Category Archives: Articles

Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

A Power Couple: Ronald & Nancy Reagan

With the death of former US First Lady Nancy Reagan on March 6, 2016, age 94, it is a good opportunity to reflect on the legacy of her husband, former President Ronald Reagan. For these two Hollywood actors, who had a half-a century love affair, forged one of the most powerful and successful political partnerships in American history. There are some potent leadership lessons we can learn.
But first, let’s focus on Nancy Reagan.
As First Lady, Nancy did not enjoy the popularity that her affable witty husband had. She was accused of interfering with White House staff, being extravagant in her White House and personal tastes, happily received expensive freebies, and regularly consulted astrologers. In the 1991 best-seller Nancy Reagan: The Unauthorised Biography, author Kitty Kelley wrote a scathing account, claiming Nancy was mean-spirited to her father and stepchildren, formidable and intimidating to staff, thoroughly ungrateful, and dependant on astrology. Most shocking of all, Kelley accused Mrs. Reagan of being the ‘petticoat president,’ making presidential decisions because of her husband yet-undiagnosed mental decline.
Such accusations, even if they are true, overlook the bigger picture. Next to her husband, Nancy was the most important pillar of the Reagan Administration, one that enjoyed some historic successes.
First, it reinvigorated US economy. ‘Reagonomics’ ignited a long boom that carried on for years to come.
Second, the Reagan Administration, like Nehemiah of old, helped lift the nation’s morale. The national malaise was easy to understand: The long night of 1960s rebellion – the most violent decade is US history apart from the Civil War – the Vietnam War debacle, the Watergate scandal that brought down the Nixon presidency, and the Carter Administration’s perception of weakness in the face of the Iranian hostage crisis. America needed a cheer-leader and Ronald Reagan, the ‘Great Communicator,’ fulfilled that role to the hilt. His buoyant optimism was contagious. In 1992, three years out of office, Reagan brought the house down when he declared: America’s best days are yet ahead.
Third, on the moral front, President Reagan was consistently and staunchly pro-life. Apart from his memoirs, he wrote a book about it called Abortion and the Conscience of a Nation. His pro-life convictions were not universally shared, even by his cabinet or family. But he stuck to them because he believed they were right. He single-handedly and successfully fought Congress to limit government funding of abortion.
Ronald Reagan also instilled a new respect for the US military, which helped him in his greatest achievement: Bringing a peaceful end to the Cold War. He showed courage in the face of challenge, conviction when others compromise, consistency where others caved in to expedience, and candour where others settled for politically correct spin. He called the Soviet Union an ‘evil empire,’ brought them to the negotiating table, outspent and outgunned them.
Then there was the Berlin Wall, the 160 km concrete barrier around West Berlin that symbolised the imprisonment of the Soviet bloc nations. Reagan came to Berlin in 1987 and said the immortal words at the Brandenburg Gate: Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall. Two years later, the notorious Wall fell and so did Soviet Communism in Europe and the USSR. (Ironically, the Nobel committee awarded the Peace Prize to Mikhail Gorbachev, last President of the Soviet Union, ignoring Reagan’s key role in ending the Cold War). Yet even if the Nobel committee overlooked Ronald Reagan, East Europeans did not. When he died in 2004, many East Europeans came to the US Capitol to pay their respects to the man who set their country free
The late US Senator Edward ‘Teddy’ Kennedy (1932-2009), a political opponent of Reagan, gave this tribute: ‘…. Whether we agreed with him or not, Ronald Reagan was a successful candidate and an effective President above all else because he stood for a set of ideas. He stated them in 1980 — and it turned out that he meant them — and he wrote most of them not only into public law but into the national consciousness.’
Nancy Reagan was no spectator in all this. She was highly intelligent and convincingly loyal to her husband, both during his tenure as Governor of California, President of the United States, and during his ‘long good-bye’ with Alzheimer. Her signature work in the White House was an anti-drug campaign called ‘Just Say “No.”’
After ‘The Great Communicator’ gave the nation his last message, announcing he had Alzheimer, in 1994, Nancy became the gracious family spokeswoman from that time until her death. She helped raise millions of dollars for Alzheimer’s research. And she was a devoted patron to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, where, as she put it, young people can learn the benefits of democracy. As close friend, the late Michael Deaver said, without Nancy there would have been no ‘Governor Reagan’ or ‘President Reagan.’
Who said that great leaders have to be flawless? We need to realise that great leader’s can often have great faults (don’t forget that Winston Churchill had a particular fondness for alcohol – yet he saved Britain and Europe). The such a leader contains or overcomes their faults, while using their gifts to the maximum in times of need or opportunity. Whatever the shortcomings of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, they led America and the world into a new era of prosperity and peace that still pays dividends.

As First Lady, Nancy was a vital part of a leadership team that serves as a role model even to this day. Conviction, courage, consistency, and character, were the hallmarks. As Americans, Australians and the world face an election year and wonder ‘Where are the real leaders?,’ many can rightly look back to the Reagan era as one of leadership that makes the a world of difference.
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

WHAT’S NEXT IN 2016 PART 2

In Part 01, we focused on the American presidential campaign.
AUSTRALIA: Australia is due to have a federal election in 2016. Current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who successfully won a leadership challenge against former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in September 2015, appears to enjoy public goodwill, even though he has left the Abbott government’s policies intact. .
While Mr. Turnbull could be considered a left-leaning PM of a conservative political party, he has to decided – decisively so – if the Australian Liberal Party which he leads will remain ‘broad church’ – encompassing people with a range of positions – or go down the pathway of solid ‘progressivism,’ (e.g. big government with lots of borrowing, taxing, spending, and liberal on social issues), which would virtually mirror the left-wing Australian Labor Party.
The ‘broad church’ approach was used successfully by former Prime Minister John Howard, who was elected four times. If Turnbull goes the latter way and becomes a ‘Labor lookalike, conservative Liberal Parliamentarians will be muscled out and conservative Australians will abandon the party in droves, virtually handing government to Labor Party.
UNITED KINGDOM: Current Prime Minister David Cameron is fighting another uphill battle, perhaps the biggest of his political career. In September 2014, the UK survived intact after the defeat of the Scottish Independence Referendum. Cameron had a shock victory in the general elections of May 2015, even though ‘experts’ and the media predicted a hung parliament. This time, there will be a referendum on 23 June 2016 about continued UK-membership in the European Union. The referendum, a simple ‘In or Out Vote.’ For Cameron to succeed, he needs to secure a better deal from Brussels for Britain, which he claimed to receive before setting the referendum date. For example, Britain wants to delay child payments to non-British EU citizens working in the UK. It also wants increased British sovereignty, including the right to veto EU law. Though the EU wants a ‘ever closer union,’ Britain wants to opt out and never become part of a European superstate. Cameron favours remaining in the EU and says leaving would be a ‘leap in the dark.’ Yet some of his closest political allies will campaign to for Britain to leave the EU, known as ‘Brexit.’ As a key member, it will shake the entire Union. This is a referendum worth watching.
MERKEL & GERMANY: Angela Merkel has been Chancellor of Germany since 2005. Her long tenure has earned her admiration and respect inside and outside her nation. In many ways, as premier of the EU’s strongest economy, Merkel is the de facto leader of Europe. Moderate and cautious, she has overseen a prosperous Germany while helping put out forest fires within the European Union, especially regarding Greece’s economic woes that could drag down the entire Union.
Merkel has been leading Germany and Europe into ‘convergence,’ meaning an ‘ever-closer union.’ Of course, that is the goal of the European Union movers and shakers, with a universal currency, Schengen open borders, free movement of peoples, etc., with the end result being a European superstate. This drawing the 28 members states into a stronger union was considered inevitable, until now. And that’s not counting the possibility of a British exit (Brexit).
Convergence was also applied within Germany. Despite some big gaps in economy and culture, the former East Germany has been greatly integrated to the West. Turkish migrants from the 1960s are considered part of the German mainstream, and society has been more tolerant. The grand coalition between the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats almost erased the distinction between left-wing and right-wing.
Merkel’s seemingly impromptu ‘open door’ invitation to ‘Syrian refugees’ has resulted in a flood of migrants from various countries into Europe. In less than 12 months, 1.1 million have come to Germany alone, outstripping all previous records. But her decision did not affect Germany alone – other EU countries that sit between Greece and Germany have felt the migrant footprints as they trek north. The sordid reports of sexual harassment of German women in Cologne and elsewhere have created a backlash. The ‘Alternate for Germany’ right-wing nationalist political party and PERGIDA movement have attracted Eastern Germans, older white men, and others disaffected by convergence.
The Chancellor’s normally high approval rating has fallen to only 46% while over 80% of Germans disagree with her policy towards the Middle East migrants. She has even hinted that once the Syrian war is over and ISIS is history, the Syrians need to go home.
Could we be seeing the end of the Merkel era? Or the European Union? As ‘children of Issachar,’ we need to watch and pray (Matthew 26:41).
MELBOURNE AREA FRIENDS – Mark Your Calenders:
There will be TWO public meetings (known as ‘Your Early Warning Service’ or YEWS) regarding Europe, the Middle East, and last days.
Monday 18 April 2016 (7:30 PM): South West Christian Church, 147-155 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing (Melway 202 E9)
Monday 9 May 2016 (7:30 PM): Grow Church, 3/4 100 New Street, Ringwood (Melway 49 F10).
Proposed topics:
Syrian Meltdown and World War III?
The European Union, the Middle East, and the Future’

‘Tidal Wave: What Does the Migrant Flow Mean for Europe, the Middle East, and the Future?’
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

WHAT’S NEXT IN 2016 PART 2

In Part 01, we focused on the American presidential campaign.
AUSTRALIA: Australia is due to have a federal election in 2016. Current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who successfully won a leadership challenge against former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in September 2015, appears to enjoy public goodwill, even though he has left the Abbott government’s policies intact. .
While Mr. Turnbull could be considered a left-leaning PM of a conservative political party, he has to decided – decisively so – if the Australian Liberal Party which he leads will remain ‘broad church’ – encompassing people with a range of positions – or go down the pathway of solid ‘progressivism,’ (e.g. big government with lots of borrowing, taxing, spending, and liberal on social issues), which would virtually mirror the left-wing Australian Labor Party.
The ‘broad church’ approach was used successfully by former Prime Minister John Howard, who was elected four times. If Turnbull goes the latter way and becomes a ‘Labor lookalike, conservative Liberal Parliamentarians will be muscled out and conservative Australians will abandon the party in droves, virtually handing government to Labor Party.
UNITED KINGDOM: Current Prime Minister David Cameron is fighting another uphill battle, perhaps the biggest of his political career. In September 2014, the UK survived intact after the defeat of the Scottish Independence Referendum. Cameron had a shock victory in the general elections of May 2015, even though ‘experts’ and the media predicted a hung parliament. This time, there will be a referendum on 23 June 2016 about continued UK-membership in the European Union. The referendum, a simple ‘In or Out Vote.’ For Cameron to succeed, he needs to secure a better deal from Brussels for Britain, which he claimed to receive before setting the referendum date. For example, Britain wants to delay child payments to non-British EU citizens working in the UK. It also wants increased British sovereignty, including the right to veto EU law. Though the EU wants a ‘ever closer union,’ Britain wants to opt out and never become part of a European superstate. Cameron favours remaining in the EU and says leaving would be a ‘leap in the dark.’ Yet some of his closest political allies will campaign to for Britain to leave the EU, known as ‘Brexit.’ As a key member, it will shake the entire Union. This is a referendum worth watching.
MERKEL & GERMANY: Angela Merkel has been Chancellor of Germany since 2005. Her long tenure has earned her admiration and respect inside and outside her nation. In many ways, as premier of the EU’s strongest economy, Merkel is the de facto leader of Europe. Moderate and cautious, she has overseen a prosperous Germany while helping put out forest fires within the European Union, especially regarding Greece’s economic woes that could drag down the entire Union.
Merkel has been leading Germany and Europe into ‘convergence,’ meaning an ‘ever-closer union.’ Of course, that is the goal of the European Union movers and shakers, with a universal currency, Schengen open borders, free movement of peoples, etc., with the end result being a European superstate. This drawing the 28 members states into a stronger union was considered inevitable, until now. And that’s not counting the possibility of a British exit (Brexit).
Convergence was also applied within Germany. Despite some big gaps in economy and culture, the former East Germany has been greatly integrated to the West. Turkish migrants from the 1960s are considered part of the German mainstream, and society has been more tolerant. The grand coalition between the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats almost erased the distinction between left-wing and right-wing.
Merkel’s seemingly impromptu ‘open door’ invitation to ‘Syrian refugees’ has resulted in a flood of migrants from various countries into Europe. In less than 12 months, 1.1 million have come to Germany alone, outstripping all previous records. But her decision did not affect Germany alone – other EU countries that sit between Greece and Germany have felt the migrant footprints as they trek north. The sordid reports of sexual harassment of German women in Cologne and elsewhere have created a backlash. The ‘Alternate for Germany’ right-wing nationalist political party and PERGIDA movement have attracted Eastern Germans, older white men, and others disaffected by convergence.
The Chancellor’s normally high approval rating has fallen to only 46% while over 80% of Germans disagree with her policy towards the Middle East migrants. She has even hinted that once the Syrian war is over and ISIS is history, the Syrians need to go home.
Could we be seeing the end of the Merkel era? Or the European Union? As ‘children of Issachar,’ we need to watch and pray (Matthew 26:41).
MELBOURNE AREA FRIENDS – Mark Your Calenders:
There will be TWO public meetings (known as ‘Your Early Warning Service’ or YEWS) regarding Europe, the Middle East, and last days.
Monday 18 April 2016 (7:30 PM): South West Christian Church, 147-155 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing (Melway 202 E9)
Monday 9 May 2016 (7:30 PM): Grow Church, 3/4 100 New Street, Ringwood (Melway 49 F10).
Proposed topics:
Syrian Meltdown and World War III?
The European Union, the Middle East, and the Future’

‘Tidal Wave: What Does the Migrant Flow Mean for Europe, the Middle East, and the Future?’
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

A RECIPE FOR CHICKEN STOCK

Want to turn a plain meal into a gourmet delight? Or create a nutritional powerhouse that fights off colds and flu? Or enjoy some comfort food on a cold winter’s night?
Then it’s time to bring out the chicken stock. Whether it is to enjoy chicken noodle soup or a variety of other soups, make a risotto that will please the crowds, or even add flavour to rice and pasta dishes, chicken stock is a must. And, if you have time, make it yourself and see the difference. After all, you have a say in the ingredients that go into it.
While it takes time to make a tasty nourishing stock, it couldn’t be more simple. Here is a basic recipe
Basic Chicken Stock
1 kilo (more or less) of chicken bones, chicken frame, or even an old ‘boiler’ chicken.
1-2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1-2 celery ribs, chopped
1-2 onions
1-2 cloves of garlic
1 bay leaf (alternatively, try 1 tablespoon of tomato catsup – it adds amazing flavour)
1-2 stocks of parsley
Splash of vinegar (draws out nutrition but the flavour evaporates)
Salt & pepper to taste.
If possible, roast the first five ingredients in the oven at 200 C (400 F) for one hour. Use a dutch oven if you can. Alternatively, you can stir fry in a couple of tablespoons of oil these same ingredients for a few minutes in the fry pan. The flavour release that roasting or stir-frying does is worth the effort.
If you use a whole chicken, after roasting, allow to cool on a plate. Remove the skin, reserve the white meat (breast) for soup and refrigerate. Take the remainder of the meat and chop up. Put this meat, and all bones, into the pot.
Put all ingredients in a large pot or stockpot. Fill the pot with cold, clean (filtered) water until the bird is just covered. Bring the pot to just before it boils, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered. Do not let it boil. It should be gently bubbling. Continue for about 3 hours. Remove the foam the rises to the surface. There is an infusion of flavour and nutrition during the bubbling process.
After cooking, you put the stock in the fridge, chill, and remove the fat. Or, you can use it immediately but put some ice cubes in some muslin cloth, to attract and remove the fat.
Remove bones, vegetables, meat, everything and reserve the pure stock for soups, risottos, and other dishes that require stock.
Chicken soup: there are many varieties. Our family likes chicken, vegetable and noodle (you can use rice instead, but remember that rice and noodles will expand and, if left alone, will take over the entire pot).
Heat the stock, with the chopped up chicken breast (you can use the dark meat if you need), chopped up stock vegetables (or fresh ones), half a cup of noodles or rice, 1-2 chicken stock cubes. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. A teaspoon of turmeric (optional but it has excellent health properties and adds a nice yellow colour). For Mediterranean-style, add lemon juice (this is a family favourite) and a bit more garlic.
Not only this soup delicious, it helps knock on the head colds and flus.

Enjoy.
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

A RECIPE FOR CHICKEN STOCK

Want to turn a plain meal into a gourmet delight? Or create a nutritional powerhouse that fights off colds and flu? Or enjoy some comfort food on a cold winter’s night?
Then it’s time to bring out the chicken stock. Whether it is to enjoy chicken noodle soup or a variety of other soups, make a risotto that will please the crowds, or even add flavour to rice and pasta dishes, chicken stock is a must. And, if you have time, make it yourself and see the difference. After all, you have a say in the ingredients that go into it.
While it takes time to make a tasty nourishing stock, it couldn’t be more simple. Here is a basic recipe
Basic Chicken Stock
1 kilo (more or less) of chicken bones, chicken frame, or even an old ‘boiler’ chicken.
1-2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1-2 celery ribs, chopped
1-2 onions
1-2 cloves of garlic
1 bay leaf (alternatively, try 1 tablespoon of tomato catsup – it adds amazing flavour)
1-2 stocks of parsley
Splash of vinegar (draws out nutrition but the flavour evaporates)
Salt & pepper to taste.
If possible, roast the first five ingredients in the oven at 200 C (400 F) for one hour. Use a dutch oven if you can. Alternatively, you can stir fry in a couple of tablespoons of oil these same ingredients for a few minutes in the fry pan. The flavour release that roasting or stir-frying does is worth the effort.
If you use a whole chicken, after roasting, allow to cool on a plate. Remove the skin, reserve the white meat (breast) for soup and refrigerate. Take the remainder of the meat and chop up. Put this meat, and all bones, into the pot.
Put all ingredients in a large pot or stockpot. Fill the pot with cold, clean (filtered) water until the bird is just covered. Bring the pot to just before it boils, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered. Do not let it boil. It should be gently bubbling. Continue for about 3 hours. Remove the foam the rises to the surface. There is an infusion of flavour and nutrition during the bubbling process.
After cooking, you put the stock in the fridge, chill, and remove the fat. Or, you can use it immediately but put some ice cubes in some muslin cloth, to attract and remove the fat.
Remove bones, vegetables, meat, everything and reserve the pure stock for soups, risottos, and other dishes that require stock.
Chicken soup: there are many varieties. Our family likes chicken, vegetable and noodle (you can use rice instead, but remember that rice and noodles will expand and, if left alone, will take over the entire pot).
Heat the stock, with the chopped up chicken breast (you can use the dark meat if you need), chopped up stock vegetables (or fresh ones), half a cup of noodles or rice, 1-2 chicken stock cubes. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. A teaspoon of turmeric (optional but it has excellent health properties and adds a nice yellow colour). For Mediterranean-style, add lemon juice (this is a family favourite) and a bit more garlic.
Not only this soup delicious, it helps knock on the head colds and flus.

Enjoy.
Articles, Bible, Prophecy, Teaching

GENESIS

Genesis: It is not just the first book of the Bible – it is the foundation stone on which the remainder of Biblical revelation rests. The Hebrew name, Bereshith, is also the first three words of the Bible; it means ‘in the beginning.’ This says it all.
Genesis is indispensable. Without it, we would not know the following fundamental issues:
•    God as Creator of the world and universe;
•    The beginning of history and the world;
•    The beginning of humanity;
•    Introduction of sin and death into the world;
•    The beginning of God’s plan of redemption, starting in Genesis 3:15;
•    Genesis is the foundation of all Biblical revelation; the Bible is the house, and Revelation is the roof.
W. Graham Scroggie says ‘Genesis is the foundation of which the whole superstructure of divine revelation rests.
A Book of Firsts
Just in the first four chapters, we learn about the first mention or origin of the following (this is a partial list):
•    God (1:1);
•    Heaven and the creation of space (1:1);
•    Earth, the creation of matter (1:1);
•    Seas (1:10);
•    Starts (1:16)
•    Male and female (1:27);
•    Marriage and wife (2:24);
•    Sin (3:6);
•    Judgment and core (3:14)
•    First Messianic prophecy (3:15);
•    Tree of Life (3:22, 24);
•    Paradise lost (3:24);
•    Sex (4:1);
•    Pregnancy (4:1);
•    Birth (4:1);
•    Murder (4:8);
•    Prayer (4:26).
Genesis in Summary
Genesis is remarkable in every way. It devotes 11 chapters to the beginning of the world, including how sin and death entered into God’s good creation. Then the last 39 chapters is devoted to one man, Abraham, and his family, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Almighty God becomes known as the ‘God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’ (a phrase used 5 times in the New Testament: Matthew 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37; Acts 3:13; 7:32) and the remainder of the Bible, all the way to the Book of Revelation, looks at God’s dealings with this family and how it was used to blessed the world (just read the Genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1).
After the early history of the world is recited, Genesis focuses on Abram of Mesopotamia. Though he came from a heathen place and family, Abram responded to the call of God to leave his country and kindred behind and to proceed to the place He called him. Abram wisely obeys God and becomes famous for two things: 1) His faith (15:6); and 2) His friendship with God (II Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23). Then God does something remarkable: He makes an unconditional covenant with Abraham, promising to give him 1) The land of Canaan; 2) Unlimited seed; 3) That through him and his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Thus Abram, whose name means ‘exalted father,’ becomes ‘Abraham,’ ‘father of many nations.’
All three patriarchs learn invaluable lessons of faith. Though they held on to the promise of many descendants, yet Abraham’s wife, Sarah was barren; Isaac’s wife Rebecca was barren and Jacob’s favourite wife Rachel was likewise barren.
Of the 3 patriarchs, Jacob was clearly the most colourful of the clan. He hoodwinked his brother Esau twice, fled as a penniless bachelor to Uncle Laban up north in Padan Aram, got two wives and their handmaidens, sired 12 sons, and returned to Canaan as a rich tribe.
The story of Joseph dominates the last quarter of Genesis. The son of Rachel and favoured by Jacob, he has dreams of supreme leadership. But like the other patriarchs, his vision will be tested by adversity. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery in Egypt, after years of captivity, he catapulted from prison to palace in one day. He became prime minister of Egypt, saved the nation and his family from starvation, brought his father and brothers to Egypt, where the family goes from a tribe to a nation in 400 years.
Though highly regarded for centuries, some modern scholars have called the book ‘mythology’ and ‘unhistorical.’ The creation narrative, flood of Noah, even the existence of Abraham, have been heavily questions or rejected. Born-again, Bible-believing Christians must remember that Jesus, Who always takes a high view of Scripture, took Genesis at face value. Christ spoke of creation, Adam and Eve (Matthew 19:4-6), the flood of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39), and the Patriarchs (Matthew 8:11; Luke 13:28) as historic events or historic figures. Jesus has credibility in this area, especially because He rose from the dead (Romans 1:4).
Outline of Genesis
I.        Four Events
A.     Creation (1-2)
B.      The Fall of Humanity (3-5)
C.      The Flood (6-9)
D.     Table of Nations (10-11)
II.     Four Patriarchs
A.     Abraham (12-25)
B.      Isaac (26)
C.      Jacob (27-36)
D.      Joseph (37-50)
Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained
Cursed World (Genesis)
Eternal State (Revelation)
Cursed ground (3:17)
No more curse (22:3)
Daily Sorrow (3:17)
No more sorrow (21:4)
Thorns and thistles (3:18)
No more pain (21:4)
Sweat on the face (3:19)
Tears wiped away (21:4)
Eating herbs of the field (3:18)
Twelve manner of fruits (22:2)
Returning to the dust (3:19)
No more death (21:4)
Evil continually (6:5)
Nothing that defiles (21:27)
Coats of skins (3:21)
Fine linen, white & clean (19:14)
Satan opposing (3:15)
Satan banished (20:10)
Kept from the Tree of Life (3:24)
Access to the Tree of Life (22:14)
Banished from the Garden (3:23)
Free entry to the city (22:14)
Redeemer promised (3:15)
Redemption accomplished (5:9,10)

‘Understanding Genesis is part of the larger “Understanding the Bible Series.” It comes as 23 hours of audio MP3 commentary plus 90 pages of printable PDF notes. It is available for immediate download from the Teach All Nations website for only $9.99: http://www.tan.org.au/shop/understanding-the-book-of-genesis-digital-download-audio-mp3/
Articles, Bible, Prophecy, Teaching

GENESIS

Genesis: It is not just the first book of the Bible – it is the foundation stone on which the remainder of Biblical revelation rests. The Hebrew name, Bereshith, is also the first three words of the Bible; it means ‘in the beginning.’ This says it all.
Genesis is indispensable. Without it, we would not know the following fundamental issues:
•    God as Creator of the world and universe;
•    The beginning of history and the world;
•    The beginning of humanity;
•    Introduction of sin and death into the world;
•    The beginning of God’s plan of redemption, starting in Genesis 3:15;
•    Genesis is the foundation of all Biblical revelation; the Bible is the house, and Revelation is the roof.
W. Graham Scroggie says ‘Genesis is the foundation of which the whole superstructure of divine revelation rests.
A Book of Firsts
Just in the first four chapters, we learn about the first mention or origin of the following (this is a partial list):
•    God (1:1);
•    Heaven and the creation of space (1:1);
•    Earth, the creation of matter (1:1);
•    Seas (1:10);
•    Starts (1:16)
•    Male and female (1:27);
•    Marriage and wife (2:24);
•    Sin (3:6);
•    Judgment and core (3:14)
•    First Messianic prophecy (3:15);
•    Tree of Life (3:22, 24);
•    Paradise lost (3:24);
•    Sex (4:1);
•    Pregnancy (4:1);
•    Birth (4:1);
•    Murder (4:8);
•    Prayer (4:26).
Genesis in Summary
Genesis is remarkable in every way. It devotes 11 chapters to the beginning of the world, including how sin and death entered into God’s good creation. Then the last 39 chapters is devoted to one man, Abraham, and his family, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Almighty God becomes known as the ‘God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’ (a phrase used 5 times in the New Testament: Matthew 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37; Acts 3:13; 7:32) and the remainder of the Bible, all the way to the Book of Revelation, looks at God’s dealings with this family and how it was used to blessed the world (just read the Genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1).
After the early history of the world is recited, Genesis focuses on Abram of Mesopotamia. Though he came from a heathen place and family, Abram responded to the call of God to leave his country and kindred behind and to proceed to the place He called him. Abram wisely obeys God and becomes famous for two things: 1) His faith (15:6); and 2) His friendship with God (II Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23). Then God does something remarkable: He makes an unconditional covenant with Abraham, promising to give him 1) The land of Canaan; 2) Unlimited seed; 3) That through him and his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Thus Abram, whose name means ‘exalted father,’ becomes ‘Abraham,’ ‘father of many nations.’
All three patriarchs learn invaluable lessons of faith. Though they held on to the promise of many descendants, yet Abraham’s wife, Sarah was barren; Isaac’s wife Rebecca was barren and Jacob’s favourite wife Rachel was likewise barren.
Of the 3 patriarchs, Jacob was clearly the most colourful of the clan. He hoodwinked his brother Esau twice, fled as a penniless bachelor to Uncle Laban up north in Padan Aram, got two wives and their handmaidens, sired 12 sons, and returned to Canaan as a rich tribe.
The story of Joseph dominates the last quarter of Genesis. The son of Rachel and favoured by Jacob, he has dreams of supreme leadership. But like the other patriarchs, his vision will be tested by adversity. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery in Egypt, after years of captivity, he catapulted from prison to palace in one day. He became prime minister of Egypt, saved the nation and his family from starvation, brought his father and brothers to Egypt, where the family goes from a tribe to a nation in 400 years.
Though highly regarded for centuries, some modern scholars have called the book ‘mythology’ and ‘unhistorical.’ The creation narrative, flood of Noah, even the existence of Abraham, have been heavily questions or rejected. Born-again, Bible-believing Christians must remember that Jesus, Who always takes a high view of Scripture, took Genesis at face value. Christ spoke of creation, Adam and Eve (Matthew 19:4-6), the flood of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39), and the Patriarchs (Matthew 8:11; Luke 13:28) as historic events or historic figures. Jesus has credibility in this area, especially because He rose from the dead (Romans 1:4).
Outline of Genesis
I.        Four Events
A.     Creation (1-2)
B.      The Fall of Humanity (3-5)
C.      The Flood (6-9)
D.     Table of Nations (10-11)
II.     Four Patriarchs
A.     Abraham (12-25)
B.      Isaac (26)
C.      Jacob (27-36)
D.      Joseph (37-50)
Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained
Cursed World (Genesis)
Eternal State (Revelation)
Cursed ground (3:17)
No more curse (22:3)
Daily Sorrow (3:17)
No more sorrow (21:4)
Thorns and thistles (3:18)
No more pain (21:4)
Sweat on the face (3:19)
Tears wiped away (21:4)
Eating herbs of the field (3:18)
Twelve manner of fruits (22:2)
Returning to the dust (3:19)
No more death (21:4)
Evil continually (6:5)
Nothing that defiles (21:27)
Coats of skins (3:21)
Fine linen, white & clean (19:14)
Satan opposing (3:15)
Satan banished (20:10)
Kept from the Tree of Life (3:24)
Access to the Tree of Life (22:14)
Banished from the Garden (3:23)
Free entry to the city (22:14)
Redeemer promised (3:15)
Redemption accomplished (5:9,10)

‘Understanding Genesis is part of the larger “Understanding the Bible Series.” It comes as 23 hours of audio MP3 commentary plus 90 pages of printable PDF notes. It is available for immediate download from the Teach All Nations website for only $9.99: http://www.tan.org.au/shop/understanding-the-book-of-genesis-digital-download-audio-mp3/
Articles, Money, Prophecy, Teaching

Money Matters Part 2

PART TWO, we will learn some other winning principles of money management.
In Part 01, we learned that in order to be ‘Future Ready,’ one needs to know how to manage their time and money. Regarding money, it is important to remember God and put Him first.
In Part 02, we will look at a few practical principles in order to achieve the worthwhile goal of financial freedom.
1.      Remember the poor: In this fallen world, we will not be able to eliminate poverty (Jesus says the poor you will have always – Matthew 26:11) but we can make life a little bit better to those who we can help. Giving to the poor is a loan to the LORD and God will repay (Proverbs 19:17). God will protect you in times of trouble (Psalm 41:1) when you give to the poor. Furthermore, it is wise to be generous even before your assets grow. As someone aptly put it, ‘Your giving is not a debt you owe but a seed you sow.’
2.      Budget: This is a simple and necessary practice. Failure to budget will result in needless and difficult debt. Simple budgeting means to add up all your income streams (wages, stock dividends, government payments), then calculate your expenditure, and do your best to live by this. If expenditure is greater than income, then prepare for some trimming of your expenses (you would be amazed how much money is wasted, but you’ll never know it until you budget). In budgeting your expenses, include holidays, entertainment, saving, gifts, and a bit of money for unexpected. Add it up over the year and then divide by the number of weeks. Do you best to keep to the budget. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone who is knowledgeable on this subject. A website worth looking at regarding budgeting is found at https://www.everydollar.com/app/#/sign-up/daveramsey?ictid=ad25
3.      Storehouse: In Deuteronomy 28:8 (NKJV) ‘The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.’ The ‘storehouse’ is where you set up a savings account for your family, add to it regularly, and don’t touch it except for emergencies. Somehow, the discipline of saving attracts the blessing of God and wonderful blessings ensue. This simple principle is laid out in the book The Storehouse Principle: A Revolutionary God Idea for Creating Extraordinary Financial Stability by Al Jandl and Van Couch, Word and Spirit Resources, Tulsa, 2004. Highly-recommended. The ‘Storehouse Principle’ is to practice saving. Financial freedom comes through financial discipline. Save money for emergencies, unexpected expenses, and investment. This is one of the reasons for such great financial success in East Asia. It is estimated that people put up to 20% of their income in savings. Contrast that to the average westerner, who saves very little, maxes out the credit cards, and lives from pay cheque to pay cheque. Even the nation of China understands this principle: it is estimated that it has saved 4 trillion (yes, trillion) dollars in the bank. This has helped it when its stock market did a downturn. Make saving a regularly and consistent practice. Without the discipline of savings, it is impossible to achieve financial freedom.
4.      Investment: Once you have save a bit of money, don’t let it rot at 1/2 a percent interest – invest it. Normal means are by stocks, bonds, or property. Ask advice of an experienced investor. Don’t be afraid to seek a mentor on this topic, someone who has succeeded in this area, rather than an ‘arm-chair expert’ who knows the theory but has little to show for his or her advice.
5.      Be a Value-Shopper: Don’t pay full price for anything! Shop around for bargains, ask for discounts, use coupons (if available). The old maxim holds true: a penny saved is a penny earned. Also, before you leave the store, do what millionaires often do: check the receipt to make sure you have not been overcharged.
6.      Debt reduction: First, only go into debt for something that is worthwhile and will increase in value (e.g. a home, business, or property). That said, make sure the debt you incur is affordable. If you can’t sleep at night because of the amount of your prospective loan, then don’t do it. We strongly recommend that you borrow for a home on one income, even if you are a two-income family. Circumstances change and if one person loses their income, you will not be under stress. At the same time, do everything in your power to reduce debt. Paying a bit extra on your mortgage can shave off thousands in repayments over the years. If available, get a mortgage offset account that treats your mortgage as a transaction account, all your money goes in and out of it. You will see your mortgage melt before your eyes. If you are seriously in debt and don’t know what to do, then seek help. Christians Against Poverty help provide debt counselling for people who are struggling financially, including insolvency and bankruptcy. Their contact: https://capuk.org
7.      Multiple streams of income: Believe it or not, many professionals have other streams of income besides their normal job, though they have a good wage package. For some, the motivation may be greed, but for others, it is simply a necessity to make ends meet or to enlarge the family’s opportunities. Hobbies can turn into dollars; also, money can be made by blogging, the internet, or simple ‘petty capitalism,’ including outdoor markets. My family in England love to go to ‘car boot sales,’ where they buy items at a bargain and sell it on eBay for multiple times more. As Mary Kay Ash, founder of the cosmetic empire ‘Mary Kay Cosmetics,’ once quipped: innovate or evaporate.
Dave Ramsey, author of the best-selling book, Total Money Makeover, says that millionaires are intentional, save, invest, and are generous (before they get the millions). It takes time, 10, 15, 20 years , but consistency is the key. You don’t have to become a millionaire, however, to enjoy financial freedom.

Financial freedom is a worthwhile goal. It will liberate you from financial worry. Once conquered, you can focus on the rest of life. Never forget: consistency and perseverance is the key to freedom, financial and otherwise.
Articles, Money, Prophecy, Teaching

Money Matters Part 2

PART TWO, we will learn some other winning principles of money management.
In Part 01, we learned that in order to be ‘Future Ready,’ one needs to know how to manage their time and money. Regarding money, it is important to remember God and put Him first.
In Part 02, we will look at a few practical principles in order to achieve the worthwhile goal of financial freedom.
1.      Remember the poor: In this fallen world, we will not be able to eliminate poverty (Jesus says the poor you will have always – Matthew 26:11) but we can make life a little bit better to those who we can help. Giving to the poor is a loan to the LORD and God will repay (Proverbs 19:17). God will protect you in times of trouble (Psalm 41:1) when you give to the poor. Furthermore, it is wise to be generous even before your assets grow. As someone aptly put it, ‘Your giving is not a debt you owe but a seed you sow.’
2.      Budget: This is a simple and necessary practice. Failure to budget will result in needless and difficult debt. Simple budgeting means to add up all your income streams (wages, stock dividends, government payments), then calculate your expenditure, and do your best to live by this. If expenditure is greater than income, then prepare for some trimming of your expenses (you would be amazed how much money is wasted, but you’ll never know it until you budget). In budgeting your expenses, include holidays, entertainment, saving, gifts, and a bit of money for unexpected. Add it up over the year and then divide by the number of weeks. Do you best to keep to the budget. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone who is knowledgeable on this subject. A website worth looking at regarding budgeting is found at https://www.everydollar.com/app/#/sign-up/daveramsey?ictid=ad25
3.      Storehouse: In Deuteronomy 28:8 (NKJV) ‘The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.’ The ‘storehouse’ is where you set up a savings account for your family, add to it regularly, and don’t touch it except for emergencies. Somehow, the discipline of saving attracts the blessing of God and wonderful blessings ensue. This simple principle is laid out in the book The Storehouse Principle: A Revolutionary God Idea for Creating Extraordinary Financial Stability by Al Jandl and Van Couch, Word and Spirit Resources, Tulsa, 2004. Highly-recommended. The ‘Storehouse Principle’ is to practice saving. Financial freedom comes through financial discipline. Save money for emergencies, unexpected expenses, and investment. This is one of the reasons for such great financial success in East Asia. It is estimated that people put up to 20% of their income in savings. Contrast that to the average westerner, who saves very little, maxes out the credit cards, and lives from pay cheque to pay cheque. Even the nation of China understands this principle: it is estimated that it has saved 4 trillion (yes, trillion) dollars in the bank. This has helped it when its stock market did a downturn. Make saving a regularly and consistent practice. Without the discipline of savings, it is impossible to achieve financial freedom.
4.      Investment: Once you have save a bit of money, don’t let it rot at 1/2 a percent interest – invest it. Normal means are by stocks, bonds, or property. Ask advice of an experienced investor. Don’t be afraid to seek a mentor on this topic, someone who has succeeded in this area, rather than an ‘arm-chair expert’ who knows the theory but has little to show for his or her advice.
5.      Be a Value-Shopper: Don’t pay full price for anything! Shop around for bargains, ask for discounts, use coupons (if available). The old maxim holds true: a penny saved is a penny earned. Also, before you leave the store, do what millionaires often do: check the receipt to make sure you have not been overcharged.
6.      Debt reduction: First, only go into debt for something that is worthwhile and will increase in value (e.g. a home, business, or property). That said, make sure the debt you incur is affordable. If you can’t sleep at night because of the amount of your prospective loan, then don’t do it. We strongly recommend that you borrow for a home on one income, even if you are a two-income family. Circumstances change and if one person loses their income, you will not be under stress. At the same time, do everything in your power to reduce debt. Paying a bit extra on your mortgage can shave off thousands in repayments over the years. If available, get a mortgage offset account that treats your mortgage as a transaction account, all your money goes in and out of it. You will see your mortgage melt before your eyes. If you are seriously in debt and don’t know what to do, then seek help. Christians Against Poverty help provide debt counselling for people who are struggling financially, including insolvency and bankruptcy. Their contact: https://capuk.org
7.      Multiple streams of income: Believe it or not, many professionals have other streams of income besides their normal job, though they have a good wage package. For some, the motivation may be greed, but for others, it is simply a necessity to make ends meet or to enlarge the family’s opportunities. Hobbies can turn into dollars; also, money can be made by blogging, the internet, or simple ‘petty capitalism,’ including outdoor markets. My family in England love to go to ‘car boot sales,’ where they buy items at a bargain and sell it on eBay for multiple times more. As Mary Kay Ash, founder of the cosmetic empire ‘Mary Kay Cosmetics,’ once quipped: innovate or evaporate.
Dave Ramsey, author of the best-selling book, Total Money Makeover, says that millionaires are intentional, save, invest, and are generous (before they get the millions). It takes time, 10, 15, 20 years , but consistency is the key. You don’t have to become a millionaire, however, to enjoy financial freedom.

Financial freedom is a worthwhile goal. It will liberate you from financial worry. Once conquered, you can focus on the rest of life. Never forget: consistency and perseverance is the key to freedom, financial and otherwise.
Articles, Prophecy, Teaching

OFFENDED PART THREE

In our first part, entitled: ‘You Bigot, Can Political Correctness Keep People from Being Offended,?’ we looked at how political correctness tries to protect people (especially women, ethnic and sexual minorities) from being offended. As a result, ‘freedom of speech’ takes a big hit. Even the slim possibility that one minorities might be offended means the other party must be closed down verbally … just in case.
In Part Two, entitled ‘I’m Offended: What Should This Really Mean?’ we learned a Biblical description about this miserable condition. It is a more sensible and far more enduring description than the politically correct one.
Today, the broader cultural scene is about the ‘New Tolerance.’ Political correctness (PC) is the mother tongue of the ‘New Tolerance’ and those who lead the charge in politically correctness are the patron saints. Jonathan Sarfati in ‘The Tyranny of Tolerance’ says  “Not long ago, the word ‘tolerance’ meant ‘bearing or putting up with someone or something not especially liked.’ However, now the word has been redefined to ‘all values, all beliefs, all lifestyles, all truth claims are equal.’ Denying this makes a person ‘intolerant,’ and worthy of contempt.’ That’s putting it mildly.
Failure to conform to the New Tolerance with politically correct language will invite a torrent of abuse. This includes, but is not limited to, ridicule, ostracism, ‘shouting down,’ insults, sensitivity training and the most offensive of behaviour you can imagine, even though the abusers are doing this to prevent offence! Student organisations on campus are prohibiting speakers who they deem politically incorrect (normally social and political conservatives). They even practice ‘non-platforming,’ meaning they refuse to speak at a public meeting with those whom they disagree. University heads have been forced out of office for violating PC.
Are things really that bad? Try speaking positively in the blogosphere about traditional heterosexual marriage, without saying a negative word about anyone or anything else, and watch what happens. Accusations like ‘hater,’ ‘intolerant,’ and ‘bigot’ will be thrown at you. Even Christian organisation are disciplining and firing people who do not conform to the theology of tolerance.
Why is this phenomena so serious?
A.    It enshrines people in a permanent ‘victimhood’ culture, which is very damaging in the long run. Christians are called to ‘victory,’ not ‘victimhood.’
B.    The defenders of the offended become the most offensive of all (a true double-standard), often times in a very vile manner.
C.    Our beloved ‘Freedom of Speech’ comes under serious threat, to the point of extinction.
D.    Finally, this is all an exercise in futility: Protecting people from offence is a lost cause in a fallen world, and does nothing to help them grow strong and mature;
A student complained at the Oklahoma Wesleyan University that he felt ‘uncomfortable,’ ‘offended,’ and ‘victimised’ when the university president gave a homily about love from I Corinthians 13, which is the ‘love chapter.’ Yet instead of pandering to the offended student, the president, Dr. Everett Piper, wrote in a blistering blog that went viral, ‘This is not a daycare. It’s a university.’ Dr. Piper went on to criticise a culture that teaches younger people to be ‘self-absorbed and narcissistic.’ Remember, this was at a Christian university! (http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/11/30/president-tells-students-this-is-not-day-care-this-is-university.html. Accessed 19/02/16).
Years ago, this author learned a maxim: Do not deliberately offend and do not be offended. This is wisdom! After all, to be offended is like a person who stumbles on the road, injures himself or herself, but refuses to get up. Another analogy is that an offended person builds a ‘Berlin Wall’ around themselves. Though this wall is meant to protect, it actually becomes a self-made prison! As long as the person remains offended, they will continue to be imprisoned.
So what can we do to avoid getting offended and offensive? As always, the Word of God is our guide:
1.     Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18): When you are ‘filled with the Spirit,’ you have the fruit of the Spirit which includes ‘love,’ ‘joy,’ ‘peace.’ Offended people lack peace, but Spirit-filled people have enough peace in their own hearts that they can give the overflow to others. When you are filled with the Spirit, there is no room for offence;
2.     Forgiveness: People who go around saying they are ‘hurt’ are almost always people who fail to practice a fundamental Christian virtue – forgiveness. This is not an option. Forgiveness is Christianity 101. The consequences of not forgiving are severe – continued ‘hurt’ and God’s refusal to forgive us our sins (Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:32-35; Mark 11:25-26). Forgiveness does not let the other party off the hook (retribution must not come from us, but God, according to Romans 12:19); it sets us free from their offensiveness so we can get on with life. After all, an offensive person is offensive because they have problems; when they offend you, then they successfully transfer their problem to you  – so that their problem becomes yours, too. Forgiveness sets you free from the other party’s problems and from any hurt that it causes;
3.     Maturity: Perpetually being offended is a mark of emotional and spiritual immaturity. See the description of immaturity in I Corinthians 3:1-3. Yet, when you grow up spiritually, the things that once bothered you bother no more. Hebrews 6:1 exhorts us to aim for perfection (maturity). Mature people let go of petty offences, press on to fulfil their call; they don’t have time to mope around being offended;
4.     God’s Word in the Heart: One of my favourite verses in the Bible is Psalm 119:165: Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. This is a promise worth grasping. When you ‘love God’s law,’ namely, His Word – you read it, study it, memorise it, and meditate on it regularly – you actually grow up in such away that you no longer are easily offended. This is very liberating. The same word in the heart that keeps you from sin (v. 11) is the Word that protects you from offence.
Put these into practice and say good-bye to being offended and you can get on fulfilling your spiritual call.