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Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Eternity’s Hymnbook: Why Study the Book of Psalms

(David playing the harp, Mount Zion – Photo courtesy of Teach All Nations)

 Psalm 23
A Psalm of David
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
It is the most beloved prose in the English language. Recited at secular funerals, Psalm 23 is part of the largest book of the Bible.
If we could only have one book of the Bible, instead of 66, that contained the essential message of Scripture, which one would it be? The answer is The Psalms.
The longest book of the Bible, with the longest chapter (Psalm 119 – 176 verses), contains the Bible in miniature. History, prophecy, covenants, personal struggles, victorious living, every type of human experience  – it’s all there in the Psalms. The New Testament has 116 direct quotes from the Psalms. That’s why Martin Luther called Psalms ‘a little Bible.’
Written in order to be sung, the Book of Psalms has been the ‘hymnbook’ of Israel and the church for centuries. David the king authored most of them. Some of the psalms are stand-alone
Another great reformer said this of the Psalms: ‘An anatomy of all the parts of the soul; for no one will find in himself a single feeling of which the image is not reflected in this mirror’ — John CALVIN
HEBREW NAME
Called Sepher Tehillim or the ‘Book of Praises.’ In the Greek it is called psalmos or psalmoi, meaning ‘a song, words with music, or a song accompanied by a stringed instrument. ‘
AUTHORS OF THE PSALMS
Psalms clearly has several authors, since it is a compilation of praises and prayers to God. There are 150 psalms or poems set to music and meant to be sung. Here is what we know about the authorship of Psalms and how many they wrote:
•    David, the ‘sweet psalmist of Israel – II Samuel 23:1 – (73), nearly half.
•    Asaph (12);
•    Sons of Korah (10);
•    Solomon (2).
•    Moses, author of the Pentateuch, (1 – Psalm 90).
•    Ethan (1 – Psalm 89);
•    Heman (1 – Psalm 88);
•    Anonymous (50)
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
The entire gamut of the gospel is represented in Psalm. Jesus tells His disciples after His resurrection that ‘All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me’ (Luke 24:44ff).
The Son of God & King: In Psalm 2, Christ is the Son (v. 7), the king set on the holy hill of Zion (v. 6), who will rule with a rod of iron (v. 9) from David’s throne. Other kingly notations are found in Psalms 21, 45, and 72.
Priestly Messiah: Psalm 40:6, 8; 22; 49; 110.
Suffering of Messiah: Psalm 22 and 69.
Christ’s resurrection: Psalm 16.
THEME OF PSALMS
The Psalms cover the entire range human experience and emotion from the heights of praise to the depths of depression (Psalm 42; 88). The Psalms teach on praise, thanksgiving, repentance, trust, distress, history, and prophecy.
The bottom line: Psalms takes a person from where they are at, turns their focus off sin, self, and the world and finally puts it squarely on Almighty God Himself, who is worthy to be praised. It takes their eyes off the problem and puts in on the (divine) solution.
KEY VERSES IN PSALMS
Psalm 149
1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 150
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
SUMMARY OF PSALMS
In the Psalms, you can find:
•    Biblical history (42; 63; 80; 84; 137);
•    Confession and Repentance, a key theme in Psalms (6; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143);
•    Times of Distress (4; 13; 55; 64; 88). The psalmist experienced the same challenges and emotions that we all do;
•    Teaching psalms (1, 5, 7, 15, 17, 50, 73, 94, 101);
•    Curses (35, 52, 58, 59, 69, 83, 109, 137, 140). This is before the coming of Christ; now, we are called to ‘bless’ our enemies;
•    Trusting God (3; 27; 31; 46; 56; 62; 86);
•    Praise (8, 29, 93; 100);
•    Thanksgiving (16, 18, 30, 65; 103; 107; 116);
•    Messianic prophecy (2; 16; 22; 24; 40; 45; 68; 69; 72; 97; 110; 118);
•    Pilgrimage psalms (120-134). These were what the pilgrims sang when they made the ascent to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.
OUTLINE OF PSALMS
Psalms, like the Torah or Pentateuch, can be divided into five books:
Book One   — Psalms 1  –  41
            Psalms of humanity, mostly all from David
Book Two   — Psalms 41  –  72
            Psalms of Israel, from ruin to redemption
Book Three — Psalms 73  –  89
            Psalms of the Sanctuary
Book Four  — Psalms 90  –  106
            Psalms of the earth
Book Five  — Psalms 107 – 150
            The Word of God (especially Psalm 119)

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Eternity’s Hymnbook: Why Study the Book of Psalms

(David playing the harp, Mount Zion – Photo courtesy of Teach All Nations)

 Psalm 23
A Psalm of David
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
It is the most beloved prose in the English language. Recited at secular funerals, Psalm 23 is part of the largest book of the Bible.
If we could only have one book of the Bible, instead of 66, that contained the essential message of Scripture, which one would it be? The answer is The Psalms.
The longest book of the Bible, with the longest chapter (Psalm 119 – 176 verses), contains the Bible in miniature. History, prophecy, covenants, personal struggles, victorious living, every type of human experience  – it’s all there in the Psalms. The New Testament has 116 direct quotes from the Psalms. That’s why Martin Luther called Psalms ‘a little Bible.’
Written in order to be sung, the Book of Psalms has been the ‘hymnbook’ of Israel and the church for centuries. David the king authored most of them. Some of the psalms are stand-alone
Another great reformer said this of the Psalms: ‘An anatomy of all the parts of the soul; for no one will find in himself a single feeling of which the image is not reflected in this mirror’ — John CALVIN
HEBREW NAME
Called Sepher Tehillim or the ‘Book of Praises.’ In the Greek it is called psalmos or psalmoi, meaning ‘a song, words with music, or a song accompanied by a stringed instrument. ‘
AUTHORS OF THE PSALMS
Psalms clearly has several authors, since it is a compilation of praises and prayers to God. There are 150 psalms or poems set to music and meant to be sung. Here is what we know about the authorship of Psalms and how many they wrote:
•    David, the ‘sweet psalmist of Israel – II Samuel 23:1 – (73), nearly half.
•    Asaph (12);
•    Sons of Korah (10);
•    Solomon (2).
•    Moses, author of the Pentateuch, (1 – Psalm 90).
•    Ethan (1 – Psalm 89);
•    Heman (1 – Psalm 88);
•    Anonymous (50)
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
The entire gamut of the gospel is represented in Psalm. Jesus tells His disciples after His resurrection that ‘All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me’ (Luke 24:44ff).
The Son of God & King: In Psalm 2, Christ is the Son (v. 7), the king set on the holy hill of Zion (v. 6), who will rule with a rod of iron (v. 9) from David’s throne. Other kingly notations are found in Psalms 21, 45, and 72.
Priestly Messiah: Psalm 40:6, 8; 22; 49; 110.
Suffering of Messiah: Psalm 22 and 69.
Christ’s resurrection: Psalm 16.
THEME OF PSALMS
The Psalms cover the entire range human experience and emotion from the heights of praise to the depths of depression (Psalm 42; 88). The Psalms teach on praise, thanksgiving, repentance, trust, distress, history, and prophecy.
The bottom line: Psalms takes a person from where they are at, turns their focus off sin, self, and the world and finally puts it squarely on Almighty God Himself, who is worthy to be praised. It takes their eyes off the problem and puts in on the (divine) solution.
KEY VERSES IN PSALMS
Psalm 149
1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 150
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
SUMMARY OF PSALMS
In the Psalms, you can find:
•    Biblical history (42; 63; 80; 84; 137);
•    Confession and Repentance, a key theme in Psalms (6; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143);
•    Times of Distress (4; 13; 55; 64; 88). The psalmist experienced the same challenges and emotions that we all do;
•    Teaching psalms (1, 5, 7, 15, 17, 50, 73, 94, 101);
•    Curses (35, 52, 58, 59, 69, 83, 109, 137, 140). This is before the coming of Christ; now, we are called to ‘bless’ our enemies;
•    Trusting God (3; 27; 31; 46; 56; 62; 86);
•    Praise (8, 29, 93; 100);
•    Thanksgiving (16, 18, 30, 65; 103; 107; 116);
•    Messianic prophecy (2; 16; 22; 24; 40; 45; 68; 69; 72; 97; 110; 118);
•    Pilgrimage psalms (120-134). These were what the pilgrims sang when they made the ascent to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.
OUTLINE OF PSALMS
Psalms, like the Torah or Pentateuch, can be divided into five books:
Book One   — Psalms 1  –  41
            Psalms of humanity, mostly all from David
Book Two   — Psalms 41  –  72
            Psalms of Israel, from ruin to redemption
Book Three — Psalms 73  –  89
            Psalms of the Sanctuary
Book Four  — Psalms 90  –  106
            Psalms of the earth
Book Five  — Psalms 107 – 150
            The Word of God (especially Psalm 119)

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

THAI RED CHICKEN CURRY

I never grew up on curries and tended to avoid them because of the ‘heat.’ However, in recent years, due to travels in Asia, I have had a change of heart and palate. The following recipe is mouth-watering, however, two recommendations.

1.       Don’t be generous: If you are not use to spicy hot food, reduce the amount of red curry paste (e.g. Use 2 teaspoons instead of 2 Tablespoons). Don’t be generous – better to add some heat later than have regrets because you put too much; you want to aim at having ‘no tears’ meal.
2.       Be generous: Load up on your favourite vegetables. This meal is a good way to get young and old to ‘eat their veggies.’
THAI RED CHICKEN CURRY
Ingredients (serves 4)
•         1 1/2 Tablespoons oil
•         250 g skinless sliced chicken fillet; breast or thigh according to your preference.
•         1 onion, sliced
•         1 (or more) red capsicum (bell pepper)
•         200g (or more) mushrooms, stems trimmed, halved
•         230g can sliced bamboo shoots, drained
•         2 Tablespoon Thai red curry paste; use less if you are not used to spicy hot
•         1 cup chicken stock
•         1 Tablespoon fish sauce
•         1 Tablespoon brown sugar
•         1 can (375 ml) coconut cream or coconut milk (for a lighter version, there are evaporated milks that have a coconut flavour)
•         1 cup (or more) frozen peas (try baby peas)
•         Hand-full of fresh (Thai) basil, if available (or cilantro/coriander)
•         Steamed basmati or jasmine rice, to serve
Method
1.           Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken, for 1 to 2 minutes each side or until golden. Add onion, red capsicum, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and sauté 1-2 minutes. Set to the side.
2.           Reduce frying pan heat to low. Add remaining oil to pan. Add curry paste and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes or until aromatic. Add stock and stir until curry paste has dissolved. Return chicken, onion, mushrooms, red capsicum, and bamboo shoots to the pan.
3.           Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine fish sauce, brown sugar and coconut cream/milk in a jug. Stir into curry. Cook another 5-10 minutes. Add peas near the end, lest they gets overcooked and soggy.

4.           Stir in basil or coriander. Spoon curry over rice. Serve.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

THAI RED CHICKEN CURRY

I never grew up on curries and tended to avoid them because of the ‘heat.’ However, in recent years, due to travels in Asia, I have had a change of heart and palate. The following recipe is mouth-watering, however, two recommendations.

1.       Don’t be generous: If you are not use to spicy hot food, reduce the amount of red curry paste (e.g. Use 2 teaspoons instead of 2 Tablespoons). Don’t be generous – better to add some heat later than have regrets because you put too much; you want to aim at having ‘no tears’ meal.
2.       Be generous: Load up on your favourite vegetables. This meal is a good way to get young and old to ‘eat their veggies.’
THAI RED CHICKEN CURRY
Ingredients (serves 4)
•         1 1/2 Tablespoons oil
•         250 g skinless sliced chicken fillet; breast or thigh according to your preference.
•         1 onion, sliced
•         1 (or more) red capsicum (bell pepper)
•         200g (or more) mushrooms, stems trimmed, halved
•         230g can sliced bamboo shoots, drained
•         2 Tablespoon Thai red curry paste; use less if you are not used to spicy hot
•         1 cup chicken stock
•         1 Tablespoon fish sauce
•         1 Tablespoon brown sugar
•         1 can (375 ml) coconut cream or coconut milk (for a lighter version, there are evaporated milks that have a coconut flavour)
•         1 cup (or more) frozen peas (try baby peas)
•         Hand-full of fresh (Thai) basil, if available (or cilantro/coriander)
•         Steamed basmati or jasmine rice, to serve
Method
1.           Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken, for 1 to 2 minutes each side or until golden. Add onion, red capsicum, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and sauté 1-2 minutes. Set to the side.
2.           Reduce frying pan heat to low. Add remaining oil to pan. Add curry paste and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes or until aromatic. Add stock and stir until curry paste has dissolved. Return chicken, onion, mushrooms, red capsicum, and bamboo shoots to the pan.
3.           Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine fish sauce, brown sugar and coconut cream/milk in a jug. Stir into curry. Cook another 5-10 minutes. Add peas near the end, lest they gets overcooked and soggy.

4.           Stir in basil or coriander. Spoon curry over rice. Serve.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

What Is The Church – Part 01

Matthew 16:18 (KJV) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
When you hear the word ‘church,’ what comes to mind?
•   A white weatherboard building with a high steeple with a cross at the top?
•   A basilica or cathedral with magnificent architecture and stained-glass windows?
•   A building with a large pipe organ that belts out traditional music?
•   A denomination?
•   A building with a cross?
•   A set of doctrines?
•   A group of Christian meeting together?
In other words, what on earth, is the church?
Background to An Important Announcement
Jesus and the disciples were in the vicinity of a thoroughly heathen Gentile city of Caesarea Philippi, now known as Banias at the foot of the Golan Heights. It was only 6 kilometres away from an equally heathen Israelite city called Dan. Micah’s idol was installed at the founding of the city (Judges 18:14-27; 30), and Jeroboam built an altar to the golden calf at Dan (I Kings 12:28-30). This sin resulted in the eventual demise and deportation of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Could this be the reason Dan is not even mentioned in the list of 12 tribes found in Revelation 7?
Yet where the night is darkest, the light shines brightest. It was in this ungodly region, not in the precincts of Jerusalem, or among the religious elite of Israel, that a most transforming revelation and proclamation was made.
Jesus asks His disciples a telling question: Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (Matthew 16:13).
There was a variety of responses: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
Then Jesus turns His attention to the ones who should known Him best – the disciples: But whom say ye that I am (verse 15).
Without hesitation, Peter answered Jesus: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16).
Jesus the Christ
Before we can understand the nature of the church, we need to know about its Founder. Knowing the real Jesus helps us to appreciate church more.
The Founder of the church is Jesus of Nazareth. The New Testament teaches He is the ‘Christ,’ Χριστός Christos, Greek for ‘Messiah’ (mashiyach), which means ‘The Anointed One.’
What is Messiah? It comes from the promise God made to David, known as the ‘Davidic Covenant,’ (II Samuel 7:1-17; I Chronicles 17:1-15). Tenets of the covenant are simple yet powerful:
1.     God said he would give David a son and heir;
2.     David’s son would succeed him to the throne;
3.     David’s son would rule from His throne forever (I Chronicles 17:12, 14; Luke 1:33) and;
4.     David’s son would also be God’s Son (I Chronicles 17:13).
So ‘Messiah,’ ‘The Anointed One,’ would simultaneously be ‘son of David, Son of God.’ He is the ‘anointed of the anointed,’ just as He is the ‘King of kings and Lord of Lords’ (Titus 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16).

Next time, we will see how church is defined.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

EUROPEAN CHRONICLES PART 01: Looking at the history, heritage, and challenges facing the mother continent

Great Britain’s Contribution to Civilisation
When think of the words ‘Britain,’ ‘Great Britain,’ ‘England,’ and/or ‘United Kingdom,’ what comes to mind? Red double-decker buses? The Queen waving from the balcony of Buckingham Palace? Fish and chips, wrapped in newspaper and season with salt and vinegar? Furry-hat Beefeaters? Rugby and cricket?
In the gallery of today’s nation-states, Britain, along with a handful of others, clearly stands in a category called ‘unique.’ Great Britain is a leader among nations and this article will show, in part, its oversized contribution to civilisation. It has had 1,000 years to develop some of the finest traditions, institutions and inventions in history.
Before, if not during, the 2016 Brexit-remain referendum on Britain’s EU membership, a constant refrain came out of Europe. Perhaps not worded so starkly, it essentially said that Britain was no better than any other of the 28 members states in the EU. Instead of complaining about its large EU contribution, or the open borders, or the erosion of sovereignty – the European Union leadership hinted it was time for Britain to ‘pay up,’ ‘stop the whinging,’ and cooperate in building the European project.
Is Britain no different or better than any other country in the EU? Could such wording, even if only implicit, have driven the British electorate towards Brexit? What makes Britain stand out from other European countries?
Consider: Britain has the fourth biggest military, along with the sixth biggest economy in the world. London is a prime economic and banking hub, with over 1 million people employed in the sector. Even after Brexit, this arena is expected to continue and flourish.
Parliamentary Democracy: Thanks to the Magna Carta of 1215, which codified the rights and protections of the people, Britain’s democracy evolved to be highly representative of the people. It has been an inspiration throughout the world. ‘Common law’ and ‘rule of law’ have also been a massive contribution to civilisation, starting with those nations that were once under Britain’s rule. The writings of John Locke (1632-1704), English philosopher and physician, the ‘Father of Liberalism,’ greatly influenced Voltaire, Rousseau, and the American revolutionaries, reflected in the American Declaration of Independence.
Constitutional Monarchy: Britain, along with Australia, Canada, New Zealand and other nations, are beneficiaries of this system of government which is demonstrably the most stable of all. The reason is that the head of state is above-politics, representing all parties. In republics, often times the head of state is a politician and has to to do much ‘horse-trading’ in order to get things done. Also, the apolitical monarch/governor general denies absolute power to any of the other branches of government: executive, judiciary, legislative, and military. That’s why a coup d’tat is much less likely in a constitutional monarchy.
Technological progress: Britain spawned an agricultural revolution and an industrial revolution. Charles Babbage invented the first programmable computer in the 1820s. A Briton named Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone in the USA (1876). The first steam locomotive was given to the world by Richard Trevithick (1804). British inventor John Logie Baird developed the first publicly demonstrated television (1925). Railways, automobiles, and gas turbines, are a British invention.
And here is an interesting point: the world-wide web (www) came out of Britain. First of all, do not confuse this with the American-invented system of networked computers, which we call the internet. A British computer scientist named Tim Berners-Lee developed the system of webpages and websites, using interlinked hypertext documents, which are connected via the internet.
The above is only a very partial list of the technological contributions coming out of Britain.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

TRADITIONAL VALUES CONSERVATIVES (TVC)

Society is in great flux and the pace of change is at a dizzying rate. In addition, civility in the public square is falling while societal fissures are widening. Why the acrimony? Why the divisiveness? Why do the two sides seem to speak different languages?

Welcome to the culture war.
It is of the utmost importance that we ‘understand the times’ to know what we need to do (I Chronicles 12:32). This includes the half-century old ‘culture war,’ between the left-wing ‘progressives’ and the right-wing conservatives. Left unchecked, the culture war aims to redefine, if not destroy, western civilisation as we know it.
In Part 02 of this series, we looked at the topic of the ‘progressives,’ or better described as ’secular-progressives’ (SP). These are the people who are leading the charge for change – at any price. They have been stunningly successful at capturing the mainstream media, academia, judiciary, big business, and occupy the major left-wing parties (e.g. Australian and British Labour Parties and the American Democratic Party). But it does not stop there — they have also taken over part of the erstwhile conservative parties (e.g. American Republicans, Australian Liberal Party, and British Tories). Even major international organisations like the United Nations and European Union are heavily progressivist. This movement is so entrenched in the current culture that even conservative governments are powerless to make significant changes.
In this article, we will look at the other side of the equation: the conservatives. But not just any conservatives, since conservatism is clearly in crisis. Classic conservatism believes in limited government, an unbridled economy, strong national defence, and high (Judeo-Christian) moral values (think of Ronald Reagan). The modern version is different, for it excludes one or more of these pillars, while embracing one or more tenets of SP.
Today people use the label ‘conservative’ but might hold positions that would shock conservatives of yesteryear. The reason is that today’s ‘new-conservatives’ may still believe in free market economics and/or limited government – meaning a government which is not as big as SP’s want – but are libertarian when it comes to moral issues. In this, they can have an identical moral position to SP, which includes hot-button issues like abortion and marriage redefinition. These ‘modern conservatives’ tend to be more materialistic, libertarian, perhaps utilitarian, and are more than willing to cast aside moral scruples in the name of ‘relevance,’ ‘tolerance,’ and ‘inclusivity.’
This article will seek to describe the classic conservative, as described above. They, more than any other, seek to counter the offensive waged by secular-progressivism (SP), either on public policy and morality. Our term will be traditional values conservatism (TVC).
Mindful of the ‘Whole Person’
For starters, perhaps the single-most important distinctive between the two sides is that TVC takes a wholistic approach to humanity. SP focuses on people mostly from a materialistic, economic point-of-view, as do the ‘modern conservative,’ who have forsaken Judea-Christian values, without admitting so. TVC believe that entire person matters: body, soul, and spirit. Rather than ignoring the spiritual, ethical, and moral side, TVC embraces and advocates all these, believing that they make for a better society.
TVC can be described by a Bible-verse: I Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast to what is good. TVC conservatism is not against change; it supports rightful, meaningful change but opposes ‘change for change’s sake’ or ‘change for the worse.’ If something continues to be useful, it should be retained or ‘conserved.’ Things that have outlived their usefulness, even if they are ‘good,’ can be replaced with something better.

To be continued
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S DECLARATION ON JERUSALEM: Who Cares?

Therefore, I have determined that it is time to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel — US President Donald Trump
You would have thought the sky had fallen!



( US & Israeli flags at the Jerusalem Municipality. Courtesy of Teach All Nations)

US President Donald Trump, no stranger to controversy, made a simple statement on 6 December 2017, stating that the United States recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Mr. Trump was honouring a campaign promise, which some of his predecessors also made but did not fulfil.
Though Trump sought to be calming, even-handed, and concilatory, there was a strong reaction from key parties. When it comes to Jerusalem, it can be a very emotive. In this article, we will find out who cares about the issue.
Before making his statement, President Trump called Egyptian President Sisi, Jordanian King Abdullah, Saudi King Salmon, and Palestinian Authority President Abbas, explaining his actions. He confirmed that the US is still open to the internationally-endorsed ‘two state solution,’ meaning the holy land is to house two nations for two people, ‘living in peace side-by-side.’ What is not directly stated, but implicit, is that along with ‘two states’ there is also to be ‘two Jerusalems,’ one city but divided into two capitals for two peoples. 
The 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act overwhelmingly passed in the US Congress, 374-37 votes in the House of Representatives and 93 to 5 votes in the Senate. In 2017 the act was symbolically passed again unanimously in the Senate. It stipulated that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and that the American embassy should be re-located there. However, the President can postpone the move every six months to ‘protect the national security interests of the United States.’ Then US President Bill Clinton signed the twice yearly postponement waiver for the rest of his administration. George W. Bush and Barack H. Obama did the same.
Mr. Trump has gone against decades of US policy vis a vis Jerusalem. America has refused to publicly recognise the holy city as Israel’s capital and has kept the embassy in Tel Aviv, 65 kilometres away, as are all foreign missions. Americans born in the holy city have only ‘Jerusalem’ written in their passports, not ‘Jerusalem, Israel.’ 
Yet, while de jure recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has been denied, de facto has been operative for years: US presidents, secretary of states, and military leaders have met with their Israeli counterparts in the holy city.
The reason for this ambiguous policy is that Jerusalem is a hyper-sensitive issue with the Arab and Muslim worlds; therefore, its final status should be determined by negotiations. If and when that happens, then embassy might be moved, either to a united or divided Jerusalem. Trump believes this long-term ambiguity vis a vis Jerusalem has not worked, will never work, nor has it brought peace any closer; It is time to face facts and move on.
Mr. Trump said that his move was merely a ‘recognition of reality.’ What is that reality? In a population of 880,000, the Jews number 563,200 (64%), and Arabs 308,000 (35%). Jerusalem has been Israel’s declared capital since 1949, just as it was for a thousand years from the time of King David (1000 BC) to the time of Christ (70 AD). This capital status is mentioned frequently in the Bible, along with 100s of references to Jerusalem. It serves as the seat of government. Israel’s parliament, The Knesset, the Supreme Court, government ministries, official residences of the President and Prime Minister, are all located in Jerusalem. 
From the Arab point of view, they are the majority of the population in the Old City, which is the historic, original Jerusalem (30,000 Muslims, 5,600 Christians, 3,000 Jews). They also possess 14 hectares of sacred space known as Al Haram Al Sharif (the ‘Noble Sanctuary’), known in English as the Temple Mount, arguably the single most important piece of real estate in the world. Though historically Jerusalem has never been the capital of any Muslim or Arab entity, the Palestinians say that it will be the capital of their future state.
WORLD REACTION
So who cares about this declaration? 
Apparently the entire world!
First, the mainstream US media attacked the President for being ‘reckless.’ This reaction should surprise no one.
The Pope urged him to respect the status quo, namely, ambiguity and keep the American embassy in Tel Aviv. Britain’s Theresa May and other European leaders spoke of the move as being ‘too risky.’ Sweden’s foreign minister called Trump’s declaration ‘catastrophic.’ Russia and China are nervous, too.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the ‘2-state solution’ to peace with Israel/Palestine is the ‘only way’ to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict. There is no ‘Plan B.’
The Palestinian Authority vigorously condemned the move, called for a ‘days of rage.’ Hamas, who rules the Gaza Strip, said Trump’s statement ‘opens the gates of hell.’ 
At an emergency meeting of the 22-member Arab League, they denounced Trump’s move as a ‘shameless attack’ on the Arab nation, the rights of the Palestinians, and of all Muslims and Christians. They warned that recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital threatened regional peace and stability.
Turkey, whose previous Ottoman Empire occupied Jerusalem for 400 years (1517-1917), declared any change of status in Jerusalem would be a ‘catastrophe.’ Protests were held from Beirut to Jakarta.
Yet, at a local level, things were relatively calm. Yes, there were demonstrations here and there but nowhere nearly as expansive or ferocious as was anticipated. This author happened to be in the country when the Trump’s declaration was made. From personal observation, it was ‘business as usual’ in key cities like Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Life can and will go on.
STAKEHOLDERS
When it comes to Jerusalem, it has the distinction of holding ‘universal name-recognition’ and international concern. From the Amazon Basin to the highlands of Papua New Guinea, the whole world knows about Jerusalem. Since the mid-19th Century, major western powers have established a presence, consular and otherwise, in Jerusalem. 
Concerning the status of Jerusalem, the current stakeholders include (but are not limited to):
   •    Israel
   •    Palestinian Authority & Hamas
   •    The Arab League
   •    The United Nations
   •    The United States
   •    The European Union
   •    Russia
   •    The Vatican
   •    Iran & the ‘Shiite Crescent’ from the Persian Gulf (Iran) to the Mediterranean (Lebanon), & Shia Islam
   •    Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
   •    The Orthodox Church (they own much land in the holy city)
   •    The Jewish world
These parties all claim a vested interest. In theory, many, if not all, can have a veto over any agreement involving ownership of the holy city, which has been undecided since the Ottoman Turks lost it to British General Edmund Allenby in December 1917.
Analysis of The Trump Jerusalem Declaration
On reading Trump’s Declaration on Jerusalem, he still pledges openness to the ‘two-state solution,’ if both parties want it. Also, the President recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital but did not use the phrases ‘united’ and/or ‘undivided.’ This also, in theory, leaves open the possibility of the redivision of the holy city into two capitals.
He gave no timeline for when the embassy will move. Nor did he offer to immediately convert the current US consulate in Jerusalem into an embassy. Apparently, he also signed the December 2017 waiver postponing the move of the embassy for another 6 months, as he did the first time in June 2017.
So it appears that Trump’s declaration was more symbolic than substantive. Yet, make no mistake about it, symbols can be very potent. Jerusalem testy status makes that plain.
If the world were committed to a two-state, two-capital solution, why the fuss of recognising Israel’s sovereignty at least over part of Jerusalem? Could it be that major stakeholders object to Israel’s rule over any part of Jerusalem, not just the whole?

Twenty-five hundred years ago, the prophet Zechariah (12:3) warned the world that Almighty God would make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people. Are we seeing a fulfilment of that prophecy before our very eyes? For seasoned observers, there is no doubt that this city will continue to concern and confound the nations in the days to come. Just keep watching this space.
Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Making Sense Out of Suffering: Why Study the Book of Job

(Photo of the Lord speaking to Job in a whirlwind, courtesy of blueletterbible.org)
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold — Job 23:10
It is an ancient yet ever-present problem: why is there pain and suffering in the world? Even more troubling, why do the righteous suffer and the unrighteous prosper? Theologians, philosophers, yes, everyday people have pondered this terrible reality.
All of us go through some degree of suffering. Some have a ‘high pain’ tolerance and others don’t. But for most people in the western world, no matter how intense the heat of suffering may be, always remember that in other parts of the world, they suffer in a manner we would know nothing about. Perspective is aways important.
More than one book of the Bible deals with the topic of suffering. The New Testament epistle of I Peter focuses on it. Yet no part of the Bible majors on this topic to the extent that the Book of Job does. In a sense, this 42 chapter Bible book is one beautiful, masterful poem that graces and inspires us with its words – God’s words – as we ponder its timeless message.
Job, a wealthy, righteous man goes through compounded, tragic, even horrific suffering all  in a short period of time. His lost wealth is replaceable, but his lost children were not. His friends come to comfort him and what ensues is an extended dialogue between them and Job. Eventually, the Lord comes into the picture and His powerful words shed light on this sobering subject.
HEBREW NAME
Iyyob which can mean ‘persecuted one.’
AUTHOR
We do not know who the author of Job is. What we do know is that Job came from the ‘Land of Uz,’ which is near Midian. Job very well could have been a Gentile who lived in the time of the patriarchs or later. Moses may have known about him and Elihu, but that does not mean he is the author.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Jesus Christ is known as the ‘Daysman’ (9:33) and the living, visible redeemer (19:25).
THEME OF JOB
God is God in the good times and the bad. He is sovereign over every situation, including suffering, and redeems the righteous out of it all.
Pain, faith, and the role of Satan are held in the spotlight.
KEY VERSES IN JOB
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him — Job 13:15
Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. 24Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart  — Job 37:23-24
SUMMARY OF JOB
The Book of Job begins with an eye-opening dialogue between Almighty God and Satan in heaven (yes, apparently Satan has visiting rights in heaven, though he will lose them when cast to the earth in Revelation 12:9). God commends Job as His upright servant who fears Him and hates evil. Satan says that God’s hedge around Job keeps him faithful but if that hedge is removed and Job suffers, he will curse God to his face. God does not believe this lie yet gives Satan permission to test Job, knowing he will remain faithful. So Satan’s attack results in Job losing livestock, servants, and his 10 children, virtually on the same day. Yet Job did not sin.
The second conversation between God and Satan is that Job is commended for his faithfulness. Satan says that if he was physically afflicted, Job would turn against God. Again, God gives Satan permission to touch him physically but to spare his life. He is struck with boils from head to toe. He refused to sin with his lips.
Job’s wife is not exactly helpful or encouraging: She asks him how long will he hold onto his integrity? Then she tells him to ‘curse God and die.’ Before we are too hard on Mrs. Job, remember that she had just lost her 10 children. When Job’s blessings are restored, she will benefit, too.
His three friends come to ‘comfort’ him. They sat in silence for one solid week before speaking. Their names were Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Once the week was over and the talking began, there was three debates. His friends say his suffering must be due to his sin (as if the righteous don’t suffer). He says he is being judged and God will vindicate him.
Job also complains that God does not hear him (13:3, 24), is punishing him (7:4), and allows the wicked to prosper (21:7). For 5 chapters Job does all the talking (27-31).
Elihu, though young, brings a mature perspective and strong rebuke. He reproves Job for justifying himself while correcting the 3 friends for condemning Job but having no answer themselves.
Finally, God Himself speaks to Job from the whirlwind (chapters 38-42). He speaks of his mighty power in creation, how as Sovereign he can control the uncontrollable. If Job can’t decipher God’s creative ways and acts, how can he possibly make sense of suffering – his and others.
Some important principles to remember in the face of suffering:
1)     Commit yourself to God;
2)     Trust God with all your heart, whether it makes sense or not;
3)     Have confidence that God will bring good to your life; righteousness truly has a sure reward.
4)     Suffering is a reality in a fallen world; sometimes due to one’s sin, sometimes due to one’s righteousness. The righteous must remain so and God will turn it around for their good. The sinner must repent, learn the lessons, obey the commands, and get right with God and others.
5)     Satan is a reality and this explains much about the reason for suffering. His rampage will not last forever and he will be thoroughly and irreversibly judged.
Yes, the good guys do triumph in the end.
End result: Job’s lost possessions are restored, including 10 more children. His 3 friends receive prayer due to their insensitive words. Young Elihu is not rebuked at all.
Outline of Job
I.      Dialogue between God and Satan; Job’s sufferings begin (1-2)
II.   Dialogue between Job and his friends (3-37)

III.  God speaks to Job and restores his fortunes (38-42)