Category Archives: Prophecy

Articles, Education, Prayer, Prophecy, Teaching

Divine Delay or Divine Denial: What’s Next? Part 02

 

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

 

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Articles, Education, Prophecy, Sexuality, Teaching

The Seventh Commandment – Part 02: Adultery & The New Testament

 

Last time we began to look at the Seventh of Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20: You shall not commit adultery. Put more positively, you shall pursue sexual and moral purity. The sins of fornication and adultery are not merely physical acts, they can be metaphors for idolatry and the worship of false gods. Human sexuality is very powerful and handled properly is of benefit to the community and beyond; mishandled and it courts disaster.

Let’s look at it now from a New Testament perspective.

NEW TESTAMENT PERSPECTIVE

Since Jesus Christ and the New Testament are full of ‘grace and truth,’ you might expect that it would be less severe regarding adultery than the Old Testament. After all, His opponents brought to Him a woman caught in the very act of adultery. They reminded the Lord that Moses commanded that adulterers should be stoned … but what do You say? (Of interest, why was the woman brought for execution and not the man? – John 8:5). Christ’s sterling reply? Whoever is sinless among you can cast the first stone at her (v.7). They all departed without one stone being thrown. The Lord sent the woman away in peace after giving her these final words: Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more(v. 11).

The fact is the New Testament condemns adultery in no uncertain terms, and even broadens to net. Jesus makes these comments straight out of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:27-32 (ESV):

You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

 

31 “It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

 

These standards make the Old Testament look simple. Some may feel uncomfortable at this point. Relax. The New Testament is still full of ‘grace and truth.’

Let’s unpack this passage.

•   In the heart (5:27): There is a persistent but deceptive thought that if you ‘fool around’ with another person but stop short of physical intercourse, then you are safe from the sins of fornication and/or adultery. According to Jesus, this is not the case at all. Merely looking at a person with ‘lustful intent’ renders the person an adulterer, even if they are ‘hands off.’


•   Jimmy Carter: Jimmy Carter ran for President of the United States in 1976 under the banner of being a ‘born again’ Christian. Indeed, he was the reason it became a household term. A dedicated and pious Southern Baptist, Sunday school teacher, husband to Rosalynn and father of four, Carter was the model evangelical Christian candidate. Yet, his innocent and honest comments in an interview with Playboy Magazine made instant headlines. What did he say? ‘I’ve looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me.’[1]If such an upstanding individual confesses such things, where does that leave the rest?

 

•   Lustful intent: So as to prevent needless anxiety, make sure you discern the difference between temporary fleeting lustful thoughts versus those which are focused, intent, and all-too-regular. Martin Luther (1483-1546) said it so well: ‘You cannot keep birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair’[2] In our sex-saturated society, with sensuous imagery easily accessible, people need the grace of God to prevent the ‘bird’s nest.’

 

•   Practical Application Though there is only limited space, remember the antidote to lustful thoughts begins with the advice of Romans 12:1-2: Give your body as a living sacrifice and your mind for renewal. The toolbox for the overcomer includes the following:

 

•   1. The cross of Christ (Galatians 6:14),

 

•   2. God’s Word hidden in your heart (Psalm 119:11),

 

•   3. Name of Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11),

 

•   4. Prayer and praise in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20),

•   5. If you are really keen to overcome, try fasting – it really works (but make sure you are healthy enough to do it).

•   Other Practical Tips: May we suggest some more? Get off the pornography (ask for help, if necessary), don’t allow yourself in a compromising situation (read about the hapless young man in Proverbs 7), and dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:2-3). Being offensive is not fair on others and can tempt a weak believer; furthermore, Scripture is not kind to those who are deliberately offensive in word, deed, or dress – Matthew 18:7).

Related to Jesus’ statements on adultery are involve divorce and remarriage, cutting off sinful body parts, etc. Our goal, to the best of our God-given ability, is to present an explanation that is Biblically faithful, balanced, practical, and compassionate. There is still ‘grace, truth, and love’ and we want to show the way forward.See you next month.

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

 

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Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Elijah is Coming: Why Study the Book of Malachi – Part 01

… And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers — Malachi 4:6 (last verse in the Old Testament)

 INTRODUCTION TO MALACHI

 In the last book of the Old Testament, we have a message from a little-known prophet with some very strong convictions. He speaks in favor of honoring God’s covenantal conditions, criticizes automatic and hypocritical worship, idolatry, and divorce. Tithes and offerings are given a strong endorsement as part of faithfulness to God.

By the time of Malachi there was a fully functioning second temple in Jerusalem with all the sacrifices reinstated. Despite this, both priests and people have backslid and are ripe for prophetic rebuke. This sounds familiar: Nehemiah had a similar observation when he came from Persia to visit Jerusalem: corrupt priests, unpaid tithes, intermarriage with heathen people.

Then, in the very last chapter of the book, which is the last chapter of the Old Testament, it takes us to last days prophecy. There is a strong reference to the coming of ‘the great and dreadful day of the Lord’ (4:5). Fire that burns like an oven will consume those who are wicked; they will be as stubble. Yet, for those who fear the Name of the Lord the Sun of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings.

After referring to the Law of Moses (4:4), comes a note of hope: The prophet Elijah is coming. He will reconcile parents and children, lest the Lord comes and smites the earth with a curse (4:6).

HEBREW NAME OF MALACHI

His name may be more like a title: ‘My Messenger;’ similar to the word for angel. It may be the diminutive of malachiah, ‘messenger of the LORD.’

AUTHOR OF MALACHI

We know next to nothing about him though the rabbis suggest that he may have belonged to the great synagogue. He was a contemporary of Nehemiah and a priest.

PORTRAIT OF CHRIST IN MALACHI

Jesus Christ is the ‘sun of righteousness’ (4:2); purifier & refiner.

THEME OF THE BOOK OF MALACHI

God’s denunciation of lax backslidden post-exilic Judaism, with the reassurance of God’s everlasting love. Sin has to be rebuked, judgement promised, cold routine worship condemned, partnering with God financially promoted, and evil associations discouraged. Elijah is coming and there will be reconciliation between fathers and children.

KEY VERSES OF MALACHI

Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? 1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts — (2:17-3:1)

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse — (4:5-6)

Next month, we will offer a summary and outline of Malachi

TO BE CONTINUED

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Articles, Education, Prayer, Prophecy, Teaching

Divine Delay or Divine Denial?

  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.

 However, despite much prayer and prophecy, things seem to have turned out very differently than expected. As such, there are some confused and discouraged believers out there. What do the recent turn of events actually mean: 

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

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

The Coming King: Why Study the Book of Zechariah

 INTRODUCTION TO          ZECHARIAH

 A returnee from the Babylonian captivity, Zechariah teamed up with the mature prophet Haggai to encourage the Judeans to rebuild the God’s temple in Jerusalem. Its construction was halted and it took the prophets to restart it, both by word and action. Years later Zechariah continued his written prophecies focusing on Messiah Himself. To the disappointment of many, Messiah had not yet appeared. Zechariah gave insight on the conditions surrounding the coming King of kings and Lord of lords. Apart from Isaiah, no Old Testament prophetic book has more Messianic references than Zechariah. That’s why we call the Book of Zechariah ‘The Coming King.’

HEBREW NAME OF ZECHARIAH

Known in the original Hebrew as zekar-yah or ‘God remembers.’ Because God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He will also remember to bless their descendants, the children of Israel.

AUTHOR OF ZECHARIAH

The author of Zechariah is one of 29 people in Scripture who bear the same name. Born of priestly stock in the Babylonian exile, he returned to Judah (Nehemiah 11:4; 12:16) with Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel. His ministry was recorded in Ezra 5:1 and 6:14. He is a younger version of Haggai and also encouraged the rebuilding of the temple in 516 BC. Though some commentators say he is the same Zechariah who was martyred ‘between the temple and the altar’ (Matthew 23:35), the one murdered in II Chronicles 24:20-21 lived earlier.

PORTRAIT OF CHRIST IN ZECHARIAH

Zechariah provides extensive and important portraits of Christ. Some of the most important ones are:

•    Christ the righteous branch (3:8);

•    Christ the coming king (9:9)

•    The angel of the Lord (3:1-2)

•    The stone with seven eyes (3:9)

•    King-Priest (6:13);

•    Lowly king (9:9-10; 13:7; Matthew 21:5; 26:31,56)

•    Battle bow (10:4);

•    Betrayed and rejected (11:12-13; Matthew 26:15; 27:9-10)

•    Good shepherd, sold for 30 pieces of silver (11:4-13)

•    Pierced and struck down (12:10; 13:7; Matthew 26:31,56; John 19:37);

•    Cleansing fountain (13:1);

•    Wounded in the house of friends (13:6);

•    Smitten, abandoned shepherd (13:7);

•    Restores Israel by His blood of the new covenant (9:11; Mark 14:24);

•    Coming in glory as judge & king (14:1-6; Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 19:15);

•    King of Israel and the world (14:6-19; Revelation 11:15; 21:24-26; 22:1-5)

Kingdom of Christ

•    Over all the earth (14:9);

•    Plenty of rain (10:1);

•    Holy Spirit poured out on Israel (12:10);

•    Israel will finally see the One Whom they have pierced (12:10);

•    Geographic and topographic changes (14:4-5, 10-11);

•    Kingdom established on earth (14:9-15);

•    Jerusalem the capital of the world and centre of worship (14:16-17)

THEME OF THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH

Prepare for the coming warrior-king, who will establish His kingdom over Israel and the nations.

KEY VERSES OF ZECHARIAH

Zechariah 8:3 (KJV): Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

Zechariah 9:9 (NKJV): Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.

SUMMARY OF ZECHARIAH

In the first part of his prophecy (chapters 1-8), a young Zechariah exhorts the Judeans to rebuild the temple and return to the Lord. As they come close to God, He will come close to them (James 4:8). He offers eight visions of which the first five are comforting and the last three signify judgement. This is a constant with the Hebrew prophets: judgment and mercy, condemnation and consolation, cursing and blessing. God is giving us a choice (Deuteronomy 30:19)!

The second part (chapters 9-14) have a clear end-time context. This come as two oracles. The first oracle (9-11) speaks of Messiah and the salvation of Israel. Though His coming is announced, Messiah will clearly be rejected, wounded, and struck down.

The second oracle (12-14) speaks of Israel mourning for the One whom they have pierced (12:10). A fountain of cleansing will open up to David’s house (13:1). Jerusalem, Messiah’s capital, will become the centrepiece of international controversy and conflict. Messiah returns, wins the battle, makes a victory ascent on the Mount of Olives, and commences His worldwide reign. The nations will come visiting Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles (14:16).

OUTLINE OF ZECHARIAH

Part One: Prophecies regarding the rebuilding of the Temple (1:1-8:23)

I.        Introduction (1:1-6)

II.     Eight night visions (1:7-6:8)

A. Vision One: Horseman among the Myrtle Trees (1:7-17)

B. Vision Two: Four horns and four smiths/craftsmen (1:18-21)

C. Vision Three: Man and Measuring Line for Jerusalem (2:1-13)

D. Vision Four: Joshua the High Priest cleansed before the Lord (3:1-10)

E. Vision Five: Golden candlestick and two Olive Trees (4:1-14)

F. Vision Six: The Flying Scroll (5:1-4);

G. Vision Seven: The woman & ephod/basket (5:5-11);

H. Vision Eight: Four Chariots (6:1-8)

III.   Joshua Coronated as High Priest (6:9-15)

IV.  Four Messages (7:1-8:23)

A.     Fasting, obedience, and justice (7:1-7)

B.      Disobedience and judgment (7:8-14)

C.      Repentance and blessing of God’s people (8:1-17)

D.     Fasts led to restoration and feasts (8:18-23)

Part Two: Prophecies Regarding Israel and Coming Messiah (9:1-14:21)

V.    First Burden of the Lord (9:1-11:17)

A.   God intervenes (9:1-10)

B.    Coming King and Saviour (9:11-10:12)

C.    Messiah Rejected (11:1-17)

VI.  Second Burden of the Lord (12:1-14:21)

A.   Israel Mourns, Repents, and Converts (12:1-13:9)

B.    Messiah Crowned King of All the Earth (14:1-21)

Articles, Education, Prayer, Prophecy, Teaching

Higher Education: How to Survive and Thrive

 

 In fighting and winning the culture war(s), where civilisation itself is at stake, we need to know where are the frontlines and trenches. Without question, they include our schools, particularly higher education. Secular progressives have successfully target the educational system for decades and their dogma greatly affects the younger generation.

 

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.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

The Ten Commandment Series: The Seventh Commandment Part 01

 

It is a horrible sin which is even despised by non-believers. Scandalous, sensuous, and representing the ultimate betrayal, it can destroy the party involved and the greater family. Its evil effects can torment for years. If you get a chance to talk to King David, ask him why this sin should be avoided at all costs: there are whole chapters in 2 Samuel that show the heart-wrenching effects over long-term. It is                                                                                 impossible to find anything good from it.

 This horrible sin is called ‘adultery’ and it has nothing to do with being an adult. Its prohibition is the subject of the seventh commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery — Exodus 20:14

 As always in any proper study, one needs to define key terms. The word ‘adultery’ is used 40 times in the Bible, with 23 references in the New Testament alone. It means voluntary sexual intercourse by a married person with another person who is not their spouse. The latter may or may not be married themselves.

 A related term is ‘fornication,’ used 36 times in the Bible, 32 times in the New Testament. It is sexual intercourse between two people unmarried to each other or anyone else.

 The Book of Proverbs, written by a polygamous Solomon, makes it clear that adultery is foolish and deadly. In Proverbs 6:32-35:

 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

 The New Testament is just as strong in condemning adultery and fornication,[1] though we will learn more about this later.

 Adultery is considered a valid reason for divorce (though Christians should not race to the divorce courts if, God-forbid, it happens to them. Sometimes the ‘innocent party’ may not be so innocent after all. Or what is needed is grace and mercy in order to salvage the marriage – a worthy goal. Seek wise mature spiritual leadership: their advice and prayers may prove to be a Godsend).

 While the thrust of the seventh commandment is adultery, it can have a broader meaning[2] – from a New Testament view, it should be also seen as an invitation for moral purity. Violation of the seventh commandment was considered a capital crime in the Old Testament,[3] even an abomination, while legitimate cause for divorce in the New Testament (Matthew 19:9).

 We will explore Jesus’ attitude on the matter in the next article.

 Adultery is so horrible because, in part, it pollutes far beyond the couple and their ungodly liaison. There are three important victims in adultery. They include:

1.        The spouse: Obviously, adultery is a sin against a person’s spouse. Not only is it a violation of the marriage vows but it is a heinous betrayal of trust. Even if the adulterous affair was a one-night stand, it can take years, if ever, to rebuild that trust.

2.        The body: This is a New Testament concept because the believer’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. When immortality occurs, it is violating the Holy Spirit’s temple and sinning against the body and the concept that the ‘two’ become ‘one’ flesh. That’s why Paul commands Corinthian believers, who had a reputation of being soft on sin, to ‘flee from sexual immorality.

3.        God: Sexual sin is considered transgression against God Himself, and a misuse of the body wherein He dwells. Joseph, son of Jacob, was invited to commit adultery with the wife of his master, Potiphar. He was a well built, handsome, and anointed young man[4]and apparently seemed irresistible to Mrs. Potiphar, whose husband may have been aloof and/or away often. Joseph wasn’t going to forsake the glory of God and his divine dream of supreme leadership, just for a few illegitimate moments of fleeting sensuous pleasure. He wisely said, ‘No.’ Yet listen how he declined her invitation in Genesis 39:7-9 (ESV):

And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (emphasis mine)

Even casual adultery, including a one-time incident, let alone serial adultery, can have serious and damaging life-long effects.[5]Just look at the second part of David’s reign from 2 Samuel 11 and onwards; it was adversely affected by his one-night stand with Bathsheba, followed by the premeditated murder of her husband Uriah the Hittite. When you weigh it all up, it is simply not worth it.

Adultery is not some virus in the air that one catches and then falls. It begins with pondering and persistent thoughts,’[6]that will be acted upon if and when opportunity presents itself. Even if there is no physical opportunity, the thoughts alone can be damaging enough.[7]Spiritual adultery is often the precursor of physical adultery.[8]

In our next article, we will explore the attitude of Jesus and the New Testament towards the sin of adultery. If you have been damaged by either divorce or adultery, there is hope. See you next month!

 TO BE CONTINUED


[1] (Galatians 5:19)

[2] Matthew 5:27-32; 1 Corinthians 6:13-20.

[3] Galatians 5:19

[4] Genesis 39:6

[5] 2 Samuel 11:1-17; 12:14; Jeremiah 23:10-11; 1 Corinthians 6:16-18

[6] Job 31:1,7

[7] Matthew 5:28

[8] Hosea 4:13-14

Articles, Education, Prophecy

Comment on The Nature of The Prophetic by Andrea Belmore

The Nature of the Prophetic is such an easy and quick read because l couldn’t put it down. I was hungry to feed on the information Sally has so clearly explained, page after page. Very clear instructions to absorb and understand. Not only has it challenged me in some areas but it has also freed me from some limiting beliefs and fine tuned my ability to tune into God even more. It has renewed a greater hunger to press in to God and deepen my relationship with him and go after the spiritual gifts.

Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Education Matters

 


Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it — Proverbs 22:6

When people are polled, the majority say that education is a top priority for them. Indeed, it should: education helps set people on the path of life. Yet, pouring more government money into education does not necessarily translate into greater outcomes or solid citizens. If we are going to see an improvement in educational standards, we need to look at the basics.

Education Defined: The word apparently comes from the Latin term educo, which means to ‘train, educate, and to lead forward.’ Education is more than merely informing a student; it ultimately is about formation. Classical and Judaeo-Christian education helped to mould students into responsible citizens with a worldview that appreciates thinking, ethics, morality, rule of law, democratic governance, human rights, and more. Ultimately, education means enculturation.

Misperceptions

Number One – Teachers Only: There is a perception that education only happens by trained career teachers in the classroom. Not so. The first school is the home and parents are the first teachers.

Deuteronomy 4:9b (Regarding the righteous statues and judgements of God’s Law): “… Make them known to your children and your children’s children.’

Much training for a lifetime happens in the home. It is of the utmost importance that people take seriously their responsibility to train their children. Schools couldn’t possibly teach everything anyway but bear in mind that parental training is a Biblical command.

Ephesians 6:4: And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Number Two – Formal Education Only: There is the idea that formal education, where there are classes, lectures, assignments, examined, and awards, is the only education we get. Not so. Only a fraction of our life is spent in the classroom; the rest of the time we should imbibe the concept of informal education or life-long learning. It can be more powerful than any classroom. The church is another source of education, formal and informal, as its been for centuries.

Number Three – Value-Free: With the notion of separating ‘church and state,’ public schools are considered to be values-neutral. Not so. Public education, like so many things in life, has a worldview. Worldview is defined as ‘The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world; a collection of beliefs about life and the universe held by a person or group.’ Western education once embraced the dominant Judaeo-Christian worldview, but has gradually replaced it by progressivism, cultural Marxism, secular humanism and postmodernism.

Reformers (or revolutionaries) like John Dewey (1859-1952) helped institute ‘the long march of the ideologies’ through the educational system. The reason that these worldview are so dominant in our culture today – in the media, judiciary, politics, law, the entertainment industry, and the like –  is because they were introduced in the school system many decades ago. If you hold on to traditional Judaeo- Christian values and your children or grandchildren are in a public school, don’t be surprised if they come home espousing positions and worldview very different to your own.

Secularism and progressivism are very much the worldview of western public education today. In the United States, such organisations as the National Education Association and Federation of Teachers very much push for these values. For example, such education demands the teaching of evolution and rejects the notion that we were created by God in His image. If God is our creator, then we are under His rule and ultimately accountable to Him. This is something that the secularists don’t want (Psalm 2:3).

In the United States, the right-leaning Republican party favours ‘choice-based, parent-driven accountability’ at all ages. The left-leaning Democratic Party opposes school choice and vouchers, saying money should be spent in supporting the public schools.

There has been an increasing trend to nationalise education. Traditionally, school boards were local and this allowed parents to have needful input. This is no longer possible with nationalisation, where decisions affecting students are made by nameless, faceless bureaucrats 100s and 1000s of kilometres away.

Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge — Proverbs 19:27

It is said that education is expensive but ignorance even more. To this, we add wrong education is the most costly of all. Bad education can morph into indoctrination into false ideologies.

A Christian mother approached this author after a public meeting and told her story. She lived in a rural area and she and her husband sent their 18 year old son to the big city to learn computer science. Though raised in the church all his life, in only six weeks he came home as an arrogant, opinionated ‘social justice warrior.’ Both parents were university graduates, but this fact did not stop their newly ‘woke’ son from lecturing them about how the mother was ‘oppressed’ by the patriarchy, ‘her husband.’ He also wagged his finger on other progressive causes. Needless to say, the young man also stopped going to church.

How should you handle education?

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise — Deuteronomy 6:6-7

First, recognise that the family and church are top sources of (informal) education, and need to be utilised more and more.

Second, make the acquisition of truth the highest priority. God is the ultimate source of truth (John 1:17; 16:13). It sets us free (John 8:32), brings hope (Psalm 25:5), a cause for rejoicing (1 Corinthians 13:6), and a valued part of the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:14). With so much falsehood, lies, spin, gaslighting, doublespeak, smoke and mirrors – indeed, a spirit of deception, we need truth and discernment to come out on top. Truth also helps us avoid false teachers (1 Timothy 1; 2 Peter 2) and keep us on God’s path.

Third, education involves thinking and reflection. Foster such a skill: after all, we have a God-given reasoning capacity and with the right education it can bring great good.

Philippians 4:8:Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Yes, education matters because you matter to God.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Reset or Revival: You Decide – Quickly

 

It is the big ‘buzz word’ of the moment; called the ‘Great Global Reset.’ The World Economic Forum is meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland in May 2021. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the participants want to restructure the world economy and people management as we adjust to a ‘new normal.’ While refraining from using the word ‘socialism,’ their stated goals include: 

•       The changes we have already seen in response to COVID-19 prove that a reset of our economic and social foundations is possible.

•         This is our best chance to instigate stakeholder capitalism – and here’s how it can be achieved.

•         https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/now-is-the-time-for-a-great-reset/

 

While their aims sound noble, there could be major implications (and alterations) for free market capitalism, individual freedoms, and rule of law. In recent years, climate change was used to push the globalist agenda but Covid-19 has given new impetus. The reset enjoys the support of the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, Prince Charles (at least regarding the climate) and the Vatican.

Let’s face it: In 2020 we saw things that were unimaginable even a year before.

•     People were ordered to stay in their homes;

•     Small businesses, the backbone of the economy, were closed;

•     Children were kept home from schools;

•     Social distancing and face masks were mandated;

•     And, perhaps for the first time in UK and US history, church doors were order to be closed for worship.


In a reset, family, church, small businesses could be in the line of fire.

Is this the ‘new normal’ that’s being talked about?

Individuals at the WEF may or may not be sincerely and innocently motivated, but history teaches that humanistic (and theocratic) utopias, with peace and prosperity, never came to pass. Instead, the world got tyranny, oppression, war and genocide (think Stalin, Hitler, or Mao).

New World Order?

The globalist socialist dream is nothing new. Merging with secular progressivism, it has been around for at least a century. Here are some quotes from famous men:

•          George HW Bush: What is at stake is more than one small country, it is a big idea—a new world order, where diverse nations are drawn together in common cause to achieve the universal aspirations of mankind: peace and security, freedom, and the rule of law. Such is a world worthy of our struggle, and worthy of our children’s future (1991).

•          Nelson Rockefeller: [there is] A fever of nationalism… [but] the nation-state is becoming less and less competent to perform its international political tasks… These are some of the reasons pressing us to lead vigorously toward the true building of a new world order… Sooner perhaps than we may realize… there will evolve the bases for a federal structure of the free world (1962)

•          Harry S. Truman: “It will be just as easy for nations to get along in a republic of the world as it is for us to get along in a republic of the United States” (1945).

•          Mikhail Gorbachev: World progress is only possible through a search for universal human consensus as we move forward to a new world order (1988).

One of the key drivers of progressivism and globalism was US President Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921), who led America during the Great War. He desired, yet failed, to get the United States to join the League of Nations. He created the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB), a privately owned central bank. He also instituted the federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). One source commented that the IRS forced Americans to pay for the loans bankers made through the FRB – ‘a brilliant piece of fund-raising.’

Wilson’s successors outlawed war in 1928 through the Kellogg-Briand Pact, no doubt mindful of the terrible cost of World War I. It was a well-meaning attempt at world peace, though from a humanistic view. Unfortunately, it failed miserably, as World War II attests.

Whether malevolent or benevolent, man-made solutions will not work and for good reason: they are based on the false premise that human nature is basically good and that we don’t need God. We can solve all our problems ourselves. Often it has unaccountable leadership, which is always a disaster waiting to happen, even in the church life.

Furthermore, these ideologies have zero power when dealing with the sin-issue in the human heart. Neither motivation, education, religion, welfare, nor human effort can overcome the power of sin. Only the cross-centred gospel of Christ can do that.

Despite past failures of controlled economic systems, globalist socialism keeps trying again. If we are passive, apathetic, or indifferent, then other people will decide our future for us. Yet God has a better and higher way.

Revival

There is another solution. It is a form of reset, too. Yet, its effects are vastly different.

It is called revival. It means to ‘come alive again.’

Revival applies to believers and the run-off can positively affect non-believers and pre-believers.

There are many ways to describe it but it includes a renewed ‘first love’ for the Lord, fear of the Lord, and a passion for His kingdom.

Revival means going back to the organic Christian faith, the basic building blocks are: Repentance, confession of faith, the cross of Christ, discipleship, the Word of God, the Great Commission and the fellowship of the saints.

Revival has unswerving commitment to God and His truth.

Revival can be transformational on society. For example, the Wesleyan Revival of the 18th Century was credited for saving Britain from the same sort of blood-filled revolution that plagued France in 1789-1793. Azusa Street in Los Angeles, 1906, ushered in the Pentecostal revival that swept the world and continues to this day. America’s Great Awakening prepared the colonies for independence based solidly on Christian foundations. Since that time, America had a second great awakening.

What will it be: reset or revival? And awakening?

Let’s make up our mind to humble ourselves and seek God’s face for a Third Great Awakening for America and the world.