Category Archives: Spirituality

Articles, Bible, Education, Prayer, Prophecy, Sexuality, Teaching

Issues Facing the Church: A Common Act No One Talks About Part 02

 

The Way Forward

Last month we looked at the topic no one talks about, yet is ever-common, called masturbation or self-stimulation (from now on referred to as SS). We looked at the topic from every angle. Yes, it is correct that the Bible does not explicitly mention the practice, so hence there is no blanket commendation or condemnation. It provides a temporary release of energy and there is no danger of catching sexually transmitted diseases.

 Yet, at the same time, we learned that SS is often, even mostly, motivated by lust, visual stimulation like pornography, or worse. It can happen even when the person had not planned for it, at awkward times, hence implying a lack of self-control. It is not an easy habit to quit. Another problem is that there can be a terrible sense of guilt, even though no one (but God) is watching. Along with the guilt is a puzzle: why do many married men practice SS?

Do you do SS or know someone who does? If so, it is up to you, and you alone, to decide whether you want to continue this practice. If you are of the conviction that this is not good for you? Are guilt and lust part of your experience? Despite its addictive side, do you want to break free?

Remember that human effort is normally not enough. After all, it’s not only your actions that have to change, but also your thinking. It must be a holistic effort. Lust in the heart has to be conquered in order to control your actions of your hands. Like in many things, we need God’s help. And, if necessary, confide in a trusted person who can pray and keep you accountable.

Martin Luther was credited with this quote: I can’t stop the birds from flying over my head, but I can keep them from nesting in my hair. Our world is sinful, seductive, and visually stimulating, ever-beckoning to its dark sensuous ways. Proverbs 7:26: For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

The following Scriptural practices can help. They can help you overcome in this area, and in any area, which has control over your life. Seek pastoral or mature Christian advice. Some practical tips include:

1.       The Word: Psalm 119:9,11: When you hide God’s word in your heart, you won’t sin against Him. Take a few of the many scripture promises, meditate, memorise, then confess them aloud before the Lord.

2.       The Cross of Jesus: Religion, good works, education, cannot overcome the lust-sin issue. Only the gospel of Christ, with the cross at its centre, can hit a death blow. Romans 6 is your declaration of independence from the sin dominated sex-saturated self-life. You are encouraged to focus on verses 6-14 especially. Again, read, meditate, memorise, and confess.

3.       The Holy Spirit: Be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). The Holy Spirit is able to put to death the deeds and thoughts of the flesh, which includes lust (Romans 8:13). Remember the injunction of Jude 20 to build yourself up in your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. Prayer in the Spirit is powerful and edifying – while you are doing Spirit-prayer, it is virtually impossible to practice the bad habit you eagerly want to break.

4.       Quality Christian music: Listening to anointed music has a great effect on causing lusts to flee.

5.       Praise and worship: Again, if you know how to offer heartfelt praise to God, and you are in a place where others do the same, it also can keep the ‘birds of lust’ from nesting in your hair and head.

In overcoming habits and sins, one of the redemptive features is the more we work with God, His Word and Spirit, the stronger we will become. As Revelation 21:7 promises: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

 

 

Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Sexuality, Teaching

Issues Facing the Church: A Common Act No One Talks About – Part 01

It is a most common practice that stretches back to millennia. Yet, when a high-profile television personality was caught doing it on Zoom – not realising the camera was still ‘On’ – he was sent home in disgrace to have some ‘personal time.’ Many people, including Christians, want to ask about this subject but are afraid to ask. How do we handle it from a Biblical perspective?

The ‘subject’ is masturbation, also known as ‘self-stimulation.’

Before we address the issue itself, be assured that it will be handled in a pastoral manner. The goal is to help, not hurt nor condemn, people along the way. No doubt, some who read this article are engaged, casually or regularly, in this practice.

It’s time to have a much needed chat. What are we to make of it?

First, by definition, masturbation (from now on referred to as SS – ‘self-stimulation’) is ‘stimulation of the genitals by hand for sexual pleasure,’ in order to reach a climax – ejaculation or orgasm – without the involvement of their spouse or partner. It is a form of solo-sex. It is mostly done by men but woman can do it, too.

What do we know about this practice? It is a very widespread, involving young and old, single and married, Christian and non-Christian. The fact that people are delaying marriage in our sex-saturated popular culture – with plenty of visuals – means that SS is being done at record levels. With 2020 Covid-19 lockdowns, one can imagine that possibilities.

SS provides a quick and easy ‘release’ if one is feeling aroused but does not have a sexual partner available. It is even considered ‘safe-sex:’ you cannot get someone pregnant or contract STDs (sexually-transmitted diseases) by SS. Furthermore, on the surface, it appears that the Bible is silent about it.

The one Bible story that seems to refer to it involves Onan and Tamar in Genesis 38:9. His older brother, Er, who married to Tamar first, was so wickedness that the Lord slew him. As was the prevailing custom at the time, when a man died childless, his brother married the widow and the first child born was dedicated to the deceased. It is called Levirate marriage and described in more detail in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. It was a form of familial social welfare. Onan did not want to ‘do his duty’ so he spilt his seed en route to Tamar. As a result, the Lord slew him, too — Genesis 38:10.

In times gone by, preachers used this story to scare the daylights out of people if they practiced SS – or even contemplated doing so. Some referred to SS as ‘onanism.’

Yet, in all honesty, the reason Onan was judged was his failure to fulfil the mandate.

Does this mean that it is okay to practice SS? Let us consider the following:

1.       Human sexuality, as the Bible and particularly the New Testament teaches, is an expression of physical love to our spouse. The command that husbands ‘love their wives’ (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19) includes all areas of being: mental, spiritually, emotional, and physical. The idea is that the couple seeks to fulfil each others sexual needs, not just their own.

2.       On the surface, SS seems similar to sexual intercourse but is actually very different. It strives to fulfil one’s own need without any reference to another. The accent mark of SS is ‘self.’ We are made in the image of God, Who loves and seeks the welfare of the ones He love. With SS, love has nothing to do with it; it is a self-centred mechanical solo act.

3.       Unfortunately, SS often involves lust, either mentally or in visual form like pornography. The Sermon on the Mount teaches that lusting after someone, who is not your spouse, is the same as if they committed the illicit physical sexual act, be it adultery or fornication — Matthew 5:27-28. Please consider.

4.       SS can be very addictive and a difficult habit to break. The more we feed the lust, the more it grows, and the more entrenched the habit becomes. It is the opposite of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ which includes ‘self-control’ — Galatians 5:22. In other words, SS does not eliminate the lust problem; it exacerbates it.

5.       A sad by-product of SS is a feeling of guilt after the climax, something that doesn’t happen with Biblically ordained sex. The person knows that something is wrong, even if they don’t know why.

6.       Finally, there could come a time when SS is simply no longer satisfying, and the person reaches out for more. The danger is that it could lead to other sexual expressions that are condemned in Scripture, like 3D fornication or prostitution.

7.       In summary, the Bible does not directly talk about SS, but it does deal with lust, lack of self-control, and guilt. These factors make SS a troublesome proposition.

Sometimes, it is possible to have a ‘release’ without any touching and any lustful thoughts. These are called nocturnal emissions or ‘wet dreams.’

Human sexuality is a wonderful gift from Almighty God but it has to be on His terms, not ours. Think of it like electricity: handled correctly, it harnesses beneficial power. Mishandled, it can be deadly.

Now that we have spoken about the problem, in our next article, we will look at tips to lead us to a fulfilling solution. TO BE CONTINUED

 

Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Beyond Covid-19: Is There A Word from the Lord? Part 6 Prosperity During Crisis

 

We learned in our last article that, ‘Yes,’ it is possible to prosper in the midst of crisis, of which our present world is awash. You can have peace where there is panic and pandemic; joy even where misery reigns; and to be positioned to help others experience the same. 

We see this in the life of the patriarch Issac who prospered enormously during a time of drought and famine. How did he do it? It came by obeying the call of God on his life, and then doing the clear word of the Lord. God commanded him to sojourn in the land of Canaan and He would bless him there (Genesis 26:3). Isaac wisely chose to obey God and stay, even though everyone else was fleeing to Egypt.

In addition, Isaac had a strong work ethic. He sowed in the land and reaped 100-fold (Genesis 26:12). He dug and re-dug wells in the otherwise dry Negev wilderness. Wherever he inserted his spade (shovel), the water flowed.

Opposition

All of this is wonderful, but remember, his prosperity stirred up deep envy on the part of the locals in Canaan. How he handled this and powered on in prosperity is an example for us all.

Opposition is a fact of life in a fallen world. When God prospers you, especially in time of crisis, people will not necessarily pat you on the back and congratulate you on your success. Surprisingly, people who you think would be happy for you, like family and friends, can be the worst opponents. Resentment can rise up and manifest in some strange and unsavoury ways.

The Bible illustrates a catalogue of envy, like Rachel to Leah, Jacob’s sons to Jospeh, Balak to Israel, Dathan and Abiram to Moses (Psalm 106:16), Saul to David, chief priests to Jesus, and Diaspora Jews to Paul and the other apostles. This ‘tall-poppy’ syndrome is a manifestation of the carnal nature. As such, it can only be cured by the new birth, the cross of Christ, dying to self, God’s Word in the heart, and fulness of the Holy Spirit.

Isaac’s opponents were the Philistines. First, they were so resentful of him that they expelled him from Gerar, where he lived. Then, they either filled up with dirt the wells of Abraham, or stole the wells that Isaac dug … more than once.

Isaac’s Response to Opposition

Don’t be surprised or discouraged when opposition comes. Not only it is a sign that you are on the right track, but there are practical ways to respond which will leverage you to more victorious outcomes. Just watch Isaac.

Isaac was a textbook case of Biblical meekness, the reward of which is inheriting the land (Psalm 37:9; Matthew 5:5). He did not fight back, seek vindication, or strive in any way.

He wisely knew that to drop his spade and pick up a weapon meant that the opponents had already won. How? By getting him to stop doing what he was called to do. Isaac kept digging (Nehemiah did the same).

When people tell you you can’t, keep digging. When you are criticised for doing what’s right, keep digging. When the bullies bellow, keep digging. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him – Proverbs 16:7. The psalmist learned to be ‘deaf’ and ‘dumb’ in the face of opposition (Psalm 38:13-15). It’s amazing how much of the opposition you miss out on when you take this stance.

The most perfect example of earth-inheriting Biblical meekness was Jesus, especially during His passion and crucifixion. Without resistance, defence, or arguing, He submitted to God to the point of death on the cross. Even from a secular view, the influence of Jesus of Nazareth on the world was incalculable. For believers, it is eternal.

Reward & Extra Blessing

Despite their opposition, Isaac’s meekness, which was really strength restrained by grace, gave him an open heaven and manifold blessings from God. Despite their bullying, it was his enemies who sued for peace.

Opposition drove Isaac to a wonderful place called Rehoboth, where there is room, fruitfulness, water, and no strife (26:22). Then he ended up in Beersheba, where he made a peace treaty.

All in all, Isaac’s crises turned into God’s multi-faceted opportunity and manifold blessings.

A vital final point: When you are born again, you are a dual citizen: of your homeland and of the kingdom of God. In addition, you are not just part of the global economy, you are connected to God’s economy. Follow the Isaac principles of obedience and Biblical meekness, and you will enjoy prosperity in crisis.

A quick example of God’s economy: Exercise prudence in financial matters, budget, tithe, giving to the poor, live within your means, save for a rainy day, and you will never run dry.

We did a two year round the world, ‘Corrie ten Boom-style’ missionary journey. What does that mean? It was inspired by her book Tramp for the Lord. Wait on God, let the Spirit direct where to go, and trust God for the provision to get there and stay there. Leaving the USA with one-way tickets to Europe and $2,000 spending money, with no fixed address or any regular financial support, God took us around the world for two years and when we returned to the USA, we still had $2,000. That’s God’s economy in action.

Yes, it’s time to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Isaac, and the psalmist, and prosper in crisis.

Culture, Education, Social Issues, Society, Theology

Book Review: The Spiritual Danger of Donald Trump: 30 Evangelical Christians on Justice, Truth, and Moral Integrity

Ron Sider’s edited collection of 25 essays from 30 Evangelical Christian contributors offers insight into Trump’s public character and apparent values and explores the reasons for Christian support for Trump. But it explores the intersection of American politics and religion generally, highlighting the growing polarisation in that country.

Articles, Education, Faith, Prophecy, Teaching

Take Your Rest: The Fourth Commandment Part 05

 

 

The Sabbath & the Book of Hebrews 

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour,

and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it — Exodus 20:8-11

 

From Blessing to Burden?

 

The 10 commandments offer a concise portrait of God’s alpine high standards; they have been a bedrock for western civilisation and a major reason for its blessing. Of all the commandments, the fourth should be greatly celebrated: it is called the Sabbath rest.

Who wouldn’t want a regular day off?

As we have learned in earlier articles, the very commandment that was meant to bestow blessing became a great burden by the 1st Century AD – the time of Jesus. There were so many manmade ‘do’s & don’ts’ on how to keep the Sabbath ‘holy’ that one wonders if they all could be remembered, let alone observed. It drained the joy right out of the day

Jesus cut through the clutter with His statement that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath: the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28). For most Christians, we have accepted the concept of ‘Sabbath’ being on the first day of the week, a celebration of the new creation in Christ.

Insights from the Book of Hebrews

In order to have a complete and balanced understanding of the fourth commandment and rest, we need to turn to the Book of Hebrews 3:7-4:12.

Four times in this passage it makes a reference to Psalm 95:7-11, which says Today, if you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.

What does this have to do with the rest of Sabbath?

•    Weekly Sabbath: A day of rest on Saturday from your normal labour;

•    The promised land: When the children of Israel possessed the land of Canaan under Joshua, this was a type of rest. God promised the land to their father Abraham and now it was theirs. Instead of wandering through the wilderness or fighting off the locals, every man could ‘rest’ under his own vine and fig tree (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4). The Israelites have arrived and possessed their ‘rest.’

•    Ultimate rest: Making it to heaven, the Kingdom of God, and New Jerusalem, is the final rest. Our life and labours for God lead us to this destination.

Merely having a day off on Saturday or Sunday is not necessarily the rest of God. Jesus’ opponents – Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, scribes, chief priests – all observed Saturday Sabbath, but they in no wise pleased God or prepared themselves for the His rest.

Remember the words of Hebrews 3:7-11, quoting Psalm 95

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.

The Israelites during Moses’ day rested the Sabbath but God says in Verse 11 they shall not enter His rest.

Why couldn’t they enter into His rest? And how can we?

1.        Refusal to listen to God’s Word: God is always speaking (Hebrews 1:1-2) but we are not always listening. If you belong to Jesus, He says that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:27).

 

2.        Hardened heart: Rejecting God’s voice leads to a hardened heart, and that is more deadly to the spirit than hardened arteries to the body. It is a form of blindness and deafness.

 

3.        Missing out on God: Stubborn spiritual deafness means tempting God, rejecting His grace and miracles, erring in the heart, and ignorance of God’s ways. A person can miss heaven’s best if they persist in this condition.

 

No amount of Sabbath-keeping will remedy this dire situation. So what is the solution? Faith in God and His gospel is the key to pleasing Him, accessing His kingdom, and entering into His rest. Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes from the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Just as faith is commended, doubt and unbelief are condemned. In fact, Hebrews 3:12 speaks of the worse sin of all: the evil heart of unbelief. Any other sin can be atoned by faith in the gospel of Christ, but if you can’t believe, the gospel will not profit you. That’s why we need to mix the word of the gospel with faith (Hebrews 4:2).

Ironically, we are encouraged to labour in order to enter into God’s rest (Hebrews 4:11): This is not talking about hard manual labour. It is referring to effort to draw close to God in faith and to let the atoning work of Christ on the cross be credited to your life.

Faith and rest: Your standing in God is not determined by what you do but what Christ has done. Believe in receive.

In conclusion, regarding the Sabbath, a disobedient hard-heart will preclude you from God’s rest, even if you do observe the Sabbath. But a life of faith will cause you to please God, enter into His rest, and everyday belongs to Him.