All posts by Kameel Majdali

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Seven Pillars to Understanding the Future: Introduction Part 01

We should all be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the rest of our lives there—US INVENTOR CHARLES FRANCES KETTERING
When you think about it, the Christian faith is not just wedded to the ancient past or focusing on a successful present. It is helping to prepare people for a glorious future that will never end. Failure to keep our eyes on the future makes us less ready for it.
Consider this: Today’s world is change-filled, increasingly complex, crisis-riddled and chaos-laden. The rise of jihadism, an assertive China in the South China Sea, a temperamental nuclear-armed North Korea, growing western debt, an uncertain European Union, and redefinition of like marriage and family.
Part of the issue is that the situations we face today are unprecedented – we have never been this way before. The best and brightest among us, when pressed on the point, have to admit that they don’t know what to do. That includes leadership. If our leaders do not know what to do, what hope have we?
Thank God, there is a way forward. It comes from the Bible. One of the great practical verses from Scripture is a key to making the most of today while preparing for a bright tomorrow:
I Chronicles 12:32f And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.
When you meditate on this verse, it becomes obvious that there is a simple yet profound insight. ‘Understanding the times’ is the key for direction today and blessing tomorrow. It is important to know what is happening and also why it is happening. The ‘what’ is knowledge,’ the ‘why’ is understanding, and when you add both, you end up with ‘wisdom.’ It is ‘wisdom’ that leads you on what to do. In other words, if you seek knowledge and understanding, as the book of Proverbs exhorts, then God will download to you the wisdom of what to do, also known as divine guidance (see Proverbs 3:5-6).
Where do you get wisdom? Does it come by studying the ancient Greek philosophers? Going to university? Hobnobbing with the intellectual elite? Actually, wisdom is not an ideology, a corpus of knowledge, or even a combination of bright minds. The Bible describes wisdom as a person: Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:30). To put it simply and straight: the wisest thing you can do is to invite this Wise One, the Saviour of the world, into your life (John 1:12; Revelation 3:20). Since He is truly God’s wisdom from above, then ignoring or rejecting Him would be the most foolish thing we can do.
Where do you get ‘understanding?’ Just as the source of wisdom is a Divine Person, so is the source of understanding. The Holy Spirit, the Third Person in the Godhead, is the source of understanding. We learn through John 14:26; 16:13, that He is the instructor, the advocate, who teaches us all things and reminds us of all things that Christ has commanded us. He searches all things, including the deep things of God (I Corinthians 2:10), and is more than able to give us the understanding we need to proceed.
In the coming articles, we will be introduced to seven pillars in understanding the future. When you know and put into practice these things, then you will be in an optimal position to become ‘future-ready.’ Stay tuned for more.

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TRUMP CHRONICLES PART 01: AMERICAN BREXIT? The Triumph of Donald Trump

NOTE: This author is constantly being asked to comment about Donald Trump, even though his topics are on other matters. This is the first of a series of articles called ‘The Trump Chronicles.’ Terminology: US Republicans are roughly equivalent to Liberal/Nationals in Australia and Tories in the UK. US Democrats are similar to Australia and Britain’s Labor Parties).
The Great Political Upset
They said he would never make it. The media, the Democratic Party, even part of his own Republican Party, were all against him. He faced the formidable, ‘cashed-up’ Clinton political machine. The campaign itself was long, gruelling, and the dirtiest in 100 years. The polls were predicting a Clinton win, even a landslide.
Yet, despite it all, Donald J. Trump pulled off one of the greatest political upsets in US history to become America’s 45th President. In addition, his Republican Party retained majorities in both houses of Congress.
What are we to make of all this?
First, the US election is the latest of several ‘shock’ electoral results that happened in the last two years. In 2015, national elections in Sri Lanka, Israel, and the United Kingdom delivered results totally the opposite to what experts, pundits and pollsters predicted. Ironically, David Cameron’s stunning unexpected majority win in 2015 set the stage for a promised referendum on continued UK membership in the European Union, which ultimately led to his political demise. The UK vote to leave the European Union on June 23, 2016, popularly known as ‘Brexit,’ was probably the biggest shock vote to date — until the election of Donald Trump.
How Did He Do It?
How did Donald Trump win the election? Is the American election a populist revolt equivalent to Brexit?
As this author has been stating for a while, our world is in a time of shaking: economic, social, political, and spiritual. These shock elections are part of it. When it comes to Donald Trump, the billionaire business mogul who entered the political fray only 17 months ago, he defied the odds and won the election.
First, Trump had a simple, catchy, compelling slogan: Make America Great Again. Effective campaigning means finding a vision that means something to the people, encapsulate it in a simple phrase, and talk about nothing else. Trump did this effectively. But there’s more.
Second, Trump capitalised on voter dissatisfaction on both sides. The electorate believes that career politicians are ‘out-of-touch,’ only giving them the time of day during an election campaign and telling them what they want to hear. Once (re)elected, the politicians go back to ‘business as usual:’ Serving the demands of big money and special interests rather than the person on Main Street.
Trump understood this. As a billionaire, he said that he could not be bought off by special interests. His rhetoric could be harsh, abrasive and politically incorrect, to the consternation of the cultural elite. Even some supporters were uncomfortable with his words. But here’s what the experts miss: Trump, unlike career politicians, did not sound like he was reading off a script. He was telling people what he really believed. The electorate found his honesty breathtakingly refreshing.
Third, Trump projected strength and resilience: Consider this – a 70 year old man went through the rigours of a protracted (17 month), nasty, divisive, bruising political campaign, facing the daunting Clinton political organisation. The media, academia, and Hollywood were all against him. A liberal Supreme Court justice denounced him. Even the Pope condemned his ‘Mexican wall’ as ‘unChristian.’ Despite all this, he triumphed and emerged without a smudge. Talk about ‘Teflon factor’ and strength. No wonder Vladimir Putin loves him!
Another point: Trump is an outsider. He is not part of the political establishment. He does not owe anyone favours. He does not bow the knee to special interests.
Trump also knew how to handle the often hostile mainstream media. Like Samson with the Philistines, he lampooned again and again while brushing off attacks against himself. He got a lot of publicity, for free.
Trump promised to be a man of action: Despite the mainstream media harping about his controversial phrases on Mexican walls, Muslim immigration, or age-old crude comments in private, he talked about issues Americans care about: Reforming the health system, rebuilding the military so America can start winning wars, taking care of war veterans, fixing the Clinton-era China trade agreement that has seen the loss of 1000s of US jobs, repair the immigration mess, the ailing economy, and restore pride in the country.
Finally, there was much prayer and fasting for the American election in the mode of II Chronicles 7:14. The same can be said for the other elections, including Brexit.
A Word from the Optimists
Let’s hear from a couple of people who predicted a Trump victory from Day One, despite the polls.
JM Shepal, author of the book Why Donald Trump Will Become the Next US President, said: ‘The main reason they (the American voters) are coming out to vote, they love his rhetoric, they love the way he carries himself, they love what he says and how he says it, but most of all, they love the fact that there is a candidate that is a political outsider and that understands what the people want from their next leader.’
Wayne Allyn Root, who was predicting the ultimate success of Trump’s campaign since the very day his candidacy was announced, gave some interesting insights in his October 24, 2016 article: ‘Why I’m (still) betting big on Donald Trump to Win.’ http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/10/24/why-im-still-betting-big-on-donald-trump-to-win.html  At the time the article was written, many (though not all) polls predicted a Clinton victory. Root pointed out some interesting signs that were totally overlooked by the political and media establishment:
1)      A Las Vegas cab driver routinely asked every passenger who they were voting for. Without exception, they said ‘Trump.’
2)      That on a drive from Washington DC to Florida (a distance of perhaps 1,000 kilometres or 620 miles), the driver saw 100s of Trump campaign signs along the highway. They did not see one ‘Vote for Hillary’ sign.
3)      Despite her massive profile and positive standing in the polls, sales of Hillary’s new book were lagging. Trump’s book Great Again is a best-seller.
4)      Trump rallies were attracting 1000s while Hillary’s only 100s.
Trump learned how to by-pass the special interests, cultural elite, and the ‘kingmakers’ in order to connect directly with the person on Main Street. Also, many independents and Democrats were crossing over to Trump because they found a man who was willing to listen to them.
American Brexit?
Is the election of Donald Trump the equivalent of BREXIT? Trump apparently thinks so. He calls it ‘Brexit plus plus plus.’ Former UKIP and BREXIT leader Nigel Farage says Trump’s victory is ‘bigger than Brexit.’ Wayne Allyn Root called Trump’s election ‘America’s Brexit.’
There are clearly parallels. Both elections had the political, media, and business elite supporting the familiar, status-quo situation (e.g. remain in the European Union; vote for Hillary Clinton). Both elites thought they controlled the narrative. Their rhetoric was that of condescension, scare-mongering, and insults. Supporters of Brexit were called small minded little Englanders; uneducated, old white men, etc. while Trump supporters were called ‘bitter,’ ‘deplorables,’ and ‘uneducated.’ The polls pointed to a status quo victory. Despite it all, in both cases the  found their voice, ignored the elites, and said ‘We want our country back.’
Trump and the Middle East
It is way too early to say what Trump will do in the Middle East, but he is clearly going in a different direction to his predecessor. He has expressed skepticism over the Iran nuclear deal and there are hints that he could scrap it. Of course, Tehran did respond with concern in the light of his election.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi appeared to be a bit more relaxed. He said that Trump’s election rhetoric may differ from his policies once he takes the oath of office. Furthermore, he said he understands Trump’s measures of registering Muslims in the US as a means of achieving stability and peace for his nation.
Trump said he was tired of Israel being treated as a second class citizen and promised to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In the past, other presidential candidates have promised to do the same thing but once in office, they backtracked. Nevertheless, a Palestinian official, sensing that Trump marches to a different drummer, threatened to use their power in the United Nations if Trump dares to make an embassy move.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed joy at Trump’s victory. He called the President-elect a ‘true friend of Israel.’ A post-election position paper by the Trump campaign said the Palestinians must renounce violence and recognise Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state before being receiving statehood.

Regardless of your political persuasion, country of residence and citizenship, the world should pray for the success of Donald Trump’s presidency. In this globalised world, we all have a vested interest in it.
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How to Inherit the Earth: Biblical Meekness Part 01

A Better Way To Inherit the Earth

It has been the goal of dictators and despots for millennia. Having conquered their home base, they seek to go further afield. Whether Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte,  Adolf Hitler or a cast of others, these hyper-ambitious megalomaniacs try to extend their imperial reach worldwide but overextend themselves. Then they fail and fall, bringing their empire crashing down with them.
Even ‘the beast’ in the Book of Revelation, also known as the antichrist, attempts to rule the entire world. At first glance, it appears that he succeeds but if so, his success is short-lived. Not only are there wars of rebellion against him in the tribulation period, but antichrist will take one step too many and end up losing his battle. His end is in the lake of fire.
Bible students should know that the earth – all of it – belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). Yet He also makes an amazing offer. To people who possess a certain character quality, they can also inherit the earth.
What is this quality? It is not ambition. It is not assertiveness. It is definitely not arrogance. The dictators and despots mentioned above have plenty of all these things, yet they failed every time. So what is the key.
Psalm 37:11 and Matthew 5:5 tell us: The meek shall inherit the earth.
Meekness Defined
Irony of ironies. Meekness is actually the key to acquisition. Yet, before we acquire, we need to understand what it really is. In the Bible, the Hebrew word translated meek is anav, meaning poor, weak, afflicted. In Greek it is praos, meaning ‘meek, mild, gentle.’ None of these adjectives sound like the ingredients of inheriting the earth.
Yet consider this: The man Moses was very meek, above all the men who were upon the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3). Jesus Christ refers to Himself as meek (Matthew 11:29). So since Moses and Jesus were meek, did that mean they were also ‘weak?’
Not at all. Indeed, no where did two men demonstrate more anointing and power than Jesus and Moses Somehow, meekness is the pathway to power, a power that helps you inherit the earth.
Let’s then consider a description of true Biblical, earth-inheriting meekness: When a person commits and submits to God, to the point that their own personal traits and desires decrease and Christ-in-them, the hope of glory, increases, then they begin to live by the power of God. In short, the meek are willing to decrease so that Christ in them increases – thereby releasing power, effectiveness and fruit.
If you are a ‘Great Commission Christian’ – and you should be  – committed to helping the gospel go worldwide and raising up disciples of Jesus – then remember God’s way to inherit the earth. Biblical meekness, possessing a sterling attitude, an empowering grace, and a regal calm, will obtain for you that which has eluded the worldly ambitious throughout human history. It truly is the ‘high road’ to overcoming power, victory, and possessing your possession.

(NEXT MONTH: We will see a great Biblical example of meekness in action).

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FROM ‘DE FACTO’ TO ‘DE JURE:’ Part 03

Finding Legitimacy in an Immoral World

We have learned that ‘de facto’ is a reality and relationship without official or divine sanction. It seeks the benefits and pleasures of said relationship without the commitment and responsibility. De facto is also called ‘cohabitation.’
Yet to live in a de facto relationship is a gamble. From a Biblical view, any sexual relations in a de facto context is considered to be fornication, since it is outside the parameters of marriage. Furthermore, we learned that that de facto couples who eventually get married have a much higher rate of divorce than those who never lived together at all.
A de facto attitude and lifestyle are clearly not options for Bible-believing, Spirit-filled Christian. We are called to a life of commitment, communication, responsibility, and solid relationships based on love, respect, and reciprocity. Everyone who has experienced these benefits endorses them without hesitation.
Dr John Hayward, director of the Jubilee Centre, said: ‘All the evidence suggests that families headed by married, biological parents who have not previously lived together provide the best environment for both the individuals involved and their children.’
How can we trade-in our self-centred, fearful, uncommitted de facto mindset for a solid, stable, sanctified and credible de jure one? The answer is ‘Make a Commitment.’ To whom?
•       TO GOD: Receive Him as Saviour, serve Him as Lord, listen to His Word (the Bible), obey the prompting of His Holy Spirit.
•       TO FAMILY: Be committed to your spouse, children, and parents. Sound family life is universally valued, regardless of nation or culture. Morality is a God-given hedge that we build to protect our families and ourselves.
•       TO GOD’S PEOPLE: Commitment to Christian fellowship is vital for a healthy, flourishing Christian life. God’s church may be universal but it also has a local address. Church-hopping and irregular fellowship is part of the de facto syndrome, even if you are married, and can be hazardous to your spiritual health.
•       TO SOCIETY: Be faithful, responsible, and committed in your civic duties, like paying taxes, voting, speaking out on moral issues, etc. De Jure Christians make great citizens in any society. Love your neighbour as yourself. This includes de facto couples, divorcees, widows, etc.
What If?
What if you are in de facto relationship and have come to Christ, what should you do? You are not alone. Amazingly, the first person Jesus revealed Himself as Messiah was to a Samaritan woman who was married 5 times and lived in a de facto relationship when she met Christ (John 4:16-19). He has been called the friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34).
This author was confronted with this question a few years ago. The couple had been together 10 years and had two children. They had become Christians and planned to marry soon. However, they were uncomfortable about the possibility fornication now and a higher divorce rate after marriage. My advice to them was simple: The foundation of their relationship was flawed, therefore get a better foundation. This meant repudiation of the old foundation: the de facto spirit and fornication. This repudiation involved repentance, moving out of the house, and refraining from intimate relations until after the wedding. Only then could they have a new, better, and sure foundation for marital stability. Fortunately, this couple readily agreed, as others have before them.

May one of the most notable casualties of the upcoming, world-wide, move of God be the glorious defeat of the ‘de facto’ factor. Righteous living, de jure living, is the best antidote, now an

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LABNEH

It is as delicious as it is simple to make. Labneh is a thick, cheese-like dip made from plain yoghurt. It is hard to get this wrong and your family will thank you for it.
Ingredients:
1 kg of Greek yoghurt
1 tsp salt
The key to labneh is to get it to drain in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
Use the following equipment:
Cheesecloth
String
Colander or sieve
Large bowl to drain water.
Line the sieve or colander with cheesecloth. Lay it in one direction and then another. Place the colander/sieve in the large bowl.
Add the salt to the yoghurt and stir thoroughly. Place all the yoghurt into the cheesecloth lined colander, then pull the edges of the cloth and tie with a string.
Allow the liquid to drain from the yoghurt for 12-24 hours – the longer it drains, the thicker and creamier it becomes. Your kilo of yoghurt will render 500 grams of drained labneh.
Remove, place in a serving bowl, pour a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and dust lightly with paprika or some other favorited herb or spice. Serve as a dip.

Enjoy
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How Will Jesus Vote in the 2016 US Presidential Election?

It is an election campaign unlike any other seen in the United States. Yes, like the others, it is long and drawn out. What makes this campaign different is the ‘populism and polarisation.’ Yes, there has been shameless mudslinging: one candidate is called ‘sexist’ and ‘racist’ while the other is simply labelled ‘crooked.’ One candidate ignores accusations of being ‘inexperienced’ while the other is accused of being ‘too experienced’ in lying, corruption, and using office for influence peddling. It is an election where everyone has an opinion. One candidate represents a populist revolt of a first-time candidate while the other has been in the spotlight and political establishment for 25 years.
What are we to make of this US presidential election? Can anyone lead the US out of the estranged, highly charged atmosphere that this campaign brings?
Yet, for our purposes, we seek the opinion of the most important One of all. How would Jesus Christ vote in the 2016 US Presidential election?
There are three possible answers and amazingly they are all have validity.
Option One: Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, does not vote. He does not belong to the Democratic Party, Republican Party, independent party, indeed, any party. This is standard fare in constitutional monarchies. The sovereign is above politics, is not a politician, is not a member of a political party, and does not cast a vote at all. When the pre-incarnate Christ was asked by a curious Joshua son of Nun if He was for Joshua and the Israelites side or for the Jericho and Canaanite side? Answer: Neither. I have not come to take sides but to take over (Joshua 5:14). Eventually the kingdoms of this world must give way to the kingdom of Christ.
Option Two: Jesus Christ will vote. God takes an active interest in the affairs of humankind.Romans 13:1 says:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
In the history of Israel and Judah, God spoke (voted) His assessment of each of the kings. Israel had 19 kings and Judah 20. In God’s assessment, all of Israel’s kings were deemed ‘evil’ and of Judah’s only eight were called ‘good.’ The Lord’s declaration was not based on military prowess or economic management. It was based on character and compliance to God’s Word. The often used phrase was ‘He (the king) did that which was right in the sight of the LORD.’
Remember, bad people can never be good leaders, no matter how clever they are in the political, military, or economic realms. Jesus said it best ‘A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit’ (Matthew 7:18). Character counts. The great leader of average intelligence can always hire ‘brains’ and of moderate ability can always hire ‘competence.’ However, the good leader cannot hire integrity and character. These are things that must already be operative in his or her life. Not only does God assess each leader on character, He is completely able to promote and demote any politician or candidate at will (Psalm 75:6-7).
Option Three: Jesus will vote through us. First, let’s get this straight: no politician, however intelligent, competent, clever and well-meaning, will be able to solve the massive political, economic, and social problems the United States faces. These problems are also mirrored in much of the western world, including Australia, Canada, and the UK. A great leader will make progress, a bad one will set the country back.
The reason that politicians alone are not the solution is that at the core society’s problems are spiritual; therefore, the answers are equally spiritual. So if the Godly seek the LORD for the election and follow the time-honoured counsel of II Chronicles 7:14, the classic verse on revival, which says:
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
then God promises to hear, forgive, and heal the land. After years of moral decline, plus a bruising US election campaign, it is obvious that America can use some healing. The prayers of the righteous are the way to get it.
Vote in the heavens first: The American presidential campaign has attracted extraordinary international coverage. Millions of non-Americans overseas made it a point to watch the presidential debates. It is not just because of celebrity attraction: as the world’s sole remaining superpower, what happens to America affects the entire world. Regardless of whether you are a voting American or not, a Democrat, Republican, or swing voter, the wisest thing you can do is pray for God’s will in this election. We are commanded to pray for kings and all in authority (I Timothy 2:1-4).

Remember: A vote in the heavens by prayer will affect the voting on earth. The heavenly prayer is the one Christ hears and it can change the course of history. May the best person – the one America needs, not deserves – win.
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From Defeat to Victory: A Lesson from Joshua Part 02

In Part 01, we looked at one of the reasons why life has bends, twists and turns, making the journey longer and harder than expected. In order to minimise and eliminate these roadblocks, it is important to learn and apply the lessons of Scripture.
If you are struggling with unanswered prayer, a roadblock on your normal path, chronically unresolved issues, or a general feeling of failure, read on. You may be experiencing exactly what Joshua did.
One of those lessons is that Joshua and the children of Israel conquered Jericho with ease, even though it was a formidable fortress. However, at their next destination Ai, which was much smaller and thus easier to conquer, they suffered a massive defeat.
The reason? Not the strength of the enemy, but because of corruption in their own heart. Israel sinned because it touched the accursed things. As long as they embraced that which God rejects, He would not be with them and they would fall before their enemies. Whether our enemies are strong or weak, we need God with us at all times.
Let’s learn more about the problem, so that we can apply the solution.
The Accursed Thing Will Defeat You
The Hebrew word for ‘accursed’ is cherem, meaning ‘to ban, devote, or design for total destruction.’ The city of Jericho was cherem, and all within was to be destroyed. However, a man name Achan, the son of Carmi, from the tribe of Judah, after the fall of Jericho, saw a Babylonian garment, silver, and gold. He coveted these accursed things and took them within his own tent. By touching cherem, he brought a curse upon himself and judgment on the entire nation.
The Bible does speak of blessing and cursing. These are real life conditions and they come with a price. According to Deuteronomy 28, when you diligently obey God’s command, you are blessed; but if you disobey, the curses will rain down on you. There are 14 verses of blessing and 54 of curses in that chapter alone.
In our day, we need to be ‘word-wise’ regarding God’s principles. Salvation in Christ is by ‘grace through faith,’ but we are still duty-bound to obey the Lord’s commands (Matthew 7:21). Obedience means holiness, sanctification, and righteousness. Jude verse 23 says the righteous would not even touch the garment soiled by the flesh.
However, to willingly embrace that which God curses will bring terrible consequences, although not necessarily immediately. We are still in an age of grace and God wants to give room for repentance. But we must never forget: we will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Even if we eventually come around, we will lose a lot of ground and our call will only be partially fulfilled, if at all. This is a high price to pay for a few moments of sensuous pleasure.
The Remedy
The remedy: cleanse oneself from the unclean thing. Achan’s sin was discovered, he made a full confession, but unfortunately it was not enough to save him. He and his family were stoned to death in the Valley of Achor, meaning trouble. Embracing cherem is of the ultimate condemnation. Joshua 22:20 summaries the situation well:
Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the cursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? And that man did not perish alone in his iniquity.
Ultimately, Joshua led Israel into corporate repentance. Once completed, they went up to Ai a second time and prevailed.
On a positive note, let’s take a moment to focus on Rahab, whose story is in Joshua 2. It was bad enough that she was a harlot. But to add to her condemnation, she came from the accursed city of Jericho, a Canaanite of the land. In essence, she was a condemned woman.
Yet, Rahab did not share the fate of Achan. The reason: she hid the Israelite spies with peace, meaning she exercised faith. She received commendation in both testaments (Joshua 6:17, 25; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25); married a man named Salmon, and they had a child called Boaz, who married another virtuous Gentile, Ruth. Rehab and Ruth are named as an ancestors of the Messiah.

In short, embrace that which God curses and condemnation will come. Or, repent and believe the gospel and you will pass from curse to blessing. Now is the time!
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Does Democracy Require Morality?

For the last 3 months we have been looking at the topic of democracy under threat. The erosion of basic freedoms, a tone-deaf political elite, incremental but increasing authoritarianism, failure to apply the rule of law consistently, resistance to allowing the people to vote on fundamental issues of society – all point a decline in democracy. A case in point was the Australian Federal Opposition’s thwarting of a people’s plebiscite to decide the definition of marriage. The June 23, 2016 in the UK, where the electorate voted to leave or ‘Brexit’ the European Union, was a populist exception to this rule; indeed, the Brexit vote was true democracy in action.
Yet, if we are going to see a return to functional, classic democracy, then let’s visit the question: Does democracy require morality?
‘Among a people generally corrupt liberty cannot long exist’ — Edmund Burke
Democracy is understood to be the rule of the people. This is done through their elected representatives. While it can be time-consuming, factional and, at times, messy, it also is the best guarantor of human rights and individual freedoms. This is due, in part, because the main coordinates of power – the executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branches of government – are separated and independent. In addition to ‘separation of powers’ is what we call ‘balance of power.’ All three branches are given power and limitations on that power; the desired result is that no branch of government gets too much power. This is meant to prevent dictatorships and coup d’tats.
‘Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters’ – Benjamin Franklin
The collective wisdom of America’s founding fathers, the ones who established the first modern democracy, is that morality and democracy, with its accompanying freedoms, go hand-in-hand.
‘We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion . . . Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other’ – John Adams
In the American colonies in the 18th Century, there was the Great Awakening, a revival that helped lay the moral foundation of the American republic and constitution. In Britain at the same time was the Wesleyan revival; it has been said that without this the UK would have faced a blood-filled revolution like their French neighbours across the English Channel. With the needful separation of church and state, both flourished without being encroached upon by the other. That’s why pulpits on both sides of ‘the pond’ were on fire for the LORD.
‘Religion and morality are the essential pillars of civil society’ – George Washington
Morality includes character that honours high precepts like the Ten Commandments. It is also a commitment to truth. Two famous US Presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, were famous for their truthfulness, even if it was inconvenient and inexpedient. That’s why when truth is compromised, so is morality, and then by extension democracy itself.
‘No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous’ – Samuel Johnson
Morality and virtue have taken a beating in the last year’s. The rebellious 1960s, the advent of postmodernism with its nihilism, relativism, and repudiation of absolute truth, increasingly Biblical illiteracy, and a spirit of deception and delusion in public and private, it is more challenging to get the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Yet our search for truth must continue because without it we speak the devil’s language (John 8:44).
‘A country cannot subsist well without liberty, nor liberty without virtue’ – Jean Jacques Rousseau
Those who name the name of Christ need to depart from iniquity. Instead, ‘salt and light’ integrity should be cultivated. Integrity means to be sincere, honest, and morally upright. You don’t have to be a Christian to have these qualities, but you do need to be following Jesus in order to be ‘salt of the earth and light of the world.’
A state is nothing more than a reflection of its citizens; the more decent the citizens, the more decent the state’ – Ronald Reagan
Bible-preaching, Spirit filled, evangelistically inclined and missional minded churches are the best guarantee for the continuance of democracy. They provide the moral teaching that fosters good citizens who are committed to truth and integrity. When this happens, democracy will be safeguarded.

‘Righteousness exalteth a nation’ – Proverbs 14:34
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When All is Lost – Why Study the Book of Ruth

The circumstances could not have been more tragic. A Judean woman moves to Moab because of famine in her homeland. After arrival to this foreign land her husband dies an untimely death. Her two sons marry local Moabite girls, but like their father, they also die prematurely. There were no children, either. With no government safety net or church support, or children to send out to work, the situation was hopeless.
What can you do in such circumstances?
Welcome to the Book of Ruth. Far from being a quaint, romantic tale, Ruth is a powerful manifesto of redemption – from tragedy to triumph. When all seems to be lost, redemption comes in and turns everything around –  even more than you can imagine.
And there is more. What was really at stake was not merely the fortunes of two widows – it was the Messianic lineage itself from Abraham to David. The redemption of Ruth restored this broken line. Though a Gentile from a despised race, Ruth became an honoured matriarch who is named an ancestor of the Messiah (Matthew 1:5).
What were the keys that turned this hopeless situation around?
First, it was Ruth’s faithfulness. She put all her trust in the God of Israel. Her faithfulness to God is matched by her legendary care of her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi. ‘Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God’ Ruth 1:16ff (NKJV) was her famous statement of commitment.
Second, God’s faithfulness. The LORD made provision for such tragedies through two means. First, regarding food for the needy, Israelites were commanded to leave the corners and fringes of their harvest field untouched so that the poor, stranger, fatherless, and widows can glean therein and have food (Leviticus 19:10; Deuteronomy 24:21). Ruth went to glean in the fields and caught the attention of an older man named Boaz.
Another provision of God was the ‘kinsmen-redeemer’ or go’el in Hebrew. This means a male relative (brother) takes on the widow and raises up a descendant for the deceased brother. This is called ‘Levirate Marriage,’ described in Deuteronomy 25. Since Naomi had no more sons to offer Ruth, here again all seemed lost.
Yet this same Boaz, who took notice of Ruth in his harvest field, also happened to be a relative. When Naomi saw the favour Ruth enjoyed in the eyes of Boaz, she ‘nudged’ her to invite him to do the duty of a kinsman-redeemer. The ‘Naomi nudge’ at home turned into a ‘Ruth nudge’ at the threshing floor. Once he was nudged, Boaz, son of Salmon and Rahab, wasted no time in trying to secure Ruth’s redemption.
After quickly clearing the last hurdle, Boaz married Ruth, they had a son called OBED, and redemption came to Ruth, Naomi, Elimelech, Mahlon and Chilion. Ruth, daughter-in-law of Rahab, became the great-grandmother of David. The Messianic line was preserved.
The bottom line: When you put all your trust in the LORD, there is never a situation where ‘all is lost.’ God’s redemption means you will find your blessing, with dividends.
Hebrew:  Ruth
Author:  Unknown. Probably written in the time of David, great-grandson of Ruth.
Christ:  Kinsman-Redeemer.  Go’el
1.       He was a blood relative to Israel and Son of man to the Gentiles.
2.       Redeemer must be free Himself. Christ is totally free.
3.       Purchased redemption with His priceless blood (Boaz did it with money).
4.       Needs to buy back forfeited inheritance. Christ the Redeemer has the power to buy back all that was lost.
5.       Must be willing to marry the widow. Christ has a bride (Romans 7:4).
Theme: Power of Redemption

Book of Ruth:

A Simple Outline
CHAPTER ONE: Tragedy for Naomi & Ruth
LOCATION: Moab
The Unfortunate Move of Elimelech & Naomi
1:1-5
Ruth’s Transformational Decision
1:6-18
Ruth Moves to Judah with Naomi
1:19-22
CHAPTER TWO: The Toil of Ruth
LOCATION: Fields of Boaz
Ruth Gleans in Boaz’s Field
2:1-3
Ruth Finds Favour With Boaz
2:4-18
Naomi Revives
2:19-23
CHAPTER THREE: Trust in Action
LOCATION: Threshingfloor
Naomi ‘Nudges’ Ruth Towards Boaz
3:1-5
Ruth ‘Nudges’ Boaz
3:6-9
Boaz Agrees to be a Kinsman-Redeemer
3:10-15
Naomi Transformed: From Pessimist to Optimist
3:16-18
CHAPTER FOUR: Triumph and Redemption
Location: Bethlehem City Gate
Boaz Redeems
4:1-10
Boaz Marries Ruth
4:11-12
Ruth Gives Birth to Obed
4:13-17
Genealogy of David
4:18-22
Note: We offer an 8 hour audio MP3 verse-by-verse commentary on the Book of Ruth, including 30 pages of printable PDF notes. It is part of our larger ‘Understanding the Bible Series.’ For further information, go to
http://www.tan.org.au/shop/understanding-the-book-of-ruth/  for a copy sent in the mail
OR
Immediate download:

http://www.tan.org.au/shop/understanding-the-book-of-ruth-digital-download-audio-mp3/
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Renee’s Lebanese Kitchen: Baked Kibbeh or Kibbeh in a Tray

Kibbeh is Lebanon’s national dish: a combination of lean mince meat, cracked wheat, and spices. Traditionally you could hear the sound of the the Lebanese village cook pulverising the meat in a mortar and pestle all day long. Today, the meat grinder or food processor does a pretty good job.

Served with a tossed salad or, better still, tabouli, kibbeh is a real treat – piping hot or cold out of the fridge. It can be served as a ‘football’ but this recipe is kibbeh baked in a tray.
Kibbeh Base
1 1/4 cup fine cracked wheat (also known as burghul – for the gluten intolerant, use corn couscous)
350 grams very lean lamb, finely ground
3 Tablespoons diced onions
2 Tablespoons chopped mint leaves
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoons pepper
1/2 teaspoons allspice
Wash cracked wheat and set aside for 45 minutes to drain thoroughly.
The lamb meat must be finely ground until its pulverised. Either do so in your own machine or obtain from a Middle East butcher (in a pinch, you can use extra lean lamb or beef from the supermarket). Add the mint and onions to the mince. Place in the mixing bowl.
In the sink, knead the kibbeh in the bowl. Add part of the softened, fully-drained cracked wheat and knead into the kibbeh. Keep your hands moist while you continue to add the wheat. Add the salt, pepper, and allspice. Knead the two ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed together.
Refrigerate if not using immediately.
Kibbeh Filling
350 grams minced lamb or beef.
1 large onion chopped finely
1 Tablespoon butter
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/2 teaspoon sumac (if available – a purple spice found in Middle Eastern stores and some supermarkets)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon allspice
(Renee likes to add a teaspoon of chilli powder for an extra kick but this is totally optional)
Brown the lamb in a frying pan without any oil. Break up clumps of meat with the wooden spoon. Add the onion, sumac, salt, pepper, and allspice to the browned mixture.
While the meat is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add pine nuts and cook until lightly tanned. Be careful not to let this butter mixture or pine nuts burn. Add to the mince mixture.
Turn on low and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and do not let it burn. Once cooked, place into a bowl to cool.
Preheat the oven to 200 C.
Your baked kibbeh will resemble a pie, with crust and filling, except it will be in a cake pan or tray, not a pie tin.
Divide the kibbeh base into two. Grease the baking tray (a round or square cake pan will do) with olive oil. Take half of the kibbeh base and spread on the bottom and sides of the tray (like a pie crust). Place kibbeh filling inside the tray. Use the other half of the kibbeh base to cover the filling. One suggestion is to turn the remaining kibbeh into patties, spread on the top of the filling, and use your moist fingers to smooth over the gaps until it is one solid crust.
Take a sharp knife and cut the kibbeh diagonally into diamond shapes as well as the sides of the pan. Pour about 4 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter on top of the kibbeh. Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, remove the foil. Make sure the kibbeh does not dry out.
Serve with buttery rice, yogurt, salad (tabouli).
NOTE: If you don’t want to go through effort of baked kibbeh then take the kibbeh base, form into patties, and fry like a hamburger. However, the baked version is sensational and worth the effort.