Category Archives: Articles

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

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

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

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

7 Pillars to Understanding the Future: Pillar 05

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

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Book of Revival: WHY STUDY II CHRONICLES

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

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

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

A Prophecy for the Church in Malaysia

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

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

Jerusalem: A Burdensome Stone Part 01

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

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

GOD’S PEACE PROCESS – PART 05

Perfect Peace from a Perfect God
With anxiety and depression on the increase, even in peaceful prosperous nations like Australia, people are spending millions of dollars to find relief. Yet, the best peace, indeed, perfect peace, you can receive for free.
The road to ‘perfect peace’ is found through God’s peace process.
So far, we have learned the following steps to God’s peace process:
1.        Pre-requisite to peace: Make a decision not allow your heart to be troubled or afraid, because Jesus is sending His peace to you (John 14:27).
2.        Peace established: When you say ‘Yes’ to the gospel, you have reconciliation and peace with God (Romans 5:1);
3.        Protective, prevailing peace: God’s peace is like the body guard that keeps your heart and mind safe in Christ (Philippians 4:6-7).
4.        Great peace: As you grow in God’s peace, it will build a protective shield against hurt and offence. When people get offended, they build a ‘Berlin Wall’ around themselves as a prison. With God’s peace, the wall comes crashing down (Psalm 119:165).
As always in God, there is more and more and more. The same applies to his peace process. For in this fifth and final step, you are invited to reach out to God’s ‘perfect peace.’ Once achieved, you will be in an enviable state that cannot be shaken, rocked, dislodged, or distressed.
An example of ‘perfect peace’ is found in Psalm 46:1-3 (KJV):
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah
When you can stay cool, calm and serene while the earth is moving under your feet and mountains are being thrown into the sea, then you have a ‘God-type of peace.’ Since God Himself is a rock, all who build their lives on Him will never be shaken.
So how do we achieve ‘perfect peace?’ The same way that you enter into the heavenly peace process in the first place. By coming unto God and obeying His word.
Regarding perfect peace, we come to Isaiah 26:3-4 (NKJV):
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.4 Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH(JEHOVAH), the Lord, is everlasting strength.
This passage is a great encouragement during times of waiting, uncertainty, even crisis. So let’s see how to apply in one’s life.
Perfect Peace comes when you focus on God
When a fighter pilot wants to attack an opponent, they take their view-finder, locate the target, ‘lock-in on it,’ and then press the button. This is guaranteed to achieve the objective.
We actually do the same thing with God, though with a different motive and outcome. Cutting out the multi-tasking, multi-minded distractions, we put our sole (and soul) focus on the Lord and keep it there. God is the God of Peace (Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20); and Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6). As we single-mindedly focus on the Lord, God downloads all the peace we need!
To fulfil the condition of having your mind stayed on God, it involves a few practical things:
1.       Devotional Bible reading: Read the word as part of your daily quiet time – if you don’t have one, its time to get one. Without ‘quiet time,’ you will not enter into God’s peace process and/or be a fruit-bearing disciple of Christ.
2.       Bible study: Take time – short or long – to learn more of the Word;
3.       Meditation: Joshua 1 and Psalm 1 promise that those who meditate on God’s Word will prosper in everything they do. This means to relax, focus on God’s Word, go over the promised verse again and again, putting an accent mark on different aspects. For example, in our key verse, meditation means we think and/or say aloud softly:
•   You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You;
•   You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You,because he trusts in You;
•   You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You;
•   A focused mind brings perfect peace;
•   Perfect peace comes from trusting God;
•   God keeps (continually) us in perfect peace;
•   Trusting God is the key to perfect peace.
Repeat this process again and again until you are filled with insight, wisdom, and peace.
With so much emphasis from worldly sources about the benefits of meditation, remember that it is a Biblically-endorsed practice provided you are focusing on the Bible and, most importantly, the God of the Bible.
Perfect peace comes from trusting God
Trusting is something even a child can understand. Yet what we all need to understand is that trusting God is a commandment, it is disarmingly simple, the secret of superlative blessing, and it is the source of unshakeable, perfect, and everlasting peace.
The word ‘trust’ is found 134 times in the Authorised Version.[1] It means the following:
1.     To be totally confident in God;
2.     To draw strength from the Almighty;
3.     Seek refuge in God;
4.     Hand over all control to God;
5.     Let God carry you and your burdens. As one Bible teacher put it: ‘Let God do the heavy lifting.’
Neither I nor anyone I know, after having posted a letter in the bright red postbox, tossed and turned at night worrying that their letter would not arrive at its destination. The reason is that we ‘trust’ Australia Post to be reliable and competent enough to deliver our mail, despite the vast distances of this island continent.
The same thing applies to God: Like the letter to the postbox, we commit all our needs, desires, prayer requests, literally everything to the Almighty. Then we trust God to bring it to past. We stop controlling, worrying, or percolating over the issues – it is in God’s hands so we can, like a slow-cooker in the kitchen, ‘set and forget.’
Focus and trust in God will fast-track you from fear and worry to peace and strength. You will live your life in the LORD, the solid rock, and you will be unshakeable.
Enter in now to God’s peace process and you will have what the world doesn’t know and money cannot buy.


[1] “KJV Search Results for “trust”.” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 8 Jan, 2016. http://www.blueletterbible.orghttps://www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm
Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

ANOTHER LOOK AT DAVID: WHY STUDY I CHRONICLES

Now all theses things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come — I Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV)
He is one of the most famous and significant figures in the Bible. The covenant God made with him changed history and paved the way for the coming of the Messiah. He set an example of leadership, worship, and service of God. He was not perfect but so dedicated was he to the Lord that he was called the ‘man after God’s own heart’ (Acts 13:22).
The person in question is David, king of Israel. The book of I Chronicles is primarily about him. Out of love for God he wants to build a temple, but God forbade him because he had shed too much blood. So though his son and successor Solomon will be the temple builder, David will do all the planning and preparation necessary to make the temple possible.
Chronicles was written after the Israelites returned to Judah from the Babylonian exile in the 5th Century BC. It serves as a reminder that God is faithful to those who keep His covenant and put all their trust in him.
HEBREW NAME
Dibere Hayyamim meaning ‘The words or accounts of the days.’ We get the word ‘Chronicles’ from the Latin Vulgate Chronicorum Liber which speak about sacred history of the time of the Judean kings.
AUTHOR
Author is anonymous but Ezra is nominated by the Talmud and makes a good candidate. In any case, the author wrote the book at after the Babylonian exile.
PORTRAIT OF CHRIST
Seed of David who will sit on his throne forever. Christ is simultaneously Son of God and Son of David, thanks to the Davidic Covenant (I Chronicles Chapter 17).
THEME OF I CHRONICLERS
I Chronicles is the official priestly-prophetic account of David’s genealogy and reign.
KEY VERSES
I Chronicles 17:11-14:
And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever. 13I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: 14But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.
I Chronicles 29:11:
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
SUMMARY
I and II Chronicles is a single volume in the Hebrew Bible. It speaks of people and events found in II Samuel and I & II Kings.
Here in I Chronicles there is a focus on the royal lineage of David (chapters 1-9), followed by his reign as king of Israel (chapters 10-29). Unlike the other books of Samuel and Kings, there is no mention of Saul’s persecution of David, David’s first 7 years as king in Hebron, the rebellion of Absalom, the wives of David or his adultery with Bathsheba. While Solomon gets credit for building and dedicating the temple, it is David who made it possible with his meticulous preparation.
DISTINCTIVE OF I CHRONICLES
Samuel-Kings                                                                      Chronicles
From Samuel to Cyrus                                                        From Adam to Cyrus
David             at his best and worst                                                David the good king
Kings of Israel & Judah                                                       Kings of Judah alone
Emphasis on all kings: good & evil                                  Emphasis on good Judean kings
Solomon builds the temple                                                            David plans the temple
Response of kings to God’s covenant                               Focuses on faith institutions
OUTLINE OF I CHRONICLES
I.  Royal Lineage of David (1:1-9:44)
A.  Genealogy from Adam to Abraham (1:1-27)
Adam to Noah, Noah to Abraham via the 3 sons of Noah: Ham, Shem, and Japheth
B.  Genealogy from Abraham to Jacob (1:28-54)
The Patriarchs, Esau’s descendants, kings and chiefs of Edom
C.  Genealogy from Jacob to David (2:1-55)
D.  Genealogy from David to the Babylonian Captivity (3:1-24)
E.  Genealogies of the 12 tribes of Israel (4:1-8:40)
12 tribes listed except Dan. Great emphasis on Levites, the lineage of the                   priests, and Aaron.
F.  Genealogy of the returning exiles (9:1-34)
Lists those Israelites who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity
G.  Genealogy of Saul (9:35-44)
II.  David’s Righteous Reign (10:1-29:30)
A.  David Becomes King (10:1-12:40)
Saul’s death, anointing of David, Jerusalem captured, David’s mighty men.
B.  The Ark of Covenant (13:1-17:27)
                       
After a bad start, David brings the Ark to Jerusalem. God makes a covenant with David.
C.  The Military Victories of David (18:1-20:8)
Victories over the Philistines, Zobah, Ammon, Moab, and Syria.
D.  David’s Preparation for Temple (21:1-27:34)
Disastrous Census and material preparation of the temple.
E.  Final Days of David (28:1-29:30)

Briefs Solomon, prepares for the temple, prayer of thanksgiving, Solomon coronated, and David’s death.
Articles, Bible, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

7 PILLARS TO UNDERSTANDING THE FUTURE: PILLAR Four God Has Called Us to Fearlessness

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go – Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
Whose playing in the football match this weekend?
Where will we spend our family holiday?
What kind of cuisine shall we have for dinner tonight?
People give attention to short-term issues of today and tomorrow, but seem to give little thought to the long-term future. Why is this the case? There are several reasons, but one of the key explanations is that people think the future will be unpleasant. If people are struggling to balance their budget or handle their teenage children, how can they cope with the notion that the world is being turned on its head – or going out of business altogether.
If we are going to achieve the worthy goal of becoming ‘future ready,’ we need to understand what the future is about. One means is to keep well informed by reliable, truthful, and balanced news sources.
More importantly, it is important to understand Bible prophecy. Yet amazingly, despite talk of ‘wars and rumours of wars,’ ‘antichrist,’ ‘harlot of Babylon,’ ‘seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments,’ there is a very clear prophetic call from God to His people: ‘Fear not.’
God does not want you to be afraid of anything. The phrase ‘fear not’ is used 63 times in the Bible, ‘be not afraid’ 26 times, and the word ‘peace’ 429 times. The only fear you should have is the ‘fear of the Lord’ (Proverbs 9:10) and it has the divine ability to cancel all other fears.
Read Joshua 1:6-9 and amazingly God commands the man Joshua three times to be ‘strong’ and ‘courageous.’ Despite the fact that he stood at the backdoor of Canaan, where seven nations (another name for people groups) awaited Israel’s invasion. Some of these nations had tall giants and even taller walls. Yet God shows the possibility and necessity of being strong and courageous in the face of all challenges.
In the Book of Joshua, the basis of courage and fearlessness comes from three sources:
1.       A Decision to Hear and Obey God’s Command to be Strong and Courageous;
2.       Putting God’s Word in Your Heart;
3.       The Presence of the Lord;
Yes, the challenge of conquering Canaan is softened greatly by making a decision to be strong and courageous. Yes, strength and courage are a decision you make to obey God and He will do the rest.
The command to be ‘strong and courageous’ is not just for Joshua – it applies to every believer. Twice in the psalms God promises the psalmist that if he will be of good courage, God will strength his heart (Psalm 27:14; 31:14). Preceding the command to be courageous is to ‘wait on the Lord.’
Practically speaking, in order to obey the command is to believe it, affirm it, and confess it.
Second point is to put God’s Word in your heart. This comes from devotion, study, and meditation. With the Word in your heart, faith levels arise. You become more aware and attentive to what God says. From the fullness of your heart, you will be strengthened and encouraged to do what God says.
Finally, understand that God’s presence with you and in you will be a source of tremendous courage. The promises of Scripture are clear: God is with His people. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus says to His great commission obeying disciples that He will be with them always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
How can we forget the reality of the Twenty-Third Psalm, Verse 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.
David the psalmist had every good reason to fear in the natural. The wilderness where he tended the sheep had wild animals, venomous reptiles, scarcity of water and food, and it was easy to get lost. Yet he says that even in the ‘valley of the shadow of death,’ he will fear not evil. What is the basis of his fearlessness: For you art with me.
When God is with you and for you, no one and nothing can be against you.
It is like the story of the 12 year old student. For him, recess was not a time of fun and games but of torment. Why? Because a 14 year old school yard bully was waiting in the playground to taunt and harass. A dark cloud hung over his head and a knot tightened in his stomach as the bell rang. Yet, the time came when he could go into the playground and the bully could not touch him. Why? Because the student’s 16 year old brother accompanied him there.
If an older brother can keep us safe from schoolyard bullies, how much more will the promised presence of God keep us fearless despite the uncertain and tumultuous times in which we live.
Remember that true courage is not the absence of fear; it is the mastery of fear through the tools God has given us. So if we are to be ‘future-ready,’ hear and respond to God’s wonderful call to fearlessness. It will open all kinds of wonderful doors for you.

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

SIX ANNIVERSARIES PART 02

Last month, we looked at two major anniversaries in 2017: the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation and 120th Anniversary of Theodor Herzl’s first Zionist congress. This month, we focus on four more anniversaries for this year.
100 Years Ago – Battle of Beersheba 31 October 1917
Exactly 400 years after the Reformation, the Australian Light-horsemen, along with the British, captured the city of Beersheba in the south of Turkish-occupied Palestine. This campaign not only highlighted the great bravery of the Allied troops, but it was the beginning of the end of 400 years of Turkish rule. The British would capture the rest of the country, including Jerusalem in December 1917, were granted a mandate in Palestine by the League of Nations, and all this led to the creation of Israel in 1948.
100 Years Ago – The Balfour Declaration 2 November 1917
A seemingly harmless letter written by the British Foreign Secretary Lord Arthur Balfour to Lord Rothschild became the foundation stone of international support for the creation of the Jewish state in Palestine. In gratitude for Dr. Chaim Weizman’s contribution to the British war effort, Balfour wrote the following words:
His Majesty’s government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.
Until this letter was issued, the Zionist enterprise battled alone on the international front. Now, it had the backing of the British War Cabinet, and by extension the British Empire. Though it was a great morale booster for the Zionism, by itself it did not confer rights and responsibilities. However, the 1920 San Remo Conference and the League of Nations Mandate for Palestine made the Balfour Declaration the cornerstone of its policy and granted international legitimacy to the Zionist cause. Thus, the Balfour Declaration facilitated the birth of the Jewish state; an unintended consequence was that it stirred up unbridled opposition of the Arabs, which continues to this day. Thus, the Arab-Israeli conflict is the ‘hundred year war.’
70 Years Ago – United Nations Partition Resolution 181 of 29th November 1947
After 30 years in Palestine, Britain informed the newly-created United Nations that it was going to withdraw from the country. The explosive Palestine issue now became the problem of the UN. After several months of deliberation, the General Assembly Resolution 181 of 29 November 1947 voted 33 to 13, with 10 abstentions, to partition western Palestine (to distinguish it was Transjordan, which was eastern Palestine) into Jewish and Arab states. Jerusalem would be under an international regime for 10 years (corpus separatum).
The Jewish community accepted the resolution results. The Arabs rejected the resolution and vowed to strangle the Jewish nation at birth. The security situation in the country deteriorated immediately and alarmingly over the next five months. On the day Israel was born, 14 May 1948, the first Arab-Israel war began.
The partition resolution recognised in principle the creation of the Jewish state. The subsequent war rendered implementation impossible. The borders would be determined on the battlefield.
50 Years Ago – Six Day War of 5-10 June 1967
After 19 years of unstable ceasefire, the third Arab-Israel war erupted on 5 June 1967. In May 1967, pan-Arab nationalist leader and Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser ordered a blockade of the Red Sea’s Straits of Tiran at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. This prevented shipping to the Israeli port of Eilat on the Gulf of Aqaba. The closure of international waters was considered an act of war. Nasser demanded the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping troops in the Egyptian-held Sinai Peninsula. Then Nasser formed an alliance with Syria and Jordan to confront Israel militarily.
In a pre-emptive air strike, Israel destroyed the three Arab airforces with their planes still on the ground. Having unchallenged skies, Israeli tanks raced through Arab held territory unopposed. The entire Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem with the Old City, were captured with lightning speed. Israel trebled its size in just 6 days. East Jerusalem was annexed to Israel before the end of the month, declared the ‘indivisible’ and ‘eternal’ capital of the State of Israel. ‘Jerusalem is not negotiable’ was their motto and remained so until the Camp David negotiations of 2000. The remainder of land was declared ‘occupied territory’ and, in theory, subject for peace negotiations.
Israel expected a ‘phone call’ from the Arabs, asking for peace talks in order to return the territory it had seized. Instead, in the Sudanese capital of Khatoum on 1 September 1967, the Arabs issued the three ‘No’s:’ No negotiations with Israel. No recognition of Israel. No peace with Israel. The state of war would continue unto this very day, though Egypt and Jordan have since signed peace treaties.
The six anniversaries may be a cause of observation, even celebration in Israel, but will be viewed with disdain by the Arabs. We would do well to remember the injunction to ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love her’ (Psalm 122:6).

Articles, Education, Prophecy, Teaching

What Can We Do About North Korea?

It’s that time again and the sabres are rattling out of the Hermit Kingdom. We have heard these noises before. North Korea wants to test nuclear weapons, America and the international community confront, there are threats, then deals, things go quiet … until the next provocation. Is this time any different from before? Yes, it is – as if the Cold War never ended.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea, is a communist nation, a Stalinist state of 25 million people. It browbeats it subjects, has drastic food shortages, periodically threatens the South, and has the notorious distinction of being the Number One nation in the world for the persecution of Christians. Despite its official name, North Korea doesn’t have democracy as we know it, does not observe human rights, and is ruled by an erratic, mercurial god-king. The Hermit Kingdom has had only 3 leaders since 1948: Father, son and grandson. The grandson, Kim Jong UN, though educated in Switzerland and only in his mid-30s, wants to prove he is the toughest of all. He had his supportive uncle executed and is accused of having his half-brother Kim Jong-nam assassinated early in 2017 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).  The scenario today is different and very concerning.
North Korea is armed with nuclear weapons, along with the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France, India, Pakistan and Israel. Until now, we could sleep at night knowing that the parties involved were ‘rational.’ Even experts said that North Korea’s only reasons for getting nuclear weapons were to ‘gain respect’ and prevent western-style ‘regime change.’ Leave the regime alone and they will stay in their box.
Things have now changed. Kim Jong Un has openly proclaimed that he wants to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States, Europe, and yes, even Australia. His arms developers have made progress in developing solid-fuel rockets. These can be set up quickly and are harder to detect and destroy. He has promised to have a nuclear test ‘every week,’ which is a major provocation to East Asia and the world. This means Kim has the capability to destroy a western city and that is an intolerable prospect. Without checks and balances of a democratic system, what is to stop North Korea from pressing the button and wrecking havoc?
Though exact numbers are uncertain, it is estimated that North Korea already has 10 to 16 nuclear bombs. Give them another 3-4 years and they could have a total of 100. Kim has threatened to strike the United States and even Australia if it continues with its US alliance, even though Australia has diplomatic relations with North Korea. Let’s not assume that Pyongyang is joking. This is serious stuff. 
So what can we do? 
First, it is important to stay strong. Say what you want about US President Donald Trump, but he projects decisiveness and strength. The President simply cannot allow North Korea to have the ability to threaten an American city. He has ordered the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to the Korea Peninsula. Kim has threatened to sink it but Trump has not blinked. Guided missile subs are also being sent to the region. South Korea and Japan, both American allies, are being offered THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence), a missile defence system that can shoot out of the sky incoming missiles. America had tactical nuclear weapons stationed in South Korea in the past and could place them again to ward off the threat from Pyongyang.
Second, it is important to have a united front with allies like those in Asia, Europe, and Australia. Unity is always a powerful motivator and deterrent. This unity is shown by enforcing and even enlarging sanctions against North Korea.
How about a pre-emptive strike against North Korea’s nuclear facilities. This is not recommended, though, as the Trump Administration says, ‘all options are on the table.’ The danger is that Pyongyang is threatening all out war – a threat we should take seriously. In a war 50 million South Koreans would be in harm’s way. America could and would win in an all-out confrontation, but the price is simply too high. That said, the US could still shoot a North Korean missile out of the sky without incurring the same amount of wrath.
Then there is the ‘China card.’ China, more than any other nation, has leverage over North Korea. In the past, this was used a bit but not whole-heartedly. This time, the West needs to make it worth China’s while to stop the North in its nuclear quest. After all, China is raking in the money and war is bad for business. China does not want war and has said so. 
The potential fall of North Korea means North Korean refugees could stream across the Yalu River into China. It also means South Korea and America will be on China’s border. Having their Japanese and South Korean rivals possessing THAAD neutralises their own nuclear umbrella. Even a more unpalatable scenario for China are these two countries seeking to obtain nuclear weapons themselves. 
Thus, China has an incentive now to be effectively involved with stopping North Korea that was not there before. America could offer China a ‘deal’ which is too good to refuse, like a nuclear-free, China-friendly, non-aligned North Korea. Asia likes ‘deals’ and President Trump wrote a best-selling book on the subject. There are some hopeful signs: Chinese President Xi Jinping has already been in touch with President Trump.
The Greatest Weapon of All
Finally, for Christian believers, you have the most potent weapon of all: prayer in the Name of Jesus. Forty percent of South Korea now Christian, with dozens of prayer mountains across that nation. Don’t you think this ‘wall of prayer’ has keep the peace on the Korea Peninsula since 1953 more than anything else? And prayer from the global Body of Christ will have even a greater effect. So let us pray:
    1      For a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear crisis;
    2      For wisdom, calm and clear heads to prevail;
    3      For China’s willing, meaningful, and successful engagement;
    4      That God’s hand to cause the church to grow on both sides of the DMZ.