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Monthly Archives: March 2021
Religion
In this series we look at how real Christianity is revolutionary – but in a way that is really surprising, deep and lasting.
Harry & Meghan : Culture War in Cameo? – Part 01
Cameo (def.): A short description that easily encapsulates a situation
It was not my intention to watch or blog about Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were interviewed with Oprah Winfrey. Even before the interview was aired in March 2021, there was already much emotion and verbiage. This increased after the showing.
With so many voices speaking out, why join the fray? Simple! As a teacher, it was obvious that the Sussex story is a perfect object lesson of the culture war in cameo. The more we can ‘understanding the times,’ the more we will be equipped to plan and lay hold of our God-given future.
If nothing else, the amount of international attention to Harry and Meghan shows that interest is the British monarchy is not fading out anytime soon. Millions watched the two hour interview and the commentary has not ended, much of it fiery on both sides.
This is only just the culmination of intense scrutiny of the couple, that began with their engagement, May 2018 wedding, their withdrawal from royal life in January 2020 (known as ‘Megxit’), the publication of the best-selling book Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family by Carolyn Durand and Omid Scobie. Meghan contributed to the book via a third party. If you thought that was the end of the Sussex story, then came the Oprah interview.
During her talk with Oprah, Meghan calmly told her story, including: the sacrifice of her career to join the royal family, the issue of mental health and suicidal thought, and lies and falsehood of the monarchy. The biggest ‘bombshell:’ Some anonymous royal expressed comments, if not concern, to Harry about the skin colour of the soon-to-be born baby, Archie. The prince said he would not reveal the name. Some of these are serious issues that should not be taken lightly. On the other hand, it would have been good for Meghan to tell her side of the story regarding accusations of bullying royal staff. Let’s never forget, no matter who is involved, there are always two sides to every story.
Yet, there is, as always with public figures, the bigger issues. How can the lives of the Sussexes be a cameo or parable of the current culture war. Semantics is part of the weaponry.
Watch for these terms:
Woke: This word has been around for a few years, but what does it mean? (Of interest: I learned of about ‘woke’ in one of the most remote places on earth: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, 600 km east of Perth. Words get around). ’Woke’ is a person who has been alerted to injustice, especially racism, and so they are now awake. Before becoming ‘woke,’ the individual is a mild-mannered, relaxed Clark Kent type. After entering into ‘woke-hood,’ they are transformed into an indignant, empowered ‘superman’ (or woman), ready – even obsessed — to fight and rectifying the injustice.
The ‘woke’ person is often angry, excitable, and emotional. Hollywood, the media, major league sport, big business, even some evangelical Christians now bear this label, some of them proudly.
In a televised message, Prince Harry was called ‘woke’ for equating the Commonwealth of Nations with racism. We will address this down the track. Conservative commentators have called the Oprah interview with the Sussexes ‘woke.’ Was it? As we proceed to learn the vocabulary, you can decide.
Identity politics: This flagship of the Left and runs deep within the US Democratic Party. The Declaration of Independence famously states that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This creed has guide America since 1776.
Identity politics (IDPO) challenges this belief by defining and dividing Americans in collective identities based on race, gender, and sexual preference. The collective identity is more important than what we hold in common as individuals. IDPO ranks these labels according to people of privilege & powerful vs. powerless & vulnerable. Americans are either oppressed or oppressors. The more one is oppressed, the more compensation and moral authority they can make claim on society. The underlying notion of IDPO is that America is guilty of oppressing its own people and it is time to balance the scales – the oppressed must be compensated and even insulated from censure and criticism. The oppressor, particularly white males, need to atone for their white supremacy.
The Duchess’s identity as a mixed race American and, to a lesser extent, the race of the interviewer, were highlighted. One of the promises of the 2008 election of Barack Obama to the US Presidency was the promise of a ‘post-racial’ America. How did we get from that promise to this current situation of racial and social division? Time and space fails us to explain, but bear in mind that IDPO is an increasing aspect of the culture war, which seeks to change, or even destroy, western civilisation as we know it.
The issues are important and Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess, are uniquely placed to make a contribution – for better or worse. Next time, we will juxtaposition the Oprah interview with the larger issues at hand. We will continue to walk down this pathway, learning what we can along the way. To ‘understand the times’ is worth it. TO BE CONTINUED
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/rambomuscles/27537241539 and https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harry_and_Meghan_on_Christmas_Day_2017_(cropped).jpg
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Resolving differences with your former employer
How to move on in the best way possible
Ravi Zacharias Scandal Part 01: Where to We Go from Here?
Oh no! Here we go again. A popular apologist, author, and evangelist, a recognised high-profile Christian leader, with a large international following, was credibly accused of sexual harassment. Although he died in 2020 and cannot answer for himself, the overall evidence appears to be irrefutable – photos, text messages, and testimonies. An independent law firm investigated the matter and confirmed that the accusations were valid. As a result, his ministry had to issue a massive apology, change their name, and remove all materials in the person’s name. On top of it all, the deceased’s denomination posthumously revoked his ministry credential.
The man in question was Ravi Zacharias (1946-2020), founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM). Please note it is not our intention to denigrate, ‘tut tut,’ or throw stones at anyone. We are all born into a fallen world with a fallen nature and without the proper safeguards can go astray. Our purpose is to examine what went wrong and insights we can draw from in order to get it right.
May we say right here on the spot: Please pray for Ravi’s wife, Margaret, their three children, RZIM, and, of course, the victims of this scandal.
At the time of this writing, we are preparing a radio message regarding ‘David and Bathsheba.’ This celebrated ‘man after God’s own heart,’ mentioned 1,100 times in Scripture, was not immune from sin and the scandal that it spawns. Scripture deliberately tells all as an exhortation and warning to the people of faith. Our goal is to look for principles, not be obsessed with personalities.
The exact reasons for Zacharias’s fall are subject to conjecture but there are some basic precepts from which we can draw.
1. Accountability: Moral failure and lack of accountability go hand-in-hand. If you surveyed fallen ministers, chances are very high that you would find this as the common denominator. Accountability means to answer with your mouth for the actions of your life. It is desirable, spiritual, and inevitable. Romans 14:12: So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Accountability is an insurance policy for your integrity. Be careful, however: it is possible to have an accountability structure, like a board or trustees, and still be unaccountable. Devious people can circumvent the very persons to whom they should report. One Bible teacher put it this way: Show me a person who lacks accountability and I’ll show you a disaster waiting to happen. None of us is that perfect and spiritual that we can forgo accountability; to do so is to invite scandal. It is important that we are discerning, since the double-life person will leave tell-tale signs of duplicity. Aggravation when questioned about their actions is normally a sign that something is not right.
2. Double-life: We live in an age of increasing deception, with doublespeak, gaslighting, smoke and mirrors. Tragically, it is possible for ministers to live a double-life: servant of God by day, sensuous predator by night. Consider:
A. In some cases, the sinner was not a real Christians to begin with; in others, they started off right but did not maintain their integrity.
B. In other cases, they started off right but did not maintain their integrity. They fear to admit their sin lest it harm the ministry and its cash flow, so they quietly continue on, hoping that things will get better.
C. Or the wayward minister is so ‘successful’ that he feels the normal Biblical code of conduct does not apply to him – he works hard and deserves to be the exception. God must be okay with his behaviour since the ministry is prospering. The Lord has not pulled out the rug from under him. Actually, there is a reason for this: God will act but is giving time for the person to repent.
It is important that we are discerning, since the double-life person will leave tell-tale signs of duplicity. Aggravation when questioned about their actions is normally a sign that something is not right.
Next month, we will explore further ways to scandal-proof one’s life and ministry.
TO BE CONTINUED
(Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)
Divine Delay or Divine Denial: What’s Next? Part 02
We continue to look at the topic of divine delay or divine denial: What next? After all, many of us have prayed hard in the face of Covid-19, riots, social unrest, including in the US election, etc. What is God doing in all this? A valid question.
Last month, we offered the following assessment: God hears and is pleased with our prayers, but He wants us to develop a persistent and prevailing attitude in prayer.
On these points I want to quote from best-selling author and master intercessor, Dutch Sheet, in his Give Him 15 post for 1 March 2021:
As intercessors, we must be strong in perseverance. Whether interceding for a person or a nation, it often requires a prolonged season of time to see results. This is not because it takes a while to convince or motivate God, but our prayers are releasing His power into situations to change people’s thinking, stop demonic activity, release life, and more. These things require a persistent release of power until they are fully accomplished.
Prayer is usually more like a siege than one quick battle. In fact, that is one of the meanings of the Old Testament words for a watchman. The concept of a siege implies time and process. Though most breakthroughs seem sudden, they are really a culmination of much that has happened to prepare the way. Galatians 6:9 tells us, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” “Time” in this verse is the Greek word kairos, which means “strategic or opportune” time, contrasted to the Greek word chronos which means “general, chronological time.”
(By the way, I highly recommend you subscribe to Dutch’s great service. The URL is
https://www.givehim15.com I have been using this service for several months – and love it).
Other points we learned last month: keep standing no matter what, trust God no matter what, be an overcomer and pursue revival – six points in all. Here are some more:
1. VERY IMPORTANT: Of course you should pray and keep praying. Remember, however, to ‘praise’ and ‘thank God’ when you do. These two things are part of the language of faith and the sound of revival. Praise and thanksgiving were Jehoshaphat’s secret weapon when defeating a coalition of three nations: Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir (2 Chronicles 20 – see verses 20-22). Continual thanksgiving is God’s will for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Praise God for Who He is, what He has done, and what He is going to do. Your prayer life will go much further and much higher when you thank and praise God. It is a refreshing thing to do.
2. MEANING OF DELAY: It is highly possible that divine delay is so God can do a deeper, higher, and more thorough work among the nations. It also is meant to change our focus from people to Him, and do some adjustments in our own heart. When God overtly works, it will be a greater and more wonderful action than we could ever imagine. The breakthrough, which looks sudden, has actually been in the works for a long time (again, chronos vs. kairos time). God’s best is worth the wait!
3. STAY IN HOPE: Hope is faith in the future and for the future. Jesus commands our destiny. Hope is an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19). Hope thrives in the unseen. Romans 8:24-25:
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Maturity and patience are forged on the anvil of hope and will bring stability in the midst of the storm.
4. FELLOWSHIP: In times of transition and waiting, it is important to team up with like-minded people of faith. If possible, pray with them. Hebrews 3:13 encourages us to exhort one another daily, while it is called Today.
5. DISCERNMENT: We live in times of increasing deception, delusion, disinformation, doublespeak, gaslighting, smoke and mirrors. What you see is not what you get. We can and should resist and reject these things which can blind us to the truth. To be deceived is dangerous and it is also unnecessary. Through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, you have access to the source of all truth that can never be refuted. God’s truth is firmer than any solid rock. As you embrace these three sources of divine truth, remember that God will guide you and warn you if deception lurks around the corner. Delusion can destroy but discernment saves.
6. INFORMATION: In light of point 5, be careful what you read or your sources of news and information. Even if it is factually correct, the spirit behind such information can be bad. Most of all, watch your mouth and heart, because out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
Remember, the future is not dark, for … the path of the just is as the shining light,
that shineth more and more unto the perfect day — Proverbs 4:18
(Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)
The Seventh Commandment – Part 02: Adultery & The New Testament
Last time we began to look at the Seventh of Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20: You shall not commit adultery. Put more positively, you shall pursue sexual and moral purity. The sins of fornication and adultery are not merely physical acts, they can be metaphors for idolatry and the worship of false gods. Human sexuality is very powerful and handled properly is of benefit to the community and beyond; mishandled and it courts disaster.
Let’s look at it now from a New Testament perspective.
NEW TESTAMENT PERSPECTIVE
Since Jesus Christ and the New Testament are full of ‘grace and truth,’ you might expect that it would be less severe regarding adultery than the Old Testament. After all, His opponents brought to Him a woman caught in the very act of adultery. They reminded the Lord that Moses commanded that adulterers should be stoned … but what do You say? (Of interest, why was the woman brought for execution and not the man? – John 8:5). Christ’s sterling reply? Whoever is sinless among you can cast the first stone at her (v.7). They all departed without one stone being thrown. The Lord sent the woman away in peace after giving her these final words: Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more(v. 11).
The fact is the New Testament condemns adultery in no uncertain terms, and even broadens to net. Jesus makes these comments straight out of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:27-32 (ESV):
You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
31 “It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
These standards make the Old Testament look simple. Some may feel uncomfortable at this point. Relax. The New Testament is still full of ‘grace and truth.’
Let’s unpack this passage.
• In the heart (5:27): There is a persistent but deceptive thought that if you ‘fool around’ with another person but stop short of physical intercourse, then you are safe from the sins of fornication and/or adultery. According to Jesus, this is not the case at all. Merely looking at a person with ‘lustful intent’ renders the person an adulterer, even if they are ‘hands off.’
• Jimmy Carter: Jimmy Carter ran for President of the United States in 1976 under the banner of being a ‘born again’ Christian. Indeed, he was the reason it became a household term. A dedicated and pious Southern Baptist, Sunday school teacher, husband to Rosalynn and father of four, Carter was the model evangelical Christian candidate. Yet, his innocent and honest comments in an interview with Playboy Magazine made instant headlines. What did he say? ‘I’ve looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me.’[1]If such an upstanding individual confesses such things, where does that leave the rest?
• Lustful intent: So as to prevent needless anxiety, make sure you discern the difference between temporary fleeting lustful thoughts versus those which are focused, intent, and all-too-regular. Martin Luther (1483-1546) said it so well: ‘You cannot keep birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair’[2] In our sex-saturated society, with sensuous imagery easily accessible, people need the grace of God to prevent the ‘bird’s nest.’
• Practical Application Though there is only limited space, remember the antidote to lustful thoughts begins with the advice of Romans 12:1-2: Give your body as a living sacrifice and your mind for renewal. The toolbox for the overcomer includes the following:
• 1. The cross of Christ (Galatians 6:14),
• 2. God’s Word hidden in your heart (Psalm 119:11),
• 3. Name of Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11),
• 4. Prayer and praise in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20),
• 5. If you are really keen to overcome, try fasting – it really works (but make sure you are healthy enough to do it).
• Other Practical Tips: May we suggest some more? Get off the pornography (ask for help, if necessary), don’t allow yourself in a compromising situation (read about the hapless young man in Proverbs 7), and dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:2-3). Being offensive is not fair on others and can tempt a weak believer; furthermore, Scripture is not kind to those who are deliberately offensive in word, deed, or dress – Matthew 18:7).
Related to Jesus’ statements on adultery are involve divorce and remarriage, cutting off sinful body parts, etc. Our goal, to the best of our God-given ability, is to present an explanation that is Biblically faithful, balanced, practical, and compassionate. There is still ‘grace, truth, and love’ and we want to show the way forward.See you next month.
TO BE CONTINUED
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock.
[1] Playboy interview, 1976. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/jimmy_carter_130252 Accessed 3 February 2021
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/757798-you-cannot-keep-birds-from-flying-over-your-head-but Accessed 4 February 2021
Elijah is Coming: Why Study the Book of Malachi – Part 01
… And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers — Malachi 4:6 (last verse in the Old Testament)
INTRODUCTION TO MALACHI
In the last book of the Old Testament, we have a message from a little-known prophet with some very strong convictions. He speaks in favor of honoring God’s covenantal conditions, criticizes automatic and hypocritical worship, idolatry, and divorce. Tithes and offerings are given a strong endorsement as part of faithfulness to God.
By the time of Malachi there was a fully functioning second temple in Jerusalem with all the sacrifices reinstated. Despite this, both priests and people have backslid and are ripe for prophetic rebuke. This sounds familiar: Nehemiah had a similar observation when he came from Persia to visit Jerusalem: corrupt priests, unpaid tithes, intermarriage with heathen people.
Then, in the very last chapter of the book, which is the last chapter of the Old Testament, it takes us to last days prophecy. There is a strong reference to the coming of ‘the great and dreadful day of the Lord’ (4:5). Fire that burns like an oven will consume those who are wicked; they will be as stubble. Yet, for those who fear the Name of the Lord the Sun of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings.
After referring to the Law of Moses (4:4), comes a note of hope: The prophet Elijah is coming. He will reconcile parents and children, lest the Lord comes and smites the earth with a curse (4:6).
HEBREW NAME OF MALACHI
His name may be more like a title: ‘My Messenger;’ similar to the word for angel. It may be the diminutive of malachiah, ‘messenger of the LORD.’
AUTHOR OF MALACHI
We know next to nothing about him though the rabbis suggest that he may have belonged to the great synagogue. He was a contemporary of Nehemiah and a priest.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST IN MALACHI
Jesus Christ is the ‘sun of righteousness’ (4:2); purifier & refiner.
THEME OF THE BOOK OF MALACHI
God’s denunciation of lax backslidden post-exilic Judaism, with the reassurance of God’s everlasting love. Sin has to be rebuked, judgement promised, cold routine worship condemned, partnering with God financially promoted, and evil associations discouraged. Elijah is coming and there will be reconciliation between fathers and children.
KEY VERSES OF MALACHI
Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? 1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts — (2:17-3:1)
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse — (4:5-6)
Next month, we will offer a summary and outline of Malachi
TO BE CONTINUED
(Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)
Ep 191a: How do we learn to have better conversations about God – Part 1
An atheist and Christian philosopher discuss
Reason
In this series we look at how real Christianity is revolutionary – but in a way that is really surprising, deep and lasting