All posts by Kameel Majdali

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S DECLARATION ON JERUSALEM: Who Cares?

Therefore, I have determined that it is time to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel — US President Donald Trump
You would have thought the sky had fallen!



( US & Israeli flags at the Jerusalem Municipality. Courtesy of Teach All Nations)

US President Donald Trump, no stranger to controversy, made a simple statement on 6 December 2017, stating that the United States recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Mr. Trump was honouring a campaign promise, which some of his predecessors also made but did not fulfil.
Though Trump sought to be calming, even-handed, and concilatory, there was a strong reaction from key parties. When it comes to Jerusalem, it can be a very emotive. In this article, we will find out who cares about the issue.
Before making his statement, President Trump called Egyptian President Sisi, Jordanian King Abdullah, Saudi King Salmon, and Palestinian Authority President Abbas, explaining his actions. He confirmed that the US is still open to the internationally-endorsed ‘two state solution,’ meaning the holy land is to house two nations for two people, ‘living in peace side-by-side.’ What is not directly stated, but implicit, is that along with ‘two states’ there is also to be ‘two Jerusalems,’ one city but divided into two capitals for two peoples. 
The 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act overwhelmingly passed in the US Congress, 374-37 votes in the House of Representatives and 93 to 5 votes in the Senate. In 2017 the act was symbolically passed again unanimously in the Senate. It stipulated that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and that the American embassy should be re-located there. However, the President can postpone the move every six months to ‘protect the national security interests of the United States.’ Then US President Bill Clinton signed the twice yearly postponement waiver for the rest of his administration. George W. Bush and Barack H. Obama did the same.
Mr. Trump has gone against decades of US policy vis a vis Jerusalem. America has refused to publicly recognise the holy city as Israel’s capital and has kept the embassy in Tel Aviv, 65 kilometres away, as are all foreign missions. Americans born in the holy city have only ‘Jerusalem’ written in their passports, not ‘Jerusalem, Israel.’ 
Yet, while de jure recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has been denied, de facto has been operative for years: US presidents, secretary of states, and military leaders have met with their Israeli counterparts in the holy city.
The reason for this ambiguous policy is that Jerusalem is a hyper-sensitive issue with the Arab and Muslim worlds; therefore, its final status should be determined by negotiations. If and when that happens, then embassy might be moved, either to a united or divided Jerusalem. Trump believes this long-term ambiguity vis a vis Jerusalem has not worked, will never work, nor has it brought peace any closer; It is time to face facts and move on.
Mr. Trump said that his move was merely a ‘recognition of reality.’ What is that reality? In a population of 880,000, the Jews number 563,200 (64%), and Arabs 308,000 (35%). Jerusalem has been Israel’s declared capital since 1949, just as it was for a thousand years from the time of King David (1000 BC) to the time of Christ (70 AD). This capital status is mentioned frequently in the Bible, along with 100s of references to Jerusalem. It serves as the seat of government. Israel’s parliament, The Knesset, the Supreme Court, government ministries, official residences of the President and Prime Minister, are all located in Jerusalem. 
From the Arab point of view, they are the majority of the population in the Old City, which is the historic, original Jerusalem (30,000 Muslims, 5,600 Christians, 3,000 Jews). They also possess 14 hectares of sacred space known as Al Haram Al Sharif (the ‘Noble Sanctuary’), known in English as the Temple Mount, arguably the single most important piece of real estate in the world. Though historically Jerusalem has never been the capital of any Muslim or Arab entity, the Palestinians say that it will be the capital of their future state.
WORLD REACTION
So who cares about this declaration? 
Apparently the entire world!
First, the mainstream US media attacked the President for being ‘reckless.’ This reaction should surprise no one.
The Pope urged him to respect the status quo, namely, ambiguity and keep the American embassy in Tel Aviv. Britain’s Theresa May and other European leaders spoke of the move as being ‘too risky.’ Sweden’s foreign minister called Trump’s declaration ‘catastrophic.’ Russia and China are nervous, too.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the ‘2-state solution’ to peace with Israel/Palestine is the ‘only way’ to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict. There is no ‘Plan B.’
The Palestinian Authority vigorously condemned the move, called for a ‘days of rage.’ Hamas, who rules the Gaza Strip, said Trump’s statement ‘opens the gates of hell.’ 
At an emergency meeting of the 22-member Arab League, they denounced Trump’s move as a ‘shameless attack’ on the Arab nation, the rights of the Palestinians, and of all Muslims and Christians. They warned that recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital threatened regional peace and stability.
Turkey, whose previous Ottoman Empire occupied Jerusalem for 400 years (1517-1917), declared any change of status in Jerusalem would be a ‘catastrophe.’ Protests were held from Beirut to Jakarta.
Yet, at a local level, things were relatively calm. Yes, there were demonstrations here and there but nowhere nearly as expansive or ferocious as was anticipated. This author happened to be in the country when the Trump’s declaration was made. From personal observation, it was ‘business as usual’ in key cities like Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Life can and will go on.
STAKEHOLDERS
When it comes to Jerusalem, it has the distinction of holding ‘universal name-recognition’ and international concern. From the Amazon Basin to the highlands of Papua New Guinea, the whole world knows about Jerusalem. Since the mid-19th Century, major western powers have established a presence, consular and otherwise, in Jerusalem. 
Concerning the status of Jerusalem, the current stakeholders include (but are not limited to):
   •    Israel
   •    Palestinian Authority & Hamas
   •    The Arab League
   •    The United Nations
   •    The United States
   •    The European Union
   •    Russia
   •    The Vatican
   •    Iran & the ‘Shiite Crescent’ from the Persian Gulf (Iran) to the Mediterranean (Lebanon), & Shia Islam
   •    Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
   •    The Orthodox Church (they own much land in the holy city)
   •    The Jewish world
These parties all claim a vested interest. In theory, many, if not all, can have a veto over any agreement involving ownership of the holy city, which has been undecided since the Ottoman Turks lost it to British General Edmund Allenby in December 1917.
Analysis of The Trump Jerusalem Declaration
On reading Trump’s Declaration on Jerusalem, he still pledges openness to the ‘two-state solution,’ if both parties want it. Also, the President recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but did not use the phrases ‘united’ and/or ‘undivided.’ This also, in theory, leaves open the possibility of the redivision of the holy city into two capitals.
He gave no timeline for when the embassy will move. Nor did he offer to immediately convert the current US consulate in Jerusalem into an embassy. Apparently, he also signed the December 2017 waiver postponing the move of the embassy for another 6 months, as he did the first time in June 2017.
So it appears that Trump’s declaration was more symbolic than substantive. Yet, make no mistake about it, symbols can be very potent. Jerusalem testy status makes that plain.
If the world were committed to a two-state, two-capital solution, why the fuss of recognising Israel’s sovereignty at least over part of Jerusalem? Could it be that major stakeholders object to Israel’s rule over any part of Jerusalem, not just the whole?

Twenty-five hundred years ago, the prophet Zechariah (12:3) warned the world that Almighty God would make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people. Are we seeing a fulfilment of that prophecy before our very eyes? For seasoned observers, there is no doubt that this city will continue to concern and confound the nations in the days to come. Just keep watching this space.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Making Sense Out of Suffering: Why Study the Book of Job

(Photo of the Lord speaking to Job in a whirlwind, courtesy of blueletterbible.org)
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold — Job 23:10
It is an ancient yet ever-present problem: why is there pain and suffering in the world? Even more troubling, why do the righteous suffer and the unrighteous prosper? Theologians, philosophers, yes, everyday people have pondered this terrible reality.
All of us go through some degree of suffering. Some have a ‘high pain’ tolerance and others don’t. But for most people in the western world, no matter how intense the heat of suffering may be, always remember that in other parts of the world, they suffer in a manner we would know nothing about. Perspective is aways important.
More than one book of the Bible deals with the topic of suffering. The New Testament epistle of I Peter focuses on it. Yet no part of the Bible majors on this topic to the extent that the Book of Job does. In a sense, this 42 chapter Bible book is one beautiful, masterful poem that graces and inspires us with its words – God’s words – as we ponder its timeless message.
Job, a wealthy, righteous man goes through compounded, tragic, even horrific suffering all  in a short period of time. His lost wealth is replaceable, but his lost children were not. His friends come to comfort him and what ensues is an extended dialogue between them and Job. Eventually, the Lord comes into the picture and His powerful words shed light on this sobering subject.
HEBREW NAME
Iyyob which can mean ‘persecuted one.’
AUTHOR
We do not know who the author of Job is. What we do know is that Job came from the ‘Land of Uz,’ which is near Midian. Job very well could have been a Gentile who lived in the time of the patriarchs or later. Moses may have known about him and Elihu, but that does not mean he is the author.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Jesus Christ is known as the ‘Daysman’ (9:33) and the living, visible redeemer (19:25).
THEME OF JOB
God is God in the good times and the bad. He is sovereign over every situation, including suffering, and redeems the righteous out of it all.
Pain, faith, and the role of Satan are held in the spotlight.
KEY VERSES IN JOB
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him — Job 13:15
Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. 24Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart  — Job 37:23-24
SUMMARY OF JOB
The Book of Job begins with an eye-opening dialogue between Almighty God and Satan in heaven (yes, apparently Satan has visiting rights in heaven, though he will lose them when cast to the earth in Revelation 12:9). God commends Job as His upright servant who fears Him and hates evil. Satan says that God’s hedge around Job keeps him faithful but if that hedge is removed and Job suffers, he will curse God to his face. God does not believe this lie yet gives Satan permission to test Job, knowing he will remain faithful. So Satan’s attack results in Job losing livestock, servants, and his 10 children, virtually on the same day. Yet Job did not sin.
The second conversation between God and Satan is that Job is commended for his faithfulness. Satan says that if he was physically afflicted, Job would turn against God. Again, God gives Satan permission to touch him physically but to spare his life. He is struck with boils from head to toe. He refused to sin with his lips.
Job’s wife is not exactly helpful or encouraging: She asks him how long will he hold onto his integrity? Then she tells him to ‘curse God and die.’ Before we are too hard on Mrs. Job, remember that she had just lost her 10 children. When Job’s blessings are restored, she will benefit, too.
His three friends come to ‘comfort’ him. They sat in silence for one solid week before speaking. Their names were Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Once the week was over and the talking began, there was three debates. His friends say his suffering must be due to his sin (as if the righteous don’t suffer). He says he is being judged and God will vindicate him.
Job also complains that God does not hear him (13:3, 24), is punishing him (7:4), and allows the wicked to prosper (21:7). For 5 chapters Job does all the talking (27-31).
Elihu, though young, brings a mature perspective and strong rebuke. He reproves Job for justifying himself while correcting the 3 friends for condemning Job but having no answer themselves.
Finally, God Himself speaks to Job from the whirlwind (chapters 38-42). He speaks of his mighty power in creation, how as Sovereign he can control the uncontrollable. If Job can’t decipher God’s creative ways and acts, how can he possibly make sense of suffering – his and others.
Some important principles to remember in the face of suffering:
1)     Commit yourself to God;
2)     Trust God with all your heart, whether it makes sense or not;
3)     Have confidence that God will bring good to your life; righteousness truly has a sure reward.
4)     Suffering is a reality in a fallen world; sometimes due to one’s sin, sometimes due to one’s righteousness. The righteous must remain so and God will turn it around for their good. The sinner must repent, learn the lessons, obey the commands, and get right with God and others.
5)     Satan is a reality and this explains much about the reason for suffering. His rampage will not last forever and he will be thoroughly and irreversibly judged.
Yes, the good guys do triumph in the end.
End result: Job’s lost possessions are restored, including 10 more children. His 3 friends receive prayer due to their insensitive words. Young Elihu is not rebuked at all.
Outline of Job
I.      Dialogue between God and Satan; Job’s sufferings begin (1-2)
II.   Dialogue between Job and his friends (3-37)

III.  God speaks to Job and restores his fortunes (38-42)
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Paul’s Secret to Changing the World – Part 05

… I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus — Philippians 3:12ff
Paul the apostle was one of the most influential, impact-making, legacy-leaving people in all human history. His amazing work is still paying rich dividends until today. How did he do it?
So far, we have learned:
Principle One: Grace brings world-change;
Principle Two: Righteousness brings world-change – when you change into the righteous image of Christ, you are then empowered to be an agent of change to the world.
Principle Three: Knowing Christ. Christ is such a powerful, singular figure that knowing Him brings empowerment in return.
Principle Four: Taking hold of Christ.
Let’s review the last step – which is the most important. Philippians 3 tells us the secret: he let go of ‘everything’ in his life – good, bad, and ugly – so he would be ‘hands free’ to take hold of Christ and His purposes for Paul’s life. That’s what the above verse is about. The principle of ‘apprehending’ is the Greek word katalambano, which means to seize, apprehend, take hold, and win the prize. So to apprehend Christ and His purpose for your life means you are partnering with the Lord Himself; He is the senior and you are the junior partner. When that happens, things begin to change, starting with you.
In this fifth and final article, let’s elaborate about ‘taking hold/katalambano. Here are some Biblical examples:
The Patriarch Jacob: Jacob is a superlative example of katalambano. He had secretly fled from his uncle Laban in order to return to the land of Canaan in Genesis 32. His wives, handmaidens, children, and all his possessions, were with him. Soon, he had Laban on his back and a angry brother Esau in his face. Either way, he face serious trouble, perhaps violence, from one or both of these men. In desperation, he chose to wrestle with the Angel until the breaking of the day. Such a contest of strength would have seemed more suitable to macho Esau, the huntsman and ‘man’s man,’ than to a ‘sensitive new age guy,’ like Jacob.
Yet it was Jacob, not Esau, who demonstrated the greatest strength of all. Despite the attempts of the Angel to shoo him away, Jacob sunk his fingernails deeply. ‘I will not let you go until you bless me!’ he declared. At one point, the Angel injured the hollow of Jacob’s thigh. Even in pain, he continued to lay hold. At the end, the Angel had no choice but to bless him. Part of the blessing was the changing of his name from Jacob, which means ‘supplanter’ or ‘heal catcher,’ to Israel, ‘Prince of God.’ Jacob went from ‘red-blood’ to ‘blue blood’ by taking hold of the King of kings and Lord of Lords.
Hannah: The wife of Elkanah, Hannah    also demonstrated katalambanoor laying hold in I Samuel 1. Though married to a good man, she was miserable due to her barrenness. Elkanah’s second wife was very fruitful in this area; she was also very nasty. Her taunts and insults caused Hannah to fret to the core of her being. In extreme anxiety, she went to the one and only place that could answer her deep pain: The House of the Lord. In Hannah’s day, it was the Tabernacle of Moses at Shiloh. So she entered into the sacred precincts, went as far as she was allowed, and there she parked herself in prayer. Like Jacob, Hannah was not going to let go until God blessed her … and He did. Unlike the anonymous children of Elkanah’s second wife, Hannah’s son became the greatest prophet Israel had seen since Moses. His name is Samuel or Shmu’el, ‘heard from God.’ God’s best is worth the wait. Those who lay hold of Christ are assured of answered prayer, no matter what the size of the request.
Practical Side
Like any teaching, there has to be a practical component with the theoretical. Remember to apply verses 13-14 of Philippians 3. It tells us:
1.      Forget what is behind you. You cannot lay hold if you are always holding on to old memories, both bad and good.
2.      Reach out to what lies ahead. Be people who are future-minded and forward looking.
      Most importantly, you need to:
3.      Press toward the mark of the prize of the high-calling of God in Christ Jesus. Without this final step, you will not seal your victory. Focus on Christ and His vision to the exclusion of all else and love God with all of your being.

God has called us to nothing less than making a difference in our world. This becomes gloriously possible when we relinquish everything else and let Christ be our sole — and soul— focus. 
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Scandal in Hollywood: Where’s There Smoke …

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops — Luke 12:2-3
It may help sell newspaper but it is news that can make you sick to your stomach. A number of women, up to 60 thus far, have accused Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, age 65, of sexual harassment, assault, even rape. Weinstein was fired from his own company, the Weinstein Company, and was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Weinstein’s long, lucrative career is in tatters, even though he denies having ‘non-consensual’ sex.
Then award-winning actor Kevin Spacey has also been accused of harassment – mostly of men. His first accuser is actor Anthony Rapp of sexual advances in the 1980s when he was only 14 years old. Spacey says he does not remember the incident, offered an apology, and then had a ‘coming out’ as a gay man. Afterwards, other men came forward and claimed Spacey sexually harassed and/or assaulted them. That was enough to get Netflix to suspend indefinitely production of House of Cards, and not release Spacey’s film Gore. In addition, the film All the Money in the World will be re-filmed without Spacey, even though it is close to the release date.
How quickly these two powerful men have been professionally ‘slain by scandal.’ The fallout has been enormous and the retribution swift:
Of course, predatory sexual behaviour is not just limited to Hollywood and left-wing progressives. High-profile figures are getting exposed. One gubernatorial candidate and state supreme court judge decided to preempt everything by putting a Facebook post about the 50 ‘very attractive women’ he has bedded over 50 years (1 a year). This is not a way to advance your political career or prevent allegations of sexual harassment (though, no doubt, some men congratulated this man for his ‘sexploits’). Yet what has come out, in general, is deeply disturbing.
The sexual revolution of the 1960s can take some blame. Not only was that the period when Hollywood flagrantly forsook family-friendly entertainment for the violent, sensuous, and sleazy, but the revolution taught it was okay, even desirable, to break the rules of sexual morality. In such of environment, not only has there been more illicit sex, but also the abuse of sex, too.
Powerful people throughout history have abused those ‘lower down the totem pole.’ Some willingly submitted to the abuse in order to gain personal promotion and advantage, others simply were in the way. Abusive power is noxious.
Hypocrisy from the larger community is also to blame. High-profile people who advocated ‘woman’s rights’ decry male ‘micro-aggressions’ on social media but turned a blind eye to the serial abuser. Could it be that the latter donated a lot of money to their chosen political party or supported favoured politicians. somehow turned a blind-eye to the stories surfacing
Something we should all be aware: accountability is inevitable. Nothing will be covered up forever. Imagine: abuses that happened decades ago are brought up as today’s news? Abusers who thought they could continue on their rampage with impunity, and buy there way out of trouble, are finding that there are some things money can’t buy – grace, exoneration, cleansing, and forgiveness.
Even if an abuser escapes justice in this world, Romans 14:12 is clear: Every one of us will have to give account of themselves to God. Before we are tempted to take a ‘holier than thou’ mindset, remember we need to get our own hearts right first, and then help others do the same (Galatians 6:1). Repentance and faith in the gospel does miracles in turning a black-hearted individual into ‘pure in heart.’.
If you want to ‘scandal-proof’ your personal life, remember three things:
1.       Live by the fear of the Lord (Proverb 16:6);
2.       Walk according to the precepts of God’s Word (Psalm 119:11), and
3.       Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
You will be like Teflon where the grit and grime of the world will not stick but easily wash off.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Culture War Part 02: What Do The Two Sides Believe?

The great cultural civil war, with its polarisation of society groups and poisoning of the public square, continues. As we learned last month, this ‘war’ is nothing new – it is at least half a century old. Yet, the flare-ups that we witnessed during and after the 2016 US presidential campaign, shows us the need to understand what’s going on. After all, when you understand a problem, you are halfway towards a solution (Proverbs 4:7).
Remember, this is similar to the ‘Cold War,’ where there is not so much an exchange of bullets and weapons fire. What we have instead is an acrimonious public discourse, an abundance of legislation and regulations, the tyranny of political correctness, and a divided public.
The two sides of the culture-war are:
1.       On the Left: Secular Progressives (often called ‘Liberals,’ but best to stick to SP), influenced by cultural Marxism and old-fashioned socialism;
2.       On the Right: Traditional Values Conservatives;
Ultimately, this war is about western civilisation – the one that gave us democracy, individual freedom, economic opportunity. Will it survive as is or is fundamentally transformed, or even destroyed. In order to discern what this war is about, let’s learn what the two sides stand for.
In this article, we will look at the first group, the left-leaning Secular Progressives.
SECULAR-PROGRESSIVISM (SP)
In order to have a better society there needs to be ‘justice,’ and ‘equality.’ Be careful – these terms do not mean what you think. The proposed route to such a utopian society is by large government – and the bigger, the better. This government will provide cradle-to-the-grave entitlements and, if possible, will even be responsible for people’s prosperity and happiness. Because of its benevolent intentions, SP demands complete conformity and anyone who resists their ‘moral’ agenda will be dealt with.  After all, ‘big government knows best.’
Equality: SP believe in equality of outcomes, meaning that everyone one will receive the same, despite differences in work and contribution or condition.
Justice: This is thought mostly on economic terms. Wealth re-distribution is a key plank. As a former US President put it, ‘We want to spread the wealth around.’
SP can vary in degree and intensity, for example, views on private property or personal assets (extreme view deems the people’s property really belongs the state’s, which is classic Communism). Not all left-wing people are SP and not all supporters of the mainstream left-wing political parties would approve of the complete SP agenda. It is estimated that 15-20% of the population is hard left.
Worldview: SP political philosophy is limited to material and monetary matters. Morality as described in the Bible is replaced with a ‘new morality’ which is made up as they go along. Since postmodern style relativism has made a splash, one-sized moral code does not fit all. Though many SP embrace the ‘sexual revolution’ and the ‘new morality,’ SP see their cause as ‘morally superior’ and despise conservatives who oppose them as being ‘immoral’ and ‘evil.’
While people love the notion of entitlements, minimising risk, and having someone ‘look after them,’ rarely do they consider the implications of larger government:
•    It means more taxes, to help fund the entitlements;
•    It means more regulations, since society needs to be channelled into just path;
•    It means more state and national debt, because government spending for ‘economic justice’ outstrips income by taxation;
•    It means more intrusion into personal lives, since big government wants to ‘take care of you.’
•    It means more corruption.
In history, the greatest wars and highest death tolls have not come ‘religious institutions,’ as is often stated. They came from huge, totalitarian, secular governments, like Hitler’s Germany, Mao’s China, Pol Pot’s Cambodia, and Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Union. The 10s of millions of people who perished through their policies are the end result.
Progressivism is the predominant worldview of the mainstream media, academia, entertainment industry, some in the judiciary, unions, and, yes, even big business. Nearly a century ago Vladimir Lenin, founder of the Soviet Union, was quoted as saying big business is selling us the rope by which we will hang them. The United Nations and European Union are strongly progressivist, and even the current pontiff has been known to issue ‘progressive-pleasing’ statements. And the Nobel Peace prize committee? When was the last time a conservative won this prize?
Secular progressives have a strong hold on culture. It is so extensive that even if conservative parties hold majorities in the executive and legislative branches of government, they can do nothing to stop the SP agenda. In part, this is also because we, the general population, are seduced by the notion of getting something for nothing, having someone else take care of us, and reducing personal risk?
Paul Kelly in The Weekend Australian, August 27-28 2017 (page 16), made these comments:

‘The paradox is that while the public hates politicians, it re-embraces the old Australian default stance of looking to government to solve nearly all its problems – economic, social, emotional, and family. It is a recipe for dysfunction and long-run grief.’ TO BE CONTINUED
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

What Should We Think About America’s Mass Shootings?

It was heart-breaking news: on Sunday 5 November 2017, the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, was hit with a mass shooting. Devin Kelley, age 26, with a history of violence and mental health issues, stormed into the church. Clad in black, carrying a military-style rifle, and wearing a ballistic vest on his chest, Kelley fired at the congregation indiscriminately and at close range. By the time he was done, 26 people were dead, with ages ranging from 5 to 72. Among the dead was the 14 year old daughter of the pastor. Kelley later committed suicide after being attacked by a gun owner.
It is the grimmest of role calls. Kelley’s shooting spree comes on the heals of the Las Vegas attack on 1 October 2017, where 64 year old Stephen Paddock killed 64 people during a concert. Omar Mateen, age 29, murdered 49 people in a gay night club in Orlando, Florida on 12 June 2016. There was the attack on Virginia Tech by a Korean migrant named Cho Seung Hui, age 23, on 16 April 2007; Cho managed to kill 32 students/teachers before he died.
Though not the highest death toll, the Newtown Connecticut massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School of 14 December 2012 was the particularly disturbing. Twenty year old Adam Lanza, after killing his own mother, went about shooting teachers and pupils alike. The final toll was 27 dead, mostly children. This event, just before Christmas, greatly shook America. The school was later torn down and rebuilt.
The United States has the distinction of having the highest rate of gun ownership in the world: 88 guns per 100 people, or around 270 million guns in circulation. Of interest, Switzerland (45+ per 100), Finland (45+ per 100), and Sweden (20+ per 100) are among the top ten nations with the highest gun ownership.
Unfortunately, the USA also has the highest rate of mass shootings and it appears to be increasing. Of the top 30 worse shootings since 1949, 18 of them have been in the last 10 years. For our purposes, a ‘mass shooting’ involves the following:
1.       Four or more people are killed;
2.       The people are randomly chosen in the same place and time;
3.       Shooting is done in public: a place of employment, school, or a church
By that definition, from 1 January to 5 November 2017, there has been 307 mass shootings in the United States or virtually 1 shooting per day. In 70% of the incidents, the shooter dies, either by suicide or felled by others.
Predictably, after every high profile, high-casualty mass shooting, there are calls for ‘more gun control.’ Before we even touch that topic, here are some other things to consider. Anders Behring Brevik, 32, on 22 July 2011 shot and killed 77 people in Norway. Martin Bryant, age 28, murdered by gunshot 35 people at Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia on 28-29 April 1996. And one of the most horrifying mass murders in recent days did not involve a gun at all: Lahouajej Bouhlel Mohammad Salmene, age 31, mowed down 86 people in a lorry, with 458 injured, in a Bastille Day rampage at Nice, France in 2016.
So mass murder by gunshot is not only an American phenomena, of which it constitutes less than 1/2 of 1 percent of all annual gun deaths. Half of US gun deaths are suicide.
Why does America have this problem?
This author does not claim to have the definitive answer to this important question; however, here is some food for thought.
1.       Violence in the media: Whether its television, the cinema, or cyberspace, there is little question that violence in media feeds a culture of violence.
2.       Culture war: Technically speaking, the culture war is more of a ‘cold war’ of words and actions, rather than a ‘hot war’ of bullets and guns. Yet, this on-going polarisation of western society, which has flared up in recent years, can potentially lead to violence (e.g. the shooting of Congressman Scalise by a Bernie Sander’s supporter in 2017).
3.       Narcissism: An unhealthy, unrealistic, and distorted image of one’s self, the narcissist likes to draw attention to themselves. A mass shooting is a lethal way to do it.
4.       Spiritual dimension: Let’s face it: we are in a fallen, spiritual world. The US has been a Christian leader, though there has been some serious erosion of Biblical, Spirit-filled Christianity over the decades of postmodernism and culture war. Spiritual forces of darkness would dearly love to derail and destroy America and the West.
What is the gun-control debate – Please consider
This situation will not be solved immediately and it is not as ‘black and white’ as it seems. Gun-control advocates are calling for everything from ‘banning assault weapons’ and ‘machine guns,’ to an ‘honest debate.’ Normally, but not exclusively, such advocates are on the secular-left-progressive side. The NY Times in 2015 had an editorial advocating the confiscation of guns, and one of its ‘conservative’ columnists called for a repeal of the second amendment (which is not a traditional conservative position). In the aftermath of the church shooting, some on the left blamed the victims – saying their ‘prayers’ were not good enough to save them or inhibit gun-control!
Gun-rights advocates do have a case. For example, the US Constitution Second Amendment, known as the ‘Bill of Rights,’ clearly states:
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
Even the progressivist-leaning US Supreme Court a decade ago reaffirmed the clear constitutional right of individual Americans to own guns. Three-quarters of Americans do not want the banning of private gun ownership. So, any attempt to ban private gun ownership, which is what happened in Australia in 1996 after the Port Arthur massacre, can be legally and politically resisted in America. Even left-wing Democrats are reticent to touch gun-ownership, since gun-rights supporters are more electorally active than gun-controls advocates.
Regarding gun-control laws, background checks, machine gun bans – these apparently already exist. Gun-rights advocates say that the enforcement of present laws, not the creation of additional laws, is what is needed. People convicted of domestic violence are banned from own firearms. The BBC reports that over half of the 156 mass shootings from 2009 to 2016 involved partners or former partners of the shooters, while an alarming 50 women plus a month are killed by former partners, according to Every Town for Gun Safety. .Laws can vary from state to state, and loopholes and lack of enforcement can result in the tragedies we have just witnessed.
Devin Kelley was imprisoned for domestic violence and banned from buying or owning a gun. However, his conviction was not entered into the National Criminal Information Centre database. Had it been, perhaps the Sutherland Springs shooting would not have taken place when it did.

Without being trite, ultimately, this problem, like everything else the West faces, requires a spiritual revival. When God’s people diligently seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, God promises to heal their land (II Chronicles 7:14). 
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

M’judarra (Lentil & Rice Casserole)

This is a vegetarian main meal delight. Popular in Egypt and the Middle East, m’judarra is a simple lentil and rice with spice dish. Topped with golden-fried onions and plain yoghurt, it is a taste sensation.
1 ½ cups brown lentils, washed and drained.
1 ½ t. salt
5 cups water
2 medium-sized onions, cut in half and finely sliced (or make more if you like golden brown onions)
150 ml light olive oil
1 cup or less (1/2 cup) long-grain rice, washed and drained.
Spices: Choose one. Cinnamon or curry powder or cumin to taste.
Place lentils in a saucepan with salt and 3 cups water. Cover and bring to a boil. Add a further cup of water and boil for approximately 15 minutes.
While lentils are cooking, fry onion in oil until dark brown or golden (be sure not to burn). Set aside a generous part of the onionsand add the reminder, together with its oil, to the boiling water. Add rice and stir. Add remaining water, add one of the three spices listed above to taste (don’t go overboard), cover and cook over low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until water has been absorbed.
Arrange on a platter and sprinkle reserved onion on top. Serve with plain yoghurt or Greek style plain yoghurt.

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For Such A Time As This: Why Study the Book of Esther

The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. 17And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them — Esther 8:16-17
It has all the ingredients of a block-buster movie, but this is no Hollywood creation. The Book of Esther tells the very real story in the 5th Century BC of an insidious plot to destroy the Jewish people. Ironically, this scheme was not hatched by the overbearing Egyptians, war-like Assyrians, or despotic Babylonians – it happened under the enlightened, cultured, tolerant Persian empire. Of all Israel’s occupiers, the Persians should have been the least likely empire to hatch such a plot – but, as the book tells us, not only was this plot of Jewish destruction conceived, but it almost succeeded. The reason it ultimately failed is because of the ‘God-factor.’ The Lord promised to preserve the Jewish people as long as there are stars, the sun, and moon (Jeremiah 31:35-37?). The Book of Esther is the gripping story of how He did precisely that.
HEBREW NAME
The Hebrew name of Esther is ‘Hadassah,’ which means ‘myrtle’ (2:7). Her Persian name is ‘Ester,’ meaning a star and ‘Esther’ is the Greek version.
AUTHOR
We do not know who the author of Esther is. While Mordechai, Nehemiah, and Ezra have been nominated, it seems unlikely that they wrote the book. The author was a Jew who had much knowledge about the royal history and customs of Persia. He tells us things like nature of the Persian banquet (1:6-8; 5:5); royal protocol (4:11; 8:11-18); details of the royal palace at Shushan (1:5; 2:11, 21; 7:8), and court intrigue (2:21-23; 7:9).
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Christ is represented in Esther in some profound ways. He is an advocate for the people, just as Esther did for her people. Both figures are royalty and both risked their lives for the sake of their people.
THEME OF ESTHER
The providence of God in the affairs of His people. God is not explicitly mentioned in this book, which some find problematic, though His name appears as an acrostic in the Hebrew text. During the great crisis, this book does not mention prayer, either, but it does speak of a total fast for 3 days and 3 nights, known also as the ‘Esther fast.’
Yet the fingerprints of God is found everywhere in this book. Through a series of ‘coincidences,’ it becomes obvious that God, and God alone, foils the satanic plot to destroy the Jewish people, abrogate the Abrahamic covenant, and destroy the Messianic lineage.
KEY VERSES IN ESTEHR
Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. 14For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? — Esther 4:13-14 (KJV)
CANONICITY OF ESTHER
While many of the books of the Bible are considered canonical, without question, the same does not apply to the Book of Esther. At first, it appears to be a fiction thriller yet it is loaded with factual details. Not only is God and devotional life not mentioned, but the name of a heathen king is frequently mentioned. There even appears to be a ‘spirit of revenge’ when Esther asks for a second day be given so that the Jews can destroy their enemies. Of all the Old Testament books, only Esther is not part of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Despite all this, the Book of Esther has a worthy place in the canon of Scripture. First, it tells us about a holiday called ‘Purim’ which the Jewish people celebrate to this day. Second, it highlights the problem of anti-Semitism, the world’s oldest and most irrational hatred. Ultimately, it shows how God providentially kept His promise to preserve the Jewish people (Jeremiah 31:35-37) despite numerous attempts to destroy them. Satan and Haman almost succeeded in their plan to annihilate the Jews, but God’s providence wins the day.
SUMMARY OF ESTHER
The scene of the Book of Esther is the winter palace at Susa or Shushan. Ahasuerus the king (also known as Xerxes) holds a banquet to display his royal glory, though it could have been a drunken orgy. Vashti the queen refuses to appear and so is deposed. A beauty contest is held to find a new queen. Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl, is chosen to be the Queen of Persia.
An assassination plot is uncovered and foiled by Mordechai and the king’s life is saved.
Meanwhile, Haman is the captain of the princes and desires honour; Mordechai refuses to bow to him. When Haman discovers that he is a Jew, he doesn’t just seek to destroy him – he wants to destroy all Jews. He casts lots (purim) to determine when that day will be and, through deception and bribery tricks Ahasuerus into signing a decree to the Jews destruction 11 months later. The decree is irreversible.
Urged by Mordechai, Queen Esther takes the risk to reveal her Jewishness and plead for the king to save her people. Approaching the king without an invitation can be fatal, but thanks to the ‘Esther fast,’ the Queen makes the approach anyone and the ‘golden sceptre’ is extended to her.
The Queen cleverly invites the king and Haman to 2 banquets. The latter is delighted to be invited, but becomes sullen when he sees Mordechai. So he cannot wait for 11 months and builds 20 meter high gallows to hand him on immediately.
At the same time, the king suffers from insomnia, asks to read the palace records, and discovers Mordechai had not been rewarded for thwarting the earlier assassination plot. He wants Mordechai honoured and gets Haman to fulfil his demand – the the latter’s chagrin.
At the 2nd banquet, Esther reveals Haman’s wicked plot and the king orders him to be hung on the very gallows reserved for Mordechai. The enemy of the Jews is dead.
But what about the irreversible decree to destroy the Jews? The king issues another decree saying that the Jews can defend themselves on the very day given for their destruction. On the appointed day, the Jews defeat their enemies throughout the Persian empire. The next day is a celebration, resulting in the annual Feast of Purim. Esther remains as Queen and Mordechai is promoted to a position second only to the king.
Esther and Mordechai were people of destiny. They came on the scene by divine design so that the Jewish people would be saved. This is the power of divine providence: for such a time as this.
OUTLINE OF ESTHER
Chapter 01: Vashti Deposed
Chapter 02: Esther Becomes Queen
Chapter 03: Haman’s Rise and Evil Decree to Destroy the Jews
Chapter 04: Mourning Over Haman’s Plot
Chapter 05: Esther Intercedes
Chapter 06: Mordechai Belatedly Honoured
Chapter 07: Banquet of Esther and Hanging of Haman
Chapter 08: Ahasuerus’ decree for Jewish self-defense; Vengeance
Chapter 09: Feast of Purim Instituted

Chapter 10: Mordechai Promoted; Epilogue

(Photo of Esther approaching the king, courtesy of blueletterbible.org)
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Signs of the Times: How Should We Respond?

Bible prophecy is a wonderful, God-given blessing to the church and the world. Its benefits are incalculable, including bringing edification, comfort, enlargement to the church. Of course, it is a ‘heads up’ regarding the future.
Yet prophecy is in danger of falling into disrepute through foe and friend alike. Foes seek to ignore, marginalise, or discredit the prophetic word. Prophecy’s ‘friends’ are capable of doing some very unwise things, too. For example, they set the date for Christ’s return. I remember as a 21 year old sitting in church and hearing that a certain high-profile man ‘staked his reputation’ that Jesus would return the very next month! Another man wrote a book called about why Jesus would return that very year. Though the book was from America, it travelled very quickly to Australia (and, no doubt, other parts of the world). Normal ‘Aussie skepticism’ was thrown to the wind as people were stirred up that Jesus might, just might, return that year. One man seemed distressed at the prospect of the Lord’s soon return. ‘I can’t have Jesus return this year … I’m too busy!’
First things first. Friend, when you are ‘too busy’ for Jesus to return to this planet, then you are too busy. Besides, the Lord does not need our permission in order to return.
In recent years, there has been speculation about certain events, implying an apocalyptic outcome. Remember Y2K (1 January 2000)? This was when the calendars on computers would revert to ’00.’ The concern was that the computer would think it was ‘1900’ rather than ‘2000’ and it could potentially result in some catastrophic results, electronically and otherwise. Some prophecy buffs were predicting the worse. The date came and went and was much ado about nothing (of course, there is the possibility that governments and industry fixed the problem just in time and averted disaster).
Then there was the Mayan Calendar of 2012, the blood red moons of 2015, and a total eclipse in 2017. In everyone of these cases, people were saying that there were profound prophetic implications, even the second coming of Christ or the end of the world. These pronouncements caused a great stir and even anxiety among many.
Yet when the appointed time came, nothing happened. Was there a retraction? An apology? To my knowledge, the answer was ‘No.’
HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?
In an age where deception and delusion are increasing in record levels, we desperately need the gift of discernment. It will help you separate wheat from the chaff and keep you from being led astray. Time, money, resource, and emotions are unwisely spent. Discernment is something you cultivate. It comes by cleaving to God’s truth, knowing His Word, and being filled by the Holy Spirit. Some other pointers to keep in mind.
1.    Be open-minded but not gullible: In Proverbs 14:15 it says The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. While we should listen respectfully, discernment decrees that we prove all things and hold fast to what is good (I Thessalonians 5:21).
2.    Scriptural literacy: Know God’s word. Like good Berean Christians, search the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so (Acts 17:11). Take the whole context of Scripture. For example, blood red moons (often orange) are not a sign by themselves. They are a package deal, along with darkened sun (Joel 2:31; Acts 2:20; Revelation 6:12) and falling stars. Don’t settle for ala carte – take the whole menu.
3.    Pray: Nothing empowers a person more than prayer, particularly prayer in the Spirit (Jude 20). Prayer will also help give you direction and discernment when you need it most.
4.    Credible sources: Don’t just believe anything you see on the internet, secular or even from Christian sources. Not all information is created equal and it is important to weigh all the evidence. In my formal education, I learned to rely on primary sources first and then secondary. Likewise, consider the quality of the source of information before adopting a course of action. Remember, no one is infallible except God. Even experts can get it wrong on occasion. So be discerning.

5.    Don’t be manipulated: Often times, star-gazers and prognosticators want to manipulate people to be fearful or to buy something to make things better. Whenever a source tells you to take a course of action based on fear, gullibility, or incentive to buy – don’t fall for it. God does not give us a Spirit of fear but of power, love, and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7). Say ‘No’ to manipulation and ‘Yes’ to the control and infilling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Paul’s Secret to Changing the World Part 04

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus — Philippians 3:12 (KJV)

He is one of the most impactful individuals who ever walked this planet. Two millennia after he lived, his legacy continues to grow exponentially. It would be hard to over-estimate the impact he has had on humanity.
The man in focus is none other than the Apostle Paul. Tireless church planter, apostolic father figure, and (human) author of half the New Testament, he leaves an example worthy of emulation. The secret of his world-changing success is found in the third chapter of Philippians.
So far, we have learned:
Principle One: Grace brings world-change;
Principle Two: Righteousness brings world-change – when you change into the righteous image of Christ, you are then empowered to be an agent of change to the world.
Principle Three: Knowing Christ. Christ is such a powerful, singular figure that knowing Him brings empowerment in return.
In this article, we will focus on Principle Four, which is found in the above-verse.
Katalambano –
It was enough to take your breath away.
During a trip to the USA my family and I chose to ride on the appropriately named roller coaster called ‘California Screaming,’ which is part of the California Adventure, right next to the Disneyland complex in Anaheim, California USA. Some parts of the ride go several stories upwards and, within meters, several stories downward. There is a least one part of the track that is a ‘corkscrew.’
While the car on the roller coaster was stationary, we sat calmly and peacefully. But when it began to move, it shot forth like a bolt out of the blue. Not only did it speed at 300 kph but it quickly ascended  the ramp. Then, like lightning, it started to roll around bends and curves at frightful speeds. Not only did the women scream with gusto, but so did the men. With our stomachs in our throats, it seemed like the experience was everlasting. Truth is, the whole thing lasted less than two minutes.
Question: When you go through such an experience, what do you do with you hands?
Answer: Take hold of the safety bar until your knuckles turn white! This ‘taking hold’ or ‘apprehending’ is exactly what you do when you want to change the world!
Paul was a gifted man with impeccable credentials. He was born of the stock of Israel, tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a student of the respected rabbi Gamaliel, a Pharisee, and blameless in keeping the law. He spoke several languages, had a good profession, and carried Roman citizenship.
Question: Which of these traits helped him to change the world?
Answer: None of the above
He says, Philippians 3:7-8
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss ….
Amazingly, in order to gain success in Christ, Paul had to lose everything. Not just the bad, derelict, sinful, unregenerate things, but also the good, valuable, and profitable things. Paul had to lose everything … the good, bad, and ugly … in order to gain Christ and change the world.
Like the terrified rider on the California Screaming roller coaster, Paul’s secret of changing the world is disarmingly the same: learn to let go of everything so that you can take hold of the most important thing. For the rider, it is the safety bar. For the believer, it is Jesus Christ Himself and His plan for your life..
In Philippians 3:12, the word for ‘apprehend’ is also called katalambano(Greek), which means ‘to lay hold, to possess, to seize, overtake, attain, come upon, comprehend, perceive, find, to appropriate, to obtain the prize.’ It is what a policeman does when captures a criminal.
Everybody is holding on to something: it can be a relationship, material possession, money, thought-patterns, attitudes (good, bad, and ugly) and so on. Our grip can often be tighter than a crab’s claw.
World-change comes when we learn to let go of everything so we are ‘hands-free’ to take hold of Christ and His purpose for our lives. That’s exactly what Paul did – he counted all things, including the ‘good things,’ as dung, that he may lay hold of Christ and win the prize.
TO BE CONTINUED