Category Archives: Prophecy

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Charlie GARD: Who Decides?

A drama has been unfolding at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London that has captured the attention of the world. Eleven month old Charlie Gard has been treated by the hospital for a very rare mitochondrial disease. He has brain damage and cannot breathe by himself.

The hospital wants to turn off his life support machine. Charlie’s parents, Chris Gard and Connie Yates, disagree. They have the opportunity to take Charlie to the United States to undergo experimental treatment which might, just might, prolong or improve his life. They managed to raise over $1 million for this purpose but the hospital said ‘No.’
The case was taken to the UK Supreme Court and they sided with the hospital. The court said there was no benefit to taking the child to the USA and his suffering would only be prolonged. Then Charlie’s case went to the European Court of Human Rights. They also agreed with the hospital and UK Supreme Court.
‘The domestic courts concluded that it would be lawful for the hospital to withdraw life-sustaining treatment because it was likely that Charlie would suffer significant harm if his present suffering was prolonged without any realistic prospect of improvement, and the experimental therapy would be of no effective benefit,’ the said the court.
British Prime Minister Theresa May and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, though expressing sympathy for the parents, declined to intervene. Johnson’s spokesperson said, ‘ … it was right that decisions continued to be led by expert medical opinion, supported by the courts, in line with Charlie’s best interests.’
The court decision paves the way for the hospital to turn off the machine at any time. The goal is for Charlie to ‘die with dignity.’ Yet, it is really time for Charlie to die?
The World Is Watching
Though Charlie’s parents have failed to persuade the hospital, courts, or their government, they succeeded in attracting world attention. Thirty-seven members of the European Parliament (MEP) expressed their support for Charlie’s parents to take their son to the USA. They wrote to PM Theresa May to express their ‘deepest concerns about the outrageous outcome and Charlie’s case, which infringes Europe’s most fundamental values, particularly the right to life, the right to human dignity and personal integrity.’
Their letter continues: ‘How is it then possible that even today, in the 21st century, in times when we ourselves designate our era as one which respects fundamental values of life and human dignity, that the United Kingdom does not act in the best interest of its citizens? Is this truly the way we want to go?’ they asked. The implied answer is ‘No.’
Pope Francis has offered the Vatican’s children’s hospital Bambino Gesu, which would take care of Charlie for the rest of his life. US President Donald Trump has offered to help in any way possible.
Two Issues to Consider
The tragic story of baby Charlie raises a variety of issues. While some will say ‘It’s complicated,’ in other ways it is amazingly simple. Two issues we need to address.
The one was raised by the 37 MEPS: The right to life. All civilisations encourage the fostering and preservation of life, if for the simple reason that without it there is no future. While leaving aside the issue of abortion, it is still generally agreed that life must be protected. The hospital and courts could argue that there is ‘no hope’ and that prolonging life is prolonging pain.
However, there is another way to look at it. If there is a chance, however small, to bring hope and healing, then a ‘life-affirming position’ is that opportunity should be taken. Taking Charlie to America sends a message that life is a priority, even if it is an uphill battle. Apparently, there is a boy in America who had a similar disease and is now 6 years old. An Italian child in a related situation has been treated and is surviving, too. Even if Charlie does not make it, the experiment in the USA could learn value insights to could help other children. If Charlie’s parents and the world can say, we done everything in our power, we fought a good fight, that would be a victory in itself.
Another fundamental issue has to do with parental rights. Who is better positioned to determine what is in ‘the best interests of the child?’ Is it the parents or is it the state? If we believe in the importance of family, and that parents are the best ones to raise their children, then ultimately it is the parents who should decide what is best for their child. A government-run and funded health care system provides universal benefits but it also takes away the decision making from the parents. It is the hospital, bureaucrats and the courts that decide what is in the child’s best interests. Basically, it is the old adage: He who pays the piper calls the tune.
Is it in a child’s ‘best interests’ to have the life-support machine turned off when there is the promise of treatment elsewhere? Is its the child’s best interests to die in a hospital room when they could die at home in the warm environment of parents?
When it comes to your child, who do you want to decide what’s in their best interests? With Charlie Gard, as well as everything else, it is time to ‘watch and pray,’ and, when necessary, take action.

Photo: Adobe Photo Stock

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Paul’s Secret to Changing the World – Part 02

Paul the Apostle is one of the top 5 most influential people who ever lived. He turned the world upside down. In this series, we are exploring ‘Paul’s secret’ of how to change the world. That secret is found inPhilippians 3:7-12.
In our first part, we learned Principle One: Don’t let your natural gifts get in the way of God’s grace. Be willing to surrender them all to God in order to live by grace and truth (John 1:14,17).
While natural gifts are a form of grace, a person who is infused with God’s grace will accomplish far, far more.
Principle Two:
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith — Philippians 3:9
The second secret of a world-changer is found in the above verse, which leads to Principle Two: Make sure it is Christ’s righteousness, not your own, that is found in you.
If you want to partner with God to change the world, you will be far more effective living in His righteousness. Yes, God can and does use the unrighteous, but the most powerful vessels are those who are righteous in Him.
Definition of Righteous
Righteousness matters. It is the key to God’s kingdom and the good things He offers. Jesus made it plain: For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven – Matthew 5:20. What is this righteousness that makes the difference between heaven and hell?
‘Righteousness’ comes from the Greek word dikaiosyne(δικαιοσύνη)and ‘righteous’ from dikaios (δίκαιος). There essential meaning is to be ‘upright, faultless, virtuous, guiltless, acceptable and approved of God.’
Righteousness applies to God and people. The Lord is righteous in many ways, not the least of which is that His actions and nature are in agreement. His people need to be the same.
Put another way, to be righteous means two things:
1.       Right-standing before God;
2.       Right actions on behalf of God.
Benefits of Righteousness
The Bible promises great benefits to the righteous:
•    God blesses and protects the righteous (Psalm 5:12),
•    God watches after them and hears their cry (Psalm 34:15);
•    God delivers them out of all their troubles (34:17);
•    They are never forsaken (Psalm 37:25);
•    They shall never be moved (Psalm 55:22);
•    They are rewarded (Psalm 58:11);
•    They are glad (Psalm 64:10; 68:3);
•    They shall flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon (Psalm 92:12);
•    Their desire shall be granted (Proverbs 10:24);
•    They enjoy an everlasting foundation (Proverbs 10:25);
•    They are kept safe in the Name of the Lord (Proverbs 18:10);
•    They shall shine forth in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:43);
•    His fervent effectual prayers avail much (James 5:16);
•    They have eternal life (Matthew 25:46);
Yet there is a dilemma. Our righteousness is not good enough. We learned that Pharisees righteousness fell short of entry into the kingdom of heaven. From an earthy point-of-view, they would have been considered very ‘righteous;’ however, Jesus makes it plain that from a heavenly view, they were not. How about the rest of us? Isaiah 64:6 says ‘But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.’
Source of righteousness:
If unrighteousness brings condemnation, how can we obtain true righteousness that brings justification and salvation? That gets us into God’s kingdom? That enables us to change the world?
Thankfully, it comes from our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who is righteous (I John 2:1). Through His atoning death on the cross, the Righteous One died in the place of the unrighteous. When we accept, by repentance and faith, the free gift of the gospel of Christ, we upload to Him our sins and unrighteousness; Jesus downloads to us His holiness and righteousness. This divine exchange gives us the wonderful gift of justification: meaning we are declare ‘not guilty’ and ‘righteous.’
Now that you are made righteous through faith in Christ and the gospel, you are positioned to be a changed person and an agent of change in the world. In our next article, we will learn Principle Three of how to be a world-changer. To be continued.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

HOMEWARD-BOUND: Why Study the Book of Ezra

For thus saith the LORD, that after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place – Jeremiah 29:10
The Hebrew people were prophesied to go into captivity because of their sin; yet, in grace and mercy, after 70 years they would return home to Judah. The Book of Ezra, which was once attached to Nehemiah as one book, tells the needful story of the fulfilment of this prophecy. Ezra was the religious and Nehemiah the political leader.
The twin-themes of the Hebrew prophets of the Old Testament was condemnation for sin yet comfort and consolation in mercy; of rebuke and restoration; of reprobation and revival. We see in Ezra that there is hope in God and He always keeps His promises.
HEBREW NAME
‘Ezra’ is the Aramaic version of the the Hebrew ezer. It means ‘help,’ which is something God is more than willing to do.
AUTHOR
Ezra is universally considered to be the author of the book that bears his name. This seems reasonable since parts of the book are written in the first person with lots of vivid detail. Ezra was a priest and scribe (7:6,21).He is considered the reformer who reformatted Israelite worship in the post-monarchy period. Some even call him the ‘Father of Judaism.’ This may be because of his putative founding of the Great Synagogue, which settled the canon of Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible or TANAKH), and the codification of Jewish law and practice.
Ezra was a contemporary of some important leaders of his day: Nehemiah, the Israelite leader; Gautama Buddha (560-480 BC), a reformer of Hinduism who founded Buddhism; Confucius in China (551-479 BC), the founder of Confucianism; and Socrates in Greece (470-399 BC). Like the 18th century AD Enlightenment Genius Period, Ezra’s era was a beehive of reform and restoration. While we are not necessarily endorsing all that was done by these non-Biblical personalities, we recognise they played a pivotal role in history.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the One who leads out of Babylon. In Him there is forgiveness, restoration, reconciliation, and revival.
THEME OF EZRA
The physical, political, and spiritual restoration of the nation of Judah.
KEY VERSES
Who is there among you of all His people? May his God be with him! Now let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem (1:3)
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (7:10)
SUMMARY OF EZRA
Cyrus the Great, as prophesied by Isaiah, gave a decree that the people of Judah were free to go home after 70 years of captivity and rebuild the temple of the God of Israel. The Book of Ezra tells us the story of two returns from Babylon. The first return was led by Zerubbabel, a ‘prince of Judah,’ around 536 BC a small minority took up Cyrus’ invitation: 49,897 out of 1.5 million Israelites.
During the next twenty years the temple at Jerusalem was rebuilt. Opposition arose to this rebuilding but the prophets Haggai and Zechariah exhorted the people to persevere. When king Darius discovered the decree of Cyrus, he commanded that the work of temple re-commence. It was completed in 516 BC. These events are covered in chapters 1-6. A few decades later Esther becomes Queen of Persia.
The second return happened 80 years later after the first under Ezra himself. He and 2,000 people travel the 1,500 kilometres to Judah without any armed escort; only the protection of God. He wanted to rebuild the spiritual side of his people and became the great reformer, compiler, and organiser, leading to the formation of canon of the Old Testament and Biblical Judaism. He discovered the people had intermarried with foreign women who did not worship the God of Israel. They confessed their sins and responded positively to the Word of God. Reformation and revival were the results.
OUTLINE OF EZRA
I.         First Return from Babylon with Zerubbabel (1:1-6:22)
A.     Zerubbabel (1:1-2:7)
1.       Cyrus’ Decree & Gifts (1)
2.       Census of the Returnees (2:1-63)
3.       Completion of the Return (2:64-70)
B.      Rebuilding of the Temple (3:1-6:22)
1.       Foundations (3)
2.       Rebuilding Interrupted (4)
3.       Temple Completed (5-6)
II.      Second Return under Ezra (7:1-10:44)
A.     Ezra returns (7:1-8:36)
1.       Artaxerxes (7)
2.       Census of Returnees, spiritual preparation (8)
B.      People Edified (9:1-10:44)
1.        Ezra intercedes because of intermarriage (9)

2.        Revival in Israel (10)

(Photo courtesy of blueletterbible.org)
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Seven Pillars to Understanding the Future: Pillar Six




In this important series we have been learning the pillars that help us to make sense of the future. So far, the pillars we learned include:
         




Pillar 01: Bible Prophecy is the key;
Pillar 02: We live in a spiritual world and the challenges, problems and solutions are equally spiritual;
Pillar 03: We have power and victory over the enemy;
Pillar 04: We are called to fearlessness;
Pillar 05: We are simultaneously ‘dead’ and ‘alive;’
Pillar 06: To this we now offer an important sixth pillar: God provides a way of escape. Think of it: the world is in a mess. The problems are of such a nature that they appear to be unsolvable. Ultimately, the only way forward is the ‘God-solution.’ He either will supernaturally clear the way or He will take His people out of the way. God makes a way where they seems to be no way. Isaiah says God makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19).
The testimony of Scripture confirms this. If God does not make a way of escape, then Psalm 91, and other passages and promises, are meaningless. Consider the story of David in I Samuel. Through no fault of his own, his king and father-in-law Saul pursued him with murderous intentions. If he did not have a divinely appointed ‘way of escape,’ he would have been destroyed.
David’s Place of Escape: Adullam
One of those places of escape was the Cave of Adullam (I Samuel 22:1-2). It was either located in the Valley of Elah, west of Bethlehem or in the nearby Judaean wilderness. It was an ideal place: nearby to David’s family but hard to discover and not in the line of fire. David was not the only person to have a fall out with Saul. There were those who were in distress, indebted, and discontented. They had no future with Saul so they decided to hitch their future with David’s. So 400 men gathered there and Adullam became the recruitment ground for David’s mighty men.
Adullam, a centrally located quiet place, provided refuge, rest, refreshment, and recruitment. Here David’s family could meet with him. The refugees were transformed into a fighting fit force. Some of the psalms may have been written here. From Adullam David and the mighty men were launched into their stellar military career.
Consider the great victories that David and his mighty men achieved: They warred and defeated the Philistines, Edomites, Ammonites, and Arameans. Damascus, capital of Syria, was captured by David and he put a garrison there. The rebellions of David’s son Absalom and Sheba the son of Bichri were suppressed. Most significant of all, David and the mighty men had achieved a military victory that eluded Joshua, the judges, and Saul: the conquest of Jerusalem. This Jebusite enclave was converted into a royal city and holy city.
Think about it:all this stemmed from a sojourn to a quiet place, a way of escape, called Adullam. Modern mortals need an Adullam more than ever; consider the paradox that despite so many time-saving devices, we complain about having no time. ‘I’m so busy’ is the constant refrain and, unfortunately, much of the busyness is in vain. Don’t expect any ‘brownie-points’ from the LORD; He is not going to tell anyone, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, you were so busy!’ It is fruitfulness, not busyness, that wins the prize.
God’s ‘Way of Escape’ in Scripture
Consider other instances were God provides a way of escape:
•      Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-8): the human race got a fresh start;
•      Jacob’s Peniel (Genesis 32:30): Here Jacob won a wrestling match and became Israel, ‘Prince of God;’
•      Joseph’s Storehouse (Genesis 41:34-36): the chosen family and Egypt were preserved;
•      The Torah’s ‘City of Refuge’ (Numbers 35:9-15): People were protected from the avenger of blood;
•      Ruth’s wings of the Lord (Ruth 2:12): she transferred her trust from the gods of Moab to the God of Israel;
•      Psalmists ‘hiding place’ (Psalm 32:7; 119:114) & ‘secret place’ (Psalm 91:1) refuge,’ ‘fortress’ (Psalm 91:2);
•      Proverbs ‘strong tower’ (Proverbs 18:10): Whoever comes into this tower is kept safe.
•      Psalm 91: Your insurance policy about future protection;
•      Nahum’s refuge 1:7: The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
•      New Testament: Egypt became refuge for Holy Family & the wisemen’s gifts sustained them. God takes care of today, tomorrow, forever;
•      Jesus tells us Luke 21:18 But there shall not an hair of our head perish.
•     The Lord promises a ‘way of escape’ in Luke 21:36: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
•     To the Philadelphian Church, again Jesus promises protection from the hour of tribulation: Revelation 3:10: Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
The evidence is there for all to see. Now, more than ever, it is time to trust God with all of your heart, all of the time. He will make a way for you.

Next time, we will discover the seventh and final pillar.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Jerusalem: A Burdensome Stone – Part 02

Last month, we learned that Jerusalem is the Number One foreign policy issue and will get increasingly more global attention in the days ahead. We also reviewed Jerusalem’s history from the time of its founding 4,000 years ago until the time of Christ. We continue.
David in 1,000 BC made Jerusalem his royal city and the holy city. A millennium later Jerusalem in the 1st Century AD welcomed Jesus of Nazareth on His triumphal entry. They uttered Messianic cries of ‘Hosanna to the Son of David, Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.’ Yet, less than one week later, this same city turned on Him with fury. He was betrayed, arrested, mocked, condemned, and crucified on a rugged Roman cross. His crime was written on a sign nailed above His head: ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Christ, Son of David, was being crucified because He was a king and Rome would only tolerate ‘kings’ that were propped up by them, including the puppet Herodian dynasty.
Jerusalem Chronology: Decades later in 70 AD, David’s 1,000 year old capital was destroyed by the Romans, Herod’s temple was burned to the ground, and the Jewish people dispersed. From the time of the Roman destruction and the end of Jewish autonomous rule, Jerusalem was occupied by a series of rulers, including:
•    Roman rule (63 BC – 325 AD): In 135 AD, the city of Jerusalem became a heathen Roman city called Aelia Capitolina and remained so until 325 AD;
•    Byzantine Period (325 – 638 AD): This was a period of Roman Christian rule from the capital of Constantinople; the Persians temporarily occupied the city in the 7th Century AD.
•    Arab & Muslim Period (638 – 1099 AD): This was under the Umayyads and Abbasid Islamic empires; the Dome of the Rock and al Aqsa Mosque were built on the Temple Mount late in the 7th century.
•    Crusader Period (1099-1187 AD): The Christian crusaders from Europe conquered the Holy Land in 1099 AD. The Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque became churches during this era; the last crusader kingdom came to an end when Acre fell in 1291;
•   Ayyubid Period (1187-1259 AD): Their greatest leader was Saladin, who retook Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187. Also, Jerusalem was temporarily returned to Crusader rule from 1229-1244 AD;
•   Mamluk Period (1259 – 1517 AD). Walls of the city removed and the population declined;
•   Ottoman Turkish Period (1517 – 1917 AD): Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilt the Old City of Jerusalem’s walls, which are the ones we see today (1538-1541). Apart from that, the city languished for four centuries;
•   British Mandatory Rule (1917 – 1948 AD): The League of Nations, incorporating the November 2, 1917 Balfour Declaration, awarded a mandate in Palestine to the British. It is a modern concept, an ‘occupation with an expiry date,’ to prepare country for independence;
•   Divided city (1948 – 1967 AD): During the first Arab-Israeli war of 1948, known in the Jewish state as the ‘War of Independence,’ Israel captured West Jerusalem and Jordan the Old City, Mount of Olives, and eastern suburbs. The border inside Jerusalem was along the western wall of the Old City (not the Western ‘Wailing’ Wall), scarred with barbed wire, mine fields, and sniper fire. Residents could not cross from one side to the other;
•   Reunification (June 7, 1967): At the height of the Six Day War, the Israel Defence Forces captured the Old City and Mount of Olives and reunited the city. By the end of the month, Israel annexed the eastern sector, declared Jerusalem as its indivisible, united, and eternal capital.
When it came to future peace talks with the Arabs, Israel declared ‘Jerusalem is not negotiable’ and this was its policy for 33 years. In the year 2000, at the Camp David peace summit between Israel’s Ehud Barak and Palestine Authority President Yasser Arafat and hosted by US President Bill Clinton, the status of Jerusalem was put on the negotiation table for the first time. Barak was willing to divide the city if it would lead to permanent peace. Though Arafat rejected Barak’s proposal, from that point onward Jerusalem never left the negotiating table. This move ensured that the nations would become even more involved in the affairs of the holy city than ever before.
Now that international interest is at an all-time high, the nations will discover that Jerusalem is a burdensome stone for all people (Zechariah 12:3). To be continued.
Upcoming ‘Understanding the Times’ Tour: August-September 2017
A Burdensome Stone: Jerusalem and the Middle East in the Age of Trump (updated) will be the topic of the upcoming third annual, Australia-wide ‘Understanding the Times’ speaking tour. Click on to the link below for the schedule.
vision.org.au/events

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Paul’s Secret on How to Change the World – Part 01

Without a doubt, the apostle Paul was one of the most influential people of world history. His indefatigable energy in evangelism and church planting during the 1st Century AD changed the face of Europe and the world. He was part of the company who ‘turned the world upside down’ (Acts 17:6). He also wrote up to half of the New Testament. Every day of the year for the last 2,000 years, his legacy continues to pay rich dividends to the church and the world.
Born with the Hebrew name Saul in the city of Tarsus, Cilicia in south central Asia Minor (Turkey), he may have been given the Roman name Paul at birth. In the natural, he was a gifted man: multi-lingual, a Roman citizen from birth, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. Like Moses and Daniel, Paul had a solid education in classical things and of the empire of the day. Despite his Diaspora-birth, he was fully orientated to Jewish theology and practice as one trained by the respected Rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 5) in Jerusalem. Paul could be forgiven for thinking he was destined for great things.
Yet, Paul’s personal earthly ambitions and strengths evaporate in the light of what God had planned for him. For those who want to make a difference in this world, who are more interested in being significant than merely successful, and want to leave a legacy that blesses the world, then Paul is your role-model.
How did Paul succeed in changing the world? His method is more valuable than the multi-billion dollar 11 herbs and spices KFC recipe. Unlike KFC’s recipe, which is a secret, Paul’s ‘recipe’ is open for all to see.
You can find it in the words of Philippians 3:7-12:
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
At first glance, Paul’s principles might appear to be ‘radical discipleship’ but in reality he is offering a blueprint for the normal Christian living. Let’s look at a few of them here.
Principle One: Don’t let your natural gifts get in the way of God’s grace. Be willing to surrender them all to God in order to live by grace and truth (John 1:14,17).
The apostle affirms that his assets – pedigree, education, nationality – were dispensable. In terms of obtaining the ‘excellency of knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,’ he was willing to ‘lose’ his assets and counts them a dung in order to win Christ.
Is knowing Christ of far greater value than your natural gifting? Without a doubt! Remember that even gifted people have faults, failings, and deficiencies. When you ‘win Christ,’ He becomes your sufficiency (II Corinthians 3:5). All the potholes in your life are filled by Him, regardless of how numerous and deep they may be. Regarding your gifting, surrender it to Christ. If He chooses, the Lord will return your gift to you, anointed by the Holy Spirit, ‘renewed and improved,’ so that your impact will be far greater than you could imagine.
Another way of looking at this is that Paul became a world changer by letting go of everything – his assets, sin, pride, blindness, everything – in order to be ‘hands’ free’ to take hold of Christ (v. 12).
You cannot change the world until you are willing to be changed yourself. In fact, change is not enough – you should be willing to be transformed. Paul’s principles guarantee that will happen. To be continued.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

7 Pillars to Understanding the Future: Pillar 05

II Timothy 2:11: If we be dead with him, we shall also live with him.
Of the seven pillars to understanding your God-given future, number five may sound the most bizarre. Yet, it is of the utmost importance if you are going to live victoriously in this world with assurance of the world to come.
From a Biblical, theological view, people are ill-prepared for a God-ordained future. Personal corruption, walking in sync with a fallen dying world, plagued with bad attitudes and actions that condemn, a stubborn persistence at folly, and making foolish and wrong choices, all these things mar our present and jeopardise our future. Our attempts to overcome these deficiencies include good intentions, good ideas, and good works, including ‘good religious’ works. Yet none of these can remove the reproach, stain, stench  or penalty of sin. This does not bode well for the future.
The Fifth Pillar to the Future
How do we overcome these things? Great light is shed from Colossians 3:3-4 (NKJV):
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Hannah Whitall Smith in her multi-million best-selling classic, The Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life, makes these verses the centrepiece of her entire teaching. Though published in 1870, her practical Bible-based message has blessed many lives for decades.
What do we learn? In order to be future-ready, understand what it means to be simultaneously dead and alive. This truly is the Christian’s secret to a happy, overcoming life.
The Problem
Truth is that all people are already simultaneously ‘dead and alive.’ The problem is that they are dead and alive in the wrong areas. Put simply, most people are ‘alive’ to this lost, dying, and corrupt world and yet they are ‘dead’ to the holy, glorious, and wonderful, and eternal things of God.
As Ephesians 2:1-2 (KJV) states:
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (Emphasis mine).
This means that because of the influence of the world, the devil, and the disobedient spirit, mixed with our carnal nature, sins and trespasses have made us dead to God. This is a serious matter: God is the author of life so to be dead or ‘separated’ from Him means we are truly dead, even if we are breathing in and out. If this situation is not remedied by repentance and faith in the gospel, the eternal prospects are terrifying.
The Solution
In order to be ‘alive’ to God and ‘dead’ to the world – to reverse the common order – we need Jesus Christ and the power of His cross. While the message of a crucified Messiah may appear to be defeated and foolish, the reality is that it is the secret to abundant life These are the words of I Corinthians 1:23-24, the sermon entitled ‘Christ Crucified’ is the power and wisdom of God.
As we say ‘Yes’ to Christ and the gospel, we upload to Jesus our worldliness, sin, and corruption. He nails these things to His cross. Yet that is not all. Jesus downloads His life and righteousness to us. We stand before God innocent of transgression and righteous because of faith. Indeed, it is Jesus’ righteousness, not our own, that gives us the right to boldly approach a holy God (Hebrews 4:16).
Therefore, we become simultaneously ‘dead’ to the world and ‘alive’ to God. The good thing about ‘dead men’ is that they neither sin nor do they fear.
Of course, the world, the devil, and the demons will be ‘hopping mad’ that you defected from their side. They can manipulate people to cause misunderstanding, rejection, and reproach. Yet, remember that ‘dead men’ don’t hear, see or feel anymore. Psalm 38:12-14 (NKJV) says it well:’
Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, and plan deception all the day long.13 But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. 14 Thus I am like a man who does not hear, And in whose mouth is no response.
This might seem like a ridiculously passive response in the face of aggression, but it contains the spirit of wisdom – be deaf, mute, and, if necessary, blind – to the deceitful and opposing forces of the world. It is also a practical demonstration of the spirit of meekness, which is the only way to inherit the earth (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5).
Pearls of Wisdom from Romans 6
The future-ready principle of ‘dead to the world, alive to God,’ is greatly amplified in Romans Chapter 6. Without exaggeration, this chapter is your ‘Declaration of Independence’ from a sin-dominated ‘self-life.’ Consider the benefits:
•   Dead to sin means you will no longer live in it (v. 2);
•   Water baptism identifies with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ; therefore, you can ‘walk in newness of life’ (vs. 3-4);
•   Identify with Christ’s death and you will also be identified with His resurrection and life (v. 5) – without this there is no God-given future;
•   He that is dead through Christ is freed from sin (v. 7);
•   Dead with Christ means you will also live with Him (v. 8);
•   Practical point: Reckon yourself to be dead indeed to sin but alive to God (v. 11); ‘reckon’ is an accounting term, so budget into your life that you are simultaneously ‘dead and alive;’
•   Yield yourself to God, as one alive from the dead (v. 13); you will serve to whom you yield, whether to sin or God.
•   Sin will not dominate your life because you are under grace and not the law (v. 14);
•   Made free (dead) from sin you became the servant of righteousness (v. 18);
•   Free from sin (dead), servants of God, you have your fruit unto holiness and everlasting life (v. 22);
•   God’s free gift is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (v. 23).
‘Future-ready’ living ultimately is obtained by hearing and doing the Word of the Lord so that you build your life on an unshakeable rock, from which you will never be washed away (Matthew 7:24-25).

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Book of Revival: WHY STUDY II CHRONICLES

Now all theses things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come — I Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV)

He had everything going for him. Solomon, wisest man who ever lived, took the throne of Israel at the apex of its history. Yet, despite all his advantages, the temple that bears his name, the magnificence of his capital at Jerusalem, the fact that he attracted the attention of oriental queens, he failed to live up to the spiritual standard of his father David. His throne was meant to be greater than his father David’s (I Kings 1:37, 47), but he fell short. That is why a ‘greater than Solomon’ came (Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31). He will also be greater than the temple Solomon built. Someone who is wiser, holier, and faithful to fulfil all God’s will.
II Chronicles is the important story of Israel’s history from wise king Solomon to the benevolent Medo-Persian ruler Cyrus, Israel’s long history is told from the priestly view. Its leadership is assessed by fidelity to God, not economic policy, military prowess, or charismatic presence.
II Chronicles is not just a history book. It is a manual for revival. In the midst of lukewarmness and backsliding also there also comes periods of mass repentance and turning back to God. Revival is where God’s people, in humility and faith, change their wayward ways and return to a whole-hearted commitment to God. As the word ‘revival’ implies, they are coming ‘alive again’ to God. To be revived is to be dead to the world and alive to God. Carnal living is the opposite.
II Chronicles, which is the last book in the Hebrew Bible, ends with the hopeful words in the decree of Cyrus ‘Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.’
We study II Chronicles to hear of God’s perspective of leadership, keys to revival, and despite His people’s unfaithfulness, He proves to be faithful no matter what. It helps us understand that even chosen people need a Saviour, the ‘greater than Solomon.’
HEBREW NAME
Dibere Hayyamim meaning ‘The words or accounts of the days.’ We get the name ‘Chronicles’ from the Latin Vulgate Chronicorum Liber which speak about sacred history of the time of the Judean kings.
AUTHOR
Author is anonymous but most likely candidate is Ezra. Some of the sources include Isaiah, Iddo, Ahijah, Gad, and Nathan the prophet.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Christ is ‘greater than Solomon, greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6; John 2:19 [body is the temple]; Revelation 21:22 no temple because the lamb is the temple), and the root and branch of the indestructible Messianic lineage. The tenacity of this bloodline is all the more remarkable because it is threatened by captivity, battles, murder, and treason.
THEME OF I CHRONICLES
Israel’s history from the time of Solomon, through the Babylonian captivity, and to the time of King Cyrus’ decree for the Jews to return to Jerusalem. The focus is on Judah alone.
KEY VERSES
II Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) f
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.
II Chronicles 16:9 (KJV)
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
SUMMARY
II Chronicles tells the history of Israel from Solomon to Cyrus from a priestly point of view. That is why there is emphasis on the temple. Solomon is the last king of the united kingdom. After his time, the nation was divided into two entities: Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Unlike the books of I & II Kings, II Chronicles focuses primarily on Judah.
Every leader is assessed on whether he did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. It did not matter how impressive the king was in the eyes of people; all that matter was his standing with God. From chapters 10-36, 70% of the narrative is devoted to the 8 good Judean kings and the other 30% to the 12 evil ones. As the king went, so did the nation. Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. Judah’s covenant relationship with God is what preserved it through the ups and downs of the ancient Middle East; its survival despite diminutive size and largeness of neighbours has to be considered miraculous. Covenant with God preserves and blesses; violation of the covenant brings judgement and dispersion.
In addition to the leadership inventory and emphasis on revival, II Chronicles speaks of some famous Biblical events, like Solomon’s dedication of the temple (6), the visit of the Queen of Sheba (9), Jehoshaphat’s miraculous victory over 3 armies (20), Hezekiah’s miraculous deliverance from the Assyrian army (32), evil Manasseh chastened by being sent to Babylon (33), good king Josiah slain at Megiddo (35), Jerusalem captured, Solomon’s temple destroyed (36), and Cyrus gives a decree for the Jews to return home (36).
REVIVALS IN II CHRONCILES
Revival: It literally means ‘coming alive again.’ This term applies to God’s people, who are meant to be alive to Him and dead to the world. To be from God’s people and yet alive to the world means one is simultaneously dead to God. This condition is known as ‘back-slidding’ and the only remedy is repentance, faith, and returning to the Lord. This was a constant challenge in Israel’s Biblical history. In II Chronicles there are 5 revivals, as listed below:
1.       Asa (II Chronicles 15);
2.       Jehoshaphat (II Chronicles 20);
3.       Joash (II Chronicles 23-24);
4.       Hezekiah (II Chronicles 29-31);
5.       Josiah (II Chronicles 35).
OUTLINE OF I CHRONICLES
I. Kingdom of United Israel: Solomon Reign (1-9)
    A     Commencement of Reign (1)
    B      The Temple (2-7)
    C      Other works (8-9)
II. Kingdom of Judah: Rehoboam to Ahaz (10-28)
    A     Rehoboam (10-12)
    B      Abijah (13)
    C      Asa (14-16)
    D     Jehoshaphat (17-20)
    E      Jehoram (21)
    F      Ahaziah (22)
    G     Joash (23-24)
    H     Amaziah (25)
    I       Uzziah (26)
    J       Jotham (27)
    K     Ahaz (28)
III. Hezekiah to Babylonian Captivity (29-36)
    A     Hezekiah (29-32)
    B      Manasseh (33)
    C      Josiah (34-35)
    D     End of Kingdom of Judah; Cyrus’ decree (36)

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

A Prophecy for the Church in Malaysia

Without a doubt, the apostle Paul was one of the most influential people of world history. His indefatigable energy in evangelism and church planting during the 1st Century AD changed the face of Europe and the world. He was part of the company who ‘turned the world upside down’ (Acts 17:6). He also wrote up to half of the New Testament. Every day of the year for the last 2,000 years, his legacy continues to pay rich dividends to the church and the world.
Born with the Hebrew name Saul in the city of Tarsus, Cilicia in south central Asia Minor (Turkey), he may have been given the Roman name Paul at birth. In the natural, he was a gifted man: multi-lingual, a Roman citizen from birth, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. Like Moses and Daniel, Paul had a solid education in classical things and of the empire of the day. Despite his Diaspora-birth, he was fully orientated to Jewish theology and practice as one trained by the respected Rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 5) in Jerusalem. Paul could be forgiven for thinking he was destined for great things.
Yet, Paul’s personal earthly ambitions and strengths evaporate in the light of what God had planned for him. For those who want to make a difference in this world, who are more interested in being significant than merely successful, and want to leave a legacy that blesses the world, then Paul is your role-model.
How did Paul succeed in changing the world? His method is more valuable than the multi-billion dollar 11 herbs and spices KFC recipe. Unlike KFC’s recipe, which is a secret, Paul’s ‘recipe’ is open for all to see.
You can find it in the words of Philippians 3:7-12:
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
At first glance, Paul’s principles might appear to be ‘radical discipleship’ but in reality he is offering a blueprint for the normal Christian living. Let’s look at a few of them here.
Principle One: Don’t let your natural gifts get in the way of God’s grace. Be willing to surrender them all to God in order to live by grace and truth (John 1:14,17).
The apostle affirms that his assets – pedigree, education, nationality – were dispensable. In terms of obtaining the ‘excellency of knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,’ he was willing to ‘lose’ his assets and counts them a dung in order to win Christ.
Is knowing Christ of far greater value than your natural gifting? Without a doubt! Remember that even gifted people have faults, failings, and deficiencies. When you ‘win Christ,’ He becomes your sufficiency (II Corinthians 3:5). All the potholes in your life are filled by Him, regardless of how numerous and deep they may be. Regarding your gifting, surrender it to Christ. If He chooses, the Lord will return your gift to you, anointed by the Holy Spirit, ‘renewed and improved,’ so that your impact will be far greater than you could imagine. 
Another way of looking at this is that Paul became a world changer by letting go of everything – his assets, sin, pride, blindness, everything – in order to be ‘hands’ free’ to take hold of Christ (v. 12).
You cannot change the world until you are willing to be changed yourself. In fact, change is not enough – you should be willing to be transformed. Paul’s principles guarantee that will happen. To be continued.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Jerusalem: A Burdensome Stone Part 01

It has got to be one of the greatest puzzles in foreign policy today. A city of under 1 million people, lacking major roads, waterways, or rivers. In fact, its mountainous terrain makes access a real challenge. It possesses no natural resources though it is well-endowed with religious sites. In other words, it has none of the normal ingredients of greatness. Yet this city commands more global attention than any other.
Its international legal status continues to be in limbo. Though it serves as a capital city, no foreign embassies are found there. Yet, from the highlands of New Guinea to the jungles of the Amazon, the name recognition of this city is universal. It is the subject of frequent United Nations resolutions and causes foreign secretaries of major western countries to have sleepless nights.
The city in question is none other than Jerusalem. What we are going to discover is that the global spotlight will shine more and more brightly in the coming days. It will go from a global ‘concern’ to a global ‘obsession.’ What’s more, this attention was forecast 2,500 years ago in Scripture.
Jerusalem in History: To know the future, it is important to understand the past. And Jerusalem has a very long, rich past: a 4,000 year old history. The first 1,000 years (2000 -1000 BC) it was as a heathen town called ‘Jebus,’ perched on a slope known as Ophel, framed by the western hill (now known as Mount Zion) to the west and the Mount of Olives on the east. Despite its size, it eluded capture and occupation by Joshua, the judges, and even King Saul. It was a foreign enclave among the settled tribes of Israel.
The second 1000 years (around 1000 BC) Jerusalem was captured by Joab and King David’s mighty men (II Samuel 5; I Chronicles 11). In a masterstroke of genius, David took this ‘neutral city’ that belonged to none of the Israelite tribes, and made it his capital and royal city. Once he moved the Ark of God there, Jerusalem became a holy city, known as the ‘City of David, City of God.’
Yet another dimension occurred that would catapult the city into prominence. In II Samuel 7 and I Chronicles 17, God made a covenant (a binding agreement) with David, known as the ‘Davidic Covenant.’ The terms of this theocratic covenant were simple: God would give David a son who would rule on his throne forever. Bonus point: David’s son would simultaneously be God’s Son as well.
This Son would be known as The Messiah, the Anointed One (King of kings, Lord of Lords, Anointed of the anointed), Son of David – Son of God. In Israel’s Old Testament past it had three categories of ‘anointed’ people: prophets, priests, and kings. Messiah, known in Greek as Christ, is the ultimate anointed one. He would be anointed a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18); anointed a priest like Melchizedek (Psalm 110; Hebrews 7), and anointed a king like David (I Samuel 13:14). As the Gospels and Acts testify, Jesus of Nazareth was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power (Acts 10:38). Jesus Christ was anointed in everything, including His burial. To be continued.
This Jerusalem will be the topic of the upcoming third annual, Australia-wide ‘Understanding the Times’ speaking tour. Click on to the link below for the schedule.
https://vision.org.au/blog/2017/01/31/dr-kameels-back/