Let's Blame God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright Ray Hawkins 10/11/2020

The Devil's 'Game Plan.'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

©Ray Hawkins 28 May 2017.

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.

Constantine's Curse

‘He who pays the piper calls the tune’ still holds true. To choose some other music means losing out of a guaranteed subsidy. Within Church history this arrangement can be recognised as taking place between Church Denominations) and State.

In the first two and half centuries Jesus was the ‘paymaster.’ He was the Church’s theme and the guarantor of its funding. During that time the Church thrived in the face of opposition, pagan religions, infiltration by false teachers and Imperial edicts branding it as a threat. The melody of the cross sounded out with grace and glory. Then came Constantine. As he faced Maxentius at Milvian Bridge for the throne of Rome he had a vision. It was of a cross with the inscription ‘by this conquer.’ He had his soldiers stitch a sign of the cross on their shoulders as they prepared for battle. I wonder how many – if any – had the cross in their heart.

When he was Caesar in 313 he made Christianity legal and the State religion. The title ‘catholic’ appeared in edicts in 324. Bequests were allowed to the Church and Sunday services were officially endorsed. Constantine’s purpose was clear. Keep the Roman authority and State in unity and harmony in the face of Barbarian attacks. The pagan State was now the ‘paymaster.’ An unequal yoking of the State and Church took place. Christendom was ‘hatched.’

Slowly but surely across the centuries this yoke lingers. Its effect on the spiritual, moral and ethical life of the Church has been devastating. For those in Government care little for Biblical truth, Biblical morality and Biblical ethics. They require compliance and assist this with subsidies to clergy, buildings and charitable works. What appears within Church history is the horror of corruption within the Papacy and gross immorality and dereliction of Christ’s call to service. When the Reformation began hopes were high for a new beginning but the Church and State yoke remained even for the Reformers. There were those who heard the music of the Cross and the melody within Scripture and sought to live to its beat. They paid a high price as Christendom reacted to their threatening ‘music.’

The West is considered a mainly Christian influenced world. The message of Christ has had a great impact over the centuries and has reached-out beyond its borders. However the price of compliance and infiltration by the ungodly into the Church still took place and still does. When you read of atheist priests, ‘Gay’ preachers and theologians who reject the Bible or even the historicity of Jesus it makes people wonder about the Christian Faith. In recent decades various Governments around the World have tried to deafen the music of the Scriptures. Seemingly worthy laws such as the ‘anti-discrimination bill’ have been used to bluff, frighten and silence dissent to practices contrary to the teachings of Christ and His Scriptures.

Something strange however is happening. Heaven’s melody is getting louder. A willingness to stand with the Lord means a dependence upon Him rather than being compliant. Such a stand brings its hardships and misrepresentations. We are threatened with breaching discrimination laws because we hold to Biblical teaching on same sex marriage, sexual practices contrary to Scripture and the uniqueness of Christ for salvation. When the Church speaks against abortion, inhumane treatment of refugees or the impropriety of transgender toilets it is opposed or ignored.

A price may have to be paid by those who hear and heed the music of the Lord and trust Him to meet their needs. One thing is certain, within Christendom there is a sifting going on. The ‘music’ to which people will dance will be dictated by whom they accept as ‘Paymaster.’ Will it be to the Mammon offered by Constantine’s successors or to the accepting of the Communion of Christ Jesus? Will it be the Hallelujah Chorus or ‘Money, Money, Money, it’s a rich man’s world?’

©Ray Hawkins August 2016.

Wrongful-mess or Righteousness

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

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

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

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

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

 ©Ray Hawkins 1^st June 2015.

Strange Fire

God, if there is such a Being (and I believe and know there is) must have His standards. We see His laws in creation so there will be laws to govern the life and relationships of Humankind. But how can an individual know them unless the Lord has revealed His requirements? Christians believe God has done this through certain people such as Moses, David and ultimately through Jesus. Their writings and statements have been preserved for our happiness and wellbeing in the Bible.

That means it is our responsibility to know and understand the Lord God’s laws for us. It means that those called to be preachers and teachers of the Bible must share God’s word and not their prejudices. To do so can lead to serious condemnation. This is borne out in many a dramatic and frightening way in both sections of the Bible.

Consider the incident in Numbers 16 and the attitude of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. They were in the privileged tribe of Levi. As such they had the care of the Tabernacle. But they wanted to be involved in the role set exclusively for Aaron and his descendants. The record tells us that the role of the priest involved animal sacrifices by fire. There was also a special incense set in motion byfire. Korah and company wanted to make a point that they were as good as any child of Aaron and could offer fire for the sacrifices and incense. Read the account and realise that God doesn’t tolerate for long those who think they know better than His laws. They experienced His severe judgement because they sought to offer ‘unlawful, thereby strange, fire.’ Jude 11 defined this as a rebellion.

Sad to say many within Christendom are following in Korah’s attitude of heart and mind. They seek to offer to God what He has either not ordained, or what He has forbidden. Then such people wonder why the Lord’s glory is not felt. They also are confused as to why there is no spiritual and moral stamina within the Church scene. The facts are simple. They are offering to the Holy and unchanging God ‘strange fire’ which He rejects.

What are such flames which arouse the indignation of God? What attitude of heart and mind underlies their actions which stores up wrath for them in future judgement. Let us consider just a sample. The Bible is explicit when it defines by word and symbol the meaning of Marriage. It is God ordained. It is between a man (Adam) and a woman (Eve). It portrays the future marriage of Christ and His Church. Many in Christendom are falling in line with the unbeliever’s World’s view that marriage can be entered into by same sex couples. That is trying to offer God ‘fire’ which His Word condemns.

Consider the ever increasing role of abortion in society. It is used for killing the unwanted, those with presumed abnormalities or for economic reasons etc. This is the modern day equivalent to the pagan worship of Molech. His devotees would sacrifice their firstborn children in the hope of better things to come. It destroyed the dignity of each individual and makes the abortionist and their followers ‘god’ over the unborn and his/her future worthwhileness. The God revealed in the Bible holds each as precious, loves them and Jesus Christ died on the cross because He loved them and rose again for them. Those aborted children will meet their saviour and friend in glory. It is highly unlikely their killers will unless they repent and cry out for mercy.

Finally, let us mention briefly the ‘strange fire’ many want to offer on an inter-faith level. Such proponents imagine all religions are the same. This is contrary to what God’s word says. Jesus is unique. Jesus is the crucified, risen ascended Son of God who is waiting the right time to return. (That time is set but not detailed in Scripture). There is no other Name to believe in for salvation and entrance into God the Father’s presence. How sad it is to see various Denominational leaders and members entering into unholy and unauthorised worship times with those who reject Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Saviour of the world. The effect upon people seeking and supporting Christ and His Church is devastating. One research shows that in Denmark alone last year ten percent of the remaining 2,000 churches closed their doors. You cannot offer God ‘strange and unauthorised fire’ and expect to be blessed or for people to take up their cross and follow Jesus.

We need to take seriously the warnings of Scripture about taking God and His word lightly. When we do we are in danger of offering Him in worship, ministry and relationships ‘Strange Fire’.  Why does He express anger at this? Because it profanes His Name. His laws are treated with contempt. His worship is taken for granted at best and dismissed as irrelevant at worst. Over and over again this phrase is repeated in Scripture: ‘you shall not profane (pollute) my holy Name’. Take heed!

©Ray Hawkins.

 

 

Onward towards the Past!

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

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

Here’s a short list:

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

*Thereby declaring an individual’s life is meaningless.

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

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

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

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

*Endorsing what the Bible condemns in relation to sexual behaviour

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

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

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

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

 © Ray Hawkins Oct 2014.

There's a Moral Whirlwind Forming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Culture of Death

The skull and cross–bones of the pirate flag flies over this world. Beneath its flapping exists populations devoted to death. For some reason, that which the heart fears is made into a badge of bravado. In a religious context it is celebrated as the ultimate aim of devotion by Jihadists of Islam infamy, to kill and or be killed in the attempt. To them and their passive supporters the god they follow breeds the culture of death. On a less dramatic religious note, those who bow before the god of Evolution follow a similar path.

Survival of the fittest comes through struggle, conquest and ultimately death. There isn’t any meaning, only the final destination of dying. This religious explanation of existence called life elevates death above life and dismisses and idea of accountability to a Holy and Eternal Creator God. The sway this view holds is seen in the growing support for abortions, euthanasia, prescriptive suicide and so called ‘mercy–killings.

Add to the above the insane attitude of people towards living. Death comes in horrible ways to those who smoke, abuse alcohol, drugs and engage in sexual immorality is merely shrugged off. They gamble their being for some physical stimulus and become addicted to dying by degrees.

“Why will you die?” was the question the Creator God asked within the Bible. He offered life by breaking the power of Death’s culture but so few responded. The verdict of the Bible is that Jesus came into this world to bring an alternative to death. He came to bring life, abundant and vibrant. His flag over His community is an empty tomb and a beautiful Dove in flight. It is the banner of victory and hope. In Christ Jesus, death’s culture has been nullified by Christ’s resurrection. Hopelessness is replaced by the presence of God’s Spirit within and symbolised by the Dove.

The outworking of Jesus’ abundant, indwelling life is seen in many and varied ways. Reaching out to the orphaned and caring for the sick, infirm, unwanted and deformed are expressions of this life. Rejecting ‘Karma’ and enduring the unendurable by trusting in the goodness of Jesus Christ is the power of Life. Why is it that followers of Christ will pray for those persecuting them, will feed those who seek to destroy them and forgive their oppressors? Because of the indwelling life of Christ who lived out what He taught and empowers His people to follow His teachings! Does this mean those in the culture of death are grateful or converted? Not always. But what is shown is that death can be swallowed up in Life.

There are many facets to the coming of Jesus Christ into this world. (I’ve tried to explain some in my books ‘Bethlehem’s Warrior Baby’ and ‘Captured by Calvary’) One of them is to offer you a new outlook on life, a new culture in the heart and a new destiny. It is called ‘Life Abundant’. It is eternal. It is a gift, for Jesus Christ paid its price. It is waiting for you to receive it through a commitment of your life to Christ by faithful obedience to Him. Why? Because He is Life abundant and without Him there is only the hopelessness of a culture of death in time and eternity.

MOLECH

Why the Bible is important to me #8

MOLECH

Appalled, I watch the news and see the sacrifice of children. Crushed, I read the statistics of babies aborted. Shattered, I feel as see the young and vulnerable used as playthings for paedophiles. Speechless I am when seemingly respectful and cultured leaders defend such abominable behaviour. Convinced am I that such behaviour is wrong. How? Because of the authority I believe reveals the mind of the Eternal God on this and other life related matters.  This is why the Bible is so important to me.

In Leviticus 18:21 and 20:2-5 is recorded the Creator’s vehemence against and judgement upon such perpetrators. The Lord has ensured His loathing for such behaviour does not become relegated to merely a matter of opinion and cultural relevancy. The Lord says He sets His face against them, will cut them off from the people. Why? Because such acts are contrary to the Holiness of the Creator and the Redeeming purposes of God! It is also an act of commitment to Molech.

Who is Moleck? In that era of Biblical history it was an idol depicting the god of the Ammonites. Such a religion required the sacrifice of the first born in the furnace of its statue. This was meant to guarantee national fruitfulness and prosperity etc. You may imagine such a creature, such a caricature of a god doesn’t exist today. Wrong! Every abortionist worships at its shrine. Every paedophile is its devotee. Every slayer of the innocent is a priest of this abomination.

A great sadness fills my heart as stories emerge of crimes against children within church and charitable institutions. Places of safety became playing fields of servants of Moleck. Didn’t such perpetrators read, know or believe the Scriptures.  Didn’t they take notice of what Jesus said ‘If anyone of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!’ (Matthew 18:6-7)

Molech is a front name for the Devil and his demons according to 1 Corinthians 10:14, 19-22. He is the god of this world, the usurper and his hallmark is death, disintegration, despair and dissolution. Behind many high sounding words to justify their actions and beliefs is the smile of Satan. Sure, there will be certain occasions on medical and life saving grounds an abortion procedure is necessary. However when it is used for gender selection, a form of contraceptive or life style convenience it becomes a worship at the shrine of Moleck.

Can such devotees be forgiven? Yes! That is the grace of God and the power of the Cross. Can they rise above their past? Yes! That’s the Mercy and healing strength of the risen Lord Jesus. What is required is a sense of shame leading to repentance; a realisation of violating the Creator’s gift of life; A heartfelt cry to the Lord Jesus to save, redeem, cleanse, forgive. His promise is that all who call out to Him will be heard.  Failure to cry out creates a hardening heart.  All that awaits is The Lord God’s condemnation.

Ray (against Molech) Hawkins.

Read Psalm 139 and what the Lord sees in the womb.