All posts by Kameel Majdali

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Coronation Countdown: What It Means for the Church? Part 01


It is a thousand-year-old service in a thousand-year-old church that has not been witnessed for almost seventy years. Full of pageantry, music, solemnity and dazzling jewels, its most important aspect will not be seen at all. Only two thousand two hundred people will be present but the event will be witnessed by 100s of millions worldwide. The event in question is the coronation of King Charles III, scheduled at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May 2023.

For over a millennium Britain has been a solidly Christian country. Some of history’s greatest men and women of God came from there. From its shores, the gospel spread worldwide. Its legacy of Protestant Christianity, the King James Bible, famous revivals and sound Bible teaching has left an incalculable legacy for the world. Yet a recent poll revealed a shocking statistic: only forty-six per cent of people in the United Kingdom identify as Christians – less than half. Church attendance is declining. A strong secularist impetus over the decades has contributed to this; cultural Marxism and the culture war have taken their toll. 

The wells of living water have been filled up by the Philistines. Like Isaac in Genesis 26, we fight the spiritual drought and famine by unstopping the wells of spiritual life. This means diligently seeking God and acknowledging what He has done. 
The coronation of the king is not just a civic affair; it is truly a religious one and part of our collective Christian heritage. It is a proper Bible-based Christian anointing service, officiated not by a government official but by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. 
We need revival. If we recognise, respond, and celebrate our Christian heritage and its spiritual values, the living waters will flow again. 

                                                    Definition 
Coronation is a grand ceremony where the king is recognised as crowned with a literal crown (actually, two) placed on his head. It also recognises his role as the head of the Church of England. In a very real sense, the coronation inducts the monarch into the ministry. Though there are other European countries that have monarchs, only in Britain does the king get a coronation service.
The order of service, the words, rituals and symbols have basically remained unchanged since they were first introduced in 973 AD. They are a reflection of the values and priorities of the monarch. King Edward the Confessor, who reigned from 1042-1066 AD, built Westminster Abbey, which became the venue of the coronation. 

Buckingham Palace has said that although the coronation will be “rooted in long-standing traditions“, it will also “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future.” Our goal is to focus more on ‘long-standing traditions,’ not any potential innovations

The King and Queen Consort will travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the ‘King’s procession.’ After the coronation service, the royal couple will participate in the bigger ‘coronation procession’ back to Buckingham palace. There will be a ‘royal viewing’ from the palace balcony with Charles, Camilla, and a chosen few.

Here are the main highlights of the coronation:

The Recognition: The Archbishop presents the monarch to the guests of the Abbey, approximately 2,000 in total (in 1953, it was 8,000). Their response: ‘God Save the King.’ (1 Samuel 10:24; 2 Samuel 16:16; 1 Kings 1:25; 34; 39; 2 Kings 11:12; 2 Chronicles 23:11)

The Oath: The centrepiece of the entire coronation. More about that later.

The Anointing: Ditto

The Investiture: Costly items encrusted with jewels are religious symbols. This includes Orb, the sceptre, the sovereign’s sceptre, and a white dove. After the presentation of these items, the Archbishop places St. Edward’s Crown on the head of the King.

The Enthronement and Homage: The monarch moves to a proper throne after leaving the coronation chair. Peers come and kneel before him in an act of homage. 
After this, the Queen Consort will be anointed and crowned. 

The Oath – A Most Christian-Based Pledge
The significance of this oath cannot be overstated. It is a solemn pledge before God and the people that is so solidly Christian that in today’s secular milieu, it comes as a surprise. Key points of the oath:

  • The monarch pledges to the utmost of his power to maintain the laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel. There is nothing secular or political here. Even in a multicultural Britain, home to several main religions, there is still an acknowledgment. Former Prime Minister David Cameron said in 2011 that the ‘UK is a Christian country and we should not be afraid to say so.’ He called for a revival of traditional Christian values to counter Britain’s moral collapse.
  • The oath includes a commitment to maintaining the United Kingdom as a Protestant Reformed Religion established by law. There is nothing secular here; the welfare and growth of the church is a high priority.
  • The monarch pledges to maintain and persevere inviolably of the Church of England in key areas including ‘doctrine’ and ‘worship.’
  • There are other key phrases but in response to all this, the monarch says ‘All this I promise to do.’ 
  • The coronation oath should guide the Parliament, too. David Gardner, in his book The Trumpet Sounds for Britain Volume III, page 61, points out that the solemn coronation oath – to maintain the laws of God and the profession of the gospel – is not just obligatory on the monarch but also on his/her government. Quoting Lord Lauderdale speaking in the House of Lords in June 1976: ‘So no matter what Governments take office … they take office within the context of that oath and therefore in support of it. It is an oath solemnly given and solely subscribed by the Queen, at the instance, ultimately, of the State. It is binding, it is mandatory, it is categorical: and I ask the Government to affirm that that is so.’
  • The crown represents the identity, unity, history, heritage and ultimate destiny of the nation and the family of nations in the Commonwealth. 
  • The coronation service consecrates, dedicates, and anoints the monarch for servant-leadership, just like any Christian minister. The implications of the coronation service and oath are staggering; the service is a dry run to the ultimate coronation at the coming again of the King of kings and Lord of lords. 
  • In Part Two, we will see that the ceremony puts a high accent mark on the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay tuned.


Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

USD 31 Trillion – America Hits the Debt Ceiling – Now What?

It looks like a regular billboard but the content is not regular at all. Instead of advertising the latest perfume, theatre program, or sporting event, it provides up-to-date information – no, not the time nor the weather – but America’s national debt. The billboard is in New York City and is known as the ‘National Debt Clock.’ As of January, America’s federal debt was $31,341,547,109. That’s $31 trillion (each trillion is a million dollars a million times) in debt. Wrap your mind around that figure. As a bonus, the debt clock adds another piece of information: Your family’s share of the debt is $237,520 per family. 

America’s national debt has been frightfully increasing over many years. In the current US administration, Congress has passed several spending bills totalling over $6 trillion. Credible complaints point out that there is much ‘pork’ among the beef, including the recent 4,000-page omnibus spending $1.7 trillion, which was hastily passed before the incoming Congress took over in early January.

If that’s not all, now we get the announcement: America has reached its debt ceiling. Unless Congress agrees to raise the ceiling or suspend it altogether, the government will lack the legal authority to borrow more money to meet its financial obligations. There is a danger of a US default on its loans. This would be like a high-speed car chase inexorably heading towards a brick wall; the US needs to avoid this outcome at all costs. A default will result in global financial instability and hardship for many. Even the hint that it might happen is unsettling.

What is the debt ceiling? How can we see all this in context? And how should people of faith respond?

Perspective 

At present, the United States has the largest economy in the world. It has been an economic superpower for decades. So if its debt is big, remember that its economy is, too. America’s debt to GDP-ratio is 128%, which is lower than many countries, including Japan (240%), Italy (156%), and Singapore (131%). Covid relief spending and the economic shutdown exacerbated the debt ratio from 107% in 2019 to the present level today.

The debt ceiling is the congressionally agreed spending limit which can only be increased if the ceiling is raised. It was originally introduced during the first world war in 1917 and has been raised many times without incident. Only the first major confrontation happened in 2011 when the Republican Party demanded that President Barack Obama, a Democrat, come to the negotiating table and agree on spending caps, to which he eventually did.

These caps were either ignored or abandoned in 2018. Apparently, during the Trump years, a Republican president with a Republic Congress (until 2019), the limit was either raised or waived three times.

When America raises its debt ceiling, there are eager investors to buy and invest in the debt in treasury bonds, bills, notes, and securities. These bonds are considered the most stable and safest investment, a safe haven during periods of economic storms.

So What’s the Fuss?

As mentioned, America reached its spending cap in January 2023. In order to keep the government going, the debt ceiling needs to be raised. Yet there is a tussle between the Republican-led House of Representatives and the Democrat White House. It is not an economic debate but a political one. Congress wants to explore raising the debt ceiling in the context of a financial plan and needful cuts in spending. The White House wants no pre-conditions: just raise the debt ceiling for the sake of economic stability.

“He (Joe Biden) will not allow Republicans to take the economy hostage or make … working Americans pay the price for their schemes to benefit the wealthiest Americans and also special interests.” Karine Jean-Pierre said Jan 18th

The treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, introduced ‘extraordinary measures’ – which have been done before – to help the government function while the debt ceiling is being resolved. It is a temporary thing to prevent default. The current short-term limitations on spending should enable the government to function until June.

The problem with spending cuts is that there are limitations, including big-ticket untouchables, like defence, Social Security (aged pension), Medicare, and Medicaid. All these represent $1 trillion out of $1.6 of spending deemed off-limits. To even talk aloud about cuts with the untouchables is political suicide. The wrath of the voters would be volcanic if Social Security is even mentioned, let alone touched.

One expert says it says cutting alone may not stave off the debt bomb. They say it is better to impose a 2% growth cap on discretionary spending (and close down some government departments that really are not necessary). You could save $1 trillion in a decade.

What Can We Do?

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender – Proverbs 22:7

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just — Proverbs 13:22

While we can always vote for fiscally sensible political candidates, it will take more than an election to rectify the budget blowout. It will involve spiritual solutions and a change of thinking – the fruit of revival. Just as we need to have a fiscally responsible government, we need to be the same in our lives.

  1. Economic responsibility: live within your means; live by a budget; get out of needless and unsustainable debt; have cash for a rainy day. Diversify where you store your money: bank, stocks, precious metals, and property.
  2. Personal discipline: in money and time management. 
  3. Spiritual life: this is the most important area of all. A walk with Christ makes you a participant and beneficiary of the kingdom economy. Practice kingdom economics and get kingdom results. God will open the windows of heaven and rebuke the devourer for all those who give to Him first (Malachi 3:10-11). Isaac sowed and reaped one hundredfold in the land while it had drought and famine; God fed Elijah during the three-year dearth; Jesus served thousands of meals with five loaves and two small fish. Kingdom economics will cause you to thrive even when the earthly economy falters.
  4. Trust God: this is not a trite glib phrase: it’s a lifeline. For those who trust God with all of their heart all of the time, God promises to feed you in famine (Psalm 37:3); be your provider (Genesis 22:8,14), and provide all your needs according to the inexhaustible riches of his glory (Philippians 4:19). 

Pray for leadership for fiscal sanity and wisdom; pray for revival – the only long-term solution, and pray that God’s people will walk according to kingdom economics. In economically shaking times, it will be an impressive testimony.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

History of Jerusalem Part 02 David & the Conquest that Changed the World

And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David — 2 Samuel 5:6-7

In just a few words, a simple conquest by the warrior king transformed a nation and the world. A city that eluded the armies of Joshua, the judges, and king Saul – was captured by David. Yes, the shepherd king who worked his way up: slaying the lion and bear, defeating the giant Goliath, now he was supremely confident of he could take the stronghold of Zion – Jerusalem – city of the Jebusites.

Recap: Before going further, let us recall what we covered so far. In the previous article, we learned that Jerusalem is the premier city of Scripture, mentioned one thousand times, and is known by various names. We also learned that Zion is the royal section of the city, if not the city itself, depending on the context. It was in heathen hands for the first thousand of its four thousand-year history, though there are possible allusions to it in the Bible. Isaac was nearly sacrificed on Moriah while Melchizedek, king of (Jeru)salem, received tithes of Abraham. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin both tried – and failed – either capture it or retain it. This leads us to one of history’s great events.

Neutral Capital Territory: Enter king David, the man after God’s own heart and the sweet psalmist of Israel. He was eager to unite the tribes of Israel with his own tribe of Judah. Like the US with DC and Australia with Canberra, he needed a centrally located capital city that belonged to none of the tribes, forestalling inter-tribal jealousy. Instead, this neutral territory would belong to all the tribes. The Jebusite stronghold fit the description.

Conquest: As we read in the above text, David and his men approached the walls. The Jebusites were confident that David would fail to breach the wall like the others before him. They boasted that even the blind and the lame could keep David out. Verse 7 says ‘Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion.’ How did he succeed when the others fail? The normal answer is that instead of breaching the high heavy wall on a steep slope, David’s troops ascended through the underground water tunnel that leads from the Gihon Spring into the main city. 1 Chronicles 11:6 says it was Joab who made the ascent and was rewarded with the position of chief and captain.

Thus, Jebus – the Jebusite city – became known as Jerusalem.

Like the conversion of a ranked sinner into a super saint, Jerusalem was transformed by David. First, it became the ‘city of David,’ the capital of the united tribes of Israel. Thus it became a royal city. Then, David took another bold step: he brought the ark of the covenant to the city. The ark was the golden chest that contained the ten commandments on Moses’ two tablets of stone. On top of the ark were two cherubims, positioned like arm-rests on both sides. Between them, the top of the ark was the mercy seat, which was God’s throne. 

In other words, the ark represented God’s holy presence and had to be handled with care. To do otherwise was to court disaster, as Uzzah tragically found out (2 Samuel 6:6-8). Once the ark was moved to Jerusalem, the city became God’s earthly address. Now Jerusalem was a holy city. Imagine, in one masterstroke Jerusalem was transformed from ‘heathen’ to ‘holy,’ all because of a man called David. 

God was apparently so pleased with David’s actions that He chose to put His name on David’s city. Despite its turbulent and, at times, sordid history, God kept the city alive for the sake of his servant king. And Jerusalem would forever be considered sacred because of the house (temple) of God, the shekinah glory in that house, and the Name of the Lord on the house and city

In summary, Jerusalem was transformed into a royal city – that’s the human side. It also became a holy city, highlighting the divine side. The third transformation would involve both human and divine sides – but more about that in a moment.

A Covenant with David: It is impossible to properly understand the Bible in general, prophecy in particular, and the importance of Jerusalem without knowing about the notion of ‘covenant.’ In short, it is a binding agreement between two parties that promises great blessings for compliance and terrible repercussions for violations. God made covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Moses. He is a covenant-maker and covenant-keeper.

Now, the man after his own heart would get a covenant, too. We read about the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17. In short, God promised to give David a son and successor who would rule on his throne. The Son of David would build God a house. He would also have a long reign, indeed, an everlasting one. Finally, the Son of David would concurrently and simultaneously be God’s Son. This singular individual would be known as ‘The Messiah,’ ‘the anointed one’ or ‘the anointed of the anointed.’

Clearly, the Son of David is Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 21:9; Mark 11:10; Luke 3:31). Solomon is also referred to as son of David, but he is definitely not the Messiah. 

COMPARING THE TWO ‘SONS OF DAVID’ 

SOLOMON

JESUS THE MESSIAH

REIGN

Forty Years

Everlasting; forever and ever

HOUSE

Built the first temple

Building the church / kingdom

ANOINTING

Anointed as king

Anointed prophet, priest & king

CAPITAL

Earthly Jerusalem

Earthly & Heavenly Jerusalem

In light of all this, the third transformation is that thanks to the Davidic Covenant, Jerusalem becomes the City of the Great King. It’s the city of God’s Son and David’s Son, who is the same person. 

Aren’t you glad you serve a righteous King who’ll reign forever?

City of David City of God City of Righteousness City of the Great King Dr Kameel Ezekial Holy City Jerusalem Joshua Kameel Majdali TAN Teach All Nations Teach All Nations Europe Teach All Nations Inc

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

In the Beginning: The History of Jerusalem Part 01



Thus saith the Lord GOD; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her — Ezekiel 5:5

It is arguably the most famous city in the world – a household name even in remote places like the highlands of Papua New Guinea or the jungles of the Amazon. It has four thousand years of history of which the first thousand was heathen, the second thousand Israelite, the next two thousand Gentile, and then after the June War of 1967, the city returned to Jewish/Israeli rule. 

This six-part series will look at Jerusalem – historically and prophetically. When we understand Jerusalem, we better comprehend the will of God. 

Bird’s Eye View

The first time Jerusalem is mentioned in the Bible by name is in Joshua 10:1. Adonizedek formed a coalition against the royal city of Gibeon, for having the audacity to make a league with Joshua and Israel. He is referred to as the ‘king of Jerusalem.’.

Despite its lack of mention in the Torah/Pentateuch, Jerusalem is undoubtedly the chief city of the Bible. It’s explicitly named eight hundred and eleven times. In addition, it has other names like:

City of God (Psalm 46:4; 87:3)

City of David (2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 22:9)

Jebus (Joshua 18:28; Judge 19:10)

City of Righteousness (Isaiah 1:26)

City of Truth (Zechariah 8:3);

City of the Great King (Psalm 48:2);

Holy City (Nehemiah 11:1)

Faithful City (Isaiah 1:21,26)

Salem (Gen 14:18; Psalm 76:2)

Holy Mount (Daniel 9:16)

Perfection of Beauty (Lamentations 2:15)

Throne of the Lord (Jeremiah 3:17)

Egypt & Sodom (Revelation 11:8)

Zion (1 Kings 8:1; Zechariah 9:13).

When you tally up the references, it amounts to a thousand times Jerusalem and its synonyms are found in Scripture. In contrast, the city of Babylon – the spiritual rival to Jerusalem – is cited two-hundred and fifty-two times.

The Glory of Zion

It is impossible to understand Jerusalem’s significance without mentioning Zion. Are Jerusalem and Zion the same thing or are they distinct? 

The name ‘Zion’ needs special emphasis. Often associated with ‘Zionism,’ though ultimately it has a spiritual, prophetic side that is above politics. Zion has several meanings in Scripture, depending on the context. The word is used one-hundred and fifty-two times in the Bible, along with Sion nine times (KJV).

  • Zion can mean the city of Jerusalem (Psalm 87:2-3; 48:1-4); 
  • Zion can mean the land of Israel (Isaiah 51:3);
  • Zion can mean the Jewish people (Isaiah 51:16);
  • Zion can mean Salem, which is equal to Jerusalem(Psalm 76:1-3). 

Thus, while Zion’s exact meaning is uncertain, it has become synonymous with Jerusalem, Israel, and the Jewish people. Significant as these points are, Zion goes to a whole new level when referring to Almighty God Himself. 

Psalm 132 gives great insight into the significance of ‘Zion.’ We learn that God has chosen it (v. 13), desires it as His habitation (v. 14) – His local earthly address; He desires it as his final abode above all other places (v. 14); the lamp of God’s anointed (David and Messiah, son of David) will be there.

In light of Psalm 132, and other Scriptures, Zion’s greatest glory is this: It is associated with God’s literal dwelling place on earth; His local earthly snail mail address. The phrase, ’The Lord Dwells in Zion’ is found in the following verses: Psalm 9:11; Psalm 135:21; Isaiah 8:18; Joel 3:21; Isaiah 33:5. 

In summary, Zion appears to be a royal city, or at least the royal section of the city, where the King of Israel will live. Zion/Jerusalem is a holy city, where the God of Israel dwells, too. For Messiah is the Son of David and Son of God, the heir who will sit on David’s throne and rule from the holy city. 

Since God has chosen Zion for Him and His King to dwell, you can be sure that the forces of darkness will do their utmost to foil the divine plan. If it were possible, they would try to keep the King out of Zion. Like Psalm 2 and Zechariah 12, 14, we begin to see a picture of why the nations are so restive and concerned about Jerusalem. These passages are the beginning of understanding why Jerusalem is the burdensome stone. Either Zion will be God’s capital or that of an anti-God, anti-Christ force. 

The First Thousand Years (2000-1000 BC)

While the first millennium of Jerusalem was not in Israelite hands, it is mentioned by implication in the following event:

  • Melchizedek, king of Salem, welcomed the patriarch Abraham after the slaughter of the kings. He was a priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18-20).
  • Isaac’s near-death experience occurred in the ‘land of Moriah,’ traditionally considered Mount Moriah, Jerusalem.
  • Joshua’s conquest of Canaan: Information was sparse but we learn that Judah did not drive out the Jebusites, inhabitants of Jerusalem (Joshua 15:63) and neither did Benjamin (Judges 1:21); 
  • Alternatively, Judah destroyed Jerusalem by fire (Judges 1:8) but did not retain it. Then the Jebusites inhabited it afterwards.
  • In short, neither Joshua, the judges, nor king Saul succeeded to capture and keep Jerusalem. That honour would be left for a man called David. TO BE CONTINUED
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Future Ready – What to Watch for in 2023

The 2020s have been a decade unlike anything we have seen in living memory, even surpassing the turbulent 1960s. For many people, it has caused a lot of fear and much of it is misdirected. People are afraid of global warming, environmental apocalypse, and being called pejorative names like racists, misogynists, etc. The rise of ‘wokery,’ ‘wokeism,’ or just plain ‘woke’ – now in overt overdrive – with its punitive cancel culture, causes much trepidation.

Yet, as someone put it: the only fear you need is the fear of the Lord; once attained, it will cancel out all other fears. 

In this article, we will give you a few places to watch – and pray – as well as some practical tips on how to handle the future.

The Western World

Western civilisation, based on Greek telos, Roman jurisprudence, and most of all, Judaeo-Christianity, has lifted many out of poverty, recognised human rights, respect for the individual, granted equality of opportunity and unparalleled freedoms, and fostered science and technology, is in danger of collapse. Declining morals, the proliferation of lying, and the lawlessness it fosters are the major factors of such fragility.

Russia and Ukraine

This tragic war among fellow Slavic Orthodox brethren has been a major challenge for the West, revealing great levels of corruption, frustrated globalism, and NATO’s impotence. The danger is of this land war – the largest in Europe since 1945 – will broaden and involve nuclear weapons. Let’s pray for a quick, peaceful settlement.

Iran 

This important nation may be on the threshold of ‘nuclear breakout’ and thus pose a threat to the region and the world. Yet the ‘anti-hijab’ protests have made the regime uncharacteristically vulnerable. Its relationship with Turkey, and possibly Russia, could channel them into a prophetically significant alliance. With a new Netanyahu government in Israel, there may be either more tension or more detente. 

China

A growing regional and world power, this ambitious nation continues to lodge bellicose rhetoric against Taiwan and the West. Yet indebtedness, a failed zero-Covid policy, and even ‘Covid protests,’ have put the People’s Republic in an uncharacteristically perilous state. Air flights from China are recommencing and we pray it won’t spread more Covid.

United Kingdom and Commonwealth 

The death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022 was the end of an era. She was the embodiment of the ‘best of the West,’ and her words and deeds emanated from a solid Judaeo-Christianity stance. King Charles III has gotten off to a good and energetic start – affirming that he really is ‘The Defender of The Faith’ – and promising to be politically neutral, the UK is heading for uncharted waters. Charles at 74 will be a transitional monarch and William, heir to the throne, appears to be religiously and politically neutral, though he is sympathetic to climate activism. Yet despite the smooth transition and stability of the monarch, UK politics has been turbulent with three prime ministers in 2022. Will the change of monarchs and the current economic and political cauldron lead to the reversing of Brexit (or is it too late for that)?

United States

There has been much concern over many political and social issues. In less than two years, despite the threats of inflation, deflation, and stagflation, Congress and the White House have gone on an unprecedented spending spree of $6 trillion – money they clearly don’t have. The culture war has reached a new level of intensity as the woke duel with traditionalists and nationalists for the heart of the nation. And let’s not forget there is a strong spiritual dimension to all this that only a Spirit-empowered church can address.

PRAY: For all the above nations, and the world, pray for peace, stability, and wisdom for leaders, and that God’s will be done.

What to Expect in 2023

  • 1. The Church as a Target: The church, as earthly ambassadors to the King of kings and Lord of lords, will continue to be a target for the anti-God elite who want a faux secular ‘kingdom of God without God,’ a secular utopia on earth. We need not fear but we do need to be aware, alert, and ready. Fear of an awakened church is part of the reason for the opposition.

  • 2. Economic and political shaking: from personal and corporate observation, it is clear that many people have not yet woken up to what’s really going on (note: being ‘woke’ is not the same as being ‘awake.’ In fact, they are diametrically opposite). The tendency to remain in a bubble or cut oneself off from reality altogether is still evident, despite all the upheaval we’ve had since 2020. This is most unwise. The silver lining of the shaking promised in Hebrews 12:25-29, is to ‘wake up the sleepers’ and ‘sober up the drunkards.’ This leads to point 3.
  • 3. An awakened church: If you are disappointed with political leaders who no longer represent the values of their constituency, their once political orientation, or lacking in courage to call out the barrage of lies being spoken, what do you think God’s attitude is? Government is important and we must pray and obey it (within reason and the parameters of Scripture). But the government is not God and there are many things it cannot do. A church that has awakened to reality and God’s prophetic purposes is the answer. (Hence, point one).

How to Respond?

Prudence: Taking note of future trends and wisely preparing for them. Proverbs twice says that the prudent man can see the evil and hides (22:3; 27:12). They become a ‘small target.’ Joseph in Genesis showed prudence in famine preparation when he stored the bumper crop of wheat during the seven good harvest years. Since the 1990s our ministry has sought to give insight for today and hope for tomorrow. To wisely prepare ‘for the rainy day’ is prudence. Have some cash safely on hand, diversify where you store your money, have extra food supplies, stock up on essentials, have candles, flashlights, blankets and other common sense things (and pray you won’t need them). All these are the marks of prudence.

Perseverance: The battle since 2020 has been long and draining. Fatigue and fatalism have set in and people want to give up. Don’t do it. You are faithfully serving God through your perseverance. Galatians 6:9 is the key. Winners never quit and quitters never win. 

Fear of the Lord: This is your ticket to a brighter future in any era. The most important thing you can do is invest in your spiritual life. That means putting God – His kingdom -and His righteousness – as your Number One priority. For those who do the promise of God is clear and sure – He will provide you with all the necessities of life (Matthew 6:33). This ministry has lived by this verse for many years and can testify to its power and veracity. Three areas to focus on.


1. Learn the Word of God and put it into practice. Make it a daily diet. Read and ask yourself: What does the text say? What does it mean? And how do I put it into practice? Memorise your favourite Scripture promises, confess and declare them to God, and stand on them. Psalm 91 is particularly pertinent for times like these.


2. Holy Spirit: The Biblical Christian life is not designed to be religious; it is truly a spirit life: born of the Spirit, baptised in the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and walking in the Spirit. Jesus was a friend to sinners but not to the religious; He requires us to worship God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). The Spirit-filled life is one of abundance, fruitfulness, and adventure


3. Body of Christ: Much of our growth in God is personal but also much is in community. We need the body of Christ more than ever – in person preferably – especially as the day of the Lord draws nigh (Hebrews 10:25).

Keep these things in mind and put them into practice. You will find that 2023 brighter than 2022 – guaranteed (Proverbs 4:18 KJV).

Articles, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

The Meaning of Christmas: A Promise Kept

For many people, Christmas means many things: a day off, a family gathering, a grand meal, and opening gifts under the tree. While in the west, there have been attacks on Christmas by culture warriors and purist Christians who dislike the ‘pagan’ aspects of Christmas. Yet this holiday is becoming wildly popular in non-western countries where Christians are in the minority. One thing we normally all agree on is that Jesus Christ was probably not born on December 25th, since it is much too cold in the hills of Bethlehem to have the gathering of the shepherds. Some have suggested a September birth to coincide with the autumn Feast of Tabernacles.

While we can give our own reasons why or why not we like Christmas, remember that it continues to provide the best opportunity in the year to tell a captive audience the story of Jesus. This can happen at a Christmas play, meal, or singing of carols. For that reason alone it is worth taking full advantage of this time of the year.

Yet this article wants to put a fresh Biblical meaning to Christmas – it is a divine promise that was kept. When you understand the nature of the promise given and the gracious divine fulfilment, you have just received the greatest gift of all.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end — Luke 1:31-33

This announcement was given by no one less than the archangel Gabriel, who stands before the presence of God. He came especially to Nazareth to inform the young virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Christ. Gabriel’s words confirmed that God’s promise was kept.

David’s Covenant

What was the promise? It is a covenant God gave to David. The Bible tells us about several key covenants by which God relates to His people. Brit in Hebrew and diatheke in Greek, ‘covenant’ means a ‘binding agreement between two parties.’ When the terms of the covenant are kept, it brings great blessings; but if they are violated, it can be disastrous. We connect with God via covenant and in the case of the Christian, it is the New Covenant of Jeremiah 31:31-34. 

When it comes to the covenant promise of God through Christ, it is called the Davidic Covenant, given in 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17. God gave an unconditional and unilateral agreement. The simple version is this:

  • God promised David that his son, yet to be born, would follow him on the throne;
  • He would reign over the House of Israel forever;
  • David’s son – the anointed one/Messiah – would simultaneously be God’s Son, too.

Notice Luke 1:32 notice the echo of the Davidic covenant – the promised Messiah, coming via the womb of Mary, would be called ‘Son of the Highest,’ and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. There you have it – in one verse we have the ‘two fathers,’ Son of God, Son of David. Verse 33 says he will reign over the house of Jacob forever and His kingdom will never end.

Christ’s birth occurred a thousand years after the time of David but it is a promise kept. Furthermore, despite the fact that the holy couple lived in Nazareth, a four-day journey by foot north of Bethlehem, the Roman census was used to bring them to the city of David, in fulfilment of Micah 5:2. 

In addition, Christmas is a promise kept to the patriarch Abraham. God made a covenant with him, too, that he would inherit the land of Canaan and have ‘seed’ that would bless the world. Galatians 3:16: Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Thus birth of Christ is a fulfilment to both the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants.

Favour from God

There is nothing like favour – to have people like you, give to you, and bless you with open doors, relationship or substance. When done in the right spirit – not as flattery or bribery – it can be like a tree of life. Notice that in the events leading up to the Christmas story, there are key people who were highly favoured by God. They included:

David: the prophet said he would have an indestructible, everlasting dynasty, all made possible by the favour of God.

Mary: Though probably a teenager, Mary of Nazareth received a startling visitation in Luke 1:28: And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Instead of being ecstatic at her new status, Mary was greatly troubled – understandably. Gabriel gave her the good news that she would be the mother of Messiah, a unique honour among women. Once she processed the news, she sang praises to the Lord in a song known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). After receiving the good news, she offered the Lord this timeless song to show her gratitude. This is a wise move.

The shepherds: They may have been on the bottom of the social ladder but in the eyes of God they were highly favoured. The angel of the Lord chose to appear to them first with glory shining around about and they, too, were afraid. They were told to not fear because he brought great news: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord – Luke 2:11. These are not just nice words – it was proof that the promise of God to David was coming to pass. They were favoured to be the first ones apart from the holy family to meet the Christ child.

Faith & Fulfilment

Faith is the key to finding favour with God; without it, you cannot please the Lord (Hebrews 11:6). Once you abide in faith and favour, you are in a position to facilitate, or even see, the fulfilment of the promise. 

The Christmas events are the fulfilment. Jesus had a double link to the Davidic lineage via Joseph (Matthew 1) and Mary (Luke 3). The Nazareth-based couple were forced to submit to a nuisance census from Caesar Augustus, in order to rendezvous at Bethlehem, thus fulfilling Micah 5:2. This passage pinpoints that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. This makes sense that the ‘Son of David’ would be born in the ‘City of David.’ All these things coalesced to bring fulfilment of the promise. Understand that God keeps His covenant, but in His sovereignty and wisdom, it is according to his terms, timing and territory.

So this year, when you think of ‘Christmas,’ remember that it is a promise kept to you, me, and the world.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Understanding the American Midterm Elections

The 8th of November 2022 was viewed with great anticipation. Why? It was the date of the United States Midterm with congressional, state, and local elections held across the country. This means that all 435 members of the House of Representatives and one-third of the 100 US Senators are up for election or re-election. During a midterm, the key person not on the ballot is the US President.

The 2022 midterm was meant to be a ‘red wave,’ ‘tsunami,’ and ‘blood bath,’ according to the polls. The Republican Party (the reds), also known as the GOP (Grand Old Party) is the approximate equivalent to the Liberal-National Coalition in Australia and the Conservative Tory Party in the United Kingdom. The GOP was looking to mop up the US Congress. There were predictions of flipping 30, 40, and possibly up to 100 seats in US House of Representatives. Trump-endorsed candidates – he recommended around 235 – known as MAGA (Make America Great Again), were outperforming establishment Republicans in the primaries. 

There were reasons for the GOP’s upbeat assessment. Polls say that 73% of Americans are unhappy with the direction of the country, dominated by Democrats in Congress and the White House. It is not hard to understand why. Inflation is rampant, drugs are proliferating, petrol prices are at an all-time high, there is human trafficking, shortages of baby formula and other necessities, more violence, a confusing and botched government response to Covid, multi-trillion-dollar spending bills, an unsecured southern border, and emboldened international rivals. The open southern border is also the gateway for 96% of fentanyl, killing one hundred thousand Americans annually. Add to that an alarming rise in crime, especially in major American cities and an epidemic of ‘wokery’ and cancel culture. 

Thus it is not surprising that Joe Biden’s approval rating was below 40%. Though the US Presidents are not officially on the ballot during the midterms, it is usually a de facto referendum on his performance. Far more articulate and charismatic presidents like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama got ‘shellacked,’ – to use Obama’s term – when Clinton lost 54  House seats in the 1994 midterms and Obama 63 seats in 2010. Donald Trump lost 41 House seats in the 2018 midterms (which returned Nancy Pelosi to the speakership of the House of Representatives). The House speaker is the third highest-ranking office in the land, after the President and Vice-President). With so many negative indicators and low approval ratings, it is easy to see why the Republicans were ultra-optimistic. A few cautious Republican voices tried to dampen down expectations but to no avail. Many on the right expected a river of red to flow. 

A Mixed Report Card

So what happened? The Democrats (the blue party) did better than expected. 

  • The Democrats increased their majority from 50 to 51 in the one-hundred-member US Senate, though the GOP had more seats to defend. It will be the other way around in the 2024 election.
  • At least three high-profile Covid-crazy lockdown Democrat governors won re-election.
  • The GOP took days to flip the House of Representatives and then it may be between 10-12 majority, hardly a red wave, let alone ‘tsunami.’ Biden, who was barely on the campaign trail, was delighted – this is far less than the dozens of lost seats in Clinton, Obama, and Trump’s midterms.

While some Trump – MAGA candidates did very well but others did not while some narrowly lost their races. One expert estimated that Trump’s endorsement won 90% of their seats.

What’s Going On?

What happened to the red wave?

Here are things to consider:

Spending: Reports say that the Democrats outspent the Republicans three to one. Two of their largest Democrat donors included George Soros, in his early nineties, followed by Sam Bankman-Fried, age 30, who gave $40 million. He founded the now-bankrupt crypto-currency firm called FTX.

Democrat Unity: Another factor is that the Democrats were united – just the thought of a return of Donald Trump gave them nightmares. They also pounded the anti-MAGA message that they are armed white nationalists – in love with guns, God, and American flags. This alarming warning against Trump and the MAGAs has apparently stuck with some voters. 

Winners – Infirmed & Deceased: A small but sure blue stream meandered through the body politic were candidates like John Fetterman, the winner of the Pennsylvania senate race against celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz. Fetterman had a stroke a few months ago and it has markedly affected his speed and coherence, yet he won anyway. Could this be thanks to the ‘early voting option’ in Pennsylvania, which is often favoured by the Democrats?

Have you heard of Tony Delucca of Pennsylvania; Barbara Cooper of Tennessee, and Simon Filbert of California? All three of them have something in common. All are Democrats. All three of them are deceased. And all three won their respective races despite being dead at the time of the election. Again, could ‘early voting’ hold the key to a stone-cold victory?

Divided Republicans: Then there’s the GOP – they are divided as the Democrats are united. Different sects include the establishment ‘country club’ Washington-insider Republicans, the RINO Republicans (Republicans In Name Only), neo-con Republicans (former leftists who believe in international intervention, even war, to impose western liberal values and democracy), and the ever-never-Trumpper Republicans. An emerging group is the ‘I like Trump’s policies but prefer Ron DeSantis’ Republicans. Then there are the MAGA people and they are the growing block in the party. 

GOP Party leaders like Mitch McConnell in the Senate, Kevin McCarthy in the House, and Ronna McDaniels, GOP chair, are being blamed for the disappointing results and are being challenged for their positions. Some have suggested that these leaders may have gone further – either neglecting or sabotaging the election of MAGA Republicans.

Fraud: A couple of other points: there was widespread scepticism on the integrity of the 2022 midterms, just like there was with the 2020 presidential elections. Eyes are especially on the state of Arizona, which also was in the eye of the storm in 2020. This time there were widespread reports of voting machine malfunction – upwards to 60%; turning voters away; mixing ballots, and taking over two weeks to count ballots – all lead to the conclusion that this situation, at the very least, should be investigated. The Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs, is Arizona’s Secretary of State. She refused to recuse herself from the election process, though it meant she was counting her opponent’s votes. Arizona’s election may be easily described as a verifiable case of voter suppression.

Finally, the reasons for mixed election results have to do with the voting bloc of younger people ages 18-29 (31% turnout). Two-thirds of them voted Democrat – the potential of student loan forgiveness, temporary petrol price reduction due to the releasing of reserve oil, and ‘threats to our democracy,’ the overturning of ‘Roe v. Wade,’ got them off the couch on into the ballot box (or mailbox or dropbox). Unmarried women voted Democrat by 37 points, though there is probably overlap between this group and younger people.

In summary, the GOP is disappointed because they didn’t win more while Democrats are delighted that they lost less.

GOP Wins

The GOP did have some important wins. They captured the House of Representatives and thus Nancy Pelosi will not be wielding the gavel anymore. Many red state legislatures now have GOP ‘supermajorities’ which means that if they pass legislation and the governor vetoes it, they can override it his or her veto. In other words, supermajorities are veto-proof. 

Less pronounced but no less significant that blue courts and school boards were flipped to red, especially with the emergence of a new voting bloc: Parents. They are alarmed and motivated to stop what they believe to be the indoctrination of their children in the public schools. Democrat Terry McAuliffe, who ran again for Governor of Virginia in 2021, said publicly that parents should have no say in how their children are educated – it cost him the election. His challenger, Glen Youngkin, championed the parents’ concerns and won the election. Lesson: Don’t cross the parents. 

Rising stars in the Democrat party – ones who would be considered candidates for high-profile leadership, lost their respective governor’s races, namely Beto O’Rourke in Texas and Stacey Abrams in Georgia. This is not their first loss and it could possibly be their last election.’ All in all, the Republicans won three million more votes nationwide than the Democrats.

What can the GOP majority in the House of Representatives do? Without bi-partisan support in the Senate – which is in the Democrat’s hands – and the White House is also Democrat – it will be impossible to pass legislation. What they can do is investigate the weighty yet unanswered issues of the day. They are promising to be robust in their investigative power. 

Other Key Elections

Brazil: Yet it wasn’t just the Americans who went to the polls in November. Two other elections had major global implications. In Brazil, there was a high-profile and controversial election. The incumbent president was Jair Bolsonaro, a Brazilian populist leader called the ‘Trump of the tropics,’ who ran for re-election. The other was former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who served from 2003 to 2010. Lula went to prison for corruption, then was acquitted, released, and ran in the 2022 Brazilian presidential election. It was reported that Lula narrowly won over Bolsonaro, yet there were reports, perhaps widespread, of large-scale corruption in the election process. Mass protests, perhaps in the millions, have occurred and apparently are unreported by the mainstream media.

Israel: Another important election held on 1 November 2022 was in Israel, the nation’s fifth election in less than four years. While other recent elections failed to reveal a clear winner, this time was different. Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu performed reasonably well, netting 64 seats in the 120-member Israeli parliament, the Knesset. This may not seem like a lot but it is clearly sufficient to mandate Netanyahu to form a coalition (the proliferation of political parties makes a ‘hung parliament’ a certainty with every Israeli election). Why the different outcome? Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history, was out of office in the previous government. This dovish, left-of-centre, coalition with Naftali Bennett as prime minister, was unwieldy, diverse, weak and destined to experience an early death. It lasted a little over a year. People decided to stay with the man they knew. 

What’s even more remarkable is that the left-of-centre parties polled poorly. The Israeli Labor Party, which was the political home to David Ben-Gurion, Golda Meir, and Yitzhak Rabin, was reduced to a rump of a mere four seats. Ouch! And two strongly leftist parties who were in the Knesset for many years – Meretz and Balad –  failed to win even one seat. 

Could it be that the red wave flowed, not out of DC, but Jerusalem?

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Victorious Christian Living: Triumph in Trials

 

Testings, trials, and tribulations: these are things we would prefer to avoid. Yet, in a fallen world – where bad things can happen to good people and good things to bad people – we need to face realities. Tests, trials, tribulations, and offences will come; Jesus said that in this present world we will have tribulation (John 6:33).  

Since the Covid-19 onslaught, God’s people have been under heavy pressure with bizarre things happening to the best among us. Sometimes trials comes through our own foolishness and become a self-inflicted wound; other times we are doing all the right things and yet trouble comes. 

What are we to make of all these things? And how can we triumphantly move forward?

While it is easy to fall into platitudes, this article seeks to present Biblical principles. Platitudes don’t work but principles do. While there are no formulas or recipes, application of these divine principles applied to life’s challenges will receive a divine reward. Here are some principles you can count on:

  1. Immediate download: If you walk with God and trouble hits, expect an immediate download of divine grace and peace in your heart and mine. Isaiah 59:19: When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. When the devil works, you can expect God to work even harder. Since God promises never to leave you or forsake you, expect an extra measure of His presence and grace in when trials come (Hebrews 13:5). The Lord becomes a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1
  2. Know where you stand in God: It is easy to become disorientated in times of trouble, yet it is imperative to know your true Biblical standing in God – and keep standing. You have the perpetual promise of His presence (Matthew 28:20), that all things will work together for your good (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28), and that if you persevere in trouble, God will put you in a large place of promotion (Psalm 4:1; 75:6-7). Pass the test, win the prize.
  3. Patient endurance: When the trial is on-going, understand that God is developing in you the grace of patient endurance. Immature people are impatient people, yet patient people are mature, strong, and exceedingly wise. The Book of Revelation speaks of the patience of the saints and how they honour God in the process. You are being strengthened in the process (2 Corinthians 12:10).
  4. Mileposts: In an on-going trial, God graciously gives ‘mileposts’ along the way. Like natural ones, mileposts highlight that you are heading in the right direction and getting closer to your destination. During a trial, this author temporarily lost his wallet in the main hallway of a shopping centre. He was not even aware the wallet was missing. Five minutes after the loss, he heard his name being paged. As he walked out of the cafe, a kind man handed him back his wallet. The Lord then said: ‘Just as I am watching after you in this matter, so I am in all matters.’ This was a welcome milepost. Recognise the grace mileposts and thank God for them. You are on the right track.
  5. Under control: Often times, when you have done everything you humanely can and there is no more to do at present, let the Holy Spirit remind you that the current crisis is ‘under control.’ Rest and rejoice in this fact – God is at work even while you sleep.
  6. Be strong and courageous: Nobody is organically born strong and courageous. These things come by making a decision to obey the clear commands of God, just as He gave to Joshua (1:6, 7, 9). Paul exhorted the Ephesian church to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). When you are both strong and courageous, you will be able to do things that would otherwise be impossible for the cowardly and weak.
  7. See the ‘big picture’: It is easy to be focused on the single tree even though God wants you to look on the forest. Hebrews 12:11: Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Learn the divine lessons on offer and you can graduate to the next level. 
  8. Praise and thanksgiving: It is high time that God is glorified, even in and especially during times of testing. We are commanded to give thanks in everything and at every time (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Praise God regularly and liberally (Psalm 150:6), since it and thanksgiving are part of the language of faith. And faith moves mountains. Learn what it means to ‘Sow praises to the heavens and God will rain down blessing on earth.’ Praise and thanksgiving are proven spiritual weapons that will defeat the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:22).
  9. When all is said and done, keep trusting God: We were made for this. Trusting God is wisest and best thing you can do, even when it does not make sense to the natural mind. Proverbs 3:5-6 are the classic verses on this subject – Trust God with all your heart, don’t rely solely on your rational mind, acknowledge Him at all times and He will direct your path.
  10. As has been aptly said, tough times don’t last but thought people do. Your perseverance will be richly rewarded. 

Trials happen to everyone but those who love and trust God are guaranteed to come out on top. 

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

The Silver Lining: Lessons from Lockdown – Part 01

 

From the 2022 Understanding the Times Australia Wide Tour: ‘Turning the Corner: Bringing Clarity in Confusing Times’

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation 

— 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8

It was perhaps the most difficult period of our collective lives. Beginning with the Covid-19 pandemic, then the mandates and lockdowns that became all too common around the world. It was like a mighty earthquake that had repeated and unwelcome aftershocks. When was all this going to end?

People of Biblical faith need to see that God has not forsaken them in the midst of the madness. Furthermore, He takes that which is evil and turns it for our good (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). During lockdown, there were some invaluable lessons that we learned – but there’s a caveat. Lessons were learned by those who were ‘watching’ and ‘sober.’ 

The above passage from 1 Thessalonians 5 describes the last days scenario with three types of people. 

One – The Sleepers: These are they who are alive and awake to the things of the world but asleep to the things of God’s kingdom.

Two – The Drunkards: This simply means a person detached from reality. They live under deception, denial, delusion, and practice escapism at the very time they need to stand and fight. 

Three – Children of the light and the day: The first two categories are to be avoided at all costs since the end result is that they will not escape (1 Thessalonians 5:3). 

Do everything in your power to become the third category – a child of the light and the day. God is light (1 John 1:5) and Christ is light (John 8:12), those who follow Him at all times are also in the light (Matthew 5:14). 

Children of the light are watchman on the walls. Like weighing oneself after a calorie-busting Christmas season, we may not like what we see, but we need to see it if we are going to resolve the issues. After all, when you understand that there is a problem – and why – you are halfway towards a solution.

For those who ‘watch,’ ‘pray,’ and are ‘sober,’ here are some of the lessons we learned during the pandemic and lockdown period.

First: The Fourth Branch of Government

Constitutionally there are three branches of government:  the executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch. Thanks to lockdown, we learned that there is a de facto fourth branch that has developed over the years though this was never constitutionally mandated. The ‘fourth branch’ has legislative power, though not subject to a vote of the people. It can also stymie the will of the people and other branches of government. 

Who is that man behind the curtain? 

It is known as the ‘administrative state,’ the ‘bureaucracy,’ the ‘rule of experts.’ Common nicknames are ‘the swamp,’ ‘the deep state,’ and ‘the blob.’ This ‘fourth branch’ is found in the Anglo-sphere and the European Union. In the United States alone, there are 432 federal agencies that employ three million people. Bureaucrats craft regulations which have the force of law.

Remember the American constitution explicitly proscribed a large federal government, since minimal government means maximum freedom. Big government is bossy government; furthermore, it is can be costly and inefficient.

During lockdown we saw ‘the experts’ give pronouncements which influenced, if not dictated, government policy. These statements could change on a whim, contradict other statements, be accurate, partially accurate, or wholly inaccurate. The bottom line is that 100s of millions of people were affected by bureaucrats who are unelected and often unaccountable. This is not healthy for democracy.

Two: Indoctrination in Schools

Cultural Marxists have cleverly targeted the public school system for decades, dating back to the 1930s. They knew that he that controls the classroom controls the future. Teachers are the ‘dangerous people,’ who can influence an entire generation – for better or for worse. If the latter, the effects of their influence may be hidden for years until it finally bursts at the surface. For example, heretics infiltrated theological schools and then years later the unwanted crop of ‘post-biblical Christianity’ came into being. This has been a problem throughout church history.

During lockdown parents could not go to work and children to school. So school instruction happened online. Some prudent parents seized this rare opportunity to listen to what their children were learning. To their horror, it wasn’t ‘reading, writing, and arithmetic,’ but ‘woke,’ wretched and radical ideology in areas like race and gender. This unveiling – made possible by lockdown – led to an ‘awakening’ of parents, who decided to do something about their children’s education. School board meetings have not been the same since.

Three: An Authoritarian Streak

It is no secret that leftist ideology, whether cultural Marxism, secular progressivism, socialism, and related beliefs, seek to care for the people by controlling them. In order to take care of their constituents, these leaders demand complete compliance. Individualism and freedom are the price. There can be no deviation from the plan of action. In summary, leftism is coercive and demanding by nature.

For those who understood this and watched, it should have come as no surprise that there was a strong authoritarian streak from some of our democratically elected politicians, especially from the aforementioned Anglo-sphere. The Covid-crisis could not go to waste and a legislative power grab ensued in some jurisdictions, with sweeping edicts that had little to do with the pandemic. Though the politician is the ‘face’ of authoritarianism, the instigation could be from the bureaucracy, special interests, or another hidden party.

These are only three of the major takeaways of what the children of the light and day discovered during the bizarre period of pandemic and lockdown. There are more, which we will learn in the next article.

TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Winning the War on Truth – Part 02

All-out war has been declared against truth. If we are going to win this war – and the stakes couldn’t be higher – then we need to know that there is a war and what we are fighting against. In Part 01, we learned about the enemies of truth, which come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colours. This includes words and phrases like spin, disinformation, misinformation, post-truth, double-speak, smoke and mirrors, and gaslighting. To this infamous list we add a few more items in the vocabulary of deception:

  • Mendacity: Another word for untruthfulness and lying, particularly as a regular part of daily living.
  • Half-truth: An interesting and deadly variant of the virus of lies. One could be telling a story that is technically factual but the goal is not to shed light but to obscure it. ‘Tell-all’ biographies can fit this description. They may actually be telling ‘the truth’ but the question needs to be asked: Why are they telling this story at all? Is it for the public good? Does it bring accountability to society’s leaders? Or is their real intention to embarrass, harass, or even destroy a public figure? Or to make millions off someone else’s misery? If the latter, then it really should be labelled as a violation of the ninth commandment – giving false witness. A good rule of thumb: If the words are right but the spirit behind them is wrong, then it is wrong … no matter how accurate the wording may be. Remember, a positive account (factually accurate) plus a negative account (spirit of defamation and destruction) equals a negative. 
  • Right words/Wrong Spirit: A good example of saying the right words but nullifying them by a bad spirit, is the incident in Acts 16. At Philippi, a girl with a spirit of divination followed the apostles Paul and Silas continuously while declaring aloud ‘These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation’ (verse 17). There was no untruth in her statement; however, she kept following and harassing the apostles with this unwanted ‘commendation’ over a period of ‘many days’ (verse 18). This situation became so intolerable to Paul that he cast out the evil spirit in the girl (verse 18), who was wonderfully delivered.

  • The politicisation of knowledge: Used by politicians, media outlets, and administrative experts, this means that ‘truth’ and ‘falsehood’ are declared for political ends. Facts are accepted or rejected according to political expediency. Furthermore, facts and information are fashioned around a political agenda, meaning that if lying serves the ultimate goal, then go ahead and lie. The political left will state that a situation is not true when the political right is involved, then turn around and say the exact same situation is true when it meets their goals.
  • Content Moderation: This means someone comes and edits your written content, often without your permission. Tweets can be ‘moderated’ to neutralise any challenge to the prevailing narrative.
  • Fact Checkers: Social media and others claim to use third-party fact-checkers to guard against fake news. The idea is to check the veracity of a story to promote correctness in reporting. Though it sounds like a good idea, it often happens that fact-checkers are biased, too. Some of them could be political operatives disguised as truth-seekers. Again, fidelity to the narrative proves to be more compelling than the facts themselves.

As we enter into prophetically significant times, expect the war against truth to intensify. It is ultimately a spiritual battle that requires spiritual weaponry to win (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The forces of darkness — the devil and his demons – focus on stealing, killing, destroying (John 10:10) and deception (John 8:44). The Lord of hosts excels in light, life, love, edification and truth. The contrast couldn’t be greater.

War in the West: The greatest battlefield of the war against truth is in the western world. Why? Ultimately because the West was based on Judaeo-Christian or Biblical foundations. This includes the Ten Commandments, which teach us the highest standards of ethics, morality, and conduct the world has ever known. While the Commandments cannot give salvation, they show our need for the Saviour (Galatians 3:24). 

While far from perfect, western civilisation was built on truth from a Biblical worldview. On this foundation, the West became the place that spawned modern science, the renaissance, the reformation, and two industrial revolutions. Great technology has helped modernise life. The market economy lifted many out of poverty. In addition, the West gave the world parliamentary democracy, rule of law, the recognition of private property rights, the separation of powers, the balance of powers, and the codification of human rights. Our world has been made a better place because of all these things.

All of this was made possible by a high, respected view of truth and the Ten Commandments, rightly considered the bedrock of the western legal system. On the other hand, cultural Marxists and revolutionaries have worked hard to decouple the West from its Judaeo-Christian foundations. These foundations teach us there is a higher power above all governing authorities, that liberty is God’s gift to humanity, and the primacy of faith, family and freedom. The Marxist idea is to detach dependence on God and His truth and focus it on the state. If that happens, the first thing to go is the truth. 

Historian Niall (pronounced Neil) Ferguson, an academic authority on western civilisation, said that “Loss of faith in the West is more menacing than the rise of China, radical Islam, and carbon climate change.” This is an additional reminder that the greatest foe of all is not those on the outside, but those within.

As we ponder, pray, and act on the challenges of our world, let’s not forget Christ’s immortal words in John 8:32: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

TO BE CONTINUED