The Devil's 'Game Plan.'

If it wasn’t for the Bible we would be clueless about why our world is disintegrating. It alone defines a corrupt spiritual being whose intention is to replace the Creator and Redeemer God. The Bible also details this creatures personality, game plan and

Destruction. Therefore, it should not surprise any of us that he wants to degrade, despoil and destroy the Judeo-Christian Scriptures.

His strategy hasn’t changed since trapping Eve in doubt and Adam through passion for Eve above obedience to God’s command. Since that time Humanity has been infested with a twisted nature that it sympathetic to the Devil’s tactics. This prince of darkness isn’t interest in those in his kingdom. He wants their devotion and alliance in undermining the moral relationships, spiritual principles and truth of God’s word.

Whilst all these have been under attack since Eden, and thwarted by God’s servants, the Devil never gives up. It would seem that in recent decades he senses his judgement is drawing closer. Therefore his game plan is being put into higher gears to try and prove the Lord Jesus false and His word untrue. How is he doing this in our day?

With determination the Devil has stuck to his game plan which is to corrupt then control. Look around. It is easy to see his foul touch through undermining the very ideals, nobility and preciousness of the Bible’s values. Evolution has attempted (without proof) to deny God’s existence and creative power. However, it is seized upon for it appeals to the dark-side of the human heart. As one T-shirt put it ‘No God – No judgement’. Chance therefore denies absolutes. Goodbye Truth. Farewell Ten Commandments! Evolution kills morality’s foundation and denies the need of a Saviour. As Psalm 11:3 ‘If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ Without absolutes undergirding society the quicksand of chaos envelopes it.

Jesus told two parables relevant to this discussion. One was of a woman adding to the flour some leaven (yeast) which slowly infiltrated and corrupted it. Leaven is a Biblical term for sin, false teaching and immoral behaviour. (Matthew 13:33) The other was the sowing of weed seeds (tares) amongst the good seeds. (Matthew 13:24-30) Both instances require time for their evil intent to surface. Think about the corrupting of the following.

The beautiful sign of the rainbow after the flood in Noah time has been perverted into the gay and lesbian flag. That which promised hope has been sullied by a lifestyle condemned by Scripture. Now, should anyone try and show such supporters and practitioners the way out of this lifestyle (read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and elsewhere) they are threatened and face jail.  The preciousness of a man and woman being one in marriage is being tortured and twisted by proponents of same sex marriage. The list of corrupting practices include abortion, euthanasia, blatant pornography on T.V accessible to children, (then they cry crocodile tears as children are abused). When you read Leviticus 18 every one of God’s prohibitions on sexual immorality and deviant behaviour is promoted on computer websites.

To close this article – which really is incomplete – I want to mention the Devil’s hatred of Israel. You cannot read the Bible and not see he wants what the Lord God gave to this Nation. The land and especially the Temple Mount. To get it, the Devil must destroy that Nation. This he has attempted to do numerous times. Wittingly or unwittingly the United Nations is aiding and abetting him in his plans. The members, and other, of that organisation should read Psalm 2 and realise the path of defeat and destruction they are on.

The Bible’s teaching are absolute! By them a person’s lifestyle and relationship will be judged. God’s word offers a better way; a better hope; better relationships and lifestyle. Within its pages is also the story of the Lord Jesus who transforms lives and makes them fit to walk the better way. (1 Timothy 1:13-17).

Next week: The Lord’s overthrow of the Devil’s game plan.

©Ray Hawkins 28 May 2017.

Did Jesus have phobias?

In today’s Westernised society Jesus would be considered intolerant, unloving and a threat to community cohesion. There would be those today who would class him with some type of phobia because of His views. Look at some of His teaching as recorded in the gospels.

Jesus gave the act of adultery a very narrow dimension. To look on someone with lustful purposes will receive a judicial sentence. Also Christ’s view on marriage as between a man and a woman is downright disturbing to same-sex relationship advocates. What hackles must arise when people hear His words quoted about the ‘Broad and Narrow ways and how one equals destruction while the other leads to life. Especially when Jesus declared He is ‘the Way the Truth and the Life’ and without Him heaven is shut.

Child abuse is rampant as our papers sadly report, especially on those who should be protectors of children. Jesus is unmerciful in His condemnation of such people. It would be better for them to jump in the lake with a huge millstone around their neck than perpetrate such acts. What verdict awaits them before the great white throne on judgement day! Forgiveness is possible, but only if the fruits of repentance are evident.

As you read the Gospels it is clear Jesus is scathing of those who use His name, his service to make themselves rich, exploit the widow and orphans, corrupt the Word of God and lead people astray. His words are ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evil doers.’ In Matthew 23 are words directed to the religious (fraudulent) leaders. Make no mistake, they are harsh words. ‘Hypocrites, blind leaders, fools, whitewashed tombs, snakes and vipers’ are His descriptions for such people. Then consider His upturning of trading tables of those in the temple precincts who were fleecing worshippers and selling blemished animals.

To look at such a list, and more could be added, would give the impression that Jesus was a narrow minded bigot, unloving and vindictive. Was He expressing His phobias by such condemnation? In reality the opposite is the truth. His words and actions were from a heart of love and compassion. He was warning such people then and now about an eternal tragedy which awaited unless they changed their ways. Love made Jesus act and speak. Silence would have been easier, safer for Him but deadly for those in such a lifestyle and ungodly activities. The bible is unwavering in stating that there is a judgement day already set and all must appear before it. There is but one avenue of being pardoned.

Jesus experienced peoples’ judgement, the nice and respectable peoples’ ungodliness as well as the rebellious and depraved. That is the message of the Cross! His request to the Father to “forgive them for they know not what they do” offered a new beginning. That requires a commitment of a person’s life to Jesus Christ as the risen Lord and Saviour. It requires a recognition of a life offensive to God and deep sorrow for it. It requires a new lifestyle based upon spiritual, moral and ethical values in harmony with the Holy Scriptures.

When that takes place a number of things happen. To highlight just two: One is a sense of joy under the smile of God. On the negative side you discover many in society and even amongst your family or friends your decision is threatening and unsettling. As you begin to live out and share your new faith and lifestyle you will be labelled as bigoted, racist, unloving and much more. That’s alright, you are in good company for that's how they consider Jesus. But if you seek to cover your faith and want to dabble in a previous lifestyle you are actually hating your accusers. Silence is more of a hate crime against them than sharing your faith. Sure, your words are to be flavoured by grace and your actions with mercy, but the ‘new you’ must begin to emerge. Jesus never authorised His followers to take punitive action against those who lived contrary to His laws. Instead He urged His people to pray for them and express compassion. A far cry from the ideology which kills infidels for a whole number of lifestyle choices.

In the Church’s early days to be called a follower of the Nazarene was considered as an insult, a derogatory term. Christians wore it as an emblem of honour. We are fast approaching a similar scenario. However, Jesus forewarned His disciples about the tough times ahead. His promise remains true for us today, “I am with you always” and “I have overcome the World” plus “I go to prepare a place for you.”

©Ray Hawkins July 2016.

                                              

Wrongful-mess or Righteousness

Violence against women is headline news and there is much angst about it. However, who will be brave enough to confront some of the things which promote it? Many of the Television shows denigrate women.  The internet is also saturated with material designed to degrade a woman’s intrinsic worth. Add to those, certain religions which treat women as objects for men’s pleasure and second-rate citizens. But, why are such attitudes and actions wrong?

The same question can be asked about child-abuse, same-sex marriage and polygamy. What about abortion, euthanasia, drug dependence, Sharia law and corruption, are these wrong? If so, on what basis are they wrong? Are we beginning to experience the ‘fruit’ of the sowing the ‘seeds of no absolutes?’ Is society’s rejection of absolutes walking us into scary times? The forces which are turning off the lights of life’s absolutes cannot offer any flickering light in their place. This results in a creeping darkness infected by unbridled Wrongful-mess. A Proverb sums it up well: ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.’ (Proverbs 16:25 

There are those in our society who claim it is freedom to be unfettered by moral and spiritual absolutes. Yet, without such unchanging sunlight a darkness envelops the soul and fear begins to roam, demons torment and grief explodes. Only in the Light of absolute righteousness and truth is true freedom able to exist. In the words of an old Proverb ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.’ (Proverbs 14:35) In the context ‘sin’ equals unrighteousness or as I’ve put it ‘wrongful-mess.’ Christian nations which once had a certain moral nobility and godly fervour are being dragged out of the light which exalts. The result, moral and spiritual disintegration and disgrace in the prison of darkness.

The question then arises, ‘where can such absolutes be found?’ If they exist they must proceed from someone who is unchanging, whose words can be trusted who also understands us and desires the best for us. In the face of all who clamour for this title only Jesus Christ and His Word rises above the pack. He practiced what He preached and didn’t back down when faced with crucifixion. If Jesus had remained in the tomb no one would be talking about Him. His resurrection exalted Him as Lord and Saviour. Therefore, His words have the power to light up our darkness and point us to a way out of the darkness.

Across the centuries it is recorded how forces aligned with Wrongful-mess have corrupted and condemned people and society to despair. What is also revealed is that men and women with faith in Christ Jesus took on the darkness. A high price was sometimes paid but slowly the lights of Righteousness, Truth and Hope were switched on. Believers in Jesus Christ as Lord, Saviour Almighty God may be called upon in coming days to pay a similar price. Are we up to it?

 ©Ray Hawkins 1^st June 2015.

Don't mess with 'The Fire!'

  Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28–29.

 

God had a plan for the Nation of Israel. It included very specific worship and ministry requirements. When the Tabernacle and Priesthood were being instituted the family of Aaron was given the Priesthood. At the outset it was stressed such a venue and ministry was unique. It was set apart from the everyday and linked to the very character of Yahweh.  The ordination for the Priesthood begins in Leviticus 8 and 9 in a very impressive and symbolic manner. Aaron and his four sons had detailed instructions to follow.

 

The sons of Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar had the wonder of being ordained to ministry. This was the culmination of an encounter with God on Mount Horeb. Had it been too much for Nadab and Abihu’s egos? Something possessed Nadab and Abihu to imagine they knew better than that which Yahweh had outlined. Leviticus 10:1 says they offered unauthorised fire before the Lord. Their self will changed celebration into lamentations. God struck them down. Why? Because what they were offering did not measure up to the nature of God. He is described in Scripture as a 'consuming fire.' Therefore the fire of worship and ministry must be that which matches His character. How is that possible? Only by obeying His directions.

Leviticus 10:9 sees the Lord add to the ordination requirement, ‘you and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the tent of meeting, or you will die.’ Does this give us a clue to what caused Nadab and Abihu to act so irresponsibly? The Lord required those who worship Him and, more so those who minister before Him, to be clear headed and self controlled. It is interesting to note that the kings of Israel had similar obligations. (Proverbs31:4–5) If we consider ourselves as ‘kings and priests’ of the Lord God do such restrictions apply today? If not, why not?

It would appear as though they had chosen to enter into the precincts of the Tabernacle to do their own thing. They would worship or serve God as they thought best. Here was a serious breach of trust, an act of disrespect and a challenge to the authority of the Lord. They had been redeemed and commissioned for His purposes. Their death was to be a testimony to the danger of abusing the grace and glory of God. Why? ‘You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.’ Exodus 20:7. Are we in this era down playing God's word on morality, marriage and the uniqueness of salvation and acceptance with God through the cross? Are so many in church leadership possessed with a mindset similar to Nadad and Abihu?

Leviticus 10:10–11: ‘You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean, and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the Lord has given them through Moses.’ The history of Israel details the conflict between His holiness and the tendency of the nation to drag it down. Leviticus 21:6.says, ‘They (priests) must be holy to their God and must not profane the name of their God. Because they present the offerings made to the Lord by fire, the food of their God, they are to be holy.’ Malachi’s account of the moral and religious attitude of the priests and people of his day makes depressing reading. ‘You profane it (God’s Name) by saying of the Lord’s table, ‘It is defiled’, and of its food, ‘it is contemptible.’ And you say,’ What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuously.’ Malachi 1:12–13. God is patient but does not hold off forever intervening in such situations with severe and righteous discipline.

We are  living in  a period of time when the spirit of Nadad and Abihu is news headlines. Greed and sexual misconduct abound, child abuse and acceptance of relationships condemned in scripture is rampant to highlight but a few. Then we wonder why worship is unsatisfying and attendances declining.  

 

Ministers of the Gospel are to uphold the holiness of the Eternal God, the integrity of the Cross and the uniqueness of the person and work of Jesus Christ. All disciples of Christ are under the same calling. Familiarity, unfortunately, can breed contempt or coarseness with sacred things. Wanting to be popular within a culture can seduce  ministers and people to be silent about unpopular teachings. A healthy fear of our Lord is our only safeguard. In our presentations we have latitude of method but we have no room to move in regards to the message of the Cross, the morality He demands or the mission to which we are called. Culture has its challenges to making the Bible relevant. Regardless of the cultural environment Christ Jesus’ servants live in, the Gospel and the Glory of God must remain unchanged. Hebrews 12:10: ‘Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no-one will see the Lord.’

Reflection: What is the quality of the ‘fire’ that burns within my being? Is what I’m saying, doing and living acceptable to the Lord God I am called upon to honour and proclaim?

Request: I do not want my ministry and lifestyle to take your Name in vain.  May the fire that burns within be what you have started and maintained by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

Onward towards the Past!

A concerted campaign is gaining momentum to relegate the Church to the edge of irrelevance. Unfortunately this is being aided and abetted by revelations into child abuse by various church leaders. Listen to the squeals from some areas of Christendom as their power, influence and status in society wanes. You would imagine the Church’s mission was about to collapse. Instead of bemoaning the loss of tax benefits, perceived status and special privileges we should be more vocal in proclaiming the Gospel.

In Matthew 24 and Luke 21 we have the record of the collision of the future with the past  Jesus used the historical figure of Noah to make a point or two. To understand the magnitude of this future event read Genesis 6. The moral and spiritual decline into depravity was immense. God’s judgement was slow in coming and His grace provided the ark. Unbelief and self–gratification treated His mercy with disdain and the world paid the penalty. What is gathering momentum which should warn people to turn to Christ and make Him their refuge, their ‘ark?’ 1 Peter 3:17-22.

Here’s a short list:

*Seeing the evidence of creation and making it the offspring of chance and evolution.

*Thereby declaring an individual’s life is meaningless.

*This permits the murder of babies (abortion) and euthanasing the disabled, infirm and old.

*Then there’s the moral corruption within Christendom detailed in child abuse and apostasy.

*With the loss of faith in the Bible people are seeking spirituality and morality in the occult.

*The rejection of the Biblical understanding and symbolism of marriage and endorsing as normal same–sex marriages.

*Endorsing what the Bible condemns in relation to sexual behaviour

 Add to the above the onward move to the past as detailed by the prophet Daniel 2. 10:1-12:1 and spelt out in more detail in Revelation 6-19 and Matthew 24:15-28. It is as though Jesus is saying ‘keep your eyes open for the events recorded.’ These are portents which drive the kingdoms of this world and Satan’s forces into the last great judgement and conflict. (Read 2 Thessalonian)

NASA in recent days has been speaking of the potential threat to earth of asteroids and comets. The space authority is endeavouring to develop some defence shield against such an eventuality. (Matthew 24:29)

How then should the Church of today handle the spiral into the moral and spiritual dark ages? Not by whingeing, crying ‘foul’ and compromising the Gospel’s message. Rather the opposite. Have the faith and mindset revealed in the early Church’s history. Make Christ and the cross and the future known. Expect to be opposed yet trusting in the Lord to honour His word to those who are seekers after truth. Realise, as is evident in places such as Iran, that the Church’s faithfulness to Christ can mean various sanctions, dismissal and even death.

Therefore we must be certain about knowing in whom we have believed. We must know that He is the Lord of Glory, He is the victor over the tomb. He is the One who can forgive us, cleanse us, accept us and keep us through whatever the collision of the future with the past throw our way. Jesus is the person who fulfilled the written promises of the past and He will keep His word about the future. Therefore saturate your mind with His word, keep your eyes open and your faith strong. Be prepared to give and account of your trust in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Should any retribution fall upon you from your sphere of influence consider it a badge of honour knowing your reward is in Glory! Read the letters of James and Peter to sustain you through such times.

 © Ray Hawkins Oct 2014.

There's a Moral Whirlwind Forming

Cyclones, typhoons and whirlwinds are not chance events. They require a combination of weather patterns for them to form. When such conditions exist it is only a matter of time before their destructive fury is felt.

In the moral and spiritual realm of society there is a similar principle. Things do not change overnight for good or ill. Rather, there are seemingly small steps taken which either lead a society into the pit or up to the mountain top. If a person took the time to seriously consider the World scene surely they must sense a moral whirlwind forming. Living, as I do, in a Western Christianised Democracy the ‘weather’ conditions for our country experiencing a moral ‘cyclone’ is on red alert.

Hosea saw the moral and spiritual whirlwind forming in his time. It struck the Northern Kingdom called Israel. The nation had forsaken the covenant with God, were prosperous and idolatrous and immoral. They also neglected the poor. ‘They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.’ (Hosea 8:7) What Hosea wrote has implications for societies today. As in his day so it will be in ours, the innocent suffer, God is cursed for allowing what was sowed to be reaped and a society collapses.

Our country is envied around the world for its prosperity and safety. Its history isn’t perfect but through it all the principles of the Christian Faith gave it a strong foundation for moral and spiritual strength. Over recent decades this foundation has been chipped away by various hostile forces and ideologies. How has this created conditions for whirlwinds of chaos, destruction and sorrow? Simply by degrading or denying moral and spiritual absolutes on which a stable and secure society can face life and experience certainty with enjoyment.

Over the past century or so children were fed the theory of evolution as the basis for understanding who they were, how the world came into being. Ultimately they were fed the lie that they were mere offspring of chance or ‘space junk.’ At the same time the Christian view of creation, life and morality was lampooned, undermined and discarded by so many of these impressionable young people. They are now part of the ‘weather conditions’ for the approaching moral whirlwind and they haven’t a place of refuge.

What then are the ‘climate’ indicators pointing to onrushing destructive forces? What are their intentions? Simple, destroy our Christian heritage. By believing people are basically offspring of nothing, according to evolution, that means they are worthless. Therefore, murder through abortion or euthanasia cannot be a crime. There isn’t any higher authority before whom we are accountable. A judge recently declared that incest could one day be viewed in the same manner as same-sex marriage which people are now beginning to accept accepting (unfortunately). He has been stood down, at least temporarily. But his comments ring true. Why? Because there isn’t any absolute foundation on which to reject such disgusting actions. A Christian Defence Force person was dismissed from the Army because he challenged the Army’s involvement in the immoral and political Mardi-Gras parade. The Army’s involvement in such political activity goes against their own charter. It was because of his Christian belief on which he would not back down he was dismissed. It is alright to defame Jesus but woe-be-tide anyone who does it to Mohammed or any other religious leader.

There are other factors also in play as the whirlwind forms. The Christian Bible shows them up for

what they are and what they end up creating and destroying. Occult and pagan practices, drugs, slavery and sexual deviant behaviour to name just a few. Perhaps the term Lawlessness gives them a blanket covering. The word isn’t about criminals. It is about a society rejecting the moral and spiritual framework for a safe, secure and happy life. Lawlessness is a conscious rejection of such teaching as the Ten Commandments, personal accountability before God the heavenly judge, Creation and sin, Heaven and Hell, forgiveness, grace, holiness and mercy.

Does the Bible offer any place of Refuge from the onrushing fury of an uncontrollable whirlwind? Yes! It is a moral and spiritual place of safety constructed by Christ Jesus and made plain in His Word, the Bible. It says each of us are made in the image of God although we have spoilt it by our ignorance, indifference or rebellion to His word. Because of His love God set in motion a plan to offer each of us a safe haven from future judgement and the whirlwinds caused by Human lawlessness. That is the message of the death on the cross by Jesus. His resurrection from the tomb is our guarantee of His success. Now He can offer you forgiveness, a new beginning and safety from eternal destruction. Faith in Christ doesn’t guarantee a trouble free time. It does assure you of His presence, over-ruling and of one day sharing in His glory. In time, keeping His commands and teachings saves you from a lot of sorrow, shame and even sickness. He gives you a fulfilled life even under harsh conditions with a hope no one can crush.

The whirlwind is forming. Don't be caught up in its moral and spiritual degradation, destruction and ultimate futility.

Haunted by Lifeless Eyes

Peter Shurley is an Australian singer, songwriter and violinist. He presented a great concert at our church recently and sang a song called: Indian Girl. This came about through a visit to India on behalf of Compassion International, a Child Sponsorship Christian ministry. This young girl had just started school and was sitting in the front row when Peter began singing to the class. Her big eyes and apparent need stole his heart. He sponsored her. That was many years ago. Peter showed a photo of her at her University graduation. Wonderful

That song brought back vivid pictures to my mind of a visit to an African slum. We were on a short term mission trip and went to this slum area. There, sitting in a narrow lane, was this small child of indeterminate age. I know not her name. She said not a word. Beneath unwashed grime and dishevelled hair was a stained prettiness. It was however the eyes that captured me. They were lifeless. No sparkle, no tears or interest in who the strangers were, simply blankness. They shattered my heart and mind with sorrow and began to haunt me. These years since, they still haunt me.

Did she ever find someone to sponsor her and give her hope and dignity? Did this un-named slum girl simply waste away to be received by Christ Jesus in His Heavenly home?

The Christian Church has been rocked by revelations of child abuse by certain perverted persons in responsible positions. The bible is very clear about their condemnation and punishment by the Judge of the universe. The Scriptures are filled with warnings about violating the vulnerable and the young. It has an eternal sentence written in God’s statutes.

Fortunately there is another aspect to the Christian Church’s involvement with Children. It reveals the faithful care, protection, support and equipping of young lives through to adulthood. The difference is seen in many and varied ways. Perhaps most vividly for me is the contrast between the Indian girl who was sponsored and the African girl. I’ve also seen the difference it makes through the support given to such children in distant countries by my adult children (and others). One of the privileges in showing the heart of Christ within us to
children or adults is to see or hear they also put their trust in Him.

The eyes of the slum girl haunted me and still do. They also motivated me and others to reach out to care and share what we could to those similar to her. The following poem was stirred in me by the combination of Peter Shurley’s song and those eyes which haunt me still

I Cried Then and I Cry Still
We met in a Kenyan slum
In a lane with little sun
How old
I couldn’t tell.
My language she knew not
Hers, was unuttered
Yet I was shattered
By this African girl
Without a hope of happiness.
My heart ached for her sadness
I cried then
And
I cry still

Oh to have hugged her there
Told her someone cared
But all I felt
In my helplessness
A strange numbness
Yet prayed,
“Lord embrace her today.”
I cried then
And
I cry still.

Time have passed by since then
And still I remember when
We met in the Kenyan slum
In shadows cast by the sun.
But her face still appears
Unchanged by the years
Silent, sad and unmoving.
I cried then
And I cry still.

Lord
For children such as her
Deliver from despair
Through servants who share
Your tears of compassion
Your heart for redemption.
Then will we know
Tears cried then
Were
Not in vain.

Ray Hawkins July 5 2014