Western Australia Home Church

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

2012-02-09T00:29:00.001-08:00

"I read other books. The Bible reads me."

"If you have a Bible that's falling apart you'll have a life that's not."

--Adrian Rogers (three times elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention, first elected to this post on a platform of biblical inerrancy, and under his leadership, the denomination shifted sharply conservative, firing liberal and moderate seminary professors).

Shocking Article: "'Father' and 'Son' Ousted from the Trinity in New Bible Translations"

2012-02-09T00:29:00.000-08:00

A controversy is brewing over three reputable Christian organizations, which are based in North America, whose efforts have ousted the words "Father" and "Son" from new Bibles. Wycliffe Bible Translators, Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) and Frontiers are under fire for "producing Bibles that remove "Father," "Son" and "Son of God" because these terms are offensive to Muslims."

Concerned Christian missionaries, Bible translators, pastors, and national church leaders have come together with a public petition to stop these organizations. They claim a public petition is their last recourse because meetings with these organizations' leaders, staff resignations over this issue and criticism and appeals from native national Christians concerned about the translations "have failed to persuade these agencies to retain "Father" and "Son" in the text of all their translations."

Biblical Missiology, a ministry of Boulder, Colorado-based Horizon International, is sponsoring the petition.

The main issues of this controversy surround new Arabic and Turkish translations. Here are three examples native speakers give:

First, Wycliffe and SIL have produced Stories of the Prophets, an Arabic Bible that uses an Arabic equivalent of "Lord" instead of "Father" and "Messiah" instead of "Son."

Second, Frontiers and SIL have produced Meaning of the Gospel of Christ , an Arabic translation which removes "Father" in reference to God and replaces it with "Allah," and removes or redefines "Son." For example, the verse which Christians use to justify going all over the world to make disciples, thus fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) reads, "Cleanse them by water in the name of Allah, his Messiahand his Holy Spirit" instead of "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Rev. Bassam Madany, an Arab American who runs Middle East Resources, terms these organization's efforts as "a western imperialistic attempt that's inspired by cultural anthropology, and not by biblical theology."

Third, Frontiers and SIL have produced a new Turkish translation of the Gospel of Matthew that uses Turkish equivalents of "guardian" for "Father" and "representative" or "proxy" for "Son." To Turkish church leader Rev. Fikret Böcek, "This translation is 'an all-American idea' with absolutely no respect for the 'sacredness' of Scripture, or even of the growing Turkish church."

SIL has issued a public response stating "all personnel subscribe to a statement of faith which affirms the Trinity, Christ's deity, and the inspiration of Scripture." However, in the same statement, which is similar to Wycliffe's, it claims "word-for-word translation of these titles would communicate an incorrect meaning (i.e. that God had physical, sexual relationships with Mary) [sic]," thus justifying substituting "Father" and "Son" in new translations. Calls and emails to Wycliffe and SIL to clarify their positions were not returned. Frontiers responded to calls with articles that critics have already dismissed as skirting omissions of "Father" and "Son" in new Bible translations.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/father-son-ousted-trinity-bible-translations-003300519.html

Home Church Gathering on the 3rd of February

2012-02-06T02:02:00.000-08:00

Last night we continued the series on the "End Times", looking at the Tribulation. Occurring after the Rapture (most commonly known as pretribulationism, which is most consistent with Scripture). We looked at the purpose of the Tribulation, being, God's discipline of the nation Israel and judgement of the unbelieving, godless inhabitants of the earth, the role of the Antichrist and the rise of the Tribulation Saints. It was fascinating study, which generated a great deal of commentary... :)

CAN YOU BE DECEIVED? - PART 2 [Excerpts] Continued...

2012-02-04T02:26:00.001-08:00

Sixth, perverted and unbiblical views that forgiveness means we put up with and overlook everything, even ongoing sin and disgrace. The word "repentance" is being milked and used to justify all manner of evil. True repentance will issue out in biblical change (Matthew 3:8, Acts 26:20, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11).

Seventh, there is an enemy of our souls who goes about like a "roaring lion" (1 Peter 5:8). Satan is a master deceiver and we are called to put on the armor of God and confront his reasonings and errors and bring our thoughts into captivity and in alignment to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Albert Barnes says it so well: "Every power of thought in the heathen world; all the systems of philosophy, and all forms of opinion among men; all the purposes of the soul; all the powers of reason, memory, judgment, fancy, in an individual, were all to come under the laws of Christ. All doctrines were to be in accordance with his will; philosophy should no longer control them, but they should be subject to the will of Christ.... All the emotions and feelings of the heart should be controlled by him, and led by him as a captive is led by a victor.... The strongholds of philosophy, heathenism, and sin should be demolished, and all the opinions, plans, and purposes of the world should become subject to the all-conquering Redeemer."18

Eighth, the Scriptures predict there would be a departure from the faith because of seducing spirits and doctrines of demons and that people would opt for myths and fables over the truth (1 Timothy 4:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:1-4). Jesus warned of deception in Matthew 24:24.

Ninth, because we are being conditioned by our culture and television, we have lost the ability to blush. Everything and anything is paraded before us in the media as being permissible for our mental diet. Murder, immorality, shock radio, abuse, perversion - nothing is off-limits. Nothing shocks us or grieves us. Our culture is becoming satiated and dulled and we are affected. Young people are piercing, branding and mutilating their bodies. Some seek even vampirism as an option.

Some in the Charismatic world need still more frenzy, wilder manifestations and altered states of consciousness to satisfy and then they keep going back for more "anointings." They are spiritually and emotionally jaded. They are hooked not on heroin but on adrenalin. So many are addicted to emotions and emotional highs. Many burn out spiritually in their quest.

Tenth, we have become a culture of hero-worshipers and celebrity-seekers. Evangelical heroes and popular writers and speakers dictate, are given total allegiance and followed like rock stars. Like the Corinthians, we say we are of Paul and Apollos and Cephas (1 Corinthians 3:4). People have been led to believe that only the "biggies" carry the "anointing." And if you want "it" you've got to come to them to receive it. "Fresh," "Fire," "New Wine" and every other brand and flavor of anointing are available to the Christian consumer.

Eleventh, we have substituted entertainment and "television religion" for a growing and intense serving relationship in a healthy, well-balanced church. Being in the presence of growing Christians in a doctrinally sound church is a wonderful reality check needed by all.

Proverbs 27:17 forcefully reminds us: "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." To stay sharp, balanced and informed, one must take the words of Hebrews 10:23-25 very seriously and be a vital part of a vital fellowship. People have abandoned the church looking for a supernatural quick fix.

Twelfth, people have become "cliché-bound." They are gullible and become easily subservient if someone says, "God told me," or "the Lord said," or "the Lord spoke to me," or "the Lord impressed upon me." After all, who can argue with God? The Church finds itself drowning in a sea of subjectivism away from the safe moorings of the objective Word of God! "I feel" and "I sense" have come to replace, "It is written."

18. Albert Barnes, Barnes Notes on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregal Publications, 1975, pg. 886, italics in original.
19. Helmut Thielicke quoted in Uwe Siemon-Netto, The Fabricated Luther. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1993, pg. 139.
20. Peter Berger in the forward of The Fabricated Luther, op. cit., pg. 9.

Original source: http://www.pfo.org/deceived.htm

CAN YOU BE DECEIVED? [Excerpts - part 1]

2012-02-03T01:56:00.000-08:00

Why are Christians so gullible and so prone to deception? What could possibly be behind it?

First, because the foundation of the Christian life is belief. However, that we can believe the wrong things is made abundantly clear by the Bible. We must know what we believe and why and that we are believing the right things. We cannot just believe anything. Our objects of faith must be God and His Word, not mere men or wild claims. Dr. Bruce Bickel reminds us: "Too often what passes for unity is really compromise. It is better to be divided by truth than united in error."14

Second, the Christian is commanded to love. Love tends to be accepting and is willing to overlook. However, love that is not structured in truth is sentimentalism and is so wishy-washy it can be manipulated and led astray.

We cannot confuse love and emotionalism or love and feelings. Love is a commitment to truth and the highest good of others. Love does, as Scripture attests, "cover a multitude of sins."15 At times, that love means bringing a sinner back from the error of his ways.16 Love will not tolerate false teachings or lies which in the end hurt and destroy others. Biblical love insists on truth and true doctrine.

Third, we have a tendency to want to believe Christian leaders and Hebrews 13:7 indicates that generally we should. However the verse alerts us to be aware of their conduct as well. So it is not a blind following. Is the leadership we are following really modeling Christ and the Bible? Paul said we are to follow him "as he followed Christ." As commendable as it is to love and trust our leaders, we still have to be Bereans (Acts 17:11) and test all messages against Scripture. We do our leaders a great service by being mutually accountable. Leaders are vulnerable without the help and balance of others.

Fourth, we can be brainwashed by religious television and are being told that to question is "heresy hunting" or it is a "religious spirit" or "white cane religion" or a "Jezebel spirit" or worse. We are cowed by being threatened with the possibility of committing the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit even though we are just trying to be discerning. We should not be manipulated by a turning of the tables and a guilt trip laid on us for questioning heresy. We should not be in a church where there is no accountability or church discipline. In that setting, unrepentant sinners and autocrats are "above the law."

Regrettably, very little stress is being put on the gift of discernment.All Christians are called to be discerning. We must check things out (1 John 4:1-6).

Fifth, it is hard for us to believe or imagine that slick magazines such as Charisma could be peddling deception and that such wonderful ministries (as being advertised) could not be on the up and up. It is hard for us to believe that "Christian" bookstores could be part of the problem. It is hard for us to believe that all the money being made is the reason for the collusion (and the advancement of the wild and weird). It is amazing that books teaching occult doctrine are now being marketed as "Christian classics."

14. Bruce Bickel in the preface of Don Kistler, General Editor, Sola Scriptura. Morgan, Pa.: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1998, pp. xi-xii.
15. Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8.
16. James 5:20.
17. Sola Scriptura, op. cit., pg. xii.

Original source: http://www.pfo.org/deceived.htm

Recommended: 2011 Prophecy Conference Highlights CD set

2012-01-27T00:47:00.000-08:00

Overview

DOUG BOOKMAN
»Living in Satan’s Today in the Light of God’s Tomorrow—Part 1
»Living in Satan’s Today in the Light of God’s Tomorrow—Part 2
These messages bring great insight into how believers should relate to this present age and offer encouragement as we anticipate the age to come and our future home.

ANDY FERRIER
»Life After Death
A survey of 13 words used in Scripture to describe life after death.

»Moral Decline in the End-Times
See how the moral decline in our present day relates to 2 Peter 3 and the Last Days.

STEVE HERZIG
»Getting a Grip on God’s Prophetic Plan
How can such an insignificant percentage of the world’s population be so important to God’s plan for the future?

»Three Judgments—An Answer to What Lies Beyond
A study of the Great White Throne Judgment, Believer’s Judgment, and Calvary’s Judgment.

DAVID LEVY
»The Church in Heaven
Using Revelation 19:1-10 as his text, David illustrates The Magnifying of the Sovereign God of the universe; The Marriage Service; and The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

»The Church Rewarded
Revelation 2-3 describes the future rewards that will be given out to believers for service done here on earth.

PAT NEFF
»Zephaniah—The Penman and His Prophecy
We are headed for troublesome times. The Bible describes the end of the age as a time of great trouble and distress. In this session, Pat teaches us about the coming Day of The Lord.

»Zephaniah—From Grief to Glory!
Hope is not lost in Zephaniah’s prophecy of the future Day of The Lord. In the end, there is much joy as Israel is restored.

JIM SHOWERS
»God’s Thoughts on Replacement Theology
Learn from Scripture what God thinks about the erroneous teaching of Replacement
Theology.

»The Blessings of Israel
In Genesis 12 the Lord promised to bless the entire world through Israel. See just how the Lord has done that.

RENNIE SHOWERS
»The Future of Israel—Part 1
»The Future of Israel—Part 2
What does prophecy hold for the nation of Israel? Join Rennie Showers for these two sessions to find out.

BILL SUTTER
»Middle East Turmoil, Israel, and Bible Prophecy
Learn how the recent uprisings in the Middle East fit into biblical prophecy.

»Jerusalem—Center of the World
Join Bill Sutter as he reveals Jerusalem as the geographic, spiritual, prophetic, and promise center of the world.

Original Source: http://www.foi.org/Store_ProductDetail.aspx?pid=8F5BIh268455cI7ge5h8

Influencers Conference 2012: Apostasy

2012-01-25T19:53:00.000-08:00

For the first (and last) time in my life, I attended the Perth "Influencers Conference". For a long time now, I have let it been known my disapproval of pastors who believe and promote the prosperity gospel as not only do they serve Mammon (Matthew 6:24), but they deceive Christians with horrendous doctrine, neglect to teach Christians biblical doctrine, and depended heavily on pretty lights, colors, sounds, in addition to showmanship and humor. This year was no different and I can honestly say that the experience was spiritually sickening. Tortuous. Held in Burswood Casino (ironic, no?), the conference hosted a variety of pastors that spoke on topics that not just lacked depth, but worse in my opinion, promoted unbiblical concepts and delivered them in the most shameful manner. All sermons included an abundance of humor, much of it unconservative and at times, mocking the ways of the Lord. Then there were statements that made you lose breath, such as Sam Chand's mockery of suicide (saying those that want to, should do it properly and hang them self), his pseudopsychological conclusions on life and the statement that it is not prayer, the Bible or Jesus that stops him committing adultery, but how much he will lose in the settlement. Benny Perez harped on about Jentezen Franklin, T. D. Jakes (who denies the Holy Spirit) and Creflo Dollar (who preached once that Christians will all become gods) and focused more on the self than the Saviour. Glen Berteau's shouting, showmanship, referral to feeling "spiritually raped" and experiential theology to Ashley Evans trying to promote everything from books to registrations, his false declaration of the Holy Spirit being here, no there, no, everywhere and telling him that the whole conference is godly and sanctioned by God... enough was enough. I could bear no more. Who are these people accountable to? Why is no one saying anything about their unbiblcal ways and doctrine? Why are so many so-called Christians caught up in this apostasy? It's exactly like Hillsong and their conferences. I see that there are others out there, who feel the same way, thank God. Fellow Christians who also believe in the Word of God, verse for verse. Who believe that it's not about the quantity of Christians, but quality. In closing, let me quote the Word of God (Matthew 7:15-23):

15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits. 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

Home Church Gathering on the 20th of January

2012-01-21T17:47:00.000-08:00

Last night we began a series on the "End Times", beginning with the Rapture. Occurring before the Tribulation (most commonly known as pretribulationism, which is most consistent with Scripture), the Rapture is spoken of in John 14:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. The Rapture will be of all those who have repented and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, both living and dead, and will also remove the Holy Spirit from the earth. Interestingly, the Rapture was foreshadowed in the life of both Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:1,11) in the Old Testament. Fascinating study, which generated a great deal of commentary... :)

Recent Reads: All Recommended

2012-01-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

Ron Rhodes' North Storm Rising

Mark Hall's The Well

Ray Comfort's The Way of the Master

Home Church Gathering on the 6th of January

2012-01-07T21:14:00.000-08:00

On Friday night we fellowshipped with most homechurch members in Armadale, complete with food and prayers, We decided to study the book of James (one of my favorites) and paralleled certain verses with the Sermon on the Mount. That James was the half brother of Jesus makes the parallels even more insightful, being that he grew up with the Lord and Saviour. It was an interesting night and one that made many of us think deeper about relationship with God. A lovely night with lovely people!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2012... :)

2011-12-31T09:05:00.001-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! :)

2011-12-25T08:58:00.001-08:00

Fun Christmas Fact

2011-12-25T08:55:00.000-08:00

"Joy to the World", by English hymn writer Isaac Watts, was not intended to be a Christmas song and is actually about the Second Coming of Jesus, not His First!

A Blessed Christmas -- Hugh Martin

2011-12-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

From Joni & Friends:

A Blessed Christmas
Hugh Martin

Although he battled a variety of challenging conditions late into his 90's, it did not slow down Hugh Martin. Well known as the lyricist who penned “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” for Judy Garland, Hugh re-wrote the words to this beautiful song after he came to Christ. He aptly titled his sacred lyrics, “Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas.” Join our host Joni Tada and this gentle, soft spoken legend, as they share the joy and hope of Christmas.

Go to the above link and watch this amazing story and song!
:)

Muslim sect claims Nigeria church attacks; 25 dead

2011-12-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

Islam, the so-called "religon of peace", kills peaceful Christians on Christmas in Nigeria. Pray for the victims and those who caused the violence...

Israel’s PM Netanyahu’s Greetings to Christians Around the World

2011-12-21T18:32:00.001-08:00

Christmas Gifts

2011-12-17T02:05:00.000-08:00

Oren Arnold once made seven wonderful suggestions about the best Christmas gift of all:

* To your enemy, forgiveness
* To an opponent, tolerance
* To a friend, your heart
* To a customer, service
* To all, charity
* To every child, a good example
* To yourself, respect

Marvellous as these are, they do not compare with God’s great gift to us when Love came down at the very first Christmas.

Home Church Gathering on the 9th of December

2011-12-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

On Friday night we again fellowshipped with our newest homechurch members in Byford, on their beautiful one acre property. Beginning with an array of hymns, we moved onto a sermon from 1 Thessalonians 5. I looked at verses 11-28 (instructions on how to be as Christians in the End Times). We ended with a prayer and a drive home talking to God. Marrantha!

A Sad Day: "Labor decides on conscience vote for gay marriage"

2011-11-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

From the Australian Christian Lobby:

Dear Benjamin,

Thanks for your tremendous support on this issue, I am sure at 100,586 signatures this will have been one of the largest, if not the largest petition raised by the Church.

But unfortunately the Labor party this morning has decided to reject your call on them by ammending its platform to support same-sex marriage.

Advocates of same sex marriage in the ALP made much of the fact that the party shouldn’t be on the wrong side of history, but today they have chosen to be on the wrong side of truth in defiance of their leader Julia Gillard.

It is the wrong side of truth where gay activism has made a lie of children’s birth certificates by directing that a father’s names be removed in favour of two lesbian’s names.

The wrong side of truth where gay activism has made a lie of biology so even a single man can “get” a child, as if there are no natural rights for the child to a mother.

The wrong side of truth that allows gay activism, in the form of Elton John, to announce that he and his partner will never allow “their” baby to know its mother.

It’s the wrong side of truth where gay activism has caused the life style to be presented as normal and healthy in our schools when their own data shows it shortens a males life by double the years that smoking does, which we strongly discourage.

It’s the wrong side of truth that gay activism prepared for this day with forty years of telling us it was 10% of the population when it has always been around 1.5%.

It’s the wrong side of truth that allows gay activism to proffer protections for the church against conducting ceremonies, while it concurrently conducts litigious attacks on the freedom of faith and conscience of the church and individual Christians wherever marriage has been granted around the world.

It’s the wrong side of truth that gay activism causes a major party to break another unequivocal election promise given by its leader before the last election that: “The Marriage Act will remain unchanged, so marriage will be defined as it is in our Marriage Act as between a man and a woman.”

There is now a clear differentiation between the Coalition and the ALP on this issue.

The Coalition’s policy is that marriage is between a man and a woman.

The Labor party’s policy is that it is between any two people.

There are many good people in the Labor party who showed great courage to oppose this change and who we will continue to support as individuals.

But Labor’s granting of a conscience vote on this issue does not change the statement this policy change makes on its values as a Party, and the degree to which we can trust its election promises.

The values of the Party on this are now clear, but the only way for it to recover its integrity on this issue is to vote with the Coalition as a party to defeat any private members bill in this parliament, and then seek a mandate for this platform change at the next federal election.

If it does not do this, it is doubly on the wrong side of not just history, but truth.

Jim Wallace AM
Managing Director

Film: Courageous -- Part 2

2011-11-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

I watched "Courageous" last Tuesday with my father, who for reasons questionable and unknown, walked out on my mother and I almost two years ago (after almost thirty years of being a family). The film is, in my opinion, one of the finest Christian films I have ever seen and deals realistically and biblically with being a good father, a good husband and a good man before God. I implore you to see it straight away, especially being that it has been extended another week in Perth! I am not sure how it affected my father, who has not yet established a relationship with God, but I pray it made some impression. To have my earthly father, my mother a husband, and us a family would indeed be a glorious miracle.

Home Church Gathering on the 20th of November

2011-11-19T18:57:00.000-08:00

Last night we fellowshipped with our newest homechurch members in Byford, on their beautiful one acre property. Beginning with a heartfelt prayer, we began to sing a variety of songs, old and new, accompanied by an array of instruments. As the Holy Spirit often does, He decided not to have my sermon read, but rather, He desired a night of pure worship. And that is what we did for the rest of night. We worshiped God through songs and it was a glorious evening from beginning to end!

"Occupy Movement": How Should A Christian Respond?

2011-11-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

Someone asked me the following question recently: "How should a christian respond to occupy wall street?"

This is a good question in light of the recent protests around the world. Though the message of the protesters sounds positive initially, one must look beyond the signposts and politics and understand the worldview being espoused here.

On the surface, the message of greed being evil is somewhat true, but money is not the root of all evil. 1 Timothy 6:10 actually says, "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil…" Money is not good or bad, and being wealthy is not a sin. Loving money, which in the Greek is "avarice" and infers an emotional affection, is the root of all sorts of evil as the desire to accumulate wealth is placed above God and others.

This however, is only the surface. Many people with the right intention have joined the protests, without realizing the core worldview being espoused here. And it is not biblical. Without any political alignment or agenda, research reveals that there are several organizations, groups and high profile individuals with a humanistic/atheistic/socialistic worldview involved with, funding and organizing the protests. This is problematic, as none are Christ-centered and are in fact, negatively dispositioned towards God. That can not be stressed enough. According to God, in both Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” In this text, the Hebrew word is nabal which refers more to a “moral fool,” e.g., someone without morals. Without morals and without Christ, why would a Christian choose to join such a movement?

There are some Christians who have voiced their support of the protesters, but many of them are in fact liberal and emergent in their thinking (see the following articles: http://www.gotquestions.org/liberal-Christian-theology.html and http://www.gotquestions.org/emerging-church-emergent.html). This causes conflicting messages to those in and outside the church because, as stated above, the worldview being espoused by the protesters does not align with what is God's will and taught through His prophets, disciples and servants. It is worth noting here as well, that one can see parallels with liberation theology, another unbiblical train of thought (see the following article: http://www.gotquestions.org/liberation-theology.html).

I hope that helps!

Film: Courageous

2011-11-09T20:48:00.001-08:00

See details at the website here!

Pray for Israel and against Palestinian Statehood - Part 2

2011-11-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

As suspected, those wanting to form a Palestinian state chose to go behind Israel's back and gained admittance to UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, after 107 out of 173 UN members voted in favour of the status upgrade. This sly nature not only shows the means which they are willing to establish themselves, but that they are uncompromising in their willingness to work with Israel who has done much to foster peace. As for those who voted against Israel, I repeat the words of the prophet Moses: "I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse" (Genesis 12:3).

Home Church Gathering on the 4th of November

2011-11-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

Friday was a lovely evening. We hosted a visiting family of ten and began with the usual introductions and catch-ups, followed by a sermon on idolatry. Starting with the creation of the Ten Commandments and the dreaded golden calf (Exodus 20, 32), we then explored signs of idolatry in our lives, and ended with the way in which we can remove them from our lives. After that, the visiting family treated us to a beautiful array of songs and we proceeded to pray for one another. A truly blessed evening, one of what I hope will be many with our new friends! :)

OT: Occupy Perth Protest

2011-10-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

“The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God”" (Psalm 14:1)

For those thinking that the "Occupy Perth" protests are harmless and promoting an innocent message, don't be fooled. While I agree that greed is bad, I am not going to stand with socialists and communists against the issue. Their worldview is responsible for millions upon millions of deaths in the twentieth century and is one that we as Christians should not dismiss, let alone share space with. They promote life, but are responsible for taking so many. Ironic, no?

Church Together PERTH Tony Campolo BEWARE!

2011-10-23T02:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend, a Christian organisation is hosting a visit by well known Christian author and speaker Tony Campolo, stating that it is an opportunity for churches to come together, listen to a godly speak and worship God. This all sounds good, but like usual, not many people have done their homework. Campolo's Christian theology is seriously questionable.

Rather than write an exhaustive treaty on the issue, I recommend you visit some of the links below and see if it aligns with Scripture. In a nutshell:

1) Campolo supports mysticism and its use within Christian churches.
2) Campolo does not believe we are in End Times and sees the belief in such things as the cause of much of the worlds problems today.
3) Campolo is applauded by the Emergent Church and its adherents, like Brian McLaren.
4) Campolo is not critical of Islam, homosexuality and the New Age.

Sources:
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/tonycampolo.htm
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=1361
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/Special%20News%20Alert2.htm
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=246

"180" Movie -- Amazing Anti-Abortion Documentary

2011-10-23T01:49:00.000-07:00

PRAY & FAST FOR EGYPT - Part 2

2011-10-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Pray and fast for Coptic Christians in Egypt. I pray that Egyptian Christians are strengthened, I pray that they find peace in the midst of persecution, I pray that the cross and message of the Lord Jesus Christ replace the star and crescent of Islam. Your brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for you!

Home Church Gathering on the 22th of October

2011-10-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

Another Holy Spirit led night, we discussed a range of topics, from the forgiveness of sins and wrestling with emotions, to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and more unsung heroes from Scripture. We also discussed my forthcoming book, a family that will be fellowshipping with us in the near future and the God initiated new employment for one of our homechurch members. It was a lovely evening, the type that deepens our love for one another. Holy, Holy, Holy is our mighty God! :)

I'm writing a book... Part 3

2011-10-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

After a thorough revision, I'm over 42000 words now... getting very close to shopping for a publisher! :)

Home Church Gathering on the 7th of October

2011-10-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

As promised, I delivered a sermon on Islam tonight, looking at how it greatly differs from Christianity. Starting from the sources of Islam, who Muhammad was and who Allah was, I continued onto the Islamic view of Jesus, Sharia law and how to effectively evangelise to Muslims. It was a very constructive night, based on the feedback and discussion it generated. Yahweh is indeed wise, loving and merciful!

Frightening quote from Roman Catholicism

2011-10-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

"Even if the Pope were Satan incarnate, we ought not to raise up our heads against him, but calmly lie down to rest on his bosom. He who rebels against our Father is condemned to death, for that which we do to him we do to Christ: we honor Christ if we honor the Pope; we dishonor Christ if we dishonor the Pope. I know very well that many defend themselves by boasting: "They are so corrupt, and work all manner of evil!" But God has commanded that, even if the priests, the pastors, and Christ-on-earth were incarnate devils, we be obedient and subject to them, not for their sakes, but for the sake of God, and out of obedience to Him."

- St. Catherine of Siena, SCS, p. 201-202, p. 222, (quoted in Apostolic Digest, by Michael Malone, Book 5: "The Book of Obedience", Chapter 1: "There is No Salvation Without Personal Submission to the Pope").

Home Church Gathering on the 31st of September

2011-10-02T00:47:00.001-07:00

What an amazing night! Tonight was one of those nights that was soaked in the Holy Spirit. I am not sure whether it had to do with the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShana; Leviticus 23:24) or what, but it was a night full of discussion, ranging from faith and trust in God, the issues about evangelism and the Armor of God). It was a lovely evening, full of praise and worship and we praised God for the many prayers he had answered in the last few weeks, one of the biggest being new employment for one of our homechurch members. It was a truly blessed night and easily one of our best!

"Cults and Creation: How the major cults all reject straightforward biblical creation"

2011-09-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

My article, "Cults and Creation: How the major cults all reject straightforward biblical creation" has appeared on creation.com, one of the world's largest Christian websites. Very excited about that and humbled to have my article among so many of my favourite authors. God is good!

Home Church Gathering on the 23rd of September

2011-09-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

Last night we focused on Israel, in light of current events to delegitimise the country and its people. In particular, we focused on the many prophecies that have been fulfilled by God in the last hundred years, in addition to cite the verses were God commands us as Christians to stand by Israel. Interestingly, this led to a conversation on the evil of Islam and its false teachings (which I plan on exploring in more depth next time). We ended the evening in prayer and thanked God for all He has done... :)

The Easter Experience

2011-09-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

A year or so ago, I bought a DVD Bible Study series entitled The Easter Experience after seeing a clip of it on the Christian television. However, for various reasons, I did not watch it until this week. I am sorry I did not watch it sooner, as I found it to be a great resource. Beautifully filmed (imagine a Catholicless Passion of the Christ), emotionally charged (I cried at several scenes) and thought provoking, the series is a good analysis of Jesus' final week and how we can draw strength from His strength during difficult times. Well worth checking out... :)

Recent FOIWA event in Perth (17/09/11)

2011-09-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I proudly attended the pro-Israel anti-BDS movement in Perth and was delighted to see so many gather against those who seek the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people. It was very peaceful, bar a few aggressive pro-Palestinian supporters who shouted obscenities. A short article can be found here. Below are some photos I took. Enjoy and pray for the peace of Jerusalem! (Psalm 122:6) :)

Pray for Israel and against Palestinian Statehood

2011-09-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

The danger of this possible vote for a Palestinian Statehood in the dreaded United Nations, can not be underestimated. To delegitimise Israel, would be to go against God's will. Pray for Israel and that the apple of God's eye may not be harmed.

Prayer Points from Romans 11:13-24

2011-09-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

• Thank God for you and the Church being grafted into Israel.
• Ask God that you not be arrogant in this and behold His kindness and severity.
• Pray for the olive tree that is Israel and that those unbelieving branches that were broken off confess that Jesus is Lord and Savior (so that they may be grafted back in).

Home Church Gathering on the 9th of September

2011-09-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Last night was a lovely gathering in which we shared recent events in our lives, ranging from one members mission trip through Mercy Ships Australia, to another's decision to change jobs. Once we had all caught up, we embarked on a Bible study looking at friendships in the Bible (such as David and Nathan, Daniel and his three friends, etc) and the characteristics of a good friend. It went very well and we all found ourselves uplifted and encouraged by the end of the evening. As it is written, "let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25).

CHRIST BEFORE THE MANGER -- one of the most important books ever written

2011-09-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

Now and then, I come upon books that have a great impact on me. Whether they challenge my faith, further explain the truths of the Bible, or introduce me to concepts I had never considered as a Christian, the minute I finish reading them, I find myself wanting more... and with the overwhelming desire to share it with fellow believers. Christ Before the Manger: The Life and Times of the Preincarnate Christ by Ron Rhodes is such a book. Not a topic discussed by Christians, nor a necessarily easy one to grasp, Rhodes explores - and justifies in my opinion - the belief that Jesus ministered on earth during the Old Testament era, as "the Angel of the Lord", which was a manifestation of God in the Bible that is tangible to the human senses (also know as a theophany; see embedded link). This book, once out of print, has been reissued and is a must for any Christian wanting to further know their Lord and Saviour. Highly, highly recommended.

Highly Recommended: THE DANIEL PROJECT DVD

2011-08-31T22:29:00.000-07:00

It is rare that I recommend a secular DVD on Christianity, as most are poorly researched, biased and unfair in their conclusions. However, The Daniel Project is an exception, as it based on the following challenge; Christians claim bible prophecy is being fulfilled before the world's eyes and is one of the clearest proofs that God exists - if that's true, let's investigate these prophetic claims and put them to the test. In doing so, the documentary comes to the conclusion that in fact, the prophecies of the Bible are not only true, but in being proven as such, the non-Christian must continue the journey and further investigate the Christian faith and its God. I believe that Christians and non-Christians alike need to watch this!

For more information...

http://www.thedanielprojectmovie.com/

The Daniel Project

In an age where evangelism has become so difficult in the developed world we must recall the instruction of Jesus to "Preach The Gospel of The Kingdom" - that is using eschatology and end time prophecy to engage in evangelistic dialogue, to proclaim the urgency of the need for salvation in the face of a returning Christ amidst a fast coming global cataclysm with the Middle East at its epicenter.

This flies in the face of Kingdom Now theology with its latter day rain nonsense, and rejects the false and dangerous teachings of Rick Warren to reject the commands of Jesus to 'be alert' for these signs - and it also counters the false doctrines of replacement theology propounded by such false teachers as John Stott and John Piper. In an age of ecumenical and emergent apostasy, the faithful church must rally to the instructions of Jesus and preach the true gospel in the face of His coming return and in light of the prophetic events encapsulated in scripture no place more than in The book of Daniel from where most of the prophetic predictions of The Book of Revelation originate.

‘The Daniel Project’ is a secular film production with a scriptural message, focus, and theme which can reach non believers in the post modern world. A companion book will be published soon but the producers have brought out a special edition DVD set which is an effective tool for house groups, church groups and in one to one dialogue. Even non believers want to know the future. In an age of political, economic, strategic, and environmental uncertainty people sense something is happening and want answers. We have them. Bible codes and Da Vinci Codes are but fiction.

The Book of Daniel however is true. Conspiracy Theories are borderline lunacy. The Book of Daniel is cogent, plausible, and coherent.

I have prayed about such a project for years and when the producers approached me I knew it was indeed God's time. Remember, this is a secular product and a secular production which takes the message into the secular world via the secular market. We would urge all who seek the salvation of the lost and who look to the return of Jesus to obtain a copy of the DVD and the soon to be published book. (July/August)

"Time is getting short, and the time to raise our voices is now..."
Jacob Prasch

Further Information: The Daniel Project documentary film made for TV and cinema is also available as a special edition boxed DVD set featuring Jacob Prasch, Dr Siam Bhayro, Doug Harris, Rabbi Glick and others. The special Bonus DVD includes an interview with Jacob Prasch explaining ‘The Way of Escape’.

"Saving God" - a good Christian film

2011-08-27T18:11:00.001-07:00

Good Christian films are far and few between, so when I recently purchased Saving God, I was taking a gamble. I am glad I did as this is one of the best Christian films I have ever seen. Ving Rhames stars as Armstrong Cane, a former criminal turned pastor and the story details his return home to revive an old church. Upon his arrival he befriends a street thug Norris Johns (actor Dwain Murphy) who is trying to start a new life, but the drug dealer he works for wont let him. What I like about this movie is not only the unexpected twists, but that it is realistic and does not represent the faith in a poor or unbelievable way. The commentary on hypocritical and prosperity driven Christians is also great. Well worth getting and should appeal to all ages.

PRAY FOR THE HORN OF AFRICA

2011-08-21T00:33:00.000-07:00

Sad: THE CHURCHES AGAINST ISRAEL [Excerpts]

2011-08-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

UK researchers [recently] announced that 17 skeletons belonged to Jews were found at the bottom of a medieval well in Norwich, England. The Jews were murdered in a pogrom or had been forced to commit suicide rather than submit to demands for conversion to Christianity.

The bodies date back to the 12th or 13th Centuries, at a time when Jewish people faced killings, banishment and persecution throughout all Europe. Those 17 Jews were killed because of "replacement theology," [meaning] the Jews have forfeited God's promises to them which have been transferred to the Church.

Some 10 centuries later, global Christian forums are reviving this theological demonology against the heirs of those 17 Jews: the Jews of the State of Israel. The World Council of Churches, an ecumenical Christian body based in Genève and boasting 590 million worshipers, just ended a four-day conference in the Greek city of Volos. Not a single word of criticism was uttered there against the Islamists who are persecuting Arabs who believe Jesus.

Lutherans arrived to Volos from the United States, Catholics and Protestants from Bethlehem and Nazareth, Orthodox Christians from Greece and Russia, lecturers from Beirut and Copts from Egypt. The conference declared the Jewish State "a sin" and "occupying power," accused Israelis of "dehumanizing" the Palestinians, theologically dismantled the "choseness" of the Jewish people and called for "resistance" as a Christian duty.

The conference denied 3,000 years of Jewish life in the land stretching between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River, took sides against the very presence of Israel, likened the defensive barrier that has blocked terrorism to "apartheid," attacked Jewish homes in Judea and Samaria invoking the name of God and conceptually dismissed the Jewish state, imagining it to be a mixture - Islamic, Christian and perhaps a bit Jewish. It even legitimized terrorism when it talked about the "thousands of prisoners who languish in Israeli jails," proclaiming that "resistance to the evil of occupation is a Christian's right and duty.

In the last few months we have seen a radical and dangerous increase of attacks on Israel by the Protestant and Catholic churches. While the US is home to many Christian supporters of Israel, the groups more closely linked to global public opinion, European bureaucracy, the media industry, the United Nations and various legal forums are all violently anti-Israel and anti-Jewish. They are paving the way for a new Jewish bloodbath by the theological exclusion of Israel's Jews from the family of nations.

The most influential international Catholic peace movement, Pax Christi, just promoted a boycott of Israel's goods "in the name of love." The most hated Israeli product includes Ahava, the famous Israeli cosmetics company, whose shop in Covent Garden, London, has just been closed by the company after years of demonstrations. Strangely, Ahava body lotion tubes have been chosen as a satanic symbol of Jewish colonialism.

SOURCE: http://frontpagemag.com/2011/07/07/the-churches-against-israel/

THE WARNING by Roger Oakland

2011-08-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

There is a pattern we find throughout the Word of God. God always warns before He brings judgment on sinful man. God is merciful and never reacts quickly without giving sinners a chance to repent. While He hates sin, He has often allowed men to carry on even if they do not respond. However there are always consequences of sin. The Bible states that the wages of sin is death. Often sin is exposed publically, and others are reminded to get right with God.

As we read through the Bible, we see how God has always raised up men and women to warn the people of coming judgments. The first time this occurred in history was before the great flood of Noah. Very few listened to Noah. God used Noah to warn, and then the judgment came. For the majority who refused to listen, they were wiped out in a global catastrophe.

Of all the prophets, Jeremiah is the one who seemed to have the toughest job. Virtually no one would listen to him as he was trying to warn the leaders of Israel about the judgment they were going to face. They had turned away from God and were following their forefathers who had turned to the gods. God used Jeremiah to warn the people and then judged the children of Israel by sending them into exile where they were forced to live in a society that was totally pagan.

If history repeats itself as the Bible states, then it would be reasonable to predict the same pattern would be repeated today. People who profess to be followers of God end up following men who follow the devil who then become Satan’s pawns. As Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun.

A brief overview of what we call the “new” evangelical movement provides a good example of what is happening today. According to Bible prophecy, the Last Days will see the implementation of a global One World Religion that prepares the way for the antichrist. This would mean that we will see all religions coming together for the cause of peace. Not only will the religions of the world join up in an ecumenical unity, but so will the majority of those who call themselves Christian.

We have been watching this trend happen for over two decades. Without knowing it “Protestant evangelicals” have been seduced so that they are neither Protestant nor evangelical. Many churches and denominations have been led astray by the pied pipers of the Purpose Driven emerging church movement, which clearly embraces a false hope centered on a P.E.A.C.E. Plan that is supposed to unite all religions of the world to do good. This plan is fueled by the belief that we can get closer to God through various contemplative eastern practices like Yoga and contemplative prayer. Christ is mentioned in name, but the “Jesus” and the “gospel” is not the Jesus Christ and the gospel that is supported by the Scriptures.

While I have only been a born-again Christian for just over three decades, it has been long enough to see a paradigm shift taking place with regards to what it means today to be a Christian. Many churches and denominations have joined hands with pagans. Once Bible-based and Jesus-centered, many evangelical churches have moved away from messengers of the gospel towards church-growth programs driven by corporate politics that leaves biblical Christianity behind. Rather than looking to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, the sheep are conditioned or brainwashed to look to some man whom they believe is the answer to all their problems. This cult style of Christian leadership is not only dangerous, it provides the backbone that leads towards a One World Religion with an ecumenical headquarters headed by the pope in Rome.

These pseudo churches have departed from the faith in such a way that many have not even noticed. When someone points out the deception that is happening they are considered to be the heretics. Those with discernment are scoffed at and told to shut up. Worse yet those who are persistent in shining the light on apostasy are marginalized, shunned, or declared crazy.

The bottom line is this: the leaders of the Last Days apostasy are most often too proud to receive correction from anyone. They call those who stand up and warn them as unbalanced, out of touch, “haters,” or even psychotic misfits who are on the lunatic fringe.

The Final, Final, Final Warning

Just before sitting down to write this commentary, I was at the John Wayne Airport in southern Californian waiting for a flight to San Francisco. As I had time to spare before my flight, I took out a notepad from my pocket and started to jot down an outline dealing with the subject matter of this commentary. Unexpectedly, I heard an announcement made over the intercom: “This is the final – final – final call for United Airlines Flight 322 to San Francisco.” I looked at my watch and realized I had nearly missed my flight. The call was for me.

We are living at a period in Church history when the final-final-final call is being made to warn the Church to wake up. The apostasy that is underway is greater every day. Worse yet, fewer and fewer professing Christians realize what is happening. They have gone to sleep it seems. More and more pastors are concerned about property, power, and prestige than they are about people. While many should be repenting from their sins, they are spending the time they have left here on earth covering up their sin in order to protect what they believe is their legacy. Others have poured their energies and focus into trying to “return” America to a Christian nation, claiming that we need to get back to our Christian roots and take over our country for Jesus. While there have certainly been many Christians in the history of America who have served Him faithfully over the past two hundred years, the fact is that no country is “Christian.” The Bible refers to those of the faith as “strangers and pilgrims of the earth” (Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11). The only solution to our problem with sin is salvation through Jesus Christ and the finished work of the cross. Our home is not on earth but in heaven. So while the majority of Christians are distracted by their worldly carnal ambitions, they are missing the final call.

Recently we sent out a general open letter to all pastors attempting to wake up those who should know better. The letter was written to all pastors even though the majority of the churches I have spoken at in the past were fellowships belonging to the Calvary Chapel movement. In my view, the time we have before God’s judgment comes is short. When the church is more interested in man-made agenda’s than God’s, the church is no longer useful. God will simply raise up others to do the job. In fact, I believe we are fast approaching a time when the apostate “church” will join up with the One World Religion, and the body of true believers in Jesus Christ will be forced to the sidelines and even underground because of persecution.

For those who have followed the ministry of Understand The Times, you will know we have been trying to warn the church for the last two decades about the judgment that is coming. Books and commentaries have been written. Presentations have been made since about 1990. Some of these books that were written include: New Wine Or Old Deception, When New Wine Makes a Man Divine, New Wine and the Babylonian Vine, When Marian Apparitions Plan to United the World Religions, Another Jesus: The Eucharistic Christ and the New Evangelization and Faith Undone.

Not only did I express my concerns about the direction the church was headed in a public way, I wrote personal letters to the leaders of Calvary Chapel that we are now making public so the world can see. You can read some of these letters by going to the following link: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=5258.

Why am I doing this? The answer is very simple. Over the past year, I have been accused by some of my colleagues as being mentally unbalanced and vindictive because I have simply expressed the facts. I have even been told that I have blasphemed the Holy Spirit because I have questioned the roots of the Calvary Chapel movement. Apparently, up until now, no one has dared to do this.

While I have heard the rumors and seen some of the e-mails regarding what has been said, I will make the statement again: The Lord has led me to warn what is happening. No one is listening. I have done this according the Scriptures. When you see brothers heading into apostasy, you need to warn them, and then if the warning isn’t heeded, wash your hands.

Finally, I fear no man. I reverence and fear Jesus Christ and His Word.

The rejection and ridicule that we have received from many of my former colleagues would provide the contents for a book, which we will likely write at a later time. While I refuse to read the blogs and even the threatening e-mails that come to me from pastors and church leaders that I once shared a common platform with, the time has come for me to speak up. Understand The Times will not be silenced; we will tell the facts whatever the cost. Sin cannot be covered up.

Just like Jeremiah, we have been told that we are crazy and to shut up. Read Jeremiah chapter 21.

Prediction

The truth always wins out. As someone said, the truth will always chase a lie through the back door. While I have no personal vendetta against those who conjure up lies and rumors about me, I will make one final appeal to the consciences of those who know better.

It is time to fear God and get things right. You cannot continue to let on that everything is all right. It is time to warn the body of Christ about the days in which we live. Your camp is full of leaven. Your sin will find you out.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:7-8)

ORIGINAL SOURCE: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/newsletters/2011/newsletter20110809.htm#1AA2

Home Church Gathering on the 29th of July

2011-08-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

Last homechurch, after discussing my recent trip to America, we gathered to begin a discussion of what submission to God means in accordance with the Bible. Often cited as being a negative word, biblically speaking, it is a beautiful relationship as we can show submission to the Father, Son, Spirit and His Word. We didn't get far (which is fine as the Spirit leads), as it branched off into a variety of conversations, namely, the concept of the Trinity, the afterlife (in light of a documentary on Heaven viewed in my absence) and related issues. It was a lively night, full of rewarding insights and healthy challenges.

Back from America...

2011-07-28T01:08:00.000-07:00

Evangelical great, John Stott, dies at 90

2011-07-28T01:02:00.000-07:00

From Christian Today Australia:

One of the most significant evangelical leaders of the 20th century, John Stott, has died.

The theologian passed away in London at 1515 GMT on Wednesday, according to John Stott Ministries President Benjamin Homan.

Stott was the former Rector of All Souls Church, Langham Place, in London and was one of the founders of the Lausanne Movement, a worldwide movement of evangelicals.

He was largely responsible for the Movement’s two major documents, the Lausanne Covenant in 1974 and the Manila Manifesto in 1989.

Stott was unwavering in his emphasis on the basics of classical evangelicalism – the need for personal conversion, the authority of Scripture and the centrality of Jesus’ death for sinners.

However, he was also passionate about the moral and social dimensions of the biblical gospel, including justice for the poor and the care of creation, and was against limiting Christian engagement with the world to evangelism.

Stott retired from public ministry in 2007 but never lost his global influence or interest in the goings on of the world church, and more particularly global evangelicalism.

He was Honorary Chairman of the Lausanne Movement until his death and retained a keen interest in last year’s Third Lausanne Congress in Cape Town.

According to close friends, Stott had longed to see the event come to pass and described the document that emerged from the congress, the Cape Town Declaration, as “beautiful and profound”.

Although Stott will always be associated most greatly with the Lausanne Movement, he often supported the wider evangelical family, writing the preamble to the constitution of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA).

International Director of Langham Partnership, Chris Wright, made a touching tribute to his mentor.

“For the vast majority of people whose lives he influenced profoundly, he was simply ‘Uncle John’ – a much loved friend, correspondent, and brother, to whose prayers we will never know how much we owe," he said.

"Like Moses, he was one of the greatest leaders God has given to his people, and yet at the same time, one of the humblest men on the face of the earth.

"He was, for all of us who knew him, a walking embodiment of the simple beauty of Jesus, whom he loved above all else.”

International Director of the WEA, Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, said Stott would be “greatly missed”.

“Uncle John, was a great influence in my own theological development," he said.

"His commitment to biblical orthodoxy, global mission and unity in the body of Christ were foundational in my own spiritual journey.”

Bruce Kuhn and his solo performance of the Gospel of Luke

2011-07-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

A homechurch member attended Bruce Kuhn's solo performance of the Gospel of Luke on Saturday night and stated that while it was extremely impressive that he recited the gospel from memory, it was uneven in that he overdramatised several figures in the narrative. Even so, it was an inexpensive night out and worth checking out.

I'm Off to America for over a Fortnight! :)

2011-07-05T02:30:00.000-07:00

UPDATE Gaza Flotilla II -- Resources

2011-07-03T02:31:00.000-07:00

Biblical Christians and supporters of Israel,

Please use the following resources from Neil Lazarus and StandWithUs as much as you can to counter claims that the highly provocative flotilla heading for Gaza is in any way justifiable. Note that the flotilla has been delayed - see the latest Jerusalem post article at www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=227200 and also the videos just released by the IDF at www.youtube.com/user/idfnadesk.

The aim of this latest flotilla, as was the aim of the ill-fated Mavi Marmara convoy last year, is to provoke clashes with the Israeli army in front of the international media in order to further Israel's delegitimization on the world stage.

* Pray for the Israeli defense forces to react in an appropriate way to the many threats against their borders; that they would have the wisdom to anticipate and defuse these situations without putting the lives of their soldiers or foreign activists in danger.
* Pray that the plans of Israel´s enemies will be defeated and that more and more countries will follow Turkey in refusing to participate in this pro-Hamas flotilla.
* Pray also, that the international media will begin to refute the lies spread by Hamas about the humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Neil Lazarus has created a website about the flotilla
The second flotilla is about to arrive - claiming Israeli human rights violations and that they represent a mere "peaceful" mission to stop the blockade of Gaza. This is a farce. As a project of AwesomeSeminars.com, Flotilla Farce provides all the resources necessary to counter the claims against Israel. Check out the videos we have provided as well as the many links. Get involved, stand up and make a difference. This time they won't fool the world. We have the tools to tell the real story. Don't remain silent.
To visit Neil Lazarus’ site - see http://www.flotillafarce.com

StandWithUs has also created a website about the flotilla
International Israel advocacy group StandWithUs has also created a website specifically geared to helping supporters of Israel to respond to this flotilla provocation. Flotilla Facts contains a wide range of resources, including basic facts, videos, images and other information. It also contains links to templates for pro-Israel, anti-Hamas signs, which contrast markedly with the anti-Israel material so readily available on the internet.
To visit the StandWithUs site - see http://www.flotillafacts.com

Home Church Gathering on the 3rd of July

2011-07-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

Last night, we gathered on a Saturday night (due to a conflicting schedule on Friday) and engaged in a study in the concept of obedience as defined by God in the Bible. Drawing from some resources (here and here), it generated a lively conversation, covering a range of topics from exploring loving those who hate us and praying for the salvation of others, to the hardness of heart and having a "spirit of obedience". It was a lovely night, as always, and ended in a prayer for strength, guidance and wisdom.

Article: "Biblical Christianity not found in Megachurch"

2011-07-01T21:25:00.000-07:00

Read this article the other day. Very interesting analysis, one which I agree with:

"Biblical Christianity not found in Megachurch"
by Chris Dunn, regular columnist

Last Sunday I went to a megachurch. Normally I attend small churches with a gathering of local believers who strive to live according to the Bible.

Having already attended countless churches from many denominations and faiths, I was eager to see what the average parishioner experienced at one of these stadium-sized complexes.

It was horrific. Megachurches like this one can have almost nothing to do with biblical Christianity and may actually do violence to the ‘Word of God.’

After finding a place to park I made my way to Building B.

The “campus” for this church that boasts over 10,000 members had six buildings labeled A-F.

Each building was as large as many found here at Virginia Tech.

The large entrances shoved me into an enormous hall that resembled an airport terminal or the concourses that surround NFL stadiums.

Once inside I noticed that few people were dressed like they were going to church.

The Bible does not say that one must dress exactly such and such way, but neither is it silent when it comes to the matter of attire.

Dressing modest is important to me, but at this church mini skirts and cleavage were everywhere.

Another is that as an ambassador for Christ I want to dress in a respectable manner.

This is especially true for church because I do not want to pay more respect to man than God.

For example, it would bother me if I dressed nicely for graduation, to meet a politician or went on a date than I did to worship God.

People at this place must not have shared my conviction because scores of them wore flip-flops, shorts and t-shirts.

I only lasted thirty seconds in the first room I entered.

In it I found hundreds of cafeteria-style tables where people were in the process of guzzling down coffee and loading up on donuts.

Large screens surrounded the room and apparently these people were about to watch the real service on a ten-minute delay.

I wanted to watch real preaching so I turned around and followed the lengthy hallway to the live service.

As I entered the main service the lights were dim and a band was playing to a crowd of 3,000 or so. They were playing Michael Jackson. Because I want my column to go to print I will refrain from expressing my true thoughts on why this is wrong on so many levels.

Needless to say it was absolutely disgusting to see parishioners “worship” God by rocking out to Michael Jackson.

The guest speaker for the day was a New York Times bestselling author.

He found a niche writing Christian books on how to be a good father. Throughout the service I pondered how a single, childless, middle-aged man from a fatherless home became an authority on what it takes to be a good father.

Similarly, I found myself wondering if the church’s pastor—if they even had one; he was nowhere to be found—also failed to meet the Bible’s requirements
for church leadership, which are clearly outlined in Timothy 1.

Once he finished speaking the lights went dim and the band took the stage. While they were playing I witnessed the most appalling form of the Lord’s Supper in my life.

For those of you who do not attend church let me first explain what the Lord’s Supper is.

The Lord’s Supper refers to one of the final commandments that Jesus gave to his disciples.

He told believers to meet on occasion and remember him through the symbolic breaking of bread and drinking of wine.

It is not holy, does not take away sins, and does not save you or make you righteous.

The bread or food is symbolic of Jesus’ body, and the wine or drink symbolic of his blood.

It is a solemn event where you remember that Jesus gave his body on the cross to pay for the sins of the whole world.

Those who put their faith in Christ alone, and not in religion, traditions, good works or being a good person, are then born-again and inherit eternal life.

So as you can see the Lord’s Supper is a symbolic time of remembrance where you focus your thoughts on Jesus Christ and what he did for you.

Well at this megachurch your thoughts were anywhere but Jesus. They passed around bread and grape juice while a Jessica Simpson look-alike rocked out with her band.

And when I say rock out I mean it. In its attempt to bring the world into the church these guys must have spent a fortune—two high definition 10-foot wide TVs, half a dozen cameras you would find in the newsroom studios of Fox or CNN, a light show that you would only find at an expensive concert, and speakers so loud that they register on the Richter scale.

After this amazing display of “worship,” a quick prayer was said and everyone promptly filed outdoors to navigate traffic in the parking lot. I am not one for lines or sitting in traffic so I sat around until most of the crowd dispersed.

That is when I heard it - a small round of applause somewhere off in the distance of this vast auditorium.

I located the sound and discovered that half a dozen family members were clapping for their child who was being baptized.

Apparently this symbolic representation of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is less important than listening to Michael Jackson and hearing a preacher joke about how he has multiple backup girlfriends in case his favorite one dumps him.

I say this because they baptized him after the service when most of the crowd was gone and nobody was looking.

This was my first and last experience with a megachurch.

I found it so horrific that it grieved my spirit the entire time I was there.

Not one time did the preacher mention sin, hell, heaven, or Jesus.

Not once did I even feel like I was in church. As a Christian, I try to separate myself from the wickedness of this world, especially the corporate trash that pours out over the TV and airwaves.

This church gathered all the entertainment I avoid into one nice little package and overloaded my senses with it.

With places like this around, I can understand why non-believers are always saying that Christians do not act like Christians.

Biblical proportion: Dutch man replicates Noah's Ark [NBC: 6-22-2011]

2011-06-23T19:52:00.001-07:00

THE TRUSTWORTHY SCRIPTURES

2011-06-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

"The most groundless of all of the assumptions of the radical critics with regard to the text of the Old Testament Scriptures is that the text, as it emerged into historic times, had already been so changed from its original form as to be utterly unrecognizable by its own composers. Yet what convincing evidence is there to prove that such radical changes were ever made in the original text of the Old Testament? None whatsoever, except an analogy derived from the Egyptian and Babylonian liturgies and legends. No trace of any such radical changes can be found in the parallel portions of the Old Testament, nor in any statements of the Scriptures, nor in any tradition of the Jews. On the contrary, so far back as we can go with manuscripts and versions (i.e., to 200 B. C), the evidence is overwhelming and convincing, that in general no changes, even in sporadic cases of consonantal letters, have been made in the text of the Old Testament; except such as might occur in the copying or translating of any document, especially one of a long past age. The Egyptian papyri, recently discovered and published, some of them more than 2,000 years old, show that some of the fragments of the Classics differ by not a single letter from the texts of the ordinary text-books now used in the preparatory schools".

-- Robert Dick Wilson (February 4, 1856 - October 11, 1930. American linguist and Presbyterian scholar, who devoted his life to an attempt to prove the reliability of the Hebrew Bible. In his quest to determine the accuracy of the original manuscripts, Wilson learned 45 languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, as well as all the languages into which the Scriptures had been translated up to 600 AD).

R.I.P. -- Remembering Ron Carlson

2011-06-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

Ed Decker, of Saints Alive (with whom Ron co-authored the great book Fast Facts on False Teachings) wrote the following yesterday:

In Memorial
It is with the greatest sadness that I Report
the passing of Dr. Ron Carlson

Yesterday afternoon, June 16, 2011, Dr Ron Carlson, President of Christian Ministries International, world-renowned speaker and teacher on world religions and the cults, laid down for a quick nap and woke up in heaven. His sudden passing shocked so many of his friends and family. We want our heroes to live forever. I, at least, expected him to outlast me by many years.

Ron was a dear, close friend of over 30 years. We first met when he was 31 and ready to set the world on fire. He accomplished that with anointing, power, grace and humility.

Ron was one of those larger than life people, who electrified every audience with whom he shared his truths. It never mattered what size group it was. He was the same in front of the smallest groups and the largest audiences. They would sit on the edges of their seats and follow every word. He spoke with such love in his eyes and with the power of truth.

I had the honor of travelling with Ron, both here and abroad and saw first hand the tremendous zeal he had for the lost and his passion for educating and enabling pastors in places like the Philippines and even Cuba. Ron regularly worked with YWAM to train up its missionaries, so that they had the tools to reach those lost in Cults and false religions. To these causes, Ron made sure the book we co-authored, Fast facts on False Teachings was translated into other languages such as Spanish and distributed free at his many seminars.

The reason the book has been and continues to be such a great success is that it contains the warmth and heart of Ron Carlson.

On one of our trips to minister in the Philippines, we had something like 10,000 of the books printed and handed out to every attendee at our training conferences. His goal was always to train and equip every native pastor to stem the tide of the many Mormon missionaries and Jehovah Witnesses, wherever he went across the world.

I remember the time when we were ministering in Manila and we watched, on Good Friday, the tens of thousands parade down the streets in front of the Church of the Black Nazerene, carry a glass coffin with a black Jesus inside, with flagellators walking along whipping themselves as they wailed out.

On Easter Sunday, the streets were deserted, but Ron and I were on the radio, being broadcast throughout the pacific rim, as we shared the real story of Christ's suffering, death and resurrection. I will always remember the joyous glow on his face as he told the real story of the real Easter to many hundreds of thousands of listeners across the South Pacific and Asia.

Carol and I, along with our sons, Jason and Joshua, send our deepest condolences and prayers to his wife, Marge, sons Jason and Jared and their families.

Ron, you were always the best, only saw the best in everyone you ever met, you encouraged me when things were down and blessed me with your love, encouragement and friendship.. and as you always said... I'm all for you! Man of God! Ever faithful!

Please visit Ron's website
Send them a note about your experience with Ron
and if you can, make a special donation to their ministry today:
http://www.christianministriesintl.org/

Home Church Gathering on the 17th of June

2011-06-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

Last night, all home church members gathered despite some personal difficulties. After a lively opening discussion about the book I am writing and the creationism vs. evolution issue, we continued our discussion on the unsung heroes in the book of Acts, looking at the five deacons (6:2-5), Ananias (9:10-19), Cornelius (10:30-35) and Rhoda (12:13-15). Interestingly, this led onto discussions on Heaven (which I recommended Rhodes' excellent The Wonder of Heaven), Hell and freedom in Jesus Christ. Overall, a challenging, yet refreshingly honest fellowship.

Australian Greens: Anti-Israel (again)

2011-06-11T01:59:00.000-07:00

The (anti-Christian, pro-homosexual, pro-earth worship, pro-socialist) Australian Greens continue to maintain an anti-Israel position. The Greens-controlled Marrickville Council in Sydney's inner west is continuing its boycotts against Israel and have openly had its members attend pro-Palestinian marches. If only they did the slightest research on the Arab-Israeli situation and realise how wrong they are. Good coverage on what has happened, with links, can be read here. Seems lukewarm Christian Desmond Tutu is supporting them, proving yet again, that he does not have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. Sad. Please pray for Tutu and the Australian Greens; that the scales fall from their eyes (Acts 9:18) before it is too late and God's judgement comes upon them.

Sons of Korah on Wednesday

2011-06-10T05:57:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, I saw one of my favourite Christian bands "Sons of Korah" with my mother (a homechurch member) for the fifth time. They were excellent and we enjoyed how they told the story of King Asa from the book of 2 Chronicles and accompanied it with the psalms. Very moving. I also enjoyed their support act, a debut artist called Ann-Maree Keefe. For more on who the sons of Korah where in the Bible, read this article.

PRAISE GOD! I'm Working Again! :)

2011-06-04T02:37:00.000-07:00

A year ago I was made redundant from my teaching position and despite my best efforts to secure work, I had not been able to find stable work since. However, as of this week, God delivered me into a new job working with students with severe behavioural problems and socio-economic disadvantages. A Christian organization, they are accepting of me and my faith and the opportunity to share the gospel will be a true blessing. I am ecstatic and so grateful to God for giving me this job and looking after me. "Glory to God in the highest"!

Last Two Home Church Gatherings

2011-06-04T02:27:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, we only had a few home church members get together, which ended up being good as we were able to strengthen friendships and answers some random theological questions about the afterlife. This continued, in part, to last night's home church, in which more members attended (plus a potentially new sister in Christ). We began to look at some of the unsung heroes in the book of Acts, beginning with the lame man from Acts 3:1-13. This event shows us how we should react to miracles and prayers answered in our lives: "why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk?... it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all". IT IS BECAUSE OF GOD AND ONLY GOD AND WE SHOULD ALWAYS AND ONLY ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. Amen.

Support us in the debate about sexualised bus shelter ads

2011-06-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

From the Australian Christian Lobby:

In brief:

• ACL in the media over sexualised bus shelter ads,
• Report the abusive Facebook attacks on ACL’s Qld Director Wendy Francis (see links below),
• Support Wendy Francis’ Facebook page calling for Outdoor Advertising to be G-rated.
As you may or may not have heard, the ACL’s Queensland Director Wendy Francis has been front and centre of the debate about the contents of billboards and outdoor advertising around Brisbane.

The issue for ACL has always been the sexualisation of children not the issue of homosexuality. Exposing inappropriate billboard content from condoms to erection problems has been a concern of Wendy’s and the ACL’s for a long time.

The latest effort to see the Adshel Rip and Roll condom ad removed from bus shelters is a part of this campaign. We don’t think too many parents would want their children exposed to in-your-face sexualised condom advertisements while waiting for the school bus.

We are disappointed to see Adshel cave to pressure from the highly organised homosexual lobby and reinstate the billboards. This shows a disregard for children and the right of parents to explain sexual concepts to their children at a time parents deem appropriate, not advertisers.

Wendy has written to the Advertising Standards Bureau and billboard companies complaining about numerous billboards in the past. She was successful in causing a Vampire Diaries poster at bus shelters around Brisbane to be brought down which featured two men leaning over a vulnerable young woman biting her neck. One of these ads was at the Brisbane Boys College. Yet, that didn’t make the news.

ACL lodged a submission to a House of Representatives inquiry in February 2011 and then Wendy appeared on ACL’s behalf at the committee’s hearing in Melbourne with our Victorian Director Rob Ward renewing calls for outdoor advertising to be G Rated. You can read an article she wrote about that submission by clicking here.

Wendy is not new to the issue of the sexualisation of children through inappropriate outdoor advertising and neither is ACL. We made submissions in 2008 to two Senate Inquiries examining broadcasting standards and the sexualisation of children in the contemporary media.

Wendy has done a tremendous job in speaking out on the issue of inappropriate advertising as it effects children. We are concerned at the level of abuse that has been levelled at her and the ACL.

We are coming to you late in the game but we need your practical support in several ways. Firstly, Wendy has a fan page set up calling for Outdoor Advertising to be G Rated. We need to work on our social media efforts, after yesterday, and ask that you would support this group and show that there are people willing to be activated in the social media. Please go and ‘like’ it now.

We also need you to speak up against the obscene and hateful language on Facebook and express the view that this is no way to debate in a civil society.

There are three offensive Facebook pages targeting Wendy we’d like you to report:

•The Facebook account set up called “Wendy Francis is a Homophobe”,
•“Wendy Francis is a bigot”,
•And more seriously, “Wendy Francis is a F*** Idiot” (WARNING: this contains obscenities.
If you have a Facebook profile, click on these links, go to the page and on the left-hand side you’ll find a link that says “Report Page” – you can select “Targets a friend”.

Be courageous and let activists know that this is completely inappropriate, whether they agree or not with ACL’s concern for the sexualisation of children through outdoor advertising. It’s not right to attack people personally and these claims about Wendy are untrue and offensive.

The last 24 hours have been difficult for our communication and to make matters worse, our website went down. We hope that you’ll help us out with this and participate in the debate on social media such as Facebook.

Thank you for your support for the work of the ACL.

Lyle Shelton
Chief of Staff

Amazing & Inspiring Speech by Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu

2011-05-27T03:46:00.000-07:00

Last two Home Church Gatherings

2011-05-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

It just occurred to me that I have not made any postings on the last two Home Church gatherings! The very last one we did a sermon from Whitener's The Grace of Losing Your Job (as to why God allows suffering) and before that, we discussed friendships / relationships as described in the Bible. We did not meet up on Friday due to some members being unwell. Please pray for healing... :)

UN document would give "Mother Earth" same rights as humans

2011-05-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

Satan's work with the UN continues...

"UNITED NATIONS — Bolivia will this month table a draft United Nations treaty giving "Mother Earth" the same rights as humans — having just passed a domestic law that does the same for bugs, trees and all other natural things in the South American country."

Original source here!

The Evil Vision of President Barack Obama

2011-05-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

US President Barack Obama has continued to reveal his true colours, by announcing a pro-Islamic anti-Israeli "two state solution" for Israel. This is poor decision and evil vision for Israel, the only true democratic and peaceful country in the suffocatingly Islamic region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly responded. Biblical Christians, let us pray for Israel and its people. Pray also for those that stand against them, so that the scales fall from their eyes (Acts 9:18) before it is too late and God's judgement comes upon them.

Sons of Korah coming to WA again... :)

2011-05-15T02:25:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Christian music bands, Sons of Korah, are coming to Western Australia in the next few weeks and some of our homechurch plans on going. I highly recommend them as they beautifully sing the psalms as they are meant to be. See where they are playing (and buy tickets) directly from their website here. See you there! :)

My “Critical Analysis Paper” for the Institute of Jewish Studies "Major Prophets" course

2011-05-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

MAJOR PROPHETS B151-IJS Online-S11-02-10
From: Institute of Jewish Studies
My “Critical Analysis Paper”

What have you studied that is interesting?

In all honesty, I have found the whole course very interesting. I have long found the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations and Ezekiel challenging, ranging from its chronological and literary structure, to its theological overtones and personal application in my life. Though the course has not necessarily cleared this up for me, it has strengthened those areas of the text that I do fully understand and connect with, in addition to introducing me to new interpretations and understandings. What I also loved about the course (and one of the main reasons I enrolled), is because I find myself aligning with most of Friends of Israel’s statement of faith (i.e. their interpretation of the Old and New Testaments). While no such churches in Australia that teach in accordance with this interpretation, it is wonderful to both read and study amongst those who see the Bible and the world in same way that I do.

What new things have you learned?

In Discussion Question Week 1, I learnt how many parallels could be made between the prophet Isaiah and apostle Paul, something I would never had considered looking into. I often (and rightly) find myself paralleling the Lord Jesus Christ with historical figures from the Old Testament, but never had done so with New Testament historical figures. I may reconsider this in light of the insightful postings shared by fellow students. In Discussion Questions Week 2, I learnt that those titles in Isaiah 9:6-7 referring to Jesus’ First and Second Coming are not so easily stated, though fine arguments can be made for some (and / or all) in one form or manner. I see myself using the knowledge acquired here, in a future sermon. In Discussion Questions Week 3, I was reminded that Isaiah lists Cyrus as both a servant and messiah, something I had forgotten and never truly understood until now. Seeking out a logical and scriptural answer was rewarding. I found the discussion on the Shekinah movements found in Ezekiel 8-11 in Discussion Questions Week 5 fascinating, as this was a topic I had never really delved into before and in doing so, deepened my understanding of God’s nature and holiness.

How has your learning affected preconceptions or misconceptions you brought with you into class?

As noted above, I was challenged by those titles in Isaiah 9:6-7 referring to Jesus’ First and Second Coming in Discussion Questions Week 2. I had always understood that they applied to both, but had not carefully dissected each. I value constructive criticism and enjoy being challenged with new interpretations. The discussion on the New Covenant in Discussion Questions Week 4 was good, as it aligned well with my studies on the topic in the Hebrews course (and gave me another view on an theological concept that seems to be unusually absent from many books on Christianity). The New Covenant is something that would be worth exploring more in the course, especially as it is referred to elsewhere (under different titles in Jeremiah 32:40; “everlasting covenant” and Ezekiel 37:26; “covenant of peace”). It was also appreciated that I could clarify my understanding on the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37 from the Discussion Questions Week 6, being that I have written a chapter on Israel in my forthcoming book on Christianity. The posts on the battle of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38 & 39 were equally engaging, not because I believe my interpretations were wrong, rather, it was good to construct a fuller picture of how it has been interpreted by those of the faith (so to, the posts about the Millenial Temple in Ezekiel 40–48). My personal fascination with bible prophecy and “end times” has grown in the last year, not only because I feel we are in such times, but in order to use the events of the day to help reveal the truth of God and His Word to those around me before it is too late.

How does your learning affect your view of the world and the universe?

It deepens my understanding of who the Trinitarian God I love with all my heart, mind and soul is, in addition to feeling capable of being able to engage in conversation with individuals on much asked (and even little known) biblical topics. In Discussion Questions Week 4, the discussion on Jeremiah’s ministry particularly struck a note with me, being that I desire to unveil a ministry of my own in the near future. One with goals very similar to that of the Old Testament prophet. I understand that the role will not be popular, but I desire only to serve my Lord and Saviour.

Will what you have learned change your behavior in the future?

I don’t believe it has so much chanted my behaviour, but it has made me more prepared for future discussions on Old Testament history and eschatology.

All I Have is Christ - An Animation

2011-05-05T01:28:00.000-07:00

Sent to me by a friend...

My New Devotion for 2011: "5-Minute Apologetics for Today" by Rhodes

2011-04-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

One of my Christological New Year Resolutions was to read a devotional every morning. This is not to replace the Word of God, rather, it is another means of immersing myself in the faith and thinking about God in new and fresh ways. At the beginning of this year I tried one, but couldn't get into it. I wont name it, as it was not bad, but for some reason, it didn't catch me. However, I recently bought Ron Rhodes' 5-Minute Apologetics for Today and have found it to be very, very good. I am a big fan of Rhodes and have many of his books. He writes well and unlike so many devotionals these days, it challenges rather than pampers the follower of Christ. Worth checking out...

David Wilkerson, lover of Israel, dies in car accident

2011-04-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

From ISRAEL TODAY:

Israel lost a dear Christian friend and supporter on Wednesday when David Wilkerson, pastor of Times Square Church in New York City, was killed in a tragic car accident near Dallas, Texas.

Wilkerson is perhaps best known abroad for his 1963 book "The Cross and the Switchblade," which chronicled his earlier years ministering to drug addicts and gang members in New York.

The book was eventually made into a hit movie starring Pat Boone, another staunch Christian supporter of Israel.

In 2003, Israel Today editor Aviel Schneider had the privilege of interviewing Wilkerson during a visit to the UK. That interview is reproduced below.

israel today: As an American Christian, how did you feel about the war in Iraq?

Wilkerson: I preached about Saddam Hussein’s fall and warned our President that everything revolves around Israel. Oil is not the main concern. Saddam planned to destroy Israel, with the help of other Arab nations. Saddam Hussein is a stubborn person, and I’m thankful that God gave our President this strong conviction to save Israel from him.

israel today: Do you really believe that President Bush will choose to be biblically driven instead of politically correct concerning Israel?

Wilkerson: That’s why I call on American Christians to pray for our President daily and also to pray against the anti-Semitism that still exists in the Church. God warned me when I first established Times Square Church that we must always remain faithful to Israel. And I always have.

israel today: You are here in Europe, where many Christians have no understanding of the US-led war in Iraq.

Wilkerson: Many Christians in Europe simply don’t understand God’s Word. Saddam’s rockets were only aimed at Israel, not at neighboring Arab states. Beyond that, rising anti-Semitism in the churches can be felt here, particularly in Great Britain.

israel today: Would you describe Islam as a peaceful religion, as your President did?

Wilkerson: I read the Koran and I am sure that this book is false teaching. Islam is a religion of destruction. I find it so strange that Gospel preachers don’t understand that God didn’t break His covenant with Israel. God gave the Land to Israel, and every nation that wants to destroy Israel will be punished.

israel today: You have great courage to take such a strong pro-Israel stand.

Wilkerson: I’m often criticized in the Christian world for this. But I feel God’s rich blessing for it, which is much more valuable to me.

israel today: After the war in Iraq, Israel is once again at the top of the world’s agenda. Do you think the ‘roadmap’ has a chance to bring peace between Israelis and Palestinians?

Wilkerson: No! How can Bush, who knows the Bible, have no fear of God and pressure Israel into territorial compromise for the sake of the roadmap? God will punish him for it. The dollar will fall, Bush will sink into depression and he could very well lose the next election. I pray daily that the President’s believing advisors will influence him more than his political advisors.

israel today: In other words, you’re saying there’s no human solution to the conflict between Israel and the Arabs?

Wilkerson: God has promised to protect His people. He’s made a covenant and given them the Promised Land. He set the nation’s borders and He will safeguard them. I don’t see a realistic hope for peace because I can’t imagine that Israel will relinquish the Jewish settlements, as the Arabs are demanding. The Arabs also say there won’t be peace unless East Jerusalem becomes the capital of a Palestinian state. But that’s strictly against God’s will. My friend, if the world forces Jerusalem to be divided, it will come to chaos.

israel today: We in Israel can thank God that He is our secret weapon.

Wilkerson: Please publish my warning to the nations that take a stand against God’s people and His city Jerusalem. God said this and He will fulfill it. Shalom and God’s blessings.

"What is the book of Susanna?"

2011-04-26T17:37:00.001-07:00

My newest article for Got Questions Ministries can be read here. Enjoy!

HE HAS RISEN! :)

2011-04-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

GOOD FRIDAY

2011-04-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

40 Days for Life - Perth, Western Australia PART 2

2011-04-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Although it has been a stressful and busy week, for a couple of hours on Thursday morning, I attended a prayer vigil outside an abortion clinic in Perth. It is the first time I have every done something like this and I did enjoy it, even though all the people there with me were Catholics (and praying only Catholic prayers). So as I stood there, I prayed over the abortion clinic and its victims, in addition to the Catholics that stood next to me. Although we did see one couple enter the clinic, another couple turned away because of our presence. Thank God. One child saved is worth all the time, energy and effort placed into a campaign such as this. I hope to see you next year! :)

Happy Birthday to Three Home Church Members! :)

2011-04-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to three of our Home Church members in the month of April; one on the 7th, mine on the 11th and another on the 16th! :)

I'm writing a book... Part 2

2011-04-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

I've added another nine thousand words to my book, so I'm over 30000 words now... getting close now! :)

Why is "You shall not commit adultery" in the Ten Commandments?

2011-04-06T00:12:00.000-07:00

From Got Questions:

Question: "Why is 'You shall not commit adultery' in the Ten Commandments?"

Answer: Before we can answer this question, we need to be clear on the definition of adultery. The dictionary defines “adultery” as “voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not his or her spouse.” The Bible would concur with this definition. In Leviticus 18:20, God told Moses, “Do not have sexual relations with your neighbor's wife and defile yourself with her,” and in Deuteronomy 22:22, we find a similar definition: “If a man is found sleeping with another man's wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die.” It is clear from these definitions that adultery refers to a consensual sexual union. What is not explicitly clear is whether or not both partners in this illicit sexual union are married. The biblical commands prohibit a man from taking another man’s wife, but do not indicate whether or not the man is also married. Be that as it may, it is safe to say that if a person who is married willingly seeks a sexual encounter with another person, whether or not that person is also married, both people are guilty of committing adultery.

God’s reasons for instituting His commandment against adultery are two-fold. First, God established the institution of marriage as being between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 19:5 and parallel passages). God created marriage to be the building block of His creation and of society. Even after the fall (Genesis 3), marriage is still a sacred union and the foundation for society. In marriage, the full expression of the image of God is made manifest as the man and the woman complement and complete each other. The Bible also teaches us that marriage is the vehicle through which God designed the procreation of the human race and the preservation of godly offspring (Genesis 1:28, 9:1; Malachi 2:15). With such a premium placed on marriage, it’s no wonder God would seek to protect this union from defilement (Hebrews 13:4), and thus prohibit adultery, which is the violation of the sacred marriage union.

The second reason for the commandment is found in Leviticus 18:1-5. As God’s chosen people, the Israelites were to reflect God’s character in the Promised Land. God commanded His people to be holy for He is holy (Leviticus 11:44), and part of holy living is sexual purity. God did not want His people emulating the behavior of the Egyptians from whom He delivered them, nor did God want His people copying the behavior of the people into whose land He was bringing them. The implication was that adultery (and other sexual sins) was commonplace in the lands where the Israelites had been and were going to.

So now we know what adultery is and why God instituted this command. Finally, we need to learn what God meant by the command itself. As with all of the Ten Commandments, there are things we need to avoid doing (the negative part of the command) and things we need to be doing (the positive part of the command). The negative part of the command is self-explanatory: Do not commit adultery. However, there is more to this command than the simple avoidance of extramarital relationships. One can make the argument that wrapped up in this prohibition are all sorts of sexual sin (e.g., incest, fornication, homosexuality, etc.), and that argument can be made on the basis of chapters such as Leviticus 18. Also important is avoiding things that would lead or tempt one to consider adultery, such as the unnecessary withholding of conjugal rights (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, made further clarification of this command (Matthew 5:27-30) by including all kinds of lustful thoughts. Fantasizing about having sexual relations with someone is the same, in God’s eyes, as actually committing adultery. Therefore, we must avoid all things that would create within us lustful thoughts (e.g., suggestive songs, sensuous movies, pornography, etc.). We should also avoid immodest clothing or anything that might cause a brother or sister in the Lord to stumble in this area (1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3).

The positive part of the command would entail doing the opposite of what the command prohibits: chastity in body, mind, words and action; keeping watch over what we take in with our eyes and the other senses; an attitude of temperance and self-control (i.e., moderation); being discerning over the company we keep; dressing modestly; and fulfilling our marriage vows in regards to sexual relations and cohabitation. Regarding sexual sin, the Apostle Paul said, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18). When it comes to sexual sin, the best course of action is to remove ourselves from temptation and avoid such situations altogether.

Adultery is the complete corruption of God’s good creation of marriage. Through the sin of adultery, Satan tempts us to seek sexual fulfillment in avenues other than the one God has ordained—within the bounds of monogamous, heterosexual marriage. Adultery rips at the fabric of society because it tears apart marriages and families which are the building blocks of society. God’s law in general, and the 7th commandment in particular, is held up as the standard for Christian behavior.

See also: "What does the Bible say about a trial separation in a marriage?"

Home Church Gathering on Friday the 1st of April

2011-04-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight we almost had a full house, but one of our homechurch members was unwell. Even so, we had a productive evening as we invited an old homechurch member back before she embarked on a journey with Mercy Ships Australia. Our sermon was on the blessings described by Jesus on the Sermon of the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12). It was interesting to hear different response to each of the blessings, as they can be understood in more than one way, even when using other verses (e.g. those from Isaiah). We finished in pray and presented a gift to our departing sister in Christ. Another great night spent in God's Word!

On Isaiah 7:14

2011-03-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

Some Christians often ask why it took around seven hundred years for the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 to take place. Or to put it another way, how could this be a sign for someone (King Ahaz) that would not actually see it with their own two eyes?

In my opinion, primarily, this has to do with God’s perfect timing (Luke 2:6, Galatians 4:4), with a secondary focus on the concept of hope (Matthew 12:21; Romans 8:24-25; cf. 1 Peter 1:3). Another factor would include God not being bound by time (Isaiah 57:15; cf. Psalm 102:24-27, 2 Peter 3:8). Let me expand on that.

God’s perfect timing can not be overlooked here. King Ahaz was an ungodly man and he represented a train of thought, a rebellion towards God, which would persist from generation to generation. A hardening of heart that could not be softened by miracles /signs. But here, God times a miracle / sign for the future, so perfectly, that it could not be revealed until the world could no longer live without the good news (and were ready for a New Covenant), but also, would ensure maximum exposure to people like Ahaz (i.e. the height of the Roman Empire). The incarnation of a Messiah, God as Son in human form, was a miracle that would be unlike any before it, during it and after it. Also, the description of a child being born and growing up would be a sight common to Ahaz, but with Isaiah’s words, would haunt him in a surprising way as it would not only represent the children of his generation that would see Assyrian conquest over Israel, but foreshadow the forthcoming Messiah who had been prophesied for centuries.

Hope is also important in this prophecy. Isaiah would have comforted many with his words, as it gave them hope that even in the face of a fallen Israel, God would still bestow a miracle upon His people that future generations – as promised to Abraham – would partaken in. Though they may not witness the miracle / sign, their descendants would.

Lastly, that God is not bound by time, reaffirms who God is, His sovereignty and that His will be done, as it is in Heaven. Miracles / signs were to be promised and fulfilled when God thought the time (as noted above) to be perfect. Though he loved Israel, regardless of their relationship towards Him, He would not align His divine plan with His creations; to do so would be to make them Lord. This is not possible. As such, God wanted the people of Israel to free themselves of living by the seconds of the day and not worry about tomorrow; by adopting an eternal mindset, one with no boundaries, hope (as noted above) becomes that much more rewarding and focused upon.

Thoughts?

Guest Pastor at Cardup Christian Community Centre (Church)

2011-03-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was asked to be guest pastor at Cardup Christian Community Centre by a friend of the pastor at East Vic Park Baptist Church. Well, today was that day and I decided to preach on 1 Thessalonians 5 (the sermon was entitled "Discussing Yesterday, Today, for Tomorrow"). A small congregation (and accompanied by one of my homechurch members), I broke the book down into two sections; first, verses 11-28 (instructions on how to be as Christians in the End Times) and then verses 1-10 (on how to be spiritually sober and to put on the Armor of God). I really enjoyed the experience and may be able to preach there again in the future. Thank you God :)

Some Thoughts on the Implicit Nature of Scripture

2011-03-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

Over the centuries, biblical studies have produced commentaries on the explicit nature of Scripture, highlighting whether text is to be read literally, symbolically, allegorically or open to interpretation. The implicit nature of Scripture, however, is often overlooked as it can be seen as trivial to the narrative as a whole and be satiated with assumption by the reader. Implicitly in narratives means that the message in the verse, chapter or book read in the Bible is clear, even though it is not stated in so many words. This is not to be confused with eisegesis, when a reader puts into the text their own views, emotions and thoughts, rather, it is reading something that is implied by the text as there is no other conclusion given or suggested. While this may be true, the implicit nature of Scripture can be problematic in that, if an unwritten act or event can not produce an implied outcome by the reader (based on earlier narrative), then all that remains is personal interpretation.

For example, if a Bible reader was to write an article on rape the account in Judges 19:25-29, it is as loud as it is quiet. When the concubine did not respond to her master’s call to ‘Get up’ (19:28) was she already dead and if so was it from shock, internal bleeding or something else? If however, she was unconscious all the time, was she killed by the Levite before he ‘cut her into twelve pieces’ (19:29)? Additionally, narrative does not only imply something, it can also imply that which is not. To briefly use a New Testament example, Matthew speaks of ‘wise men from the East’ (2:1) bringing ‘gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh’ (2:11). Implicitly, the text could be read as meaning three men with three gifts as easily as it can be understood as a group of men bearing three gifts. The latter however, is more realistic.

Looking for strong examples of Old Testament narratives that teach implicitly, in the book of Genesis, the narrative of Lot’s confrontation with the citizens of Sodom because he is housing strangers has them shouting ‘Bring them out to us, so that we may know them’ (19:5). The citizen’s aggressiveness, along with the confronting idea that Lot would offer his daughters (19:8) to quell them, implicitly states their desire to homosexually rape the strangers. Readers would be aware that only the union of man and woman is acceptable to God (Genesis 2:24-25), while a similar event in Judges, where the words ‘intercourse’, ‘ravish’ and rape’ are explicitly used, makes it clear what Lot, his family, and guests were facing rape.

In the narrative of 1 Kings 16:18 the unsuccessful king Zimri ‘saw that [Tirzah] was taken… went into the citadel of the king’s house [and] burned down the king’s house over himself with fire, and died’. While the statement of suicide is not explicitly written, it is implicitly clear when reflected with others suicides in the Old Testament. For example, when David’s counselor Ahithophel ‘saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home… set his house in order, and hanged himself’ (2 Samuel 17:23) and later, king Saul asked his armor-bearer to kill him, but when he refused, ‘Saul took his own sword and fell on it’ (1 Chronicles 10:4). All three men caused their deaths.

A non-narrative example in the prophetic book of Haggai, has God telling the prophet that the reason the Jews are hungry, thirsty, cold, poor and have harvested little is ‘Because my house lies in ruins’ (1:9) and as a result, ‘I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the soil produces, on human beings and animals, and on all their labors’ (1:10-11). Explicitly, God has outlined the reasons for his judgment upon his chosen people. Implicitly, readers are clearly aware why God has acted in such a manner; despite earlier attempts to ‘rebuild the house of the LORD’ (Ezra 1:5) the Jews had failed to complete it, while the seasonal agricultural festivals (Exodus 34:21-24) and the customary occasions for worship (Numbers 29:6 and Exodus 20:8) were weakened by their lack of faith and works towards the House of the Lord.

Understanding and engaging in biblical interpretation is an essential part of a Christian’s practicing faith. To read Scripture and understand both its explicit and implicit nature strengthens the spiritual and academic growth of the Christian individual and universal church as a whole. By further this, Christians come to realize that which is not written can be as important as that which is, acknowledging the working relationship between author, reader and the divine.

One of my favourite stories ever... "Mr. Genor"

2011-03-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

Study shows religion set for extinction [in the West]?

2011-03-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

From the NZ Herald this morning. If true, sad, but eschatologically expected.

Somewhat similar topic, entitled "Failed Resuscitations" from the ABR (Associates for Biblical Research), was delivered to my e-mail box this morning. Well worth reading.

R.I.P. Fogel Family in Itamar

2011-03-20T06:37:00.001-07:00

May the Fogel family rest in peace and their attackers be brought to justice...

Short Review: "'The Grace of Losing Your Job"

2011-03-19T04:34:00.000-07:00

I was given this book as a gift, from a friend, when I was made redundant from my job. At first I was a little apprehensive, as I wondered if reading such a book would be insightful or simply remind me that I am still unemployed. Upon finishing another book, I decided to delve into Whitener's 'The Grace of Losing Your Job' and quite frankly, I am glad I did. Whitener is very "real" in the way he writes, so much so, I felt as I was listening to a close friend. He does not portray a Christianity that is a walk in the path, on the contrary, he highlights both its trials and jubilations. It is refreshingly honest. I appreciate that as a reader (and author), as there are far too many books on issues facing Christians today that are written in an overtly pious or unrealistic manner. I love the Lord with all my heart, mind and soul (Matthew 22:37), so, I appreciate the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, as it will set me free (John 8:32). Whitener is truthful and I respect that. What's also great about the book, is that its wisdom can be applied to other life changing events, not just the loss of employment. Easy to read, humorous, engaging and most importantly, biblical, I highly recommend this book. I pray that the author will be led to write another.

MSNBC Host Makes FALSE PROPHET Rob Bell Squirm

2011-03-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

Comment From Understand The Times:

Rob Bell is one of the leading proponents of the Emerging Church. This view promotes the idea that the Bible needs to be revised and Christianity needs to be re-invented. In the following interview, he is challenged about his beliefs which he is not able to defend. He even squirms in his chair.

It is impossible to say you believe in a biblical Christianity and deny the existence of hell or that hell is only a temporary place of judgment. This reveals that Bell who has been promoted by many Christian schools as someone to model their lives after reveals the level of apostasy that we are at, at this time.

MSNBC Host Makes FALSE PROPHET Rob Bell Squirm:

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves" -- Matthew 7:15

I'm Studying Again (at the Institute of Jewish Studies)!

2011-03-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

For some time now, I have considered going back to Bible College to undergo a Masters in Theology. In fact, I had intended to do so this month, but for reasons out of my control (finances being one of the largest; such is unemployment), I have postponed doing so until the second half the year as I might be able to secure some assistance by then. However, the desire to study God's Word deeper has remained in me, so I have decided to enrol into a college that, while not accredited, is at the same level as any Bible College and in all honesty, teaches topics and issues absent from most Bible Colleges these days (and for a tenth of the cost). So, this week I became a student at the Institute of Jewish Studies and am ecstatic as to what they are offering and what I will be studying. All work is conducted online and the fee includes all reading materials; all you need is a decent computer! For more information, click on the link above and recommend this to your friends. It's well worth it and I hope to see you there... :)

Home Church Gathering on Friday the 11th of March

2011-03-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

Last night we had a full house and our focus was on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control"). We went through each fruit, defining them as God through His word defines them, not worldly definitions in accordance with select verses. After doing this, we then focused on how our Lord Jesus embodied these fruit within His own life. It was a thorough study and produce some excellent commentary and testimonies. We ended the night pray for the people of Japan and for God answering so many of our prayers lately. Maranatha!

PRAY FOR NORTHERN JAPAN

2011-03-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

Eye-Witness Account: Global Peace Forum at Saddleback with Rick Warren and Tony Blair Raises Serious Questions About Global Peace Plan

2011-03-10T17:07:00.000-08:00

Eye-Witness Account: Global Peace Forum at Saddleback with Rick Warren and Tony Blair Raises Serious Questions About Global Peace Plan

Sad Day: "UK High Court bans Christian couple from fostering children"

2011-03-03T00:43:00.000-08:00

This is indeed, a sad day. Christians in England, stand strong and pray, Christians of the world, speak out and pray for this...

UK High Court bans Christian couple from fostering children

Posted by Lyle Shelton, Chief of Staff on March 3rd, 2011

Where’s it all heading?

A Christian couple in the UK have been banned from fostering children because their views on homosexuality have been deemed by the High Court to be ‘inimical’ to children.

The UK Equalities and Human Rights Commission submitted that Eunice and Owen Johns

were unsuitable foster parents because children might be ‘infected’ by Christian moral beliefs.

The High Court agreed.

It would be interesting to see if the president of Australia’s Human Rights Commission, Catherine Branson, shared the views of her UK counterparts.

After all, Branson only last week suggested to the Australian Senate in Estimates hearings that the Marriage Act which defines marriage as between a man and a woman should be repealed.

The UK madness underscores the importance of the marriage debate here in Australia and what might happen if homosexual activists get their way.

The Christian Legal Centre is defending the Johns. CLC director Andrea Minichiello Williams said: “If Christian morals are harmful to children and unacceptable to the state, then how many years do we have before natural children start being taken away from Christians?”

If you haven’t signed ACL’s online petition to the Australian Senate urging Parliament to protect marriage, now would be a good time to do it.

Foster parent ban: ‘no place’ in the law for Christianity, High Court rules

Foster parents defeated by the new Inquisition

Recommended Ministry: Lamb & Lion Ministries Home (Bible Prophecy Ministry)

2011-03-01T05:47:00.000-08:00

Last year, I came across Dr. David Reagan's work online and in print and found him to be an interesting and devout brother in Christ, who keeps abreast of international events and theologies within the context of Bible prophecy and discusses them all in a clear, biblical and no nonsense style. I am particularly fond of his DVD series and one of our homechurch members, highly recommends his book Living for Christ in the End Times. Visit his website, consider purchasing one of his books or DVD's, as you will not be disappointed! Highly recommended and easily, one of my top ten favorite ministers of all time! :)

Home Church Gathering on Friday the 25th of February

2011-02-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

As we did not meet as a homechurch last Friday, we did so on the 25th, as there was much to pray for (i.e. two relatives of family members are in hospital, a homechurch member is moving up north, those who died or are injured in New Zealand, protection and blessings over Israel and to neutralise the chaos in the Middle East, and also to thank Him for answered prayers) and we wanted to immerse ourselves in God's Word (Joshua 1:8). We had a lively discussion on God's calling in life and used this article as the basis of our study, which led onto a variety of discussions, all of which were insightful and productive. It was a lovely evening and we left one another feeling uplfited by the Most High!

PRAY FOR CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

2011-02-21T20:15:00.000-08:00

40 Days for Life - Perth, Western Australia

2011-02-18T05:21:00.000-08:00

GET INVOLVED HERE!

Harvest of Hope: Christian Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre

2011-02-16T03:33:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine, who is also a Street Chaplain, has begun a new ministry called "Harvest of Hope: Christian Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre". I remember him telling me about the idea last year and hoped that his vision would come true, as God willed it... Well, God is clearly happy with the idea and it looks and sounds like an awesome ministry. Well worth checking out and supporting... :)

Why Study Old Testament Characters?

2011-02-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

Long ago I was once asked by someone why Christians should consider the characters from the Old Testament as heroes, especially those with a sordid history, and why these men and women are held up as models for Christian children. It was a fair, but short sighted question, one that can be easily answered if we take into consideration a variety of theological and cultural aspects when reflecting on the lives of biblical characters. There were my main four main points:

1) We are all sinners. The apostle Paul writes “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). In understanding this before our appraisal of any biblical character, we understand that no one is without sin. We must be clear that everyone, from Adam up until you and me – except Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22) – are sinners and as such, in knowing the sins of characters in the Bible, we are just like them. If our lives can be used as models for our children, so to take character from the Bible.

2) God loves believers even when they sin. God loves everyone unconditionally in that He shows mercy to everyone by not destroying them immediately because of sin. We have our whole lives to believe in the Son and secure eternal life, “but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him” (John 3:36). It is faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), not actions, which will determine our place in Heaven. At the same time, God only has “covenant love” for those who place their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:36). Only those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will experience God’s love for eternity. Men and women in the Old Testament are among them.

3) Identification. What is wonderful about studying the characters of the Bible and using them as models for our children is that we can often identify with them and in doing so, draw inspiration and learn from them. While I may not have committed incest or adultery, like some Old Testament characters, I have lied. Or I have hated. Or I may have stolen. We have all rebelled against God in one form or manner. If I am depressed, I can identify with King Solomon, King David and the prophet Elijah, because they also were depressed in their lives. If I have ever been ashamed of God or not spoken on His behalf, I can identify with Peter who rejected Christ three times.

4) “[W]e know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This verse, spoken by the apostle Paul, tells us that in all things, including bad things, that is, sin, God works for the good of those who love Him. It is through their sins, whether it was incest, adultery, etc. that God worked good in their lives. So to, will He do so with us today, no matter now small or large our sins may be.

By acknowledging that we sin, but are sinners whom God loves, we can work towards identifying and learning from past believers and be assured that they, like us, go through dark moments which can become opportunities for God’s light to shine in our lives. As such, all characters in the Bible who were believers are wonderful models for both us and our children.