Monthly Archives: April 2021

Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Elijah is Coming: Why Study the Book of Malachi – Part 02

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 — Malachi 3:1

Yes, God will send His messenger and indeed, he has already come. His name is Malachi, which literally means ‘my messenger.’ This last prophet of the Old Testament may actually be anonymous and his title has become his name.

 

While this book deals with issues of the day, it speaks about modern things like tithing (3:8-12). It is not an exaggeration to say that you can tell the direction of a person’s heart by where their money goes. In places where Christians are an oppressed minority, you can tell who the infiltrator or ‘fake Christian’ is during the church service because they steadfastly refuse to give money when it is offering time. As always, Jesus said it best ‘For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also’ – Matthew 6:21; Luke 12:34

SUMMARY OF MALACHI

The Hebrew people, soon to be called ‘Jews,’ were back in their land after the 70 year Babylonian exile. Though the religious life had returned to its familiar routine, there was spiritual lukewarmness. People were not tithing and intermarriage with heathen peoples was common. It was time to ‘wake up the sleepers’ and Malachi did precisely that.

He offers six oracles where 1. God speaks of His great love for His people; 2. His people dishonoured him; 3. Their offerings were rejected; 4. The sending of His messenger before the Lord’s sudden coming; 5. A call to return to the Lord; and 6. Addressing Israel’s unwarranted comments about God. There are 23 questions back and forth between God and Israel. The end of the prophecy – and the Old Testament – gives a solid warning and forecasts the long-anticipated ‘day of the Lord’ (Chapter 4).

Malachi mixes the Law (Moses – 4:4) with the prophets (Elijah 4:5), both whom appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. After Malachi there is the 400 years called the inter-testament period that ended with the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist and the Gospel of Matthew. Daniel 11 is a prophecy about that period.

Malachi is quoted in Romans 9:13 regarding God’s love (1:2-3); the coming messenger (3:1) is quoted by Jesus Himself regarding John the Baptist (Matthew 11:7-15); finally, the prophecy of sending Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord (4:5) is interpreted as John the Baptist (Matthew 11:14; 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13). Revelation 11:3-6 speaks of the spirit of Elijah.

God does not want to see marriage or any other commitment as merely a contract, which has legal and financial implications but nothing more. No, marriage and relating to God is a covenant, a binding agreement. When covenant is honoured, there are great rewards; when broken, there are dire consequences. Covenantal faithfulness should be seen in marriage and family life.

Tithing, giving the first 10th of your income increase to God, is part of that too. Tithing settles the ownership question since everything belongs to God. Those who tithe acknowledge that principle. The prophet gives a challenge: if you pay your tithe, the windows of heaven will open and shower so much blessing that there is no room to contain it. In addition, God will rebuke the devourer for your sake. Finally, worship should be of the heart

The last chapter of Malachi and the Old Testament solidly focus on the future ‘Day of the Lord.’ It is likened to fire that burns up the stubble until there is nothing left. Yet, for those who ‘fear the Lord,’ you have a bright future because the Sun of righteousness is coming with healing in his wings. Instead of being judged, you will be an implement of judgement by treading down the wicked.

The faithful are to remember the law of Moses, given on Horeb, before the promise of the coming of Elijah, who will reconcile fathers to children and vice versa. Without this reconciliation, the Lord personally will come and smite the earth with a curse.

Yes, it’s true – the last word of the Old Testament is ‘curse.’ Understand that the Old Testament is a blessing, yet failure to obey God brings judgement. Remember the last words of the New Testament are The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen — Revelation 22:21. Thus, we go from ‘curse’ to ‘grace’ thanks to the gospel of Christ.

OUTLINE OF MALACHI

I.         Oracles of the Lord (Contemporary scene – 1:2-3:18)

A.     Oracle One: God’s Love for Israel (1:2-5) – Israel: How have you loved us? (1:2)

B.      Oracle Two: Israel’s disobedience (1:6-2:9) – Israel: How did we despise your name? (1:6); How have we polluted you? (1:7);

C.      Oracle Three: God rejects Israel’s offerings (2:10-16) – Israel: Why? (2:14)

D.     Oracle Four: The Lord will come quickly (2:17-3:6) – Israel: How have we wearied You and Where is God’s justice? (2:17)

E.       Oracle Five: Return to the Lord (3:7-12) – Israel: How do we return? (3:7) & How have we robbed you? (3:8)

F.        Oracle Six: Israel’s uncalled for statements about God (3:13-18). Israel – What have we spoken against you (3:13)? What did our obedience gain? (3:14)

II.      The Day of the Lord (Future – 4:1-6)

A.     A day of judgment against the proud and wicked (4:1)

B.      Day of victory for the righteous (4:2-3)

C.      Fathers and children restored to each other (4:4-6)

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Ravi Zacharias Scandal – Part 02:

 

How to ‘Scandal-Proof’ Your Life and Ministry

The ministry of Ravi Zacharias (1946-2020) was globally renown and impactful. He was rightly celebrated. Unfortunately, after his death in May 2020, reports came forth of serious sexual abuse from numerous. The veracity of these reports was verified by an independent legal investigation.

Such unwelcome news has an adverse affect on the person, family, ministry, and the church at large. The televangelist scandals of the late 1980s caused churches worldwide, including in Australia, to face scrutiny, change names, and see donations and offerings drop off. No doubt, the same thing is happening today.

Last time, we looked at the role of two factors that greatly aid in fostering personal scandal:

1.       Accountability: The lack of proper and enforced accountability. It is a fact that the possibility of scandal is greatly reduced when such structures are in place. Remember, accountability is an insurance policy for your integrity.

2.       Double life: The hypocritical, double-standard, double-life phenomena, while not new, is increasing due to a low view of truth. The antidote to a ‘double-life’ include the key points listed below.

The Solution:

Having listed to key factors that incubate scandal, let’s explore some answers:

3.       Fear of the Lord: This is the beginning of wisdom and the best way to scandal-proof your life. The ‘fear of the Lord’ means to hear, obey, worship and serve the living God. See Hebrews 12:28-29. Knowing that God is watching your actions (2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 5:21), attitudes and thoughts, and that someday you will have to answer to him (Matthew 12:36-37; Romans 14:12), can bring out the best. Yet, to lack this quality can lead to sin. One fallen minister, after his restoration, was asked when did he ‘stop loving Jesus’ and thus commit his transgression. His reply: ‘I never stopped loving Jesus … but I did stop fearing the Lord.’ Proverbs 16:6 shows the way forward: By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. The fear of the Lord will motivate you to stay on the straight and narrow pathway more than anything else.

4.       Gift of God: Without questions, Ravi Zacharias was a gifted man and people benefited from that gift. Yet, let’s understand the nature of God’s gifts. The gifted person did not earn the gift – if they did, it would not be a gift. Gifts can be developed but still remain a gift. Neither are gifts based on character and integrity, though these things are very important for upholding the gift. Yet, look at the famous Israelite judge Samson in Judges 14-16. He was a gifted and anointed man, but that did not stop him from doing the wrong thing, more than once. His poor judgement and unwise relationships with heathen women nearly destroyed him. He paid a very, very high price for his folly. Also remember that God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable – Romans 11:29. Samson was still gifted, even when he was carnal.

5.       Look to God: It is important that we know and understand the difference between respecting and honouring a gifted minister versus putting them on a pedestal for worship. This is becoming even more common with our image-driven, celebrity obsessed culture, often making objects of adoration those who lack character, talent, or decency. Even the most spiritually mature among us can say and do things that are wrong. People get scandalised when it happens but it need not. Your focus of worship and service must be to God and God alone. Remember the humanity, limitations, and vulnerability of our spiritual leaders. As the adage says, ‘We all are a work in progress.’ When you keep your eyes on Jesus, you will stay above the waters. When your focus is on people, you will sink.

6.       Embrace integrity: This is a wonderful thing because it is becoming increasingly rare. The dictionary describes it as being sincere, honest, and morally upright. The Biblical definition goes much further: it means to the ‘salt of the earth’ and the ‘light of the world.’ People of integrity are faithful, honourable, trustworthy and accountable. You can depend on them to do the right thing. Before you partner with someone, see how they score on the integrity scales. If they are seriously deficient, then look elsewhere.

7.       Victims of Sexual Abuse: They need to be heard and respected but due process should always be implemented, for everyone’s sake. The guilty need to face justice and the innocent protected. Forsaking proper investigation, presumption of innocence, credible testimony, witnesses, and general rule of law, etc. endangers everyone and is an open invitation to tyranny. Let’s never forget the maxim that there are two sides to every story; it is as relevant today as it has always been.

In short, let’s remember that grace is wonderful but can be used and abused; sin stinks, and we to be discerning but not judgemental. The goal should be restoration, not revenge.

Put these things into place and it will rebound to the glory of God.

 

(Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Victoria’s New Law on Conversion Therapy Ban: Is It Really A Problem?

 

It drew headlines around the world:

‘Prison for praying under new Australian State ‘conversion therapy’ ban’

‘Australian Christians In Shock: Ten Year Jail Sentence For Preaching Repentance’

The Australian State of Victoria, capital Melbourne, passed the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2020 in February 2021. Those who transgress the law could be fined AUD 10,000 or face up to 10 years in prison. This law prohibits trying to help a person changed their sexual orientation – even at their request. On page 8 of the actual bill, it mentions : carrying out a religious practice, including but not limited to, a prayer based practice, a deliverance practice or an exorcism. In addition, it threatens penalties even beyond the borders of Victoria, thereby placing all-Australia under its jurisdiction

While there are other jurisdictions that have sexual orientation conversion therapy bans, the Victorian law goes further than any other,. Of interest, the ‘Conservative Party government (Tory Party)’ of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering a law similar to Victoria’s. One of Johnson’s own MPs, as well as an activist Church of England synod member want prayer for conversion therapy to be criminalised. Another ‘Christian leader’ wants government intervention if pastoral care pastors don’t affirm people in their same-sex lifestyle.

One major difference between the UK and Australia, however: The United Kingdom at this present time has robust laws that protect religious freedom and Christians under pressure for standing for their beliefs have won court cases. Australia, on the other hand, does not appear to have any legal protections for religious freedom.

The idea behind the Victorian law is that sexual orientation is immutable while gender is not; Trying to change someone’s orientation is futile and only brings harm. While there are some draconian practices for conversion which no sane person would approve, it is unclear if such practices are even being done in Victoria or Australia. What is the greater concern is that, in essence, Christians are being told whom they cannot pray for and what.

According to a reading of the law, and confirmed by Ro Allen, Victoria’s Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities (thank you, Eternity News), the law does not impinge on general sermons, teaching, or prayer about Biblical sexual ethics – provided it is not directed at an individual to ‘pray the gay away.’ Time will be given to ‘educate’ the churches on how to comply with the law, which will be reviewed in two years.

What was the reaction of Christian leaders?

Moderater-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, Peter Barnes, urged his flock to defy the bill. ‘It is our task to keep on keeping on, to proclaim and to live out so far as we can the gospel of Christ ….

 Melbourne’s Catholic Archbishop Peter Comensoli said earlier, ‘Who I pray to, how I pray, what I pray for, and most particularly, who I pray with is not of concern to any government.

Martyn Iles, Managing Director of Australian Christian Lobby, said the Act ‘basically criminalises the truth’ and called it ‘the biggest attack on religious freedom in Australia’s history.’ He added, it takes Biblical truths about ‘marriage, about gender, about sex, about family’ and says that ‘the expression of them, the living out of them can become criminal acts.’

Conservative Christian blogger and culture warrior, Bill Muehlenberg, fired off this piece: ‘…all the media headlines got it wrong. It is not ‘conversion therapy’ that is now illegal in Victoria. It is Christianity, prayer, counsel, biology, common sense, and help for those struggling that is now banned in Victoria. Dare to live out your faith in this Australian state and you can be imprisoned for a decade!’

According to the John Sandeman, Editor-in-chief of Eternity News, ‘Christians in Victoria who affirm the traditional teachings of the Bible will be on official notice that they are out of step with society.’

David Bennett, conservative Christian speaker on LGBT issues, laments that many Australian church leaders, up to now, have been silent. Does it not bother them that for standing up for Biblical sexual ethics, steep fines or imprisonment, simply for praying for a celibate gay Christian who asks for it?

ASSESSMENT

Just take the Act and the Victorian government’s statements at face value: Eliminate change or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity while protecting and promoting rights in the Charter of Rights.

So it appears that preaching and teaching ‘in general’ on what the Bible says on sexuality is not prohibited by this law; just praying for someone to change their sexual orientation. It appears that preaching general repentance is not affected … at least not yet.

So, does it make it more palatable? Unfortunately, no it does not. What happened to the concept separation of church and state? Whenever governments tell churches what and who they can pray for, even on a limited basis, it is a serious threat to freedom of religion. If we let that freedom erode, other freedoms will follow and we will be in big trouble.

Another related issue: while general preaching and teaching is protected ‘for now,’ that loophole could be plugged by another Victorian law. There is a movement to amend Victoria’s notorious Racial and Religious Tolerance Bill of 2001 – where two South Asian Christian pastors (the ‘two Dannys’) fought a costly five year court battle with the Islamic Council of Victoria – to amend the protected groups, along with race and religion, to include sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, sex characteristics and/or intersex status. Offence is based on the nebulous ‘conduct that is likely to incite’. If that happens, you could be prohibited by law to express your religious conviction on sexual ethics, from the pulpit or even in private, since it is ‘likely to incite’ hatred. This represents a further erosion of religious liberty and freedom of speech.

WHAT TO DO

Twenty years ago, a very prophetic voice warned the church that the new, secular, progressive, globalist left would not leave the church alone. That day has come. So what can we do?

1.        Stay calm, don’t panic; get the facts;

2.        Team up with conservative / Christian groups that advocate for faith and family.

3.        Make your voice heard, in writing, by phone, on in-person visit, your local politicians. It does help.


United Kingdom: Write to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and your parliamentary member, saying you do not want a draconian Conversion-Therapy ban, since it is a direct threat of freedom of religion.

United States: HR-5, the Equality Act, could bring a serious threat to religious freedom for the reasons stated above. Contact your US Senators to express your disapproval.

Australia:

4.        Write to the prime minister and your federal parliamentarian. Religious freedom is not enshrined in Australian law and that needs to change. Ask the PM to introduce, as a matter of urgency, the Religious Discrimination Bill into Federal Parliament.

5.        Victorians: Contact the premier and Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Use the ACL link and it will take you only two minutes to make your voice known: https://www.acl.org.au/cm_vic_antivilificationbill?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews%20210413&utm_content=enews%20210413+CID_7edf24d4a712cefc8d116e73c2a4d29e&utm_source=CreateSend&utm_term=Tell%20the%20Premier%20about%20your%20concerns

6.        Most importantly, pray without ceasing, and include the politicians involved.

 

Don’t ignore the problem; it won’t go away on its own. However, prayer and Godly action will make a difference. This could be your finest hour yet.