The Decay of the West.

Have you taken a look at those in charge of individual Nations and their Governments? The American Presidential elections is taking front and centre attention of moral, ethical and character values and we forget leaders elsewhere. Whoever wins the coming U.S.A Presidency the Nation will actually lose! On what assessment is that made? Proverbs 14:34: ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.’ The word for ‘sin’ points to the evil nature of a person which has no Godly restraints on it.

What is meant by Righteousness?

Being an Israelite the writer views it from a covenant relationship and the Pentateuch.  That meant amongst other things observing the Law, statutes and judgements given by God to and through Moses. This is beautifully summed in the Ten Commandments.  When the Western Nations turned to Christianity they wove these Commandments into their National psyche. The best summary of these is actually from the lips of Jesus. Love God and love your neighbour as yourself. Righteousness therefore isn’t a theory but an inner condition lived out in a social context.

What is being demonstrated today in many nations previously influenced by the Christian faith is a repudiation of the Ten Commandments. With that emerges a society without a cohesive framework of relationships. In fact, the best description of what is emerging is found in Judges 21:25: ‘In those days there was no King in Israel; everyone did what was right in their own eyes.’ The result as recorded was chaotic and depressive. May I be allowed to paraphrase that verse for our scene today. ‘In our day there was no Ten Commandments in operation in our Society. Governments and individuals did as they pleased.’

Another aspect of Righteousness which exalts according to the Bible is found in Genesis 12:2-3. ‘I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.’  Nations bear testimony to this truth in their histories.  As Israel is being isolated more and more and that even by some Christian Denominations so too the downside of what God said to Abram is evident.

Proverbs 14:34 is stressing more than personal responsibility. It confronts corporations, National Governments and communities regarding true righteousness. Therefore this requires leadership from Governments founded on principles of Justice and Truth from a higher authority than pressure from lobby groups. The Nations who once held individual lives as sacred from the womb to the tomb have surrendered to abortion and euthanasia. Why? Evolution has usurped the mystery of Creation according to Genesis. The complex issue of refugees is compounded by terrorism and mass infiltration which changes national culture. However, the delays in processing claims and the neglect to provide for their basic needs is an indictment on the World. In saying that, it must be stressed that it is those nations influenced by the Christian faith who are in the forefront of caring. More could be said about marriage, family, morality, child abuse, corruption in high and low places and family violence. Whether we want to admit it or not these are symptoms arising out of a walking away from righteousness, truth and justice.

As Christians we live in a morally and spiritually decaying world. In facts, according to 1 John 5:19 it is a world under the dominance of the Devil. Can you wonder, therefore, why righteousness, justice, truth and Bible based morality are frowned upon and undermined! In such circumstances we have a choice. Capitulate or agitate! Silence is safe but is frowned upon by our Heavenly Father. Not all of us can articulate our convictions but we can live out those famous words in Joshua 24:15b “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

©Ray Hawkins October 16 2016.

Enemy + you + Love = ?

mural at Sheffield Tasmania

Conspiracy theories breed quicker than mushrooms. I’d like to add another. The constant appeal to “love your enemies” is being pushed by our enemies. They take the quote Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount and try and manipulate us so as to dominate. What do you think?

On Facebook, in magazines and live chat shows this a repeated refrain, especially in regards to treatment of Muslims. I’ve yet to hear or read of it being quoted to someone from another religious group. So I asked the following questions and also replied to myself:

1. Why should I love my enemies whoever they are?

2. What purposes are there in expressing such love?

3. When does ‘loving your enemy’ end?

As a Christian the answer is easy for the first question. Jesus said it! Matthew 5:43-48. He also just before that quote talked about turning the other cheek. Taken in isolation we could imagine Jesus giving His followers a ‘victim mentality.’ However, in reading the Gospels and New Testament letters I gain a fuller and deeper understanding of what underscores Christ’s challenge to ‘love the enemy.’

Jesus set the example quoted in Romans 5:6-11. We were His enemies, yet He loved us. That love sought to remove the animosity and barriers between Him and us. It cost Him dearly which is why the true symbol of love is the cross.  We like to quote John 3:16 concerning this love and fail to appreciate the verses which followed. They speak about the high price to be paid by those who refuse His love, defuse His teaching and abuse His Name and people. Even the Sermon on the Mount, much vaunted as a guide for living, is laced with dire warnings about judgement and Hades. Therefore, how do we express Christ’s love with its warning about rejecting it?

Romans 12:20 tells us to feed our enemy if he is hungry or give him a drink if thirsty. Sounds nice, warm and fuzzy. What we overlook is the judgement which is falling on his head. It is likened to burning coals! What will determine the outcome is his response. Who is the one to decide? The Lord of vengeance and none other. The disciple is to do good works, as Jesus did and taught. What we often fail to understand is that such deeds become a blessing or a judgement on the recipients. As we serve them in the name of Jesus it is not merely as a ‘handout’. It’s meant to be an introduction to the One who wants to be their Saviour with an offer of new beginnings. Did Jesus put a ‘times-up’ on love? Yes! In most cases it would be when death intervenes. For after that judgement takes place (Hebrews 9:27. Revelation 20:11-15.) Some parables speak on this matter and deals with nations, false teachers and spiritual frauds.

When should we imagine our expressing love to our enemies has crossed over into a justice mode? I’d suggest it is when that person (or persons) has received and tasted our love in Christ’s name and then repeatedly trampled on it. When our prayers for him or her are despised and the Lord’s grace repelled over and over then it is time to move on. It could be likened to what Jesus said about a village rejecting the message of the Messiah. Shake off the dust from your sandals as a witness against them. Should an enemy have evil intent upon my family, person or country love for him gives way to a greater love. That is love for my family! What action takes place depends upon what aggression is faced.

When we talk about ‘love and others’ we unconsciously lump them all together. This seems to miss the Scriptural teachings in each case. To love my wife is on a different platform than loving my neighbour. To love my Christian family of faith is a different investment than loving my enemies. To love my Lord and Saviour is a far superior love to all the others and dictates how I love them. Therefore, when it comes to loving my enemies I will do it, even reluctantly, because of my love and commitment to Jesus Christ. As stated above, my underlying reason is to obey Jesus, make an enemy my friend, plus seek to deliver him or her from an eternal separation from the Holy and Everlasting God. Such love isn’t sentimental or pious. It is tough and needs the total resources of the Holy Spirit within to keep the love flowing.

©Ray Hawkins August 2016.

Is Tolerance a one way street?

To be tolerant is a current ‘buzz’ word being asked mainly of people from the Christianised western cultures. This is especially due to the avalanche of refugees storming into Europe. Tolerance is meant to be a two way street if it is to endure the pressure of clashing beliefs, morals and expectations. When only one side is expected to be tolerant such a one lane road ends in a precipice.

This is happening in Europe, especially Germany at the moment. Genuine refugees with desperate needs are being overshadowed by Islamic intolerant and arrogant infiltrators. Because of their views about women, culture, sharia law and infidels they have violated much of their hosting countries. The results of their belief system is to be intolerant while grasping all the benefits possible. Meanwhile, the desperately needy suffer. A strong backlash is surging within some of the host countries which can only bring more sorrow to all concerned.

What is the Christian response to a one-sided tolerance?

Are we to compromise our faith and heritage for some perceived niceness to the ungrateful? Is tolerance merely compromise leading to surrender? Our Christian faith calls on us to care for those in need. It requires us to try and understand and in a much abused word ‘to love’ them. This demand places us under strong pressure to be patient and make allowances. We are facing this in regard to Christmas, Australia Day, Anzac day, Easter, planning permission for mosques and halal certification. It is a big galling I must admit when this is demanded but not reciprocated in Islamic countries. Tony Abbot had his faults but he recognised a problem from a belief system which wanted our agreement to their demands. It was a one way street. They didn’t want to adopt or tolerate our way of life. What is brewing? Strife!

Some may ask how Jesus would handle this matter! We know He was tolerant but He had a cut-off point. He warned certain cities about future judgement because of their abuse and rejection of His grace (Matthew 11). Also there is the dramatic episode of Him overturning the table of the merchants in the Temple. Towards us the Lord has been patient over many years but we also know He will and has acted with discipline. What then is to be expected when His Name, His word and His people are violated and exploited? Judgement! The book of Revelation is a no compromise comment on that.

While we believe vengeance belongs to the Lord we are not excused from defending and declaring our faith and morality. Nor should we be silent in urging our Government to stand true to our Christian heritage, values and history. If the Government puts tolerance before truth and votes before virtue then our society is sold-out. The tyranny of the toughest will dominate and humiliate.

Grace is still to motivate tolerance with long-sufferance. This doesn’t mean silence or

surrender. I wonder what the Good Samaritan would have done if the robbers had jumped on him, using the wounded man as a trap? I think he would have defended the wounded and resisted the attackers. Surely that is where tolerance and justice meet.

 Ray Hawkins Jan 25 2016.

The Avenger

“Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long will it be before you judge and avenge our blood on the inhabitants of the earth?” This was the loud cry of believers recorded in Revelation 6:10. As we look around at the suffering Church I’m sure this cry will find an “amen!”

There is some reluctance, even by Christians, to call God ‘The Avenger!’ We are too accustomed to considering God solely in the terms of grace or love. However, whenever we fail to present the Bible’s complete revelation of God we do Him an injustice. At the same time we develop a warped view in our understanding which in turn infects our faith and Biblical perspectives. Also, we give unbelievers, especially those hostile to Christ, a sense of impunity from His wrath.

In this twenty – first century it is reported by Open Doors, 322 Christians are killed every month. Then there is the fact that 214 churches or property belonging to Christians are destroyed. Add to the above 722 acts of violence against Christ’s followers you gain an insight into the breadth and depth of the persecution.

What is God doing that He lingers long in exploding justice on such evil doers? He isn’t indifferent, nor is forgetful. As you read the Scriptures it is apparent the Lord has spelt out His plans to bring nations, religions and people to account. ‘(God) has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.’ (Acts 17:31)

Centuries ago Moses wrote a song. It was to be sung as a warning and as a comfort. In it he recorded: ‘Praise, O heavens, his people, worship him, all you gods. For he will avenge the blood of his children, and take vengeance on his adversaries; he will repay those who hate him, and cleanse the land for his people.’ The history of Israel validates what Moses wrote. The final book of the Bible, Revelation, underpins and highlights this fact.

The suffering Church and the oppressed people of Israel need to find hope and comfort in God keeping His word. Islam, especially I.S. should shudder. Jesus in the parable of Luke 18:1-8 said “Will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?” The implication is clear. He will act to give them justice in accordance with His purpose and plan.

Lest people imagine the eternal God has a ‘persecution of his people’ complex He is the avenger on a number of other fronts. One of course is 1 John 5:10 where people call Him a liar by not believing His testimony about Christ and the cross. However, I want to close this article on the matter of God avenging (bringing justice to bear) on those who deliberately pervert Scripture.

In Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32 is the warning about adding too or taking away from God’s word. This is repeated in Revelation 22:18-19. In our day when the Homosexual and Lesbian lobby is endeavouring to make itself respectable in the ‘eyes of the church’ it is deliberately perverting Scripture. It has produced a ‘Queen James Bible’ which aims to legitimise what God, in His word, calls an abomination. A sad aspect of this attempt at being accepted by distorting the Bible is many naïve believers will be sympathetic to their cause. God will use His word as the instrument of His avenging. He is not fooled by selective quotations or perverted texts. Proverbs says it well: ‘Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or else he will rebuke you, and you will be found a liar.’ (Proverbs 30:5-6)

You cannot read the Bible and not realise God avenges His people. He instructs them not to

do it but rather to pray for those persecuting or perverting. The reason, some of those doing such things might be converted. However, the other reason is that our sense of justice is flawed. His is holy and His verdict flows from perfect understanding of all people have done.

2 Thessalonians1:6-9 holds a chilling warning to God’s opponents and at the same time a wonderful incentive for His people to live true to His calling. ‘It is indeed just of God to repay with affliction those who inflict you and to give relief to the afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his might.’

 

©Ray Hawkins 2.3.2015.

Let's Blame God!

God gets bad press whenever something upsets us. Whether it is personal sorrow, inflicted by self or others, God is accused as the perpetrator. The catastrophes of war and disease are said to be preventable, if God did something about them.

During the week of February 1^st 2015 Stephen Fry, well known actor and T.V. personality, added his unflattering assessment about God. Given an opportunity to charge the Creator, who Stephen doesn’t believe exists anyway, he would call Him a monster. There is something within the human psyche which doesn’t want to accept personal responsibility for the world’s turmoil. People want God to stop what they don’t like but ignore what they do like doing, despite the fact God is offended by their actions and attitude. Imagine the howls of protest if the Lord God of Holiness enforced His standard of morality as set out in the Bible.

By blaming God for personal issues and the mess the World is in gives people a sense of moral superiority. It makes them judges of what should be and innocent victims when reaping what they have sown. What is also revealed is an ignorance of why the nations, societies and individuals are in such a sorry and warlike state. To reject the very existence of God doesn’t solve the problem. It actually compounds the despair and injustices with hopelessness for wrong can never be righted by a higher entity. To have a sense of God but no framework by which to understand Him (or Her or It) will give rise to all types of weird and not so wonderful images.

The God who seems to be silent and invisible has not left Humankind in the dark about His Being. He has spoken! He has left His imprimatur upon Creation (see below for some references). He has raised up certain scribes through whom He has made His defence for why things are as they are in the World. At the same time this God of holiness and truth has expressed what He requires from each of us and that there is a future accounting. More than that, what has been recorded promises a whole New World Order in which righteousness, truth, grace and love rule. Unfortunately, this means that those who curse God and reject righteousness and truth are denied entrance.

Where can we find the mind of the vocal God and signposts pointing to places where His presence is felt and ‘fingerprints’ are evident? In the 66 books called the Judeo-Christian Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Some may still want to accuse the Author of these books as being out of touch with our human condition. “You don’t understand what I’m facing, feeling or fleeing!” Such thinking is a universe away from reality. Here is the wonder of the invisible God, untouchable by sinful people. He has come into our world and in our form and within world history. The Bible revealed Him as Jesus (Greek translation of the Hebrew Joshua) who lived in Israel under Rome’s occupation. He understands the Human situation more than we can ever realise. Because of that He has set in motion Heavenly forces to usher in new beginnings and a new relationship with God and a hope which stand with you in the darkest of times.

How can anyone be sure of this promise?
Consider who Jesus is, what He has taught but more than that, what He achieved. For when He was crucified this Jesus became the vilest of the vile and the lowest of the low. How? He was cursed by National leaders, forsaken by friends but that wasn’t the issue. Jesus willingly identified with you, me, all creation in our blaming God the Father for our sin, indifference, plight, although Jesus in and of Himself was sinless. In essence Jesus said to the Father “put all their offences on me. Let me bear your Judgement upon them. Use this unjust verdict of the cross to offer forgiveness, hope and a new lifestyle for men and women”.

What a wonderful ideal. How do we know it happened and does the offer still stands? Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Because the good news of His triumph is still being offered and people are being transformed from hopelessness to

godliness and purpose. This doesn’t mean believers in Jesus will be immune from life’s sorrows and uncertainties. What it means is they have an understanding of why the world is a mess and what the Lord has done to change it.

Let Jesus lift you out of the ‘blame game’ and into the ‘acclaim game’ of gratitude to God. For whether the World likes it or not, God will have the last word. Because of faith in Jesus His word will be “welcome”. Reject Jesus as Lord and Saviour and insist on blaming God for ‘whatever’ is to hear the dreadful last word “depart”.

Some Bible readings.

Psalm 19.

Isaiah 53.

Romans 1.

Hebrews 1.

Hebrews 4

©Ray Hawkins February 15 2015

I'm a Fundamental Christian

Does that mean I’m a gun-toting, knife wielding blood thirsty assailant?Actually, it means the exact opposite. The word ‘Fundamental’ means ‘Forming a foundation. Essential.’ (World Book Dictionary) Therefore a fundamentalist is a person who believes the foundational, the essential tenants of his or her faith and ideology. This conviction motivates them to live out their foundational beliefs and it becomes their world-view.’

Yes, it is correct to say certain religious and political groups have a basic belief system that promotes barbaric behaviour and cruel oppression. However, such a worldview cannot be laid at the feet of Christianity’s founder, the Lord Jesus Christ. On what basis do I make such a statement? Simply on the authority of the Bible!

For me, to be a Christian Fundamentalist requires me to know, understand and apply the foundational truths of the Christian Faith. The most basic one of course is the person and work of the one named Jesus in the Gospels. He is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament; He is the Song of God; He was crucified according to the scriptures, entombed and on the third day rose again. (John 20:31. Romans 10:9-13)

When you ask Him to be your Saviour and Lord you place yourself under His authority. In turn that requires you to get to know, understand and endeavour to live out His teachings. That is fundamental to your Christian life. As you read the Gospels and the New Testament letters you do not find any jihadist teaching or allowance for such behaviour. In fact a far great test for moral and spiritual courage and faith is demanded.

The fundamentals of my faith flow from but do not cease at the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-48. In the context of which fundamentalism is now portrayed as being terrorists what do you make of the following:

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.’

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake’

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account’

‘I (Jesus speaking) say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven…”

‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.’ Matthew 7:12.

History has an unfortunate record of disobedience to these fundamentals by true and pseudo disciples. The Inquisition is a case in point. Jesus never authorised His followers to perpetrate such intolerance and cruelty towards those who reject Him. In fact in the parable of the ‘Weeds’ in Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. The Lord calls for patience and kindness. Why? Because only He can discern the ‘Wheat from the Weed’ for He alone sees the heart. He alone is the Supreme Judge and hasn’t delegated that to anyone. He has set aside a judgement day when all will give an account of their fundamental worldview, behaviour and view of Him.

Jesus Christ isn’t demanding of His followers what He hasn’t experienced Himself. Isaiah 53 prophecy was fulfilled in Christ on the cross. He could have called the angelic hosts to rescue Him, but no, He trusted in the Heavenly Father’s promise of victory over Sin, Death and the Devil. This could only be accomplished through the medium of the cross and the declaration of victory by the resurrection from the tomb.

It is on the evidence of the Bible, secular and sacred history that I bowed in faith before Him and became His disciple. I have grown in that relationship for nigh on sixty years and have found Him faithful to His word. It hasn’t always been easy (however a lot easier than my Christian family in other countries), it hasn’t always been pleasant. Nor has it always been appreciated while being exploited by Christ’s opponents. However, the sense of walking in His light and approval combined with the promise of one day seeing Him face to face puts everything in proper perspective. Both my walk in this life and my abiding with Him in the next is simply, solely and eternally due to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

They are some of the reasons I’m a Christian Fundamentalist. There are others and you can read about them in the Judeo-Christian Bible.

 

© Ray Hawkins October 2014.

Hope Even When Despair's Tear Fall

To look into the eyes of the displaced people from Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, what has God got to offer them? Does the Bible speak to their situation? Do all we have to say merely sounds like pious but hollow words?

There is a book in the Old Testament written especially for people caught up in war. It was written by the prophet Jeremiah after the destruction of his beloved city, Jerusalem. The book is called Lamentations. In any conflict the innocent suffer. The causes of the conflict will vary from that of Israel in Jeremiah’s day. You read of his anguish, his identification with its destruction and even his questioning of God. However in the midst of this book of tears the radiance of Hope bursts through. This isn’t a whistling in the dark, fingers crossed type of hope. It is founded on the rock solid faithfulness of God to His promises.

Jeremiah was distraught by the apparent hopelessness which the burning rubble of city and temple presented. He believed God had promised through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob a Messiah and King would come through the tribe of Judah. Was all that now abandoned by God because of human faithlessness, failure and folly? The nation was in captivity in Babylon. The city destroyed. God’s promise seemed null and void. Had the ungodly won the battle?

Even today this scenario is being played out, especially in Islamic countries. Rival Islamic militants are intent on destroying each other. All of those Islamic groups also have the desire to eliminate Jews and Christians. Where is the Lord Jesus Christ in all of this? The United Nations relief agencies are in the camps supplying food and shelter but where can hope be found? Where will the heart find comfort that truth, righteousness and justice will ultimately one day come? When the Christian suffering refugees bury their dead what will sustain their faith? What can they offer to the children who are hungry, naked and confused?

There can only be the promises of God spelt out in the Bible. These are not wishful thinking words. The promises of God are verifiable and tested by time and fulfilment in a number of areas. Jeremiah wrestled in his pain, poverty and loneliness with wondering if God would succeed in doing what He promised. The prophet wrote down his convictions in Lamentations 3. (see below). He also declared that God would bring back the nation to the Land after seventy (70) years. It happened! We also know that God kept His word in the sending of His son Jesus to be the Messiah. Christmas and Easter are testament to that.

Therefore, what hope can we offer to those who sit in the rubble of their world? What can we say when injustice, cruelty and corruption flaunt themselves and defile the Name and Word of God? ‘(God) has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead’. (Acts 17:31 speaking of course about Jesus Christ) Compare also Jude 15-25 Revelation 20.

The Bible is actually a book written to refugees assailed, expelled or threatened for their faith in Jesus as God’s Son, our Saviour. Those of us in the more stable countries at this moment need to pray for those who are suffering and dying for their faith, now. We may well be next. Therefore each of us needs to reconnect and take to heart the wonderful words of faith which held Jeremiah together even as his tears of despair flowed.

‘My soul … is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope; The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to and end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.’ (Lamentations 3:20-26)

Hope is founded on God’s character, integrity and track record in fulfilling what He promised. Now is the time to be strengthened in it through reading, believing and obeying His word. Now is also the time to make His promise of forgiveness and a new destiny by putting your trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. He is the One who will one day come to judge the world in righteousness. That’s hope sustained by God’s faithfulness!

Biblical Fools #3: The Foolish and 'Fossilized' Prophet

1 Kings 13 has a depressing story of a ‘fossilized and foolish prophet.’ All of us, especially ministers would do well to heed its message. The amount of detail preserved in Scripture concerning this man must surely be a warning for all. As the years roll over us and we deal with the rawness of people’s experiences we need to be on guard. We should be alert to any hardening influences which want to creep into our spirits. The ‘Old Prophet’ syndrome is easily caught and hard to overcome. Don’t let it be your obituary notice in Heaven’s log book.

How did this man, unnamed, become spiritually hard, barren and ‘deadly?’ He would not have set out to become what we read about him. The paralysis of the spirit must have been insidious, slow and poisonous. His call to serve Yahweh was during the reign of Solomon. When that king died the nation was divided into the North and South kingdoms. Jeroboam established two rival religious and political centres. Their aim was to seduce his supporting tribes from going to Jerusalem in accordance with the Law. It worked! It was idolatrous but it worked. Did the old prophet speak up for Yahweh’s law and worship? Did he denounce such treason? Did he lose heart because no one seemed to listen? Did he think that silence was safety? What forces were in play to keep him in Bethel which no longer meant the house of God? His subsequent behaviour revealed the hardening power of compromise and indifference to the Word of God!

We live in a multi–cultural and litigious society. As such it’s hostile to the moral and spiritual doctrines of Scripture. The safety of silence can become a wonderful hideout. Whilst our Lord did call us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves He didn’t ask us to be mute. Nor does He expect us to back pedal on what His word declares. Ministry has to be gracious, not necessarily popular.

We are repeatedly told in Scripture not to be false witnesses. The Old Prophet was this in two ways at least. He was false to his calling and false in what he said to the young man of God. This unnamed man of God knew his mission and carried it out. He was on his way home in accordance with the Lord’s word for he had been instructed not to hang around or to fraternise. Then along comes this senior prophet and deceives him saying God had told him to have this young man home for a meal. Was the young man’s acceptance due to respect for the aged prophet? Did the young prophet imagine God had changed His mind? Surely he would never have suspected that another man of the prophetic class would deliberately lie.

Why would this fossilized prophet want to have the young man come home for ‘supper’? Was it nostalgia? Was it seeking to impress? Whatever it was he became an instrument of death to an unsuspecting young man. One of the saddest aspects of this matter is how the ‘fossilized prophet’ is portrayed. He showed no remorse, no conscience nor repentance over what he did or what happened to the young ‘man of God’. The young man was led astray by someone who should have been a mentor but turned out to be a traitor.

Within churches today such characters move with cunning, deceit and apparent immunity. These faithless and compromising ministers and priests have lost touch with the Lord Jesus and His word. Sad to say they cause spiritual and ministerial death to many bright and faithful men and women of God. Society views the behaviour and its devastating impact and curses God and rejects His scriptures and grace.

Another question seeks an answer. How were the Fossilized Prophet’s family affected by his betrayal of the Law’s doctrine and duty? Would they have had any interest in the things of Yahweh? If they bothered to go to any form of worship how genuine could it have been? To cap it all, would his treatment of the ‘man of God’ be a stumbling block too high for them to climb? Did he care? There is such a high price to pay with wide ranging consequences when a man or woman betrays God, scripture and God’s sacred calling.

Such ‘fossilized’ fools will be called to account before the judgement seat of God one day. They might expect favourable and merciful treatment from a sentimental God. How wrong they are. God will be just but also true to His holy character and render to them as their deeds deserve. Fossils may hold pride of place in museums, but in Heaven they have no place. We should always heed the description of our Lord in Hebrews 12:29. He is a consuming fire. Unless we are true to Him and know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we will not escape condemnation and rejection.

Don’t be a fool or try and play God as if He is one. Be true to Christ Jesus and you will find Him eternally true to you. Now that is the wise thing to do!

Happiness which Endures Tough Times

An old saying goes ‘There’s gold in them thar hills.’ Only trouble is you have to go and search for it.

It is a similar in regards to happiness. It isn’t found in the hills or valleys or in things although many can find enjoyment in such things. They can be likened to ‘fools gold’ for they look like the real thing but haven’t the value or lasting worth of real gold. Happiness is something that possesses the heart and mind. It proves its worth and lasting power in tough times.

Can people in Syria, Algeria, Hungary and any number of strife ridden countries know true and lasting happiness? If so, where can it be found? Strange though it may sound true and lasting happiness is founding a Person and His book. This person is Jesus Christ. His book is the Bible. The word we write as ‘happiness’ is translated ‘Blessed’ in this sacred book. In the closing letter called Revelation this term is used at least seven (7) times. That is strange when you think of it for the letter is one dealing with the future and warfare, judgement and conflict. Even the writer, John, when he penned this epistle was a prisoner of Caesar on the isle of Patmos. Yet he was happy! This is his opening words: ‘Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and keep what is written in it; for the time is near.’ Revelation 1:3

The promise to the reader about experiencing happiness from this book is there for the receiving. Unfortunately, between the eye of the reader and the mind there can be many distractions or causes of ‘blindness.’

Happiness cannot be framed and put on the wall as a certificate of merit. To be blessed by God has its high moments of exhilaration and the quieter times of delight. Our defence against a loss of happiness is explained by John in: ‘… blessed are those who hear and keep what is written …’ It’s all in the word ‘keep’. In the NIV translation it says, ‘take it to heart’. The idea suggests a believer should be a watchman on a castle battlement keeping a lookout for enemy infiltration. Our telescope to spot danger is what is written. At the same time God’s word is a microscope. We turn it upon our soul’s attitudes and behaviour. Are we being true to what is written?

In Revelation John takes us through current and foretold events which threaten the happiness of God’s people. This explains why he joins happiness to keeping what is written. Revelation begins with the majesty of Christ and His ability to thrill the hearts of the faithful. Then it presents the judgements of Christ against all that corrupts, oppresses and denies godliness. The book concludes with the glories of Christ’s victory and the new heaven and earth. As we face uncertain times in a turbulent world, the Bible nourishes faith and strengthens hope. It also warns and informs us about coming events. As we read our understanding about God being in control grows. That’s happiness. From even a casual look around the globe there is more tears than laughter, more fear than cheer. How can any reasonable person experience the fruit of happiness which is peace, hope, love and a sense of eternal safety in the face of death? It comes from knowing that Jesus is Lord of your life and that nothing can separate you from Him. (Romans 8) Happiness is the confidence that Jesus Christ keeps His word and will share your trials and troubles and bring you ultimately into His presence. Happiness is the contentment which fills the heart knowing He has set aside a day when Justice will be meted out.

How can we be sure?


more about happiness as promised
by Christ
in my latest devotional.



Read the letter of Revelation and realise this has been given by the risen Lord Jesus to guard us, guide us and bless us. If we face life’s madness and people’s cruelties without Him and His word we have no foundation for happiness, now or in eternity. However st the end of the book promise’s ‘Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed (happy) is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.’ (Revelation 22:7)

When Easter's climax takes place

The triumph of Jesus as the Christ at the Jewish Passover festival, which Gentiles call Easter, has not reached its climax. The resurrection of Jesus verified the Bible and His credentials as the Lord, the Christ. It also declared Him to be the Saviour with power to forgive and offer believers in Him a new beginning,a new hope and a new destiny. All that is available now. However, there are other factors still to be resolved from Christ Jesus' resurrection. He must return again to set up His kingdom and bring peace to earth. This is called Christ's second coming. There are many facets to this glorious hope.When He returns it will be as the Lord God of Hosts, the warrior Lord.

Most teaching, preaching and debating concerning the Second Coming of Christ revolves around Armageddon scenarios. Often overlooked, is a much more heart–warming doctrine and expectation. The Lord Jesus comes to enjoy His people. When will that take place? ‘On that day’ presumably the same period of time Jesus Christ comes as the Warrior Lord. To one group He wields the sword. To the other He comes with the victor’s garland.

Jesus Christ the Warrior Lord comes to be glorified.
How?
We know not the details only the guest list.
They are His set apart ones. Other translations say ‘holy ones.’ Here is another difference between those destined for the sword and those for the garland. Holiness! This cannot be self generated. It must be bestowed. Without it no one will be able to see the Lord let alone abide in His presence. (Hebrews 12:14) Here again is another cause for glorifying the Lord for He has done it to us. ‘You who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he (Christ Jesus) has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him. (Colossians 1:21-22)

Christ's followers are under severe attack around the globe simply for being Christians. The Lord feels their pain and will not forget their faithfulness when He returns. Neither will Jesus ignore bringing vengeance upon those who who slaughter and defile His people. Justice will be done. Also at that time the Lord Jesus will honour those who have endured such oppression from across the centuries. Yes,they have already rested from their labours and trials but await their vindication. At this time the Lord’s combined people join in the celebration of their Saviour, Lord and God. For the first time the redeemed will join together and make the universe resound with their joy in Jesus their Christ. So many of them across the centuries, and more particularly during the years of tribulation would have been persecuted or slaughtered. Now they can give free rein to the pleasure and gratitude to the Son of God, their Lord and Saviour

Jesus Christ the Warrior Lord will be marvelled at by His people.

How?

It doesn’t say.

But to see Him as the warrior Lord clothed in His righteousness, glowing with its brilliance, will be awesome. To have witnessed His triumph over the forces of evil with the sword of His mouth, the breath of judgment, will leave them speechless. That is, until there surges forth from countless lips the Hallelujah chorus of joy. What was sung on the day He entered Jerusalem on the donkey, and not really believed by the masses, now comes true.

Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonuians, goes on to say that some of his prayer life was set apart for them so the Lord will be glorified in them. There’s a principle here. The apostle turns the negative of affliction and loss into a positive. He urged his readers to see such terror as means of proving a personal worthiness for the coming Kingdom. Such worthiness shouldn’t be seen as trying to impress God. Rather it is God’s statement through the believers to the persecutors that He has made His people to be worthy. Their trust, proven under pressure, confronts a wicked world with an unassailable testimony to the Lord Jesus and His power to save and keep. When the Lord returns He will avenge His saints and honour them for their faithfulness. They will glorify Him but He will also rejoice over them.

As we celebrate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus the Christ we also share in the expectation of its climax. Whatever our personal circumstances our hearts are set on the Lord as our saviour and our Friend as well as our Eternal God. We have a wonderful promise and hope that Christ's resurrection guarantees, Jesus is coming again.Then we will not only sing "He is risen, He is risen from the dead" or "We are waiting, we are waiting for Christ to return, we are faithful, we are faithful as we wait for Him to return." As we stand in awe before Jesus on that day our song may well be "He has come and we behold Him, Jesus has come as He promised, Jesus our Lord is with us now! Hallelujah!"

Until then we cry 'Maranatha!'

The Music of the Cross

A world without good and meaningful music would be a world of despair, loveless and forlorn. Music can express the hope, expectations, thrill and testimony of love, adventure, mercy and grace. That is why Christians sing. That is why the Taliban don’t. They have nothing to sing about for they don’t have a Saviour, no Heavenly Father and therefore no hope.

What has given the followers of Christ Jesus music in their hearts? The unbreakable embrace of Christ and His cross and the testimony of His resurrection. The very symbol which is a stumbling block to Israel and stupidity to all else is for Christians their glory. Why? Because of the story it tells, the person it reveals, the victory revealed and the grace unsealed to the believer. The symbol of horror and death has become the Hallelujah anthem of Eternity. The cross not only transforms, it has been transformed. It marks many graves yet it has its upright pointing to heaven. Surely it’s a symbol that those who are dead and lying horizontal have, or could have had an upward hope of Heaven.

The Judeo–Christian faith is saturated with music. That which is sung isn’t a wasted endeavour for it is sung to and in the presence of the Almighty God. When you read the Bible, especially the Psalms, you realise the writers were voicing their heart, its love and fears, joys and tears to the Lord of Glory. How is it possible for the eternal, holy and just God to hear and enjoy the individual’s or the congregation’s song? Someone has taken away the ‘sound–barrier’ between earth and heaven. What was the ‘barrier’? Humankind’s personal and corporate sin with all such a word includes. Such sinfulness simply offended the holiness of God and caused our ‘music’ to be mere obscene noise to His ears.

The cross of Jesus Christ has given us unending songs of gratitude and glory to our Lord and Saviour. There our past was dealt with. There our future unlocked. There we were transformed from enemies of, to being children of God. There we were given a song to sing that could never be silenced. On the cross Jesus sang the terrible lament ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me’? That would have been our enduring refrain in eternal darkness if Jesus hadn’t been willing to step between us and the holy judgments of the Father. Jesus sang it in agony so that by the power of His righteous life and resurrection we can sing the Hallelujah chorus gratefully.

Disciples of Jesus Christ need to sing. The Psalms or Gregorian chants, popular hymns or choruses even such masterpieces as ‘The Messiah’ or Saint Matthew’s Passion (of Christ and the cross) offers such opportunities. The musical wonder of the cross is that there is always something new and fresh to sing about. As a person ages in their faith some songs grab the heart and mind to become personal favourites and godly testimonies. The wonder of the saving life of Christ personally grasped by faith comforts us in our darkest times while thrilling us in our joyous ones.

The music of the cross is about love and redemption. It covers grace and mercy whilst embracing justice and holiness. It testifies to the triune God fulfilling His word at great personal agony. The music can never die. The composer did so that we who were dead in sin might live. The melody of the cross doesn’t fade, it grows stronger despite all the attempts of the ungodly, the Taliban and foolish to silence it. How is that possible? Because of the great words the angels said and made into a song about Easter Sunday ‘He (Jesus) isn’t here (in the tomb) He is risen!’

The music of the cross must be a personal experience before it can be celebrated as a corporate testimony. Should you long to have that song in your life lift up your heart to Jesus and offer it to Him, no strings attached! He will accept it, transform it, tune it to His wave length and then listen to the song He gives you to sing.

Revelation 5:11–12 sums things up so beautifully and powerfully ‘Then I (John) looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb that

Was slaughtered

To receive power and wealth
And wisdom and might
and honour and glory and
blessing!”

Now that is the finale of the Music of the Cross

Poking the 'Eye' of God.

How do you poke God in the ‘eye?’‘Truly, one who touches you (nation of Israel) touches the apple of my eye.’ (Zechariah 2:8).

How do you make God jealous?‘Thus says the Lord of Hosts; I am jealous for her (Jerusalem) with great wrath.’ (Zechariah 8:2)

Some will say that was long ago and not relevant to today. Think again. ‘Thus says the Lord; I will return to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city and the mountain of the Lord of hosts shall be called the holy mountain. (Zechariah 8:3). That hasn’t happened. Will it? Islamic nations hope not. In league with anti–Semitic Gentile nations they are doing everything in their power to prevent it. Will they succeed? Are the United Nations plus the World Council of Churches, whose decrees we know, stronger than the Word of God, which calls us to trust it? This is ultimately the choices before us.

Zechariah calls Jerusalem a ‘cup of reeling’ for all the peoples surrounding the land and city. Their insane craving to consume this place will ultimately make them devoid of reason and inflame acts of violence. We live in an era where we have witnessed small scale acts of the ‘reeling power’ of this city. According to scripture it will get worse. So what are the implications of the opening statements? The Lord God unveiled in the bible is dismissed as a non–event and the people who are His ‘eye’ are expendable. Because it appears God is silent and has forgotten Israel (He hasn’t) the anti–Semitic nations feel invincible. However the Lord has set aside a time of vengeance; of judgement; of deliverance when He will honour to His Name and word.

This is the era of grace. How long it will last is known only to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. When His patience ends judgement begins. So as to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind about its architect God has had it recorded. His enemies have tried to obliterate His book since day one. Why? It’s not simply because they don’t like their destiny, they want to make God a liar. They will never succeed! Zechariah speaks about this time in his 12th and 14th chapters. The nations fight against Jerusalem and seem to win. However the Lord of hosts says “Enough!” No more poking of His eye by arrogant unbelieving nations. No more being scoffed at. No more the city of His heart being trodden under foot.

The prophet foresaw this event and described it as the Lord touching down on the Mount of Olives. He strides into His city to reclaim it and establish the promised reign of righteousness and justice. On that day ‘the Lord will become King over all the earth; on that day the Lord will be one and his name one.’ (Zechariah 14:9) What about Jerusalem? ‘It shall be inhabited, for never again shall it be doomed to destruction; Jerusalem shall abide in security.’ (Zechariah 14:11) Notice those two words ‘never again!’ Well worth a study where they are used.

The bible has so many references to the history and the future of Jerusalem it would take many articles to explore. Why did Jesus weep over it? (Matthew 23:37) He saw their unbelief. He saw the Gentile nations’ hatred. He felt the Gentile’s collective ‘finger in His eye’. He knew their destructive intent and the terror they would inflict upon the city of His heart.  

However the Lord Jesus did not despair. He also knew the future and looked to the day beautifully described in Isaiah 62. Please read the whole passage. Suffice it now to quote verse 4: ‘You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.’ The word ‘Delight in Her’ in Hebrew is ‘Hephzibah.’ Therefore any person, any nation, and any Church group should be careful about their actions and their attitudes are levelled against this city. Why? ‘You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.’ (Isaiah 62:3).

Triple 'J' versus Triple 'N'

No, this isn’t a battle for ratings by two radio stations. It isn’t a wrestling match by two sides of three each. This is a battle for the mind and destiny of individuals and nations. It has consequences far beyond a play on words.

An old quote by a railway station sticks in my mind: ‘What you eat today walks and talks tomorrow.’ Turn that saying around and make it say: ‘What you believe today will guide your life and destiny.’ This undergirds the very issues of ‘J’ and ‘N’. The triple ‘J’ team points out Jesus, Justice and Judgement.’ The triple ‘N’ team comprises, No God, No absolutes and No Judgement.

If ‘N’ is correct we live in a world without a moral and spiritual compass. It makes every person a ‘god’ and therefore they expect due allegiance. What we witness in much of life is a classic battle of ‘the gods.’ However, beyond that, the cry for justice is meaningless. What do we mean by the term? Justice requires a standard. That standard requires absolutes. Breaking the standard implies judgement. There’s the problem for atheists, evolutionists or those who believe either death ends everything or we all go to heaven: Where is judgement exercised and justice meted out?

If we imagine it will be in this life then we are disillusioned and irrational. Where is judgement given to the Mafia bosses who rule by terror, live in luxury and die feted? Where is justice for all those who were never caught before death who abused children, corrupted individuals and institutions, even countries? What about the drug barons, war lords and slavers? Where is accountability to the religious wolves posing as sheep who rip apart the body of Christ, the Church? These pariahs of life imagine that belonging to the Triple ‘N’ team is to win. Their victims die as losers screaming for judgement to fall on the depraved destroyers of their lives.

Into this arena jumps the triple ‘J’ team. Jesus, Justice and Judgement bring a moral imperative for life. The ‘J’ team declares that this world is unfair and therefore unjust. Some perverted principle, power or person usurped creation and plays out its wickedness through the lives of people. Jesus is recorded as entering this world to deal with such poison. To do that He had to confront it, drink it, experience its killing power on behalf of the world. To break its power required His personal resurrection from the tomb. Only then could there be verification of victory. Here is the utterance that shatters the universe “Jesus, He is not in the tomb. He is Risen!” He is the testimony that offers a moral compass for living in time and eternity. Jesus is the guarantor of a future judgement day.

How can we be sure of this? It is the testimony of secular and sacred history. The existence of the Christian Church points to it. Lives transformed from the realm of Triple ‘N’ with its despair are an ever present testimony. Read the bible and sense the risen Lord’s presence. Jesus tells us that before Him every knee will bow. Every person will be accountable for his or her faith, unbelief and actions. Christ’s Jesus standard is Himself and His Word. When will this take place? After death comes the Judgement, Hebrews 9:27. and Revelation 20.

Those in the Triple ‘N’ team will know Heaven’s justice through Judgement. As there are degrees of rewards to those in the Triple ‘J’ team so there are degrees of punishment for those outside it. Both are eternal (Matthew 25:46). Some feel God is unfair to do such a thing. Such views are the warped thinking of those who don’t believe in God anyway. They really don’t have any concept of righteousness, justice, accountability and the Supreme Judge of all things. His judgements flow from His intimate knowledge of each of us. He looks at us to see whether or not Jesus is our Lord and Saviour. His decision is flavoured by His holiness, mercy, truth and justice.

The ‘N’ crowd may hypnotise themselves into imagining oblivion waits and therefore they will escape any form of judgement. The bible describes the after effects of such believing as producing an eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth. Those who cling to Jesus and belong by faith with Him in the ‘J’ team will know the price paid to belong has an eternal reward. In this world the Lord says to His followers they will not experience justice because they belong to Him. However, as Christ’s followers they are to give justice, express love and to live faithfully. Jesus is our moral compass. He will be our eternal reward.

The bible has forecast the end result of the contest between Triple ‘J’ and Triple ‘N’. Read it especially in the Gospel of Matthew and the book of Revelation. For followers of Jesus throughout eternity ‘J’ will stand for joy, jubilation and justice.