All posts by Kameel Majdali

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

‘In or Out:’ Britain Votes On Its Future in the European Union

The British are returning to the ballot box, again. This election, however, is a special one. In 2015, Britain had a national election. Upon winning, Prime Minister David Cameron of the centre-right Tory Party, perhaps under pressure from Euro-skeptics in his own party, fulfilled a campaign promise by calling for a simple ‘In or Out’ referendum on whether to remain or leave the European Union (EU).
Currently 28 out of the 50 countries in Europe belong to the EU. Prior to setting the referendum date, Cameron negotiated a ‘special deal’ with the EU, which, he claimed,protected British interests.
Britain Goes to the Polls: The date is 23 June 2016. The ‘Vote Leave Campaign’ is also called ‘Brexit’ (British exit). ’Britain Stronger in Europe’ campaign wants to remain in the EU, hence it is called ‘Bremain.’
Mr. Cameron is in the Bremain Camp, as are the leftist political parties like Labour, Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP), Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats. Yet, high profile Tories are for leaving, including Cameron’s own cabinet ministers like John Whittingdale, Theresa Villiers, Michael Gove, Chris Grayling, Priti Patel, Iain Duncan Smith and former London mayor Boris Johnson. If Britain votes to leave on June 23rd, it could encourage other countries in the EU to do likewise.
Here are the arguments on both sides, as found in campaign literature:
BREMAIN ARGUMENTS
1.      Every British household would be worse off by GBP 4,300;
2.      EU membership brings lower prices by GBP 7 a week;
3.      Three million jobs in Britain are linked to the EU, that’s one in 10;
4.      Workers’ rights like sick leave, guaranteed parental leave, paid leave are all protected by EU law;
BREXIT ARGUMENTS
1.      EU costs Britain GBP 350 million a week;
2.      Millions are spent on European Union MPs;
3.      Britain will be liable for the failure of the Euro currency, though she retains her own pound sterling;
4.      European court will continue its veto on British law, like who can come into Britain and how much tax to pay;
5.      Immigration is a hot-button issue. EU Law says member state Britain cannot stop any citizen from another member state to live in the country (British people have the same reciprocal rights to live anywhere in the EU). Currently there are 942,000 eastern Europeans and 791,000 western Europeans living in Britain. If new, poorer countries join (e.g. Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia), they, too, can live and work in Britain;
6.      Turkey: This country gets a special mention as a candidate for EU membership. If it joins, 76 million Turks will have the right to live and work anywhere in Europe, including Britain. Turkey also borders war-torn Syria and Iraq, who also have a jihadist plague. This service continually encourages readers to ‘watch Turkey’ – will it retain its Ataturk-inspired western secularism or will it return to a religious, Ottoman and fundamentalist path?
Super-Europe: One of Cameron’s biggest ‘wins’ in getting a deal with the EU is that Britain would be exempted from being drawn into the EU’s ‘ever close union.’ He promises that Britain will never be part of a European superstate, even if all other members states are.
As we been saying for years, the real goal of the European Union is not merely to be a ‘club’ where member states can prosper together and keep the Germans from starting more wars: it is a United States of Europe. Proof of this trend includes common borders, currency, commission, council, court, flag, and defence. The concurrent erosion of national sovereignty, exemplified by lack of control of borders or having local law usurped by EU law, also confirms this direction. Member states will be reduced from sovereign nations to mere provinces of a superstate called Europe.
Why Christians Want ‘Out:’ Having asked a few evangelical Christians from a variety of locations in Britain their own position, everyone of them said without hesitation: I want Out!
Why? Because the EU is considered ‘anti-Christian.’ While the EU is technically secular and allows for human rights, including ‘freedom of worship,’ it is also true that its key players are fiercely anti-religious. There appears to be no ‘exemptions’ for churches when it comes to ‘anti-discrimination’ regulations. When a failed draft constitution for the EU was written, the framers refused to even mention Christianity as part of European heritage and identity, despite pleas from the Pope and others. If Christianity had nothing to do with Europe, then why are there majestic cathedrals all over the continent?
Pagan Europe: Concerned Christians point out that if the key leaders of the EU want nothing to do with Christianity, these same secularists are warm towards Greek mythology and paganism. After all, history shows that when a person or nation refuses to believe God’s truth, they don’t stop believing anything; instead, they believe in everything.
The goddess Europa, from whom the continent derived its name, is making a comeback. She was so beautiful that Jupiter/Zeus, father of the gods, turned into a bull and had her ride his back. They dove into the Mediterranean and had children. The image of Europa on the beast is now found on some Euro coins, stamps, paintings, magazine covers, and as an actual statue  in front of a key EU building. This brings to mind the words of Revelation 17:3-5:
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
This re-paganisation of Europe has been happening for a while. Occult Babylonian archaeological remains were transferred decades ago to the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, capital of Europe’s most powerful nation. These include the Ishtar Gate and Processional Way’ from Iraq and the Altar of Pergamon from Turkey. The latter is also known as the ‘seat of Satan’ (Revelation 2:13). These exhibits were more than just a prestigious display from the past – their demonic influence has been felt far and wide. It is no coincidence that Berlin, the ‘heart of Europe,’ started on a downward slide into fascism, Nazism, ‘liberal theology,’ and spawning two world wars. Could we be entering into the era the prophet Daniel spoke of, namely an empire where there are legs of iron, feet of iron and clay (Daniel 2)?

Ultimately, the future of Britain and the world is not dependant on a political negotiations or referenda, but on the prayers of Godly people (II Chronicles 7:14; Matthew 26:41; James 5:16 ). Now is the best time to start.
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

Leaving the Wilderness Behind: Why Study the Book of Numbers

                                                                          
Introduction
Some of your favourite Bible stories and characters are found in this book. Yet it also serves as a solemn warning about the perils of disobeying God. In all cases it is folly and madness to say ‘No’ to Him.
Welcome to the Book of Numbers, the fourth of the five books of Moses, known as the Pentateuch or Torah (the Law). The stories are great and the lessons even greater.
The name in the original Hebrew is wayyedabber or ‘and he said.’ The reason for the name ‘Numbers’ is that it has to do with two censuses. The first is of the ‘generation of the exodus’ (Chapter 1), namely the children of Israel who miraculously departed from Egypt. The second census or numbering was of the ‘generation of the wilderness,’ the generation of Israelites born in the wilderness (chapter 26) to the ‘generation of the exodus.’ Though the exodus generation was headed towards the promised land of Canaan, they never reached it. Numbers will explain the dire reason why.
Key Characters:
1.       Moses the lawgiver;
2.       Aaron the high priest;
3.       Joshua the good spy, successor to Moses;
4.       Caleb, the other good spy, who survived the wilderness like Joshua
5.       Balaam, the prophet/seer who tried to curse Israel and inadvertently blessed them instead.
 Christ in Numbers:
The reason that Numbers is in the Christian Bible is that it points the way to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Here are some types of Christ found in this book:
Star out of Jacob: One of the most beautiful Messianic description is the ‘star out of Jacob’ (24:17);
City of Refuge: Christ is also our ‘city of refuge,’ where we can flee and be protected from the ‘avenger of blood;’
Brazen serpent: When Israel murmured in the wilderness against God and Moses, the Lord judged them by sending fiery serpents who had a fatal bite. When Moses appealed to the LORD for deliverance, the solution was the ‘brazen serpent’ which was used to bringing healing and deliverance from judgment (21:8). In other words, God took the problem, namely the serpent, and turned it into the solution. Whoever looked on the brazen serpent would live. Jesus uses the serpent analogy to speak of Himself (John 3:14); He, the sinless One, took our sins upon Himself, so that all who look on Christ shall live. II Corinthians 5:21 ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’ See also Romans 8:3-4.
The Rock: When Israel lacked water at Rephidim, God commanded Moses to strike the rock and water would proceed (Exodus 17:6). Another incident of running out of water was at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin; this time God commanded Moses to ‘speak to the rock’ in order to obtain water. Unfortunately, Moses did not listen to the LORD. Instead, he struck the rock, like he did at Rephidim. Water came anyway but at a dreadful price. God told Moses that because of this sin Moses would not enter the promised land. Why was this judgment so severe? Because Christ is the Rock (I Corinthians 10:4) and He only needs to be struck once (crucified) for our sins; afterward, you speak to the Risen Saviour, not strike out again.
Manna: Like the manna, the bread from heaven, fed Israel in the wilderness (Numbers 11:6-9) for 40 years, Christ is the true Bread of Heaven (John 6:31-33). Whoever eats this bread lives for ever.
Theme
The high price of doubt and unbelief. This includes wandering, wilderness, unfulfilled divine promises, and death. So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief – Hebrews 3:19
Key Verses
14:22-23: ‘Because all these men who have seen My glory and the signs which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test now these ten times, and have not heeded My voice, they certainly shall not see the land of which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who rejected me see it.”
Key Events in Numbers:
Chapter 01: The first census is taken of all Israelite men of military age 20 years or older who were born in Egypt and part of the exodus; the total was 603,550 (1:46). If every one of them had a wife and child, that would be 1.8 million. Sadly, this generation would not inherit the land. This is the ‘Generation of the Exodus.’
Chapter 13: The 12 spies explored Canaan for 40 days. They discovered its fertility but also the might of the local inhabitants.
Chapter 14: After 10 of the 12 spies gave an evil report of the land, the people rebel. God said this was the 10th time the generation of the exodus tempted God and therefore they would not enter the promised land. The sole exception would be Joshua and Caleb. Unbelief leads to rebellion.
Chapters 22-24:Balaam the seer was hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel. Despite his attempts, the curses turned to blessing.
Chapter 26: The second census was of the ‘generation of the wilderness,’ who were the children of the ‘generation of the exodus.’ The latter generation had died due to their unbelief so it was now time for a new stocktake.
Simple Outline of Numbers:
1-12     Generation of the Exodus
13-20   Wanderings in the Wilderness
21-36   Generation of the Wilderness; forward-march to Canaan
Lesson for Life:
Joshua and Caleb provide a sterling template of how to enter into the land of promise. Why did they succeed while the other 10 spies failed (and killed soon thereafter)? First, they followed God with a whole heart (14:24). Second, they did not have a religious spirit but a spirit of faith (13:30). While the 10 spies complained about the challenges, Caleb spoke words of faith: ‘Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.’ (13:30). Confession activates faith. Third, they gave a good report of the land (13:27; 30). It is easy to focus on circumstances and problems, but the faithful, whole-hearted believer focuses on the ‘good report.’ Proverbs 15:30 says a good report makes the bones fat and Paul exhorts us to focus on the good report (Philippians 4:8).
Follow these three steps, straight out of Numbers, and you will leave the wilderness behind as you make tracks to the promised land.

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

TRIUMPH OF TRUMP

It is official: Donald Trump has passed the 1,237 delegate threshold. He will be the Republican Party candidate for President of the United States. What an amazing feat for a man who never held political office.
His rise is utterly remarkable, unpredictable, and unprecedented. Weeks out from the Republican Party National Convention, he knocked out 17 other Republican candidates, including well-known and experienced politicians. Trump has received more votes in a Republican presidential primary season than any other candidate in history.
Let’s face it: this is the most unusual US Presidential election in our lifetime. Well-known, experienced politicians have been sidelined while populists are taking centre stage. The experts are dumbfounded as a volatile electorate endorses candidates who would have been dismissed as improbable only a few years before. The two main populist candidates are Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump.
On the far left Socialist Bernie Sanders, a US Senator from Vermont, is an independent who seeks the Democratic nomination for President. He would be comfortable with the likes of Fidel Castro, who promised the people of Cuba free education and free healthcare. Yet Castro ruled with a rod of iron in the worse tradition of totalitarian dictatorship, causing boat exodus from Cuba to Florida that dwarfs what Australia has experienced. Younger Americans view Bernie as a ‘rock star’ (‘I can feel the Bern’) who speaks about the unfairness of Wall Street, the banks, promises to write off student debt and level the economic playing field.
The Democratic front-runner, Hillary Clinton, is an intelligent, hard-working woman, with universal name recognition, an impressive resume of offices held, and plenty of campaign money. But she is viewed as ‘untrustworthy’ and ‘untruthful,’ with an on-going FBI investigation into her emails while US Secretary of State, along with her role in the collapse of Libya and the Benghazi disaster, which led to the assassination of the US ambassador Christopher Stevens. Critics say she has been big on busyness but short on accomplishments.
In the centre-left is Donald Trump, who seeks the Republican Party nomination for US President.
The ‘rise of Trump’ is an enigma, in part, because he does not easily fit into any mould. He is not a conservative in any traditional sense of the word. He is for protectionism, taxing the rich, soft on abortion and same-sex marriage. He has been married three times, did business with casinos, and attends his New York Presbyterian Church when he can.
However, the ‘conservative’ side of Trump is for border protection. He says that the global warming scare is exaggerated and the proposed solutions will harm jobs. He promises to appoint conservative Supreme Court justices and a less interventionist foreign policy (America should not be be the policeman of the world).
Americans, like other westerners, want the government safety net or entitlement programs like the Social Security (old age pension) and Medicare (government provided health care for the elderly). Never mind that these are exceedingly costly, wasteful, play a significant role in increasing the ballooning US national deficit, and are less efficient than private enterprise.
This is progressivism: it promises to ‘take care of you’ and your interests through big government involvement. In practice, it means in exchange for heavy taxes, much regulation, a more autocratic government that has no problem with interfering in people’s lives or fighting wars, ‘big brother in Washington DC’ will be watching out for you.
Despite its unsustainability and poor return, Social Security is such a sacred cow in the United States that even the mere mention of touching it arouses the wrath of ‘grey power.’ Woe to any politicians who even breathes the word ‘reform;’ they will be run out of town! So the deficit increases.
Trump is unlikely to reform the safety net – he is going to preserve it. That means, with his populist, politically incorrect message yet ‘give and take’ on conservative issues, he has a fighting chance to be President. This is remarkable considering questions on his character, gaps in knowledge, and questionable conservatism.
In any case, the 2016 US presidential election will be anything but dull.
Next month, we will look at the topic: Could God be behind the rise of Donald Trump?

Articles, Bible, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

Is It A Good Time to Visit the Holy Land?



With so much happening in the Middle East today, and with Europe on the alert, is it really a good time to take a Bible land tour to Israel?
Many Bible-believing Christians are very keen to make the visit, but they have two major concerns:





1.    Is it affordable?
2.    Is it safe?
First, I cannot stress enough that your decision to ‘go or not to go’ should not be based on the nightly news. Under no circumstance should a Christian believer make decisions based on fear! Now or ever.
The Bible is full of exhortations to ‘fear not.’ Nowhere does it imply we should fear anything, any time. The only fear we should have is the ‘fear of the LORD.’ When you exercise Godly fear, it cancels out all other fears!
Your decision to visit the holy land should be based on two things:
1.    Prayer and the leading of the LORD; and
2.    Sufficient, accurate information.
Why visit the Holy Land?
There are two consistent and compelling reasons:
3.    To walk where Jesus (and Bible heroes) walked. This is called‘devotion.’
4.    To learn more about the Bible. This is called ‘education.’
There are so many wonderful Biblical places to visit that would fulfil both criteria, including: the Dead Sea, Jericho, Jordan Valley, Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Mount Carmel, Caesarea, Jaffa, Bethlehem, Mount of Olives, Mount Zion, and the Old City of Jerusalem, plus more. In all these sites you can see first-hand where ‘Jesus walked’ and Biblical events took place.
You will learn, grow, enjoy, and even have fun. You can float on the Dead Sea, get baptised in the Jordan River, partake in the Temple Mount sifting project, fellowship with local believers (the ‘living stones’) or do what everyone does – go shopping. Yes, a spiritual pilgrimage can be fun, too.
What is the difference between a tourist and pilgrim?
Tourists visit a place for rest and recreation. Pilgrims can have these same goals but with one dramatic difference. A pilgrim has faith in his or her heart and travels to a place ‘in faith’ in order to connect with a place associated with ‘faith.’
In other words, a pilgrim is a person of faith and the journey in faith is called a pilgrimage.
Is it affordable?
Yes, it is very affordable. For less than the price of a cruise (where much of what you see is ocean water), you can travel, sleep, enjoy abundant fresh food, and live like a monarch.
One the of key questions: is it safe to go?
With screaming headlines about ‘Arab Spring,’ ‘Syrian War,’ ‘Rise of ISIS,’ and increased terrorism, it is a legitimate question. Here is the answer.
First, it is safe enough. Apart from being in God’s will, is there any place on earth that is absolutely safe?
Second, the Middle East is big enough. A bomb going off in Baghdad does not mean there is trouble in Jerusalem. While there are problems in some parts of the region, there is stability in other parts. Israel is one of those places of stability.
Third, one local Christian said this is the safest country in the world, because it is God’s land. So true. Deuteronomy 11:11-12 (NKJV) says:
But the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, 12a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.
Since God’s eyes are always on this land, you can be sure that His eyes will be on you, too.
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport has been impressively renovated in the past few years. According to Conde Nast Traveler, its readers rated Ben Gurion the world’s Number Four airport, after Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong airports. It is especially ‘state-of-the-art’ when it comes to security issues. There are 11 checkpoints and security posts from the time you drive through the airport gate until you board the airplane. No wonder there has not been an attack at or a hijacking from Ben Gurion in forty years!
Furthermore, both local Jews and Arabs have a vested interest in the security of their pilgrim guests since both work in the hospitality industry (you will find many Arab workers, even in the Israeli hotels). The locals have their ‘ear to the ground’ when it comes to security; they are the best sources of information when it comes to a place being secure. Prayer and following their advice affords you the best protection possible.
This is a hospitable part of the world with low rates of crime. It is safer here than in many major western cities.
Journey in Faith: Remember the pilgrim’s secret weapon: Faith. Unlike the nervous tourist, the pilgrim believes that God is with them and protecting them every step of the way (Psalm 91:1-2). Many comment that they feel safer in Israel than in many other places. This is because they put their trust in the LORD. Those who do are never put to shame.
After all, Christian believer, if you cannot trust God now for your fears, faults, failings, finances, friends, family, and future … then when do you plan to start?
Now is the time!
Is it really a good idea to visit the holy land? If you are led by God and full of faith, then ‘go for it.’ With that kind of attitude, you will be well equipped to enjoy a fearless journey to the Land of the Bible. The results can be life-changing.
NOTE: Teach All Nations is offering two Bible lands tours in November 2016:
The Book of Revelation (Greece and Turkey)
Bible Adventure Tour (Jordan and Israel)

Log onto tan.org.au for more information

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

FINDING A SPOUSE: Part 2



He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour from the LORD — Proverbs 18:22 (NKJV)
In Part 01, we looked at some of the factors that cause people to ‘get it wrong’ while in search of Mr. or Miss Right. These factors included:



1.      A corrupt, sex-saturated culture;
2.      Worship of false gods, which is far more prevalent than one realises, including materialism, statism (an overarching role for the government), and selfism;
3.      Opportunism;
4.      Narcissism: people can put on a prolonged act before the real person is exposed.
5.      The scourge of pornography. Latest count is that 46% of Americans view porn during the week. It also has a devastating effect on male virility.
6.      No fear of God;
7.      Ignoring wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 says it all: ‘Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.’
In Part 02, we will look at ‘how to get it right.’ Please note that these are principles, not a magic formula.
Seasons: Ecclesiastes says to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. There’s a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, a time to pluck (3:1-2). There is also a time to marry when your season comes. We have a season of singleness which is a gift from God: during this time we grow, develop, form our values and prepare for our future. As maturity and commitment set in, there is a time to marry. With so many waiting until their late 20s and early 30s before marriage, the possibility is strong that they had been in their season long before they actually marry. This can present complications. In other words, don’t wait too long because seasons change.
Decision: First, we need to make a decision to marry even before we meet someone. Everything flows from decision. It is amazing how many people entertain the idea of marriage, but allow life to flow by without actually doing anything about it. Men especially need to ‘prepare to launch’ by deciding that the time of girlfriends and floating around is finished: it is time to be a man and find a wife. As Proverbs 18:22 says that the man who finds a wife finds a good thing and the favour of God will be on Him. At the age of 25, I came to the conclusion that my time for marriage had come. Weeks later, the Lord identified to my future spouse. Having made the decision to marry, it was no effort to ‘make a move’ once I knew who it would be.
Have realistic expectations: It is almost entertaining how people have ‘fairy-tale’ criteria of whom they are going to marry: a certain educational background, physical appearance, social status, the perfect gentleman etc. The problem with these things is that they are 100% natural, not spiritual. Proverbs 31 describes the amazing virtuous woman; note that it says little about her appearance. Her spiritual life and ‘fear the LORD’ is what made her suitable. Whoever God has for you will be ‘a work in progress’ (just like you), so don’t see them as they are, but how God will make them.
TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

Campaign 2016: What Should We Make of Donald Trump?

The 2016 US Presidential campaign is in full swing and it has been anything but dull. The front-runners are totally unconventional. One is a woman and the other a businessman who has never held a political office. Constantly, people are asking me: what do you think of Donald Trump?
Good question and for the longest time, I did not have an answer. Having watched American politics all my life, never have I seen a campaign like this one. Yet, as one committed to helping people become ‘future-ready,’ it is important to address the issue: What should we make of Donald Trump?
Background:Donald Trump, a businessman and TV personality, was born on June 14, 1946, which means he will be 70 years old at the time of the November 2016 election. Ronald Reagan was 69 when he was elected and inaugurated as President.
Trump Candidacy: The day after his 69th birthday, he announced his candidacy for the Republican Party nomination for the office of United States President. His slogan: Making America Great Again! He promised to fund his own campaign and eschewed donations for big donors and super PACs (political action committees). This meant, among other things, that he would be free to say whatever he wanted.
Trump’s statements have been brash, controversial and politically incorrect. He said that he would build a wall at the Mexican border and have Mexico pay for it. After the IS attacked Paris in November 2015, he proposed a temporary ban on Muslim immigration ‘until we figure out what’s going on?’ These and other statements have offended much of the public, other political candidates, and even some of his business partners, who have subsequently severed commercial ties. Some of his rallies have been marked by protests and violence. The mainstream media have scratched their heads on what to do with him. Once highly-left wing news source announced that they were removing Trump’s campaign from the ‘political section’ to the ‘entertainment’ section.
The Trump campaign entertaining? Well, despite all the negatives mentioned above, he has consistently polled higher than his Republican rivals (the party of Ronald Reagan and George Bush, the somewhat American equivalent to the Australian Liberal Party or Liberal/National Party Coalition; the US Democratic Party, to whom Barack Obama, Bill & Hillary Clinton belongs mirrors the Australian Labour Party). He has won state-after-state primaries and is getting closer to clinching the Republican Party nomination. Until now, every attempt to stop his candidacy has met with failure.
Why is Trump doing so well? His populist politically incorrect rhetoric resonates with many people because he comes across as honest, rather than wooden and insincere. His ‘non-establishment’ credentials also impress a volatile electorate, who feel regular politicians are not listening to them. His speeches and blunt statements give him much ‘free’ publicity from the mainstream media, even though they do not like his views.
What are we to make of the candidacy of this very rich, non-political, intelligent man who seems to be steamrolling his way to the Republican nomination? Here is some food for thought:
Conservative Challenge: People who hold to traditional or Biblical (rather than progressivist) values  will be troubled by Trump – he has been thrice married, does business with casinos, and has praised the abortion-giant Planned Parenthood. Though he implies he is conservative, he has not always been that way in practice. Has he had a ‘Damascus Road-Experience’ to a socially conservative position or is his conservatism tactical for more votes?
Conservatives Divided: Christian commentators like Messianic scholar Dr. Michael Brown in the USA and Australia’s own culture warrior Bill Muehlenberg are highly critical of Trump. Yet, some US conservatives like Sarah Palin, 2008 Republican Vice-Presidential nominee and former governor of Alaska, have endorsed him.
One interesting endorsement comes from 91 year old Phyllis Schlafly, a Roman Catholic constitutional lawyer, conservative activist, and founder of the Eagle Forum. She was the woman who prevented the ratification the feminist-inspired Equal Rights Constitutional Amendment (ERA) in 1972. She is an American conservative icon and legend. Schlafly totally supports Trump and says he is America’s last hope. The reason: He is not beholden to the political kingmaker’s and will strongly deal with illegal immigration. If we don’t stop this wave of illegal migration, America as we know it will cease to exist, concludes Schlafly.
Big gamble: A Trump nomination is a big gamble for the Republicans. His approval rating may be high among Republican primary voters but his disapproval rating among the general public is also high. He will be opposed by non-white migrants, feminists, and the mainstream media. His likely opponent, Hillary Clinton, has a well-financed campaign, universal name recognition, and has applied the lessons from her failed 2008 campaign (Mrs. Clinton has unique challenges of her own, including low ‘trustworthy’ ratings and an FBI investigation of her emails while Secretary of State). Can Trump win? It is possible but it will be tough.
Volatility: Americans, especially conservatives are volatile. They are tired of broken-promises, of pseudo-conservative politicians, of political correctness and empty rhetoric. Perhaps because Trump is successful at business, a straight shooter, and smart in-general, he is viewed as someone who can get the job done.
The choice: barring some major event, it looks like it will be a vote between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. American’s will need to decide if they want, after a 16 year hiatus, to have the Clintons back in the White House or the fresh-face of a very determined Donald Trump. 

Photo Courtesy of Michael VADON https://www.flickr.com/photos/80038275@N00/20724666936/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Genericlicense.
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

Laksa 101: Creamy Chicken Laksa

Anyone who travels to SE Asia will, sooner or later, encounter laksa. It is basically a spicy curry soup, often swimming with seafood. Having never grown up with curries or chillies or seafood, I initially was resistant to laksa. Yet, because of my annual visits to Malaysia, I eventually had to capitulate and give it a try. Penang, which is a celebrated food centre in Asia, was where I had Penang Laksa with mackerel. Getting and keeping the big fat noodles on my spoon was a major challenge. Then, I experienced the Sarawak Laksa while visiting Kuching. Laksa was becoming more and more mainstream for me.
One of the redemptive values of laksa is that it is a great and tasty way to introduce vegetables into the diet. So, when I discovered a ‘veggie-rich’ laksa recipe, I introduced it to my wife. Like me, she had little experience with curries, chillies and seafood. Her initial approval encouraged me to press on.
The following recipe is:
Laksa 101 – A Recipe for Beginners & Westerners
25 minutes prep, cooking 15 minutes.
250 gram rice noodles (these noodles expand so consider use half that amount, even if you are a noodle lover!)
1 Tablespoon oil
1 onion, diced finely
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
3 Tablespoons laksa or Thai red curry paste (laksa paste often has shrimp paste, which can be loved or loathed – if you are not use to it, try the red curry paste)
250 g chicken, thinly slice
2 cans of coconut cream (another option is Carnation light & creamy coconut flavoured condensed milk)
2 Tablespoons fish sauce
1 carrot cut into strips
1 cup (or more) sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup (or more) peas, preferably baby peas. Can use frozen peas.
2 cups bean sprouts (fresh is best)
1/4 cup fresh coriander
INSTRUCTIONS
1.    Soak noodles 10 minutes in boiling water, drain;
2.    Heat oil in the pan, gently fry onion and garlic until translucent;
3.    Place chicken and laksa or Thai red curry paste in pan, cook 2 minutes;
4.    Add coconut milk & fish sauce;
5.    Bring to boil, add carrot and mushrooms, return to boil. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes;
6.    Add frozen peas, bean sprouts and noodles just before serving.
For laksa veterans, add generous laksa paste and all the seafood you like.

Give it a try and you’ll feel like you are in tropical Asia!
Articles, Prophecy, Stress, Teaching, Temptation

Christian Living – Oh No! How To Overcome Trials & Temptations

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it — I Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
It is part of life in this fallen world. Anyone who lives long enough will experience trials, temptations, and other pressures. While some people seem to prosper in an atmosphere of crisis, others feel crushed by the weight of it all.
Solid believers in Christ are not exempted from temptation and trials. In some cases, they seem to be more of a target, because the ‘prince of this world,’ Satan, wants to attack and take them off track. The entire epistle of I Peter is devoted to the suffering church and how it can ‘survive and thrive.’
If we want to be ‘future-ready,’ we need a Biblical perspective on how to handle pressures and trials.
First, God allows temptations into our life for redemptive purposes. It helps to build faith and character. Also it brings refinement. When one is tempted, they are not entertaining lusty, fleshly thoughts. Psalm 119:67 says it well: Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Like an incinerator, temptation burns all the rubbish!
The contents of the heart are revealed by external pressures. You don’t know the colour of the toothpaste until you squeeze the tube. James 1:2-3 says to ‘count it all joy’ when you fall in to various temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith works patience. Patience brings maturity, fruitfulness, and a fully equipped servant of God.
In order to survive and succeed in the days ahead, it is vital that we continue to draw insight and strength from the Scriptures. A gem of a verse is found in ICorinthians 10:13, as mentioned above. Here are some insights from this amazing passage:
1.          Universal experience: When facing pressure, it is easy to think you are the only one going through the trial. Often, the refrain is: ‘Nobody understands what I’m going through ….’ It may be correct that your immediate circle of friends are not going through what you are. Yet this verse says that somewhere, someone, indeed many, are walking the same trail with the same trial. No one’s trial is utterly unique, as much as it may seem that way. This verse says ‘There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man;’ so remember you are not alone. Your trial is shared by others.
2.          God is faithful: Believers should have not doubt about this – God is always faithful. Even if people fail, falter and fall, God will never. His faithfulness includes being present with us at all times (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5ff), especially in times of trial. Remember the famous story of ‘The Footprints?’ A believer sees his life in a time-line across the sand, where he and the LORD are walking together. Most of the time, there are two set of footprints on the sand, ostensibly his and the LORD’s. Yet, during times of trial, there was only one set of footprints. Assuming these remaining footprints are his, the believer questions why the LORD ‘forsook’ him during these painful times. The LORD replies: I love you and would never leave you. During your darkest moments, when you saw only one set of footprints, that’s when I carried you. Yes, let God carry you, your problems and future; let Him do all the heavy lifting.
3.          Beyond Endurance: Here is a promise worth holding onto. The verse says that the faithfulness of God means He is ever-present with you; it also means He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your own endurance. One person was sharing with me how they went from trial to trial. My response: You must be very strong person because God won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your endurance. They seemed initially puzzled but eventually the penny dropped. Now, of course, a person can be very stubborn, not listening to God or wisdom, and out of love and faithfulness God will allow them to be tempted so that they soften at bit (like marinade softens tough meat). It is always best to listen to God, praise His Name, and obey His counsel. You will find yourself going from valley bottom to mountain top.
4.          Way of Escape: Here is another great assurance in this verse. Repeatedly in Scripture, there are promises of escape for the righteous: Noah’s Ark, Isaac’s Rehoboth, Jacob in Peniel and sojourn in Egypt, Joseph’s storehouse, David’s Cave of Adullam, the Name of God as a strong tower, and the secret place of the Most High. Look at Luke 21:36 and Revelation 3:10. God delights to make a way in the wilderness and river in the desert (Isaiah 43:19). For people of faith, when one door slams shut, another springs open. God will provide a way of escape.

5.          Perfect endurance: God’s faithfulness, presence, provision, and power means that you can have perfect endurance through the trial because of the way of escape. This endurance will help you hold up during the trial. Grasp this promise; it will see you through everything. Don’t give up because winners never quit. The light truly is at the end of the tunnel. Once you reach it, you’ll forget there was ever a tunnel.
Articles, Bible, Prophecy, Teaching

The Only Access to God: Why Study Leviticus

At first glance, it is tempting to skip Leviticus when reading the Bible. It does not have riveting narrative like Genesis or Joshua, nor does it give lofty inspiration like the Psalms or Ephesians.
Skip Leviticus? Don’t do it! The third book of Moses is an indispensable part of the Bible: for starters, it is God’s inspired Word and profitable (II Timothy 3:16). It is a revered book of the Scriptures, known as the Pentateuch (Greek) or Torah (Hebrew), the five books of Moses. Furthermore, it gives some outstanding typology of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, it shows us the only way to have access to God. Therefore, it behooves us to make it part of our study of Scripture.
NAME
The original Hebrew calls this book va-yeech-krah, meaning ‘And he called.’ These happen to be the first three words of Leviticus in the Hebrew Bible. The Talmud refers to this book as the ‘Law of the Priests and Offerings.’ The ancient Greek translation of Scripture, the Septuagint (LXX) calls it Leuitikon, meaning ‘pertaining to the Levites.’ The Latin Vulgate gave us the name Leviticus. In reality, it speaks about only part of the tribe of Levi, the House of Aaron, who held the priesthood.
AUTHOR
Moses. No less than 56 times in Leviticus does it refer to the law given to Moses (e.g. 1:1; 4:1; 6:1,24). Jesus Christ speaks of Moses as the author of the Torah (Matthew 8:2-4 cf. Leviticus 14:1-4; Matthew 12:4 cf. Leviticus 24:9) and for believers His endorsement should settle the issue.
TIME
Israel stood at the foot of Mount Sinai. The first passover (Exodus 12:2) was the first month of the first year of the new calendar. The tabernacle was finished one year later (Exodus 40:17). Leviticus commences in the first month of the second year and Numbers begins the following month.
There is a logical progression leading to Leviticus.
Genesis: Man sins and falls.
Exodus: Man is redeemed and delivered.
Leviticus: Man is instructed about the only worship that give access to the presence of God.
THEME
What is the only access to God? Worship through holiness.
Leviticus teaches how a redeemed people are to worship and serve God. He is holy and His people must be likewise. This holiness is undergirded by sacrifice, a motif that appears regularly in Leviticus.
KEY POINTS OF LEVITICUS
What become obvious as you study Leviticus is:
God’s Presence: God wants to dwell among His people;
Holiness: Only by being holy can people be close to God.
Sacrifice for sin makes holiness possible: without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:20)
Covenant: We do not have a de facto relationship but de jure (according to law). Covenant, which means a binding agreement between two or more parties, brings great benefits when the terms are met; great disaster if violated.
Holiness is mentioned 152 times in Leviticus, which is 20% of all occurrences in the Old Testament. Sacrifice, which makes holiness possible, is mentioned 40 times; atonement 45 times, blood 85 times, and priest 190 times.
The emphasis here is unmistakable: God demands holiness as the price of entering His presence and dwelling with Him forever. Without holiness no man can see the LORD (Hebrew 12:14).
KEY VERSES  
Leviticus 17:11 ‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’
Leviticus 20:7-8  ‘Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the LORD who sanctifies you.’
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
In summary, you can find wonderful typology of Christ in the five offerings, seven feasts, and the role of the high priest.
CHRIST IN THE FIVE OFFERINGS
Burnt offering: Where the sacrifice is purged of sin. For Christ, the burning represents the unspeakable and excruciatingly painful suffering He experienced at His passion, culminating at the the cross.
Meal offering: This speaks of Christ’s sinless person and work, a portion thereof was thrown in the fire.
Peace offering: This speaks of reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity (Romans 5:1). This was the offering between Laban and Jacob.
Sin-offering: Known also as the guilt offering, this speaks of the Atonement that Christ procured for us. He is our sin-bearer.
Trespass Offering: Christ atoning death totally satisfies God’s righteous requirements. It restores the relationship with God that was severed by Adam’s sin.
CHRIST IN THE FEASTS
Passover: This is clear enough. The passover lamb was young, without blemish, and burnt after the sacrifice. Christ is called our passover lamb: He was young, sinless, and His passion was like fire. Yet because of His atoning death and shed blood, the death angel ‘passes over’ all who believe.
Feast of Unleavened Bread: Israel’s departure from Egypt was so quick, they did not have time to let the dough rise in the bowl. ‘Leaven,’ though necessary for good quality bread, represents pride and sin. During this feast, Israel eats only unleavened bread, known also as matzo. This feast represents the holy walk that Christ modelled and God calls us to.
Feast of First Fruits: This represents the first evidence of harvest from the crops; once you see this, you know the rest of the harvest is coming. Likewise, Christ is called the ‘first-fruits’ from the dead (I Corinthians 15:20-23). His resurrection guarantees our own.
Pentecost: Known also as ‘Feast of Weeks,’ this is an agricultural festival that also commemorates Moses receiving the law on Mount Sinai. Likewise, this feast has a glorious New Testament counterpart: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the followers of Jesus in Acts 2. This is considered the birthday of the Christian Church. So as the law given on Sinai brought bondage, the Holy Spirit poured out on Pentecost in Zion gave power and liberty.
Trumpets: This is New Year’s Day and it is ushered in by the sounding of the trumpets. It is also an autumn feast and forecasts the final ingathering from exile of the children of Israel (Zechariah 14).
Day of Atonement: This is the most solemn day of the year, the only authorised fast in the calendar (even though Leviticus does not specifically mention fasting – it speaks merely of afflicting one’s soul). This was the only day of the year that the high priest could enter into the most sacred place on earth: the holy of holies. Christ, our perfect atonement, has given all of us 24/7 access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
Tabernacles: This autumn feast remembers when Israel dwelt in booths in the wilderness. Though not fulfilled in the New Testament, it most likely will culminate at the second coming of Christ.
High Priest: The line of Aaron, brother of Moses, from the tribe of Levi, held the priestly office. Aaron was a faithful but flawed figure. He contributed to the corruption of the golden calf incident while Moses tarried on Mount Sinai. Furthermore, his sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorised, strange fire before the LORD and were immediately slain by God’s holy presence. Understandably, the surviving sons Eleazar and Ithamar were reluctant to eat of the sin offering that followed for fear of suffering the same fate (Chapter 10). They, and their father, were not totally free from sin in order to eat the sin offering. Christ, who is high priest after the imperishable order of Melchizedek, a higher lineage than Levi, offers a perfect, righteous priesthood that ever lives to make intercession for us and affords complete access to the throne of God.
OUTLINE
Part One: Access to God by Sacrifice
I.         Laws on how to approach God (5 offerings) 1:1-7:38
II.      Laws of the Priest (incl. strange fire 10)  8:1-10:20
III.    Laws of Purity (food, childbirth, leprosy)  11:1-15:33
IV.   Laws of Atonement (national, reverence for blood)  16:1-17:16
Part Two: Walk with God by Sanctification
I.         Laws of Sanctification People 18:1-20:27
II.      Laws of Sanctification Priest 21:1-22:3
III.    Laws of Sanctification in Worship (feasts/priestly duties/blasphemy dealt with) 23:1-24:23
IV.   Laws of Sanctification in Promised Land (sabbatic year, Jubilee) 25:1=26:46
V.     Laws of Sanctification though Vows 27:134
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

Problem-Solving: A Biblical Perspective

Problems. Humanely speaking, they are as inevitable as ‘death and taxes.’ Amazingly, some people thrive in an atmosphere of challenge and conflict while others feel crushed by it all.
Today, however, problems take on a new dimension: deeper, more frequent, more complex, crisis-riddled and chaos-laden. Leaders today, though often possessing above-average intelligence, are scratching their heads about what to do with the issues of the day. Even wise Solomon would be stumped at some of the global, economic, social and spiritual challenges we face today.
While some problems seem ‘unsolvable’ and ‘impossible,’ let us never forget that with God, all things are solvable and possible. If we are going to exercise sound judgement and leadership, we need to take our cue from the Word of God.
The early church, which initially was Jerusalem-based and 100% Jewish, began to spread into areas inhabited by the Samaritans and Gentiles. This was God’s will all along (Genesis 12:3; Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8). Yet with growth comes complications. The unexpected yet glorious windfall of Gentile converts to the Christian faith attracted problems in the form of unauthorised teachers.
They approached these Gentile congregations saying unless you get circumcised after the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. Remember that circumcision was not the end result but a package deal to more rules and regulations. With circumcision, Gentile believers would be obligated to keep Sabbath, observe strict dietary requirements, and other parts of the 613 laws of Moses. These self-appointed teachers were demanding Gentiles to keep a standard that even Israel, with 100s of years of history, struggled to achieve.
In essence, the message to the Gentiles was that in order to be a Christian, you had to be a Jew first. This teaching caused great distress to the Gentile believers and threatened the integrity of the young church. A Godly solution needed to be found to solve this dangerous situation, before a serious rupture occurred.
The Council of Jerusalem gathered the Jewish apostles and leaders to determine what to advise the Gentile believers. Wisdom of the highest order was required. Fortunately, the Council succeeded and their was a Godly resolution of the problem.
Solutions.
Let’s look at the text and draw some problem-solving principles from it.
Acts 15:22-29 (NKJV)
Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. 23They wrote this, letter by them:
The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,
To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment— 25it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
Principles of Problem-Solving:
1.       Unity: The early church and the apostles gathered ‘in one accord’ (vs. 22, 25). When the decision-makers are united in heart and mind, solutions will be forthcoming. Remember the power of Psalm 133: unity brings anointing, blessing, and life forevermore.
2.       Authorised men: People are the problem and people are the solution. The brethren from Judea who came to the Gentile believers with false doctrine were unauthorised. They were self-appointed and presumptuous. Rather than bringing truth, they delivered opinions and instead of edifying, they placed baggage and burdens. These teachers were ‘the problem.’ Yet, God also raised up ‘chosen’ (v. 25) ‘authorised’ and ‘anointed men’ to be the solution: Paul, Barnabas, confirmed (v. 27) by Judas Barsabas and Silas. These men risked their lives for the gospel (v. 26), so they had credibility.
3.       Divine leadership: God is always the solution! Verse 28 says ‘It seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us ….’ With the crazy nature of today’s problems, why do we insist on muddling along, hoping to make the best of it, when we can be filled and led by the Holy Spirit? Jesus says that the Spirit makes things alive but the flesh in unprofitable (John 6:63).
4.       Simple solutions: The solution that was offered to the Gentiles was disarmingly simple – they had to keep only four commandments, not 613!
5.       Practical solutions: The recommendation to the Gentiles asked from them to abstain from four things:
*    A) Food offered to idols;
*    B) Blood;
*    C) Things strangled; and
*    D) Sexual immorality. It couldn’t be more practical or simple.
6.       Humane solutions: Problem-solving means lifting burdens, not adding to them! The apostles told the Gentiles they did not want to lay on them any greater burden than these four necessary, simple and practical things. When dealing with church matters, put aside the corporate mindset, which is obsessed with numbers and money, as well as the political, traditional, and/or religious mindsets. With a renewed mind (Romans 12:1-2), focus on what matters most to God: people and His kingdom. The former mindsets will use, abuse, and totally miss the mark. The latter. ‘kingdom-first’ mindset will be humane and nurture people to great fruitfulness. Jesus says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).
What was the final result? The churches were encouraged (v. 31) and strengthened (vs. 32, 41). When this happens, growth and revival will be your portion.