The Devil's Love

Sound's strange doesn't it. The Devil loves? We imagine that is an impossibility, but is it? Consider the very basic elements of 'love.'  It includes delighting in something, committed to someone or thing, the pursuit of a purpose and something which arouses the emotions. All of that is what the Devil is capable of.

The difference between his love and Christ's love stems from their very nature. The Devil's is Darkness, Jesus Christ's is Light. The devil love is ego centred and depraved. Christ's love is outgoing and holy. The Devil's titles unmask his character. He hates Christ Jesus and His people. Devil means 'spoiler, destroyer.' The name Satan means adversary. He is also referred to as Apollyon, meaning destroyer and Beelzebub stands for 'Lord of the flies.' (One who breeds on vermin and decay). He is also called the Serpent and the Dragon.

As we live  in a *World under His control we should not be surprised that what he loves predominates society. In this short article only the briefest insights from Scripture can be given. The Devil loves twisting, defiling and thereby confusing **Scripture to a person's mind. Half truths and out of context quotes are his stock in trade. He has formed religious movements on this premise and the occult is his signature expression. Into Christian Denominations Satan infiltrates with his pernicious doctrines strongly stated by Jude's letter. The Devil's hatred for Israel is evident throughout history. Therefore, he will love and use those who deny Israel's right to exist, who deny God has a future for them and who deny the nation of its right to their Land.

Apollyon loves what his servants do even though he knows they are self-destructing. He enjoys seeing ruined lives and gloats over their pitiable state. At this moment as the ***'Serpent'  he is seducing many with terms such as marriage equality, transgender, evolution, power, prestige and the like, He gloats as those who call themselves Christian stand on his side to undermine God's unchanging Scriptures. Then he puts on his 'lawyer's hat' and +accuses them to the Lord God. Being a murderer from the beginning the Dragon loves to maul Christ's people and shred the Lord's written word. The Devil will love people for his purposes with a love which will demean, deprave, deny God's word, disfigure Christ and the cross and ultimately, eternally, destroy the person.

++Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the Devil. Jesus did that at the Cross. By His resurrection power He is still doing it. The best antidote to those whom Satan loves to use to degrade, destroy and kill is the Love of Christ. We have been promised Christ's grace to trample upon and+++ bruise Satan's head. In Christ we are equipped to shatter the Devil's dark and deathly love. By the ministry of the Holy Spirit Heaven's radiance chases the Devil's darkness away. Standing confident in the Truth of God's word we unmask his lies and deceit. 


Christ's love bears the hallmark of the Cross.
Christ's love reverberates with the power of His resurrection.
Christ 's love redeems, transforms, liberates.
Christ's love brings truth, grace, cleansing and fashions you for eternal glory.
Christ's love. Now, that is real LOVE!^

Copy right Ray Hawkins 24th Sept. 2017
*1 John 5:19.   **Matthew4:6.   ***Revelation 12:9. 20:2   + Revelation 12:10.  ++ 1 John 3:8.
+++ Romans 16:20.    ^ Romans 5:8.

What's in a name.

Diotrephes who must rank as the example par excellence of Ego leadership in its rawness. He appears, not very favourably, in the New Testament letter of 3 John. Is there a clue to his spiritual condition in his name? In former years when people were converted from paganism they changed their names. This was an indication of belonging to a new Lord and going to a new destiny. Diotrephes kept his old name. It meant ‘nourished by Jupiter’ the ruler of the Roman pantheon of gods. What we read about this man tells us a lot about the source of his spiritual nurture. Whether he was a new man in Christ or a fraud only the Lord knows. However, it would appear that his past allegiance, belief system and family history overruled Biblical lifestyle and spirit.

Nowadays we don’t usually need to change our names when we are converted. This is the beauty of living in a nation influenced by the Christian faith. We do however need to ensure where our spiritual nourishment comes from. We also need to cut any ties that link our history with the occult. That evil distorts how we view God's call on our life and service. Psalm 139:23–23 — ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.’  The worry is that within those called to be leaders there lies a latent ‘Diotrephes’. This creature of the soul is itching to spring up and dominate. To keep this carnal ‘creature’ under control requires all the power of the cross and searchlight of  God's word.

Diotrephes loves to be first. If we are honest with ourselves we all have similar tendencies. However there can only ever be one who holds first place in the Church. ‘He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy’ (Colossians 1:17–18). Deny the Lord this right and immediately self-will stirs. Unseen, yet always nearby, the forces of Darkness will fan self-will into an ego inferno. Too many local fellowships have been reduced to spiritual cinders by egotistical warring parties whether in pulpit or pew.

Diotrephes had powerful lips that spoke malicious words. He aimed to alienate his followers from the apostle John and others. Was it envy or fear which motivated such opposition? Would his true spiritual condition be unveiled in the presence of this apostle? Unless we are in a right relationship with Jesus Christ we will feel threatened by the person who is. The fragrance of the Lord within offends and causes aggressive reaction in those whose odour is of the flesh. Diotrephes could have been a man mighty in the Lord’s service, but he squandered it through an unsanctified attitude. Lust for power and a destructive mouth can never edify the people of God.

The apostle urged his readers not to imitate what is evil but what is good. Why? ‘Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God’ (3 John 11). This referred to an ongoing condition stretching over time and not merely an uncharacteristic lapse. Had Diotrephes once ‘seen’ the Lord as the gospel was presented to him? What had crept into his life and found opportunity to kill his vision? Jesus promised the pure in heart would see God. This leader must have allowed the impure to impair his spiritual eyesight. Jesus warned: ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness, how great is that darkness (Matthew 6:22). Spiritual eyesight has its slow loss caused by the glaucoma and cataracts of faithless and immoral living. Unless treated it blinds with devastating spiritual consequences.

We look to the Lord by faith to be saved.  We need also to continually look to the Lord to combat the diseases of the spiritual eyes. Jesus calls men and women out of spiritual darkness and desires them to walk in His radiance.  It is essential for congregational leaders to have good eye-sight. Only then can they keep their eyes focused on the Lord. When this happens the local Body of Christ enjoys harmony, testimony and effective mission.

 Ray Hawkins July 2nd 2017.

Nebuchadnezzar's Nightmare.

The king's nightmare  was nearly the death of many of his subjects. He couldn't remember it and expected his wise ment to conjure it up and interpret it. They couldn't. Nechadnezzar  wasn't a tolerant ruler. Fortunately Daniel came to their rescue by Yahweh's intervention through  him. 

What was given by God then is still relevant for us to day.

Nebuchadnezzar's vision of the four World Empires outlines the Biblical view of History. The huge statue portrayed  Babylon, then Medes and Persia followed by Greece and climaxing in Rome. The final Empire is seen to break down into ten distinct divisions yet belong to the one idolatrous system. It is interesting to note the degenerating nature of the Empires and their ferocity according to Daniel 7.

The Roman Empire has come and gone, apparently. So how authentic is the vision Daniel interpreted for the king of Babylon? Something must have intervened to forestall the climax when the Stone from Heaven smashes the fourth (and including the previous three) empires. From Ephesians 3 we understand this to be the Church, the Body of Christ.

In the book of Revelation we come face to face with the fourth Empire and its 1o toes. This book actually helps us to understand Daniel’s presentation to Nebuchadnezzar. We tend to separate the empires when in reality they are infused by the one spirit, the one guiding life force and the one aim.  The head is Babylon and whilst the Kingdom state has ceased the ‘head of the Idol’ continues to rule. It is the energising power of the other three empires.

The first mention of Babylon in Scripture is in Genesis 10:8-12 and 11:1-9. Its founder opposed the Lord Yahweh and initiated a religious system diametrically opposed to the character and purposes of the eternal God. It is the occult and has influenced all the anti-Yahweh, anti-Christ, anti-Judeo/Christian Scriptures across history. The Bible at the appropriate time unveiled the animating power of Babylon. Isaiah 14:12-14. It is Lucifer, the one known as the Devil, Satan and the Serpent.

It is the longing of the Babylonian spirit to rule. It is its desire to occupy the land Yahweh has described as His own. It is the underlying reason for all the effort by Gentile nations to claim the holy mount Zion and raise a statue called in Revelation 13:14-15 ‘the image of the Beast.’ At present such a scenario painted by John is held in check. This is the teaching Paul stressed in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 which in turn is preceded by 1Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Whenever that happens the final week [0f years] as foreseen by Daniel (9:24-27. 12:1-11) is about to begin. What he didn’t explain the apostle John detailed! In Daniel the demolishing force is described as ‘the stone cut from the mountain without hands’ is revealed in Revelation as Jesus. He is the Warrior Lord, the Lord of Hosts. He and He alone has the power and the authority to overthrow the spirit of Babylon. By the breath of His mouth Jesus prevails. By His presence returning to His land, Israel, His mount, Zion, the kingdoms portrayed in the idol are shattered and scattered into eternity’s dust. He comes to fulfil His promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David. He comes to vindicate the Covenant of God with the nation of Israel. Amos 3:2 declares that ‘you [Israel] only have I known of all the families of the earth…’ (Psalm 147:19-20). He comes and then Scripture will be fulfilled which says every creature and all creation will bow before Him and through Him render praise to the Father!

When that takes place the promised 5^th kingdom begins. It is the Kingdom of God on earth. The number 5 is significant. For that number speaks of God’s grace shown to humanity. The redeemed across history are appointed a place in the promised 5^th kingdom. He who is the Son of God and Son of Man, King of Israel and Head of the Church is our Redeemer. We should be thankful to king Nebuchadnezzar for his nightmare as it laid a foundation for us to understand God’s sovereignty in and over history.

© Ray Hawkins July 2016.

When will Christmas End?

There’s an end to Christmas and its message. When will that be? I don’t know but this I do know Christmas celebrations have a completion date. How do I know this? Because Jesus Christ will return to claim the throne of David, establish the Kingdom of God and fulfil the Christmas promises of joy and peace.

We are living in an era when various forces seem to be combining to make a premature cessation of the Christ advent. Looking at these forces, political, moral and spiritual they appear on the surface to be independent movements. However, if you have any background knowledge of Christian Scripture, especially the Book of Revelation, you see the ‘manipulator’. The atmosphere of these anti-Christian, anti-Christmas movements reeks of the Kingdom of Darkness. The apostle John in his first letter wrote ‘We know … the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.’

Who is the wicked one’? The Devil! His aim is to rid this world of the moral and spiritual values God requires. Do you want to have a glimpse of the coming world? Do you want to have an insight into its devilish delights? Read the book of Revelation. When a society rejects the moral code summarised in the Ten Commandments lawlessness takes over. Denying Yahweh’s existence and promoting ‘you are a piece of celestial junk’ destroys life’s meaning and hope.

Why is there such a self-destructive intent in drug taking and binge drinking? It is the devil’s delusion promising self-realisation. It promises to take a person out of their horrid existence and into euphoria. The end result is a degraded life and if unchecked an eternal death.  Why link drugs with the Devil? The word used for sorceries in Revelation 18:23 is Pharmakia from which we get pharmacy. It is this misuse of chemistry by which the occult enslaves unsuspecting lives. You can see evidence of its poison even now in communities.

The first Christmas came in the fullness of time. It was promised. It took time for all the necessary facets to come together. It happened. Its purposes are still being talked about, believed in and rejoiced over. The person whose name adorns this event still receives the worship, allegiance and service of those who call Him “Saviour and Lord!” Unfortunately, many of them are cruelly persecuted for their faith. If Heaven has a gallery of heroes of the Christian Faith there would be a gallery which features the martyrs. In a sense Hebrews 11 gives a brief list of such faithful people. In Hebrews 12:1 they are called a ‘cloud of witnesses’ whose example is to encourage us. In Revelation 6:10 the martyrs slain on behalf of the word of God cry out: “How long O Lord, holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”  What they are calling for is the completion of the Christmas promises.

There are many promises recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. They deal with Jesus being King over the nations, He will be Saviour, Christ the Lord and the Light to the Gentiles. Christmas was the necessary first part in establishing the Kingdom of God on earth. Part of the promises linked to Christmas have been made possible because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus. Some are still outstanding. They cannot be fulfilled until Jesus returns, as He promised. Until then, disciples and followers of Christ will celebrate the Bethlehem event. Some will do it in peace. Others will do it under threat of severe repercussions. All believers will long for the time when Christmas will no longer be celebrated for all it stands for will be accomplished.

Then there will be peace on earth. Then goodwill prevails. Then Jesus reigns from Mt Zion. Then justice and righteousness permeates life. Then the kingdom of Darkness and its citizens are no more. Until then, use Christmas as a time to honour the Lord, celebrate His entry into our scene and to look forward to His return. That will ensure you a ‘Merry Christmas’ under the smile of God.

Ray Hawkins November 23rd 2015.

THE DEVIL CAN READ

Secrecy is vital in warfare. Enemies endeavour to discover the opposing forces plans by whatever means possible. Reading true or fictional accounts of previous conflicts is fascinating to see the bravery and stupidity of the various combatants.

In the moral and spiritual warfare between the Kingdom of Light and that of the Darkness there is a strange anomaly. From the beginning of the contest the Ruler of the Light outlined His plans to reclaim what had been usurped and enslaved. This was intentional. It was to inform those enslaved by the Dark Lord of the air that redemption was coming. Although some generations would not see it literally, they still could participate in the victory. How was this possible? By trusting in the revealed plan of the Lord of the Kingdom of Light and Life. Faith would secure them inclusion in the promised future Kingdom.

Where is this redemptive plan written? In the Judeo-Christian Bible.  From Genesis through to Revelation various facets are spelt out. These may be in promise, symbol, story, parable and in plain words. On their own they may not reveal much (as any investigator appreciates) but put them together in a proper frame and they speak volumes.  Why does the Lord do this? “I declared them (His plans) to you from long ago, before they came to pass I announced them to you, so that you would not say, ‘My idol did them, my carved image and my cast image commanded them’.” (Isaiah 48:5) God wants you to know His heart so that you can respond.

The Devil, the prince of Darkness, doesn’t want you to hear, understand or to respond to the Grace and plans of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Because the Devil can read he sets in motion a counter strategy. This is basically to counterfeit, confuse or crush either God’s Word or God’s people. Let us briefly consider the Devil’s attempts to counterfeit some of God’s promises.

In Genesis chapter three is the account of Humankind’s enslavement by the ruler of the Darkness. When the Lord imposed a judicial judgement on Adam and Eve, He also outlined a future deliverance involving a woman and a baby. This of course is the Virgin Birth and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.  The Devil countered this through the occult powers of the Babylonians. Jeremiah quotes with sadness the tendency of the people of Judah to worship ‘the queen of heaven.’ (Jeremiah 44:17-25) She also is pictured with a baby. This counterfeit is still operating today. Its force is to distract from the wonder of the event called Christmas. The Roman festival called Saturnalia on December 25^th also seeks to lessen the reality of the literal historical event recorded in the Gospels of the birth of Jesus. Think also about how the idea of Christ’s resurrection from the tomb has been distorted. The term Easter comes from a pagan term for the goddess of spring, that is, life renewed from winter’s grave. The bunny and his basket of eggs symbolise new life and fertility.

Because God raised up men to be His penman and record His words, the Devil has done the same. His counterfeit, so called holy books have appeared over time. Each offers their own versions of god, morality and salvation. They do lack historical credibility and fail the test of investigative research. The Bible has been put under the severest and wide ranging investigations but stood up to their tests. Such books as the Koran, the book of Mormon or other religious writings cannot face such detailed examinations. Perhaps this is one reason why those who question especially the Koran are in fear of their lives.

False prophets are the Devil’s infiltrators and saboteurs. Such men and women are nice, presentable well–spoken and plausible. Their intention is to counterfeit the Gospel message and undermine the person and work of Jesus Christ. They will deny Him as the Son of God, the promised Messiah, crucified as our substitute for our judgement, our sin and to secure our forgiveness and salvation. They will scorn the idea of His resurrection and Second Coming, and ridicule the idea of judgement and eternal condemnation. This fits well with men and women who either love their pagan ways or seek to earn God’s favour through self–effort. These false prophets may do wonderful things and impressive works but Jesus calls them agents of evil. (Matthew 7:21-23)

How then can we discern the true from the false? How are we able to unmask the counterfeit and walk in the light of God’s grace? Through holding up teachers and teachings, religion and rituals to the light of God’s Word. Check out what He has promised and see how it has been fulfilled. Then rest comfortably in knowing that that which is still a future event will just as surely be fulfilled. This is the promise recorded in Isaiah 55:10-11: ‘For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.’

© Ray Hawkins

 

 

God has and will honour His promises.

 The Society was sick, morally, spiritually and physically. Isaiah highlights some of the

symptoms in the opening passages of his writings. ‘From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness- only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil. (Isaiah 1:6)

The Nation was also fascinated by the occult. Moses warned the people of his day about this danger. He had it recorded in Deuteronomy 7:1-6 and 18:9-13 to steer Israel clear of the Darkness of the nations prevalent in the land Israel was entering. It is still good advice today. Similar to the Israelite nation of yesteryear people today find a fascination with the Devil’s doorways to despair and bondage.

By the time Isaiah speaks out the nation has become obsessed. ‘When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?’ The result of this involvement is played out in the poverty of the nation and their unbridled anger. The hellishness of their situation is written in Isaiah 8:21,22. ‘Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, they will curse their king and their God. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.’

As you read that it would be easy to imagine that the eternal and Holy God would simply judge and obliterate the nation. This presumably would be what most others with any such authority would do. But that is not the way of the ever faithful Covenant keeping God. The nation may, and did, break the Covenant but not the Lord. It is an expression of His Holy providence that He is able to achieve His purposes even with a nation acting contrary to Its calling. It is in such unco-operative circumstances that we realise the grace,  power and perseverance of the God who will honour His word.

Flowing on from his bleak estimation of the Nation’s unfitness before the Lord the prophet shatters the dismal scene with one word. Nevertheless! (Isa.9:1) God will not be denied the fulfillment of His purposes. In fact the scene will be one of stark contrast, National Darkness penetrated by Heaven’s Light. The impact will be more glorious than a conquering army sharing in the spoils of victory. It will be more joyous than end of harvest celebrations. (Isa.9:2-4)

What will usher in these celebrations? What will be so awesome that it can only be compared to light bursting into the darkness? What will have such authority as to break the bondage of the yoke of the occult? Isaiah doesn’t point to the Lord God of Hosts slaying the unrighteous and casting down the demonic. He adds to a promised babe in chapter 7:14 the following declaration, For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, asnd the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.’ (Is.9:6,7)

So great is the power of God to achieve His purposes that He will use a male babe, the child, to conquer the darkness and turn the Nation’s heart to the Lord God Almighty. Ever since the prophet wrote those words Israel, and indeed the world have waited for it to come to pass. Unfortunately some have endeavoured to prevent it. Some have tried to deny it. Others have sought to corrupt it or smother it. However, God who can turn Humankind’s anger to His own purposes will not be put off by such opposition.

There is a claimant to the fulfilment of this promise. In fact a Jewish Tax collector recorded the life of the one he believed met the requirements of Isaiah’s prophecy. Matthew took the words of Isaiah 9:1,2 and wrote, ‘Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali - to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah, “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordon, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:12-16)

The person Matthew was writing about has come to be known as Yeshua. At his birth, which Matthew records, as well as does Luke a Gentile Doctor, the sense of Isaiah’s insights of a babe to be born dominate.

 It is in the life and work of this person that the ‘Nevertheless’ is able to be fulfilled. He is the source of Heaven’s light in the midst of a Nation’s darkness. Yeshua is God’s ‘Nevertheless’ to all that is blocking a relationship with the Everlasting Lord. Isaiah goes on to deal in more detail with this ‘Son given’ unveiling his character (ch.11), his ministry (ch.42) his rejection, death and resurrection (ch.53) and his return in judgement (ch.63).

 Casting an eye over the world scene today is enough to create despair. It would almost appear to make the days of Isaiah a light hearted romp. If the prophet broke his heart then how would he feel today? One thing is for sure, he would still rest secure in the Covenant keeping God. The prophet would acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and bounce back with that declaration of Faith, ‘Nevertheless!’

 God will fulfill His word to the Nation of Israel despite internal unbelief and external hatred. He will reign from Zion (Isaiah 2) He will honour His word to David (Psalm 89:20-37) He will be known as The Redeemer (Isaiah 43:14) This is the power and significance of ‘Nevertheless’ in the N.I.V translation of Isaiah 9:1. A foretaste of it has been revealed in the babe of Bethlehem who became the man of Nazareth. A deepening appreciation is gained when he is recognised as the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 and the cursed one of Psalm 22. A sense of awe is born when it permeates the mind that in both those passages as in Psalm 118 there is the vibrancy of resurrection life.

God, in our estimation, might be taking His time. When He decides ‘time’s up’ events will happen quickly to the fulfilling of His promises.  Let God’s ‘Nevertheless’ take your eyes and heart away from the darkness and look to what He has already fulfilled and what He has promised for the future.

 

Ray Hawkins. ©Oct. 2014.

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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.

The Battle of the gods

The Lord God and the gods

The claim of the atheists that all the wars have been religious ones has a ring of truth about it. They could have used the term political wars as well. They may not agree with the assessment that even Atheism is a religious belief yet as it requires faith it qualifies.

Perplexed people ponder why is it that nations and individuals find it hard, indeed impossible to get along. Is there an answer? The Bible says ‘yes’ in words plain and clear. Why then do men and women find it hard to accept? I think it is due to the fact the Bible makes us realise that all of us are part of the problem.

What does the Bible reveal as the basic cause of strife, wars and various other aggressive facets of our human nature? Genesis chapter three paints the picture. Satan leads Eve and Adam into an act of rebellion against the Creator God. This fallen angel tempts them with the notion that by taking of the fruit forbidden by Yahweh they will become gods. I think Satan believed their treason would make them slaves in his realm. The unexpected happened and it has infected all their descendents ever since. Humans came to believe they are gods.

The most striking examples of this are the Pharaohs, Caesars and current North Korean leaders. What we fail to appreciate is that each of us possesses this spiritual and moral disease. Within individuals this legacy of Adam’s disobedience will express itself in various ways. From the dominating bullying ego centric despot to the servile, cringing and manipulating weakling. What is the outcome in real life of people? Quarrels and arguments as we seek to assert our rights, our will, our wisdom, even our dislikes and revenge! The human heart wants to rule. It craves sovereignty and the obedience of others. Consider that in the light of James 4:1-3. It is a battle of a ‘god’ seeking lordship over others who think they are ‘god’.

When Adam and Eve took the fruit Satan must have been dismayed, frustrated and angered. Why? Because they didn’t succumb to being his slaves in his kingdom of darkness. Ever since this angel of evil has sought to seduce Humankind to accept his sovereignty. He has done this through the occult, magical arts and the promise of power.

Where has the Lord God almighty, the Creator been in this conflict? He too has been endeavouring to bring the descendents of the first couple back into His Kingdom of Light. He continues to do this before the declaration that time is up. There can only be one Sovereign. Only One who is to worshipped. Only One whose will is to be obeyed.

Therefore as you read the Bible it becomes clear the Lord embarked on a reconquest of His creation and the children of Adam and Eve. His call to them to bow to His sovereignty embraced a number of issues. Love motivated Him for He knows that Judgement awaits those who refuse His offer. Forgiveness has been made possible as the basis for re-entry into His presence. How, for treason is a capital offence? Here is the wonder and the power behind the events we call Christmas, the Cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He has dealt with the moral and spiritual expressions of the conflict and consequences of the battle of the gods with the one and only God.

What now is the issue? Individuals can hang onto their ‘god-ness’ or join with the powers of darkness. Or they can realise the unwiseness of fighting against Yahweh and rejecting His right to their allegiance Such recognition by you, by me, means we reject our claims to personal sovereignty, we acknowledge our rebellion and delusion, we accept His amnesty offered to us in Christ Jesus. It means we bow the knee in surrender and worship.

When we yield up the rights to ourselves to the Lord God Almighty we discover many wonderful truths. We know peace, we have hope and there is no fear in meeting the God before whom all must stand. Sure each of us will face many conflicts and issues which challenge our allegiance to Christ Jesus but we know He stands with us in the fight. We know we have the victory for all eternity. It isn’t ours but Christ Jesus’ and He has given it to us. Our faith commitment to Him is a declaration that for us the battle of the gods against the Lord God has been won by Him. That is a most wonderful defeat and glorious surrender.

Ray (who surrendered and won) Hawkins

Babylon in Scripture

Isaiah 47:1-15. Babylon – Historical and Mystery.

The Bible is a tale of two cities. Each is hostile to the other. Each seeks to convert and prevail. One city is aligned to the powers of Darkness, the other to the Lord of Light. To understand the spiritual and moral forces in the world it is important to have an understanding of these two cities. People live in or are continually confronted by Babylon and Jerusalem.

Babylon – It’s Beginnings and founder. Genesis 10:8-12.
Nimrod = Rebel. A mighty warrior 1 Chronicles. 1:10. is credited with building Babel (Gen. 11:1-9) and founding Babylon (Micah 5:6.) His purpose – one world government and security from any future judgement from the Lord God of Heaven and earth. Nimrod set up a rival worship system which has influenced all the religions of the world. This man, brilliant and forceful in opposing the will and word of Yahweh is the first type of the Anti-Christ. Two features marked him and the future Lawless one(2 Thessalonians. 2:8.) who exalts self to the point of wanting worship. (Dan. 11:36-39.)

Babylon means confusion and mixture. From this city under the influence of Nimrod it became the centre of the occult. Its realm is darkness expressing itself in moral behaviour contrary to God’s character and teaching whilst possessing self-righteous and idolatrous practices.

Babylon – Its dominance and Delusion.
The political power of Babylon was destroyed by the Medes and Persians. However its spiritual and moral influence continued. It’s realm is of the Devil. What the city portrays the Devil promotes throughout this world. It is called ‘Mystery Babylon.’

When we look through the Bible it becomes clear why the Lord God is so opposed to Babylon as a city and its worldwide influence! You can gauge this from the following references
Jeremiah 50:24. It opposes the Lord.
Jeremiah 50:29. Defied the Lord.
Jeremiah 51:11. Destroyed the Jerusalem Temple.
Revelation 18:2,3 The centre of the occult.
Revelation 18:11-13, It is obsessed with greed and slavery.
Revelation 18:24. The blood of prophets and martyred believers in Jesus Christ flows in its streets and wherever it rules. On top of that this city of the kingdom of Darkness practices the magic arts and enslaves people through combining it with drugs. Revelation 9:21. 22:15. 18:23 Everything it does and promotes violates the very holiness of God and denies the grace and goodness of the Creator Redeemer.

As if that wasn’t enough for Judgement by God the most offensive and direct challenge to our Lord is the claim in Isaiah 47:8, 10. ‘I am. There is none besides me. c/- Zephaniah. 2:15. This is an usurping of the Name of God and His eternity. It is a direct challenge to a contest of might. It is a call to men and women to choose which city they are citizens of. God does not allow rival sovereigns. There can ever only be One God supreme over all. This is so important in understanding who Jesus is. He claimed to be “I Am.” He illustrated this title 7 times in the gospel of John as well as saying ‘before Abraham, I am’. If this wasn’t true the Lord God of Heaven would have destroyed him. The Jewish Sanhedrin authorized Jesus death by crucifixion on charges of blasphemy. If true Jesus would still be in the tomb. The wonder of the resurrection is testimony to the truth of who He is and what He achieved. It is also the assurance of His return.

Therefore pretenders to sovereignty must be judged and destroyed. In Scripture such an event is called the Day of the Lord. When the final and ultimate judgement falls upon Babylon it becomes like Sodom and Gomorrah. Never to be inhabited. (it is at this moment.) except by desert creatures. A swampland it will be. Consider the following references:
Jeremiah 51:59-64. The near and the final destructions foretold.
Jeremiah 50:12. A wilderness, dry land, desert. 50:13. Not inhabited. 13:39. Never again inhabited. 51:25,26. Nothing will be salvaged from its destruction.

It is the direct judgement of God and not the intervention of Humankind. It happens in 1 day. (Revelation 18:10,17 says ‘one hour’).

The call of the Lord is to come out of the spiritual/moral/self-righteous darkness of Mystery Babylon and link up with the City in which the Lord God has set His Name and Fame. The eternal city is Jerusalem and you become one of its citizens by a personal commitment of your life to its Sovereign. You know who He is: it is Jesus Christ the risen Lord, the great I Am. Your act of faith and obedience to Him becomes your passport to eternal life with Him.

Ray (a citizen) Hawkins.