Category Archives: Prophecy

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Now the Good News: Churches Fight Back & Win

 

Fight Back & Win

Are you feeling pressurised, harassed, and battle weary? Join the club. Many are experiencing these very same things. And no wonder … since the start of the decade, there has been an exceptionally intense spiritual atmosphere in the world. Covid-19, lockdowns, BLM riots, a disputed election, Afghanistan withdrawal, are all symptoms of this great unseen spiritual battle.

In our recent editions of Issachar, we focused on the extremely concerning situation in Canada regarding Covid-19 restrictions. Pastors were being arrested and jailed, while fifty plus churches (some/many of them indigenous), were being burned or vandalised.

This month, we focus on some good news. It is how churches, particularly in the United States, have valiantly and fearlessly fought against unjust Covid-19 restrictions. Often, these edicts were unevenly applied to churches, while letting leftist protestors and secular businesses have a long leash. Restrictions were meant to be ‘temporary’ but had the nasty habit of going longer than planned. Stiff penalties were applied.

Here are three victories to report. Take heart:

Victory in Washington, DC

Capitol Hill Baptist Church (CHBC) sued the District of Columbia for unfair Covid-19 restrictions. They were forbidden to have more than 100 people at a gathering, even if it was outdoors, with everyone socially distance and wearing face masks. The fines were pegged at $1,000 per violation. Even during the lethal Spanish flu pandemic of a century ago the church was only closed three Sundays.

We are told that DC has ‘notoriously liberal / progressivist judges’ who would be unsympathetic to anything Christian. That may or may not be the case but someone was praying hard because in October 2020 DC District Judge Trevor McFadden sided with the church. DC’s rules were deemed a substantial burden in the church’s ‘free exercise of religion.’ In addition, the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled on ‘freedom of assembly;’ DC’s unfair guidelines violated the American Constitution’s First Amendment rights. With all this in mind, the restrictions were lifted. Municipalities and county’s across the United States will have to think twice before stopping church services, especially when they allow secular businesses and ‘essential services’ relative freedom.

Nine months later the city of Washington, DC agreed to pay the church’s legal fees of $220,000. First Liberty Institute, which exists to protect religious freedom, assisted CHBC in their case. Hiram Sasser, executivegeneral counsel for First Liberty Institute, said, ‘The church is relieved and grateful that this ordeal is behind them. Government officials need to know that illegal restrictions on First Amendment rights are intolerable and costly.’

Two Victories in Los Angeles

Like DC, California is a deep blue state that subscribes to a secular leftist progressive agenda. This explains why churches there suffered extra pressure. Yet, even here, two significant churches took the local authorities and State of California to court for its unfair regulations against church gatherings.

The first was Grace Community Church; John MacArthur, 82, is the senior pastor. Pastor MacArthur is a noted Bible teacher with syndicated radio and television programs. He valiantly stood against the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and State of California in its lopsided restrictions and high penalties. Both the county and the state agreed to pay Grace Community Church $800,000 in total.

The second church was Harvest Rock Church with Che Ahn as senior pastor. Along with a second church, Che Ahn decided to sue the State of California for unfair restrictions and prohibitive fines. The pastor recalled that Harvest Rock was initially compliant with lockdown because it was understood the measure to be a temporary one. Yet, when he saw Governor Gavin Newsom encouraging left-wing protestors by saying, ‘Keep doing it; God bless you.’ They wore no masks, there was no social distancing, yet Newsom promised to protect protestors from legal retribution. All the while the churches were ordered shut.

The governor’s two-standards approach caused the church to launch the suit. After all Newsom imposed a ‘no-worship’ ban while simultaneously encouraging the protestors / riots. Of course, Newsom’s well-publicised violation of his own Covid restrictions spawned a recall vote.

The legal battle was steep and difficult. Che Ahn was threatened with a year’s jail sentence. Some of his church members left. He lost a legal battle at the liberal, San Francisco based ninth circuit court. Finally, his case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

With the new conservative majority in the nation’s highest court, there have been a few wins. SCOTUS basically upheld the First Amendment clause, and regarding California said churches cannot be legally closed, though some Covid restrictions can be temporarily imposed. This can also apply for all churches in all states – after all, it is a SCOTUS ruling. On top of it all, Newsom and the State of California were ordered to pay Harvest Rock’s legal fees of $1.35 million.

A major reason for these church victories is because the United States, under the First Amendment, has robust religious freedom guarantees. Britain has some as well; Canada has the Charter of Rights that is meant to provide protections, too. In Australia, there are no laws protecting religious freedom. It’s time to rectify this situation – let your federal member of Parliament know your feelings.

NOTE: We believe in praying and obeying government authorities and the police, bearing in mind the principles of Romans 13. Yet, there may come times when the government does an ‘overreach’ that clearly contradicts God’s word. Acts 5:29 says it is better to obey God than man. May we have the wisdom and discernment to know which principle applies and the courage to carry it out.

 

 

 

Articles, Bible, Education, Gospel, Prophecy, Teaching

The Hardworking Servant Messiah: Why Study the Gospel of Mark? Part 02

SUMMARY OF MARK

 Like the start of a marathon, the Gospel of Mark begins with a bang. Rich in detail, fast in pace, breath-taking in scope, this Gospel shows Jesus as an active, robust, on-the-move Servant-Messiah. He also was destined to suffer as no human has ever suffered – bearing the world’s sin, forsaken by God, and an object of divine wrath.

In the first part of Mark, there is an emphasis on service and power. Jesus is shown to have authority over sin, sickness, and demonic power; healings abounded and the crowds swelled as a result.

Then comes the second part of Mark. If the disciples were unclear about His true identity, it became strongly apparent when Peter confessed Jesus as Messiah (Son of David, Son of God) at Caesarea Philippi. This was followed by the transfiguration, where eternity touched earth on that holy mountain. They also were informed that Jesus’ destiny was to suffer, die, and rise from the dead. In fact, there were frequent mention of suffering as part of the price of discipleship (3:21-22,30; 8:34-38; 10:30,33-34,45; 13:8,11-13). Suffering brings purification and perfection, which also leads to enlargement and promotion.

Should Mark 16:9-20 Be in the Bible?

An on-going controversy involves the last twelve verses of the Gospel of Mark. The Greek manuscript called Textus Receptus, which was used in Luther’s German Bible, the King James Version, and Modern English Version, includes these verses.

The NIV uses an eclectic Nestle-Aland/United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament, sometimes called ‘Critical Text.’ In its footnote for Mark 16, is says: ‘The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20.’Basically, they are questioning the inclusion of these verses in the Biblical text.

If the inference that these verses are not from Mark and/or part of inspired Scripture is correct, it creates problems.

1.  Tampering: God’s Word can be corrupted.

2.  Doubt-building: If Mark 16 is not legitimately included, what other parts of the Bible are suspect? The purpose of Scripture is to help build faith (Romans 10:17). Such comments can undermine faith.

3.  Divine inability: The message this sends is – God is not able to preserve or protect His Word.

4.  Addition/Subtraction: There is censure and penalties for ‘adding’ or ‘subtracting’ from God’s Word (Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19). If these verses were not Holy Spirit-inspired, then someone (or ones) will be in serious trouble with the Lord.

Donald Stamps in the Full Life Study Bible, which uses the NIV, says on  Page 1512 that vv. 9-20 are omitted (perhaps removed) from two of the oldest Greek manuscripts, they do appear in other old manuscripts, as well as in the majority of Greek manuscripts from all over the ancient world. Many scholars conclude, therefore, that any reading attested to by the majority of ancient manuscripts is likely to be part of the original writing of the Biblical author. Thus, Stamps concludes,  Verses 9-20 should thus be considered part of the inspired Word of God.

David W. Daniels in Answers to Your Bible Version Questions, page 117 says, ‘Mark 16:9-20 should be in the Bible, since it is found in almost every Bible manuscript of Mark in existence (emphasis mine) … Wherever you look, the evidence, including Alexandrian manuscripts, is over 99% in favour of keeping the words of God in Mark 16:9-20 … Out of 620 manuscripts that contain Mark’s gospel only two omit the last 12 verses.’

Finis Dake in the Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible New Testament page 55, builds the case that Mark 16:9-20 is part of the original manuscript. He, too, states that their are 618 manuscripts that contain Mark and only two (we know them as Codex Sinaitic and Codex Vaticanus) do not. He adds that the Syriac, Gothic, Egyptian, Armenian, and Georgian versions contain Mark 16:9-20. The Latin version has 8,000 manuscripts in existence, copied from Jerome’s Vulgate 382 AD (who had access to the Greek New Testaments of his day). The Vulgate has these verses and so did the 2nd Century Vetus Itala, from which it was a revision. Like the Septuagint, the Vulgate served the church for centuries all the way to the Reformation.

The Church Fathers give testimony about Mark 16. There are 100 writers older than the oldest Greek Manuscripts and 200 more between 300 to 600 AD. All these church fathers attest to the originality of Mark 16:9-20. Vaticanus has a blank space where they verses could have been (before being removed). Also, Codex Vaticanus has missing Genesis 1-46; Psalm 105-137; Hebrews 9:14-13:25; all of 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Revelation. Why don’t the critics of Mark 16:9-20 say that these other portions should be left out as well?

Doctrines taught in Mark 16:9-20 are taught elsewhere in the New Testament:

1.  Post resurrection appearances: Mark 16:9-14 is in John 21:14 and elsewhere;

2.  The Great Commission: Mark 16:15 is in Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47-53; Acts 1:1-8;

3.  Power in Preaching:Mark 16:16 is in John 3:16-20; I Corinthians 1:18-21;

4.  Preaching with signs and wonders: Mark 16:17-18 are in Matthew 10:1-8; 17:20; Mark 9:23; 11:22-4; Luke 10:19; John 14:12;

5.  Ascension of Christ: Mark 16:19 is in Luke 24:49-53; Acts 1:9-11

6.  Word of God, duly preached, confirmed by signs: Mark 16:20 with signs Mark 16:17-18 is in Hebrews 2:3-4; Acts 2:43; 5:16.

One need not wrestle or lose sleep over these verses. In light of the above comments, my recommendation is take them as from the mouth of God. They will not lead you astray.

TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Kabul Calamity: What Does It Mean?

 

Afghanistan maybe half-way around the world – and seemingly in another planet – the fact is that it matters. Responsible citizens needs to know and then respond accordingly.

After twenty years of war, engagement, and ‘nation-building,’ America and its allies are withdrawing from Afghanistan.

We were told that now is the time.

Intelligence agencies said it would take eighteen months for Kabul to fall to the Taliban.

Only in July 2021, Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Afghan security forces had the capacity to sufficiently defend themselves. They had twenty years of training and tens of billions of dollars worth of high quality US weaponry. They had two air bases in Bagram and Kandahar.

Joe Biden said that the Afghan army had 300,000 troops, armed with high quality US equipment versus 75,000 Taliban. ’There is going to be no circumstance in which you are going to see people being lifted off the roof of an embassy of the United States from Afghanistan’ and, ‘I trust the capacity of the Afghan military.’

Thus, the White House affirmed there was ‘No chance – none’ of repeating the disgraceful scene from Saigon 1975, where people where scampering up a ladder to a waiting helicopter on the top of the US embassy to escape the victorious communist North Vietnamese as they swept into power. It is a photo that haunts America to this day.

Yet, on August 15, 2021, while America troops were still in the country, the Taliban walked into Kabul. Early that morning, Afghani President Ashraf Ghani fled into exile. He knew what was coming. America only had 2,500 personnel in Afghanistan when the White House announced the withdrawal; now, they sent 7,000 troops in to supervise it. Call it the ‘Kabul calamity’ and it spells trouble to America and the world.

Kabul collapsed into the waiting hands of the fundamentalist Islamist group called the Taliban. Disturbing scenes from Kabul Airport, the last stronghold of US presence, where desperate Afghanis were crowding at the gate to escape the advancing Taliban. More distressing, ‘objects’ falling from the sky from the plane were people who clung to the departing plane, only to lose their grip and fall to their death from 100s or 1000s of metres above. Or people and children trampled to death because of the crowds. Or, the tragic double-suicide bomber from ISIS-K at the gate of Kabul Airport, killing one-hundred plus, including thirteen US service members.

The Taliban (meaning ‘student’) have taken over Afghanistan. They were in power once before. During their previous administration from 1996-2001, they were known for a strict, puritanical adherence to Islam, some say a medieval version. They were particularly remembered for their opposition to girls getting educated and blowing up the two 50 metre high Bamiyan Buddhas, 1,500 years old, carved on the side of the mountain. Reports from that period included whipping, stoning, torture, beheadings, rapes, forced marriages, girls denied schooling and work, and a return to pre-modern living.

The country will be called the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Twenty years in exile has made the Taliban stronger, more determined, and supposedly more media savvy. Messages sent out include: Afghanistan will not become a terrorist base; woman will be respected; no retribution will come to those who worked for the Allies. Sounds good. However, will that be the case? One astute expert said that the Taliban leadership may or may not have control of the various factions under its banner. The transition to full power will be bumpy and some groups are already executing ‘collaborators’ and tossing their bodies into mass graves – with or without the permission of the central authorities.

But it gets worse: Global jihadism received a major boost. Thousands of jihadi prisoners in Afghanistan have been released. Would-be jihadist from around the world maybe coming for training and support – a terrorist reunion – like they did before 9-11. ‘Holy warriors’ could fill Kabul-bound planes. And they have the billions of dollars of America equipment at their disposal (of course, the question is, will they know how to use them? Or get them serviced and repaired?).

Can the West fight back? Yes, they can, but it will be much harder, since there is no presence in the country and the neighbors aren’t friendly. Like the rise of ISIS and al Qaeda, jihadists want to export their jihad globally and establish a caliphate, with Jerusalem as capital.

China, ever ambitious, will step in and build its new ‘silk road’ from China westward via Afghanistan, probably through their ‘Belt and Road Initiative.’ They will gain access to Afghanistan’s rare earth reserves, of which China has much of its own.

There are thousands of Afghanis who worked for the Allied Forces who face imminent danger from the Taliban. Though promised help – and visas – by their western partners, the poorly planned, rapid troop withdrawal means they will be left behind to face a dire fate.

At this moment, there are thousands Americans and other westerners still in Afghanistan. They have been told NOT to go to the airport, find somewhere safe, and there are no guarantees that the government can get them out. NATO allies, which sent soldiers to Afghanistan in solidarity with the Americans, were also left stranded by a lack of communication and coordination.

Then there is the small but growing Christian population, many of them converts from Islam. The Taliban told them we know who you are and we are coming to get you. One Christian told his/her global friends that they would be seeing Jesus within the next two weeks. According to Evangelist Robby Dawkins, who works with Afghan believers, says that the church is strong and in no way will it be extinguished – though that does not mean the absence of suffering.

In this article, we looked at what has happened; in the next one, why it happened? In the meantime, pray for Afghanistan: Safe evacuation, wisdom and grace for military and political leaders, angelic intervention, and protection for the innocents (especially women and children).

TO BE CONTINUED

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

What’s Happening in Canada – Part 02? You Need to Know.

 

What’s Happening in Canada? Part 02 Churches on Fire – Literally

In a time where we are seeking the Lord for revival and reformation, there are literal fires happening in churches of Canada – ones that burn down buildings and threaten life. First, there was the jailing of pastors in the province of Alberta: Artur Pawlowski, Tim Stephens, and James Coates (Pawlowski has been subject to ‘contempt of court’ charges and vigilante harassment). Their crime: holding church services during Covid restrictions, even though essential businesses stayed open and were crowded.

Following this, came a spate of church fires. As of this writing, around 50 churches in Canada have been vandalised and ten completely torched. Most disheartening are the arson fires of migrant churches. St. George Coptic Church in Surrey, British Columbia, and Calgary Vietnamese Alliance Church, Alberta, were burned. St. George serves 500 families and feeds the homeless. There was a failed attempt to burn it a few days earlier, but this did not lead to better policing protection. What makes these particular fires heartbreaking is that the Egyptian Copts and Vietnamese Christians fled countries where religious persecution is a way of life. They came to Canada to find religious freedom. Never in their wildest dreams did they imagine that they would face persecution in their adopted country similar to homelands they left.

Unfortunately, it appears that the media has been complicit in these attacks, both by what they have said and what they have not said. In fact, according to one source, the venom against Canadian Christian churches is being ‘media-fuelled.’

It has been known for a while that Canada between 1863-1998 sent indigenous children to Catholic and Anglican church schools to help them assimilate into Canadian society. Conditions could be poor and children died of disease or malnutrition. The churches were either negligent or had limited resources to combat the problem, especially in rural areas.

NOTE: This was neither an unknown situation nor was it only newsworthy this year. The Canadian government issued an apology in 2008 and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also did something similar in 2017. Although some graves may have been discovered, or rediscovered recently, it appears that there is more to the story that meets the eye.

So where is the outrage against the churches coming from? Not from the indigenous tribal leaders – they have condemned the arson in no uncertain terms. Indeed, indigenous Canadians are distressed by the church burnings because it is their church that has been vandalised.

The main protagonists are from the political Left, especially the media, who are masters of semantics. Media sources speak of ‘mass graves’ but the more accurate term is ‘unmarked graves’ (which includes graves were the markers are worn down or taken away). Just that phrase ‘mass graves’ alone was enough to give vandals a pretext to attack churches.

In short, we are seeing ‘anti-Christian hate crimes’ occurring in Canada

Media complicity is also found in silence. The American mainstream media has said next to nothing about the church burnings, newsworthy as they are. The sole exceptions were Tucker Carlson and Shannon Bream of Fox News.

The arsonists have received official cover, too. The head of the British Columbia civil liberties association uttered the phrase: Burn it all down. Other people of profile have tweeted their support of the arsonists. Even Prime Minister Trudeau has been less than helpful in this regard. It took him nearly a week before he said anything. Yes, he did condemn the arsons as ‘wrong’ and ‘unacceptable.’ Yet, within the next breathe he said he ‘understood’ the anger against the Catholic Church and federal government. As Raymond Ibrahim said, ‘So attacks on Christian churches are ‘unacceptable’ – but they’re understandable.’ Considering that these two words neutralise each other, Trudeau’s stance is impotent, his words meaningless.[1]

Of course, Trudeau should both condemn arson and support true justice for indigenous Canadians. But by giving more time focusing on the leftist recycled grievances instead of the damage and pain of church arson, he has inadvertently giving a political voice to arsonists, who are partaking in nothing less than criminal behavior.

Remember that the far Left wants big government and equity, while abolishing private property, nuclear family, and the church. These are the impediments to their long march.

How are we to respond? Canadian Christians should make their voices heard in their provincial capitals and in their parliament in Ottawa. British and American Christians have strong, codified rights in religious freedom. Nevertheless, this does not mean there will not be violations. When freedom of religion is infringed, it should not be tolerated. The push back should be now, or else it will be much harder to do so later.

Finally, Australia, a blessed and free country, has no written legal protection of religious freedom. Currently there is a bill in federal parliament called Religious Discrimination Bill. If you value your liberty to worship, don’t just email or write your parliamentarians – call them. It only takes a minute and has been known to be the most effective way for your voice to be heard – literally.

Next time, we will inspire you with some success stories in the fight for religious freedom.


[1] Raymond Ibrahim, Torching of Canadian Coptic Church ‘Unacceptable’ but ‘Understandable,’ Front-page Magazine, August 4, 2021.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

IN A MATTER OF MONTHS: A BRIEF MIDDLE EAST UPDATE

 

 

What a difference a few months can make. In the first half of 2021, there has been changes of government in the United States and Israel, and Iran has a new president. This part of the world, once dominated by great empires, then slumbering as a quiet backwater, has come front and centre in international attention.

IRAN: Let’s take a moment and focus on Iran, the world’s leading Shia Muslim country (the Shia represent 15% of global Islam and Sunnis 85%). This proud ancient nation has hegemonic ambitions in the region. Its means of gaining power is to make a ‘Shia crescent’ from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean. In one sense, it has already succeeded: four countries, to various decrees, are under Iranian oversight, including Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. The latter two countries are on the Mediterranean. Ultimately, Iran wants to export their revolution to the Sunni Arab nations.

Ebrahim Raisi is the newly-inaugurated president of Iran. His critics call him a ‘hardliner’ and ‘mass-murderer’ for his role in suppressing opponents of the regime, especially in the earlier years of the Islamic republic, which was founded in 1979 after ending a 2,500 year old monarchy.

LEBANON: Lebanon in particular is in the most dire condition of its history, with its currency devalued 90%, high unemployment … and then the August 2020 Beirut blast! This special nation, where Christians and Muslims are legally equal, is under the thumb of Iran.

In the last few years, Sunni Arab countries like the Gulf sheikhdoms, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, all quietly gravitated towards Israel under Benjamin Netanyahu as a counterweight, and nuclear umbrella, to Iran. This became even more apparent during the Trump administration, which spawned the Abrahamic Accords between Israel and Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, and Morocco (the first Arab peace agreement with Israel since the 1994 treaty with Jordan; it’s the first multi-parties agreement, too).

Now, there are credible reports that Jordan is gravitating towards Iran and even Saudi Arabia is softening to its arch rival. Why the shift?

Two factors to consider:

1.       The Biden Administration: This administration has gone 180 degrees from the Middle Eastern policy of Donald Trump. First, they announced a unilateral withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq. While there may be good arguments to leave a 20 year old combat zone, from Arab and Israeli eyes it makes the US and its allies look weak and unreliable. The current administration has restored funding, cut off by the Trump Administration, to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, without pre-conditions. It has eagerly sought to return to the Iran nuclear agreement, signed in 2015, yet cancelled by Trump in 2018. This means the lifting of sanctions on Iran and release of money. These actions have emboldened the Islamic Republic, undermined regional confidence in the US, and thus made nations like Jordan seek rapprochement with Tehran. Also, after several years of ceasefire, Hamas in the Gaza Strip felt emboldened enough to fire over 4,000 rockets into Israel. These things represent an unwelcome shift.

2.       The Bennett-Lapid Government: After twelve consecutive years of Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister, a new government led by Naphtali Bennett (a former protege of Netanyahu), took office on 13 June 2021. Netanyahu became leader of the Parliamentary Opposition. Bennett, leader of the New Right Party, is more conservative than Netanyahu, however, he chose to lead of coalition of leftist parties, including the Arab bloc. His main partner is Yair Lapid, head of Yesh Atid (there is a future), who serves as foreign minister. Though described as a ‘moderate,’ Lapid pretty much sides with the Left on major issues. Netanyahu and the conservative Opposition, and probably some of Bennett’s own voters, are furious with him for siding with the Left. (Remember, a similar situation happened after the Australian federal election of 2010, when the Gillard Labor Government remained in power because of a coalition with two ‘conservative independents,’ Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, to the aggravation of their respective constituencies).

What is the new government’s standing with the international community? In one sense, it is currently good. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erodogan, a frequent vocal critic of Israel in the Netanyahu years, called new Israeli President (as of July 7, 2021) Isaac Herzog and had a lengthy chat. Lapid, as foreign minister, has already dealt with his counterparts in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and soon will visit Morocco. Bahrain’s prince called to congratulate the new government. In addition, after 19 years suspension, Israel has been given again its observer status with the African Union.

No question, Netanyahu made great strides at reaching out to the Arab world, while ignoring the consistent demands of the European Union (e.g. two-state solution, redivision of Jerusalem). Projecting strength, Israel offered the Arabs assistance on air defence, high tech, and cyber security. Yet, at the same time, Arab connections were kept low-key and there were few ‘photo op’s’ between Netanyahu and Arab leaders.

It is possible that the new government – which is fragile and its chances of survival to full term slim – may go ‘above ground’ in its diplomatic moves. Yet, by adopting dovish leftist policies, it makes Israel look less strong, less robust, and thus leading allies like Jordan into the arms of Iran. It may have been the twin-perceptions of weakness in the US and Israel that emboldened Hamas in the latest conflict.

The Book of Zechariah, chapters 12 and 14, predicts that in the very last days before the coming of Messiah, Son of David, Judah and Jerusalem would be the epicentre of international focus, controversy, and eventually, conflict. This is clearly coming to pass.

In any and all cases, it is time, as always, to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6)

 

Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

The Hard-Working Servant Messiah: Why Study the Gospel of Mark – Part 01

 

 INTRODUCTION TO THE 

     GOSPEL OF MARK 

It was the first of the four gospels to be written; it is also the shortest. Yet the Gospel of Mark is an indispensable account of the life, ministry, and death of Jesus the Messiah. It is very action packed; indeed, Jesus is rightly seen as a hard-working, active Messiah who preaches to the poor, heals the sick, casts out devils, raises the dead. As the Gospel of Matthew initially reached out to the Jewish people, with a great emphasis on fulfilled prophecy, Mark targeted the Romans – who respected power and action rather than Greek-style philosophising.

GREEK NAME OF MARK

Kata Markon – According to Mark. ‘

AUTHOR OF MARK

‘Mark’ may have been his Roman surname, since he was known as Yohannan or ‘John Mark.’ He was from Jerusalem and his mother Mary had a large house where believers met for prayer and fellowship. Mark may have been the young man in who followed Jesus to Gethsemane with a bed sheet wrapped around his body. Once discovered, he fled from the scene naked (Mark 14:51-52).

Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey, but deserted them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). When the second missionary trip was being organised, Paul and Barnabas disagreed so vehemently over the inclusion of Mark that they split (Acts 15:36-40).

John Mark was blessed with high-profile mentors: first it was Paul (Acts 13:1-13), then Barnabas (Acts 15:39), and finally he found a father figure in the apostle Peter, who refers to him as his ‘son’ (1 Peter 5:13). Even Paul had a change of heart over John Mark; in his last recorded words, he wanted the very one he rejected for the second missionary journey … to be brought to him, since Mark was ‘profitable for the ministry ‘(2 Timothy 4:11).

Despite his set backs, John Mark persevered and became the true ‘comeback kid.’ His greatest contribution was writing the gospel that bears his name. Because of Mark’s very close association with Peter, who would have shared with him many things, his Gospel is considered ‘the gospel according to Peter’ – what Peter would have written if he wrote a gospel. Church tradition says that he became the great apostle to Egypt and Africa.

PORTRAIT OF CHRIST IN MARK

The four gospels have ‘metaphors:’ Matthew is a lion, representing the kingly Messiah;

Luke has the ‘perfect man,’ John is the eagle, emphasising the heavenly and spiritual of his Gospel. Mark is the ox, representing a strong, energetic, hardworking servant of the Lord.

THEME OF THE BOOK OF MARK

To present an active, robust, dedicated-to-duty Messiah; when Jesus comes into the picture, things get done quickly. The key word of Mark is eutheos (Greek), used 42 times, which means ‘immediately’ or ‘straightaway.’ Jesus is shown as a Man on-the-move in teaching, preaching, moving in spiritual gifts, and faithful to the end.

Because Mark is targeting the Romans, there is less emphasis on Jewish things like reference to the Law, holy days, fulfilled prophecy, and genealogies. The portrait of Christ in Mark is one to whom the Romans could relate to and respect.

KEY VERSES OF MARK

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? — Mark 8:34-37

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many — Mark 10:43-45

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

 

 

 

 

Articles, Bible, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

The Eighth Commandment: More Than Ever – Part 03

 

The Eighth Commandment is so central to living a God-honoring life. It simply tells not to steal. Yet, stealing is practiced more and more, by the poor, the powerful, and those in-between. Theft is now on an industrial scale and uses variety of methods.

Covetousness can lead to stealing (we will learn more about this in the Tenth Commandment); defrauding people of what is rightly their’s is also stealing. Stealing does not merely involve the tangible; theft of intellectual property is just as real as taking any three-dimensional object. Large governments can cast an envious eye on private property wondering how to extract more revenue to pay for pet projects or a growing bureaucracy. While the Bible does accept taxation as an accepted practice of human government (give unto Caesar what is Caesar, Christ said in Matthew 22:21), there is a reason tax-collectors were despised in His day; they took more than they required and kept the difference. That’s why a penitent Zacchaeus offered to restore foretold to anyone he defrauded (Luke 19:8).

Other things to consider in upholding or violating the Eighth Commandment include:

Failure to pay: Failing or refusing to pay what one owes is theft. It’s one thing to be unable to pay and work out a repayment plan; it’s another thing to refuse payment altogether. Psalm 37:21 tells us the wicked borrow and do not pay again.

Co-Signing, guarantor or suretyship: If there is one thing that the Book of Proverbs warns against is surety or co-signing a loan (Proverbs 6; 22:26). Never agree to take responsibility for someone else’s debt; the horror stories of what follows are endless.

Contentment: We are commanded to be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5), for godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). The lack of contentment leads to covetousness, theft, and sorrow.

Get a job: The New Testament tells us to steal no more, but do an honest day’s work and you will have something to give to the needy (Ephesians 4:28); stated more starkly, … if any would not work, neither should he eat’ — 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Imagine how much better off things would be if those who are able to work would do so.

Key to All Ten Commandments

How central is the prohibition against stealing? Does it really contain the other nine commandments? See for your self.

First Commandment: We are to worship and serve no other gods, except the Lord God Himself. Violating this steals the primacy that the Lord our God deserves in our lives; in other words, God should be Number One, period.

Second Commandment: The prohibition on idolatry. Worshipping the creation or a created thing steals the focus and glory which belongs to the invisible God.

Third Commandment: God’s Name is higher than any other and brings salvation (Acts 4:12). Using God’s Name in vain is stealing the reverence and awe it rightly deserves.

Fourth Commandment: Desecrating the sabbath steals the rest and refreshment intended for the individual. The focus on God, faith, and family, which should be our highest priority, is taken away, too.

Fifth Commandment: Dishonoring your parents, whom you can see, mirrors and amplifies dishonour of the Heavenly Father, whom you cannot see. Both the earthly and heavenly are denied the respect, gratitude and credit they rightly deserve.

Sixth Commandment: Murder is the stealing the life of another person.

Seventh Commandment: Adultery is the theft of someone’s intimacy, trust, virtue, vow. It is the vile breaking of the holy covenant and commitment that was promised on the wedding day. Marital love is stolen and carnal lust is put in its place.

Ninth commandment: False witness is another form of lying, and a major form of betrayal, stealing one’s reputation, dignity, livelihood, and peace.

Tenth commandment: Covetousness is the down payment for possible theft, defrauding another and endangering one’s soul, as do the violations of any of the other commandments.

If we will remind ourselves that theft in all its forms is wrong, and teach others likewise, think how much better off this world would be.

 

NEXT TIME: We will learn about the Ninth Commandment – and how precious truth really is.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

What’s Happening in Canada? Part 01

 

It is the second largest country in the world, land wise. Sprawling, spacious, well-endowed by nature, with the stunning Rockies, attractive city of Vancouver, the quaint provincial capital of Victoria, Niagara Falls, polar bears in Manitoba – the list goes on. It is a valued and trusted neighbor to the north for the United States. Like the US, Britain, Australia & New Zealand, it is a favored haven for multi-ethnic migrants from around the world. And let’s not forget their wonderful maple syrup.

This great nation, called Canada, is meant to be fully western and free. Its 1981 Charter of Rights and Freedom, signed by Pierre Trudeau, father of the current prime minister, has noble statements like:

•    Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law and

•    Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion; (b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;

•    These freedoms are subject only to ‘reasonable limits’ prescribed by as can demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

Fine sounding words. Yet, if you see what has been happening in Canada, even from the beginning of 2021, should sound alarm bells. It is not just the putative violation of the Charter of Rights, but a head-on assault on religious freedom. In the Canadian province of Alberta, under the cover of Covid restrictions, three pastors have been arrested and jailed – one for a month – for the ‘crime’ of holding church services. Then there is the burning of churches across Canada that began after the discovery of unmarked graves in several locations. At least 23 churches have been vandalised, fire damaged, or destroyed.

What’s happening in Canada? You need to know.

The most high profile pastor is Artur Pawlowski, of The Fortress (Cave) of Adullam Church in Calgary. Pawlowski has been honoured for his community welfare projects, like feeding the homeless. Twice the police showed up at Artur’s church, including Easter Saturday service, only to have him personally expel them. ‘Where’s the warrant?’ he demanded. All of this was on video, which went viral. These ejections have brought embarrassment to the Alberta Health Service and the City of Calgary.

Artur was born and raised in Poland and has seen all this before. During the Cold War, the Polish people were particularly rebellious against communist rule; they were the ones who started the communist world’s first independent trade union called Solidarity; which was the beginning of the (peaceful) end of communism in Europe. Pawlowski says that the oppression he experienced in Poland has now come to Canada. He is no shrinking violet, nor diplomat, and called the authorities ‘Nazis’ and ‘Gestapo psychopaths’ to their face.

They decided to strike back. According to Rebel News, the government used a secret warrant with secret evidence, without providing notice to Pawlowski. It claimed power to enter the premises, even during church services, and if there is a refusal to cooperate, they can use ‘reasonable force as they consider appropriate’ to gain access to the church. In summary, it means the health inspector can come whenever he/she deems necessary and if there is resistance, the person can be arrested, even forcibly, taken to a judge, and jailed for contempt.

In another viral video, Artur and his brother David were arrested and handcuffed, not at the church, but on a busy highway. They were jailed in poor conditions for 53 hours. After being released, an arsonist tried to burn down his house. If that was not all, while in a supermarket car park, Pawlowski was attacked by a crazed elderly man. Though a martial arts expert, in this instance he showed pastoral restraint. The assailant was arrested. Other forms of harassment included loosening the lug nuts on Pawlowski’s truck and vandalising the church.

Currently Pastor Artur is awaiting trial at home, praying and preparing for it. He handed over the church to Peter Reicher, who, too, has been served by the police; though not jailed at this point.

Another Calgary pastor, Tim Stephens of Fairview Baptist Church, met with his church indoors, because Jesus is worthy. After the service, he was arrested and jailed, under a dubious injunction. He has since been released.

Then there is Pastor James Coates of GraceLife Church, near Edmonton. Pastor Coates was arrested and imprisoned for 31 days for holding indoor church meetings. The premises were fenced and locked up. The judge allowed Coates prosecutor to remain anonymous and no scientific evidence need be provided.

Supposedly in the cases of Coates and Stephens, they were given bail conditions that would have kept them out of jail. However, by signing it, they pledged to refrain from holding church services. For both pastors, this was something their consciences would not allow them to do (Acts 5:29).

For Canada, which is a card-carrying member of the liberal democratic world, these are disturbing developments. When it comes to Cultural Marxism, political correctness, hate speech laws, and other curbs on ‘freedom of speech,’ Canada is ahead of America. For years now Christians in Canada have been fined and prosecuted for not toeing the line on the ‘new normal’ of sexual politics and social justice.

Canadian MP Derek Sloan of Ontario, who has publicly supported the pastors in their battles with the Alberta government, criticised the Calgary Police for their conduct. He tweeted: ’They came for Pastor Artur Powlowski yesterday, just as they came for Pastor James Coates 3 months ago. He’s been charged with ‘inciting’ people to worship God. Who will they come for next? And when will they come for you?’

We need to ‘understand the times’ to know what we need to do. First of all, we can and should pray. But second, we need to remember that if there is no push back now against soft tyranny, the next time it will double down and the abuse harden.

The time to pray … and to act … is now.

NOTE: There are churches that are pushing back on tyrannical restrictions, and winning More about that and how we can positively respond in our next edition of Issachar.

 

 

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

The Eighth Commandment: Now More than Ever – Part 02

 

The eighth commandment: You shall not steal. Sounds simple and straightforward, yet as you look at it closely, it becomes a deep well with almost no bottom. Dennis Prager convincingly argues that all the other nine commandments are contained in it. In other words, if you could only remember and keep one of the ten commandments, this would be it.

Stealing does not just involve tangible things like money, jewels, and other valuables. It is possible to steal a person; we call this kidnapping. Or steal data; known as hacking. Or stealing a person’s virtue, it is called rape. Or steal a person’s identity; known as ‘identity theft.’ It involves equally, if not more, valuable intangibles like dignity, reputation, and/or trust.

Intellectual Property: One of the great crimes of our time is the theft of intellectual property where words, ideas, music is obtained without compensation to the owner. The unpardonable sin of academia is a flagrant form of theft called plagiarism: stealing people’s words and ideas without citation or giving them credit, therefore passing them on as if they were your own. If plagiarism is discovered, it will cost the student dearly; they can fail the class, or worse. The vice-chancellor of a university had to resign from his position because of proven multiple acts of plagiarism committed years earlier.

Private property:It’s considered a foundation of a free and prosperous society. Totalitarian regimes steal private property in the nebulous name of ‘the people.’ As history shows, when private property is taken, freedom follows, and then life itself is at risk.

Any sensible individual can agree that stealing is wrong. It is a crime and a sin, as we learned last time. But what motivates people to steal?

Covetousness: This is the subject of the tenth commandment. It means to eagerly crave that which belongs to another; Paul calls it ‘idolatry’ (Colossians 3:15). One of the most egregious examples of covetousness was Ahab and Jezebel in 1 Kings 21. Though endowed with luxury and plenty, the king and queen lusted for more. Ahab cast a covetous eye on the nearby vineyard of Naboth and desired it for his own. When Naboth refused to cooperate, he, with Jezebel’s help, had him killed and stole his vineyard. This crime received a well-deserved prophetic rebuke from the prophet Elijah and their final end was inglorious.

Another example of covetousness was Achan, who coveted the riches of the accursed and destroyed city of Jericho (Joshua 7:21). It brought on him, his family, and his nation, great judgment.

With the increasing ‘entitlement mindset’ in our world today, covetousness is being stoked in a roaring fire. God’s people must lead the way out of this jungle.

Unbelief: When you don’t believe God can provide for your needs (Psalm 78:19), and you neither have the time or money to obtain want you want legitimately, you may be tempted to go ahead and steal it. Don’t fall for it.

Defrauding: Taking by stealth or brazenly that which belongs to another. In Jesus’ day tax-collectors were especially despised because they represented the hated Roman occupation and also collected more than required, thus pocketing the rest. That’s why Zacchaeus the Jericho tax collector announced in front of Jesus that if he had taken anything from any man by false accusation, he would restore it to him fourfold. The Lord wisely perceived that he demonstrated the fruit of repentance and proclaimed that salvation had come to his house. Zacchaeus showed himself to be a son of Abraham (Luke 19:8-9).

To Be Continued

Articles, Education, Faith, Prayer, Prophecy, Teaching, Worship

Overcoming Trials and Temptations

 

 It is not a popular subject but it is oh so common. We live in a fallen world where bad things can happen to good people. While the limitations, indignities, and challenges of this flawed situation affect everyone, we can face each situation with faith and confidence. Psalm 91:5 promises the Godly person that the Lord will be with them in trouble, not necessarily keep them from trouble. There’s more: He will deliver and honor them.

That is the kind of outcome we all want.

Here are a few practical tips of coping with and overcoming trials and temptations.

1.        Grace Milepost: In the trial, God may give early on and periodically along the way ‘grace milepost,’ which are a reminder of God’s presence, mercy, and care for you. It is an immediate ray of hope in the midst of enveloping darkness. Like Rahab’s scarlet cord, this grace milepost will be your lifeline to which you hold onto until victory.

2.        Past Victories: It is always good to remember how God was faithful in the past. Since He never changes, God will be faithful today, tomorrow and forever. The same God who delivered you yesterday is there to deliver you again and again.

3.        Present Biblical promises: There are numerous Scriptural promises of answered prayer, deliverance, and victory. Identify these promises, write them down, confess and meditate on them. They deliver.

4.        Keep going: Don’t let the trial knock you off track. Keep doing what you are called to do. Nehemiah did. Galatians 6:9 says that at the right time you will reap, if you do not give up. The enemy would dearly like to stop you from exercising your call and give up; don’t let him succeed!

5.        Prayer unto peace: You should pray and it will deliver peace. So pray until you receive the peace; come boldly to the throne of grace (Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27).

6.        Meditate on the Word: This is a powerful practice that guarantees success (Joshua 1; Psalm 1). While you’re doing that, confess the Word aloud, again and again. It is a real faith-builder and victory-snatcher.

7.        Faith instead of sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight): Don’t be moved by what you see; respond to what you believe. What you see is temporal and what you don’t is eternal — 2 Corinthians 4:18

8.        Distress brings enlargement: Like labor pains before the birth and tribulation before a Millennium, trials are allowed by God to help the righteous grow. David knew all about it: Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer — Psalm 4:1; Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer — Psalm 18:18-19 (emphasis mine).

9.        Be strong: This is not just a good idea – it’s a divine command. Three times, God told Joshua to ‘be strong and of a good courage’ (Joshua 1:6,7,9). It’s not just a ‘good idea’ – it’s a ‘God-idea.’ The Lord will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:12-17: 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. If you’re trial is strong, it means you are also strong … strong enough to handle it by God’s grace.

10.   Face it now: John Loeffler says deal with the situation now or it gets harder. Sam Sorbo says the second crime scene is worse than the first. It is understandable to run and hide from the challenge, but often God wants us to face it with Him. Jehoshaphat was victim of an unprovoked attack by three nations, but God wanted him to go to the wilderness and personally witness His miraculous hand at work – 2 Chronicles 20:16-17: God will fight for you but he wants you to see the victory. Psalm 91:7-8: A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

11.   Power of faith: 2 Chronicles 20:20: The trial is the gymnasium of faith. Just like resisting heavy weights causes you to grow stronger, so does standing with God in faith makes you an overcome. When you believe in God and His prophetic word, you are established and prosper.

12.   Power of praise and worship: Continuous, not just seasonal, praise and worship in the Spirit reconfigures the heavenliness, which brings down blessing to the earth. In addition to honoring the Name of the Lord, it is a potent spiritual weapon –  2 Chronicles 20:21-22.

In the midst of the trial, when you continue to seek the Lord and stand strong, make no mistake about it: you are honouring Him more than in normal times. By His grace, you will pull through and end up on the mountain top.

The season of trial will pass … and better days lie ahead … but you will be a bigger, stronger, and more victorious person as a result.

Then go, help others in their affliction. You’ll have much to offer.