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The Hardworking Servant Messiah:
The Issachar Teaching eLetter has been offering surveys of every one of the sixty-six books of the Bible, in the order that they are found. Our goal is to encourage personal and small group Bible studies, as a means of growing strong spiritually. As we continue and conclude this introduction to the Gospel of Mark, let’s remember a few main points:
(Note: If you missed out on Parts 01 and 02 of our Gospel of Mark survey, they can be found on our website: tan.org.au).
Let’s finalise our introduction by offering this Outline of the Gospel of Mark. Have it handy when you endeavour to do your own study of this great gospel.
OUTLINE OF MARK
That is the kind of outcome we all want.
Here are a few practical tips of coping with and overcoming trials and temptations.
1. Grace Milepost: In the trial, God may give early on and periodically along the way ‘grace milepost,’ which are a reminder of God’s presence, mercy, and care for you. It is an immediate ray of hope in the midst of enveloping darkness. Like Rahab’s scarlet cord, this grace milepost will be your lifeline to which you hold onto until victory.
2. Past Victories: It is always good to remember how God was faithful in the past. Since He never changes, God will be faithful today, tomorrow and forever. The same God who delivered you yesterday is there to deliver you again and again.
3. Present Biblical promises: There are numerous Scriptural promises of answered prayer, deliverance, and victory. Identify these promises, write them down, confess and meditate on them. They deliver.
4. Keep going: Don’t let the trial knock you off track. Keep doing what you are called to do. Nehemiah did. Galatians 6:9 says that at the right time you will reap, if you do not give up. The enemy would dearly like to stop you from exercising your call and give up; don’t let him succeed!
5. Prayer unto peace: You should pray and it will deliver peace. So pray until you receive the peace; come boldly to the throne of grace (Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27).
6. Meditate on the Word: This is a powerful practice that guarantees success (Joshua 1; Psalm 1). While you’re doing that, confess the Word aloud, again and again. It is a real faith-builder and victory-snatcher.
7. Faith instead of sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight): Don’t be moved by what you see; respond to what you believe. What you see is temporal and what you don’t is eternal — 2 Corinthians 4:18
8. Distress brings enlargement: Like labor pains before the birth and tribulation before a Millennium, trials are allowed by God to help the righteous grow. David knew all about it: Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer — Psalm 4:1; Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer — Psalm 18:18-19 (emphasis mine).
9. Be strong: This is not just a good idea – it’s a divine command. Three times, God told Joshua to ‘be strong and of a good courage’ (Joshua 1:6,7,9). It’s not just a ‘good idea’ – it’s a ‘God-idea.’ The Lord will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:12-17: 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. If you’re trial is strong, it means you are also strong … strong enough to handle it by God’s grace.
10. Face it now: John Loeffler says deal with the situation now or it gets harder. Sam Sorbo says the second crime scene is worse than the first. It is understandable to run and hide from the challenge, but often God wants us to face it with Him. Jehoshaphat was victim of an unprovoked attack by three nations, but God wanted him to go to the wilderness and personally witness His miraculous hand at work – 2 Chronicles 20:16-17: God will fight for you but he wants you to see the victory. Psalm 91:7-8: A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
11. Power of faith: 2 Chronicles 20:20: The trial is the gymnasium of faith. Just like resisting heavy weights causes you to grow stronger, so does standing with God in faith makes you an overcome. When you believe in God and His prophetic word, you are established and prosper.
12. Power of praise and worship: Continuous, not just seasonal, praise and worship in the Spirit reconfigures the heavenliness, which brings down blessing to the earth. In addition to honoring the Name of the Lord, it is a potent spiritual weapon – 2 Chronicles 20:21-22.
In the midst of the trial, when you continue to seek the Lord and stand strong, make no mistake about it: you are honouring Him more than in normal times. By His grace, you will pull through and end up on the mountain top.
The season of trial will pass … and better days lie ahead … but you will be a bigger, stronger, and more victorious person as a result.
Then go, help others in their affliction. You’ll have much to offer.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Life in the fast lane of the 21st Century requires spiritual strength and maturity. With potholes and speed bumps on the road and deep ditches on the side, it will take an amazingly resilient spiritual condition to keep steady and come out on top.
It is said that the bamboo tree has a very slow start. Its growth is short and measured. Then suddenly it miraculously shoots up overnight. In the coming days, we need to be like a bamboo forest.
Would you like to grow spiritually? And quickly? Experiencing God’s peace at all times, a flourishing prayer life where you get big answers and breakthroughs, and endowed with wisdom that unscrambles every riddle and points the way to a brighter future?
For the born again Christian, there are several key things that facilitate spiritual growth. These include:
1. Prayer: This is particularly important when it is done ‘in the Spirit’ and also in the ‘understanding’ (1 Corinthians 14:15). Prayer helps you become strong in God; failure to pray renders one spiritually weak (Matthew 26:41).
2. Discipleship: This is the core of the Great Commission, the only assignment God ever gave the church. Described in Matthew 28:18-20 (and elsewhere), the Commission involves teaching believers to know and obey the commandments of Christ.
3. Fellowship: Interrelated to prayer and discipleship is fellowship – a key component of Christian life and growth.
TOP PRIORITY
Yet, here is something that should be top priority for every believer. We are called to learn the Word of God. The reasons are wonderful and compelling. The Word of God is:
1. Protection from error;
2. Good seed to the seeker, sincere milk to the babe, and strong meat to the mature;
3. A lamp to our feet and a light to our path;
4. Able to make you wise to salvation;
5. Endures forever;
6. Quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword;
7. Other metaphors of the Bible: mirror, hammer, fire, laver, honey, rain, snow, bow, gold, and power
It’s simple: Jesus tells us that we don’t live by food alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Without its light, power, nourishment, we become distracted, dark, and weak like any other man.
God’s Word is more important than food itself.
Amos 8:11 speaks about a famine in the land, not of bread and water but of hearing the word of the Lord. There are credible and dramatic reports of an increase of Biblical illiteracy. This is a serious problem, because it prevents us from having a Biblical worldview. When Christians lacks a Biblical worldview, they think, speak, and act like people in the world.
Ignorance of God’s Word leads to serious error (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24). Furthermore, spiritual growth is stunted and people are caught off guard when trials and challenges come.
REMEDY
How can we get a healthy diet of God’s Word? It helps to attend services at a Bible-based church, where the Scriptures are preached with faith, anointing, and without compromise. For some, they can only access such priceless messages through the internet.
Even if you get a ‘ten course banquet’ each weekend, it simply is not enough. What about the other six days of the week?
Some think that by going to Bible college, you will become an expert in the Word. This author served as a lecturer and principal in a leading Australian Bible college: No, you will not be an expert at the time of your graduation. Bible college can help lay a good foundation for a life-time of study, but your only beginning, not finishing, your walk in the Word. Nor does Bible college guarantee spiritual growth, particularly if the emphasis more academic than spiritual and practical.
The truth is that spiritual growth comes from a regular intake of God’s Word, particularly quiet time or personal devotions; this is a must. Yet, let’s face it, many do not know how to set aside the time for devotions or even have the discipline of study.
Is there a remedy for all this?
Yes, join or start a small group textual Bible study that is interactive. Provided that the facilitator has a good guide and the participants are given quality material, it is amazing how much you will learn and grow together. It is recommended to do textual studymore than topical study. Both are great but textual study forces you to engage with the very words of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak volumes into your heart. Because you are in an interactive group, iron sharpens iron; you will learn from others and they from you.
Make this a priority and watch for the coming breakthrough in your life.
We continue to look at the topic of divine delay or divine denial: What next? After all, many of us have prayed hard in the face of Covid-19, riots, social unrest, including in the US election, etc. What is God doing in all this? A valid question.
Last month, we offered the following assessment: God hears and is pleased with our prayers, but He wants us to develop a persistent and prevailing attitude in prayer.
On these points I want to quote from best-selling author and master intercessor, Dutch Sheet, in his Give Him 15 post for 1 March 2021:
As intercessors, we must be strong in perseverance. Whether interceding for a person or a nation, it often requires a prolonged season of time to see results. This is not because it takes a while to convince or motivate God, but our prayers are releasing His power into situations to change people’s thinking, stop demonic activity, release life, and more. These things require a persistent release of power until they are fully accomplished.
Prayer is usually more like a siege than one quick battle. In fact, that is one of the meanings of the Old Testament words for a watchman. The concept of a siege implies time and process. Though most breakthroughs seem sudden, they are really a culmination of much that has happened to prepare the way. Galatians 6:9 tells us, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” “Time” in this verse is the Greek word kairos, which means “strategic or opportune” time, contrasted to the Greek word chronos which means “general, chronological time.”
(By the way, I highly recommend you subscribe to Dutch’s great service. The URL is
https://www.givehim15.com I have been using this service for several months – and love it).
Other points we learned last month: keep standing no matter what, trust God no matter what, be an overcomer and pursue revival – six points in all. Here are some more:
1. VERY IMPORTANT: Of course you should pray and keep praying. Remember, however, to ‘praise’ and ‘thank God’ when you do. These two things are part of the language of faith and the sound of revival. Praise and thanksgiving were Jehoshaphat’s secret weapon when defeating a coalition of three nations: Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir (2 Chronicles 20 – see verses 20-22). Continual thanksgiving is God’s will for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Praise God for Who He is, what He has done, and what He is going to do. Your prayer life will go much further and much higher when you thank and praise God. It is a refreshing thing to do.
2. MEANING OF DELAY: It is highly possible that divine delay is so God can do a deeper, higher, and more thorough work among the nations. It also is meant to change our focus from people to Him, and do some adjustments in our own heart. When God overtly works, it will be a greater and more wonderful action than we could ever imagine. The breakthrough, which looks sudden, has actually been in the works for a long time (again, chronos vs. kairos time). God’s best is worth the wait!
3. STAY IN HOPE: Hope is faith in the future and for the future. Jesus commands our destiny. Hope is an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19). Hope thrives in the unseen. Romans 8:24-25:
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Maturity and patience are forged on the anvil of hope and will bring stability in the midst of the storm.
4. FELLOWSHIP: In times of transition and waiting, it is important to team up with like-minded people of faith. If possible, pray with them. Hebrews 3:13 encourages us to exhort one another daily, while it is called Today.
5. DISCERNMENT: We live in times of increasing deception, delusion, disinformation, doublespeak, gaslighting, smoke and mirrors. What you see is not what you get. We can and should resist and reject these things which can blind us to the truth. To be deceived is dangerous and it is also unnecessary. Through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, you have access to the source of all truth that can never be refuted. God’s truth is firmer than any solid rock. As you embrace these three sources of divine truth, remember that God will guide you and warn you if deception lurks around the corner. Delusion can destroy but discernment saves.
6. INFORMATION: In light of point 5, be careful what you read or your sources of news and information. Even if it is factually correct, the spirit behind such information can be bad. Most of all, watch your mouth and heart, because out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).
Remember, the future is not dark, for … the path of the just is as the shining light,
that shineth more and more unto the perfect day — Proverbs 4:18
(Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)
Now What? – Part 01
This current season, indeed, the past year, has been unlike anything we have ever seen in our lives. You know the list: pandemic, lockdown, riots, recession, and a contested American election. What is less well known is that these circumstances have spawned global prayer in a manner unseen in years. That’s the good news.
Has God said, ‘No?’
Has God said, ‘Wait?’
Is there unconfessed sin that is holding back His answers?
Are we praying amiss?
‘Is it over’ or is there ‘more to come?’
Is revival tarrying or are we on the cusp?
My personal assessment is that God is pleased with the prayer impetus, has heard those prayers, and will answer everything in His own way and time. He is not dependent on any one individual, any one institution, and clearly is not bound to man-made timetables. Time is in His hands and as the Sovereign of the universe He is able to pick and choose the people, place, and date, to do His mighty work.
In response to these valid questions, here are a few other reflections to consider:
1. PERSEVERANCE IN PRAYER: If we are not getting the answers we seek, then what should we do? Keep praying! We are called to persevere in prayer, full-stop (Matthew 7:7). Sooner or later, we will reap the results of prayer if we persist and not give up (Galatians 6:9). As we pray, if there are sin issues or we are praying amiss, the Holy Spirit will make it known to you. Remember the promise that God rewards anyone and everyone who diligently seeks Him (Hebrews 11:6).
2. PREVAILING PRAYER = PREVAILING BLESSING: To prevail means to be more powerful than the opposition. Even while you wait for God’s answer, your continued prayer will attract divine blessing, like a magnet. You shall prevail if you persist and never give up.
3. OVERCOMER: The Book of Revelation gives superlative promises to all who persevere and overcome. ‘He that overcomes shall inherit all things … Revelation 21:7a. This season of waiting helps forge perseverance and overcoming power.
4. KEEP STANDING: Since the stakes are high and giving up is not an option, then stand and keep standing (Ephesians 6:11, 13). This is made possible by being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (v. 10).
5. TRUST GOD ALWAYS: This is one of the hallmarks of the life of faith. We are called to trust God at all times, with all our heart, and not let our reasoning minds undermine such trust (Proverbs 3:5-6). We are called to trust Him even when it does not make sense. A lifestyle of trust downloads strength in your heart (Isaiah 26:4; Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 1:11). There are amazing, superlative promises to the person who trusts God with a whole heart all of the time. One of these includes God will do all the heavy lifting for you.
6. REVIVAL: If there is one solution that will cleanse our hearts, heal our land, reprogram out thinking, sanctify our actions, and set us on course towards a God-pleasing life, it’s revival. It means to ‘come alive again.’ How do we get revival? We diligently seek God for it. The classic verse on revival is 2 Chronicles 7:14. Early on, it became clear that all this global prayer either will spawn a near-future revival, or even is the result of an already emerging revival.
To be continued
Are the western institutions of higher education really cauldrons of radical leftist ideologies? Many are. Do they eat conservative and Christian students alive? The answer: Yes and No. It is possible as a conservative and God-fearing student to do well in such a seemingly hostile environment (after all, didn’t the early church thrive in the first centuries of Roman persecution?)
This author is one example that very principle: a new Christian when he went to university, his faith and spiritual life grew dramatically while being in an academic environment which was indifferent, contrary, and at times, hostile to what he believed.
However, there is also the risk of a student from a Christian family, with a Christian upbringing, who becomes angry (and miserable) social justice warrior in a matter of weeks while attending post-secondary school. Family and church are put on the back burner.
How can we properly handle this prospect? Some things to bear in mind:
1. Divine guidance: Every major decision you make should be bathed in prayer. You can do anything and go anywhere provided you are led by the Holy Spirit. Don’t choose a major or university merely because it is a ‘good idea.’ Pray, wait on the Lord, and make sure it is a ‘God-idea.’ Every other point mentioned below rests on this foundation;
2. Reality: Secular progressivism is the prevailing philosophy in many western universities. This is can be found especially in courses labelled ‘studies’ (e.g. Native American Studies or African-American Studies or Gender Studies), in social sciences, and in humanities. Knowing this in advance is good for you; for when you understand a situation, you are half-way towards a solution (Proverbs 4:7);
3. Find like-minded faculty and students: When you are in the minority, wisdom decrees that you find allies among the faculty and students who share much, if not all, of your worldview. Such alliances will prove useful during your studies, especially for support and note-sharing;
4. Choose your battles carefully: Don’t be in the habit or looking for someone to argue with. Chances of changing their minds are slim and it just wastes time and energy. Only when you must contend with a progressive should you go out to battle. Also, if you find an honest progressive who is willing to listen to an opposing view – they are in the minority but worth the dialogue. As the saying goes, keep your gun powder dry for the battles that really matter;
5. Self-control: This is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). There is something respectable, even noble, about a person who stays calm and in control, reasonable and respectful, even in the face of deliberate provocation.Proverbs 17:28: Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Once you lose your temper – you lose – even if you have the best argument. Tantrums are not a mark of authority nor maturity; frankly, they are the sign of a loser. You will have a better listening audience if you keep cool. So be prepared, and then calmly, firmly, and authoritatively state your case;
6. Know where you stand: If you are unfairly treated because of your views, then know your rights. There are bodies in the university to which you can appeal or from which you can get arbitration. This can be the case when facing issues of religious freedom, freedom of speech, or academic integrity. This author recalls an A-average student who was failed in a subject by a progressivist professor who clearly disliked her views. Their excuse for the failure was vague, arbitrary, and subjective. The student learned that she had the right of appeal. So that right was exercised and the student passed with a high mark;
7. Choose your major wisely: Some university majors are more susceptible to subjective bias than others. Economics, science, and even politics are more even-handed. There are professors who will teach their subjects objectively, regardless of their worldview – seek them out;
8. Integrity: Those students who work and study with integrity will be respected, even if they are conservatives. Do the right thing: study hard, use the best sources, do quality work, show passion for what you believe and do. Remember that your minority status can be an asset, not a liability, because it can spur you on to try harder, think critically, and come up with great insights. While you might feel outnumbered, like a ‘Daniel in the lion’s den’ and a ‘babe in Babylon,’ you will come forth as gold.
9. Pray without ceasing: People of faith have a very powerful weapon for fighting the culture war – it is called ‘prayer.’ The Biblical exhortation to ‘pray without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17) takes on fresh meaning in light of what we have learned. It also gives an unprecedented perspective – the heavenly one (Ephesians 2:6; 6:12-13). For when you remember the overriding principle that the culture war is ultimately a spiritual war – and that our weapons must be equally spiritual – then prayer becomes mandatory, not just a nice option. The throne room of grace is open to you (Hebrews 4:16) so come in, pray without ceasing, and take heart that, ‘The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much — James 5:16. When prayer prevails, then people of goodwill on all sides become winners.
10. Discernment Off Campus: It is possible to face a heavy bombardment of indoctrination without putting your toe on a university campus or enrolment in distance education. The media, including social media, can work on your worldview from the comfort of your own home or smart phone. Reports of manipulated information persist – to what extent they are true is yet to be seen. In the meantime, if you are a Christian, practice Biblical discernment. Juxtaposition what you hear or read with the Word of God. Let Christ, through the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, guide you into all truth — John 16:3.
— Taken and amplified from the book Today/Tomorrow: Understanding the Present; Ready for the Future.
The Way Forward
Last month we looked at the topic no one talks about, yet is ever-common, called masturbation or self-stimulation (from now on referred to as SS). We looked at the topic from every angle. Yes, it is correct that the Bible does not explicitly mention the practice, so hence there is no blanket commendation or condemnation. It provides a temporary release of energy and there is no danger of catching sexually transmitted diseases.
Do you do SS or know someone who does? If so, it is up to you, and you alone, to decide whether you want to continue this practice. If you are of the conviction that this is not good for you? Are guilt and lust part of your experience? Despite its addictive side, do you want to break free?
Remember that human effort is normally not enough. After all, it’s not only your actions that have to change, but also your thinking. It must be a holistic effort. Lust in the heart has to be conquered in order to control your actions of your hands. Like in many things, we need God’s help. And, if necessary, confide in a trusted person who can pray and keep you accountable.
Martin Luther was credited with this quote: I can’t stop the birds from flying over my head, but I can keep them from nesting in my hair. Our world is sinful, seductive, and visually stimulating, ever-beckoning to its dark sensuous ways. Proverbs 7:26: For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
The following Scriptural practices can help. They can help you overcome in this area, and in any area, which has control over your life. Seek pastoral or mature Christian advice. Some practical tips include:
1. The Word: Psalm 119:9,11: When you hide God’s word in your heart, you won’t sin against Him. Take a few of the many scripture promises, meditate, memorise, then confess them aloud before the Lord.
2. The Cross of Jesus: Religion, good works, education, cannot overcome the lust-sin issue. Only the gospel of Christ, with the cross at its centre, can hit a death blow. Romans 6 is your declaration of independence from the sin dominated sex-saturated self-life. You are encouraged to focus on verses 6-14 especially. Again, read, meditate, memorise, and confess.
3. The Holy Spirit: Be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). The Holy Spirit is able to put to death the deeds and thoughts of the flesh, which includes lust (Romans 8:13). Remember the injunction of Jude 20 to build yourself up in your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. Prayer in the Spirit is powerful and edifying – while you are doing Spirit-prayer, it is virtually impossible to practice the bad habit you eagerly want to break.
4. Quality Christian music: Listening to anointed music has a great effect on causing lusts to flee.
5. Praise and worship: Again, if you know how to offer heartfelt praise to God, and you are in a place where others do the same, it also can keep the ‘birds of lust’ from nesting in your hair and head.
In overcoming habits and sins, one of the redemptive features is the more we work with God, His Word and Spirit, the stronger we will become. As Revelation 21:7 promises: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
