The Night approaches

 Electricity has softened the darkest of nights. Torch batteries give us comfort when we are out in the country around midnight. Sitting around a campfire gives a warm, fuzzy feeling in the evening hours. All this tends to make us dilute the sense of danger in some words Jesus spoke.

  "The night comes when no one can work." John 9:4. To what was Jesus warning? A time He knew would come when to talk about who He is and what He did at Calvary and His promises to believers [and His warnings to scoffers] would be prohibited. In a sense, they will endeavour to cut off our 'spiritual energy sources. Glimpses of that night have appeared over the centuries. It was bravely resisted even at great personal cost by faithful men and women. But - do you sense there's another, more insidious move to bring the night on? 

Why would I ask this? Well, after 50 plus years in Christian ministry I've noticed the supporters of what Jesus calls Darkness are marshalling their resources. To teach about Christian morality and marriage, to oppose transgender issues [these are contrary to Genesis and Creation of Adam and Eve] and dare to show the unscientific nature of Evolution is to find yourself in trouble. Expulsion from academia, litigation and threats are more and more prevalent. John 3:19 offers us an understanding as to the 'Why'. "This is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.' [The word is 'poneros' from which we get pornography]

There isn't any stated time frame when the night will come. But it is being rolled out under such slogans as 'Reset' and Black Lives Matter' and the Davos Forum and 'Build Back Better'. Globalisation is noble sounding but covers over its goal of control by 'the Elite' who know what's best for us - Ha! 

The 'Night' cannot gain power until the Christian Faith is weakened or silenced. Why? Because the Gospel reveals the heart of darkness within people and organisations. As Jesus put it, "I am come, a light into the world, that whoever believes on me should not walk in darkness" John 12:46. That is the mandate Christ gave the Church, 'Teach and make disciples.' Teach what? The grace of God, the Cross of Christ and the price of faith in Him as Saviour and Lord.This transforms the dwellers in Darkness into children of the Light. Let's keep the light shining and drawing more and more from the kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of God's Son.

Should the night come over us unexpectedly may we be found well prepared. We might be limited by threats, prohibitions and fines but remember, the darker the night the brighter the light of Christ shines. Nothing can stop our prayers. Nothing will muzzle Scripture and nothing will kill the Church. I like the assurance from Micah 7:8 'When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.' Even in such times the Psalmist gave this testimony, 'I have remembered your Name in the night, and have kept your law' 119:55.

The final word comes from Revelation 21:5 (in the Heavenly city) 'there shall be no night there.'

 

Why? Because!

 

We may debate the ‘How’ but be in agreement on its future appearance. The Bible is specific in its references to it. What is ‘IT?” Scriptures records it as a World Government under a leader hostile to followers of and proclaimers about Jesus Christ.

An interesting fact is the mention of ‘merchants’ (Revelation 18:3). They appear as the beneficiaries under this regime, making money and exercising certain powers in accordance with the unelected Leader. Could those merchants be the forerunners of our era’s Big Corporations, Silicon Valley, Media moguls and Wealthy and influential entrepreneurs?

There is an unusual amount of pressure through certain Governments and Media which points to conditioning us to accept this projected future. A forum at a place called Davos is preparing for a One World Government. The various ‘arms’ of the U.N. support it. People such as George Soros, Al Gore. Bill Gates, Prince Charles and many, many others undergird it.

What happens, or will happen to individuals and countries who buck against this monopoly, tyranny and false religious movement?

I think it is best illustrated in what is happening to President D. Trump. I have constantly wondered why he is so maligned, vilified, opposed and undermined? It goes beyond personality. It has nothing to do with his morals. It is because he is not a globalist! He puts his country, those under his Presidency, first!

He defended his position before the ‘Davos club’ and shortly afterwards they attacked his views. He defended his policies at the U.N and they endeavoured to humiliate him. President Trump is a threat to the determined endeavours of the ‘Elite’ to control us all. He is not part of the ‘swamp’. Therefore, by hook or by crook, he must not have a second term.

As a Bible believing Christian, I applaud President Trump for His ‘America First’ and M.A.G.A. I don’t know his relationship with or faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord. This I know, he deserves our prayers as he wears and bears the undermining of his character and Presidency. In my opinion his Presidency has achieved more than others more lauded for doing less.

Just because, at sometime in the future, a One World Government will eventuate, we should not capitulate. ‘Bring Back Better’, ‘Reset’, B.L.M. Global Warming etc are masquerade words to lull you into complacency and compliance.

Jesus calls us to stand for His Truth in the midst of deception. He calls us to be ‘Lights’ in a dim and darkening World. He calls us to talk about and share the Gospel to a Society more intent on saving the trees than serving the Lord, or even hearing about Him. 

So, get dressed for the tough times ahead. Grow in Faith and understanding. Do your exercises in prayer and worship and be encouraged by the Fellowship of the Church. There is a possibility we will need all the grace of God to stand true to Him in coming days.

©Ray Hawkins November 2020.

Knowledge and power.

In previous eras there was an encouragement to learn.  Knowledge was touted as the gateway to a better life, job and understanding of creation. Lack of knowledge kept a person or society in ignorance, ill health, poverty and servility. Hosea put it this way 'My people are destroyed by lack of knowledge' (Hosea 4:6). 

 Though still true in many ways, especially in undeveloped countries, there has been a subtle twist to this old proverb. 'Power comes to the ones who control the knowledge'. In the Westernised cultures this is becoming more and more evident and more and more concerning. What Daniel 12:4 foresaw is our daily experience: 'Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.' We are bombarded with news, views, apps, F.B. telephone, newspapers, Hollywood and silicon valley etc. etc. etc. 

However, most of us absorb without discernment. It isn't until we are 'scammed', pilfered, exploited or otherwise hurt that we realise our knowledge was faulty and/or manipulated. This has emerged as a huge problem in recent elections, press briefings on the 'corona-virus' and reporting on persecution of Christians, especially was in Africa. 

What was assumed but nor written in the proverb 'knowledge is power' was the word 'Truth.' It is only Truth which produces helpful and healthy knowledge. It is only Truth that prevents power from dominating, crushing or corrupting those in 'Power.' If Truth was the pre-requisite for issuing information can you imagine the shock-waves through Governments and media, business and relationships and dare it be said, in Denominations and Missions.

Unfortunately, Truth is crucifiable in this World where Untruth, Half-Truths and out right Lies are the masters. Maybe that is one of the issues we have to face as Christians. Jesus is 'The Way, the Truth and the Life' and He was opposed and crucified. But, He could not be entombed but rose again. So it is with Truth. At present in Australia there are those who are 'crucified' for speaking the Truth from a Biblical Worldview. Martyn Iles from Australian Christian Lobby wrote:

Well-respected GP Dr Jereth Kok lost his medical licence because a review board in Victoria didn’t like the way he expressed his opinions about issues like transgenderism on social media.

·        A proposed law in Victoria would prevent Christians from working as chaplains – affecting not just chaplains but also the many students who rely on their care and support.

·        Brisbane mother Katrina Tait faced an inquiry from the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board after she supported ACL’s petition against the promotion of ‘Drag Queen Storytime’ to protect children.

·        A Christian couple in WA, the Hordyks, had their application to become foster parents terminated because of their Christian beliefs. 

We who follow the One, Jesus, who is the Truth and His Word, which is Truth must seek to know Him and be prepared to experience some form of 'crucifixion' for our stand. Take comfort in the fact that our Lord promised to provide and guide and turn our night into day.

Hosea quoted the Lord God as saying 'I desired\mercy, not sacrifice and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.' 6:6. In his final letter, Peter gives good advice for living for the Lord in a godless world: 'Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ' 2 Peter 3:18.

The final word for us in our lifestyle is a quote from Ephesians 4:15, ' Speak (hold) the Truth in love'. Both are, sadly, in short supply.

Ray Hawkins.

 

Let's Blame God

 Did God cast a vote for either Trump or Biden? Has God chosen the next President without consulting the American people? From Romans 13 many would imagine that is the way it is. 'The powers that be are ordained of God' is verse 1 in KJV. 

That puts the Almighty into a rather murky light. For it is saying, regardless of what a nation does or chooses to do, God does as He pleases. Therefore, on such a premise The Creator endorses abortion, euthanasia, vote-rigging, intimidation, anti-Israel activities, prostitution endorsement, Same-Sex [so called] unions, etc. 

Whoops! Hold on a minute. That's a far cry from the God the Bible talks about. Its a parody of the Person Jesus revealed and called "Father!" If we fail to balance these verses with other Scripture we have a 'lop-sided' God who is not holy, righteous or Truth. 

The character of God, the Great 'I AM' can be understood in His options for the Nation of Israel. In Deuteronomy 28-30. There He outlines the conditions for receiving His blessings and a severe warning of judgement for despising, ignoring and breaking them. He gave the people a charter. He gave them the right of choice. He said to them, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life..." Deuteronomy 30:19. 

It was their choices which determined blessings or curses, freedom or judgement according to their adherence to the Charter. Their history, according to the Bible, is one of poor choices and severe judgement. 

To their unbelief and arrogant hearts the Bible talks about another spiritual identity,

Lucifer and his principalities and powers. They are in stark contrast to and constant opposition against The Lord and Creator and His Charter. This is the driving force, behind the political, social and religious scenes of societies. Lucifer, known also as the Devil, is the liar, the murderer and perverter of lives. The Word of God is the only sure defence and wisdom to discern the wiles and strategies he presents.

Whenever a follower of Christ violates the will, the work and the ways of Christ he or she gives the Kingdom Darkness corrupting power. It is often unintentional and out of ignorance but the saying 'you reap what you sow' remains true. This is verified by countless lives and national histories. As Proverbs 16:25 puts it, 'There is a way that seems right unto a person, but the ends thereof are the ways of death.'

When a Christian goes to the polls he/she is to be influenced by God's charter and the Person of Jesus Christ. In their voting they can sow the seed in the Nation for blessing or judgement. 'Righteousness exalts a Nation...' Proverbs 14:34  

God's call hasn't changed, "Choose life!"

Copyright Ray Hawkins 10/11/2020

Ichabod – The Glory has departed.

Glory is an expression for the presence of God. This Glory was revealed from Mount Sinai to Israel and then in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle, later in the Temple at Jerusalem. Unfortunately, there came a time when, according to the Bible, ‘Ichabod’ happened. The record is in Ezekiel 8-11.

Why did God’s glory depart?

Continuous, unrelenting dishonour by those who claimed to be His people, to worship and serve Him and obey His teachings.

Flick over to the New Testament and Revelation 3:14-22. A similar thing has happened. This time it involves the Church. The people claiming to be followers of Christ have actually taken a detour away from Him and His teachings. This is so vividly highlighted in the church of Laodicea. Among the many facets of sadness mentioned in this account is that of Jesus ‘knocking on the door’ to make the church aware of His absence.

Outwardly, the followers [now detour-ers] had it all. Christ’s view - they were empty, materialistic and dishonouring. They imagined they had everything but couldn’t grasp the fact that they were ‘Ichabod’.

Since A.D. 300 this has been an unfortunate history of the Christian church. It was foreseen and written down to warn and bring sorrow of heart. ‘Ichabod’ is defined in 2 Timothy 4:3 as

rejecting sound teaching and accepting fables and immorality. The Glory returned to the Church because faithful men and women took the Bible seriously and taught it fearlessly and paid a heavy price in doing so. Men such as Huss, Luther, Latimer, Wycliffe believed in the whole of Scripture as God’s Word; preached Christ crucified, risen and ascended reigning as Saviour and Lord and taught righteousness as the lifestyle pleasing to Christ. They ‘paved the way’ for the Glory to return. This underscores the morality, motivation and the story of the Western Civilisation.

What of today?

My heart is heavy as I sense ‘Ichabod’ happening. When Church leaders support immoral relationships and are silent on issues such as child abuse and abortion, they have taken a self-destructive detour. Then to say, as the Pope was quoted, that he expects atheists to be in Heaven denies the work, worth and words of Jesus. When Governments, founded upon Faith and conviction that the Bible’s principles are true and worthy to implement, begin to destroy that foundation the ‘Glory’ fades and dies. When Christians endorse Government decrees that murder the unborn, uphold the immoral and seek preferment rather than revival they should never misunderstand their sense of feeling God is a long way away. He is! ‘Ichabod’ happens when Truth is rejected and Lies reign. ‘Ichabod’s darkness deepens and sorrow increases as righteousness is shredded by lust and larceny.

Where is Jesus in all of this?

He is knocking on the doors of Governments to warn of coming consequences. He is ‘ringing the bell’ of the Church to wake and recommission it. He is ‘sending texts’ (scriptural) to individuals to have them repent and be re-equipped to reflect His Glory.

During the time ‘Ichabod’ rules, Christ’s disciples undergo tough trials. The price they pay in discrimination, suffering, rejection and loss will be their testimony to the inner presence and joy of the Lord. We in the West could be entering into the experiences of God’s people in Africa and Asia. Don’t face it unprepared!

‘Let your Light [God’s glory] so shine before others, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.’ Matthew 5:16.

Ray Hawkins Nov. 6 2020