other apostles. This ‘tall-poppy’ syndrome is a manifestation of the carnal nature. As such, it can only be cured by the new birth, the cross of Christ, dying to self, God’s Word in the heart, and fulness of the Holy Spirit.
Isaac’s opponents were the Philistines. First, they were so resentful of him that they expelled him from Gerar, where he lived. Then, they either filled up with dirt the wells of Abraham, or stole the wells that Isaac dug … more than once.
Isaac’s Response to Opposition
Don’t be surprised or discouraged when opposition comes. Not only it is a sign that you are on the right track, but there are practical ways to respond which will leverage you to more victorious outcomes. Just watch Isaac.
Isaac was a textbook case of Biblical meekness, the reward of which is inheriting the land (Psalm 37:9; Matthew 5:5). He did not fight back, seek vindication, or strive in any way.
He wisely knew that to drop his spade and pick up a weapon meant that the opponents had already won. How? By getting him to stop doing what he was called to do. Isaac kept digging (Nehemiah did the same).
When people tell you you can’t, keep digging. When you are criticised for doing what’s right, keep digging. When the bullies bellow, keep digging. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him – Proverbs 16:7. The psalmist learned to be ‘deaf’ and ‘dumb’ in the face of opposition (Psalm 38:13-15). It’s amazing how much of the opposition you miss out on when you take this stance.
The most perfect example of earth-inheriting Biblical meekness was Jesus, especially during His passion and crucifixion. Without resistance, defence, or arguing, He submitted to God to the point of death on the cross. Even from a secular view, the influence of Jesus of Nazareth on the world was incalculable. For believers, it is eternal.
Reward & Extra Blessing
Despite their opposition, Isaac’s meekness, which was really strength restrained by grace, gave him an open heaven and manifold blessings from God. Despite their bullying, it was his enemies who sued for peace.
Opposition drove Isaac to a wonderful place called Rehoboth, where there is room, fruitfulness, water, and no strife (26:22). Then he ended up in Beersheba, where he made a peace treaty.
All in all, Isaac’s crises turned into God’s multi-faceted opportunity and manifold blessings.
A vital final point: When you are born again, you are a dual citizen: of your homeland and of the kingdom of God. In addition, you are not just part of the global economy, you are connected to God’s economy. Follow the Isaac principles of obedience and Biblical meekness, and you will enjoy prosperity in crisis.
A quick example of God’s economy: Exercise prudence in financial matters, budget, tithe, giving to the poor, live within your means, save for a rainy day, and you will never run dry.
We did a two year round the world, ‘Corrie ten Boom-style’ missionary journey. What does that mean? It was inspired by her book Tramp for the Lord. Wait on God, let the Spirit direct where to go, and trust God for the provision to get there and stay there. Leaving the USA with one-way tickets to Europe and $2,000 spending money, with no fixed address or any regular financial support, God took us around the world for two years and when we returned to the USA, we still had $2,000. That’s God’s economy in action.
Yes, it’s time to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Isaac, and the psalmist, and prosper in crisis.
2020 US Presidential Election: Some Initial Reflections
The United States votes every four years in the presidential elections. Campaigns are becoming increasingly longer and frightfully more costly. Once the voting ceases, however, the country generally knows who’s the winner within hours.
But this is the year 2020 and nothing has been normal. We have had the most serious pandemic since the Spanish flu a century earlier. Countries went into lockdown, affecting the citizenry and the economy. Australia has had its first recession in 30 years. Then there were the American riots and continued social unrest.
1. Opposition: Regardless of what you think of President Donald Trump, you have to admit that he has faced furious opposition, perhaps more than any other president. False dossier, FISA warrants to spy on his campaign, opposition from the media, the Democrats, ‘Never-Trumper’ Republicans, academia, and hostile Hollywood. There was elector meddling, Mueller Probe, Russia hoax, and impeachment. In 2020 the nation was hit with a pandemic, lockdown, economic downturn and riots, all used by his enemies to stop his re-election. The President even caught Covid-19! Now we have a contested election.
2. Meddling: 2020 is not the first time that there has been attempts to meddle with US elections, but this year has been exceptional. The methods of meddling are legion, for they are many: Computer hackers; a hostile media; civil unrest; big tech; Hollywood; the ‘billionaire’s club,’ all coalesce to form a dam of opposition. One of the fears was that mail-in ballots were a recipe for voter fraud, a point President Trump reiterated repeatedly. Now, it appears that one state has more ballots than registered voters. In another every mail-in ballot tabulated votes for the same person, every time. Tampering with people’s ballots is a criminal offence but it appears to be happening anyway. While voter turnout may be higher than normal, the concern is how many of those ballots are legitimate? Remember, voter fraud seriously undermines democracy and the rule of law. Like some third world country, does the United States now impartial election observers to prevent fraud?
3. World interest: Of course, it is normal for the world to take interest in who will win the US presidential election. For decades, as the sole superpower, the United States is considered the leader of the free world. To some extent, the world is affected by what happens out of Washington. Yet, this particular election, and its aftermath, has caught the imagination of the world like no other. Global citizens are watching and many are praying.
4. The most important election: For decades during an election year, people say, ‘This is the most important election of our lifetime.’ One of the clearest things about Election 2020: it really is the most important. Why? It is not just about the candidates involved, but about the worldview on offer. For years, there wasn’t a lot of difference between the two major political parties. In 2020, there is a Grand Canyon-sized difference. One party is leftist globalist, the other right-leaning nationalist; one party is pro-abortion, the other pro-life; one party is motivated by progressivism, identity politics, intersectionality, the other has an America first agenda; one sees America as systemically racist, the other that America is good and exceptional; one party has been influenced by cultural Marxism while the other advocates Judaeo-Christian / Western values.
The Spiritual Dimension: As a Christian minister, I clearly see that above all these issues is the active spiritual realm. Strongholds of lawlessness, rebellion, hatred, fear, violence, division, deception, cancel-culture, Marxism, Jezebel, and Moloch, are firing up. How can we respond to these challenges?
Prophecy: There have been credible prophetic voices speaking about the outcome of this election. If you believe these prophecies, stand on them … that’s how you can fight the good fight of faith. Paul says1 Timothy 1:18: This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare.
Prayer: The second thing is prayer: Much individual, group, and mass corporate prayer has been offered during campaign 2020, including prayer marches on Washington, DC. Many Christians overseas are doing the same. One Australian wrote that he has never prayed so much in his entire life as he had for the 2020 US election. Other people in other countries are doing the same. A great exhortation comes from Ephesians 6:18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Pray for mercy on the United States, God’s will to be done, and a quick resolution of the electoral impasse.
Perseverance: It’s simple. If the battle continues, then keep going. Galatians 6:9 promises we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.
Revival: If many of us have been praying more than ever, and it is worldwide, think about it … we are preparing for revival 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Remember that effectual fervent prayer is like casting a ballot in heaven, with the blessings raining back on the earth. Ask the LORD that His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven — Matthew 6:9-13.