Category Archives: Prophecy

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

FINDING A SPOUSE: Part 2



He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour from the LORD — Proverbs 18:22 (NKJV)
In Part 01, we looked at some of the factors that cause people to ‘get it wrong’ while in search of Mr. or Miss Right. These factors included:



1.      A corrupt, sex-saturated culture;
2.      Worship of false gods, which is far more prevalent than one realises, including materialism, statism (an overarching role for the government), and selfism;
3.      Opportunism;
4.      Narcissism: people can put on a prolonged act before the real person is exposed.
5.      The scourge of pornography. Latest count is that 46% of Americans view porn during the week. It also has a devastating effect on male virility.
6.      No fear of God;
7.      Ignoring wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 says it all: ‘Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.’
In Part 02, we will look at ‘how to get it right.’ Please note that these are principles, not a magic formula.
Seasons: Ecclesiastes says to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. There’s a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, a time to pluck (3:1-2). There is also a time to marry when your season comes. We have a season of singleness which is a gift from God: during this time we grow, develop, form our values and prepare for our future. As maturity and commitment set in, there is a time to marry. With so many waiting until their late 20s and early 30s before marriage, the possibility is strong that they had been in their season long before they actually marry. This can present complications. In other words, don’t wait too long because seasons change.
Decision: First, we need to make a decision to marry even before we meet someone. Everything flows from decision. It is amazing how many people entertain the idea of marriage, but allow life to flow by without actually doing anything about it. Men especially need to ‘prepare to launch’ by deciding that the time of girlfriends and floating around is finished: it is time to be a man and find a wife. As Proverbs 18:22 says that the man who finds a wife finds a good thing and the favour of God will be on Him. At the age of 25, I came to the conclusion that my time for marriage had come. Weeks later, the Lord identified to my future spouse. Having made the decision to marry, it was no effort to ‘make a move’ once I knew who it would be.
Have realistic expectations: It is almost entertaining how people have ‘fairy-tale’ criteria of whom they are going to marry: a certain educational background, physical appearance, social status, the perfect gentleman etc. The problem with these things is that they are 100% natural, not spiritual. Proverbs 31 describes the amazing virtuous woman; note that it says little about her appearance. Her spiritual life and ‘fear the LORD’ is what made her suitable. Whoever God has for you will be ‘a work in progress’ (just like you), so don’t see them as they are, but how God will make them.
TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

Campaign 2016: What Should We Make of Donald Trump?

The 2016 US Presidential campaign is in full swing and it has been anything but dull. The front-runners are totally unconventional. One is a woman and the other a businessman who has never held a political office. Constantly, people are asking me: what do you think of Donald Trump?
Good question and for the longest time, I did not have an answer. Having watched American politics all my life, never have I seen a campaign like this one. Yet, as one committed to helping people become ‘future-ready,’ it is important to address the issue: What should we make of Donald Trump?
Background:Donald Trump, a businessman and TV personality, was born on June 14, 1946, which means he will be 70 years old at the time of the November 2016 election. Ronald Reagan was 69 when he was elected and inaugurated as President.
Trump Candidacy: The day after his 69th birthday, he announced his candidacy for the Republican Party nomination for the office of United States President. His slogan: Making America Great Again! He promised to fund his own campaign and eschewed donations for big donors and super PACs (political action committees). This meant, among other things, that he would be free to say whatever he wanted.
Trump’s statements have been brash, controversial and politically incorrect. He said that he would build a wall at the Mexican border and have Mexico pay for it. After the IS attacked Paris in November 2015, he proposed a temporary ban on Muslim immigration ‘until we figure out what’s going on?’ These and other statements have offended much of the public, other political candidates, and even some of his business partners, who have subsequently severed commercial ties. Some of his rallies have been marked by protests and violence. The mainstream media have scratched their heads on what to do with him. Once highly-left wing news source announced that they were removing Trump’s campaign from the ‘political section’ to the ‘entertainment’ section.
The Trump campaign entertaining? Well, despite all the negatives mentioned above, he has consistently polled higher than his Republican rivals (the party of Ronald Reagan and George Bush, the somewhat American equivalent to the Australian Liberal Party or Liberal/National Party Coalition; the US Democratic Party, to whom Barack Obama, Bill & Hillary Clinton belongs mirrors the Australian Labour Party). He has won state-after-state primaries and is getting closer to clinching the Republican Party nomination. Until now, every attempt to stop his candidacy has met with failure.
Why is Trump doing so well? His populist politically incorrect rhetoric resonates with many people because he comes across as honest, rather than wooden and insincere. His ‘non-establishment’ credentials also impress a volatile electorate, who feel regular politicians are not listening to them. His speeches and blunt statements give him much ‘free’ publicity from the mainstream media, even though they do not like his views.
What are we to make of the candidacy of this very rich, non-political, intelligent man who seems to be steamrolling his way to the Republican nomination? Here is some food for thought:
Conservative Challenge: People who hold to traditional or Biblical (rather than progressivist) values  will be troubled by Trump – he has been thrice married, does business with casinos, and has praised the abortion-giant Planned Parenthood. Though he implies he is conservative, he has not always been that way in practice. Has he had a ‘Damascus Road-Experience’ to a socially conservative position or is his conservatism tactical for more votes?
Conservatives Divided: Christian commentators like Messianic scholar Dr. Michael Brown in the USA and Australia’s own culture warrior Bill Muehlenberg are highly critical of Trump. Yet, some US conservatives like Sarah Palin, 2008 Republican Vice-Presidential nominee and former governor of Alaska, have endorsed him.
One interesting endorsement comes from 91 year old Phyllis Schlafly, a Roman Catholic constitutional lawyer, conservative activist, and founder of the Eagle Forum. She was the woman who prevented the ratification the feminist-inspired Equal Rights Constitutional Amendment (ERA) in 1972. She is an American conservative icon and legend. Schlafly totally supports Trump and says he is America’s last hope. The reason: He is not beholden to the political kingmaker’s and will strongly deal with illegal immigration. If we don’t stop this wave of illegal migration, America as we know it will cease to exist, concludes Schlafly.
Big gamble: A Trump nomination is a big gamble for the Republicans. His approval rating may be high among Republican primary voters but his disapproval rating among the general public is also high. He will be opposed by non-white migrants, feminists, and the mainstream media. His likely opponent, Hillary Clinton, has a well-financed campaign, universal name recognition, and has applied the lessons from her failed 2008 campaign (Mrs. Clinton has unique challenges of her own, including low ‘trustworthy’ ratings and an FBI investigation of her emails while Secretary of State). Can Trump win? It is possible but it will be tough.
Volatility: Americans, especially conservatives are volatile. They are tired of broken-promises, of pseudo-conservative politicians, of political correctness and empty rhetoric. Perhaps because Trump is successful at business, a straight shooter, and smart in-general, he is viewed as someone who can get the job done.
The choice: barring some major event, it looks like it will be a vote between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. American’s will need to decide if they want, after a 16 year hiatus, to have the Clintons back in the White House or the fresh-face of a very determined Donald Trump. 

Photo Courtesy of Michael VADON https://www.flickr.com/photos/80038275@N00/20724666936/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Genericlicense.
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

Laksa 101: Creamy Chicken Laksa

Anyone who travels to SE Asia will, sooner or later, encounter laksa. It is basically a spicy curry soup, often swimming with seafood. Having never grown up with curries or chillies or seafood, I initially was resistant to laksa. Yet, because of my annual visits to Malaysia, I eventually had to capitulate and give it a try. Penang, which is a celebrated food centre in Asia, was where I had Penang Laksa with mackerel. Getting and keeping the big fat noodles on my spoon was a major challenge. Then, I experienced the Sarawak Laksa while visiting Kuching. Laksa was becoming more and more mainstream for me.
One of the redemptive values of laksa is that it is a great and tasty way to introduce vegetables into the diet. So, when I discovered a ‘veggie-rich’ laksa recipe, I introduced it to my wife. Like me, she had little experience with curries, chillies and seafood. Her initial approval encouraged me to press on.
The following recipe is:
Laksa 101 – A Recipe for Beginners & Westerners
25 minutes prep, cooking 15 minutes.
250 gram rice noodles (these noodles expand so consider use half that amount, even if you are a noodle lover!)
1 Tablespoon oil
1 onion, diced finely
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
3 Tablespoons laksa or Thai red curry paste (laksa paste often has shrimp paste, which can be loved or loathed – if you are not use to it, try the red curry paste)
250 g chicken, thinly slice
2 cans of coconut cream (another option is Carnation light & creamy coconut flavoured condensed milk)
2 Tablespoons fish sauce
1 carrot cut into strips
1 cup (or more) sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup (or more) peas, preferably baby peas. Can use frozen peas.
2 cups bean sprouts (fresh is best)
1/4 cup fresh coriander
INSTRUCTIONS
1.    Soak noodles 10 minutes in boiling water, drain;
2.    Heat oil in the pan, gently fry onion and garlic until translucent;
3.    Place chicken and laksa or Thai red curry paste in pan, cook 2 minutes;
4.    Add coconut milk & fish sauce;
5.    Bring to boil, add carrot and mushrooms, return to boil. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes;
6.    Add frozen peas, bean sprouts and noodles just before serving.
For laksa veterans, add generous laksa paste and all the seafood you like.

Give it a try and you’ll feel like you are in tropical Asia!
Articles, Prophecy, Stress, Teaching, Temptation

Christian Living – Oh No! How To Overcome Trials & Temptations

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it — I Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
It is part of life in this fallen world. Anyone who lives long enough will experience trials, temptations, and other pressures. While some people seem to prosper in an atmosphere of crisis, others feel crushed by the weight of it all.
Solid believers in Christ are not exempted from temptation and trials. In some cases, they seem to be more of a target, because the ‘prince of this world,’ Satan, wants to attack and take them off track. The entire epistle of I Peter is devoted to the suffering church and how it can ‘survive and thrive.’
If we want to be ‘future-ready,’ we need a Biblical perspective on how to handle pressures and trials.
First, God allows temptations into our life for redemptive purposes. It helps to build faith and character. Also it brings refinement. When one is tempted, they are not entertaining lusty, fleshly thoughts. Psalm 119:67 says it well: Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Like an incinerator, temptation burns all the rubbish!
The contents of the heart are revealed by external pressures. You don’t know the colour of the toothpaste until you squeeze the tube. James 1:2-3 says to ‘count it all joy’ when you fall in to various temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith works patience. Patience brings maturity, fruitfulness, and a fully equipped servant of God.
In order to survive and succeed in the days ahead, it is vital that we continue to draw insight and strength from the Scriptures. A gem of a verse is found in ICorinthians 10:13, as mentioned above. Here are some insights from this amazing passage:
1.          Universal experience: When facing pressure, it is easy to think you are the only one going through the trial. Often, the refrain is: ‘Nobody understands what I’m going through ….’ It may be correct that your immediate circle of friends are not going through what you are. Yet this verse says that somewhere, someone, indeed many, are walking the same trail with the same trial. No one’s trial is utterly unique, as much as it may seem that way. This verse says ‘There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man;’ so remember you are not alone. Your trial is shared by others.
2.          God is faithful: Believers should have not doubt about this – God is always faithful. Even if people fail, falter and fall, God will never. His faithfulness includes being present with us at all times (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5ff), especially in times of trial. Remember the famous story of ‘The Footprints?’ A believer sees his life in a time-line across the sand, where he and the LORD are walking together. Most of the time, there are two set of footprints on the sand, ostensibly his and the LORD’s. Yet, during times of trial, there was only one set of footprints. Assuming these remaining footprints are his, the believer questions why the LORD ‘forsook’ him during these painful times. The LORD replies: I love you and would never leave you. During your darkest moments, when you saw only one set of footprints, that’s when I carried you. Yes, let God carry you, your problems and future; let Him do all the heavy lifting.
3.          Beyond Endurance: Here is a promise worth holding onto. The verse says that the faithfulness of God means He is ever-present with you; it also means He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your own endurance. One person was sharing with me how they went from trial to trial. My response: You must be very strong person because God won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your endurance. They seemed initially puzzled but eventually the penny dropped. Now, of course, a person can be very stubborn, not listening to God or wisdom, and out of love and faithfulness God will allow them to be tempted so that they soften at bit (like marinade softens tough meat). It is always best to listen to God, praise His Name, and obey His counsel. You will find yourself going from valley bottom to mountain top.
4.          Way of Escape: Here is another great assurance in this verse. Repeatedly in Scripture, there are promises of escape for the righteous: Noah’s Ark, Isaac’s Rehoboth, Jacob in Peniel and sojourn in Egypt, Joseph’s storehouse, David’s Cave of Adullam, the Name of God as a strong tower, and the secret place of the Most High. Look at Luke 21:36 and Revelation 3:10. God delights to make a way in the wilderness and river in the desert (Isaiah 43:19). For people of faith, when one door slams shut, another springs open. God will provide a way of escape.

5.          Perfect endurance: God’s faithfulness, presence, provision, and power means that you can have perfect endurance through the trial because of the way of escape. This endurance will help you hold up during the trial. Grasp this promise; it will see you through everything. Don’t give up because winners never quit. The light truly is at the end of the tunnel. Once you reach it, you’ll forget there was ever a tunnel.
Articles, Bible, Prophecy, Teaching

The Only Access to God: Why Study Leviticus

At first glance, it is tempting to skip Leviticus when reading the Bible. It does not have riveting narrative like Genesis or Joshua, nor does it give lofty inspiration like the Psalms or Ephesians.
Skip Leviticus? Don’t do it! The third book of Moses is an indispensable part of the Bible: for starters, it is God’s inspired Word and profitable (II Timothy 3:16). It is a revered book of the Scriptures, known as the Pentateuch (Greek) or Torah (Hebrew), the five books of Moses. Furthermore, it gives some outstanding typology of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, it shows us the only way to have access to God. Therefore, it behooves us to make it part of our study of Scripture.
NAME
The original Hebrew calls this book va-yeech-krah, meaning ‘And he called.’ These happen to be the first three words of Leviticus in the Hebrew Bible. The Talmud refers to this book as the ‘Law of the Priests and Offerings.’ The ancient Greek translation of Scripture, the Septuagint (LXX) calls it Leuitikon, meaning ‘pertaining to the Levites.’ The Latin Vulgate gave us the name Leviticus. In reality, it speaks about only part of the tribe of Levi, the House of Aaron, who held the priesthood.
AUTHOR
Moses. No less than 56 times in Leviticus does it refer to the law given to Moses (e.g. 1:1; 4:1; 6:1,24). Jesus Christ speaks of Moses as the author of the Torah (Matthew 8:2-4 cf. Leviticus 14:1-4; Matthew 12:4 cf. Leviticus 24:9) and for believers His endorsement should settle the issue.
TIME
Israel stood at the foot of Mount Sinai. The first passover (Exodus 12:2) was the first month of the first year of the new calendar. The tabernacle was finished one year later (Exodus 40:17). Leviticus commences in the first month of the second year and Numbers begins the following month.
There is a logical progression leading to Leviticus.
Genesis: Man sins and falls.
Exodus: Man is redeemed and delivered.
Leviticus: Man is instructed about the only worship that give access to the presence of God.
THEME
What is the only access to God? Worship through holiness.
Leviticus teaches how a redeemed people are to worship and serve God. He is holy and His people must be likewise. This holiness is undergirded by sacrifice, a motif that appears regularly in Leviticus.
KEY POINTS OF LEVITICUS
What become obvious as you study Leviticus is:
God’s Presence: God wants to dwell among His people;
Holiness: Only by being holy can people be close to God.
Sacrifice for sin makes holiness possible: without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:20)
Covenant: We do not have a de facto relationship but de jure (according to law). Covenant, which means a binding agreement between two or more parties, brings great benefits when the terms are met; great disaster if violated.
Holiness is mentioned 152 times in Leviticus, which is 20% of all occurrences in the Old Testament. Sacrifice, which makes holiness possible, is mentioned 40 times; atonement 45 times, blood 85 times, and priest 190 times.
The emphasis here is unmistakable: God demands holiness as the price of entering His presence and dwelling with Him forever. Without holiness no man can see the LORD (Hebrew 12:14).
KEY VERSES  
Leviticus 17:11 ‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’
Leviticus 20:7-8  ‘Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the LORD who sanctifies you.’
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
In summary, you can find wonderful typology of Christ in the five offerings, seven feasts, and the role of the high priest.
CHRIST IN THE FIVE OFFERINGS
Burnt offering: Where the sacrifice is purged of sin. For Christ, the burning represents the unspeakable and excruciatingly painful suffering He experienced at His passion, culminating at the the cross.
Meal offering: This speaks of Christ’s sinless person and work, a portion thereof was thrown in the fire.
Peace offering: This speaks of reconciliation between a holy God and sinful humanity (Romans 5:1). This was the offering between Laban and Jacob.
Sin-offering: Known also as the guilt offering, this speaks of the Atonement that Christ procured for us. He is our sin-bearer.
Trespass Offering: Christ atoning death totally satisfies God’s righteous requirements. It restores the relationship with God that was severed by Adam’s sin.
CHRIST IN THE FEASTS
Passover: This is clear enough. The passover lamb was young, without blemish, and burnt after the sacrifice. Christ is called our passover lamb: He was young, sinless, and His passion was like fire. Yet because of His atoning death and shed blood, the death angel ‘passes over’ all who believe.
Feast of Unleavened Bread: Israel’s departure from Egypt was so quick, they did not have time to let the dough rise in the bowl. ‘Leaven,’ though necessary for good quality bread, represents pride and sin. During this feast, Israel eats only unleavened bread, known also as matzo. This feast represents the holy walk that Christ modelled and God calls us to.
Feast of First Fruits: This represents the first evidence of harvest from the crops; once you see this, you know the rest of the harvest is coming. Likewise, Christ is called the ‘first-fruits’ from the dead (I Corinthians 15:20-23). His resurrection guarantees our own.
Pentecost: Known also as ‘Feast of Weeks,’ this is an agricultural festival that also commemorates Moses receiving the law on Mount Sinai. Likewise, this feast has a glorious New Testament counterpart: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the followers of Jesus in Acts 2. This is considered the birthday of the Christian Church. So as the law given on Sinai brought bondage, the Holy Spirit poured out on Pentecost in Zion gave power and liberty.
Trumpets: This is New Year’s Day and it is ushered in by the sounding of the trumpets. It is also an autumn feast and forecasts the final ingathering from exile of the children of Israel (Zechariah 14).
Day of Atonement: This is the most solemn day of the year, the only authorised fast in the calendar (even though Leviticus does not specifically mention fasting – it speaks merely of afflicting one’s soul). This was the only day of the year that the high priest could enter into the most sacred place on earth: the holy of holies. Christ, our perfect atonement, has given all of us 24/7 access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
Tabernacles: This autumn feast remembers when Israel dwelt in booths in the wilderness. Though not fulfilled in the New Testament, it most likely will culminate at the second coming of Christ.
High Priest: The line of Aaron, brother of Moses, from the tribe of Levi, held the priestly office. Aaron was a faithful but flawed figure. He contributed to the corruption of the golden calf incident while Moses tarried on Mount Sinai. Furthermore, his sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorised, strange fire before the LORD and were immediately slain by God’s holy presence. Understandably, the surviving sons Eleazar and Ithamar were reluctant to eat of the sin offering that followed for fear of suffering the same fate (Chapter 10). They, and their father, were not totally free from sin in order to eat the sin offering. Christ, who is high priest after the imperishable order of Melchizedek, a higher lineage than Levi, offers a perfect, righteous priesthood that ever lives to make intercession for us and affords complete access to the throne of God.
OUTLINE
Part One: Access to God by Sacrifice
I.         Laws on how to approach God (5 offerings) 1:1-7:38
II.      Laws of the Priest (incl. strange fire 10)  8:1-10:20
III.    Laws of Purity (food, childbirth, leprosy)  11:1-15:33
IV.   Laws of Atonement (national, reverence for blood)  16:1-17:16
Part Two: Walk with God by Sanctification
I.         Laws of Sanctification People 18:1-20:27
II.      Laws of Sanctification Priest 21:1-22:3
III.    Laws of Sanctification in Worship (feasts/priestly duties/blasphemy dealt with) 23:1-24:23
IV.   Laws of Sanctification in Promised Land (sabbatic year, Jubilee) 25:1=26:46
V.     Laws of Sanctification though Vows 27:134
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

Problem-Solving: A Biblical Perspective

Problems. Humanely speaking, they are as inevitable as ‘death and taxes.’ Amazingly, some people thrive in an atmosphere of challenge and conflict while others feel crushed by it all.
Today, however, problems take on a new dimension: deeper, more frequent, more complex, crisis-riddled and chaos-laden. Leaders today, though often possessing above-average intelligence, are scratching their heads about what to do with the issues of the day. Even wise Solomon would be stumped at some of the global, economic, social and spiritual challenges we face today.
While some problems seem ‘unsolvable’ and ‘impossible,’ let us never forget that with God, all things are solvable and possible. If we are going to exercise sound judgement and leadership, we need to take our cue from the Word of God.
The early church, which initially was Jerusalem-based and 100% Jewish, began to spread into areas inhabited by the Samaritans and Gentiles. This was God’s will all along (Genesis 12:3; Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8). Yet with growth comes complications. The unexpected yet glorious windfall of Gentile converts to the Christian faith attracted problems in the form of unauthorised teachers.
They approached these Gentile congregations saying unless you get circumcised after the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. Remember that circumcision was not the end result but a package deal to more rules and regulations. With circumcision, Gentile believers would be obligated to keep Sabbath, observe strict dietary requirements, and other parts of the 613 laws of Moses. These self-appointed teachers were demanding Gentiles to keep a standard that even Israel, with 100s of years of history, struggled to achieve.
In essence, the message to the Gentiles was that in order to be a Christian, you had to be a Jew first. This teaching caused great distress to the Gentile believers and threatened the integrity of the young church. A Godly solution needed to be found to solve this dangerous situation, before a serious rupture occurred.
The Council of Jerusalem gathered the Jewish apostles and leaders to determine what to advise the Gentile believers. Wisdom of the highest order was required. Fortunately, the Council succeeded and their was a Godly resolution of the problem.
Solutions.
Let’s look at the text and draw some problem-solving principles from it.
Acts 15:22-29 (NKJV)
Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. 23They wrote this, letter by them:
The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,
To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment— 25it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
Principles of Problem-Solving:
1.       Unity: The early church and the apostles gathered ‘in one accord’ (vs. 22, 25). When the decision-makers are united in heart and mind, solutions will be forthcoming. Remember the power of Psalm 133: unity brings anointing, blessing, and life forevermore.
2.       Authorised men: People are the problem and people are the solution. The brethren from Judea who came to the Gentile believers with false doctrine were unauthorised. They were self-appointed and presumptuous. Rather than bringing truth, they delivered opinions and instead of edifying, they placed baggage and burdens. These teachers were ‘the problem.’ Yet, God also raised up ‘chosen’ (v. 25) ‘authorised’ and ‘anointed men’ to be the solution: Paul, Barnabas, confirmed (v. 27) by Judas Barsabas and Silas. These men risked their lives for the gospel (v. 26), so they had credibility.
3.       Divine leadership: God is always the solution! Verse 28 says ‘It seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us ….’ With the crazy nature of today’s problems, why do we insist on muddling along, hoping to make the best of it, when we can be filled and led by the Holy Spirit? Jesus says that the Spirit makes things alive but the flesh in unprofitable (John 6:63).
4.       Simple solutions: The solution that was offered to the Gentiles was disarmingly simple – they had to keep only four commandments, not 613!
5.       Practical solutions: The recommendation to the Gentiles asked from them to abstain from four things:
*    A) Food offered to idols;
*    B) Blood;
*    C) Things strangled; and
*    D) Sexual immorality. It couldn’t be more practical or simple.
6.       Humane solutions: Problem-solving means lifting burdens, not adding to them! The apostles told the Gentiles they did not want to lay on them any greater burden than these four necessary, simple and practical things. When dealing with church matters, put aside the corporate mindset, which is obsessed with numbers and money, as well as the political, traditional, and/or religious mindsets. With a renewed mind (Romans 12:1-2), focus on what matters most to God: people and His kingdom. The former mindsets will use, abuse, and totally miss the mark. The latter. ‘kingdom-first’ mindset will be humane and nurture people to great fruitfulness. Jesus says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).
What was the final result? The churches were encouraged (v. 31) and strengthened (vs. 32, 41). When this happens, growth and revival will be your portion.

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

Getting It Wrong While Looking For ‘Mr. (or Miss) Right’ PART 01

For any thinking, caring, concerned individual, we should all be interested in the welfare of marriage and family. Famously called ‘the building bloc of society,’ when marriage and family prosper, everyone prospers, including those unmarried and never-married. The reason is that marriage and family provide stability, nurture, identity, and training for present and future citizens, who go on to make a contribution to society. When marriage fails, it is not just a tragedy for the couple and their children, but we all have to carry the can with increased welfare payments, court costs, societal dysfunctionality, higher crime, and more.
Recently I received some sad news from a long-time acquaintance: their 3 year marriage is over. This person is a solid, dedicated Christian, accomplished in their career, a faithful member of their local church. Having been married before conversion, they looked forward to having a ‘Christian spouse.’ Eventually, they did marry a ‘Christian’ but within a short time it all went sour. Though they waited years to remarry, once done, it was quickly over.
As tragic as this is, it need not be terminal for the believer. We all make mistakes and our faith in Christ can pull us through to victory, provided we ‘follow the instruction manual,’ namely the Bible.
Nevertheless, it is worth asking the question:
How can any decent, mature, thinking person, especially of faith, get it so wrong while looking for Mr. or Miss Right?
More positively, when it comes to finding a spouse, how can we increase the chances of ‘getting it right?’
In this blog, Part 01, we would look at the pitfalls.
Our world today makes it easier to ‘get it wrong.’ Here’s why.
1.    A corrupt, sex-saturated culture: Secular humanism has done an effective job of detaching western society from its moral Judeo-Christian foundations. Add to this a 50 year old cultural civil war between the so-called progressives versus the social conservatives. The sexual revolution, women’s liberation movement, abortion on demand, rise in cohabitation, and postmodern relativism, means our society has a distorted, devalued view of marriage and family. Unless you have a strong spiritual walk, you will be adversely affected by the culture around you.
2.    False gods: Everybody worships somebody – or something. Whenever that somebody is not Almighty God Himself, we call such worship ‘idolatry.’ The Apostle Paul calls covetousness ‘idolatry’ (Colossians 3:5). Some of the modern idols include:
A)   Materialism;
B)   Narcissism (more about this in a moment);
C)   Statism (‘big government’ that will ‘take care of you’ – socialism and progressivism are in this category);
D)   Selfism (the religion and worship of self).
Let’s face it, in Australia, one of our biggest idols is sport. When Sir Donald Bradman died, Cathy Freeman retired, Ben Cousins pulled a hamstring, and/or the horses caught the equine flu, for some it was Armageddon. We even have a public holiday to celebrate a horse race! Yes, sport is good – just don’t worship it!
3.    Opportunism: People who are perceived as being monied and successful will be tempting targets for opportunists – those who want to ride the financial and social coattails of that accomplished person for their own selfish gain. The Book of Proverbs says, tongue-in-cheek, that if you want many friends – then get rich (Proverbs 14:20)! However, when the riches sprout wings and fly away (Proverbs 23:5), so will those friends. If a person is showy about their assets, be careful of those who hang around.
4.    Narcissism: This is about a distorted, fanciful self-image which has little to do with reality. Narcissists love to attract attention to themselves (hence, the posting of 500 ‘selfies’ on social media), practice seduction and rejection, and have no problem lying, intentionally or under their own deception, in order to prop up their desired image. Indeed, the narcissist is adept at putting on the mask and speaking the party-line for a considerable period of time. Some do it so well they would earn an Oscar if they were in Hollywood. However, the facade will eventually give way to reality. The big question: will it come down before you say ‘I do?’ You don’t want to marry an ‘image;’ you want to marry the real deal.
5.    Pornography: This is the scourge of our time. Once restricted to ‘dirty magazines’ in questionable bookshops, the hardcopy version are now going out of business – simply because pornography is freely available online. Let’s forget the notion that born is ‘what men do:’ porn addictively weakens when men should be strong; devalues women and sex when men should be protective, and provides a slippery slope to more hard-core imagery, when a man should be self-controlled. This author sadly remembers a nice Christian man, married to a beautiful Christian woman, who discovered his father’s pornographic magazines in the garage at a young age. He could not shake the addiction. In time, his lust was no longer satisfied merely by viewing the pornographic pictures. Ultimately, the stimuli caused him to seek a ‘3D version’ – he visited a prostitute. The bondage and shame were so great it led this man to commit suicide. Make no mistake about: pornography is addictive and dangerous. If you are hooked and can’t break the habit, seek help (hint: fasting and prayer can do wonders in this area).
6.    No fear of God: When there is no concept of personal accountability towards God, people will do ‘whatever it takes’ to get ‘want they want,’ including nabbing a rich spouse for self-centred reasons. If we took the commands of Scripture seriously and remember, as Romans 14:12 says, that everyone of us will have to give account of themselves to God, then we would think twice before ‘telling a whopper,’ ‘jumping into bed,’ or ‘moving in first.’
7.    Ignoring Wise Counsel: Proverbs 11:14 says it all: ‘Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.’ Don’t try to muddle through on your own, hoping to ‘get it right.’ Seek wise counsel from spiritual, mature people. And don’t overlook family, especially parents. Our parents are in an optimal place to assess the suitability of a potential spouse. This even applies if you are a Christian and your parents are not. If your parents clearly love and care for you, then listen to their counsel. It could save you a lifetime of grief.
Now that we have a better idea of the pitfalls in finding a great spouse, Part 02, which is available next month, we will give some practical advice. Stay tuned.

Articles, Bible, Prophecy, Teaching

ABORTION: How Would You Answer Your Niece?

Recently I received a friendly Facebook message from my niece, who lives in the United States. A 24 year old millennial, she is an intelligent thinker, thoroughly postmodern, has a soft, sweet, and compassionate side. She loves US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders – she ‘feels the Bern.’ Though she had been exposed to the gospel, she chose to embrace an alternative lifestyle. She knows and respects that I am an ordained Christian minister with a conservative, high-view of Scripture.
Imagine my surprise when she asked me the following question:
What is your view on abortion, and why do you feel that way? Your professional and personal qualms with the issue would be appreciated. Please feel free to get as deep as you would like. The more information the better. Thank you uncle.
So, as a blogger, I decided to share my answer to my niece with the world.
What would you say to your niece if she asked you about abortion?
Here is what I said to mine:
Terminology: First, let’s define terms. Abortion means the deliberate termination of a pregnancy. Miscarriages are actually called ‘spontaneous abortions,’ meaning they come from nature at any time, usually in the early weeks or months of a pregnancy. ‘Therapeutic abortion’ is caused by direct human intervention, normally by a medical professional. It is the latter type to which I will address.
Why abortion was outlawed in the past: If the foetus in the womb is truly a human-person from conception, then abortion is clearly murder. This was the consensus for centuries and the laws treated it as a criminal offence. The Judeo-Christian heritage of the western world, and the Ten Commandments as the foundation of the legal system, made it so. The sixth of the ten commandments clearly states ‘Thou shalt not murder’ (Exodus 20:13).
Even so, abortions have happened throughout history, despite the physical risks and the legal and Scriptural prohibitions.
Why did things change? We have had 200 years of The Enlightenment, where human reason became king. Then we had the advent of liberal theology, higher criticism that has a lower view of Scripture, and the rise of evolution. Add to this a cultural civil war that has lasted over half a century. In this war we’ve had a sexual revolution, the feminist movement, and postmodernism with its ‘truth is relative’ and ‘tolerance is a must.’
Roe vs. Wade 1973: The watershed happened on January 22, 1973. On this date, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision called ‘Roe vs. Wade,’ which gave American woman a constitutional right to have an abortion. Thirty-one states had their abortion laws overturned in an instant. Though ‘Roe’ was considered a ‘compromise’ and not a ‘blank cheque’ for abortion on demand, the fact is that over 55 million abortions have been performed in the US since 1973. That is about as many people who perished in World War II.
Roe vs. Wade cited the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution (ratified in 1865, just after the Civil War), which guarantees Americans the right to ‘life, liberty, and property.’ Then the court applied ‘substantive due process’ to the 14th Amendment, and somehow created a ‘woman’s right to privacy,’ though this is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. Thus, the amendment that was meant to protect life was now used as justification to terminate the life of a future American citizen. As one person put it, the US Supreme Court created a constitutional right to privacy ‘out of thin air.’
Abortion Justified: If you can successfully deny that the foetus is a ‘person’ and worthy of legal protection, or at least, be ambiguous about its personhood, then abortion goes from being ‘murder’ to merely a ‘constitutional right’ and ‘medical procedure.’
Today’s Scene: Apparently, many millennials are more pro-life than their baby-boomer parents. The annual rate of abortion in the United States is declining (e.g. from 1.6 million to 1.2) and clinics are closing across the country. Being an abortion doctor can be hazardous to your health: a string of high-profile assassinations of abortionists have clearly encouraged some to close their doors (pro-lifers condemn these assassinations; of course, the ‘right to life’ extends to abortion doctors, too). Even Norma McCorvey, the ‘Jane Roe’ in Roe vs. Wade, apparently defected from the ‘pro-choice’ camp to ‘pro-life.’ The 2015 revelation from surreptitious videos that Planned Parenthood medical staff were selling aborted baby body parts (clearly an illegal act) keeps this divisive issue on the ‘front page.’
On high-profile retired US politician, with universal name recognition and says he is a evangelical Christian, claimed to search the Scriptures on this issue. His conclusion: The Bible does not say when the human spirit enters the body. Once the spirit enters the foetus, it is a person, he reasons. Needless to say, this politician is ‘pro-choice.’
Is the Bible really silent on the personhood of the foetus?
My position: as a born-again Christian and ordained minister, I take an predictably pro-life position. I have no other choice: my understanding of Scripture compels me.
•    God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah: Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you’ – Jeremiah 1:5.
•    Psalm 139:13-16: there are some incredible statements in this passage. Apparently, the detailed mapping of our very being (perhaps right down to the molecular level) was written in God’s book, even before we were conceived. 
•    Ephesians 2:10: God knew us from before the foundation of the world (eternity past) and ordained us for good works.
•    Matthew 10:30: The hairs of our head are numbered.
•    Matthew 19:14: Jesus commanded that the little children be brought to Him and no one was to forbid them. They are what constitute the kingdom of heaven.
•    Genesis 1:27: This affirms that humankind is made in the image of God.
•    Genesis 9:6 says simply: Whoever shed man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.
Could it be any clearer?
With such meticulous care, there is no question that in God’s mind the foetus is a person, even before they are in the womb. Therefore, deliberately terminating that pregnancy is destroying a life.
Don Feder says speaks of abortion as part of a larger culture of death. When it was legalised in 1973, prophetic voices warned that euthanasia would be next. People scoffed at them and said it would never happen – yet, it is happening before our eyes. The most vulnerable people – the very young and very old – are being targeted for destruction, often for economic or expedient reasons.
Simple, true justice means we should do our best to defend those who cannot defend themselves. This includes the very young and very old.
Are we a better country because of Roe versus Wade?
Does 55 million abortions improve our quality of life, instil compassion for the needy, or improve our ability to care?
Does it help strengthen the family?
If a child cannot be safe in its mother’s womb, is there any safe place on this planet?
I am unashamedly pro-life and, where possible, and to the best of my ability, I would encourage and support any courageous woman to refuse abortion and carry the child to term.
Dear niece, thank you for allowing me to answer your question on abortion.
I conclude with a simple challenge given by God to all of us. It is found in Deuteronomy 30:19:
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

CABBAGE & MEAT: A Stir Fry ‘Home-Run’

We have been serving this stir-fry style dish for years and it always hits a home run.
Ingredients
2 T. oil (coconut, peanut, olive oil, or some other healthy oil)
1 onion, chopped finely
2-3 cloves of garlic
1-2 carrots, grated or chopped small
3 celery ribs, chopped finely
500 to 750 grams of mince (ground) meat: beef, chicken breast, or turkey
1/2 cup of rice, preferably long-grain (basmati, jasmine, or similar)
2 chicken stock cubes or a packet of dry chicken noodle soup
2 cups of liquid chicken stock
2 T. curry powder
1 cup water
1/2 cabbage, cored and shredded
1-2 spring (green) onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
1.    Heat a wok or frying pan with oil, using medium to high heat. Pan fry onions, garlic, carrots and celery for 3 minutes. Add meat and cook for 5 minutes, making sure the mince is broken up. Drain excess fat.
2.    To this mixture add rice, stock cubes/soup mix, liquid chicken stock, water and curry powder. Stir thoroughly.
3.    Allow to boil and immediately reduce heat to simmer. Cover and allow to cook at low heat for 20-25 minutes. Stir from time to time so the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
4.    Shredded cabbage: add either at the beginning of the simmer, during the simmer, or at the very end. Stir it through the mixture and serve immediately. Salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Serves 4
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

CABBAGE & MEAT: A Stir Fry ‘Home-Run’

We have been serving this stir-fry style dish for years and it always hits a home run.
Ingredients
2 T. oil (coconut, peanut, olive oil, or some other healthy oil)
1 onion, chopped finely
2-3 cloves of garlic
1-2 carrots, grated or chopped small
3 celery ribs, chopped finely
500 to 750 grams of mince (ground) meat: beef, chicken breast, or turkey
1/2 cup of rice, preferably long-grain (basmati, jasmine, or similar)
2 chicken stock cubes or a packet of dry chicken noodle soup
2 cups of liquid chicken stock
2 T. curry powder
1 cup water
1/2 cabbage, cored and shredded
1-2 spring (green) onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
1.    Heat a wok or frying pan with oil, using medium to high heat. Pan fry onions, garlic, carrots and celery for 3 minutes. Add meat and cook for 5 minutes, making sure the mince is broken up. Drain excess fat.
2.    To this mixture add rice, stock cubes/soup mix, liquid chicken stock, water and curry powder. Stir thoroughly.
3.    Allow to boil and immediately reduce heat to simmer. Cover and allow to cook at low heat for 20-25 minutes. Stir from time to time so the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
4.    Shredded cabbage: add either at the beginning of the simmer, during the simmer, or at the very end. Stir it through the mixture and serve immediately. Salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Serves 4