All posts by Kameel Majdali

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

True Justice: Why Study the Book of Amos Part 01

INTRODUCTION
He came from the humblest of professions: Caring for the sycamore-figs and the sheep. His town was an obscure village called Tekoa at the edge of the Judaean wilderness. No formal training, no recognised credentials, no great connections. Yet God appointed, anointed, and sent him to a neighbouring nation with heavy tidings. Their bribery, corrupt legal system, and failure to righty distribute wealth – not to mention their gross idolatry –  was causing them to head towards judgment. He accurately predicted the exile of that nation (7:11; II Kings 17). His prophecy and writings have an honour place among the Old Testament prophets and have greatly influenced our attitude towards justice – God’s way.
The man and the book is called Amos. We are going to learn why this book is worth studying.
‘Justice’ is a notion being thrown around in our age. Though it speaks about fairness and equality, it has all the hallmarks of redistribution of private property and retribution for the ‘sins of the fathers.’ True justice must be all the way, God’s way. In Amos, we will see how that plays out.
HEBREW NAME
Amas and it means the ‘burden-bearer.’
AUTHOR
Amos is the author of the prophetic book that bears his name. He came from the Judean village of Tekoa, 20 kilometres south of Jerusalem, not far from Bethlehem. Tekoa was at the edge of the Judean wilderness. He tended sheep and as a vine-dresser, he punched holes in the sycamore figs so that the bugs would come out. From this humblest of professions, God raised up Amos to visit the Northern Kingdom of Israel and deliver a heavy word of judgement. Though Israel was prosperous, it was heading towards famine, plagues, conquest, exile, death and destruction. Why? Because of their various sins, including idolatry and injustice.
In addition to the ‘call of God,’ Amos had something else going for him: he knew the Word of God and, more importantly, He knew God Himself. This alone makes all the difference, giving him authority to deliver a word that lasts forever.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the restorer of His people.
THEME
When prosperity is accompanied by apostasy, then judgement will come, despite the illusion of peace. The Northern Kingdom’s idolatry, apostasy, materialism, greed, injustice, and arrogance, was causing them to race towards the proverbial brick wall.
KEY VERSES
Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, 2You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities — Amos 3:1-2
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets — Amos 3:7
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: 12And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it — Amos 8:11-12
DATE
The early part of the 8th Century BC, a few decades before the deportation of Israel by the Assyrians in 722 BC. Estimates are from 775-755 BC. It was the time that Amos’ king, Uzziah, ruled in Judah and Israel’s king Jeroboam II ruled from Samaria. Both kingdoms were prospering economically and under Jeroboam II Israel’s borders expanded greatly, even beyond Damascus (II Kings 14:25). Yet both kingdoms were in serious trouble with the LORD and Israel’s peace and prosperity would turn into a nightmare of conquest and deportation.
HOSEA & AMOS
HOSEA
AMOS
Israelite
Judean
Anti-idolatry
Anti-injustice
Spiritual sin
Social sin
National prophecy
International prophecy
Invited to know God
Invited to seek God
Familial prophecy
National prophecy
Wrath
Tender mercies
Grace
Righteousness

Articles, Education, Prayer, Prophecy, Teaching

How to Practically Respond to the Call of God? Part 08 of the ‘Call of God’ Series

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up — James 4:6-10 (emphases mine)
In our previous article, we began to look at how can we respond to God’s call in a practical manner. It was and still is based on James 4:6-10. Key points so far included grace and submission to God. In this, the 8th and final article of the ‘Call of God Series,’ we continue and conclude learning the practical steps to responding to the Lord’s call in an honourable and effective manner.
1.       Humble yourselves (4:10): We are back to that initial character trait of humility, however, we are given more details in the previous verse (v. 9). Be afflicted, mourn, weep, trade in the laughter for touring and joy to heaviness. This may be dramatic and reserved for special occasions, but these are practical steps of humility, especially if one  faces big issues and needs more grace. Anyone who does these things from the heart is demonstrating the ultimate of humility and with it comes a special promise: as you humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, He will lift you up.  This is consistent with Psalm 75:6-7 promises: For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. God is the one who promotes and He also demotes, lifts up and casts down. That is why if you are going to find favour with anyone, find it with God.
2.       Last, but not least, obedience: You can fulfil every other step to the letter, and in the Spirit, and still fail the course. Obedience is what separates the called from the chosen, the men from the boys, the honourable servant from those who went AWOL. The prophet Samuel told a wayward king Saul: Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams I Samuel 15:22ff. Peter responded to the menacing Sanhedrin: We ought to obey God rather than men – Acts 5:29. Jesus gives a very timely warning on this point in Matthew 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. It couldn’t be clearer – it is not the person who merely gives lip service to the Lordship of Christ who will enter the kingdom of heaven. It is the doer of God’s will who will be warmly welcomed. Obedience is not an optional extra for the super-spiritual – it is mandatory for all who call of His name. Part of the impediment to obedience is fear that God will ask of us something terrible or undesirable, that somehow we will miss out of life’s best if we obey Him. The devil would dearly love for you to think this way. No, you can trust God that His will and direction are the very best thing for you, even if it does not appear so at first. Remember the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6!
In summary, to the submitted, committed, and obedient, who have done everything in their power to draw close to God, be assured that you have embarked on the greatest adventure of all – knowing and serving God. You will have no regrets; only blessing, honour and promotion from on high.
Now is the time!
Summary of Practical Steps in Responding to the Call of God
1.       Recognise the mercies of God (Romans 12:1-2).
2.       Consecration – present yourself, including your body, to God (Romans 12:1-2).
3.       Be a living sacrifice – your life will be dedicated to doing God’s will not your own.
4.       Forget the world – don’t let it bend you into its mould (Romans 12:1-2).
5.       Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1-2).
6.       You will be able to understand God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).
7.       Walk in grace (James 4:6).
8.       Submit to God (James 4:7).
9.       Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
10.   Draw close to God (James 4:8).
11.   Cleanse and purify (James 4:8).
12.   Humble yourselves (James 4:10).
13.   Obedience (Matthew 7:21; Acts 5:29).

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

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

How to Respond to God’s Call Practically ? Part 07 in the ‘Call of God Series.’

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up — James 4:6-10 (emphases mine)
In our previous article, we began to look at how can we respond to God’s call in a practical manner. It was and still is based onJames 4:6-10. Key points so far included grace and submission to God. In this, the 7th article of the ‘Call of God Series,’ we continue learning the practical steps to responding to the Lord’s call in an honourable and effective manner.
After we have humbled ourselves, which does not mean to put ourselves down. It means to acknowledge our need and desire for God. Once manifested, God will give us more grace. Thanks to this abundance of grace, we are now in an optimal position to do the following needful things:
1.       Resist the Devil (4:7): Of interest, as we submit to God, facing Him fully, we concurrently turn our backs on the devil. The original Greek word for ‘resist’ is ‘anthistēmi’ ἀνθίστημιwhich means ‘to oppose, withstand, stand against, and/or resist.’ Though the devil is strong, we do have the power to stand against his lies and actions. The remarkable thing is if we say ‘No,’ and refuse to cooperate, the devil does not merely walk away from us … he flees! Just as Jesus overcame the devil in the wilderness, so He sets an example of Word-based steadfastness — It is written … Confession of the promises of Scripture is a powerful and practical way to resist the devil. Speak these verses aloud, either from memory or with a Bible in front of you. You’ll be amazed at the results.
2.       Draw nigh unto God (4:8): Humility and faith, working together, results in the submitted individual coming closer to God. What a wise thing to do! When one draws closer to God, they have the promise that God will draw closer to them. When God is with you, near you, and for you, nothing and no one can be against you.
3.       Cleanse and purify(4:8) : The submitted person responding to God’s call has to do some ‘spring housecleaning.’ If their body has been used for sin, it need to be cleansed. If a person’s hands are outwardly clean, but they nurse a bad attitude, nagging personal issues, and sins in the heart, they need to purify themselves. How do we do it? Repentance (Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3,5), the cross of Christ (Galatians 2:20; 6:14), God’s Word hidden in our heart (Psalm 119:11), the cleansing of Christ’s blood (Revelation 1:5), and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:12-14), are the means of purifying the heart.
Next time, we will learn a few more steps to honouring God by saying ‘Yes’ to His call.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Recipe – Dunk a Rusk

Wholemeal Buttermilk Rusks

Rusks are a South African treat. Thick dried finger-shaped baked goods, which are meant to be ‘dunked’ in your tea, coffee, Milo, hot chocolate, or rooibos (red bush) tea. This is a tried and true recipe which is sure to delight.
Ingredients: 
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups wholewheat flour
1 cup brown sugar (experiment – you can have more or less sugar)
3 cups plain flour
2 desert spoons of baking powder
2 t. salt
125 g butter
125 g other fat (e.g. coconut oil) or more butter.
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, add melted fat. Mix. Stir in buttermilk, and when mixed well, put into deep cake tin or 2 loaf tines. Bake 1 ½ hours at 140 C. When cool, cut or break into pieces, and dry out in 100 C oven overnight. Enjoy. 
Feel free to experiment with the above ingredients.

Articles, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Social Justice, Teaching

CULTURE WAR SERIES PART 13: Wisely Defending Your Values Part III

Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say Luke 12:11-12(NKJV)
In our timely culture war series, we have been exploring how to respond in a wise manner while simultaneously standing up for what we believe. So far, we have learned the importance of being spiritually strong, treat the opposition as friends rather than adversaries, project confidence and strength, and to keep calm at all times. We now continue to learn some other traits that can help us respond more effectively.
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, 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.
Issues: Do your best to stay focused on the issues, not on your (screeching) opponent. Frame the topic on something highly valued and worth defending, like faith, freedom, and/or family.
If some argues 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.
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 (see verses above).
Stay on track: Don’t allow the opponent to get off track or sidle. Stick to the issue – make them answer your questions.
Word wise: Watch your words and body language. Both are potent tools of communication.
Inconsistencies: It won’t take long to identify inconsistencies in your opponent’s arguments. When discovered, hammer the point. For example, a high-profile politician spoke about his deep and sincere concern for taking up the cause of protecting the ‘poor and marginalised.’ Yet this same individual, in the same breathe, advocates liberal and late-term abortion. How about being a champion of the unborn, not just the post-natal? To harm one segment of society is to harm all.
Remember, we are not looking for a fight but if we are challenged on our views, be prepared to defend them. That’s what this, and other articles, are about.
TO BE CONTINUED.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

The Day of the Lord: Why Study the Book of Joel? Part 02

Last month, we began to examine the key prophetic Book of Joel. We continue our introduction.
Summary of Joel
It starts off with catastrophe. A plague of locusts followed by severe drought, which can be disastrous for a nation whose primary industry is agriculture. Yet, these things, allowed by Almighty God, serve a noble purpose: like an alarm clock, to help the people of God wake up to righteousness and respond with repentance and faith. Such action can spawned a much needed revival.
In practical terms, Judah was called to convene a solemn assembly (1:14; 2:15-16), repent, and come back to God with weeping, mourning, and prayers of mercy (2:12-17). In all this, we are introduced to ‘The Day of the Lord,’ mentioned (5x) in Joel: 1:15; 2:1, 11, 30; 3:14. For the unrighteous, this Day is bad news but for the righteous, it is the Perfect Day. Part of that great blessing will be a universal outpouring of the Holy Spirit, accompanied by great signs and wonders.
The plagues in chapter 1 are just the warm-up for the ultimate event at the end of the age. God then gathers the nations at the end in an Armageddon scenario and they will pay dearly for their sins. The rebels will be defeated and unsaved nations humiliated; but Jerusalem and Judah will prevail because ‘the LORD dwells in Zion’ (3:21).
Timing
Hard to pinpoint because there is no mention of kings, Babylon, Assyria, or the Northern Kingdom. This lack of historic reference point means it could be in the 9th Century BC during the reign of King Joash (835-796 BC) or even post-exilic, meaning the 6th Century BC. Joel and Amos have some common material (Joel 3:16 and Amos 1:2; Joel 3:18 and Amos 9:13) and a similar style to Isaiah and Micah. The locust invasion of Judah, where the sky turned black and the land was denuded of all greenery, was the catalyst for the prophecy.
Distinctive of the Book of Joel
1.  God’s Sovereignty: Links events in history like invasions or natural disasters as God’s means of bringing His people to repentance.
2.  Pentecost: It gives the most profound prophecy about the last day outpouring of the Holy Spirit, fulfilled in the Book of Acts and also in our day.
3.  Natural Disasters: Locusts, drought, famine, fires, foreign invasions, heavenly signs are all seen as signs of God’s judgment against spiritual and moral decadence.
4.  Effective prophet: Joel is a Godly man and role model who succeeds to bring God’s people into repentance and thus reap the positive fruit it brings.
5.  Masterpiece: The Book of Joel is considered a masterpiece of Hebrew literature.
New Testament References to Joel
A.    Acts 2:16-21: Peter quotes Joel in his Pentecost Day sermon; 3,000 people were saved that day;
B.     Matthew 24:29: Jesus speaks of a time where the sun and stars loose their brightness during the Day of the Lord (Joel 2:10);
C.    Romans 10:13: Paul uses Joel 2:32saying whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved;
D.    Revelation 8:12: John uses Joel 2:10in describing event of the tribulation.
E.     Revelation 9: One of the most disturbing chapters in the Bible, it derives its locust invasion to Joel’s own experience.
Old Testament Key Words:
Judah (6x): 3:1, 6, 8, 18, 19, 20
Jerusalem (4x): 3:1, 6, 17, 20
Israel (3x): 2:27; 3:2, 16
Zion (7x): 2:1, 15, 23; 32; 3:16; 17, 21. Zion means Mount Zion, Jerusalem, the land of Israel, or the Jewish people, depending on the context. The Book of Joel ends with the statement that the Lord dwells in Zion (3:21).
Fig tree (3x): 1:7, 12; 2:22
Day of the Lord (5x): 1:15; 2:1, 11, 30; 3:14
Outline of Joel
I.   Day of the Lord in Joel’s Day (1:1-20)
A.  Day of Locusts                        (1:1-12)
B.   Day of Drought                      (1:13-20)
II.                 Day of the Lord in the Last Days   (2:1-3:21)
A.  Imminent Day of the Lord (2:1-27)
1.  Prophecy of Judah’s Imminent Invasion  (2:1-11)
2.  Promise of Judah’s Salvation (conditional)  (2:12-27)
B.  Ultimate Day of the Lord (2:28-3:21)
1.  Final Events before the Day of the Lord (2:28-32)
2.  Events at the Day of the Lord (3:1-21)
a.  Gentiles judged (3:1-15)
b. Judah restored (3:16-21)

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

God’s Top Ten: The 10 Commandments Today – Introduction Part 02

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good
— Romans 7:12
Last month we began a series on the 10 Commandments. We continue our introduction:




Purpose of the Ten Commandments
Before we tell what the commandments can do, here is an important point of what it cannotdo: the 10 Commandments cannot save the soul. This is made clear in Romans 8:3-4:
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
It is vitally important that we know and understand this fact.
So what can the 10 Commandments do?
1.       Moral fence: Morality is very much a protective barrier that shield us, our souls, as well as our family, present or future from danger. Stay within the bounds of the fence and your spirit, soul, and even body will be protected. Stray beyond the fence and you are taking your chances. The 10 commandments, as God’s righteous and high standard, leads us to that hedge of protection.
2.       Mirror: Most people are under the illusion that they are basically good. They don’t rob banks, commit murder, are sexually responsible (most of the time), pay their bills, provide for their families, and are generally nice to people. Yet, the amazing thing of the law is that, like a mirror, it shows us what we are really like, NOT what we think we’re like. Transgression of the Law is universal (Romand 3:23) and the wages of such transgression is death (Romans 6:23). Through the commandments, we discover that we really are sinners and thus are more open to the Saviour. Using the commandments as a quiz can be a good evangelistic tool. Ray Comfort wonderfully illustrates this in Hell’s Best Kept Secret. Go through the ten commandments one-by-one and ask someone, have you kept this command, both in letter and in spirit, all of your life? If the person is honest, they will say ‘No,’ they have not kept all commandments, all their lives. This includes people raised in the church.
3.       Schoolmaster: In the liberating Epistle to the Galatians, Paul shows that the commandments cannot save but it is a tutor that leads us to the One who can, namely Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:24-25:
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
New Testament Summary
Jesus Christ wonderfully summarised the commandments in Matthew 22:36-40
Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
The Lord not only summarises the 10 Commandments, but indeed all the law is condensed into 2 precepts:
1.       Love God
2.       Love people
You will find that the 10 Commandments do this in an amplified fashion: the first four commandments deal with how to love God, and the last six are about our dealings with people.
As New Testament believers, we should respect the law and guide our behaviour according to its precepts, knowing that it is by God’s Grace that this is made possible.
TO BE CONTINUED