Category Archives: Prophecy

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

THE BIBLE SAYS: A TRIBUTE TO BILLY GRAHAM (1918-2018)

Just 8 1/2 months shy of his 100th birthday, Evangelist Billy Graham (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018) died peacefully at his home in Montreal, North Carolina. His longevity, influence, and role modelling have been epic. In a 60 year plus evangelistic career, it is estimated that he evangelised 210 million people in 185 nations, with 3.2 million recorded decisions for Christ. His most famous phrase in preaching: The Bible Says.
Graham met many world leaders and was confidant to 12 US Presidents. He didn’t limit his ministry to personal appearances: Billy harnessed the media and written material to get the gospel message out. So well-known and respected was Billy Graham that he was called ‘America’s Pastor’ and the ‘Protestant Pope.’ He was given a Presidential Medal of Freedom by Ronald Reagan. Hollywood even gave him his own ‘Billy Graham Star’ on the city’s footpath.
Photo the front of page of the Słowo Prawdy, Poland, 1966. Public domain.

The Bible says: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes — Matthew 7:29
A story is told that Graham, as a young man, wrestled with the issues of the authority and inerrancy of the Bible. Somehow, despite the doubts which tried to eclipse his convictions, the gift of faith descended on him and he rose up, clutching the Bible, and declared that he believed this book – every word of it –  is the every word ofGod. From that point, he went forth to preach the gospel with authority, and ‘not as the scribes.’
Billy’s big break happened early in his ministry. His ‘canvas cathedral’ in the Los Angeles revival of 1949 gave him a national profile. In his 12 week London crusade in 1954, Graham ministered to 2 million people. Madison Square Gardens crusades in New York 1957 was a home-run, too. People in Melbourne still remember Graham’s visit in 1959. From these events, and more to come, Graham’s ministry went from strength-to-strength.
Though a dedicated evangelical, Graham was willing to raise the ire of narrow fundamentalists by working with a variety of churches. He also insisted that his meetings be interracial, a real ground-breaker for a Southerner over 50 to 60 years ago. His attitude: ‘I intend to go anywhere, sponsored by anyone, to preach the gospel of Christ.’
The Bible Says: Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men  — Proverbs 22:29
Billy Graham was the ‘Pastor to the Presidents,’ starting with Harry S. Truman and finishing with Barack H. Obama. Graham was particularly close to Lyndon B. Johnson, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, where he was their chief spiritual advisor. In fact, Bill Clinton became a Christian as a child while attending a Billy Graham crusade. Ironically, the Presidents he was least close to were his fellow Baptists Truman and Jimmy Carter. At the age of 98, he was unable to visit the White House with current President Donald J. Trump, though son Franklin prayed at his 2017 inauguration.
Describing Billy Graham
When thinking about the life of Billy Graham, certain adjectives come to mind:
Consistency: Graham did not gyrate from one fad to another; he was focused on one thing and one thing only: do the work of an evangelist. This consistency over a 60 year plus period is remarkable and inspiring.
The Bible Says: But you be watchful in all things endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry — II Timothy 4:5
Integrity: Unlike some televangelist and high profile ministers, Billy Graham was never tainted with a whiff of scandal, personally, professionally, or financially. He kept himself above reproach in public and public dealings. Graham showed great propriety in his conduct with the opposite sex, thus scandal-proofing his ministry. People of integrity are supremely trustworthy and Graham would fit that description to a ’T.’
Loyalty: Billy Graham exhibited a rare loyalty to his friends that is most remarkable, almost to a fault. He stuck with US President Nixon during the heat of the Watergate scandal almost until the very end. He forgave Bill Clinton at the height of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. The Grahams remained loyal to televangelist Jimmy Bakker, who they considered a friend; Franklin Graham even visited him in prison, even though there was the risk of ‘guilt by association.’
The Bible Says:Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy — Matthew 5:7
Mercy: Billy’s loyalty may have been based on his merciful side. If its a choice between being too judgmental versus being too merciful, best err on the side of mercy. Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount that the merciful will receive mercy. The message is simple yet profound: be merciful to others and when you need mercy, you will get it.
Billy’s inclination to mercy would help him in his latter years. Back in 1972, Graham had a meeting with President Nixon in the Oval Office. He may or may not have known that every word uttered in that office was recorded. In that conversation, Nixon uttered comments about Jewish people that were negative, perhaps even anti-Semitic (though, the very next year he sent a massive military airlift to help Israel during the October 1973 Yom Kippur War). Billy Graham may have uttered some words of agreement, or stayed silent during the most vehement or extreme statements of Nixon. This could have been construed or misconstrued as acquiescence. At one point, he told President Nixon that Jews ‘don’t know how I really feel about what they’re doing to this country.’
Thirty years later in 2002, with Nixon long gone, the tapes were released and Jewish people would know how Billy Graham felt … back in 1972. Graham, age 83, was deeply embarrassed over the incident and offered to go on his hands and knees to apologise to any rabbi who came on his path. From all accounts, the Jewish community’s response was mild, perhaps moot. After all, it’s Billy Graham … let’s give him a pass. The whole thing blew over very quickly. Yes, blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

In his long life, Graham will be remembered for many things. Yet, perhaps the most important, is the simple three-word phrase he used again and again while preaching: The Bible Says. This is tantamount to: God says. For Billy Graham, along with all classic evangelicals, the Bible and God’s Word are one and the same. When we equate the words of the Bible with the Words of God, salvation and a myriad of other blessings flow. In combating today’s scourge of Biblical illiteracy, Billy Graham’s three words give wisdom for today and hope for to

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

THE BIBLE SAYS: A TRIBUTE TO BILLY GRAHAM (1918-2018)

Just 8 1/2 months shy of his 100th birthday, Evangelist Billy Graham (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018) died peacefully at his home in Montreal, North Carolina. His longevity, influence, and role modelling have been epic. In a 60 year plus evangelistic career, it is estimated that he evangelised 210 million people in 185 nations, with 3.2 million recorded decisions for Christ. His most famous phrase in preaching: The Bible Says.
Graham met many world leaders and was confidant to 12 US Presidents. He didn’t limit his ministry to personal appearances: Billy harnessed the media and written material to get the gospel message out. So well-known and respected was Billy Graham that he was called ‘America’s Pastor’ and the ‘Protestant Pope.’ He was given a Presidential Medal of Freedom by Ronald Reagan. Hollywood even gave him his own ‘Billy Graham Star’ on the city’s footpath.


Billy Graham was greatly honoured in life and death. This blog will highlight his greatest legacy: The Bible Says.
The Bible says: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes — Matthew 7:29
A story is told that Graham, as a young man, wrestled with the issues of the authority and inerrancy of the Bible. Somehow, despite the doubts which tried to eclipse his convictions, the gift of faith descended on him and he rose up, clutching the Bible, and declared that he believed this book – every word of it –  is the every word ofGod. From that point, he went forth to preach the gospel with authority, and ‘not as the scribes.’
Billy’s big break happened early in his ministry. His ‘canvas cathedral’ in the Los Angeles revival of 1949 gave him a national profile. In his 12 week London crusade in 1954, Graham ministered to 2 million people. Madison Square Gardens crusades in New York 1957 was a home-run, too. People in Melbourne still remember Graham’s visit in 1959. From these events, and more to come, Graham’s ministry went from strength-to-strength.
Though a dedicated evangelical, Graham was willing to raise the ire of narrow fundamentalists by working with a variety of churches. He also insisted that his meetings be interracial, a real ground-breaker for a Southerner over 50 to 60 years ago. His attitude: ‘I intend to go anywhere, sponsored by anyone, to preach the gospel of Christ.’
The Bible Says: Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men  — Proverbs 22:29
Billy Graham was the ‘Pastor to the Presidents,’ starting with Harry S. Truman and finishing with Barack H. Obama. Graham was particularly close to Lyndon B. Johnson, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, where he was their chief spiritual advisor. In fact, Bill Clinton became a Christian as a child while attending a Billy Graham crusade. Ironically, the Presidents he was least close to were his fellow Baptists Truman and Jimmy Carter. At the age of 98, he was unable to visit the White House with current President Donald J. Trump, though son Franklin prayed at his 2017 inauguration.
Describing Billy Graham
When thinking about the life of Billy Graham, certain adjectives come to mind:
Consistency: Graham did not gyrate from one fad to another; he was focused on one thing and one thing only: do the work of an evangelist. This consistency over a 60 year plus period is remarkable and inspiring.
The Bible Says: But you be watchful in all things endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry — II Timothy 4:5
Integrity: Unlike some televangelist and high profile ministers, Billy Graham was never tainted with a whiff of scandal, personally, professionally, or financially. He kept himself above reproach in public and public dealings. Graham showed great propriety in his conduct with the opposite sex, thus scandal-proofing his ministry. People of integrity are supremely trustworthy and Graham would fit that description to a ’T.’
Loyalty: Billy Graham exhibited a rare loyalty to his friends that is most remarkable, almost to a fault. He stuck with US President Nixon during the heat of the Watergate scandal almost until the very end. He forgave Bill Clinton at the height of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. The Grahams remained loyal to televangelist Jimmy Bakker, who they considered a friend; Franklin Graham even visited him in prison, even though there was the risk of ‘guilt by association.’
The Bible Says:Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy — Matthew 5:7
Mercy: Billy’s loyalty may have been based on his merciful side. If its a choice between being too judgmental versus being too merciful, it’s always best err on the side of mercy. Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount that the merciful will receive mercy. His message is simple yet profound: be merciful to others and when you need mercy, you will get it.
Billy’s inclination to mercy would help him in his latter years. Back in 1972, Graham had a meeting with President Richard Nixon in the Oval Office. He may or may not have known that every word uttered in that office was recorded. In that conversation, Nixon uttered comments about Jewish people that were negative, perhaps even anti-Semitic (though, the very next year he sent a massive military airlift to help Israel during the October 1973 Yom Kippur War). Billy Graham may or may not have agreed, or stayed in silence when he could have spoken up. At one point, he told President Nixon that Jews ‘don’t know how I really feel about what they’re doing to this country.’
Thirty years later in 2002, with Nixon long gone, the tapes were released and Jewish community would know how Billy Graham felt … back in 1972. When the news broke, Graham, age 83, was deeply embarrassed over the incident. He probably did not recall the comment and said it did not reflect his true feelings. Furthermore, he offered to go on his hands and knees to apologise to any rabbi who came on his path. From all accounts, the Jewish community’s response was mild, perhaps moot. After all, it’s Billy Graham … let’s give him a pass. The whole thing blew over very quickly. As Billy Graham experience: He reaped mercy because he sowed mercy.
Go and do likewise!
In his long life, Graham will be remembered for many things. Yet, perhaps the most important, is the simple three-word phrase he used again and again while preaching: The Bible Says. This is tantamount to: God says. For Billy Graham, along with all classic evangelicals, the Bible and God’s Word are one and the same. When we equate the words of the Bible with the Words of God, salvation and a myriad of other blessings flow. In combating today’s scourge of Biblical illiteracy, Billy Graham’s three words give wisdom for today and hope for tomorrow.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Capsicum/Bell Pepper Steak

Capsicum/Bell Pepper Steak
This is a family favourite. It has colour, taste, nutrition and is simple to make. Give it a try.
Ingredients
2 green onions
4 T. olive oil
4 T. soy sauce
1 tsp. thyme
Dash of pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced
1.2 pounds or 600 grams flank steak or skirt state (ask your butcher), cut into serving portions
3 large capsicum (bell peppers), preferably different colours. Slice or dice it to suit your taste (we prefer to have it diced so you have colourful bits throughout)
3 garlic cloves
Cooking
The key to this recipe is the marinade and also the quality of the steak.
Combine green onions, soy sauce, olive oil, thyme, pepper and lemon in a bowl and marinate the steak for as long as you can, at least for several hours.
Saute the capsicum/bell peppers, with the garlic in a small amount of oil in a medium skillet.
Add steak, sauté on each side until done.

Serve over hot buttered rice.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Capsicum/Bell Pepper Steak

Capsicum/Bell Pepper Steak
This is a family favourite. It has colour, taste, nutrition and is simple to make. Give it a try.
Ingredients
2 green onions
4 T. olive oil
4 T. soy sauce
1 tsp. thyme
Dash of pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced
1.2 pounds or 600 grams flank steak or skirt state (ask your butcher), cut into serving portions
3 large capsicum (bell peppers), preferably different colours. Slice or dice it to suit your taste (we prefer to have it diced so you have colourful bits throughout)
3 garlic cloves
Cooking
The key to this recipe is the marinade and also the quality of the steak.
Combine green onions, soy sauce, olive oil, thyme, pepper and lemon in a bowl and marinate the steak for as long as you can, at least for several hours.
Saute the capsicum/bell peppers, with the garlic in a small amount of oil in a medium skillet.
Add steak, sauté on each side until done.

Serve over hot buttered rice.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Wisdom Is the Principal Thing: Why Study the Book of Proverbs

He was no more than 21 years old. Yet the weight of the world was on his shoulders. His father had been a successful, acclaimed king, yet the latter part of his reign was soiled with family scandal and sedition. Now, the new young king wanted to learn from both his father’s successes and failures. How could he navigate through the minefield of leadership and life?
At a high place called Gibeon, the young king had a dream where God offered to give him whatever he wanted. Usually, the normal worldly options include riches, fame/acclaim, and longevity. Yet he asked for none of these. This king wanted to know how to do his job correctly. So he asked this one thing of God: please grant me a wise and understanding heart.
God was so impressed with this request that it was granted on-the-spot. As a bonus, God gave the young king those things he did not ask: riches and fame. If he continued on walking with God, long-life would be granted, too. Some of what God shared with the young king has become a book of the Bible. It is called Proverbs.
Today, in our every-complicated specialised world, it is common for people to pay consultants 100s and 1000s of dollars for advise. Yet, the best consultant of all is found right in the pages of your Bible. For no earthly consultant can hope to match the time-tested, proven, divine wisdom found it Proverbs. It not only promises the very best in this world, including riches, honour and life (Proverbs 3:16) but gives guaranteed hope for the world to come.
Ultimately, we discover that wisdom is not a corpus of knowledge rightly applied. It is a Person named Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:30). When you have Him in your life, you win everything (Revelation 21:7 AV).
Proverbs is so invaluable we recommended reading it daily. Since there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, whatever is the date of the month, that’s the chapter of Proverbs you should read. For example, if it is the 5th of the month, read the 5th chapter of Proverbs.
HEBREW NAME
Hebrew: Mishle Shelomoh (Proverbs of Solomon 1:1) and Sepher Hokhmah (Book of Wisdom); the Greek name is Paroimiai Salomontos (Proverbs of Solomon). We get the name ‘Proverbs’ from the Latin:Liber Proverbiorum.
AUTHORS OF THE PROVERBS
Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (I Kings 4:32) and he is the prime author of Proverbs (1:1; 10:1; 25:1). The men of Hezekiah did some editing (chapters 25-29). Also mentioned are Agur (30) and Lemuel (31).
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the life-giving, favour-filled wisdom of God (8:35). To embrace Jesus is the wisest thing one can do; to reject Him is the ultimate of folly.
THEME OF PROVERBS
The promotion and triumph of wisdom and the perverseness and insanity of folly. Proverbs is more than just being wise in this world; it speaks of wisdom that endures for all eternity. Folly is not merely viewed as an unfortunate inconvenience; it is seen as a serious liability and the downpayment to hell itself.
KEY VERSES IN PROVERBS
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. 10Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many — Proverbs 4:5-10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased — Proverbs 9:10-11
SUMMARY OF PROVERBS
Someone once said a proverb is short in words but long on experience. Proverbs contains many pithy, insightful, and divinely wise sayings. Follow its timeless counsel and you will avoid a lot of grief. Furthermore, you will attract much blessing. Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are to be eagerly sought. Folly, scornful, and simplicity are faults to be avoided.
When the author of Proverbs speaks of ‘my son,’ the initial impression is that it has to be Rehoboam, son and heir of Solomon. Writing at a more mature stage of his reign, Solomon is attempting to influence Rehoboam to walk in the same wisdom that he had. Therefore, the first part of problems is directed to ‘sons’ and ‘young men.’ Those who heed its counsel are promised riches, honour, and long-life. Yet there are many pitfalls to avoid. In Chapter 4, for example, it describes the contrast between the dark, nefarious ‘way of the wicked’ and that of the promising, well-lit ‘path of the just.’ These two paths could not be more different. One leads to every increasing darkness, damage, and death; the other to a bright future. Or there is the detailed account in Proverbs 7 about the foolish young man, void of understanding, who gets into serious strife by caving in to the invitation of the adulterous woman. His lack of discretion is fatal.
The second part of Proverbs addresses issues involving all people, young and old. There are many pithy phrases that make for wisdom in capsule form.
Finally, the last section is more for leaders. It speaks of self-control, sobriety, having a good name and reputation, warnings against taking bribes, and being careful against wine and strong drink.
OUTLINE OF PROVERBS
I.         Wisdom for Young Men (1-10)
II.      Wisdom for All People (11-20)
III.    Wisdom for Leaders (21-31)

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Wisdom Is the Principal Thing: Why Study the Book of Proverbs

He was no more than 21 years old. Yet the weight of the world was on his shoulders. His father had been a successful, acclaimed king, yet the latter part of his reign was soiled with family scandal and sedition. Now, the new young king wanted to learn from both his father’s successes and failures. How could he navigate through the minefield of leadership and life?
At a high place called Gibeon, the young king had a dream where God offered to give him whatever he wanted. Usually, the normal worldly options include riches, fame/acclaim, and longevity. Yet he asked for none of these. This king wanted to know how to do his job correctly. So he asked this one thing of God: please grant me a wise and understanding heart.
God was so impressed with this request that it was granted on-the-spot. As a bonus, God gave the young king those things he did not ask: riches and fame. If he continued on walking with God, long-life would be granted, too. Some of what God shared with the young king has become a book of the Bible. It is called Proverbs.
Today, in our every-complicated specialised world, it is common for people to pay consultants 100s and 1000s of dollars for advise. Yet, the best consultant of all is found right in the pages of your Bible. For no earthly consultant can hope to match the time-tested, proven, divine wisdom found it Proverbs. It not only promises the very best in this world, including riches, honour and life (Proverbs 3:16) but gives guaranteed hope for the world to come.
Ultimately, we discover that wisdom is not a corpus of knowledge rightly applied. It is a Person named Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:30). When you have Him in your life, you win everything (Revelation 21:7 AV).
Proverbs is so invaluable we recommended reading it daily. Since there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, whatever is the date of the month, that’s the chapter of Proverbs you should read. For example, if it is the 5th of the month, read the 5th chapter of Proverbs.
HEBREW NAME
Hebrew: Mishle Shelomoh (Proverbs of Solomon 1:1) and Sepher Hokhmah (Book of Wisdom); the Greek name is Paroimiai Salomontos (Proverbs of Solomon). We get the name ‘Proverbs’ from the Latin:Liber Proverbiorum.
AUTHORS OF THE PROVERBS
Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (I Kings 4:32) and he is the prime author of Proverbs (1:1; 10:1; 25:1). The men of Hezekiah did some editing (chapters 25-29). Also mentioned are Agur (30) and Lemuel (31).
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the life-giving, favour-filled wisdom of God (8:35). To embrace Jesus is the wisest thing one can do; to reject Him is the ultimate of folly.
THEME OF PROVERBS
The promotion and triumph of wisdom and the perverseness and insanity of folly. Proverbs is more than just being wise in this world; it speaks of wisdom that endures for all eternity. Folly is not merely viewed as an unfortunate inconvenience; it is seen as a serious liability and the downpayment to hell itself.
KEY VERSES IN PROVERBS
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. 10Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many — Proverbs 4:5-10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased — Proverbs 9:10-11
SUMMARY OF PROVERBS
Someone once said a proverb is short in words but long on experience. Proverbs contains many pithy, insightful, and divinely wise sayings. Follow its timeless counsel and you will avoid a lot of grief. Furthermore, you will attract much blessing. Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are to be eagerly sought. Folly, scornful, and simplicity are faults to be avoided.
When the author of Proverbs speaks of ‘my son,’ the initial impression is that it has to be Rehoboam, son and heir of Solomon. Writing at a more mature stage of his reign, Solomon is attempting to influence Rehoboam to walk in the same wisdom that he had. Therefore, the first part of problems is directed to ‘sons’ and ‘young men.’ Those who heed its counsel are promised riches, honour, and long-life. Yet there are many pitfalls to avoid. In Chapter 4, for example, it describes the contrast between the dark, nefarious ‘way of the wicked’ and that of the promising, well-lit ‘path of the just.’ These two paths could not be more different. One leads to every increasing darkness, damage, and death; the other to a bright future. Or there is the detailed account in Proverbs 7 about the foolish young man, void of understanding, who gets into serious strife by caving in to the invitation of the adulterous woman. His lack of discretion is fatal.
The second part of Proverbs addresses issues involving all people, young and old. There are many pithy phrases that make for wisdom in capsule form.
Finally, the last section is more for leaders. It speaks of self-control, sobriety, having a good name and reputation, warnings against taking bribes, and being careful against wine and strong drink.
OUTLINE OF PROVERBS
I.         Wisdom for Young Men (1-10)
II.      Wisdom for All People (11-20)
III.    Wisdom for Leaders (21-31)

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Culture War Part 04

It is very much part of our society today – and its not getting any calmer. The election of Donald Trump pointed a big spot-light on this half-century phenomena. We called it the culture war.
Remember, the two sides vying for the heart of society are the left-learning secular progressives (SP) versus the right-leaning traditional values conservatives (TVC).
SP, which sees the world through material and economic lenses, represents a utopian vision of society involving big government, regulations, political correctness, and revamping of traditional moral principles.
TVC’s worldview is wholistic, and focuses on all aspects of existence, including the spiritual, moral, and ethical. They prefer limited government, a free economy, strong military, family and moral values.
In this part, we will look more closely at traditional values conservatives
Morality
When it comes to Biblical standards, TVC sees these precepts as fixed and unchangeable: sexual morality, truthfulness, sanctity of life, Biblical integrity, marriage, family, and precepts of the Ten Commandments. Since these things are viewed as permanently good, they are embraced with both hands tightly.
TVC are consistently ‘pro-life’ when it comes to the abortion and/or euthanasia, assisted suicide debate; ‘pro-marriage/pro-family’ when it comes to the optimal societal arrangements; and they are ‘pro-Biblical morality’ when it comes to personal conduct.
Limited Government
With this in mind, TVC believe in limited government: that government exists to provide infrastructure, protect its citizens domestically and internationally, and take care of functions not covered by the private sector. Government does not create human rights, but is there to affirm and protect them. TVC believes in individual freedom with corresponding responsibility, constitutional government, democratic parliaments, and free-market economics, as well as the above-mentioned moral and spiritual values. Christians who are TVC believe it is God, not the government, to Whom we should look for meeting all their needs: economic, emotional, physical, mental, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. Most of these needs are beyond the reach of government but God is able and willing to take are of them all. God, also, is the source of our human rights.
Equality
Unlike progressivism, which believes in ‘equality of outcomes,’ TCV believe in ‘equality of opportunity’ – everyone should get a chance – but concede that some will reap 30, others 60, and others 100-fold. The hyper-equality bandwagon of SP is rejected: to take something that was rightfully earned by a productive person and give it to an unproductive person is considered a great injustice. While a vast governmental welfare system is viewed as inefficient, futile, and corrupt, TVC do strongly believe in private charities and family-community support which are much more effective of meeting the needs of the needy.
Government
TVC believe that man, made in the image of God, can be corrupted by too much power. That’s why they advocate ‘separation of powers’ and ‘balance of power,’ so that no branch of government has too much power, thus providing for better governance. TVC want to maintain these things, arguing that the large government of the SP will distort or destroy the checks and balances, trample on human rights, and run the economy into the red until it hits the brick wall.
Are We Bit Of Both?
Though many will readily identify with either SP or TVC, there is an argument to say there is a bit of both in most of us. There are those on the SP Left (not many, but they exist) who believe in being moral in the traditional sense. And there are TVC who believe in some of the better known government entitlements programs.
For example, the US aged-pension, known as Social Security, is a ‘sacred cow’ to most Americans, regardless of political persuasion. If you want to raise the ire of the grey power brigade, just hint at touching Social Security, even with the most minimal and modest of reforms. Many people in Australia, America, and Britain, like the notion of a government benefits and safety net – but ignore the price such a net brings.
Yet, in short, if you believe in a big government who endeavours to take care of all your needs, but could end up telling you what to think, believe, or say, you are strongly leaning to the SP side. If you believe in individual initiative, freedom, responsibility, hard work, family values and traditional morality, you are on the TVC side.


Next time, we will contrast SP with TVC side-by-side
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Culture War Part 04

It is very much part of our society today – and its not getting any calmer. The election of Donald Trump pointed a big spot-light on this half-century phenomena. We called it the culture war.
Remember, the two sides vying for the heart of society are the left-learning secular progressives (SP) versus the right-leaning traditional values conservatives (TVC).
SP, which sees the world through material and economic lenses, represents a utopian vision of society involving big government, regulations, political correctness, and revamping of traditional moral principles.
TVC’s worldview is wholistic, and focuses on all aspects of existence, including the spiritual, moral, and ethical. They prefer limited government, a free economy, strong military, family and moral values.
In this part, we will look more closely at traditional values conservatives
Morality
When it comes to Biblical standards, TVC sees these precepts as fixed and unchangeable: sexual morality, truthfulness, sanctity of life, Biblical integrity, marriage, family, and precepts of the Ten Commandments. Since these things are viewed as permanently good, they are embraced with both hands tightly.
TVC are consistently ‘pro-life’ when it comes to the abortion and/or euthanasia, assisted suicide debate; ‘pro-marriage/pro-family’ when it comes to the optimal societal arrangements; and they are ‘pro-Biblical morality’ when it comes to personal conduct.
Limited Government
With this in mind, TVC believe in limited government: that government exists to provide infrastructure, protect its citizens domestically and internationally, and take care of functions not covered by the private sector. Government does not create human rights, but is there to affirm and protect them. TVC believes in individual freedom with corresponding responsibility, constitutional government, democratic parliaments, and free-market economics, as well as the above-mentioned moral and spiritual values. Christians who are TVC believe it is God, not the government, to Whom we should look for meeting all their needs: economic, emotional, physical, mental, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. Most of these needs are beyond the reach of government but God is able and willing to take are of them all. God, also, is the source of our human rights.
Equality
Unlike progressivism, which believes in ‘equality of outcomes,’ TCV believe in ‘equality of opportunity’ – everyone should get a chance – but concede that some will reap 30, others 60, and others 100-fold. The hyper-equality bandwagon of SP is rejected: to take something that was rightfully earned by a productive person and give it to an unproductive person is considered a great injustice. While a vast governmental welfare system is viewed as inefficient, futile, and corrupt, TVC do strongly believe in private charities and family-community support which are much more effective of meeting the needs of the needy.
Government
TVC believe that man, made in the image of God, can be corrupted by too much power. That’s why they advocate ‘separation of powers’ and ‘balance of power,’ so that no branch of government has too much power, thus providing for better governance. TVC want to maintain these things, arguing that the large government of the SP will distort or destroy the checks and balances, trample on human rights, and run the economy into the red until it hits the brick wall.
Are We Bit Of Both?
Though many will readily identify with either SP or TVC, there is an argument to say there is a bit of both in most of us. There are those on the SP Left (not many, but they exist) who believe in being moral in the traditional sense. And there are TVC who believe in some of the better known government entitlements programs.
For example, the US aged-pension, known as Social Security, is a ‘sacred cow’ to most Americans, regardless of political persuasion. If you want to raise the ire of the grey power brigade, just hint at touching Social Security, even with the most minimal and modest of reforms. Many people in Australia, America, and Britain, like the notion of a government benefits and safety net – but ignore the price such a net brings.
Yet, in short, if you believe in a big government who endeavours to take care of all your needs, but could end up telling you what to think, believe, or say, you are strongly leaning to the SP side. If you believe in individual initiative, freedom, responsibility, hard work, family values and traditional morality, you are on the TVC side.


Next time, we will contrast SP with TVC side-by-side
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

What Is the Church Part 02

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God — Matthew 16:16
‘What is the church?’ ‘How does it work?’ Most importantly, ‘why does it make a difference in our world?’
In our first part, we attempted to answer these questions by focusing on the founder of the church, Jesus Christ Himself. While the world has debated Jesus’ identity for the last 2,000 years, it can be neatly summarised in Peter’s declaration above. Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, the Son of David who will sit on his throne. He is also declared as the Son of God.
While ancient Israel had anointed prophets, priests, and kings, the anointing of Jesus is unique. He is ‘the anointed of the anointed:’ Anointed
1.      A Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15);
2.      A Priest like Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:11, 15, 17, 21); and
3.      A King: like David (Psalm 18:50; 89:20; Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38; Hebrews 1:9).
Only Jesus of Nazareth fits this description and Peter affirmed it in his confession. It is on this confession that the church is built. Jesus, doing a play on words regarding Peter’s name, calls him petros meaning a detached or boulder stone, or ‘little stone,’ that can be cast down. But on this confession, called petra,[1] an unmovable ‘mass of rock’ that is used for a sure foundation to build the church.
In other words, Jesus calls Peter a detachable, throwable stone, but on this unmoveable foundational rock Christ will build His church. It is the confession of Jesus’ identity as Christ, Son of David, Son of God, not the person of Peter himself, which is the foundation stone for the church.[2]
God purchased the church with the shed blood of His Son (Acts 20:28). Jesus Christ is head of the church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18). Christ loves, nourishes, and cherishes the church (Ephesians 5:25), which He will present blameless in glory on day (v. 27). Christ prime responsibility is to build His church (Matthew 16:18), and one of His methods is by spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:12).
Defining ‘The Church’
Now that Jesus’ true and complete identity is revealed to Peter and the disciples by the Heavenly Father (Matthew 16:17), it is time to ‘talk church.’ First, note that this is first out of 77 times that the word is used, all in the New Testament. So what does the word actually mean?
‘Church’ comes from the Greek word is ekklesia (Greek: ἐκκλησία). It means those who are ‘called out’ from their normal dwelling and/or the world into a special assembly. In its most basic sense, ekklesia, (from where we get the word ‘ecclesiastical),’ means an an organised assembly of citizens in some public place. From the spiritual view, it is a gathering of Christians for the purpose of worship and service.
Yet it does not stop there. Ekklesia/church is every person, redeemed by faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, from the day of Pentecost until the second coming of the Lord. Even those who have died in faith are very much part of the church and may very well constitute the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ spoken of in Hebrews 12:1. This is the universal church. Church also is referred to as Christ’s body (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23; Colossians 1:18), of which He is the head.
As one person aptly put it, the church in the Old Testament was concealed, but in the New Testament revealed.
Summary
In summary, the church of the New Testament is built on the confession of Jesus being the Christ, Son of David who will sit on his throne forever. He is also Son of God (Matthew 16:18). Those that believe this confession are grafted into the church. We note that:
1.      Christ is building His church;
2.      This church-building program uses people. God’s method is a person, not a program;
3.      Anyone can join the church through repentance from dead works, faith, and confession towards Christ, Son of God, Saviour, Lord of all;
4.      The New Testament church built on the confession that Jesus is Christ, Son of God (Matt. 16:18). As Bob Gass says, Christ had to be God to save us and man to die for us.
In our next instalment, we will learn what does the church do.


[1] “G4073 – petra – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 22 Dec, 2017. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4073&t=KJV
[2] “G4073 – petra – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 22 Dec, 2017. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4073&t=KJV
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

What Is the Church Part 02

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God — Matthew 16:16
‘What is the church?’ ‘How does it work?’ Most importantly, ‘why does it make a difference in our world?’
In our first part, we attempted to answer these questions by focusing on the founder of the church, Jesus Christ Himself. While the world has debated Jesus’ identity for the last 2,000 years, it can be neatly summarised in Peter’s declaration above. Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, the Son of David who will sit on his throne. He is also declared as the Son of God.
While ancient Israel had anointed prophets, priests, and kings, the anointing of Jesus is unique. He is ‘the anointed of the anointed:’ Anointed
1.      A Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15);
2.      A Priest like Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:11, 15, 17, 21); and
3.      A King: like David (Psalm 18:50; 89:20; Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38; Hebrews 1:9).
Only Jesus of Nazareth fits this description and Peter affirmed it in his confession. It is on this confession that the church is built. Jesus, doing a play on words regarding Peter’s name, calls him petros meaning a detached or boulder stone, or ‘little stone,’ that can be cast down. But on this confession, called petra,[1] an unmovable ‘mass of rock’ that is used for a sure foundation to build the church.
In other words, Jesus calls Peter a detachable, throwable stone, but on this unmoveable foundational rock Christ will build His church. It is the confession of Jesus’ identity as Christ, Son of David, Son of God, not the person of Peter himself, which is the foundation stone for the church.[2]
God purchased the church with the shed blood of His Son (Acts 20:28). Jesus Christ is head of the church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18). Christ loves, nourishes, and cherishes the church (Ephesians 5:25), which He will present blameless in glory on day (v. 27). Christ prime responsibility is to build His church (Matthew 16:18), and one of His methods is by spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:12).
Defining ‘The Church’
Now that Jesus’ true and complete identity is revealed to Peter and the disciples by the Heavenly Father (Matthew 16:17), it is time to ‘talk church.’ First, note that this is first out of 77 times that the word is used, all in the New Testament. So what does the word actually mean?
‘Church’ comes from the Greek word is ekklesia (Greek: ἐκκλησία). It means those who are ‘called out’ from their normal dwelling and/or the world into a special assembly. In its most basic sense, ekklesia, (from where we get the word ‘ecclesiastical),’ means an an organised assembly of citizens in some public place. From the spiritual view, it is a gathering of Christians for the purpose of worship and service.
Yet it does not stop there. Ekklesia/church is every person, redeemed by faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, from the day of Pentecost until the second coming of the Lord. Even those who have died in faith are very much part of the church and may very well constitute the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ spoken of in Hebrews 12:1. This is the universal church. Church also is referred to as Christ’s body (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23; Colossians 1:18), of which He is the head.
As one person aptly put it, the church in the Old Testament was concealed, but in the New Testament revealed.
Summary
In summary, the church of the New Testament is built on the confession of Jesus being the Christ, Son of David who will sit on his throne forever. He is also Son of God (Matthew 16:18). Those that believe this confession are grafted into the church. We note that:
1.      Christ is building His church;
2.      This church-building program uses people. God’s method is a person, not a program;
3.      Anyone can join the church through repentance from dead works, faith, and confession towards Christ, Son of God, Saviour, Lord of all;
4.      The New Testament church built on the confession that Jesus is Christ, Son of God (Matt. 16:18). As Bob Gass says, Christ had to be God to save us and man to die for us.
In our next instalment, we will learn what does the church do.


[1] “G4073 – petra – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 22 Dec, 2017. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4073&t=KJV
[2] “G4073 – petra – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 22 Dec, 2017. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4073&t=KJV