Category Archives: Prophecy

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

e Prophet to Nineveh: Why Study the Book of Nahum Part 01

INTRODUCTION TO NAHUM
The Book of Nahum belongs to three minor prophets in the Bible that are directed primarily to a foreign entities: Jonah to Nineveh and Obadiah to Edom are the others. Nahum prophesied to the city of Nineveh, capital of the Assyrian Empire, but he came much later than Jonah. Using dramatic speech, Nahum graphically tells about the fall of the city that once terrified the ancient world, including Jerusalem and Judah.
Jonah came to Nineveh 150 years earlier and his ministry was stunningly successful. Despite his reluctance to go, Jonah’s preaching spawned mass repentance; this is impressive for a heathen nation. Would to God we had these kind of results today!
After Jonah’s day, Assyria grew to be a great empire. In the time of King Ahab, the Assyrians tried to conquer the 10 tribes of Israel but failed. Then during the reign of Ashurbanipal III, the little tribe of Benjamin was taken. Finally, in the year 722 BC, under Shalmaneser, the other 9 tribes were conquered and exiled to the far-flung reaches of the Assyrian empire. Heathen people were transplanted in their place (see II Kings 17) and by the New Testament era they became known to the world as Samaritans.
After the Northern Kingdom of Israel was deported, Assyria set its sights on the Southern Kingdom of Judah and the House of David. The siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC was one of the great, though harrowing, events of Scripture, told 3 times: In II Kings, II Chronicles, and Isaiah.In the natural, Assyria’s military was so formidable and numerous, Jerusalem should have fallen with ease. Yet, through divine intervention, the Assyrian troops were smitten. Assyria continued its march of conquest, taking Thebes in Upper Egypt. The empire expanded but fortunately, Judah was spared and even outlasted Nineveh.
Yes, despite their conquest and victories, Assyria’s pride and arrogance was its undoing. Nahum predicted that Nineveh’s days were numbered and there was no way out.
HEBREW NAME OF NAHUM
Nahum means ‘comfort, consolation’ and is the abbreviation of Nehemiah, ‘comfort of Jehovah.’
AUTHOR OF NAHUM
Nahum is the author of the book that bears his name; however, we know nothing about him except he is an Elkoshite (1:1) . We are not even sure whether his village of Elkosh is in the regions Judah or Galilee.
DATE OF NAHUM
Written between 660-620 BC, Nahum does not mention the Judean king, possibly because it was evil Manasseh, son of righteous Hezekiah. Attacked by the Medes from the North and by the Babylonians from the South, Nineveh fell in 612 BC. The Babylonian empire succeeded the Assyrian.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST IN NAHUM
There are no Messianic prophecies in Nahum, but we know that Christ will be judge at His second coming (1:2-8) and He is the good Lord, a stronghold in the day of trouble (1:7; Proverbs 18:10).
THEME OF BOOK OF NAHUM
Nineveh, since the time of Jonah, presided over a growing empire whose tentacles reached out to the land of Israel. Known for pride, arrogance, and cruelty, the Lord had had enough. Though known for His slow anger and long-suffering, Nineveh and Assyria passed the point of no return and their judgement would be swift and sure.
While this prophecy is bad news for Nineveh, it is good news for Judah. It provides comfort that God punishes (Assyrian) wickedness and will fulfil His covenantal promises. It also shows that God is the righteous judge (II Timothy 4:8), rewarding people and nations according to their works, whether good or evil.
TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Issues Facing the Church: Road to Mental Health & Well-Being Part 01

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. — Psalm 42:11
One of the great challenges of our time is not external issues — the economy, geo-political challenges, or pandemics. It has to do with mental health. Whether one is young or old, male or female, Christian or non-Christian, mental health is one of the issues, even crises, of our day and it’s not going away soon. Today’s church needs to begin a conversation on this vital issue.
This author claims no expertise whatsoever on this important subject, but after years of Bible teaching and pastoral ministry experience has some thoughts to offer.
Mental health includes a fully operative cognitive skills, sense of understanding one’s gifting and limitations, an ability to cope with stress, living a productive and fruitful life that contributes to society. The opposite of mental health is mental illness. If one had to choose between a physical ailment or mental illness, often times the latter proves to be more challenging, even harrowing, than the former. What is even more concerning is that Christians are not exempt from mental illness, including those in the ministry.
Some of life’s events that can contribute to mental illness include, but by no means are limited to, sexuality, illness, rejection, divorce, death of a loved one, family history, abuse, betrayal, bullying, or even a chemical imbalance. If left unaddressed, mental illness can develop, which includes worry, a spirit of fear, anxiety, depression, despair, low-mood, and/or self-harming. In some instances, mental illness can lead to addiction in tobacco, alcohol, narcotics, pornography, or illicit sexual relations. These life-controlling items only help make the situation worse than ever.
In trying to understand, let alone overcome, mental illness, a few points need to be kept in mind:
1.        Mental illness is common, and in some cases, growing. Modern living can be compact, complicated, over-busy and highly pressurised. Ironically, in peaceful and prosperous country like Australia, there is an alarming amount of depression, often manifested and masked by apathy.
2.        Those who suffer from mental illness should not be stigmatised. It can happen to anyone, including those who seem to ‘have it together:’ The educated, successful, and prominent.
3.        While medication may be necessary in a few cases, balanced, practical, and Bible-based principles should be employed. A holistic approach to body, mind, soul, and spirit is what is needed.
On the practical side, some issue to consider include:
Diet: A healthy, balanced diet is strongly recommended. You are what you eat and you can’t go wrong having a menu including whole grains, 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day, protein, and a measure of carbohydrates and fats (yes, our body needs fats – the right kind in the right amount);
TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

AMERICA ABLAZE: Making Sense of the Senseless

It all started as a simple tragedy. George Floyd, age 46, a 6’ 7” African-American was arrested in Minneapolis for allegedly trying to buy cigarettes with counterfeit money. Mr. Floyd was handcuffed and pinned to the ground for 30 minutes. ‘I can’t breath’ said the gentle giant’ as the officer continued to place pressure on his body. He lost consciousness, was taken to hospital, and pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The four Minneapolis police officers involved in the incident were immediately fired. However, Devin CHAUVIN, age 44, a white former police officer, was charged with 3rd degree murder and manslaughter.
For many in the African-American community, this arrest was not enough. Why did it take days to arrest the former police officer? Why only a 3rd degree murder charge, not 1st degree? Why weren’t the other officers charged with murder, at least as accessories to the crime? The perception that a black man under white police is in greater peril than a white, continues on.
Peaceful protests were held but what happened next was an explosion – first in Minneapolis, where protests turned violent and looting ensued. The protests spread to 140 cities across the United States, morphing into violence and looting. Local police were attacked. Thousands of National Guardsmen were called out. The protests spread to Britain, Germany, and even New Zealand.
The protests appeared to be hijacked by ANTIFA (anti-fascist). ANTIFA had its origins in the 1920s and 30s, had a resurgence in the 1980s, and then came to life after the election victory of Donald Trump and his populist movement (just like the Tea Party came into being in response to the rise of Barack Obama and Christian Coalition to Bill Clinton). ANTIFA is against neo-fascism, neo-Nazism, white supremacy, racism, and what is termed the ‘Alt-Right.’ They dress in black, try to disrupt conservative events, and are willing to resort to violence, though some claim it is only for defensive purposes. They have been accused of using fascist means to fight ‘fascism.’
The Trump Administration has announced that ANTIFA is a domestic terrorist organisation. US Attorney General Bill Barr stated that the violence was planned, organised, utilising ANTIFA-tactics, and left leaning anarchy.
Recent circumstances have helped to contribute to this atmosphere of violence. Like a dry summer facilitates bushfires, so have stay@home edicts and lock-downs, which have caused the population to be restless, filling up once empty urban streets with angry protestors. There is record unemployment. Schools and universities are closed for the summer, giving student time to promote a ‘worthy cause.’ Normal entertainment and sporting events are currently suspended, thus creating a perfect storm for a caged, bored, outraged population with time on their hands.
Yet there’s more. The highly partisan, polarising atmosphere in Washington (including Russian collusion, impeachment), the on-going culture war, the default into tribalism. Remember Hurricane Katrina in August 2005? New Orleans was cannibalised – looters were even firing guns at helicopters trying to rescue stranded residents from the flooding. This kind of tribal chaos was happening years ago.
ASSESSMENT
What are we to make about this tragic turn of events? Please consider the following.
1.       George Floyd had a definite Christian connection https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/george-floyd-ministry-houston-third-ward-church.html
2.       True justice, based on verifiable facts, must be the goal. Thuggery, whether it is police brutality or damaging and looting property, must not be tolerated.
3.       Racism is wrong and so is rioting. None of this brings justice or helps anyone.
4.       The needed conversation about apparent racism in America was derailed by the riots;
5.       The African-American community is receiving negative publicity, even though many of them decry the violence being done in their name (especially by black clad white people). Some of the nicest, sweetest, most courteous people you can meet in America are the African-Americans, and many are Christians. This is not fair on them.
6.       The violence is destructive and hurtful by everyone and is fuelled by groups with evil intentions.
HOW SHALL WE RESPOND?
Let us recognise America Ablaze for what it really is — a spiritual issue. According to John 10:10:
Jesus Himself comments that ‘The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’
The wanton destruction, theft, and injury, is satanically-inspired with the goal of stealing, killing, and destroying. Christ takes the opposite approach to of bringing people into abundant life.
In Ephesians 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The greatest enemy is not the one you see, but the ones you don’t. For this reason we are exhorted to put on ‘the whole armour of God.’
Our readers are urged to pray for the following points:
1.       Justice: For George Floyd and the African-American community. May it be based on facts and reality, not narrative and rumour.
2.       Patience: May calm and maturity take over across America and may leaders lead in this area.
3.       Peace: May the rioting and looting cease and may affected neighbourhoods and cities receive the much needed peace and security they deserve.
4.       Restoration: To the people, buildings, businesses, and homes that have be damaged in the unrest. As small businesses are struggling to overcome the Covid-19 economic downturn, may there be a miraculous recovery for all concerned.
5.       Revival: For years now, this author has advocated what has become the only solution to our political, economic, social, and spiritual problems. It is called ‘revival,’ meaning to ‘come alive again.’ II Chronicles 7:14 is the classic verse on this topic: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (emphasis mine).
If you cannot remember any other point, remember this one — for the good of us all.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Evangelical Christians & Donald Trump: Part 4

This is the fourth part of a series regarding American evangelicals and Donald Trump. This is the voting bloc that made possible his unlikely 2016 election win for the American presidency. While most evangelicals support him, there is a vocal minority who do not – the magazine Christianity Today is one of them.
 Are they being principled and Biblical? Or are they judgemental and drifting to the left?
 In addition, it is important to understand the bigger picture, which transcends Donald Trump. 
The Culture War
 Removing prayer from school. Abortion on demand. Redefining marriage and gender. Legalising cannabis. A ‘make-it-up-as-you-go’ morality. Enlarging the size of government and watching the deficit grow as a result. All this, and more, is part of the great cultural civil war of the western world that has been waged since the 1960s. In short, this war is where the left-leaning secular progressives-cultural marxists invaded the power bases of traditional values, Judea-Christian heritage in order to install their leftist utopia. What is at stake is the survival of western civilisation as we know it, with its freedoms, human rights, technological achievements, democracy, rule-of-law, and the rest.
The left, thanks in part to their incursion into the public school systems since the 1930s, has dominated academia, the media, key political parties, judiciary, and other organs of culture. They have successfully resisted the conservative counterattack — until now.
Donald Trump is now launching a potent assault on progressivism, political correctness, identity politics, open borders, unfair trade practices, and more. Amazingly, like Samson of old (flawed but strong), he is fighting this battle on all his own. Victor Davis Hanson, in his article Trump wages war on progressive culture – Dems respond with Trump Derangement Syndrome Hanson, says:
President Trump is waging a nonstop, all-encompassing war against progressive culture, in magnitude analogous to what 19th-century Germans once called a “Kulturkampf.
In short, Donald Trump has become American’s first war-time President in the culture war. His weapons? A microphone and twitter feed. He has taken on the elite postmodern progressive culture by attacking Planned Parenthood, NATO, radical greenies, Antifa, US universities, Democratic and Republican opponents, Silicon Valley monopolies, World Health Organisation, radical Democrats & their ‘Green New Deal,’ Hollywood, and his favourite target: The media, especially CNN, the Washington Post, and The New York Times.
If we lived in normal times, or civilisation was not at stake, Trump would probably not have run for President. But these are not normal times and when you’re in the midst of a serious civilisational conflict, you need a leader who is a strong fighter. In this light, his temperament can be an asset. This New York business man confronted corrupt politicians, mafia, and ruthless competitors; thus he can take this fight to the next level.
History’s great warriors may not have been saintly, savoury, refined, or ‘nice,’ and they often had outsized flaws (examples: Ulysses S. Grant and General George Patten), but the one thing they all have in common: they fought a good fight and won their wars. Failure to do so would have destroyed civilisation. This is something serious and sincere ‘Never-Trumpers’ need to budget into the equation.
In the end, whether you are a never-Trumper, ever-Trumper, or somewhere in-between, remember to honour the Creator by obeying His word in I Timothy 2:1-2: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
When you obey God’s Word, you can’t go wrong.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/victor-davis-hanson-trumps-culture-war.print

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No Other Name: The Third Commandment Part 03

How to Invoke God’s Name
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain — Exodus 20:7
Since penalties are severe for using God’s Name in vain, how are you to respond? As mentioned above, some might avoid using God’s Name at all, just incase they accidentally misuse it. There are Jewish people who write, ‘G-d,’ which is unpronounceable, just to make sure His name is not use in vain.
But is that the correct stance? No. You are encouraged to use God’s Name in a righteous manner. How can you call on the name of the Lord for salvation if your cannot say His name at all?
After the birth of Seth’s son Enos, then began me to call upon the name of the LORD – Genesis 4:26
Repeatedly Abraham, the friend of God, called on the name of the LORD – Genesis 12:8; 13:4; 21:33. Isaac did the same (26:25).
Solomon built a house for the Name of the LORD God of Israel – I Kings8:20.
When the Lord pours out mercy and favour on Zion, then the heathen (nations/Gentiles) will fear the name of the LORD and all the kings of the earth His glory – Psalm 102:13-15
We are commanded to praise the Name of the LORD — Psalm 135:1
A favoured passage is Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Here could be one of the most important verses of all: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved — Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13
In addition to salvation, there is also healing in the Name of the Lord. Of course, Christ’s ministry was replete with healings but He is the Son of God. How about mere believers? Do they have access to healing power? Yes … in the Name of the Lord. Peter made this point forcefully after the lame man was healed in the Lord’s Name at the Gate Beautiful. He says in Acts 3:16: And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all (emphasis mine).
In summary, for some well-meaning people, the non-use of God’s Name is the only way to prevent the misuse. As you can see, the best remedy is not the non-use, but right use, of God’s Name. It is the key to His manifold blessings.
Everything you do should be in the Name and for the glory of Jesus. Your prayers should be done ‘in His Name.’ And when it comes to praise and worship, the right use of God’s Name will quickly usher you into the throne of grace, where you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him – Colossians 3:17

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The ‘Country Prophet:’ Why Study the Book of Micah PART 02

Summary of Micah
This Book of Micah is divided into three parts:
Part 01 – Chapters 1-3: This section is about the indictment and punishment of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah for idolatry, injustice, immorality, which brought corruption, oppression, bribery, and putrid pride. Both kingdoms would be judged for their sins. Kings, priests, and false prophets were especially culpable for this rampage of sin.
Part 02 – Chapters 4-5: From crime and punishment, Hosea speaks about the glories of the coming Messianic kingdom. His words in 4:1-5 mirror Isaiah 2:2-4. In the latter days people worldwide will come to the mountain of the House of the Lord, where God personally will teach people of His ways and they will walk in His paths. This is referring to the Kingdom of Christ and the Lord Himself will do the teaching. Peace and prosperity will be the hallmarks of His reign.
Part 03 – Chapter 6-7: This final part is about justice and mercy. It comes across as a courtroom trial, where God the plaintiff builds the case against the sins of His people. Israel confesses its sin and God promises to abundantly pardon.
Distinct Features of Micah
Micah’s prophecy a century before Jeremiah helped deliver the latter from certain execution, when prophesying the conquest of Jerusalem under the Babylonians. Jeremiah 26:18: Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest (quoting Micah 3:12). This prophecy got the besieged Jeremiah off the hook.
Other quotes from Micah include:
•    The wise men who visited Herod en route to meeting the Christ child (Matthew 2:5-6, cf Micah 5:2).
•    Jesus when He sent out the 12 (Matthew 10:35-36; cf Micah 7:6);
•    Isaiah 2:2-4; 41:15; Ezekiel 22:27; and Zephaniah 3:19 are other quotes.
Fulfilled Prophecies of Micah include:
•    1:6-7: Fall of Samaria and the Northern Kingdom (722 BC);
•    1:9-16: Invasion of Judah by Sennarcherib in the days of Hezekiah (701 BC);
•    3:12; 7:13: Fall of Jerusalem (586 BC);
•    4:10: Judah’s exile to Babylon (586 BC);
•    4:1-8, 13; 7:11, 14-17: Return from Babylonian captivity;
•    5:2: Birth of Jesus from Bethlehem
Outline of Micah
Part One: God’s Judgement Against Israel & Judah(1:1-3:12)
1:1                   Introduction
1:2-7                Downfall of the Northern Kingdom Predicted
1:8-16              Downfall of the Southern Kingdom of Judah Predicted
2:1-11              Judgement for Sin like pride & greed (2:1-5) and false prophets (2:6-11)
2:12-13            Deliverance hinted
3:1-12              Sins named: Injustice & oppression (3:1-4); False prophets (3:5-7); Micah                                         empower prophet (3:8); leadership’s sins (3:9-12);
Part Two: The Hope of the Coming Kingdom (4:1-5:15)
4:1-8:               Description of the coming global righteous Messianic kingdom;
4:9-13              Israel’s Enemies Defeated;
5:1-5                The Coming King is Coming from Bethlehem;  
5:6-15              What the Coming Kingdom Will Be Like;
Part Three: God’s Justice and Mercy (6:1-7:20)
6:1-8                God’s Indicts His People;
6:9-16              Israel declared guilty and sentenced;
7:1-6                Cry of the prophet;
7:7                   Hope among the tears;
7:8-13              Israel’s Comeback;
7:14-20            God’s Grand Benediction on Israel.
           

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Abortion Part 04: What Would You Tell Your Niece?

The Bible and the Foetus 

In the series about Issues Facing the Church, I have elaborated a blog sent to my progressivist American niece, who asked for my position on abortion. For a Christian the Bible should be the first place to look for answers to life’s questions. If the Bible is the Word of God – and it is – and if we will be held accountable for what it says – and we will – then these passages regarding life need to be taken at face value
Is the Bible really silent on the personhood of the foetus or on when the spirit enters the unborn, as one famous politician claimed?
My position: as a born-again Christian and ordained minister, I take an predictably pro-life position. I have no other choice: my understanding of Scripture compels me.
•  Jeremiah 1:5 – God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah: Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.’
•  Psalm 139:13-16: There are some incredible statements in this passage. Apparently, the detailed mapping of our very being (perhaps right down to the molecular level) was written in God’s book, even before we were conceived. 
•  Ephesians 2:10: God knew us from before the foundation of the world (eternity past) and ordained us for good works.
•  Matthew 10:30: The hairs of our head are numbered.
•  Matthew 19:14: Jesus commanded that the little children be brought to Him and no one was to forbid them. They are what constitute the kingdom of heaven.
•  Genesis 1:27: This affirms that humankind is made in the image of God.
•  Genesis 9:6 says simply: Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man. Ponder that verse.
•   
•  Luke 17:2: It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. If you ever saw a millstone, you’ll find that it is exceedingly heavy. Tied around your neck means you would hit the sea bottom in record time. Jesus says the millstone in the sea is a better outcome than offending the ‘little ones.’ What could be more offensive than denying them the right to life?
Could it be any clearer?
With such meticulous care, there is no question that in God’s mind the foetus is a person, even before they are in the womb. Therefore, deliberately terminating that pregnancy is destroying a life.
Don Feder says abortion is part of a larger culture of death. When it was legalised in 1973, prophetic voices warned that euthanasia would be next. People scoffed at them and said it would never happen – yet, it is happening before our eyes. The most vulnerable people – the very young and very old – are being targeted for destruction, often for economic or expedient reasons.
Simple, true justice means we should do our best to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
Is the United States a better country because of Roe versus Wade? Are the Australian states that legalised abortion better places to live in?
Does 50 million plus abortions in the United States since 1973 improve our quality of life, instil compassion for the needy, or improve our ability to care?
What does it say about our humanity and our future? After all, children are the future.
Does it help strengthen the family?
If a child cannot be safe in its mother’s womb, is there any safe place on this planet for any of us?
United
There are people who were pro-abortion, were directly involved in the industry, then had a change of heart and repented. They have become passionate defenders of the unborn.
Dear niece, thank you for allowing me to answer your question on abortion.
I conclude with a simple challenge given by God to all of us. It is found in Deuteronomy 30:19:
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

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Beyond Covid-19: Is There A Word from the Lord?

It has become the most dramatic and defining situation in our lifetime. More radical, even, than a war or the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). That event is the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020. While we can and should expect some return to normalcy, there is also the strong possibility that in some aspects the world that we once knew, even as late as December 2019, is gone for good.
If one is a world-watcher, the fact that we have international crisis and change should not be surprising. It is a predictable part of the landscape. Yet, how do we navigate through these change-filled, crisis-riddled, and sometimes chaotic times? Especially when the experts, like the rest of us, have never been in this situation before?
The answer, which is a question, is disarmingly simple: Is there a word from the Lord?
The second question: What is that Word?
First, let us examine God’s attitude of communicating with people on earth, which, says Genesis 1:27, are made in His image.
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds  – Hebrews 1:1-2
What do these two verses tell us?
1.        God regularly spoke, at various times and different manners, in the past to the ancients via the prophets.
2.        Now, in these last days, He speaks through His Son – Jesus Christ. Please note that Hebrews teaches that these days, the church age, are part of the last days.
3.        The Son is heir of all things;
4.        The Son, along with the Father and Spirit, made the worlds (Hebrews 11:3).
God continues to speak and He does so via the Son. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10). There is no lack of a ‘word from God’ – just as the airwaves are full of music and voices – but the question is: Are we listening? Have we extended our spiritual antennas to receive the divine message? Do we obey that which we have heard?
That’s why 7 times to 7 churches in Asia, the command is given: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).
Since God the Father is willing (Hebrews 6:17); the Son is willing (Matthew 8:3); and God the Spirit is willing (Matthew 26:41), the onus is on us to open our ears, extend our antennas, pick up the divine signals, and begin to hear what the Spirit is saying.
Is there a Word from the LORD? Short answer: Yes.
First Word from the LORD: Prophetic Times
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows — Matthew 24:6-8
All of what we are seeing today is part of prophetic fulfilment. Biblical prophecy is a wonderful subject, that pays rich dividends to those who learn and apply its precepts. It is a light shining in a dark place, a ‘heads up’ to the future, provides insight of how to live, grants incentive for evangelism and holy living, brings establishment, prosperity, comfort, and encouragement. Prophecy bestows holistic blessing to those who read and heed its timeless counsel (Revelation 1:3).
Deception: When asked the question about what would be the sign of His coming and the end of the age, Jesus Christ first of all gave a practical command: Take heed that no one deceives you. We live in an age of increasing deception, where people are becoming more adept at sounding so convincing while lying through their teeth. Deception is as old as the Garden of Eden, but what make the last days distinct, is that it will be more prevalent, more persuasive, and undergirded by a spirit of strong delusion. The righteous will need to proactively immunise themselves in God’s truth, so that they will have the immunity to resist the spiritual of deception.
Sources of truth: Truth, namely God’s universal, unchanging, life-giving, life-liberating, devil-defeating truth, has three key sources. 1) Jesus Christ is the truth personified (John 14:6f). 2) The Holy Spirit is truth empowered (John 16:13). 3) The Scriptures are truth illuminated (John 17:17). When all three sources are operative in your life, then you are safely on truth’s territory and you will have the gift of discernment to sort out truth claims from the false.
In our next article, we will look more carefully at this theme and key word of ‘prophetic times.’

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No Other Name: The Third Commandment Part 02

What Does It Mean to Use God’s Name in Vain?
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain — Exodus 20:7
 It is a most precious sound and defiling it brings great punishment. We are talking about God’s Name – YHWH / יְהֹוָה – Yeshua / ישׁוּעַ. This wonderful name is the key to life, salvation, and eternity itself. Yet to misuse and abuse it will, in time, bring great punishment.
In light of all this, we can now focus on the third commandment and how to avoid sinning against the most important Name in the universe. When it says ‘do not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain,’ the word ‘vain’ comes from the Hebrew word shav’ שָׁוְא, meaning: vain, false, empty, lying, worthless, useless (in conduct).[1]
Let’s look at three ways a person can be guilty in using God’s Name in vain.
Frivolity: This means to carelessly and superficially use God’s Name. One person described it as using God’s Name without thinking about, focusing, or worshipping Him. Perhaps, when people say, ‘O God’ while focusing on people, not the Almighty, that could also apply to this principle. However, it is God who ultimately judges by the heart and not necessarily from the outward actions.
Hypocrisy: To be a hypocrite is to put on an appearance on the outside that has no connection with the heart condition on the inside. It implies deception and pretence in trying to impress people or, as the Bible puts it, ‘to be seen of men.’ The hypocrites’ vain use of God’s Name stems from invoking Him, as if to impress, but living a life that contradicts such profession. For example, trying to convey a pious, ‘holier than thou’ appearance while lacking integrity or being riddled with worldly vices. Or, as Isaiah prophesied to a people whose lip-service and heart-attitude were at two different ends of the earth. Isaiah 29:13: Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Blasphemy: This means to grievously insult the Almighty. Yes, God can more than handle the insults but the impenitent blasphemer will not be able to handle the punishment that is coming in return.
Psalm 74:10: O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever? (Answer: No!).
James 2:7: Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
Revelation 13:6:And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Of course, the abuse and misuse of ‘Jesus’ Name,’ as if it were a swear-word, would fall into this category; even though, as often the case, the person does this in ignorance. By the way, be willing to confront someone on their profane talk – if you are in a position to do so.
Next time, we will seek how to rightly use God’s Name, for the benefit of all.
TO BE CONTINUED

[1] “H7723 – shav’ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 2 Feb, 2020. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7723&t=KJV

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

CORONAVIRUS: Should We Worry? What Can We Do?

It is a familiar and eerie sight. People walking around in public with white gas masks, like they did during the Spanish flu pandemic in 1919 or the SARS outbreak in 2003. Traffic jams are non-existent because the streets are deserted. Many places of business are closed. The scene looks apocalyptic!
Why the altered behaviour? Because out of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, perhaps from a poultry or livestock vendor ‘wet market,’ came a fast-spreading virus called Coronavirus, officially known as Covid-19.
Several cities in China went into ‘lock-down’ to prevent spreading. Unfortunately, for various reasons, the virus in China spread rapidly around the world. Travel restrictions were slapped on stricken nations, ‘stay-at-home’ orders and ‘lock-downs’ have been placed around the world. The pandemic epicentre moved from China to Europe with Italy and Spain most affected. New York (city and state) has the most cases of any country – as of this writing, 188,694, with 9,385 deaths (5%). Indeed, 41% of all US fatalities come from the empire state at this time.
For perspective, here is a comparison with other pandemics:
NAME
DATE
GLOBAL CASES
GLOBAL DEATHS
Spanish Flu Pandemic
03/1918 to 08/1919
500 million
50 million (incl. 675,000 Americans)
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
11/2002 to 07/2003
8,098
774
H1N1
01/2009 to 08/2020
24% of world population (60 million Americans)
284,000 globally; 12,469 Americans
Ebola
03/2014 to 03/2016
28,652
11,325
Covid-19
12/2019 to Easter 2020
1,897,373 (568,176 in USA)
118,304 (22,935 Americans)
Covid-19 in New York
Easter 2020
New York 188,694
9,385
Seasonal flu
Annual
9% of global population up to 1 billion
Annually between 300,000-650,000
Statistics courtesy of healthline https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-deadly-is-the-coronavirus-compared-to-past-outbreaks
Should We Worry?
… and there shall be famines, and pestilences,
and earthquakes, in divers places — Matthew 24:7
Yes, Jesus Christ predicted last days pestilences before His return to this planet. Yet, in the previous verse, He strongly adds ‘See that you are not troubled.’ While we should be aware, we should not be alarmed. Under no circumstances, are people of faith to be troubled or afraid or worried (John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-9). God really does take care of those who trust in Him.
It is of the utmost importance that people are not provoked into panic. Such a reaction is worse than the health threat itself. Faith-people should remain calm and encourage others to do likewise. The opposite emotion can be dangerous and destructive. Fear can be conquered by faith and the perfect love of God (I John 4:18).
So what should we do? Relax, calm down, and be level-headed.
Practical Steps to Prevention
For those who would like to take some practical steps from being afflicted by any virus, not just coronavirus, here are a few tips on sanitation and supplementation:
1.        Wipe everything down: This includes computer keyboards, phones, things that might be on the floor like purses, briefcases, other bags, door knobs, and even the table/tray used to eat meals on the airplane (when flights resume again). Wet wipes, hand-sanitisers, and disinfectants are your tools. Items brought into the house from outside like grocery bags or cardboard boxes need a wipe. The virus can live on surfaces for awhile.
2.        Wash hands regularly: Good trusty normal soap and warm-water is actually the best. Hands should be washed thoroughly, 20-30 seconds – not just a quick run of the tap. Wash after being outside, in public, before meals, and, of course, after visiting the washroom; remember to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
3.        Social distancing: Stay 2 metres away from others who live outside your own home. This is crucial.
4.        Stay-at-Home: There is a distinction between stay-at-home and lock-downs; the former allows for limited journeys outside the home for exercise, doctor visits, grocery stores and essential services. The latter does not allow for anyone to leave their homes. In any case, cooperation with the authorities is essential.
5.        Supplementation: At the first sign of colds or flu, reach for echinacea. One medical doctor and health specialist said it could actually be the ‘cure for the common cold.’ Australian supplement company Cenovis has a great product called ‘Echinacea, Garlic, Zinc & C.’ Our family has used it for years with remarkable results. Remember, only take echinacea if you are coming down with the flu, not as a daily supplement. Don’t forget B-Vitamins, Vitamin C and D; higher doses can be very helpful at the outset of a cold or flu but should be taken regularly to build up one’s immunity.
6.        Food: When you are battling cold or flu, nothing seems to work like chicken soup, preferably home made. For more power, add some lemon juice (a Mediterranean version) and/or garlic. Of course, rice and/or noodles in the soup are always a treat.
7.        Get good sleep: That goes without saying; you can’t beat illness if your system is run down due to lack of sleep.
8.        Public coughing: Hold your breath or turn away if someone is coughing and sneezing your way. If you are the cougher, try to cough into a tissue (quickly disposed) or into your elbow; never cough without covering your mouth in some way. Face masks apparently are not that effective, unless it is to keep your germs from going to others;
9.        Hand sanitiser: Keep them handy on your person, your car, and/or your desk;
10.   Toilets (public and private): Remember that public toilets, door handles, taps (faucets), soap dispenser and, yes, even the hand dryers, are a breeding ground for bacteria, including viruses. Hand dryers can spread the germs around and, if possible, use paper towels instead, for drying your hand and to use on the door handle. What about at home (or someone else’s home)? Be sure to put down the toilet lid before flushing to keep germs from becoming airborne;
Spiritual Remedies
While the practical side is good to observe, the spiritual side is much more important. Faith can do what natural resources and human effort cannot. And faith comes by hearing and hearing comes from God’s Word (Romans 10:17). If you build up your ‘spiritual immune system,’ it will positively affect all aspects of your being, including
Here are some Scripture promises to meditate on and confess aloud.
Psalm 91:3, 6, 7:Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.
Exodus 15:26ff: … I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”
Proverbs 18:10: The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Mark 5:34: And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Out of conviction and experience, this author is convinced that putting the spiritual side first reaps benefits spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Put these principles into practice and watch the blessings flow.